Music Monday: Flute Beatboxing

Last MM post of 2009! I wanted to post something out of the ordinary so, I figured a guy who plays the flute and then beat boxes into it would be fitting. 



On a more serious note, my most listened to bands/albums of 2009 have been:

Mutemath- Armistice

She & Him- Volume One

Dawes- North Hills

The Temper Trap- Conditions 

Iron and Wine- Around The Well





I don't plan on blogging for the rest of the week but I'll be back in 2010!

Inspiration: Birthday

All I really want for my birthday this year is a lot of laughs, good friends, plenty of love and these:
 

Photos: WeHeartIt

Here's to making 24 a great year!

Music Monday: Vince Guaraldi Trio

It's just not Christmas without Vince Guaraldi playing softly in the background while baking cookies and wrapping gifts. Maybe I'm a little biased since my home away from home payed tribute to the classic Peanuts characters but listening to this album gives me that warm fuzzy feeling that you're supposed to get this time of year. 

Get comfy, have a glass of wine and let all that holiday stress melt away with this:

Inspiration: Mustache

I don't know what it is or why but I love silly facial hair inspired designs. Looking at them makes me giggle and they have been inspiring my own coding hits and misses at work lately.

 

All these mustache finds can be snapped up at Etsy. 

Music Monday: Foreign Born

I recently discovered Foreign Born and I think they're going to break my itunes. I've been listening to them that much. 

They of remind me of the French Kicks, who I love, so its like a natural progression of goodness.  

Honestly, who doesn't love c-walking to indie music?

Gratitude Tuesday: Rain

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We are supposed to get a considerable amount of rain this week. Any rain is considerable since it's California and if we get a light sprinkle every news station in the state beings their "storm watch" coverage.

For the most part I love the rain, I would love it more if I could spend all rainy days in my pjs spooning and watching movies but you can't always get what you want. Here are a few silly reasons why I'm grateful for the rain:

• I can use my embarrassingly bright umbrella. I figure if I'm going to carry an umbrella then I'm going to consider it an accessory to whatever I happen to be wearing that day so I want it to stand out. 
• I can use my embarrassingly bright rain boots (for the same reason as my umbrella). 
• I like pretending I'm 5 for a moment and jump in a few puddles, with my rain boots on of course.
  
• I use the rain as an excuse for making peaceful playlists. I gather up all my "quiet" music and amplify the already calming effect of the sound of rain with some tunes.
• I also like using the rain as an excuse for getting comfy with pjs, a fluffy robe, moccasins and a blanket. No one can say you're being lazy, it's just natural to want to veg out.
• Finally, it's the perfect time to watch old classic movies. Deep down I'm an old soul and really enjoy watching Bogart, Grant, Wayne and all my other favortie old timey leading men. I can be a bit of an AMC & TMC remote hog.
  

Music Monday: Dave Brubeck Quartet

I'm in love with Dave Brubeck's Time Out album. I've had it for a long time but it never gets old. I really like listening to it in the morning when I make breakfast, there is something about scrambled eggs and Dave Brubeck that just feel right. That might sound strange but listen to the Time Out album while making an awesome Sunday morning breakfast and I swear your food will taste delicious.

Speaking of strange, this video freatures the quartet flying on a magic carpet over what appears to be a crappy freeway in LA. Why can't TV be more like this all the time?

In The Pursuit Of Craftiness: Monogram Tote

I love diy projects and wanted to share one with anyone who is looking to make their own tote bag. 

I got this idea from Design Sponge.

You'll need a tote bag, paper dolies, paint brushes or a sponge and paint. Use fabric paint if you have it, if not acrylic works just as well.

I painted the corners of the bag with the dolie and then went back with a paint brush to touch up and fill in any areas that needed some fixing.

After all the corners were finished I painted my first initial freehand. If you're not comfortable doing that I would suggest printing a font that you love from a word document and lightly tracing it on the bag.





Filling the tote with goodies and giving it as a gift would be a cute (affordable) and thoughtful present. 


Happy crafting!

Gratitude Tuesday: Friends

I'm forever grateful for the people who tease me endlessly for all the random/awkward/goofy/idiotic things I do and say. 

I like to call these people my friends. What makes them so great is that they can give me a hard time, remind me that even though I think I'm crazy I'm actually just a normal version of crazy and then sympathize with me because they've been there too. 

This is the best description of what friends are in song: (by best, I really mean it makes me laugh and I finally found a good excuse to post it.)

Music Monday: The Avett Brothers

The Avett Brothers have two of my favorite B's: Banjo & Beards. 

