Music Monday

Today's Music Monday features one favorite, recently discovered bands.

Dawes.

Dawes, hailing from California, has that famous Laurel Canyon sound much along the likes of Crosby, Stills, and Nash, Neil Young, and many others.

Check them out.  Visit their blog here, to find all their latest news and upcoming shows.

Keep Portland Weird

I spent my Saturday doing touristy things around Portland.

The city is awesome.  So eclectic and full of interesting people.

We started our day at Powell's New and Used Books.

I'm talking an ENTIRE city block and 3 floors of nothing but books (& fun gifts).

After spending almost 2 hours in the book store, we had lunch at the famous Goose. 

This hole in the wall place is owned by a past Portland mayor who has a famous picture of himself titled "Expose yourself to art" where he is flashing his you-know-what.  I had a delicious veggie reuben and homemade potato salad.

We then ventured over to Voodoo Doughnut, where we waited in line for over an hour in the freezing cold just to witness the crazy shoebox sized shop and the unique doughnuts.  The inside was so cool, filled with pictures of rock and roll stars, voodoo dolls, and huge doughnuts.

Some Portlanders like to pride themselves on being "weird."  I kinda like it.

There were tons of other shops I would like to go back and visit, such as a vinyl record store and a few vintage shops.  The city has a lot of art and statues around town and a beautiful view of the river. 

Happy Birthday, George

  

Today, February 25th, is George Harrison's 68th birthday.

I often imagine what the world would be like if people like George were still here to bless us with their amazing talents. 

He is my favorite Beatle; and was such a spiritual, creative, & giving person.

The 'Concert for George' was streaming for free all day today on the website , concertforgeorge.com, and many other sites were paying honor and celebrating the life of this amazing man.  I cannot tell you how happy this makes me.  George's talents were often over-looked and he deserves this day of praise. 

The Boss

Bruce Springsteen is awesome.

So talented.  So dreamy.  So American.

And look at him now... he's still rockin'.

Music Monday

Since music is such a huge part of my life, I decided I would start featuring my favorite music, both old and new, each and every Monday.  Get excited.  

Today's choice is "Lola" by The Kinks.  

The song was released in 1970, and it's about a guy who meets a transvestite at a club in Soho.  

It has been in my head all damn day.  Enjoy!

Oscar Sunday

I'm pumped for the Oscars.

I was in the air during the entire showing of the Grammy's, so I will be watching the Oscars next Sunday.  I don't know if I am more excited to see the winners, or James Franco showing off his cute smile throughout the entire night (I think I'm leaning towards James Franco).  

Look how stinkin' cute:

I love him even when he's making funny faces while putting on deodorant.

Okay, so Anne Hathaway is pretty amazing too.

Looking forward to it!  My hopes are high... we'll see how it goes!

I miss my friends.

Happy Saturday!  Hope you all are having a fun-filled weekend with your friends!

South Side House Renovation

The South Side is one of the best neighborhoods in Pittsburgh.

When I'm home you can usually find me there a couple times a week.

There are a ton of trendy bars, restaurants, and stores, with new ones opening each month.

However it is not known for it's housing. Most of the people who live in the South Side are either in college or recent college graduates, so landlords can unfortunately get away with doing very little. I came across these images of a newly remodeled house. I know exactly where this is located and cannot believe how fast he turned the old cement block building into an amazing modern house.

Before:

spaces design by other metros general contractor frankovitchjm

After:

modern exterior design by other metros general contractor frankovitchjm

It definitely sticks out compared to the other houses around it, however this is an up and coming area, and I think this house is exactly what the area needed to really speed up the renovation process.

modern hall design by other metros general contractor frankovitchjm

modern bedroom design by other metros general contractor frankovitchjm

modern porch design by other metros general contractor frankovitchjm

modern porch design by other metros general contractor frankovitchjm

modern kitchen design by other metros general contractor frankovitchjm

modern exterior design by other metros general contractor frankovitchjm

Hello 1974

Words cannot express how happy I am that the 70s are back... in style that is.

While I would much rather have everything about the 70s back, I guess I can settle for the clothes.

Rachel Zoe, Kate Hudson, and Nicole Richie are three of the best people to turn to if you need some 70s inspiration.  Lucky for me, I have most of these things in my closet already, but I'll definitely still be adding some new pieces.

