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MUSIC I fell in love with this Summer

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

MUSIC

Tori Kelly 

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Inspired by True Events [released August 2019]

So I actually saw Tori back in April for the her Acoustic Sessions- where she not only performed songs from her incredible Gospel album “Hiding Place”, but also a lot of unreleased music that she just recently released in this new project.

And holy crap…what an absolute masterpiece. Not only are the songs/lyrics incredible… but the concept “Inspired by True Events” is so beautiful and personal. She wrote from personal memories and she even included voice clips of her younger self. It’s just so amazing.

My favorite tracks are, Coffee, 2 Places, Kid I Used To Know, and Pretty Fades.

Shawn Mendes

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Self titled album [released May 2018…but it’s been releasing new material well into this year.]

My favorite tracks include, Senorita, If I Can’t Have You, Fallin’ All In You, Where Were You In The Morning, Nervous, Particular Taste [Gives me serious Prince vibes!], Mutual,  Queen and When You’re Ready [That’s like the whole album LOLOL, omg I told you I LOVE his music.]

The Shawn Mendes Tour

I saw Shawn in concert at Barclay’s Center on August 23rd. I randomly bought tickets because it dawned on me how much I love his music- I’ve been listening since Handwritten, yo! I also became obsessed with his new single “If I Can’t Have You.” So my friend and I were super excited to get our cougar on, and go and sing our asses off with all the little teens. Fun Fact: we were those some older girls a few years back when we went to see Justin Bieber. Haha.

However, I promised you the full concert experience story so here it goes…

Shawn Mendes was AMAZING! Such a stinking cutie pie. I know I have a few years on him, but I have such a stinking crush on this cutie! If only I was 21 again. 😉 Boy can SING! And his music is so damn good. I kind of was hoping for a Camila Cabello surprise, but she wasn’t there. He did do a short mash up of Senorita/I Know What You Did Last Summer, but we definitely missed Camila. He shortened the songs significantly. He also surprised us with a coldplay cover and a FREAKIN WHITNEY HOUSTON cover. LIKE BOY….WHAT? He definitely put on a great show.

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BUT had it not been for one sweet woman who exchanged our seats for closer ones, I think I might have had a panic attack in that arena in the upper level. I had purchased tickets in section 206, because frankly it was all I could afford. The structure is INSANELY dangerous. Walking up those stairs was terrifying. I just tried to keep my cool, because it would have been very easy to let my anxiety take over. But I knew I had to keep it together, if I had any chance of enjoying the show.

My friend has a fear of heights (which sadly I did not know, otherwise I never would have bought those seats!) and so I realized quickly we needed to do something. Thankfully she came up with the idea to see if we could get our seats changed. And so the craziness continued. Not only did the venue let us in later than they should (seriously how do they expect thousands of people to be seated in 10-15 minutes/security check alone was like 10!), and they let us in a weird side entrance where we could not catch an elevator, escalators weren’t working and there was no one really telling us where to go. We had to walk up flights of stairs to get to our seats, not to mention that you had to walk a marathon to get food. All of this drama, causing so many people to miss the opening act- Alessia Cara. I heard her and caught a few bits, she was AMAZING. WHAT A DAMN VOICE. SHE SANG “How Far I’ll Go” from MOANA! #FEELS

I have to say in an emergency situation, I would not have felt safe in that arena. It just seemed like no one cared.

Anyway once we let Alessia’s set finish, I knew we had a small window to change our situation before Shawn took the stage. So my friend and I had to look for an usher, yes WE HAD TO LOOK FOR THEM, and ask if we could get our seats changed. I have to be honest, I didn’t think that was a thing. But my friend was like, we have to try, and she was right, the longer we sat up in those steep seats, the scarier it got. We definitely would not have felt safe to get up, let alone dance.

So the usher (although nice) told us he couldn’t help us and to go to guest services, to which the man there kept ignoring our complaints stating, “you don’t have a disability,” so he can’t help me. I was pissed.

So finally another woman told us to try the box office. We get to the box office and they tell us to go to guest services, and I was like “no, we were just there, they sent us here.” She almost told us there’s nothing they can do, that all we can do is purchase ANOTHER ticket. MIND you those nose bleeds seats COSTED $85. I was like “That’s insane, we paid to be here, and we can’t sit there, I’m not asking you to give me some crazy front row seats, we just have to get out of ours.” The woman was very understanding, but you could tell she was not sure if she could help us, claiming that guest services keeps sending people to her. So, this is not the first complaint they’ve gotten. If you have vertigo, you’d probably pass out up there. I mean I myself almost had a panic attack up there, it was so scary. Anway,  the woman came back a few minutes later with two tickets, saying, “It’s your lucky day.” And it got me thinking, how many people who complained weren’t THAT lucky.

There really should be a change made. I know we are not the first people to complain about the steep seating. Not to mention that Barclays Center actually has a policy that says special accommodations can be made at the venue day of. I understand anxiety may not be a disability, but it IS real. We happen to get “lucky” that the seats we were given were being saved for someone who didn’t show. We went from section 206 to 124, and it was AMAZING. We were able to dance freely and enjoy the rest of our night…thankfully. Just out of curiosity I looked up our tickets…and they were about $200+. THAT’s INSANE. I guess safety costs! HUH?

I’ll just leave this article HERE. Because I am not the only one who feels this way. Concerts are supposed to be a fun experience not a dangerous one. (And no I wasn’t drinking, (and my friend barely finished hers because she got so anxious from the seating) I can only imagine how many people have fallen because of the combination of alcohol and steep seating.)

^ The left we were sitting way high up in the nose bleeds. The right we were in our new seats.^

From all these pictures you would never know the kind of concert experience we had! I may not be a fan of the venue, but I am a fan of the very sweet woman who accommodated us when no one else would. I will NEVER purchase tickets that high up again, and if this venue wasn’t so convenient for me to go to, I probably would never purchase tickets there again at all. An unforgettable night for sure, a list of things that went wrong. But girl, we hung in and we conquered it! #FightForYourHealth #Memories #AnxietyIsReal #SafetyIsAPriority

Shawn is a class act, the arena lit up beautifully with everyone wearing the bracelets they gave us as we walked in. And Shawn barely ever left the stage, performing an epic 23 song set! He is an insane talent. THAT is what I am choosing to focus on, that in the end, we were STILL able to have a good time. I just hope that Barclays takes measures to create a safer environment for concert goers.

 

Set list (via setlist.fm)

Lost in Japan

There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back

Nervous

Stitches

Señorita / I Know What You Did Last Summer

Mutual

Bad Reputation

Never Be Alone

B-Stage:
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
(Whitney Houston cover)

A Little Too Much / Because I Had You / Patience / When You’re Ready

Life of the Party

Like to Be You

Ruin

A-Stage:
Treat You Better

Particular Taste

Where Were You in the Morning?

Fallin’ All in You

Youth

If I Can’t Have You

Why

Mercy

Encore:
Fix You
(Coldplay cover)
In My Blood

By the way…Here was my concert going outfit. I was really excited about it!

