Weekend Wrap-Up: The 70s

The view from the incline

The 70s...that is where temperatures were all weekend and it was pretty much the best weekend since Light Up Night earlier in the winter. You know it was a good weekend because I got zero school work done! Seriously, this is the last week of classes and I am so far behind it is not even funny. I am stressed but I am by no means mad at myself. Sure, I have a speech to give Wednesday that is only half written but it was worth it for what we did. Saturday my roommate and I to a trip to the Monongahela Incline to take in a daytime view of Pittsburgh and enjoy the sun with a couple of our friends from our floor. This was followed by an impromptu mid-afternoon trip to Primanti's for fries. Then we spent the time until the sunset back on campus (outside!) having a catch.

 

Timeflies. This man specifically was very attractive ;)

Then yesterday we had a little birthday brunch for a couple of the girls whose birthdays are a week or two after we leave Pittsburgh. Let me tell you, Double Wide Grill in SouthSide...their brunch is fantastic! I got the veggie omelet and was so beyond satisfied. My roommate and I got back to campus intent on getting work done despite the gorgeous near 80 weather when all of a sudden the guys invited us to the concert that was happening on campus. So instead of speech writing I found myself on Bigelow Boulevard waiting for Timeflies to perform. The show was fantastic and so much fun! I really don't think I could have asked for a better, incredibly non-productive weekend!

<3 Ashley

How was your weekend?

Currently

Since I'm so busy lately and still want to do at least a few posts this week, I figured today I would bust out a short but still very fun post about what I am currently up to...like right now. As we speak. So I am currently...

listening to: "Just Want You To Know" -Backstreet Boys (Note: going to see them tonight here on campus and I'm already fangirling pretty hard!)
eating: Nothing :( But I am drinking some nice water...
wearing: My long, comfy gray sweater and yoga pants
working on: Blogging aside, I am studying for finals. Rhetorical Process to be exact!
loving: My gift from my Secret Santa! Those pillows in the picture up there ^^^^ very festive!
disliking (because hate is a strong word!): Everything about the music video for "Saturday" by Rebecca Black. Like just stop...

<3 Ashley

What are you doing currently?

My Playlist As Of Late

Image: here

So you've probably read this post about how crazy I have been driving myself with procrastination, forgetfulness and pre-mature senioritis (does that happen in sophomores?!) Whenever I get stressed out, music calms me down whether I am studying, taking a break for a run or just laying back in exhaustion in the dorm. I have put together a little playlist for myself to listen to--mostly when studying--to help my brain stay busy and keep it from going off and worrying about something else.

"This Year's Love" -David Gray

"John Wayne" -Little Green Cars

"Mermaid" -Train

"Royals" -Lorde

"Young Blood" -Birdy

"Come To Me" -Goo Goo Dolls

"Vienna" -Billy Joel

These are just a few of the songs that have been keeping me sane this past week. If there are a couple you haven't heard before I highly recommend giving them a listen! I have become admittedly obsessed with "This Year's Love" in the past 72 hours; it's just such a relaxing song!!

<3 Ashley

What helps you focus when you are stressed? What songs have you been listening to lately?

I Know I'm A Little Late...

Photo: here

Remember in my post about Letters to Juliet when I told you that I am the worst at keeping up with pop culture and staying on top of new releases? Well I have finally gotten around to really listening to Taylor Swift’s album “Red.” [read: now I’ve listened to more than “We Are Never Getting Back Together”] Anyway, what usually happens with me and Taylor Swift is that I will listen to an album for awhile and get a little tired of some of the songs--the kind of whine-y ones. However, I can honestly say that I love each and every song on this album.

My favorites are “All Too Well” and “The Last Time” which is a duet with the singer of Snow Patrol, Gary Lightbody. Overall, I think that there is a more grown-up vibe on this album than on any of her others; but that’s just me. “Red” also feels less country to me and enters more into the realm of pop which doesn’t really bother me (hey! she can do whatever she wants!) I have been listening to it a lot on my way too and from work; I find it to be a good one to drive to. I am disappointed that I won’t be able to catch her on the “Red” tour this summer since I’ve heard very good things about it and I enjoy this album so much. I definitely give “Red” two very enthusiastic thumbs up! (Clueless reference…I honestly cannot stop myself!)

