Favorite Things Friday

1. Super Nintendo. Mario, Donkey Kong, Frogger, oh my! I'm obsessed with the video game system living in our room that is even older than I am. Last weekend I spent a good amount of time on the couch with controller in hand trying my best to dodge bad guys and snag 1-up mushrooms.

2. Gingerbread Lattes. I didn't even know I liked gingerbread until last week! A perfect blend of spice and sweet, Starbuck's has created the creme de la creme of Christmas coffee perfection.

3. Bre. I had the opportunity to spend three days with this girl while the other six roommates were out of town last weekend. We had a blast watching movies, eating Ivanhoe's, and, of course playing Nintendo. Bre is a fun-loving, dependable friend and I super enjoy sharing living space with her!

4. Jesus. Recently He has been showing up in amazing ways. God has been teaching me what it means to be in a friendship with Him, as opposed to a boss-employee frame of mind I'm guilty of falling into. The invitation to be friends with the King of the Universe is what separates Christ-followers from those involved in any other faith. Other religions are just that: religion. But Christianity is a life-changing relationship. Pretty amazing if you ask me.

5. Jump5. My favorite group at age 11 had a major comeback last night. Joelle and I had an impromptu early-2000's-Christian-teen-group jam session while all the other roommates were out. And I'm not sure if I should be embarrassed or totally jazzed that I still know the words to every song.

Happy Friday!

Favorite Things Thursday

It's that time of the week, my friends!

1. The Baby Burks. 

If you asked me to name two people I would do anything for, "Marissa and Bethany" would meet the question with no hesitation. I adore my little sisters. I spent last weekend playing Mancala, jumping on the trampoline, watching soccer, and laughing with my best girls. Twas grand.

2. My Fall playlist.

Disregard the name; it was the first phrase to pop into my head upon its creation. This playlist is an eclectic mix of musical randomness. "On My Mind" by Cody Simpson is my favorite today (don't judge it till you listen to it)!

3. Mudslide Flavored K Cups.

And they were only $9.99! I go to bed excited to wake up to a cup of this delightful coffee. Having three roommates with Keurigs makes my life. 

4. Casa Brava.

Located five minutes from campus on the bypass, Casa Brava is Mexican perfection. After downing 12 baskets of chips and salsa, order Arroz Con Pollo (chicken with queso and rice) and prepare for your mind to be blown. Don't forget to snag a few green mints on the way out!

5. Zayn.

The most attractive member of One Direction now lives in my window! You're welcome to everyone who needs a little eye candy on their way to class. 

Happy Thursday!

The Soundtrack of My Summer

The familiar feeling of nostalgia has descended upon me once again as the days grow shorter and the nights cooler. Yes, summer is quickly drawing to a close, leaving incredible memories trailing behind it. Many of these memories are attached to the songs that served as background music for my life the months of May through August: the soundtrack of my summer (Thanks for that line, Boys like Girls).

1. Charlie Brown – Coldplay

 One of my first summer song obsessions! I listened to it on repeat for weeks.

2. Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Try to not smile while listening to this song. It is impossible. I smiled and listened while enthusiastically starting creative projects at the beginning of summer that I have yet to finish.

3. Banana Pancakes – Jack Johnson

An oldie but goodie. I learned this summer that Jack Johnson lives in Hawaii and loves to surf ALONG WITH making beautiful music. What a life. I sang along with “Banana Pancakes” while baking cupcakes one afternoon in May.

4. Danza Kuduro – Don Omar, Lucenzo

Can’t help but dance when “Danza Kuduro” starts playing! It also has a way of making the listener want chips and salsa. Which is why I blasted it while making mango salsa that one time.

5. Stare Into the Sun – Graffiti6

Heard it on the radio on a sunny day and was instantly smitten. Listened to it 482 times a day. The End.

6. Country Girl – Luke Bryan

I spent a good amount of time down south in June, where Luke Bryan is regarded as royalty. I danced to “Country Girl” before the start of the first cheerleading camp I worked.

7. Let’s Go – Calvin Harris feat. Ne-Yo

This song legitimately gets me pumped. Listened to it right before running a 5k on the 4^th of July and right after I put it at the top of my workout playlist.

8. Me Without You – TobyMac

My little sisters and I love it. Volume was always cranked in the car when it came on the radio! I also adore the lyrics, so much truth to them.

9. Thought of You – Justin Bieber

      “Thought of You” is my personal favorite on The Bieb’s new CD. The release of that album was an event in and of itself.

10. Wide Awake – Katy Perry

Saw the Katy Perry movie with my best friends on opening night, which made me want to be her best friend. Still can’t get enough of this song.

11. Runaway – Mat Kearney

My trip to California was narrated by Mat Kearney’s voice. It perfectly accompanied watching the sparkling Pacific Ocean roll by on our drive up the coast.

12. Stole My Heart – One Direction

My ten-year-old sister is obsessed with “1D,” and after being forced to watch their concert DVD, I decided the cute little Brits aren’t so bad. ESPECIALLY if you listen to the songs on their album the radio doesn’t play.

It has been a good summer indeed.