New Music Monday

Here are some of the latest and greatest tunes that I've recently downloaded:

1. Brett Dennen - "Sydney (I'll Come Running)

2. Ellie Goulding - "Lights"

3. Jill Scott & Anthony Hamilton - "So in Love"

4. The entire Nicki Minaj album, "Pink Friday"

5. The entire Lady Gaga album "Born This Way"

6. Maroon 5 & Christina Aguilera - Moves Like Jagger

Updates on Me

If you've been following my blog for awhile then I'm sure you've been noticing that my blogging lately has become random and also kind of rare. Honestly, it's definitely not because my life has become boring and I simply don't have anything to post about. Just the opposite in fact. It's because I've been very busy and blogging has become one of the things that gets dropped.

So to fill you in on what's been going on in my life, here is a brief list with the highlights in no particular order:

1. We shot half of the 2012 Pin-Ups for Vets Calendar earlier this week. Like last year, it was exhausting but so much fun and rewarding. I think I really may have found my calling-production and artistic design work really is my forte. Right Gina? : ) More on this soon. Well, that is, if I have time to blog about it..haha

2. My Invisalign treatment ended this past Monday! Woo! After over a year, I'm happy to report that I like my teeth and look forward to getting them whitened soon too. Unfortunately, I'll always have to wear a retainer at night to bed but I can definitely handle that.

3. I've been dating someone seriously for a few months. I'm really happy and honestly haven't felt this comfortable with a guy in maybe forever. We feel like we've known each other for much longer and time always passes by too quickly when we are together. I haven't been able to stop smiling since we met. It's true what they say, everything around me does seem a little sweeter, a a little better somehow since he came into my life. Ok, I'm totally blushing now so I'll stop. : )

4. For about a month, I've been doing some online marketing for an up-and-coming pop singer, Marie Parie. However, this recently stopped has her finances were decided to be put elsewhere. Guess that's the music business for ya....

5. Along with getting an amazing iPhone a few weeks ago, I also finally caved and joined Twitter. Not sure if it's been that good for me personally but it's certainly a whole new world that I've now been to. Follow me: @LAnLA3

6. Last but certainly not least, I'm having some serious neighbor problems! And no, they don't know about my blog so I'm free to say anything I want about them on here! To make a really long story short, the woman who has the bedroom below mine has the most sensitive ears in the world and probably needs to seek treatment for it! Most nights that I'm home, I get an annoying text message from her telling me to walk softer and be quieter. Ok, first of all, I'm usually not talking or even playing my music loudly or even doing much of anything when I get these messages. I'm simply putting away laundry, blogging on my computer at my desk, walking into my adjoining bathroom and other random everyday things people do in their bedroom.

I've even made several changes because I feel bad for Ms. Sensitive Ears Downstairs. I don't wear shoes in my room, I try not doing much in there after 10pm and I even usually spend 1-2 nights not sleeping at my home. So, really, what is there to complain about? It's ridiculous and I'm so frustrated with her. I just don't know what to do anymore. I've apologized and apologized. Now, I'm just ignoring the texts but I certainly can't do that forever. I also can't walk on egg shells in my room forever either.... What would you do?

There's No Place Like Home

I wrote the following post several months ago for a friends blog but I never talked about it on here and I now agree with it even more.... Los Angeles has truly become my home.

Just as Dorothy knew there was no place like her beloved Kansas home, I know there's no place like my home for the past year and a half, Los Angeles, California. It's a neat feeling the day you finally realize that your new residence really feels like your 'home'. I think that you realize it when you go away for a few days or even a day actually.

It's taken me awhile to learn my way around these crazy streets of LA but I can say for sure now that I feel like this town is my home. Sure, the "City of Angels" is also home to over 4 million other people but we all have learned to exist together in somewhat harmony. This large diverse population is what makes LA what it is-a huge cultural melting pot of interesting and diverse people. The amazing weather of course plays a big role in the reason why we are all here living in LA. Sunny skies just about 365 days a year is very hard to beat. Doesn't the sound of 74 degrees everyday just sound heavenly? I am sure all my friends on the East Coast would kill for our weather right about now! It's June 23rd, technically summertime, and it's currently 76 degrees and sunny.

