{Happy Birthday to me!}

 

Today is going to be a good day I just know it!

Photo Courtesy of {tublr}

Music Mondays {DeVotchKa}

Better late than never I suppose...and this post won't be very elaborate. I really should give my local music station {89.3 the current} credit for the only reason that I even heard this song. I can't lie and say I even know much about DeVotchKa other than I like the sound of this song and think it's something different than what's on the radio these days. So I hope you can at least appreciate the song and its non commercial vibe. 

...{what a difference a day makes}...

 

I have to admit I am not one to check the weather every morning to see what the day holds, though maybe being prepared for what spring time in Minnesota this year would have been beneficial. But today was quite far fetched, started out with thick snow, that turned to rain, that went to overcast...and by 6 in the afternoon it was sunny and 50 degrees...Oh Minnesota!

 

 

  

Closer Look {The Fear; Lily Allen}

 Music & Lyrics

Closer Look

Yesterday in class we read an excerpt from a book, unfortunately my professor only gave us the PDF of the portion he wanted us to read. Anyhow, this essay was written by Sandra Lee Bartky titled: Foucault, Femininity, and the Modernization of the Patriarchal Power. Prior to reading and discussing this essay by Bartky I honestly had listened to Lily Allen for years now and not thought much more of it, and really I would maybe even put her in the category of music that I have as guilty pleasures, not because of it being poor music but because the lyrics can not be the most beneficial and border on problematic. After reading this article in conjunction with many things I have learned about our culture and thinking critically about what our statues quo is for women I think her music and her as an artist is a good example of being the product of the music industry and society functioning within a patriarchal power structure.

Bartky starts her article by referencing the findings of Michel Foucault and his argument that the way that our institutions, government, media, and society alike can now maintain the standard way of thinking by controlling people by the fear that someone is watching them and taking tabs on every movement. He uses the example of prison and that eventually inmates will follow protocol and routine solely due to the fact that they think someone is watching and that they will get punished if they don't, even if in reality there's no one taking notice. Foucault argues this is not much different than how people move about their lives in society. Now I bet one is asking...how does that have anything to do with femininity and patriarchal power?  I would say what doesn't it have to do with it?

Bartky argues that the same fear that inmates have of their superiors people have of the judgment they can face by peers, work, law enforcement, people in academia, the list could go on...is what keeps them from being different or an outcast. She says that this is particularly dangerous for women especially with the ideal of femininity and the expectations that come along with that. Here are a few examples...

Every morning before women are "expected" to start the day by...

~ Shower and clean themselves so they smell a certain way, followed up by putting on purfume

~ Clean shaven pits, pubic area, and legs

~ After that clean their face down so there is no signs of aging, pimples, or blemishes

~ Wear appropriate bra for whatever occasion

~ Accessorize and paint your face so that you can look "your best"

....do you catch my drift?

And why...even if it's not consciously because it is what society expects of a beautifully feminine woman but maybe even indirectly because what we can do to be "the most attractive" and get the most regards from the opposite sex? This doesn't even start to brink the surface of the long list of plastic surgeries and procedures women get to stop the aging process, loose weight, etc. etc. 

I could go on all day about this article and re-articulate the discussion we had in class, but I know you at this point might close the window and not even care what I have to say. However, during class my mind was brought to this song I had listened to many times before by Lily Allen. At the end here I have posted the music video and lyrics, and I want to ask you do you think that "the Fear" that Lily Allen is talking about in her song is the fear of judgment, imperfection, and isolation? Are all these fears caused by the same patriarchy that instilled the values of the perfect woman that is unattainable naturally and now has every women in America and abroad comparing themselves to this feminine ideal. I hope this makes you think about your routines as a female every morning and ask yourself why you do what you do every morning in order to be ready for the day?

