Fashion Fill Friday: A long blab about fashion, style, trends, Hollywood style icons, and love for all things that SPARKLE.

 

OK so some news about tomorrow, just wanted to remind you guys again about the Urban Cowboy Reunion tomorrow night at the Lonestar club that I will be performing at. The show starts at 8PM hope to see you there J

 

OK so moving on to Fashion Fill Friday! Today I will be talking about the love of shoes. Shoes. One of the biggest obsessions a woman can have. It has been said that the average woman will buy 469 pairs of shoes in her lifetime. And that the average woman has 19 pairs of shoes at any given time. I happen to have boxes and boxes full of shoes including, tennis shoes, sandals, flip flops, heels, stilettos, platform stilettos, dance shoes, boots, etc. It is true that a girl cannot have too many shoes. They are just a wonderful part of life. J

 

Hahahaha J so earlier this week, I joined a site called Shoedazzle.com! It is a really neat site! You go to the site, take a quiz and sign up (which is all free) and then Shoe Dazzle gives  you a personal stylist to set up a showroom with handbags, accessories and SHOES that are your style! And on the site you can get GREAT deals on beautiful shoes! Here is a link to the site http://www.shoedazzle.com/

I signed up a couple of days ago, and I LOVE IT!

 

My favorite kind of shoes ;D. I LOVE the sparkle. For some reason, those shoes give me a huge amount of confidence. I feel bold, and like I have everyone’s attention. J How do you not love shoes that go great with big confidence AND big hair? I mean, it’s got to be a PERFECT day when you have that going on J

I love this Polyvore

 

OK and Kim J She’s one of my FAV style icons. Gotta love it!

 

OK so I know today’s blog was short……But I had a short time to write this…..So I wanted to introduce Shoedazzle to all of you! But next fashion Fill Friday will be longer and awesomer! ;D Next week I will actually have time to write about a trend for a longer time

 

I enjoyed today’s Blog! And I will be right back atcha tomorrow with Sing It Out Saturday!

 

Have a beautiful day!

Love, Abby Gough      www.abbygough.com

 

 

 

 

Theater Thursdays: A blab about movies, Musicals, Broadway and the dream of acting.

 

Ok so a few things before I get to the topic of today’s blog………I have an upcoming show this week on Saturday at The Lonestar Club in Pasadena, Texas. Me and some other outstanding singers will be singing on this show. Its called the Urban Cowboy Saturday Night Reunion. The show is a tribute to Gilley’s and the movie Urban Cowboy.

 

 For everyone who went to Gilley’s when it was open and for everyone who just loves Urban Cowboy, this is going to be a great show. So if you are a Gilley’s/Urban Cowboy fan, then I definitely recommend you come see the show!! The show starts at 8pm and it will be AMAZING so you should not miss it.

 

On another note, I am so honored and very glad to say that I will be performing a duet with one of my dearest friends, singer/actor, Larry Bagby.

 

Larry Is an outstanding talent. He has one of the most unique, amazing voices I have ever heard. And the man can ACT. In fact, you probably have seen him before! Larry played the role of Marshall Grant, Johnny Cash’s Bass guitar player in the movie “Walk The Line”

 

 Yes, that’s Larry on the far left of the picture J. Isnt he just ADORABLE, ladies? ;)

 

Hahahaha so anyways Larry and I BOTH will be performing this Saturday at the show AND we will be performing a duet together.

 

OK so moving on to today’s blog! Todays Theater Thursday blog is about one of my all- time favorite movies, Urban Cowboy.

 

Taking you back to year of 1980, when Gilley’s was the place to go, and Johnny Lee’s hit song “Lookin For Love” was the theme song of this movie.

 

I have always loved this movie. Ever since I was a kid. In fact, my celebrity look alike was always the leading lady in the movie, Sissy. Who was played by Debra Winger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hahaha so yeah! :D if your not familiar with the movie, It takes place all over Texas but is mainly based in Pasadena, Texas. The movie is based on a couple named Bud and Sissy who meet at the Pasadena nightclub, Gilley’s. This 1980’s drama features Gilley’s all throughout the movie and features some of my favorite singers. Such as Johnny lee, Charlie Daniels, Mickey Gilley, Boz Scaggs, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Seger, Anne Murray and many more great artists.

