Musical Monday

This song....

Makes complete sense to post this song since:

1) It's Monday.
2) It's raining where I am.

God bless The Carpenters - they created music that touched the soul. I'm a sucker for sad songs, but thankfully I'm not in a sad mood today. :) Enjoy.

that grin of impetuous youth....

So glad that Nick Jonas' version of "I Believe in You" (from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying) is available to buy.  My brother and his friends were a part of this production for their theater group last month.  This is my favorite number from the show - it was very memorable, melody and lyrics-wise.  Then, I was recommended to check out Nick singing it. I'm very impressed - the transition he made into musical theater (as an adult) is seamless. Plus his appearances on Smash, haven't hurt either.

let your joy rise

A constant reminder for myself.

Image: 1

cupcakes

Yup. Another accurate statement.  I love cupcakes - eating them, baking them, decorating them. They're so cute. I ate 4 homemade ones for breakfast one summer day last year.  Found some cute recipes that I want to try soon!!

Strawberry - Yummy!

Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Caramel Apple - definitely want to try these soon!

As with all summers, my goal is to bake a bunch during my free time (i.e. when I'm not working!). Let's see how that goes.  What are your favorite flavor of cupcakes? Basic ones (chocolate, vanilla) or extravagant? :)

Images: 1; all others from cupcake-love

RED

One color I don't wear much at all is red. I don't know why, but I'm going to start. So many shades of this vibrant hue. Let's take a look at a few pieces I'm enjoying:

Images: 1, 2, 3

Why, Hello There....

Hello there.

Last week was extremely busy. I was preparing for a great promotional event for our organization and then being at the event all day on Saturday. It went very well but I was done. Yesterday, spent most of the day sleeping. Hopefully I'm refreshed and ready to go this week!

I saw this on Pinterest and it stuck with me:

Always need to forgive and let go. It does your whole self good!

How was your weekend? Do anything fun?

Image: 1

Sunday evening.

It's Sunday evening, just sitting at the kitchen table. It was a busy weekend - attended two parties (birthday, confirmation), sang at church, and got some much needed sleep.

Busy week ahead - tech/performance week of middle school show ("Once On This Island"), dance rehearsal, big promotional event for our non-profit organization on Saturday, and my brother's 17th birthday (also on Saturday). Getting closer to summer and a little bit of fun in the sun. :)


Oh, and I entered a giveaway contest for a $100 American Express gift card. Already posted on my Tumblr (emjaybee) but why not give myself another shot?!

http://thefrugalistadiaries.blogspot.com/2012/04/win-100-american-express-gift-card.html


Hope y'all have a great week! xoxo

Spring Fling {party planning}

It's common knowledge that I love throwing parties. A few appetizers, favorite beverages, comfy chairs, good music.... Always in a good mood to enjoy friends in a lovely atmosphere.

Typically, I've seen softer hues at events at this time of year; now, I'm enjoying bolder colors in the decor. Here is some inspiration for a fun gathering in the spring:

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4

That is all. :)

Musical Monday

Yes' "Owner of a Lonely Heart" was my jam over the weekend. Such a funky song - so many different sounds and layers. It's like part The Police/part Rush (and enter any other progressive rock band that was popular during that time). I've always liked this song but I heard it on the radio in the car the other day. It was an earworm for the rest of the weekend. Even came up with a little choreography. It's that good.

words of truth: 2

1

Coffee and Cupcakes

I started a challenge (well my mother strongly recommended) that I make my coffee every morning instead of driving over to Starbucks to get a cup (OR TWO). Goal: SAVING MONEY. My favorite is the white chocolate mocha. I bookmarked homemade recipes and I finally took the step to trying it out. Usually I get a grande size so that's about $4.62. Sometimes I get an smaller size (iced normally) later in the day ($3.87). Today is Day 3 and I've saved $17 (approximately.) Not too shabby. Just had my second cup.

(Of course, Mickey is on my coffee mug.)

Now, I made some extra so I can try out the iced version. Recap tomorrow!

Also, today is one of my friends' birthday and I will be seeing her tonight at my brother's musical. So I decided to make some cupcakes for her. And some for Michael. :)

Have a great day! xoxo

Musical Monday (delayed by a day)

It was so hot yesterday! I would have enjoyed it more if the pollen wasn't going buck-wild.

Anywhoo, this song put a smile on my face all day long. Been dancing all day long.

we're gonna make our dreams come true.

