10 Toiletry Item Swaps - Eliminating Liquids in Your Carry On

I talked about how to slim down on your packing, and touched briefly on the space liquids take up. Eliminating liquids so you have more room in your carry on is easier than you think. I personally can't get as crazy as NO liquids, because things like shampoo bars don't work for me... but here are 10 of my favorite alternatives or combination products!

Michael Kors fragrance / Yes to Grapefruit exfoliating face wash / Deodorant / Deborah Lippmann nail care, $17 / Dr Brandt tinted moisturizer / Benefit makeup, $42 / NYX translucent face powder / Small item storage / Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Baby-Mild Pure Castile Soap - 32 oz.

Lip/Cheek Stain - Combination
This is such a great option for travel, because lip & cheek stain lasts for HOURS and a tiny bottle goes a long way. You can add a light layer on lips for day and darken it for night.

Rollerball Perfume - Alternative/Space Saving
I'm a big perfume fan. My favorites are all of the Michael Kors scents - the tuberose is beautiful! Something I never sacrifice in travel is my signature scents, but I wouldn't dream of packing the ornate, glass bottles (even though they are all under 3.4oz!). I received a rollerball perfume as a gift several years ago and have kept one in my purse ever since. Most designer perfumes are available in rollerball at Sephora for less than $30 and they last forever. If you're looking for a budget alternative, Target has a few under $15 (more in stores than available online).

Dr Bronner's Liquid Castille Soap - Combination
Although I buy this in a 1L bottle, I can decant it into a 1oz bottle and it would still last me a month. Castille soap is basically broken down vegetables and it can be used for almost anything. I normally use it as a body wash, for shaving my legs, bubble baths, laundry & back up shampoo, but it can also be used as a stain remover, hand soap, home cleaner, mouthwash and even TOOTHPASTE. I'm not going to lie to you and say it tastes good, but it will clean your teeth and is safe to swallow. I love the peppermint because of the cooling effect is has. It can also be used to relieve sore muscles & achy feet. Because it's highly concentrated, you only need a few drops. Its broad spectrum of uses make it one of my favorite products, especially because you need so little. Here's how I make my own laundry detergent using Dr Bronners!

BB Creme - Combination
I've worn tinted moisturizer since I began wearing make up (liquid foundation is no good for girls with freckles!), so BB Creme is a no-brainer for me. I really love dr.Brandt's because of how well it color adjusts to my skin! It's also very smooth & moisturizing and has SPF 30, so I'm good I'll be concealed, moisturized, and protected from UV rays! Almay also makes a budget friendly version.

Face Cleansing Cloths - Alternative
These are sold by just about every company who makes face wash, so chances are you can find a brand you like. If you can only find a large pack and are going on a shorter trip, take the number you'll need (and add a few for freshening up on the go) and place in a Ziplock bag. If you're unable to find your brand & are weary of chemicals used in face washes, try Norwex cloths. They are naturally antibacterial and require no soap or facewash - just add water to cleanse your skin. They can be used up to 4-5 days and can be laundered normally.

Translucent Powder - Alternative/Combination
Not only is it great for setting your make up, you can use it to absorb excess moisture (hello, walking in flats all day) & as an alternative to dry shampoo. Travel size bottles (1oz) of drug store brands cost the same as full size bottles (5-7oz!). Not only are they a rip off, but they take up loads of space for minimal use. Using translucent powder (try a cheap brand like NYC or Elf, don't waste HD Make Up Forever getting rid of a little oil) eliminates this from your bag.

Lush Deodorant
I always thought people who used natural deodorant were crazy.... until I tried it! Lush makes several deodorant bars; gel type bars, baking soda based bars, and powders! The gel/baking soda can be cut down and stored in a snack size Ziplock bag. The powders can be decanted into smaller 1oz containers or into snack size baggie for flat packing. Not only are you saving packing space and cash, but you're eliminating aluminum from your body :) Check them out here

Contact Lens Case
This might seem silly.... but there are some products you only need a LITTLe of (like cold cream to remove make up or hair serum), and a contact lens container is a great way to carry these! I had a friend carrying a bottle of hair serum in her bag (2oz is $15), and it exploded EVERYWHERE. Not only were her clothes covered in oil, it was $15 down the drain when she only needed a few drops for the weekend. Small 1-1.5oz cosmetic jars like these or these are a great alternative, too!

