Let me introduce to you MY BRAND NEW, ONE-OF-A-KIND HEADER and SUBWAY ART!
I have been into graphic design for a long time. Subway Art is something that always catches my eye. I love words, quotes, and
to write, so a list of words that describes something is right up my
alley. Just look at My Favorite Words board on pinterest, with an excessive amount of quotes and sayings that I love. I see Subway Art like this all the time (via Pinterest, of
course) and decided I would try to make my own. I love that I can make things that I've envisioned for myself and they're totally customizable.
I haven't figured out how to make these PDFs downloadable for you, but I
am definitely willing to share! If you are interested in one of my
Subway Art pieces, just let me know. I will send you the pdf for you to download and print. I get
mine printed at Office Max and they come out great! If you have an idea
for subway art that you would like me to make for you, just let me
know! :) As always, feedback is appreciated!
Also, I've created a Subway Art page that shows more of the ones I've done and I plan to update that page as I finish more, so make sure to check there as well.
I've been writing a post about the end of college football season (minus bowl games, of course) for the past week & a half and just haven't had time to finish/publish it. The post obviously highlighted- who am I kidding? It focused on- Rutgers and their devastating loss to Louisville on that mis-read route.
To be honest, I was all ready to bang pots and pans like I was welcoming a new year and write about Rutgers beating Louisville/becoming Big East Champions. I was literally on the edge of my seat all day, anxiously awaiting the 7:30 kickoff. I wore red, black and white to work that day to showcase my support for the Scarlet Knights (though Louisville, unfortunately sports the same color scheme- they don't rock it quite as well). And although my viewing situation was less than ideal- I obviously was dying to be at High Point Solutions Stadium with 52,000 of my closest friends and fellow crazed Rutgers fans- I was excited to be watching the game in the comfort of my home with my family, wearing Rutgers attire, wrapped in a Rutgers blanket, and with my cold one in an RU coozie!
I never would have said this out loud prior or during the game, but I thought beating Louisville would have been a sure thing, especially with their quarterback having a broken wrist and sprained ankle, and then when Rutgers scored a beautiful touchdown on their first play on offense, I mean, come onnnn!!!!
Not only would a win have been a repeat of 2006 when Rutgers beat Louisville 28-25 also on a Thursday night in November; a win would have meant that Rutgers would be BIG EAST CHAMPIONS for the first time ever. So you can imagine the huge disappointed I (and every other Rutgers fan) felt after that mis-read route landed the ball in the arms of a Louisville player, with no black uniforms within 5-10 yards of him solidifying RU's third loss of the season. Disappointment. Devastation. You name it.
But even with the devastating loss, Rutgers had a fantastic season under new Coach Kyle Flood, starting the season 7-0, finishing the season 9-3, and sharing the BIG EAST CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE! Kyle Flood was named Big East Coach of the Year (another shared title), and the Scarlet Knights are heading to the Russel Brand Athletic Bowl in Orlando, Florida to take on Virgina Tech. Rutgers Scarlet Knights and their fans have lots to be proud of and I for one, will always take pride in being an alumni of such a great school. The mantra continues.....
KEEP CHOPPING!
Today, nearly 2 weeks later I am no longer dwelling on Rutgers' loss to Louisville, but Army's loss to Navy for the 11th year in a row. As much as I grew up rooting for the Scarlet Knights, I've been cheering for the Black Knights as well- my dad was a cadet and graduated from West Point. Sadly though, I have never attended America's Game- Army vs Navy- one of the biggest rivalry games in college football, which is literally held in our backyard at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (I'll be moving that up close to the top of the Bucket List soon.)
I did not get the opportunity to watch the entire game, but knew Army was holding their own and making it a game for the Midshipmen. But then in those final few minutes, it took a turn that was all-too-familiar for the Cadets. Navy had taken the lead late in the 4th quarter and Army had gotten the ball back with enough time to march down the field and into the end zone for a game-winning score. Except, once on Navy's 14 yard line on a first down, Senior QB Trent Steelman tried to hand off the ball to fullback Larry Dixon, but instead the ball came loose, fell to the ground and wound up in the arms of a Midshipman. Again, Disappointment. Devastation. You name it.
