Wednesday, March 31, 2010

I Heart It


I want to share with everyone my new favorite website. It's called:
We Heart It

It's a website filled with beautiful and inspiring pictures. Everyone around the world "tags" and "hearts" various images on the internet by using a little application in their toolbar (you download the application from the We Heart It website.) The pictures then get sent to the We Heart It site for everyone elses' eye candy.

Here are some examples of the pictures you can find on the site:









There are thousands of other pictures to browse and become inspired by. Everyone (well, maybe girls would like this site more than guys) should go to the site to just view what type of amazing photography there is out there. And what beautiful images are snapped in time.

xoxo

one more for the road...

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

How I Became... Pavement Chaser



Adele (above) is the original Pavement Chaser. Her song, "Chasing Pavements," is one of my favorites and inspired me to explore my world. When I first heard her amazing voice (sung in a true British accent, not like Rod Stewart who hides his British accent,) I declared her as my new favorite singer.

Maybe it's because I studied in London and love most things British (Chuck Bass, anyone?,) but I just fell in love. One morning I was getting ready for work while listening to VH1's Jump Start, and I just spun around from the mirror with eyeliner in still in hand, prepared to hit my bottom lid. That voice! Amazing!

I had listened to the whole thing but didn't catch the name of the singer at the end of the video. The next day, because Jump Start barely changes it's video schedule, the same video came on, but this time there was a mini-special about Adele and the inspiration behind the song just before the video.

Basically, she was searching to figure out where she wanted to call home, London or a few other cities. She decided that even though she didn't care if it was the right for the rest of her life, London was her home and didn't want to chase any more pavements to see if other cities were right for her.

Now that I knew the meaning behind the song, I realized, I wanted to chase pavements, myself. I had been where I was for some time and wanted a change. I knew that I'd be leaving my loved ones and best friends, but I knew for me, I needed a new life.

Thus: I chased down and found New York City.


So, there you have it ladies and gents. If you had ever wondered "why did she name the blog Pavement Chaser?" or "I know that song, but what does it have to do with her?" now you have your answers.

I also do think about chasing more pavements, but not in the way of moving where I live. I'm quite happy in the Concrete Jungle. But, chasing pavements more in the aspect of vacations and visiting other places in the world that I've never been. Whether it be California, Hawaii, or Greece.

In that way, I'm still a pavement chaser and my plan is to always be a pavement chaser.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Cherub Birthdays!


My cousin Gennaro just turned 1 this weekend! Happy Birthday to the sweet boy! Here are a few pictures of him... isn't he so delicious!?

Gennaro

My best friend, Brooke's, little nephew, Christian, is also turning 1! I've still yet to meet the little man, but here's a link to take a peek to see his birthday invites! Plus, I think that this invitation designer needs some love, as her designs are adorable and cheeky and it's always nice to recognize awesome work. Beaucoup de Papier

Here's a handsome picture of the cutie pie birthday boy!
Christian

Rainy Monday



The two best words in the English language might be "Warm Saturday" or "Hot Sunday" or "Sunny Saturday."

However, I think the two worst words in the English language (unless maybe you live in a desert or live for your weekdays...) are RAINY and MONDAY. When you put them together to describe how the weather is on a particular day of the week "Rainy Monday"... well, it's just so sad. If you're not in NYC today, don't rush to get here. It's just... so sad outside.

With that, I give you the two best songs from great artists to get through a Rainy Monday. They are my particular favorites of the day and just make me want to crawl back into my bed of freshly washed linens and relax.
Stevie Nicks
Lady Antebellum

Friday, March 26, 2010

"Old School" song of the week/Life Lessons



Okay, maybe it's not old school, but I'm listening to it (as it's Friday therefore it's necessary) and I'm getting all amped up for the evening and subsequent weekend.

Bartender: Akon

Doesn't that song just remind you of spring time in college? It does for me, and for that reason, I'm sharing this song with you.

Spring time in college is, essentially, the best time of anyone's life. Skirts, sandals, Frisbee on the Quad, class on the Quad, ice cream runs with roommates. You have so many options at your feet, and until you're out of college- you never fully appreciate the freedom that you have at that age.

For those college kids reading this: TAKE ADVANTAGE!

Obviously, go to certain classes, but also appreciate the fact that, while your parents and professors tell you that you're an adult... you aren't REALLY a full one yet.
(This is REAL life for most of us!)

