Game to Watch :: Week 14

The Iron Bowl is the most important game of rivalry week as #1 Alabama takes on #4 Auburn.

For the first time ever, the winner of the Iron Bowl will go on to the SEC Championship Game.  Then, possibly a shot at that BCS National Championship trophy and without a doubt, bragging rights throughout the state of Alabama!

Just like in most rivalry or season- making/breaking games, never take your opponent for granted.  Either team has a fair shot at being victorious, so the real question is, who's the better Alabama team?!  Who deserves the bragging rights throughout the state and possibly a shot at the National Title?!

With the way Auburn's been playing this season, I don't doubt that they can beat Alabama, but will Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide let that happen?

Kick off is 3:30 Saturday from Auburn, Alabama!  This is a game you don't want to miss!! :)

I'm Thankful...

I'm guilty of wanting things that I don't have or that are just out of reach instead of taking the time to be grateful and appreciate the things I do have.  Though life isn't exactly how I pictured it being right now, I really shouldn't complain because I am very fortunate.  So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving I wanted to take the time to reflect on the things I'm thankful for.

My family

My friends

Their support and never-ending encouragement

My job- though I complain about it most days, I'm thankful that I have one

Traveling- the adventures I've gone on and the ones I'm planning
Opportunities I've been given to network and further my career
My health (but I do need to start taking better care of myself as a whole... I want to live a long and healthy life...)
My struggles because they make be fight harder for what I want
Having so many cities at my disposal. (I work in Philadelphia, and Atlantic City, New York City, and Hoboken are all a quick drive away.)  I'm thankful that my friends and I can go anywhere we please on any given night!

This list might seem cliche, but sometimes I need to be reminded of all the wonderful things in my life that I take for granted.  

Happy Thanksgiving!  I hope everyone has a wonderful & safe holiday! :)

What are you thankful for this holiday season?

Game to Watch :: Week 13

Baylor is one of six schools that remain undefeated heading into week 13.  Baylor is currently ranked #4 and looking to continue their feat and shock the country.  With a few unexpected turn of events this season, Baylor has a shot at the National Championship and their QB, Bryce Petty is climbing the Heisman Watch List.

This week Baylor takes on #10 Oklahoma State for a BIG 12 match-up, hoping to eliminate the Cowboys' potential Big 12 Champion Title (there is no official Championship game for the Big 12).  Baylor definitely has the talent to win this game as long as they stay focused on the here and now.  They can't be thinking ahead (to say, the National Championship) before coming out with a win over Oklahoma State, a team that's sure to put them to the test.

Baylor's offense is on fire, the best in the country, and outscoring their opponents by at least 10 points per game (at least 29 points per game if you don't count their 10-point win against Kansas State)!

Both teams perform at an uptempo pace and are sure to race back and forth to the end zone.  Just like in any close match-up, a great performance by special teams will be a benefit to either team. 

I think Baylor holds onto this one in what's sure to be a great game

Baylor- 45, Oklahoma State- 38

The game is tomorrow at  8:00 PM (ET) on ABC from Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma!


What games are you excited about this week?  Only a few weeks left before the excitement of Bowl Season and the Heisman Trophy!!!  Can you believe it?

Linking up with Sarah today for Fan Friday! :)

Reasons I'm not a Fashion Blogger & My Attempt at it!

Clearly I'm not a fashion blogger.  I love fashion and try to follow the latest trends, but I'm just not a fashion blogger.

The three main reasons why I'm not a fashion blogger:

1.  My room is usually messy.  Have you ever seen a fashion blogger have an unmade bed or clothes thrown everywhere and the occassional dresser drawer still open?  Yeah, me either.  I could only be a fashion blogger if I planned my outfits for the week on Sunday, cause that's usually the only day my room is spotless!  (Too bad snapchats don't save to your phone or else I could have showed you the disaster I tackled last weekend!)

2.  I can't take #OOTD pics of myself. #FAIL

3.  I usually throw my outfits together last minute and run out the door to catch the train.  Sometimes I try to pick out my outfit the night before and always end up changing it because "I don't feel like wearing that"!  Hey, I never said I was low maintenance!

I do, however, love finding inspiration for my outfits and style from "Fashionistas" through blogs, pinterest, and instagram!  My favorite things right now as the weather is so in between and changing every day are vests, scarfs, and boots.  I've also been experimenting with layering.

Here's my attempt at being a fashion blogger for the day:: 

clearly forgot to add shoes in my outfit pictures, again FAIL!

