Hear You Me.

"On sleepless roads,

the sleepless go.

May angels lead you in."

-Jimmy Eat World.

Life is just chillin' right now. Nothing new, nothing interesting. I mean, if you're really looking for updates, I have antibiotics in the fridge and I'm applying to every single media internship imaginable. But besides that, I'm waiting to ring in the new year tomorrow. While it awaits, let me just say that after watching A Cinderella Story for the hundredth time tonight, it has one of the best movie kisses ever. Modern kiss scenes will never compare to those in the days of our parents and grandparents, but Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray make a grand attempt. The way she runs her fingers through his hair, the rain pouring down and ultimately, this killer anthem in the background. Every time this song hits my airwaves, I immediately jump to Friday nights in the bleachers and the smell of the football field. Well, maybe not exactly, but let's just let the nostalgia sink in for a little bit.

If you've never seen this scene (ha ha ha, seen the scene), check it out below:

I'll check in with you again before the clock strikes 12 tomorrow...

Be My Escape (Acoustic).

"And I've been housing all this doubt

and insecurity.

I've been locked inside that house,

all the while, you hold the key."

-Relient K.

This song. It's just everything at the moment. Yep.

Give Me Your Hand (Best Song Ever).

"She said 'I love this song,

I've heard it before

and it stole my heart.

I know every word.'"

-The Ready Set.

It's the end of the year, which means endless countdowns of anything that happened in good ol' 2013. To celebrate this typical tradition, I'm going to make my own involving my top 10 songs of the year. These are in no particular order and surprisingly, it was a tough choice between all the stuff that came out these year. There are a few snubs I'm not too proud of, but without further ado, my top 10.

P.S. The majority, if not all, of these songs have been aforementioned on the blog so if you need a quick explanation or reference, just search for those titles/artists. BOOM.

1. Blurred Lines-Robin Thicke featuring T.I. and Pharrell

2. Burn-Ellie Goulding

3. Team-Lorde

4. The Way-Ariana Grande featuring Mac Miller

5. Sweater Weather-The Neighbourhood

6. Chocolate-The 1975

7. The Wire-HAIM

8. Story Of My Life-One Direction

9. Wildfire-John Mayer

10. Merry Go Round-Kacey Musgraves

Close cuts: 

Black Skinhead-Kanye West

Suit & Tie-Justin Timberlake

Hold On, We're Going Home-Drake

Disappear-Parachute

Anything Could Happen.

"But now I've seen it through

and now I know the truth

that anything could happen."

-Ellie Goulding.

Reunited and it feels SO good. I got to be in the presence of one of my oldest and closest friends. Matthew Sagisi, ladies and gentlemen. He is a legend. Best friends for about 14 years strong now. And we have never looked back. That kid puts me in stitches and laugh attacks for days and I wouldn't want it any other way. I mean, I am his "adopted" sister in some respects. So we're family. He's my bro. And he is the absolute greatest.

In honor of his hilarious jokes and impeccable wit, my Friday Five is filled with laughter. Here are some of my favorite funny films at the moment (some of which have been provided by Mr. Matthew):

Watch all six minutes of this Paul Rudd prank. It's a classic.

Spoofs are the best. And this one beats all, by far. Rubber fingers for the win.

Most think this infomercial is a complete fake. But trust me: this lady is for real. She is serious about her sponge. A little too much, if you ask me.

A weekly watch in my apartment. Not a night goes by without a reference to these wonderful Lonely Island lyrics.

Even Jimmy Fallon understands how accurate this is. 

Operate.

"Heal in the tired sea.

Broken, your lies set free.

Now that it's time to leave.

Don't say a prayer for me."

-ASTR.

I know it's not time for a tune, but People Magazine was right about this one. It is an absolute JAM for 2013. It's got this futuristic Katy Perry complex to it, but with a Haim twist. The beat is sick and the vibe it gives off is just too rad. Stoked to let you readers know about my latest favorite. BOOM.

