FIT Foodie Friday (Kinda)

Hi guys I know I've been slacking off big time, but I'm trying!

FOOD:

I've been eating pretty crappy lately, especially this weekend for Thanksgiving. But I have also been eating less. So win win there? I have been more busy at work with ongoing projects and deadlines, so I've been distracted. Distraction means less mindless snacking at work and eating just to eat. But I also haven't had much of an appetite. It comes and goes.

FITNESS:

I quit my gym. Sad, I know. It was a nice gym too, but the price per month was killing me. I'm trying to save up for a new apartment and I had to cut costs. I was barely going anyway. So I made the cut, and I don't miss it. BUT I'm considering signing up for a couple of 5ks in the NYC area. I was so bummed I missed Color Me Rad this summer, I've made up my mind to do it this year. Along with a couple other ones. Maybe I can attempt a 13.1 while I'm at it. Nah let me not fool myself. I'll do the 5ks to start and see where it takes me. I for sure need to get my act together. Besides the fact that the Mister comments on it all the time, I'm disappointed in myself. Why am I struggling to put my (tall) UGGS on?!? Ummm nope. Nipping this in the bud right now. There is plenty I can do at home with better time management and motivation.

Sorry for letting you all down! I am getting back on my game. #OperationSlimmaz is in effect.

XOXO
- L

Music Monday: Mark Ronson-Version

What is there that can be said about Mark Ronson that hasn't already been said? The English as well as newer artists such as Bruno Mars, Adele, Amy Winehouse  and Christina Aguilera (all of which can be argued will be considered legends some day). The fact that he is sought out by artists of such caliber speaks to the kind of producer that Mark Ronson is. 

However, Mark doesn't only make music for other artists. Ever so often, he takes time to release his own album. The first was Here Comes The Fuzz, which was released in 2003. It would take Mark four years to release his follow up album. The criminally underrated Version.

Released in 2007, Version is a cover album that features three original songs. You have to understand, I'm extremely selective when it comes to cover songs. I've heard many terrible cover songs that do not do any justice to the original. This is why I was hesitant with Mark's album. An entire album dedicated to covers? Scary stuff.

Thankfully, my fears were set aside upon listening to the first track, God Put A Smile On Your Face.

A brass filled cover of Coldplay's 2003 song, Mark Ronson's version set the tone for the entire album. I have a soft spot for the brass filled jazz of the 1950's so Version was right up my alley. Mark chose the right vocalists for the right song when putting this album together, giving modern songs a jazzy feel. From The Smith's Stop Me If You've Heard This One Before to Britney Spears' Toxic, Mark was able to take all of these songs and give them new life. None however, depicts this as well as track number 5, Valerie.

Originally by the indie rock band The Zutons, the cover that Mark Ronson put together for the late, great Amy Winehouse feels like an entirely different song. Check it out for yourself.

So tell me reader, is there a cover version that you love? A cover version that you hate? Sound off on the comments!

-JSR

Music Monday

It's just one of those days where I listen to some old school tings...