A Breath of Fresh Air

Or as I so eloquently said out loud instead..."You guys are a air of fresh breath!"  *SIGH*  Seems I still cannot function correctly around musicians.   

Monday night I went to the Jack Daniel's Studio No. 7 Show featuring Jack's Mannequin (with Margie as my +1).  It was a free concert, you just had to register on-line and get there early enough to make sure you were among the allotment of people they were letting in.  I'd say by the size of the crowd that they let in over a few hundred people because Martini Ranch was FULL!  We were early (well within the first 50 in line) so I have no idea if anyone wasn't able to get in.

It goes without saying that Jack's Mannequin ROCKED!  It's what they do.  Andrew McMahon is never anything less than genius...that man has more energy than I've ever seen.  He pours his heart (and sweat) out on the stage and it's a sight to see.  If it sounds like I'm a bit in awe of him it's because I am and it's no real secret.  This entry isn't about the awesomeness of Jack's or Andrew but it needed to be stated. How could I not write about the concert with out  mentioning the main act?  I couldn't now could I?!

Besides Jack's Mannequin is working on a new album (People & Things) due out by Summer.  They played a new song, 'My Racing Thoughts'...it's awesome!  The song on YouTube from the show is blocked form embedding (LAME!) but I found a version from another concert...

Live Oak Revue opened for Jack's and they were totally different than what I expected.  Their banter with each other and the crowd won me over before their music and their music didn't take that long.  While waiting outside for the doors to open we heard them practicing.  I had no clue they were the opening band but the sounded good, even from outside.

They look and sound like they're from the south somewhere but they're California boys.  I thought they sounded a little Johnny Cashish, Margie thought Bob Dylanish.  Both are listed as artists they like.  Their FB page listed them as Americana/Folk Rock.  Which is a lot easier than how I was originally trying to explain their sound to anyone who'd listen.  

The band consists of Zak Salazar (guitar/lead vocals/also guitar string ring maker), Matt Ireland (lead guitar/vocals), Derek Ireland (lows/vocals) & Brian Ireland (skins/vocals/formally the drummer of Something Corporate).  We talked to Matt mostly after the concert but we did get to chat a bit with Zak too.  They were both very nice lads.  Why I keep referring to them as lads I don't know but I do know it seems to fit.  Apparently Zak is a Park Ranger or something of the sort by day and Matt wants to be (or is) a Biology teacher.  We, also, got to meet "Mama" Ireland.  She's the Ireland brothers mom (duh!) and she was so stinkin' cute it was ridiculous.  

We just stood around chatting about everything and nothing in particular.  My great opening was the stupid "air of fresh breath" comment...to which Zak leaned forward and asked, "What does that mean?"  LOL.  I'm not going to say there wasn't more verbal challenges from my side of the conversation but it did get better from there instead of worse.  Since they were new to me I hadn't yet gotten to the point of complete tongue-tiedness (like when I completely BOMBED when meeting Gavin Degraw).  It was definitely a unique experience, one that if they get as big as I think they will, won't be so easy the next time they come in concert.

They were giving out a CD of their music for free (donations optional) which is an ingenues marketing stragity.  Matt was writing on them as we spoke and Zak was making anyone who wanted one a "custom" ring made out of broken guitar strings.  The rings are rather cute considering the amount of time he had making them up on the spot.  Luckily, there was only 4 of us standing around.  I was shaking so bad when he measured my finger that mine doesn't really fit but it'll work on another finger.

I told the guys it was like pulling teeth to get Will to go to concerts because he sometimes has no musical taste (he makes fun of Jack's Mannequin every time I bring them up) but I was positive he would love their music.  He hasn't listened to the whole CD yet (I won't let go of it long enough for him to) but what he'd heard he loves.  I'm hoping he'll be willing & able to go when they come again in concert.  It sounds like the guy from Martini Ranch loved them and they should be back at the Ranch in a month or two.  Anyone paying attention to this needs to take notice and go when when come back.  Honestly, it is worth whatever the ticket price is...no matter who is with them (main band or not). 

30 Days of Music: Day 30

Day 30 - Your favorite song at this time last year:

It seems that at this time last year I was OBSESSED with Fun as I'd just seen them open for Jack's Mannequin.  Much hasn't changed since then, I'm still obsessed but I will remove thier CD to pop in a new one.

