Melange Muse

Feist + Mountain Man

2011-11-22T11:50:00.000-05:00

Tonight I had the pleasure of seeing Feist! She was everything I hoped she would be and more. Such amazing talent.

Feist had the cutest little back up singers and I discovered they have their own group called
Mountain Man.

I am pretty excited to check out more of their stuff.

Song Obsession

2011-10-31T18:25:00.000-04:00

I know I haven't blogged in forever, but don't get too excited because I probably still won't be very consistent. I had to share this song though. My brother shared it with me a couple months ago and it has definitely been my most listened to song since then.
Enjoy.

Suburbs by Mr Little Jeans

Home-Made Granola Bars

2011-06-08T15:15:00.003-04:00

Today I made these delicious home-made granola bars. I decided there is way too much sugar and unnatural ingredients in store bought ones so I think making these may become a regular occurrence.

The recipe is really simple and easy to customize and change to whatever suites your taste.
So here it is if you would like to give it a try.

3/4 cup natural peanut butter
3/4 cup honey (I used pure creamed honey)
1 1/2 cup oats
1 1/4 cup rice crisps, millet or hemp hearts (I used organic whole grain brown crispy rice, you could use a mixture)
1 cup slivered almonds (any type of nut would work)
1 cup dried fruit

melt p.b. and honey in microwave for about a minute
stir all dry ingredients together, then gradually add the p.b. and honey mixture
put in cake pan and squish down evenly.
place in freezer and let harden
cut into desired size

*This makes about 16 bars depending on the size you want and is best stored in fridge or freezer.

Paris

2011-06-06T19:51:00.000-04:00

My brother made a super cute little video so he and his wife can win a trip to Paris.

All they have to do is get enough votes to win!

So click on the link to check out the video and vote!

Merci.

http://copperfield.strutta.com/entry/172628#box-info (I would embed it if I could)

I painted this picture today in lieu of the contest.

I can't wait until I can take another trip to Paris! Hopefully that day comes sooner than later...

California dreamin'

2011-04-28T12:35:00.000-04:00

Dear Mother Nature,

Today is April 28th and it is snowing a lot!! What ever happened to April showers? To make things worse it is still quite cold, it is 0C and feels like -5C. Isn't it supposed to be spring right now? Is this some sort of mean joke?

As you know winter has been very cold, snowy, and grey and the forecast shows no end in sight. Could you please please hurry up with some nice weather? If not I think I shall move to California. Current temperature in LA, 26C. Much better? I think so. California, here I come!

Sincerely,

Maya

*These are finally some pictures from my California trip back in September.

I'll gradually keep posting some more when the time is right.

My soul belongs to Thom Yorke

2011-03-16T18:28:00.004-04:00

I didn't think it was possible to love Radiohead anymore than I already do until I saw this video...

Thom you never disappoint me. Thanks for being so cool.

P.S. If you haven't listened to Radiohead's new The King of Limbs album I suggest you get on it. I'm obsessed with it of course.

P.S.S. sorry for 2 music posts in a row and all in one day but I just couldn't wait to put this up!

Yes!

2011-03-16T13:51:00.002-04:00

Iron and Wine covers George Michael's "One More Try"

Also in case it has been a very long time since you have heard the original...

delicioso!

2011-02-22T14:36:00.001-05:00

the menu:

carne adovada tacos

guacamole
mexican rice

refried beans

mexican chocolate cake

for family day my talented chef of a brother made an authentic mexican dinner.

everything was made from scratch with fresh ingredients.

It was absolutely delicioso!

I am still full.

Helplessness Blues

2011-01-31T14:08:00.004-05:00

dear friends, i am so excited.
remember THIS band? Well I sure like them and guess what?
they have a new album coming out on may 3rd called Helplessness Blues and they are going on a north american tour.
my birthday is april 8th if you want to get me tickets and fly me somewhere they are performing :)
anyway here is a taste from their new album that you can download free!

you're welcome : )

p.s. for more info about this go HERE

i luv thrifting.

2010-12-17T22:33:00.000-05:00

these are my finds from today. i am quite pleased.

also song of the week shared with me by my good friend karen, click here.

song for a saturday night

2010-12-11T19:52:00.010-05:00

this video is composed of approximately 2000 watercolor images painted one after another.
i think that's pretty neat.

dinner party dreaming

2010-12-07T01:06:00.001-05:00

As I have been starting to think about and plan my annual Christmas dinner party, I realized I still haven't posted pictures from my summer one!
So here they are, just a little late...

Happy Nintendo Day!

