Friday Frugal Tip

Friday Frugal Tip
(see a theme here on these named days...)

I kept thinking how my black high heeled Nine West boots (steal at Goodwill a few years back, brand new $28!  woo hoo) are looking a little shabby.
Well, slap me up side the head.  Shoe Polish my friend, shoe polish. Took me two minutes on the way out the door and viola', boots look new again!

$1 at Dollar Tree.  Fancy.

(refer to this for the "fancy" usage, we always say it because of this.  But, I will save all this for another post and all the goofy.)

A little morbid, so what!

 

I am going to try to update this blog way more.  My mind is active. 

This all may fall on no-one, but my kids can read it some day and think there mom is/was a kook.  (Oh, they already do.)  The apples don't fall far from the tree either.

So, in thinking ahead...

Every time I hear certain songs, I think they would be great at my memorial (I want to be cremated, so no funeral needed, but I do want some people crying that I am gone, see apples mentioned above). My own dear family would "get it", me wanting to have these songs played.  

 

My middle name is Sunshine, so that should explain all this madness.

Ain't No Sunshine

How do you live without Sunshine?

Sunshine on my Shoulders cuz my mama always sang that to me when I was little

You are the Sunshine of my Life

I am sure there are tons more Sunshine songs, but this will do.

Shows we saw in 2011 and * denotes won.

Spring

Sheryl Crow-and got to meet her with Ryan 5/20/11* with Sheryl

Cake

Summer

Fitz and The Tantrums-got to meet with Ryan (free) Ryan and Fitz

Michael Franti (guest of Mix 106 marketing)Me and Michael, yah, we are tight.

Amos Lee 8/10/11* Pics

Boz Scaggs (guest of KHITS marketing)

Sept.

B52's *

Fall

Miranda Lambert

Ira Glass (guest of NPR as a donor)

Orlando Calling *

Free, free, free, win, win, win

In 2011 I went a little pog wild and started the Extreme Couponing thing.
Here is my stockpile.   Don't laugh.   You know you wish you had one.

Which led me to all the wonderful freebies life has to offer.  Free, I say, as in they are giving it to me and I am not giving them money!!

Here is a not all inclusive list, because my pea brain can not remember all the goodies.

Sunglasses
Victora Secret panties (yes, new, dummy)
mascara
body spray
hand lotion
"lady things"
makeup brushes
perfume samples
numerous Red Box rentals
meal at TGIF
Audio books via amazon for our Tab
pens, pencils
toothpaste (no, not just from the dentist)
Many $10 off $10 purchase at JC Penney coupons, so just paid tax
Where's the Beef T-shirt for Ryan
"I scored" t-shirts at Orlando Calling
Kids free at Boondocks on their b-days

and drum roll, please....I won a 37 inch brand spanking new television!!!  I bought a $5 raffle ticket, so not free, but I can write off the entry because it was for the food bank!


My favorite post in West Coast Frugals:

Jill Thompson:

I just got a $198 pair of Juicy Couture glasses for free!!!!!!!!!!!!! All I paid was $16 for shipping. Thanks Nik!!!!!!!!!

See future post for all the free shows we got to go to.

Few and Far Between

No, I have not fallen off the face of the blog-osphere. 

From the book of good deals: new pants, previously owned because I am dieting, and close to my goal.  Dieting saves money on food.  Thank goodness too, because two tween boys can eat a lot (of junk).

We were quite thrifty this Christmas.  Not exchanging gifts is very easy on the budget, and stress be gone too.  No looking for crap for someone who needs nothing and has everything!  We just got the kids a few things and called it good.  Rob got me a cool NPR t-shirt and I got him much needed socks.  We were very happy with these simple gifts.

Happy New Year to all!!

What happened to this blog? Or Money for nothing....

I am not sure why I stopped, and I am inspired by my dear friend Shelley to continue.  I may ramble, but I will try to include music and saving money-two of my favorite things.