Who can forget about all the different neighborhoods here too? From the laid-back beaches in Santa Monica and Venice, the hipster Silver Lake area, chic Beverly Hills, lively West Hollywood, the Rose Bowl area of Pasadena and definitely the international influences here are a can't miss. There's Little Ethiopia, Korea Town, China Town and so many others. All of these areas make up Los Angeles. Of course, I've spent more time in some areas than others.
Another incredible thing about being here is the proximity to not only beaches but also the desert and beautiful mountain ranges. Seriously, where else can you go snowboarding in the morning, go on an afternoon hike and then grab drinks in the evening at a nearby beach?It really doesn't get any better then all that. Palm Springs is very close to LA too which provides endless hours of golf, pool time and sheer relaxation in the desert.

So, after having said all of this, who is up for a visit here? : )

I am My Father's Daughter

Another Fathers Day is upon us and I can't help but feel more like I truly am my father's daughter then ever before. I didn't think so when he was alive but I really do think about it a lot more now. I am realizing that I am more like him that I ever thought before. On difficult days like today, I am grateful for that fact more than ever.

To put it bluntly, my dad was a serious neat freak! Everything around him had to be clean and organized. It's not like everyday at our house we were cleaning but I absolutely despised our actual cleaning days because he became obsessed with it. He literally would get on his and hands and knees and scrub our tiled floor. He took such care in doing so. I guess my problem was that I didn't like being told to clean and I still don't today. I'll clean and clean as long as it's my decision. I wonder where that comes from... haha... But I'll tell you one thing that I realize now is that I take pride in having a clean house and a clean car. It makes me feel good knowing that my things aren't messy and smell nice. I think this is what my dad felt too. He just wanted the things he worked hard for to be taken care of and last a long time. I can't even stand it now when my bed doesn't get made in the morning. I am my father's daughter.

My dad was a very hard worker and felt his best after a long day at school as a principal. Sometimes he had a hard time putting that role on the shelf and enjoying himself. I used to not really understand this. How can someone be constantly thinking about work? That's certainly not healthy. My mom and I were very good at forgetting about our days and decompressing in front of the TV or at the dinner table. Yet, now, I get it. He was so busy at work taking care of things and getting things accomplished that after the day was done, he finally had a chance to sit back and really process through everything. I am the same way now. I am always wondering if I did the right thing, said the right thing and it's tough for me to put those thoughts out of my head. Perhaps, this means that like him, I worry too much. I am my father's daughter.

While my dad was an intensely hard worker, he could also kick back with a beer or two and relax on the weekend. He loved music and dancing. He loved iTunes on his computer and enjoyed collecting old dance hits. He was very organized and methodical about this process. Well, guess what? So am I now. Maybe not about gathering this same kind of music but I definitely am always updating my iTunes and purchasing the latest and greatest. I wish that we could have shared more music together. The Beatles were his all-time favorite group. Since he has passed away, I find more comfort and happiness in their music then ever before. When it comes to dancing, my dad may not have had the best dance moves in the world, but he had such fun dancing. I feel the same way. I may not know what I'm doing half the time out on the dance floor but I sure do feel great out there. I am my father's daughter.

My dad was an affectionate man and was always telling me that he loved me and that he was proud of me. There was never a day that didn't end with an "I love you" and a hug. It is for this reason that I am such an affectionate person today and find myself saying "I love you" at the end of every phone conversation with my sister and friends. It's just what I do. It's such a natural reaction for me. I never for a second ever questioned my father's love for me and I never want anyone I love today to ever question it either. I am a big fan of hugs too and will always be the first to give one. I am my father's daughter.

Well, Happy Fathers Day to my dad! I'm sure that I'll learn more ways we are alike as I grow older. RIP. XOXO

To all the other fathers out there, Happy Father's Day and may your daughters understand you and relate to you a little bit more with each passing day. : )

40 Songs that Changed the World

So I was digging through some old music papers that I've been saving for awhile and came across this article from an old Rolling Stone magazine from May 2007! Whoa! Tell me if you agree with this list of 4o songs that changed the world. There's certainly a few that I'm surprised about! What songs do you think should be added to this list? What songs have changed the world since 2007? This year?

