My Musical Monday (ft. Bryan Greenberg)

I feel like I say this every other post lately, but senior year is just the craziest thing. Usually there's kind of an easing in period for school, but this year it feels like we just jumped right in and got started! Between schoolwork, student senate, college applications, and dance, I definitely have a full plate. But that doesn't mean I don't have time to have a little fun with friends too!

Monday night, Megan and I went to go see Bryan Greenberg play at a local club. You might not know him as a singer, but you'd probably recognize him as Jake from One Tree Hill or as Ben on How to Make it in America , or from movies like Prime, The Perfect Score, or Friends with Benefits. 

But if you don't know his music, get on that, because this guy is amazing. 

I also went to see him last year, and it was one of the best shows I'd been to in a long time. So, when he announced a few acoustic shows in the area, I knew I had to go. The venue was the upstairs lounge on a restaurant in the city, and such a neat place. The walls were covered in murals, and the low stage made for a really intimate, personal experience.

Opening and accompanying Bryan was a girl named Julia Sinclair. Check her out too, because this girl has a voice of gold. She played some originals and also did a cover of JT's "My Love" that definitely gave the original a run for its money. Bryan played a few of his own songs, and they did a few together.

Here's a few pics of the night:

I was lucky enough to be given Bryan's pick after his set was over-
a pretty nice momento to come home with!

Have a fabulous day!

Tuesday Tunes

Today I'm headed off to the beach with my family! Road trips and lazy days in the sun are the perfect time to crank up some great music!

Here's some tunes that I will definitely be jamming to on my vacay! 

"Save Me, San Francisco"- Train

"Remind Me"- Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood

"Mayberry"- Rascal Flatts

"Honey Bee"- Blake Shelton

"All Over Me"- Josh Turner

Have a fabulous week!

Covering Up

A few days ago I was on YouTube listening to some acoustic song covers, when I came across this guy's channel:

I listened to a few of his songs, and I about died. His voice is amazing! He's uploaded covers of a lot of popular songs (and some originals too!), and the soulful, raspy vibe he adds to them is just fantastic.

Here's a few covers Matt's done:

"Grenade" by Bruno Mars

"Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon


"Cooler Than Me" by Mike Posner


and one of my personal favorites...
"E.T. (featuring Kanye West)" by Katy Perry


Go visit Matt Beilis' YouTube Channel and check out the rest of his songs- you won't regret it!

How Sweet It Is

For me, there is something amazing about country music and summer. The two just go together perfectly. Obviously I listen to country year round, but its relaxed, simple vibe is absolutely perfect for long, lazy summers, and the thought of cranking up a great song while laying in the sun on my hammock and sipping cold iced tea or hanging  just hanging out with friends sounds like pure bliss!
(Bonus points if I'm near the water!)

Here's a few of my favorite country tunes for summer!


"No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem"- Kenny Chesney


"Hey Hey Hey"- Uncle Kracker


"Baby's on the Way"- Luke Bryan


"All Summer Long"- Kid Rock


"Big Green Tractor"- Jason Aldean


"When the Sun Goes Down"- Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker


"Why Don't We Just Dance"- Josh Turner

Have a fabulous weekend!

My Summer Essentials

I'm still in school for another couple months, and my spring break has just begun, so summer is still a long way off for me. But, I know a lot of people finish in May, so I thought it'd be fun to talk about just a few of my must-haves for summer. Also, with the back and forth, warm and cold weather, I think we all need a little something to remind us that summer WILL eventually come!

Flip Flops

From the first day of spring until the last possible day in autumn, I wear flip flops practically everyday. I love Old Navy's because they're super comfy and come in literally dozens of colors and styles. Plus, they're so inexpensive (think 2/$5.00, or $1 per pair during their annual sale) you can get them to match any outfit. I also keep a few pairs of J. Crew flip flops on hand and of course some dressier sandals as well, but I love these for just running around during the day.

Long Wearing Foundation

The toughest thing about wearing makeup in the summer is heat. Get too hot or sweaty, and foundation will melt right off of your face. I recently bought Rimmel's Lasting Finish foundation to carry me into the warmer monthes, and I really like it so far. I haven't tested its claims to last for 25 hours, but it stays pretty well from morning until night. Also, I've gotten a dab on my arm a few times and its been hard to get off- I don't know if that's a good thing, but at least it lives up to its advertising, right?! Oh, and at about $7, the price can't be beat! (Can you tell I love a deal? :) )

Low Maitnence Hair

For the past few years, I've specifically made sure that I didn't have bangs during the summer. Between heat, swimming, and just more running around in general, a low maitnence cut definitely comes in handy. Something like the one above would be cute to style to go out with, but could just as easily be worn up or natural when it's too hot and humid to use heat on your hair.

Nail Polish

Put your plums and navys away, because summer is all about light, bright nail polish. Neons and sparkles are fun and carfree, and pastels like OPI's "Italian Love Affair" look fabulous against a tan!

Good Books

Nothing says summer more than laying on the beach or beside the pool with a great book. During the summer, I love reading chick lit, juicy memoirs, books about fashion and style, etc. One of my favorites that I read last summer was Tori Spelling's sTORI Telling. My initial desire to read it may have come from my fondness for a little show called Beverly Hills, 90210 (seriously, that obsession hobby could get its own entire post... and probably will.), but I ended up loving the book! Since then, I've read her two follow-ups, MommyWood and Uncharted TerriTORI, each one filled with just as many mishaps, hilarities, and hearfelt moments as the first.

Great Music

Every summer has its iconic song, and last year it was definitely "California Gurls", by Katy Perry. Summer is such a great time to just relax and have fun with friends, and great music just adds to the mood- definitely a must-have for summer!