Homeland Security Graduation

So the past couple of days I've been away in Maryland. I left Wednesday morning to see my dad graduate from Customs and Border Protection training (it's a part of Homeland Security, if you don't know). He's been away for over ten weeks training hard, learning a lot, and being tested constantly. There were fourteen people in this training group, including my dad, and for the second time since 2003, no one was kicked out for failing a test. Yay!

Since my grandpa is a World War II vet, he pinned the badge on my dad after his name was called. 

My little half-sister, Brianna. Isn't she cute?



My dad and I!

On the way home, on Thursday, my dad, Brianna, and I walked through a town, then explored a state park for a little while. I wish it had been more sunny, but the leaves and mossy rocks in the forest looked beautiful nonetheless. We then drove back up to NY, which took about five hours.

Congrats, Dad, on graduating!

(Sorry some of the pictures were blurry.)

Three British Shows You Should Be Watching

I'll admit it, I'm a British TV fanatic! I can't get enough of the actors, the accents, the sexiness, and the fact that they can actually curse! American television is so uptight in comparison. Since I love spreading the joy, here are some shows that you most definitely should be watching.

Downton Abbey

This Masterpiece series is, at first, set between 1912 to 1914 in the fictional manor of Downton Abbey. The sinking of the Titanic sets in motion a series of events that turns the lives of the aristocratic family and staff upside down -- the heir went down with the ship, and now an unknown, middle class lawyer will become Earl. The horror!

There is drama, romance, secret affairs, backstabbing, parties, and much more. The clothing and settings are gorgeous, and the acting is superb. Of course, with Maggie Smith you really can't go wrong!

The second season takes place during WWII between 1916 and 1919, and will premiere on January 8th. You can watch (or re-watch) the first season starting Decemeber 18th.

Misfits

The E4 show is seriously one of the funniest, most original shows I've ever seen. Just be warned that it's also very vulgar (in the best possible way) as their is lots of cursing and nudity. If this were shown in the U.S., it would be considered TV-MA and would most certainly be cleaned up...a lot.

As five young adults are cleaning for their community service, a freak storm breaks out and they're all struck by lightening, which gives them special powers based on their personality. Little do they know that other people now have superpowers as well.

Seasons one and two are available on Hulu and hopefully the third season will be up soon.

Sherlock

A BBC One production, this a modern day reimagining of the famous detective we all know and love. Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman) use cell phones, computers, GPS, and of course their wits and keen eye for details to find murderers in London.

Though the seasons consist of only three episdoes, they're all an hour and half. The movie-like episodes allow for more characterization, more detailed plots, and obviously more humor and adventure.  

I'm not sure where you can watch the first season, but the second season will air sometime early next year on Masterpiece.

Which British TV shows do you watch?

(Pictures found via Bing)

Music Monday

Just a couple of songs that have been stuck in my head lately.

"Tongue Tied" by Grouplove

Yes, it's the iPod Touch commercial song. Once you take a listen, you simply won't be able to get it out of your head! It's catchy and upbeat and makes me want to dance like a maniac!

(If you like this song, listen to "Colours" by the same band.)

"Anchor" by Mindy Gledhill



It's a soft, soothing tune for those who feel different than everyone else -- you'll understand when you take a listen. I promise you won't regret it!

(If you like this song, listen to "Marsh King's Daughter" by Eisley.)

"Attaboy" by Stuart Duncan, Chris Thile, Edgar Meyer & Yo-Yo Ma

Ever since I got this song on one of those little cards from Starbucks many weeks back, I haven't been able to stop listening to this song. It's instrumental and slightly country-sounding and absolutely amazing!

(If you like this song, listen to "Requiem for a Tower" by London Music Works & Clint Mansell.)

"Stranger" by VersaEmerge

A fast alternative-rock song that I simply can't get enough of! I love the vocals and music.

(If you like this song, listen to "Surrender" by Angels & Airwaves.)

I hope you like these songs!

Beauty Buys

Here are my beauty buys from this weekend with my best friend Jackie of Claws Up.

 

Luckily, two of the Sally Hansen bottles were 75% off CVS. I bought two Salley Hansen Diamond Strength nail polishes, one called Diamonds (a sheer with silver sparkles) and the other Royal Romance (a shiny mauve-pink). I also got Sally Hansen Gem Crush in Lady Luck (a magenta with colorful sparkles).

They are all gorgeous colors and I can't wait to wear them!

Inspirational Quotes

A little bit of inspiration for your Friday...

And because I simply couldn't resist...

(Sources unknown; third to last is PostSecret)