Chelsea DeVries's Blog, page 37
January 25, 2016
#BookReview, Letting Go & Moving On by @MissMandyHale
I know her as my Twitter Bestie and see her like a big sister but most people know her as The Single Woman. I remember the first day I found out about Mandy Hale. One of my followers on Twitter, (it may have been Mastin Kipp but that’s not exactly certain) retweeted her tweet. I can’t remember what the tweet said but obviously it spoke to something in me because next thing I knew I was checking out her blog and following her myself. Her message, told through straight to the matter sometimes humorous tweets and very personal anecdote style blog posts, has given a voice to millions worldwide. The thing that sets Mandy apart from the rest is that she is an example of learning how to wait for God’s best while not settling in love, in your career, or any other area of life. Yet, one thing that resonates with me is that she is a voice for all the single women out there that still haven’t found Mr. or Ms. Right but won’t let what others say take her out or cause her life to stop in anticipation of the moment when true love does happen.
Letting Go and Moving On was Hale’s first ever published work, which was published in 2012 by Telemauchus Press which is a self-publishing company. Yet, Hale published it after she already started her online platform as The Single Woman and was up-and-coming in her online presence.
What I love about this book is that it is Hale just reaching out to her audience in all honesty and completely with her own voice. It echoes her early blog posts that caught my attention back in 2010. Though it’s not the best written work I’ve ever read, I definitely enjoyed it because it was a good reminder of the art to let go and move on.
The book includes some of Hale’s early Single Woman tweets throughout because the book is only available in e-book format. The book follows the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHY, and the HOW plus hits on the five major areas where people have to let go in: Relationships, Jobs, Opportunities, Friendships, and Grievances.
Currently, if you pre-order Mandy Hale’s upcoming release Beautiful Uncertainty, you can get this book as a free gift. Today, Mandy Hale has over 608,000 on her The Single Woman twitter and is a NYT best-selling author of Never Been To Vegas buy My Luggage Has. Connect with her on social media today and let her message inspire you today. Letting Go and Moving On is available for purchase on Amazon.
Links to check out:
Twitter: @TheSingleWoman
January 24, 2016
@RachelPlatten ‘s Album #Wildfire A Flame That Can’t Be Put Out
I bet you didn’t know that this album #Wildfire isn’t Rachel Platten’s first rodeo. This is her third studio album and it hits all the right notes musically. Chances are, you’ve sang along to a Rachel Platten song? She’s the powerhouse voice behind your Top 40 car karaoke go-to, the song that motivates while going for a run and after a really hard day, “Fight Song.” Yet, where did Rachel Platten get her start as an artist? Her 34 year old fighter spirit was born to Jewish parents Paul and Pamela Platten in Manhatten but was raised in Newton Centre, Massechusetts. She studied classical piano from age five and learned how to play guitar in high school.
She attended Trinity College where she was an active member of the all-female campus acapella group, the Trinitones. She graduated from college with a degree in International Relations but inspired by an experience singing back up for a friend’s band in Trinadad while studying abroad while performing for about 800,000, she decided that she had to pursue music full-time. From here, she moved to New York’s Greenwich Village performing with a cover band called Dayz of Wild. In 2012, she married Kevin Lezan in a Jewish ceremony.
Musically, her debut studio album Trust In Me was released in 2003. She is famous for calling her debut a collection of demoes. Her second album, Be Here was released on Rock Ridge Music in 2011. “1,000 ships,” the single off her 2011 album hit number 24 on the Billboard Top 40 chart. Following this, her songs began to become heavily demanded for use in television shows such as Pretty Little Liars as well as used as the theme song for the hit show Jane By Design, commericals such as the 2015 Ford commerical, and even film soundtracks such as The Good Guy.