2010-10-21T14:38:00.000-04:00

Today it is Nintendo's 25th Birthday!
I'm not really a big fan of video games but the original Super Mario is one of the only video games I actually like to play.
On this Nintendo Birthday, I happened to find a website that has all the greatest Nintendo games online for free!
Probably not the best thing to come across when I have 3 exams tomorrow....

Anyway if you want to have some old school fun, click the link!

http://nintendo8.com/toplist/more/

p.s. I know this was a random thing to blog after not blogging for so long but it was quick and easy and a good little study break. I will try to do some more blog catching up sometime soon... I hope. ha

i like this a lot

2010-07-27T11:57:00.002-04:00

The Morning Benders - Excuses

I am currently addicted to this song and when I went to find the video so I could share the song, the video I discovered made me become even more in love with it!

shoe party

2010-07-26T15:30:00.000-04:00

7 dollar white canvas shoes + fabric paint and markers + good music + good friends + good treats

= a perfect crafting night

Clever

2010-06-14T17:26:00.000-04:00

I came across this video a couple weeks ago and I just had to share it.
I just can't get over how funny it is.
Every time I watch it I laugh just as hard as I did when I watched it for the first time.

Clever huh?

winter photo shoot

2010-06-10T02:27:00.001-04:00

I styled this shoot back in March.

Let me tell you it ended up being quite an adventurous day.

We had a lot of things go wrong...

1) even though it was the end of March it was FREEZING cold that day and super snowy, which to say the least is not pleasant for anyone.

2) The location arranged was in a junkyard and you had to pay a fee to shoot there but it turns out they only let you use part of the junk yard, the part that was uninteresting and hard to shoot in. So we took a few illegal shots in the off limits area and then got kicked out.

3) there was nowhere for the models to change....my car became the change room.

4) since the original location didn't work out and the photographer didn't have a backup location we drove around Calgary for like 3 hours until we found another suitable place.

5) since it was so cold and everyone was pretty grumpy about it taking a lot longer than planned we only used 2 of the 3 outfits.

Anyway it was a long day and I only ended up with 7 photos from the photographer....most of them don't even show off the outfits that well but well it was an experience I guess right?

the first picture is taken on my iphone and the rest are by Jasmin Dosanj

movie time

2010-05-26T21:38:00.001-04:00

Last week I went to the lovely old Uptown theatre here in Calgary and saw the documentary,

Exit Through The Gift Shop.

I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it quite funny actually. I definitely recommend watching it if you can!

I can't wait to see it again!

Feel.Love.Thinking.Of.

2010-04-12T22:30:00.000-04:00

On March 27th, 2010 my very good friend Mai got married to her now husband Lance.

They got married in the Salt Lake City Temple.

She looked absolutely beautiful.

It was such a cute little wedding.

I am so extremely happy for them.

I caught the bouquet...

listen to Faunts "Feel.Love.Thinking.Of.

A Musical Treat

2009-11-29T17:28:00.001-05:00

I would more than love to see Fleet Foxes live!

Since I haven't had the opportunity yet this video will have to tide me over until I do!

Their voices and harmonizing really are quite sensational don't you think?

Want some style inspiration?

2009-11-12T23:21:00.004-05:00

I found this website today, www.stylelikeu.com,

and I have been watching the videos on it all day!

Ok maybe not all day but I have watched a lot of them already.

It is kind of like the Sartorialist except instead of just pictures of people with amazing style,

it is videos of them in their home/closet, showing off not just one outfit, but a few of their favorites.

An extra, extra bonus is their personal commentary about their style and how they feel about fashion etc.

Very inspiring.

Joan Jett

2009-11-03T15:14:00.000-05:00

For Halloween I dressed up as the best rocker chick ever, Joan Jett!

What do you think, do we look alike?

haPPy hallOwEEn!

2009-10-31T09:42:00.002-04:00

Still loving Ryan Goslings band, Dead Man's Bones and thought this a perfect little video for Halloween!

What are you being for Halloween?

I miss this....

2009-10-28T21:28:00.001-04:00

I'm pretty sure Fall in New York is the best ever.

P.S. My song of the moment......El Perro Del Mar - Change Of Heart ---click it to listen and download.

The Fun Theory

2009-10-23T13:34:00.002-04:00

This is such a fun idea, don't ya think?

Check out more videos like this at www.thefuntheory.com

i love lamp.

2009-10-21T21:44:00.000-04:00

This is my new old lamp I recently bought off a cute little old man.

It sits in my living room on top of some old suitcases.

I love it.

Side note: this song has been on repeat lately

Diner Party

2009-09-24T22:42:00.001-04:00

I like hosting parties.

I threw this one at the end of the summer...

A visual typographic feast...

2009-09-15T13:39:00.001-04:00

A friend of mine that I met in New York helped create this.

It is rad, rad, rad!

There are no CG effects on this film.

