I Don't Know About You...

But I'm feeling 22! While I'm not the biggest Taylor Swift fan, I can appreciate those lyrics. It was a good birthday, here's to a great 22nd year!

My Everything

photo via google. 

Okay, I realize I am super late to this party. One of my best friends has been hounding me for what seems like months to give this album a listen. Yesterday I finally listened to it and it is amazing. I was sort of surprised at just how much I liked it, but I do and now I'm talking about it months later and people are like um, yeah we know it's good, where have you been? So whether you're an Ariana Grande fan or not, give this album a listen! It has definite Usher, Ashanti, 90's Mariah r&b vibes.

Favorite Tracks:

One Last Time
Why Try
Best Mistake
Love Me Harder

No Place I'd Rather Be

Ever have one of those days where you're just not feeling it? Nothing is going right, your mood is not as great as it could be and you're just totally over it. Then all of a sudden you hear a song and that whole bad day takes a 180 and becomes the best day ever! That is what this song does for me, every time I hear it my mood instantly gets 1000x better. Take a listen, dance around, and sing along ;)

"Rather Be"// Clean Bandit (feat. Jess Glynne)

Puesto? Por Supuesto!

I decided to make a spontaneous trip to San Diego on Sunday evening and I made it just in time to enjoy the last bits of Labor Day weekend. I'm usually always working on Labor Day so it was a nice change to have the day off and actually relax. I've been wanting to try Puesto for ages now, so I was very excited to go for lunch yesterday. It is now my favorite restaurant in San Diego, it exceeded all of my expectations and I can't wait to go back.

I ordered the chicken al pastor, filet mignon (my favorite) and baja fish tacos. I also tried (and recommend) the esquite corn and the strawberry margarita. As we sat outside and sipped on our drinks, I watched as the last remnants of summer faded into the beachy breeze. It was a fitting way to close out summer and welcome in September. Time to get ready for fall weather, Halloween candy and going back to Puesto ;)

Memory Lane

Going down memory lane… Reminiscing… Feeling nostalgic… Call it what you will, but we all have those moments of visiting and revisiting the past. It can be a weird wave of emotions as we navigate through different memories. Bliss that makes you smile, embarrassment that can still make you cringe and blush and sometimes even some less than happy memories that make your heart hurt a little bit.

I've been going through my photos to have some printed (people still do that, right?) and it's crazy how a simple photo can immediately transport you back to a different time and place. I've always thought that photos (and music) are the ultimate time machine. As fun as it is to look back, it's just as exciting to look forward and see what is to come. Photos are an important tool in showing us where we've been and how far we've come in life. So get out there and capture some memories :)

Some happy polaroids from back in June :) 

Being Polite

I finally got to return to San Diego this past weekend, and it felt so great to visit! Even though it was just for two days, I did manage to try a new place called Polite Provisions. With a speakeasy vibe, and a sign for Prescription Drugs tricking its outside passerby's (including myself), this bar is a gem. Their menu is creatively extensive, and there is something for everyone. My friends and I opted for a punch bowl which I highly recommend, it serves 4-6. And if you'd like to pair some food with your drinks, not a problem! Soda and Swine is right next door with a variety of appetizers, meatball based meal selections and desserts. If you haven't tried either of these places yet, do yourself a favor and go!

photo via consortiumholdings.com 

Our Tropical Punch Bowl 

Savory Saturday: Sushi & Some Waterworks

I met up with a good friend today for lunch and a movie. We have known each other since high school and have maintained our friendship throughout our college years. Even though we aren't able to see each other as often as we'd like, the friendship never skips a beat. Those are the best types of friendships in my opinion. We decided to try out RA Sushi Bar and it was delicious! I'm not much of a seafood person to begin with, so my order wasn't as adventurous as hers, but it was still great.

