This is What my Heart Looks Like:

Kiss your favorite Beatle! If I had this poster, you better believe that first set of lips would be worn through!

This is What my Heart Looks Like:

There’s no doubt in my mind that I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing, but sometimes I can’t help but miss playing the piano…

Stereomood

I just found out about an awesome website that creates music playlists based on what mood you’re in. We all do this when we create iTunes playlists and use Genius recommendations, but this is taking it to the next level. There are your typical moods like calm, happy, and energetic, but then there are ones like aphrodisiac, and dressing up, just woke up, and lost in Jamaica. Like I said. Next level.

Stereomood

Ten Things Tuesday – August 9

How have my music tastes changed from 2 years ago? Well, let’s find out. The top ten bands/musicians I want to see in concert:

1. Florence and the Machine. Probably my new favorite out of all the music I’ve discovered recently. It’s way more dance-worthy than what I normally listen to, but still manages to feel indie and ethereal. Florence Welch’s voice is just otherworldly. There’s nothing I can even compare it to off the top of my head. I can’t even imagine what her live show would be like. I’d be willing to find out. 

2. Mumford and Sons. I never thought I would like bluegrass so much, but I do. Granted, they’re not strictly bluegrass, but kind of a rock infusion that I really enjoy. I think I could listen to them on repeat for days. Oh, wait, I have. I have a feeling that they have an incredible live energy that you can’t find at many other shows.

3. Coldplay. I’ve wanted to see them live for years, but haven’t ever had the chance. I’ve been waiting for quite a while for them to come out with a new CD and subsequent tour, because I wanted to give it as a graduation present to a friend, but I’ve had to wait so long for that to happen! I don’t care what anyone says, I still want to see them.

4. Ben Folds. I had the chance to see him in Nashville my senior year of high school, but my mom wouldn’t let me go. My boyfriend at the time was going, several of my close friends were going. But I wasn’t allowed to, no matter how much pleading I did. Ben Folds is one of those artists that I always kind of forget about, but when I rediscover him, I get obsessed for weeks on end. He’s truly one of my all-time favorites.

5. Josh Groban. I’m supposed to be seeing him right now, actually, but the concert got cancelled at the last minute due to food poisoning. I was really disappointed because I’ve wanted to see him for a long time. Cheesy, I know, but I really like his music. He’s got an incredbile voice – if you’ve never really paid attention to it, you should give him another listen. He’s good studying music. Besides being a little on the mature side of the music spectrum, he’s wickedly funny and loves geeky things. This makes him adorable and entertaining.

6. Flogging Molly. Really, what could possibly match the energy of an Irish rock band? Nothing. I love, love, love them. I want to get liquored up and dance around like crazy with lots of Irishmen.

7. The Avett Brothers. Another country/bluegrass-esque band that I didn’t think I’d like. It’s funny, I don’t like mainstream country music, but them I love. There’s something about that indie vibe and raw musicality that just seems so much more authentic. I know a girl who’s seen them 6 or 7 times already, and she says they’re amazing.

8. Michael Buble. A couple of my friends saw him a few years ago and loved it. He’s along the Josh Groban lines for me – a bit on the mature/adult side of music, but still entertaining. He has great style, though, in his jazzy and swinging attitude. Much like Frank Sinatra, but not quite as badass.

9. Jamie Cullum. I once heard him describe his own shows as the beauty of a jazz performance with the energy and vibe of a rock show. If you can’t tell, I like this combination very much. He should probbly be higher up on this list, if only for his version of Not While I”m Around.

10. Jack Johnson. So mellow, so cool, so lovely. I’d love to hear him play out on the beach – that’s the only appropriate venue, no?

Tale as Old as Time

So, just a little belated update on my recent social activities. Last Tuesday was my last day of work, so to celebrate this new freedom, Alli and I drove up to Abingdon to see Beauty and the Beast at the Barter Theatre. She’s also moving soon – to Spartanburg, in fact – for med school. We decided to see the show as one of our last get-togethers before we both move away. Alli is probably the biggest Disney fanatic I know, and Beauty and the Beast just happens to be her favorite show, so of course she was up for seeing it as soon as I mentioned it.

