Funny Foamy Faces.

Today, I experimented once more with foamy art.

There is truly so much joy that comes with creating art in coffee. Honest to goodness. 

And I just discovered the true definition of my favorite word "cheeky." You see, I was first introduced to it by the YouTuber, Jack Harries, and have always loved the ring to it. And I may have incorporated it into some usernames also so when the Brits heard about it last week, there was some confusing laughter. Turns out, it means "insolent and rude in a cunning manner." Ahh so embarrassed! I somehow thought it meant smiley and good natured for some odd reason and it was a goofy moment for me. So I'll end this post with a smile, even if it's an embarrassed one!

Check out this guy in my latte! He does have a sort of cheeky grin to him, does he not? 

A Song for Sunday- Sex (acoustic cover)

My sister and I were discussing just what it means to be a hipster. She thought that I was one because I hear about music and share it with her before it becomes popular, but the true definition of a hipster is one who follows current trends. Well, that was one definition I read so maybe it's false, but all I know is that I'm not a hipster! I'm me.

That being said, it's one of those new songs, or artists, that I'm sure is going to become popular soon. And truly, most of the times it's not even me who finds these songs, but my best bud Emma.

So who is this artist? What is this song? Well lads and ladies, it's Luke Friend.

It was last year sometime, maybe last couple of months, that Emma first told me about him. He's a seventeen year old cheeky British singer who competed in the UK X Factor in third place. I finally decided to go onto the YouTube and see what all this hype was about.

Oh my goodness, no wonder she fell for him! Not only is he completely young and adorable, not to mention that HAIR, but his voice is incredible. It has this quality about it where when he breaks from chest to head voice, it'd like this raw and rough call. It's effortlessly unique and it draws listeners it hear more.

I have found a new British singer that I thoroughly enjoy.

So the song I chose for today is an acoustic cover to THE 1975's "Sex." (By the way, I love that group as well and will probably mention them in the near future) He only has one EP at the moment, Live Ont' Sofa, but I highly recommend checking it out. This song is so raw and personal, and his voice sounds so mature and deeply moving... AH I simply love it.

And I will credit again that this is a song from THE 1975 group as I go in to delve about the lyrics. The song is kind of sad. I read it as a guy who loves this girl and has sex with her when she has a boyfriend. 

"She's got a boyfriend anyway.."

It's kind of like wanting what you can't have and how the sex isn't as meaningful to her as it is to him because she's seeing someone else. Kind of unfortunate, no? 

"Now were in the bed in my room

And I'm about to fill his shoes

But you say no

You say no

Does he take care of you

Or could I easily fill his shoes?

But you say no

You say no.."

And then when Luke sings it, in his slower and heartfelt version, it just hits home. 

He will do great things, that Luke Friend. 

A Song for Sunday- Let Me Go.

A smile slowly spreads across my face whenever I think back to this moment.

It was last week- Emma and I were driving the Brits back from one of their victorious games and the music was blasting through the open windows. I was on a high from their high, and it absolutely peaked when this song came on. The guys, I kid you not, began to sing at the top of their lungs in such an off-key harmonious chorus that it just made me incredibly happy. Looking in the backseat, they were dancing along and just being infinitely positive. It was beautiful.

The song, sung by English artist Gary Barlow (a judge on the U.K. X-Factor, I believe), is such a positive and upbeat one that it lifts my spirits immediately. And such fantastic memories surface whenever it comes on.

"Fly high and let me go (Let me go!)

That sky will save your soul  (Let it save your soul!)

When you pass by then you'll know (Let me go let me go!)

That this is gonna take a bit of getting used to but I know

What's right for you

Let me go.."

And by goodness, I have the whole thing on video, which is even more glourious. So if you're ever in the mood for a pick-me-up song, I highly suggest this one. Not only are memories abundant in the lyrics, but it truly is a positive work. 

Worked Saved the Day.

I love my job. 

There was never any denying the fact that my job as a barista is one of the most joyous parts of my day. I don't even consider it a job because I love it so incredibly much!

So I was having one of "those mornings" in which sadness seems to plague me and tears love to just spill out, but the second that I walked behind into the bustling bar of Kaladi Brothers Cafe, my mood instantly peaked. My co-workers, the lovely Davina and Tesia were ever so upbeat, and together, we experimented with coffee art. Turns out, with my fantastic foam and Tesia's steady hand, we created a bear out of the confines of a latte. 'Twas a proud moment indeed, check out the photos!

And as one of the customers said of our broken tongs of long year use, "All good things must come to an end." True. And it's one's attitude about these unfortunate endings that determines how we move on from these epic life experiences. Plus, memories last forever, so truly, these experiences are never truly "over", right?

Always a laugh with these gals.

Mr. Bear says hello from my cup!

Brits are Back.