Nail Polish Remover Pads
These are a life saver in so many ways. I've always lived on the go, even when I'm at home! I keep these in my car to remove a chipped mani, and I do the same in my travel bag. Even if I'm not repainting my nails, they typically are chipping within 3 days, so it's time to remove & reapply. Carrying a 3oz bottle of nail polish remover isn't really worth the space, but it's not worth putting in a smaller bottle. These polish remover pads are pre soaked with remover & are the best for removing nail polish! I always have a few in my toiletries bag, and they always come in handy for me (& my girlfriends!)

Those are my favorite swaps! Some of these swaps are better than the real thing when you're traveling (nail polish remover & rollerball perfume, i'm looking at you!) - so give them a try! What swaps will you make to eliminate liquids in your carry on?

xo

How to Pack Light & Always Carry On

Back when you could still check bags for free I always did - it didn't matter if it was a 2 day trip or a 10 day trip, I checked a bag and it was bursting with unnecessary items. I surpassed the 50lb. max on the regular, and was always stuffing heavier items in my already-full purse or tote bag.

When airlines started charging for bags, I learned how to carry on - but I still always brought way too much! I slowly started to realize how much extra I was carrying around when I never used half of it. Here are the tricks I've used to keep my carry on light & my packing easy.

1 - Packing Cubes

Medium Size eBags Packing Cubes 

Packing cubes are one of my favorite inventions. Not only do they help you maximize space, they're great for organizing! If you're taking a trip with two parts (maybe a wedding & some sightseeing) you can split your garments accordingly to help keep your suitcase in order. Or perhaps shirts in one and pants in another. Another great way to use packing cubes is to smoosh down your bulkier items - winter coats, sweaters, etc - so they are taking up less space.

I have a set of each of the above. The larger Ikea ones lay flat very nicely in a carry on, and the Medium eBags stack well in a regular carry on suitcase or in a backpack.

2 - Cut Back On Shoes
Shoes are definitely the biggest space hog in your suitcase. I've found that 3 pairs of shoes will definitely get you through most trips! If you're going to New York City, choose comfortable & chic flats for the day and a comfortable heel for the night. If you're backpacking through Europe, choose comfortable trek shoes & a nicer option. You'll typically find me with flats & tennis shoes, plus a 3rd - sandals in the summer, boots in the winter. If It's a trip that requires heels (attending a wedding or a major city), i'll leave my sneaks at home and take heels. Yoga & HIIT exercises can be done in the hotel sans shoes! Choose neutrals

3 - Pack Versatile Items
This was the biggest trick I had to learn. I always packed FULLY SEPARATE OUTFITS for each day or occasion. I'd bring jeans & tee for day 1, dress for day 2, shorts and top for day 3, a different pair of shoes, sweater & accessories for each. I have no idea why I thought this was a good idea! Now I pack as few items as possible that can be re-purposed or mixed & matched. For example, I have a black dress that can be used for just about anything. It's a nice enough cut that it can be used for dinner & drinks, but casual enough that it can be worn to the pool or grocery store. Think about the most versatile items in your closet (in relation to where you're going!) and start by packing those. Change your look with your 3 pairs of shoes & a few good accessories. It's the little things that take you from day to night and casual to polished!

 Sightseeing      Dinner Date      Beach/Pool        Airport         Brunch    Bridal Shower

Topshop strappy black dress / MKT studio brown jacket / Low wedge gladiator sandals / Carvela woven wedge sandals / Kate Spade leather purse / FOSSIL white purse / Bauble necklace / Sole Society stud earrings / Monogram jewelry / Michael Stars fedora hat / Burberry cashmere scarve / ZeroUV round metal glasses / Victoria's Secret

When you pack versatile items, you're packing several outfits in one & you're learning to shop your closet! The more ways you discover to wear an outfit on the road, the more use you'll get out of it at home.

4 - Just Say No to Liquids
I never realized how much liquids could weigh you down! Even with 3oz bottles, liquids seem to be one of the BIGGEST space takers in the suitcase! Shampoo, conditioner, hair product, face wash, moisturizer, make up, nail polish remover, hair spray, perfume.... it goes on and on.

Swap for alternatives or doubles when you can! For long trips I like to bring a bottle of nail polish with me so I can freshen up on the go, but the small bottle of polish remover seems pretty huge for a one time use on the trip. My solution? Nail polish remover wipes. They lay flat and take almost NO space! They're pre-soaked and usually gets my polish off better than a cotton ball anyway. I tuck 2 in my bag before I leave.

