One Tree Hill

I started watching this show back in the fourth season because my baby sister started watching it and I wanted to see what she found so interesting.  Three episodes in and I was hooked.  So good, bad, or ever so soapy, I have happily watched for the last five years.

I thought I would take a moment and reflect on some of my favorites of this show:

Favorite Character: Haley. There are so many differences between this character and I, but so many things I see that we have in common. She is sweet, tenacious. fiercely loyal, and ever loving. She is played by the ever so cool, Bethany Joy Galeotti, and is one of the reasons I kept coming back year after year.  And on a vain note: love her hair.

Favorite Couple: Nathan & Haley. My romantic heart just adores this couple. They are probably the real reason I keep coming back season after season. They have been together since Season 1, and One Tree Hill would not be the same without them.  I was never about the Peyton-Lucas-Brooke triangle. I was all about this young love finding its way.

Favorite Season: The 3rd Season. With Haley and Nathan on the verge of divorce (she left him for the spot light), the shooting of beloved Uncle Keith, and the continued downward spiral of villain Dan this season brings out the best of the show.  Obviously my couple reconcile, but the heart of this show was displayed so well here. If you watch any season at all, watch this one.

A really great show.  And the video below encompasses what made it so wonderful. My favorite One Tree Hill Cast Video ever, and so perfectly in-tune to this moment.



All We Are
by OneRepublic

Much Love,
Kelli

The Ponytail

I have a deep desire to wear the perfect ponytail.  I didn't always have this obsession, until the premiere of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  It's true.  At the end of the season Buffy wore a leather jacket, and my quest for the perfect ponytail began.

See:

The picture may be a little blurry but you get the idea.  I've tried for years to duplicate it, but it has still remained elusive.

And then I saw Brenda Lee Johnson's ponytail from The Closer.  And again I set off on a new ideal, something else to try...

This one I know requires a curling iron, which I don't have time for during the work week, but still... it just never quites get there.

And finally there is this one. From Haley James Scott in Season 4 of One Tree Hill....

And yet no...

Maybe I just need someone to show me how. Or get a stylist to do it.  However, I don't think my quest for the perfect ponytail will stop any time soon.

My question to you is, what beauty trick eludes you?  Or have you been able to conquer it, and please share with me!!



Cooler Than Me
by: Mike Posner

Much Love,
Kelli

Covers & Time

Good morning everyone!

So today's media choice is a video of epic proportions.  I've been a subscriber to gaby0189 for a few years now, and she is a phenomenal vidder.

This video below combines three things I absolutely adore:  cover song, Sons of Anarchy, and One Tree Hill.  A cross over video about Jax (SoA) and Haley (OTH).  So good even Bethany Joy Galeotti tweeted about it herself.  The song is such a fantastic cover of Duran Duran's.  This video is less than three minutes and worth every second.



Come Undone
by: My Darkest Days

Much Love,
Kelli

Patience for Tuesday

Today when I woke up it promised to be a great day.  Yesterday was incredible.  I actually watched Law & Order: Criminal Intent with Goren and Eames while I got ready.  Then for lunch I got to eat Don Pablo's.  For dinner I swung by Schlotskyz for a brown bag and Sprite, and then zipped over to a dear friends house to watch some TV and just hang out.  It was truly a great Monday.

Then I woke up today after some bizarre dreams, but still feeling good.  All was going well, watching White Collar, and then I went downstairs.  From that point on it has been a twist of fate and a patience builder.  The first issue at hand was the living room.  The electricity was out.

Went to the panel, no switches were flipped... suffice it to say we are calling an electrician.

Went to work.  Our email issues got worse.  With no help from the third party we are in recovery mode. And not ten minutes ago one of the battery power packs went out and brought down several others...

Say a little prayer for me as these hiccups happen.

Much Love,
Kelli

I Watched a Dog Show

I had forgotten last night that instead of White Collar, USA would be televising, Westminister Dog Show.  I was very surprised when I actually watched it.

This was the resulting winner:

It is a Scottish Deerhound.  I had no idea it existed.  I was rooting for the terrier.

The reason is I'm biased.  Very biased.  So biased in fact that if I ever get another dog it will have to be as smart as a terrier.  And this little guy, is the reason why:

The eyes are what get me.

