Author's Picks

In most magazines you will find a section of Editor's picks. Well as my literature stylings have ot gotten me that far yet, I would still love to share with you my list of current favorite things. These range from drinks to songs to trends to stores. Hang on tight, I've got quite the list for you.

1. YouTube video: Monster by Paramore. The song featured on Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon. THe video is astounding and Hayley Williams does not disappoint. Of course the two guys on guitar are there, Jeremy Williams and Taylor York, do a great job as well. (cover pictured above) The band recently lost the Farro brothers but still plans to continue ad release a fourth album within the next year. Riot fans stay true!

2. Vintage and Consignment: the mall may be great, but not only is it pricey, but everyone shops there. Chances are that if you find something you love at American Eagle (or the like) about 35 other people from your shool have probably found it and loved it too. This year I'm going vintage and hitting the resale shops. Salvation Army, Plato's, Bearlee New, and Uptown Resale are just a few in the BA/ Tulsa area. Those will be my spots for back to school shopping. Many of them will be having sales and promotions for the new school year as well. The main thing to remember is try it on before you buy it. These stores offer unique one of a kind peices that have been gently used and have endless possibilities.

3. Planking: this s a semi new trend for the adrenaline junkies. It's similiar to the 2004 trend, parkour, as seen on the office. Planking is simply choosing some of the most strange and dangerous places and laying on your tummy and making your body into the form of a plank. As soon as it cools down I plan on taking a bunch of my friends to find some really cool planking spots.

4.SUSIE magazine: This magazine was created by Susie Shellenberger and is geared towards teen christian girls. It is full of spiritual, social, and other useful advice. It is an incredible tool that I love to use in working on my faith. God has used this magazine to connect girls all over the world. Like SUSIE on faacebook for updates.

5. Spontaneous-ness: yes, I am pretty sure that is a word. But I just love random ness. My best friend and I are the queens of random sleepovers and 10 o'clock trips to mcdonald's. It is so much fun to do random things like that with good friends.

Be sure to stay posted for more Auhtor's picks and updates!

His lyrics make me happy

No, I am not talking about Jesse McCartney. Shocker, I know. Ladies and gentlemen, my dear classmates and cynics, I give you, OWL CITY!

Now I would like to share my thoughts with you about this band. Many people have given me their very rude thoughts and feelings about the band without giving the music a chance. You know who you are. Yes, the band is truly just one guy with a keyboard and some wicked insomnia. Adam Young is the genius behind all the lyrics, and is from Minnesota. The music began when he was experimenting with some music in his parent's basement. Now Adam is not your typical musician. He donesn't do meet and greet's, and just has his own style.

Many people had not heard of the band until his single "Fireflies" hit radio stations across the country in early fall 2009. Since then he has toured with John Mayer, Shiny Toy Guns, Lights, and many other big name groups. He does have an entourage that travels with him for performances, complete with violin players. I got the oppurtunity to see the band perform live in April or 2010 and loved it. (Although note to readers: DO NOT stand in front of speakers for a 2 and a half hour concert if Shiny Toy Guns is the opening act. You won't hear anything for a week.) The lights and effects were incredible and they sounds great live! The crowd even got Adam to come back and do an additional song after the band had left the stage. I won't forget that night, it was a blast!

For those of you who listen to Taylor Swift, you probably already know she wrote the song "Enchanted" about the night she got to meet Adam Young himself. (A beautiful song, kudos to you, Taylor.) On Valentine's day 2011, Owl City released a cover of the song. A ew of the lyrics wre changed putting Taylor's name and other specific touches in to make it just as sweet as sugar. You can find this song on YouTube.

Like I said before, I have gotten grief in the past simply for being a fan. So let me tell you just what it is about this "nonsense" that keeps me coming back. First of all, the lyrics are clean. There is no vulgarity, sexual content, curse words or anything of the like. Compare this to any of the hit songs on the secular radio and then come back to me. Second, Adam is a christian artist. He may not sing direct worship songs, (althoug "Galaxies" totally could be and it is played on multiple christian stations) but he has stated his faith and agrees with the word of God. Next, his lyrics are fun! They typically make no sense but they are just fun. Many of his songs could be considered love songs. Sometimes when you don't know how to describe what you're feeling, listen to an owl city song and maybe you'll figure it out.

