Friday, March 30, 2012

Flashback Friday

"It Ain't Over 'til It's Over" by Lenny Kravitz, 1991.


Whenever I hear this, I always think it's an oldies song; then I remember it was released in 1991 by Lenny Kravitz. That doesn't make sense to me but I love this one.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Three Strikes You're Out




Victoria's Secret PINK has such cute sports apparel for women! I picked up this Pittsburgh Pirates shirt from their new MLB 2012 Collection! The Buccos have been terrible for the past two decades (their last winning season was when I was about 6-years-old) but as a Pittsburgh sports fan, you put on the black and gold and support them anyway. The Pirates may not be champions like the Steelers or Penguins but they do have a really nice stadium and lots of fun tailgates- and who can complain about the fireworks? Take me out to the ball game!











Now Playing: "Pittsburgh Sound" by Wiz Khalifa
*It's that 412 ;)

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

DJ Soulsa Mix

I mentioned that I was listening to this mix at the bottom of my post yesterday (as well as on twitter). I'm currently doing some spring cleaning and it's the perfect background music. I thought I'd embed the playlist directly for your listening pleasure.

DJ Soulsa is from Bristol, England.
YouTube Channel



Songs Used:

com truise - brokendate
the knife - heartbeats (live)
apollo ft. soulsa - space traveler
phantogram - when im small
apollo & soulsa - flying caravan
plastic shaman & soulsa - noughts and crosses
plastic shaman ft. zoe phillips - echoes
apollo ft. soulsa - birds on wires (jannik valerius remix)
apollo ft. soulsa - birds on wires
plastic shaman - hallucinogenic bear
niki and the dove - mother protect
sun glitters - there (stumbleine remix)
neon indian - polish girl
caribou - odessa
plastic shaman feat. soulsa - indicator
labyrinth ear - humble bones
metronomy - the bay
filthy dukes - this rhythm
pnau - baby (breakbot remix)
crystallized - yatta
joe goddard - gabriel (compound one remix)
adrian lux - can't sleep
halo ft. soulsa - mirage (plastic shaman remix)
telepathic teddy bear - leave it all
apollo ft. soulsa - shameless
tiesto ft. tegan and sara - feel it in my bones
plastic shaman - (untitled)
synrise - goose
kele - everything you wanted
apollo ft. soulsa - wait
m83 - we own the sky
gold panda - marriage (star slinger remix)
rubik - laws of gravity
grimes - oblivion
plastic shaman ft. soulsa - shoe gazer (vocal mix)

Monday, March 26, 2012

Word of the Week: Vexatious

The word of the week for March 26th through April 1st is...

Vexatious
adj.

Definition:
1. Tending to cause annoyance, frustration or worry.
2. Full of disorder, stress.

Example: It was vexatious for the young mother of four to work a full time job while raising her children alone.









Now Playing: This
*I like it

Music Monday: The Album Leaf

"TwentyTwoFourteen" by The Album Leaf



I heard this beautiful piece of music through one of my favorite YouTube channels, donnashorts1. Definitely check her out if you're into the world of beauty. She's such an interesting person with lots of life experience and wisdom to share- always includes great music in her videos!




The Album Leaf is the solo, ambient music project by San Diego artist, Jimmy LaValle. This particular song was from the 2004 album, In A Safe Place. It's not exactly "new music" but it is new to me. I really love the relaxing vibe this song carries.

http://www.thealbumleaf.com/

Friday, March 23, 2012

Fill in the Blank Friday

Spring Questions

Favorite part of Spring? Temps in the 70s... my favorite! And I can't forget April showers... I love thunderstorms! :)

Favorite spring color to wear? This season, it's all about mint green.

March, April, May or June? March for St. Patrick's Day, April for the rain, May for the mild temps, June for the summer nights and parties... I'd probably take May.

Spring cleaning? I have a massive amount to do this year!

Umbrella or hood? Neither unless it's pouring and I have somewhere important to be... In that case, an umbrella. The rain doesn't bother me. I like to feel it.

Do April showers bring May flowers? Absolutely! Love the showers and the flowers :)

Favorite song about the springtime? I've been listening to "In Bloom" by Nirvana a lot. I've always liked "Thank You" by Dido and consider that to have a spring feel to it. Jeff Buckley's "Lover, You Should've Come Over" also reminds me of spring.



