Best of 2012

ALBUMS:

1.      Imagine Dragons - Night Visions

2.      The Fray - Scars & Stories

3.      Taylor Swift - Red

4.      Mumford & Sons - Babel

5.      John Mayer - Born And Raised

6.      fun. - Some Nights

7.      Walk the Moon - Walk the Moon
8.      Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Heist

9.      The Lumineers - The Lumineers

10.    Two Door Cinema Club - Beacon

SONGS:

1.      “Home" - Phillip Phillips

2.      ”Some Nights” - fun.

3.      “Shiver Shiver” – Walk the Moon

4.      “Compromising Me” - William Beckett

5.      “The Moment I Knew” – Taylor Swift

6.      ”On Top Of The World” – Imagine Dragons

7.      “I Will Wait” – Mumford & Sons

8.      “Thrift Shop” - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Wanz

9.      ”Little Things” - One Direction

10.    ”Wanted” – Hunter Hayes

11.    "Whole Lotta You" - A Rocket To The Moon

12.    "Be Your Everything" - Boys Like Girls

13.    "Shadow Days" - John Mayer

14.    "Take A Walk" - Passion Pit

15.    "Just Give Me A Reason" - P!nk feat. Nate Ruess

16.    "Ho Hey" - The Lumineers

17.    "Sleep Alone" - Two Door Cinema Club

18.    "Stars" - Youngblood Hawke

19.    "Hero" - Family of the Year

MOVIES:

1.      The Perks of Being a Wallflower

2.      Step Up Revolution

3.      The Hunger Games

4.      The Vow

5.      Pitch Perfect

CONCERTS:

1.      February 19th - Mayday Parade/We The Kings/The Downtown Fiction/Anarbor

2.      June 13th - One Direction/Olly Murs/Manika

3.      June 16th - Pet-A-Palooza with Kris Allen and Ryan Star

4.      July 17th - Demi Lovato/Hot Chelle Rae

5.      July 24th - Hot Chelle Rae at the State Fair

6.      December 8th - Never Shout Never/William Beckett/Anarbor/Plug In Stereo

RANDOM:

1.      Weekend trip to Los Angeles with my best friends

2.      WOW Week as an Orientation Leader at Cal Poly

3.      Meeting Jan from Hamburg, Germany in downtown SLO

4.      Watching a meteor shower at the drive-in movies

5.      Hiking to the secret swing with Korinn

6.      Successfully acquiring my very first job

2012 was filled with plenty of good times and great accomplishments. It's crazy how much can happen in one year, and soon enough we're left with nothing but fond memories and a reminiscent smile. Here's to new beginnings, new adventures, new stories, new perspective. 2013 is gonna be an incredible year, I can feel it. :)

xx Kristin

P.S. What are you looking forward to in 2013? What are some of your New Year's Resolutions?

a u t u m n

With warm coffee in hand, I can't help but notice that the leaves are now set ablaze by that beautiful burnt crimson hue. The sun sinks into the silhouetted earth earlier and earlier each night, leaving a breathtaking array of colors streaked across the dimly lit sky. Pumpkins and squash are arranged on every front porch, surrounded by a blanket of fresh-fallen leaves. Pumpkin Spice Lattes are now in season at Starbucks and the sweet aroma of cinnamon is in the air. We are undoubtedly in the midst of autumn, my friends.

A few reasons why I love autumn:
sweaters. hot cocoa. knee-high socks. boots. guys wearing beanies. pumpkins. baking cookies. scarves. denim. leaves changing colors. crisp air. cinnamon. cuddling. rosy cheeks. seeing your breath on cold days. corn mazes. apple hill. warm pie. white mochas. sunsets. blankets. bonfires. looking at the stars. candy corn. caramel apples. the smell of rain.
:)

Check out my Autumn Playlist on Spotify!

What do you love most about autumn?

xx Kristin

You Never Know

I'm choking back tears. My heart sinks a little more with each post I read on his Facebook page.

"Every time i saw you, you always had a smile on your face."

"You are loved by many, one of the happiest kids I've known, always joking around."
"You were such an amazing guy with a personality that lit up a room."
"Happy thoughts are what cross people's minds when they think of you."
"I've never met anyone like you, always accepted people for who they were."

"You were one of the happiest people I've known, always brought up the mood and brought everyone together."

