Playlist for Reminiscing

This week's Playlist is for reminiscing. These songs bring back memories for me and hopefully they will for you too. I imagine sitting outside with friends listening to this and just thinking back to years past.

I could've taken this playlist quite literally and including songs like "Good Riddance" and "Don't You Forget About Me." But I didn't want to make a "Reminiscing" playlist based on lyrics. I feel that the songs included here create more of an atmosphere for letting the memories flood your mind. I hope you agree (or at the very least, enjoy) this Playlist for Reminiscing.

Playlist for Reminiscing
1) Kiss Me -- Sixpence None the Richer
2) Barely Breathing -- Duncan Sheik
3) Fourth of July -- X
4) Linger -- The Cranberries
5) Slide -- Goo Goo Dolls

Studmuffin of the Week: Jackson Rathbone

This week's Studmuffin is the handsome and multi-talented Jackson Rathbone!

I will fully admit that I had my time as a self-declared "Twi-hard." I have since calmed down significantly, but I'm not ashamed to admit that the Twilight saga movies introduced me to this handsome man!

Jackson was born in Singapore to two on-the-move American parents and has been acting since he was a kid. He attended his last two years of high school at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan for Acting (which, if you know theatre, is a pretty big deal). He has since been in films such as The Last Airbender, S. Darko, and, most notably, the Twilight Saga (as Jasper Hale).

In addition to his time on the silver screen, Mr. Rathbone has also been on TV on several occasions.  He has been on the likes of The OC, No Ordinary Family, and Criminal Minds and was also a correspondent for Disney 411 back in the day (see picture of him interviewing Aly & AJ below!). Too precious.

So Jackson only acts, right? Wrong! Jackson is extremely musically talented as well.

Jackson's band, 100 Monkeys, is a Los Angeles-based band with a funk-rock sound. Jackson alternates between singing vocals and playing guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, mandolin, trumpet, and harmonica. I kid you not.

Jackson with 100 Monkeys in Chapel Hill (Photo by me!)

I got the chance to see 100 Monkeys in Chapel Hill, NC, in April 2010. The band was so energetic and fun! They truly all rotate instruments and are individually great at every single one. After a long wait after their set, I was so excited to meet Jackson and the rest of the guys! Sadly, Mr. Security Man said, "No pictures please! Keep the line moving!" pretty much right away. So, although I don't have a picture with him, I did get to see his sparkling smile and adorable dimples in person and got to talk to him face-to-face. He was very sweet and possibly a little bit drunk. Either way, it was a great experience! I got autographs from every member of the band (see picture--Jackson in upper right) and called it a night!

Jackson's acting talents, amazing musical abilities, dashing smile, beautiful flowing locks of hair, and overall debonair aura land him a spot as this Thursday's Studmuffin of the Week.

Find out what Jackson's up to on a daily basis on Twitter @JacksonRathbone!

Playlist for the Open Road

Get your ears ready, folks! Every Sunday, I'll be posting a 5-song playlist to suit various moods and occasions. With the help of lovely websites like Grooveshark, I'll bring the music directly from my computer to your eager ears!

This week, I give you: "Playlist for the Open Road," featuring 5 songs that are perfect for putting the car on cruise, rolling down the windows, and driving for the sake of driving. Forget about gas prices for a few hours, grab some friends, and just go for it!

Playlist for the Open Road

1) When the Levee Breaks -- Led Zeppelin

2) If It Makes You Happy -- Sheryl Crow

3) Four Winds -- Bright Eyes

4) Carpetbaggers -- Jenny Lewis feat. Elvis Costello

5) American Girl -- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

***If you have any suggestions for Playlist themes, send 'em my way, and I'll do my best to make it happen!

The First Post

Oh! Hello, there! I didn't notice you come in!

I'm Megan, and I've got a lot to say.

I have passions for fashion, photography, music, theater, and more, and I finally decided I needed an outlet to share my loves and thoughts. You're reading the first ever blog post for Meganista. (Exciting, right?)

Through Meganista, I plan to share some of my current favorite music, affordable fashion, not-so-affordable fashion, and other important information, like my "Studmuffin of the Week" and "Weekly Girl Crushes." I know I've got you on the edge of your seat now.

So stay tuned and keep checking back! I hope I can be of some help (or at least provide some entertainment) for all of you... 

Until then!