 

So this was one of my favorite scenes in the movie ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMplnAKdBsA

Doesn’t get much cuter than that! ;)

 

My favorite song in this movie was actually "Stand by me" by Mickey Gilley. I always loved the scene where Wes is dancing with Sissy and Bud is dancing with Pam to make eachother jealous.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHhMzfHe_U0

 

In 2003, the show was turned into a musical and ran on Broadway. I actually went and saw the musical when  they had it at Miller Outdoor Theater! Loved it!

“You know how to two step?”

 “Yep.”

 “Wanna prove it?”

Hahahahaha J I think I’m going to go watch this movie now J

 

But anyways, I guess that’s all for today! I’ve enjoyed today’s blog and hope you have too! I hope you guys can make it out to the show Saturday. We’re all going to have a great time! If you would like to read more About Larry, here is the link to his website http://larrybagby.com/ . You should really check him out! He is awesome!

See ya’ll Saturday night!

Love, Abby Gough   XOXO                             

                                                  http://www.abbygough.com/

 

Write It Out Wednesdays: A day of Songwriters, Poets, Lyrics, and Poems……

 

Hello Lovelies! OK so before I get to our blab Im gonna tell you about some of my news. I bought the special edition vogue and I’m totally loving it! Hahaha can’t pull me away from it J

 

Oh yes and I must not forget about the Happy Bunny of the month ;)

 

Ok so moving on……

Hahahahaha

 

 OK so today’s blog for Write It Out Wednesday is about one of my favorite lyricists of all time, Howard Ashman. He wrote songs for numerous amounts of musicals, movies, etc. and had a strong relationship with Disney. In fact, you are probably most familiar with his work from movies like Beauty and The Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Little Shop of Horrors.

 

The thing I loved about Howard’s lyrics, were that they had so much meaning.My favorite scene of The Little Mermaid is one of the most passionate, amazing things I have ever heard in my life. This part would be the “Part of Your World Reprise”

 

In this scene, Ariel has saved Eric’s life and has brought him to safety. His body, lying there unconscious on the shore, she sings these words to him.

 

What would I give to live where you are? What would I pay, to stay here beside you? What would I do to see you smiling at me? Where would we walk? Where would we run? If we could stay all day in the sun….Just you and me, and I could be part of your world.

 

I always thought those words were so beautiful. I mean for such a young, fun and happy movie, these words are SO passionate! It’s like I could literally feel Ariel’s desire to be a part of his life. And in the Broadway musical, the scene is SO intense.

 

Of course, Part of Your World is a wonderful piece too. Even though it’s about a mermaid wanting to live on land, you can feel the desire she has to live on land. Halfway through the song, these are the lyrics she sings.

 

What would I give, if I could live outta these waters? What would I pay, to spend a day warm on the sand? Betcha on land, they understand, bet they don’t reprimand their daughters. Bright young women, sick of swimming, ready to stand…. And ready to know what the people know, ask em my questions and get some answers. What’s a fire and why does it, what’s the word? Burn! Whens it my turn, wouldn’t I love, love to explore that shore up above. Out of the sea…..Wish I could be…..Part of that world.

 

If you have ever had a true desired dream that you felt was so far away from you, then you must love these lyrics. At least I’ve always felt that way.

 

Moving on to some of Howard’s other work; another great movie with wonderful music would be Beauty and The Beast. My favorite song in this movie is actually called “Belle reprise”. It’s about Belle’s desire for adventure. To leave her everyday life and find a new, more adventurous place. After having a marriage proposal from Gaston, she runs out in the open and sings these words:

 

I want much more than this provincial life……I want adventure in the great wide somewhere, I want it more than I can tell…..And for once it might be grand…..To have someone understand….I want so much more than they’ve got planned…….

 

I always felt these words were nice because of the feeling Belle had. The feeling of always wanting more out of her life. I always thought these lyrics suited it perfect.

