move to the music

Living in Nashville, I am constantly introduced to and surrounded by music--sometimes way too much because it becomes excessive and starts to all sound the same. In fact, if you’re not a songwriter or musician in Nashville, you’re now the unique one. (I’m unique!) I used to be so easily persuaded by a new artist or record and my bank account suffered greatly from regular Grimey’s and iTunes purchases, but for many months now, very few bands have had that much impact on me. However, thanks to a friend, I’ve recently been introduced to Mumford & Sons and I am forever grateful. At last!—a band whose song (#5-White Blank Page) gave me chills on the first listen! I really encourage you to check them out if you have not yet listened to them.

Other artist/record honorable mentions:
Joe Purdy-(the song “Outlaws” brought me to tears)
American Bang-(they’ll make you want to rock and roll all night and party everyday—guaranteed)
Phoenix-Wolfgang Amadeus (this whole album is ridiculously good, but their earlier stuff is awesome too)


Do you have any suggestions for new/good music? Because my bank account called and said it’s ready to throw down…

a post devoted entirely to hummus.

Some people daydream about their prince-charming. Others dream about an Avatar-like utopia. Me? Almost always about food and/or what I get to cook or bake that evening. Not only do I just love food and eating, but the act of cooking/baking is one of the most therapeutic things I can do for myself. However, this love affair with cooking hasn’t always been around—I used to think a can of alfredo sauce and noodles with a pre-packaged Caesar salad was a really fine meal. Only in the last 2-3 years has it become something I truly love. I certainly don’t claim to be the next Julie Powell, but I am really glad that food and cooking excites me in a similar way.

And with that thought came another thought: what food could I not possibly live without? I’m talking if you had to choose one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
My natural reaction to any question is to really think it through, and probably sit on the fence for two solid days before making a final decision, but to my surprise the answer just rolled right off my tongue.

HUMMUS.

Such a beautiful word isn’t it?  Say it with me now. "Humm-us!" I love hummus more than some of my friends (not YOU, just some friends). And I truly believe with all my heart that I could never get sick of it. Why how could you when there are so many flavors to choose from? And the best part about hummus? Its undeniable ability to complement anything from crackers and pita bread to breakfast toast and spinach salad.  There isn't really much that I wouldn't do for hummus.  It's a love story, really.

(Note: I have not yet tried it with chocolate, but I am almost willing to bet it would be delicious in a weird way.) 

So, tell me what food could you not live without and/or had to eat every single meal for the rest of your life?

this week's mini goals. subject to change.

I have a list of mini-goals that I want to get done this week and I need you all to hold me accountable. Kapeesh? Good.

-Make that eye appointment that I’ve been meaning to do for about a year now.
-And that dentist appointment…Sorry, teeth.
-Set up my new sewing machine and read the manual.
-Finish one of the four books I’ve started.
-Deep clean my house
-Sent hand written letter to a friend.
Think I can handle it? Let’s hope so.  The sweet reward at the end of the week for completing said goals is that my best friend from home is coming to visit!  She rules.

What are your mini goals this week? 

in my arms

Four years after first hearing this song/video, it is still one of my favorites. Just something about it…

vegan banana cupcakes with cinnamon vanilla frosting

Due to the insane amount of very ripe bananas I have at my house, I decided that last night was the perfect time to make banana cupcakes. I just used the recipe for a regular banana cake that I’ve made before. They turned out delicious—fluffy and dense all at once! As for the frosting--I made it up and I wish I hadn’t. I made a cinnamon vanilla frosting which tasted delicious, but the consistency was too runny and clumpy (although I did add about a third of a banana which could explain the clumps). All in all though, they were tasty and just what I was craving!

defining yourself

During the first “patio lunch” of the spring season yesterday, my friend brought up an interesting topic, albeit random, as we were talking about her food allergies: Defining yourself.

What is it that makes us try to define ourselves and fit into one box/type of person? We subconsciously put restrictions on ourselves by attempting this unrealistic feat, and end up confused and weary in the process. I know I am guilty of this maybe more than anyone, but I just don’t know why this is.  I always find myself trying to pinpoint my personality and trying to explain that I’m “this type of person”, when many of my character traits are contradictory to that of which I’m trying to fit into.

And, guess what? It’s ok. Really, it is.

So, I think I’m done with trying to fit into just ONE box that limits my ideas, personality, and curiosity. It’s time to just BE. And that’s good enough for right now.  And by doing so, I think I will end up truly defining myself.

Do you ever feel this way?  Did you find a way to get out of the box you once tried to fit into?  Do tell!

glory days

My friend sent this article to me today and it made so much sense.  I felt like so much was written directly to my ever-wanderlusting soul.  Enjoy and let me know how you like it!