Life is full of surprises

Lately I feel as if life has been like a roller coaster these past few months.

Up and Down and Up and Down. Then errrrrrrrrr. STOP.

Why?

Well I had decided that I needed a change in my life. I focused all my energy on this 'change.'

What what I going to change? How was I going to get it done?

I was bored with my mundane life and decided to flip a coin back in June at work. Heads was move to San Francisco and Tails was Sydney, Australia. Either way, it was going to be an adventure and I was going to figure it out all by myself. I was craving a more metropolitan city where I could walk, take a bus or even a train to wherever I wanted. Five years in Los Angeles had finally done its number on me and I was very disenchanted with a city I once loved. So flipping that coin and sticking with it meant everything to me.

Heads. 

San Francisco. 

My New Home!

First step, tell everyone who needed to know. My managers took it really well considering I gave them 2 months notice to find a replacement. My parents were happy I was staying in the U S of A. I, of course was happy I was making it happen. I had picked a hard date - October 5th would be my last day at work and the next day I would fly up to SF. So many emotions were swirling in the weeks following my decision that it made it really hard to focus on work and life in LA. I was trying to network like crazy to find a job beforehand. I had planned to sleep on my girlfriend's couch until I found my own spot which I kept hearing would be really difficult in San Fran.

As life would have it, I would end up staying in LA after being offered a DREAM job.

A few weeks before my departure for SF I was having dinner in some hole in the wall in Hollywood and I ran into an old coworker. I mentioned I was moving to SF and he had just heard of an Account Manager position open at Demand Media/Indie Click and he thought I would be perfect for it. I promised to send him my resume the next day not really thinking I would ever get a response from the company let alone an interview. I did hear from them days later and after the interview was offered the job.

I panicked.

I told them I needed a few days to mull over the offer. My life was already in boxes and I was sleeping on a couch as I was moving in a weeks time! I was mentally prepared to be leaving, everything was set in motion! 

Dream Job or New Adventure?

There were so many aspects of the opportunity that were right in line with everything I had been wanting in a new job. I get to learn digital, musical aspect (I get to manage music websites -indie shuffle is one of their sites!) and work a stones throw from the beach in Santa Monica. They even have an office near my house in Austin which means I have the opportunity to work from there at some point.

So after months of planning a change I am here to stay LOS ANGELES. I'm not done with you yet. While I am so happy and excited for this amazing opportunity I am pretty bummed it won't be in a new city. I will be making a move to Santa Monica so hopefully that is enough change for now.

This Dear Diary entry helps me realize that even though you try to plan your life out a most wonderful and brightly colored wrench maybe thrown at any moments notice. Embrace everything that comes your way. Change is the only constant and it is up to you to figure out how these changes impact your daily life. With Fall around the corner, change is everywhere. The in between stage has always been my favorite. This time last year, I was craving change so much that I started this blog. I promised myself that within a year that my life would be drastically different. And well, it is. Exactly one year later. With each change, I judge how my life currently is & if I am truly living the life I imagined. Which, I believe is another reason change is good. It’s too easy to live our day-to-day lives without pushing ourselves to grow.

My current mantra

About Musical Time!

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't search for a new favorite tune. I whole-heartedly love finding a new band to listen too.  To caveat that, I thought I should start sharing some new songs that I have been jamming too. Perhaps this will be a weekly thing, who knows. As of right now you have to click on the links themselves and download off the site that I have stored them at. I hope to have it where you just right click it but until then..enjoy..

Safe & Sound - Civil Twighlight & Taylor Swift

Youth - Foxes

Jungle - Emma Louise

Closer Than This - St. Lucia

Disparate Youth - Santigold

We Got it Wrong - St. Lucia

Ridiculous = Outside Lands 2012

To say the past month or so has been crazy is really an understatement! First things first, Outside Lands! I just got back from a wonderful 5 (cold and foggy) days in San Francisco!  My friend and I went to the fifth annual Outside Lands which is a music festival held in Golden Gate Park. Headliners included Stevie Wonder, Sigur Ross, Metallica and Foo Fighters! I am absolutely head over heels in love with this festival. Imagine music stages throughout a vast forest (literally) littered with abstract murals, domes with techno music, and art installations that look like geometric mirrors  in the shape of smaller domes but when you enter them its hollow and you can sit in them! There were so many wonderful things about this year's festival that I don't even know where to start! It felt like wonderland/candy land for adults. There were the wine lands, choco lands, beer lands, comedy tents, and gourmet food trucks. I know I didn't see everything the festival had to offer but I definitely had the time of my life. This was my 4th time going and by far the best time I have ever had.

