What I Learned In 2013

The beginning of last year this time, I was 5 seconds away from having my first full blown panic attack. I knew when I went back to school in January after Christmas break, it would be my last semester of college and that dreadful 3 letter word (JOB) was hanging over my head. The first lesson I learned in 2013 was that a lot can happen in a month. By March I had accepted a job offer from CBS Radio in Dallas and in May I was semi-tipsy and semi-emotional (let's be honest--VERY emotional) walking across the stage at my TCU graduation. The second lesson I learned in 2013 was not to drink champagne at 11 in the afternoon if you're going to be sitting in an auditorium for 3+hours. By June, I had moved into my brand new apartment in Uptown Dallas, had a new roommate and started my job. The third lesson I learned in 2013 was that change can be a really great thing. By July I ended over a year relationship with an amazing person, because I just knew it wasn't right. The fourth lesson I learned in 2013 is that it is ok to be selfish when it comes to your life and your heart. "Love" should not be mediocre or something you settle for. Around the end of July I got a phone call from my father telling me that he thinks it is time to "officially let me be on my own." I didn't cry, and I didn't try my usual negotiation tactics; I agreed. I've been paying all my bills and my rent for 5 months now, and while I can't spend how I used to spend, I'm ok. Actually, i'm not just ok, I'm happy. The fifth lesson I learned in 2013 is that it feels good to be able to take care of myself on my own. I never want to have to rely on another individual for my own financial or emotional stability. Since moving to Dallas i've learned the ins and outs of the radio business, made my first sale, bought my first Christmas tree, made a lot of new friends, paid my credit card bill, danced on stage with Shwayze, partied harder than I did in college (the hangover is worse), attended several concerts, got in a fight with my roommate (we made up 5 minutes later), got into a private party with Calvin Harris DJing, gone on dates, spent way too much money, made mistakes, learned what I want and don't want, got a speeding ticket in a school zone, road tripped, skied in Lake Tahoe, saw old friends, and had a hell of a time. The sixth lesson I learned in 2013 is that growing up is not as scary as it seems, it actually can be really fun. I know reevaluating yourself after a year can seem awfully cliche, but to be able to look back over a year and recognize the self progression you've made and mistakes you never want to make again, is a beautiful thing everyone should do. While I learned a lot in 2013, I think the biggest lesson of all was I learned how to be alone. There will be good days, bad days, and even great days that make you look back and ask God how you deserved this life. If you can learn to be alone and rely on yourself, you can get through even the worst of days. So, here's to 2014, I can only hope it's half as good as 2013. Cheers friends.


And now a great song to bring you into the new year...

5 Epic Songs To Ski To This Season

It's ski season people, and there is nothing I love more than having some great music to listen to as I cruise down the slopes. I've compiled a list of songs that will make skiing this season all the more better. Cheers.

1. Younger- Seinabo Sey (Kygo Remix)
2. Going Back To New York- Party Supplies (The Knocks Remix)

3. Sometimes- FlicFlac & The Bizarboys 4.Don't Matter-Cherokee (T.H.I.E.F.S) 5. Little Talks- Of Monsters and Men (Thomas Jack Remix)

4 Songs To Get Your Day Started

1. Asleep On The Bus- BESTiE (On Planets Remix) 

2. Breathe Me- Sia (Mylo Remix) 3. Out Of My League- Fitz and The Tantrums 4. Simple Kind Of Life- RAC Remix

Christmas Shopping 101

Ok, some people are just absolutely worthless when it comes to Christmas shopping. I have a love/hate relationship with shopping. I physically can't go to a mall and shop for more than 2 hours without wanting to kill everyone around me. That is why online shopping is a beautiful thing. If you're slacking on getting gifts, or just don't want to face the crowds at the mall, here are some great go to gifts.

1. Diptyque Paris Candles ($60)

 

2. Celestial Coaster Set  ($32)

 

3. Tom Ford Table Book  ($85)

4. Fur Throw ($99)

 

5. Hermes Avalon Pillow  ($485)

 6. Breville 800JEXL Juicer ($299)

7. Kiehls Men's Energizing Skin Care Set  ($79)

 

8. Bose Soundlink Mini Bluetooth Speakers ($199) 

9.  Ray-Ban Clubmaster  ($245)

4 Incredibly Sexy Songs

1. Crazy- (TEEMID & Joie Tan Cover) 

2.Banks- Warm Water (Figgy Remix)

