fall fashion!

I LOVE FALL!

That is all there is to it. It is a season of amazing smells, cinnamon, firewood, pine; fashion like boots, ponchos, jeans; and all of the holidays!!! I cant express how much I love this time of year.

I have spent this entire weekend doing some retail therapy! I have purchased a hot pink watch, army style boots, a northface coat, boot socks, jewelry and I feel like I could have continued to shop!!! My must haves for this season are as follows!
PONCHOS! And not just any, but the native southwest, hooded poncho! Keep me posted if you see any!
Faux fur jackets! I must have one!

Minnetonka 5 layer fringe boots! Yes, I already own these, I am merely stating that I can not wait to wear them regularly along with the two other pair of fringe boots I own!
And the standard turquoise jewelry! I cant get enough of it! I bought another ring the other night and i am on the search for a great cuff!

These are just a few complete looks that I am envying:
Between the poncho and the fringe purse, ugh my dream outfit is right here. Please someone help me with finding this!
Completely put together with a fur vest to boot! I just bought a bunch of knee high slouchy socks for under my boots today! I looove all the layering here! Deff fall!
Finally I want this necklace sooooo bad! Also, check out those stunning wedges! EPIC!!!

So if you have any comments or other fall fashion finds, send them my way!!!

xo

"You make me feel like I'm living a teenage dream, the way you turn me on. I can't sleep lets run away and dont ever look back..."
-Teenage Dream by Katy Perry

the big 5...

Yes, indeed it has been 5 weeks since my last random post. But after reading Justin's blog, I have been reminded how much I suck at updating, and how awesome he is at doing it, and decided to come back to this little page and scribble some diddy's down. I am also uber jealous that he did his video post without me :( Maybe with this update I can get back on his good side in the blogosphere and redeem myself!

Quick recap's: September was my birthday month! I had one of the best days to date all thanks to wonderful friends family and co-workers! My job decked out the whole office in starbucks regalia with my face on it! Too funny! I got these awesome mint green headphones and some fashion and craft books from my mom and money for my London trip in Feb from my dad!



Yes you heard me right...

I AM GOING TO LONDON!!!!!!!!
My friend Katie and I bought our tickets for February and will be visiting that lovely town for a week! So if anyone has suggestions of places to go, things to do, must sees, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let me know! We are planning an entire London underground music day as well! Stoked beyond belief!

Also, I got to see some awesome shows last month. One being the Kings of Leon and Black Keys show in VA Beach! It was a crazy fun night with memories to last forever! OMG was the band amazing too. His voice could not have sounded more perfect!

Next post to come will be of October updates, list of things I must do this fall and the fashion that will follow it!
Thank you for bearing with me through my lack luster weeks! I promise to make it up to you!

xo

"You said it's such a life to remember, so come on, and we'll sleep away December. It was you, bringing your white company. Oh, bringing the night, so it seemed. And we will never sleep again..."
December by Lydia

the king of fashion, McQueen...

I know that this has nothing to do with any of my previous posts, but I am not going to lie that the website I am about to share with you is what has been occupying my time from writing...


If you click the name of Alexander McQueen, it will take you to his brilliant website, where you can find archives of all of his past runway shows. The man was genius. I have spent hours watching the creations he built, and the stunning clothing and the theatrical shows, everything! This man has paved the way for the future of the fashion industry and it makes me sad to know that no more grandior thoughts will come out of his head. My favorite collection so far has been his Fall/ Winter 09 Collection titled "The Horn of Plenty"

How could you not look at his designs and think that they are stunningly beautiful and ugly at the same time. The juxtaposition of fashion and the industrial nature of everything ele surrounding the show is breathtaking.

I cant even begin to grasp the idea and execution behind the make-up and hair styling of this show. It leaves me speechless every time I go back and take a peak at the collection. Every individual model brought her own disfiguring pose at the end of the runway which topped off the feeling of the show. Everyone should go experience at least one of his runways, and if you have been fortunate enough to experience it in person, I would love to hear your first hand account as to how epic it must have been.I am currently lusting after his jewelry collection online and would love to own a piece of his work. The above ring is one of the two in particular that I would die for. So if anyone wants to get me a birthday gift, wink wink, you know what to do! Haha

It is tragic and sad that this man was taken from the world when he was. But according to himself, it was time. I only hope that his legacy lives on in the fashion world, and that the McQueen empire will only grow stronger, with the best looks yet to come.

xo

p.s.- dont even get me going on his shoes. that will be a whole other post in itself!

"I've got a tight grip on reality but I can't, let go of whats in front of me here... You are the only exception, you are the only exception."
Paramore

where did the time go...

I am so sorry for the lack of updates for a while! My life has been one long car trip for the past few weeks and this weekend when I finally got some me time, I took it and ran! I just wanted to write a little update giving a glimpse into the stories to come.
#1- My Asheville North Carolina trip
#2- My New Jersey family trip (8 hours in the car with 5 people and 2 dogs)
#3- Living downtown watching my friends cats
#4- Washinton DC trip to see SOMETHING CORPORATE!!!!

I know I have 4 updates to give and I will start with them tomorrow! Thank you for being patient with me and sticking around!

xo

p.s.- hopefully Justin and I will get out video blog going soon!

"There you go for the last time. I finally know now what I should have known then and I could still be ruthless if you let me!'
-Ruthless by Something Corporate

dream me up something better than me and you...