"He was a brother to me, and I just lost him."

It blows my mind. I am honestly so shocked right now. How could somebody who was so incredibly loved feel compelled to take his own life? He was the light in so many people's lives. This young man had such a good heart, and anyone who spoke to him even for a second would know. I sat next to him in my U.S. History class during my junior year of high school. I remember we shared the same birthday and that he always said "thank you" when the teacher handed out papers and that my friend had a crush on him for two years. He had such an endearing charm and always made the class laugh. It just goes to show that you never know what battles someone is fighting underneath their smiles and laughter. They may seem like the most happy, confident, life-loving person. But that's just on the outside. Everyone has struggles; you never know what someone might be going through at any given moment. You know that kid who always eats lunch by himself? Invite him to sit with you. Lend a hand. Listen to their story. Be there for them, always. Make them realize that they are infinitely loved and, most importantly, they are not alone. You have no idea how much of an impact your words and actions can have on someone; it could be the difference between life and death. If there's even the slightest possibility that my actions can save someone's life, I will do whatever it takes.

Every 13.7 minutes, someone in the United States commits suicide. That is absolutely sickening to me. No one ever deserves to feel so helpless that death is the best option. Ever.

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

xx Kristin

Get Out There

It's crazy how fast time flies. Just one month ago, I was hauling boxes up to my new apartment, hugging my parents goodbye, and frantically preparing for WOW week and my second year of college. And boy, let me just say, so much can happen in a month.

I believe people are constantly changing, growing, improving. I am not the same person I was yesterday, nor will I be the same tomorrow. It's a good thing, really. We are all shaped by our daily experiences and encounters, always learning.

We often yearn for comfort in foreign situations, naturally drawn toward people and places that makes us feel at home. It is in these instances, however, that we must push ourselves to face the unknown. To go forth with no fear of unfamiliarity. I'll admit, this is something I've struggled to execute, but I know it's time for a change. There's no room for adventure and excitement if we always cling to our comfort zones. Over the years, I have come to realize that the most spontaneous adventures seem to result in the most cherished memories. No more holding back and sitting on the sidelines, too afraid of what might go wrong. Tell people your secrets. Smile at strangers. Make new friends. Talk to the cute guy you see around school. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. And to all the embarrassing mishaps and rejections and awkward situations to come, I say bring it on. It's time to get out there. Let go. Say yes. Live. Be.

Here's to being spontaneous.

xx Kristin

P.S. What is something you've done in an effort to step outside of your comfort zone? How did it work out for you?

Clear Eyes. Full Hearts. Can't Lose!

At the beginning of summer, I finally started watching the TV series Friday Night Lights, starting from the first episode of Season 1. Just this week, I finished the last episode of the fifth and final season; 76 episodes in about 2 months. As cheesy as it sounds, this show has become a part of me. On the surface, it seems like a typical TV show about football, high school, and more football. But let me tell you, it is so much more. Every single character is fighting a long list of struggles: paralysis, drug abuse, prison, jealousy, murder, unrequited love, false accusations, lost family members, long distance relationships, affairs, divorce, budget cuts, college, unexpected pregnancies, you name it. But the thing is, you grow to love each and every character despite their problems. With every episode, you root for their success more and more. At first, I despised Tim Riggins, the long-haired alcoholic football star who slept with everyone and didn't seem to care about anything or anyone. But so much changed. We eventually got to see the loving, sympathetic, selfless Tim Riggins. The guy who voluntarily went to jail for his brother's wrongdoings. The guy who put his life on hold to go to Mexico with Jason for his surgery. The guy who acted like a father figure to little Bo. The guy who saved Julie's life during the hurricane. The guy who helped Becky when she had no one else to turn to. Tim Riggins is now one of my favorite characters. Friday Night Lights depicts the good in everyone. It lets you see the vulnerable, kind-hearted side of people. No matter how harsh or manipulative they may seem, everyone has a good side. Everyone. You just have to be willing to look past their tough skin and give them a chance. This show brought me to tears countless times, and watching the final episode was like reading the last page of your favorite book or eating the last cookie in the jar; I didn't want it to end. My life is forever changed after watching this show. Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose. Texas forever.

The following is an excerpt from the Washington Post about the final montage in the last episode. Took the words right outta my mouth:

"I loved every thing about the show’s final moments. 