The Fear - Lily Allen

I want to be rich and I want lots of money
I don't care about clever I don't care about funny
I want loads of clothes and fuckloads of diamonds
I heard people die while they are trying to find them

And I'll take my clothes off and it will be shameless
'Cuz everyone knows that's how you get famous
I'll look at the sun and I'll look in the mirror
I'm on the right track, yeah I'm on to a winner

I don't know what's right and what's real anymore
And I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore
And when do you think it will all become clear?
'Cuz I'm being taken over by the Fear

Life's about film stars and less about mothers
It's all about fast cars and cussing each other
But it doesn't matter cause I'm packing plastic
And that's what makes my life so fucking fantastic

And I am a weapon of massive consumption
And its not my fault it's how I'm programmed to function
I'll look at the sun and I'll look in the mirror
I'm on the right track, yeah we're on to a winner

I don't know what's right and what's real anymore
And I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore
And when do you think it will all become clear?
'Cuz I'm being taken over by the Fear

Forget about guns and forget ammunition
'Cuz I'm killing them all on my own little mission
Now I'm not a saint but I'm not a sinner
Now everything is cool as long as I'm getting thinner

I don't know what's right and what's real anymore
And I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore
And when do you think it will all become clear?
'Cuz I'm being taken over by the Fear

Music Mondays {Death Cab For Cutie}

I was introduced to Death Cab by a good good friend of mine, and I am so glad she did! What I am really excited for is to go to my first Death Cab concert in May at {First Avenue} main room, and I'm especially excited because it's a sold-out show! They date back to their studio debut with their 1998, "Something about Airplanes", so there is a lot of music to choose from!

Today's song is from their new album, not yet released until May 31st, 2011...but they have put their official video on you tube for this particular song. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do, and encourage you to look at their oldies too, because they're just as good! You can visit their official new website {here}.

{tis the weekend}

Sometimes, it truly is the little things that get us through the day...

~ Waking up fully rested and still having enough time to do your morning routines

~ Painting your nails

~ Pay day

~ Having plans that are just so exciting you can hardly wait

~ Staying in for a movie night

~ Being ahead on homework so that you have time for other things

~ Freshly washed bed sheets

Photo courtesy of 'little things' blog {here}

Things I am looking forward to this weekend:

~ Painting my nails

~ Church

~ Laundry day {only a person like me would look forward to this}
~ My private swimming lesson that I teach

Springy Nail Polish Colors I like...

  

Now off to work, the bus comes @ 2:59pm...better get ready!

Thursday's Retail Therapy {White Shoes}

Nursing Essentials

This Retail therapy post is inspired by the list of things that I am required to have as a starting nursing student in the fall, as you can imagine- white scrub pants and to go with white pants is white shoes!

{I also figured that it would be easier to purchase white shoes in the spring vs. fall}

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Products

1. AUDREY BROOKE Kasey Ballet Flat - $54.95 {DSW Online}

2. Keds - Champion White Eyelet - $40.00 {Keds Shoes Official Site}

3. Sperry Top-Sider Authentic Original Canvas - $70.00 {Piperlime}

4. TOMS White Canvas Women's Classics - $44.00 {toms}

5. Vans 'Palisades' Sneaker - $39.95 {Nordstrom online}

6. Steve Madden 'Yachtt' Shoe - $49.95 {Nordstrom online}

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Other Nursing Student Shopping List Essentials: 

 ~ Scrub top & pants 

 ~ Watch w/ second hand 

 ~ Stethoscope 

 ~ Official name tag 

~ Appropriate small stud earrings

Closer Look {HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats & Rhymes}

As I may or may not mention before I am going to school to become a registered nurse, though what I don't think I brought up is I am getting a minor in critical studies of race & ethnicity. You may ask what does that even mean? 

According to the {University's Website}:

A major in critical studies of race and ethnicity (CRST) provides a framework for understanding race and ethnicity in historical, contemporary, national and global contexts.