Oh hai! Beautiful boy. I do not know your name but I do know that you have the prettiest hair I have seen in years. The glasses make you look nerdy and hot and your style is perfect. You wear a cardigan sweater like Picasso could paint a picture. I would love to meet you, have some coffee and pick your brain about music, life and everything in between. Maybe next time I could join you in a field and forget about life for a little bit.

I do not know who is pictured above, but all that I have written is true. Haha random post but totally worth it! Thank you cute boy!

xo

"You are the dreamer and we are the dream. I could write it better than you ever felt it. So hum hallelujah, just off the key of reason. I thought I loved you. It was just how you looked in the light. A teenage vow in a parking lot "Till tonight do us part" I sing the blues and swallow them too..."
Hum Hallelujah by FOB

boyz 2 men...

Were playing at the baby shower I attended tonight and just thought I would post! I forget about them until songs like the one in the title of my post come on the radio and I fall in love all over again. ESPECIALLY that deep bass voice!

Anyhoos, it has been a little since my last post so I will give a little update:

1. I got a new tattoo over the 4th of July weekend. It is a silhouette of a dapper gentleman holding a bright burnt orangeish reddish maple leaf. It is a tribute to my favorite band The Early November (RIP) and one of my best friends, Meagan Beth, took part in this adventure and got one with me :D2. I spent the weekend down in NC watching fireworks, hanging with friends and eating cookout instead of actually having one! Oh! I also got to meet a lovely couple who own a pet hedgehog! You heard me, his name is tater tot and he is cute and runs around a kiddie pool and is prickly! I was so smitten by him.

3. I have acquired a pair of cute 1 inch gladiator wedges that I have worn with new dresses and shorts this summer. This purchase has moved me one step closer in my fashion quest that I posted a little while ago.

4. Looking forward to the upcoming weeks because I have some big plans coming in the next couple of months. I have Asheville North Carolina and my friend Bevin to visit in 2 weeks! THIS adventure I am soooo looking forward to :D I have Lydia's farewell show in early August and Something Corporate to see 2 nights in a row in DC mid august. My summer will end with seeing Kings of Leon with Justin and Linds in September. STOKED!!!

5. Big changes coming for me this fall.

Well there is a little update for now. More stories to come as the following adventures unfold!

xo

"Can we go back to the days our love was strong. Can you tell me how a perfect love goes wrong. Can somebody tell me how to get things back the way they use to be..."
-On Bended Knee by Boyz to Men

pure inspiration...

Andrew McMahon. This man is what makes my world go round. I must say, that his music truly inspires me beyond what any person can imagine. The heart and soul of his music affects me more than any person I know. He will never know what he has done for me in life, but hopefully one day I can really thank him.

I had the wonderful pleasure of seeing him perform with his band, Jack's Mannequin two nights ago at the Hat Factory in Richmond. I have never been so happy. The set was amazing and quite long. Catching up with some friends topped off the night for me. I would travel anywhere for him. Which brings me to my next piece of info... Something Corporate, Andrew's original band, is reuniting for a fall tour that I will be attending two night in a row in DC! August can not come soon enough! My friend Kristen and I are going to be spending 3 days and 2 nights up in our nations capital for the once in a lifetime experience. Hopefully I will get to hear some of the songs that helped shape me into the person I am today. Some personal favorites include...

(Me and Kristen at Jacks' Mannequin)
Ruthless- Off the North Album, this song can put me into one of the best moods no matter where I am or what I am doing. Seriously, it in an anthem for all relationships that you want to fight for.

Hurricane- Off of Leaving Through The Window, I cant help but absolutely go nuts when this song comes on. If anyone wants to hear me scream at the top of my lungs, put this on and cover your ears.

Wait- One of the most melodic and raw songs by him. This was the very first song I tried to learn on the guitar. Mind you, I did not learn it very well, but I tried anyways. The version of this song that he sings on the live at The Fillmore album is breathtaking.

Konstantine- No explanation needed.

These may seem pretty typical but to me they are some of the best. I will never be able to express to anyone how I really feel about his work. Anyhoos, some other great Jack's songs worth listening to are: Dark Blue, Kill the Messenger, MFEO/You Can Breathe Now, Swim, Caves.

Everyone go have a listen! What band in your life has this influence on you?

xo

"You don't do it on purpose but you make me shake, now I count the hours till you wake. With your baby's breath breathe symphonies. Come on sweet catastrophe..."
Hurricane

summer style...

As of late, I feel that my fashion selection has become minimalistic in the sense that I ALWAYS wear an American Apparel Deep V-neck shirt, skinny jeans, chunky jewelry and flats. Ask any of my friends and this is what you will see me in 95% of the time. I spice it up now and then, but generally this is all my wardrobe consists of.

I was recently browsing this site my friend Mark turned me onto called Lookbook! I have fallen in love all over with fashion and below are some of the following inspirations for what I am going to strive for my summer look to be. Along with my ever growing love of native american colors, fringe and garb, hopefully some of the following pieces will make it into my collection.


I will begin at the top. I can not express how much I would DIE to have my hair look like this! I have been growing it out for years and will continue to grow it until it gets to this length and then I will get it this color. Everything about this shouts beauty and to have the texture and waves in my hair that this girl has is wonderful!

Middle section. The light colors, matched with the hippie chic look of this girl makes for an airy, boho look that screams summer! Coupled with my love of chunky jewelry, and a lot of it, I will be on the lookout for flowey oversized shirt dresses and t's. Also notice the long hair again with headband look! WANT WANT WANT

Finish. Gladiator Wedges. Enough said!!! I think that these shoes could polish off any look! Jeans, shorts, skirts and dresses, these shoes are made to be worn all the time, and I must find a pair for me! The ones pictured above are perfect! Plus, this skirt and purse are too freaking cute! Jeffery Campbell come into my life with your entire collection of shoes! Thank you!