And just like with clothing, packing versatile items can really save the day! Swap moisturizer, foundation & sunscreen for BB Creme that packs a punch for coverage, moisture, & SPF! One tube instead of three.

Here are my best tips for eliminating liquids in your bag.

5 - Question Every Single Item 
When you're laying out your clothes, ask yourself why you're packing it. Determine if this is a necessary item or a 'what if?' item

"What if?" Items to be on the lookout for
- "What if it's cold?". Weed out unseasonable items like heavy clothing for a tropical vacation. I promise... it won't be cold.
- "What if we go out 2 nights that weekend? Should I bring another pair of heels?" We've talked about this with the excessive shoes! Unless you're running a marathon, attending a wedding, sightseeing in a city, going to the beach & going snowboarding in the same trip, you can probably eliminate a few shoes.
- "What if I spill something?" Don't bring doubles. Packing two different pairs of dark jeans? Brining two pairs of pants is of course sensible, but choose different fabrics & colors to maximize your options! Plus, you can do laundry anywhere if you're really wearing them out.
- "What if I finish my book or my iPad dies. Shouldn't I have a backup?" at all cost, avoid heavy extras. You don't need a laptop, dvd player & tablet - pick one & load it up with your movies, games & documents. Same goes for reading material. Loading books onto a tablet or e-reader is your best bet. But if you prefer the feel of a book in your hand, bring one - then plan to swap with a friend when you're done or scope out a used book store at your final destination. Another fun way to get new material is finding hotels & coffee shops with "take one, leave one" book shelves.

I KNOW it feels weird to cut so many things out of your suitcase.... but it's really only hard the first time I promise! If you have a trip coming up and don't think you can do it, DON'T. Pack as you usually would and pay attention on your trip. Look for items you ignore & items you reach for again and again. Over time, you'll cling to what you need & purge what you don't!

Do you have any carry on travel tips?

Happy Packing!
xo

Other posts you might enjoy:
How to incorporate travel into your budget
How to save on flights (using One Way Tickets)
Carry on guide
Seattle City Guide
Perfecting the Multi-Way Flight
Luxury on a Budget: Hotels & Lodging
Americana Inspired Vacations
How To Find the Perfect Airbnb In Seattle

Five on Friday - Link Up

I thought it would be fun to get involved with some other bloggers.... so here it goes!


1 - Upcoming 'Friendsgiving' Celebration

eInvites via PaperlessPost!

We are hosting a dinner for everyone in our Village (read: our church's word for 'small group') two days before actual thanksgiving, since most of us won't be here! I am beyond excited as this is my first time hosting a Thanksgiving type celebration, and my hosting brain is on overload. I bought cloth napkins, i'm crafting, i'm dreaming up signature cocktails, and reading as many magazines as i can to find perfect recipes. Here, here, and here are where i'm getting some of my ideas!

2 - Bath & Body Works Seasonal Candles

Some people are all about Christmas music.... I'm personally all about the candles. If you ever are at my house, chances are I'm burning at least one. But holiday season cables are the BEST! I've been enjoying Bergamot Estates and Leaves for Fall.... they're so cozy without being overwhelming (I'm not into sweet candles, so the apple pies and pumpkin doughnuts are NOT my personal style!), but just this week as the temperatures went FREEZING around here, I had to bust out a Fresh Balsam candle at my desk. It makes me so happy! I also have a coupon for $10 off $30 purchase.... which I intend to use during a 2 for $22 sale and get myself 4 candles for $30! EXCITED! Any new scents I should try?

3 - Upcoming Trip

Capella Ixtapa, in Ixtapa, Mexico

Big Sky, Montana

In just under two weeks, i'll be leaving for about 13 days to celebrate my first anniversary in Mexico, Thanksgiving/Christmas with Matt's family in Bismarck, ND, and take our annual snowboarding trip to Big Sky, Montana!! Thanks to a little something called the Multi-Way ticket, we were able to do all three of these trips by hopping from place to place instead of making three separate trips - for the price of just ONE of these trips. BNA -->ZIH, ZIH-->BZN, BZN-->BIS, BIS-->BNA. Yeah. We'll be on a lot of freaking planes.... and going from 90 degrees down to 9 degrees. Also, i'm convinced i'll only take a carry on. So wish me luck ;) But I can't wait to get in all sorts of quality time! QT with just Matt, QT with family, and QT with awesome friends. Stay tuned for updates on these travels.