Now that that is out of the way, if you've read any of my previous MM posts its no surprise that The Avett Brothers are being featured. I love folk music and their blend of folk and country hits the spot. There is something about their music that has always reminded me of home. When doing my long solo drive from college back into the valley for holiday weekends I would toss on some of their tunes and it became my personal anthem for all things related to the valley. I mean, it doesn't get more country than beards and banjos right? Or maybe it doesn't get more indie... either way this band is perfect for setting the mood of a dusty valley backdrop. 

Currently, this song is playing in heavy rotation in my ipod:

Wish List

Since I won't be out shopping with all the crazies on Black Friday I figured a wish list of the things I would like to have this year would be fitting.

First, the things that are unrealistic to add to my wish list:

Macbook Pro:

It's so shiny and pretty, who wouldn't want one?

Nissan Versa:

I don't know why I like you so much but I want you to be mine.

John Kransinski & Glenn Howerton Hybrid:

Ahhhhh... uh, I got lost in my fantasy, where was I?


Now for the things I really want (Well, I want the things above but that's not gonna happen... at least not anytime soon. A girl can dream though, right?):

Polaroid Notes:
I love sending letters and these are adorable, although I think I would have a hard time sending them since they are so fun.

Turntable:
I have lots of records begging to be played & turned into mp3s on this little guy.

Very Sunny Christmas:
If I can't have a John/Glenn Hybrid then I should at least have this.

500 Days of Summer:
Zooey is my fashion muse. Thus, I need this to stay inspired.

Journal:
I want a fancy leather bound journal for my next 365-esque project.


And if someone could figure out how to give me the gift of time/money to spend on the things I enjoy with the people I love then you can forget alll that other stuff because that's what I really want.


So, what's on your wish list?

Work Shmerk: Fancy

No Music Monday post today. Mostly because I got caught up doing other things and by the time I realized it was Monday I wasn't feeling motivated to write an entire post about a band.

I would say that I was too busy to do a MM post but really this is what I did at work today:

If you don't know about Fancy, here is a quick run down:

• She is a brat.
• She believes that my sole purpose in the office is to play, pet and pay attention to her.
• She thinks that anything I'm doing she should be doing too including: sitting in front of my computer monitor, trying to "meow" in the phone while I'm taking a conference call, chewing on my paperwork and trying to eat/drink my food during my lunch break.

I suppose we could consider this post to be a MM since there is awesome New Orleans style music playing in the background....

Gratitude Tuesday: Change

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Bad change.
Good change.
Scary change.
Forcing change.
Trusting change.
Unexpected change.
Running away from change.
Extra change (in your pocket).

Music Monday: The Temper Trap

When I like a band I wear them out. I will listen to them when I shower, as I'm dressing, eating breakfast, commuting to work.... you get the picture. My entire day will be filled with their music until one day I find another band and start the cycle all over.
 

In terms of The Temper Trap, I haven't worn out their album as much as I have a specific song. I'm absolutely 100% obsessed with their song Sweet Disposition. It has caught my full attention and has been in heavy rotation ever since.

I’m not in love with their music video, I have a completely different concept of what the song means to me and it has nothing to do traveling beams of light and a roller derby woman. But I like the song all the same:


The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition

The Temper Trap | MySpace Video

Things I Love: Blogs

Since my last post featured one of my favorite blogs, PostSecret, I figured that I would share a few more blogs that are on my list of daily/weekly reads:

Le Love Image:


Anything and everything about love is featured. I check this blog almost daily; it's romantic, sappy, cute, heartbreaking... you know, just generally girly and nausting. But I can't help but love it.

Design Sponge:


It’s do-it-yourself heaven! I love arts and crafts and this blog is always filling me up with new ideas for projects.

Fuck That Band:


If you take emo/pop/punk/hipster bands seriously don’t check out this blog. If you like making fun of said bands then check out this blog.

Once Wed:


I’m not going to be heading down the aisle anytime soon but I love this blog. The photography is beautiful and I love checking out all the personal touches that are used in the weddings featured. It inspires my own crafty adventures.

Daytrotter:


This site is my ultimate indie music resource. They have great interviews, reviews, videos and unique illustrations.


Any blogs/websites that are apart of your daily/weekly reads?

Gratitude Tuesday: PostSecret

I love PostSecret. It's become apart of a weekend ritual that closes Sunday leading into Monday. The best part of PostSecret is that it's honest in the most endearing way possible. Good, bad, funny, sad, indifferent- it all makes me feel like not being normal is normal. If you've never checked PostSecret out go to the book store or visit their blog. It'll make you come back for more.

Music Monday: Vampire Weekend

My pick this week is Vampire Weekend because, well, I'll be seeing them this evening. I don't think I need much more of a reason than that.


I'm expecting a great night with plenty of dancing.

Things I Love: Cheer Up Stuff

Great TV. It's sad but The Office, 30 Rock and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia always make me laugh no matter how crappy of a day I've had.



Mike & Ike. This candy makes my tummy happy.

