Moon River

My Style Icons: Audrey Hepburn 

Hello lovlies. I'm Jordan Nicole :) When thinking of the various people who have inspired me with their style, poise and grace I realized that there was no way I could include them all in one blog post without it becoming to long for anyone to want to read. I decided that I should just write a little "My Style Icons" series :) I fell that the perfect pick to start off the series is a woman who was so filled with poise, grace, elegance, style and most importantly had a giving and loving heart: Audrey Hepburn. 

When I was a little girl my Mama showed me her favorite musicals. She started me off young and her list included My Fair Lady. I took away two things from this, to this day it is my favorite musical and I have loved Audrey ever since. She just drew me in and she hasn't let me go since. I have read books about her and have looked up to her as an actress and humanitarian for years. Though she was an amazing person who did so many things to try and better the world around her, she is mainly remembered for the beauty she had in her youth (I personally think she was always beautiful) and her style. So many elements of her fashion choices are still relevant now. 

Audrey was beautiful and had a lovely figure that wore clothing better than most people but she also wore timeless looks that can flatter anyone if they do it right. It is easy to pull a lot of things from her looks. I'm just going to name some and show you some pretty pictures now :)

All Black. Stripes. High Waisted. Short Bangs. Little Black Dress. Full Skirts. Hats. Polka Dots. Coats. Button Ups. Gloves. Lace. Cigarette Pants. Florals. Bright Lips. Defined Eyebrows. 

So there you have it! My first style icon :) I will be putting out more installments of this little series very soon! I think I want to do them once or twice a week. I hope you enjoyed hearing a little bit about someone who inspires me. Let me know who your style icons are in the comments :)

Thinking Out Loud

Ed Sheeran- X Deluxe Edition Album Review

Hello Lovelies :) I'm Jordan Nicole. I have been a huge fan of Ed Sheeran for well over a year now. His haunting lyrics and enchanting voice captivated me from the first time I heard him. The first song of his I heard was The A Team and I immediately went on to iTunes and bought his entire + album. It is one of the best ten dollars I have ever spent and more then one of the spots in my top 25 most played songs comes from this album. I feel as if I have been anticipating the release of a second album since the moment I pressed play on the first. I followed the whole process very closely and counted down days to X's release. I have now listened to the album in its entirety about ten times and feel that I can accurately depict the songs and why you will not regret purchasing this album :)

Tracks 

One

"Take my hand and my heart and soul. I will only have these eyes for you."

This track is classic Ed Sheeran and such a lovely way to start the album off. I always love a good love song from him :)

I'm A Mess

"I've only caused you pain, I know but all of my words will always below all of the love you spoke."

This track has the classic sound of Ed while at the same time having a bit more of an edge than we are used to. His voice really shines here. It is one of my favorites!

Sing 

"Ignoring everybody here, we wish they would disappear so maybe we could get down now."

This is the first song on the album that greatly takes a step away from the last album. Pharrell Williams was involved in the process and you can definitely tell he has his stamp on it. I am not a huge fan of his work but I do enjoy this song. I think it was a smart choice for the first single and its worthy of any good summer playlist this year.

Don't

"And I wasn't looking for a promise or commitment but it was never just fun and I thought you were different."

The beat that really drives this track, again, strays from the first album but the vocals on this track and the storyline are true Ed! I don't want to get to caught up in the gossip surrounding this track because I know that he isn't interested in people speculating about who he writes songs about but at the same time he has made public statements that kind of fueled the fire. I'll keep who I think its about to myself but I think its worth a listen just to hear the story :) The line I quoted is also one of the most relatable on the album in my opinion!

Nina

"Distance is relative to the time that it takes to get on a plane or make a mistake."

This track doesn't really stand out to me off the album but every time I hear it I do find the rhythm of it stuck in my head for the rest of the day. It is catchy enough. It just doesn't speak to me much. I'm sure it does to others though! :)

Photograph

"Loving can hurt. Loving can hurt sometimes but its the only thing that I know." 

This is one of my favorite songs on the album! The lyrics of it really speak to me.
Fun Fact: Ed got a tattoo of the street sign "6th street" for this song but when he went back to the street he meant to reference he found it was actually 6th avenue! I like the mistake though because 6th street is a famous street in Austin :) 

Bloodstream

"Lord forgive me for the things I've done. I was never meant to hurt no one."