I basically just wanted an all black base so I could rock this funky kimono. And of course I did gold jewelry and gold nails. Mind you, I was on a budget and this WHOLE outfit (aside from the bag and jewelry which I already had) costed me about $40! I think it kinda turned out pretty cool! 🙂

Taylor Swift

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Lover [released August 2019]

We know how I feel about this new album!

***** 5 Stars!!!

My favorite tracks include- I Forgot That You Existed, The Man, I Think He Knows, False God & Afterglow. But honestly I love every single track. Her lyrics are GOLD! She truly was born to do this!

Ed Sheeran

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No. 6 Collaborations Project [released July 2019]

Some of my favorite tracks are Beautiful People ft. Khalid, South of the Border ft. Camila Cabello & Cardi B., I Don’t Care with Justin Bieber (of course cuz it’s a JAM!), I Don’t Want Your Money ft. H.E.R, Put It All On Me ft. Ella Mai [this gives me suchBlackstreet & Mya-“Take me there”/City High “What would you do” vibes and the very beginning of this track is very “My whole life has changed” by Ginuwine.

Ok so I know I’ve been sleeping on this album and I’m kind of mad at myself because I consider myself an Ed Sheeran fan. He is actually on my concert bucket list, along with Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars and Joy Williams (previously known as 1/2 of The Civil Wars). I had given it a quick listen one day, but didn’t really let it sink in, but recently I have just been playing it at random times, and I mean I totally dig the concept of creating a full album of collabs. He really collaborated with such a variety of artists and he killed it. He really can do anything. Such an incredible artist. I’m just going to leave you with this Dublin concert video, because I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched this in the past….him and a loop pedal…EPIC!

The Jonas Brothers

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Happiness Begins [released June 2019]

So this was a THING! The brothers reunited musically after being separated for the past 6 years. I wasn’t A HUGE DIE HARD fan of the JoBros, but I did vibe with them and their music. I LOVED their A Little Bit Longer Album and I’ve loved their solo music too. When I heard they reunited, my boy band loving heart was HAPPY. If tickets were cheaper, I’d probably go see them just to fill my boy band void. #IMLOOKINGATYOU*NSYNC

My favorite tracks include, Sucker (OBVI…it’s a damn BOP!), Only Human (loved it before it was a single), I Believe, Used To Be, and Rollercoaster.

I really like this album. Do it JOBROS! I know it’s been a minute, but I love that they are brothers/family first.

 

You can listen to these albums on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, etc.

 

*I do not take credit for any album art used.*

*All other images are my own.*

-<3-

 

 

 

Back To School Haul + Classroom Basket Idea!

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

I know in most places school started back up last week. But for me, it starts back up today! I teach various creative activities and I usually like to go and buy a few new supplies for the start of the year. 

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We’ve got some Memo pads- I love to use the big yellow ones. Some post-its, tape, markers, sharpeners, pens, (I had pencils so I didn’t need to buy), folders for each activity, index cards-because I use them for everything, loose leaf, hand sanitizers, and some new ear phones. [I purchased all of this at 5 Below and various dollar stores]

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I also bought this new book bag tote. I was in need of a new one, since my last one took me through many years. It was certainly well loved! [I purchased this one at TJ Maxx]

Classroom-Learning-Basket Idea

There is a point in my work day where the students have home work time. And so often I hear many excuses they come up with so they don’t have to do their work. They end up on their phones or on the computers. Which is not something we want! So I came up with this basket idea, so that when they tell me they have nothing to do, I can say… 

“Go to the basket!” 😉 

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I bought educational puzzles, games, word games, coloring books, drawing supplies (I included some paper, pencils, & crayons), playing cards, and brainteasers. I purchased all of this in Dollar Tree!

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I hope this works well!

Winding down before starting the new Fall year…

I have been dying to watch The Lizzie McGuire movie ever since hearing about the reboot. So last night, I finally did, as I ate my dinner. And it was a damn good time! We know I’m a tv geek! I felt like a pre-teen singing along to the epic soundtrack, and gushing over Lizzie & Gordo’s being adorable. AND THE FASHION, OMG so DANG GOOD! 

LMGM

I also picked up this sweet little pie and had it with some tea for my dessert, because I just thought it fit my end of Summer vibes. 

dessert vibes

Best of luck to all the teachers and students out there!

We got this!

Have an amazing year!!!

 

*All images are my own.*

-<3-

 

Summer 2019 Vibes!!!

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

I know I haven’t posted much this summer… I guess I’ve just been busy…

LIVIN MY BEST LIFE! 😉

As this Summer officially comes to an end for me, (I start work back up tomorrow!) it has dawned on me that this Summer has been pretty great. Which is not always the case for me. No, I wasn’t able to go on some luxurious vacation, but I was able to have some really fun times with great family, friends, food, and lots of wine! 😉 I got to do more than I usually get to, because this summer I decided to take off of work. Granted, my job is different then most, I can either apply to work the summer or not, it’s my choice. Normally I work every Summer, but something made me decline this Summer. And I’m glad I did. My credit card isn’t happy, but I think it was the right move for me personally. 

No my Summer wasn’t perfect, it actually started off really difficult for me and my family. And I have had many emotional moments and hard times, but when I look at all the good. Somehow, that wins. Good always wins. And so, I thought before I jump back into my usual work routine, I should just take a second and reflect of the Summer memories I was blessed with. 

JUNE, JULY, & AUGUST 2019

My Summer started with my usual tradition of taking my mom to see a broadway show. I get her tickets for her Mother’s Day gift and then we usually see the show in June. This year we saw Waitress, and it was ABSOLUTELY amazing. [Fun Fact: I actually just watched the movie and it was good, but I LOVED the play even more!)]

4th of July we celebrated with some family and it was really sweltering hot, but it was a really great time.  As an anxious person, heat really tends to effect me. But I’ve really learned to manage my anxiety in the Summer better. The 4th was really fun! Especially since my cousin and his family were in from Florida. It was really nice to be able to spend a holiday with them, it’s been a minute! I also found this super simple COOKIE RECIPE, and they were a hit! I think I made them, like 3 times for 3 separate occasions this summer, I just switch up the sprinkles depending on the occasion. A kid favorite for sure! *You could totally make these for Fall, Halloween, Christmas, Easter, etc. I would even like to try it with chocolate cake mix. BTW if you look closely, you may spy that I wore a Britney Spears t-shirt…it was the only red, white, & blue I had. And like I was cool with it! 😉 #ITSBRITNEYBITCH Guess you can tell, I’m kind of a graphic tee fan…more to come on that later on!

A Stranger Things themed Coney Island! So if you are a fan of the sci fi/mystery Netflix show, you would know that this Summer Season 3 was released. [I’M ONLY UP TO EPISODE 6…SHHHHH!!!!] Coney Island was transformed into a Stranger Things theme park in the show’s 80’s fashion. It consisted of just posters hung around of the logo and the characters, the theme song was placing on the speakers, and the staff had on custom tees. Nothing crazy, I was kind of disappointed. BUT I went with my mom, aunt and my aunt surprised us by bringing my goddaughter, so we got to go on some rides, play games, and eat some food court summer food. 