 

1.  Black & White Gingham: Old Navy, Grey Sweater: Old Navy, Pink Vest: Old Navy, Jeans: Gap

2.  Tan Sweater: J. Crew, Green Vest: JC Penny, Jeans: Gap, Scarf: Zara

3.  Lace Shirt: Loft, Plaid Shirt, Forever 21, Navy Skirt: J. Crew

4.  Green Shirt: Target, Black Polka Dot Pants: J. Crew, Bow Scarf: Etsy

5.  Chambray: Old Navy, Vest: J.Crew Factory, Jeans: Gap, Scarf: J.Crew

6.  Black & White Stripped Shirt: Loft, Black Polka Dot Pants: J. Crew, Camo Scarf: Express

7.  Black Peplum: Express, Lace Skirt: Loft, Flower Necklace: J.Crew

8.  Leopard Shirt: J.Crew, Purple Sweater: J.Crew, Black Polka Dot Pants: J.Crew

Can you tell that I really love these Black Polka Dot Pants from J. Crew Factory?! I promise I don't wear them everyday, though!  I'm looking for some more plaid to add to my wardrobe, preferably a nice red flannel!  I'm dying to pair it with the fur vest I have.  

What are some of your favorite trends right now?  What's a staple to your wardrobe?!

Music Review :: Lady Antebellum, Golden (Deluxe Edition)

Has Lady Antebellum released anything that is short of amazing?!  Yeah I can't think of anything either and their Deluxe Edition of their latest album, Golden, is well, amazing.

Golden was released back in May, but last week the group released the Deluxe Edition with 6 additional songs- 3 never heard before, including their newest single Compass and 3 renditions of previous hits.  

Lady Antebellum is the type of group that pleases all sorts of audiences with songs ranging from tragic to sassy and innocent to frisky.  The melodies on this album are so ear-catching that you automatically find yourself humming and dancing along.  Different ballads on the record highlight Charles and Hilary's vocal capabilities, both together and individually, all variations being, simply put, beautiful!

Not only are the songs musically awesome, the lyrics are brilliant.  You don't have to listen/ pay attention to the lyrics in order to enjoy the songs, but when you do, it makes the songs 100x better than they already are.  There is not a song that on this album that I want to skip.  It lives up to its title and is truly, Golden.  I'm swooning over this entire album, no joke!

I tried to narrow down my favorites:

Compass- Let your heart, sweetheart, be your compass when you're lost and you should follow it wherever it may go

I love And The Radio Played because it references so many awesome country songs.  Everytime I hear it I pick up another song that it references.  It's one of those song that you stop and tune everything else out so you can just listen.  I really love it.  See if you can pick up on all of the other song references in it, it's fun, I'm also a dork.

I really hope you guys enjoy this album as much as I do.  Call me crazy, but it has the power to put me in a great mood!!! :)

What do you think of Lady Antebellum?  Do you love this album?

Game to Watch :: Week 12

Michigan State and Nebraska will be battling on Saturday for a chance to travel to the Big Ten Championship.  Michigan State is currently 8-1 and ranked #16 in the current BCS standings, while Nebraska is 7-2 overall.

The Nebraska- Michigan State match-up has a history of being “anyone’s game” despite each team’s strengths and the outcome.  Michigan State has been the better team throughout the season, so containing Nebraska and getting ahead will be key for the Spartans on Saturday.

Will the Spartans get their first-ever win against the Cornhuskers?  It’s going to be close, but I think so.

Spartans 24, Huskers, 17

Check out Project College Football for my full preview of the Nebraska/Michigan State game!!!

What games are you watching this week?

Tomorrow I am heading to Rutgers as they take on Cincinnati for the last time as conference rivals.  It's also my dad's 50th Birthday!!!!! So we'll be celebrating big time, even though we already had a surprise party for him!!! :)  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Music Review :: Toby Keith, Drinks After Work

Toby Keith is the first country artist that I started listening to.  He was also my first country concert on his Shock 'n Y'all tour, which I went to with my mom, dad, sisters and best friend, Nina, at the Delaware State Fair in the summer of 2003.  Fun Fact:  Blake Shelton opened for Toby on that Tour, how wild is that!!  I credit his Unleashed (2002) and Shock 'n Y'all (2003) albums for getting me into country music and they are still my favorites of his to this day!  Should've Been A Cowboy is one of my favorite songs off all time, the live version, of course!

Toby Keith recently released his Drinks After Work album, which I think is his best album in years.  Don't get me wrong, he's had some great singles, but as a whole, I really like this album.  With the genre of country music somewhat changing and ranging from country-rock to country-pop, Toby Keith remains country.  His songs are real, and American, and down-home country.  He stays true to what brought me into this genre and out of my boy-band phase.

This summer I had that pleasure of meeting Toby Keith for first time with Nina.  It was so much fun being able to meet him together 10 years after we went to his concert for the first time.  We've seen him a number of times since then too.

 It was also fun being able to upgrade my sisters' seats and watch the concert just a few rows back with them!  I just really love country music and the experiences I've had with my family and friends surrounding it.  It warms my heart!

Now back to talking about the album, Drinks After Work was somewhat delayed due to the devastating Tornadoes tearing through Toby's hometown of Moore, Oklahoma back in May. 