 

Later in the movie, during a duet that Belle and the Beast are singing, the Beast sings some great lyrics that are fitting for the changing soul. These are the lyrics he sings:

 

She glanced this way, I thought I saw, and when we touched she didn’t shudder at my paw. No it can’t be….I’ll just ignore……But then she’s never looked at me that way before..

 

Always loved that song J and cool fact, when this movie was turned into a Broadway play, the song was extended.

 

Howard of course wrote lyrics for so many more things,  and those were just a couple of my favorites.

 

I consider Howard one of the most talented songwriters of all time. He created words that I could connect with and truly understand. I always felt like his lyrics defined the character in every show he did. And that is one of the best qualities any type of broadway/disney writer can have. Unfortunately, on March 14, 1991, the world lost a wonderful human being and heaven took in a beautiful angel. Howard Ashman died at the age of 40 years old.

 

The picture up above is of Howard and his music paretner/composer Alan Menken. They say Howard was known for giving a "mermaid her voice and a beast his soul". I honestly believe those movies would not have been what they are if it weren’t for Howard. He was a wonderful part of Disney, Broadway and my life heroes. I will always love Howard Ashman!

 

Well that’s it for today lovelies. I’ve enjoyed today’s blog and who knows……Maybe after reading this you will go pull out your old Little Mermaid video tape and put it in the VCR….. J hehe.

Have a beautiful day

Love, Abby Gough XOXO.         www.Abbygough.com

 

 

Tone It Up Tuesdays: a long blab about working out.

 

I have had a battle with keeping weight off my whole life. I finally got to a point in my life when I got older, where I started keeping the weight off from working out and taking care of myself. Actually, when I was about 9 years old, the doctor started warning me about Diabetes, since it ran in my family so thick. So I had to start cutting the sweets and taking care of myself at a young age. I mean, everyone should. It’s just always better to live a healthier lifestyle. (Although, chocolate, fried foods and sugar are always a fun thing; D). So through the years I have tried all kinds of diets and things like that.

 Earlier this year I tried doing a diet called the HCG diet by Wellgenix. It’s a 3 week program in which you take HCG drops 3 times a day and go on a 500 calorie a day, low carb, low sugar diet. I know your probably thinking “500 calories???? Really???” But it’s actually not that bad. I did it. And lost 7 inches in my waist total. The HCG curbs your appetite so the lack of calories actually didn’t affect me that bad.

 

 You can’t go too hard on your workouts  though. You will get tired if you do. I say do VERY low impact weight workouts and a medium impact cardio workout and basic crunches. That’s what I did. Any more than that  can make you feel very worn out.

 

 Now the way your meals are set up are two meals a day, no breakfast and 2 snacks. 1 for in between meals during  the day and 1 at night. Usually try to keep your meals 200 calorie per meal and 50 calories per snack. Now if you get less than 500 in one day than THAT’S OK. It will not hurt you. NEVER eat unless you are hungry. Keep your carbs under 30 a day. Same for sugars. And try to not go over 15 grams of fat a day.

 

 So the workout I did on this diet was the elliptical. For those of you who are wondering what this is……… Here you go

 

Most of you have most likely seen this before. It’s kind of like a cross between a bike and a treadmill. If you are not a runner, then try this. Same amount of impact, just taking the pressure off of your back and neck. They have these in all gyms; I did this every day for 1 hour, for the 3 weeks for my cardio. Although they say to do something different everyday. So maybe do this some days and take up cycling classes on other? Or you could even run too.

 

 Ok so what I did for Arm weight workouts was pretty basic. Any basic arm workout will work. I really like this one. I still use it to this day. http://www.shape.com/celebrities/interviews/marisa-millers-supermodel-worthy-ab-workout?page=1 It’s more of a higher impact then most weight workouts for women, but I guess it all depends on how heavy the weight is that you will be using. Make sure you use a weight that is heavy enough to have an impact, but is also comfortable. I use 8 pounds. They say that when you do weights on certain muscles, to wait 48 hours to do it again. So it will give you time for your muscle to re-build. So one day do arm muscles, next day do legs, then arms, then legs, I think ya get it nowJ.