Favorite movie that takes place during the spring? I'd say Breakfast at Tiffany's. I'm not sure if it actually takes place in the spring but that's always been the vibe I got. Titanic as well.

Favorite flower? Hydrangeas! We have some that bloom in May and they're beautiful!


















Favorite spring memory? One would be when the Penguins won the Stanley Cup in 2009. The Steelers won the Super Bowl that year as well (just a few months prior) so our city went crazy!

Flashback Friday

"Revival" by Soulsavers, 2007.



I absolutely love this song and think the music video is perfection! Soulsavers has a new album coming out in May entitled The Light the Dead See. I'm excited to hear what they've been working on.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Nail Polish of the Moment: Mint/Turquoise Gradient Nails




Mints and turquoises are definitely some of my favorite colors- especially for nail polish! I thought I'd welcome spring with this fun, gradient look. I purposely chose to do my ring finger in the boldest shade to make the gradient appear more obvious.

Colors Used (Thumb to Pinkie and Second Picture Left to Right):

Sephora Hello Kitty Minty
Essie Turquoise & Caicos
China Glaze For Audrey
China Glaze Flyin' High
OPI Thanks A WindMillion











Now Playing: "Return of the Mack" by Mark Morrison
*One of my favorite songs ever! Makes me think of one of my best friends- it's "her song!"

Spring In Spring Hill



I just love my neighbor's tree! The petals fall into our yard, so I consider it mine as well! ;) Where I live, we had an extremely mild winter. It only snowed a handful of times and never got very cold. It was quite unusual. Spring has rolled in pretty early as well. I appreciate the beauty in each season but every year is different in my hometown. Some years the seasons are divided quite equally and other years it seems as though we didn't get much of one or another. It can start snowing in October and not end until April or could be like this year and hardly snow at all. Spring is a season that is usually quite fleeting in Pittsburgh. Winter will seem to go on forever and before you know it, it's summer. But it looks like 2012 will be unique and give me a chance to enjoy some of my favorite types of weather. My ideal temperature is around 70 degrees, blue skies and a nice breeze. Today is that kind of day.











Now Playing: "In Bloom" by Nirvana

Monday, March 19, 2012

Quoteworthy





C.S. Lewis 1898-1963


Sidenote: I'll be sure to use this line the next time someone says I don't have a soul because I'm a ginger! ;)
















Now Playing: "Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad" by Moby

Word of the Week: Xanthopsia

The word of the week for March 19th through the 25th is...

Xanthopsia /zan-THOP-see-ah/
n.

Definition:
A visual disturbance in which objects appear yellow.

Example:
The designer sunglasses are equipped with a xanthopsia type lens.




























Now Playing: "Weekend Wars" by MGMT

Music Monday: Orca Orca

"When the Sun Comes Up" by Orca Orca.


"Get Up (Get Out)" by Orca Orca.



Orca Orca is the solo dream pop project of Jim Hewitt, formerly known as Young Minds. He's from the Allston neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts.

Orca Orca on Facebook

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Game Change

Julianne Moore as Sarah Palin. I was so impressed with her portrayal in HBO's Game Change.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Happy St. Patrick's Day!


Kissing our Leprachaun friend, "Finnegan", for luck!
 It's the best day of the year in Pittsburgh! We take St. Patrick's Day pretty seriously! I hope everyone enjoys some green beer and good times with friends and family! It's good to be Irish! :)

















Now Playing: "Drink Up Yinz Bitches"

Friday, March 16, 2012

Fill in the Blank Friday

1. If you could change the color of your eyes, would you?
I'd go with a more intense version of the forest green/hazel ones I have. I like the color of my eyes in direct sunlight or when I cry. They become a much more vibrant green. I also think Kate Bosworth's eyes are beautiful. It would be cool to have heterochromia. Blue eyes are my favorite on other people but since my hair is so bright, I think the color eyes I have complements it better.


Actress Kate Bosworth's beautiful heterochromia eyes

2. Do you prefer to have more women or men as friends?
I love to have close friendships with women. Two of my best friends are my sister and cousin. My other best friends I've had for many years. But when it comes to casual friendships, I love to hang out with guys. They're lots of fun and just easy to be around. I don't deal with pettiness and "drama" that a lot of girls like to create. Guys are simple- let's go have some beers and enjoy ourselves.


With one of my best friends, Carley. We've been together since '91.