'At Least I'm Not As Sad (As I Used To Be)'

'The Gambler'

30 Days of Music: Day 29

Day 29 - A song from your childhood:

'Eye of the Tiger' - Survivor

Plus, no mention of 'Eye of the Tiger' can go by without thinking of this little gem...

Thank you, Jensen Ackles & Supernatural!



I totally remember running around & dancing in the bar my mom hung out in when I was a little kid to this song.  I have always loved it and I'm pretty sure I always will because it is THAT awesome! 

Also, when I think of music from my childhood I can't forget... 'Maniac' from Flashdance.  I have a memory of Nick & I eating at Long John Silvers way back in the day & that song coming on the radio.  We were being goofy and Nick started singing, 'She's a hush puppy, a hush puppy..." and I can't ever listen to that song without Nick's version singing along in my head.

30 Days of Music: Day 28

Day 28- A song that makes you feel guilty:

I'm not sure how many songs actually make people feel guilty, unless it's a guilty pleasure type of thing.  After racking my brain for a song & searching every singer/band I could think of I finally decided to think of something that makes me feel guilty and go backwards from there.

Unfriending someone or ,in some cases, breaking up with friends (because lets face it...some friendships feel like break-ups do when they end) tend to make me feel guilty for one reason or another.  Even when it's for the best, breaking up with a toxic friend still resonates some guilt.

The song I picked doesn't have anything to do with unfriending someone but it is a song about being a bad friend and is a situation I find extremely toxic for any 'friendship'.  I'm sure everyone has been in a friendship like this...

'Sidedish Friend' - Rachael Yamagata

"Do you wanna be my sidedish friend?
Cuz I'll miss you if you go for good, yeah
We can stay together 'til the very end of time
If it's understood...

That I don't want you hangin' out with me
But I want you when I call
We can stay together separately
And we won't be lonely at all"

May You Be As Fearless... As The Honey Badger.

May You Be As Fearless... As The Honey Badger. By Jason Mraz

(Warning: Contains Strong Language & Some Graphic Content)

Watch this clip before going into any meetings this week. I guarantee it'll raise your level of ferocity and help you achieve your goal. (Warning: Contains Strong Language)
Carpe Momentum. Seize the Moment.

Originally posted by Mraz at 11:04 AM 3/28/11

I'm not sure about this video helping you with ferocity before a meeting but the commentary in this video is HIfreakingLARIOUS!   I'm thinking it's more geared to guarantee a good laugh. 

30 Days of Music: Day 27

Day 27 - A song you wish you could play:

Truthfully, any song.  I'd love to have even a little bit of musical talent but that's not really an answer.

In honor of the Jack's Mannequin concert tonight (for Jack Daniel's Studio No. 7 party) I'm going to pick...

'Hammers & Strings (A Lullaby)' - Jack's Mannequin

30 Days of Music: Day 26

Day 26 - A song that you can play on an instrument:

I used to be able to play the beginning of 'Shout' from Tears for Fears on the piano back in the day (as in Elementary school).  My Nana could pay but she could never really teach me.  No matter how hard I've tried I can't read music...even after years in choir (in Jr. High).

We had an organ & it had all this sheet music on it, like 'Memories' for the musical CATS (see I come by my love of Broadway honestly) and songs from decades past that I can no longer remember the names of. 

Guess I come by my love of music in general honestly as well.  We'd watch Laurence Welk together and I always remember Pop busting out in song for no reason, though song may be a strong word, usually it was little ditties from back in HIS day.  Right now all I can remember is...

"K-K-K-Katy, beautiful Katy,
You're the only g-g-g-girl that I adore;
When the m-m-m-moon shines,
Over the cowshed,
I'll be waiting at the k-k-k-kitchen door.
K-K-K-Katy, beautiful Katy,
You're the only g-g-g-girl that I adore;
When the m-m-m-moon shines,
Over the cowshed,
I'll be waiting at the k-k-k-kitchen door."

After looking up that up, it is actually a song but Pop apparently never knew the versus or he just chose to only sing the chorus.