It is amazing!

enjoy

for more details about this little film just click on the video

Cupcake Crazy

2009-09-01T21:47:00.002-04:00

ok so maybe I hopped on the cupcake bandwagon....

I made these last week

At first I didn't really get what the big deal was with cupcakes.

They were ALL over NYC and of course I had to try them at various locations,

but what really sold me was when I flipped through the Martha Stewart and BabyCakes cupcake books.

They totally inspired me. You can get so creative. I love it.

if this doesn't get you pumped about cupcakes, I don't know what will

I got all the tools and I am now officially cupcake crazy!

Couture for Cambodia

2009-08-30T23:59:00.004-04:00

This weekend I helped out at a fashion show fundraiser for the awesome organization same same but different.

All the proceeds went to help Cambodian children's building project.

backstage prepping

It showcased 4 fashion designers

Evan Biddell (Canada's Project Runway Winner)

Paul Hardy

Shelly Court

Hali Sweet

Evan Biddell

Shelly Court

and had a couple big name models too

Linsay Willier (Canada's Next top model runner up)

Agnieszka Wichniewicz

some models

It was a splendid night full of fashion and fun and it was for an excellent cause too!

It's Friday i'm in love

2009-08-14T02:28:00.005-04:00

with Ryan Gosling!

Together with his friend Zac Shields, he started a band called Dead Man's Bones.

So far I am loving everything about this project!

As you will hear and see it is very raw and super creative.

Their whole outlook on music and the industry is really interesting.

I think it's great.

(apparently the whole video was shot in 1 take on 2 rolls of super 8mm film. Cool stuff.)

Don't you love his voice and his style? I sure do!

You can check out a really fantastic article about this collaboration on Pitchfork.

Here is one interesting little paragraph from the article...

"Integral to the creation of Dead Man's Bones was the pair's motivation to keep things as raw and real as possible, stripped down to reveal even the limitations of their musicianship. When it came time to record the album, Gosling and Shields created a set of White Stripes-esque rules to follow so as to not taint the purity of the process. Rules like no click tracks or electric guitars, no more than three takes, and playing all of the instruments themselves (along with producer Tim Anderson of (Ima Robot). Gosling played cello and piano for the first time, while Shields took up the drums."

Really you should read the whole thing!

Also check out Dead Man's Bones other video here and download the song that I first heard that instantly sold me here.

Who knew Ryan was so multi-talented? A true artist. He is one cool canadian cat. Yup I have a crush.

Let me know what you think about the article and the music!

A letter to my blog...

2009-08-12T08:17:00.002-04:00

Dear Blog aka Melange Muse

I am sorry I have been neglecting you.

You need a complete makeover.

I am bored with your header.

I am bored with your look.

I am sure people are bored with you.

I don't think they even come visit anymore.

Sad.

There are many reasons for my neglect.

I won't go into much detail except to say that

the weather got warm,

friends and family came to visit,

I was busy socializing with new friends in the city

I was soaking up every ounce of New York City life that I could possibly get before I had to move away.

Now my year in New York is over and I am back home and uninspired....

I just don't do as many blog worthy things but on the plus side I have more time to blog!

So here is the deal blog, if you don't mind I will try and catch up a little and post some old stuff and in between there will probably be some new stuff as well.

I was doing some pretty cool and fun things in NYC that I think deserve posting even though they are late.

Also you are getting a complete revamp!

I don't know if I can do it all in one day so you might look a little bit in a muddle until you are completely made over.

So please be patient.

I am not making any promises that I will keep up on my blog like I was before but I will promise to try my best!

Deal?

ARUBA

2009-07-07T00:59:00.004-04:00

In about 12 hours I will be here....

I am so excited!!!

I just want to have a good time

2009-06-26T14:07:00.003-04:00

Some people go BOOO they go QUAK QUAK they go KEEK

Some people have nothing and want nothing and are free.

Some people want to burn the world with their greed.

We just want to have a GOOD TIME!

Good Time. The new theme song of my life...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQM5TZqoaUE

I would embed this music video but it won't let me so you just have to click to watch it.

Rodney Smith

2009-06-24T18:10:00.001-04:00

Have you ever seen the amazing photography skills of Rodney Smith? Well you should. His work is sensational!

I got to meet him a couple weeks ago because my very cool friend works for him.

I highly suggest you check out more of his fantastic photos HERE

gettin' down on their middle eastern instruments

2009-06-23T13:05:00.005-04:00

Mos Def released a new album this month called The Ecstatic and I am sort of obsessed with the new song from it called, Auditorium.

You can download it for free @ betterPropaganda

(a rad site I recently found that has awesome free music downloads!)

Let me know what you think!

Ciao Bella!