<3 Ashley

What are your thoughts on “Red?” Will you/have you seen Taylor’s tour this summer?

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?

Weekend Wrap-Up

Well this was definitely a good weekend! Springtime has finally blessed Pittsburgh. On Saturday the girls and I set up camp in Schenley Plaza to soak up the sun and do some studying. Then on Sunday we had Bigelow Bash (spring concert) where Neon Trees and 21 Pilots played on campus. Here are just a few pictures from my weekend--please excuse the quality, these were taken on a Blackberry!

Saturday

View of the beautiful Cathedral of Learning from my spot on the Schenley Plaza.

Enjoying the sun, friends and studying

Sunday

21 Pilots and some sweet ukelele action!

Neon Trees. Awesome show :)

How was your weekend?

<3 Ashley

Some Down Time

So with snow fall from the sky, and friends who are in class longer than I am I have decided that now is a good time to slow down and think about somethings. I actually wanted to share a pleasant surprise I experienced with you! When I woke up and got dressed for class this morning I found myself feeling a little small in my skinnies. Actually, the jeans I wore to the basketball game last night also felt quite loose. Looks like my devotion to my New Year's resolution and my dedication with keeping up my Lent promise are really paying off. I feel great! 

That is also how I am justifying this down time - totally deserved! I came back from Italian, put on some yoga pants, turned up the heat, brewed some cocoa and curled up on the bed with my big blanket.  From this perspective the falling snow looks quite beautiful. 

While I am reading through my favorite blogs and sites - eventually I will move on to finishing Pride and Prejudice (almost there!) - I am also listening to an artist I was introduced to just this morning. I was reading one of my morning sites, The Everygirl, I read about this fifteen year old singer/pianist Birdy. I looked up some of her music and it is so beautiful! It really is so relaxing to listen to. I highly recommend it.

Have a great evening everybody!

<3 Ashley

How do you slow down and spend your down time?

Musical Motivation

I can proudly say that I am still holding onto the promise to work out at least every other day! I have found that aside from the support from my friends who go with me, and the want to be healthier and more fit; what really gets me through a 30-45 minute workout is my playlist. There is a good chance that whenever you see someone at the gym there is a good chance that they have earbuds dangling from their ears. Music is truly great in both motivating and distracting.

I cannot say that I am the most enthusiastic person when it comes to going to the gym (I still love the comfort of my bed!) So I take along my iPod and at some point, I get so into my music that I don't even pay attention to the amount of sweat I am producing. Here is some of the music that I find really makes the time in the gym fly by:

1. "Jump" Madonna
2. "Fighter" Christina Aguilera
3. Any Lady Gaga song
4. "Crank It Up" Ashley Tisdale
5. "Big Fat Bass" Britney Spears
6. "Glory Days" Bruce Springsteen
7. "Girl Panic!" Duran Duran
8. "Into the Groove" Madonna
9. "We Didn't Start the Fire" Billy Joel
10. "Settle Down" No Doubt

There are just a few of the songs that get me through my gym visit. Have a great day everybody! Stay warm :)

<3 Ashley

What songs are on your workout playlist?

Review: David Bowie "Where Are We Now?"

I cannot say that I have been completely immersed in his music (I was born in '94! I have a lot of music to catch up on.) but I have heard a few of David Bowie's material. From what I understand, he has not been as active in the music industry for awhile. Recently, however, he did release a brand new single titled "Where Are We Now?" I'd heard about the song from Twitter and thought that it would be interesting to listen to since his music is certainly very different from what is on the radio today. I wanted to see how his style had held up.

The verdict? I love the song! I went right to Spotify and added it to my library. The song is very haunting in my opinion. The style really isn't too close from what I have heard of him, but I love the way the song moves and the lyrics. I think this is a great way for a great artist to come back onto the stage. I highly suggest that you, at least, give it a listen!

<3 Ashley

Will you listen to this song? Have you heard it already? Thoughts?