So, this includes Both!  I put my "business" card in one of those little jars at our wonderful downtown music store, The Record Exchange.  I got an email that I won a cd.  Ryan and I went down on a Sunday with my email and I kindly said, I am willing to pay the difference for the new Train cd, but if I can't I suppose I will take the Trace Atkins cd listed on here.  They reply, wait a minute, we will see what we can do.  Next thing I know, the nice guy is bringing me the new Train cd!  Hands it to me and says "there ya go"!  Wow, are we stoked or what!  New music---FREE!  I rarely buy cd's so this was exceptional good fortune.  By the Way, the Train cd is awesome.  We love to sing "Save me San Fransisco" very loudly in the car.

In other news...I got an email for a buy a $50 gift card for $20 to Renewed Expressions from Living Social.  I jumped on that so fast.  Then, if I "share" it with my friends, I could get a freebie.  I know a lot of gals who also like that store.  Next thing I know...my $50 GC is FREE (thanks Heather, Tona & Patty)!  Do not think I waited.  I took myself over there the next day and got a very cute short sleeved "coat" from White House Black Market that I can wear a ton of ways, and still have half my GC left to get something else.

Lastly, got this necklace at a swap.  I am going to re-purpose it and maybe have a necklace and earrings.  I will post when I re-do it.

Who says you can't get something for nothing?

The Summer is ending, and I missed half of it.

Well, not really, but that is how it feels.  This summer flew by.  I know it did when even my kids say it went fast, because I remember back in the day, the summer's seemed endless!

But, we got to hear some great music (won tickets, of course), ride in a fancy car (Porsche is up for sale), ushered in a new decade (40 is feeling fine), tried some new stuff (zip-lining...you are so in my future for every vacay EVER!) and see lots of friends (they will be around all the time, this I know).

My boys start Middle School, which takes me back to my very beginnings of Jr. High.  That was the time I really discovered music.  1980's, the beginning of New Wave, riding the wave of Punk, I could even name a band or two.    

What was the best was being able to name some band and say "Yeah, you probably never heard of them." being all obscure and sneaky.  Such as Joy Division, Style Council, Aztec Camera. (Their album High Land Hard Rain got so much play on my little stereo, I think I wore the tape out.)  Listening to All I Need Is Everything brings back so many teen angst moments!

Yes, they play them in the grocery market (as my son calls it), but back in my day, that was some cool chit, man.  Disco was done.  Something new was in order (Hey-New Order!).   Yes, it was cheesy at times, think Culture Club, but some things never die, like my love of Squeeze (who by the way are touring again, but of course not in MY little town, damn it). 

As my kids enter this phase, I am bombarded with Ke$ha, and by golly, I know who she is, and Lady Gaga, and all kinds of other funny pop music with lines that get sung in our house over and over.  Such wonderful ditties as "Before I leave, brush my teeth with a bottle of Jack."  Oh my!  And what about Cobra Starship (yes, looked the name up) with Good Girls Go Bad!  Wow, 11 sure is different these days.  Maybe it is not though.  I don't know, listening to Prince's Darling Nikki was pretty risque, albeit, I was a little older, but I am sure 11 year old's heard it.  Having been a "Nikki" I probably got reminded of it more than other's.  Hated that song, btw.


Anywho...follow me on the road to new music with tweens as we try to find good deals.

Hey-does finding a white T-shirt in the closet for the kid to wear to PE count as a GOOD DEAL?  I say, heck yeah, FREE is always the best deal-e-o.  Because that school wanted to charge me NINE bucks for one.  That seems a bit outrageous when I can get a 5 pack at Target' for $5!  Hmmmm.....someone is cleaning up on those plain white T's.

Free boxes mean organization

I was looking through some old Real Simple mags (if you have never seen them, check out their website-love them) Real Simple.  They had a great idea for shoes out of control.  Use a wine box and cover it.  

Brilliant, right?  So I high-tailed it to the liquor store where they were happy to give me two boxes.  I covered mine with white butcher paper I have for wrapping, and viola'-instant de-clutter of all the flip flops.

So, now everyone in the house wants them.  I am going easy on the liquor store, I don't want them catching on to me!