3. Make Your Way- EMBRZ 4. Circle Down- Ayer (Keljet Remix)

Daily Advice: Put Your Phone Down

I recently came across an article called "We Cant Get Lost Anymore" by Jeremy Glass and it hit this topic spot on the head. Glass wrote "We can’t jump off bridges anymore because our iPhones will get ruined. We can’t take skinny dips in the ocean, because there’s no service on the beach and adventures aren’t real unless they’re on Instagram. Technology has doomed the spontaneity of adventure and we’re helping destroy it every time we Google, check-in, and hashtag." As much as I hate how much people use their phones, I'm 100% guilty of wanting to Instagram or at least send a Snapchat if i'm doing something remotely cool. It honestly makes me sick. People are not only loosing touch with real moments in life, but communication with others. If I had it my way, I wish there was no text messaging and if someone wanted to talk to me, they'd have to pick up the phone and call me. If I had it my way, people would use real cameras more often and post albums of these special moments later on. Not a damn play by play via Instagram. I'm not saying I'm going to stop cold turkey, because lets face it, it's 2014 and this is the reality of our times. However, I am going to start making a more conscious effort to not rely on my phone as much, and you should too.

Heart of Glass-Oliver & The Mike B Remix

Song Of The Day: Adalita (Figgy Remix)- Goldroom

Josh Legg of Goldroom has been on my radar for awhile with his songs "Embrace" "Fifteen" and "Adalita." Well NYC producer, Figgy, took a different spin on Goldroom's song "Adalita" and I can't seem to stop listening to it. If you're having to work right now like me, I hope this song gets you through those Monday blues.

4 Of The Best Songs You've Heard in Awhile

Each and every one of these songs you need to listen to now. At the risk of sounding like a complete Californian, these songs are the definition of "epic." While I love my job, sometimes I need that extra motivation to get out of bed in the morning when its 30 degrees outside and "ice storming." As soon as I wake up I turn these songs on and I'm guaranteed to have a productive morning.
1. Touch The Sky- Thomas Jack, Kanye West, & Benjamin Francis Lefwich (Atlas Hands Bootleg)
2.SWTRWTHR- Alex Young "I hate the beach. But I stand in California with my toes in the sand." 3. Maps- Yeah,Yeah,Yeahs (Cousin Cole Bootleg)
4. Paddling Out- Mike Snow (Jacques Lu Cont)

Dallas Concerts 2014 (UPDATED)

Feb 21- Bob Schneider (Kessler Theatre)

Feb 28th- Pixies ( South Side Ballroom)
Feb 28th- Roger Creager (Billy Bobs) 

Mar 1st- Amos Lee (Majestic)
Mar 1st- The Expendables ( House of Blues)
Mar 1st- Robert Earl Keen (Billy Bobs) 
Mar 4th- Lorde (South Side Ballroom)
Mar 7th- Childish Gambino ( House of Blues)
Mar 12th- DMX (Trees)
Mar 13th- Elton John (American Airlines) 
Mar 13th- 2 Chainz (South Side Ballroom)
Mar 14th- Bart Crow (Billy Bobs) 

Mar 15- Aer (House of Blues)
Mar 15th- Ludacris (Energy Square)
Mar 16th- RAC (Prophet Bar) 

Mar 18- London Grammar/Bipolar Sunshine (Granada)
Mar 21- Robin Thicke (Winstar) 

Mar 22- Flogging Molly (House of Blues)

Mar 25- Ellie Goulding (South Side Ballroom)
Apr 8th- Chromeo (House of Blues) 
Apr 11- Reckless Kelly (Granada)
Apr 18th- Umprheys Mcgree (House of Blues)
Apr 23rd- Phantogram (South Side Ballroom)
Apr 24th- Future Islands (Three Links) 
Apr 26th- Edgefest (Toyota Stadium)
Apr 29th- Foster the People and St.Lucia (South Side Ballroom)
Apr 30th- Thievery Corporation (House of Blues)
May 1st- Cherub (House of Blues)
May 3rd- Suburbia Music Festival- Oak Point Park
May 3rd- Adventure Club (Lizard Lounge)
May 7th- Tokyo Police Club (Trees)
May 9th- Bob Schneider (Kessler Theatre) 
May 13th- Ingrid Michealson (House of Blues)
May 17th- Dave Matthews (Gexa)
May 17th- Paul Oakenfold (Club 8) 
May 25th- Steve Miller Band/Journey (Gexa)
June 1st- Neon Trees (House of Blues) 
June 6th- Chet Faker (Club Dada)
June 7th- George Strait (AT&T Stadium)
June 7th- Little Dragon (South Side Ballroom)

3 Songs To Ease Your Travels

Anyone who has read my past blog posts knows that I've been a little homesick and in need of some California in my life. Well, the time has finally come and I'm bearing the dreadful holiday traveling and flying back to the golden state tomorrow night. To say I'm excited would be a complete understatement. I don't know about yall, but I'm all about the perfect entertainment during flights. Skymall doesn't fly with me. I'm definitely the girl who pretends to turn off her iPad but really continues to play music during take off. You won't want to turn your music off either after hearings these 3 songs.