30 Days of Music: Day 25

Day 25 - A song that makes you laugh:

I have Will & Chelsey to thank for this one...

"This is not The Greatest Song in the World, No
This is just a tribute."

'Tribute' - Tenacious D

More cool blogs, more cool giveaways!

Friday Giveaway: Win a Shabby Apple Dress of Your Choice + a 10% Discount!!

 

I recently found a blog, Bird's Party, and they do Friday Giveaways...one more reason to LOVELOVELOVE Fridays!  This Friday's giveaway includes Shabby Apple (and you all know how I LOVELOVELOVE Shabby Apple).  Bird's Party was able to join with Shabby Apple and here's what they had to say:

 

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

I tried my best to pick something I'd wear to suit different occasions and in a variety of styles, and these are the ones I chose:

Happy Talk, Moon River, Le Coeur and  Spanish Steps

In order of appearance above:

Happy Talk, Moon River, Le Coeur, Spanish Steps

So this week one lucky winner will get the chance of winning one of these fabulous dress from the stunning Shabby Apple boutique plus a 10% Discount !! YAY!!

 

For your chance to win, all you have to do is: (Please leave a separate comment for each)

OPEN TO US RESIDENTS ONLY

 

* Tell us in this post which dress you'd choose!

* Become a fan of Shabby Apple on Facebook here: Come back and tell us that you are

* Become a fan of Bird's Party on Facebook here:

 

 Come back and tell us that you are

For extra entries (Please leave a separate comment for each with your link), you can share this post using the widgets at the bottom of the post:

* Share on Facebook

* Share on Twitter

* Share on a blog post or site

 

A winner will be selected at random on Friday April 1st. Good luck to everyone!

Connect with Shabby Apple:

To get special promotions and exclusive discounts become a fan:

Shabby Apples Facebook Fan Page

Shabby Apple BLOG 

 

Read more: http://birdcrafts.blogspot.com/2011/03/friday-giveaway-win-shabby-apple-dress.html#ixzz1He0ZcU8h

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

 

I don't think it's too hard to figure that I' chose the Spanish Steps dress but I do love the Moon River dress.  I have no idea where I'd ever wear a dress like Moon River or if I'd be able to pull such a dramatic dress off. 

If you haven't been able to tell I've been doing some major on-line shopping lately.  It's so easy and there's no pesky crowds to contend with, no sore feet at the end of your spree, no depletion of the bank account.  The only bad thing is there's no pretty pretty packages to bring home, no spoils to revel in.

30 Days of Music: Day 24

Day 24 -  A song you want to play at your funeral:

'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' - Judy Garland

Judy Garland Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Amazing videos are here

Jar of Hearts

This song is on the fast track to becoming a new favorite...

'Jar of Hearts' - Christina Perri

30 Days of Music: Day 23

Day 23 - A song you want to play at your wedding:

I've been trying to figure out a song for today.  I find it hard to pick a song when I'm not planning a wedding.  I think it all depends on who you're marrying, a song that fits the both of you, and what kind/type of wedding you are having.

Luckily my iPod gave me some inspiration...

'Follow Through' - Gavin Degraw

30 Days of Music: Day 22

Day 22 - A song that you listen to when you're sad:

'Grapevine Fires' - Death Cab for Cutie

30 Days of Music: Day 21

Day 21 -  A song you listen to when you're happy:

I actually listen to more than one song when I'm happy...it's usually an album or artist choice, instead of a song choice.  I love Tristan Prettyman & Jason Mraz when I'm happy.  They have a lot of songs that I like to refer to as jaunty.

'Hello' - Tristan Prettyman

'Make It Mine' - Jason Mraz

Paradise is just a daydream away

With Spring Break happening to everyone around me, friends posting vacation photo's and my niece, Elizabeth, visiting her boyfriend in ITALY I have a bit of vacationitis going on.  I have Disneyland to look forward to in May but May seems an awful long way away at this point in time.

I wish I had found Shabby Apple prior to Elizabeth leaving for Italy.  Their current blog topics have been right on point and would have been perfect for her had she been able to read it.  I think I stumbled onto Shabby Apple the day she left, which is a major bummer.  Murphy's Law does dictate that that is the way it is to happen though so I guess I should stop bumming about it.  Since Elizabeth can't dream about the awesome wardrobe she would have packed to Italy I will do so for myself. 

