Fave Instagram Accounts: Round II

So exactly a year ago this month I posted a list of my favorite (public) Instagram accounts.  See here. Well I've got a whole new batch of them. Some are new to me and others I just didn't get to squeeze in the last post. Either way, I hope you find someone new to follow to make your scrolling experience that much more fun. 

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@keikolynn

I can't remember how I came about her Instagram/blog but I'm so happy that I have. I have been enjoying her photos for a few months now and they are always so fun. I love everything about her style - from her hair to her clothes to her tattoos. If you like bright, cheery, fashion photos than this is the Instagram for you!

@rhiannon.lorenzo

I've been a long time follower of Rhiannon's blog and equally long follower of her Instagram. We became "internet friends" and then she took photos of Dustin and I and we finally became real life friends or at least acquaintances! She posts super cute photos of her family, trips to Disney, & fashion. She's got the perfect lifestyle Instagram account! Check it!

@unspirational

I love a good inspirational poster as much as anyone BUT I'm also very much a realist and a fan of humor. So I'm happy I found this witty, cynical, and hilarious Instagram. I'm pretty sure April Ludgate runs this account although I have no proof. 

@dallasclayton

And to flip it a 180, here is the perfect inspirational instagram account. Dallas is a genius when it comes to words and art which is probably why he does it for a living. I don't know how many times I've taken screenshots of his posts because they hit me in such a great way. If you want an account that'll keep you smiling and thinking, it's this one.

@hereandnowgoods

Jess has been one of my fave Instagrammers of all time. I love seeing photos of her life in the woods with her horses, pups, and son. She also takes the best sunset shots of anyone ever. Her photos make me want to be outside more which is saying a lot since I'm not a fan of Florida in the summer. 

@bustle

Bustle is a women's interest website filled with all kinds of articles. But their Instagram is full of the best pop culture memes. These things are always on point and make me giggle as I'm scrolling through my feed. I mean, look at Jess (Zooey Deschanel) down there in the corner. That could not be any more accurate for me right now. Ha!

@misswildwest

Katie turned me on to Miss Wild West who is a talented tattoo artist. I've been following her page for almost a year now and she and I are currently setting up an appointment that will hopefully take place next month. Not only does she post her badass tattoos and artwork but she's super into Disney. A little something for everyone!

@instagramaz

This account posts the absolute most stunning landscape shots taken throughout Arizona. I mean just one glance at these posts make you want to spend your next vacation there. I think I "heart" every photo they post. 

@textsfromyourex

These posts are pure comedy. I have the same reaction every time I read one of these horrid texts; first I die laughing and next I cringe followed by a thought along the lines of "man I'm sure glad I'm not in the dating scene". HA!

@selectpotential

Some people just have a knack for taking pretty photos and let me just say I appreciate those people so much! Seriously. I swear it's all about good lighting. No one wants to see a grainy photo. Her photos are the brightest and all oh so pretty. Also, her fashion is top notch and totally my cup of Apple Juice. 

Fave Public Instagram Accounts

I love me some Instagram, so I thought it would be fun to share my favorite (public) accounts. If you want to see pretty people, places, or things then you should try the feeds I've listed below. They each have there own style but what I love most is that they all seem to be enjoying life so much because it shows in each photo.

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@danihampton

Of course my favorite blogger is also one of my favorite Instagrammers. Follow her account for all things family, style, serious cuteness, and the beautiful state of Arizona. Dustin and I are seriously considering visiting this state and I blame her Instagram account. ;)

@taylorswift

Now, I understand you've probably got to be a pretty big Swifter to follow her on Instagram but her photos are always very artsy and cute. She captures a lot of her adorable cats, baking and crafting and of course all of her celeb BFFs. AND captions them all brilliantly.

@laurenwinzer

If you're a lover of tattoos, this is the Instagram account to follow! I love her style. It's very bright and feminine but still bad ass! She's just so creative and it's fun to scroll through her fun account of pups, travels and especially her tattoo work.