1. "That's All Right" - Elvis Presley (1954)
2. "I Got a Woman" - Ray Charles (1955)
3. "Maybellene" - Chuck Berry (1955)
4. "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" - Bob Dylan (1963)
5. "Louie Louie" - The Kingsmen (1963)
6. "Be My Baby" - The Ronettes (1963)
7. "I Want to Hold Your Hand" - The Beatles (1963)
8. "Dancing in the Street" - Martha and the Vandellas (1964)
9. "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" - The Rolling Stones (1965)
10. "Like a Rolling Stone" - Bob Dylan (1965)
11. "Strawberry Fields Forever" - The Beatles (1967)
12. "Heroin" - The Velvet Underground (1967)
13. "Respect" - Aretha Franklin (1967)
14. "Purple Haze" - Jimi Hendrix (1967)
15. "Whole Lotta Love" - Led Zeppelin (1969)
16. "Get Up (I Feel like Being a) Sex Machine" - James Brown (1970)
17. "What's Going On" - Marvin Gaye (1971)
18. "Imagine" - John Lennon (1971)
19. "Ziggy Stardust" - David Bowie (1972)
20. "I Shot the Sheriff" - Bob Marley (1973)
21. "Help Me" - Joni Mitchell (1974)
22. "Born to Run" - Bruce Springsteen (1975)
23. "Bohemian Rhapsody" - Queen (1975)
24. "Blitzkrieg Bop" - The Ramones (1976)
25. "Anarchy in the U.K." - The Sex Pistols (1976)
26. "I Feel Love" - Donna Summer (1977)
27. "Rapper's Delight" - The Sugarhill Gang (1979)
28. "TV Party" - Black Flag (1981)
29. "Billie Jean" - Michael Jackson (1982)
30. "When Doves Cry" - Prince (1984)
31. "Pride (In the Name of Love)" - U2 (1984)
32. "Like a Virgin" - Madonna (1984)
33. "Walk this Way" - Run-DMC Featuring Aerosmith (1986)
34. "Just Like Heaven" - The Cure (1987)
35. "Sweet Child O' Mine" - Guns N' Roses (1987)
36. "Bring the Noise" - Public Enemy (1987)
37. "Nuthin' But a "G" Thang" - Dr. Dre (1992)
38. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" - Nirvana (1991)
39 ". . .Baby One More Time" - Britney Spears (1998)
40. "Fell in Love with a Girl" - The White Stripes (2001)

New Music Monday/Marie Parie!

"Marie Parie lives the very definition of "alien". As a Parisian pop artist who has called the United States her home since 2005, she witnesses American society from a unique point of view. Bewildered by the process of dating and motivated by the power of futuristic music, Marie shares these observations through her art." So a couple weeks ago, I've started doing some online marketing for an up-and-coming pop singer here in LA. Here name is Marie Parie and her story is even more interesting then her very eccentric music.

"The story of Marie Parie was not always so glamorous. Abandoned by her parents at birth, Marie spent her earliest years in an abusive foster home. As a creative individual exposed to harsh living environments, she expressed herself through a love of music and dance. An affinity for singing and songwriting at an early age helped Marie develop a natural talent that was soon to become her life's aspiration. In her teen years, Marie was rescued from creative inhibitions by a Catholic priest. Under the artistic guidance of this priest, Marie continued to grow as a performer, singing regularly in the choir of "La Basilique de Saint Denis", "Notre Dame de Paris", and in other various school performances. Once she decided to pursue her passion further and move to America, Marie arrived with nothing and nobody, once again solidifying her alien identity.

"With her debut full-length album, "Alien Victory", slated for an late Summer 2011 release, Marie anticipates us strange creatures being drawn to her playful and sexy vibe. Despite the immersion into a new culture, Marie Parie was driven to succeed in her musical aspirations, and has performed in cities such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara. Her dedication to art and charismatic nature quickly gained the attention of entertainment professionals who were eager to help the cause."

A lot of exciting things have started happening for Marie and her music and I'm happy to be apart of it all now.... Several Clear Channel Radio stations have started playing her song, “Dating” on the radio. A few large department stores like Macy's and Nordstrom have also begun playing this song in their stores. I'm hoping that very shortly, “Dating” will be available for purchase on phones and of course iTunes and other online music stores will surely follow.

