wishlist.

I’m not really a person that buys a lot of stuff. If I do get a few extra dollars I usually spend it on crafty supplies or taking my daughter to lunch. Sometimes I really want to splurge on myself though! There are so many amazing things out there that I’ve had my eye on and dreamed of longingly.

This lovely little camera necklace from afterninetofive I think is going to be my celebration present for when I make my first Etsy sale. I have to reward myself for a job well done right? ^_~


I have had my eye on this Hanson shirt since I saw it at the last concert I went too. If you didn’t know Taylor is a pretty darn good photographer, hence the camera. Not to mention it’s my favorite color!

I’ve been attempting and failing to play the guitar for years now. I thought maybe starting out smaller would be easier. I think playing the ukulele would be awesome! It’s travel size and I could bring it anywhere with me!

One of Jo Totes camera bags? Hm, YES! and PLEASE!!!

Since I bought my first vintage camera I’ve been wanting to get my hands on an instant Polaroid one. I love everything about Polaroid’s! I wouldn’t even care if it was a really ugly camera, as long as it still worked!

The last thing on my list has been on my mind for some time. I’ve been dabbling in Digital Painting for a little while and well, I’m horrible at it, but I love to do it. I would love, love, love A Bamboo pad! I think this would make doodling so much fun and easy! I have so many ideas for digital illustrations in my sketchbook just waiting to get on my computer screen.

That’s about it. If I ever stop spending my money and save it maybe I’ll fulfill my wish list. Yeah, maybe someday!

What’s on your wish list?

the most random blog post ever.

A.K.A. celebrity crushes confession.

This post is completely out of left field for my blog, but I just felt like sharing. Lately my husband has been teasing me a lot for my most recent “celebrity” crush. I don’t normally come out and say I think someone is attractive, and defiantly not to my husband, but he’s be bugging me for the past couple of weeks about it so I finally caved.

I have a crush on Zak Bagans from the TV Show Ghost Adventures. It’s so terrible. I get scared very easily. I still sleep with a night light and I don’t care who knows about it. So the fact that I kept watching the Ghost Adventures show even though it scares me perked my husband’s interest. At first I thought Zak was just a total fake baked meat head, but as I continued to watch the show I grew too like his sense of humor and weird antics. I can’t help myself, and I’m slightly ashamed.





This got me thinking of my other celebrity crushes. I really only have two others at the moment.

One would be Timothy Olyphant. He currently plays Raylyn Givens in the TV Show Justified. All I can say is that I love this show. It’s not typically my thing, but the one liners and dark humor totally kill me. The show is about a U.S. Marshall who gets sent back to his home town of Kentucky because he’s a little trigger happy. The characters are amazingly colorful and it’s so well written. There is some violence but I think most of the time it’s in good taste and necessary for the plot of the show. I hate shows or movies that just have unnecessary gore and violence; it makes me sick, literally. Mr. Timothy Olyphant defiantly steals the show.





Of course there is one celebrity who will always stay close to my heart: Taylor Hanson. He was my first celebrity crush way back in grade school and he still is. He’s married with, well, a bunch of kids, but he’s nice to look at. I love his voice and he is an incredible musician, how can a girl not go for a guy who can write music? That’s a given!





Sorry for the completely random post but I hope you enjoyed the insight to my slightly odd celebrity crushes. I know I’m going to hear about it tonight when my husband gets home. Do you have any celebrity crushes hiding in your closet? Hey, I shared mine! ^_~

music video bliss.

I'm so so so so super excited about the new music video from Hanson! Okay, sorry, but I can't help myself. It's a really up beat song and the video is just so great. It totally shows off the guys fun and crazy personalities. I was really worried about how this video was going to turn out, but as a fan I'm super happy. They have some great dancers in this video, as well as every day people, and babies break dancing! It just makes me smile!

If this doesn't make you wanna dance and go crazy well than check your pulse because you must be dead!



I was thinking of all the different music video Hanson has made in the past and I was pretty impressed with the list!

Middle of NowhereMMMBopWeirdI will come to youWhere's the LoveThree Car GarageRiverThis Time AroundThis Time AroundSave MeIf OnlyUnderneathPenny and MeUnderneathLost Without EachotherThe WalkGoGreat DivideShout it OutThinking 'Bout SomethingGive a Little
This one isn't an offical music video but it's one of my all time favorite songs, and an amazing live performance:Rock n' Roll Razorblade

Please forgive my fan girl moment, I couldn't help myself!

why i'm a fanson.

In 1997 three young guys came into the music scene, and most people thought they were girls, but I thought they were incredible. Seeing the video for MMMBop changed my life forever, yes I know that sounds crazy, but let me explain. I grew up in a very conservative Christian house hold, not that it was a bad thing, but music was scares, and aside from listening to the radio in the car on a very rare occasion all I had to listen to were three cassette tapes: Amy Grant, Phil Collins, and Mariah Carey. I must have listened to those tapes a million times. Now I don’t know how it happened but one day I ended up seeing my first music video. I must have been channel surfing or something, because MTV was defiantly not a TV station I frequented at that time. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing! Three kids my age, singing, and playing music! I think you could have knocked me over with a wet noodle. The rest is history really. I become completely obsessed with the trio. I had the posters lining my walls, I read everything I could about them, and I even started a website dedicated to them, yep, I was a fan girl.