So, over the course of the summer, hopefully I will be able to say that some, or all, of these pieces have made it into my growing collection of fabric and looks! What is your inspiration for summer fashion?

xo

"We were the kings and queens of promise. We were the victims of ourselves. Maybe the children of a lesser god. Between heaven and hell."
-'Kings and Queens' by 30 Seconds to Mars

usa, usa, usa...

WORLD CUP is upon us and I could not be more excited! Today I watched the US men's team tie England in a 1-1 match. INSANE!!! Now I know it is kind of ironic, but to be honest, if the American's were to be knocked out in a round and England was still in, they would be the team I would root for. But since, the American's showed up and played, and we are still in this thing, I am USA all the way!

The new love of my life is the starting goalkeeper for the US, Tim Howard! First, he is an amazing keeper. Without him in goal today, the game would have been ugly and not in our favor. Second, he is pretty hot for 31! Deff a Billy Zane vibe with more athleticism! Delicious. Third, he plays for our home team! Geeze, how perfect!

Being a keeper myself, I know I am being bias but he is one of my favorites on the team! Who is yours?

xo

mermaids and cops...

The other week I had gone to a flying squirrels game with my family and some family friends. Danielle and Rich have a son who plays little league with my brother and we all rode in their car to watch some baseball. Some side notes to this story. Rich works for the county Sheriff's office and used to be the guy who would train all incoming new recruits to become Chesterfield County Police Officers. Since giving up his training duties, he has come across some hilarious stories, and the one he told coming home from the baseball game is priceless. It goes like this.

"Officer Brown recently started the new class of recruits for the police academy. They all came into orientation thinking it is going to be a walk in the park after the first day of no yelling and nothing but help when trying to get accustomed to police procedures. After they are issued their uniforms on the second day they get a rude awakening when all the fun and games are over. Hell and drill time start immediately. It is Officer Browns job to get up in the newbie's faces and yell and scream and whip them into shape. From day one, there was one girl who stood out as not being able to cut it as well as the rest of them. Freshly 21 with all the hopes in the world to become an officer, she was practically in tears after the first round of yelling was over. Lets call her Amy. After the first week of training, each new recruit is issued their police vehicles. All vehicles need to go through inspections from Officer Brown before being allowed to do anything with them. Apparenlty, Amy had not completed the inspection of her vehicle properly because Officer Brown went off on her again.

Officer Brown: "RECRUIT! HOW MANY YEARS OF MY LIFE HAVE YOU SPENT WANTING TO BECOME A POLICE OFFICER?"

Amy: "All my life SIR!"

Officer Brown: "AND EXACTLY HOW LONG HAS YOUR WHOLE LIFE BEEN?"

Amy: "Since I was 11 years old SIR!"

Officer Brown: "WELL I SUGGEST YOU GO BACK TO BEING WHATEVER IT IS YOU WANTED TO BE BEFORE YOU WANTED TO BE A POLICE OFFICER NEW RECRUIT."

(No answer)

Officer Brown: "AND WHAT EXACTLY IS IT THAT YOU WANTED TO BE BEFORE BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER?"

Amy: "I wanted to be a mermaid Sir!"

(You heard that right, a mermaid! At 11 years old)

Officer Brown: "A MERMAID!!! WHAT IN YOUR MIND MADE YOU WANT TO LOSE YOUR FINS AND PICK UP A GUN RECRUIT!?"


From this point on I am busting out uncontrollably in the car laughing at this most recent story from Rich. His delivery of the whole account was spot on and since then I have told sooo many people this situation. What is even funnier, is that Rich actually found a mermaid book in the dollar store to give to Officer Brown to relate more to his new recruits! What a riot this man is.

Anyways, thought I would share this little story with you all!
xo

"Let's leave these lives tonight, you can find us by the trail of our insides, they were left at the scene of the crime. We've tampered with evidence, finger prints were left behind..."
-Make a Run For It by Hit the Lights

it hurts so good...

I sincerely apologize for the lack of posting as of late. I promise that I come to this blog at least once a day with all intentions of writing a witty and note worthy post, but blank as soon as I hit 'New Post.' So after my friend Justin informed me of my absence, I figured I would throw something down onto the computer screen and hope it comes out ok.

This past weekend my friend Hannah was in town staying with me which made for some fun times. She got in Wednesday night and the weekend kicked off on hump day. We went out to see Sex in the City 2 with a bunch of gals from my work. (Side Note: When I go out to girls night, I don't like to wear my uniform from work because I feel very frumpy in a blue polo and khakis. So this particular day I ran home at lunch time to grab a change of clothes when all of a sudden someone is at my door ringing the bell. "Really?" I thought to myself. I only have 5 minutes before I have to get back to work and someone is wasting my time. Come to find out I needed to save my neighbor by helping get her car out of her garage because it was stuck on the automatic door when she backed out. Needless to say I was flustered and late getting back to work and did not have the best of ensembles for the oh so stylish evening... womp womp)

Thursday night my friends band, Jonas Sees In Color, was in town playing at Canal Club so we met up with MB and Mikey for dinner at Bottoms Up Pizza before hand. I have to state this: Their pizza is freaking delicious! Their drinks are wonderful too! I suggest the Topicolada! YUMMY! After dinner we went to the club and sadly there were only a handful of people there for the show. Either way, Hannah and I rocked out and it was good to see friends finally home from being on tour for so long.