3.  What is a negative personality characteristic that you possess?
I don't need reassurance from other people and like to spend a significant amount of time alone. I prefer to hang out with people one-on-one. I don't necessarily think these are negative attributes but people like to feel needed and loved. I show my appreciation in other ways. While I'm a stage negative 5 clinger, when people really do need someone, I've been told I'm the first person they go to.

4. Share a painting or other piece of art that means something to you.


Fetal Trapping in Northern California by Mark Ryden, 2006.

5. Which fictional character from television, film or literature do you most relate to?
My thinking, writing style and sense of humor is on par with Chelsea Handler (circa "My Horizontal Life") but she's not fictional. I've always said I'm a cross between Quinn and Daria Morgendorffer from Daria. I really loved that show when I was younger (still think it's hilarious). I felt like both characters represented different sides of my personality.

6. Do you tend to get jealous easily?
Not at all. I take after my parents in that regard. I've never seen my Mother be envious of anyone in all my life. Of course, I love nice things and want them for myself but it comes from a place of appreciation for the beauty of it. When I see others who are successful, I'm happy for them; I don't resent them for it. I look at it as motivation to get there myself.

7. What is the first thing people notice about you when they meet you in person?
That I'm a redhead, of course.

8. Where are some places you'd like to travel to this year?
I'm going to Florida next month. I'd like to take a few weekend trips over the summer to New York, maybe Ohio, the beach. I'm considering going to Chicago for Lollapalooza. In the fall, I'll probably go to West Virginia (little college reunion, not far) and one of the away Steeler games (Dallas?). I'd also like to visit one of my best friends who recently moved to Nashville with her husband. These are realistic trips. If I could go anywhere, I'd be on a plane to Europe tonight.

9. Do you volunteer or donate to charity?
I'm a "big sister" with Big Brothers Big Sisters. I donate a lot of things to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Goodwill and the nursing home my Mom works at. I was always taught you're not supposed to discuss volunteer work but if it gives someone else an idea to help out, then I guess it's not too bad.

10. What's an embarrassing song or album that you own?

The Titanic soundtrack. Yes, I'm ready to go back to Titanic! I listened to this non-stop in 7th grade.















Now Playing: "Only Happy When It Rains" by Garbage

Flashback Friday

"Insane in the Brain" by Cypress Hill, 1993.



I love this song. When I hear the beat, it's the early 90s again and I'm a little kid. I had a tape of this song and would play it on my "boombox" in our backyard. Dance party!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Bracketology


(CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Ever since I was a little girl, I always filled out an NCAA bracket for my Dad's work pool. Even when I was really young, not into the games and only picked winners based on their names/colors/mascots, I always got lucky. I actually think knowing less can benefit you in this type of situation. I can remember many years when I actually won the pool or came in second or third without watching a single game; this, out of a group of male adults who live for sports and every second of every match-up. After many years of watching March Madness, of course I know more now than I did back then. I love sports! Basketball isn't my favorite but I cheered for it for many years, followed it in college and have fun with it now. I don't do as well as I did when I was young and clueless but I still get lucky from time to time.

I haven't followed very much of the season this year, so my picks were a bit all over the place. I have a prediction system that parallels what's currently going on in my life and the world. If a certain city has been in the news or a part of my life in any way and that city has a team in the tournament, I go with it. I won't discuss every detail of why I picked my teams but there is a method to my March madness.












Now Playing: Cults Live at SXSW

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Missed Connections: J-School Edition

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE:


Two spaces after a sentence ends really isn't all that preposterous. It kind of makes sense.











Now Playing: "Hourglass" by The Entrance Band
*Certainly not the best sound quality but you get the idea.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Word of the Week: Sláinte

The word of the week (Saint Patrick's Day week!) for March 12th through the 18th is...

Sláinte /SLAHN-cha/
n.

Definition:
A Gaelic word used in Ireland to toast to good health; cheers.

Example:
The best man ended the toast by raising his glass and wishing the newly married couple a happy life together, "Sláinte!"











Now Playing: "Brain Damage" by Pink Floyd

Music Monday

"Our Own Dream" by Keep Shelly In Athens.


This music video was pretty bizarre. That being said, of course I loved it!

Keep Shelly In Athens is an electronic duo from Athens, Greece.
www.facebook.com/keepshellyinathens

Friday, March 9, 2012

Found on Tumblr: FuckYeahJamieKing



My question I sent to "Ja'mie"!