We all might have felt sorry for Trent Steelman after seeing him noticeably upset after that play and ultimately losing to Navy throughout his Army career, but to say my heart was breaking for him and that I wanted to cry too is just scratching the surface. [It also doesn't hurt that Trent Steelman is so darn sexyyy! ;)]
I can't believe how CBS handle the situation to boot. The poor guy was clearly devastated that not only is his college football career
over, but it ended with a fumble and a loss to their biggest rival, whom
he has never beaten. You can't take the camera off of him for a second? Maybe scan the crowd or show Navy's excitement, anything? My goodness CBS, where was your class?
My heart was breaking for him as he cried singing his alma matter first, as Navy's coach came to say a few words to him, and as he walked off the field with a teammate's arm around him. I have a lot of respect for Trent Steelman, playing football is a hobby to the cadets (and midshipmen). Football comes second to serving our country and I respect them all for that. And no matter the outcome of the game, they're all heros!
Sidenote: A Freshman winning the Heisman?!!!!! Talk about pressure for the rest of his college career. Good luck JohnnyFootball. I personally wanted to see Te'o win the Heisman- a solely defensive player, who had an amazing season and is taking his team to the BCS Championship game. Not to say the Texas A&M quarterback was not deserving of the trophy, but he has 3 more years to receive it, give someone else the honor.
I can't believe a whole week in December has already flown by. I have been so busy at work and haven't had time to publish any posts, but I have a few in the making so stay tuned! :) Carrying on in my new trend I bring to you: this week's favorites!
Favorite Holiday Endeavor: XTU Toy Truck Parade XTU held it's annual Toy Truck Parade on Saturday, December 1st. Hundreds of people met at the station early in the morning to register and decorate their vehicles- there were cars, trucks, big rigs, and emergency vehicles. The many people then decorated their cars and got ready to parade down I-76 to Xfinity Live! (Here is a video clip of the event!) Admission to the event was an unwrapped toy. As the day progressed Toy Mountain grew to overwhelming proportions. This picture does not even do the amount donated justice. I couldn't fit all the toys in one shot and didn't get a picture of the 20 bikes someone donated as well. Hunter Hayes performed and all of the proceeds benefited the kids of CAPE. What a wonderful way to kick of the holiday season and get into the Spirit of Giving! :)
Favorite Word: WANDERLUST Wanderlust is a very strong and irresistible impulse or desire to travel the world. The word couldn't describe me any better at this point. I have had a travel bug instilled in me since I was young and that bug grows everyday. I literally want to see the world. I want to move, experience new things and different cultures- it all fascinates me. But for now, I am uncontrollably excited about my two definitely planned trips on the calendar (Skiing Jackson Hole, Wyoming for New Years & Mardi Gras in New Orleans). I also have some other trips in the works! Once I buy a few more things on my wish-list I will be in full force to saving enough money for a one way ticket and I can't wait! :)
Favorite Song: Charlie Worsham, Could It Be
Charlie Worsham is a new Nashville recording artist who just released his first single Could It Be. I love the song, especially this acoustic version from when he paid a visit to the radio station. The song tells a cute story about the beginning stages of a relationship- not knowing what it will bring and I love the beat/instrumentals! :) I amloving a bunch of new artists that I can't wait to share with you, hopefully soon!
And my all time favorite of the week.....
Favorite Announcement: A ROYAL BABY!!!!
The palace made a statement Monday morning saying, "Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, are very
pleased to announce that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby". I have been anxiously awaiting this official announcement since the Royal Wedding. (And if you can't trust E! News, who can you trust?)I have been so intrigued by the Royal Family for a while. I watched the Royal Wedding at un-godly hours of the morning on that Friday in April 2011 and became even more fascinated with the history and tradition when I went to London two weeks later for a wonderful internship opportunity. I learned an unbelievable amount about the Royal Family and the English culture. It is something that I still love and take interest in. I hope to post more about my once-in-a-lifetime experience in London and share all my adventures, knowledge and love for their culture. But for now, we are all officially on Baby Bump Watch!!!