Every time.

And the fact I can say, "Go show me what you want."

And he does.

Every time.

Much Love,
Kelli

Day 21: It Never Occurred to Me

Something occurred to me last night and I had to sit back and ponder it for a few minutes.  Now this thought wasn't new, in fact, it came to me when I started watching Sons of Anarchy with L.  It came back when I was trying to find out why Royal Pains was the only show on USA I didn't watch.  Alas I came to a conclusion and so I thought I would get your opinion on it.

I do not like medical dramas.  Except for that time when I watched ER for the first couple of seasons I don't watch medical dramas (fake ones, real ones on the other hand seem to fascinate me.)

I do like crime dramas, dramedies, and comedies.  For example this is a list of said crime shows that I watch when in season:

Psych
Law & Order: Criminal Intent
White Collar
The Closer
Rizzoli & Isles
Justified
CSI: New York
In Plain Sight
The Glades
Bones (only on reruns though)
Fairly Legal (which is about the law)
Drop Dead Diva (legal)

Then we have the spy game:
Burn Notice
Covert Affairs

And the Etc of TV:
One Tree Hill
Glee
The Big Bang Theory
Mike & Molly
The Office
Jeserylicious
Top Chef
Tabatha's Salon Take Over

All of that to say man do I watch a lot of television, and I like to see people get justice.  That doesn't always happen in real life with a nice neat bow so these shows help with that.  Beyond that though I wonder if you could do a profile based on what I like to watch.  What would your TV shows say about you?

Just for fun: some music.



Little Willy
by Sweet

Much Love,
Kelli

Getting Inspiration

I consider myself to be a pretty creative and hard working person, however there are times when I'm feeling lazy or I need some inspiration to get up, get back to work, and do better than I was doing before.  When those times come I have a few things I fall back on.  So, since this is a new year and I do have a goal in mind with this blog (write nearly every day - allowing for vacation and sick days) I want to share my inspiration to think of those things that might inspire you.

Movies:

Working Girl: I watch this movie for several reasons, but as someone who is in business it reminds me to stay true to myself, take calculated risks, work hard, and don't take the whole thing so seriously.

It is a great story about a woman who is trying to make a difference in her life, has to worry about people who are trying to sabotage her, and the chance for a great romance.  I'm certainly trying to make a difference in my life and I'm looking for success. I don't know of anyone who has ever set out to sabotage me, but I do know people who have been critical of my ideas or dreams simply because it is something they've never done before or didn't come up with the idea themselves.  It's the romance part I'm working on.

If you want a great go-get them movie with a great little side romance I fully suggest this movie.

Secret of My Success:

Now this movie for me is pure business fun.  Michael J. Fox's energy in this movie is something I too want to rival.  Someone who is dedicated to his dream and goals.  It is funny such a great inspiration for me when I need it for my company. 

If you need some inspiration for whatever your big goal is then this is the movie for you.  On a really personal note this reminds me of my daddy.  Like the character he too is from Kansas and the business I work so hard for is his dream.  Another big reason this movie inspires me.



Television:

Veronica Mars - Season 1:

There is no other TV show or character that can make me feel lazy and inspire me to work harder than Veronica Mars.  I watch this show when I need a little extra help feeling ambitious.  The relationship she has with her dad is great and the mystery in this is just perfect. 

If you haven't seen this show find it on hulu or borrow from a friend.  It needs to be watched just because it is fantastic, and the inspiration is just icing on this most fun and delicious TV cake.



Music:

I think by now you know my addiction to music, but when I need inspiration I listen to these songs:



Solsbury Hill
by Peter Gabriel

I don't think I can describe all the reasons I love this song or the feels it invokes, but if I had a city mix this song would be there.  Being different and going after the unusual.  That is what I feel when I hear this song.



Defying Gravity
Lea Michele & Chris Colfer

Although I love Wicked's version (it was the original) when I heard this on Glee... it became an instant favorite and go to for trying new things and going after dreams.



Moving On Up
by Third Day

Talk about relying on the one true source of power.  I use this song when it has been kind of tough and I need a reminder that my life will not stay in this place.