We left pretty early in the morning, to have time to eat lunch and walk around downtown a little before the show started. We ate lunch at this little Italian restaurant in town, which was just okay. I’m not really familiar with the Abingdon area, so I didn’t really know much about restaurants and such when we got there. We had a leisurely lunch and caught up on our respective family dramas and sagas. Afterwards we walked to some of the shops downtown, which wasn’t many. You’d think somewhere with a cute little downtown and a well-known theater company would have better shopping, but I guess we just weren’t in the right area. Whatever.

The main reason we were there, of course, was to see the show. It definitely did not disappoint. There were tons and tons of kids there, which shouldn’t have been surprising, considering that it’s a family show. There were quite a few little girls dressed up in costumes, which was really cute. The show itself was fabulous; I’ve never seen the Broadway version of B&tB before, but this was pretty far up there as far as quality. If you’re in the area and can make it to a show, I’d highly recommend it. It was faithful to the Disney version of the story, while adding its own live-performance flair. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to any kind of play or show, and this was definitely a great way to make up for the deficit.

After the show we found a little bakery for dessert; we’d been on the search for cupcakes, but that proved fruitless. I had a mini key lime pie, which was delicious, probably the best I’ve ever had. My mouth is still drooling just thinking about it.

All in all, quite a successful and fun day. I always enjoy my time with Alli, and this extended day together made up for all the time we haven’t been able to spend together lately. It’s weird knowing that she’s moving, as well, but I’ve consoled myself by making her a handy little map of things she should see and do while living in Spartanburg.

Geeking Out over Rock and Roll

The title says it all. Here’s all you need to know about the history of rock and roll.

I Love Charts

Geek Week

I’ve decided that I’m into enough geeky things now, and have been obsessing enough over them lately, to officially declare this week to be Geek Week. Over the next several days, this blog will be overtaken with geeky things, so be sure to check them out!

We can’t start any proper Geek Week without a good definition, can we?

Book smarts that outweigh social smarts, but not to the point of social ineptitude. Someone who knows more than they should about one specific subject. The people you pick on in high school but end up working for as an adult. You can tell them apart by their pale, stay-indoors skin and that ravenous glint in their eyes when they can beast you with their knowledge of random useless facts.

In other words, someone who loves something really, really a lot, whether it be popular or not. So you can be a geek about anything: Star Wars, comic books, foreign films, beards, bacon, computers, knitting, marching band, painting, microbrews. As long as it’s something you hold very dear to your heart, and have a rather expert knowledge on, you’re a geek. We all do it – there’s no shame in it.

Source

And to get us started, here are some rather geeky links:

Think Geek: your source for all things geek.

I Love Charts: because hardly anything is geekier than guys who love charts.

Geeks Are Sexy: well, they are.

And this awesome video:

Ten Things Tuesday – June 14

A while ago, I did a list of the sexiest men alive, followed closely by the sexiest women. While I’d still keep the majority of these fine specimens of beauty on my list, I thought I’d do an updated version. After all, tastes change, new discoveries are made, and new favorites rotate in. Maybe it’s the summer heat, but I’m feeling rather lusty, what with this second of three “crush” lists. Keeping my everlasting affections for Paul McCartney, Mike Rowe, and John Krasinski to a minimum, here’s my current list of man crushes:

1. Nathan Fillion
I have been watching a ridiculous amount of him lately. I ordered the Castle DVDs and have been watching through all the episodes (which is a fantastic series, by the way). I’ve watched Firefly on Netflix, as well as the Serenity movie. I’ve seen Dr. Horrible. Not to mention the countless YouTube videos of him doing various things. I absolutely cannot get enough of him! He is, to use an oft-repeated phrase, ruggedly handsome. He’s smart, witty, charming, and just a genuinely nice guy. Combine that with the fact that he’s a bit of a dork – in a good way – and you’ve basically got the perfect man. This crush may have grown to an unhealthy level…

2. Anthony Bourdain
I’ve professed my love for him before, but I thought I’d add him here because he didn’t make the cut last time. Probably because I wasn’t really into his snarkiness or his cavalier attitude. But beyond all the punk and badass, he’s actually eloquent and really passionate about great food everywhere he goes. Had I been growing up in Jersey in the 70s, I probably would have harbored a secret, unrequited crush on this bad boy. Why are they so irresistible?