I have always wanted to visit Italy.  I remember watching shows on Channel 8 (the main channel in my house growing up with my grandparents) and thinking Italy was so beautiful.  Structurally it's amazing.  I've wondered how they fit all those villas on those winding seaside roads.  I have always wanted to visit the catacombs, even with the knowledge that I am majorly claustrophobic, I ache to roam around under the Italian cobble streets.  Speaking of cobble streets...who doesn't want to saunter down a cobble street at sunset with their lover?  I certainly daydream about such a little adventure. 

I don't know how long it took me to realize that Rome and Italy were one in the same.  As a kid when you hear about Rome and it seems like its own country.  When people speak of Rome they never feel the need to qualify it with a Rome, Italy...(say like Boise, Idaho) it's just ROME.  Two of my sisters took a "Europe" vacation last year or the year before and were lucky enough to be able to visit Rome.  The stories and photo's they returned with did nothing but make the want to go even stronger.  The movie 'When In Rome' did the same thing.

Italy

Shabby Apple has some seriously awesome dress lines and their newest line is aptly called Roman Holiday.  Who wouldn't start dreaming of a Roman Holiday while looking at these beautiful dresses??  Who wouldn't want to BE on a Roman Holiday while wearing one of these dresses??  Personally I'd love to wander around the streets of Italy wearing these two dresses...

Primavera

Gondola

I'm already dreaming of the accessories I'd love to pair with these two.

Although the urge to go to Italy is strong (even with my severe aversion to Parmesan cheese & vinegar and my allergy olive oil) I really yearn to visit Ireland.  It's number one on my list of places I want to visit.  As a girl who has lived in Arizona all her life and who only knows green as well manicured grassy lawns & cactus I want to cry when I see the green of Ireland and all the grass it has.  I literally want to cry at it's beauty & immediately get the urge to want to roll around in and down a grassy knoll.  A bit animalistic but so very true.  Besides, aren't urges animalistic in nature anyway?

 Ireland:

If I was able to go on my dream vacation I'd hands down visit Ireland and this would be my wardrobe...

The 2 dresses above, of course, and...

Champs Elysees

Ballerina

G. Cooper

Sheep Meadow

Manager Director

I don't even want to imagine the pants and shirts I'd have to pack as well.  Could you imagine?!

Right now Shabby Apple is doing a giveaway (one of their many) and it's a dress of your choice from the Roman Holiday line.  How awesome is that?!  To enter is super easy and it basically involves daydreaming.  So if you haven't done so already go give Shabby Apple a look!

Forget You!

I am soooo loving this song right now, though I can't figure out what version I like better...


'Forget You' - Cee Lo Green (the original version)

'Forget You' - Gwyneth Paltrow (the Glee version)



It's such a fun song! 

30 Days of Music: Day 20

Day 20 - A song you listen to when you're angry:

'Control' - Puddle of Mudd

30 Days of Music: Day 19

Day 19 - A song from your favorite album:

'Courage' - Glen Phillips off his Winter Pays For Summer Album

30 Days of Music: Day 18

Day 18 - A song you wish you heard on the radio:

'Walking the Dog' - Fun.

When It Rains

This song seems fitting today...

(sorry for the video quality but it's all I can find & I can't embed an mp3 file)

'When It Rains' - Tristan Prettyman

Maybe I'm changing
maybe I'm so impatient
maybe I just don't care, about what you think

cause I can never please her
no matter how hard I try
You know sometimes I just wanna throw up my hands and say
"ok fine"!

But life's to short she said
if it works then it works, let it go
and I'm sorry I ever got you started
when it rains, it pours and it shows

I was blessed with a birth and a death
and a gift or a curse somewhere in between
cause your only as loud as the noises you make
and as big as the things that you dream

still I can never please him
no matter how hard I try
and maybe you should have made up your mind
before I changed mine

but life's to short she said,
if it works then it works, let it go
and I'm sorry I ever got you started
when it rains it pours and it shows

still life's to short she said
if it works, then it works, just let it go, let it go
well I'm sorry I ever got you started
when it rains it pours and it shows

30 Days of Music: Day 17

Day 17 - A song you hear often on the radio:

'Animal' by Neon Trees

30 Days of Music: Day 16

Day 16 - A song that you used to love but now hate:

Hate is a STRONG word but I LOVED ‘I’m Yours’ by Jason Mraz before it was released on his We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things CD in 2008. 