All I Want For Christmas Is You.

"I just want you for my own.

More than you could ever know.

Make my wish come true..."

-Mariah Carey.

Early mornings. Sausage and donuts breakfast. Destroying Christmas wrap. Board games. Lincoln-Kennedy assassination discussion. Holiday texts. Hot apple cider. Odd stocking stuffers. LOVE ACTUALLY. (That one is very important, FYI.)

Most importantly, this happened. Quick description: I'm going down a hill at about 20 mph with a faulty bike brake and no helmet. Getting all crazy on Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all.

Disco Santa.

"I said Santa,

please come back to my town.

There's no need to wait a moment."

-Holiday Express.

Despite the festivities that Christmas Eve has to hold, I like to keep up with my homemade traditions. This blog over the past year has become one of them and as of recent, I love keeping up with this whole Tune Tuesday. Let's keep the holiday spirit alive with a little request via my (crazy) roommate, Kelly.

Her suggestion of the week was this song, mentioned in the post title. As I took the risk to sample this song late last night, I immediately guessed something was wrong with her for enjoying this song. Nonetheless, I have continued to play this song for the majority of this night, leaving me to believe that I, myself, am as insane as I presume she is. Oh well. More power to her.

Check out this modern take on a classic carol:

Team.

"I'm kinda over getting told 

to put my hands up in the air.

So, there.

I'm kinda older than I was 

when I reveled without a care."

-Lorde.

Merry Christmas Eve Eve. Yes, this day is very important. Although at this point, I still feel as if I'm in summer. Maybe it's because California is pretending to be Australia at the moment with 80 degree temperatures for the week. Or possibly because my house is naked and without tinkling lights. Hmm...or the fact that I basically know all the gifts I'm getting and therefore, it is like pre-determined shopping. Concerns? I think not.

What's also getting to me is I have, like, two weeks left here. Where has the time gone, like, what the heck. I want a real break or a longer one at that. I'm not too stressed over my new schedule (despite my loathing of change) and I like where I'm at. But home just reminds me of the comfort here and how great it is to just chill in my own bed and see the friends that keep it real with me. Good vibes all the time.

How about for the next week I get rid of all these anxious post-break jitters and focus on the true meaning of Christmas, eh? Challenge accepted.

Hurts Like Heaven.

"I struggle with the feeling

that my life isn't mine.

It's so cold, so cold.

It's so cold, so cold."

-Coldplay.

I GOT TO SEE MY BEST FRIEND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER FOUR MONTHS TODAY. Can you read my excitement? Because if not, I don't think you understand how stoked I was over tonight. 

That's about what the extent of my life has been for the past couple days. Literally, all day I was waiting to see my best friend. Well, that, and the fact that I got to go to Chili's and eat margarita grilled chicken because that is my soul food on a plate. It hurts so good.

Next up: the holidays...and seeing all the bests. 

I CAN'T WAIT.

Jukebox (Life Goes On).

"Then she said life goes on.

We got all night.

If you got rock and roll,

you're gonna be alright."

-The Summer Set.

This song is the absolute JAM at the moment. A little too obsessed. I mean, I've listened to it a good ten times today and it still isn't old. Gotta love some pop-punk-techno vibes.

Fashion is also on my mind so get ready for the Friday Five...

Giving it up this week to my girl, Kylie Jenner. I've been on a 90s grunge edge chic look all year and she kills it every single time. Here is just a few of her bests:

These oxblood leather jeggings are everything. Enough said.

Her sister, Kim, may sport this crop top-pencil skirt combo often, but Kylie takes the cake on this groutfit. 2 Kewl 4 Skool.

All black. All the time. Yes.

I love America. I love cutoffs. I love fun sunnies. This outfit screams best of Coachella looks hands down.

Pretty sure I've talked about this look before. But let me say it again: TOO SICK.

How To Be A Heartbreaker.

"Rule number one

is that you gotta have fun."

