Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year!

Hello my butterflies!

2012 has been a great year and I wanted to thank you all for your support! It means so much to me! 2013 will be an even greater year and I look forward to your support in the New Year! I hope you and your loved ones have a very safe and happy New Year! =]

Friday, December 28, 2012

"Embrace it" behind-the-scenes video diary is up!

Hello my butterflies!

My behind-the-scenes video diary for the "Embrace it" music video was just uploaded, and you can check it out here! I'm so excited that you will get a little more information about the video before it comes out!

Also, as I say in the video, starting on Monday and every day next week, I will be putting up an exclusive behind-the-scenes picture on my Instagram account! So if you didn't get enough behind-the-scenes from the blogs and the video diary, you can see even more on my Instagram! Be sure to follow me!

Keep checking up on my YouTube account too, because the next video will be the "Embrace it" music video and I can't wait for you to see it!

Friday, December 14, 2012

"Embrace it" music video - day 4 and that's a wrap!

Hello my butterflies!

Today we finished filming the music video for "Embrace it"!!! Yay!!

The scene we did today was a quick one for the end. It's actually a little surprise scene so make sure you watch until the end!

Now, everything has to be edited and put together, but I'm so excited because you'll get to see it soon! You'll also get to see the behind-the-scenes video diary before the actual music video comes out, so be sure to keep checking my YouTube channel for that!

Saturday, December 8, 2012

"Embrace it" music video - day 3!

Hello my butterflies!

This week, we filmed the 3rd part of the music video for "Embrace it"! We were supposed to film this part last week, but the weather didn't allow us to, since the scenes are outside. However, the weather was better this week, so we were able to get it done! These scenes were for the verses and in them, I'm basically being the narrator of the story that's taking place in the song. A few fun facts about these scenes: (1) the poster I'm standing in front of was actually hand made and painted by my little sister and I! (2) The purple bracelet I'm wearing (look closely!) is actually a bracelet that my little sister made for me when she first learned to crochet a year or so ago.

The weather was better than last week, but even then, it was cold. And of course, the outfit I was wearing for the video was totally inappropriate for the weather! It always seems that I'm shooting a video in outfits inappropriate for the weather! But whatever, as long as the video looks good! It even started drizzling a bit, and even though we had a poster and my hair was straight, it fortunately didn't affect the shoot.

Well, now we only have one more scene to shoot before the video is done! I'm super excited to finish filming and I can't wait for you to see it!

Friday, November 23, 2012

"Embrace it" music video - day 2!

Hello my butterflies!

I hope you had a wonderful, safe and fun Thanksgiving! Did you eat a lot of turkey? I know I did!

Today was the second day of filming for my "Embrace it" music video! We shot the scenes for the choruses and the musical bridge. In the chorus scenes, I'm singing the chorus and I'm actually holding up cards with the lyrics on them, so make sure to sing along when you see the video! The bridge was a lot of fun to shoot, because it was basically me dancing and having a good time!

It was a very chilly and foggy day today; so much so that I was actually able to see my breath! Luckily, the wisps of my breath weren't visible on the video. It was a shock when I took my winter coat and hat off, because even though my outfit had long sleeves, it was a pretty thin material. I got used to it though...well, kinda. Towards the end, my hands were so cold that they were actually numb, and it was really hard to work the lyric cards properly! But I was able to get it all done and I think the shoot went very well.

We're about halfway done shooting this video, and I can't wait until you are able to see it!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello my butterflies!

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have an amazing day! I'm thankful for so many things this year, including my amazing family and you all, my awesome butterflies!

So far, I'm having a great day with my family! We watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade like we do every year! I love the parade! I thought Cody Simpson and Rachel Crow were so great and I loved seeing the balloons and floats!  Now I'm following another Thanksgiving traditions by watching the dog show while great smells and Christmas music come from the kitchen! Have a very Happy Thanksgiving! =]

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

"Embrace it" music video - day 1!

Hello my butterflies!

Today I shot the first part of the music video for my current single "Embrace it"! The video, without saying too much, is going to be following the story of the song as I help my friend Cassie through some problems she's having with insecurity and bullying. If you haven't heard the song yet, go to my official site and check it out!

The scenes we shot today were for the verses and pre-choruses. In these scenes, I'm getting called by Cassie and talking to her. I got to act a little bit because I was pretending that the camera wasn't there and I had a lot of fun with it. I can't wait to see how the scenes turned out and I can't wait for you to see the video!

