I Cannot Wait...

...to make fun of Friends With Benefits . Don't get me wrong, I love, love, love Justin Timberlake and he can [almost] do no wrong in my eyes, but this movie is CLEARLY a rip off of No Strings Attached [although it should be noted that they were most likely filmed around the same time. how did this happen??].

I have to say, I pretty much HATED No Strings Attached so I think I am going to save my theater money for Bad Teacher instead.

How alike are these two movies? See below and decide for yourself.

z

You Have GOT To Be Kidding Me

Dear Countess LuAnn de Lesseps,

You have GOT to stop it. Stop it, stop it, stop it. Your songs all seem to be about class and elegance, but what we have learned about you on this season of RHONY is that you are nothing but a low class bitch bully [that's right, I said it!]. What is WITH this video? Who keeps letting these jokers put out "music"? I love Andy Cohen, but if it's him, I swear to you I will hunt him down and end this right now [just kidding Andy, I love you]. I have to say, that I am a (sometimes) big fan of Jill Zarin but she just does not belong in this video for many, many reasons [one being that it kind of seems like shes trying to steal the show!]. My favorite part of the song has got to be when LuAnn tells Kelly to "bring the jelly beans!". Wow. That is quality writing right there. I bet the Recording Academy is already getting her Grammy ready! woohoo!

Girl Crush Alert!

I just love Emma Stone. Superbad, Zombieland, Easy A- I mean, this girl just doesn't seem to make a bad movie [and I can't wait to see The Help]. I think she is incredibly funny and seems super personable, like a girl that you could be besties with. Plus she is super hot!! Check out her Vanity Fair cover below. Meow!!ps- what a cute swimsuit!!

Really??

Really, Gaga? Really?

This will be the new monster of children's nightmares. Eyes painted on the eyelids? REALLY?? Creepy as hell.

More Music Monday

New Graham Colton, "Pacific Coast Eyes", available for download at NoiseTrade. Check it peeps!

Obsession of the Day

Ok, "day" hardly covers the depth of this obsession as it has been happening for weeks now. Like any other normal human being, I love having a good ole cup of Joe in the morning [although today it is tea- see previous post]. But when the temp gets around 90 degrees, I cannot bear to put any kind of hot liquid in my mouth and I turn to my beloved iced coffee. I usually just make it the janky way which involves loading a glass up with tons of ice, pouring hot coffee over it, adding a bit of creamer and trying to drink it fast before the melted ice completely ruins it. I have been trying to make actual iced coffee since reading this recipe on Smitten Kitchen, but I just keep forgetting [I have that problem].

Whilst at the grocery last week I thought to myself, "Self, you should see if Starbucks makes their instant coffee in an iced version". It was an inspired thought and as it turns out, Starbucks DOES make their Via coffee in an iced version...and it costs almost $8 for 6 packs. Uhhhhhh, what? I could get a real iced coffee in a plastic cup for that price! But never fear dear readers, our friends at the International Cafe division of Maxwell House have come up with their own alternative for less than $3 a box [each box includes 6 packets].

Is it as delicious as a real iced latte? Probably not. Does it do the job for an acceptable price? Absolutely. I enjoyed the French Vanilla flavor and made it with water instead of milk [slightly ghetto, I know, but I didn't have a choice]. I thought it tasted fine with water and a bit of creamer, but I 'm sure it would be more delicious with some ice cold milk.

Do you guys have any iced coffee tricks? If so, please share them!

Music Monday: Album Review

Unlike the last two album reviews, I will try to keep this one short and sweet.

I heard my first good review of Eddie Vedders "Ukulele Songs" from my brother which I found a little odd until he said "I think he's in some band, Pearl Jam or something like that". Then it all made sense. But dear brother bear was right, this is a stellar, stellar album and I have love, love, loved it. I wish I was currently listening to this while laying in a hammock on a beach somewhere. Anywhere. I'd almost settle for the beach at Nashville Shores!