-Marina & The Diamonds.

LA is where dreams are made of. Okay, a tad dramatic. But it's been a while since the City of Angels has taken me on new adventures and exciting memories. Look at me getting all cliche and somewhat sentimental. 

I guess that's what happens to you after: Chelsea Lately taping, Griffith Observatory exploring, fawning over the wintertime Grove, Topshop (enough said.), inside jokes involving Bernie-ing in the shower (?), and roadtrip jams galore.

Welcome to #drivin4luv.

Grove. Christmas. Snow. Yay.

CHK.

So. Many. Lights.

In the city...of L.A.

Preeeeeetty.

Look to my right and I see the Hollywood sign. This is all so crazy.

He is so handsome in person, I can't even deal.

Little Me.

"I'd tell her to speak up,

tell her to shout out,

talk a bit louder,

be a bit prouder."

-Little Mix.

Tune Tuesday, correct? As of today, I've been really into the chill girl mix. You know, Lorde, Chelsea Lankes, and most importantly, Little Mix. These British birds are so beautiful and their voices show that off even more so. Literally, I just listened to this song for the first time about five minutes ago and I'm obsessed with the message and what it stands for. 

Over this past semester, I had a little chat with my roommates about my lack of self-confidence and my low self-esteem in who I am. They tried to break down my walls to get to the real point that everyone is pretty and cool and whatever you want to be in your own way. But it never clicked with me and the stubbornness I have gotten to know as my best friend took over. I denied them and told them that their ideas were dumb and pointless. I thought I can think what I want about myself and I'm allowed to destroy my own personality, looks, etc., etc. 

The very next day as I went to get ready for my morning classes, I was hit with the giant Expo-marker message on the mirror saying, "You are beautiful." And with that, I started to believe. I put on my makeup and wore my greatest smile to match the day's outfit. For once, I believed it. Yes, it was literally a whiteboard marker on the reflecting wall but it hit me like bricks. Every day, the message was changed to something similar but with still the same effects, whether it be, "You are wonderfully made," or "You are strong." 

Thank God for Stefani's 8ams and persistence to make me change my mind about myself. 

The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late).

"Want a plane that loops the loop.

And I still want a hula hoop."

-Alvin & The Chipmunks.

The debut of this song and the watching of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has officially put me in the Christmas spirit. I am so ready to spread some cheer and bring joy to all. Here are a few gifts I plan to get my DIY on while keeping out of the winter wonderland outside. (okay, let's be honest. I live in California and the high today at 71. But still...it's winter.)

Scrabble tile coasters: A cute and personalized way to make a cheap cup holder for all to keep the coffee table clear.

Hot Chocolate in a Jar: It's like a DIY in a package! What a delicious way to be creative and still spread some warmth around.

Homemade Scrubs: I'm a sucker for some spa treatment that doesn't break the bank. Sugar scrubs are some of the easiest projects to make in the home while keeping the expenses at a low. 

Gift card snow globe: have no time to pick out the perfect present? Have no fear! Snow globes are wonder in a jar and adding a gift card to someone's special store will add some sparkle to the small snow!

More Time.

"Cause I need more time.

Just a few more months

and we'll be fine.

So say what's on your mind.

Cause I can't figure out just what's inside."

-Needtobreathe.

First off, this article is genius. Please click on the link and make sure to put some of these list makers on your resolution. I'm definitely committing to each and every one of these, even though they may be harder than it sounds. (I'm talking about #2 and #15, in my case.)

http://thoughtcatalog.com/brianna-wiest/2013/12/24-rules-for-being-a-human-being-in-2014/#TsKTthSPH0kTsBLt.01

Moving on, it's Friday. And the Five are coming to you from one of my new favorite blogs on the face of this earth, http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com/ . I'm literally in love with everything Blair Eadie puts on and I want to emulate her style in the New Year. Here are some of my faves:

Geek chic is the way to go. Adding a touch of Blair Waldorf, as well, I see with the collar and bow-tie combo. 