My weekend festivities continued Friday night with a trip downtown with Hannah and Justin to Richmond's "First Friday's." This is an event that takes place on Broad Street, where local art galleries open their doors with new exhibitions for the month and street vendors and musicians all come out to have one GIANT block party. It was a blast walking around looking at artwork. I must say that in one of the galleries, I found an artist who seemed to be ripping off my beloved Robert Parke Harrison and his work. I tried to find him but he apparently was not at the exhibits opening so I plan on sending an email with inquiring questions about his work. We concluded the evening with drinks and food at Uno's because they have Happy Hour all day every day! Yeah, you heard me! Cheap drinks make for a very happy Jenn.

I woke up Saturday and went out to get pedicures with Hannah before my little brother's baseball game. I have to say that this was one of the best decisions of the weekend. I know that is a sad revelation, but I needed one real bad, and if anyone knows me, I hate feet in general so mine always have to be well kept and somewhat pretty. Anyhoos, bro's game was great minus the fact that it was a bajillion degrees and I got burnt sitting in the shade with SPF 50 on! Yeah, this is the girl who burns no matter what. So right now I have a lovely red triangle on my chest. Classy, let me tell ya. The afternoon carried on with shopping on Cary Street and a night out for my friend Deanna's Birthday! I hope everyone had a good time because I know all in all I did.

Bone picking time starts NOW: I love being able to go out with all of my friends in a night, and not have only a select few be able to join. It is so much better when everyone is together so this night in particular was awesome in that respect. However, the night was not awesome when my tab at the bar came to $20.50 for 2 drinks! WTF! I had a John Daley in a little glass. How on earth does that come to $10.25 a drink? I know Firefly Vodka is a little pricier, but really? I would not go back to The Fan House on this principle alone. Someone please explain this to me.

Today was relaxation day... or so I thought. Up until 9:30 tonight my day consisted of spending time with Dad and Christian and shopping. At 9:30 tonight I decided to start my P90X workout videos. That's right, for an hour all I worked on were my shoulders, arms and upper back muscles, which mind you are weak as shit to begin with. The only way I am typing this blog right now is that my hand were not effected in this process. I literally can not move from the neck to mid back. I failed half of it because along with day one shoulder exercises, I should have done the Ab Ripper X video as well. I got half way in and decided against it.

All in all it has been a very busy weekend but wonderful at the same time! This week I am going to work on getting together with Justin to start a video blog where we talk about random things and answer any questions anyone has for us. I think it will be a very fun experiment to start and keep up with! So, if you have any questions feel free to leave a comment or email me at jmontrose1@gmail.com, or check out Justins Blog!

xo

"Weekend warriors, and our best friends. The writers weren't kidding about how all good things must end. Then again some things, then again some things are far too good, some things are far too good to go ahead and let go..."
-"Down and Out" by The Academy Is

p.s.- I am going to set a goal of including more pictures of me and my adventures in the blog.

long live elon...

I can not believe that a year ago this past weekend I myself was an Elon graduate. Being there this past weekend for the 2010 graduation really drills into my head that I am in the real world and I have to start trying to figure out at least some sort of path direction for my life to try taking. I have yet to find a new job, a new city, a new adventure to try out while I am still young. I was sitting in Starbucks this morning with my friend Hannah who just graduated Saturday and we started to make a plan of places we could live based on climate and personal preferences. Hannah and I originally were planning on taking a European vacation in the fall and have tacked on being roommates in the near future to this budding adventure. She is an amazing person with an open mind to completely new and creative things.
Our top 5 city choices of the moment:
1. Boston Mass.
2. Denver Col.
3. Seattle, Washington
4. Anchorage Alaska
5. Providence, RI

We literally sat for over an hour going through Wikipedia on all of these cities and decided that they all had the climate's we would be most willing to live happily in. So with that said, I am going to start a job search in each of these places and see what I can come up with! If any of you readers have connections or advice on any of these places, please fill me in!!! All of you should know by now that my love for a Boston accent or a burly Alaskan man will completely swing my biasness towards those two towns, so please feel free to sway me other ways.

By the way, the picture above is of me holding my Oak tree sapling that was already dying by the time I was leaving graduation. A little tid bit about Elon is that when you come to Elon as a Freshman, during commencement you receive an acorn (Elon means "Oak" in Hebrew). Over the next four years as you grow as a student, the university presents you with an Oak tree sapling upon graduating to symbolize your start into a new chapter, and wherever you go, you are supposed to plant your oak tree so that there are reminders of Elon all over the world! It was one of those little traditions about Elon that made everything feel perfect about the four years that I spent there.

xo

"I hope you had the time of your life..."
-Good Riddance by Green Day

im a lush, and i love it...

I was totally going to do a rip off of a Taking Back Sunday song in my post's title, but I realized I would be a liar if I said I hate wine! I LOVE WINE!

I am currently on vacation in Myrtle Beach where my most favorite winery is. Carolina Vineyards has the best wine EVER!!! I bought 7 bottles today, yes 7. One Strawberry flavored, one Cherry flavored, one Blackberry flavored and FOUR BLUEBERRY! OMG DELICIOUS!