4 - Steve the Kitten :)

This little guy is 100% personality and he makes me *SO HAPPY*. Yes, I am a cat lady, and i'm pretty excited about it. I wanted a kitten my entire life and Matt got him for me as a birthday present this year. The gift that actually keeps on giving.... because every day he snuggles up next to me and purrs like crazy... and it's all i ever wanted. I love my little Stevie kitty! He's sitting on my lap as I'm writing this... what a little love. Also, disclaimer: I did not name him Steve. The deal was if I got a cat, Matt was allowed to pick the name... and the name would definitely be Steve. So here we are, with our Steve. But i think it fits him pretty well ;)

5 - New Routine

Now that it's cold outside, it's even HARDER to get out of bed, especially with nowhere to go at a specific time most mornings.... so i decided I needed a routine. I get up and walk about two blocks to 8th & Roast, a coffee shop right by my house. Despite the cold, the walk there warms me up, and i get to enjoy a nice cup of coffee when I get there. Sometimes I bring a magazine or a journal, sometimes I've just been sitting and relaxing. It's become an extremely enjoyable part of my day.

Happy Friday!
xo

Link up here if you'd like to join!

Gifts Ideas for Him

I'm sure I can't be the only one around here who has a husband I find difficult to shop for.

First of all, he's extremely practical (unless it comes to cars and motorcycles!).
He's picky.
And if he wanted it, he probably bought it for himself already!

Not to mention.... our anniversary, his birthday, and Christmas are all within a microscopic six-week window.

What's a girl to do?

I've been scouring the internet trying to find some ideas of what to get my hard-to-gift guy, and this is what i've come up with.

The Gift of Drink

Whisky Stones - $20

buy here

These little stones keep your whisky cool without watering it down. An excellent invention.

-OR-

IPA Beer Making Kit - $45

buy here

Williams-Sonoma knew what they were doing - now tempting your guy in for a cooking class won't be so hard if he knows they sell Beer Making Kits! Perfect for a guy who loves to do it himself or try new things, who also likes beer. Win-win.

The Gift of Travel Accessories

Patagonia Fuego Backpack - $89

buy here

This 32L backpack is great for hiking, a weekend trip, or a good carry on. The size is great for the price, as a lot of more technical backpacks are north of $150. This is a steal.

-OR-

Everlane's Reverse Denim Weekender Bag - $95

buy here

This bag is beautifully crafted, and is the perfect carry on size for a weekend tote. The best part about this bag (in my opinion) is that you can steal it from time to time and use as your own weekend tote! I'm particularly fond of the reverse denim, it looks so sleek and unisex.

The Gift of Technology 

iPod Nano Watch Set - $24 (Would make sense if he already has a Nano)

buy here

This is one of the most practical gifts for guys! Perfect for a traveler or a runner. The wrist band attaches perfectly to your iPod Nano and appears to be a normal watch... until you're ready to listen to music! There are many varieties of color and style. This leather one sticks out to me because it can easily go from guys night, to an important meeting, to date night with you. Matt particularly is a watch fanatic, so this invention might save me!

-OR-

Roku Streaming Device - $49

buy here

Roku is a great little device for those of us that have Nexflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime but don't have an XBOX to stream them through our TV. Roku changes all that. Simply hook up to your TV and choose your 'channels', and you're good to go! A common misconception is that you pay for a Roku subscription, and that isn't true. You only pay for the services you want (Hulu, Netflix, etc). Bonus, you can rent movies on Amazon (from a computer) and then view them from your TV as well. Goodbye expensive iTunes rentals and sifting through awful Redbox options! Who need cable, after all?

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Beer of the Month Club - $24/month

buy here

New craft beers get delivered every month. He will of course love you forever, and probably start checking the mail daily.

-OR-

Birchbox for Men - $20/month

buy here

I personally LOVE getting my Birchbox every month (confession: i'm a beauty product addict!), all of the samples are so fun. And they lead me to new products i've been missing out on! The boy-box is similar, but they actually get less product and more 'stuff'. Friends have received sunglasses, journals, wallets and more. It's a steal at $20 a month.

Do you have a hard to shop for spouse or boyfriend? I'm open to any ideas!

xo

Free and Almost Free Music!

i LOVE music. Let's talk about it. Anytime.