Right now I am personally in a "Vanilla Twilight" mood. I'll be singing this song for a while as someone very dear to me is out of the country and will be missed. Sometimes even the nonsense music can be relatable to everyone.

His latest record, All Things Bright and Beautiful is in stores now, and tour dates are up on his web page.

Don't Waste Your Summer!

July is upon us! Don't shun me for reminding you, but school stars August 25. Tulsa Tech classes start August 22. So take this gentle reminder: don't waste your summer!!! So far my summer has been jam packed with work, ballet, friends, family, a new baby cousin, a short vacay, a new bedroom, and so much more. (If you're wondering when I sleep, I don't know either.) Don't sweat it, though I am here to help. I know it seems tough to find fun or poductive things to do when the summer is flying by and everyone's schedules are like a giant jigsaw puzzle. So here are some suggestions:

PRODUCTIVE:

1. Mowing lawns around the neighborhood. soak up the sun, get a workout in, and earn some extra cash.

2. Sell some of you unwanted clothes at Plato's Closet. I love doing this! Plus while your waiting you can find great new wardrobe pieces.

3. Get a head start on any summer assignments for school. Lame, I know but school will be here in a blink.

4. Look up non profit organizations close to you that could use an extra set of hands. This looks great on college apps, and yo could gain some new friends.

5. Summer Reading Program. I do it every summer and love it. There is just nothing like escaping into the world of a good book.

FUN:

1. S'mores!!! pick a spot and just build a small little bonifre with a few friends and voila! Oh! and walmart has these ridiculous marshamallows now that are HUGE. (pictured above) This is a cheap fun thing to do with friends.

2. Splash Pads. These little parks are all over town and keep cool. There is no cost, and to make it even more fun pack a picnic! These wonders aren't just for toddlers ladies and gentlemen!

3. Take your special someone on a surprise picnic! They won't be expecting it and it's a cheap, easy fun, date. They will love it just because you put effort into the idea. Just keep in mind the heat factor, and plan ahead.

4. Snow Cones. You all know I'm a snow cone junkie! Wih 6+ shacks all over town you can pick any spot you like to have a sweet treat. Also a cheap place to hang out with friends.

5. Egg white facials. Girls, this one is for you. A coworker of mine recently shared this well kept secret. Take two egg whites and gently beat them in a bowl. Then sort of paint it (paint brush/ sponge needed) on your skin. then take strips of toilet paper and place it on top, then paint over it again. In a sense, you're doing a paper mache on your face. It's a completely organic way to unclog pores and a lot of fun to do with a best friend. Keep in mind it takes a while to harden, then just peel away the mask.

I hope you enjoy these tips, and stay hydrated this summer! Water and sunscreen are cruicial!

Transformers 3 Review

Hot cars, explosions, robots, Shia LeBouf, and the gorgeous Rosie Huntington. Who doesn't just love it? On Thursday, my friend Jonathan and I went to see the newest addition to the saga that is bringing in millions of dollars. Titled Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon, it was an incredible movie.

The effects and explosions were amazing, and it makes you laugh, cry, cringe, and cheer. The Autobots are back, and better than ever. Josh Duhamel is back as one of the military leaders and does a great job of assisting in the battle. Sam;s parents are played by Kevin Dunn and Julie White who do a great job of capturing that embarassing parent role. Now, what you have all been waiting for! Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Sorry boys, she's already taken. Rosie is the new drop dead gorgeous girl playing Sam Witwicky's girlfriend, Carly Spencer. Rosie is a Victoria's Secret angel, and has an impressive resume in the modeling world. Not to mention her foreign accent. (I'm so jealous!)

Parents: Consider your child before taking them to see this movie. The action is great, but can get intense. There is little to no sexual content. However, just as the first two movies, the crude language is inescapable.

Overall, the movie is fantastic and I can't say there is much to complain about. The actors and director's did a fantastic job. Although, do note that the movie is 2 hours and 38 minutes long. So go to the bathroom BEFORE the movie starts. And just for the record, I like Rosie Huntington much better than Megan Fox.