The calming vibe I get from this song screams Ed to me. I like to listen to this track at night with the windows of my car down :)

Tenerife Sea

"And all of the voices surrounding us here they just fade out when you take a breath."

This is by far my favorite track on the album. I actually heard it from one of Ed's live Madison Square Garden shows on Youtube months before the album release date had even been made public and instantly knew it would be my favorite on the album. The lyrics and soft approach really take me back to the + days and I enjoy hearing Ed's voice in all of its acoustic and looped glory.
Fun Fact: To hear the story behind this song look up his performance of it at his Madison Square Garden show. It's nice to know when you listen to it :)

Runaway

"I don't want to live this way. Gonna take my things and go."

Similarly to The A Team, the catchy beat of this songs can easily make you overlook the serious topic of the lyrics. Suggestion: Listen to it again and try not to getting carried away by the rhythms, really listen to what he is saying.

The Man

"Success is nothing if you have no one there left to share it with."

One of Ed's tracks that has a rap vibe because of the way he delivers it. I am not a fan of rap but I think the smooth way in which he sing/talks is soothing. Its a good track. It feels like the lyrics are really revealing for Ed. He certainly opened up with a lot of this album.

Thinking Out Loud

"I'm thinking about how people fall in love in mysterious way and maybe its all part of a plan."

I have always felt that Ed and I were meant to be (red heads need to stick together after all and when we have little red headed babies they would have British accents and just be the most adorable thing ever!) but this song just makes me melt and want to spend the rest of my life with the man who could not only write its lyrics but also deliver it in the way it is done.

Afire Love

"I could look into your eyes until the sun comes up and we're wrapped in light, in life, in love."

This song feels like Ed Sheeran. It has a beautiful sound and a touching story. That's all I need in a song from anyone and sung by Ed it is more than enough to make this one of my favorites on the album.

Take It Back

"I do my own thing now and get respect after."

If anyone questions that Ed Sheeran is a badass, this song is his statement to you. He doesn't have to answer to anyone because he is confident in who he is. The track is another one of those with a rap vibe, he even mentions this at the beginning, but as with his others the smooth quality he brings makes me really enjoy it. Look up the lyrics to this one and see how many words he crammed into the 3:28 song. It is madness!

Bonus Tracks

Shirtsleeve

"I lied, I tried to cry but I'm, I'm drowning in the oceans you made." 

When I originally listened to this song the first few times I overlooked it. It didn't stand out next to my favorite tracks that kept pulling me back. As time has gone on and I have listened to it more times I now appreciate it more. It has strongly grown on me and I now really cherish it as a track on the album.

Even My Dad Does Sometimes

"It's alright to cry, even my dad does sometimes. So don't wipe your eyes, tears remind you you're alive."

I interpret this as Ed's own poignant version of the song that is meant to give you inspiration and courage to stay here on earth and keep living. I think the vague quality of the song makes it be able to mold to anyone and any situation. It's a very touching track.

I See Fire

"If this is to end in fire then we should all burn together. Watch the flames climb high into the night."

Now this song was written for the latest Hobbit film. I was never overly into it, particularly because I don't follow those films, but it is a pretty song anyways. The lyrics are quite lovely.
Fun fact: Look up the video on Youtube where he came out during a Taylor Swift show! They sang it together. 

All Of The Stars 

"And I know these scars will bleed but both of our hearts believe all of these stars will guide us home."

This track is so lovely and was such a wonderful addition to The Fault In Our Stars soundtrack. It is beautifully written. I watched him sing it on The Ellen Show with just him and a guitar. It was hauntingly beautiful! Fans of John Green and his novel couldn't have asked for a more beautiful tribute to Hazel and Augustus.
Fun Fact: This did not come as a bonus track with the digital album but it did come along with the physical copy.