This week officially marked the beginning of Christmas season. With some great Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, decorating the house, listening to Christmas Music non-stop and enjoying Thanksgiving leftovers, Christmas is in full swing. Here are some of my favorite things from this week..
Favorite Meal: Turkey Croquettes
Literally heaven in a ball. Turkey and Stuffing mixed together in a ball and fried. I didn't say it was healthy, but it is oh, so delicious! The picture doesn't do them justice, I almost didn't include it in the post. I'll have to ask my mom for the recipe if you're interested, which you should be, cause my mouth is literally watering right now! YUM!
Favorite Decorating Extravaganza: Putting up the lights!
Usually I don't help much at all with putting up the lights, but this year I was totally in the spirit to decorate and get ready for Christmas. I think the fact of not having finals or other distractions has let me soak up the Christmas spirit early and I love it!
Favorite Deal: 50% off Express
I woke up Friday morning around 11:15 before a dentist appointment and checked my email. I saw an email from Express that they were having 50% off until noon- instant panic set it. I had been dying for this super cute sequin skirt that I couldn't rationalize paying full price for. I was so excited to be able to get it half off- and just in time! Hello, New Year's Eve outfit!
Favorite Event: Carrie Underwood Concert Carrie Underwood's Blown Away Tour made its stop in Philadelphia on Wednesday night and what a night it was. I went straight to the Wells Fargo Center from work and met my sister, Kristine, and my friends from the radio station there. We had awesome seats and both Carrie Underwood and Hunter Hayes' performances were amazing. I saw Carrie perform on her Play On Tour and was thoroughly impressed. This concert left me nothing short of BLOWN AWAY! Hunter Hayes also continues to impress me with his musical abilities- I can't believe he played/recorded all of the instrumentals for his debut record, but it's true. The kid plays over 30 instruments. I can't even name 30 instruments. I am literally mind blown! An added perk to working at a radio station- backstage passes!!! And Kristine got to experience the perks as well. Such a fun night! :)
And now, the most exciting and squeal-worthy Friday Favorite!
Favorite Announcement: Boy Meets World Sequel is OFFICIALLY HAPPENING!!
Boy Meets World was my favorite show of the legendary TGIF line up as a kid. (That and Full House are neck and neck for my all time favorite childhood show.) So naturally I was peeing-my-pants-excited when there were rumors that the show was going to have a sequel! Then Ben Savage, better know as Cory Matthews, tweeted that the show was officially happening and I got even more excited! The show is still in early development, but will have the original producer and members of the cast, according to this Fox News article! I'm pretty certain I speak for most 90's children when I say that I can not wait for "Girl Meets World" to air!!!!
Christmas playlists are just as important as any other staple of the Holiday season. Here are my favorite Christmas songs (and favorite versions of each), which will be playing all day, everyday, for the rest of the year, with some of Pandora's Country Christmas thrown in the mix! Enjoy!
It has been officially announced that Rutgers University Football team will be the 14th member of the Big Ten Conference starting at a date that is TBD, but most likely the 2014-15 season.
When I heard the rumors flying around all sorts of social medias, all I could think about was:
"HELLO BIG TIME COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!!"
Rutgers, to me, is more than my alma matter. Rutgers is something that I associate with friends, family, football, my childhood, many memories and countless other blessings in my life.
In a way, I grew up on the banks. Not only being a die-hard fan throughout childhood, being a student, and now an alumni, but having the memories that I have and being able to watch the football program grow into what it is today has been truly amazing.
I was in the stands when the team went 2-9 in 2001 and 1-11 in 2002. I flew to Miami with my grandpa, aunt/uncle and cousins for the game against the Hurricanes in 2003. I was there for the biggest win in school history when Rutgers beat Louisville, ranked #3 at the time, 28-25 on Thursday, November 9, 2006. I also traveled to Houston Texas with my dad and other family members for the 2006 Texas Bowl against Kansas State. I was there throughout a devastating 2010 season of 4-8; the season with no bowl invitation and when Eric LeGrand became paralyzed. I have been there during the scorching hot days early in the season, and freezing cold ones towards the end. I have stayed during rain, snow, and really any weather condition that presented itself on game day. And I have taken numerous road trips to Syracuse, West Point (Army), Anapolis (Navy), etc, to cheer on the Scarlet Knights. But most importantly, I'm here now, as Rutgers is currently 9-1, looking for a Big East Championship title in 2012 and making a move to the Big Ten.