Check out the album in it's entirety [although, not in order] below. Let me know if you love it!

MUSIC MONDAY

GUYS! Sometimes when I haven't posted for seven days, you've got to give me a little smack on the wrist and tell me to get my ass in gear! I'll be honest, my lack of posting is from sheer laziness [and pinterest obsession] because things have, thankfully, slowed down for me a little bit at work.

Hope you all had a stellar weekend. I did a whole bunch of nothing and spent some quality time with my Mule Mamas. I am currently drinking hot tea because I feel as though I might be getting sick [a little sea air probably would've cured this. thanks for nothing to a few that shall not be named!!!! ;)]

Lets kick off Music Monday with a little Anya Marina. I first heard about this chick when she covered TI's "Whatever You Like" a couple of years ago and recently re-ignited my spark for her when NoiseTrade did a sampler of 4 of her songs. Check them out below and if you like, head over to Noisetrade for a download.

Check back later today for more tunes!

iTunes Shuffle Music Monday

I think my iTunes is depressed. Hope you enjoy anyway!

Music Monday: Album Review

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you all had a fabulous weekend! The rain definitely destroyed some of my weekend plans, but it couldn't keep the fun down and now I am super tired and wishing for another day off. Here's hoping another 4 day weekend appears somewhere between now and the 4th of July.

In the past few weeks I have been listening, NON-STOP, to the new My Morning Jacket album. I have never been a huge My Morning Jacket fan; not that I didn't like them, I did, but I just never REALLY got into them. I'd heard a number of people talking about how great their new album is, and in the midst of an iTunes spree I decided to purchase. I do not, repeat do not, regret my decision. After falling hard and fast for Circuital, I will definitely be revisiting the other MMJ albums I have in my catalog. Also, I think its fair for me to say that sometimes I don't give artists/albums a fair shot if everyone else is all up on their nuts. I'm stubborn like that sometimes.

Circuital begins with a deep base line with the musical emotion ebb and flowing throughout the rest of the record. There are plenty of upbeat songs [that, frankly, make me wanna DANCE], and then there are wonderfully melancholy songs like "Wonderful (The Way I Feel)" and "Movin Away". This album is top notch from beginning to end and I couldn't recommend it more strongly. The only complaint that I have about Circuital is that there are only 10 tracks! It's just so good that I want MORE.

Check out the album in its entirety and let me know your thoughts. I smell some serious Grammy nominations in their future.

Obsession of the Day

PARIS.

I am already planning [in my mind anyway] a trip to Paris in 2012. I absolutely cannot get it out of my brain. Anyone have any tips on traveling to France or places to visit? I want to go NOW.

In Sad News

Amber Portwood of MTV's Teen Mom fame [if you wanna call it that] tried to commit suicide this week. You may be aware [but for your sake, I hope you aren't] of her struggles with the law over the past year due to a domestic abuse incident that was captured on the show. Amber is one BA Biotch and repeatedly hit her sometimes boyfriend and full time baby dady in front of their baby, on camera. Genius! She has spent some time in jail, lost custody of their two year old daughter Leah [who is simply precious], and been in anger management courses [a good idea if you ask me]. I think it's so sad that things have gotten so troubling in her life that she felt the ned to do something dramatic, but it leads me to a bigger point.....

What the heck is MTV thinking??

Since the phenomenal success of the hot messes on The Jersey Shore, MTV seems to have turned into a full on Jerry Springer type of network that exploits and profits off of young people embarassing themselves on camera. I think The Jersey Shore is one thing because those idiots are adults [well.......you know what I mean], but a show like 16 & Pregnant is clearly about young people who are going through a challenging time.