@thedoeorthedeer

She doesn't technically blog anymore but her Instagram is almost like a mini blog. She posts photos of her adorable kids (and pup!), her love of plants, and all of her amazing garage sale/flea market finds. AND she comes up with the best hashtags of all time. 

@chrisozer

A professional photographer who posts the coolest photos from all over the world. His photos are a constant reminder how beautiful this world truly is.

@othellonine

Another photographer whose focus is mainly landscapes. His photos are just so breathtaking and calming. They make me want to slow down and be present. 

@amnthewilderness

I love Andrew McMahon. Not only is he a great musician but he just seems like an overall cool person. I love how he documents his tours and his home life. The photos are always so vibrant too!

@dooce

Heather is another one of my fave bloggers/photographers. The photos always speak for themselves but her humorous descriptive captions are very entertaining as well.

@laurenconrad

I was already a fan of her website but her Instagram feed is just as awesome. And pretty! Oh so pretty! She may have started out on a stupid reality show but she's proved that she's way better than all that. 

@maggiemason

She takes a fun andfunkier approach to the photos she post and I love it! Also, she lives in San Fran which looks the dreamiest. 

Classes They Should Teach In High School

A few weeks ago, I sent out a status update about how I wish there were a class in high school that taught teens how to pick out fruits and veggies. This got me thinking about all the classes I would have much rather of taken than say, Geometry. I get that advanced math is used by certain people in certain professions but I have never and will never be one of those people. I would have benefited more from ones of the classes below:

Picking Out Fruits & Vegetables

I still don't have a clue what I'm doing when picking this stuff out. I just kind of guess when it comes to tomatoes and apples, and choose the one with the fewest bruises, although this technique doesn't always work. I have an especially hard time with onions. No matter which grocery store I'm at the onions ALL look bad. I just kind of grab one and hope for the best. 

Writing A Check

No, checks aren't used as much as they were in the 90s but they are still a necessity. I have to write TWO a month; one for my rent (which I'm used to) and one for my damn gas bill. You'd think everything would be available online but it's not. I can't remember who taught me to write a check. I think it might have been my mom but I'm really not sure. 

Make-Up Application

Sure this is kind of vain but so many girls (me included) don't know how to properly put on make-up. So America is left with all these teenagers who turn into adults that are walking around looking crazy with their bright blue eye shadow and caked on foundation. I don't like a lot of make-up anyway. I think less is more but that doesn't mean I wouldn't love to know how to properly apply the shit so I can look and feel good. 

Instrument

Yeah, I know schools have band class but it's optional. I think learning a new instrument should be required in school. My 12 year old self is definitely giving me the side-eye right now but my present self would be forever grateful if that were the case. It's been proven that learning how to play an instrument increases memory, teaches discipline, makes you smarter AND just makes you an overall  interesting individual. 

Cooking

I remember taking a home-ec class in middle school where I kind of created a pillow. It wasn't sewing. It was more like tying knots around the edge to keep the pillow in. Needless to say, I don't remember us ever cooking anything in this class. Being able to cook is a skill everyone should have and not only that, but learn early on. How many kids rely on their parents to make a meal even after they've graduated from college? I mean, I rely on Dustin to make me real food. I hate to cook. It is completely overwhelming to me. But I do wish there had been a class that taught me the basics. Maybe I would not have ended up hating it so much.

Letter Etiquette

It astounds me how many kids these days don't know how to properly write and send a letter in the MAIL. Not only that but they don't really have interest in it. I've always loved snail mail. I don't know where I learned it but some where along the way I knew how to address an envelope at an early age. I knew how to weigh it for the correct amount of postage. And as a kid I wrote personal letters with my Lisa Frank Stationary that always included the date, the persons name, and my own signature. After taking a business class in high school paired with my first professional job at a law firm, I mastered the professional letter and all the rules as well. 

This also brings me to the professional email which a lot of people STILL don't know how to compose. I am frustrated on a daily basis because people don't know how to 'reply all' or 'reply all' when it's not necessary. They don't understand CC or BCC. They don't have a signature OR do have a signature that doesn't have enough information such as their phone number or address attached. Sigh.