Once the radio got ahold of it it was EVERYWHERE!  One day, no joke, it played 3 times every hour ALL DAY LONG…when I changed the channel to avoid it was on at least 2 other stations AT THE SAME TIME.  

Needless to say it became way too overplayed for me.  It’s increadebly sad because it’s a beautiful song with a great message. 

I'm not going to lie...I watched the video & I did enjoy it so maybe I just made this post null andn void.

30 Days of Music: Day 15

Day 15: A song that describes you:

I've been sitting on this for a few days and have yet to come up with an answer.  The only thing I can come up with is the ultra generic 'Bitch' by Meredith Brooks. 

Now I kind of hate myself.  Blah, I'm so over this song.

March Madness

Don't worry, the world hasn't tipped off it's axis, this post is not about basketball.   It is a post where paying attention pays off. 

Thanks to the many wonderful blogs I've been keeping an eye on I've found a few fabulous & FREE finds.  Where FREE = only pay shipping & handling.  A very small price to pay...


Deal #1: Thanks to HowDoesShe? I've found a FREE Photo Hardback Photo Book. 

There's no catch except you have to be a new customer to Picaboo and pay the $7.99 shipping & handling fee.  Of course, the FREE hardback photo book is "basic" (or the classic custom package, which is actually an upgrade) but you can get a lot of  photo's into 20 pages with captions and background layouts. If you want you can add pages and additional options but then you add additional pricing as well. 

Hurry to get yours as this offer expires March 22nd.  Apparently Picaboo has been doing this from March 8 to 22, for new customers .  You can get your FREE Large Classic Custom book from Picaboo using code FREECC.  

I've already ordered mine and I can't wait for it to arrive.  I figure $7.99 is a small price to pay to get a sample for the next greatest special occasion present I'll be giving a lucky someone. 


Deal #2: Thanks (again) to HowDoesShe? (seriously, people this is a great blog!) I found a FREE 8x10 Canvas Promo. 

Again, you have to pay shipping & handling...$14.95 this time around.  The promotion is either a FREE 8x10 Canvas or $50 towards any size canvas.  Super awesome deal, isn't it?!  It's the "basic" option again but they do have different coloring options which with this promo are the prices listed.  If you order an extra canvas everything is currently at sales/discount prices so it's still a great deal.

I'm cotemplating getting canvas's of the cats but I haven't fully committed to the idea yet.  Kids seem to be a big winner on the subject for the canvas's and seeing as I have no kids...  Everyone knows the cats are my kids, so to speak, so don't judge too hard on my possible canvas subject.

I may use this promo as a special occasion present for someone special instead.  My options are limitless at the moment, which is a little overwhelming.  I'm going to sit on this one for a bit.

I can't sit too long though.  I'm not sure how long this promo runs but it can't be for too long as it's just too good of a deal.


Seriously, paying attention to your friends & following their fabulous taste can pay off.  I've entered several giveaways this month by blog "stalking" & paying attention.  I have yet to win anything but I have some great new online shops to visit the next time I wish to do some online shopping.

Just check it out...

Brassy Apple: Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway

*SIGH*  Something is messed up...I can't access http://www.howdoesshe.com/ at the moment so I can't get to the other giveaways I had in mind to list.  Oh, well...maybe later.

30 Days of Music: Day 14

Day 14 - A song that no one would expect you to love:

I really don’t know if there is actually a song that no one would expect me to love since I love music so much.  I think I have a wide range of music in my music library…though I’m sure it’s hard to tell by what music choices I post here on this blog.   Since pondering today’s question I’ve asked a couple of people and the answer I got back was, “I don’t know?!”  So not helpful!