Deal of the Day

Metal water bottle at Starbucks: $15.99. Metal water bottle at TJ Maxx: $5.99 for two! The Queen of Good Deals strikes again.

 

I love a good bargain...so sue me.

So...my dear friend Lesley referred to me as "The Queen of Good Deals" and by-golly I love it.  I had invited her to a $2 Re-sale parking lot sale at the crack of dawn on July 3.  She was scared and excited...excited indeed.  Hundreds of items to be picked over all for only $2!  My idea of Heaven.  Scared-not sure why.  She scored some cool duds as did I.

"The Queen of Good Deals" scored 2 pairs of shoes, a dress, 2 pairs of shorts, 1 pant, 2 tops, 2 hair clips and a big decal all for about $20. Then a haircut and pedi-yeah, not so cheap!

Above was my Facebook post on said subject.

I love a bargain.  I love to shop.  I love to see the words SALE, Buy One Get One (bogo) and FREE is the best.  I am not sure I have any wisdom that any savy shopper does not know-as Heather requested to get from me, but I am happy to share what I can when I can.

First things first...I ♥ SHOP STYLE. COM!!!   I love it, tell everyone to look at it and share it when ever I get to.  I have an account you can check out.  It is like shopping for free!!!  (Remember, I love free.)  No, you don't have it in your real closet, but your virtual one, yes.


http://www.shopstyle.com/users/Nik+a+BBC+Girl
Try this if above does not work.

If this link does not work, then just go to www.shopstyle.com and I am Nik A BBC Girl.  Feel free to comment and add your own account.

Love garage sales.  I got a pair of cute shoes for $1.  That's right, a buck.  They are not walking around shoes, but, none-the less, they are cute.  They were brand new.  So...tip #1 go to garage sales and do not be afraid to try things on, and ask for a cheaper price-what is the worst that can happen? They say no.

Liking a remake better than the original...

just sometimes.  There are some great ones out there.  There are some songs that are just overdone, but not including those here, I hope.

Since this really requires listening, I am not disguising the links.

My dad really prefers Six Pence None the Richer's version (Link to song) of Crowded House's Don't Dream It's Over. (Link to song) I feel there is just no re-doing this song, but forgive me, I fell in love with my husband to the original.

Here are some of my faves:

Bryan Ferry's Jealous Guy which I prefer  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbLgJRQ8TDg

 to John Lennon's  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lLs2dC9NaE

Jamie Cullum's The Wind Cries Mary which I prefer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTdxAVPkUOk

to Jimi Hendrix's http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf-Mtd2A1DI

Willing by Linda Rondstadt http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4Q6kYEuAPg (love her by the way and this is the original, but Little Feat did it first, I think.) Little Feat http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrCMlSWlDX8  but then within the last few years some other group did it pretty similarly to Little Feat.

Band of Gold by Belinda Carlisle (no haters, please, cuz I love this song.  I so wanted to be her when I was 17.)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQFRooO4j40

to Freda Payne http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-tpVZUzElE&feature=related

Together on Solid Gold, this is a hoot.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHdcoHpFHQE

But not so much:

Alison by Linda Rondstadt http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAHktlvoZEE&feature=related not as good as the original Elvis Costello http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI4Qel8qvW0&feature=related  which is just a classic, pure and true.

These are a toss up, since they are so different:

Tears for Fears Mad World-bit of trivia-TFF was into Primal Scream, so that is what this is about. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXuXikfIYHY

Gary Jules  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N3N1MlvVc4  this video is very cool too and yet another, (so how many have re-done this TFF hit?)  ( I love youtube for this reason, if no other!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViL3e-4WUi0&feature=related  Sara Hickman's version

Tears of a Clown-Smokey Robinson and The Miracles http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2E_RSJAhYU&feature=related

The English Beat -which is my fav, and Dave is still rocking it after all these years.  We saw him in Boise a few years ago and he was great.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doyqWt9Ed1k Live version

Original EB version http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjnYRD2vm8E&feature=related

Do you have any?  Please feel free to share or comment.
Got any topics you think I should cover?  Let me know.

