Showing posts with label the goods. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the goods. Show all posts

Friday, November 9, 2012

Music Stuff: Our First Concert

You never forget the thrill of the first time you hear some songs you love played live...



My dad took me to my first concert at the Tulsa Fair Grounds to see Alan Jackson.  I'm sure we went solely for the ever-popular Chattahoochee song.  We'd sing it all the time, my mom thought we were just hilarious (obviously I had no idea what the song was about at such a ripe age).  Though besides this being my first concert experience, it was also one of the first times I remember seeing my dad for the amazing man he is.  Back then, anyone could smoke, anywhere really, and my Dad and I ended up with seats next to someone who was lighting up incessantly.  Well, he marched over to a security man and said the seats just weren't going to work for he and his young daughter.  And like magic, we were shuffled to the FRONT ROW.  I thought my dad was superman that day. 



I'm not 100% sure that this is my first concert, but it is the first concert that I remember being truly awesome. I was 10. I went with my mom, my 3 best friends and their moms! Mother-Daughter concert date! What is also so awesome about this concert is that Point of Grace and 4Him performed in Gallagher-iba Arena... if you aren't an Oklahoma State University fan then that fun fact won't be as exciting to you. I remember our seats were on the court, my mom must have stood in line for days for those tickets! P.S. I googled and found the article from 1996 about them performing at OSU, that was a big deal for 2 huge groups to perform in Stillwater, Oklahoma!



GARTH BROOKS CALLIN' BATON ROUGE by rawestern
I've been fortunate enough to see some pretty dope concerts in my day. However, I think seeing Garth Brooks for my first concert just set the bar unbelievably high. He's a phenomenal performer and one of the few country acts that is known and loved across the U.S. I'm also pretty partial to him because he says my name in a song.
Hello Samantha dear, I hope you're feelin' fine!  (min 1:20)
I swear, hundreds upon hundreds of seats back from the stage, I know he was singing directly to me :)






To follow the themes of first concerts being country music or at the fairgrounds, mine was both!  I grew up in a little bitty town called Woodward in Oklahoma (pop. 12,000), and for some reason, a somewhat successful country music singer named Bryan White gave a concert at our fairgrounds when I was in 6th grade.  My dad took me and my best friend, and we sat at tables in folding chairs.  It was weird, but also awesome.  Bryan White was only really prominent on the country music scene around 1995-1998, but you might remember his songs "Rebecca Lynn," "Throw Another Nickel in the Well," "Someone Else's Star," or "My Heart's Sitting on Go," or even the song I put up for you above, which I still maintain is one of the saddest songs everrrrrrrrrrr.

Friday, November 2, 2012

pitch perfect, cups, anna, rebel and just a whole lot of awesome for your friday.

Have any of you watched "Pitch Perfect" yet?!
I've been itching to see it!

I feel like it is going to be a winning combination of Bring it On + Bridesmaids + 'any typical under dog movie'... all the while, not-so-subtly poking fun at the show we all love to hate and hate to love, Glee.
Or, at least I do anyway...


I can't tell you how much I love Rebel Wilson. I mean, she's Australian, so obviously she's amazing, but her humor is just so hilarious to me! I would give anything to not only be that confident, but that funny. The delivery of her sarcasm and jokes remind me of Steve Carell; Rarely changes, but never fails to make me laugh every single time!
*Fun Fact: As rare as the name Rebel is, I actually have an aunt named Rebel too! 
Who also has a son named Cougar. 
No.. I'm not kidding. 
Also, I am so stoked that Anna Kendrick broke out from her "Twilight" shadow and made a name for herself. I will be honest and tell you that at first, I was a bit skeptical of her as an actress. I think it's just because Jessica annoyed me SO. MUCH. in the books... Poor Anna, didn't stand a chance for me to like her. However, this girl has made a believer out of me! As if her role in 'Up in the Air' + an Oscar nod weren't enough to make me an Anna fan, this song would have done the trick. I mean, let's just say that I am scouring iTunes hard core right now to find it as ringtone....


You’re gonna miss me by my hair
You’re gonna miss me everywhere, oh
You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone

I’ve got my ticket for the long way ‘round
The one with the prettiest of views
It’s got mountains, it’s got rivers, it’s got sights to give you shivers
But it sure would be prettier with you

You’re gonna miss me by my walk
You’re gonna miss me by my talk, oh
You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone


Happy Friday you gorgeous people!
Have a good one :)

Friday, October 26, 2012

Favorite Stuff: October

A few of our favorite things this month (or year)!
I'm not sure why I am making this my favorite this month, because it has been my favorite for about 2 years now, but I think it's about time I talked about this. (I recently put it in Valerie's get well box!) My mother-in-law opened my eyes to these incredible color catchers and they actually work! I seriously have saved numerous loads of laundry and clothes with these babies. Now I wouldn't suggest putting your sexy red panties in with your favorite white tee, but you can live a little with your colors and darks. It's amazing! At under $4 you too can have easy laundry days.