Taxes

I still don't understand how to do taxes. I collect all the documents I need and then I give them to some random person at H&R Block and let them do their magic. I wish I had been taught what it all means from the start. 

Basic Auto Maintenance

I will admit (with a bit of embarrassment) that I don't know how to change a tire. I barely know how to check my oil. And filters? I couldn't even tell you where they are located. I kind of understand tire pressure but not enough to do it myself. I suck at car stuff. All I know is when a light comes on to look in my book and A. ask Dustin or B. take it to a shop. These are things every person with a car (and even without) should know. I feel like it should be common knowledge and kids should be required to learn it early on.

Tools

I guess screwdrivers and flat heads are self-explanatory but there should still be some kind of lesson on how to use them. And throw hammers (and nails), wrenches, pliers, etc. in the mix while you're at it. 

I'm sure I'm forgetting a lot of life necessities but these I feel are the main ones. What would you have liked to learn in high school that could of saved you time and trouble as an adult?

An Un-Christmasy Christmas Playlist

The Maine - Ho Ho Hopefully
We go together like the winter and a sweater

Hidden in Plain View - Christmas Song
It's so hard to feel anything in the spirit of everything

I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody's Business - Seasons Greetings
Frosty Man
Sorry I have not put you up in years
It gets so hard finding time, growing older every year

Schuyler Fisk - More Than I Wished For
You're the sweetest little thing
You are out of a dream
You are my sugar and my spice
The naughty to my nice

Dustin Kensrue - Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)

Blink 182 - I Won't Be Home For Christmas
It's Christmas time again
It's time to be nice to the people you can't stand all year

The Maine - Santa Stole My Girlfriend
Santa, you bitch
Didn't get a damn thing from my Christmas list

A Day At The Fair - Here Lies Our Holiday
We signed both of our names and the cards were done,
by acting so old, we felt so young,
and you licked the stamps and I lit the tree

Maria Mena - Home For Christmas
Careful what you say
This time of year
Tends to weaken me

A New Found Glory - Ex-Miss
This holiday is overrated.
It turned our the way I expected.
This holiday is one to forget.

Jack's Mannequin - The Lights and Buzz
It's Christmas in California Florida
And it's hard to ignore that it feels like summer all the time

Sara Bereilles & Ingrid Michaelson - Winter Song
They say things just cannot grow
Beneath the winter snow
Or so I have been told

Best TV Couples

I love a good list. And I really love a list involving TV. This one is pretty cool: TV's Top 50 Love Stories of the Past Decade . I just felt the urge to tweak it a bit. I wanted to add couples from all of my favorite television shows ever. All of these couples have broken my heart, then made me say "awww" out loud, and of course made me cry my eyes out. 

1. Everwood - Ephram and Amy *(#29) It was hard to choose a #1 but for me they are just my favorite.  The ferris wheel!

2. Felicity - Ben and Felicity  She decided to go to NYC on a whim and the rest is history. Their love is complicated but it's clear it's meant to be. The Charlie Chaplan movie on the roof!

3. Dawson's Creek - Pacey and Joey I was so so happy when they ended up together. The wall! And Pacey's boat 'True Love'.

4. LOST - Jack and Kate *(#46) They always had each others back. 

5. The Office - Jim and Pam *(#2) They were the cutest. The moment Jim asked her on a real date! And then when he proposed at the gas station in the rain! And then when they got married on the ferry at Niagara Falls! 

6. The Walking Dead - Glenn and Maggie They found love in a hopeless place. When they reunited after being caught by Merle. No words! 

7. Boy Meets World - Corey and Topanga A relationship that has spanned their entire lives. That never happens! The heart Topanga drew on her face! Corey throwing the jean jacket to her! 

8. Fringe - Peter and Olivia *(#9) They always had a connection way stronger then friendship. That moment when Peter comes back! The moment he finds out that she's "his Olivia"! 

9. Downton Abbey - Matthew and Mary Mary was so damn stubborn but Matthew really brings out the best in her. The moment they danced. And when he proposed in the snow! Eee!