We Can Be Heroes


Summer Heights High










Now Playing: "Juicy" by The Notorious B.I.G.
*RIP

Missed Connections: Luck of the Irish Edition

CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE:














Now Playing: "Zombie" by The Cranberries

Fill in the Blank Friday: The Unpopular Opinions Tag

1. A selection of television programs you do not care for.
Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, Silent Library, Fox News, Glee, etc.

2. A selection of musical artists you do not care for.
I'm not a big fan of country music in general but even that genre has artists that I can appreciate. I never really liked Green Day.

3. A selection of celebrities you couldn’t care less about.
The majority of them.

4. A hobby you “don’t get”.
Hunting. I think it's horrible to kill animals for food unless it is out of pure necessity. I could never find enjoyment from taking the life of an animal; especially beautiful creatures like deer, rabbits or birds.

5. A habit you find disgusting.
Chewing tobacco.

6. Something in school you really liked doing that everyone else hated.
Reading out loud, spelling tests, book reports, essays.

7. Your favorite household chore.
Laundry. I love the way the smell of the detergent fills the house.

8. Popular video games that make you go “meh”.
I don't really follow what video games are popular. I loved Super Mario Brothers and Sonic the Hedgehog when I was younger.

9. PC or MAC?
PC.

10. A sport you don’t like, for whatever reason.
Soccer bores me. I played in kindergarten but wasn't having it; it's the only thing in my life that I have ever quit.

11. A sport you really like, for whatever reason.
Football! I love everything about the game and I'm a die hard Steeler fan.

12. Television programs you love but have gotten shit for liking.
The Bachelor. I watch and laugh at how ridiculous it is but of course I cheer for certain couples and want the people to really fall in love (it never happens).

13. Musical artists you love but have gotten shit for liking.
My musical taste has never really been criticized (to my face). My sister makes fun of me for liking people she's never heard of but that's because she doesn't listen to anything beyond what plays on the radio.

14. A hobby you have/find interesting that other people bother you over/make fun of.
I don't really have people in my life who criticize what I do. They just accept me for the person I am.

15. A habit you have that other people bug you over.
Not smiling enough? When I'm not talking, I can sometimes have a serious expression and random strangers will tell me to smile. Hint: telling me to smile isn't going to make me happy. If they talk to me, I'm really bubbly. People can judge me as a bitch before ever even asking what my name is.

16. Something in school you hated doing and it felt like everyone else loved.
I don't think everyone else loved getting up so early but in high school, that was something I had to force myself to do.

17. The household chore that makes you want to shoot your own face off.
Washing dishes by hand. I find it disgusting.

18. A selection of video games that you enjoy that perhaps you really shouldn’t.
I don't play a lot of video games anymore. Mariogame.info is addictive, though.

19. A celebrity crush that maybe even you don’t understand.
Jack White. I understand it though.

20. Free rant on whatever grinds your gears at the moment.
KONY 2012. I don't want to get into specifics but the guy who made the video rubbed me in every wrong way possible.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Now Playing: "Road to Zion" by Damian Marley ft. Nas

Flashback Friday

"Sabotage" by The Beastie Boys, 1994.


Recently, I've been on a 90s music kick. The Beastie Boys takes me back to good memories from grade school. I can't believe it's been close to 20 years since the song was released. I remember having a Magic 8 Ball at the time and singing the lyrics "Your crystal ball ain't so crystal clear." How time flies...

Monday, March 5, 2012

Word of the Week: Duende

The word of the week for March 5th through the 11th is...

Duende
n.

Definition: The power to attract through magnetism or charm

Example: The presidential candidate's political positions were off-putting but his duende earned him many votes.










Now Playing: "All the Pretty Girls Go to The City" by Spoon

Music Monday: Young Magic


"Sparkly" by Young Magic.


"Night In the Ocean" by Young Magic.



Young Magic is new to me but first impressions are excellent. I love both of these songs and their subsequent music videos. Young Magic is a Brooklyn-via-Australia electro-pop trio whose album, Melt, was released on February 12, 2012.

facebook.com/youngmagicsounds

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Quoteworthy


"If you produce one book, you will have done something wonderful in your life."
-Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis 1929-1994



















Now Playing: "Mama Said" by The Shirelles

Friday, March 2, 2012

Fill in the Blank Friday

Favorite quotations:
 "The fututre belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." -Eleanor Roosevelt
 "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." -The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)

Name your first son and first daughter:
Roman & Vivian. I want at least one of each.