3. Leonardo DiCaprio
OK, so he’s popping up on the list for a second time. Maybe even in the same spot. Whatever, I don’t care. I recently re-watched Inception, and he’s earned his spot again. Remind me again why he’s never won an Oscar?

4. Chris O’Dowd
It’s probably his character from Bridesmaids that I have such a crush on. The Irish accent also doesn’t hurt, either. I just can’t get enough of those European men.

5. Johnny Depp
I’ve only recently come to appreciate the ridiculously talented Mr. Depp. Other girls picked up on his charm and his sexiness long before I did, but I’m glad that I finally came around. It used to just be the Jack Sparrow getup that did it for me, but now I find him all-around attractive. It’s probably how talented he is.

6. Scott Speedman
I’ve been watching all the episodes of Felicity lately with a friend, and the character of Ben is just too cute. He’s the brooding type, for sure. It’s a tough call between Noel and Ben, but the former I’d pick as just the good friend. I swoon a little every time Ben smiles…

7. Mark Salling
He might just be the finest thing since sliced bread. Bad comparison, but you get the idea, right? I would jump all over Noah Puckerman in a heartbeat, fully aware of the inevitable heartbreak I would suffer. I think it would be well worth it, though, because of how smokin’ hot he is. Shallow, I know, but I’d settle for just a few confidence-boosting hours.

8. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Now there’s someone who grew up looking a little awkward but turned out a dapper gentleman. As I mentioned, I recently re-watched Inception. And 500 Days of Summer. And 10 Things I Hate About You. He is yummy.

 

9. Matthew Morrison
If the only proof you need is his version of the Thong Song, well, there you go.

10. Prince Harry
Call it a Royal Wedding Hangover if you will. Growing up I was always a William fan, but as they’ve gotten older, Harry has definitely become the more attractive of the two. Just as well, because he’s the one who’s still single. Excellent.

Stay tuned for next week’s follow-up…

Miracle Monday

Today I discovered something amazing. Beyond incredible. Borderline miraculous. And a total lifesaver.

The new version of iTunes allows you to re-download previously purchased music for free. This was the best possible news I could possibly receive, having lost over 450 songs a few months ago. I cannot tell you how relieved and excited I am about this discovery. My music library is complete again, and it didn’t cost me a thing.

To the genius who decided to add this feature, thank you. A thousand times, thank you.

Ten Things Tuesday – June 7

There have been quite a few picture posts lately; I guess I’m just in a visual mood. Here’s another one to add to the pile. Ten things I love right now:

1. Castle. This show is so fun – clever, witty, dramatic – the perfect balance. The cast has great chemistry, which makes it really fun to watch. It’s more of a light-hearted look at all those generic TV crime dramas. Warning: you might just see some more Castle-related posts soon…

2. Summer Reading. Hello, my name is Laura, and I’m a book-a-holic. I’m starting to get worried about which books I’ll take with me when I move, and which ones will have to stay behind. Books are like friends, and I can’t bear to give them up.

3. House-sitting. It gives me the feeling of independence that comes with having your own place without all the responsibility of it. It’s like a week of vacation from home. And you get paid.

4. Mumford and Sons. I lost their CD in the Great Computer Crash and just recently got a copy from a friend. Oh, how I have missed them.

5. Honeymoon. No, I didn’t get married. It’s the summer brew from Blue Moon. Hints of honey and clover make it delicious and craveable all year ’round.

6. Free Fallin’. John Mayer’s cover of this song is probably the best version out there.

7. Summer dresses. Nothing is better for stifling heat.

8.Concerts. Unfortunately, due to food poisoning, this got cancelled. My heart is breaking just a little bit over that.

9. Ridiculously awesome snacks. My inner 90′s child had a major mouth-gasm when I saw this variety pack of fruit snacks. Also, please note the ingredients in that ice cream.

 

10. IOGraphica. Want to see the pattern my house has made across my computer screen all morning? Check it out!