Thirty Day Song Challenge!

Maybe you've heard of the 30 Day Song Challenge: the concept is simple, follow the list & select a song for each category... one a day for a month. You should try it, it's fun and brought back some songs that have marked huge chapters in my life. For mine, I'm choosing not to explain in detail why I've chosen each song, so take from it what you will. I've condensed mine into a single post instead of 30 different one, so here's a look at my month in songs :)

The List:

* Day 01 – Your favorite song- "Two Step" by Dave Matthews Band

* Day 02 – Your least favorite song- "Your Love" by Nicki Minaj

* Day 03 – A song that makes you happy- "Collie Man" by Slightly Stoopid

* Day 04 – A song that makes you sad- "Draw Me a Map" by Dierks Bentley

* Day 05 – A song that reminds you of someone - "Keep Me in Mind" - Zac Brown Band

* Day 06 – A song that reminds you of somewhere- "Carolina" by Eric Church

* Day 07 – A song that reminds you of a certain event- "Laughed Until We Cried" by Jason Aldean

* Day 08 – A song that you know all the words to- "Me and Your Cigarettes"- Miranda Lambert

* Day 09 – A song that you can dance to- "Break Your Heart" - Taio Cruz

* Day 10 – A song that makes you fall asleep- "The Hardest Part" by Coldplay

* Day 11 – A song from your favorite band- "Die Die Die" by the Avett Brothers

* Day 12 – A song from a band you hate- "Tik Tok" by Ke$ha

* Day 13 – A song that is a guilty pleasure- "If I Die Young" by The Band Perry

* Day 14 – A song that no one would expect you to love - "With You" by Drake

* Day 15 – A song that describes you --- "Grey Street" by DMB

* Day 16 – A song that you used to love but now hate- "Lemonade" - Gucci Mane

* Day 17 – A song that you hear often on the radio - "Firework"- Katy Perry

* Day 18 – A song that you wish you heard on the radio- "Size Matters"- Joe Nichols

* Day 19 – A song from your favorite album- "Tin Man" - the Avett Brothers

* Day 20 – A song that you listen to when you’re angry- "Only Prettier" by Miranda Lambert

* Day 21 – A song that you listen to when you’re happy- "Alright" - Darius Rucker

* Day 22 – A song that you listen to when you’re sad- "Coast of Carolina" - Jimmy Buffett

* Day 23 – A song that you want to play at your wedding- "Cupid"- Jack Johnson

* Day 24 – A song that you want to play at your funeral - "Forever Young" - Youth Group

* Day 25 – A song that makes you laugh- "Ride Through the Country" - Colt Ford

* Day 26 – A song that you can play on an instrument - "Hands Down"- Dashboard Confessional

* Day 27 – A song that you wish you could play- "Don't Stop Believing" - Journey

* Day 28 – A song that makes you feel guilty- "Back to December" by Taylor Swift

* Day 29 – A song from your childhood - "The River"- Bruce Springsteen

* Day 30 – Your favorite song at this time last year- "I Love You" - the Benjy Davis Project

Single Belles, Single Belles

Is it just me, or are more and more people within my social circle getting ENGAGED? WHAT? I feel like our society has tied me to some timeline: that it's expected of me to be flaunting a ring by the spring that I turn 22 and graduate. Someone else shared with me THEIR timeline for getting married recently that went as follows: "If I can't afford an open bar at my wedding, then I'm not old enough to be getting married." Perhaps it is the recently-dumped angst within me, however I have decided that this is a very smart mindset to have-- especially in today's world where marriages dissolve seemingly overnight. In reaction to this idea, I have compiled a list of reasons (mostly specific) as to why I am happy to be single right now. This is not to say that I am against being pursued by the right person at the right time, (I really, really want to fall in love and live happily ever after, and if that happens by the time I'm 22, that's perfectly fine by me...) just that these are the reasons that I am happy, in my current state, at this very moment, with being single and dependent only on myself (and my daddy):

1. I can actually eat the food that I buy at the grocery store, instead of someone else destroying it before I can get it into the refrigerator.

2. I can fill my entire apartment with holiday scented candles UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF JULY and no one can tell me I'm being ridiculous.

3. I can accept date invitations to ANY fraternity events that I wish to attend. At any college that I wish to visit.

4. I can wear leggings and t-shirts/Nike shorts and t-shirts EVERY single day, and no one will tell me I'm "letting myself go."

5. I can also wear my favorite dresses out without anyone complaining that they are "too short."

6. I can go shopping without anyone telling me that I'm wasting my money.

7. I don't feel like I ever HAVE to be the designated driver.

8. No one tells me that I spoil my dog or that I'm too nice to her.

9. I am the judge of how good my cooking is. And I say it is fantastic.

10. I can blast Dave Matthews without anyone changing it to rap or punkrock. (Amendment: I would give up my Christmas candles to marry Dave.)

11. I don't have to listen to complaints about how many guy friends I have. (Note to future boyfriend(s): They've been here since kindergarten. They're staying, whether you do or not.)

12. I don't base my schedule on anyone except for myself..... And my dog.

13. I can get excited about sorority events without anyone telling me that they don't sound very fun or that they're stupid.