9. LOST - Desmond and Penny Everything Desmond did was because of Penny. And Penny spent every moment searching for him. When they are on the phone during Christmas time! They are each other's 'constant'.

10. Felicity - Sean and Meghan An unlikely pair. The moment they decided to get married when Elena and Tracey didn't!

11. Parks and Rec - Leslie and Ben *(#11) Forbidden work romance turned into the cutest couple ever. When he just came back to Pawnee and surprised her!

12. Saved By The Bell - Zack and Kelly When I was a kid, I thought they were the perfect couple.

13. Gilmore Girls - Luke and Lorelei *(#22) It took long enough! I loved when they danced at that wedding. Also, when they went on their first date!

14. True Blood - Eric and Sookie I love how they are always drawn to each other no matter what. Whenever Eric comes to her rescue AND that whole season when they were together!

15. LOST - Jin and Sun *(#21) He was poor. She was rich. They fell into love and out and back in! That last scene of them as the water is rushing in. OMG! 

16. One Tree Hill - Lucas and Peyton *(#14) I don't even know where to start. They are so damn cute.

17. Full House - Jesse and Becky He wrote, sang and played a song for her! And they have the cutest twins and attic apartment!

18. The O.C.  - Seth and Summer *(37) The snotty girl and the geek! Princess Sparkles and Captain Oats! Their recreation of the Spiderman upside down kiss in the rain.

19. Falling Skies - Tom and Anne They both had previous lives and relationships but that doesn't mean shit now that Aliens are taking over. It's nice to see them have each other during the (almost) end of the world. 

20. LOST - Sawyer and Juliet I was happy when Sawyer moved on from Kate. He really fell for Juliet and their life was so cute until well, it wasn't. Damn island and it's craziness! When she gets trapped in that hole and he's screaming her name! Broke my heart!
21. Gilmore Girls - Jess and Rory How did these two not end up together?
22. Parks and Rec - April and Andy *(30) The weirdest couple ever. But so awesome. I mean he got married in a football jersey!

23. Hart of Dixie - Zoe and Wade *(50) Oh you two and your games! You guys are in love. Just deal with it. 

24. The Newsroom - Will and Mackenzie Ok so they already dated and always fight. But they also work so well together. I mean, he kept that ring in his desk. A TIFFANY ring. Just saying...

25. The Newsroom - Jim and Maggie  They are pretty much the new Jim and Pam. Eyeing each other from across the room. They better end up together. Thankfully 'The Newsroom' is still new. So much time to explore this relationship. But I loved that moment when Jim was on the 'Sex and the City' bus tour and saw Maggie on the road. 

*Couples that made the original list (and their original number).

TV Boredom

Lately, I have been flipping through channel after channel to find something mildly entertaining. I have had to settle for Friends re-runs & a million Kardashians (with about 1,000 tons of makeup covering their bratty little faces). Summer TV usually sucks OR the season is super short. I'm so ready for my shows to be back and excited to try out some new ones. It probably sounds stupid but knowing I have a good show coming on later can help me get through the day. It's always nice when you have something to look forward to.

Complex.com posted their 'Top 25 Most Anticipated TV Shows of Fall'. This inspired me to make my own list.

RETURNING SHOWS
Modern Family - I can't get enough of Phil Dunphy.
Parks & Recreation - This is the show you should be watching. It's been kind of been under the radar since it started but it is hilarious. I promise.
The Office - I'm kind of nervous about this new season since Michael Scott really pulled the show together but I'm still really excited to be back to work at Dunder Mifflin.
Fringe - I think all Fringe fans are still picking their jaws up off the floor from the season finale. WTF! So yeah, I'm pretty anxious to see where they take the storyline. If you aren't watching this show, you are truly missing out.
The Walking Dead - Why does this not come on until October? Lame.
The Vampire Diaires - I was about to give up on this show last season. It just started to get boring with the same old bullshit. But looks like things are changing this season...should be pretty interesting. If it's not, I'm done.

