A Week Off in Photos...

So I had the week off this week, and it basically consisted of food, shopping, sunshine and getting back on the grind. It was super great to have a chance to relax - so here it is, my week in photos....

After two months of being kind of lazy on not really exercising like my usual old self, I decided to take this week to get back on the grind which consisted of Yoga and Running every day....

 

And because I was exercising so much I of course had deliciousness to balance it out...

I also made sure to take a day to visit the girls over at Gypsy Warrior, I've shared their great clothes and jewelry here before, so it only made sense to stop by this week....

I made off with TONS of magical goodies

The head band

Love the studded pockets on these jean shorts

The rest of the week consisted of laying out in the sunshine with cool people and friend time

Overall it was a great week and I'm so glad I got to take time and chill out. Now to get ready for Monday!!! First day on the new job cannot wait - look for an update tomorrow.

Friday the 13th - Jam of the Day

So today is Friday the 13th, and most people think that this is a day full of bad luck and weirdness, but I happen to be a huge fan of Friday the 13th. I think it's full of magical possibilities! So here is my jam of the day for this Magical occasion....

Helter Skelter<3

Alabama Shakes

I'm currently obsessed with the Alabama Shakes new album and really everything about them - CHECK EM' OUT!!

Alabama Shakes - Hold On

New Orleans Love

My friends and I were talking about the city of New Orleans the other day, and for those who don't know me, when it comes to New Orleans -- I'm Obsessed. It is one of my favorite cities, coming in second only to New York, and I'm actually planning a trip for my 25th birthday in September! New Orleans is simply amazing and hard to describe, but if you haven't been you really should make it a point to visit one day.

Here are a few reasons why New Orleans is great:

1) You can drink on the street. That's right kids you can walk into a bar order a beer and if you aren't feeling it you can walk right out, with beer in hand, and move on. Uh-Mazing.

2) The People are the friendliest people I've ever encountered. It's true every single person I met, from waiter to random stranger on the street was incredibly friendly, always asking what I've seen so far and making suggestions on where to eat/hang/drink/visit and so on. They really LOVE living in New Orleans and want you to love it too!

3) Mardi Gras. Yes this may be obvious but trust me until you experience it you have no idea how much fun this really is. 

4) Cafe' DuMonde - this is a famous cafe' in New Orleans and its so fun! It's outside under this huge canopy where you can order THE BEST COFFEE (and I'm harsh about my coffee) and Beignets - deliciouso. 

5) The Weather - I was there in February and all I needed was a light jacket. Mind you I'm sure in July I wouldn't love the weather but hey this is based off my experience so we're gonna stick with this reason. 

6) The French Quarter. You literally feel like you are in a small European town, when you're actually in the state of Louisiana. Gotta. Love. It. 

Those are just a few reasons but seriously YOU MUST GO VISIT. Here are some visuals for you:

I'm Back and Better Than Ever

So I realize I have been MIA for oh a month (I know I suck - apologies) I've had a lot going on these past 4 weeks, that I really could not discuss until now. Let's some it all up though shall we, the things I could and couldn't discuss this past month....

The Black Keys <3

At Madison Square Garden

My friends and I went to go see the Black Keys last month and they were AMAZING. They are one of the bands that I have never seen live, and I'm so so so happy I went it was great!

The Hunger Games

In IMax Opening Weekend.... Yes that is right my friends and I went to see the 11:55am showing on Saturday opening weekend and here is my review: THANK GOD THEY MADE IT A MOVIE. While they could have focused more on my beloved Peeta, it was a great set up of what is to come. The theater was packed. We arrived an hour early and already had to wait in a line to get in, thank God we already purchased the tickets.

Friend Time <33

I don't have a photo... and even if I did I couldn't post it, because I know she wouldn't want me to, but my best friend Lauren, who's wedding I get to be a part of this coming October, took us bridesmaids dress shopping. I think in RECORD time, we found theee bridesmaid dress in under 30 minutes. Quite a feat for 5 girls to do if you ask me. I was prepared for days of shopping but hey we know what we like. It was a super fun day and the lovely bride took us out for lunch afterwards... It's going to be a great wedding!!