1. Always- Panama (Clasixx Remix)
2. Closer- Tegan and Sara ( The Knocks Remix)
3. Sexual Healing- Marvin Gaye (Kygo Remix)
 

BE YOU

When I went to Oak Ridge High School, it was 90% middle/upper class white kids who thought they knew everything. Your typical high school stereotypes existed, fights broke out in the cafeteria, and everyone seemed to be trying to prove they were the coolest. There was no sense of acceptance and caring for others on campus. ORHS was just a bunch of hormone enraged teens stealing their parents alcohol and talking back to teachers. It wasn't pretty. The Art Media Production group at ORHS (this didn't even exist when I went there) posted a video yesterday that has gone viral, and I'm completely blown away. While i'm too old to recognize any faces in the video, I do recognize the campus. To see such a beautiful production done by students at my high school actually gives me hope for future generations to come. The writer and narrator of this video is absolutely brilliant. This video is a deeply honest depiction of the expectations that males and females feel they have to live up to in life. My favorite part of this all is when he says "40 trillion cells of human potential, perfectly designed for action, a full-blown walking chemical reaction. You're meant to live, to live to the full until you die and maybe after, so don't live a life of stereotypical indecency and don't just get by when you can be the change you wish to see." I applaud yall. I hope to continue to see such positivity and growth coming from ORHS. Go Trojans.

Song Of The Day: Drop The Game -Flume & Chet Faker

Two of my favorite Australian artists have come together, and what they made is pure music brilliance. I always love whatever Flume and Chet Faker seem to produce, so when I saw they compiled a song together, I knew it had to be good. Well, it's better than good, it's great. With almost a haunting yet beautiful sound to it,  "Drop The Game" delivers a message behind it that seems to be extremely relative. Chet Faker wrote to NPR Music saying that "Drop the Game" is a kind a shout-for sanity: "Everyone has these notions of what someone else wants, and it becomes this massive game." Enjoy this masterpiece. 

3 Beautiful Songs

1. This Must Be The Place- The Lumineers (Naive Melody)

2. How Long Will I Love You- Ellie Goulding (EMBRZ Remix) 3. Don't Wait- Mapei

TGIF- 4 Songs To Start Your Friday Right

It's a great day for music people. I'm heading to Austin this weekend, and obviously had to compile some songs for the road trip there, and boy did I come across some good ones. These are the perfect songs to get your Friday started off right.

1. Best Be Believing- Aluna George (Shadow Child Remix) 

2. Take Your Time (Do It Right)- The S.O.S. Band (Solidisco Remix) 3.We'll Be Fine- Lincoln Jesser

4. Kids- Mikky Ekko (The Chainsmokers Remix)

3 Incredibly Sexy Songs

1. All Of Me- John Legend ( De Hofnar Bootleg) 

2. Fault Lines- Bel Heir 3. Too Much- Sampah

Hip Hop Songs Of The Week

People at my work have to be judging me by now. I am fortunate enough to receive free tickets to concerts from my work, and the white blonde chick always requests the hip-hop artists. While Kid Cudi and Big Sean are obviously more large scale, there is nothing I love more than finding a hip-hop song of a lesser known artist that is worthy of a post. Both of these songs absolutely jam. I'm interested to see where both these artists are in 2014.
1. Killing Time- Oddisee Music 2. Monochrome- L'Orange & StikFiga

Your Monday Just Got Better

It's Monday, it's raining, and people are pissed. Well I have good news...these two songs will instantly make your Monday go from a 3 to a 9 (maybe even a 9.5 depending on how much coffee you've consumed).

