Running Playlist

After hitting the gym consistently for the last 3 weeks, I'm so amazed with the strides (literally) I've made in my lifestyle to get healthy and prepare for a half-marathon.

I've mentioned this previously, but I've never been a runner. I used to despise running. But now, something inside of me has changed and I actually look forward to running. There are so many advantages to it: it's a chance to clear your mind, pump your body with endorphins, and catch up on the latest tunes.

Is it even possible to run without a good playlist?! I doubt it... so here are my favorite songs on my iPod shuffle when I run!

Sugar -- Maroon 5

Hurts Like Heaven -- Coldplay

The Walker -- Fitz and the Tantrums

Uptown Funk -- Bruno Mars

Bounce With Me -- Kreesha Turner

Give A Little More -- Maroon 5

1983 -- Neon Trees

1901 -- Phoenix

King of Anything -- Sara Bareilles

Giving Up The Gun -- Vampire Weekend

Keep Your Head -- The Ting Tings

Sail Into The Sun -- Gentlemen Hall

Any songs I must add to my playlist? I'd love some recommendations!

Gina

New On My Playlist

My closest friends know that my music taste is, well, all over the place. I enjoy listening to the top songs on iTunes, but really like a little more alternative tracks. But I'm from Texas, so you can't forget country! I'm also a sucker for some good Italian music too. Basically, if a song has a good beat, I'll probably like it. 

Since I'm headed to Houston this weekend for the Kappa Kappa Gamma National Convention, I've been stocking up on some new songs. Here's what I'll be jamming to while passing field after field of cows.

Rather Be – Clean Bandit

Summer – Calvin Harris

Sail Into the Sun – Gentlemen Hall

Fools Gold – Fitz & the Tantrums

A Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay

What You Know – Two Door Cinema Club

Out of My League – Fitz & the Tantrums

Island In the Sun – Wheezer

Ice Melts – Matt & Kim

Wanted – Hunter Hayes

Stolen Dance – Milky Chance

Not Falling Apart – Maroon 5

Am I Wrong – Nico & Vinz

All The Way – Timeflies

When She Says Baby – Jason Aldean

Nothing to Do – The Well Pennies

Come With Me Now – Kongos

On Top of the World – Imagine Dragons

Gonna Get Over You – Sara Bareilles

Best Day of My Life – American Authors

The Walker – Fitz & the Tantrums

Pumping Blood – NONONO

Do you have any songs you can't stop listening to? Any suggestions for my road trip?

Gina

May's Monthly Musings

Yes, I do realize that there are only two more days left of this month, but that's not going to stop me from posting about the things I've been mulling over in my mind this May!

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Is there really anyone out there who hasn't heard of Divergent? It has not even hit the one month mark of summer, yet I've managed to read the whole series, read Divergent again, and see the movie in theaters (I swear I saw one of the last showings; it's May for crying out loud). I got the first book for Christmas, but just didn't have time to read it over break. While the writing is far from eloquent, the storyline will keep you reading on until you realize it's 2am and you should probably get to bed. It's a great read I'd recommend to anyone!

Here's my favorite line, which comes from the Dauntless manifesto: "We believe in shouting for those who can only whisper, in defending those who cannot defend themselves."

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Since getting back from Rome, I can't stop listening to the song "Rather Be" by Clean Bandit, my program's theme song. It took a few days before I could bear to hear the tune without breaking down in sobs, but now I enjoy listening to it since it reminds me of the past four months. I swear, it's going to take the US by storm before you know it.

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The recent weather in Dallas has truly been unbelievable. So, I've taken advantage of the unnaturally cool temperatures and have been exercising outside. After a run through my neighborhood, I love doing this Victoria's Secret Angel Workout in my backyard. It's great to do once you have your blood pumping! Plus, I know everyone's trying to get that perfect bikini bod.

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Continuing on with the weather trend, I love restaurants with outdoor seating, but the Texas heat usually makes dining outside unbearable. However, this low pressure system has allowed me to enjoy my favorite taco joint Torchy's Tacos while sitting outside twice in the last week. I usually frequent the Preston and Forest location, but I've discovered that the SMU and Garland Road locations have a very Austin-like vibe (in addition to a full bar) with a plethora of outdoor seating.

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In Texas, May means summer, which also means bringing my cute summer sandals out of hibernation. I'm completely obsessed with my new Lucky Brand Kyndra wedges (shop for them here)! Not only do they draw together multiple materials, but they're not too tall and incredibly comfortable. Plus, you can wear them with a summer dress or shorts, dressing an outfit up or down.

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May has been fantastic, but I can't wait to see what June will bring and what I'll find myself obsessing over next.

Gina

P.S. Nordstrom is currently having its Half-Yearly Sale and Lilly Pulitzer just released their 2014-15 agendas for pre-order. Shop away!