Day 9: Modern Music Mania

Photo here

The definition of 'good music' has and probably always will be an argument between the generations; Coldplay v. U2, The Monkees v. Jonas Brothers, Britney v. Madonna and unfortunately MJ v. J Biebs have all been topics of discussion over the past decade. You get into arguments about genres and who is really the reigning pop royalty and then what was a lovely family gathering turns into a brutal debate with very biased information.

I like to think that my iPod playlist is fairly diverse. If you were swipe through my music you would see that I was and still am an avid supporter of the boyband movement (NSync for life!) occasion a listen to the best of Duran Duran and do enjoy the occasional Lady Gaga. Overall, I am a pop fan though a few more genres have found their way onto my radar thanks to my friends. I have found that I have become a little more disconnected from mainstream, Top 40 music since I don't listen to the radio and, let's face it, MTV isn't going to introduce me to any new artists. I wouldn't say that any of today's popular artists are very groundbreaking. So many artists cover or sample older music that I like better when performed by the original artist. In fact, I am a little disappointed. 

What are your views on modern or mainstream music? What is your favorite music to listen to?

Culinary Experiments

Like any sane human being I adore food. Not only does it provide very necessary sustenance, it is also a common denominator in most of the social interactions I enter into. Very rarely is a meet with my friends done outside of a restaurant, coffee shop, or movie theater (popcorn!) But along with the love of such edible delights comes the need to learn how to prepare things beyond the difficulty level of toast.

In college most of the dorm room cooking consists of mixing things with hot water and stirring, microwaves and occasionally a contraband toaster oven. Being in that situation for months and months can do wonders at instilling a desire to use a stove and oven again. Since I've been home I have eaten out a grand total of three times. This is a combination of a few reasons: the looming swimsuit season (Applebee's is not your friend in this scenario!) and the fact that I want to get used to cooking for myself.

In doing so I have discovered some go-to foods that I have a tendency to lean towards and make different variations of: pasta, rice, eggs and the use of na'an (pizza and sandwiches) I don't really have any recipes or anything...I am still at the point where I just find things in the refrigerator that could possibly taste well in the dish. Like today for example. I made the pasta dish pictured above; pasta, spinach, mozzarella, garlic, olive oil and lemon juice. I don't even have any measurements for you...that's how off-the-cuff I am with this cooking thing. But one thing I can tell you about this meal is yum!

Are you as ridiculous at cooking as I am? Is there a dish that you've made that was completely improvised?

<3 Ashley

Day 8: Why Blog?

Photo here

I am having way too much fun waking up at 11 every morning. Unfortunately, come Monday that will be a thing of the past as I get back to work. But I am very happy that I did have this break between school and summer work.

Anyway, today's topic is one that has recently interested me to read about. Over the past few weeks I have seen a number of bloggers sharing with their readers why exactly they started blogging in the first place. Today I am going to do just that.

Since 8th grade, I have wanted to pursue a career in writing/publishing and had flirted with the idea of blogging. Everyone that I talked to about my plans always suggested that I start a blog and begin networking. About a year ago, with college on the horizon, I started this little blog. I liked the idea of blogging and had enjoyed following and reading some others before starting my own. I had every intention of making it a fashion blog since fashion was quite the obsession of mine--even more so than it is now! However, half the time I didn't even know what to talk about. So I took a step back and and reconsidered the angle I should take. What did I like to talk about? Well pretty much everything! That's when I decided that All That Glitters would become a lifestyle blog. One year later I still enjoy it very much. Along with doing a fair bit of writing I also look at blog as a social opportunity. I have enjoyed talking to so many people with some interesting perspectives.

If you have a blog, why did you start blogging? Leave your link!

<3 Ashley

Day 7: Favorite Tumblr Blogs

Photo here

Day 7 of the blogging challenge calls me to share my favorite Tumblr blogs to follow with you. I will give you seven since it is the seventh day and I am just that clever, right?

Universe Wants To Be Noticed
Photography of various aspects of life.
The Nifty Fifties
This blog contains a lovely collection of photos and music from the 1950s. Included are old advertisements, actors and actresses, movie posters, fashion, and home decor. The owner of the blog also runs blogs devoted to the '60s and '70s.
Nom Food
Who doesn't love looking at pictures of food?
DKNY PR Girl
If you follow @dknyprgirl on Twitter, the next logical step is to follow her on Tumblr. She shares some gorgeous pictures and sketches from collections.
All Things Europe
If you are a fan of travel (European in particular) this blog contains some great photos of places to visit if you are looking for any trip planning inspiration.
Vintage Kisses
Gorgeous photography of everyday life.
What Should We Call Me
If you haven't found your way onto this page, you must go now! It is too funny and many times so true and relatable. Many other similar pages have sprouted up based on this blog; one of my personal favorites is the one based around student life at Pitt--What Should We Call Me Pitt

Do you have any favorite Tumblr follows? If you have a blog, put your link in the comments!

<3 Ashley

Day 6: Zodiac

So it would seem Day 5 of this challenge was skipped. I just couldn't bring myself to do it yesterday. I will tack it on to the end of the month.

Photo: here

Cancer the Crab.

Some keywords to identify with Cancer are gentle, conservative, nurturing, feeling, defensive, and contemplating. Those under Cancer are typically able to adjust to different environments, often retreat into themselves when sad or hurt, and also tend to try to blend with their environments and not become the center of too much attention. They prone to moodiness and try to avoid too much change to their environment. They are intrigued by objects with a history to them (antiques, photos, etc.)

Being born on July 13 means that I am a Cancer. How much do I think the above description matches my own personality. I'm convinced they just wrote my personality out as the sign's description! It is for the most part completely similar. I do tend to keep to myself and stay quiet, and have pride in the fact that I am able to adapt to most situations and environments that I find myself in.

Do you think your personality matches what is described by your sign?

<3 Ashley

Day 4: The Perfect Casting

Photo: here

Well this is what Blogger looks like on a Saturday! This is the first time in a long time that I have posted anything on the weekend. But seeing how this is a 30 day blog challenge, I want to keep it confined to just the month of May. Today's prompt is this: Who would be cast as you in the movie of your life?

This is an excellent question which I do not entirely think that I could have come up with an answer to on my own. So after asking a few friends who have gotten to know me well I received...no unanimous responses. But I did find one interesting and a few others agreed when I asked about this one: Meryl Streep. Eliminating the factor of age completely I won't disagree with them. They cite mainly my humor and the way I carry myself. I find her incredible and will take these comparisons as compliments! :)

Who would be cast as you in the movie of your life?

<3 Ashley

TGIF Pins

Oh the joys of the weekend! Even though I have been doing a whole lot of nothing on this break so far, there is still a lot to appreciate about the relaxed feelings that the weekends have. That being said, this whole month of blogging thing will bring me out of my weekend silence and call me to think about some intriguing questions. Make sure you check out those posts! Here are my pins of the week for you :)

Fashion

Shoes

Accessories

Beauty

Home

Food

Travel

Humor

Excuse my humor, I've been in a bit of an Avengers mood lately. But also in terms of the second one...Mean Girls quotes are always appropriate.

Have a great weekend!

<3 Ashley