As usual the album ranges from heart-felt and sentimental tracks to lighthearted laughs and crowd pleasers.  In this album he also experiments with a few new styles including blues and a hint of R&B in one of my favorite tracks, Little Miss Tear Stain (Could we ever get back together or is never still a good time to call... loveeee that line!).  Toby gives his fans what they want and look forward to in tracks that tell a story and show off his wit, like I'll Probably Be Out Fishing.

In his Deluxe Edition, which I highly recommend, Toby showcases his patriotism once again in Call A Marine and sings a beautiful and deeply powerful tribute to his band member in Chuckie's Gone.

Live in Overdrive Tour, Summer 2012

You won't be disappointed in this album, I suggest downloading the Deluxe Edition!  Here are some of my favorite tracks!

Game to Watch :: Week 11

I am still in shock that Stanford upset Oregon last night, effectively ending the Ducks' BCS hopes and Mariota's campaign for Heisman.  I was really rooting for Oregon this season and have said that I didn't think "they" gave them enough credit.  I just can't believe it, but that's sports and one of the things I love most about it!

A quote from one of my favorite shows, One Tree Hill, stands out to me today..

"When I watch a game it reminds me that we all have greatness inside of us.  You know, on any given day an underdog can rise up.  It gives me hope!"

And though I might be a day late on the actual game to watch for this week, my pick is the Alabama/LSU game.

The highly anticipated battle of the SEC West is upon us as #1 Alabama takes on #10 LSU at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday Night. 

Though LSU will not be in contention for the National Championship trophy with 2 three-point losses to both Georgia and Ole Miss, this game still weighs heavily on the players, coaches and fans from both teams.

Now, more than ever, Alabama needs to retain their perfection as a loss will more than likely cost them a bid to the National Championship Game for the third consecutive year.  I think they’ll be okay though.    BAMA by 14.

Make sure to visit Project College Football for my complete preview of this match-up!

What games are you excited for?  Did you watch last night's game?

Linking up with Sarah for Fan Friday!!

Music Review :: Thomas Rhett, It Goes Like This

 I don't think I'll ever forget the first time I heard Thomas Rhett.  It was the beginning of my internship at Philadelphia's Country Radio Station (92.5 WXTU).  He had come into the studio on his radio tour to play for our Program Director and our Music Director (the people who decide what gets played on the radio).  All staff is invited to watch these acoustic performances and it quickly became one of my favorite perks of the internship and working for the radio station.

Thomas Rhett played Something To Do With My Hands, Beer With Jesus, and Whatcha Got In That Cup.  I was immediately hooked.  I loved his voice, his guitar playing and his image.  He was so nice, genuine, and seemed to really appreciate the people who gathered to hear him perform.  That experience made me appreciate the new-comers so much more.  They realize it's because of radio that their fans hear their music and help them succeed.

Since that day in early February 2012, I've seen him perform 4 times and "met" him twice more.  His EP was released sometime last year and I, of course, instantly downloaded and couldn't get enough of it.  I don't know if it's because of the "relationship" I've formed with him (and by relationship I mean we follow each other on twitter and have hung out back stage) or because of his music, but I really loved it.

Thomas Rhett recently released his first full album, It Goes Like This, which features his first three singles, Something To Do With My Hands, Beer With Jesus, and his first #1 hit, It Goes Like This.  The album does a great job of showcasing Thomas' strong voice, while having that country-rock feel and being musically diverse over all.  Honestly though, I'm a much bigger fan of his EP than the completed album.  The EP is where his better songs are.  Well, I'm not sure if I should say better or really just the ones I like better.

Though I'm not in love with all of the songs, Thomas Rhett is very talented.  He's been on the writing side on a number of hits that you've heard from Jason Aldean and others, not to mention, he's the song of award-winning song-writer, Rhett Akins.  It's going to be cool to see his career grow because his talent is amazing and he's going to be big time!  I'm sure he's going to capture a wonderful audience from this debut record.  It also doesn't hurt that he's so damn cute and has the best southern twang!  

My favorites from the album include: Make Me Wanna, Whatcha Got in That Cup, Something To Do With My Hands, Beer with Jesus (though it's sparked some controversy, I like it), and In A Minute!!

Definitely check out the album and let me know what you think. 
 

Fall Favorites

Fall is my favorite season.  I love wearing boots and scarfs, watching the leaves change and tailgating with family and friends.  It also means the holidays are right around the corner!!!  Here are some of the things I'm loving this fall season!

Click here to read more about some of my College Football experiences this season!

 

And of course we can't forget the beautiful colors of fall!!

What are some of your favorite things of fall?!

Game to Watch :: Week 10

The rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State is one of the biggest in the Big Ten Conference and the teams are neck and neck in the rankings at 21 and 22 respectively. 

The Wolverine offense has been explosive, while Michigan State is currently #3 in the nation in scoring defense.  Both teams have one loss and opposite strengths, which makes this an interesting match-up and exciting rivalry game.


Check out ProjectCFB.com for the rest of my preview of the Michigan State vs. Michigan game!