Go out and party and enjoy your time. Do it safely, you DO want to graduate and go onto real-life work or furthering school, but let loose a little bit. (Just don't allow people to see your "tagged" pictures on FBook... you DO want to keep a job...)

I wasn't planning on getting this deep. SO, I'll leave you with this.... ENJOY!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

What Guys Shouldn't Be Wearing This Spring...


Or rather... what girls would rather you NOT wear.

Before I get started, this isn't just MY opinion. I've spoken to many girls over the last few months, up to today, to determine this very list of items I'm going to list for you below. Please feel free to agree or disagree in the "comments" section below.

The blowout is one thing, but I understand that there are many girls out there who adore this look on guys. (Don't even get me started on the blow dryer.) What we're concentrating on Pauly D is his TANK TOP. This is not your run-of-the-mill undershirt, rather, this shirt has been crafted to have smaller straps than that all-too-famous "beater." Girls love nice biceps, shoulders, and chests, but you know how guys like if girls "leave some for the imagination?" Guys should do the same thing.



Okay, so we can concentrate on two things in this picture. But, for the sake of this blog, let's discuss his JORTS. 1. They're soaking wet, so they look even hideous on Taylor Lautner. 2. They're cut slightly above the knee. Meaning, when he sits down, he will inevitably be showing MAN THIGH. (Guy-thigh, some others call it.) Men, there is such a thing as showing too much leg.


Pointy, white, Euro, dressy shoes. I never had thought about this until a friend of mine brought it up. And, seeing it on this model- I get it. We can also talk about his white, skinny jeans. I mean- let's just go for the whole white outfit. Unless you're going on a runway or to PDiddy's White Party in the Hamptons, just leave the white skinny jeans behind or lend them to your girlfriend. She'll look better in them than you.


Teva sandals. Unless your a middle-aged DAD walking around in Disney World all day with a fanny pack hoisting kids on your shoulders, Teva sandals pose no purpose. Someone else brought up "Tevas with socks." Please, don't do that either. Leave that for the cute, old men around the nursing home.


Just because you're married to Demi Moore doesn't mean you can wear ManPris, Ashton. Yes, Man Pris. The guy-version of Capris. I understand this is a huge trend (or has been in the recent past, anyways) in Europe. Maybe it's hotter there and guy ankles sweat? I'm not sure the reason why these manpris exist, we just don't think guys should be wearing them.



I can only hope this guy dressed up as a joke, but we have a couple pieces here that girls have mentioned to me that guys should NOT wear.
1. The shorts! SO much man thigh going on I can't control myself. I can still only imagine this guy is playing around wearing them, or he's planning on biking around the city. Either way- just don't try it.
2. The clogs. I think these are also interchangable for crocs. For example, see below. Jack Nicholson and Ex President Bush. I get it, they're a little bit older, so they could fall under the "dads on vacation/Disney World" category, but we'd rather not see that.



That's all that we've thought of for right now. Plus, it's springtime and I'm sure the girls and I will chat about what we don't want to see on guys for SUMMER (Speedos for one...) If you have any more ideas, tell me below. I'll add them on a summer version of this post.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Epic Day



Point 1- Rachel is blogging again. (Round of applause, please.) Here she is.

Point 2- Epic Day rundown and photos.
















Now, I would try to caption each of these photos, but that'd be too tedious. I can however, take you through the EPIC DAY with my words.

1. Arise at 730. Out the door by 830. I understand that Axe is my guest and he arises early, but I'm not sure what people do on the weekends this early, so I try my best to accommodate him.

2. Axel tries his first egg and cheese sandwich on a New York bagel. He's so happy.

3. We walk from the East side to the West side. Through Columbus Circle (my first time) and up to Boat Basin, my favorite place. On the way, we pass a fun dog park, and lots of bikers. Axel also makes me stop and rest a lot since he is an 80 yr old man in a 25 year olds body.

4. Get to Boat Basin. Attempt to have a drink, but realize it's still only 1030 and that'd be pretty terrible. Begin to walk downtown, along the water and then realize "let's just take a cab."

5. Jump in a cab with a West Afrian cabbie who proceeds to chat with Axel about the Middle East and that he knows Arabic and English. I stay silent and just want to get to where we have to go.