Local Baseball Game for my Cousin’s husband’s 40th birthday! I’m not a super fan of baseball, but we had a box room, and there was catered food, and the weather was great. The kids even got to run the bases after the game. 

   I got to catch up with my coworkers…and eat this load of calories! 😛

NIA fam

Atlantic City Overnighter with my fav ladies, my mom and my aunt! We stopped in the small town Smithville on the way. Gambling isn’t my fav, because I HATE losing money. But there were a few fun games I liked, like CRAZY MONEY! BUT I got some sweet Gilmore Girls/Stars Hollow vibes from the small, quaint town, and picked up some goodies.

[INSERT MINI SMITHVILLE HAUL-SLIDESHOW BELOW]

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Two small jars of honey, peanut butter, a candle, a jar of jam, worry dolls, a tie dye t-shirt [this was from one of the boardwalk shops in AC], and a wine opener in the shape of a wine bottle with my name on it and a cute saying-my Aunt bought me as a gift!

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TOY STORY 4! THE LION KING! ALADDIN! #RELIVEDMYCHILDHOOD Thank you!

So I never had a super strong connection to The Lion King or Aladdin as a kid. I was never a super big Disney kid, I had my favorites but they weren’t it. But I really had to see the new live action films. Because, duh? However, Toy Story was a thing! My brother and I were a fan of the films growing up.

I really enjoyed all three films.

[INSERT MINI MOVIE REVIEWS!]

The Lion King was a little bittersweet because I felt like Nala being played by Beyoncé kept taking me out of the story, because I was just thinking ok you’re Beyoncé. And I just felt annoyed by it. And I just felt like the real animals (although Timon and Pumbaa were HYSTERICAL) were just weird to watch in this sing along world. I felt like the color in the animation helped with suspending reality and enjoying the world. But I did enjoy it for the most part, the original is better, in my opinion. The music was better in the original too. 

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My friend and I in the theater with our cherry cokes and our granny glasses. 

Aladdin was amazing! I loved the romance between Aladdin and Jasmine. You know me, if there’s a love story, I AM IN IT! I thought Jasmine’s vocals were INSANE. And Will Smith as the genie….I mean he cracked me up the whole damn time. The music was beautiful…And I watched a crappy boot leg copy because by the time, I got around to watching it, it wasn’t playing in theaters near me. But I really loved it, and if I watched it in a clear, crisp copy, I’d probably love it even more.

Toy Story 4 was EPIC! It was everything-emotional, funny, nostalgic, scary….like those dummy dolls were legit! It was amazing and I actually didn’t think the ending was as sad as everyone made it. I think it actually left room for other films.  

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Had to see Toy Story 4 with my big bro, cuz… childhood. #Nostalgia Peep the shirts! #PIZZAPLANET

Pool/Beach Vibes

So I actually got to go to the beach TWICE this Summer, which is kind of a big deal for me. There have been some Summers I wouldn’t get to go at all! I went once with my mom to a local beach, then I went to Ocean City with some family, and stayed with them in a rented house for a few days. I also got to have some fun pool days, one with my best friend at her house and one with some family, my cousin has a pool membership. I kid you not it was very Stranger Things-80’s pool vibes. Super fun! 

[INSERT MINI OCEAN CITY HAUL]

We were only there for 5 days, but we did so much! The beach, the amusement park, the water park, the arcade, BBQ nights in, shopping strips, dinner night outs, we played cards and other games, mini golf AND survived the crazy heat wave too! 😉 

Goodies ocean city

Clearly you see I was vibing with the Tie Dye trend! I’ve always liked it, but now I actually own it! I bought two t-shirts, an ankle bracelet, a cross necklace, a candle, and Spice Girls wine glass charms. I mean I just thought they were hysterically awesome!

I bought my family tickets to see Ain’t Too Proud! It was my dad’s father’s day gift this year! And the talent was incredible! I honestly was so amazed by their vocals. I grew up with the music of The Temptations playing in my house. I’m definitely a MOTOWN influenced kid. I love their music, songs like My Girl and Just My Imagination were some of my favs! The show was so amazing, I felt like I was seeing them live in concert.

Descendants 3 Premiere with my God Daughter!

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My cousin threw a party for her daughter & her friends, and so I made some fun treats for the girlies. Besides, I was kind of excited for the 3rd film too! I was a bit obsessed with Evie’s blue and red vibes from the second film. The second is my favorite, but I enjoyed the new film too!

Descendants premiere party

I love planning themed parties, and believe me I have a few TV related mini parties I had throughout this summer, but I’m going to do a whole separate post on my Summer TV and Music Favs! So STAY TUNED!

Fun with Fashion!!!

I got to play around a little more with fashion this summer. More than I usually do, because I didn’t have to dress a certain way for work. Also, I became a huge fan of hats and tassel earrings. Also the two white t-shirts with the logos on them are both shirts made by my brother. The “she writes her own story” tee was a custom made for me, but the “You’re Making Me Blush” tee is available on his etsy shop! He has some great designs up, please take a look and follow him on instagram @mytshirtaddiction 

I told you I love graphic tees, I guess it runs in the family! 😉 

I just got a fresh new cut and color because my hair was kind of looking rough from dying it purple in April. I basically had Mermaid hair all Summer. Which was like cool, but I was growing sick of it and I needed a darker vibe for Fall! I’ve had Pink, Blue, and Purple hair over the years and I still have yet to show any of that on this blog! One of these days, I’m going to do a whole Hair Chronicles! LOL. 

Had My God Daughter over for a sleepover- and we did everything under the sun from making tie dye tees to baking a cake for my brother’s birthday to making our own chipwiches- I also created a scavenger hunt for her! We also had my brother and his family stay over unexpectedly one night, and it was my niece’s first sleepover at our house. So I had to scramble and make it festive for her and get her some goodies. We decorate every time we have my god daughter for sleepovers so we had to do the same for my niece too! I also babysat my niece by myself for the first time! (It’s not like I can’t… I just never have until this summer, I can be a nervous Nancy when it comes to watching kids all by myself. LOL) Great times with my two favorite little girlies!!!!

 

Music & TV Vibes!

So I do want to share with you all the shows and music I fell in love with this Summer in a separate post, but I just wanted to highlight a few things! I saw Shawn Mendes in concert with my friend and needless to say it was kind of an anxious experience. I will get more into it in a separate post. But let’s just say I will never sit in Barclay’s upper seating again. It’s quite terrifying! Shawn however, was AMAZING! And it ended up being a fun night. Taylor Swift dropped her new album #Lover as you may have guessed from my last few posts, I’m KIND OF a fan! It’s EPIC and I love it! So there has been lots of fun Taylor Swift memories this Summer. As for tv, there were so many shows I saw premiere, shows end and all the feels in between. But the two that I hold so dear to my heart has to be the new 90210 reboot- BH 90210. SO GOOD! And the announcement of the Lizzie McGuire reboot! I AM DYING!!!! SO SO PUMPED for that! I’m already planning my premiere party in my head guys! Nostalgia is a dish best served nice and toasty. Childhood memories….feels like home. 