This review of the album is just my personal opinion and I happen to be a huge fan of Ed Sheeran. This does make me biased but I figure if you were looking for a professional opinion you'd be on a professional website :) I hope you got something from this review! The album is definitely worth purchasing or at least giving it a sample listen :) 

Don't Stop

June Favorites

Hello Lovelies :) I'm Jordan Nicole. I am a bit late on this post because my apartment has been without internet for about a month now and it has made getting things done (not only for this blog but for everything in my life) quite difficult. On top of this, 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays (you will find I am one of the most patriotic people you'll ever meet!) so I have just been running about with American pride for the past few days :) I figure it is better late than never though and I don't want to miss a month so here it is (a handful of days into July)... my June favorites! Even with my busy and a bit all over the place schedule I have still managed to have a few consistent things that stood out to me this month! I hope you enjoy them :)

***I don't have pictures for everything I am mentioning here but I think some don't need them as much as others anyways :)***

Fashion

Flowy Shorts & Halter Tops

A few weeks back my friend Clay asked if I wanted to go with him to Six Flags for the day. I said yes as I will always take the opportunity to be outdoors having fun for the day :) The only problem was I hadn't worn shorts all summer because I just wasn't very comfortable in them. The night before our little day trip I went on a hunt for a pair of flowy shorts (ones that are so loose that they could be mistake for a skirt). I tried Target first but didn't find anything in the shorts category. I did however find both of these halter tops and I am now obsessed with halter tops in general. I think shirts that have a high neck line are better for me because I have quite a small chest and they create the illusion that there is more there than there really is. I went next door to Kohl's next and quickly found what I was looking for! I had hit the jackpot. I bought three pairs in different patterns, as I do this with any clothing that I like :)

Reagan & Bush '84 Tank

I have seen this shirt on Tumblr for over a year now and have wanted it ever since I first laid eyes on it! I finally did what I should have done a long time ago, typed it into Google. I bought this on countryclubprep.com and I will leave the exact link at the end. I know that this shirt isn't for everyone and I am not trying to make you believe what I do by wearing it. I don't think it is any different than people wearing President Obama shirts. I like it so I'm going to wear it. I'm not trying to start an argument. President Reagan happened to be my Daddy's favorite, so much so that he almost named me Reagan, so I bought it :) I wore it for 4th of July!

Old Fashioned High Waisted Bikini

I bought this high waisted bikini at the end of last summer so I didn't get to really enjoy it. This summer I was so excited to get to really use it and show it off. It was a bit of a splurge i'll admit but I think it was worth it. I love how old fashioned it is. People constantly compliment it and its conservative yet still cute factor! I bought it on modcloth.com (which is one of my favorite sites) and I know they still have it in multiple colors. I will link it below!

Accessories

Flower Crown  

I got this flower crown at Rue 21 and think it will be perfect for when I got to ACL  (Austin City Limits) in October! I'm a bit of a hippie at heart and have such a huge soft spot for flower crowns!

Ankle Cutout Boots

I also got these ankle cut-out boots from Rue 21 for only $7! It was to good a deal to walk away from and I just adore boots in general so I always want to add to my collection! I have worn them multiple times already (even thought my Mama thinks boots are to warm for the summer) and the cut-outs make them much cooler and simply much cuter! :)

White Eyelet Keds

I am the first to admit that I have a bit of a Keds addiction but I had never owned a plain white pair. When I saw these I jumped at the chance to have a white pair that weren't just plain and boring! I love the eyelet and the adorable mint inside :)

Beauty

L'Oreal Liquid Eye Liner 

I am new to liquid eyeliner and the felt tip on this has made learning really easy for me. I would definitely say new comers should get one similar to this. It's easily purchased too since it is at any store that sells make up. I got mine at Walmart :)

Tanya Burr Lip Gloss

I know that this item was on my favorites last month but I bought four new ones and they just needed to be on here! I purchased the Just Peachy, First Date, Afternoon Tea & Picnic In The Park and love them all. I really can't recommend this line highly enough! I only wish that I could get some of the nail polishes too! Tanya Burr is just lovely, you should definitely look up her videos on Youtube :)

Tangle Teaser 

I have had a problem with tangles and knots in my hair since I was a child. I have a lot of hair and it just tends to get caught in itself. I heard that this brush was wonderful for stubborn hair and I have to tell you it is. It was only $10 which is such a great deal for a product that truly makes a difference in a daily routine. Using this in addition to the Johnson's tangle spray has worked wonders on my hair :)