The closest I can come to answer this is last week Will was making me listen to a “Rap” mix CD that his co-worker/car-pooler Chuck made him.  Super cute, I know…I haven’t even made Will a mixed CD, but I think it was in response to Will torturing Chuck since the beginning of their carpool with listening to only classic rock and country with a little Audioslave thrown in.  Anyway, ‘In Da Club’ by 50 Cent came on and I instantly started bouncing my arm around & singing, “Go Shorty, it’s your birthday…we gonna party like it’s your birthday…”  Will was a bit shocked & said he was surprised by my reaction.  I’m not sure why since it’s constantly being played at the clubs...at least it was “back in the day” when I used to go out dancing all the time.  That’s really the only time I’ve ever been exposed to it, it’s not like it’s on my iPod or I have a 50 Cent CD laying around so to say I love the song is a bit much but it’s the only answer I have for now.

30 Days of Music: Day 13

Day 13 - A song that is a guilty pleasure:

Well, I've already admitted to liking 'Tik Tok' by Ke$ha so where can I go from there...

Um... how about 'Girlfriend' by Avril Lavigne.

30 Days of Music: Day 12

Day 12 - A song from a band you hate:

'Paralyzer' by Finger Eleven.  I don't know much about the band but I CANNOT stand that song!  So much so I guess you can say I "hate" the band for making it.

30 Days of Music: Day 11

Day 11 - A song from your favorite band: 

"Over" - Jimmy Eat World

I'm not exactly sure what I should say Everything I do is a mistake
Your attention is attention (It doesn't matter if it's fake or real)
I'll take it if I get it, oh
I've made up my mind
I'll do it over any time

You're over it, over me
Present just physically
Last words from the dying scene
You're over me

You're over me

I really need to hear how great I am
Cause I can't even get up out of bed
Now say it like you mean it (Doesn't matter how I really feel)
Sing it back softly, oh
You got to be strong and I've been empty oh so long

You're over it, over me
Present just physically
Last words from the dying scene
You're over me

The old days all went bad
Rotted, wilted black
Before you'd have a chance to call
I'll be on the next train home
Add it to the endless list of all the things we'll never ever know

You're over it, over me
Present just physically
Last words from the dying scene
You're over me

You're over me
You're over me

30 Days of Music: Day 10

Day 10 - A song that makes you fall asleep:

‘Goodbye Sky Harbor” by Jimmy Eat World. 

It’s a little over 16 minutes long.  The lyrics are extremely simple & short.  JEW goes into a very melodic but repetitive rift that just keeps going and going…filling whatever is left of the 16 minutes.  I love the song but it never fails to lull me into sleep if I’m just laying around listenting to it.

If you want you can take a listen here.

"Goodbye Sky Harbor"
"Is tomorrow just a day like all the rest."
How could you know just what you did?
So full of faith yet so full of doubt I ask.
Time and time again you said don't be afraid.
"If you believe you can do it."
The only voice I want to hear is yours.
Again.
I shall ask you this once again.
And again.
He said:
"I am but one small instrument."
Do you remember that?
So here I am above palm trees so straight and tall.
You are smaller, getting smaller.
But I still see you.

ITSO An Eyesore Part 2

I'm not completely satisfied yet with the finished project but I have made some major progress in the whole thing.  I've decided I need to add another shelf or two to the cube.  I haven't worked out what type of containers I want to fill the new shelves with just yet.  Maybe I'll let whatever is on sale when I go decide for me. 

Anyway here are the photo's I promised...

Before:

Not everything shown is jewelry but most of it is tangled with the jewelry I laid...or threw down there so it was too big of a mess to try to clean until I had a place to stick the neclaces that didn't have a home.

Is it just me or does this give you major anxiety too?

The idea for this leaf dish was to use it as a catchall for the earrings & rings I wear everyday, the ones I don't take off until I am climbing into bed.

After:

It looks messy but it really isn't in real life

Now for the ghetto fabulous part...

The top

The first shelf

The gold side isn't complete, I have to untangle a few of them still

As good as a front view as I could get

I just put all the stuff that doesn't have a home yet in the bottom shelf area for now

Not so much an eyesore anymore but the ghetto fabulous colors are a big...bright.

Still needs a new home:

At least for the most part.  I have a few of those wall hooks that stick to the wall that I've placed on the wall above my ghetto fabulous jewelry box.  I've hung a few necklaces but I need a few more hooks to hang the rest.