Family Day at the Aquarium! We got caught in torrential down pour, but it was still a good time! 

Speaking of rain, I think I got caught in crazy down pours and thundering and lightning like 4-5 times this summer. I’ve been soaked from head to toe on multiple occasions. One time my umbrella wouldn’t even open! Some days I could laugh it off and some I just wanted to stop and cry! But looking back at this summer I can just say Thank You! Thank You 2019 for getting me through some really hard emotional blocks, and testing me and proving to me that I can handle so much more than I give myself credit for. Anxiety does not define me. And just because I feel the weight of the world one day or even a week doesn’t mean that it’s forever. That my funky moods, don’t have to be my all day moods! I’m so hoping to bring that knowledge with me into this new Fall Season…MY FAVORITE SEASON! Such a basic bi*ch, I know! #FIGHTME. 😉 BRING ON THE PUMPKIN EVERYTHANG, the flannel, the leather, the cool air, the crisp leaves and the HOLIDAYS! I feel so blessed to have had the Summer I did. And blessed to start this new fall year, that is already filling up with some exciting things!

Time to focus on the positive. 

 

How was your Summer?

*All images are my own, except the movie posters, the Taylor Swift image I stole from my bestie, and the Lizzie McGuire pic I reposted from Hilary’s instagram.* 😉

 

-<3-

 

 

Lover Deluxe Album Unboxing & Mini Taylor Swift VMA Party

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Back with another Taylor Swift post, as promised this is my Taylor Swift Lover Unboxing. In crappy cell phone pics! 😉 Enjoy!

To read my initial reaction to the album with my first listen…CLICK HERE!

First Listen

Picking it up at TARGET…

UNBOXING…

I basically didn’t want 4 copies of the album so my friends and I all bought different versions. I chose Version 3, because I watched an unboxing video on YouTube and saw Version 3 was the Blue one and her poster has her holding a sunflower and basically blue and sunflowers are my favs. I thought it was a universal sign. So there’s my logic for why I chose Version 3. Haha.

Album Unbox

The Deluxe Target Version comes with 30 pages from Taylor’s Diaries some including fun personal pics, lyrics, and fun doodles. The 18 Track Lover Album, A Lyric book, a poster, and a bunch of blank pages for you to write your own entries. My version also included her diary entry from the night Kanye West interrupted her acceptance speech at the VMAs. #SpillThatTeaGirl 🙂

JT diary

Here’s a sneak peek into her diary pages for Version 3. Of course she mentions JT in mine. Like I knew there was a cosmic reason why I bought this one. Also she discusses writing her hit track “22” from the RED album. The RED album is when I fell in love with her music. And 22 came out when I was 22, I was just graduating college and I had a big Graduation party with all my family and friends and when that song came on we were all screaming “I DONT KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT I’M FEELING 22!” Some were still 21 though. HAHA

22

2019 VMA’s VIEWING PARTY SETUP…

Cuz, I’m a total geek, I felt like doing a little Taylor inspired set up in honor of her opening the show. So this is kind of what I had lying around and I think it came together.

vmas viewing party 

Set-up Included:

The Lover Album… of course.

 

A Heart decorated wine class, (I just had a glass of red wine with some frozen fruit and seltzer, so I made like a little sangria spritzer.)

Pastel rose petals and butterflies, because…Taylor Swift.

And the dessert is actually from Little Debbie’s limited edition line. Mermaid Vibes fit that Taylor Vibe too. 

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Catch Taylor’s Performance Below! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIRCskNRTDY

 

IT’s NICE TO HAVE A FRIEND! (to have a girls night/listening party with!) 

So the day after the VMA’s I had planned to meet up with some friends to swap diaries and have a little Taylor Swift listening party. We grabbed lunch and some coffee and then unexpectedly ended up at my friend’s house and drank wine, had dinner and listened to Taylor’s many albums on repeat. A fun girls day that turned into night… it was one for the books. Love you ladies! I encourage everyone to just listen to the album with a friend, it’s that much more fun! 

Listening Party

I also caved and bought the $60 t-shirt I’ve been eyeing. The Taylor Swift x Stella McCartney designs were only released in spurts over a small time period and once the day was over the designs were no longer available and new ones were available. So I was sure I lost my chance at my favorite one. But Yesterday the whole collection was brought back for the day and I just had to get it. It was haunting me! No my credit card is NOT happy. But I am! 😉 Taylor’s Merch shop still has her merch available, just not the Stella McCartney line. Visit the shop HERE!

So there’s my recent Taylor Fangirl News!

I really hope she tours for this record. I feel so connected to this album and I just think it’s such a fun vibe for her and I can only imagine what the sets could look like on tour. The pastel colors! I can’t wait to see what’s next for her.

 

*All images/unboxing video are my own, except the VMA performance/T-shirt images/Songs used.*

-<3-

 

Lover Listening Party! [Album Review]

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Taylor Swift. My words fail me right now, because I don’t know if I have words that will do this album justice- Lover. We really needed you. 

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LISTEN to LOVER on YouTube, Spotify, etc. Purchase Deluxe (or regular) Editions at Target! 

Swift has been tweeting teasers and posting to instagram for quite a while. And we were gifted with the first single – “Me!” featuring Panic! at the Disco’s Brendon Urie back in April. My high school self was flipping her shit at this collaboration. Urie is the cutest thing ever! What a fantastic first track to introduce the new record. The video is an epic pastel universe as well. 

Taylor also released 3 other tracks prior to the release of the full album this past week on Friday, August 23rd. 

You Need To Calm Down

The Archer

Lover (video) strategically released the eve before the album release! And shocker, it’s BRILLIANT!

Now as usual when I know I want to write a review for an album, I listen to it, with a pad and pen in hand and take notes. Nothing crazy just things I notice, things I like, lyrics that strike me, or just things I hear that I like and notice in the music. This album (the deluxe version) has 18 TRACKS! So it is quite the treat for us swifties!

Let’s get started. Keep in mind, this is a FIRST LISTEN. So my thoughts are kinda random. LOL. 

1.) I Forgot That You Existed 

*Break up song/ANTHEM! (happy)

*A Bob! *Strong first track

2.) Cruel Summer

*I noticed some lyrics from this song are in the Lover music video “Devils roll the dice, angels roll their eyes.” 

^ Taylor and her Easter eggs. 😉 

*Fun!

3.) Lover

*The release of this song/video was so perfectly planned. 

*Lyrics!!! [Engagement?]- Sure sounds like she’s engaged. 😉 

*Romantic

4.) The Man

*YES!!!

*FEMINISM!

*Badass Boss Lady!