Pop, Pop, Pop Music

Have you ever loved an artist, like Dido-(Thank you)?   Loved her. Listened to her a lot.  Then someone at my office played her cd on repeat for days on end.  Now when I hear her, I want to turn her OFF!  That makes me mad, really.  Here is why: that person ruined it for me.  Now, when I hear any Dido song, I think of sitting at that desk doing my Data Entry job and hearing it over and over.  Like on repeat, for 25 days...Not. Kidding.  Urg. 

This leads me to think of pop radio.  You know...KISS (KIIS) fm in Anytown, USA.  I like it...in the car only.  But they are like the lady at my office with Dido on repeat for days on end. If you listen for more than an hour at a time,  you will hear the same 5 songs.  If you are 10, like my boys are, you can even figure this out, which they have. They even asked me about it...don't get me started.

I like Pop Music...there, I admitted it, in public.  Don't hate me.  I believe this can be one of my trademarks, that along with wearing silver hoop earrings (working on that one).  Friends have made fun, and I do not care, okay?  Yes, I like Ke$ha, and Owl City Fireflies and whoever else is "it" right now.  However, I rarely buy it.  I listen to it, til it fades and they are no longer playing "it" on KISS fm any more.

At my age (read, getting older, at least old enough to rarely be carded, God bless that sweet bartender who recently did) I feel young listening with my kids and knowing what is "going on" in the big world out there.  You know I like Idol, so all this should not be shocking by any means.  Hey, as the kids say..."it's got a good beat and you can dance to it."  I have gotten heat for it, taken flack and been teased...you know who you are.

Did you know Kelly and I were on American Bandstand, by the way?  Well, we were, so there.  It was season 31. And kids at school (RHS) actually saw it, back in our heyday.  Now if I could just figure out how to get the video fixed to put on a dvd to upload to youtube so you could all see our big old 80's bangs.  Working on that too.  (Some links though, we were on episodes: 6,7,8, 14,15,16...Jelly Bean was on AB, Who Found Who vid, Season 31 line up.  Tiffany on AB, I think that is me at the front of the stage at 1:50 but not sure. This stuff is so cheesy-it was the 80's.)

What I really want to know though, is if I am "that old"?  So old, that what was quirky, new, crazy and different back when I was a teen is now on the PA at the market?!!  When, how...what??  How did my much loved Squeeze, Style Council and even the less known Housemartins Happy Hour become elevator music or worse, played at the Applebee's in Idaho Falls!?  Tragic I say.

Idol talk...getting bored with the boys.  Not a real fan of any.  I like that weird chick who sang the big note in the Aretha song last week though.  Here is a link to the Song, big note at 1.11-pretty shocking. She is one to watch.  I did have to laugh that the term Dark Horse needed to be explained to one of the girls though.

"I'm really good at this. You just don't know it yet."

"I'm really good at this. You just don't know it yet."

That is what I would say to anyone who reads this and maybe does not know me like some know me.  Music is not just a backdrop for me, it is life.  I sing out loud constantly for those who love and accept it.  If you have played some trivia game-Cranium- with me, you know (wink-wink).  If only I had these abilities with history or something other than pop culture!  I am justifying my endeavors here...clearly.  Just take the journey with me and enjoy the music, man.

On to Idol.

Why am I the only one watching this in my house at this time?  They have all lost interest.  I may be losing it too.  The first week of Hollywood was good, but not so good that any one person stood out for me.  There was drama, crying, yada yada.  Ellen is OK, but I did like Paula.  I have noticed that Kara has become much nicer.  Some one called her into their office to have "a talk" about her image, I am sure.  The second Hollywood week dragged...it always does.  I am now on the girls night of the top 24.  No one stands out.  Simon is usually spot on. Hope the guys are more exciting.  I know, I know, it's tv.  Which brings me to a non-musical note (no pun intended).  How did The Kardashian's become so popular?  I am just wondering. They don't even sing!!  What do they do?  They are no Partridge's is all I'm saying.