Food

Panera Chocolate Duet Cookie With Walnuts 

I do not have a picture of this cookie because I have yet to buy it and then remember to take a picture before inhaling it. There is no chewing involved! But in all seriousness I am not big on candy or sweets, I am all about the cakes, pastries, and cookies! I have had tons of cookies in my life from a variety of locations but I would dare to say this is one of the best cookies that has ever existed! The first time I bought it was late in the day and I figured I'd need to microwave it to make it soft but on the way home I just had to try it. It was all gone before I got home! It fell apart when I grabbed it because it was so soft. Go get one. Just do it :)

Smart Water Liter Bottle

I am a big water drinker. I don't drink soda and I am always thirsty so I just naturally have a lot of water everyday. Recently though, I bought a liter smart water bottle and started refilling it everyday. Because I don't have to grab another bottle I find that I drink the whole liter very quickly and now I drink at least three liters a day. I feel so good and my skin looks better too :)

Venti Starbucks 

This isn't exactly food (none of the things under my food category this month are I suppose) but it doesn't really fall anywhere else so this is where I am going to put it :) Before this month I had never gotten a coffee from Starbucks larger than a grande. I think that come fall this will again be true but a few weeks ago I got a venti because my cousin did and I was pretty tired. I now get a venti iced coffee every time I go in! With iced coffee it is just worth it to get the added coffee! I have been loving it :)

Entertainment

Audible

www.audible.com

I was always skeptical about audio books in the past but after purchasing one of my history textbooks in audio form so I could study and clean/run errands/excursive I have completely changed my mind! I now own around 20 books from audible. I haven't read them all but I am a member and I get a credit each month as well as discounts so I have been adding to my library. It also can connect with books I own on my kindle which is one of my favorite features. It's amazing! 

World Cup Soccer

I was of course hoping America would do well (I will argue that they did with anyone who wants to insult them) and Mexico but they are unfortunately both out. I still watch any game I happen to be at home during and enjoy myself. I was the manager of the boys soccer team at my school for seven years. Watching really takes me back to some joyful and happy times so I love that :)

Once In A Lifetime- Landon Austin

I recently discovered Landon Austin on Youtube after hearing one of his songs play in the background of a make up tutorial I was watching. I think he has a lovely voice and this original song of his has now been on repeat for at least a week and I still love it! Look it up on Youtube, you won't regret it! He also sells all of his covers and originals on iTunes :) 

Ed Sheeran- Multiply Album

I am doing a full review of the album soon (it is already half way written) but all I can say until then is I preordered it on iTunes and loved it so much that I also bought the physical copy. I am constantly listening to it and can only praise this second album of an artist that I think is one of the best of my generation! :)

So those are the things that I have simply been loving for the past month :) I have been behind on posts due to a heavy travel schedule and the taxing process of trying to find a new apartment near downtown Austin (I have to be out of my current apartment by July 13th and don't have a new one yet *cue gasps and shocked faces*. This was all very last minute and has been hard on me mentally.) My goal for the month of July is to really get on top of things on here! I already have about eights drafts I'm working on so hopefully *fingers crossed* I can make it work! Until then have a lovely day and let's all go out there striving to make July even better than June! We are officially half way through 2014 after all. It's about time for those mid-year resolutions :) 

Link to the Reagan tank:
http://www.countryclubprep.com/reagan-bush-84-tank-top-in-white-by-rowdy-gentleman.html

Link to high waisted bikini:
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/twopiece-swimwear/beach-blanket-bingo-two-piece-swimsuit-in-red

It's Time

Moving... Again.

Hello Lovelies :) I'm Jordan Nicole. Even the best of things come to an end and the same can be said of the worst. I'm not sure where living in my first apartment falls on the scale but regardless, the experience is coming to an end. I have to be out of my very first apartment in five days. Five. I can count that amount on one hand and that fact is suddenly very emotionally overwhelming. I know that it's time to start again in a new place of my own but I will miss the 540 sq. ft I currently call home. It has served me well and been an excellent first apartment. I feel so at home there. Saying goodbye will surely be sad but I am also filled with excitement over my new apartment and all of the things to come.