Eye of the Tiger
by Survivor

Classic.  I don't know many people who don't have this one, but it has been go-to for me for nearly all my life.  Seriously greatness.

Fashion & Fun:

Now there are times when I don't want to do my hair, I don't want to dress in anything but sweats, and I really don't care about my appearance, even though I know I should.  I think we all have that celebrity or person in our lives that looks incredible every time we see them. 

For my real-life person I have a friend I'll call Chas (not to be confused with Shas - she's great but I know that girl loves her sweats).  Chas has the cutest outfits and every time I see her I remember how much I like her style.  If I had a picture I could share of her I would.

However, I do have a celebrity that I really like, and that is Bethany Joy Galeotti.  I follow her blog, BJGOfficial.com and twitter.  I also really like her character on One Tree Hill.  So, when I need another dose of Get-Your-Butt-Up-And-Blow-Dry-That-Hair!  I go to One Tree Hill Style.



And now I'm going to brace myself, blow dry my hair, and go to Sam Moon so I can get a new hat for the new year.  On Tuesday I'm getting my hair cut and hopefully a brand new style.

Have a wonderful new year everyone and I hope you guys have a great, successful, inspirational, and blessed new year!

Sunday Treats

I think I'm finally going to be able to do my sum up of the week. These categories might change because I have the propensity to change my mind a lot, but I think most of them will stay.

Song That Tickled My Ears:



Grace Kelly
by Mika

----
Tweet of the Week:

@fredthompson: Man claiming to be doc for 20 yrs exposed as fraud. Huh. Obamacare's so bad, even FAKE doctors are getting out of the business. #ftrs #tcot

 - I laughed so hard after I read that.

---

Favorite Show of the Week:

Comedy: The Big Bang Theory - Everyone needs to see this.  I almost shot liquid through my nose when they were talking to Penny's new boyfriend.

Zack: You know, I saw this great thing on the Discovery Channel. Turns out if you kill a starfish it'll just come back to life.

Sheldon: Was the starfish wearing boxer shorts? Because you might have been watching Nickelodeon.

Drama: Burn Notice - Bruce Campbell as Sam gets me every time and this past week he saved the day.  He was awesome.  Awesome I say!

---

Picture of the Week:

I saw this picture when I went to fotolia to find some stock photos for a client and I just loved it.

---
Recipe I'd Like to Try:

Iced Oatmeal Cookies
from Smitten Kitchen

So I made no-bakes, white chocolate pretzels and pies yesterday and today.  So at least two people will be getting their gifts from me.

Tomorrow I will have my oatmeal cranberry cookies up.

Much Love,
Kelli

New Banner

So I have a new banner.  I actually have quite a few planned for the upcoming year, but this is the first. 

Now onto the fun stuff.  I love stocking stuffers.  Usually more than the gifts I receive.  I don't know why, but in my house they are always fun, personal, and very surprising.  So, I thought I would give some ideas on last minute stocking stuffers or small gifts you can get if you need to:

For the Baker/Cook:

The Pioneer Woman Cooks - if they don't already have it.  I don't know anyone who doesn't like this delightful and funny woman from Oklahoma.

Best part?  Retail is $16.99
(obviously this is for someone special)

Other Ideas:
 - Measuring Cups
 - Measuring Spoons
 - Whisk
 - Good Peeler
 - Apple Corer
 - Ice Cream / Melon Scoop
 - Baking Pans
 - Baking Bowls



For the Music Lover:

Bill Graham Presents:
If you have a music lover in your life this book is great.  Bill Graham was one of the most famous concert promoters and this autobiography with a finish by those who knew him best and comments from the acts he booked your music lover is in for a delightful and insightful treat.  I can not express how amazing this book is.

Retail price is only $16.99

Other Ideas:

 - iTunes Gift Cards
 - Amazon Gift Card
 - Life by Keith Richards (Rolling Stones)
 - Motley Crue: The Dirt by Motley Crue



for the Fashionista:

The Fashion File: Advice, Tips, and Inspiration from Mad Men

I have a great friend that I would give this too who is both fashionable and into Mad Men.  I have a sister who would also like this.  I personally want to read it and get it myself.  You can pick this up in many stores.