You are all probably thinking I am a total wino, but seriously, I only get down here like two times a year and must get my fix. I got to taste test 8 different ones today for only $2. How awesome is that. It helped that the girl behind the counter loved my hair and was from the town I went to college in. She gave me and my mom like 2 extra tastes of wine!

Needless to say I will be set for the next couple of months with a wonderful selection of deliciously sweet wine! The rest of my trip here will be filled with walking, shopping and ohh yeah, THE BEACH! Is anyone going on a fun vacation this summer?

Beach hair+ my new fishy ring+ awesome condo= happy Jenn!!! (P.S.- my fish has 2 front teeth and I named him Edgar!)
xo

"Why don't you tell me about the sunsets in Sweden and the laws of Eden and how you were the rock of Gibralter, and how they called you Foxy!"
- "0% Interest" by Jason Mraz

martians in the closet...

I know that I have told this story to a bunch of people recently, but I thought I would share with the rest of the blog world the crazy stories I hear working in a Physical Therapy clinic. This next story taking the cake.

So a few weeks ago one of our younger patients, she was 27, came in for her appointment at 5:00 and started off her usual self. She doesnt show many emotions and is kind of snotty at times, but I have learned what she likes and does not like so it is easier to talk to her. I go ahead and set her up with heat for the first 15 minutes and do some other things around the office. When she was done I ran her through the exercises and then waited for the therapist to come work on her. She started to tell us a story of one of her co-workers...

-The other day at work this lady Linda got a phone call from her adult son. (He's mentally handicapped which is why he lives at home.) He told her, "Mom, there is a martian in my closet and I am feeding him skittles." Now Linda gets calls from her son at work randomly sometimes, and with his handicap she didn't think much of it. However, this day she continued to get calls from him saying the same thing. "There is a martian in my closet and I am feeding him skittles." Our boss went up to her and told her to go home and check on him to make sure everything was ok. Linda said she got home and went around the house to check and make sure everything was ok. When she got to her sons room she looked in the closet and there was a little person in the closet. Come to find out the little person was a census worker who happened to be in the neighborhood going from door to door. The son had somehow gotten them into the house and into the closet.

At this point we were all astounded and quite frankly did not believe the story. Our patient swore that the story was real and we all started cracking up. From there we had sooo many questions we needed answers to and didnt get them. Like:
- How did the little person actually get in the closet?
- Were they willingly taking the skittles and eating them as the day passed?
- Did they not have a cell phone to call for help?
- Did they decide they wanted excitement in their life for the day?

WHY DID THIS HAPPEN? hahaha

Anyways, we sent our patient back to work to get all of the detailed information, and come to find out she was feeling better and didnt need physical therapy anymore. So the world and I might never know the answer to these questions.

xo

"Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars? I could really use a wish right now (wish right now, wish right now)"
-"Airplanes" by B.o.B featuring Hayley Williams

irish car bombs...

3/4 pint Guinness® stout 1/2 shot Bailey's® Irish cream 1/2 shot Jameson® Irish whiskey

*Add the Bailey's and Jameson to a shot glass, layering the Bailey's on the bottom. Pour the Guinness into a pint glass or beer mug 3/4 of the way full and let settle. Drop the shot glass into the Guinness and chug. If you don't drink it fast enough it will curdle and increasingly taste worse*

This is one of my favorite drinks to partake in when out with friends. One of my favorite memories of this drink is Irish Night my Junior year of college with my friends MJBJ, Ke and a few others! The night consisted of all of us cooking dinner and dessert followed by watching the movie 'Once' and taking these delicious drinks.

We started off the night cooking delicious Sheppard's Pie! MJBJ makes the best I have had to date! Mmm! Our friend Boston brought over some wonderful Guiness Stew and I followed dinner by making this Orange Chocolate Guiness cake! Let me just say that even though the cake wasnt that good, the orange zest icing was to die for!!! All of these dishes clearly having an Irish theme in mind. After dinner we all popped in the movie and started to watch the brilliantness that is 'Once'. I always get teary eyed watching them sing together in the music shop. After a while, everyone decided it would be interesting to make the movie into a drinking game. Every time the main guy character says the word 'cool' everyone would partake in an ICB. Lets just say that after about three we were all ready to stop playing that game!

I miss all of my friends and the wonderful nights we had drinking and hanging out. Sometimes I wish I were back in college with no cares except for work! I would encourage everyone to try this wonderful drink!

xo

"Take this sinking boat and point it home, we've still got time. Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice, you've made it known..."
-Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova

tell me im wrong...

The Morning Of's new song 'Tell Me I'm Wrong' is my new current obsession! I cant freaking wait until their new CD comes out on May 5th! Seriously, this band is filled with some of the most genuine and wonderful people ever!


This picture was taken back in 08' of all of us hanging after one of their shows in Raleigh. I wish everything in the world to be up in NJ this weekend seeing them play along with one of my favorite bands Something Corporate at Bamboozle. In 2008 I also saw these guys at Bamboozle and it was one of the coolest festivals ever! Anyhoos, just thought I would pass along some amazing music! Check out their video for 'Tell Me I am Wrong'

xo

"Don't break hearts and try to shake hands, because we're living in a time of living's last chance. Let your spirit soar..."
- Let Your Spirit Soar by The Morning Of-

pretty in pink

This movie is my inspiration for almost everything. My love for Molly Ringwald, love for the 80's, patterns, DIY, boys with the name Blaine! GAH! With this being said, I just bought this amazing dress:
Modcloth.com is a great vintage site with ADORABLE clothing and accessories! I hope I can pull off this pink look as well as Andy did in her pink prom dress.