Also, just like with my first music video for "I still believe in fairy tales", I'm making an accompanying behind-the-scenes video diary, so you can get a closer look at the making of the video! And like my first music video, this will be a multi-part blog.

I have another video shoot scheduled for Friday so until then, Happy Thanksgiving! Have a safe one and eat lots of turkey! ;)


Monday, November 12, 2012

R.I.P. Romeo

Hello my butterflies.

Last night was really hard for me and my family. My family's cat Romeo, who had been part of our family longer than I have, passed away. He was 17. He was the only pet I've ever had since birth. He was such a sweet, loving and fun cat. RIP Romeo, we love you.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Hurricane Sandy Update

Hello my butterflies!

Hope you're having a good day! If you're on the East Coast, I hope you and your family are safe. Luckily my family and I weren't badly hit. However, I heard last night that there had been five deaths from Sandy. My thoughts and prayers are with their families. So sad.

I'm saying a prayer for all of those who were so terribly affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Hurricane Sandy

Hello my butterflies!

Hope you're having a good day. If you're on the East Coast U.S., I hope your safely inside. I've been watching the news all day and it's crazy to see the damages already. It's even crazier seeing people out in such dangerous weather. East Coasters, please stay inside!!! It is not safe to be outside! Please be smart and safe!

I've been watching Channel 7's coverage all day and I have to say that I give major credit to Phil Lipof for reporting in such dangerous conditions but he really should go somewhere safer. I think it's just as important for these news reporters to be safe as it is for us viewers to be safe.

I just hope you're safe, inside and prepared for Sandy.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

My meeting with World Conquest Records!

Hello my butterflies!

I had a great meeting yesterday with my record label World Conquest Records and my label-mate Mario M. (El Rockero)! We talked about a lot of things that we're planning to do in the future and I'm very excited about things coming up! I can't wait for you all to see and hear everything! =D

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Happy birthday to my album!

Hello my butterflies!

My debut album "Daydreaming" became a year old today! I just wanted to thank you all for your support of it & my singles "I still believe in fairy tales" and "Embrace it"! It's been a great year for my album! I can't wait for you all to see the video for "Embrace it", as well as future singles! Thank you all for your support!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Remembering 9/11

Hello my butterflies.

Today is a day we can never forget, especially for those of us who live in New York. I was only 4 when it happened, but I remember it clearly. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to those who lost their lives or lost a loved one on that day.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Much respect to Kellie Pickler

Hello my butterflies!

Yesterday I saw that Kellie Pickler shaved her head. When I saw the story behind it, I thought it was so amazing. She shaved her head to support her best friend Summer Holt Miller, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. I thought that was an amazing thing to do and a great show of friendship. That's a true friend! I respect Kellie so much for doing this and I wish her friend Summer the best.

First day of school!

Hello my butterflies!

Today was the first day of school for me and my little sister. My sister went into 7th grade today and I went into 10th. I can't believe it! We both had great first days and I look forward to the rest of the year.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

I have an Instagram!

Hello  my butterflies!

Guess what? I now have an Instagram! You can follow me on there @ariacortes! I'll be putting up pictures soon! Comment if you have any suggestions of what I should take pictures of. I hope you enjoy this new way to get to know me!

New listening party video!

Hello my butterflies!

Yesterday, I put up the listening party video for my debut album "Daydreaming"! I hope you enjoy it! You can see it on my YouTube channel youtube.com/ariacortes. =]

Sunday, August 26, 2012

RIP Neil Armstrong

Hello my butterflies.

Yesterday we lost one of the men who showed us that anything is possible. Neil Armstrong once again left the earth, but this time he didn't go to the moon. He inspired so many people and will truly be missed. RIP Neil Armstrong.

Friday, August 24, 2012

New video thanking my fans!

Hello my butterflies!

I just uploaded a new video giving thanks to you all for helping my channel reach 500 subs! You can see it on my YouTube channel youtube.com/ariacortes . I'll be putting up another video on Monday. That video will be like a listening party where the songs will be playing in the background and I'll be talking about what they mean and other things. I can't wait for you to see that.  For now, I hope you enjoy the video I put up today!

Monday, August 20, 2012

Falling Skies finale!

Hello my butterflies!