I'm just going to tell you now, it's gonna be little bit before I'm off of this British high.

Are you bothered? I'm not.

I quite agree that it's a most positive thing to hold onto. Never apologize for anything that makes you smile, right?

P.S. I actually have British (English) blood in me all the way from Leeds, England. Cheeeeeky.

(Sorry about the lighting- it gets so dark so quickly here up north!)

What I wore: British sparkly THE CLAS-SIC USA top (used), bright blue J CREW skirt (used), black NORDSTROM tights, gray RALPH LAUREN socks, and black NINE WEST ankle booties. 

English Invasion.

I've just returned from one of the most incredible holidays of my life.

Words cannot describe how absolutely epic and fond this past week has been for me.

If I thought vacations couldn't top each other, then I was proved wrong!

I've just come back from the sunny skies of the AZ sun and I continue to be on this buzz of pure and simple happiness. There were just so many incredible little things that made up this trip that will stay in my heart forever and I don't even know where to start with telling you all about it! Gosh, I met this cheeky group of English lads that stole my heart (cue One Direction!), I was on this constant high of playing around and making lifelong memories, and I spent it with some of my favorite people in the whole world.

And there are so many reminders in my daily life that bring back good times with these guys, and it just makes me appreciate LIFE. And although my heart breaks at the fact that the holiday is over (with the highest highs come the lowest lows), I have so many good things to remember from this past week that keep me happy.

There's also the possibility of visiting them come a couple months.. one special guy in particular who fancies me as I fancy him. ;)

Just remember, it's always better to have these special moments end, then to never experience them at all, no matter how sad it feels when it's over.

First night there and what do we play? The lovely game of grapefruit baseball.

Grand Canyon was class!

There was no question who Preston's biggest fans were..

Sunshine days..

These guys and their snapchats!

Parties all day, e'ry day!

Reunited with fellow Slithy! Too bad she didn't eat that rat...

Emma and I were honored to be fans.

Last day of games and they won! :)

Bittersweet goodbyes..

Finishing off with our yearly Imagine Dragon's concert with best bud Emma!

Dessert with my dearest Kate..

Truly, I have made some incredible memories this past week. Not only will I miss the sunshine filled pleasant days, but these people whom I call my friends. Cheers, mate. 

A Song for Sunday- I Feel Pretty/Unpretty.

My yoga class is what really inspired me this morning. As I was sitting in the first position of my practice, the theme of what my instructor was saying truly stuck out to me. It went along the lines like so..

Now it being the month of February, with Valentine's Day in the air, I like to focus our poses with the heart in my mind. So lots of poses to open up the heart. I would also like us to concentrate on loving ourselves during this time. We spend so much time showing love towards others, but today, I want you to focus on loving yourself. 

I was instantly inspired. It is true. I'm not saying we should become selfish and have the world revolve around ourselves, I just think that people often neglect themselves when they focus so much energy on others' opinions and not themselves.

Take a minute, and come up with five things you love about yourself. Five little things that make you so happy to be unconditionally YOU. 

The song of choice today is the one and only Glee version of "I Feel Pretty/Unpretty", sung by characters Rachel Berry and Quinn Fabray. I chose this particular song because it makes one recognize that the only one that can make you feel less deserving is yourself. It's a song that highlights the importance of loving yourself for all of what you are. Yes, you can change whatever about yourself that someone else sees to be "unpretty" but the only thing that can prevent that is simply your attitude.

You can buy your hair if it won't grow

You can fix your nose if he says so

You can buy all the make-up that M.A.C. can make

But if you can't look inside you

Find out who am I to

Be in a position to make me feel so damn unpretty

We ended our practice with an excellent little saying that has been in my heart all day long. It goes as follows:

I will forgive, heal, and release anything that is holding me back from my truest potential of love.

I hope you all find love this Valentine's Day, even if it's learning to love yourself. 

Fishy Shirts&Open River.

Oh twas like spring today. 

The sun was shining, my spirits were lifted, and my dad and I both, by chance, wore fishy shirts. What a coincidence!

It feels like spring should be here, truly. And besides old-timers, no one has ever seen the Kenai River this free of ice in a long time. We should be out fishing! Who knows.. we may get summer sooner than we expected. 

Coincidence? I think not!

So to get down to the river, we had to trek this treacherous stairway. Twas quite intense. 

Twinning!

The walk down wasn't so bad, it was the hike up that got to me. And in some high heeled boots? Hmm.

There should be an Olympics category for hiking this baby.

My hands were none too pleased at being exposed to twenty degrees though.

What I wore: tan vintage COACH bag (used), blue rockfish ALTERNATIVE sweater (purchased from my yoga studio after an anticipated wait), an orange GAP skirt (used), black NORDSTROM tights, and black high heeled FRYE boots (used).