Last week I talked about my love for the cheese-tastic Dancing with the Stars, and this week I was provided with one of my favorite moments ever from the show:  when Carrie Ann Inaba fell out of her chair in a fit of overjoyed ecstasy.  She wasn't hurt at all, so that means we get to laugh at it!





Ah, this candle.  It's from Anthropologie (swooooooon) and it's probably way too pricey for a little ol' candle, but it smells so good and I've had my eye on it all month. My in-laws are big into Christmas lists, so I think this bad boy is going to make the cut!  Next time you are in Anthro, take a sniff and let me know what you think. 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Diesel: Girls Allowed

Did you guys know that the brand Diesel, which is typically known for it's hard core swanky boy watches, has both unisex watch line AND a female watch line too?!

Now, when I say unisex, I don't just mean they're all feminine watches with a smidgen bigger face than the other brands. I'm mean these watches literally swing both ways if ya know what I'm sayin...
I have the titanium one!


I wear it on the reg and get compliments on it nearly every time I wear it from both genders!
I lurrrrv it :)

Well, my birthday was last week and a friend sent me a surprise birthday gift in the mail!
What could it be??

Behold, my second Diesel watch! This one is definitely from the female line and I pretty much have fallen in love all over again!

Isn't she a beaut :) 


What are your guys thoughts on big watches for women?! 
Like them? Hate them? Never seen them? Too manly? Too butch? Too hot to handle?
Please feel free to write your true thoughts! 

I'm down to hear some opposite sides of the spectrum too because these bad boys are, in fact, pretty intense for the female wrist and I enjoy hearing all the different perceptions on them. That's what makes personal style so much fun; all the uniqueness :)

Happy Thursday!


Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Are they together? Are they not?!

Jef and Emily were photographed hanging out, still in love (my own interpretation), after their official "we're not together anymore" announcement to People. 

(via)
I can't take the games, you two.
We are still rooting for you!


Friday, October 19, 2012

TV Stuff: Fall Shows We're Excited About

Leaves changing colors, the holidays approaching, everything pumpkin, and TELEVISION.  These are a few of our favorite things about fall!


I have to go with Nashville -- for the country girl deep down inside, the big love for Connie Britton, and the pure enjoyment of a diva throw down.





This is such a hard decision! Fall TV is what I look forward to the most! I could pick all of the funnies out there right now and I wouldn't be lying but I think what I'm most excited about is The CW, particularly Gossip Girl and 90210 (along with others). I have been watching these shows since college, and they are still going strong. Well, not that strong, but they are still on the air for one more season so good job! I love the fashion and the ridiculous unbelievable story lines, I love that I never remember what happened the previous episode, and I love feeling like I watched these crazy kids grow up. The CW sure knows how to make magic....




As Heidi said, this was tough! I love Fall TV too. Probably more this year than ever before... I could literally write about so many show I'm stoked for; Vampire Diaries (I love the CW too Heidi!), Hart of Dixie, Revenge, Nashville, Sons of Anarchy, Switched at Birth, The Office, Once Upon a Time, The Walking Dead, Duck Dynasty, X- Factor, Downton Abbey (projectfreetv.com, you da bomb!) and truly the list could go on forever and a day. HOWEVER, life just really seems to get in the way of any and all TV watching. Between school in the mornings, work in afternoon/evenings, then studying, cooking, working out, showering (let's be honest, doesn't happen much either)... my TV time is quite miniscule. It's really sad... However, in my heart and mind I know I will watch them all eventually.  Someday, someday...






My favorite for the fall has already been on for 4 weeks:  DANCING WITH THE STARS.  I love this show so much I wish it was on every night of the week.  My dream in life is to reach the minimum level of fame possible to be on this show.  I don't know how I'm going to achieve that, but...just you wait.







What do you have your DVR set for?

Friday, October 5, 2012

Music Stuff: Favorite Movie Soundtrack




So, my favorite soundtrack doesn't fall under just one movie, but a series of movies... THE TWILIGHT SERIES THAT IS. I can't even pretend to be ashamed because these soundtracks are just that good! I know, I know... but really guys, before you stop reading, give these bad boys a go.  I truly can't decide which one I love more out of the 4 options. It all depends on the day and what kind of a mood I'm in, but for the sake of the post I will say that New Moon was my favorite. I genuinely listen to every song on the album! Not just a select few :) I'm glad my love for the soundtracks hasn't faded at all, which I sadly cannot say about the books or movies.