Everyone go watch this movie!
xo

"I touched you once, I touched you twice, I won’t let go at any price. I need you now like I needed you then. You always said we'd still be friends someday..."
-If You Leave by OMD

moving to Alaska...

Well that's what I want after watching the season premiere of Deadliest Catch. I am not saying that all of the men are good looking, but a lot of them are what I am attracted to! Big, burly men with GORGEOUS beards, YES PLEASE!

With this being said, I am going to give you a list of my top 5 bearded boys as of right now! I know this changes on a daily basis, due to adding or taking away from the facial hair, but all of these men exemplify brilliant beards!

#5- Zack Larson
He is the newest greenhorn on the crab boat the Kodiak! Now his beard is not full like some of the other on my list, but his adorable face and buff figure put him in the top 5 and is just another reason for wanting to move to Alaska!

#4- Max Bemis
The Lead singer of Say Anything, Max is my ideal man! From the scruffy face, to the amazing voice, and body to boot. I would marry this kid in a heart beat. Too bad he is already taken, now all I can do is lust after him! P.s.- This pic of him, courtesy of Ryan Russell, is HOT! The grunge look is totally doable!

#3- Scott and Seth Avett
These brothers are 2/3 of the band The Avett Brothers! Their music is inspiring and all around amazing. With beards like these, who could not include them in the top 5! If you like bluegrass, folky rock music, this band is a must listen!

#2- MJBJ
I am not releasing my friends full name, because I didnt ask him before writing this blog if I could! I hope this is ok! MJBJ has been a friend for a few years now and is engaged to one of my best! Through the years he has never failed to have one of the best beards EVER! The picture above shows just how adventurous he is with his facial hair, and how well he can pull it off! I tell him all the time how much i love his beard and my friend Ke is one lucky gal! This is why he is numero dos on my list!

#1- Andy Hull
The lead singer of Manchester Orchestra is the epitome of burly, bearded hotness. I have been a huge fan for many years now, and even though my experience with meeting him was one I am not fond of, he was kind of a dick, it does not take away from the sheer look he gives off! His music is brilliant as well! I would suggest giving it a listen!

So this is my top 5 list. If you feel I left anyone out or think I should look into someone, please email me or leave a comment! I love finding new beards to fall in love with!

xo

"Cause like dying young, idols got the best of me, well don't stop calling, you're the reason I love losing sleep. And the building collapse, we'll shop one for something..."
- 'I Can Barely Breathe' by Manchester Orchestra

crafting...

I love crafting projects! Somehow, I never fully finish anything I start, but I love buying materials and having a vision of something I want to create and then going through the motions of doing it, I just never fully finish. Lately I have gotten back into making friendship bracelets. Now these are not that hard to finish, but I always start more intricate ones than I have string for. For example,I can do the above bracelets just fine, but when it comes to the middle one, I always run out of enough string to finish and it become a key chain! WTF haha. I know this is a bunch of randomness right now but I got this really sweet bracelet from my ex boo this weekend which I will show you all!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the orange black and white in this bracelet! There are three different patterns with alternating colors that make it beautiful and the best part about it is that it was made by Filipino women in support of a local charity over there. It is deff. an inspiration and I would love to do something like this!

SO, with that being said, if you would like me to make you a friendship bracelet, tell me the colors and make a donation! All the money I collect with be donated to the To Write Love on Her Arms movement, to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self injury and suicide! Just shoot me a message and I will get up with you on payment and shipping plans!

To find out more information about this awesome group check out there website: TWLOHA

Also, if you all have any crafting ideas you would like to shoot my way, I would love to hear from you! Email me at : jmontrose1@gmail.com

xo

P.S.- As I promised, here is another little ditty from my old livejournal! Read and let me know what you think!"Don't forget about the blue skies, sunrise, and all the space between. It's amazing how a girl like you could affect a guy like me. And all the pictures and memories of all the times we had, do you think that some things are better left unsaid. Is it in me, to put the bottle down..."
-Space Between by Valencia

olympics...

BEER STYLE!

I am sorry I have been MIA for over a week! To be honest, it has been busy and I did not have computer access from Thursday morning until now! At least not one long enough to write a post.

However, I will now proceed to tell you about my hilarious and much needed weekend escape to NC! Mostly my day Saturday and a little something called Beer Olympics.

Friday night I was in NC for my college's annual Spring Show, this year with Third Eye Blind. Besides that band and their crew being complete douche bags and ass holes, the show was really good and i got to hear Semi-Charm Life live! EPIC! Well that night I got a call from my ex boo saying he was sick and all he wanted was to see me. We are still on good terms and are still friends so of course I went over there to take care of him. With a combo or not eating and drinking and smoking, his body decided to rebel and hate him. I ended up staying over, nothing naughty dont go there, and had planned to leave the following afternoon. I woke up the next morning to his roommate and friend, Dan and Tom, making all sorts of noise around the house.

Me- "What are you guys doing?"

Them- "Setting up for Beer Olympics."

Me- "What's that?"

Them- "Stay, hang out and find out."

So seeing that it was a gorgeous day and I really had no need to be home until Sunday, I got in my car, went and got a bottle of wine and prepared for what was to come!