Retail $18.00

Other Ideas:

 - Gift Card to Sam Moon or other beloved place
 - Make up kit from Ulta (they have several to choose from)
 - Really cute socks


These are just a few, but hopefully they will give you some ideas about the people in your life.

Much Love,
Kelli

Having a Jessie Spano Moment

Do you remember this?



Okay the part I'm referencing is "NO TIME!  There's NEVER enough time!"  Not all the drug parts, I promise!  So, I'm having a tough time - pun intended - getting enough time to do what I want to do.  I dream about updating this blog more, I even have a new banner I would like to work on, but alas, no time.

Granted we all have the same hours in a day to do what needs to be done.  I am probably not the most efficient person ever, but there is so much last minute stuff going on that my day seems to be taken from me.  Except for Monday night, that was because I really, really wanted to watch Tabatha's Salon Takeover.

So, yes, this blog is over due for an update, especially on my challenge, but I don't think this time of year was the best idea to start the whole thing.  Lesson learned. Hopefully...

Meanwhile I've really gotten into this song:



Difference Between Us
by The Dead Weathers

"I'm not the way you found me.
I'm neither here nor there.
One day I'm happy and healthy
Next I ain't doin' so well."

Kinda depressing for this time of year, so here's a Christmas song we enjoy at my house.



Christmas Vacation
by Mavis Staples

Much Love,
Kelli

Peanut Butter White Chocolate Blondies

I had a poll yesterday between the Peanut Butter White Chocolate Blondies (PBWC) or no-bakes.  The PBWC won until some stragglers came in and voted for the no-bakes, but I had already made up my mind.

Breaking News: Sons of Anarchy last night was BRILLIANT.  Seriously best episode I've seen.  So I have this song for you:



John the Revelator
by Curtis Stigers & The Forest Rangers

- Great song by the way.  Really great song.

Meanwhile I made Blondies last night.  I've never had a Blondie before which is odd since I am, in fact, blonde.  However, they were delicious.  Taste like a more moist peanut butter cookie.

I did the recipe straight from Rachel Allen who is from England so the recipe is in ounces.  Thankfully I had a way to measure that.

Peanut Butter White Chocolate Blondies

Recipe from Rachel Allen

Ingredients

7 tablespoons butter, softened, plus more for greasing

4 1/2 ounces all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
5 ounces crunchy peanut butter
6 ounces soft light brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ounces white chocolate, chopped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter the sides of an 8 by 8-inch square cake pan and line the base with parchment or greaseproof paper.

Sift the flour and baking powder into a small bowl, and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream the 7 tablespoons butter and peanut butter together until very soft. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and beat until combined. Add the flour, baking powder, and the chopped chocolate, and mix to form a dough.

Spread the dough in the prepared pan, and bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and almost firm in the center.
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan, before removing and cutting into squares.

So there you go.  They were delicious!

And this song was featured in the beginning of the episode and it was so nice I had to share this too:



This Charming Life
Joan Armatrading

Much Love,
Kelli

Day Three: Cookie Week & Working Out

So I did work out tonight too, even though my schedule is crazy because, it is Tuesday.  And Tuesday is TV NIGHT!!  Yeah... okay so this is my Monday Night Football if the Cowboys were winning. Hehe... yeah.

So of course there is Glee - Fabulous! (do you hear me singing that?  Because I do every time I type it)  Then here is One Tree Hill (which I will have to watch later because I'm baking blondies and need to do my Bible Study before...) Sons of Anarchy, which tonight is the 90 minute finale.

Yeah.  So my nails are looking better but that praying without ceasing was a fail today.  I remembered every once in a while and then I was sucked into whatever it was I was working on.  Will need to try again later.

So the Blondie recipe tomorrow!  Sorry so short, but like I said, TV NIGHT!!!  You can celebrate with me too.

Much Love,
Kelli

Okay, okay the music, the music.



I still love this mashup.

I Have a Blog, Perhaps I Should Post to It

I've been suffering a major set of writer's block and quite frankly a desire to stay away from anything related to a computer.  My love affair of TweetDeck ended, but I keep going back to it because there is something in me that loves to be distracted by news and other things. 