After starting this blog, I keep having these musical realizations...realization #5: I watch movie credits to see the very end with the music listed.  Do other people?  My husband indulged me at a movie the other night in the theater.  Everyone else had left but us.  I just had to see who had sung a particular song.  I really love when I know the songs in a movie.  It is like a special secret.  One of my favorites is Maroon 5's Sunday Morning in Something's Gotta Give Maroon 5.  It was before they hit it really huge, but I knew it because I had the cd.

I also get a kick out of singers in movies, like Gwen Stefani as Jean Harlow in The Aviator.

Cross-overs work for me too. I like Jennifer Lopez as an actress and singer.  She appeals to the pop lover in me.  Then there is our latest kick in Zooey Deschanel.  I love her quirky ways, acting and singing.  

This is her commercial.  Cute.  This is the full version.  Here she is with her sis Emily. .Duo

Then there is Danny Elfman of Oingo Boingo fame who has made an entire second career of movie music.  His pairing with the factory that is Tim Burton is awesome. 

What I do not like is bands/singers as the movie.  Like U2's Rattle N Hum.  I fell asleep-literally.  Madonna's Truth or Dare was okay, but she is entertaining as a show anyhow.  Hard Day's Night?  eek.  On my list to watch before I die is that one with the guys who are not really a band, but a parody...oh yes, um, what is it called again?? Shoot.

I am not Pretending! Ode to The Pretenders and Chrissy Hynde

Today the song Special by Garbage came on.  

I like them, I like their lyrics, the sound, etc.   I know Shirley Manson has covered some Chrissy Hynde/Pretenders songs.  But, giving this a millionth listen, it totally dawned on me how this song is an ode to The Pretenders with lines like "I thought you were special" and "we were the talk of the town."  I guess you would have to really know The Pretenders songs.

Here is what I mean:

 Special Listen to the last few seconds.  Right out of Brass in Pocket and Talk of the Town

I can see Chrissy's influence on Shirley.  Shirley does it well.  Some people do not...and lots have tried.

 I'll Stand By You

Carrie Underwood  I like Carrie, but not this one.  Too sweetie pie for me.   This is an anthem of a generation for god's sake.  I am angry, but I love you.

Shakira -live. Hmmm, gives such a different meaning to it.  This is about a couple, not the world, for me at least.  I am not buying it.

We are HUGE Pretenders fans.  At one time Rob and I searched high and low for this song by Moodswings that featured Chrissy Hynde.  It took us months to figure it out, this was before the internet.

Just beautiful.  It still gives me the chills. We listen to it even now.

I believe that Chrissy brought Rob and I closer over the years.  Remember mixed tapes?  Ha ha.  Here is one he put on an early mixed tape for me, among other ones: Breakfast In Bed.

Now on to something totally different and irrelevant...shocking from me, I know.

You know that song Proud Mary?  Well, I hate it.  So many people have covered it and it was not so good to begin with.  One time when I was in Vegas with Kelly and Belinda, we saw it up on a stage at The Rio, and man...was it cheesy!  That sealed the deal for me.  I hated it even more.  I have to clarify something though.  I know all the words to it, sing it loudly when it comes on and make a general fool of myself-a la Tina Turner- in the spirit of it's cheesyness.  My kids crack up when I do this and I do try to get a laugh.

Tina & Ike Tina Then

Tina all wound up 20+ years later, with the same intro too! Tina now

Beyonce is Rollin' as Tina and Prez Bush look on with an ode to the intro even! Bee being Tina

But, can I have that Beyonce hair!  Wow.

Tina & Beyonce together!  Tina and Co.  Beyonce even stepped on Tina's foot--there is coverage, but you go find the link.

Taking it such a different way now.

Creedence Clearwater Revival (who, by the way, I am not a huge fan of, but then, is anyone anymore?)  Thank God they do not have the same intro as Tina. Hmmmm John Fogerty has his own solo versions too...You get the point.

If you really love it, catch it on some goofy stage in Las Vegas.