Studies are rooted in an understanding of race as a social construct that shapes identity and experience and perpetuates systems of oppression. Using a lens of race/ethnicity, you will critically examine texts, language, media, art, music, statistical records, social structure/systems and the complete array of institutional arrangements.

With all of this being said I am currently taking a communications course that credits to my minor; Communicating Across Cultures, Identities and Differences (CRST3101). Today in class we watched the independent film Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes.

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Film Title: Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes

Filmaker: Byron Hurt

Film's Website click {here}
Year: 2006

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This film is an candid look into a music genre that is filled with stereotype and a long history that has morphed and changed with the producers, artists, and societal expectations that have been placed upon it. If you have time I would strongly recommend viewing this film, it only lasts about an hour but will allow you to walk away hopefully challenging your views as well as asking more questions. I love having a minor that allows professors to discuss controversial topics, expects their students to ask questions, and challenges us as individuals how we can make a difference. I think the first step to changing out society as a whole is having people be informed and educated. Here's a clip from the first 10 minutes of the film, hopefully this will encourage you to watch the film in its entirety.

 

Does what we become desensitized to (especially in music and media) add to the problematic nature of systemic racism in America? Discover and see what you think.

Above photo credit: {film's website}

Music Mondays {Dessa}

Title: Children's Work

Artist: Dessa

Album: A Badly Broken Code (iTunes $9.99)

Genre: Hip Hop/ Rap

Released: January 19,2010/ Doomtree Records

Dessa is a member of the local Minneapolis-based hip-hop collective Doomtree. She started as a poetry slam artist and made a name for herself. Her primary love is for words and she got her B.A. and Masters from the University of Minnesota of Philosophy. A more detailed biology can be found on the iTunes store. 

I appreciate her as an artist in hip hop because she offers a different perspective as a female voice in a world dominated by males. Much of her music can be found on youtube as well as it all being sold on iTunes.

Sorry for the late post! I have been overwhelmed and busy this past weekend and now has carried into the week. Busy is good, but time for myself is also good, and in this case in my blog! I'll try to be better. Enjoy the music!

Thursday's Retail Therapy {Rain Boots}

April Showers, bring May flowers!

 

 

I want to start out by saying, I LOVE rain boots. I love everything about them, you can get them in a wide range of colors, styles, and heights. I am starting to get spring fever and so I feel like it's the time of year that gives one permission to purchase a good solid pair of rain boots. Plus you can wear them on the warmer days of winter if you'd really like. Above are a few of my favorites that I were able to find. 

1. Chooka Croco Dual Buckle - Orig. $70.00/Sale $49.99

2. Hunter Original Gloss Tall Boot - $125.00

3. JIMMY CHOO/ Hunter Hiker Tall - SPLURGE $425.00

4. Sperry Women's Pelican Tall Boot Lug. - Orig. $68.00/ Sale $45.99

Other fun spring shopping wish list items:

• Umbrella
• Rain Jacket
• Pastel Nail Polish/ 1st Pedicure of the season {I got mine today in a nice robin's egg blue}
• Flower Bouquet  
• New bed sheets 

Favorite Things {earrings}

Slightly Obsessed

This is my current stand of earrings, I realized not too long ago that it now was necessary to find a jewelry rack to hold them all. I'm not a huge necklace/ ring person so really all I needed was a rack for earrings. This however turned out to be much more work than expected, and costing more than expected... I started collecting earrings in college because they are something when you're shopping you can pick up and not be entirely guilty for because of the $price...{most of the time anyway}. So now I have earrings from places I've traveled to, from friends as gifts, as well as my far too often trek to Patina close by my school. 