 



I debated picking one of my favorite artsy/indie movie soundtracks but then I decided I wasn't being honest with myself or with you all.  So here it goes, High School Musical, 1, 2, and 3. I love them all. Does it count that it's a musical and the first movie wasn't even on the big screen? Whatever, HSM is by far the best soundtrack out there. Is it possible to not start dancing around your room every time you hear any of their greatest hits? I couldn't pick my favorite song but "Can I Have This Dance" really brings it home for me, I posted the extended scene so you can relive the love for yourself.







Remember that obsession with Zach Braff that I mentioned awhile back?  Well, it mostly stemmed from this movie, Garden State, and the fact that he picked out all of the music himself was a cherry on top.  Seriously, love this guy (though now that I follow him on Facebook, I find he cusses a whole bunch and is mildly inappropriate, but I try not to think about that).  Above is my favorite song from the soundtrack, Let Go by Imogen Heap (also known as Frou Frou).  Enjoy!
 
Love Actually, if not my true favorite movie, is at the very least the movie I have watched the most times.  Probably upwards of 20.  It's just complete and total perfection.  And the soundtrack totally is too!  It starts with a Kelly Clarkson song and ends with Christmas music <-- #winning.  The clip above is a perfect showcase of two of the other songs on the soundtrack as well.  First is the instrumental one, which is called "Love Actually Theme" on the soundtrack, and it will make you feel all the feelings.  Then when he walks outside, and Dido's "Here with Me" starts playing, and he zips up his sweater at the exact moment that the music gets epic...IT SLAYS ME.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Favorite Stuff: September

September really flew by, didn't she?!  Another month gone, another list of our favorites!


I'm not a big lipstick girl. In fact, the only things I wear on my lips is Carmex and maybe lip gloss, usually in a non-color. But the wedding I just flew to Oklahoma for the bride gave us lip gloss along with other goodies. This Bobbi Brown Popsicle 3 gloss is a real crowd pleaser. It looks great on any lip, stays on and is very moisturizing. It also looks like it's going to be bright, but it's not at all, it's just shiny and even looks great over an actual lipstick color. Yo go Bobbi, you go!









    
A friend sent this video to me, I watched, and then immediately starting doing the horse-like dance.  Now, I try to bust it out every where I go: side of the street, my husband's triathlon, at work.  And in the last few weeks 'gangnam style' has totally blown up in the internet world, and on Ellen!  Which means immediate success, right?  Watch, it's fun and ridiculous. 



Sam's September Favs: 
Future Husband's GQ debut!   
(Yes, I bought it) 
My baby boy's 3rd birthday! 
THE AVENGERS ON DVD!







I love it any time an awards show comes around and all the pretty dresses come out to play!  These 5 above were my favorite from the Emmys (apparently I'm into the primary colors?).  As you can tell, the super-glamorous, blinged-out dresses are not my cup of tea - my favorites are always the ones I could actually see myself wearing (should the occasion ever arise where I get to attend a red carpet event, that is!).  And I had to be sure to throw my girl Mayim Bialik in the mix for two reasons:  first of all, that shade of red is banging; second of all, I'm pretty sure that from a distance, she and I could be twins, so if I squint my eyes a little, that's what I would like if I were at the Emmys!  ...right?







Check out our August favorites here!

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Speaking of Fall (TV)

While we're on the topic of all things fall, like birthdays, boots, warm drinks, and beautiful views, I'm just as excited for Fall TV!

As much as I loved the entertainment this summer, mostly Bachelor Pad and Big Brother, I'm pretty pumped for what's to come on my screen this fall.  Here are a few shows, some returning, some new, that I'm looking forward to this season...
So. Many. Good. Ones.

I might be most excited about MTV's Challenge - Battle of the Seasons because 1. a bunch of crazies trapped in one house never dissapoints, let's be real and 2. the battle of the seasons concepts might be pretty epic; people are quite proud of where they came "from".  Man, I sure love me some reality TV.

What are you planning to watch this fall?? 


Friday, September 21, 2012

Seasonal Stuff: What We Love About Fall

Tomorrow is officially the first day of fall!  Sure, we all love summer, but as soon as it hits September, our biological clocks all starting longing for those first crisp days that signify autumn has arrived.  Here's what we're looking forward to in the upcoming season!

Boots, scarves, sweaters, hats, and more boots are my favorite part about fall.
p.s. Thanks to Valerie for helping me get this together while I was on an airplane.







Sweaters, and soup, and pumpkin spiced latte's, oh my!







When fall comes around, I get to have this view out my window:
Kinda wish it would look like this all year round!
Hunting season, homecoming, Halloween, and my birthday! 
 October is by far my favorite month of the year, bring on the fall :)


Wednesday, September 19, 2012

But should I fall...

This song gives me chills from the tip of head to the very end of my toes. I first started listening to it while I was running earlier last week. I had bought it on iTunes the night before and started listening the next morning during my workout. As I hit replay over and over, it brought up so many emotions and moments in time I wish I could go back and change.

