My Favorite Song

I just discovered a new group called The Piano Guys. They are a YouTube sensation with great piano covers of hit songs. It's not just piano though...

Watch this video to see, and you will be surprised with what they can do:

The original song is "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction, an all-guy group of heartthrobs from the UK. Yes, I love this group. Take me back to the era of 'NSYNC and Backstreet Boys. One Direction is the new generation's boy band and I'm still living in my elementary years. I love their stuff.

Here's another video of The Piano Guys. This one is my favorite song. Like my favorite band, I can narrow my taste to one favorite song. For years, this has been it, and I don't imagine it ever changing. Can you guess what it is from this piano cover?

The most romantic song ever written, "Can't Help Falling In Love" originally sung by Elvis. I love every cover and every version, including UB40's techno hit of 1993.

"Take my hand

Take my whole life too

For I can't help falling in love with you."

A Night Out

Nate and I enjoyed an all-paid-for date night at Casagranda's Steakhouse. The best indulgence was that our former employer paid for it all. I won a $50 giftcard as a door prize at the Butte Chapter of MSCPA. We each had a 5-course meal and drinks without paying a dime. 

Our View of the Concert

I forgot to include this photo in the last batch. A facebook friend of mine took this shot from her seat at the back of the arena. If you don't understand the idea of a concert pit, here you go. It's pretty obvious here.

I wish I could go back and rewind that night!

Christmas in January

I have some fantastic friends in my hometown. I have blogged about them before, as can be read here. Well, Dixie and Turf's generosity struck again! They gave me this awesome box to celebrate Christmas, New Years, Valentine's Day, and taking (hopefully) my last CPA Exam.

I could not wait to get home to open it.

It looks somewhat small here...

...but now see how big it really is!

All of these goodies in that one box!

I love cupcakes and have decorated my kitchen using them as a theme. See a blog about that here.

I am a huge supporter and follower of Becky Higgins, LLC. She has created a brand around the tagline, "Cultivate a good life and record it." I became a fan of hers when she was a scrapbooking designer. She has since scaled back her operations and has created a wonderful company that includes everything from simple home decor, to living a positive life, and using photographs and words to keep memories alive. I completed Project 365 in 2009, which consisted of an album with one photo for each day of the year with simple journaling cards. No glue, no cutting, nothing bulky. Simple, streamlined, fast, easy, and inexpensive. She has re-branded from Project 365 to Project Life. Scrapbooker or not, anyone can do it simply and easily. I love her stuff. She also writes a fantastic and inspiring blog.

My point here is that I love her stuff and so does Dixie. We have very similar taste and style with most things, especially scrapbooking. Dixie ordered several of the Project Life paper collections with little journaling cards to slip into the album pockets. She was so generous to share with me. I think I was most excited about this in the box.

There were so many other little details that fit my interests. Cupcake piggy bank, Mary Kay Satin Hands travel set, Starbucks giftcard, kettle corn, and scrapbook supplies. There was also the cutest Eiffel Tower that is not pictured here, but is probably my 2nd favorite item in the box. 

THANK YOU, Dixie and Turf. Not only was it great to receive so many thoughtful gifts, but I know how much time and consideration went into this package and that means the most to me. 

RASCAL FLATTS Concert

Many people can't name their favorite band because there are too many favorites. 

My favorite band is Rascal Flatts. I loved them with their debut in 2000 and have stuck through their eight studio album, released April 2012. I got to see them in concert in 2005 and have patiently waited for them to return to the Northwest for another show.

Carrie and I drove to Missoula Friday night for their concert at the Adams Center. Not only were we there, we got to stand in the pit. As in, touching the stage. I got to touch their hands!

We parked far away and jogged through the rain (in January) to the arena. When we finally got to the doors, I was turned away since I had my Nikon camera. Professional cameras were not allowed so we had to run back to the car (in the cold rain). Point-and-shoot cameras were allowed so I tried my best to get good shots. I was pleased with the results.

Here are some of my favorite photos of the night:

Lead singer Gary of Rascal Flatts

Me and Carrie before the show started. That is the stage behind us.

During the concert (with a photo bomb by current NFL player and former Grizzly, Colt Anderson on the left!)

Kimberly of The Band Perry

The Band Perry, 3 siblings

Kim Perry

Reid of The Band Perry

Neil of The Band Perry

Our wristbands for the "Dog Pound," which let us into the pit within the stage.

Joe Don of Rascal Flatts

Lights from the stage in front of us

We were so close we also got to touch all of their hands

Jay of Rascal Flatts

Opening act, Kristen Kelly

During Kristen Kelly's performance. The pit got much more crowded later.

The trio that makes up Rascal Flatts

Opening act, Kristen Kelly singing right to me.

Believe!

I love the reflection on the stage.

For the encore, all three bands sang together.

Joe Don of Rascal Flatts and Neil of The Band Perry

The Band Perry also opened for Rascal Flatts. They were the best performers of the night!

Vacances a la France!

We will be spending some time in France, outside Paris! I must start learning the language so I don't sound like a royal idiot over there (like I did the first time). On my maiden voyage, I was such an American tourist. This time, it's all about being fabulous and fitting in!

Photos To Brighten Your Day

There is beauty in the everyday. Whether it be a Winter sunset, wildlife, a little baby, or a mother's love,  it's all in the small stuff. I took all of these photos in the last few weeks.

My favorite photo from this family session.

It is hilarious and makes me laugh hysterically. He is adorable.

Keep Going

With whatever it is in your life, use these words to guide you. We all have something that this applies to. And please, let the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr live on as an inspiration in your life.

This is a fantastic speech. The visual isn't as important as the words. Just listen to this for the short 3 minutes. It is simple and short, yet very profound. This also applies to all of us, at any age.

I'm just realizing in my twenties that I'm not truly who I thought I was going to be, and in a good way. There are days that I am thankful that I am not yet married and I can still find out who I am without compromising any part of myself for another. 

Returning to England, developing my own professional photography business, living entirely alone, avoiding cooking at all costs, letting laundry pile up for 6-8 weeks, analyzing every penny I spend - these are some things that make me, me. And I'm still learning. The discovery of new things is incredible.

I can't wait for marriage and babies, but for now, I like me and I like my life.