Last night was the finale of Falling Skies! Those of you who have read  my blog posts about it or follow me on Twitter know that I'm just a wee bit obsessed with the show... ok maybe more than a wee bit! It's been a super crazy season and I couldn't believe that the finale had come so quickly. It really wasn't that quick, but it feels that way. I just have to say that the ending was left us on such a cliff hanger that I'm seriously doubting my ability to wait patiently until the new season! I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!! -breathes- Whew, sorry there. Told you I'm obsessed! But seriously, this season was really great and I can't wait to see season 3!

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Family fishing

Hello my butterflies!

Today I went fishing with my family for the first time. I've always wanted to go fishing, so I was so happy that I was getting to go. We went digging in the soil around the lake we went to for worms. We didn't find many but the ones I found, I actually touched. Usually, bugs and worms creep me out. But I was going for the full experience, including touching the bait! We didn't catch anything but I had a great time.

Oh my goodness, barbecued hot dogs are so amazing. Apparently the bees thought so too. There were bees all over us! But luckily, no one got stung!

It was a great end-of-summer family day and I can't wait to have more in the future! Hopefully, I'll catch something next time!

Monday, August 13, 2012

Olympics Closing Ceremony

Hello my butterflies!

Last night the Olympics came to an end with the Closing Ceremony. It was really nice, even though I was totally bummed that the Olympics were ending already.

It was great to see George Michael perform! My dad loves his music so I'm a fan but I've never seen him perform other than in music videos.

Jessie J sang "Price tag" and Taio Cruz sang "Dynamite", two of my favorite songs!

Then was the reunion of the Spice Girls! My older sister was a huge fan of theirs so I became a fan. I don't think I was quite as excited as she was, but I was definitely looking forward to seeing them together again. They were so great!

I also thought it was so cool to see the projection of Freddie Mercury! I'm a huge Queen fan! Even as a projection, he captivated the audience and got everyone to sing along. He is still truly amazing.

The Closing Ceremony was really nice. I really enjoyed watching the Olympics and hearing the athletes' stories. It was a really fun two weeks to watch and I can't wait for the next Olympics in 2014! Thank you London! 

Monday, August 6, 2012

NASCAR race at Pocono

Hello my butterflies.

Yesterday was the NASCAR race from Pocono Raceway. This is the track that is closest to where I live, and my family and I have been there for a race twice. It was a good race until the intense rain started. The rain came pouring down and it even started lightning and thundering. Due to safety, NASCAR called the race, allowing Jeff Gordon his first win of the year. Go Jeff! Unfortunately, some people were struck by lightning while exiting the track and trying to get home. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who was injured and their families.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Special sale of my album!

Hello my butterflies!

CD Baby is having a big promotion this week only to help indie artists like me in which any of my songs or album you buy downloads of, all the money goes to me as the artist instead of CD Baby taking a fee out of it.

Show me your support - buy/download songs off my album or buy/download the entire "Daydreaming" album off my site today! Get my singles "I still believe in fairy tales" and "Embrace it"! Thanks!!

Sunday, July 29, 2012

The newest addition to my family

Hello my butterflies!

Today, my family and I added another member. We got a chinchilla! His name is Rascal and he is SOOOO CUTE!! It's a crazy story actually. My dad wanted to get a chinchilla so we called some pet stores. One store had a chinchilla (Rascal) for adoption! Once we heard that, we had to get him. So we did! We adopted a chinchilla! I'm so excited and I look forward to many years of caring for our newest little pet. If you want to see pictures of him, follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/AriaCortes. He's so cute that I can't resist taking pictures of him!

Saturday, July 28, 2012

2012 Summer Olympics!

Hello my butterflies!

Yesterday started one of my favorite events... the Olympics! I'm so excited! I absolutely love the Olympics, both winter and summer. I love watching the amazing athletes represent for their countries and inspire us all. It's so cool!

The Opening Ceremony last night was really cool! I always love watching the countries come out. I think that's my favorite part of the Opening Ceremony.

Now we get to watch the events for two weeks. My favorite events are the gymnastics and swimming, but I look forward to watching as much of it as I possibly can! What are your favorite Olympic sports?

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Raw's 1000th episode!

Hello my butterflies

Last night made WWE and television history. Last night was the 1000th episode of Monday Night Raw! From January 11, 1993 to July 23, 2012, they've had 1000 episodes. That's 19 years! I've been watching for 15 of those years and I can't wait to see the next 1000 episodes! It was a really good show! They also announced that from now on, Raw will be 3 hours! That's another hour of crazy story lines and great fights!