To say that I love football and Rutgers, both together and separately, is the understatement of the century. I could not be more happy, proud or excited to watch the team and
program "KEEP CHOPPING"! I also see some very fun road trips in the
future!!! I've always wanted to go to "The Big House"!
I have been waiting for Rutgers to make it to big time football my whole life and I am so excited to see where the program goes. I am so proud to be a part of the RFamily!
My father sent me to old Rutgers,
And resolv'd that I should be a man (or a woman);
And so I settled down,
in that noisy college town,
On the banks of the old Raritan.
On the banks of the old Raritan, my friends,
where old Rutgers ever more shall stand,
For has she not stood since the time of the flood,
On the banks of the old Raritan. Then sing aloud to Alma Mater,
Many blogs that I read have weekly features, so I decided to start one on my blog as well. This idea of "Friday Favorites" came from Lauren Conrad.
Here are a few of my favorites from this past week:
Sticking to a theme of my blog, Favorite Song: The Band Perry, Better Dig Two
This is the newest single from The Band Perry and just as expected, it is awesome!!!! The first time I heard it I wasn't really paying attention and was confused on what the song was about. Once I stopped and listened to the lyrics of the song I fell in love with it. It is the ultimate love song, but with an upbeat feel and completely unique lyrics/story.
"If divorce or death ever do us part, the coroner will call it a broken heart"- pure genius!!!!
This song reminds me of couples like Johnny Cash and June Carter or Allie and Noah in the movie version of the Notebook, but not as tragically beautiful. I love it!
Favorite Drink: Starbucks Vanilla Chai
Usually I like iced drinks, but Mother Nature has been having some mood swings this fall and some mornings are just too cold for it. I love an Iced Vanilla Chai and a hot one is just as delicious! I am eager to try the holiday drinks as well, but I'm sure this will be my drink of choice this winter.
I'm experimenting with lip colors and love the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter thanks to Kate. I want to buy more colors and see which ones I like best. What lip colors do you wear?
Favorite Show: Nashville!
It's obvious that I love country music. I love everything about it and what it stands for, so that comes without saying that I love the city of Nashville, Music City. I've only been there once but it is my favorite city (in the States, I might be more in love with London). So you could imagine how excited I was that there was going to be a show based there. Well, true to form, I'm obsessed with the show. It is filled with drama, country music and (some fake) southern accents. It keeps getting better as the weeks go on and they just announced that it's been picked up for a full season. I am so excited to see the plot thicken and drama un-fold! You should check it out!
Favorite Person: Daddy!
Most of you know my dad is awesome and everything a girl could ask for in a father! But he gets extra recognition today because it's his birthday!!! Happy Birthday Daddy, I love you! One more year until you're officially over-the-hill, but you'll always be young at heart!
Okay so I've waited to post about Taylor Swift's new album because I needed to gather my thoughts. And to be honest, I'm still not sure if I have them put together yet!
Initially I was like "Ughh, Taylor Swift" cause her songs are all about failed love/ relationships. She consistently sounds desperate and its kind of annoying. I feel like she doesn't sing like she's 22. She still sings like she's 16. Her music hasn't matured with age, so ultimately I've out grown her.
Though I wouldn't say her songs are good or really recommend them to
people interested in experiencing country music, her songs have a sense
of fun innocence to them. They can bring you back to a time of
innocence or high school with all of the drama she includes in her lyrics. Not to mention the fact that she is
was dating a kid that is still in high school so I guess I've made my
point. She's immature and going to lose the fans that are her age and
older. She's gonna continue to be a singer for "teeny-boppers"! (My
friends are going to have a field day with that phrase!) Which, again,
is fine since she still produces hit after hit, breaking tons of records
and selling multi-million copies of her CDs.