I WON TIX TO AVENUE Q.  It was great.  Puppet sex...not so much.  lol.  If you get a chance to see it (free is better) go.

Gay  If you were gay from the show.

Idol-Hollywood Week starts-enough said.  Full recap next week?  Let me know.

The Grammy's Slammied

I watched the whole thing!  I have to say this, because in previous years, I skip through to just see the acts I know.  This year, except for Maxwell (sorry any fans) I knew all the acts and recipients.  Country, R&B, Beyonce, Taylor Swift.
I think it was a good show, it did not disappoint.  From the opening with Lady Gaga and Elton John mixed up and singing to the MJ tribute, with, might I point out, two American Idol ladies.

I think the most touching moment, brought a tear to my eye, was Taylor accepting one of her awards.  Referring to herself as that little girl who people said one day we may see at the Grammy's.  The humbleness she brings to the biz is refreshing if you ask me.

.

 I also felt for MJ's kids.  You could tell how nervous they were.  I am glad to see they were there though, to see that the fans did love him.

Pink's performance was pretty dang special too.  I could have done without the water, but the acrobatics were amazing and the fact that she sounded so good doing it...even better.

The one thing I did not like is how there were a ton of awards given out that were not announced.  I love Colbie Calliet and her's was nowhere to be found.  I know, we would have to watch for 5 hours if they announced 'em all on the broadcast. 
Here is a link for the complete list of winners.
And the website to see what you  missed at the Grammy's.



ONTO THE MAIN EVENT-American Idol is singling in on Hollywood Week, and I think it should have been there already. Alright already with Posh-nice as she is-as guest judge and bad auditions. Bring on the real talent.
At their website, they are listing NOTHING yet!  I was hoping to see a re-cap of some of the Hollywood hopefuls, but not yet.  I called Carrie Underwood from her audition, so let's see who we get this year.  I call the girl from Barney as a finalist in at least the top 24...Erica Rhodes.

Everybody Dance Now...

Everybody Dance Now...

I am feeling older and older daily.  We got the "Best Dance" music cd from the Library.  It was 20 year old music.  How is that possible?  No, C&C Music Factory Sweat on the radio lately...I know, but really?  That old?  And how is it that my kids know this music and, and (!) like it?  Laughing over here.  Forget that they just downloaded that fool who did "Pants on the Ground" on American Idol.  (Is he cleaning up?  I hope so.)

Speaking of feeling old.  I heard Grease Is The Word on the radio today.  It brought back a lot of memories and made me feel that much older!  I am so glad that I could be of that generation though.  I love to point out to my kids how these two compare:

We Go Together

We're All In This Together 

And someone else was onto this mash up-high school style.  Someone call Glee!!

Now I want to tell you that the best invention EVER-my DVR-helps with my music addiction.  I DVR'd the Hope for Haiti show last week and finally got the nerve up to watch it.  I wanted to hear the music.  I admit, I skip through most of the talking because my heart can not take it all.  I would just wind up a blubbering mess on a Wednesday night.  But, I had to even skip through some of the music.  I love me some Taylor Swift, I do, but she did not sound so good live.  And Madonna...one of the back up singers outshined her by far.  However, the Jay-Z, Bono, The Edge & Rihanna  mash-up was great Mash up link!  Loved it.

Onto reason two to love my DVR.  The Grammy's.  I am not an award show fan.  I would rather see Teacher Awards broadcast on National TV then the entertainment industry patting themselves on the back...however...I love the music The Grammy's offer.  Crazy costumes, oddball pairings, it's all good. 

Can't wait.

Musings from the 80's. Why you so weird.

Growing up in  LaLaLand, I think music was so prevalent. There was so much to choose from, even in days without internet and global communications as there are today. I remember going to visit my Dad in the Seattle area in the late 70's and thinking how behind they were (before grunge, remember?) I know this would not be the case in most of America now, but it lent itself to being able to discover gems that others, I realize still do not know. It often strikes me as odd, because everyone I grew up with can remember these. We were music pioneers. Or so we thought. We had KROQ, who claimed to be world famous, and now is. With New Wave the new thing and Punk in the background.