NEW SHOWS
New Girl - Who doesn't love Zooey Deschanel? I have really high expectations for this one. Please ACTUALLY be good.
Terra Nova - Dustin and I are trying this one out together. It looks like it will be really awesome or really awful but either way at least there are dinosaurs, right?
Pan Am - Super excited about this. The fact that it's set in the 1960s is reason enough to give it a shot.

ON THE FENCE
Once Upon A Time - This show intrigues me but I have a feeling it won't get very far.
Up All Night - The preview looks pretty funny and it seems to have a great cast but I'm still not sold.

Christmas Playlist

Why do people hate it so much? I love it! I love it even more when it's sung by musicians I listen to all year long but there are a couple guilty pleasures. Here's the music I'll be listening to until 12/25.

FAVORITE BANDS

Schuyler Fisk - She just came out with a holiday CD and it's the best. I've been listening to it for about a week now (even broke my rule of no Christmas music until AFTER Thanksgiving.) The whole things great but I especially love 'More than I wished for' & 'It's Christmas, So We're Singing'.

Thrice - They definitely have the best version of Carol of the Bells (couldn't find on itunes) and Dustin Kensrue's A Stick, A Carrot, & A String is pretty awesome too.

Taylor Swift - I love Taylor's regular music but I only really liked 'Last Christmas' off her xmas CD.

Blink 182 - 'I won't be home for Christmas' is one of my absolute faves. Best line: It's Christmas time again, It's time to be nice to the people you can't stand all year.
New Found Glory - 'Ex-Miss' is one of the catchiest holiday tunes out there.
Jimmy Eat World - I'm not sure if this is even technically a Christmas song but it's pretty and the word Christmas is in it so I always add it to my playlist - 12.23.95.
Something Corporate - The most truthful and realistic of all my holiday music - Forget December.

NEW FAVES

The Maine - I don't ever listen to this band. But damn do I love 'Ho Ho Hopefully'.
Makeout Party - Comparing Ugly Sweaters

CLASSICS

Paul McCartney - My mom would be so proud that her beloved Paul made the list. Who doesn't love 'Wonderful Christmastime'?

Bobby Helms - No other song can make it truly feel like Christmas than 'Jingle Bell Rock'.

Alvin and the Chipmunks - Love these guys and of course The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late).

GUILTY PLEASURES

Hanson - Snowed In is hands down one of the best Christmas albums EVER. Not kidding even a little. I especially love 'At Christmas' and 'Christmas Time'.

N'Sync - Never liked them. Never owned one CD of theirs. But damn do I love me some 'Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays'!

Britney Spears - Can't go wrong with 'My Only Wish'.

TV update

about a month ago i wrote about all the tv shows i was excited to watch again or try out.
here's an update on what i think of them.

modern family/parks & rec - both great. keep it up!

the office - ehhhh. few funny things each episode isn't enough. i don't mind nard dog as manager. that's not the problem. the problem is the show isn't as good without michael. and james spader is awful. maybe he's not awful but the addition of his character is. the worst.

the vampire diaries - so far this season has totally been keeping my interest. so team damon!

fringe - so good but i'm missing peter bishop. previews from next weeks episode looks like he may be slowly coming back from non-existence. yes!!

new girl - i didn't love this show right away. after seeing the pilot i was real iffy about continuing to watch it but i have to admit that each new episode gets better and better. last week's wedding episode was great!

pan am - loved this from the first minute in. the girls are great. the time period is fabulous (clothes, cars, hairstyles, cities!). hope they keep it on.

terra nova - dustin and i are liking this but there are a few concerns. they seem to wrap up problems too quickly, not leaving the audience with any reason to tune in the following week. the acting is not the greatest but the concept is so cool we keep watching. plus dinosaurs!

hart of dixie - this show surprised me. i really wasn't going to watch but then my friend said she liked it. i caught the pilot online and was hooked. it kind of has that 'everwood' feel with the big time doctor moving to a small town - except totally different. ha!

up all night - i never tried this one. anyone watch it? any good?