14. I can watch every single Harry Potter movie in one day, on a Sunday, instead of football, because guess what? The Panthers SUCK this year, and I don't really care to watch every other team in the NFL play on repeat ALL DAY.

15. This also goes for Monday night football and EVERY OTHER NIGHT of the week. Not that I dislike football. I just really like being about to watch it when I WANT to.

16. I can watch every single Red Sox game & not be told that baseball sucks.

17. The only rumors that I hear are about what I did the night before, not who my boyfriend is cheating on me with.

18. Boys buy you more drinks at the bar when they hear you're no longer tied down.

19. Now, I obsess over boys treating me the right way as opposed to constantly obsessing over how I'm being treated poorly.

20. I can shave my legs when I want to. Which is every day. But that part is irrelevant.

21. My lime green toenails can exist in that color at peace from criticism.

22. I can sleep in flannel shorts or ratty t-shirts. And spend the next half day in them.

23. I can eat spaghetti-O's and lean pockets for dinner. For a week straight. Without complaint from anyone.

24. I can and did just apply to NYU on a whim. Because I had been wanting to. And there is no one to hold me from going or not going.

25. The only insecurities I have to deal with are my own.

26. People in long term relationships are fatter, on average, than those who are single.

27. Compliments from others aren't expected, so when they come, they feel deserved and/or intentional.

28. I can go to church on Sundays, if I want to, without thinking that I'll ever "change" someone else.

29. No more guys hiding in my phone under girl's names (sorry.)

30. I can pour my energy into my friendships and my passion into my goals.

31. I can clean my apartment at 3 am instead of rushing to have it neat by the time my boyfriend arrives.

32. I'm sure others will critique my body, goals, and decisions in many ways, however none of these people are close enough to me for it to hurt me. The people I allow close enough to hurt me, are the ones who I trust not to.

p.s. If you were to decide to put a ring on it, these are the rings that one day, someday, maybe, perhaps, (Harry, Tiff or David) will end my single streak.

Creative Christmas

What is better than Christmas shopping??!

... Just about everything. That's why I've compiled a list of the coolest (mostly handmade) gifts around that are perfect for those unique people on your list. They also would all make perfect birthday, graduation, or "just because" gifts as well! & the best part? You can order them in just a click.

1. Monogrammed Lilly Tumblers!

The cutest addition to any kitchen... but you won't want to leave them at home. Monogrammed anything is the perfect gift, but these are especially precious.

(4 for $12.99? Consider them ordered for myself.. my roommate... my sorority sisters... my mom... my aunts....)

Order them HomeLush via Etsy.

2. Recycled Beer Glasses!

Buy a set of cool beer glasses & go green at the same time! These glasses are made from bottles collected from San Diego restaurants & events... give them a new home!

Also, if Red Stripe isn't your brew of choice,

creator Bottlehood has plenty of other options.

Pictured set of 4 glasses goes for $30.

3. Monogrammed Pashmina Scarves!

I've ordered a handful of these already. Monogrammed gifts are the way to go because they are fratty AND they show the recipient that you went out of your way when thinking up the perfect gift for them. These are perfect to dress up any outfit, and will be sure to keep your friends warm on their way to class!

$26 each from MarleyLilly on Etsy.

4. All that Glitters is Snow Soap!

The perfect teacher or hostess gift if you're staying in someone's house over the holidays! Pretty, sparkly soaps in 4 different scents that will last well into the New Year.

This set of 4 is $20 at sunbasilgarden on Etsy.

This store also sells tons of other unique soaps to give throughout the year.

5. Alice in Wonderland Flask!

I am obsessed with this flask. Actually, I am obsessed with anything that combines 2 unlikely things. And this would be that. I love the artistic take on Alice, and I LOVE the Rabbit charm dangling from the lid. Super cute for the artis

tic/eccentric friends on your list.

Or for me, since I know you all want to send me gifts ;)

This Alice flask is $21 by valleygirldesigns

6. Artwork that they will LOVE

A one-of-a-kind hand-painted record featuring Bob Marley seemed to be the perfect gift for my younger brother, or for any fan. SO much cooler than giving a poster or a CD.

$35 from technicolorcandyart

7. Lilly Memory Board!

The perfect backdrop to tuck photos, letters, tickets, or memos! Made from a patchwork of authentic Lilly Pulitzer patterns, sure to brighten any little girl's room, dorm room, sorority house, or office!

$30 from jimyakima on Etsy!

8. Skeleton Key Bottle Opener!

Opening bottles just got a whole

lot prettier. This bottle opener is fashioned after an antique skeleton key (the only kind that even opens doors in my super old house!) This is so much cooler than watching boys try to open bottles with their teeth, lighters, zippers ..... you get the point.

$12 from Urban Outfitters

9. Etch-a-Sketch iPad Case!

Maybe I'm crossing the lines into excessive nerddom here, but this iPad case makes me actually wish I had an iPad to put in it! The perfect gift for the technology lover, or the grown up that never totally grew up. Who doesn't want to look like they're playing on an Etch-A-Sketch while they're doing (every other possible activity known to mankind that is possible on an iPad)?

$50 from Urban Outfitters.