 

 Ok so moving on to the leg workout. The leg weights I did were pretty basic. Since these are your legs you don’t want to go on to heavy of a workout since you’re eating 500 calories a day and you’re using your legs for cardio too. Like I said…..You do NOT want to get wore out. It’s easy to get that way on such a low calorie diet. So anyways, the leg workout I did while on this diet went like this:

10 lunges on each leg while using 8 pound weights.

10 squats using 8 pound weights.

10 deadlifts using 8 pound weights.

Wall squat for one minute.

Hip raises for 1 minute.

Side leg lifts for 1 minute on each side.

Repeat once again after completing.

And that was what I did to tone up the legs!

 

So now I guess we are moving on the abs. Some people say to not work abs every day, but others say to do it every day. I do it every day. My ab workout is somewhat simple. Goes like this.

10 basic crunches

10 sit ups

10 basic crunches

10 sit ups

10 basic crunches

10 leg lifts.

-Stretch-

10 basic crunches

10 right side crunches

10b basic crunches

10 left side crunches

10 basic crunches

10 leg lifts

1 minute plank

30 sec side plank – each side.

-Stretch-

Do this twice a day. Once in the morning once at night.

 

 

So that’s all I did for working out. Now I’m gonna show you some things I did for the diet. Good easy things for lunch I usually did were the Hillshire Farm Grilled Essentials Chicken Breast. They are already cooked and seasoned all you have to do is throw them in the microwave for 60 seconds! They are only 120 calories, 19 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat and only 2 grams of carbs. You can check it out here http://www.hillshirefarm.com/products/grilled-chicken/ you can find these at any grocery store (Wal-Mart, Kroger, etc.). I usually would have one of these and a green vegetable. And I would do this for lunch and dinner.

 

 Another thing I would do for my meals was seafood. I loved Gorton’s grilled tilapia. It’s only 80 calories and is very low carb – low fat. You can check it out here! http://gortons.com/product/signature-grilled-tilapia And I would usually eat a green veggie with this.

 Now I know you’re probably getting tired of the green veggies since you probably want starches! So a good replacement is mashed cauliflower. Yes I said that. Mashed Cauliflower....... I know if you don’t like cauliflower, your probably thinking “GROSS”……. But actually, it tastes NOTHING like cauliflower! It is the same taste and texture of mashed potatoes. And is extremely good. Basic Mashed Cauliflower……

One of my all-time favorite side dishes !

 

 

Ingredients:

 

1 head of cauliflower

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter  butter spray.

Hidden Valley Ranch powder.

Salt and pepper.

Process:

Rinse cauliflower under cool water.

Trim florets from the base of the cauliflower.

Place a steamer basket in a large soup pot and fill the bottom of the pot with water.

Place cauliflower florets into the steamer basket, cover with a lid and turn burner onto medium heat.

Steam cauliflower until fork tender. About 10-15 minutes.

Place steamed cauliflower into a food processor or high speed blender.

Open the butter spray and pour until it tastes to your liking. Stir the cauliflower, then put a tablespoon of  the ranch powder and stir. Add salt and pepper if you desire.

 

There you go! It is a great side to have with your meals on a low carb diet and is WONDERFUL.

 

 For snacks I would usually eat strawberries and chocolate…….Your probably thinking “Is she crazy?” But actually I found this company that makes chocolate dips, sauce, caramel dip, salad dressings, marshmallow cream and more! That has literally NOTHING in it. NO carbs NO sugar NO fat NOTHING. Adn it is AMAZING! It’s called Walden Farms and is great for dipping fruit in for those who are not fans of just regular fruit. Here is the site for them http://www.waldenfarms.com/ you can buy these at stores such as Kroger, Rice Epicurean, Whole Foods, Randall’s, etc.