5.) The Archer

*I didn’t love it my first listen when it was an early release.

*But I watched her YouTube special the eve of the album release and she performed it, and I just liked it so much more!

*Love her voice- breathy/airy/light

*Sonic

***She shares some fun info about the album here too! And the fact that she’s OPENING the VMA’s tonight- Monday, August 26th! OMG I CAN’T WAIT! ***

6.) I Think He Knows 

*Sexy/Rap

*”Wanna see what’s under that attitude.” “I think he knows he better lock it down.” Haha love those lines!

*Girl is so good with metaphors and symbolism.

*Engaged? (Again it appears to be a possibility, lol)

*90’s girl jam (I just feel like I could see like a girl group singing this in the 90’s #GIRLPOWER)

7.) Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince

* Darker sound

*Auto tune

*Synthesizer?

8.) Paper Rings

*Stalker Cool haha

*Snaps!

*60’s/70’s/swing vibes

*Rocker/2000’s vibes [Yes at the same time, she plays with a lot of sounds and genres but it’s all EPIC AF]

*Wedding themed [Again!] 😉 

9.) Cornelia Street

*”how this city screams your name.”

*pretty lyrics

*Voice!  *”Dress” vibes from Reputation album

10.) Death By A Thousand Cuts 

*Super interesting sounds

*Like I’m LISTENING to a Kaleidoscope.

*Chimes/taps/funky guitar/drums

*”Trying to find parts of my body you didn’t touch”- beautiful metaphor

*The title is clever, you wouldn’t think it would be so light sounding. From the name, I expected darker Taylor to creep out. 

11.) London Boy

*”Darling, I fancy you.”

*Stella McCartney name drop (the reason why we have that tye dye dream of a collection)

^I’ve been eyeing one tee, but it’s a bit pricey [$60] if you ask me, and I don’t even know if it’s still available. New merch was being released each day for only a couple hours at a time. 

*Cute

*About Joe Alwyn? (who’s voice is that in the beginning???- apparently it’s Idris Elba & James Corden)

12.) Soon You’ll Get Better (feat. The Dixie Chicks)

*Country Roots

*”Cause you have to.”- this line breaks me.

*CRYING!

*hit hard

“Who am I supposed to talk to?”

*Rough one to listen to, but beautiful. (I skip it when I re-listen, it’s just too much for me.)

^Taylor herself has said in recent interviews that she can’t listen to this song or perform it. It was hard to write and she and her family made the decision together, choosing to include the track on her album. 

13.) False God

*Jazzy/slow jam

*R&B

*”I’m New York City, I still do it for you babe.” 

*”We’d still worship this love.”

*OMG she can do ANYTHING! 

14.) You Need To Calm Down

*Clever Lyrics- “Cuz shade never made anybody less gay!” 

*Anthem

*Timing is perfect! “Political” stand.

*Inclusion

*Bop!

*Polite Diss song

15.) Afterglow

*”Hey it’s on me, don’t go.”

*Pretty

16.) Me! (feat. Brendon Urie)

*1st single-loved immediately

*video is magical!

*Brendon Urie!!!!

*Chanty!

*Chorus! 🙂

*Happiness!

*Self Acceptance

*Fun intro to this new album and the world she was creating for us.

*Great Collaboration. One we didn’t know we needed!

*Flash mob vibes

*Where is my fav line! “Hey Kids, Spelling is fun!”????

^So I did a little google search….So sad they took this out because people were giving her crap because it was “offensive.” I just don’t get it. People are way to sensitive these days, and that’s coming from someone who takes EVERYTHING to heart. So…yea.

17.) It’s Nice To Have A Friend

*Childhood

*Folksy

*Running with the fairies

*Harp

*Fantasy

*Chorus

18.) Daylight

*”I don’t wanna look at anything else now that I saw you.”

*Lyrics!

*Perfect last song

^Taylor actually said this was almost the little of the album, but then she wrote Lover and felt like that embodied the theme of the whole album and she was spot on. This album is a lover of love. A celebration of it’s ups and downs. 

After the track finishes we get a little audio note from Taylor and what she leaves us with is quite the profound message…”I want to be defined by the things that I love…you are what you love.” Such an amazing body of work. 

LYRICS: I could sit here and tell you every lyric I loved, but that would take forever, because Taylor is such a genius with lyrics. you can really see how she’s matured and how she is writing from  a place of being in love and the things that come with that. It’s so beautiful that she’s so in love. I really hope she and Joe make it all the way to the aisle….or maybe that’s already “locked in.” 😉 Please feel free to READ all the lyrics and analyze for yourself. You won’t regret it!

Overall Thoughts: So dang strategic. Crazy feels and lyrics. A true artist. 18 songs. This album takes you on a journey. A roller coaster of emotions. A masterpiece. Brilliant album. I have 0 complaints. In fact I was texting with one of my best friends as I listened and after every song, I would text- OMG I love this one, I love that one, I can’t decide! It’s insane how much love and thought she puts into these albums and the campaign behind releasing them. I really respect her creative process. I love how she really is so involved in what she places her name on. She wrote/co wrote every track. She plans everything from the mood to the colors to the imagery she uses to convey the feelings of this album to her fans. I mean even if you HATE her, you can’t deny her! She is a true legend in the making. And I only say in the making, because she still has so much more to go. And I cannot wait for that TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!! I have yet to see her in concert and she is on my concert bucket list. I kicked myself for not seeing her in concert for the 1989 album. So this time, I am making sure I plan ahead!

Although I find it hard to choose favorites, I will say my current #onrepeat tracks are- I Forgot That You Existed, The Man, I Think He Knows, False God and Afterglow. But they are changing as I sit here, listening. She experimented with so many interesting sounds and touched upon some new genres. She really proved her voice can do so many different things. And I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.

Stay Tuned! My Lover Album unboxing is coming up next! 

And don’t forget Taylor opens the 2019 VMA’s tonight at 8 PM on MTV

Red carpet at 7

 

*I do not take credit for any images/videos/music used.* 

 

-<3-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tori Kelly Concert Review & Outfit

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

I know it’s been a minute, and I’m not going to bore you with excuses. Who knows, how many people out there are even out there reading this. Lol. But for those who are, no matter how long I may be MIA for, know, I always come back! 😀

Back in April I got to check another artist off my concert list, when I saw Tori Kelly live.

TK Acoustic Sessions

Set List:

(To the best of my recollection)

Language

Nobody Love

Coffee

Never Alone

Pretty Fades

Actress

I Was Made For Loving You

Take Back Home Girl

Two Places

Keep on Singing My Song (Christina Aguilera cover)

Only Exception (Paramore cover)

Bring Me Home

Thinkin’ Bout You

Suit & Tie (Justin Timberlake cover)

^It’s like she knew I was coming^

Confetti

All In My Head

Paper Hearts

Dear No One

Unbreakable Smile

Kid I Used to Know

Hollow

Your Words

Psalm 42

Sorry Would Go a Long Way

Funny

Should’ve Been Us

Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing

Change Your Mind

* Her guitarist- Mateus Asato was INSANE. His solo was out of this world. And at one point she and her guitarist had this like voice/guitar off. Tori would sing and Mateus would match it with his guitar cords. And then they switched and Mateus would play his guitar and Tori would have to match it with her vocals. INSANITY! Such an amazing duo.