After lunch we (meaning just me) cried our eyes out during a showing of "The Fault in Our Stars". I should have listened to everyone's advice and brought a box of Kleenex with me! Have a great Saturday :)

Picture #1: Berries n' Cream // Skyy Raspberry & Pinnacle Whipped vodka mixed w berry flavors

Picture #2: Viva Las Vegas Roll

Picture #3: Fried Shrimp Tempura Roll (my boring selection) 

August Soundtrack

I've never been too picky with my taste in music, my collection is pretty eclectic. I go through various phases with songs, artists and genres. Sometimes I'll listen to a single song on repeat until I tire of it, other times I'll only listen to a specific artist for a few weeks, and then there's days where I'll just let the radio play. The other night I decided to listen to the radio on my way home and I'm so glad I did. There are so many great new songs and artists out there right now that I found myself Shazam-ing song after song.

August begins tomorrow and I love starting a new month with a playlist full of new music to listen to. Here are a couple of my favorites that have been on repeat.

Majid Jordan's "A Place Like This" He recently dropped a new EP and it's perfect.

Childish Gambino's "3005" He dropped this album back in December but this single is finally hitting the radio.

More from my August Playlist:
- "2AM"// Adrian Marcel (feat. Sage the Gemini)
- "No Mediocre"// T.I. (feat. Iggy Azalea)
- "Don't Tell 'Em"// Jeremih (feat. YG)
- "Adult Swim"// DJ SpinKing, Tyga, ASAP Ferg, Jeremih, & Velous
- "2 On"// Tinashe (feat. SchoolBoy Q)

Savory Saturday: Rainbow Sherbet & a Pride Festival!

This weekend San Diego is holding their annual LGBT Pride festival. I was lucky enough to go last year and I had such a blast. The weekend long event features a colorful parade, a variety of fun booths that are set up in Balboa Park, and great DJ's to keep the party going all day and all night long. Unfortunately I wasn't able to go this year, but from the pictures I'm receiving from friends, it looks even better than last year! I did my best to participate in the celebration today by treating myself to a little rainbow sherbet.

I hope everyone who is out in San Diego this weekend is having a great and safe time! Wish I was there! 

A few throwback photos from last year's Pride festival :) 

Getting Acquainted

I've officially left San Diego, and it's been one week of being back in my hometown. To be honest, while I miss the people and the life I left behind in San Diego, it's been nice to be at home with family. Over the weekend my best friend drove up to surprise me with a spontaneous visit. While it had only been one week since we last saw each other, it felt like it had been years. Sometimes texting, emailing and face timing just isn't enough!

While she was here, we visited a wonderful coffee bar called Dripp. The calming decor and the singer/songwriter soundtrack made it feel as if we were in some New York coffee shop. Drinking coffee out of adorable mason jars didn't hurt either. Aside from their vast variety of coffee and tea, their menu also includes ice cream sandwiches. It was pretty early in the morning when we went and while I'm never opposed to sweet treats no matter the hour, I skipped the ice cream that day and regret it. I guess I'll just have to pay Dripp another visit soon!

Apple Pop Pie & Iced Chai Latte 

Baseball Saturdays!

I'm taking a little hiatus from Savory Saturdays due to a diet I've recently started, unfortunately pictures of grilled chicken and brown rice just aren't that exciting. However I'm still finding ways to fill my Saturdays! Yesterday I had the opportunity to help one of my best friends promote the new Disney baseball film "Million Dollar Arm". With 95 degree weather, baseballs flying everywhere and the smell of hot dogs in the air, it was a fun time! And a shout out to the Sweetwater Valley Little League who played some great games!

A Little Fallon On Friday

Jimmy Fallon reworked Jason Derulo's "Talk Dirty" with the Ragtime Gals, with a special appearance by Kevin Spacey! Check it out!

More from the Ragtime Gals:

Ignition 

SexyBack

The New Classic

photo via rollingstone

Have you heard? Iggy Azalea's album 'The New Classic' dropped yesterday and it's amazing! The Australian singer maintains her rapping skills throughout the whole album while offering some solid vocals on some of the tracks. I've only had the album for one day, but I already have favorite tracks including '100', 'Black Widow' and 'Just Askin'. If you haven't already seen her 'Clueless' inspired music video, check it out below.