The music video for her song "Dating" can now be seen on her website. We are also very active on her Facebook Page and Twitter Account- @Msmarieparie so check out those for more information.

Any and all advice regarding online marketing would be greatly useful.

My Invisalign Experience

I can’t believe it but I’m on my very last Invisalign tray right now! Check this post out for info on my very first Invisalign tray.

What began as a daunting and long process a little over a year ago has finally almost come to an end and honestly, it was such a painless and speedy experience. Of course, the results have been very impressive as well. It's really been incredible to look at the slides of what my teeth used to look like and where they've been aligned to today. I am so happy that I went ahead and did it.

So last March I started seeing a dentist here in Los Angeles and he quickly became my friend since he was dating my good friend from high school. On one visit at his office, I began asking him about the whole Invisalign process and what exactly it would entail. We were friends by this time so I trusted his opinion. He proceeded to tell me all the facts and what specifically I would need in my case. I just had two little crooked teeth meaning that I wouldn't need to get metal braces and that Invisalign would be a good fit for me. He estimated that it would take about a year and that it would be a super easy process and that I might as well get it taken care of now before my teeth got anymore crooked. As a 26 year old, time was also an issue for me-I didn't want to have to get this fixed any later in my life.

My dentist was 100% correct. My Invisalign experience flew by and I'm so grateful for the positive change it's made to my bite and teeth placement.

Now, some of you may be wondering what is this Invisalign thing all about? Well, let me tell you…

Simply put, Invisalign is the clear alternative to braces. It effectively treats many of the same conditions that used to only require metal braces. They are a series of removable and virtually invisible aligners that gradually move teeth over time to help achieve a great smile and proper bite.

Invisalign works the same way metal braces do which is by moving teeth by applying pressure over time. Invisalign® G3 was introduced earlier this year and it's the most significant collection of new features and technology innovations in the company’s history. This new generation of Invisalign clear braces for both adults and teens, takes treatment capabilities to the highest level yet, making it possible for orthodontists to treat some of the most complex cases - previously only achieved with metal braces. This is sure to make those adults and teens extremely happy! However, in my opinion, the best things about Invisalign is how easy it is to maintain good oral hygiene with them, they are comfortable, affordable and safe for active lifestyles.

While I'm certainly not a teenager anymore, I still had some of those similar worries that teens have at that age before I began the Invisalign treatment: Would I look like a big dork? Would I have a lisp? Would I look really young with them on? And many others.. Invisalign really is the best option for people of any age with those concerns. Firstly, no one can ever tell that I'm wearing them because they are practically invisable. In fact, I even forget that I have them on because they really are clear! Another reason why Invisalign is great for young adults is that it fits their busy lives—the aligners are comfortable and durable, so it’s easy for teens to continue their favorite activities such as playing sports and musical instruments that can be challenging or uncomfortable with traditional metal braces. Invisalign is also removable—the aligners can easily be taken out to eat and brush teeth. This means that it's not necessary to change what you eat at all. Yes, I could eat popcorn and even chew gum!

Was my experience completely great? Well, not entirely, as of course, nothing is perfect. Like braces, I did have some pain on the first day of putting in a new tray. But that would quickly subside and I'd eventually forget that I even had them in. It did take me awhile before I got used to having to take my Invisalign out to eat but this actually made me pick and choose when I ate so I think I actually eat less often now which is a good thing. : )

Knowing all this information now after having gone through the entire process, I can't believe that I was ever considering getting old fashioned metal braces! And all I can say is now, is, wow, what a difference a year of Invisalign has made to my teeth!! Feel free to email me if you are considering getting Invisialign. I'd be more than happy to talk to you one on one about my experience further.

This post was sponsored by Invisalign.

Turning 2!

My dear sweet nephew, Lucas, turns 2 today and I'm once again overwhelmed with love and adoration for this little man. Never before in my life has someone touched my heart so deeply and stayed just that way.

He really is the light of my life and I cannot imagine my world without him in it. Everything I feel for him today and everyday I wrote on a guest post for my sister over at her blog, so feel free to visit her blog and check it out, Letters for Lucas. My nephew truly did bring me back to life.