I tried to pass myself off as punk, but could never measure up. However, if you were a kid who knew nothing about music in those days, I could rattle off stuff and sound pretty wise and hip and have you believing I was cool and maybe a bit punk too.

I loved the likes of Aztec Camera, The Clash, De peche Mode, Blamange, Joe Jackson and the list could go on.

Take a gander at these. Have you heard them?

Yazoo

Haircut 100

Altered Images

I have to admit, I like oddball music too. The more obscure I deem it to be, the better. (This lent to some of my punk pull offs). This leads me to They Might Be Giants. Seemingly one hit wonders with Birdhouse in Your Soul . However, not the case. Their music has been used for so many shows and things you would not expect. You're Not the Boss of Me Now is one of my faves and it was the title song for Malcolm in the Middle.  My kids like them too. The are quirky enough.

Some other quirky obscurities for your listening pleasure:

Tegan and Sara

Modest Mouse

Belle Stars

Now on to my rant (s) for the day.

Have you heard of Ke$ha? Tik Tok What is she, maybe 20, maybe? Singing how she is going to wash her mouth out with a bottle of Jack and likes boys who look like Mick Jager who could be her gandpa, by the way! Her mother must be so proud. But, it is catchy, and the kids can dance to it.

Did you hear? Sade has a new song out. What? Yes, I say. My hubby is a huge fan of hers. Some mood music if I do say so myself. But this new song is not sultry, not sweet, it is weird. It does not even sound like her. (Kind of like Nora Jones' new one).

Soldier Of Love 

Take a listen and weigh in...

Out to see Howie DayHowie Day and Serena Ryder tonight, with the kiddies...mine. Should be fun.

Waiting on the World to Change

A few topics today (may take two posts).  I want to start with John Mayer.  I really like John.  Or should I say his music?  I do not really know much about him personally.  We have seen him in concert, had a John phase of music, and do with each new album he puts out.  But, I have to say, after hearing his newest radio played song, Who Says I am seeing why people do not like him.  I have not yet really watched the video, maybe it will tell the story, from the 42 seconds I have watched so far, I think it may. 

With lyrics like “I don’t remember you looking any better, But then again, I don’t remember you,” I feel as if John may be a  player Use the girls up and spit them out.  Maybe.  As a woman, it just ticks me off.  Go get stoned John, fine, stay up late, and even be blatant about using women, but do not be mad when you are not liked.

Onto a guilty pleasure…you know you like it.

That’s right, American Idol .  I admit it, I love it.  I watch every episode and enjoy it.

However, I just get so irritated during the try out episodes.  I think I am delusional, because I believe I may know something about auditions, not that I have been on many, but a few. 

I get that this needs to be funny, entertaining, etc.  Even that some people just want to be on tv for the sake of being on tv.

But this is what gets me about some people that try out that really think they have a shot and stink and leave crying or upset:

1. If you never auditioned before, do not make this your first.  Get some experience so you have practice with rejection.  Even go for a free lesson many vocal coaches are willing to provide to see if you really have something.
2. If you are really bad, didn’t someone have the heart to tell you so?  Like your mom?  She should have saved you the embarrassment.
3. If you are really bad-accept it. These people are in the music industry-trust them; they are not lying to you to “keep you down”.  They know real talent.  Look at Simon’s track record http://www.leonalewismusic.co.uk/us/.  Lots of success there.
4. Whether you are good or not, try to look presentable.  I am not saying get a stylist, but if you can, do it.  If you can’t then at least comb your hair and wear something clean.  Seriously.  And no gimmicks.  Again, refer to your mom-unless she is some kind of wacko, she will give it to you straight.
5. Pick a song the judges like.  It is common knowledge that there are some songs Simon is not going to like.  Do not pick it.  I love to sing Pat Benetar but know he would cringe if that is what I came in with.

Rant off.  Feedback welcome!

You Don't Know Me...

Ben Folds-You Don't Know Me
How is it that an entire year-just about-or is it more-has passed without any thing new on here?