   

Savory Saturday: Dole Whip!

If anyone knows me, they'll tell you that one of my all time favorite treats in life, is a DoleWhip. It's essentially the same concept as a root beer float, but made with pineapple juice and pineapple ice cream. This weekend I was ecstatic to find that there is an actual Dole Whip stand here in San Diego! I was in heaven. Thank you Belmont Park for the Dole Whip! 

A Little Fallon On Friday

Jimmy Fallon is at it again! With the help of Anne Hathaway, some classic hip hop songs were transformed into Broadway versions. Happy Friday!

Feeling Some Type of Way

photo via tumblr. 

Sometimes no matter how hard you try, you just get a bad case of the blues on a random Tuesday. So today I'm giving in to the blues and embracing them.  

songs that have me feeling some type of way

Paper Hearts - Tori Kelly 

The Worst - Jhené Aiko 

Can't Be Friends - Trey Songz 

Back to the Start - Somo

Thinkin Bout You - (cover) Tori Kelly & Angie Girl 

Savory Saturday: North Park Bar Scene

Spring Break has finally arrived! While I wasn't able to do a Savory Saturday today, I did try out a few new places on Thursday and Friday night. I went out for a little night on the town to a cute little section of San Diego called North Park. Known for its cool vibe, I was very excited to see the bars I had heard so much about. The Office was up first and it was the perfect blend of hipster and business, if that's even possible ;)  I ordered the 'Paloma', a tequila and grapefruit soda infused drink. When the bartender asked "Spicy or Regular?" I had to go for the spicy, and he diced up some jalapeños and mixed them in for a kick! 

Next, I visited Bar Pink , with a grungy atmosphere and a live music performance by a very Joan Jett/Pat Benatar-esque singer, it was a very rocker experience. Overall, a great time was had by all, and North Park's chill vibe was a hit! 

Friday I stayed local, and visited the always fun and always crowded Flick's Video Bar in Hillcrest. While it wasn't my first time visiting Flick's, I have to give it a shoutout because it's always a blast! The music videos are loud, the music selection is top notch and people are great. 

Just a little blurry :)

Flick's 

Books On Books On Books + a Study Playlist

Don't let that smile fool you! Reviewing and rereading that stack of novels is not exactly my cup of tea, even if I am an English major. Tomorrow I endure two grueling midterm exams, and then I am FREE! My studying process is kind of comical and I often get a lot of flack from my friends for it. Before I start anything I must have a clean surrounding. This means I have cleaned the refrigerator, dusted the tops of cabinets and scrubbed the shower before even cracking open a book. I also always need some sort of music on in the background, even though it can be distracting for some, I find it helpful and calming. Here's what I listen to, to get me by!


The National - High Violet (always and forever my favorite album to listen to while studying)

Adele- 19 (for when you're feeling a little cheeky)

Sara Bareilles - Little Voice (her best album, in my opinion)

Frank Ocean - Channel Orange  (love him, love this album, love the vibe, just love)

Ready for Spring Break!

My spring break officially starts on Thursday night, and man am I ready! Even though this is my final semester in college and I'm trying to soak it in as much as possible, I'm giddy for a week of relaxation and a rest from books, homework, and research papers. But first, I must get through midterms this week :(

Cheers!

Normally I don't do much for St. Patrick's Day, other than wear green to avoid a pinch. But since I'm trying to try as many new things as I can, I tried my very first green beer, and it was very cool! I was also lucky enough to catch a pretty cool beach sunset, which is always a plus. Cheers to a successful St. Patty's Day!

A Little Fallon on Friday

Happy Friday! I can honestly say that I am glad to see this week come to an end, and I am ready for the weekend! #tgif. Here's a little #FlashbackFriday Fallon video, where he hashtags it up with Jonah Hill!