I absolutely love the peasant tops, high wasted jeans, clogs, and big sunglasses.
Any thoughts?

Bonnaroo

The long awaited lineup is FINALLY here.

Well, it came out yesterday, but I didn't have time to blog about it until now. 

For those of you who don't know what Bonnaroo is, think Woodstock '69, but much more organized and planned, definitely more expensive, and from what I hear... everything else is about the same.  It's a 4-day, multi stage, camping festival in Manchester, Tennessee, so yes, that means 4 full days of good music, good beer, great people, and fun times.

No, I've never been there, but for the past 2 years around this time I sat at my computer anxiously awaiting the line-up, and saving up money to buy a ticket... then my plans always fall through.

This year is the 10th anniversary and I really do have every intention of going.  The lineup is pretty awesome, and from what I hear the experience is worth every penny.

This year, festival goers will get to see:

Eminem, Arcade Fire, The  Black Keys, Buffalo Springfield feat. Neil Young, My Morning Jacket, Lil Wayne, The String Cheese Incident, Robert Plant, Mumford & Sons, The Strokes, The Decemberists, Ray Lamontagne, GirlTalk, Florence & the Machine, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Old Crow Medicine, Wiz Khalifa, Matt & Kim, Neon Trees, and many more!

If you've ever been to Bonnaroo and have any great tips or stories for me I'd love to hear them!

Taste

One of the coolest parts of my jobs is definitely the traveling aspect.

I'm in a different city and state every week.

It sounds crazy and exhausting, but it has given me so many amazing opportunities. 

Opportunities to meet to people, study the culture, see the sights, and to eat some good food.

I always love when the girls are so thoughtful and pick out great vegetarian/vegan restaurants for me to try.  Today I went to one of the most delicious restaurants I've been to yet.

It's called Taste.

There are six locations throughout the Virginia Beach area.  

Taste started out as a single wine and cheese shop and has since grown and been successful for over 30 years.  Now they specialize in fresh sandwiches, soups, salads, and gourmet pastries; as well as cheese, wine, gift baskets, unique teas, juices, and sodas.

If you're trying to picture the layout of the store/restaurant, think Meryl Streep's restaurant in It's Complicated.

Literally, I thought I was on the movie set when I walked into Taste.  Look how similar:

So, if you're ever in the Virginia Beach area definitely take some time and stop into Taste.  Even if you don't have time to sit down and eat, there are plenty of to-go items for you to enjoy!

Love Is All You Need

I had a really great post about this delicious restaurant I just ate at all ready to go for today, but I decided to jump on the bandwagon and write about what else, but Valentines Day. 

Yes, I don't really have a Valentine.  But I do have plenty of people that I love. And this is the first year I've not been surrounded by them and it truly makes my heart hurt.  Even when I was in a relationship during Valentine's Day, I never got overly excited to celebrate it.  I'm that kind of person who believes you should love someone unconditionally each day, and not just really show it on a commercial holiday.

But this year, Valentine's Day is really getting to me.  I'm in Oregon, just met these girls less than 24 hours ago, and not a word about the holiday has been said.  It is making me appreciate my home, my family, my friends, and my kitty more than ever.  

Me, with the best Valentine ever, Chloe Kristine.

They are who I love each and every day.  Always have, always will.

Happiness

I needed a little pick-me-up today, and it's not even noon.

I know, I know it's Saturday and the weekend, but you have to remember I don't get a "weekend."

Instead of my mile long to-do list, all I keep thinking about is summer

and laying in a hammock.

Oh, what I wouldn't give to trade places with the people in these pictures.

Hope you're having a fantastic weekend!

Flashback Friday

I'm feeling pretty nostalgic this Friday.

Who am I kidding, I'm always feeling nostalgic.

But, it's extra bad today. 

I've spent the past hour Googling old TV shows.

I'm talking about old school Nick at Night, TGIF, etc.

Hang Time

Are You Afraid of the Dark?

Legends of the Hidden Temple-Blue Barracudas 

Eureeka's Castle

Salute Your Shorts-Camp Anawanna We Hold You In Our Hearts...

The list could go on and on.  I might have to bring back Flashback Friday another week and feature old movies and toys.  Hmm.. this could really consume my day.

What are your favorite old TV shows?  Enjoy your weekend!