Last but not least.... I will be starting a new job next week!!

I recently left my job, which was bittersweet because I loved the people I worked with, but like they say when it's time it's time. So I'm happy/excited to say that this Monday I will be starting at VaynerMedia... check them out!!!

So that isn't everything, I mean its hard to some up 4 weeks, but those are the highlights! Don't worry I promise that I'll be posting regularly so I don't have to do these roundups anymore.

Flashback Friday - Fiona Apple

So apparently Fridays are now Flashback Fridays? This is what I have been informed of today by a few friends so in the spirit of Flashback Friday here's a little 1996 action for ya...

Fiona Apple - Criminal. This song was the shit when it came out, the video is so classic/amazing/iconic it was pretty legit I don't really remember why but I do remember that I still love it!!!

Music Mayhem Updates

Happy Hump Day kids! The sun is shining bright in NYC today so I can't even help but be in a good mood! I have a ton of stuff going on this week and will have pictures and updates soon! For now though I wanted everyone to get a quick update on what's going on in the world of music.... CHECK IT...

Best Coast has just announced their next album: The Only Place due out May 15th

This will be their follow up album to their debut -Crazy for You.

If you don't know Best Coast you best hop on it, they are some serious indie fun, check this awesome vid for their song Our Deal.....

Florence and the Machine released her new music video today, Never Let Me Go.

No longer rocking the red locks though - lets hope this isn't permanent....

This Video has UNFORTUNATELY been removed for fans viewing pleasure. Womp City.

Say Anything's newest album is set to drop next week but today it is streaming in it's entirety on Billboard. make sure to check it out.

LISTEN TO ME*

That's it for now kids - more updates to come eventually...

Jam Of the Day - Wild Ones

So after playing this in the car all weekend, especially during my bridesmaid shopping/girls day extravaganza on Saturday, I can't get the song out of my head! Totally not my normal but gotta admit I'm addicted!! Check it out!

Wild Ones - Flo Rida feat. Sia

The Kennedys

I have had the mini series, The Kennedys, on my Netflix Queue, well since it made it to the Instant Streaming. It's a short eight episode series and well it's amazing!

I am in fact a history dork, and I am also in fact obsessed with The Kennedy family aka American Royalty. Yes it's true I consider the Kennedy family America's version of the royal family. Both are sad, tragic, fashion icons and incredibly interesting. If you have the time you should definitely check it out. Even I, who literally thought I knew everything about the Kennedy family learned things I've never known.

For instance: The youngest sister had a lobotomy at 23, the dad was a controlling nutcase, JFK my or may not have been the last straw that drove Marilyn Monroe over the edge, and somehow out of all of this Bobby Kennedy was normal. I still don't know how but he was. Anyway check it out!

Eleven Things You Didn't Know...

My friend Lauren, creator of My Right, Your Left, (if you're a fashionista or lover of fun check it out!) tagged me in a post and never wanting to disappoint I thought I would keep this fun little diddy going... 

1. Post these rules.

2. Post a photo of yourself and 11 random things.

3. Answer the questions set for you in the original post.

4. Create 11 new questions and tag people to answer them.

5. Go to their blog/twitter and tell them you've tagged them. 

And here we go...

11 Random Things About Me...

1. I collect tea pots

2. I am obsessed with Audrey Hepburn

3. I literally judge a book by its cover, if a book isn't suggested to me I walk around a library or store until I see a cover that interests me

4. I wish I had created Pinterest and want to meet the actual creators

5. I love birthdays, and not just mine but all birthdays. I find it incredibly awesome that everyone gets at least one day all about them. 

6. My dream job is to manage and tour with a band AKA live out the movie Almost Famous. I'm not even close to kidding. 

7. I will forever and always be looking for a million dollar idea

8. I used to run cross country

9. I used to wish (still secretly do) that I could get married in Disney World one day

10. I watch tons of crime television shows, Criminal Minds, NCIS, Bones etc. and never get sick of them

11. My first drink as a legal 21 year old was a Cosmopolitan, in honor of my home girls from Sex and the City.

And here are the questions that Miss Lauren has posed to me...

