Bastille - Poet

"Your body lies upon the sheet,
Of paper and words so sweet.
I can't say the words,
so I wrote you into my verse.
Now you'll live through the ages,
I can feel your pulse in the pages."

Bastille is quickly becoming an obsession of mine. I just can't get enough of them. Every song I have heard is so great but this one stands out. Maybe it's because I am a hopeless romantic or my literature obsession is showing, but the lyrics of this song is incredibly romantic!

American Authors - Believer

"I’m just a believer
That things will get better
Some can take it or leave it
But I don’t wanna let it go"

This is the most uplifting song I have ever heard. This song oozes positivity and forward thinking, not to mention everyone can relate to the verses. Everyone is nervous about the future and if you're not, kudos to you for winning at life. I feel as if anyone can relate to "I'm always lookin' for something / but I hate changin'." I don't know but this song is pretty awesome to listen to when I start having self-doubts. I love that it makes me feel positive about life because people should feel positive things will get better and not let go of that. Plus it's catchy and the music video makes me want to visit New York again.

Life Choices and Decision-Making

I'm graduating with my bachelor's degree December 2014 and being the type of person that I am, I've already started planning my future. I keep asking myself what is my next step? I know what my different short term goals are. I'm just not sure which goal I should focus on next. It's terrifying and exciting. There are three main choices but then each one has multiple choices within them.

• Graduate school
• Teach English as a 2nd language in a foreign country 
• Apply to publishing jobs stateside

The Actual Difference Self-Confidence and Respect Makes

"Bayside Couple" by mrhayata @ flickr

I stumbled upon this article, The Actual Difference Between Women Who Are Hot And Who Are Beautiful, by Lauren Martin while she makes an excellent distinction between being described as "hot" versus "beautiful" as a woman, she begins her article with negative undertones towards men. 

She begins by listing different adjectives with sexual innuendos that are used to describe a woman's appearance. Eventually, she distinguishes it's not all men who determine a woman's worth by their sex appeal, however, for most of the article she treats men as a whole, essentially describing them as sex crazed, only seeing women as objects. 

I have some issues with this argument because it's not fully one-sided as she makes it seem. Women describe men with adjectives that are suggestive, such as hot and sexy. We put pressure on them about having the perfect set of abs and arms, the slightly rugged look similar to David Beckham. They shouldn't be overweight or underweight. We put a lot of pressure on them too and forget to use the words like handsome and attractive to describe one we like. 

Kimbra - Settle Down

"I wanna settle down
Baby there's no need to run
I'll love you well
I wanna settle down
It's time to bring you down
On just one knee for now
Lets make our vows"

I thought Kimbra was insane the first time I watched this music video and heard the lyrics. I thought she was being literal about settling down. However, I began to look between the lines, noticing the undertones of satire in the video. Now, I feel as if this video is a commentary on how society puts pressure on young girls that their end goal is to settle down and have children. These young girls need to plan out their inevitable settled lives. This is displayed through the young girl living out a "married life" with her grown husband. He begins to cheat on her but she continues her daily chores of married life, all the while she keeps an expressionless facade. The girl being expressionless gives the viewer a feeling she is unfulfilled in this monotonous settled life.

Dark Chocolate Truffles

Each year I also make homemade dark chocolate truffles for Valentine's Day. These are really simple to make and tend to prepare them in conjunction with the Oreo Truffles. This recipe doesn't make as many as the oreo truffle recipe but these are incredibly rich and I can only eat maybe one or two pieces a day, which is good for an indulgent snack. However, I would make these with plans to share and spread the love.

Deal-breakers

Relationships are tough. I only been in one serious relationship that lasted 2 years and a bunch of "oh we're dating but I only see you in school and we don't talk outside of school" relationships. I don't really count the latter since most of those averaged out at 9 days. Then a couple that were on the way to being serious but died after a few months. It happens. They're all very unique life experiences.

Why am I bringing up my past T-Swift inspiring failed relationships? Well, through these relationships I have realized some of my personal deal-breakers. I also had a conversation about deal-breakers  with an old friend the other day, so I thought of compiling a list of what my very practical and somewhat odd deal-breakers are for a blog post.

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Top 20 Classic Love Songs (Part 2)

This is Part 2 of Top 20 Classic Love Songs. I just want to say that brainstorming this list was tons of fun. It was also a lot of work watching the videos, researching the songs, and pulling out perfect lyrics. I have so much respect for blogs who do this often.

That being said: Enjoy!


10. Journey - Faithfully

"Oh, girl, you stand by me
I'm forever yours
Faithfully"

Journey is another must for this list and it would be almost sacrilegious if I didn't include this song. Faithfully peaked at #12 on Billboards Hot 20 and popularity continues to grow into today with popular shows like Glee covering it. This is an anthem for long distance lovers trying to make the relationship work.

Oreo Truffles

In Japan on Valentine's Day girls make chocolate for the boys they like. When I found that out I instantly loved that idea. Making chocolates for someone is so personal and sweet, in more ways than one! I almost never have someone for Valentine's Day but I started to make chocolates each year regardless, this way I am able to share them with my friends and family. Also, honestly, myself. Because I am a girl and being alone on Valentine's Day is never ideal.

Top 20 Classic Love Songs (Part 1)

 In lieu of Valentine's Day coming up I decided to have a cliche "Love" theme for this week's post(s). I used to hate Valentine's day but now I enjoy it even when I'm single; just because I'm not in a relationship doesn't mean I'm not loved. I like to celebrate the people who do love me by making them chocolates and sweets.I'm positive they do not mind.
Any-who, this originally started out as a Top 10 post, however, I asked my lovely friends for some suggestions.Which had a plentiful response and now I cannot narrow it down. All of these songs are classics and amazing in their own way and really set the mood for Valentine's Day whether you have a significant other or will be cuddling with your cat.

NOTE: This is really not in any particular order. I am not a professional music critic. These are just my opinions.