6. Arrive at USS Intrepid. Axel begins to have a heart attack since this is where I Am Legend was filmed (he informs me this is where Will Smith shoots golf balls into Manhattan) and there is a black jet that apparently is invisible in the sky. (That's pictured above.)

7. Henrie talks to us about the ship and how big it is and how it's made different than Japanese ships. Something having to do with Steel on the top deck versus Wood. I'm still not sure. Axel eats it all up and I'm nervous they're never going to stop chatting US Naval History.

8. We pass a room called "Marine Berthing Area" and I naturally think this is where the female Marines have babies. Axel tells me that there were no female Marines in WWII. I believe him.

9. We continue to look around the ship and look at all the planes. They're pretty cool, I have to admit. The coolest video I took I have posted on here.

10. We had lunch and somehow, lunch was more epic (for me) than the USS Intrepid.

11. Took a cab down to World Trade Center to look around, explore, and visit the Memorial Museum of the day that changed Axel's (and the rest of the world's) lives.

12. We continued to walk around after having enough sullen moments. Axel needed a new pair of shoes, so we went to Century 21 and I bought Marc Jacobs shorts. He didn't buy shoes.

13. We walked over to South Street Seaport for some sun and more shopping. J Crew was able to give Axel a run for his money and he purchased his first pair of Sperry Top Siders. Now, he just needed a ship.

14. Which we then FOUND and boarded a real-life civilian-not-allowed Coast Guard ship. It was cool for Axel and I just thought it was cool to be on the water in the sun next to the Brooklyn Bridge. Okay, fine. It was really cool to be on the deck of a Coast Guard ship too. ESPECIALLY since it was named "Pride of Boston" and was the Massachusetts Coast Guard's ship.

15. Ventured out to Brooklyn for Woodsy Pride's show. Enjoyed myself with some co workers and my lovely friend Jen. Oh yeah- Axel too. It was alot of fun, but then we walked into a bar that was basically a drug den and I peaced fast. But the rest of the night was nice.

16. Got home. Ate cold gluten-free, milk-free pizza and fell asleep.

17. Sunday morning came. I shook the air mattress that Axel was sleeping on. We made coffee. Got breakfast in Central Park and then he headed home.

18. I relaxed in front of the computer for a little bit. Talking with my friend. We discussed that we needed to see each other face to face so we got margaritas in Murray Hill. Beautiful day it was, so, naturally, we drank outside.

19. I headed over to Pookie and Sebastian and bought a pair of jeans (half off!) that I'm wearing now.

And so here we are. Tuesday. And that was my whole weekend. Kinda. There was more. But would you even read the rest of it?





*Epic Day is a term coined by 2 infamous people. One, Axel Thomas, and one, Brittney Lee. Reason the term was coined was that one recent Saturday, those two aforementioned people arose in the morning in New York City to begin exploring at 830AM to not come back until nearly 2AM that evening. These photos are just a small amount of proof that the exploration of the day was EPIC. Please know that a compilation video, aptly titled "Epic Day," will be completed in the coming days and will also be shared with you, my awesome readers.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Case of the Mondays...



Especially when it's a rainy Monday, I just want to hang in and eat Fritos. But, life doesn't just work on sunny days, we gotta get out on rainy days too.

Fortunately for you, I have 2 bits of weekend deliciousness comin' your way.

1. YAY for me. Another award. Mercurial Wife (aka: the best blogger you'll ever read) gave me this awesomely cool award:

I mean REALLY, does it get much better than that picture? If I was either of those guys, I'd want to have the makeup of the guy in the black, but the strength and height of the guy wearing the sumo thong. I, however, would take off the black jazz shoes as I know you can't really get a good grip of the floor in them. But, still. SO COOL.

These are the lucky lovies that I've chosen to give this awesome MASTER award to:
1. Hannah Katy at As Simple As That for being a master of words.
2. Jenna Elizabeth for being a master of photography!
3. Rachel Lear at It's Always Sunny in San Diego for being a master at picking up a blog, writing a couple of times, and then leaving it to die alone. RACH, can you please start blogging again? I do love so much to read what you have to say. For folks who don't know this chick in 1. real life or 2. fake life, you should know her in either one. Funny, smart, witty, fabulous. Get back to writing, GEEZ.