2 random facts about yourself:
-I was three days old before my parents decided on my name.
-When I'm content and in a cozy environment, I inadvertently wiggle my toes.

Favorite feature of a member of the opposite sex:
Eyes, smile, hair, bone structure, hands, voice, neck, arms, lower V...

If you could travel anywhere, where to?:
Ireland, Italy, France, Switzerland... pretty much all over Europe, Egypt, Australia, All 50 States, Outer Space... It's an endless list.

What’s your idea of a perfect date?:
With the person you love... it's a cliche but if you're with the right person it doesn't even matter what you're doing. That being said, the ideal date for me would be exploring a foreign city- listen to music, stroll the city, do a little bit of shopping, have deep conversations, ride a Ferris wheel, talk to a palm reader, meet a poet, share a bottle of wine under the stars... basically describing the movie Before Sunrise.



















If you had a superpower, what would it be?:
The power to communicate with souls who have passed on. I would love to help bring comfort to people who are lonely and grieving (especially for families who have missing children or parents; to not know must be the worst feeling in the world).

The drink you would order at a bar:
Usually a beer. I love just about all of them but my favorites are Chimay Blue and Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA.


















What is something that you really don’t like:
Cold, boring, arrogant, closed-minded, rude people.

If you could change your name, what would it be?:
My Mom wanted to name me Selene but my Dad only agreed to it being my middle name. I use my full name as much as possible. I'm more of a Selene than a Krista but it all works together I suppose.

You can only eat one thing for the rest of your life. What is it?:
Pizza!

What's the sweetest thing someone has done for you?
In 7th grade, a boy wrote me a poem and read it to me in front of the entire school... teachers and all. He basically asked me out on a "date" and to be his girlfriend. It was sweet but I only liked him as a friend. I felt really bad about letting him down. He completely put me on the spot.

Which fictional character would you most like to go out to dinner with?
Roger Sterling from Mad Men. He's pretty smooth and makes me laugh. Plus, he loves a redhead.



















What's your least "politically correct" opinion?
I'm strongly pro-choice.

If you were an element on the periodic table, what would you be and why?
Kr- Krypton. My initials are KR. I like that it means "the hidden one." Wikipedia says Krypton is used in lighting and photography which are two things I appreciate.

Are you nostalgic for the past?
I loved my childhood and have great memories from both high school and college. I often think of the way things used to be but I'm always optimistic and looking forward to the future. The best is yet to come...

What is a song that describes your personality or life situation?
"One Headlight" by The Wallflowers immediately comes to mind. I'm sure there are more appropriate songs out there but this is my best friend and I's "theme song."



Has anyone ever made you a mixed tape/CD? If so, what was a song on it?
Yes, "Science of Fear" by The Temper Trap. They had just come out and this is how I first discovered them. Unfortunately, the guy who made me the 8-disc compilation set (yes, really) had a girlfriend in another country (don't they all).

Have you ever had your heart truly broken?
Yes, a long time ago. As much as it hurt, it gave me a broader perspective on life. I know that sounds pompous but whenever I listen to music or watch a sad film, I can relate. Some of the best works of art were created from the minds of people who felt empty inside.

If you could only see in black & white with one additional color, what would you choose and why?
Blue. Have you seen what planet we live on? The sky, stars, water, flowers, eyes...


Bora Bora































Now Playing: "Whatever You Like" by Anya Marina

Flashback Friday

"I Choose You" by Willie Hutch, 1973.



"International Players' Anthem" by UGK ft. OutKast, 2007.



I love both of these songs! The music speaks for itself- simple as that.

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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
I'm living life in beautiful Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I hold a journalism degree from West Virginia University. I have worked in television news, fashion marketing, PR, and cosmetic sales. My love for writing and sharing with the world my various passions is strong. One of my many ambitions is to be published and continue creating in the fields of digital and print media, literature and film. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, going to concerts, reading, following Pittsburgh sports and traveling as often as possible. Some of my favorite things include beauty, style, architecture, books, tarot and astrology, thrifting and my shih-tzu, Ireland. I’m engaged to the love of my lifetimes and we look forward to starting our next chapter together. If you have any questions or comments, I would love to hear from you!