1. What's the craziest dream you had?

I have to admit, I usually don't remember my dreams. I vaguely remember one that involved a murder spree but that was after watching The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo so I can't be held accountable for that.

2. What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a professional dancer. I still think that is one of my biggest regrets not seriously pursuing dance when I was younger. I love the grace and strength that dancers have, I think it is such an under-valued talent that I'm truly envious of. 

3. If you were any animal, which would you be?

A panda. They are cute and cuddly and no one judges them for just hanging out and really doing nothing other then sleeping and eating all day long. 

4. What's your favorite TV show?

It's so incredibly hard to pick just one, but if I must I'm going to have to go with Mad Men. I'm completely invested in the characters, but it's more then that. The style, the time period, the men... It's addicting and premiering soon :)

5. What is your favorite article of clothing you own?

So this is pretty lame because I really never where it out of the house unless it's under a sweatshirt or to the movies, but, I have a D.A.R.E. t-shirt, that isn't even mine. Some how I got a hold of this during college maybe? Who knows, but its so worn in and comfy cozy amazing, that I try to pass it off as vintage but really who am I kidding?

6. Where is your favorite place in the world?

The beach, but not the summer time everyone is there beach. Instead I love the late at night or early in the morning, or in the middle of winter beach that is amazingly calm and quiet. It is the one place where I feel like I can hear myself think. 

7. If you could have any superpower, which would you want?

Invisibility. That way when I just want to get away from it all or take a break I can without spending money on a plane ticket!

8. What is your favorite Disney movie?

Sleeping Beauty without question. It is completely under-rated. The three fairies, princess Aurora, Malificent all some of the best characters Disney has ever created. 

9. What's your favorite holiday?

The 4th of July. It combines summer, BBQ food, fireworks, fun, friends and beer. How is this not everyone's favorite holiday again?

10. Best word to describe your personality:

Independent

11. If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things would you want with you?

My iPod, which would magically never die, The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway and a picture of me and my family. 

And now here are my 11 questions:

1. What is the one thing you could not live without?

2. If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life what would it be?

3. Coffee or Tea?

4. What is your favorite book?

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

6. What is your favorite dessert?

7. What is your ultimate Karaoke song?

8. If you had to choose another profession, other than your current one, what would you do?

9. What is the best decision you have ever made?

10. What is your fondest memory?

11. What's your favorite movie?

I'm tagging miss Emily... though this would be cool for your blog!

Do You Believe in Magic?

"Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." Roald Dahl. 

So I'm not saying I believe in like Houdini magic, but I definitely believe in magic, and you should too! Because really how great can life be without a little magic?

My 24 Year Old To Do List

I'm a big list maker, all kinds of lists, grocery lists, closet lists (things I want to/need to add to my closet), to do lists and life lists. Yes I'm sure you didn't realize that there were so many types of lists that one could make, but I'm here to shed light on the issue for you. 

Me in my pajamas with my notebook of lists. Yes Owls. Yes you're jealous.

So anyway lists... each new year I make a resolution lists of sorts, it usually has like two things on it: exercise and some other lame thing. This year I decided to make a "Year of 24 List." While most people decide to have a quarter life crisis type episode at 25 I like to do things early and ya know hit the ground running. I have 3 friends who just got engaged, a number of friends who just started amazing jobs that they love, even more friends moving to these amazing places, and just well I know a lot of people doing a lot of things, and thus the "Year of 24 List."

This is not to say I haven't accomplished anything in life yet... I moved to NYC, I landed a great job, and have made a ton of GREAT new friends. Yes great things have happened to me over the past few years, but I feel like I want to push myself even further. Now I don't want to mislead you I haven't created a list of these HUGE LIFE ALTERING THINGS that I want to happen to me, it's more a bunch of little things that I would like to incorporate into my life over this upcoming year to make me a little happier. 