2009-06-17T12:31:00.007-04:00

Yesterday I had to say goodbye to my closest friend, that I have had since I came to New York.

She moved back home to Salt Lake City...

We had some of the best times, coolest experiences and most interesting conversations together this year.

I will miss this girl a lot.

Goodbye Amanda! Thanks for all the good times and for being such a good friend.

See ya in ARUBA in a month!

monday, monday...

2009-06-08T13:12:00.003-04:00

I love the weekends.

Why must they end and turn into Monday?

P.S. Anyone how to change the layout so my margins aren't so big?

my favorite

2009-06-02T21:00:00.009-04:00

Usually I have trouble picking favorite things, but when it comes to my favorite movie, well thats easy, it's

Amelie!

This is why:

Everything about this movie is beautiful.

the story the filming the music the colors the french the location the actress Audrey Tautou

I may or may not have watched it 3 times last week...

reasons for neglect

2009-05-30T15:15:00.000-04:00

I have been too busy having fun to blog!

There are so many fun things I have been doing lately, which means tons to blog about but basically I have neglected the whole online world. Facebook, blogging, etc...

It actually feels good though.

Probably my life won't really slow down for awhile but I am just fine with that! In fact I feel pretty lucky.

Anyways I will blog when I can!

The Welcome Wagon delivers!

2009-05-07T15:00:00.002-04:00

I went to a cute little show

at a cute little art space,

where the cutest little married couple,

The Welcome Wagon, performed...

check out my full review of the show here

You should really check them out.

My Mai

2009-05-06T23:59:00.002-04:00

My good friend Mai came to visit me in New York and it was delightful!

We did things like eat delicious treats from Magnolia Bakery,

wonder what makes red velvet cupcakes so red,

go to a MAGNIFICENT performance of the opera Rigoletto at the Lincoln center,

have good chats on the train,

go to some shows of course,

and dream of how fun it would be roomies in NYC someday...

"I'll know when everything feels right..."

2009-04-30T16:31:00.003-04:00

I love M. Ward. Just thought you should know so that you can maybe love him too...

I like this place.

2009-04-20T22:50:00.002-04:00

Those are actually little cakes. Cute huh?

Thanksgiving on a bun

click here to check out Chat 'n' Chew!

P.S. I have been doing lots and lots of blog worthy things, but since I have been so busy doing them I have had no time to post or even look at other peoples new posts! Anyways I will try and catch up when I can!

P.S.S. Give this a listen

Twenty Three

2009-04-09T23:50:00.011-04:00

Yesterday was my 23rd birthday and it was perfect.

I went to Balthazar for a delicious dinner

Then to the the new Valentino documentary, Valentino: The Last Emperor

It was fabulous....

And to make the movie even cooler Andre Leon Talley

(American editor at large for Vogue)

and Matt Tymauer (THE director and producer of the film)

were there to introduce it and do a Q and A with the audience

To end the night off I went to one of my favorite little dessert Cafes, Cafe Lalo, for some scrumptious birthday cake

All celebrated with my good friend Amanda

I couldn't ask for a better NYC birthday.

Susan

2009-04-08T15:08:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday I got to chill with Susan Sarandon...

Made possible by these fantastic friends...

(Susan holding my friends darling little baby, Charlotte)

When I lived in Milan, Italy I became really great friends with Giovanni and Rachael Criscione. This past weekend they came to visit NYC with their new baby Charlotte! I loved being able to spend some time with them and meet their beautiful baby girl. They are such AWESOME people. Anyways Giovanni is related to Susan somehow so we got to go meet up with her for a bit. It was really cool and felt strangely normal. Susan is very petite and really looks great! I also got to meet John Cusack, who is surprisingly tall, but I was too scared to ask him for a picture...

Rainy days...

2009-04-06T15:39:00.000-04:00

It has been pretty rainy and cold over here in New York.....

Pass it on

2009-03-29T14:38:00.003-04:00

I think this is a pretty strange commercial for an insurance company, but I really like it.

Every time I see it, it reminds me that I should take the opportunities to

do something nice for someone when I have a chance.

You never know how much even the smallest act of kindness can positively affect someone.

Monumental Weekend

2009-03-27T17:00:00.001-04:00

Last weekend my friend and I took a little road trip to Washington DC.

It was our first time visiting there so as you can probably guess, 2 girls on a road trip, plus a camera equals

A LOT of pictures!

here are just a few...

Published

2009-03-23T23:59:00.000-04:00

About a month ago I officially became a "music writer" for SoundProof magazine

and my first live music review finally got published today!

I get to do live show reviews, album reviews, other features, and possibly some interviews and photography in the future....

And the BEST part of this is that I get to be on the press list for shows! Hooray!