Happy 2nd birthday Lucas! For a really adorable slide show of pictures of Lucas, also check out this post on my sister's blog. : )

These are two pictures from his birthday party that his mom and dad threw for him on Saturday at their home in Orange County.

I'm a Celebrity!

I'm a celebrity. . . OK, not really but it's definitely fun to get mentioned in newspapers. Check out this link for the short newspaper article about my roommate Gina and my visit to a Marine Base in Honolulu, Hawaii about a week ago for Gina's project, Pin-Ups For Vets. Gina is for sure the true Pin-Up girl celeb, I'm just her Pin-Up assistant. : )

College Life in a 6 Word Memoir

This week's Mama Kat's Writing Prompt that I chose was to write a 6 Word Memoir about a significant time in your life.

The following 6 words come to my mind almost instantly when I think about my college life:

State-side, Independence, Roommate, Cooking, Laundry, Internet

1. State-side - I was living back in the states for the first time since first grade. Talk about experiencing intense culture shock!

2. Independence - Like most college freshman, for the first time in my life, I was living on my own without the watchful eyes of my parents on me. Yikes!

3. Roommate - This was a completely new world. Thankfully, my randomly selected Freshman roommate and I ended up becoming fast and lifelong friends.

4. Cooking - I had never really cooked anything before in my life. This was a fun and challenging new world.

5. Laundry - I had also never done my own laundry before. Thank goodness for the instructions on the back of the detergent bottles! I know, I was incredibly spoiled growing up!

6. Internet - This may sound funny but I had never really used the Internet before going to college and hadn't sent too many emails out either. I don't know what I would have done without being able to email my parents and friends back overseas.

Project Smile-May

What a busy month May has been! Yikes! It really flew by!

The challenge is to find something to smile about every single day of the month. Thanks to Kristi for keeping this going at Live and Love...out Loud.

Here are my smiles for May:

1st- Seeing my adorable nephew asleep on my bed made my heart melt.
2nd- Enjoying a Red Velvet panCake!
3rd- An evening run with amazing LA weather.
4th- Several silly hours with my nephew!
5th- I made guacomole for the first time and was pleasantly surprised by how good it tasted.
6th- I tried a new workout class called the Bar Method and really enjoyed it.
7th- A night of dancing! :)
8th- Mothers Day gave me the release I've been needing for awhile.
9th- I spent two hours talking to a music executive about the industry and a possible job. I felt so in my element.
10th- Free candy always makes me smile.
11th- Celebrated a friend's birthday!
12th- Reconnected with a new LA friend over a fun and yummy dinner!
13th- Accomplished a lot today.
14th- Thank goodness for medicine!
15th- I saw "Bridesmaids"-enough said!
16th- An awesome music meeting about marketing and promotions! This is why I moved here!
17th- Official offer for a part time job that I accepted!
18th- Another fun night out dancing this month! Woo Hoo!
19th- Managed to squeeze in a new workout class after work today!
20th- I nanny an adorable little boy, he makes me smile lots.
21st- I got an iphone and an awesome concert in downtown LA! I'm a very happy girl!
22nd- Farmers Markets rock!
23rd- Nothing like a Karaoke night!
24th- I hung out with my friend from Australia who is in town.
25th- Hawaii-Bound!!!
26th- My friend Belinda's beautiful wedding in Honolulu!!
27th- Making Vets in a Military Hospital happy make me very happy.
28th- Spent all day relaxing at a beautiful beach!
29th- I was able to sleep most of the flight home and a very sweet night.
30th- I slept in till 11am! Awesome!!
31st- Getting my nephew's birthday present! : )

Can you think of 30 things that made you smile this month? It's really easy and I urge you to do on your own. Here's what had me smiling back in April.

Wordless Wednesdays/Picture Recap!

Two Saturdays ago, my roommate Swati and I went downtown to the Conga Room to see the French R&B Duo, Les Nubians perform. While they sing mainly in French, anyone can enjoy their relaxing music.




Here are my favorite pictures from my trip to Hawaii with my roommate Gina!






Oh and I got an iphone last week!!!!! Yay!!!!! It's awesome!!