When I start to really get frustrated and upset with life and my situation I have a tendency to pull back, which is why no one has really heard from me via YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Email, or here.  I really don't know what to say or express the frustration in a way that won't drive me crazy when I re-read it months later.  I don't particularly want a ton of posts whining on and on.

However, as Pioneer Woman pointed out, I really should blog.  Plus I like talking or well writing, but you get the idea.

Meanwhile, totally unrelated, but one that makes me kind of  bleh, One Tree Hill and Glee are on at the same time!  Which totally sucks.  Granted I'll tape One Tree Hill and watch Glee, but still...the fact I'm even inconvenienced is what gets me...

On another TV note I fell for a show I swore I wouldn't.  One I didn't want to get caught up in or even care of its existence.  I really should have known better.  Then I had to go and make it worse and get my dad hooked on it.  Darn you, USA Network!!!  I'm shaking my fist at you.  And Tim DeKay... yes the show I'm talking about is White Collar.  And no I don't watch it because Mat Bomer is incredibly good looking.  I watch it because I like Tim DeKay more.  I'm a weirdo, but what are you going to do?

That's right you are going to do nothing.  NOTHING.  If my parents couldn't change me you certainly don't have a chance. I would say no judgement, but I don't care.  The show is great and I can't wait until it is back in January and Mozzie is safe and sound.  Oh and my beloved Psych, how awesome are you. 

I'll tell you more about my USA Network problem later.  Let's just say the only show I'm not watching on there is Royal Pains, and I'm sure that is only a matter of time as well....

Have a great weekend.  You can guess what I'm watching...

Paint Shop, Glee, and Distractions

This post may very well point out my distractions as I point out many different things I've looked at today. 

The first is that I'll admit I want to Sex and the City 2, I do not care what the critics say, I know it will probably be raunchy, but I loved the show and the first movie.  In that respect I read Mashable's take on it and laughed.  And gigled.  You can view it here.

Next I read THIS very interesting article about 9 Cops who started a Donut and Coffee Shop.  I love that they went into business to rescue a bakery they loved and are now serving the things they enjoy. 

Also today Gil loaded PaintShop on my PC, which I haven't had in a while.  I'm itching to re-learn some things and spent thirty minutes of my day doing just that.

Meanwhile I have a terrible craving for a Mud Pie and a Key Lime Cheesecake.  I want to make both, but alas I'm still at the funds issue.  Don't you ever get sick of being broke?  I do.

Finally last night's Glee was incredible.  If you are not watching this series you should.  Last night's ep was an incredible example, especially the Finn/Kurt situation.  Really amazing.  With that in mind I'm going to embed the Lady Gaga's Poker Face cover.  So good.

No Baking Escapades

I know you're boo hooing because I haven't baked anything in 24 hours.  I am too.  Actually I'm not.  I'm excited because today is Thursday.  My favorite day of the week.  It is also the day that Michael Ausiello has his Ask Ausiello column up (for those who need spoilers is there anyone any better? I thougt not!).  It is also the day that Hulu posts the latest episode of Justified that I missed...again.  This time it was not due to being tired, but because I was hanging out with friends (always a better idea in my book!).

Heh, Jack FM decided to play Outside by Staind.  See, Thursdays are fantastic.  I even got to hear "Never Tear Us Apart" by Inxs  and "Solsbury Hill" by Peter Gabriel this morning, both times I woke up!   Okay, three times, but I don't remember what song was playing at 6:09 when I hit it that second time.

Meanwhile, this lead to my Top 5 Shower Re-Cap, which I thought turned out really well today.  You can view it by going to Artist Avail Network. 

In a serious note my dad has taken to calling me Sheldon.  Now, when I first hear that name I think of my Superhero cousin, Sheldon (serving in Afghanistan).  Until I realize he means Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory.  It couldn't possibly be because of exchanges like this:

Leonard: I'm just saying, you catch more flies with honey then with vinegar.


Sheldon: You catch even more with manure, what's your point?

*^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^*

Raj: I don't like bugs, okay? They freak me out.


Sheldon: Interesting. You're afraid of insects and women. Ladybugs must render you catatonic.

*^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^* *^*
 
Penny: I give up. He's impossible!