2. Woodsy Pride played in Brooklyn on Saturday night. I know the drummer, Mr. John Studer, who sits next to me at work. Super brilliant and a great dude, I never knew he could play real-life Rock Band with such vivacity. I took some video, and that will be coming to the blog in the next day or so.

They had great music, and their lead singer sounds just like Bob Dylan. The bar was called The Trash Bar and the atmosphere was perfect for these guys. Chill, Brooklyn, laid-back-fun, with free PBR for a whole hour- it was a great time.

Overall, the weekend was great. I actually have more to talk about regarding the weekend, but that will have to wait until Tuesday. I have to keep you on your toes!

I'll leave you with this: it was one Epic Day. LOTS of video footage and pictures to keep you entertained as well.

Have a good rest of the rainy Monday!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

A new version of a great song


So, I was doing some updating of my iPod and found THIS song.

I highly recommend that you download it, or at least listen to it. It's not the best cover I've ever heard, but it's pretty OK.

A good morning-walk-to-subway/work song, if I say so myself.

I'll be back tomorrow to rant and rave on 2 things: 1. Mercurial Wife and how she's the best ever and 2. Woodsy Pride.

:)

xoxo

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Does this happen to anyone else?



+

=

(This is the cartoon version of my straight-haired alter ego... she's also from Hawaii, I guess.)

When the sun comes out and it's a 60+ degree day in the city (and ordering ice coffee becomes the norm at Starbucks,) I see a positive change in my personality. Maybe my "seasonable depression" switches off or it's because I'm born in the summer, but I just become so happy.

I'm sure this happens to other people. Does it? (Please don't tell me I'm weird!)

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Proud to be from...





While I was waiting at the dentist earlier, I was watching the St. Patrick's Day Parade on TV. I witnessed kids and adults all dressed in green celebrating their heritage on 5th avenue at 63rd st (just about 30 blocks from where I was.)

Suddenly, I saw a commercial for my alma mater= Quinnipiac University. I got so excited! I knew that QU always takes part in the St. Patrick's Day parade, so I wasn't super surprised to see the TV spot.

Seeing the commercial was really cool, but then when the parade came back on, there was a whole special dedicated to university. More specifically, one room in the library.

For those of you who went to Quinnipiac, I'm sure you know what room I'm referring to. For those of you who didn't, there is a room in the library that is dedicated to the Irish Famine.

The parade special included President John Lahey speaking about the room and how the students spend time in there often reflecting on that part of the past. Some students were also on speaking about the room and how it seems like it's part of their lives because their ancestors and loved ones came directly from Ireland because of this famine.

It was a touching moment for those who were on the special and for me, as well, as it was so nice to have seen Quinnipiac being broadcast out to everyone watching the parade.

Here's a special done by QU for the 2009 parade, if you're interested in the school/what they do in celebration.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Lovely Award




How lovely is that! I received the One Lovely Award yesterday from Lena at Stella Sola. Her blog is great, in that she talks about cupcakes and even shows pictures of them! They look delicious, I'm craving them now!

I'm going to share this award with the following bloggers, basically, for being so lovely.

*Legally Blonde Mel at I Pick Pretty
*Megan at Pretty In Pink Meg
*Lynds at All Things Fluffy, Fabulous, and Famous
*Kileigh at I Love Photography Reviews

You ladies share the most fabulous and lovely images, clothing, life experiences, and we all thank you for it!

xoxo

Monday, March 15, 2010

The Self Proclaimed Rockstars




A band of members originating from Boston, but a sound original of their own. I happen to know a few of these guys (John Malone and Ryan Savary) from my middle school days, when we were causing ruckus going from school to Greenwood on the T. The other bandmates are Mick Greenwood, Steve Denedictis and James Hogg. They're a great set of guys with awesome personalities that mesh perfectly and it shows on stage.

My most recent encounter with these guys was at the Bitter End in Greenwich Village this past weekend. You may have heard of the Bitter End, if not have been there to see some famous bands, one now known for her antics.

As I've noted before (when writing about La Roux) I can solidly say I'm not a music reviewer, merely a casual music listener writing about my experience listening to the music. SPR creates their own music along with playing vibrant renditions of other songs. Their big Boston hit: Whisky is SUPER fun and the lead singer, Malone, sang it all while downing 3 shots of the drink during the song. He makes everyone want to join in and sing/drink along.

