I remember as kid, sitting around with my dad, watching music award shows. I would count down to the next one like Christmas. It was so awesome to have someone who didn’t look at me like I was insane for yelling at the tv as though I were watching my favorite sports team win or lose the Super Bowl or something. I don’t know the reason, but ever since around age three, I remember being so amazed by music. My first memories of it was lying on the floor, in front of the speakers that sat on the floor in our tiny home. I remember loving how it made me feel. I guess that doesn’t go away, huh?

Over the years my poor dad had to hear me belt out everything from Reba McEntire to, yes, Green Day, to finally Sarah McLachlan. He always let me, and never told me to “turn that racket down”. haha. I love him for that.

The past few years, I got really sad about the Grammy Awards. Not just the Grammy Awards, but the music industry as a whole. I mean, I know so, so many unsigned bands who have talent that makes me want to cry, but they’ll never be heard than by more than 100 people. I started getting so sad about it that I just gave up. It started looking like you had to pretty much be a stripper, lip sync to your own auto-tuned voice, and be surrounded by a million almost naked dancers just to be noticed.

Well, I can very happily say that this past year, along with tonight’s Grammy Awards, that I FULLY have my music bug again! I’m a happy girl tonight!!!!

After boycotting the show, for the first time in my life last year, this year, I planned to have people over, made some awesome cupcakes, had cheese, wine, and turned the tv up. I mean, with people like Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Mumford & Sons, and Adele involved…it had to be good, right? I was wrong…it was AMAZING!!!!!

I was broken hearted for Mumord & Sons because their music is phenomenal, and everyone already knows Coldplay is my number one band of all time, but oh Adele. I still remember the first time I heard “Chasing Pavements”. For any artist, no matter the art, there is always a point where you feel like giving up. She was my anthem at that time. That’s what I love about music. It’s therapy. Then, goodness, there was “Hometown Glory”. I am quite certain I cried when I first heard that song. My hometown holds so much for me. So many memories, and so many insecurities. I don’t know, that song just really hit me. Fast forward to “Someone Like You” and I’m a mess. haha. That woman has touched my heart with her lyrics, and the way she is, without a doubt, the most classy women I can think of at the moment. Being known for my voice alone would be the greatest honor I could ever possibly dream of.

All of that, plus Adele being on 60 Minutes before the Grammys aired, made her multiple wins mean that much more to me. I was actually holding my breath before they spoke the name of the winner. My neighbors who came over probably think I’m crazy now, but my husband is used to it.

When she won that last award, I was in tears FOR her. If anyone deserves to have some beautiful Grammy Awards sitting her house, it’s Adele. God bless her for her beautiful voice, and for being so much braver than I am and sharing it. I am so excited to have a new dream…photographing Adele. Actually, I would take just having coffee with her, giving her a hug, and thanking her for wearing clothes, and singing from her soul. So…if you know her people, don’t hesitate to let her know some crazy dreamer girl in GA loves her.

Now that I’ve gotten all of that out, it was SO awesome to see Foo Fighters!!! I’ve loved them for forever, and I’m so happy they won!

Tonight was a night for the dreamers, and the fans who dream right along with them.

Congrats to all of the Grammy winners, and now I’m counting down to next year. Maybe The Fray?

~Alisha

I’m pretty sure it’s written somewhere that us women work a million times harder than we should, and we usually end up feeling guilty if we stop to take out time for ourselves. When I say work, I mean cooking, cleaning, running errands, holding down a regular job, raising children (another absolute full time job all together), trying to balance a grown up life while still trying to make time for fun stuff and having friendships, grocery shopping, paying bills, and somewhere in there, grabbing a quick shower and attempting to look decent on a daily basis. I mean, I’m tired from just writing about that.

It’s no wonder we get muffin tops, dry skin, frizzy hair, chipped nails, and our wardrobe looks like we opened a time capsule from five years ago.

Well, it’s time to change all that. We just need to remember that we can do everything listed above, even better than a superhero, if we first take care of ourselves. It’s not selfish to take one hour out of the day to accomplish something on YOUR list.  I’m also quite sure everyone in your life will thank you for it. You will be happier, you’ll feel better about yourself, you’ll probably sleep better, get sick less…which will all lead to you being able to deal with everything life can possibly throw at you-whether that be a sippy cup, or what seems like an impossible work deadline. If you think you don’t have time, then get up an extra hour earlier, stay up an hour later. Just make it happen, and after you accomplish it once, you will want to start fighting for that hour.

I’m probably one of the most tightly-wound people I’ve ever known. I can’t relax, can’t sleep, and find myself eating junk food for any reason. Any reason at all. It could be that I’m editing photos, or I’m sad that I just grabbed my jeans out of the dryer and they are too small. I also find that my brain never shuts off. I’m constantly thinking about everything I need to get done, and coming up with the next cool project to work on. I find that I even have to plan time to stop and think about where to take a vacation. Shouldn’t I already know that?