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Happy 4th of July

Hello my butterflies!

Happy 4th of July! I went to see a great firework show last night with my sisters and grandparents! It was awesome! I hope you all have a safe and fun day with your families!

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Live Butterfly Garden Update!

Hello my butterflies!

As I told you all earlier in June, me and my family own actual butterflies that we got from the Live Butterfly Garden. Well, yesterday was the day that we had to let them all go. You're only supposed to keep them for about two weeks, since their life span is only about a month. You have to let them go so that they can create more butterflies! It was sad but I was excited. The first 8 came out relatively fast, then another 2 came out. We were left with one, and this one refused to come out! I swear, we spent about 4 minutes trying to get it out without hurting it! It loved us! Eventually, it decided to be free with the rest of its brothers and sisters. We watched them fly around, then went home. It was a great experience owning, caring for and releasing the butterflies! I hope to get more soon!

Monday, June 25, 2012

RIP Buddy

Hello my butterflies.

Today is a sad day for me and my family. I woke up this morning to find that my pet bunny Buddy has passed away. As I told you guys last month, she was really sick. My family and I did all we could to help her, but it wasn't enough. She was 3. RIP Buddy, go hop in heaven. We'll miss you.

RIP MJ

Hello my butterflies.

Today is the 3 year anniversary of the day we lost the King of Pop. I remember that sad day. It was one of  my last days of 6th grade. I remember going to school and that was all we were talking about in the schoolyard. It was unbelievable. I also remember his beautiful memorial service. Of course, I also remember the amazing legacy he left behind. His music is still amazing.

As one of his most inspirational songs says: "If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make that change..." RIP Michael Jackson.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Happy Father's Day!

Hello my butterflies!

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there! I especially want to say a Happy Father's Day to my incredibly awesome daddy and my awesome grandfathers!! I hope you all have a great day!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Live Butterfly Garden

Hello my butterflies!

For my little sister's brithday, my dad decided to get the Live Butterfly Garden. Today, they came! We have 11 caterpillars, 5 in one jar and 6 in another. They are sooo cute. I literally sat in front of the jars watching the caterpillars for a good 15 minutes! I think it's funny because I call you all my butterflies and now I also own actual butterflies! How cool is that? I can't wait to watch their transformation!

Goodbye 9th grade

Hello my butterflies!

Today is officially the first day of being done with 9th grade! I can't believe I'm already done with my first year of high school. It was hard but I got through it and now I'm ready to enjoy my summer vacation. We'll see what 10th grade holds for me in the fall!

Sunday, June 3, 2012

A great day in Mets history

Hello my butterflies!

On Friday, something happened for the first time in New York Mets history. Johan Santana became the first pitcher to ever pitch a no hitter! I'm so happy for him and happy that he was able to give the Mets their first no hitter! What an awesome day to be a Mets fan!

Monday, May 28, 2012

Happy Memorial Day!

Hello my butterflies!

Happy Memorial Day! Thank you to everyone who has served or is serving in the military. Thank you to the families of service men and women too. We appreciate all that you sacrifice today and everyday. I'm saying a prayer for all who have lost their lives serving & for the families who have lost a loved one serving in the military. I hope you have a great day!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Happy Mother's Day!

Hello my butterflies!

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there! I have to say a Happy Mother's Day to my amazing mommy, my 2 awesome grandmothers and my dearly beloved grandma in heaven. I hope you have a great day and I hope all you mothers have a relaxing day.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Rockin' Country in NY

Hello my butterflies!

So today, my dad was randomly flipping through radio stations and he found it. He actually found it. He found a country station that we can hear in New York! He just happened to stumble upon a country station called WDVY Kicks 106.3 FM that broadcasts in upstate New York and gets a pretty good signal here in the Bronx. I'm so happy! Now I can listen to it whenever and wherever I want!

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Avengers Assemble!!

Hello my  butterflies!

I got up early this morning to see the movie everyone has been waiting for... the Avengers! I have to say, it was SO AWESOME!!! It was action packed, intense and funny! The actors were phenomenal and it was a really good movie. I absolutely can't wait for the next Avengers movie! AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!

Saturday, May 5, 2012

National Anthem audition!

Hello my butterflies!

