things to be excited about.

I feel like all my posts revolve around lists, but that's ok I guess.

Leather Baggus



I'm pretty stoked about this. Well, let's say 50% stoked, 50% not sure what to think. I absolutely love regular Baggus - nylon reusable shopping bags that come in all the happy, neon, and fun colors you could ever want. And I've thought before that they should come out with something a little more purse-like. Not to say that you couldn't use their nylon bags for that, but you know. Here is the answer, I suppose. Part of the appeal of Baggus is that they are effortlessly cute. Mostly because of the colors, but also because of the simplicity. And I think I love this. The ultimate question is...is simplicity (even the 100% leather kind), worth $130.00?

New Blood



The new album from Peter Gabriel (orchestral remakes of older songs). Not many songs give me goosebumps these days, but every song (especially "In Your Eyes") off this album does. Some people might get tired of artists reinventing things all the time, but I love it. If songs are so good that they can be reinvented multiple times and be amazing in different ways, then why not?

Ranch House Crock Pot Pork Chops
Found at Real Mom Kitchen

No picture, but this recipe turned out great! I love it when recipes turn out well. :) This was super easy, and the flavor was really good. The recipe called for one can of cream of chicken soup, and one packet of ranch seasoning, but next time I'm going to do two of each. I also made mashed potatoes for the first time, and they turned out pretty well. Kind of bland, and I think everyone has their own take on the perfect mashed potatoes, so I'm open to input. On days like this (I was off work), I say to my husband: "See, don't you like me better when I don't have to work??" Seriously.

Some Additional New Music 
Obviously. Aside from Peter Gabriel, I have a new playlist this week. Hooray! Tracks include:
1. "If I Had a Gun" -Noel Gallagher.
My math goes a little something like this: Noel Gallagher - Liam Gallagher still = Oasis.
2. "You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do As You're Told)" -The White Stripes
Not sure how I missed this one until now. Thank you, satellite radio.
3. "Sail" -AWOLNATION
If you haven't listened to this song, do it now.
4. "Mistakes" -Mates of State
We've been through this already.
5. "Mother" -Pink Floyd
I've become a little re-obsessed with this one after listening to Pearl Jam's cover.

KitchenAid Retweeted Me
Yes folks, you read that right. Do you even care? Probably not. But I'm kind of a big deal. You can view said tweet here. They didn't respond to my follow-up tweet regarding the free mixer I get for giving them such great advertising. #lame

Happy Thursday!

recent jamz

Since I really have nothing to say, I shall make a list. Here's what I'm currently listening to:

1. The Fear - Lily Allen. Before hearing this song, I only knew who she was from Perez Hilton (I know, you're probably thinking "really?"). From what I gather, she's pretty messed up, in an Amy Winehouse sort of way. Love this song though. Found it via Pandora (Imogen Heap radio). I have discovered the joy of listening to Pandora more on my blackberry in my car...woo!

2. Glittering Clouds (Locusts) - Imogen Heap. Again, thank you Pandora! I love Imogen and I'm surprised I hadn't heard this one. It was featured on a compilation called Plague Songs. Very interesting concept. The album is made up of 10 songs, each representing a Biblical plague from the book of Exodus. Kind of cool, but also very weird. Imogen never disappoints though.

3. Who Is It (Carry My Joy On the Left, Carry My Pain On the Right) - Björk. Although I proclaim to be a huge fan of Björk, I'm mostly just a fan of her old stuff. This song is from her album entitled Medúlla which was released in 2004. Not really "new," but newer than say Debut. Anyway. I'm loving this song, specifically the beat box rhythm she uses in the background for the whole track. And it's quite upbeat - similar in mood to "Alarm Call," another great track of her's that is worth listening to.

4. I Can't Love You Now - Sarah Jarosz. This girl is the missing link I have been searching for since Nickel Creek stopped recording. Only seventeen years old, plays the mandolin, and writes great songs. I can't stop listening to this one in particular. Along with the rest of the album (Song Up In Her Head).

5. Edge of a Dream - Sarah Jarosz. See above.

6. In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel. I love a lot of Peter Gabriel's music, and I could probably always list this song as being "currently played." In my book, it's one of the best songs ever. My love for this song was recently rekindled after watching the movie "Say Anything...". OMG. I LOVE THIS MOVIE. I always figured it had to be good if it featured this song, but I hadn't seen the movie until a few months ago. The first time I watched it, I kind of felt like, meh. I'm not a huge fan of Ione Sky (who plays the lead female role of Diane), but John Cusack is wonderful. And it's such a great story. Simple, but great. And after visiting Best Buy yesterday, I now own the dvd. yay! I'm watching the Olympics right now, and seriously, someone should ice skate to this if they haven't already.

7. Live in Las Vegas - Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds. So, I probably have five different live versions of most songs on this album, but you can't go wrong with this combination. And the $15 iTunes gift card I had was burning a hole in my pocket.

On an unrelated note, I hope you all had a fantastic Valentine's Day. Ross & I were completely cheesy and saw the movie - "Valentine's Day," in case you are missing that - ON Valentine's Day (yes, we were one of those people). There were a couple endings that I didn't see coming and I thought were kind of awkward, but overall it was pretty good. Taylor Swift's character was actually pretty funny and she did a good job, as did the rest of the cast. I really just had a hard time picturing Bradley Cooper in the role he ended with...? I will end this now and say no more in case any of you are dying of suspense and don't want me to ruin the ending. HAH.

And I guess I had more to say than I originally thought.