To be clear, I don't necessarily agree with the people that complain that 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom condone and endorse getting pregnant at a young age. I think the shows themselves initially raised awareness to teens about how hard it is to be a teen parent. On the other hand, I think the media and subsequent attention and endorsements that these girls received are what make the idea of this show, these characters and this predicament appealing. I also think that, at some point, MTV has got to step in and intervene. Some of these young mothers [like Macee] seem to be striving, living responsibly, and growing into great adults. But when people like Amber and Gary start screaming and hitting each other in front of their baby, it's time for a producer to step in, cut the cameras, calm the situation down and maybe even dismiss them from the show. Safety is more important than contracts and ratings, and I think that is where MTV has done these girls a disservice.

We hope that they find a solution to this problem as quickly as they can, and we wish Amber and her family all the best.

And yes, I did just do a post about Teen Mom.

Weezy F Baby

I unfortunately missed Lil' Wayne's set Friday night at Bonnaroo but I heard that it was absolutely awesome. In a straight contradiction to my comments yesterday, it seems as though some people do increase their creativity when they decrease their substance abuse. Weezy is putting out some of his most solid work in a long time if you ask me. Below, check out his new song, a sequel to Eminem's "Dear Stan".

Obsession of the Day

Voluspa's Pomegranate Patchouli candle has been trying really hard to edge out Trapps #29 as my favorite candle since I discovered it in November. Now, I am not one that has ever, EVER enjoyed the smell of patchouli [smells like BO, no?], but somehow mixed with the scent of pomegranate it is absolute heaven. The packaging is awfully pretty as well. I couldn't bring myself to throw the box away! I have been burning this candle since this morning and it is my OBSESSION of the Day. :)

Music Monday Continues.....

with Foster the People! I am currently fighting a serious wave of sleepiness and I believe this band is the only thing getting me through!

MUSIC MONDAY: Album Review

I don't think that I would be willing to go out on a limb and say that I am the BIGGEST Death Cab for Cutie fan, but I definitely enjoy them. In my personal opinion, the bands sound evolution has been stunted and their best records thus far are behind them [but who knows what the future holds]. I did enjoy their last album, 2008's Narrow Stairs, but it wasn't the kind of classic album with classic songs that you listen to for years and years. For me, it was more a phase, and when the phase was over the cd went back on the shelf.

I was curious to hear their new album, Codes and Keys, since it's been 3 years since Narrow Stairs came out, and Ben Gibbard has gotten married and sober since then. I am not one to condone unhealthy, erratic behavior induced by drugs and alcohol, but I have to say that soberness does not always benefit an artists creativity. I hate to say it, but that might be the case here with good ole Ben.

I do not dislike this album by any means. I think it definitely has its peaks, but with peaks come valleys. There just isn't a lot here that grabs me and makes me feel like I cannot stop listening. To give it a little credit, I did purchase it at the same time I purchased the newest My Morning Jacket album [I know, I know, I'm a little behind] which I absolutely CANNOT stop listening to, so that may be clouding my judgement here a bit.

Codes and Keys starts out strong with "Home Is A Fire", which is arguably one of the best tracks on the album. "Codes and Keys" is an ok song that I don't necessarily want to skip over, but I certainly don't feel the need to put it on repeat. "Some Boys" feels like a song that didn't quite make the cut for Narrow Stairs, so it got tacked onto C&K instead. They should've let that one alone because I pretty much hate it.

"Doors Unlocked and Open" is a breath of fresh air that is needed far too early in the album. This song sounds like an evolved version of classic Death Cab sound. The guitar riffs are interesting and the super obnoxious effect that is prevalent on this album is non-existant. Ahhhhh. The next track, "You Are A Tourist" happens to be the first single cut from this album. Expect to hear once again the guitar effect that I could do without and mundane lyrics that leave you emotionally feeling like the after taste of a communion cracker. Thus far, it is the one track that I have consistently skipped over.