The Iconic Wind Mills. They haven't changed since 2008!

Wine Lands

The wine lands to the right featured the best wine companies from local spots in nor cal. So if you were a wino, you were sure to visit that tent. The Choco Lands had little pastel colored houses that had sugary delights from places in San Fran. This festival was all about featuring the best of the best of Nor Cal. Everything was really trippy and magical. I felt as if I was just frolicking through the forest show to show and sensory overload was happening but in such an ornate creative manner that it wasn't overwhelming.

The entrance at night

                                                                 

It is a three day music festival that starts around one p.m. The vibe is really chill as reflecting the people of SF. While the weather was less than ideal and the hazy fog that would roll in at night created such a majestic atmosphere that made it so special and unlike any other festival I had ever attended. I plan on going to this festival for many years to come.

Musical Highlights: 

Sigur Ross

Passion Pit

Stevie Wonder

Regina Spektor

Franz Ferdinand 

Jack White 
The Kills

Beck

Foo Fighters

Day 1 via Limo

Tim Burton inspired in the lands of Choco Land

Hidden in the forest was this stage of creepy folk music

One of the many amazing food trucks

Day 3 at OSL w Y and D.

The fog rollin' on in

Hello, again!

Well, where did the month go? It is now mid June and my last post was the 1st of May? Oops! Well I have been traveling and having visitors these past few weeks which have kept me really busy. I went to SF for Bay to Breakers, KC for a wedding and ran a Half Marathon.

Bay to Breakers is a race in SF that they do every year. It was the 101st race which tells you how much of a tradition it is. On top of the race it has become more of a costume drinking spectacle throughout the route which is really neat since I love races and a drink or two. Every group has a theme and ours was Pamplona.  I had been wanting to attend this for years and finally got the chance too. My friends D,C and Y all dressed up and went to Alamo Square (which is also where the Full House is) and met up with our friends. It was a perfect sunny day with lots of weirdness and ridiculousness which is right up my alley. Hey, it's SF what else would you expect from the city.We day drinked and went to different bars throughout the city. I plan on attending B2B every year from now on, it is that much fun.

I went to Kansas City for my dear friend Danielle's wedding. It had been since 2009 since I had been back to KC and it was a trip down memory lane. I really missed life there and how simple things are. I even thought to myself I could live there but that thought was short lived when I realized the closest lululemon was 45 mins away. Just Kidding. I ventured around the Plaza and went to the old bars we used to go to in college. The Plaza is made to look like Sevilla, Spain  (KC is the sister city to Sevilla - where I also studied abroad) so there are fountains everywhere and the architecture is Spanish. It does feel like a little slice of heaven. It is full of bars, restaurants and shopping. I wouldn't mind living there for a year or two.

Danielle and Bjorn's wedding was absolutely beautiful. It was held at Danielle's house which was a perfect setting for it! Everything worked out perfectly and the bride was BEAUTIFUL. They had been dating since college so it was a really wonderful thing to see how they had grown together since Sr. year. Where did the time go and why are all my friends getting married? This was the big contrast I experienced going back to the Midwest because everyone was either engaged, married and or with kids (yes multiple). It almost made me want one of those shiny things you put on your left hand but then I realized my life is fun and that I get to do what I want when I want and I'm going to keep doing that a little while longer.

Time: 2:17:50.1

Half Marathon! Well this was a decision made 3 days before the race. Am I crazy? Perhaps but since I had already ran one earlier this year I knew what to expect. I ran it with my friend Joe who DOMINATED the race with a time of 1:40:00 and I PR'd at 2:17:00 which is 4 minutes faster than my last half. I hadn't even trained for this nor had I run more than 3 miles since my half.