Click Here to read my first live show review for Madi Diaz

@ The Living Room NYC on March 7th

p.s. if you know of any shows in the New York area or albums coming out soon that you recommend for review let me know!

FRONTWARDS by Andrew and Me

2009-03-19T11:00:00.006-04:00

My friend Andrew decided he wanted to do a little project and make a music video to the song

Frontwards by Los Campesinos.

Lucky for me I got to be his co-star!

So here it is! Hope you like it!

I think he did a great job making/editing it!

So good job Andrew.

Thanks for picking me to be in the video!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T16:38:00.007-04:00

I do have a little Irish blood in me and happily celebrate St. Patrick's Day! I am even wearing green! Are you?

someday I would like to go to Ireland...

(via f lickr, click here for some more beautiful Ireland photos )

What I imagine the coolest, most stylish looking Irish person would look like...

(via the Sartorialist)

My sister used to do traditional Irish dancing and these are the kind of dresses they perform in. I think they are quite beautiful (that embroidery takes a lot of work...I do believe my mom's blood is somewhere on my sisters dress...)

My family and I used to watch this movie every year on St. Patrick's day when I was younger...I haven't seen it in AGES ! Did anyone else ever watch it?

Irish Band I like...

The Burger Joint

2009-03-16T01:00:00.006-04:00

Behind the red curtains at the fancy hotel, Le Parker Meridian, lies a hidden gem (which is not fancy in the least),

The Burger Joint!

Normally I am not a big burger eater or red meat eater for that matter but the burgers here are delicious!

After walking through the fancy lounge and hotel lobby, we spotted the red curtains and a hallway with this neon sign at the end of it, where we then walked into a relaxed, small wood paneled whole in the walll. It was like a secret room! Cool huh?

That probably doesn't even look very appetizing but I promise it was amazing!

The sign says it all!

mmm...taking my first big bite!

I will definitely be back.

Playin on the Jukebox

Head in the Clouds

2009-03-12T23:53:00.004-04:00

I have had a busy busy week and it will continue to be busy probably until sunday night...

I want to forget about all the things I have to do and have

my head in the clouds!

Give me some Sugar!

2009-03-08T23:17:00.003-04:00

Satisfied my sweet tooth at the Sugar cafe after a show at the Living Room in the Lower East side!

mmmm.....delicious treats!

It was so warm this weekend and the city was happy! Streets were packed with people, patio's running in full fledge, windows open, the city was buzzing!

Welcome spring!

Goodbye winter jackets. Please don't make me take you out of the back of the closet again.

Please and thank you.

Did I mention...

2009-03-07T12:35:00.003-05:00

how obsessed I have been with Beirut lately? Well I have been.

This was the first Beirut song I heard and the video is magnificent!

Also did I mention how obsessed I am with old film lately? Lovin' the Lo fi!

click here to download A Sunday Smile (one of my favorites)

Other Beirut songs on serious repeat:

Cherbourg

Gulag Orkestar

Prenzlaurburg

Brandenburg

Scenic World

After the Curtain

Bratislava

Nantes

I know that's a lot but seriously all Beirut songs are excellent! Such an awesome unique sound! So you should probably just do yourself a favor and download them all...

Day 2:

2009-03-03T17:05:00.005-05:00

flea market (Greenflea, Columbus Ave. btw. 76th & 77th Streets. NYC)

my finds - bracelet imported from Turkey and vintage, peach colored earrings

funniest cab driver ever = funniest cab ride ever

Serendipity - had to take the Swedish girls for some frozen hot (didn't get a picture of all of us though...oops)

Carnegie Hall - went to my first performance there

Cute + Blonde + Stylish = Swedish girls

2009-03-02T23:20:00.012-05:00

This weekend I got to meet and hang out with 2 Swedish girls! I had so much fun!

Night one:

took them to the The Spotted Pig, apparently we don't have celebrity status and were told it would be a 3 hour wait!!! So we walked to the classy Meatpacking District to try and get into a good place there, but most of the waits were at least an hour and our cold legs and empty stomachs couldn't wait. FINALLY we got into a place called One (I do not recommend it)

Then we went over to Times Square
more walking....
Then more eating of course! We went to Juniors for my favorite cheesecake.

These are our full faces...
Cab rides!

Red tights!
I will do more posts about the rest of the weekend and about the coming week throughout the week...

My next purchase...

2009-02-23T23:36:00.015-05:00

a moleskine

I don't really know why I don't have one yet, it seems a classic thing to own with quite the little history for a notebook!

Also here is a good night song for you...