You say so what, I say no one asked you... these little things which will cause me happiness and happy people always attract greatness. That is a fact, TRY and disprove it. Now I won't share the whole list with you but here are a few highlights....

• Buy one album per week - Yes I love music but I also don't really purchase it anymore I want to expand my I actually own this collection. Music makes me happy
• Take more photos - in college it was super cool like you had to take hundreds of pics every night to document all these great moments with your friends. When did this stop. I want photos to remember all my great city adventures will all my fabulous friends. Need to bring this back.
• Budget Money Better - I have a shoe problem, yes I know its a problem. All the money I could possibly save goes to shoes. I need to cut back. The pictures below do not include under my bed and or under my desk at my office... WOOPS.

This is not even close to half of my collection 

Still not even close...

• Be Open to Possibilities - I tend to have a very particular picture of how my life will turn out in my head. This picture tends to get in the way of letting other things happen because well what's the point right if they aren't in that end picture. This is a bad habit and needs to stop.
• Get Inspired - I know this is uber general but I haven't had something inspire me in a super long time and I would love to find something that could do this.

Anyway that's a mini snap shot into my mind/list making/craziness. I hope you stick around to see how it all turns out.

Mission SNL

I am on a mission, a mission for SNL tickets. The date: March 10th. Why might you ask, well the reason is simple... well the two reasons are simple....

JONAH HILL AND THE SHINS

that's right boys and girls, my secret (not so secret) celeb crush Jonah Hill and one of my favorite musical acts The Shins will be there together, which means I have to be there obviously. So I ask you my friends, if you know anyone who can make this happen I will love you forever and ever and ever.

New Bruce Springsteen - Listen up for the next 24 hours (well Less)

Bruce Springsteen is streaming his newest song, Death to My Hometown, which will be on his newest album Wrecking Ball, for the next 24 hours... well less at this point - sorry for my delay but a girl has to work you know! Anyway go check it out here...

DEATH TO MY HOMETOWN

Look Out For: Sky Ferreira

This girl is going to be the next big thang, trust me.

Her Name: Sky Ferreira

Next Single: Red Lips

Sound Like: A Better Lana Del Rey

Album Due Out: This Summer

Listen to Her: Right Here...

Jam of the Day* The Civil Wars

I'm sure half of you, if not more, have never heard the song: Dance Me Until the End of Love, but you should have. Leonard Cohen first wrote the song back in the 1980's, and if you love music you better should know who that is. Since then many different artists have recorded the song, and I recently came across this version by The Civil Wars...

Since the Grammys I have become minorly obsessed with this duo and hopefully you can see why... expect an in-depth look at them soon!!!

Happy President's Day Weekend - in photos*

This weekend was an absolute blast.... I had tons of my best friends from college visit as you can see - when we get together it's nothing but good times* Actually this picture should not be viewed publically ;)

Then I saw an amazing subway sighting - yes I love Sons of Anarchy<3

Awesome Subway sighting!

My BFF's boyfriend thinks it's really funny to make fun of my #ootd Instagram/Twitter updates, even after I explained that I only do it when I'm rocking some Gypsy Warrior and what have you. So I CLEARLY had to make him partake in one of the famous pics before going out Saturday.... 

Then we took a picture of the ladies due to the fact - "LETS PLEASE TAKE A PICTURE BEFORE WE DRINK TOO MUCH," being shouted a thousand times....

Then SURPRISE OMG IT'S TRUE SHE'S ALIVE - My Best Friend Dawn, has disappeared to Little Rock, AK to live with her Fiance' (Fair Enough yaya) but she's usually a WOMP when she's in the area and is too lazy to come into the city to visit me, but this past Saturday an OMGEE moment happened and she actually showed!

And then to celebrate the Day of Presidents itself - we had a little girl's margarita night and well this is how it ended up - the girls locking themselves in an apartment doorway attempting to scare friends and strangers alike. Yeah we're cool, you don't have to tell us twice...

The Gossip - Preparing me for the WEEKEND!