1. Who Knows Who Cares-Local Natives (Wax Nostalgic)
-Had this song on repeat all day, it's that good.

2. Confusion- THE WYLD
 -This New Zealand indie rock band just got on my radar and I'm loving their sound.

Daily Advice: Stop Caring So Much

If you haven’t heard of the term “dgaf,” now is the time more than ever to get acquainted with it. For you rookies out there, DGAF is an acronym for “don’t give a f.” It’s learning how to decipher things that matter in life (your job) and things that don’t (23 year old boys).  I can’t log onto Facebook without seeing another damn list of “how to be happy in your 20’s,” or have a conversation with my friends without them analyzing a relationship. “He hasn’t texted me in 3 days and he posted a picture on insta with another girl.” Holy shit, are you serious? Wait…are you going to be ok? News flash people: there is no special list, app, or book that will help you figure out your life or relationships. Want to know how to be happy in your 20’s? Don’t give a shit about petty things. Be selfish and do what you want to do. Dating is simple: if a guy truly wants to see you or talk to you, he will. If someone isn’t treating you how you want or need to be treated, move on. This shouldn’t be difficult.  I’ve been listening to my friends bitch about guys since the middle school days. I think I’m just exhausted. I’m not innocent here; I’ve done my fair share of bitching and moaning about someone who has pissed me off. But I’ve realized a few things after college: one of them being that 50% of marriages end in divorce, and another being that I never want to settle. So if you’re fighting with someone you’re dating already, hate to break it to ya but that shit isn’t going to end well. Our twenties are our times to figure out what we like and what we don’t like. There are people starving in the world, and people are crying over some “slut” being top 3 on the guy you likes snapchat. I literally just threw up. So please, BE SELFISH. Be picky. Do you. And for god sakes…just DGAF.

And here is a song that just will get you in that DGAF spirit..cheers.

Runnin- The Pharcyde (Bit Funk Remix)

That Good Ish....

4 songs that everyone should add to their playlists, they're that good.

1. Pumpin Blood- Nonono (Jane Doze Remix) 2. Sunny- Marvin Gaye (Mercury Edit) 3. Daydreamin-Jill Scott ( Jerry Folk Remix) 4. Undiscovered- Laura Welsh (Mike Mago Remix)

3 Of The Best Songs You've Probably Heard In Awhile

1. Stay High- Hippie Sabotage (Tovo Lo Flip)
2. Dive (Drake x Ta-ku & L D R U) 3. Summer11-SkizzyMars

4 Songs To Start Your Week Right

So winter is approaching and if I hear one more girl talk about how excited they are for ~pumpkin spiced lattes~ and to start wearing scarves and boots again, I might kill myself. Call me a pessimist, but there is nothing that great about it being cold in Dallas, TX. There is no place to ski, Saturday pool parties stop happening, and the average amount of calories in a pumpkin spiced latte is 380 (that's like how much an entire meal should be ladies--kidding). Plus, it's a known fact everyone looks 10 times better with a tan. With that said, I've been on the hunt for some good songs to lift my soon to be winter blues.

1. Get Em High- Kanye West (Cheapshot Remix)
2. Free-Rudimental ft. Emeli Sande(Zwette Edit)

3. Waves That Rolled You Under- Young Summmer (Backstroke Remix) 4. Dyami- Androma

Song of The Day: Another Love- Tom Odell (Zwette Edit)

There are very very few songs that strike me within seconds of hearing them. This is the kind of song I search for almost everyday, and when I come across one it's like a gold mine. Simply beautiful. Zwette is a dj from Germany who puts a spin on the already beautiful British singer/songwriter Tom Odell's song.

4 Songs That Jam

 
Add these songs to your playlist immediately.

1. This Is Not Meth-Flex Cop

2. Pound Cake/Paris Morton Music 2- Drake ft. Jay Z 3. Juicy- Prince of Ballard Remix 4. Bed Peace-Childish Gambino

Mellow Monday

I'm in major need of a vacation. As much as I love Texas, there is nothing I would want more then to be home by the ocean right now. If you're needing a getaway as much as me, these songs can give you a mini escape from the daily chaos of the day.

1. Electric Feel- MGMT (Gespleu Edit) 
2. Deezy Daisy- Portland (Oxford Remix) 

3. A Real Hero- College ft. Electric Youth 4. We Are Together- Planet of Sound

4 Songs To Get Your Weekend Started Right

 
1. ATM Jam- Azealia Banks ft. Pharrell (Kaytranada Remix) 
Catchiest song I've heard in a long time. 

2. Poetic- Anna Kendrick, Kendrick Lamar, Florence and the Machine, ft. Drake 
Who would have thought a song from "Pitch Perfect" could turn into something this flawless.   3. Sock It 2 Me- Missy Elliot (Kaytranada Remix) 4. In Love- David K ft. Yo-C (Robin Shulz Remix)

A Guide To Being A Lady in 2013

I came across an article yesterday titled "The Unofficial Goldman Sachs Guide To Being A Man." Despite the fact that I know way too many males who could learn a lesson or two from this guide, I realized a guide to being a lady wouldn’t be such a bad idea either. We live in a society that has put a certain perception into young women’s minds that being a lady means “not giving a shit” or dressing like Miley Cyrus. Now I’m no Kate Middleton by any means, but I’ve decided to create a guide of how to be a lady (or at least try to be) in 2013.  No one is perfect, but I think if a few more of us applied these guidelines to our lives, we'd have a whole lot more ladies and a whole lot less "bad bitches."