I have complete mixed reviews about Taylor Swift in general. As for her songs, you have to be in the mood to listen to her music. Taylor Swift as a person in the spotlight is different. I haven't met her, but people who have say she is wonderful. She is a gem of a person- great to talk to and be around. I can see that, but it kinda makes me scrunch my eyebrows and wonder how/why she has so many failed relationships about love to sing about. They're probably more like middle school crushes that she mistakes for love to write a hit. Kudos to her cause it obviously works.
On top of her hit music, Taylor Swift is a great business woman from what I can see. Or better yet, she has amazing Marketing and Promotions teams. They're genius. Teaming up with Papa John's to release her album, I'm sure Domino's and Pizza Hut now have open positions in those departments from whoever dropped the ball on that one. Her album releases are always highly anticipated.
Though I can't pin-point a song that stands out to me as the best, I would have to choose Red as my favorite and without a doubt We Are Never, Ever Getting Back Together is my least favorite. And even though I wouldn't nominate this album for Album of the Year, I have to say that I am impressed and give Taylor credit for experimenting with new sounds. This album does sound different than her previous albums and I like that about it. But there's something about the album that still hasn't settled with me yet (hence the reason this post is so late, I was trying to figure it out!)
With that being said, I still find myself listening to it and getting some songs stuck in my head. Go Figure! :)
I've been going to football games for as long as I can remember, especially Rutgers Football games. And in my life I have never heard an entire stadium go completely silent, except once. On October 16, 2010.
The Rutgers vs. Army game is always a big one for our family because most of my family has attended Rutgers, but my dad attended West Point. That year the game was held at the New Meadowlands Stadium (where the NY Jets and NY Giants play) during its inaugural season. So, just like every other Saturday of fall, we packed up the tailgating supplies and had a party!
This game turned out to be one the entire Rutgers Family (in attendence or not) will never forget. Late in the 4th quarter on a kick off return Eric LeGrand #52 made a hit that echoed throughout the whole stadium resulting in numerous "ohhhh"s and cheers from the fans. But after the hit, Eric LeGrand didn't stand up. He layed near the 25 yard line immobilized with Coach Schiano, trainers, and then EMTs running to his side. When the crowd realized he wasn't moving the stadium went silent then filled with quiet murmurs from the fans. Eric LeGrand had become instantly paralyzed breaking the C3 and C4 vertebrae in his neck. Eric was wheeled off the field on a stretcher and rushed to a nearby hospital.
The mantra "bELieve" was born in the Rutgers community and spread like wild fire throughout the country. Eric LeGrand has become an inspiration for everyone who knows his story. His attitude and determination are remarkable.
He recently wrote a book, BELIEVE, that I just finished. I highly recommend it for anyone. It was an amazing eye-opener. It is a wonderfully emotional book that makes you laugh and makes you cry. Eric's story makes you appreciate the things you have and take for granted everyday.
In the book, Eric addresses his changed life and the struggles he faces from being confined to a wheelchair with no movement below the neck. He has never felt sorry for himself or asked "why me". He takes his injury as a way for him to inspire others and spread awareness of spinal cord injuries.
The first half of the book talks a lot about football- plays, games, and the Rutgers Football Program. I didn't mind this because I love football and have been following Rutgers for years. However, this may be boring to some people.
I loved the part of the book where he described an old Rutgers tradition of the Scarlet Walk (pgs 91-92)! Though the section was short it was so descriptive. Growing up and going to Rutgers games every weekend, the Scarlet Walk became one of my favorite parts of the RU football experience. And when the team was 1-9 (in the early 2000's) those were the things you had to look forward to for excitement (well, and the Kid's Zone)!
Eric's description took me back to a place and time with all of those early years of Rutgers tailgates flooding back. I couldn't help but smile.
I admit while I was in college I didn't attend the Scarlet Walk half as much as I would have liked, but that doesn't make it any less of a Rutgers Tradition. I always look forward to those shots of Rose Tequila by the "big tree"!! :)
Eric LeGrand is very inspirational for everyone who knows his story and bELieves in him. Everyone should remember this verse when we are feeling like we don't know what's in store for us.