I have been in my apartment since December 2013 and I have loved it dearly. It isn't much, just a one bedroom apartment that I share with a roommate. If I am being honest I think it is good to have a first apartment that isn't anything overly special. It doesn't need all the bells and whistles. I love it for things that far exceed its location or amenities. A first apartment brings with it many other firsts and I will forever associate those things with this apartment. I was truly on my own for the first time there. I will always cherish the memories and look back on it fondly. Not because of the pool it had or the granite counter tops (it does not have this.. it was built in the 60s and we had to sign all sorts forms acknowledging that there could be things associated with building in this time there, which were not good) but because of the love I felt there and the joy it brought me. I am now saying goodbye to a chapter of my life and moving on (literally moving!) to the next, solo, one.

I had originally thought I would be moving into a two bedroom apartment in my current complex with my current roommate. I was wrong. This didn't work out and as with all things in life that do not turn out the way we imagine, I did not handle it as gracefully as I know I could have. I was upset. It happens to the best of us! I see no shame in that. I am able to admit the things in the situation that I should have done differently and apologize for them. That is really all that can be asked of anyone. The hardest part of the situation was deciding where to go from there. It was now May and I did not have an apartment for the fall. Not a wonderful place to be considering everyone else already had a place to live (first decision made... I would be living all alone) and most apartments within a reasonable distance from campus are leased by March (second decision made... I would again be commuting to campus).

 If I am being completely honest, which I hope to always do here, I did what I always do at the slightest sign of confrontation and completely ignored the problem. I ignored that things were now in an awkward place with my roommate. I ignored that I had an alarmingly close deadline to find a place to live. I ignored that if I kept ignoring the problem, in a few short months I would be without a place to live. I basically shut down and didn't think about all of the problems in my life that seemed to have filled my brain and were now having to pile on top of each other to find room. This isn't uncommon of me. I am not a fan of confrontation and would do almost anything to avoid it. However the situation I had found myself in didn't exactly have an avoidance option so I, of course, created one. I started to visit my parents house for a week at a time so that I didn't have to be in my current apartment and see my soon to be ex-roomate (I in fact have yet to see him since the decision was made to not proceed on the two bedroom apartment. That takes skill my friends!). Staying at my parents also gave me the excuse that I could not look for an apartment if I was not in the town I needed the apartment in. Really clever there Jordan. Genius level stuff.

In profession procrastinator fashion I waited until last week to really start my search (after having a major breakdown and a fight with my Daddy about the fact that I had basically done nothing about the problem other than feel sorry for myself.. he wasn't wrong). I had been looking for an apartment online but there wasn't anything that was in an area my Mama felt was safe and my Daddy was willing to pay for. It really seemed like I would never find a place that pleased everyone, but as luck (or God) would have it, the next day we found a lead. A coworker of my Mama recommended an apartment building near the area I had been looking to move, that was also within budget! I called with my Mama (from my parents home as I was still avoiding the problem with a passion) and arranged to go in and see it the next day (Thursday, July 3rd).

I went with my friend Clay to tour the property and see the available one bedroom apartment they had. We both loved the complex and an hour after we arrived we were leaving, having applied for an apartment! It's now Tuesday July 8th and everything with the application was approved. I have signed a lease and am moving in on Saturday (this is really convenient considering I have to be out of my apartment by Sunday)!

I really do know how blessed I am that everything has managed to work out. Looking back I really should have handled this whole situation differently and I hope that I can use this as a learning experience going forward. I am going to be living all on my own for the first time in my life and I am so excited to see what is in store. I will of course be taking a ton of pictures and writing a full post on how moving (into my third floor apartment) goes and the whole decorating process. All I can do now is have a positive outlook on the journey I am about to embark on :) 

Be Our Guest

10 Disney Songs That Taught Us A Lesson 

Hello Lovlies :) I'm Jordan Nicole. Recently, due to the fact that my little cousin Landyn just turned three at the end of April (She is Ellie's daughter, who was mentioned in my Vegas blog), I have had a lot of Disney in my life. Landyn is at that wonderful age where she is starting to be able to sit through  movies and she is loving Disney and all of its princesses. I am thrilled by this because she has given me an excuse to watch all of my favorite childhood Disney movies again (not that I wouldn't have watched them with no excuse at all!). This has also led to creating a Disney playlist on my phone and embarrassingly jamming to those classic hits in the car (and yes I'm alone whilst doing this, I'm not ashamed to admit it either). All of this Disney has really made me think about the various lessons I learned from Disney movies as a child, and even now as an adult. They taught me through their characters, animation and story lines but Disney also never failed to teach me a lesson through a song! So I decided to make a list of ten songs that taught me, and y'all, a lesson :) So I could narrow it down a bit more I stuck to only animated Disney films and only songs that were sung by a character in the film (I threw in some bonus songs that broke this rule, I just couldn't help myself!). To start off the list I picked two songs that are not from classic films, as they were both released within the past five years, but that I thought were still worthy of spots :) 