I loved that we never saw the completion of the play that won the East Dillon Lions its state championship. 

I love the song they used in the montage, Delta Spirit’s "Devil Knows You’re Dead."

I loved that Vince became QB for the Dillon Panthers, Coach Spivey, an African-American, became the coach of the once racially divided team, Billy Riggins got to be an assistant coach, Tinker landed on the team and Buddy Garrity was zooming around the field in a golf cart (suck on that, Joe McCoy), reminding everyone that “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.” All was right with the world on the superteam. 

I loved, even though it broke my heart, that Luke Cafferty joined the service and left his championship ring in the hands of his sweetheart Becky. 

I loved that Matt and Julie found their own Chicago, together. 

I loved that Jess was still working toward her coaching dream, with clipboard in hand. 

I loved that Jason Street’s name remained scrawled on the locker room walls at Dillon High. 

I loved that Tim and Billy Riggins were building a house together even though I have zero faith that it will actually be up to code. 

I loved that Eric was molding men in the home of our Founding Fathers, but not quite ready to rely on familiar catch phrases. “Clear eyes, full hearts ... we’ll deal with that later.” Perfect. 

And I loved that the last shot of this fine, fine series was of Eric and Tami Taylor on a football field, partners, always. Who the hell was watching Gracie Bell? Who cares? 

Out go the lights." 

(http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/celebritology/post/friday-night-lights-the-final-farewell-a-champion-finale-in-always/2011/07/15/gIQAcD86GI_blog.html)

 Did you watch Friday Night Lights? Who was your favorite character and why?

xx Kristin

P.S. I aspire to have the relationship that Eric and Tami Taylor had. Epitome of a perfect marriage.

Chartreuse Green Doors

Early this morning, I went to breakfast at Selland's Market-Cafe for the first time. I absolutely loved it from the moment I stepped through those chartreuse green doors. The surprisingly large cafe had a refreshingly modern yet somewhat old-fashioned vibe and decor to die for: menu items handwritten on white-framed chalkboards, hanging mason jar lights, trendy lettering, wooden crates, colorful cupcake displays, walls lined with wine bottles, and so much more. The black, white, and green color scheme couldn't have been pulled off any better. I can't even imagine a more perfect look for a cafe. After studying the menu for quite a bit, I decided on French Toast Casserole along with a slice of cheesecake. The cheesecake was heavenly; definitely the best I've ever tasted. I can't wait to go back and try one of their warm sandwiches or maybe even a pizza! Selland's definitely made it onto my list of favorite places to eat. Delicious food, a great variety of wine and desserts, and a delightful interior. Absolutely divine. If you haven't yet had the pleasure of eating at Selland's, I recommend you make a point to try it in the near future. And they're open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

Think of your favorite restaurant/eatery. What makes it so enjoyable...is it the tasty food, the atmosphere, the service? A combination of those?

xx Kristin

GOOD Finds

At the beginning of the month, I ventured out to Sacramento for the GOOD: Street Food + Design Market. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I ended up absolutely loving it. If you're a sucker for vintage clothes, food trucks, stylish typography, and innovative artwork, this is the place to be. It was wildly inspiring to an art enthusiast like myself. I wound up with a banana split popsicle, a vintage 1971 Led Zeppelin crop top, a handful of pin-back buttons, and a mind filled with endless creative ideas. :)

Also, I seem to be especially fortunate this week, at least when it comes to thrift stores. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of finding something you've been looking for...at a thrift store; there really are some true treasures in there. Thrift stores seem to be the place where you find the random things you've always wanted but didn't necessarily know you wanted, if that makes sense. After leafing through a great deal of used clothing and musty antiques, I ended up with a pair of worn-out brown combat boots, an adorable seafoam green tin pail, an old Beatles album on vinyl, and last but certainly not least...a record player. If you didn't already know, I have been searching for a moderately priced functioning record player for years now. And now I am the proud owner of an Ion Profile LP USB Turntable, which also converts records to MP3s. What a gem. One of the best purchases I've ever made. Ever. The second I got home, I whipped out my Abbey Road album, listened as the needle gently grazed the record, and soaked it all in. Sensational, really.

Do you listen to music on vinyl? Why or why not?

xx Kristin