NKOTBSB

For the past couple of months, you have probably heard that the New Kids on the Block and the Backstreet Boys were touring together this summer. You probably have even heard their new single together, "Don't Turn Out the Lights". Well, two Saturdays ago, I was lucky enough to attend the NKOTBSB concert in Boston. I know what you're thinking and Yes, I was jealous of myself. Yes, it was beyond incredible. Yes, the guys are looking better than ever.

Needless to say, they have come a long way since they began...

New Kids on the Block, circa 1986

NKOTB now

Backstreet Boys circa 1994

BSB now
(photo credit: 1 2 3 4 5)

It was my first time seeing NKOTB live and my third time seeing BSB (my second time seeing them within a year). Growing up, my family friends were 5-6 years older than I was and I admired them like no other, so naturally, my love/obsession for the Backstreet Boys began around the age of 6. That is why I knew every single word of every single song that they performed that night. On the other hand, I only knew a couple of the staple songs by the Kids, such as "The Right Stuff" and "Step by Step". However, I had a blast dancing along to their songs anyway... and now I am not ashamed to say I am a huge fan of them too. They performed for two and a half hours - two and a half hours well spent, in my opinion, with a hefty set of 14-15 songs each. I swear I have never seen so many grown women jumping up and down, singing "I Want It That Way" at the top of their lungs as much as I did that night. I sat in the balcony for the first time and even that didn't hinder my experience in any way. I came to the concert with a fully charged camera and I took so many pictures and videos that it died on me two-thirds of the way through!

Overall, it was just amazing to be a part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are reasons why the Backstreet Boys are the best selling group of all-time, with the New Kids on the Block right behind them, and both groups certainly reminded their audience why that is the way that it is. NKOTB and BSB were two different generations of groups that literally shaped American pop culture during their times and to come together and sell out arena after arena many years later really shows the impact that they had on the music industry. The show was phenomenal and if you haven't missed out on their tour yet, I suggest purchasing tickets ASAP. You do not want to miss out on this unique, entertaining experience!

All nine of them

 NKOTB performing a ballad

 BSB

Can you tell that white suits are a staple to any boy band ballad?

The best part of the night was at the end when NKOTB and BSB donned their personalized Bruins jerseys during their encore of "Everybody" and "Hangin' Tough". The B's were playing in Game 2 of the finals that night so it was great for the guys to show them some support!

 

Now, the only question is how long will it take for *NSYNC to reunite!?

What's your favorite NKOTB/BSB song?
Who's your favorite boy band?

Something Borrowed

"Something Borrowed" has been one of my favorite books ever since freshman year of high school. It was a quick read with a great plot that kept me on my toes. I was ecstatic to learn last year that it was being adapted into a movie this spring, and was even more excited to learn that John Krasinski was starring in it (my favorite!).

This movie came out last Friday and you can believe that my friends and I went to see the matinee showing right before we had to move out of our dorms for the summer. It was a wonderful romantic comedy about friendships being tested when guys come into the picture... especially when the guy may or may not be the best friend's fiancee. Yikes!

I think the movie did the book justice and I was very pleased with the actors' portrayals of the character. Kate Hudson's character was conniving, confident, and crazy all at once. Ginnifer Goodwin's character will make you feel sympathetic for her, even if she was the "bad girl". Colin Egglesfield will make you swoon every.single.time he was on the screen, guaranteed. John Krasinski's character was sarcastic and charming at the same time (much similar to his Jim Halpert character on The Office). At one point, he says "Well I'm the only asshole that gives a shit about you!" Um, who ever knew that my heart would melt at such a line!?

"Something Borrowed" was funny, charming, and heartbreaking all at once. It's a great movie to either see by yourself or with a group of your girlfriends. I highly recommend going to see it and reading the book too if you haven't already! (Plus, there's a great dancing scene of Kate and Ginnifer dancing and singing to "Push It" by Salt n Pepa)

Have you read the book or seen the movie?
Did John Krasinski make you melt too!?

Beyond the Blackboard

I was flipping through the channel guide earlier tonight when I came across this Hallmark movie on CBS. I took one glance at the plot and turned it on right away.

Beyond the Blackboard was an inspirational, moving true story about Stacey Bess, a young teacher right out of college, who placed her prejudices and fears aside to establish a classroom at a homeless shelter in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Through the trials and tribulations of caring for her family, her students, and herself simultaneously, Stacey Bess defied the odds of being an unexperienced, brand-new teacher and guided these once helpless children down the right path to a positive future.

As much as I wanted to be a teacher when I was deciding what I wanted to study in college, my head and heart led me elsewhere. Regardless, I strongly believe that there is a "teacher" in me that wants to come out from time to time and after watching this movie, I definitely felt that "teacher" in me start to emerge to the surface. To see how much of an impact that Stacey Bess made on these children only strengthened my desire to have the same impression on others in my future.

Water for Elephants

A couple of weeks ago, I went to the Newport Public Library and found out that they had a "bookstore" in the basement of the library. I had never even seen a bookstore in a library before, but what amazed me even more was that the books were all donated by either the library or frequent readers. I could tell that many of the books were barely read so I decided to take full advantage of this. I was able to snag all of the following books for only $7! What a bargain!

1. Prep :: Curtis Sittenfield
2. The Last Lecture :: Randy Pausch
3. For One More Day :: Mitch Albom
4. Bitter is the New Black :: Jen Lancaster
5. Water for Elephants :: Sara Gruen

I've been wanting to read Water for Elephants for quite some time and have heard great reviews so I was very excited when I found it for $1!

Not to mention, the movie will be coming out on April 21 and I can't wait to see it! I simply cannot turn down a Reese movie. This role seems very different than any other role she has played before so I am looking forward to seeing her performance in this movie.

Have you read Water for Elephants?
Are you going to see the movie?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I've seen many of my daily reads participate in WILW with Jamie, so I decided to hop on the train and play along!

1. "I'm His Coral Friend" polish from OPI.
(This color is more pink than orange, fyi) It may be spring but the snow that arrived today says otherwise. However, I just have to look down at my nails and I'm reminded that warm weather will be here soon!

2. This adorable floral eyelet dress from F21.
I recently purchased it and I already cannot wait to wear it!

3. Trader Joe's mini milk chocolate peanut butter cups
For Lent, I gave up all sweets again (bye bye cakes, cookies, ice cream, desserts, breakfast pastries, candy, etc.). However, the priest at my school's chapel said that we could "rest" from Lent on Sundays. His exact words: "If you're giving up chocolate for Lent, feel free to eat it on Sunday!" I have never heard this before, but you better believe I am taking full advantage of my "sweet Sundays". I do feel like a cheater, but once that first PB cup hits my tongue, I just close my eyes and smile.

4. My new Sauconys
I bought these at TJMaxx's for only $25 last month and I'm only beginning to wear them now because I didn't want to dirty them up due to the snow. There's nothing like new running shoes to get me motivated to run!

What are YOU loving on this Wednesday?