"Unobstructed Views" comes along behind "You Are A Tourist" with a heavy piano sound and some interesting musical effects. It is the only song on the album that is predominantly instrumental, but it still happens to be one of my favorites. I don't have strong feelings either way about "Monday Morning" or "Portable Television", but "Underneath the Sycamore" is another peak on this album and happens to be one of my favorites. I think that it would have been a much better choice for the first single. "St. Peter's Cathedral" is not my favorite song on the album, but I think it is one of the more interesting compositions. There are layers to the production and the integrity of the song that is lacking on most of the album. "Stay Young, Go Dancing" is one of my favorite tracks on the album and is a great ending. It leaves you remembering a positive reaction of this album that otherwise may not have come through. This song is the reason that I still buy Death Cab albums.

Overall, I think the album is okay, but I think you might be better off to just buy the tracks that appeal to you. The rest is almost a waste. The entire album is below for your listening pleasure. Let me know YOUR opinion.

MUSIC MONDAY

WooWee! Last week was a music filled week indeed. Between CMA Fest and Bonnaroo, I am completely worn out. I spent yesterday recovering by the pool and in a hammock and it was just what the doctor ordered, but the musical show must go on....

Recently, a number of my family members in Houston [shout out!] have been telling me about friends of theirs who are in a band called Royal Tailor. They just put out a new music video for their song "Make A Move", and I happen to think that the song is quite catchy and the video is just plain ol' fun. Check out their video and a few select songs below.

Obsession of the Day

I've said it before and I'll say it again: CMA Fest and Bonnaroo in the same week? REALLY? Unless Jesus comes first, this crack is gonna get me through this week.

PS- I realize that this Obsession of the Day is totally boring, but this girl is bizzay! I will try to make these more interesting in the future.

W-W-W-Wale

I will surely miss my boy Wale and his drummer Kwik at Bonnaroo this year. That's right, you know me and Kwik had a thang goin on last year [that's after I realized his name was Kwik and not Quinton. Bonnaroo Lela can't hear very well]. Alas, there will be a lot of hip hop to keep me company this year [more on that later], but until I can see Wale again, I will stay warm at night with this new track.

Obsession of the Day

On this past Friday night, I had the joy and the honor of walking with my mother at her local Relay for Life. My mother happens to be one of the strongest women I know and has unfortunately battled two different types of unrelated cancers in the past three years. Relay for Life has always been special to me as cancer seems to run in my family [ I have lost an aunt, grandmother and grandfather to the disease], but it is extra special each time I participate with my sweet mama.

Relay for Life has been raising money for cancer research and patient assistance since 1985, but it has also become a medium to raise cancer awareness, celebrate survivors, remember those who lost the fight with cancer, and to unite communities in the fight against cancer. It is estimated that since its inception, Relay for Life has raised over $3 billion dollars for cancer research.

It was a very special moment for me and many others when all of the survivors in attendance took their jubilant "Survivors Walk" around the track, proudly boasting the number of years since they beat cancer. One of the most touching moments of our night was during the luminary ceremony. Attendees are encouraged to buy luminaries [paper bags filled with sand and a candle] and to decorate them with the name of a friend or loved one who has either survived cancer or lost the fight. All the lights in the stadium are turned off, and all you see are these beautiful lights surrounding the high school football field track. Across from us in the stands, were the words "Hope" and "Cure" with the number "25" in the middle.

Back in the fall my alma mater, Columbia Central High School, won the State Championship in football the very same day that they lost their beloved teammate, Dylan Rebeor, to his fight with colon cancer. It had been 58 years since the Lions had won the title of State Champs and 7 months since Dylan had been diagnosed. The entire football team volunteered at Relay for Life on Friday night in Dylan's honor, and Relay in turn honored Dylan with the luminary of his football number, #25. The football team was sitting in the bleachers next to me and my mom [they took up 3 rows] and after Dylan was honored they all put their arms around each other and unabashedly cried for the loss of their friend.

And that, dear readers, is why Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society are my Obsession of the Day. I hope that it isn't, but it could be you one day. Support your local chapter of ACS and support those you know who are suffering from this awful disease.