1.       There is a fine line between being overly confident to where it's obnoxious and letting yourself get walked all over, find it.

2.       Always have nice stationary, and always send hand written thank you notes.

3.       Never display your private life on social media.

4.       Never talk about money or what your father does for a living.

5.       Don’t smoke cigarettes in public.

6.       Know how to keep a secret.

7.       Let the world know how you feel through your actions, not the tattoo quotes you get on your body.

8.       Never chase after anyone.

9.       Never drink too much to where you don’t remember your night or you throw up on someone.

10.   Always choose the funnier less handsome man, over the handsome boring man. Looks fade, humor doesn't.

11.   Never make out in public. A kiss will suffice.

12.   Try to keep your heels on, no matter how bad your feet hurt.

13.   If you can’t walk in high heels, don’t wear them.

14.   Be patient, smile, and breathe, no matter how much someone may be annoying you.

15.   Dress for yourself.

16.   2 wardrobe essentials: A beautiful handbag and a great pair of shoes.

17.   People shouldn’t be able to tell you’re wearing face makeup.

18.   Fake eyelashes should only be worn on Halloween or a special occasion.

19.   Know how to order well at a restaurant.

20.   Always RSVP for a wedding or party.

21.   Follow the “one skin” rule. If you show cleavage, you shouldn’t show a lot of leg too. Vice versa.

22.   Stilettos and a bikini should never be worn simultaneously.

23.   You’re daily reading list should consist of more than just “Betches Love This”  “Buzzfeed” and “Whatshouldwecallme”

24.   Try not to curse. If you must, limit yourself to once during a conversation.

25.   Never get back together with an ex. You broke up for a reason, and it will never be the same. 

26.   A good argument comes from words, not physicality.

27.   “Please” and “thank you” should be in your everyday vocabulary.

28.   Never call or text someone after an excessive amount of alcohol has been consumed.

29.   Don’t cry in public.

30.   If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, remove yourself.

31.   Learn how to cook more than just Mac and Cheese.

32.   Take care of your body and health.

33.   Be polite to those who serve you.

34.   Don’t date someone who you wouldn’t be proud to introduce to your parents.

35.   In a work environment, be the first to arrive and the last to leave. Especially if you’re the youngest.

36.   Try not to talk bad about other people, no matter how much other people are.

37.   Stick up for yourself.

38.   The only appropriate time to raise your voice is at a sporting event.

39.   Never be the first or last person at a party.

40.   Always tip.

41.   There is a difference between confidence and bragging. Don’t be arrogant.

42.   Don’t be a follower. Unique is always better than boring.

43.   Sometimes saying nothing is better than saying anything at all.God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason.

44.   Know how to properly set a table.

45.   Don’t be the girl who can’t go to the bathroom without a friend.

46.   Your shoes are intended to stand on the floor, not the bar.

47.   Know how to be by yourself.

48.   Know how to decipher between what is worthwhile, and what is just a waste of time.

49.   Find a hobby and stick to it.

50.   Don't be indecisive. Know how to make a decision and stand by it.

51. Don't take selfies, and certainly don't take selfies posing half naked in the mirror and proceed to post it on instagram.

52. Seek respect, not attention.

53.  A lady is never boring

54. Never take a nude picture and never send it to anyone unless you're an idiot. It will be seen by people and it will end up on the internet.

55. Never text on your cell phone at dinner. It can wait.

56. Never date a man who wears more jewelry than you do, or white rimmed sunglasses. Obviously.

57. Know how to host a fabulous party

58. If a man ever honks for you to come out to the car, don't walk out the door.

59. Some say expectations is the mother of disappointment. A lady still always has high expectations for herself and can handle disappointment.

60. It's OK to have a breakdown every now and then. Just do it in the comfort of your own home, preferably with no one to witness it.

61. Don't be afraid to ask questions about a menu.

62. Enjoy a good patio, and seek to find the best patios wherever you are.

63. You can be high brow, and still enjoy low brow activities.

64. Know what it is you want in life, and go get it.