The Friday Five

THINGS I HAVE NEVER DONE

1. Dye my whole head - I have only dyed a part of my hair. Never have I dyed my entire head. Ever. I was never interested in highlights, never wanted to be blonde, or go goth black. I never really paid all that much attention to that. When I was 20 I dyed the back (underneath) portion of my head. Hardly any hair. I just so happened to have a really bad allergic reaction. So I'm kind of thankful that I never dyed the whole thing. If this is what happens to a 1/4 of my head being dyed then I never want to dye my whole head. Silver + me = BFF.

2. Smoked/Illegal drugs - Nope, I have never smoked a single cigarette. I really like to brag about this because personally I think it's awesome. Also, Dustin is the only other person that I know of who can say the same thing. It's like an elite club or something. I'm not hating on smokers or those that have had a few. I am just really proud of myself that I never gave in to peer pressure, never had any interest in them, and always thought it was seriously gross. That being said, I never wanted anything to do with ANY kind of drug. What is the point? It never leads to anything good or productive. Again, no interest.

When life gets shitty, you just fucking get through it, and move on. No need to add to problems.


3. Been on a real roller coaster - I have been to Disney, Universal, Seaworld, and Busch Gardens tons of times but no one has come close to getting me on a real roller coaster. Although, last December somehow Dustin talked me into going on 'Flight of the Hipogriff' at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I screamed/panicked the whole time. Dustin told me he will never ask me to go on a roller coaster again because it was such an awful experience for him. I don't think that one really even counts though. It didn't go nearly as fast as the big ones, didn't go upside down, and I didn't need to pull a bar over my head to make sure I don't fall out. Also there were kids getting on this thing. You only had to be 36" tall instead of 54" for the crazy coasters! So no Manta, Dragon Challenge, or Kraken for me. I'm totally fine with that. I don't feel like I'm missing out AT ALL. I'll be on the bench below with a giant ice cream cone, scrolling on my iphone, while scrunching my nose at all those crazy people who actually have the balls to ride one. I feel like that last sentence could be in a rap song. No?

4. Public Transportation - I've never been in a cab, rode on the subway, or taken a train. That's what happens when you live in Florida and/or rent cars when you travel.

5. Broken a bone - One time when I was in 4th grade, while rollerblading after school, I fell on my arm. I thought I broke it. I made my mom take me to get x-rays. Turns out I'm just not good with pain. Nothing has changed. I'm still a wimp. BUT a wimp with my bones intact.

Summer TV

The shows you SHOULD be watching when you're not sweating your ass off in the 100 degree weather or rinsing sand off of those private areas.

FALLING SKIES
Sundays on TNT @ 10 PM

(source)

My husband was the first to tell me about this show. All he said was "looks like The Walking Dead with aliens" and I was instantly intrigued. We were both hooked just minutes into it's two hour premiere a few weeks ago. We couldn't believe it when it was over. This show just leaves you wanting more. AND Steven Spielberg is a producer on it!

Watch the trailer.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE
Wednesdays & Thursdays on Fox @ 8 PM

(source)

I'm not big into competition/talent shows but this one is worth watching. I've loved this one from the beginning and just when you think you have seen every dance style there is BAM! SYTYCD surprises you once again. There are still 14 contestants left so start watching! I don't know if you can tell or anything but I'm kind of LOVING Melanie.

TEEN MOM
Tuesdays on MTV @ 10 PM

(source)

I think we can all admit this show is crazy BUT I think we can also admit that we have all been sucked into it at some time or another. Every time I watch this show I take a moment to make sure I have taken my daily birth control pill. I have nothing further to say because what can really be said about our guilty pleasures?

Tags: Teen Mom (Season 3), MTV Shows

SWAMP PEOPLE
Thursdays on History @ 9 PM

(source)

Dustin got me hooked on this show. HOOKED just like them ding dang dong gators! This is a documentary show about people who hunt alligators in Lousiana. I know it seems kind of strange but you can't help but get attached to these people and of course Tyler (Bruce's dog who loves eating zebra cakes). Just try it out.

So go set those DVRs! Any other good summer shows on? What else should I be watching?