When Dreams Become Reality

You officially enter the real world after college, and no class, program or lecture from your parents can teach you how to live in the real world. When you're a kid, you believe that anything is possible. You never think that what you imagine might not come true. I guess it's expected that once you become an adult and enter the real world, you're hit with that reality. But I still wonder, why can't our dreams become reality?

While applying for jobs today, I caught up on the last episode of Top Chef Just Desserts. It was the episode dedicated to the 40th Anniversary of the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory movie, released in 1971. The chefs were challenged to recreate the most memorable part of the movie, the room made of candy. Yes, this task is every pastry chefs dream. The chefs also got to meet the 4 original cast members who played Charlie Buckett, Violet Stanford, Mike TV and Veruka Salt. This movie is such a staple in everyone's childhood. I literally had goosebumps all over me when I saw the original cast. I didn't even know they were still alive haha. It's must feel amazing to be part of a movie that has become a part of so many people's childhoods. 

The episode was awesome. All the chefs were uber excited to do this challenge, and they definitely rose to the challenge. Although there were some desserts that didn't impress the judges or the cast, the room looked incredible. I used to dream about this room as a kid, and I still do! Sometimes I wish that the innocence and ignorance of a child's brain and imagination could be restored in adulthood as well. We were unaware of societal pressure, of responsibilities, of doubt, of true evil and suffering. Life wasn't so complicated. That pure innocence is often overlooked and taken for granted. The state of pure innocence is being free from feelings of evil, greed and jealousy, which are all feelings that darken the real world. I'm not saying I am miserable at 22, but wouldn't it be awesome if you could go back to being 6 or 8 years old once in a while?! I don't ever want to stop imagining and dreaming, and I hope you don't either. The transition into adulthood does not require you to forget about your dreams and imaginations. I think that it becomes overshadowed by societal pressures and expectations.

After watching the episode of Top Chef Just Desserts, I really wanted to watch the original movie again for the millionth time! This movie never gets old because it takes me back to that state of pure innocence.

Don't forget about the state of pure innocence. It's healthy to go back there sometimes. So, once in a while, take a break from your hectic life, and do something that will take you back. 

xoxo Nicole

Band Discovery: Feed God Cabbage

Feed God Cabbage

Live music is one of those things that almost all 20ish year-olds love. This past weekend one of my girlfriends, Stephanie invited me to come see her friend's band perform. Her friend, Dylan Sabel, went to Hayfield high school with her, but he was two years younger. Apparently a bunch of my friends know Dylan from high school. He is the lead singer and drummer for his band, Feed God Cabbage. They play punk/reggae music.

I don't usually go to a lot of live performances, nor am I a big music connoisseur, but I love doing different things, so I thought it would be fun. Feed God Cabbage opened for Passafire at Jammin Java. I had never been there before, making this an all new experience for me. I didn't know what to expect.

I have to say I was thoroughly impressed with Dylan and his band. I don't prefer to listen to reggae/punk music, so I wasn't expecting to love the music, and I definitely wasn't expecting to be blown away, BUT I was! They were awesome! Dylan can really sing. His voice has a raspy edgy punk-type tone to it, which goes perfect with their music. On top of that, he is a beast on the drums. I'm not a musician, but I can't imagine that singing and playing the drums is an easy task. Aside from being musically talented, Dylan has a way with the crowd. He kept the place hyped throughout their whole performance. Not to mention he's not bad to look at, if you know what I mean haha. I know Feed God Cabbage gained some new fans that night, me being one of them!

The band all around was amazing, it wasn't all Dylan. The three guitarists, Jared Scherer and Aaron March on guitar and Kevin Beisel on bass, can all ROCK! I mean the guitar solos in some of their songs were insane. It reminded me of playing guitar hero on expert but like 50 times crazier than that. You can tell that the band really needs all four members. A lot of start-up, garage bands have members that contribute more to the band than others. Not this one, it is apparent that every member contributes to the creation of their music. Their all around harmony as a band was inspiring, and I was really proud that they are from my hometown. It's always nice to see young talent shine, especially when you hear they are regular kids from NOVA.

"Save More. Do More"

The state of our economy is affecting many of us across the country. We still have to live life and have fun. In times like these, we need to be frugal. I'm not saying be cheap; I'm saying spend smart. Frugality is becoming a trend within all industries; hence the growing popularity of Groupon, Living Social, etc. Being a recent college graduate who hasn't started a career yet, I am always looking for ways to save money. Like many, I am not one to let a limited bank account constrain my appetite to live, experience, learn. Groupon and Living Social have become my best friends.

My parents just showed me this new thing called The Entertainment Book. This coupon book is AMAZING! It's provides you with thousands of dollars in savings every year. All you have to do is become a member by going to the website. You can get online deals as well as order the yearly issued book filled with coupons. The great thing about the book is it gives you a list of all your local businesses and establishments, therefore encouraging you to experience new things.