Below is the most recent earring purchase: 

1. Spinning Ribbon Jewelry Stand - $28.00

2. Patina Flower earring - not available online $14.95

3. Patina gold bow studs - not available online $9.95

Patina however does have a website {here}

Urban Outfitters is indeed a place that I enjoy to shop online {here}

New Music! {the submarines}

New Album: Love Notes/ Letter Bombs

Artist: The Submarines

Release Date: Tuesday, April 5, 2011 {TODAY!}

My Rating: 3.5/ 4

Cost - 

iTunes deluxe $10.99

iTunes regular $9.99
Favorite Tracts: 
(1.) Shoelaces
(10.) Anymore

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I love The Submarines I do I do, however there have been many artists coming out with new albums recently that I like a little bit more. There are a few songs on here I don't enjoy quite as much as the rest. With this being said, I do not regret at all purchasing this album off iTunes, of course I got the deluxe version as well. They are a style we don't hear all the time and you can tell they put a lot of effort into this. Visit their official website {here}.

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Music Collection:

Love Notes/ Letter Bombs - April 5, 2011

Honeysuckle Weeds - September 28, 2010  

Declare a New State - June 20, 2006

Honeysuckle Remixes EP -  December 14, 2010

Remix EP (Declare a New State stuff)  - 2006

Music Mondays {Adele}

Title: One and Only

Artist: Adele

Album: 21

Released: February 22, 2011

First I want to post a disclaimer, by no means am I any sort of music expert or professional critique. I enjoy music and like to share some of my favorites with others. So as I will say this is my opinion, you can take it like a grain of salt if you'd like ;) This album is by far Adele's best work so far {in my opinion}, and this particular song is one of my favorites. There's truth in the lyrics about being vulnerable in a relationship in order to truly experience love. Hope you enjoy this song as much as I do! Adele's official website {here}.

Favorite Things {ice cream}

Credit: "Google" from Sunday, April 3, 2011

Today is Sunday, the best and worst day of the week. It's the best because it's the day I typically go home and get a nice meal made by my mom not school and I get to see my brothers. It's the worst because that's the time to cram for everything I didn't get done in my studies before classes start again. Today was a day of ups and downs and ended up in a need of ice cream sort of night, coincidentally www.google.com was thinking the same thing and their icon on the website was as seen above. Below are some of my favorite ice creams that I enjoy, in no particular order!

1. Haagen-Dazs Coffee flavor is perfect pick me up in the middle of the day, especially the mini cases they have!

2. Breyers Natural Vanilla Ice Cream

I think this has probably been my most favorite for the longest time, it's the just the perfect vanilla ice cream for any reason at all. Yummy.

3. Sebastian Joe’s Ice Cream 

Is a Minneapolis favorite of mine and you should never come to the twin cities without stopping at this ice cream shop. {here} is a full list of flavors they offer and it's all freshly made and tastes so good!

I am convinced that ice cream is better when you share it with the people you love. I think an add on to my favorite things is watching children eat and really enjoy ice cream, what it would be like to be a child again and really enjoy our food! Anyways, back to the homework that still needs to get done.

Favorite Things {movies}

Good news is it's finally APRIL! Which hopefully for us Minnesotans stuck in the lovely Midwest means spring time super soon! From the looks of it today we're off to a good start, and instead of snow in the forecast there's rain!

I cannot say that I did much that had anything to do with April fools personally but the best story I heard was what my father's friend's wife did to him. My father's friend's wife is 9 months pregnant and due any day and she woke up really early in the morning and rolled over in bed to tell him her water broke, he had already been in the process to call everyone that today was the day! ~~ When his wife came from the bathroom laughing hysterically saying the joke was on him. I'm not really sure where or how April fools started but as long as it is in good fun I think that it can be a good day to relax and lighten up a little. 

The photo above is from my childhood favorite movie The Parent Trap (1998), yes I know it was a remake but I've seen both movies and still the one with Lindsay Lohan is my favorite, maybe one of the only movies with Lohan I'd say that about but I do like a lot. If you haven't seen this movie yet you're long over due! And in light of this past holiday it is filled with quite a few pranks that took place during the twins time away at summer camp. Not only is it a good movie, but still to this day I don't think time passes too long that I haven't listened to the music from the soundtrack! I love it :)