All of that leads me to this. I’ve never been a girly girl (which I’m kind of sad about now because I’m realizing how much I’ve missed out). I’ve never done the whole nails, hair, latest clothing trends thing. It’s probably because I always thought it was all too expensive and I didn’t really care too much about what others thought of me (to a point).

Now, I’m realizing that it has nothing to do with anyone else. It’s if it makes ME happy. Nothing gives you motivation to fix all the broken and crazy parts of your life like getting a facial, getting a fresh hair cut and style, getting your nails painted, and BUYING SOMETHING FROM THIS CENTURY to wear, like anything in that gorgeous mint green color. I may not be able to do all of that at one time, but it only takes one hour at a time, right.

Today, I broke my own crazy routine, and carved out time to have my very first facial at La Bella Spa & Salon. EEK!!! FABULOUS!!!! I can’t think of a better way of putting your best face forward! I mean, it’s a massage that leaves you with flawless skin. Who wouldn’t want THAT? During that hour, even I was able to shut my mind off from the everyday things. Even if you’re laughing at me right now because it has taken me this long to have my first facial, this part is still for you because if you haven’t been there, you should go. Their staff was amazing, and really took their time with me. I didn’t feel rushed at all, and I will absolutely go back. I kind of feel bad for them because we all know how much I talk. haha. So, if you would, please head over and like them at La Bella Spa & Salon on Facebook and show them some love! If you live in the area, be sure to check out their Valentine’s special, too!

That’s what I did with my one hour today. I feel so much better that I think I will start planning an AMAZING contest for all of you ladies! —–>hint hint: this is going to be something you won’t want to miss out on. So if you live in the NorthWest Atlanta area, be sure you and your friends have liked my Facebook page so you’ll be the first to know.

To go with the calming theme of this post, I figured I would leave you with a photo of my favorite place.

Can’t wait to hear what you do with your one hour!

~Alisha

Further proof that my life is anything but ordinary…I was given about 12 hours to prepare for my husband and I being treated, “like rock stars”,  by the W Atlanta Downtown Hotel, to the Recording Academy, Atlanta Chapter, Grammy Nominee Party, last night. Yes. Twelve whole hours to plan a red carpet worthy outfit. Um, if you know me, you also know that I do not have red carpet clothing hanging out in my closet. I’m such a jeans and tee kind of girl.

However, I LOVE music, and have watched the Grammy Awards every year since I was a kid. So, I was completely up for the challenge! I got up yesterday morning, found a dress, made a hair appointment, found some jewelry, a bag, and, my favorite, some Carrie Bradshaw worthy heels. I mean, I couldn’t go to a red carpet event without channeling a little Carrie, right?

Here’s my recap of the night…in words and photos (I was trying to keep a low profile-sorry about the iphone photos in advance). Enjoy!

WELCOME!

Feeling like a southern Carrie Bradshaw.

We got a little food and some drinks, then we watched as the stars walked the red carpet along the hallway to the ballroom. It was pretty cool to be at another red carpet event so quickly (the last one was the premiere of the movie, “Courageous”, and I can tell you that I don’t think it could ever get old). They were giving their interviews, and everything was normal…and then I spotted Jamie Grace. I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing this girl is! My husband thought it was pretty funny that here you have Sugarland, Zac Brown Band, Jan Smith, etc, and here I am super excited that I see Jamie Grace. Well, if you’ve ever seen her live, you would know why.

THE Heels

More views of the heels.

The Jewelry

We should have gotten a photographer to help us out...

As they all made their way into the ballroom, I got up the courage to talk to a few people, hoping to not sound stupid (pretty sure I didn’t succeed). I still think the highlight of my night was Jamie Grace, though. I have to include that she completely made my night…she thought I was a nominee! [And, this is where I have to send out a HUGE thank you to everyone who helped me get ready yesterday!!!]  I’m so proud of her for being a Grammy Nominee, and I really hope she wins! She was so sweet to me!

JAMIE GRACE!!!!! (Please excuse the lighting...she's actually a beautiful girl)

In the ballroom.

Reading off the Nominees!

After the speakers were done and they announced the nominees, it was time to head to the after party. On our way out, I felt pretty cool getting to introduce my husband to members of Sugarland, since he likes them (I’m not cool enough to “know” them, but I did get to meet them at one of their sound checks, thanks to being a member of Grammy U). They are just incredible musicians and people. Oh, and if you have ever watched Atlanta & Company, on 11 Alive, you have probably seen the “Soap Sultress”. Well, you know I had to go say hello to her.

The "Soap Sultress"

After all that, we went back to our room, and realized that we were up past our bedtime, but we we had a great view of the city, and woke up to the hustle and bustle of everyone trying to get to work…while we enjoyed the view and had our breakfast delivered.

Breakfast.

Coffee.

I also have to say, I only almost broke my ankle once the whole night wearing those fabulous heels.

I call that an accomplishment!