Stripes on stripes on stripes. Making the Beetlejuice vibe look perf with a classic Chanel and sunnies to boot.

Blair is known for her full skirts and this grey number does the trick! Plus the addition of lacy menswear is a solid proof of sweet and sexy all in one.

If you can make a tutu look casual and cute in the daytime, I will praise you forever. Blair seems to be doing just that in this ballerina-inspired look, complete with a charcoal polka dot sweater and nude flats.

To be honest, I typically wouldn't hit up an outfit such as this. But those neon yellow pumps have me hooked to the metallic (and somewhat holographic) skirt. 

Halo.

"Hit me like a ray of sun,

burning through my darkest night.

You're the only one that I want.

Think I'm addicted to your light."

-Beyonce.

Four words...

Queen Bey is BACK.

Post by Beyoncé.

Wonderful Christmastime.

"The moon is right.

The spirit's up.

We're here tonight

and that's enough."

-Paul McCartney.

I am in the festive spirit today! And to make up for my lack of brain cells that forget Tune Tuesday today, here's the seasonal song of the day! These are the Christmas tunes that I want to hear all the time no matter what. Sir Paul knows how to make a good hit, am I right?

Also, before I forget, Want Wednesday is tonight if I am thinking on track of schedule. (Better keep notes of that now that I'm off of school for a while.) Thanks to my fashionable friend, Nikki, I have discovered the wondrous world of Polyvore. Breaking it down quick, it's a site where you can create outfit sets and browse all of the clothes you please. Because I'm obsessed with the styling outlet this site provides, here is one of the latest looks I've made. And I want all that it has to offer. A little something I like to call...

 It's Casual.

It's Casual. by kelly-brickey featuring denim jeans

Paris.

"You are now watching the Throne.

Don't let me into my zone.

Don't let me into my zone."

-Kanye West & Jay-Z.

Guess who's back. Back again. Throne is back. Tell a friend.

That's right. It's the return of Kanye and Jay-Z. But not in real life, oh no. You see, one of my many nicknames happens to be Kanye. And my sweet friend, Maddie, goes by the name of Jay-Z. And together, we rule. I'm pretty sure I've talked about her before, but quick recap: we met over three years ago because I couldn't pronounce her last name, giving her the title of Guadalajara. Ever since, we've been super close. You know like tell each other stories and have inside jokes and just act a little bit dumb every once in a while.

Well, tonight, we went HAM. And by that, I mean I (with her help) scarfed down on four scoops of ice cream on all you can eat night. And she caught me up with all the small town school drama. I mean, it's always there, isn't it? I know you can't live in the past, but I love me some gossip. 

In conclusion to our cliche high school hangout, we jammed down the one-horse town road to One Direction and Florida Georgia Line. And it's in those moments alone where I grow nostalgic and yet, excited for what is to come. Not just in, like, the next three years, but the next three weeks. It's going to be a great break, everyone. Buckle up.

I Don't Wanna Be.

"I don't wanna be 

anything other than

what I've been

trying to be lately."

-Gavin Degraw.

Season one, episode one. The fresh start of a new series on Netflix. This go-round: One Tree Hill. I'm always a sucker for those high school dramas, it seems. But instead of the five seasons I plowed through for Friday Night Lights or the six of Gossip Girl, I must complete all nine seasons. My goal? To finish this entire series by the end of my sophomore year of college. At this point, this sounds very doable. Especially considering this next week in which I will be spending the majority of my time alone at my house with nothing to do and no car to take me anywhere. Can you say free time to the max?

Since the commencement of my introduction to One Tree Hill has just occurred, I feel a tad lost and bored. But hey, what show have I truly loved from the start? (Okay, make the exception for FNL. Gotta love Coach Taylor and his crew...always.)

Cheers to another way to kick off the holiday and college break season. 

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas.

"It's beginning to look

a lot like Christmas.