Sweet Charity

2009-02-21T20:25:00.001-05:00

i enjoy this. i hope maybe you will too...

watch the whole thing. i promise you won't be sorry. my favorite is the "Heavyweight"

(clip from the 1969 movie Sweet Charity)

don't worry i am already trying to master the dance moves and am in the process of growing my hair, so i can have a super long ponytail to achieve the full effect.

Things that got my love on Valentine's

2009-02-17T23:43:00.020-05:00

Since I didn't have a nice boy to love on Valentine's Day I had to find other things to love and was most successful...

I loved Buddha Bar. The food and company were excellent, the bill, well not so much

I loved my new spring dress, although the weather still calls for a cardigan, and jacket even

I loved spending the majority of the weekend in Brooklyn

I loved having a tea party at Alice's Tea Cup

I loved eating chocolate cake and pumpkin scones

I loved my herbal chai, I may or may not have had 6 cups

I loved listening to this song

Cutest story teller ever

2009-02-12T13:46:00.003-05:00

I want to eat her up....

The more times you watch it the more you will fall in love, I promise.

found this via SARASPY

I went to heaven...vintage heaven that is

2009-02-08T19:41:00.001-05:00

Went to the Manhattan vintage clothing show and sale this weekend.

I have no words for how incredible it was and how fascinatingly stylish the people who attended it were.

As soon as I walked into the pavilion, I was overwhelmed and speechless...

(My favorite ladies! I wish I got an action shot of them and could have captured their allure and style more fully. I have never seen so many elegant, chic and stylish women and men in my life)

They have these things 3 times a year here and I plan on attending one every year no matter where I am living!

dreaming of summer...

2009-02-06T18:18:00.011-05:00

Ch-ch-ch- check it out. I have been listening to these songs a lot lately. They are my energy songs at the moment and they make me think of summer. Too bad the groundhog said there are 6 more weeks left of winter! Not that I trust a groundhog and actually I wouldn't be surprised if it is more than six weeks, but I can dream can't I???

THE RUBY SUNS - Kenya Dig it?

MATT AND KIM - Daylight

ANIMAL COLLECTIVE - Summertime Clothes

***Also side note, today I got RATATAT tickets and last week I got ANIMAL COLLECTIVE tickets. I am stoked!

Lucky me, got to see Lykke Li!

2009-02-03T21:51:00.002-05:00

Last night I saw LYKKE LI at the amazing venue, Webster Hall (I will most likely do a post on it later). The show KNOCKED my socks off!!! Her energy was absolutely AWESOME. She was so cute. Her style, her voice, her dancing everything about this little Swedish lady exuded cool.

My favorite parts of the show were her dancing, her rapping (yes she rapped!, how rad is that?), when she sang into a megaphone and just her rapport with the crowd. I had a blast!

If you want to hear her rapping check out her cover of A Tribe Called Quest's, Can I Kick It?

Another cool cover she did was Kings of Leon's, Knocked Up

I took this video last night so you can have a little taste...sorry the quality is so bad. I need a new camera!

If you want a better quality video of what she sounds like live check out this live session and even download it!

fur, forties, fashion...

2009-01-29T18:23:00.001-05:00

ilovepeanutbutter.

2009-01-27T16:16:00.006-05:00

I went to Peanut Butter & Co. in Greenwich Village this weekend...

I know this may not look appetizing if you don't love peanut butter and if you don't love sandwiches, but I love both, A LOT!

If you do too, check out the menu for this place....

http://www.ilovepeanutbutter.com/

mmmmm, is all I have to say...

A good phase...

2009-01-23T18:16:00.006-05:00

I feel like I go in phases where I will find a lot of really good music and then I will go through a dry phase and really won't find very much new stuff that I like...

That said, I am going through a VERY good phase right now and have been finding a lot of new RAD music!

I won't post it all at once so that it is not overwhelming, but count on a lot of music posts in the next few weeks....

A Evening of Merriment!

2009-01-22T20:40:00.022-05:00

This is how behind I am on my posts...I finally got the chance to post these from Christmas.

When I was home for the holidays a friend and I hosted a Christmas dinner party. It was pretty magical...

(I don't know why, but the color kinda went weird when I uploaded these so they don't look quite as good on here...)

* * *

2009-01-21T22:54:00.011-05:00

I have so many things to blog about but have been SO busy lately...

I thought I would keep it simple today though.

Enjoy.

MUSEUM PIECES - I'VE BEEN AWAY

KEZAM!!! Graffiti Lives...

2009-01-20T22:49:00.004-05:00

( Please click to enlarge)

Last night in NYC it was snowing huge, white, soft snowflakes. It was magical. I was wandering around Soho and I loved it.