On June 27, 2014, Platten debuted “Fight Song” on We Heart It as part of an artist spotlight. She is now signed to Columbia Records which began promotion of her as their artist by releasing “Fight Song” as her debut single in the spring of 2015. It went on to debut at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, and later peaked at number 6. As far as her fight, she’s slayed by shattering records by having two Top 40 hit singles both with “Fight Song” and “Stand by You,” which debuted at number 38 and peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Song by Song Review
“Stand By You”: The second single off this album that has gypsy vibes musically, and talks about unconditional love and loyalty between two friends or lovers.
“Hey Hey Hallelujah”: Featuring Top 40 favorite Andy Grammer, it’s my favorite track off the album because it not only has a fun, dancy almost churchy musical style but it references a woman who knows her power around the men who fall for her.
“Speechless”: A ballad that’s slow in tempo but heavy in its lyrical content about being blown away by someone as a person, yet they even have the power to “quiet your demons.”
“Beating Me Up”: The drum beat in this track is a lot like a war drum but echoes that of a heartbeat as this song lyrically discusses letting go of someone who was toxic to you, and how you must eradicate them from your heart to ever move on completely.
“Fight Song”: It’s an anthemic pop song set in midtempo, self-affirming in its lyrical content, and chances are you’ve not only already heard it but you played it when you needed a pick me up after a rough day.
“Better Place”: A song with Platten’s vocals and piano backtrack. It lyrically references moving on finally from that toxic lover mentioned in Beating Me Up.
“Lone Ranger”: Musically and lyrically, this is a hit for sure. Musically, it reminds me of a Shakira song. Lyrically, it talks about someone who suffers from trust issues and would rather be alone than get close to people.
“You Don’t Know My Heart”: Musically, it has EDM pop sounds paired with strong lyrics about being judged and declaring that this person doesn’t know the real you. #ThankYouRachelPlatten
“Angels In Chelsea”: Another favorite off the album biased because it’s co-written by Hot Chelle Rae band member Nash Overstreet. It’s optimistic in both its lyrical content and musically, it sounds much like a church choir would.
“Astronauts”: Another piano pop ballad mixed with EDM sounds, it reminds me of a Paula Abdul song during the chorus section. Platten vocally even sounds like a mix of Abdul and Christina Perri.
“Congratulations”: R&B from the first note, Platten’s vocals on this track slay because the way she announces her words, and the power in her voice really makes this track a power anthem in the most subtle way.
“Superman”: The track begins with just a heartbeat style drum beat and Platten’s vocals. You can really here the power Platten holds as a vocalist because she has such control over her voice and this track ends the album perfectly as perfect evidence of that.
Wildfire debuted at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. As of February 2016, she will head out on the Wildfire Tour to further promote her album. With her anthemic fight songs, Platten cemented her destiny as a star on the rise, and a hero in our hearts.
References:
January 21, 2016
@PanicAtTheDisco’s Fifth Album #DeathofABachelor Knocks One Out of the Park
I’ve been listening to #DeathofABachelor since it was released a week ago on January 15, 2016. I’m talking, I’ve only been listening to that album for a week straight. When I workout, when I shower, when I’m feeling like giving up on this thing called life. I already know all the words, and I’m totally stoked that Panic At The Disco is back, and badder than ever!
In case you don’t remember who Panic At The Disco is they are an American Rock band from Las Vegas, NV. The only member of the band that hasn’t changed is lead vocalist and multi-instumentalist Brendan Urie. The rest of the founding band members have been replaced since the band first started in 2004. They are most known for their single off their first studio album, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies,” which was a Top Ten hit single despite being the band’s first single ever released. It was later certified double platinum.
In 2006, the band lost its original bassist and found that with their second album, Pretty Odd, their sound had changed. This lead to principal writer Ryan Ross and bassist Jon Walker, leaving only Brendan and Spencer Smith as the bands only remaining members. This didn’t leave the band in disarray for long because they picked up and released their third album, Vices &Virtues in 2011.
In 2011, the now three member band (Dalton Weekes, Spencer Smith, and Brenden Urie) released their fourth studio album, Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die!. In 2015, Spencer Smith left the band and Dalton Weekes became just a touring member, leaving Brendan as the only member left.