The Ventura Beach Front Half Marathon was about 700 people total including the 5K which is a stark difference between the Surf City where there were thousands. This route wasn't roped off for the runners per say and at times I felt almost unsafe since the majority of it was along the PCH. There were only two porta potties throughout the entire race which was really shocking since the last one had them everywhere. Since the route started at the Ventura County Pier they had a great little set up before the race with a few booths. The race started at 7AM and at 8AM pending your designated time to finish. I was a lot more resilient this time around and my body wasn't as sore either. I had a runners high the ENTIRE day and didn't want to sit down as I was amped to run again. Again, CRAZY.

I am signed up for the Big Sur Half Marathon in November and want to run one sooner than that and actually train. Both of my past half experiences deal with me almost dying (see why here) and no training so I bet with training and a healthy body I know I can run it under 2:15 easily. Eventually my goal is to be under 2 hours and maybe even a Hail Mary?

All in all, it has been a great start to the summer and I can't wait for June gloom to die off and my parents to come this weekend. Also, my mid summer resolution is to take Ballet classes at least once a week starting today. I just can't decide to do a beginners with point shoes (read it has been since 2007 that my feet have been in those monsters) or advanced. I've been inspired as of late thanks to the new shows "Breaking Pointe" and "Bunheads." They are pretty cheesy but if you were once a dancer you would appreciate them.

Joshua.

This past weekend a few of my friends and I decided to have an impromptu camping trip to Joshua Tree. It is located in the Mojave desert and about 2 and a half hours outside of LA. Right past the Coachella Valley..and yes the same spot as the music festival. It is a perfect little get away and something we all needed. We left early Saturday morning with tents, food, stories and eagerness to go gallivanting through the desert. You usually have to reserve a camping spot but since it was national park week most of the sites were already booked. We  drove and hoped and prayed that there was a spot for us to lay our heads down. Due to a wrong turn, we stumbled upon Joshua Tree via the unconventional southern entrance and found Cottonwood Spring with plenty of first come first serve camping spots.

SUCCESS.

We quickly set up shop and decided to go venture in the desert while we waited for the half of the group to arrive. It is $15 a night which was kinda had to pay on good will. There was also no phone reception where we were camping which was absolutely amazing. I know some people hate that but I found it so be so refreshing. I'm a firm believer that we all need to disconnect from the phone, internet, TV and civilization. I have been known to leave my phone at home during work, on purpose. 

While venturing, we found some really interesting rock formations such as a whale/parrot and started climbing all over the these boulders.  There was a rock that was in the form of the Aggro Crag from Nickelodeon Guts and Matt, Mikie and Andrew starting climbing as we filmed it in its entirety with some pretty hilarious commentary. If you don't remember what the Aggro is you probably aren't a child of the 90's or completely unamerican. We saw jack rabbits, lizards and much to my friend Mikies' dismay no rattlesnakes.We roamed and climbed and saw how pretty the desert can be with absolutely no one in site but ourselves.  It was then that it dawned upon me how alone we were and how absolutely beautiful it was. LA is over populated and over stimulating that makes you start craving a getaway. The change in scenery was so nice and the simpleness of it all was lovely. There were stars outside which this Texas girl has desperately missed seeing (LA has bad smog). After a few funny games in the desert we headed back and hung out by the camp fire and cooked some hot dogs, hamburgers and bratwurst. There were plenty of "Are You Afraid of the Dark" stories and smores to go around for everyone. I came back to LA feeling refreshed, covered in suntan lotion, dirt and dying of water but it was worth it.

Chatting about Life.

we made it!

three of the best gf's in the world.

The Color Run

SoCal Color Run 4.22.12

So they call it the happiest 5K on the planet.

 And if you like color then yes it is your running mecca. 

To recap, we left our friend's house on Sunday morning at 7:30AM and it should only take us an hour or so to get there especially on a Sunday. We didn't get there until around 9:45AM. The parking situation was hell in the self proclaimed happiest run ever. Yeah. Really? Not after you spend an hour in your car. It was at the OC County Fair grounds and looked desolate. We were freaking out because we thought we would miss the race that started at 9AM but when we realized that everyone in traffic was running as well I got excited because at least we weren't the only ones. Yup, I like to share misery. So after parking and hating life, we  realized the races were going on every hour from 9-12PM. Yes, I know - we can't read instructions. So YAY, happiest 5K on the planet! So Meg and I got into the 10AM heat and started running, it was hard to run since most people were walking. When we hit the first color (Yellow) it was clear to me that I should stop breathing during that time because breathing in the color was slightly painful. Smarty Meg had a bandana. After each color hit I kept feeling more and more like a running rainbow. It was awesome. At the very end of the race you throw a specific color that you are given at the packet pick up to have some sort of a "color bomb" it looks pretty cool from above but from below you are trying to breathe and not gag at the same time. Try it, it's fun.