For some reason over the past few days i've found out about
a bunch of free or inexpensive albums or shows.

And as much as i love music... i ALSO love a good deal. So i'm in heaven & felt compelled to share!

#1 - NoiseTrade

A great friend of mine just happens to be a fantastic musician... in an amazing band.

Meet Neulore.

They're amazing. If you like the indie folkey stuff... you'll be in love. If you just like music,
you'll be in love. And the best part? Their album is currently FREE (yes i said it - FREE) on NoiseTrade.

If you decide you'd like to pay them for their awesomeoness, you can do that too

(Noisetrade gives you the option, which is killer!)

Download it here.

They're also offering the new Jars of Clay album for FREE (yes again, free).
but i believe it is for a limited time, so get on that here.

NoiseTrade is just an awesome way to check out and support artists.
Some others you might like are the Carey Brothers, Civil Wars, Josh Rouse and Ben Rector.

#2 - TicketFly.com

I got an email from LiveNation telling me that Fitz and the Tantrums were coming to Orlando - yay!

Turns out it's this Sunday, and i'll be in Chicago - bummer.

BUT i need to share the news that they are playing at The Social in Downtown Orlando, and giving
2 for 1 tickets. YES THAT'S RIGHT - $18 for 2 tickets to the show! You honestly cannot beat that.

So if you live anywhere in FL... i'm guessing it's worth your time to get to Orlando this weekend.
But get to TicketFly first to get your awesome 2 for 1 tickets!!!

#3 - iTunes

I know, i know. You probably think i'm crazy right now. But every week, Starbucks has these
little cards that say "Song of the Week", where you punch in a code and get a free song.
Once i got one that was an entire "Summer Playlist" - and it was awesome. 

But what most people don't realize, is there is this handy little button in the iTunes store
 that says "Free on iTunes" - that takes you right there. 

It offers a song or two, a music video, sometimes a behind the scenes thing... you just never know!
Plus they update it every Tuesday, so you can find some pretty cool bands on there from time to time. 

The other thing is the "sale" items in iTunes. Sometimes it's 60's music, sometimes it's One Hit Wonders,
but this week, it's the jackpot: Alternative/Rock Albums for $7.99 or less

We're talking Mumford & Sons. Kings of Leon. Modest Mouse. 4 different Coldplay albums. Bon Iver. Phoenix. Broken Bells. Raiohead. Manchester Orchestra. MGMT. Young the Giant. Joy Formidable. Foo Fighers. Mat Kearney. Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros. Black Keys. Death Cab. Wilco..... 

.......need i say more?

Most of these albums started at $14.99, and most of them are pretty recent. So i'd take this deal while it lasts!

#4 - Amazon.com

I have a few friends who swear by Amazon music, but i've never really done it myself. I'm also skeptical, because Amazon ran a $1 special a few months ago that resulted in bad 80's covers, foreign heavy metal, and nothing at all i'd ever listen to. But today  i read something about $5 music.... so i figured i'd give it a shot.

What i found was the 100 Albums for $5 page! What a gem.

Some of the albums are She+Him, Drake (getting that!!!!), Katy Perry, the Swell Season, Ellie Goulding and Cold War Kids. Also, if you've got different taste than i do, they also had Jimmy Buffet, Rage Against the Machine, and Tim McGraw. So i think there is something for everyone! The important thing was that I recognized most of the artists... so it's probably worth your time to check it out HERE!

#5 - Spotify

Have you tried Spotify yet? If not, just give me a shout and i'll send you an invite.

The great thing about Spotify (let me clarify - i have the free version) is that you can listen to full albums, rather than the 30 second preview, so you know if you like it or not. For example, i just listened to the new James Morrison before i jumped right in. Which i think is a pretty great option. PLUS they are always showcasing new albums that have been added. So you'll always be kept in the loop.

With Free Spotify, you can't download songs. I've heard rumors that you can download
with the upgraded version, but i'm not too sure how that works.

However - you can have Spotify on computers, your phone, or iPod touch - and take playlists on the go.
So who needs to download anyway?

This was kind of like Extreme Couponing.... for Music. 

Be Amazed. And enjoy!

xo

Top 5: How to Pack... and Manage to Keep Your Sanity

As much as i like to travel, change pace, and see what else is out there.... i HATE packing.

and i HATE moving.

I mean really... it might be the absolute worst process in the world. You're taking everything out of it's place.... to put in heavy boxes... to replace stuff in a similar order in a new zip code, state or country.