Death of the Bachelor was solely written and recorded by Brendan Urie. The album is written based on his current lifestyle with wife, Sarah Urie.
Song by Song Review
“Victorious”: The first single off the fifth album is like a musical cue similar to that of a champagne bottle popping to celebrate big and small victories in life. Writer and vocalist Urie said that when he recorded the song, he almost passed out from that note he holds during the beginning of the song.
“Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time”: This track is definitely a continuation of the party theme from victorious but has very blunt lyrics talking about all the ingredients to a good time including: “champagne, cocaine, gasoline, and most things in between…” Urie claims that that specific line was considered problematic by industry executives but he kept it because it reflected the lifestyle of being young, how they chase that feeling and it’s never enough. This song reminds me of the movies The Hangover and 21 and Over.
“Hallelujah”: Urie claims this song was written while drinking scotch in the studio, and it’s just a bunch of drunken ramblings. It definitely has a “Take Me To Church” feel and utilizes a trumpet in the beginning of the track which again gives it and old-timey gospel feel.
“Emperor’s New Clothes”: This song has a royal theme to it; my favorite part of the track because it’s one of my favorites is the “finders keepers, losers weepers” throughout. The track is one of my favorites because it’s the most rock-and-roll track on the album.
“Death of A Bachelor”: Has a Sinatra, jazzy feel to it. It features a melotran track playing in the background. Urie explains the track as quote, “Death Of A Bachelor” is very important to me. It expresses the bittersweet (but mostly sweet) end of an era. A look back at a part of my life now deceased. An “It’s A Wonderful Life”-esque look into a possibly different future. But mostly an appreciation for the present.” For me, the track reminds me of the movie Scott Pilgrim vs. The World because it has a breakdown that sounds like music you’d hear in Mario Kart or a video game in general.
“Crazy=Genius”: Most definitely, my favorite track on this album because people call me crazy all the time but musically I love that the drum beat from this track is the same from “Sing Sing Sing” by Benny Goodman, which was featured in a Chips Ahoy! Commercial back in 1990’s.
“L.A. Devotee”: A track that’s musically in three different keys, E-minor, E-major, and F-major, it talks about the people of Los Angeles; How they always have a new fix to make them ageless and beautiful.
“Golden Days” A track written to emulate Weezer’s “My Name is Jonas” with use of a cymbal during the chorus of the track. Lyrically, it holds a lot of descriptive imagery and is a good example show, don’t tell.
“The Good, The Bad, The Dirty” A track that talks about the judgements of other people and how you have to fight past that in order to know who you truly are. Musically, it has a pop-rock sound. My favorite line: “If you want to start a fight, you better throw the first punch, make it a good one.”
“House of Memories”: A track that was originally written on piano, it has an evil composer sound to it. Lyrically, it’s about his life with his wife Sarah.
“Impossible Year”: The only track I can’t bear to listen to on the entire album because it just has a weighty, woe is me feel to it. As an optimist, I shy away from songs like that because if you aren’t careful they can put you in the wrong mindset. Musically, the track has EDM style swirls throughout.
Death of A Bachelor may be Panic At The Disco’s fifth album but it stands apart from the rest because not only does it have hip-hop, pop, and rock musical stylings but it proves that rock and roll is still very much alive. Panic At the Disco just announced that in 2016, they are heading out on tour to co-headline with fellow rock band, Weezer.