Sheldon: I can't be impossible; I exist! I think what you meant to say is, 'I give up; he's improbable'

 
I'll have to find the quote that really solidified my nickname of Sheldon.  I guess I could be called worse things.
 
"Bazinga!"
 
In case you need to know how awesome Sheldon is and the man who plays him you can watch this:
 

Overcome by the Power of Glee

So, apparently the answer to yesterday's question is... neither. I stayed for American Idol, which I knew I shouldn't, which was my first mistake. I cut down on my dusting time. Then, I watched Glee with the family, which was my second mistake. Not because it was with the family, but because they made it harder to leave. So, I vaccumed and since it was with a dry vac, I had the ability to do some dusting too. I love that thing.

Speaking of cleaning and organization I have two great links. The first is if you are trying to organize your day and need to kep track of things to do (tasks), messages, and schedule for you and anyone else. Just go to the Communication Station. The coolest thing about this (for me) is that you can set your task (thing to do) and put when you want to be reminded and it sends an email to you at the time you set so you don't forget. I love it!

The second thing is from RealSimple, which has 15 cool decorating tips with things that you have like broches, a lone stud earring and several other things. I love the coffee can idea! (Well for Magazines, not wine, since I can't drink the stuff - yuck! - you knew I was picky!).

Tonight, hopefully, I will be making the Raspberry/Lemon pie. Except that it is no longer just Raspberries, but blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries as well. I think all of those berries work well with lemon. Hopefully I can have pictures tomorrow.

That's really the only big update I have. Right now I'm praying to take the good with the good. I know I hope for my life to get better, but when it does I become instantly suspicious of it and then wait for the rug to be pulled out from underneath me. So, I'm praying Psalm 34;4 my favorite verse, "I sought the Lord and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears."

I've been waiting for such a long time for some of my deep desires. I have three at the moment and two of them have been with me since I was 13.

1. I want my own place. Just me. No roommates, no soul mates, just me. Okay, and a dog. I love dogs.

2. A boyfriend. I'm not desperate for one by any means, my life is kinda busy at the second, but I want some romance. It always looks nice in the movies and it has been a while.

3. A new car. I love my car, but it is 11 years old now and the radio has a short. Praise God though the AC still works. Otherwise that would be unacceptable, but I miss my radio very, very much. And the 2011 Mustangs are so pretty. I want one. Except I want a small SVU. I want the Mustang too... see the problem?

Okay, well I will leave you with some Madonna inspired Glee. I just love this show. That and Justified, but I'll talk about that later.

Weird Wednesday & Being a Total Girl

He he, so I checked my blog. Turns out I hadn't posted in eight days. I could sum up the details, but no sense in boring you. Instead, I want to take this moment to once again state my adoration for that wonderful character, Dean Winchester. And the video below is perfect for doing that. Please watch, you will not be disappointed.




On an excitement level: I tested out some sugar/almond cookies and let me tell you, there were delicious. I even ate a piece of one this morning and it still tasted good. I'll go on the recond and say that it was divine intervention (God) who gave me the idea for some of the ingredients.


Tonight I'm trying the royal icing with them. I'm going to make a lemon icing first. I know there are many who don't like the icing, but it will be a thin layer, and it is necessary for printing the photo.


Now I just need to find a good rolling pin. By the way you can use a Worcestershire sauce bottle, but making it even takes a little skill. Skill I appraently didn't have. Cookies tasted great though. I get happy just thinking of when they will taste AND look good!

I hope to have some pictures for you tomorrow!

Today 'I LOVE LUCY'

I can't begin to describe how much this show meant to me. I adore Lucille Ball, and my fascination with her started back in the fifth grade. I watched many of her shows, but nothing captured my attention and adoration the way I Love Lucy did. And the best thing about this show is that fifty years later, it is still funny. So today, we celebrate the love of Lucy and Ricky.

This video, which just made me gush the first time I saw it is amazing. She does such a great job with this. Enjoy!



I also have some old wallpapers I made. You can view them for 1024x768 or 800x600

I am taking suggestions for next Thursday. I would like a more modern couple, but all suggestions will be taken and applied as long as they aren't the ones mentioned in yesterday's post.

Love to you all!