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!

Today I Love...

Here are some things that I am loving today...

My puppy<3

Jonah Hill (HE NEEDS TO WIN THE OSCAR)

Gypsy Jewelry

The Hunger Game Series

Sunshine Delight in February

(My photo didn't do it justice)

Happy Saturday everyone -- love love love weekends....

Carrie Bradshaw Envy AKA My New York Reality Check

I, like many girls I know, loved/still love the show Sex and the City. Since the very first time I saw it I wanted to be Carrie Bradshaw. That's right I didn't just love her character I actually wanted to be her. A writer who lives in a gorgeous studio apartment by herself, equipped with a huge closet that happens to be filled with designer clothes and shoes -- in New York City?! If that's what it's like SIGN ME UP... these were my thoughts literally (for serious).

You see I grew up a stone's throw from this glorious city and as far back as I can remember I have wanted/needed to live here. Then when all my fantasies were confirmed as possible dreams come true, due to the spectacle that was Sex and the City, I wanted/needed it even more. Sunday brunches with my girlfriends, partying at the hottest new clubs and bars 4 or 5 nights a week, holding down a full time job but miraculously always having time for my friends, and shopping till I drop whenever I want. WHO WOULDN'T WANT THAT?! I couldn't wait to graduate college, land my dream job and finally call myself a New Yorker, and then out of nowhere a huge reality bomb exploded.

I graduated in 2009, right after the lovely recession of 2008 hit, finding a job was about as easy as finding a needle in a haystack when you were a Communications and Journalism major. So instead of making it big and moving directly from Storrs, CT (where the wonderful UConn is located) to the big city, where did I end up? My parents house, in my childhood bedroom, across the hall from my little sister. What? What the hell? What happened to my New York dream? Fast forward 11 months later, after working for a friend of my mother in a sports warehouse (that's right this girl can do physical labor) I finally landed a job, and even better than that, it was in New York.

I was one step closer to my dream I could taste it. Fast forward another YEAR, that's right YEAR, I finally had enough money to move into New York. I found a roommate and an apartment and before I knew it here I was, living on the Upper East Side in New York City, just like Carrie Bradshaw, except not at all like Carrie Bradshaw.

How a sex columnist afforded Manolo Blahniks and Prada dresses is beyond me. If anyone has figured out how to do this please email me directly and share your secrets because let me tell you, living in the city isn't always easy. Don't get me wrong I love that each morning when I wake up that this is where I am, I love being able to find Thai food at 3am, and that in 20 minutes I can be at a flea market in Brooklyn discovering treasures, or that I can have a cocktail at 11am on a Sunday with brunch because that is how its done. Here is what I don't love constantly being poor, never having enough space, and coming home and being in bed by 10pm on a weeknight because after a day of work I'm way too tired to go hang out in some trendy club (not that I could afford to anyway).

That's right if you're going to live here get used to being poor, but you know what, even after those complaints I wouldn't trade it for the world. Lets get serious, even though I'll probably never live the life that Carrie Bradshaw did, I love this city it's the best city in the world and I'm NEVER LEAVING.

*Future husband please take note of that - I don't do suburbs.