Then, I realized just how free from it all I really am, how much my God loves me and needs me to let go of so much pain and so much regret so He can heal what I cannot seem to keep from breaking; heal like only He can.

Lecrae describes his own life in the music business in this song, but I feel like if you read between the lines, so much of it pertains to our daily lives of expectations, social media influences, pressure for perfection, the desire for always having to be a certain way, when in reality we place all our efforts into things of this world that will always fail and always crumble and ultimately always hurt us, no matter how hard we try.

How beautiful it is, to truly be free from it all.


But should I fall
I’m still free from it all

Round of applause, I pause to take a photo op
None of it’s real; it's just Photoshopped
Crop out my flaws then my failures, my aches and all my ailments
Now I'm picture perfect, take all my dirt and conceal it
Really, I no better than any
But they pay me a pretty penny to sit and look pretty
Not to big, not skinny, be whatever these fans demand of me
‘Cause otherwise they probably wouldn't love me
The show goes on even after the curtains close
I smile and pose, put my signature on they clothes
They lift me up so high that I'm surely about to fall
The higher that I go the more unforgivin’ they are
No grace and no exceptions, all they want is perfection
The man in the mirror can't even see his reflection

You live for their acceptance, you die from their rejection
But even if I fall, I fell in the right direction

Cameras flash, the curtains call, the credits roll down the screen
Critics laugh, they hate us all as they applaud
But should I fall
I’m still free from it all


Life is a cage, a prison of everyone's approval
Fight for acceptance and struggle so you don't ever lose it
But livin’ for their acceptance has got us stressing
Insecure people obsessed with leaving impressions

Ladies spending time on their faces painting pretty lines
To you and me its make-up, but to her, it’s a disguise
You look her in her eyes and see her soul cry
‘Cause living for other people’s got her living a lie
Hadn’t slept in day, close his eyes and he pray
Someone would miss him if he fell like a star out of space
But I'm sure they'll replace him, just a name and a face
They say they love you, but it's easy to fall from their graces
Live for everyone else gotcha losin’ yourself

Why be slave when made to be free from the guilt?
To be free from the shame, you are more than a name
If you go down you got the freedom to get up again


Every moment is passing; just let ‘em go
In fifty years, man, who cares? We’ll be super old
Many winners will lose, many heroes will fall
And if that’s me I’m still (free from it all)

Thursday, September 13, 2012

The Girl That Made Simon Cowell Cry... Well, As Much As Simon Cowell Can Cry.

You read that right friends...

Simon Cowell, cried last night on the X Factor's 2012 season premiere and lawwwdy it was beyond amazing.

Cowell literally admitted to being emotional (twice!) IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA!

He's quoted & recorded saying,
“That's the only time in my life I’ve lost it,” before fanning himself to keep from crying.
Yep, first time. Although, his reaction to Susan Boyle was pretty priceless too I must say.


Demi Lovato asked him backstage if he cried and he held up his hands mimicking "a little." Which I mean, if I was the person who made Simon Cowell cry after all this time... I would probably just quit trying at anything in life, throw my hands in the air and say, "I WIN AT LIFE!" Because I mean really, I don't know what else in life could top that. Got into med school, cool. I made Simon Cowell cry. No record deal, no bigs. I made Simon Cowell emotional.
SEE! It trumphs it all.

So, who is this mystery person that did the impossible?! Friends, meet the gorgeous and oh, so talented Jillian Jensen.

Her singing pretty much ripped me to shreds and mended it all back together at the same time. I don't want to share too many details because I don't want to take away from the expereince you'll have of her story yourself. Guys seriously, I was in hysterics over here. EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. I watch it I cry my eyes out... Every time. It is a little long, but the other shorter versions don't share her story, which just makes it seriously all the better. So, I really hope ya can find time to watch it. Or, at least hear her sing and FF to 11:10 when Simon breaks down!



Also, I haven't wanted someone's raspy voice so much since the first time I heard Sophia Bush talk. 

PLUS, she's like me. She's a crier. I mean a rrrreeeaalll crier. Emotional, but when somethings is that meaningful to you there is no controlling what happens from your tear ducts to your lip movements and facial expressions... Like the no holding back, here comes the flood, don't even care how I look kind of crying.

See what I mean.

I totally do this. 

I mean not the hard core belting out singing part; I unfortunately can't carry a tune in a bucket. I mean the crying part. When I'm SUPER passionate about something is when it's the worst. Whatever kind of passionate that may be... I actually have proof documented by Kendra and a few other friends back from my marathon a few years ago.




So yeah... Totally all over the place today.

POINT IS: Check out Jillian. Check out last night's X Factor. Britney was a B as fabulous as ever, Demi was a doll and I want her style, and I still find Simon hotter than ever. LA Reid.. Well, he's the same.

Jillian Rocks.
She made Simon cry...
and she is good at crying too.