Anyways getting to the point of the blog, after walking around for a bit, I went into the bookstore/cafe, McNally Jackson, browsed through some books, got some delicious tea and made myself comfortable. I came to hear a presentation/discussion by an author, Gregory J. Snyder. In his new book, Graffiti Lives, he talks about graffiti culture, it's history and it's future and how it is viewed. Some of the points he made are: graffiti is an art form; we shouldn't stereotype the writers; just because people do graffiti doesn't mean they are criminals; and it doesn't necessarily lead to more crime. He also had facts to show that just because there is more graffiti in an area doesn’t mean the crime rate is going to be worse. For example, Soho has major graffiti but not that much crime and he compared that to a neighborhood in Brooklyn with far more crime and much less graffiti. Snyder then went on to show that many graffiti writers go on to find successful careers in art, design, publishing, mural-painting, etc.

Although Snyder is not a writer himself, he has studied graffiti for over 10 years. His friend KEZAM, a well known graffiti writer and professional, was also there to discuss graffiti writing and give us the inside scoop. He has been writing since 1989 so is a pioneer of sorts in the subculture of the graffiti world. KEZAM only does legal graffiti nowadays, but I'm sure he probably still knows what's going down on the street.

It was really cool to hear about and interesting to discuss graffiti. I even learned some graffiti lingo, like the difference between a tag, a piece and a throwie. I especially enjoyed it because it was a small intimate group and I got a chance to meet and talk to both the author and graffiti writer. I will definitely be noticing the graffiti around the city more.

I love living in New York. There are things like this going on every day in the city. I feel so lucky!

(They signed this poster for me!)

To see more awesome pieces done by Kezam go to www.flickr.com/photos/kezam

Oh and one more thing, apparently they did a podcast of last night, so if I find it I will post it.

Beginner Brushstrokes

2009-01-14T21:26:00.014-05:00

Today I bought new watercolor paints and some new brushes. I haven't really painted much since I was a kid. I have had lots of fun today just trying out the brushes and stuff. I can't wait to get more into it.

I turned on some music and this is what came out...remember I am a beginner : )

stepping on the sun

black and white

X marks the spot

calligraphy

testing

I gradually got better...I think. I started with the bottom picture and ended with the top one

Crayola watercolor paint set - $ 1.97

10 piece brush set - $5.72

Pure enjoyment for less than $8, love it!

Date with Bon Iver

2009-01-13T18:47:00.003-05:00

A month ago today I was lucky to have the chance to see BON IVER live at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn. It was absolutely wonderful!

Ever since I heard the album, For Emma, Forever Ago, I have considered it a classic. I have listened to the album over and over again. I love all the songs and never get sick of them.

I would use my own words to describe how I felt/feel about the show and about Justin Vernon (the singer for Bon Iver) but I came across a quote in an article written by Jake Mohan for Reveille Magazine that expressed my thoughts perfectly. He said:

"I can only surmise that Justin Vernon connects with something in people that's more than musical, more than even the emotional string that gets plucked inside us when we're truly moved by our favourite music. It goes beyond even that. He connects with something deeply interior and private in us, which makes it all the more incongruous when that connection is made so publicly, over and over, in so many people at once - it's beautiful, yes, but in an almost unsettling, voyeuristic way. Like you've stumbled upon something secret you weren't meant to see."

Oh man, I just love that! It is a brilliant explanation of what I feel when I listen to Bon Iver. This quote might also explain why there almost seemed to be a reverence at the show. At times in the filled, sold out venue, the entire crowd would become completely silent. It was the first show I ventured to attend alone, but I think that almost made it more intense. It was extremely moving and worth every penny.

If you are interested in reading the full article where I discovered the quote, click here. Even though it is a review from a different venue I feel like it applies to the show I attended in Brooklyn.

Also if you want to hear a new song by Bon Iver that I recorded at the show click here.

Winter is Blue

2009-01-07T18:28:00.028-05:00

Some pictures I took today, except for 2 & 4 (off flickr)

Best viewed when accompanied by the song...

A mess of new clothes

2008-12-11T17:36:00.004-05:00

Last night I went shopping for new jeans and boots, instead I came home with 2 dresses, 2 cardigans, 2 pairs of tights, a button up shirt, a shrug and shoes....

Leather is better

2008-12-09T17:40:00.009-05:00

How would you like to have a RECYCLED LEATHER TILED floor or wall? Sounds pretty appealing if you ask me! They are eco friendly, made of recycled leather and renewable!

Ecodomo is a company that makes these leather tiles. The Company collects scraps from things like upholstery from leather seats in a BMW to old luxury leather handbags. The scraps are then ground into shreds and mixed with water, natural rubber, and acacia bark. Then using minimum amounts of energy they are manufactured into tiles.

Apparently these tiles have exceptional wear and humidity resistance, look great and are great for the environment.