As a new blogger I feel as though I can not have this recent natural disaster come and go without commenting on it, especially since it has hit close to home and effected so many people that I love.
We were very fortunate to not lose power and have no damage. Lots of family and friends were not as fortunate:
Two cases of trees falling on parts of houses and other trees falling
Most without power since early Monday evening (Oct. 29)
Beach houses taking on water, completely under water or washed away
and other damages.
The winds during the storm were intense. I took videos that did not capture any images, just the beating sound of the wind. The neighbor's trees were blowing half way over and one eventually fell.
Kristine and I watching Hurricane Sandy from Kaylee's bedroom window! (Mom turned the lights on to take the picture!)
The aftermath images of the Jersey Shore are absolutely heart breaking. It no longer exists. No boardwalks, no beaches, none of our favorite bars or eatery's. It's devastating. Memories upon memories of days, weekends, and vacations soaking up the fun in the sun are all that's left.
This video of New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie, brought tears to my eyes. You can see by his expression, just how devastating this is.
Governor Christie tweeted, "We will rebuild the Shore. It may not be the same, but we will rebuild.#Sandy"
It's time for New Jersey to show the rest of the country and world that the Jersey Shore is not just about fist pumping, tanning, and getting drunk! We're Jersey Strong!
Everyone who has been greatly effected by Hurricane Sandy, with physical or emotional damage is in my thoughts and prayers.
Side Note: Is anyone else freaked out by the fact that in the movie "2012" NY flooded in October?
I didn't believe the world was going to end until now!
I have a slight obsession with painting my nails... The first step is admitting you have a problem, right? Done.
I hate having chipped nails and I hate not having them painted, so I'm constantly painting my nails.
I find some great ideas and pin them to my "Nail Polish Obsession" board on Pinterest to try them out myself.
Recently I discovered OPI's Germany Collection and want all of them more for their names than for the actual colors! - Nein! Nein! Nein! OK Fine!, Berlin There Done That, Don't Pretzel My Buttons, etc. I admit, it's an issue!
I recently became a Julep Maven! Julep is a type of nail polish and being a Maven means that for $20 a month they send me a box full of fun nail polishes based on my style! They give you a quiz to determine your style when you sign up- American Beauty, Classic with a Twist, It Girl, or Bombshell. I'm an American Beauty. They'll send you the Maven box of your style each month or you can choose to get a different style box. I prefer painting my own nails as opposed to getting manicures and I figure if I got my nails done regularly it would be more than $20 a month, so this is totally logical. Plus, if I wasn't a maven I would be buying nail polish on the reg anyway! Being a Maven makes it even more fun and who doesn't love getting packages in the mail?
If you sign up to be a Maven there are tons of rewards too! They give you discounts on their other products and are always letting you "add-on" to your boxes. If you're obsessed with painting your nails, like me, you should definitely check it out!
I am still on the hunt for a top coat that I love, so if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.
In one of my Julep Maven Boxes I received Quick Dry Polish Drops and I love it! The regular price for the drops is $14 (or $11.20 for Mavens) and I also received them with 2 nail polishes for $20! Great Deal! :)
Use my referral link or click the badge on the right to sign up to be a Maven. You could also use my invitation code when you register- 5354580!
Jason Aldean is an artist that has progressively climbed the charts throughout his career.
I'll never forget the first time I heard his first single Hicktown. We were on vacation in Cancun and all of the kids were at the "club" at the resort. A beach blonde, shaggy haired boy sang that song on karaoke and he fit it perfectly. I came home from vacation, downloaded the song and have been listening to Jason Aldean ever since. That song peaked at #9 after about 40-50 weeks of being released.
Jason has had a number of hits since then including Why (his first #1), Amarillo Sky, Big Green Tractor, and of course My Kinda Party to name a few.
Jason Aldean's latest single Take a Little Ride made it to #1 in just a couple weeks, infact, I heard on SiriusXM's The Highway that Jason Aldean is the artist who has been at #1 the most in the last 12 months. Pretty Impressive.