Soon the bells will start."

-Perry Como.

Pretty sure the title of this post says it all. The Christmas decorations are on their way to decking our halls in the Brickey household. What solidifies that fact even more so is our newest addition to the living room

Charlie the Christmas Tree.

He's the cutest tree and as you can tell, I love him oh so much. Yeah, you may think I'm a freak because I like to name a plant and I feel as if he is a person, but...trees are people, too. Well, at least in my honest opinion. I can't wait to continue the ringing in of the festivities with more decor than ever before!

A Little Party Never Killed Nobody.

"A little party never killed nobody.

Right here, right now is all we got."

-Fergie.

Promise to you I have not abandoned you in full. These past few days have been loaded with the daunting task of packing for a month of my life, endless travel days and good ol' family time. Now that I've gotten back in the gear of West Coast living, time to return to what I love and live to do: write.

Here's a quick recap to get us all back on track, eh:

John Mayer concert: Third time is definitely a charm. John Mayer killed it, as per the usual. He played everything from "Why Georgia" to "Stop This Train" to "Dear Marie". What a pure talent nowadays, am I right?

Paradise valley.

Wildfire.

Just keep me where the light is...

 

Stop this train, I wanna get off and go back home again.

Home: Break has officially begun for me. Over ten hours of travel, three timezones, a plethora of chilly temperatures and finally, I'm back in the land of the Pacific Ocean. Celebrated in full, of course, with the joys of In-n-Out and authentic Mexican food. My stomach may be regretting the decisions to eat so horribly, but I am oh so satisfied at the moment.

SNL: My boys, One Direction, were on SNL tonight with Paul Rudd. Despite the minor moments of idiocy (this comment is fully directed toward Niall and Harry, respectfully), they actually were really, really good. It's weird to actually admit since I don't know them personally, but this performance in particular made me proud. Not just of them, but to be a true fan. They've come so far.

This: Just found this outfit. And this blog is the coolest. Please check it out.

http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com/

Better Than Words.

"Best I ever had.

Hips don't lie.

You make me wanna...

one more night."

-One Direction.

Tune Tuesday and this song will NOT leave my head. Literally, it's the only thing that's coming out of my mouth within the last six hours. And this song isn't even the best one on the album...(saving that one for later this week). But seriously, this album is sick. I'm so addicted. Take a listen:

P.S. Niall, you be sounding AMAZING. Keep up the good work, bro. Too proud, too proud.

Radio.

"Now my life is sweet like cinnamon.

Like a (effing) dream I'm living in."

-Lana Del Rey.

I already stated this on my Twitter, but Charlie Brown is honestly my spirit animal. Well, maybe not just Charlie, but also Lucy. They just define every single part of who I am, but they're cartoons. How the heck does that work out?! Boy, I sure do love me some Charlie Brown Christmas.

As the finals season comes to a quick end for me, Christmas is rolling on in and taking over my state of mind. For this month on the blog, I will feature random festive posts, complete with my favorite Christmas tunes as well as holiday wear and DIY gift ideas. I get really excited about this time of year and all the joy that comes with it. It's so magical to feel the love for all in the air and see how grateful people are for the time to come. Ah, Christmas cheer for all to hear.

Let the caroling and Christmas movies begin.

Bonfire Heart.

"Days like these lead to...

nights like this lead to...

love like ours."

-James Blunt.

While I have come to loathe this song as of late, it definitely sets the tone of this past Thanksgiving holiday. I grazed the beaches of Destin and did some quite stupid things I am actually proud of. Nothing screams bravery and idiocy more than running into the ocean when it's a total of 47 degrees out with a 15 mph breeze. Yep, gotta love that West Coast dedication to the sea. 

Best.

Pompanos.

Beach bums.

Fambam.

Dream life right here.

Wishing this was my view at all times...

#yoloswaggobruins.

So blessed and thankful for this sister.

J & N.

Sunset love.

Swing life away...