I’ve Got A Dream- Tangled

"Like all you lovely folks I've got a dream."

Tangled has to be one of my favorite new additions to the Disney line and the message sent by I've Got A Dream is just so wonderful I had to include it on my list. Everyone, no matter what their background or circumstances has a dream and they all matter. Don't assume that you know everything about a person based on their appearance or their past. We all have things we hold deep down in our hearts, wishes we've made and dreams we keep hidden.

Let It Go- Frozen 

"It's funny how some distance makes everything seem small and the fears that once controlled me can't get to me at all. It's time to see what I can do, to test the limits and break through. No right, no wrong, no rules for me. I'm free!"

Frozen has to be the biggest hit Disney has had in years, maybe decades. The hype surrounding it actually kept me away for a long time, I didn't even see it until it had been out on DVD for a bit. Now that I've seen it I do understand all the talk but in my opinion Tangled is still better. Let It Go really is an anthem worthy song (let's face it, having Idina Menzel's vocals didn't hurt this status one bit!) and hearing my little cousins belt it out really makes me happy. Knowing that they will have learned the lesson to be themselves shamelessly and one hundred percent is so comforting. I'm 21 and it is still a lesson I am struggling with. 

When You Wish Upon A Star- Pinocchio

"When you wish upon a star makes no difference who you are. Anything your heart desires will come to you."

Pinocchio is not one of my all time favorite Disney films but this song has always been the biggest thing I have taken from it. I mean this is the Disney theme song in my mind. I picture Disneyland and hear this song playing in the background while fireworks shot off behind the castle. I know it is not the most realistic of all the songs on my list but in my opinion it is just as important to teach your children to dream as it is to potty train them. How can we accomplish any big goal in life without first dreaming that we could?

A Whole New World- Aladdin

"Now when did you last let your heart decide?" 

Aladdin is one of the most adored Disney films on a broad spectrum; it had a little something for everyone after all. It was a boys film in so many ways but us girls still got our princess in Jasmine (who happened to have jet as much personality as she did beauty). It recently got adapted into a broadway musical that won multiple Tonys. My favorite song from the film is A Whole New World. It tells you that its okay to go where your heart leads and not where people tell you that you have to go. There is a whole world you haven't seen and wanting to see it is perfectly acceptable, even if the people around you don't want to let you go.

Colors Of The Wind- Pocahontas 

"Come roll in all the riches all around you and for once never wonder what they're worth."

I have to admit that Pocahontas was my favorite Disney film growing up so this isn't the only song you are going to see from it on my list. I think it is justifiable though, considering that the film itself teaches so many lessons :) I think Colors Of The Wind just encompasses what we should think as humans. We are all equal and it is important to respect others as well as the world around you. In my opinion this lesson needs to be taught to our children now more than ever. We may act like the world is so much more accepting now than when we were kids but really it just feels like things have gotten harder. It is more rare to meet someone who you feel completely accepts you.

A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes- Cinderella

"Have faith in your dreams and someday your rainbow will come smiling thru. No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true."

Cinderella isn't my favorite Disney tale, it always seems a little one dimensional to me, but I do love a lot of the music. This song is one that I have sung to many of my baby cousins and will sing to my children as well. I can't see a sleeping child and not just want them to follow every dream that they have in their little hearts. Adults could take this lesson in their lives a lot more too. Children have the upper hand when it comes to believing in their dreams and I think we should take a page from their book on this one.

Reflection- Mulan

"Why is my reflection someone I don't know? Somehow I can not hide who I am though I've tried. When will my reflection show who I am inside?"