References:
www.twitter.com/panicatthedisco
January 19, 2016
Follow The Smart Cookie Philes
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January 18, 2016
Elle King Will Make You “Love Stuff” Off Her Debut Album
I bet you don’t know who Elle King even is. If, like myself, you came across a blurb about her in Cosmopolitan magazine, you googled her single “Ex’s and Oh’s” because they said you would be playing on repeat. Cosmopolitan magazine was not playing. From the moment I found this video
I had it on repeat. That was two weeks ago. On February 17, 2015, Elle King’s debut album Love Stuff was released by RCA records. Daughter of famed comedic actor Rob Schneider, Elle King’s bluesy rock and roll sound could make her the female version of Jonny Lang. My favorites from the album beside the single Ex’s and Oh’s are America’s Sweetheart (a song that declares she is who she is and “if you try to change her, you can go to hell,”) and Make You Smile. Trust me, with one listen, Elle King will command your attention and make you love the stuff she sings about.
Editor’s Note: This post originally appeared on DailySelectBlog.com in February 2015 which has since been shut down. Writer owns all copyright to the above review.
January 14, 2016
#PoetryPower: "You May Applaud Now" by Elizabeth P. Brooks
As a poet myself, I love powerful poetry. My colleague wrote this and I just thought it needed your ears. Please make sure to comment on her video and let her know how much you love it.
January 5, 2016
#WriterWednesday: How A New Year Always puts Things in Perspective
So this morning, the sadness still was heavy in my heart. It was less a sadness of why am I still single and more of a why am I still so shy?
I've found that throughout my life I've been a shy person mostly because of what happened to me the first time I ever ventured out in a social setting, I was publicly rejected and humiliated. And yeah, what's that the singer Aaliyah once sang, If at first you don't succeed, dust yourself and try again.
Then, there's been a lot of other public rejection I've faced. (outside of my writing career) and it's left me really struggling socially. Most of which, you will read about once my memoir is released.
Normally, at 24 years old, you are at the top of your game because you finally have friends you trust and can confide in, and hang out with.
I just struggle opening up to people because they can and will hurt me.
I've realized this may be part of the reason why I'm still single...and now that I've realized it, I'm going to do something about it.
Goals For 2016!
1.Avoid Caffeine after 5 p.m.
2. Get in shape and watch my calories again
3. Write 1000 words every day
4. Trust God with everything (big or small, he cares about it all).
5. Spend time with my dogs and know that it's okay to spoil them with love and cookies.
6. Work on getting my license back and finally getting a car
7. Travel More; Become a Student of Culture
8. Volunteer at my local library
9. Start attending acting workshops again
10. Finding inner peace even in the every day
Here's to making 2016 way better than 2015 but 2015 wasn't all bad:
Until next time, my prayer for 2016 is that you find your God-given destiny and go for it, no matter who or what comes against you because after all, nothing is impossible with God.
Now say this every day of 2016: I Declare...everything that doesn't line up with God's vision for my life is subject to change. Sickness, trouble, lack, mediocrity are not permanent. They are only temporary. I will not be moved by what I see but by what I know. I am a victor and never a victim. I will become all God has created me to be.
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
December 27, 2015
#ViralVideo: Christmas Haul Video
Without further ado, here's the video:
Love times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
December 22, 2015
December 15, 2015
#WriterWednesday: I'm Under Construction (So Please Give Me A Break) by @ChelseaDeVries
I mostly get this from my younger sisters when they really want to knock me down a few pegs. And sometimes I feel as though people also think its childish that I don't drive. Yet, no one really understands the reasoning behind why I'm at this place in my life. The only one who does is God.
I really thought by 24 I'd have a car and my own place and be living the true adult life. Yet, I graduated college and instead of being handed the keys to a Porsche or the world on a silver platter, I struggled to find a job.
So, I figured God wanted me to dig deep down into my bag of talents and utilize my gift of writing to help me make money until he guided me toward my next career move. And on July 21, 2015, after a year and a half of unemployment, and many tuition bills to overcome, God blessed me with the coolest gig in the world: getting paid to write.
Then, more and more writing jobs came and went, despite the fact that close to when I turned 24, my whole world turned black when I lost my best friend and childhood dog of 15 years, Geniveve.