Something else special happened at this time also, I discovered the music world. I gained respect for artists I had never heard of before, and I dreamed of being a musician myself. I would have to say if it wasn’t for Hanson I wouldn’t have wanted to make sing, and make music. Some of the most amazing things I’ve ever done have been because I got involved with music. I never would have gotten into the theater if I wouldn’t have been singing. I never would have written lyrics or songs, I don’t know what I would have been doing. Even though the music aspect has faded from my life, I’m still very grateful for it.



As the Hanson fad wore off my adoration for them never did. I was excited when each of their albums came out, one after another. I still followed their career even if they weren’t in the lime light. There was something about them. Their attitude towards their fans is always above and beyond. Even though I’ve always been too shy to talk to them, seeing them interact with other fans is always a very sweet experience.



I must say I admire them for many reasons; one of the biggest is because in 2003 they broke away from their record label and started their own company. 3CG records was established because their currently label was not understanding their vision. It was several years in the making, but with their current success and still insane following you can’t deny that they made the right decision. “The Walk” and their most recent album “Shout it Out” have been number one of the Indie Billboard Charts. They’ve toured all over the United States and just took a trip to Europe to try and launch “Shout it Out” outside the country.



Not only have they been successful in the music business, but they have started very successful charity work as well. With the release of “The Walk” album they started a campaign called “Take the Walk.” Before every concert they preformed they encouraged fans to take a one mile bare foot walk with them. The walk represents the struggles of men, women, and children in Africa suffer on a daily basis. After you finished walking you signed a card, and you are able to check off a charity of your picking to help those in Africa that can’t help themselves. For every person that walks, barefoot or not, Hanson donates one dollar to whatever charity you choose. Not only is it a good way to help people, it’s also pretty cool to get to walk with the band. Yes, Hanson actually comes out, and takes off their shoes and walks too.

Taylor Hanson in Afria working with TOMs shoes.

Walking barefoot through a not so good part of town can be very painful. This was my second walk and not only did I get a ancor implanted in my foot but I also run into a parked car, only me. I don't thing this photo does justice to what they realy looked like after that night.

But I wasn't alone, that's for sure. I think there were atleast 150 people that showed up that day.

I think you get the picture that I can’t get enough of these guys. I will continue to buy their CDs, go to concerts, and take walks as long as they are still doing them. They are passionate and talented individuals that I look up to with the deepest respect. I could go on about them for hours, but I’ll stop now and leave you with their most recent music video. It’s a throwback to the original Blues Brothers movie. I hope you enjoy:



For more information about Hanson go to Hanson.net or check out their twitter.

wordy on wednesday: six

Finals are coming up and I wont lie I've been slacking... a lot! So I kind of took the easy way out on this weeks 'wordy on wednesday.' I used a photo I took a while ago when we went to the AZ state fair. When I started editing this photo the first thought that come into my mind was the lyrics to the song "Musical Ride" by Hanson. It think it fits prefectly. What song do you see?



"don't make your mind up just yet, there's still so much for you to see.
and every time you waste a moment you waste make believe.
i see it taking you hold you must let go before it starts.
this confrontation you keep feeling is your heart.
it's simple, but somehow, letting goes the hardest part.
come on this musical ride, with me."
Musical Ride - Hanson

Hopefully now I can focus on my finals!

Happy Trails!!

Spectacular Saturday!

Hey everyone! Just wanted to check in and tell you about the amazing Saturday I’ve been having. First off Aurora and I took an adventure to downtown Phoenix and FINALLY went into two awesome stores I’ve wanted to visit since we got here.

First off we stopped at the lovely vintage boutique Butter Toast. It’s very warm and inviting and the owners did a lovely job of decorating a designing a great layout in this little cozy home. Their prices are really great to for the choices they have. I also adore their selection of dresses! Any number of them would be great for a holiday party.

Then low and behold right next store is GROWop! I can’t help but love local handmade boutiques. It has a great collection of handmade and some vintage items from lovely local artists. I can’t wait to go back and see more. Both of these shops are a must see if you’re in the Phoenix area and love vintage and handmade!

After our trek downtown Aurora and I enjoyed an afternoon playing at the park finished with a stop for a yummy cookie and peppermint mocha… mmmm…

This wonderful day was topped off with the promised Hanson Christmas special! It was so cheesy and so wonderful. It made my season bright and my belly hurt from laughter!

I hope everyone else had a wonderful Saturday! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!

Happy Trails!