Afterwards, we decided to grab some food in Marina Del Rey.  So walking around all colorful like you are bound to get stares which we naturally accepted once we stepped out of the car. What made it even better was when people asked "you know you are covered in color, right?" or "what's wrong, you should probably go see a doctor?" From those comments, it made it really hard to not question why people think American's are idiots. Just kidding, well kinda. Anyways, the race is going from city to city all throughout America and is getting sold out after a day or two. Really insane for a brand new race. Will I do it next year? Yes, Sir. 

Close up of all our colorful glory.

Memoryhouse

Memoryhouse // Walk With Me

"Memoryhouse didn’t actually set out to be a band. It took form as a collaborative project meant to serve as an artistic outlet for composer Evan Abeele and photographer Denise Nouvion. Evan, a dedicated student of classical music and a pop-music encyclopedist, intended Memoryhouse to be a multimedia art project, pairing his instrumental compositions with Denise’s photographs and short films. Combining their musical and visual artwork seemed the most promising, and least unhealthy, strategy for battling archetypal adolescent angst worsened by the paralyzing effects of Canadian winter. What they wanted was to test ways to blur the boundaries between genres, to weave a synthesis of music and photography. As Denise explains their collaborative cross-media process, "we start with photos that we want to write around, to give us some kind of aesthetic grounding."

I just discovered this band and I can't stop playing them. Clearly between my Beach House posts and these guys I am on a synthesizing & electronic kick with a strong serving of the 80's. The type of song that you can listen to over and over again and it seems to all float together. They are currently on tour with Washed Out. Seems like a perfect union in my mind. They play in LA on May 5th at the Music Box/Fonda Theatre (I don't know why the place has two names). Also, click on the song to download. You will want it for you very own. 

Nike's She Run's LA 80's Theme

This past weekend I ran Nike's 10K She Run's LA that started at Paramount Studios that ran through Melrose and back. My friend Libby had asked me to run and I thought, why not? I like neon, 80's, running, tutu's, Duran Duran and teasing my hair with aqua net. Perfect! My outfit consisted of neon splattered spandex shorts and a turquoise matching top. I looked REAL good. Trust me. There are no pictures needed. Just imagine workout video circa the 80's.

 While I didn't PR at this race and the excuses I am making for myself/ego are as follows:

 A. That running a Half Marathon allowed me to be running free for 2 months

 B. I hadn't ran more than 4 miles until the week of the race

 C. I've gotten pretty lazy since February

Ok, fine really bad excuses, but at least I got out there on a Saturday morning! Towards the second half of the race I got really exhausted and had to walk just a leeetle bit. The course wasn't bad but it was confusing when one of the signs had 5KM up and in my tired brain I read 5 miles and didn't realize it meant 5K. Yup, I'm a 'real' runner. I'm asking Santa for a Garmin this year. Anyways, once I saw Paramount I decided to sprint as I always like to save energy for the last .2 but clearly I didn't study the course very well and we had to run that .2 throughout Paramount Studios. I was in hell. The last part had so many sharp corners that I had no idea when it was going to end. So as you can see that my 5K split was a decent 8:56 I gained a minute + on the second half thanks to my exceptional ability to walk.

 At the end of the race I saw my gf Meg waiting for me at the finish line. Apparently, she had seen us running and decided to jump in. So we all three walked around the and listened to The Spazmatics and then quickly decided we were hungry and headed to grab brunch. We ate at Simplethings down the street on Third which was really delicious. Their salads are HUGE and at a good price. I recommend the spot for any of you eastsiders. Worth a visit for sure.

Also, instead of getting a t-shirt for running you got a leather bracelet that was intertwined with gold which was designed by the surfing brand, Hurley. It is pseudo cute in the 2003-2005 juicy couture fashion kinda way. MAYBE, I'll sport it some day. Yeah, probably not.