I had no doubt that this Night Train album was going to take over the charts just like his previous album My Kinda Party did. But I have to admit I've been interested to see how Night Train does ever since his recent scandal. Jason was photographed flirting and kissing a woman who is not his wife after too much to drink one night while on tour. He made a public apology via Twitter and we haven't heard much about it since.
I have been dying to hear this album, constantly wondering what he was going to do to top My Kinda Party or even Wide Open. I was dying to hear the songs- what they were going to be about, what kind of sound this album was going to have- the lyrics, the instrumentals, everything! I couldn't wait.
I got the pleasure of listening to some of Night Train while tuning into The Highway on SiriusXM (what a treat!). The Highway did an album premier party and had Jason talk about the songs that they played. I was smiling the entire time. I loved all of the songs and didn't know how I was going to wait the 3 days til I could download the whole thing.
The album is amazing!
He continues to impress and make me want more album after album!
Jason Aldean is an artist you, well I, never want to skip over. There are artists that I am a huge fan of but sometimes still find myself reaching for the "next" button when a particular song comes up on my iPod, not Jason. If my iPod is on shuffle and a Jason Aldean song comes on, it always stays. I never get sick of his songs and always love listening to him.
This album is no different. I have been listening to it non-stop since I downloaded it and can't get enough. I found myself tapping my foot and completely sinking into the songs while I had it playing in the background at work. It was definitely a challenge trying to decide which songs I like best on the impressive 15 track list. I could barely narrow it down to five (so I included six videos in this post. Overload? Sorry I couldn't help it. They're worth listening to. Promise!)
One song that defnitely stands out to me is one with something I've never heard before. Jason does a song with Luke Bryan and Eric Church on this album called The Only Way I Know. He called it a "tri-ette" on his premier party with The Highway! That song is great- with three amazing/big time country artists singing together on a track that fits them all perfectly. How can it not be awesome?
I also like "1994" more because of my story with it than for the actual song. The song is co-written by Thomas Rhett, my favorite new-comer to country music (post about him to come soon). While I was listening to the song during the premier party I knew I had heard it before. The first time I heard this song was while I was watching various YouTube videos of Thomas Rhett- I remember smiling and laughing cause the song is just fun like that! Thomas Rhett has performed that song while on tour and started "The Diffie" contest for fans to submit videos of them doing "The Diffie" - pretty much a dance you make up that you think is "The Diffie" (aka country version of "The Dougie"). I liked hearing Jason sing it as well. It's a fun song with a catchy beat, rhythm and chorus... one you can be sure will get stuck in your head.
This album covers the spectrum of fun, upbeat, down home country songs to heart felt stories of lost souls, loneliness and broken hearts- everything you would expect from country music!
I highly recommend Night Train! Jason is absolutely leaving his mark on country music one incredible album at a time, you definitely don't want to miss the train as its sure to not slow down anytime soon!
For those of you who do not keep up with college football there are two things to take note of:
1. It is half way through the season and the official BCS standings have been released
2. Rutgers is 6-0 and ranked #15!
Rutgers University's Football team has had its ups and downs throughout the past decade or so. I've been going to Rutgers games for as long as I can remember. I remember being at the games of complete disappointment during a 2-9 2001 season, but I was 11 and didn't know much about football.
Things were looking up for the Rutgers Football program with Brian Leonard and Ray Rice in charge of bringing the ball down to the end zone. Rutgers was invited to bowl games concluding the 2005, '06, '07, '08, '09, and '11 seasons- winning 5-1 of those games.
In 2010 Rutgers faced unexpected hardship when Eric LeGrand became paralyzed during the October 16th game against Army at the New Meadowlands stadium. The team won that game, but didn't win another one for the rest of the season.
The bELieve mantra was born to support Eric LeGrand. "bELieve" in the Rutgers Family means that we believe in Eric LeGrand. We believe that he will walk again and we believe in the strength and power of pulling together for our own in need.
Now, 2 years and a coaching change later, Rutgers is looking better than ever.