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The Tori Kelly Acoustic Sessions concert was held at a theater so it was a very intimate setting. Our seats were great and the price was so reasonable. Tori took the stage with just her acoustic guitar and her voice, with the help of another electric guitarist. The stage held only a few lamps, and a couch, while the back drop was ruffled theater curtains, the lighting changed coloring with each song.

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It was so incredibly simple, but amazingly profound. Her talent is extraordinary and she is such a sweet soul. As she performed a mashup of old, new, some covers and unreleased music, she also walked us through the story of her journey with music. There was even a moment where she was singing a new unreleased song, about her grandfather (I believe it was “Your Words”) and it was so silent in that theater, you could hear a pin drop. I had goosebumps on and off throughout that whole night! I love when artists chat with you, it just makes you feel like they are your best friend chatting with you in their living room.

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What an insane talent. It was an incredible show. She is even more incredible live. I am thrilled to be able to check her off my dream concert list. I can’t wait to see her again. Now I have a friend who I made a fan, who I will certainly be taking with me to future shows! I know Tori just wrapped this tour a little bit ago, but with all the unreleased music she was playing, I imagine she’s going to be releasing more, and who knows maybe she will be touring again sometime soon. Catch her whenever you can!

 

***

My Tori Kelly Inspired Look

Leather Jacket

Flannel Shirt

Glitter T-shirt

Black highwaisted skinny jeans

Black booties

Big Curly  hair (cuz Tori Kelly vibes!)

Black nail polish

Hoop earrings

Some fun rings

Cuff bracelet

Medallion Necklace

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I was inspired by Tori’s earlier fashion style. It seems she’s experimenting with more high fashion pieces, sporting more heeled boots and suit ensembles. She’s amazing either way!

 

Visit ToriKellyMusic.com for more information!

*All images are my own.*

(except the Tori Kelly concert poster)

-<3-

 

*NSYNC takes Coachella/*NSYNC Update

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Coachella.

For festival goers it’s a time to douse yourself in buckets of glitter.
Body jewelry, funky fashion and stellar Instagram pics.

But for those on the other side of Instagram, well, let’s just say for me, there’s always a bit of fomo. (Fear of missing out.)

In many ways, I feel like I’m a hippie that would fit right in there. Not in the sense that I’m overly impulsive or that I love the outdoors. But in the sense that I’ve always been attracted to flower crowns, tie dye, and peace signs. Deep down, I have a bohemian soul. 

Which is basically Coachella vibes.

I also really love music.

It’s more so the heat and the desert that I don’t think I could vibe with. But I do love the funky fashion. I’d definitely go all out if I ever were to attend.

Needless to say, this past weekend was Coachella weekend 1. And the rumors began.

baby ari

Ariana posted a video of *NSYNC in concert, as she stands in the crowd held by her mother as a little girl.

hint hint

Soon after she posted this clip of herself singing and bopping along to “Tearin’ up My Heart” 

As many of you know. I am a COMPLETE and TOTAL *NSYNC Fangirl. This 90s boy band was and still is my jam. And so when I heard Arianna Grande’s new song “Break up with your girlfriend I’m bored”…I instantly recognized her sampling of *NSYNC’s “It Makes Me Ill.” A song off their 2nd album- No Strings Attached. Man that album was epic. I saw them in concert for that album. My first and last *NSYNC concert. Well hopefully not my last. 😉 

Rumors of NSYNC coming to join Grande during her Sunday Night Coachella set started with a few slick tweets.

twitter teaseAriana Tweet

And I knew it was happening. It was very flashbacky to when they were rumored to join Justin Timberlake at the 2013 VMAS. SPOLER ALERT-they did. But I kind of like to block it out, because I was so sad, they were only given a few short minutes. My feels were hit hard. 

So I knew something was going to go down. And conveniently enough YouTube was streaming the event live. So I got to partake in #Couchella.

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Grande took the stage opening with “God is a Woman” and “Bad Idea.” Then early in her set, she brought 4/5ths of *NSYNC out to join her yelling,  “I’ve been rehearsing my whole f*ckin life for this.” JC, Lance, Joey, and Chris took the stage. I figured Justin wouldn’t show, considering he just wrapped his 115 show Man of the Woods tour the day before. Part of me wants to call him a brat. But the other part knows homeboy needs a damn break! 115 shows bro! 115! According to TMZ (super credible I KNOW! 😉 He was just unable to align his schedule with them to rehearse.

The guys joined Ariana singing their “It Makes Me Ill” portion of her song and then they performed “It’s Tearin’ Up My Heart” complete with synchronized dance moves! THAT CHOREOGRAPHY!

2019 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival - Weekend 1 - Day 3

Ariana, I have to give you props girl, you held your own! And it was epic! Those guys still got it. And in typical *NSYNC fashion they all had matching pants and color schemes. MY HEART! I TELL YOU! THESE BOYS HAVE MY LITTLE FANGIRL HEART! I just realized I never really blogged about the recent *NSYNC news within the past few years…I guess this is kind of turning into an all around *NSYNC update. But you bet your bottom dollar, my socials hear all about it on the regular. So please follow me on instagram and twitter for more regular interactions and updates! 😀

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In typical JC fashion he waved to the crowd as they all started to leave, and he said, “Thank you Coachella this has been a dream of ours.” Or something to that affect. I can’t find a DAMN VIDEO to rewatch. And I was an overly tired (it was like 2am on the east coast!) and frazzled fangirl last night. Not to mention the picture/audio/lighting was kind of a hot mess via Live stream. 

As the exited the stage, Joey shouted, “thank you see you next time.” NEXT TIME! GUYS…he said next time! 

Ariana laid on the stage, as she said, “ok I can die now.” LOLOL. We feel you though. 

Grande went on to perform a 90 minute set including more guest appearances by Nicki Minaj, and Diddy. Now I’m not like her biggest fan or anything, but she seriously threw a damn good 90s throwback party. She even played of her old jams from her earlier albums, which I loved! 

Hats off, Grande. From one fan girl to the next, thanks for reuniting the band for a night.

Also that night gave us these…these pics are slaying me…

[All images are collectively from Ariana, JC, Lance, Joey, and Chris’ social media accounts. I do not take credit!]

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Anyone catch that “One more time?” comment Lance left on Ariana’s Instagram. Could it be they guys are returning to perform again with her this weekend at Coachella. Probably Not. Lol. Cuz well, it’s Easter. Time for Fam time! 😉 

And low and behold he noticed! My heart got so happy seeing him acknowledge the performance! And seeing all the guys seeing he acknowledged it and chatting in the comments!