 

 So your probably wondering what veggies you can eat and what you can’t eat on this diet….. So I am going to give you a list. List of Veggies for this diet: http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/whattoeat/a/whatveg.htm

 

 

Now comes fruit. This is the list of fruit you can eat on the diet. http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/whattoeat/a/whatfruit.htm

 

 

Well I as wonderful as this chat has been, I guess my blab is done here. Here is a link to where you can buy the HCG http://www.physicaladdictions.com/Weight-Loss/HCG

 

NOTE:  If you live in the Webster, Lamarque or Pearland area, then I DEFINITELY recommend you visit TransforME Fitness Studio. It is professional quality fitness that you can’t get anywhere else! Check it out! http://www.bodybyfrancesbootcamp.com/

You will not be disappointed! They are AWESOME!

 

Well lovelies, I’ve enjoyed writing  todays blog and hope it helps you beautiful ladies out. Remember, lose weight for YOU and your health, not because of the nasty, negative things people say. Because we are Women. And we are ALL BEAUTIFUL <3

 

Have an amazing day

Love, Abby Gough XOXO

UPDATE!!!!! :)

Hey guys! Yeah sorry I havent blogged in a super long time. I have not had ANY time to myself lately. Ive been taking HCG drops and dieting and Im happy to say Ive lost 12 pounds!! HEH HEH ;) ANYWAYS I have had a great weekend! I went to performance and songwriting workshops with an OUTSTANDING songwriter AND musician named Jeff Franzel. He has written many great songs for many great people and is a GREAT guy to be around! :) here's the link to his site :)  http://www.jefffranzel.com/. Tomorrow I will be performing with him and many great singers will be there as well. SO I AM SUPER EXCITED FOR TOMORROW!  ;D anyways In the second part of this blog I am going to talk about my amazing vocal coach and wonderful dear friend, Jane Vandiver. She has helped me out so much and taught me how to do things with my singing and performing that I know I could have never done without her! I was so lucky to have her beautiful voice doing backup for me on my CD :) What an outstanding talent she is. If you ever want any vocal training/coaching check her out at http://starsingersstudio.wordpress.com/ she is no doubt THE BEST! She is an amazing singer, an extremely talented and beautiful person and a wonderful, wonderful Friend to have :). I am truly blessed to have her in my life and dont know what I'd do without her!

I love ya Jane! :) tomorrow she will be performing too at the event I will be performing at tomorrow :)

Well I have to go get some rest for the big day tomorrow. I just wanted to check in with a brief update since I havent done it in a while. I will post a blog either tomorrow night or on monday about tomorrow :)

OOH ALSO!!! I know I havent mentioned this BUT MY CD SOUTHERN FIRE ANGEL IS NOW OUT!!! YOU CAN PURCHASE IT AT http://www.abbygough.com/ , ITUNES, CD BABY.COM AND AMAZON.COM

I will post a blog especially for that in a few days here telling to deets about the CD release party, the long road of making this CD and a few little things about the songs on my CD.

Website: http://www.abbygough.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Abby_Gough

and like my facebook at the bottom of my website! :)

anyways, goodnight lovelies!!!!

Abby Gough XOXO

Hey ya'll. Its Abby :)

Howdy! :)
I usually write my feelings in a song or a poem or sometimes just out of nowhere on paper. So I figured I would start Blogging about my life. If you don't already know me, my name is Abby Gough. Pleased to meet ya. I am a 15 year old Country singer-songwriter/ Actress. My dream is to perform. No matter where. If its a Honkytonk stage, The Grand Ole Opry stage or even a Broadway stage! I love to perform. I want to act in movies as well. There are so many people I admire and want to be like. Here are two of them.

Marilyn Monroe. What a glam girl. A singer/Actress and glam diva. Definitely an idol of mine :) She didn't care about what anyone thought of her, she was herself. And that's what I love about her. Ive been told I have Marilyn's smile before. Which makes me super happy :) :)

Elvis Presley. OMG! growing up, my dad being an Elvis impersonator (sounds just like him) and my grandma being a super Elvis fangirl, I was born an Elvis fan. Growing up I always wanted to be "the woman Elvis". HUGE legend, big time performer, Big rhinestone outfits, actor, singer,songwriter, EVERYONE loves you. Ah :) I still wanna be the "woman Elvis" haha :)

So if you can not already tell, I am a vintage freak. I love things that are from the 1940's,1950's, 1960's and well all the way to the 1980's :) my Mom says I'm an old soul. And I needed to be born a long time ago hehe :) I used to play Disney Princesses for children birthday parties and events. Man what a fun job. All you had to do was play dress up and act like you were the princess. It was so much fun! The kids love you to. I hope to be doing it again soon. It was great.                  