Good VS Bad: Round Two

I was contemplating my “Good VS. Bad: Round One” post from earlier last month and I realized that there is so much more I’d like to share. I’ll summarize just a little for you; most of the time due to our own human nature we judge things we see on first glance or from hear say instead of letting whatever it may be get a chance to impact us as people. Marketing industries around the world have created specific brands for every specific type of person to like one and not the other. Not everyone fits into perfect little molds that society tries to pack us into though. I encourage everyone to step outside their comfort zones just a little and try enjoying something they typically wouldn’t even take a second glance at. For example: if it wasn’t for my husband I would have always HATED that “redneck” music, but now I don’t know what I would do without my country! A genre of music is so wide anymore, you can be amazed at the treasures you’ll find in the strangest places.

On that note…

Here are some of my very favorite albums that I couldn’t live without. Maybe you’ve heard them, maybe you haven’t, but they could be worth exploring.

I don’t really know if I should start off on this one but it’s my favorite so I’m okay with that. Hanson’s latest album “Shout it Out” is incredible. If you’re asking yourself “Hanson’s? You mean MMMbop? They’re still around?” Yes my friends they are still around and have since 1997 been a key player in my music influence, but I’ll save the rest for later. This album is pretty much a summer album. It has great songs with amazing horn arrangements and a beat you can dance too. I couldn’t really decide if I wanted to share this album with you or their 2004 album “Underneath.” Something about the songs on the earlier album that just speak to me. Either way, the guys are still around, they are killer live, and you should give them a chance, they might surprise you.

For whatever reason Nickel Creek’s “Why Should the Fire Die” has become essential listen music while I’m doing my homework. It’s your unconventional country/folk/blue grass that has great passion behind it. It’s a very moody album and I love the vocals. I also love the fact that it has two instrumental tracks on it. It keeps up the pace in my mind so I can keep chugging along at my studies. They are a great band and this is a really awesome album.

Another essential homework listening music has been Death Cab for Cutie “Narrow Stairs.” I love the lead singer’s quirky voice and the instrumentals are to die for. Some of the songs also make me giggle a little, which I’m not sure if that’s what their intent was but “Your new twin sized bed” might be one of my favorite songs. They are defiantly different and I know a lot of people like them but my question is really, why?

Next up on my list is Jason Mraz “We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.” Okay so this album made it to the list for a few reasons. One of my favorite songs of his “Details in the Fabric” with James Morrison is on this CD and I just love taking a deep breath and listening to this song. The harmonies are right on and sometimes give me chills. Another reason why I had to put Jason Mraz on the list is because he’s one of Aurora’s favorite singers. There was a period of time where we couldn’t be in the car unless I put on some Jason Mraz, or as she used to call him “Dasha Ma!” He as a great message I think and also really fun music to dance too, it’s the best of both worlds!

Another album I can’t seem to live without is KT Tunstall “Eye to the Telescope.” I remember when I first heard her. Marc and I used to always watch music videos on CMT (country station) I think we may have watched that more than anything else on TV and when I saw her video for “Black Horse & The Cherry Tree” I was hooked. I’m pretty sure I bought the CD from the Starbucks I was working at the time. I just love her deep scratchy voice and lovely lyrics.

I can’t forget one of my all time favorites Anna Nalick. Listening to her “Wreak of the Day” album to me is like rolling my windows down in my old beat up Chevi Prizm and singing as loudly as I possibly can no matter who is at the light next to me. Every time I listen to it I swear I hear something new in these songs. Anyone else have an album that makes them feel that way?

Okay last one and I swear I’m done! Weezer “The Red Album,” yeah I know it’s out of left field right? I have a list of chill out mellow music and then… Weezer? Let me explain. Back in the day I was very much into the rock/punk music. I always thought I was going to be in an awesome rock band, while everything changes for a reason. I love this album must because I used to BLAST it in my car on my way to work particularly “Pork and Beans.” I used to work in a salon and let’s just say I didn’t completely fit the mold they were looking for and… just listen to the song, you’ll get it.

Wow, I have so many more that I want to share but I think I’ll put a cap on it there and call it done. What music do you listen too? I’d love to hear some new stuff! I must say I’ve been pretty turned off by everything “radio” plays in the past couple of years, they defiantly are trying to appease my “mold” if you get what I’m saying, or maybe I’m just not giving it a chance. Well… let me know what you think!

Happy Trails!

Wordy on Wednesday: Three

Well, my day got off to a little bit of a late start today. I meant to post my Wordy on Wednesday much early but things do happen, like sleeping in, Oops.

This week I was inspired by one of my favorite songs; “My Own Sweet Time” by Hanson. I know, Hanson, right? I’m very proud of the fact that they have been and always will be my favorite band! Why? Well, let’s save that explanation for another day.

"Tell me where I begin
You can't deny what's already been
I won't break but I can bend
Shaping the scars that I can't mend
Feel your fingers around my throat
There's nothing but bones beneath my skin
Somebody break my fall
I'm slipping down all over again

I'd do it all over
Taking my own sweet time
I may make it slower
But I'm taking my own sweet time
I'm taking my own sweet..."

- Hanson

On that note... Happy Trails!

Hanson - Fire on the Mountain

I spent my afternoon making a hanson video. I'm not really sure why I did it. Oh well!