JT insta

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Love seeing these guys together and supporting each other, it’s my favorite thing.

Lance Bass talks how the performance collaboration came to be…

Last time we had our boys together was around this time last year; (April 30th- “It’s gonna be may” day to be exact) to receive their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And it was a freakin’ magical time. I watched the entire livestream like a giddy little school girl! 

 

NSYNC star

One Year Anniversary Coming Up!

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Oh yea THIS happened too! JT brought the guys with him!

Not to mention the guys kept releasing new capsule *NSYNC merch last year. I totally bought t-shirts! They even had a pop up shop in LA…Man if I lived in the area, I would have moved mountains to get there. Lance also just produced a documentary called The Boy Band Con- The Lou Pearlman Story. I haven’t seen it yet, but I know JC, Chris, and Joey are all featured in it. All of this gives a fangirl some hope. Yup…still waiting on that official reunion album/tour announcement. Don’t they know the universe is just waiting for it. I mean even Lance Bass recently said-

They really do seem like they genuinely love each other and wish the best for each other, but I also think the are just waiting for the perfect time to come back. I blame JT, maybe now that he’s back from a crazy hectic tour, he could hang out (in the studio) with some old friends. 

Ok ok, sorry. I know I rag on JT for being the reason *NSYNC hasn’t reunited, but make no mistake that dude is my homie. I love him. I support him. I’ve seen every show, bought every record. I’m in it. I’m his fangirl just as much as the band’s. Much love for all 5 guys!  

Holding out for hope, guys. 

Until next time.

Signed, 

*NSYNC Fangirl ❤

 

*I do not take credit for any images, videos, music, clips, used.*

-<3-

ESCAPRIL!

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

I can’t believe we’re already in April. Needless to say I came across a rather interesting challenge. And I decided it was time to dive into a new writing experience. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtX-0nqrzn0

Youtuber and Writer/Author Savannah Brown started the trend- ESCAPRIL. “Escaping into poetry in April.” Which is basically writing and posting a poem everyday in April through some sort of social network site. I thought this was such a cool idea. 

So I caught on, on April 2nd and knew it wasn’t too late to join in. Making up the day I lost and continuing the journey throughout this past week. I even got my sister in law to join me. So it’s cool to have a buddy to trade poems with. And to see how we both interpret the prompts given.

Here are the rules and the prompts provided to guide you…

escapril

escapril promptsYou can find more details on their letsescapril instagram

I’ve been pretty consistent which makes me proud of myself. I realized if I can do BLOGMAS (posting every day in December), BLOGTOBER (posting every day in October), and most recently the NaNoWriMo challenge (writing 50,000 words in the month of November,) than I know I can do a poem a day! 

I’m enjoying it, it’s a sense of community, as other people you don’t even know get to see your work on social sites. But I will say I don’t think my poem muscle has been used in a while, so my poems aren’t the best. But I’m working on it, and I know it’s not always about quality or quantity when it comes to writing. Sometimes it’s just about getting something down on the page, and creating an everyday writing habit. 

I chose to use my blog instagram account to share my work. So please follow michelleleighwrites_blog  (michelleleighwrites_blog) for my daily #ESCAPRIL posts. I will probably do an update on this at some point. So STAY TUNED!

Also I didn’t know that April is actually National Poetry Month, so hey…it all just works!

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Happy Reading!

And good luck all my fellow #ESCAPRIL participants!

 

*I do not take credit for any images/videos used.*

-<3-

 

Current TV Reboot & Music Favs

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment


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PRESS PLAY

This album was released in June of 2018, so I know I’m definitely late to the party. But I am happy that I’m catching up now. Better late than never, right? I really love all the horns in these songs, it just makes it an instant BOP!

Favorite tracks include:

Hey Look Ma, I Made It

High Hopes

One Of The Drunks

Dancing’s Not A Crime

I was really into them back in high school when they first came out with their debut album “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out.” That’s when I became obsessed with this masterpiece (SEE: Video Below). But after that album I don’t remember much else. Don’t get me wrong, I can listen to that album today and I still totally vibe with it. That punk pop, dark eye liner, weirdness. I was all for it! LOL. But after high school, I feel like my taste in music started to shift and I just didn’t keep up with them. Also I don’t usually know the new music out these days, I’m an iPod playlist girl. But I’ve been playing the radio at work for my classes to help their creativity and I fell in love with “High Hopes” and then soon after “Hey Look Ma I Made It.” They have both been on repeat all week for me, and so I gave the full album a chance and Damn it’s good. It sounds like their old stuff, which I appreciate.

Watch Leading man Brendon Urie talk a little more about the album HERE.

***

Charmed– is a show I get super excited to watch lately! I’m actually really digging this reboot.

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Summary: Mel and Maggie Vera suffer a shock when their mother dies suddenly, but before they have time to heal from their loss, another surprise shows up on their doorstep in the shape of an older sister — brilliant geneticist Macy — whom their mother never told them existed. The emotional stress takes its toll and the girls begin to exhibit impossible new abilities. An explanation comes from an unexpected place: the new chair of the women’s studies department. Harry Greenwood reveals that the three are powerful witches, and he is their white lighter, there to advise and guide them as they battle dark forces.- via Wikipedia

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

Maggie & Parker’s Love Connection

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Maggie is the youngest of the Vera sisters and she is the witch with empathetic powers. With one touch she can hear and feel someone’s thoughts/feelings. She and Parker have such chemistry. When Parker came on, I was instantly invested in their connection. It’s even more interesting because Parker is actually half demon. Yes very similar to the Phoebe and Cole story line in the original Charmed. Maggie falls for Parker when she meets him by chance, and they vibe. But to Maggie’s surprise she soon finds out that Parker is her soon to be sorority sister’s boyfriend, so she puts the brakes on her feelings.

But of course throw in some more close moments and flirty eyes and a random kiss because she is trying to disguise her witchy business and keep him from seeing the fact that there’s a demon girl chained to their school’s home coming float, and Parker falls for her. The whole back and forth goes on and her friend eventually learns Maggie is the cause for her break up with Parker. Time passes and Maggie gets the go ahead to date Parker and the two are completely ADORABLE. But we soon find out that Parker is basically getting close to Maggie to further is father’s demonic plans. But it’s clear to the audience that Parker’s human side is often winning when it comes to Maggie. He truly cares for her and so when he is forced to drain her of her powers, he ends up stopping his family’s evil plan, but it’s a little too late to save the relationship and Maggie is left feeling heart broken and betrayed. She avoids Parker for a while, her anger and fear eating her up. But Parker eventually works his way back into her heart and they currently are back together and just had their first night together.

Here are some of my fav scenes-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YChIzv5f0SE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuPdkQGDGlY

Charmed airs Sundays @ 9 PM on The CW!