 Me as The Little Mermaid :)

 And Cinderella of course :)

So as you know I am a performer. How could you not know, I practically talked your ear off about it the whole first part of the blog. But POINT IS I sing at different clubs, events, all that good stuff :)

 Me singing at the Lonestar club in Pasadena, TX, I will be singing there again tomorrow night for Renee King and the honky tonk queens show. The show starts at 9 :) come see me!

I have a CD coming out on March 31st. called "Southern Fire Angel" I wrote 7 of the songs on the album. Including the title cut.

I have a theme for every year. This year's theme is "GO GET IT". Meaning, to chase whatever dreams I have and make sure that I make them come true. And when  I mean chase.......I MEAN CHASE THEM! I will run until I get there. I also have a theme for each summer.......Last years was EPIC SUMMER OF 11.........But this years is much more exciting.....Much more.......amazing.......Much more......whats the word I'm looking for.........AWESOME. This summers theme is called "The Epic Quest For Awesomeness".....Pretty amazing.....right? OK and maybe just a little bit bizarre. My plan is to NEVER be inside all summer and to go and do everything there is to do in Texas. And if you don't already know.....I'm an outside gal. NOT AN INSIDE PERSON. I love getting out of the house and having fun.

Mechanical bull riding. If that isn't fun and bizarre then I don't know what is!

OK that was random. But I had the awesome sudden urge to throw that in there.

ANYWAYS moving on...

I lost a very important and sweet man in my life in February. IF you already know me then, of course you know this. For most people that know knew him. His name is Hershel. He was like a grandpa to me. He was the whole reason I ever started performing. I mean, Ive sang all my life.....But I never actually performed on a stage til He got me to perform at his opry when I was 9 years old. He passed away on February 18th 2012. I miss him very much.

I love you Hershel!.

Today it is a beautiful day outside. I'm in the mood to go somewhere. Just like I am everyday. If you didn't know...I am home schooled so all my school is done on a computer and I can do it whatever time of the day I'd like.And I'm happy with that :) Usually my days go like this. I wake up, eat, tell myself to go workout but still never do. Do my school work, Get out of the house somehow, go home, play guitar and write for a little while. stuff like that :) and usually by night I'm performing somewhere. I cant really describe how I'm feeling today. I have left my phone upstairs all day and have used it since yesterday. which is probably a good thing. no telling how many texts and missed calls i have :p. I'm not going anywhere tonight......Looking like its a gonna be a boring Friday night.......but hey its been a while since Ive had one of those. But I don't miss them. so eh :P

SONG OF THE DAY: Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion.....If you have ever lost someone you love....Then you love this song. That's just how it is. Beautiful words.....And if you have seen the movie Titanic it has so much more meaning....beautiful story! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd1uEvyzCmM&feature=related

Song lyrics of the day: If You Could Read My Mind by Gordon Lightfoot. This song describes me so well. I know this feeling so well. That's why I love it so much.

If you could read my mind, love,

What a tale my thoughts could tell.
Just like an old time movie,
'Bout a ghost from a wishing well.
In a castle dark or a fortress strong,
With chains upon my feet.
You know that ghost is me.
And I will never be set free
As long as I'm a ghost that you can't see.
                                       
If I could read your mind, love,
What a tale your thoughts could tell.
Just like a paperback novel,
The kind the drugstores sell.
Then you reached the part where the heartaches come,
The hero would be me.
But heroes often fail,
And you won't read that book again
Because the ending's just too hard to take.

I cannot even put into words how beautiful the words and meaning of that song is.Amazing.

Well I hope you enjoyed my first Blog. I'm looking forward to doing it again :)

Have a beautiful day.

~Abby~