Following this, I fell for the scheme of all schemes thinking I got a full-time freelance writing job but instead I just got an empty wallet that just collected all my tears, and brought all my trust issues to a head. Like a miracle straight from my best friend's angel wings, I got a random direct message on October 1, 2015 from a guy I met from Orlando during the livestream of my favorite Christian event, Disney's Night of Joy. He wanted to know if I was still looking for work and wanted to hire me to write freelance articles for him. Following this, he asked me to write Bible commentaries for his personal website.
Then, I started realizing that my freelance writing wasn't a steady source of income, and my internship was on a volunteer basis only so I followed my dad's advice and finally sent in applications to part-time seasonal jobs in my local area. The last place I applied to was a technology and electronics retail store more prominently known in most social circles as Best Buy. I was reluctant that they would even consider me for the job my dad advised me to apply for: merchandise specialist. I mean, a girl who wanted to work in the warehouse and unload the trucks? They would probably laugh at my application.
Instead, God was faithful and after a year and a half of not having a steady job, my mom sent me a text one Thursday in late October saying that I got a call for a job interview with Best Buy. After two interviews that I honestly didn't put much thought toward, I was offered the job I currently have. And yes, I'm one of the only girls working with a great team of guys who unloads trucks and stocks the merchandise, and gets up at an ungodly early before sunrise hour on Sunday mornings to make sure that the price tags you find in the store match not only the product but the weekly circulatory ad in the Sunday newspaper.
I'm sure you are wondering why I decided to tell you this. Well, I mostly had to write all that out so I could figure where I want to go with all that but I think I have a point here. No, I know I have a point here.
In Genesis 37: 5-7, the Bible tells the story of Joseph, and Joseph was a dreamer (much like myself), and most like any other person with a dream, Joseph went and told his brothers about his dream. And as per usual, Joseph's brothers hated him for having a dream. Just like my sisters hate on me for being the dreamer I am. And God being the great God that he is, put Joseph through the ringer because before you are raised, you must first be tried. God wants to see what you do with the small (somewhat unimportant) tasks before he puts you as the manager of a company. For example, I work at Best Buy now because God is shaping me with the job at Best Buy, and training me for a much heavier, more important assignment he has in the works for me. Just like with Joseph, his brothers tried to have him killed and God being with Joseph every step of the way, ended up putting him with an official of the Pharoah, Potiphar. Potiphar ended up putting Joseph in charge of his personal affairs. Joseph went from being an Egyptian slave to being in charge of a government official's personal affairs (Genesis 39:2-6). Suddenly, God can cause your dreams to come true. After all, nothing is impossible with him.
There will be people in this life who become like ants under a magnifying glass in the sunlight when you are around simply because your bright light is just that too bright, and burns too hot for them and their small mind. Click To Tweet This. Don't ever let them fade your light into a burning ember but instead, keep on shining your light in this dark world because someone is looking for just that amount of light to wake them from their mundane life. They need the colors you bleed; they need the brightness you carry. For no other reason than because they need a reason to keep on living. They are hungry for the vividness of the ink you bleed to brighten the canvas of their daily life.
And the greatest thing about surrounding yourself with people who need your light is that you help their light get brighter and the world becomes like the most beautiful vivid double rainbow after a storm, even only for a moment.
I basically went on a poetic tangent there but I'm serious when I say don't you dare give up on any dream you have, big or small. God knows of them all. Psalm 20:4 says, May he grant your heart's desires and make all your plans succeed. Let him take care of what you think will never happen.
And if your brothers or sisters (sibling or otherwise) are hating on you, let this verse encourage you on days when the hate overwhelms you, and threatens to blow your light out like a strong but unwanted gust of wind:
So we're not giving up! How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. -2 Corinthians 4:16-17.
Until next time, remember: Grace is God's overwhelming desire to treat you as if you have never sinned. -Kenneth Copeland
Love Times Infinity,Chelsea xoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
P.S. Don't forget to share and support my campaign for a trip to visit California.Also, you should know I'm still struggling to stay focused with my new smartphone but I know God is working with me on that every day.
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