Mulan is one of the best Disney movies simply because the heroine is not obsessed with a prince and can fight her own battles, better than the men even! Mulan's story teaches us to follow our hearts and stand up for the things we believe in. Reflection shows that everyone goes through a period where they aren't sure who they are (especially when compared to what you are expected to be). In the end you are who you are and that is who you should be, not what others want to make you.

Part Of Your World- The Little Mermaid

"Ask them my questions and get some answers. What's a fire and why does it- what's the word? Burn."

I connected most with Ariel when I was growing up because she had red hair like me and growing up a red head you don't have many people to look up to that are red heads too. This is probably why
Scooby Doo was my favorite cartoon, I had Daphne on my side! Anyways, I loved The Little Mermaid and would pretend to be a mermaid at the pool for years (I may still do this from time to time.. I mean who wouldn't want to be a mermaid? Other than Ariel that is!). I think everyone is curious about the world they aren't a part of. We are all longing for something more and think that other people have what we don't. When we are younger and feel a bit lost it is nice to see that other people feel the same way as us, and other parents make their children feel "held back" too.

Go The Distance- Hercules

"I will find my way. I can go the distance. I'll be there someday if I can be strong. I know every mile will be worth my while. I would go most anywhere to feel like I belong."

Hercules has one of the best soundtracks of any Disney classic, my personal favorite is I Won't Say I'm In Love and I feel like that may say something about me... but the most anthem worthy, lesson teaching, song in the film has to be Go The Distance. Hercules is told by his adopted parents that he is actually the son of Zeus and embarks on a journey to be reunited with his family and find a place where he feels he truly belongs. We may not all be adopted (and even in the story line, it wasn't that he didn't feel loved by his parents, its just that earth didn't feel like his home seeing as he was a god) but we have all be through a time when we felt we didn't belong, like Hercules we all have to push through this time and have hope that we will find the place that we feel at home and accepted. With enough faith and effort we will all get to a place where we belong too. 

 Just Around The River Bend- Pocahontas

"What I love most about rivers is you can't step in the same river twice. The water's always changing always flowing."

This might be a biased choice for the list, seeing as its my favorite Disney song, but this is MY list after all so I can put anything I want on it :) As I said, this is my favorite Disney song of all time. I still turn this one up in my car, roll the windows down and belt it out. I feel the most connected to this song and the feeling that there is something more for me out there than what people think there is for me if I would settle where I am. There is always something coming from just past where I can see and Pocahontas seems to get that! Maybe it is just the hippie in me. Who knows? Nevertheless I think that the message is we are all in a constant state of change and we shouldn't give up on our dreams by settling for something other people tell us to. That seems to be a bit of theme I have going here..

Bonus Songs: 

Circle Of Life- The Lion King

"There's more to see than can ever be seen. More to do than can ever be done."

This song breaks the rules I set for myself when picking the songs (I guess I could have changed the rules, I created them after all, but I needed guidelines so I am throwing it in at the end) but it is so classic Disney and I am pretty sure that it teaches the most basic of principles in life. So how could I not throw it in here? The Lion King wasn't my favorite but it is beloved by many and the broadway production is a hit worldwide. The Circle Of Life is really what life is about, we are all a part of it. This grammy winning song is definitely worthy of this list. 

You'll Be In My Heart- Tarzan 

"Why can't they understand the way we feel? They just don't trust what they can't explain. I know we're different but deep inside us we're not that different at all." 

This song also breaks the rules (it isn't sung by any of the characters, but no Tarzan song could be included because of this rule and I wanted it on the list) but there are many songs that teach a lesson in Tarzan so this one is the one I am tacking on here at the end. We are all the same when we think about it, all just people in the end and whether we are physically together or not we carry the ones we love with us in our hearts. 

Well there they are! My list of ten Disney songs that teach a valuable lesson :) In case you had any doubts, I was indeed listening to Disney music the whole time I wrote this (I may have been going a bit of karaoke as well)! We are all just children at heart and I am proud to say my percentage of child like behavior is probably higher than most :) If you take nothing else from this list, I do hope that you take a desire to pull out those old VHS tapes and watch a Disney movie! We could all use a little more Disney in our every day lives. 

***All of the gifs in this post are from Tumblr, I did not make any as I have no knowledge or talent in this area :)