 What's next? The Color Run in Irvine on Sunday. I'm running it with my new running bud, Meg.  It is a 5K and you get sprayed with all sorts of fun colors. This is going to be one interesting run for sure.

To Australia and Back!

Welp, I feel that I was a bit MIA the past month but as the title suggests, I actually made it to Australia.  So since I'm a little rusty on traveling internationally I didn't realize that I needed a visa let alone a passport valid 6 months after my departure date for Australia. So to my horror, I realized all of this a mere day before I was supposed to leave. Thank the lord, I decided to check my itinerary that Monday morning. So one pleading call to the LA passport agency for a same day appt, a mad rush home to get my old passport, and 4 photos later I was in the Federal Building crossing my fingers that I could get my passport in time. Miraculously, I did. Not only that, the day I flew out I applied for my visa.

With my nerves in tact, I boarded the night flight a few deep, how else was I going to sleep on a plane? When I landed in Sydney, Natalie was there to greet me which was so wonderful! It had been too long since I had seen my best friend, probably the longest we had ever gone without seeing each other. I wasn't jet lagged so I was ready to get out and see the town. She took me to the Sydney Opera house which has a few bars and restaurants next to it and had a few glasses and caught up. Afterwards, we went over to our friend SS's who lives there as well. She has an awesome upstairs patio overlooking Sydney. We didn't stay too long as we all had a flight the next day to Hamilton Island.

So once the four of us got to Hamilton Island, we ferried to Long Island which literally felt like we were on Lost. There were pop. 40 people and turkeys (weird, right?). It was a really pretty desolate place and the only thing to do was lay by the beach, swim, drink and eat.  So once we got there we decided to change our schedule and ferry it to Airlie Beach.

I would liken Airlie Beach to something like South Padre Island. I enjoyed myself more than I would ever at SPI as the beach is much prettier and well it's Australia. The vibe is very spring break and 'anything goes' seemed to be the theme. So like any twenty somethings post college we made our "Adult Spring Break"  a memorable one. There were only a handful of bars to go too and our favorite seemed to be Magnums which we went to everyday. On the first night we hit up the only Irish pub since it was St. Patty's.  So naturally it was bound to be a bit raucous. They kept passing out cider with alcohol guised as something to actually drink. It was awful. I would say it was on par with Vegemite, another sick tasting thing they enjoy down under. We friended a "Buck Party" (their name of a Bachelors) and hung out with them which made the evening pretty hilarious.

The next day we took a boat during a monsoon to Whitehaven  and Daydream and attempted to go snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef but we couldn't due to the massive amounts of rain. So that was a big blow to the old bucket list. The experience itself albeit slightly horrible was to say the least "educational." These beaches were so pretty but it was hard to enjoy them when you are being pelted by rain. Oh well, there is always next time...ha

When we flew back to Sydney the sun was shining which was so nice as I was used to 'swimming' on land due to the lovely monsoon in Queensland. My first day back in Sydney I decided to do the Bondi to Coogee beach side walk as I had heard that was must. I first stopped at Bondi's Icebergs swimming hole/gym/spa which was insanely gorgeous. I had lunch there and took advantage of the spa facilities.  If only Cali could incorporate these type of ocean water swimming it would beach it much more enjoyable. Just sayin. The walk is a few miles stretch along the ocean and it goes from beach city to another beach city. All with their own "swimming hole." Pretty rad.

Icebergs. Magnifique. 

That evening I had drinks with a dear friend who I met while living in Spain in college. I hadn't seen Michael in 7 years so it really nice to catch up in person. It was as if time hadn't passed at all which was really amazing. I had planned to go see the Blue Mountains  but he convinced me that it was a waste of time so I decided to go to Manly Beach instead and surf. The quickest way to Manly was via Ferry which was a nice of pace since I took I had to take buses and trains to even get to Bondi the day before. Surfing in Manly was an absolute thrill. It was my first time attempting to surf..yes I realize that is pretty ridiculous since I live in Los Angeles. My last attempt I ended up standing up which was a really cool feeling. I am definitively going to try to take lessons this summer.