 

Roswell, New Mexico– I think this and Charmed are my new obsessions! These two reboots are KILLING THE GAME!
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Summary: After a decade away from home, Liz Ortecho returns to her native Roswell to care for her ailing father. When she arrives, she reconnects with her high school crush Max Evans, who is now a police officer. Their chemistry is electric, but Liz soon learns something shocking: Max and his siblings are aliens who have kept their abilities secret their entire lives. As they grow closer, Liz struggles to keep the truth from her best friend Maria, and her high school ex, Dr. Kyle Valenti, but concealing the siblings’ true identities is more important than ever, as a long-standing government conspiracy and the politics of fear and hatred threaten their lives.

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

Max & Liz’s Love Story

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So as mentioned in the summary, Liz and Max are introduced to us 10 years later. So they drop us in the middle of this intense history. We know they were lab partners and that they were good friends, but we don’t see those moment until later episodes when we get some fun flashbacks of the time the two almost kissed as kids, but never did. The whole show Max’s feelings for Liz are very evident. Evident to just about everyone. And he makes damn certain she knows too. In the very first episode a group of man stage a shoot out on the diner that Liz’s father owns, and she is shot in the chest. Bleeding out on the floor, Max uses his alien powers to heal her, causing her to come back to life and leaving a hand print on her. Because of this print, she soon finds out Max is an alien. She isn’t afraid and promises to keep his secret. The handprint creates a mirror of Max’s feelings linking them to Liz’s feelings. So when Liz wants to kiss him, he stops them, stating her feelings are not real, just an echo of his feelings for her. However, Liz isn’t easily convinced and wishes to kiss him once the hand print wears off. Liz soon finds out some disturbing evidence about her sister’s death and she begins to think Max had something to do with it. So she lies and tells Max she doesn’t have feelings for him, that it was just the effects of the hand print. Liz is not the same young, care free, girl beaming with positivity. She is an adult who is on a quest to find out the truth about her sister’s death. She soon finds out that Max has been hiding the truth from her for a decade, his sister Isabel (who is also an alien with mind controlling powers) suffered a black out and killed Liz’s sister Rosa, all those years ago. And Max and his brother covered it up in fear that they would all be exposed as aliens.

Max’s love for Liz and his psychic like connection to his sister have always been at odds. While he suffered the burden of this secret for years, nearly breaking and confessing to Liz. Isabel used her powers to convince Liz to leave town years ago, and so the show starts with Liz making her return to Roswell 10 years later. When the truth comes out, Liz is furious with Max, she goes as far as telling him she hates him.  Max is furious at his siblings for driving Liz out of town in the first place. And the tension between the two is evident. However even in anger, Liz still finds herself wanting to do good. She is a scientist and she is the one trying to mute Isabel’s powers so that she is no longer a danger to herself or to others. When her serum ends up doing more harm then good, Liz is relentless about helping her because she knows that if Isabel is ill, then so is Max. In the latest episode, Liz finally kisses Max after 10 years of anticipation and I am the happiest fan girl. Max’s speech is just so heartfelt and you can just see how much he loves her and how long he’s waited for her. Also they play a cover of the song “Iris” by The Goo Goo Dolls, so that makes the scene even more epic! I for sure thought they were going to drag that out til at least the season finale, but I’m so glad they didn’t, I mean Max waited long enough!

Here are some of my fav scenes-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlUmRSWo-d0&t=15s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9JH-IG2xw4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfS7FZBx8qM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyVEhCam_OQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPaWOgEfBSg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRhmUXGh_50

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NovriTOxcJg

These two slay me! The first episode, I was hooked by their connection. It’s just so beautiful. Oh my god, the love eyes they give each other. Liz there is no way, you can stay angry at a guy, who loves you THAT much. That kiss scene! What a scene! It was absolutely beautiful. The way that it was shot, the sun rays beaming, the way that Liz just kind of grabs him by surprise and her hold on him. It’s such a sweet moment. His heartfelt speech and her sassy defensiveness that he calls her out on, within the speech laced with unconditional love. The song! The cute banter between them at the end where they laugh about never waiting to kiss again. This scene had everything! All the feels. It was PERFECT! And then the scene after where he just kisses her freely. I CAN’T WAIT FOR MORE OF THAT! Oh and homegirl really needs to tell him she loves him back, he’s only said it like 12 times this season!

So um…universe where’s my alien boyfriend? 😉

Oh just an FYI this past week’s big KISS episode entitled, “Songs About Texas”  was directed by none other than the original show’s Liz Parker- Shiri Appleby.

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Roswell, New Mexico airs Tuesdays at 9 PM on The CW!

Oh and by the way… this happened… Jeanine Mason (who plays Liz) tweeted me! 

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Enjoy the recommendations!

*I do not take credit for any images, videos, or music used.*

-<3-

 

Bake with Me: St. Patrick’s Day Edition

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

This past weekend, we celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at my Aunt’s house. So I decided to bake a bunch of yummy green inspired treats. Baking for every holiday is kind of my thing. I love finding fun recipes, buying all the ingredients, baking, and then creating festive trays for the occasion. 

FIRST UP- Slutty Brownies (Click for recipe) 

I called them Sassy Mint Brownies instead, lol! #KIDEARS

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To display them, I put them on a green tray lined with white doilies. Then I added some butterscotch candies (gold coins) and the Andes mint chocolates (green theme candy). I also added a few shamrock toothpicks. 

NEXT UP- Green Cupcakes

I didn’t really have a recipe for this. I just saw this picture online and drew inspiration from the image itself.

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Not my photo

Here is my version, and what I used to create it…

I used Betty Crocker white boxed mix and Betty Crocker Cream Cheese frosting. I added a crazy amount of green food coloring to the batter to get that vibrant green color. I frosted them using a little pastry icing tool, added some green sugar sprinkles and topped it with either a green cherry (which I was super surprised to find!) or a butterscotch candy which I used to mirror a gold coin, (I couldn’t find any gold chocolate coins).

LAST UP- Lucky Charm Treats (Click for recipe)

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I just added some green food coloring to make them even more festive! 

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To display these, I placed them on a white oval tray lined with doilies, and added some spear mint gumdrop candy to add some décor to it.

 Here’s my little set up…(dinner cooked by both my Mom and my Aunt…mom made Sheppard’s pie too, but I didn’t get a pic.)

 

I threw together a bottle of sangria and some green fruit (pear, grapes, apple). Apple wine on the side in case someone just wanted a glass of wine, or wanted to add more into the sangria. And some festive napkins, plates, and straws. A drink is so much better with a little umbrella or a cute straw! It was so good, I had quite a few glasses and was feeling a nice buzz. #YesImOfAge 

 

And you know I had to dress for the occasion with some fun festive accessories, and that morning I had some tea in my holiday themed mug…

 

The day was really fun, and everything was really delicious! However, I will say for the mint brownies, if you aren’t a fan of mint, than you may not like them. I like mint, so I LOVED them! I love celebrating my heritage and getting to do so with great food, and good company. They had an early birthday cake for me too, and I even got some early birthday gifts. It was a really sweet surprise and a great time! 

Happy “Belated” St. Patrick’s Day!

*All photos are my own.*

-<3-