May 2014

Secret to Creativity: Structure and Balance




My friend Isaac... he came over a few weeks ago to finish a song that we started writing together!




Stability vs. Instability  

Free spirit vs. Restricted

Structured vs. Disorganized


Two ends of a spectrum, and lately my creative self has been at odds with itself in these terms.

As an artist or creator, no doubt you've heard the different expert philosophies and schools of thought. It's either all about 1) following your bliss/ finding your inspiration/ going with the flow, etc.  OR 2) putting your nose to the grindstone and just doing work.  99% perspiration and all that.


But which one is the "truth?"  For me, it's a mix of both, with slight leanings towards a good work ethic.


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Golden Girl


Over this weekend we took a few days to get away in Beacon, NY (more on that later!), so I got the chance to take some photos with a very different background than usual.

So much green!



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Summer Wishlist







Whenever I make a wishlist it's always dresses, so I thought this time I'd mix it up with some cute separates :)  These clothes say to me "Let's enjoy this pretty sunshine-y day, while we strut down 1st Avenue looking fierce."  Maybe because I'm also picturing them with some huge high heels, and big I-got-attitude hair.  Anyway...


1. Essential flowy crop top to wear with high-waisted jeans or shorts
2. Lacy shirt... I've been dreaming about them for months, and now I can actually wear them!
3. Flowy crop top similar to the first one, but done in florals <3 p="">4. It's just a simple little t-shirt, but when I saw it, I flipped a lid.  So cute!
5. Need a pair of aviators... love these blue tinted ones.
6. Calling back to the 90's with these ripped jean shorts (or jorts, if you will.)
7. A messenger-style bag... love the color.
8. Cropped jean vest.  Planning my Canadian tuxedo as we speak :)
9. High waisted shorts... what would I do without them?




Hope everyone's week is going great so far :)




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Friday Songs ~ Inside Llewyn Davis



For today, this is going to be Sunday Songs on a Friday, since it's been a pretty sparse postin' week.  Also, Sunday is Mother's day, and I wanted to post something about my mom :)


*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *


My friend Jessica was visiting from Baltimore this week.  We stayed up late, chatted up a storm, and watched the movie Inside Llewyn Davis.  I had to see it because, first of all... the Cohen Brothers! And secondly... the 1960's NYC folk scene!  A fascinating subject, for sure.

Where could this blissful pairing go wrong??


...Well sadly, somehow I couldn't make myself love this movie.  It was terrifically moody, but didn't have much in the way of a plot.  And I found the main character wholly unlikable.  Even though I have an understanding of the struggles he faces as a musician, the choices he made were almost all bad.

Anyway... this isn't a movie review, so I'll get to the redeeming part, which was the gorgeous music.  "Fare Thee Well" was a highlight for sure, and it's tune has stuck with me ever since.  Is an old folk song, sung here by Oscar Isaac (the main actor) and Marcus Mumford.

It's brilliant.






Honorable mention goes to the ridiculous "Please Mr. Kennedy," because it's a novelty and hilarious.

Actually, the studio session scene was one of my favorite film moments.  I think it's interesting to see 60's a live-recording situation played out... much different than most music we hear nowadays, which is built up track-by-track.  The type of environment shown includes several players, people learning parts on-the-spot, and perfectly clean instrumental and vocal takes- there can be basically no mistakes made.

Say whatever about the song, but you gotta respect these types of musicians (who actually do things like this in real life, not as characters in movies.)  They're no joke!


Oh and, bonus... Adam Driver!  I love that weirdo :P

(Also, I didn't even notice that Justin Timberlake was in the movie until this scene.)






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Turning blue (and purple)



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Another lovely Monday....

I'm not feeling all that chatty day today, unfortunately... so I'll just mention #1- the really cool blue wall we found for the first picture!  And #2- that I'm happy to be building my kimono collection surely and steadily.

To be fair, I'm not certain that this here one  is really considered a legit kimono.  Either way, it's a lightweight piece of clothing that I'll be happy to throw over outfits this summer in lieu of cardigans.

xoxo :)

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Lace kimono c/o Sheinside // Dress- UO // Boots- Blowfish




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Rainy and Cozy



cat vs. human


Hope everyone is having a nice week so far.

In case you were wondering, the kitty in the first picture's name is Thelonious, and she is in our shoes.  That's right- she literally likes to lay on top of our smelly shoes, or squeeze herself in between their empty spaces.  She's been especially interested since we set up the new rack.  It looks so uncomfortable, but it makes her happy.  :)  Haha.  Also, my camp friend Lynnette sent me that Cat vs. Human book!  Miss her.


***

These last few days have been storm weather- especially Wednesday.  So I've spent a lot of time cozied up with a cup of tea or coffee, listening to the rain fall outside my window.

Sometimes I like rainy days.  They can be gloomy and moody, but they can also be soothing.  They can remind you to relax.

So happy Friday.  If applicable, remember to take a break.  Do something you enjoy....  Is it ice cream trip?  A new shirt?  A moment's peace?  :)

Also, remember to laugh.  At yourself, preferably.


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Belmondo Skincare Review + Giveaway!



Hope everyone's week has been going well so far.  Today I have a review for you all.

Have you heard of Belmondo?  It is an organic skincare line- many of whose products center around the natural properties of olive oil.  I was approached by the company a few weeks ago and was on board to try out their stuff.  Looking at all my DIY's it's obvious that I'm super into natural skincare, and am always looking to up my game in that department.

So they sent me their travel kit- which includes a face cleanser, exfoliator, toner, face cream, and body cream.



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