But before they even got down to Whisky (their final number) they graced the audience with an amazing version of Bad Romance. I wish I had it on my Flip, but unfortunately I had my small pocketbook with me that night and the Flip didn't make it in. Everyone, especially the ladies, were singing along and in awe of Malone as we didn't realize that Lady Gaga left zero time for breathing during the whole song.

The show was such a great time and everyone there had a blast. Afterward, we headed over to Madame X's for some drinks for the after-show. The guys announced some big news: there was a writer for Rolling Stone in the audience. He really enjoyed their performance and informed the band that he was going to write a feature on them for an upcoming issue of the magazine!

Congrats and cheers to you, SPR. We're looking forward to reading the article. For those interested in upcoming shows and their past shows/more about the band, here's their website for your enjoyment.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Giveaways!


Hi all,

Bloggy Blog Designz is having a St. Patty's Day Giveaway!!! They are giving away all kinds of goodies. The giveaway closes on St. Patty's Day at midnight. Be sure to check out their website for more information, or to enter yourself. Take a look at their portfolio and packages to see what suits your fancy! ;) A total of 13 prizes up for grabs, and if they reach 100 followers they will add another!

Sign up here!

Telephone- Lady G and Queen B


If you haven't seen TELEPHONE yet- watch it here, courtesy of NY Magazine:

I have some issues with the video (but praise as well.)

1. WHY does she always have to wear NOTHING? Case in point:

2. But, when she's wearing clothes, she looks fabulous, has gorgeous (finally non sunglass covered) eyes, and great hair.

3. WHO does she make out with? If that's a woman in the jail yard, those are the most masculine arms ever. (You can watch it to see that...)

4. Marketing. I'm in advertising and am all about getting someone else to showcase your goodies, however for Virgin and Polaroid, I think it was a little bit obvious.


5. Obviously... Queen B. Naturally looking gorgeous (except for when she picks up Lady Gaga from jail and has nutty bangs, but I'll forgive you for that, B.)

6. In the part of the video that the picture above here is removed from- there is a weird herd of buffalo it seems passing through the back of their car. If you can remove your attention from Queen B feeding Lady Gaga, you may be able to notice them. Either way, the whole scene is strange.

7. I am in love with the Wonder Woman theme here.

8. Not so much with the "look at me I'm an animal" body suit.

9. Even though the name of the car is something dirty (as you see in the picture here) their outfits are creepily gorgeous. It's like they're going to a funeral dressed in beautifully, delicate, chiffon gowns.

10. There are so many parts of the video (mind you: it's just under 10 minutes) that I love and are funky and strange. The editing is amazing and must have taken forever, so my appreciation of that is a no-brainer. I mean, I'm not quite sure why these women are killing multiple people at a diner, but it's very film like. I'm sure the video is going to be front-runner for VMAs at the end of this year.

I haven't heard another song by them, but there is going to be a part 2, which I'm already anticipating.


What do you guys think of the video?

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Happy Award!


Thank you to Johana at Mercurial Wife and Tish at Sweet & Sour for passing the Happy Award over to me! You ladies are so sweet and I'm so lucky to have you as fellow bloggers and readers :)

The rules of this award are as follows:

1. Thank the nominators- Thanks, Ladies!!


2. List things that make you happy.

* Summertime/Warm, Sunny Days
* Sitting on my deck at home at night talking to my parents and sis
* Reading on the subway to/from work
* Seeing my friends from home xoxo
* Relaxing and walking around the city with B
* Family dinners (even though I can't 100% partake)
* Going out for a much-anticipated girls night


3. Tag some people who are amazing and happy, or should be happy, and contact them.

* Erin at Blue Eyed Bride. She is the reason why I started blogging and I am so happy and thankful to her for opening my eyes and showing me that there are so many reasons in life to be happy.
* Taylor at Undomestic Momma for inspiring me and others to live a full, happy, healthy life- even when told by doctors that it's not always possible.
* Katherine at Beauty From Ashes because you inspire me to become closer to God and I thank you for that. Your most recent post is about finding the man of your dreams- you are sweet and down-to-Earth and will find a wonderful man who wouldn't want anything aside from you in his life. Just take your time. :)
* Stacie at "Well-Behaved Women Rarely Make History". Your blog entries are so sincere and your married life seems so fairy-tale that I had to give you this. You do make me happy :)

Enjoy your awards ladies and have a wonderful, warm Wednesday!
xoxo
 
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