Ten different teams started to show up at 3:00 to start the shenanigans at 3:30 this was the line-up of events slated to take place:
- Boat Race (Two teams compete in a chugging contest, first to finish all beer wins)
- Frisbee toss (Try to knock a bottle of a wooden pole)
- Beer Pong (Teams compete 2 vs. 2)
- Slosh ball ( A version of softball where you have to hold your beer with one hand and bat with the other, run bases and throw all without spilling)
- Corners
- 3 leg 40 race (Three leg race, 3 laps around the house and a 40 oz. must be finished before the end)
- Obstacle course
- Corn hole
- Tug o War ( Kiddie Pool of death in the middle)

I am sure there were other games but by the end I think 2 or 3 were dismissed and everyone was sufficiently feeling good! The whole games I was a spectator and am so glad I was. Drinking not involving games, I was good to go, so participating, I am sure I wouldn't even remember enough to write this post. Surprisingly, all teams involved were very well controlled and all came decked out in team uniforms and chants for the events! Everything ran pretty smoothly and good times were had all around! We ended around 7:30 and I was done for the night. I ordered some Chili's food and went to bed early in order to wake up and drive back to VA in the morning.

(Phillies team!)

I am so glad I got to see friends and just have a day or carefree fun! The boys really know how to throw down and I hope one day I can get something like this going here in Richmond. Any other suggestions for games to play? Ohh! I almost forgot, there were some awesome prizes too! A Cow pinata was the grand prize, beer mugs and coconut cups were all part of prizes! I stole a coconut cup! Hehe dont tell the boss man!

Got back to VA today and spent it with family and friends. All in all a great weekend and 2 more to come with adventures involving Justin! Expect a blog post tomorrow with another old post from my livejournal and again I am sorry for the hiatus! I am back!

xo

"Bring you back to the bar get you out of the cold. A sober, straight face gets you out of your clothes. And they're scared that we know all the crimes they'll commit. Who they'll kiss before they get home..."
- Me vs. Maradona vs. Elvis by Brand New (EVERYONE MUST LISTEN TO THIS SONG!)

kids in love...

I love watching music videos! I think it can either make or break a song the way it is portrayed and interpreted through the artists eyes. Lately I have been watching a lot of them on the tube and one in particular has really stood out to me amongst the rest.

Mayday Parade is a band who first came through my earphones 2 years ago while on a drive up to NJ for the Bamboozle festival. I was immediately in love with their sound and since then have seen them live twice! Now I know a lot of you are going to think that they sound very similar to all other pop punk bands, but once you see this video, they have a point of view they were not afraid to share, and really gives a whole other outlook on who they are as a band. Yes I know a bunch of the scenes could be seen as cliche for every "scene band" out there nowadays, but I think they portray young love in a way they are not afraid to share, and what a lot of it is like these days. I am warning that the content is explicit, but I do feel that they are not condoning any of the actions in the video, just merely expressing their outlet of music! You have to have an account to log in on to see the video, but I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Mayday Parade- Kids in Love...

xo
"And you're still out of me reach, and you're still all of the things that I want in my life, how could I ask you to leave me?"

blast from the past...

WOAH NELLY! This one is going to be a whopper!

The other night I was trying to think of this poem that I had found on the Internet some time ago, and was rummaging through my old documents trying to find it. After realizing I had never saved it, I was trying to think of all the places I could get it. I tried Google, and then I tried going through old papers, but to my dismay, no luck. Then I had a stroke of brilliance and remembered that when I first started blogging, I had set up a livejournal account back in 05'! I went through old post after old post until I found what I was looking for.

To be honest, by the time I had gotten to the poem I was looking for, I was reading all of my old journal entries from years past. I have to give myself credit, because I did a semi-decent job at posting. But, I never realized how emo of a kid I was! Haha, so with that being said. I have decided to start a new little project. Like in my old entries I am now going to end each post with a song lyric. ALSO, each week, I will be posting a new picture of an old LJ blog post. From here each and every one of you can get to know me a little more, and figure out who I was post high school graduation! I think this will be a fun little endeavor so expect a new old entry every Monday!

For the first one however, I am going to post it tonight since I had this brilliant idea. I would love comments, criticism and even your own reflections on the past times in your lives! :D
Go ahead and click on the picture to enlarge it and read for yourself! With all of this being said, I will leave you with my first lyric...

"This is because I can spell konfusion with a 'k' and I can like it. Its to dieing in another's arms and why I had to try it. It's to Jimmy Eat World and those nights in my car. When the first star you see may not be a star, I'm not your star. Isn't that what you said, what you thought the song meant..." -Konstantine by Something Corporate (Hands down favorite song ever)

xo

tattoo's

Today was a very plane jane day with nothing overly exciting happening to me. Other than a lovely dinner with my friend Corin at McAlister's (Grilled Chix Club is da bomb) my day was boring.