I am going to post as often as I can. I do not claim to be any music guru, I just know what I like, so that will be the focus of the New & Improved niknrob22052 blog. Ha ha. Feel free to add links and tell me what you think.

I want to let you know what I have been listening to. It goes in phases.

Phase One: Lily Allen and Kate Nash-two British girls who are very cheeky and fun. (Not G rated.)
Lily Allen -Smile
Kate Nash-Merry Happy

Phase Two: J Lo-say what you will, but I like her. (G rated)
Jennifer Lopez-ft. Ja Rule

Phase Three: pop music. This is the stuff my kids like that I wind up running over and over and over in my head. Then we take a line from a song and incorporate into our daily speak.
So this Bubble gum becomes us randomly singing "chew all of your bubble gum"
and this Melody was thought to be "like my eyeballs pop outta place" and then just the real chorus sung, on repeat with Ryan and I.
You get the gist...

Now I am on an Alica Keys kick...as are the boys...
State of Mind

A phase lasts a long time, so the Alicia kick may end up as a phase seeing as how I have a bunch of her cd's coming in from the library.

More to follow....

A Change Will Do You Good.

A Change Would Do You Good.

Well, after many haircuts, Kyle has finally arrived at a buzz cut.

This has been a long journey, which seems really odd now. He really had a thing for wanting long hair.

After getting teased, called names by kids at school (she/male, gay, etc *yes, this is elementary school*) I think it finally got to him enough to cut his hair. Plus, no knots to deal with and really quick showers after gymnastics.

After 9 years with this sweet boy, I am just realizing he is Overly Sensitive. Duh. The crying, the being overwhelmed, not liking loud noises. I have taken a whole new approach with him, which seems to be working. I am educating myself on how to deal with all of this.

Kyle is such a sweet boy and always wants to help littler kids. He has mostly friends that are girls ("Mom, if you marry a girl, and the boys all play with boys, then who is gay?" hmm, you have a point. This comment on his being called gay, and by the way, he likes the girls, yes, in that way.)

He is doing well in school, although hates AR and having to read. He normally gets 100's on spelling. He so loves the projects, and usually gets them done the first week, even when he has a month to work on it.

He will be competing again in gymnastics as Level 4. He would have to go 3 times a week (3 hours a practice) to be Level 5 now, and that is just too much. It should be a fun season.

Everyday Is A Winding Road

Everyday Is A Winding Road

The pained look on his face says it all. Practice is no fun.
When Ryan agreed to get a guitar, he also signed up for six months of lessons. He is working on the D chord this week and the song Jingle Bells, which he better learn by Christmas. He sort of knows Happy Birthday already.
I seem to be picking some of it up too. His guitar teacher, Nathan, is super patient, unlike ME!

Every song we hear, from Katy Perry, to the Eagles he asks if it has guitar in it.
Who is the best guitar player? he asks. (Jimi Hendrix, I reply.)
Will Papa Dennis teach me a song when he comes to visit? he asks. (I'm sure he will, I reply.)

He has the hair for a rocker!


(here is a link to a funny This American Life about music lessons, with my fav's Sarah Vowell and David Sedaris)
http://www.thisamericanlife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?episode=104

These foolish things

These Foolish Things
Okay, so this is my blog, but I have two websites, a myspace and facebook account. Is this all really necessary? I think I will have to eliminate something.

Just funny thoughts.
Called my dad to tell him this yesterday
Ryan likes to change up wording in common phrases. Ex: Jack squat became Jack Squad.
Lolly pop guild became Lolly pop gills (a new fish breed?).

I heard the song, Yes, we have no bannanas, which reminded me of my childhood. I thought the kids would like it because they love the Madonna song "I'm going Banana's" from Dick Tracy soundtrack. Also, we had to watch Pico & Sepulveda, La Brea Tar Pits on youtube, a childhood favorite along with Dead skunk in the middle of the road. (boy, my dad has an odd sense of music sometimes.)

What songs remind you of your childhood?