With love,

Your Friend Lela

The Road to Bonnaroo: Part Two

Thanks to the schedulers of CMA Fest, I will not be able to attend Bonnaroo on Thursday. However, if I do say so myself, the line up isn't THAT great, so I'm not going to cry over it. If I were going to be able to make it, below are some of the acts that I would be checking out.

MUSIC MONDAY: The Road to Bonnaroo

Well folks, as hard as it is to believe, it is the first full week in June, which in Middle Tennessee means: BONNAROO [and CMA Fest-seriously, whoever keeps planning this stuff for the same weekend deserves to be Chinese water tortured].

Today I'll be posting some of the acts that I'm super excited to see this weekend [or acts that I'm super excited about and will be totally bummed to miss].

Our first artist of the day is a local who is really starting to get some solid buzz. I saw her perform at The Basement last fall during next big Nashville, and I thoroughly enjoyed the show. I haven't had the opportunity to see her since then [although I heard she had an amazing set at SXSW], so I'm crossing my fingers that I can catch her at 'Roo [ Saturday at 9:20pm in the On Tap Lounge].

Check out her album, Charlatans At the Garden Gate, in full below.

An Open Letter

Dear Cicadas,

Thirteen not so long years ago you came into my life for the first time, terrorizing my youth and ruining a 13 year old girls summer. In the years since then, I had slowly forgotten about your beady little red eyes, your outrageously loud buzzing and your absolute abundance. Life went back to normal. Eventually the night terrors stopped and the presence of a flying creature no longer made me run towards shelter like a maniac.

And then 2011 rolled in. In the early spring I started hearing rumblings about the cicada invastion that would take over a large portion of our state in late spring/ early summer. I prayed that it wasn't true. Surely it hadn't already been thirteen years! In retrospect, I should've had a countdown calendar so that I could've been more prepared for this plague [aka, taken six weeks off and gone anywhere that cicadas don't exist]. Alas, the math was correct and you bastards started busting out of your shells on Mothers Day weekend. Your tyranny on my life and effect on my hearing [that's actually true!] haven't stopped since.

Until now.

Now it's time for you to die, cicadas. DIE. There are already tons of you lying dead everywhere and your little friends are starting to get nervous because they know that their time is soon.

The Devil himself is waiting to receive you back where you came from and to that I say, God speed cicadas, God speed. Get thee back to hell and never come back [well until 2024]. Good Riddance!!!

Obsession of Yesterday

Oops. Might've forgotten to share my obsession post [or anything at all, really] with you cats yesterday. Never fear, as a result of waiting, today we have a PICTURE. Hooray.

As a water sign [Scorpio thank you very much] I am pretty much in my happy place when I am around water. The beach, the river, a pool or lake, it really doesn't matter where, I guarantee you I will happy as a clam [especially if I have a drink from SONIC in my hand]. I have been absolutely craving a trip to the beach for a few months now and with every sandy day dream comes the thought of fresh seafood and my ultimate favorite: RAW OYSTERS [slurp slurp yum].

I had my first experience with raw oysters when I went on a trip in high school with my friends family to the Florida Keys. Put on a cracker with some horseradish and/or hot sauce, and I am in absolute heaven. While pondering my craving for raw oysters earlier in the week, I realized that I had never, ever been to one of Nashville's staple restaurants, Southstreet. Knowing that they indeed have oysters on the half shell, I took my happy ass over there with a friend and decided to consume.

Aren't those just about the prettiest oysters you've ever seen?? Ok, maybe not the prettiest, ad maybe not just out of the water fresh, but these babies were pretty darn good and totally hit the spot. We also enjoyed some steamed mussels and two whole fried catfish [DANGER! There are bones and they may or may not get stuck in your throat for hours]. Also, the kitchen staff may or may not cat call you on your walk to the bathroom. You may or may not enjoy it.

Song of the Morning

Here is a wonderfully sweet way to start your day. I downloaded Matthew Mayfields sampler on NoiseTrade this week and found this delicious surprise. I highly recommend the download. Enjoy!