Thursday, September 25, 2014

SOTW: What It Costs

From Tim Foreman's beautiful, raw vocals to the phenomenal way the instruments create a mournful mood that somehow fits with the thoughtful lyrics in a way that's so powerful, this song is definitely in my top 10 of all time. 


Song: What It Costs
Artist: Switchfoot

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Fall Beauty Buys

For me, fall is all about easy make-up and good moisturizers, because with busy post-summer life starting up again having go-to's for those two things help smooth out the rest of the transition into waking up a little bit earlier and moving a little bit quicker. Here are my four beauty favorites that I've found this year:

1. St Ives - Cranberry Seed & Grape Seed Oil body lotion
With just a hint of a sweet cranberry smell that's not too over-powering, and a formula that allows for quick absorption and no sticky residue (not to mention it's made of natural ingredients!), this lotion is perfect to slather on morning and night. Plus, it won't break the bank (I bought it for under $5).

2. Avon - Moisture Effective Eye Makeup Remover lotion
I think the thing that's the worst about actually taking the time to put makeup on is that it's pain to take off. This remover is super easy to use (rub it in using your finger tips and wipe off with a damp cotton ball) and takes seconds. Works for me!

3. Almay - Intense i-Colour Eyeshadow
I have this one in the shimmer-i kit for blue eyes and I tried it out for the first time today. It's wonderful! Three colours that blend together nicely and are already laid out for you in a way that makes it super easy to apply quickly and be out the door!

4. Nivea - Lip Butter in Vanilla & Macadamia
For me I don't like anything sticky on my lips, but a good, creamy lip balm is hard to find. This one goes on creamy and stays that way, with just a hint of a scent that reminds me of Hawaii. 

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

3 Must-have New Releases

It's been a while since I've posted here, so I thought I'd finally get back to it... even if this is going to be a quick post (and not a full CD review)

Here is my quick list of 3 CDs I think you definitely need to invest in that have just released:

1. The Edge of the Earth - Switchfoot
Ok, so technically this is an EP... but it's also new Switchfoot music, which to me translates into: must have! It's just indie enough, with the powerful/thoughtful lyrics that you expect from Switchfoot, and (an added bonus) we get to hear Tim Foreman on lead vocals for the first time! 
My favorites: What it Costs and Liberty

2. Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong. - For King & Country
If I'm being honest I haven't even made it through the whole album yet... whoops! But seriously, can you ever go wrong with For King & Country? I don't think so. 
It's pop without being obnoxious, it's full of phenomenal lyrics, it has a fantastic mixture of upbeat, positive songs and thought-provoking, heart-wrenching songs (check out "Without You" a duet between Luke and his wife). These guys are consistently fantastic, and this one definitely didn't disappoint.
My favorites: Without You and It's Not Over Yet

3. How Can It Be - Lauren Daigle
New-ish on the Christian music stage, Lauren has vocal talent that is up there with the greats. Sure, this one is also considered an EP but each track is fantastic music, harmony, melodic and everything-else wise. Let's get the word out there about this fantastic new artist!! I've talked about her Christmas stuff before, and this EP is right up there with those fantastic songs!
My favorite: Dry Bones and Light of the World