Speaking of boring, I would like to vent about how my dress code at work limits my individual style to no end. Other than spicing up the color of camisole underneath my gray/blue polo, khaki's and gray shoes, I have no outlet to show my style. So from here I resort to eccentric jewelry and accessories. With a mix of chunky bracelets and HUGE rings to wonderful earrings and necklaces, this is the only taste of "me" many people get throughout the day. But, I would like to tell you about the time where I got to wear really cute flats for 2 weeks because I had just got my second tattoo on my left foot.This tattoo, im not gonna lie, hurt quite a bit. To me it was completely worth it! With bunches of significance behind it, it only makes me want more and more tattoos. The hand writing in the tattoo is actually my Dad's handwriting and the bear is a stuffed animal that he gave me when he and my mom were going through their separation/divorce. He gave me two matching bears which I named, "I Miss You" and "I Want You To Come Home." Now, I know these arnt really names, but I was 5 or 6 and it was all that I wanted. On their little tags I drew little pictures to tell them apart from each other, and to this day each of them still have it on there. All in all I wanted to get something for my Dad and in return he let me go with him to get his first tattoo as well.The tattoo above is my very first tattoo. I love every piece of it and I am actually thinking of adding on to it. The daisy reminds me everyday of my mom, being that it is one of her favorite flowers, and how much she impacts my life. She was totally against me getting a tattoo, but I got it anyways and she still loves me. I chose the word "infinite" because it is one of the most impactful words ever. If any of you have ever read the book, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," you know what I am talking about. Now I am not saying that this is my favorite book, because it is not. But the quote at the top of my blog comes from the book when the main character describes one particular moment in life. To me the word infinite is just that, perfect. It makes me think that all moments that are truly memorable in life make you feel infinite, good or bad. I had this idea for a tattoo since I was 18, and it took me 3 years and a college degree to be able to get it (Mom wouldn't let me get it until I graduated).

I know that everyone says once you get a tattoo you become addicted, and I am no stranger to that saying. I am currently working on a wrist tattoo and playing with the idea of a cap sleeve. Throw in some bro tats and I will be covered soon.

Show me some of your tattoo's or let me know your thoughts and opinions on body art! I would also love to know your meanings and significance behind them.

Back to my main point. For those 2 weeks that I got to wear flats to work, all my patients got a small glimpse into who I am and my slight sense of style.

Enjoy!
xo

p.s.- I think it is ironic that my first 2 tattoos were on my feet, because honestly I hate feet!

"my stupid mouth...

has got me in trouble, i've said too much again..."

Bonus points to anyone who can name the song without google-izing it!
I really feel like I open my mouth at the most in-opportune times, and can really get stuck from doing so. Whether it be a random comment to someone at work or a friend that now knows a little too much. No matter what you can never take something back, all you can do is move forward.

xo

birthdays are not a DRAG...

Sunday brunch at Godfrey's is one of the most unique and amazing experiences ever! If you are ever in Richmond call ahead of time to get reservations and bring your single dolla dolla bills ya'll!

So, this coming Wednesday is my friend Justin's birthday. He told me he is not big on celebrating, so I thought it would be fun to take him out to something different the weekend before his big day. So early last week I sent him a text and said, dont make plans for Sunday brunch. Now, looking back I probably should have given him a heads up on what we were doing, seeing as he walked out of his house in a baseball cap and t-shirt, when I knew he'd probably want to look a little nicer. When I told him we were going to Godfrey's he quickly went back inside to fix up!

Now, if you don't know what Godfrey's Sunday brunch is, let me explain. Godfrey's is one of the popular gay bars in Richmond. On Sunday mornings they have brunch with Drag Queens! There are 5 different Queens who come out and entertain you with song, dance and costume's all while you are enjoying delicious french toast and Mimosa's.

Justin and I pulled up around 10:15 for an 11am brunch. From the outside there are no signs, just an older guy in a dress and make up checking people in. Not gonna lie we waited in the car an extra 20 mins before getting out because we honestly did not know what to expect. We check in and go into the dance side of the bar where it is pitch black with disco balls and laser lights to keep everyone entertained. We stand around and chat until one of the workers walks by asking if anyone needs singles. Justin and I look at each other wondering what we might need singles for. I get out a $20 and ask him for change and sure enough I get 20 one dollar bills back. Now in my head I am thinking,"Oh god, they are going to strip..." we want to ask people around us what all the singles were for, but decided to wait and find out for ourselves. Along with just receiving a bunch of ones, I start to notice that Justin is the only guy there, and I am freaking out thinking that I just brought him into something horribly not for him. We go back outside and to my relief there are a few other men waiting around to get into Sunday Brunch too. (Future note: this is deff more of a girls outing than anything unless you have a party larger than 2!)

The main host Kenny comes out and gives us a schpeal about what to expect, and then we are led in group by group to tables set up all along side the bar. Justin and I get put in the back corner at a little two top, which ended up being a great seat to see the whole place. Our waiter comes up to take our order and immediately notice his sleeve tattoos and gauged ears and start to swoon, until Justin informs me that he too is in fact gay. Sadly I go on and continue to enjoy being there. We order our food and the first drag queen comes out to perform!
Now I cant remember if the picture above is the actual first queen of the morning, because a few of them start to run together, but let me tell you they were ALL amazing! Also, if you can tell in the picture she is collecting things from the audience as she performs. Yes ladies and gentlemen, this is where the dolla dolla bills come into play! Each drag queen gets tips for performing and sometimes dances up on you for money! This one guy, lets call him John, was there with 14 of his girl friends, and boy did he rack up on queen attention for the morning! Justin was lucky he got the corner seat or I would have forced dollar bills into his hand to get attention! The morning went on and the performances got better and better.

The one pictured above, is the best female Reba drag queen ever! She actually has toured with Reba and Brooks and Dunn! She also did a Cher number that was spot on too!
So the final number was this lovely lady singing Cascada's "Evacuate the Dance floor," I dont know if thats the song name, but you know what I mean. All in all this experience was one of a kind and I am so glad I went to this brunch event. I know Justin said he enjoyed it and I had a great time with him, but I am not 100% convinced he'd do it again. I hope you all enjoy the pictures, and go stop by his page and say hi!

xo
p.s.- My favorite Queens name was Taylor Made, like the guy on I love New York! Brilliant! I would highly recommend this to anyone in Richmond!