I’m sold! Someday when I have a house I definitely want to put some of this in it!

To look at more pictures of this leather tile stuff or to learn more, go to www.ecodomo.com

Next up

2008-12-05T18:48:00.012-05:00

1 week until I see Bon Iver and 8 weeks until Lykke Li.

How great is it that they combined talent? I can't wait to see them live!

Ohhhh Canada...

2008-12-04T13:28:00.014-05:00

Have you been hearing about the Canadian coalition crisis? Probably not, unless you live in Canada or follow world news. Anyways it is kind of a big deal.

Here is a little background, basically the opposition parties, The Liberals, New Democrats and Bloc Quebecois have joined forces and want to take over the minority conservative government because they are saying that the government is failing to tackle Canada's economic problems. So they want to kick our current Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, to the curb less than 2 months after the election.

So what happens next? This morning Stephen Harper and our Governor General, Michaelle Jean had a meeting, where she granted Harpers’s request to suspend Parliament until late next month. This means that the Tories are safe from a takeover until January 26^th when the parliament resumes. The first order of business of course will be the federal budget.

What do the opposition parties have to say about this? Apparently they are "more committed than ever to the coaliton"

One blogger wrote "it's time for the majority of Canadians to get together by uniting the best of the old Liberal and Conservative parties and getting rid of the bad. This means a shift in power. Those currently leading and running the back rooms of both parties will need to leave to allow a fresh start." Forming a Liberal-Conservative coalition would be taking it to the extreme, but at least the two parties, which aren't able to form a majority on their own, need to work together for the sake of Canada.

I couldn’t agree more, but it seems like it may be a no win situation for all parties and Canadians. Destabilizing the government will do nothing to calm foreign investors and will only worsen the Canadian economy, which is still doing much better then the American economy anyways.

If only Stephen Harper could have been a little smarter by working better with the opposition parties. I think he could have had several months of cooperation by reaching out in a non-paritsan way like Obama is doing. The situation is not going to be fixed by Stephane Dion, the leader of the Liberal party, taking over. How are three opposing parties supposed to merge together and have a unified leadership?

This whole thing just doesn’t make much sense. I thought I was Canadian and enjoyed democracy and had a vote that counted?

One more thing I wanted to add. I think it is weird how all this political craziness is going on in Canada and I live in New York and hear little about it. Nobody's talking about it, it isn’t a big story on the news, it doesn’t really seem to be making headlines here or anything. If the same thing were going on in the United States it would be a huge deal and make headlines all over the world. No doubt my fellow Canadians would be talking about it and know all the details on the situation. It is interesting. Who decided the U.S got to be the center of the universe?

At least the situation has been reported in the U.K., China, Australia, Switzerland, the Netherlands, world press organizations like AP and Reuters and it actually has been picked up in the U.S. by organizations like Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal. Still it is likely that most Americans don’t care since it doesn't affect them. Although, investors are watching and it could harm the Canadian economy if the government doesn’t start functioning better, which in turn would affect the American economy.

Well, I guess all we can do is wait to see how things play out, since it doesn’t seem to matter what we Canadians think...

I do care what you think though! So please share your thoughts!

Chicken Scratch

2008-12-02T23:59:00.010-05:00

I have no idea....

Angus and Julia Stone

2008-12-01T23:31:00.014-05:00

This brother and sister duo from Australia have some really good songs and super cool, artsy music videos!

It was hard to pick one to post so I put two!

Try to actually watch the videos and don't just listen to the song or you will be missing out!

Just A Boy

Wasted

To see some more of their music videos go here

Photos or Paintings?

2008-11-28T16:55:00.010-05:00

Iron and Wine

2008-11-26T16:18:00.014-05:00

Last Monday I got to go see the AMAZING

Iron and Wine at the venue Terminal 5 in NYC. I have been a big fan for a few years now. Sam Beams voice and style never get old. To me he is classic!

The show really was awesome! Sam had GREAT interaction with the crowd and he was actually REALLY funny! I'd say of all the shows I have ever been too, he had the best sense of humor and was the most responsive to the audience.

Who would have guessed?

He mostly played his new stuff but threw some older songs in there too, which I was happy about since that is really what I like the best.

The tour was for the new album, The Shepherds Dog. This album is quite a bit different from the previous albums because there is a full band rather than basically just Sam and his Guitar. Even though I am more fond of Sam's older stuff, it was still a pleasure to see him live.

Well that is my little Iron and Wine review. If for some strange reason you haven't heard of his music yet I suggest you check it out ASAP (like I said before older stuff is my favorite) and if you have, then listen to him again and remind yourself how good it is!

For some reason I couldn't get the video I took to upload but this one is from the exact same show I was at. I was closer than this person though!