Dreams seem so high and lofty. Many thoughts pop in your head and stay there...until they come to reality. You may think, "When will my time come?" Your situation may seem hopeless, but there is always something good to look forward to. Never give up. (Galatians 6:9) Have a great weekend! :)

Images: 1

Beachin'!

Let's be honest.. I love the beach. It's a healthy obsession.

I count down the days until I get there (whether in Delaware or South Carolina). The romanticism of the beach is amazing. Salty air, cool water to the touch, and getting tan for the day....the best feeling. Don't get me started on the nautical/prep look! Give me some stripes, Keds/Sperrys, a nice pair of shorts, and I'm good for days.

Here are some of my favorite scenes, looks, feels of the beach!

Folly Beach, SC - My favorite place of all time. Can't wait to go back!

So cool.

Look at that pop of color!


Be on the look out for part 2 sometime next week. :)


Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

words of truth: 1

image

hunger...

I was not expecting to get involved in The Hunger Games. I had a few friends who advised me to start to read the series before the movie came out. I was hesitant, because I was not about to get into the trap of the over-hyped book series fade. After talking to some of the 4th graders I worked with this winter/spring, I decided to give it a shot.

I was HOOKED.

I have not read a book, let alone 3 books, so fast and been able to capture every detail in a short amount of time. I didn't think I was going to enjoy it - but I loved every page. The action, the human connection, everything!

On Saturday, I finally saw the movie. I was pleased with what I saw. Yes, there are parts of the story that were taken out and twisted around. But that didn't knock off the appeal and excitement I had to watch it. I might have to see it again in the next few weeks. :D

Picture from EW, found from pinterest

When I read the first book, I was definitely Team Peeta....but as I continued with the second and third, my "loyalty" changed a bit towards Gale. Of course, being the hopeless romantic I am, I adored both of them at different points. And I didn't mind the actors who were picked.... both are very good looking in my mind (haha)!

via
Of course, I love me some Katniss! What a heroine with a kick-*** mentality...nothing better! I cheered, ached, and was amazed while reading. I love characters like Katniss: willing to sacrifice everything for a cause. I think Jennifer Lawrence was a great fit for her portrayal. Can I be her one day? ;)

Musical Monday

Everyday is "music..." in my life. Just thought it'd be cool to show you what random song is in my mind at the beginning of the week.


Tony! Toni! Tone! - "Whatever You Want"

Such a throwback! I heard it on the way back from my birthday dinner with friends on Saturday. It automatically put me in a good mood - always nice to hear the smooth R&B sound that was popular when I was younger. Enjoy!

April!

I'm so glad April is here... The busiest part of my year is over (theater and dance performances I've worked on); spring is in full effect (not suffering greatly from allergies); and this week is my birthday! I'm excited to see some of my favorite people this weekend in celebration. ANNDDD....finally seeing The Hunger Games on Saturday. The series is SO GOOD! Waiting to get into Mockingjay. Haven't read books that quickly in a long time.

What excites you about April? Closer to summer? The flowers budding and everything turning green? Special events? Let me know. :)

Adele!

image

She's amazing! Of course, I was overjoyed when she won all 6 awards she was nominated for. And then to perform for the first time in months on such a huge platform? Incredible.

Below is one of my favorite songs on 21 - "He Won't Go" - Enjoy!

My Top 25 songs of 2011

I needed something to post, so here is a list I compiled before New Year's Eve Iin no particular order):

1. Party - Beyonce

2. Countdown - Beyonce

3. ...In Paris - Jay-Z & Kanye

4. Rumour Has It - Adele

5. He Won't Go - Adele

6. Fool For You - Cee Lo Green & Melanie Fiona

7. Take Care - Drake

8. Give A Little More - Maroon 5

9. Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5

10. Look At Me Now - Chris Brown

11. All of the Lights - Kanye

12. Lotus Flower Bomb - Wale

13. Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO

14. Judas - Lady Gaga

15. Out of My Head - Lupe

16. If I Die Young - The Band Perry

17. 6 Foot 7 Foot - Lil' Wayne

18. Unusual - Trey Songz & Drake

19. Mrs. Right - Mindless Behavior

20. Do It Like You - Diggy

21. Aston Martin Music - Rick Ross

22. Hustle Hard (Remix) - Ace Hood

23. I Don't Know How It Feels To Be U - Robin Thicke

24. Up - James Morrison & Jessie J

25. Can't Get Enough - J. Cole & Trey Songz

Pinterest....

...is taking over my computer time. I love checking my boards and getting inspired about my life. So addicting. Doesn't help that more and more of my friends and bloggers I admire are showing off their tastes on this website.

Check out if you can!