Every time i have to pack/move, i putting EVERYTHING I OWN in the Goodwill/Trash pile. Because it seems easier to just get new stuff than haul all the rest of this junk around (all my possessions became 'junk' when they didnt all fit in 2 boxes).

and just a little PS - no matter how little stuff yout hink you have... you always have about 10 times more. Don't forget about that top shelf in the closet, under the bed, and hall closet you never look at. The stuff just NEVER. ENDS.

Here are my top 5 things that kept me sane through my packing party.

#1 - Something that always makes you happy

Because you are about to embark on a journey of packing... and will need to be given the will to live and NOT to freak out in T-2 hours. My something-that-makes-me-happy is coffee. If you dont have a "something" picked out... i'd suggest coffee. and i'd REALLY suggest some CB@B. You might think i'm byassed.. but it's amazing!

# 2 - A Killer Playlist

Genius playlist on Kings of Leon "Knocked Up" - it was a great choice for some late night packing!

Whatever music moves you and makes you happy (and possibly makes you focus). Just make sure it's all stuff you feel like listening to... because lets be honest; with your stuff strewn all over the house, the iHome will undoubtedly be on the other side of a huge pile you will not be able to climb over.

# 3 - Packing Tape

This stuff is just absolute magic. Broken box? Fixed. Awkward bookshelves moving around? Done. Two things rattling is driving you crazy? Tape 'em together. Your head is about to fall off? This will hold it into place until you finish packing the kitchen.

# 4 - Approximately 4,000 Storage Containers

Same-size, stackable storage bins in pretty colors - Praise the Lord.

As previously stated, but think you don't have that much stuff - but really, you do. You assume you'll need 4 or 5.... but in reality, you need 20. Save yourself multiple trips to the store, and just buy extras that you can return later.

I liked these kinds by Re:Store for Target. i chose purple and grey (to match my room.... that i'm no longer living in. Dang it.) but they had about 10 colors. But purple and grey also make me happy, so i'll go with it.

Unfortunately any money you have is savings will now go to purchasing plastic storage bins (starting at $10 a pop!). But at least your stuff will be packed. I wouldn't even BOTHER trying to find boxes. I got 15 of the same container (same size) and will restack them and keep them forever. Don't judge me if i use them as end tables in my new house....i'm trying to be practical here.

# 5 - Something else that makes you happy (are you noticing a trend here?)

My new favorite wine. Salvatore Zinfandel! 

I just think you deserve a nice glass of wine after a long day of packing. And every packing party needs a bottle of wine! I picked this up (Salvatore Blue Period Zinfendel) at Target when i went back for my 2nd trip (out of 3 total) for more storage bins.

Now it's time to relax... you made it! Even if you have to get up tomorrow and start the process all over again (just remember - step #1 is important). Happy Packing! If you can put an emphasis on being happy it will all work out :)

Coming soon - the unpacking/redecorating survival guide.

Music Monday

Twitter hashtag of #musicmonday is always a favorite of mine! So i figured i'd share my crazy wacky album line up over the last couple of weeks.

1. Bon Iver (Self Titled)

Still trying to figure out if i'm as obsessed with this album as i thought i'd be. But i keep giving it second chances. I think as long as i skip Beth/Rest, i'm ok. But this is by far my favorite track up until now:

Hinnom, TX (Bon Iver, Bon Iver)

any opinions out there? love, hate, indifferent? I'm glad i had a little time in the pre release to form my own opinions before everyone else told me what they thought. thanks to Nick Sammons for the assistance in music from time to time :)

2. Jon Foreman - Limbs and Branches

I got a random text from a friend asking if i knew Jon Foreman... to which i replied "No, i don't think i know him". I didn't think very hard, because i didn't realize he was talking about Switchfoot's lead singer... not a mutual friend.