My BEST FRIENDS from college are coming down to visit me in the big city this weekend and I COULD NOT ME MORE EXCITED!!!!! It's going to be a great weekend and here's the song that is pumping me up!

The Gossip is a recent random discovery for me but I'm so excited that I found them. Have you ever heard of them? Have I been missing out for way too long!!

Valentine's Day with Love Potion Number 9

So today's Valentines day obviously, and even though everyone secretly dreads this holiday I still wanted to acknowledge it in a non-hostile manner. So here's some Love Potion Number Nine for you sweethearts out there... This girl is fierce.

The Ups and Downs aka The Grammys

So by now we all know two things -- 1) I'm addicted to music and 2) I'm obsessed with Award Shows... now you think with these two things that the Grammys would be my all time favorite award show, alas it's closer to the bottom. Even with the few shining moments that the Grammys can create, each year they ultimately disappoint and 2012 was no different.

The fashion is just ridiculous - rarely a pretty dress to look at (except Adele and Katy Perry - classic with a twist love them both). And the show itself is just over the top with terrible live performances for the most part. There were a few highlights so lets touch upon those shall we...

Bruce The Boss Springsteen and the E Street band kicked off the show - UHMAZING enough said, no need to look further. He's 60+ years old and rocks harder then most of the performers who claim they're under 30. Then came Bruno Mars - also great. He always knows how to give a good performance I must say plus I wanted the gold jacket he was wearing....

From this moment it went substantially down hill. What got that ball rolling incredibly quickly down that gigantic hill you ask -- Chris freaking Brown.  First of all he needs to just not be invited to award shows, because he is a man who beats women but I'll actually let that go right now. He's literally a lip sync-er always and forever. He'll claim its because of the dancing but really thank god he can dance because really that is all he has going for him. After that monstrosity ended we had a slightly uplifting moment with Rihanna - my girl - and a little Coldplay action as well. I'm usually not a Coldplay fan but hey I couldn't really complain about them.

Then came a Beach Boy tribute in which I loved to hate. Maroon 5 and my future husband, Adam Levine, sang Surfer Girl and per usual he was sexy and amazing. Then obnoxious barely talented Foster the People sang Wouldn't It Be Nice and yes as I anticipated they ultimately ruined the song. I truly hope they cherished their moment in the sun because they will never be on the Grammy stage again. They are a passing fad, and this time next year everyone will have forgotten who they are. MOVING ON.

Other highlights include: Katy Perry singing her new song clearly dissing ex Russell Brandy (can you say awkward), Jennifer Hudson honoring the late Whitney Houston, Sir Paul McCartney and the two show defining moments!!

First one being - My Home Girl Adele making her debut performance since her throat/doctor issues and she was RIDICULOUS - I had chills the whole time and she is completely amazing. Eat that Noah Gallagher (you know what you did).

The second one was the CLOSING performance I can some it up with three names - Sir Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl and Bruce Springsteen. All 3 were on stage at the same time and I can now die happy.

Now you think all of this would make me obsessed but as I said those terrible moments tend to cast a shadow over the other shining moments! They include...

NIKKI MINAJ - girl I try and support you but that last night was so confusing/offensive/weird that I can't even get behind that - stop trying to be hip hop's GaGa because you aint got it. LL Cool J was hosting - need I say more? Chris Brown performed not once but twice, what the hell? W-H-A-T T-H-E H-E-L-L. And the worst most offensive part of the night -- THEY FORGOT TO MENTION ETTA JAMES IN THE MEMORANDUMS. Pissed does not even describe my feelings on this. As you know I love Etta James! (Evidence is here). This alone makes me hate the grammys.

Sorry I'm not Sorry guys - they need to step up their game like whoa. 

Dear Noah Gallagher...

A part of me is sad to write this, you see I am an Oasis fan, but Noah Gallagher you are an idiot/moron/jerk. How dare you say that Adele will have a short shelf life, and that you think she will struggle to stay on the charts. You really are an idiot. I hope you were watching the Grammys this evening, and saw Adele ROCK IT OUT. The girl had no voice for weeks/months and while she was struggling to get better, you went and wrote her off saying she isn't going to stay relevant. You couldn't even keep your own band together because you and your brother are drunk idiots who put yourself before the music.