The following day, I went to Sydney's Taronga Zoo which completed my goal of seeing a Kangaroo. Minus the fact that I had eaten one in Arlie (I know, I know). Apparently, only poor people eat that meat, oops! I also visited the Royal Botanical Gardens which were really pretty. It is next to the Opera House which made the gardens very scenic. That night we went on a ferry on the Sydney Harbour as one of the girls that Natalie knew worked for a marketing esque company that promoted these type of tours. It was really fun since it was a bunch of us that went on this. Another thing I should add is how expensive it is to drink in Australia. Minus the fact that you can't ever order a double, they measure EVERY shot out in a drink and you only get one shot per drink. So there is a lot of pre drinking there. So after the ferry we hit up some nearby bar then made our way to Kings Cross. Now, that area is very West Hollywood/Castro District and was a riot to go out in. I have no clue as to when we got home but it was a really fun night.

My last Saturday in Australia, Natalie's friend Mark, wanted to take us out on his boat which was so nice of him. So Natalie, SS, Lucy, Jilly and I stocked up in alcohol pre boat and enjoyed the sunny Sydney day. We stopped at the fish market for lunch which was amazing. I had never really seen anything like it except maybe in SF. Everything was so fresh and delicious.

All in all, I loved my trip to Australia. Sydney is like LA/SF/NYC and has the best aspect of every city. There was so much to see and do that I felt as if I didn't get to do everything I had planned. I felt refreshed and recharged after this trip. It made me feel like my old self again that sometimes LA makes you lose. This was one of the best trips I have ever had in my life and had such an awakening feeling that I haven't lost yet. As I sit here slightly wishing I was at Coachella and Meg snoring to my right  (Hi Meg) I wouldn't give up  going to Oz for anything. Who knows, I may just go back sooner than I thought....

Inspiration

Explore. Explore. Explore.
I buy. You buy. 

Eventually.

I am going to do this. This year.

 

Wesley Bird has some fantastic illustrations that I have fallen in <3 with. These strike such a cord with me after coming back from vacation and eager for a change. Any change.

{Source} 

{viadailydoseofsunlight}

A ridiculously talented Sydney group. Album is out mid 2012.

Winter People - Gallons.  

Beach House

Beach House//Myth

After two years of hibernation, Baltimore based indie duo Beach House has released their first single from their upcoming album titled Bloom (May 15th).  Myth - a dreamy little ballad. If you are familiar with the band, there is no mistaking that is one of their new gems. Their sound is very distinctive. While this song could have easily fit in to their last album and you might think why don't they change up a few things, well if it works, it works. I was fortunate to see them live at the Hollywood Bowl in 2010 and I became an even bigger fan as they are even better live. Victoria Le Grand's breathy and beautiful voice paired with Alex Scally's rolling guitar falls soothingly on your eardrums. Myth surrounds you and takes you in. You will want to keep playing it over and over. It is one of those.
Effortlessly atmospheric. Layers of emotion. One grand ballad of bliss.

Are You Dead?

"Life and love inspire me. I think reinventing yourself is vital to your survival as an artist and a human being. I know it’s cliché to say about me at this point, but it’s true. My curiosity definitely is the driving force in my life and career. When you stop learning, engaging and growing, you’re dead."

- Madonna

SXSW 2012 SHIRT

Happy Leap Year!

One more day until it's March!

March signifies:

spring is on the horizon

 march madness

  my momma's birthday (i love you so!)

 It also marks a very exciting trip long in the works to see the land down under. A trip that I have been counting for many moons. A trip that makes each passing day exciting as I research things all the different things to experience. A trip that exposes me to a new culture. That is best gift I could ever give myself. Everyone needs a different perspective on life and how the world works. Everyone. I honestly feel that I shine a brighter version of myself when I am traveling. Independent. Self Assured. Savvy. Confident. Brave. Curious. Strong. Alive. and Nomadic. I crave being nomadic and for the past 4 years I have been put in LA. 

I'm thinking there is going to be a change around the corner.

Soon.

 Sydney and the Whitsunday Islands are going to be such a beautiful experience and to share that with my best friend is really a gift. I have been in need of a out of the country trip for some time now. So in two weeks I will be off on some grand adventure. It will be life changing. I just know it.

v.