Apparently foreman has a handful of solo albums, all a little more folky and accoustic than Switchfoot typically goes. However, the song on the album i keep coming back to has the most intense beat out of all the tracks:

Resurrect Me (Jon Foreman, Limbs and Branches)


Check out the rest of the album if you haven't already. And don't let the idea of Switchfoot be the deciding factor in if you listen to this album or not (if that opinion is positive or negative :)

3. Lady Antabellum - iTunes Sessions

For everyone who has ever known me - i am not a country music fan. Close friends of mine have been trying to get me to cave for years, and i just plain cannot do it. However, i love music; regareless of style i can completely appreciate good musicians, singers, artists, and writers - so i'm not hating on the amazing talent that country music has to offer (ie, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Martina McBride, etc etc etc! love them, it's just not my thing :) That being said, I also love a good guy/girl harmony, and Lady A just happens to deliver a minimum amount of twang, with gorgeous harmony sprinkled in. Plus, raw talent (writing, music, and singing!) - so i'm sold. I downloaded the iTunes Sessions (which has about 7 songs, mostly radio hits) and i'm obsessed! They also covered one of my favorite songs growing up..... so they get even more bonus points:

Learning to Fly [Tom Petty Cover] - Lady A, iTunes Sessions


4. Hillsong United - Aftermath

Where do i even start? Hands down, one of my favorite bands on the planet. I can't quite tell you what it is - but every time i hear a song that i love, it turns out to be a Hillsong song. Always amazing. Since that's the case, and i was so in love with their last album (A Beautiful Exchange), i was hesitant to buy this one, for fear of disappointment. However, Alicia made me a mixed cd (yes, we still do that), and it had some amazing stuff on it... which turned out to be tracks from Aftermath, the most recent Hillsong project. This song is the song i keep coming back to, and it is SO Hillsong in my opinion!

Take Heart (Hillsong United, Aftermath)

5. Jason Walker - Down

Ok, so this one isn't an album. But it's one of those weird moments when you're listening to a pandora station, and something out of the blue comes on (ie, "All Star" by Smashmouth on a Copeland Pandora station - yes, this has happened to me) - but in a good way. I was listening to Lydia Pandora; a station i've thumbs up/down so much and added and taken away so many genres over the past two years, it's pretty much a hand crafted station of everything i love. A couple of weeks ago, i heard Jason Walkers song, and a few days later it came on again, so i finally downloaded it. ONce again with the guy/girl harmony - i'm in! I believe it was featured on a WB show recently, so i'm guessing he'll get pretty famous soon. Check it out, i love their voices.

Down (Jason Walker)

For anyone interested, i've linked each of the names of the bands to iTunes/Amazon for your purchasing pleasure! Actually i went a little link crazy in this post. so feel free to explore!

I also just realized how random this music selection is - but i guess you gotta mix it up! Happy Music Monday! Anyone have any new recs for me?

xo

5 reasons i might possibly be a real adult?

First of all, this is just funny. and i'm sure we've all related at some point
This is why i'll never be an adult.

sorry for the bad words. but regardless.... it's pretty funny, right?

i think i've always had the notion that everyone else might grow up.... but for some reason, my friends and i were immune. and we would stay 21 forever. but then we turned 22. and 23. and 24.... and finally 25.

so i'm pretty sure my theory is null and void at this point.

but lately..... ive felt very adult like. i'm warning you, these are probably givens for you and most normal people, but apparently i'm late on the adult thing.

1. I got my car washed. 

Without being nagged by my father. This might seem elementary to you, but i hate paying to get it washed. and i hate washing it myself even more. so this is a big step.


2. I stopped biting my nails.

Once again, seems like a no brainer. but i've had pretty long nails for the past month or so. somehow i feel like it makes up for the past 24 years. two manicures and i'm a new woman.

3. I wear sun screen.

This, once again, is something i just neglected to do out of laziness. and out of the desire to be more tan than anyone else on earth at all times (which never happened). I've worn sun screen every day i've gone in the sun and managed to get a ton of compliments on how brown i am. win - win.


4. I have an actual morning routine.

Which sounds stupid. but i used to do my make up and eat breakfast in my car. after i scrambled to get ready quick, probably didn't do my devotions, and still out the door 5 minutes late. lately i've managed to get up, read my bible and eat breakfast, wash and blowdry my hair, do my make up in front of a mirror and still got to work on time. this is a huge improvement. some days i even make a cup of coffee for the drive to work. how mature!

5. I walked out of Target with STORE CREDIT - and managed to make no purchases. Not. One.

I don't know that it's ever happened before. I think I've finally learned self control. it's a bargain shopping miracle.
.........

I'm going to go ahead and give myself bonus points for keeping up with my blog. If i start talking about a 401-k or retirement, just slap me.

But tomorrows grown up goal - waking up on the first alarm. not the 5th snooze of the 3rd alarm (that is not a joke. i have a serious snooze problem). WISH ME LUCK!

xo