Want More? Check Out:

#Hashtag1 with Justin Timberlake

50 Napkins Later...

Hopefully this is one of the last all-nighters I'll have to pull this semester (doubt it), but I've made it to 5 a.m. so I might as well post something! Yesterday, I treated Wednesday like it was Savory Saturday, and visited another new restaurant. It feels like all I've been doing is eating food lately…I'm not complaining. This time around I tried out Slater's 50/50, named after their unique patty which is 50% ground bacon and 50% ground beef (jaw drop). Their menu is intense! In a good way of course. Anything you could imagine on a burger, they have, including their famous PB&J burger! Plus, awesome milkshakes, desserts and over 111 beers on tap, whaaat? And even though I must have used close to 50 million napkins while I ate my burger, I'm scoring it a solid A in my book!

-Insert Angelic Music Here-

The 50/50, yes that's egg, yes that's guac, yes that's bacon infused ketchup!

Ignore the bad bangs, and look at the mess this burger was to eat! So many napkins!

Hooked On...

Often times social media gets a bad rap, a lot of people say that this generation is too into their phones, technology, etc. And while I can appreciate that we should 'unplug' every now and again, I love the idea of being able to share a photo or a funny comment at any time with people around the world! So from Instagram (which is a personal favorite) to Tumblr, I think it's exciting to explore all that social media has to offer. Are you big on social media?






Twitter:

Tweets by @katiecat17

Little Bridge on Spruce

View of San Diego's Downtown

The past few days here in San Diego have been some of the best weather days I've experienced in a long time. It kind of renewed the love I've always had for the city, not being from here originally, I'm starting to take my time in taking in all the gorgeous sights the city has to offer. And I'm really focused on exploring new and exciting places. Yesterday evening, one of my friends and I went for a jog as the sun was setting and discovered a very Bridge to Terabithia-esque bridge, it's all about the details people! No matter where you are, enjoy everything!

Doughnut Daze & A Monday Playlist

photo via tumblr.

My roommate and I took a nice little trip to the not so local Krispy Kreme last night to satisfy our increasing doughnut craving. On the way back, bellies full of a few doughnuts each (how can you only have 1 Original Glazed!?) we took a stroll down memory lane with the help of some good music. Rocking out to Third Eye Blind's "How's It Going to Be" we pretty much exemplified a scene from a 90's movie, and we're okay with that. So on this Monday, I'm really missing the 90's. Everything from the great music to the cheesy but classic movies… all while dreaming about more Original Glazed doughnuts of course.  

More from my 90's Inspired Monday Playlist: 

• Ray of Light- Madonna
• Say It Ain't So- Weezer
• Wonderwall- Oasis
• Jumper- Third Eye Blind
• Santeria- Sublime

Savory Saturday: The Hunt for Good Food

I'm all about good food, throw in a restaurant with a cool vibe and a great menu and I'm there. My time in San Diego is quickly coming to a close, and I'm determined to try as many restaurants as I can before June. Enter Delux Dogs. Located in Coronado, their menu is chalk full of creative hot dog selections, burgers and other treats (like their Orange Avenue Whip seen below). It was so good, I'm already planning what to order for next time. Until then, my hunt for the best restaurants in San Diego continues! Happy Saturday :)

The B.L.T. : crumbled bacon, Japanese mayo, lettuce & tomato.

A Little Fallon On Friday

Lindsay Lohan was a good sport during last night's episode of The Tonight Show, as she duked it out as the show's first female competitor in the friendly little game of 'Water War'. Jimmy Fallon's recurring segment centers on the classic card game 'War' but with a little twist, check it out! Happy Friday :)

                More Water Wars:
                    Jimmy Fallon vs. Ryan Reynolds
       
                    Jimmy Fallon vs. Jason Statham

                   

Thinking of Cotton Candy Clouds.

1:05 a.m. as Thursday is wrapped up into the past, Friday is just beginning. I watched the sky blush into pretty shades of pinks and oranges the other evening, and I gazed as the clouds rolled along like cotton candy. March 7, 2014, let's see where this blog can go.