Jack White

Jack White & Ruby Amanfu // Love Interruption

"If there’s one thing Jack White is known for, it’s his craftsmanship displayed while playing the guitar. Deemed as one of the greatest guitarists of all time (according to Rollingstone Magazine), his latest release ‘Love Interruption’ is true to form. His intense lyrics are complemented with an effective a capella bridge to transition the song toward an upward climb until the end. In this tune, Jack White’s voice attains a drawl similar to Johnny Cash’s in ‘Hurt,’ which leaves me wanting to hear more songs off of his new album ‘Blunderbuss’ due out in April of this year." {via thisbonustrack}

The Oh Hello's

"The Oh Hello's are Maggie and Tyler Heath, music-making siblings hailing from the great state of Texas. Their influences range from Mumford & Sons and The Civil Wars to Los Campesinos! and The Pogues, bending and blending styles and genres into a unique mixture of eclectic folk rock. Their debut EP draws inspiration from traditional Irish folk songs in both its sound and its message, from the foot-stomping rhythms of Lay Me Down and Trees to the quiet introspection of Cold Is the Night. The EP begins by confronting the difficulties of love and freedom and ends by embracing them."{via theohhellos}

You can download their album for free or pay whatever you like. And you will not only like but love this band. They are the type of band where you listen to their music from start to finish.

Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr

I went to see Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. last month at the Echoplex in Echo Park during a "school night". Since Echo Park is a bit ways from my home in Mid Wilshire, it takes a pretty stellar band to get me out. They did not disappoint. Band members Josh Epstein and Daniel Zoft hail from Detroit and have two albums out, "Corporate World" and "Horse Power". Yes, they are a fan of the real race car driver Dale Earnhardt Jr and  yes, they do wear race car get up during their shows. Hey, gotta play up the name right?

During their set they announced that they had played in LA more times than anywhere else. Did you know that? Didn't think so. They have been a favorite of mine for two years and I am surprised that they are not so well known by now. His songs keep getting better and better. With a sold out show, a tour drummer, and 'JR' wooden props in the background I would say they have come a long way in two years. They have a gauzy Beach Boys feel to them and have a great rendition of " God Only Knows". From their latest album my personal favorite is Simple Girl. Check it out below.


It's A Corporate World by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.

Okkervil River

Okkervil River // Unless It's Kicks

This is an oldie but it came up on an old playlist. They are from Austin, Texas. So naturally I'm probably predisposed into loving them. This song is off their first album, Stars Too Small To Use, that came out a few years ago. I also really enjoy this one too.

Last Night

While everyone else was toasting to the Oscar wins I went to a really interesting concert. I have been a fan of White Arrows and UMO for a while now and I don't want to say it was disappointing but I wasn't impressed. In fact, we left right after White Arrows. While they were good, I just felt like they weren't put together. I slightly wish I had stayed for the headliner but I was slightly buzzed and tired and wanted to go home. Oh, Jenny O was nice. I feel like she would have been perfect performing at the now defunct Lillith Fair. Too Bad. All in all, I'm glad my new gf Meg came with and it was nice to chat about life and LA with live music in the backdrop.

Best Saturday. E.V.E.R. Why?

the Jayhawks beat Missouri. 

The Border Showdown is dead.

Kaput. 

Will Never Happen Again.

 another why? 

Missouri SECeded to the SEC.

 The play on words is because back in the day Missouri was a slave state and Kansas was not.

87-86 Kansas. 

We were down by 19 at half time. Tied it at the end. OT.

KU wins. 

Magical. 

White Rabbits

NPR is streaming White Rabbits new album, Milk Famous, out March 6th and it is really really good. They are from Colombia Mizzourah (yes, spelled it that way on purpose) which just goes to show that even though you are from a bad place that is full of rednecks you might be good. JUST KIDDING. I fell in love with them a few years back with their song "Percussion Gun" and have been wanting to hear more ever since.

Listen here. Get Familiar.

You Had Me at 'Mon'

More Nail Inspiration.

Via NYC Fashion Week.

{source birchbox}

I really enjoy these spider ones

Bright red with blue. Almost peacock like. 

Matte and Shine. Great Combo.

Nice twist on the French.