You're selfish and ignorant, and Adele is the Queen of soul. The girl is a living legend and I hope she makes you eat your words.... after that performance it shouldn't be hard.

The Queen <3

Weekend in Review - My best friend is getting hitched

This past weekend was definitely an eventful one. My best friend Lauren (check out her blog!) is getting married this upcoming Fall and this past Saturday evening was her and her fiances engagement party at a favorite spot of ours - Maxwells in Hoboken. It was a complete blast - if this was a preview of what their wedding is going to be like, well I hope I am able to wake up the next morning. It was truly a great night with great food and friends.... Here are a few acceptable moments from the party!

The bridesmaids attempting to take a photo - Yup we rock its cool clearly we are the most helpful organized people she could have picked.

Here we are the rockin bridesmaids with the bride to be :)

GETTING HITCHED!

Congrats to my best friend and her best guy! I'm so happy for the two of them and can't wait until the wedding and all the fun events that are going to lead up to it!

This is My Life - Monday through Friday

Okay well maybe not Friday but definitely Monday through Thursday this has become my life...

At home drinking tea, painting my nails, answering emails, and of course blogging my life away at the ripe old age of 24... When did this happen? When did I become a grown up?

IS IT FRIDAY YET?

Jam of the Day - The Shins

I am a Shins fan, a lot of people aren't but I enjoy them always. My love of them has influenced today's Jam of the Day...

The Shins - Simple Song

What Song is helping you get through your day?!

A Very Gypsy Weekend...

I love living in New York City and I can't imagine living anywhere better, but sometimes you just need a break. This past Friday I definitely hit that point so I decided to head home to New Jersey for the weekend. It's only a half hour-ish outside the city, but it was still just what I needed. Seeing the family and just chillen out is just needed sometimes yah know? And it was still a great weekend, so lets shall we...

As always the weekend kicked off with casual Friday...

Yes  I love Bruce

Then I traveled home. So since I've moved out of my parents house they've downsized my childhood bedroom (respectfully so). With that my old bedroom has a tiny twin sized bed that just doesn't compare to my normal digs. Since my sister is at college though I decided to take over her room for the weekend. With this queen size how could I say now right?

Saturday morning arrived and I decided to take my mom to Gypsy Warrior. If you follow me on twitter (CaitieColl) or are my facebook friend, then you've seen my bazillion posts about this UH-MAZING STORE. Located in Ridgewood NJ, Gypsy Warrior is a clothing boutique/heaven for the edgy free spirit that's in everyone! They have such a great selection of clothes - and the accessories - forget it I DIE for every single piece. My mom loved it too and is bringing her friend back next weekend!! If you're not located in the Ridgewood NJ area don't you worry they have a web site that you can order from! MAKE SURE TO CHECK THEM OUT - www.gypsywarrior.com 

Here are just some of the things I picked out and brought home that day! 

I have it in Black leather too!!

Clutch to DIE FOR - literally can't wait to rock it this weekend<3

Oversized sweater - goes with jeans, skirts, leggings EVERYTHING.

So after a magical morning at the again, incredible Gypsy Warrior... I headed down to see my cousin who was up from North Carolina. We had such a great visit, love catching up with the fam<3

Then Came Sunday and it can be summarized by the following photo...

My best friend Lauren just moved into a new apartment in Jersey City with her Fiance, so myself along with 2 of our other friends decided to help her out on Sunday with decorating and some other odds and ends. We met at her apartment had a delicious breakfast at a nearby diner and then headed to Ikea for the day - literally for the day. Four girls let loose in Ikea I mean it's amazing we left when we did.  We had such a great time though and her apartment looked amazing at the end of the day!

Then I headed home to watch the Giants win the Super Bowl with my mom and the pup<3

Overall it was such a great weekend <333 Hope you had a great one too!