Coach Kyle Flood took over a program that Coach Greg Schiano re-built from the ground up. Flood has continued Schiano's philosophy and kept the team "CHOPPING"!
Rutgers has been able to get a number of top recruits who are shining through the armor. The team is certainly gelling together but there are moments of lapse in judgement causing the casual scratch of the head and making you want to shout: "What the hell is going on out there"!
The outlook and schedule is very favorable for Rutgers to be 9-0 heading into the Cincinnati game (on November 17th) with potential to be ranked in the top 10.
I am extremely excited to watch the rest of the season unfold, knowing that I won't be anything short of proud of my alma mater!
So as most of you know, I love music. Music, for me, is a way to
escape, to unwind, to clear my head. I can sit and listen to music for
hours, listening to the lyrics and instrumentals that make up a great
song or smash hit.
Growing up I always had music coming from the stereo
in my room. It didn't matter what kind... I listened to John
Melloncamp, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen (Thanks to Dad); James
Taylor and Fleetwood Mac (Thanks to Uncle Tony) and of course the boy
bands of the 90's (Thanks to my generation). I've always had a soft
spot for country music, though, and that interest has flourished into a
full blown love affair. I am obsessed. I still listen to the artists I
grew up on and even attended Bruce Springsteen's latest tour- The Wrecking
Ball Tour at the Meadowlands in New Jersey (WHAT. A. SHOW.)
But over the past 10 years or so I've been hooked on Country Music. Falling in love with Rascal Flatts' Melt Album (2002) and Toby Keith's Shock'n Y'all Album (2003) and then attending both of those tours, there was no turning back. Those artists are still among my top favorites today!
For me, country music does not just produce songs, it produces stories. Those stories reflect real people, experiences, and life. I love being able to relate to a song's lyrics.
Working for a country music radio station these past months has been simply amazing. The things I've learned about the industry are invaluable and the perks are obviously unbelievable for a country nut like me.
I have a soft spot for acoustic songs. My favorite part about
working at the radio station is when new artists come in to promote
their new single and get on the radio. There's something about new
artists that I love. I think it's the fact that their heads aren't big
enough to be unappreciative of the things that helped their success
along the way. This is the part I miss most since getting a full time job and only working at the station on weekends.
Stay tuned for my reviews of new releases, including Little Big Town's Tornado, Jerrod Niemann's Free the Music, Jason Aldean's Night Train(coming October 16), Eden's Edge's self-titled debut album (I've met them twice- they're the nicest people and great performers, they deserve their own post), and my favorite newcomer, Thomas Rhett!
Here are some of my favorites right now (doesn't necessarily mean they're new):
Florida Georgia Line: Cruise
This is a new song out on country radio and it's going to be a hit!!!
I have been wanting to start a blog for a long time now and just didn't
know what I should write about or what people would want to read. So, with lots of encouragement from my friends, I decided to just go for it! (And I'll be honest, writing and playing around with this post has been more fun than I ever imagined it being, so I think I'm really going to like this blogging thing-- lucky you!)
I am a recent graduate of Rutgers University and work in Philadelphia as a Communication Coordinator for an association. I am in charge of the Monthly e-Newsletter, the website, and planning/ registration for our monthly events. I have also worked for two Philadelphia "sister" radio stations since January- starting as an intern and then getting hired part time in the promotions department. So, since I graduated and got a full time job, I have been working 7 days a week (I occasionally have a weekend day off, if I request it). In other words, I've been busy.
I like to write and
although I don't keep a steady journal I find myself writing down
thoughts and other things worth remembering (experiences, feelings,
goals, etc.) often.
I plan to post about anything I want- my adventures, college football (or sports in general, cause well, I'm obsessed.), new music reviews (Country music, cause that's all I really listen to), DIY projects (and by that I mean, DIY projects that I found on Pinterest or other blogs that I had my dad do for me!), Outfit Of The Day (OOTD- cause let's face it, we all have those days where we're like "OMG, this is so cute!"), and other things I find post worthy.
I am still getting to know Blogger and hope that my posts get better with time and experience. If you have any suggestions, please let me know! :)