Today, I did something I've never done before. I auditioned to sing the National Anthem at a Staten Island Yankees game. I was nervous but excited. I think I did pretty well and I'll let you guys know if I get called back. Hopefully, this is the first of many auditions to sing the National Anthem!

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Not a happy morning

Hello my butterflies.

I'm sure you all know that I own a pet bunny. If you don't, her name is Buddy. She was named after the elf Buddy in the movie Elf  because we got her around Christmas and it's a family tradition to watch that movie during Christmas season.

Well, today was not the best morning for us. We had to take her to the vet because she's started walking weird and we didn't know what was wrong. We took her and the outlook doesn't look good. The vet gave us some medicine to give her in the hopes that it might help, or at least ease the pain. So, my dad and I are going to put our vet hats on and try to do the best we can for her. We're hoping and praying for the best.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Happy Earth Day!

Hello my butterflies!

Happy Earth Day! Make sure you do your part today and every day to keep the earth clean! Have a great day! =]

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

RIP Dick Clark

Hello my butterflies.

Today we lost a legend in Dick Clark. I didn't get to see him before New Year's Rockin' Eve, but I know how loved he was. New Year's Eve won't be the same without him to ring in the New Year. He will be missed and my prayers are with his family. RIP Dick Clark.

Friday, April 6, 2012

"Embrace It" video update

Hello my butterflies!

I told you guys that I would have a video out this week about my new single "Embrace it". Well, unfortunately I haven't been feeling well this week and I want to do the video at my best. Because of this, the video will be out on Monday. Thank you all for understanding and I can't wait for y'all to see it!

Friday, March 30, 2012

My new single is out!!!

Hello my butterflies!!

Guess what?? My 2nd single "Embrace it" is now out for y'all!! You can hear it on my MySpace page! http://www.myspace.com/ariacortesmusic. The CD single also includes a bonus song called "Butterfly." It's included because that's the song that made me call my fans (YOU!) my butterflies! On Monday, I'll have a YouTube video with the cover art for "Embrace it!" I'm so excited and hope you like it! =D

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

3 years

Hello my butterflies.

Today is the 3 year anniversary of my grandmother's passing. To this day, I still think of her. I still remember her. I still miss her. I will always love her. In everything I do, I remember her. After all, my last name "Cortes" is a tribute to her. I know she's watching over me and my family and I just hope she's proud of everything I've done and who I've become in these three years without her.

There's a song quote that I retweeted on my Twitter page that applies to this day quite nicely: "...And I know you're shining down on me from heaven" - "One Sweet Day" by Boyz II Men & Mariah Carey. Grandma, I love you and miss you, today and everyday.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Soul Surfer

Hello my butterflies!

Last night, my family and I decided to sit down together and watch a movie. We chose to watch "Soul Surfer". I had wanted to see it in theaters, since it looked really good and had one of my favorite actresses (AnnaSophia Robb) and one of my favorite singers (Carrie Underwood) in it.

After seeing it, I can say that it was the most inspirational and emotional movie I've ever seen. It was amazing to see Bethany Hamilton's story and see how she made it through everything. She never gave up, even after it seemed like she couldn't go on. Bethany Hamilton is an absolute inspiration and I think that if you haven't seen this movie yet, you definitely should.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Whitney Houston's memorial service

Hello my butterflies!

Yesterday was Whitney Houston's memorial service. It was sad but beautiful. It was special to be able to watch it. I thank her family for allowing a camera to be in the church to allow all of the Whitney fans of the world to be able to witness it. My prayers are with her family and friends. RIP Whitney.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

RIP Gary Carter

Hello my butterflies.

As a Mets fan, I'm very sad to hear of the passing of Gary Carter. Even though I never got to see him play, I know how important and legendary The Kid was to the Mets and to Mets fans. He will always be known as The Kid to all! RIP Gary Carter.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

RIP Whitney Houston

Hello my butterflies.

Last night, the world lost a great talent in Whitney Houston. She had an amazing voice that transcended all genres. As word of her death spread on news sites and Twitter, I saw just how much of an impact she had on the lives of millions. I saw all types of people saying that her song was their wedding song or their first dance at high school and things like that. I saw countless artists of all genres saying how she inspired them with her voice to become an artist. The music world and the world in general has lost an amazing voice and an amazing person. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, Bobby Brown and her daughter Bobbi Kristina. RIP Whitney.