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Beaner. She is the only one who doesn't care about anything but sitting with me and sometimes that's all you need to feel better.



iTunes Genius. Perfect playlists every time for every mood. If only iTunes had this for everything else in life.

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Stella. There are much more responsible ways to fix a bad day but sometimes a cold beer is the best remedy.

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So, what are the things that cheer you up?

Gratitude Tuesday: Perfectly Imperfect

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Today I'm feeling grateful for the little things that other people do that may not seem loveable, special, cute etc. but somehow they are because you love them. 

I'm a firm believer that everyone feels this way about the people they love. It's the loud annoying laugh that comforts you when you're feeling down, the outlandish hand gestures that make even the most boring story interesting, the intense squint that lets you know they're thinking long and hard before giving you an answer that wont have them in hot water, the sigh that signals annoyance but they'll never admit it.....

I could go on and on. Whether its a significant other, best friend, family memeber, or co-worker it all counts. So, what are some not so "loveable" things that you love about your favorite person/people?  

Music Monday: Dawes

I'm a sucker for soulful guitar. 

That being said Dawes is pure folk rock. Their album North Hills has an old school rock vibe with a dash of folk. Making it safe for purists who believe rock died in the 70's and hipster kids who enjoy "modern" folk (whatever that means). 

I was fortunate enough to stumble upon them at my favorite weekend haunt and they were great. As soon as they finished their set I went over to the merch table and snapped up their album. They were that good and I never buy cds. They recently got some press in Rolling Stone, so hopefully that will be the push you need to at least give one of their songs a listen. It wont disappoint.

Five Things: I love about fall

In no particular order:

1) Hot Chocolate with tiny marshmallows

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2) Hoodies

3) Time change that makes you feel like you've gained an extra hour of sleep


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4) Fire. Be it candles, fireplace or a bonfire.

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5) Rainy days that call for staying in with your favorite movie and a big bowl of popcorn

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Anything you're lovin' about the changing of the seasons? Tell me about it.

Gratitude Tuesday: Happiness

Every Tuesday (if I can keep to my own schedule) will be Gratitude Tuesday. This has been inspired by a recent website project. The project is all about affirmations and how you can transform your life through positivity. Makes sense, right? I thought so. Gratitude Tuesday will be affirmations, quotes, shout outs to the people and things I’m grateful for, stuff to make you smile, laugh, think etc. Basically, anything that is positive. There is so much in my day that is stressful/weighted with responsibility so why not take some time at least once a week to reflect on the good things in life both big and small?

Music Monday: MUTEMATH

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I’m in love. I’ve enjoyed MUTEMATH for a while now. I was first introduced to them during my college years by good old KSUN and have been listening to them ever since. But to truly experience the full spectrum of their music you have to see them live. I now understand why Alternative Press named them the #1 band to see live before you die.

The amount of energy they have is mind blowing. Drummer, Darren King (pictured above) is a perfect mix of chaos and precision. The lead singer, Paul Meany, makes you feel like he is singing to you and you alone.  I have to admit, I have a musical crush on him now. Guitarist Greg Hill played his heart out and bassist Roy Mitchell-Cardenas was the underlying beat that pulled all the chaos together.

If they ever roll through your city, do yourself a favor and go their show.

Rewind and begin again.

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You can't do that in real life but luckily you can in a blog. I've been a terrible blogger and neglected my blog for far too long. In the spirt of writing more often and keeping up with other web projects I've decided to start blogging again. So, this is my re-introduction. Now I have to conquer the "blank page" and acutally follow through with blog posts. I have a few reoccuring weekly blog ideas bouncing around in my head so if all goes to plan I should be updating often. Maybe even often enough to have regular followers. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Until next time (which should be soon, I promise)!

Nicknames

I haven't blogged in over a month. Actually, that isn't entirely true. I ghost write several blogs and have been crazy busy with work so that is my excuse for not writing on this blog. Deal with it.

I got into a discussion about nicknames in which I declared that I didn't have any only to realize that I have several. After thinking about it, most people have something specific that they call me by for their own particular reasons, I only wish I could remember what those reasons were. In any case, I made a mental list that will now be a blog list:

• Ang
  
• Poo-ca-roo
  
• J
  
• Angel-a
  
• Angeluh
  
• Tangela
  
• gella
  
• AJ
  
• Angelimaca
  
• Angeler

There is more but they get more and more embarrassing... The most obvious nickname you would think I would have no one ever calls me. Which would be Angie. I guess I just don't look like an Angie or just haven't met anyone yet who would think to refer to me as such. My personal favorite has always been Ang, I don't know why, I just like it. But I enjoy all of them because they are all used by specific people, who I know have a perfectly logical reason as to why they call me what they do. The way the mind works and why we do/say what we do just fascinates me. Which leads me to this:
My computer monitor is going to be so effed up... just another day at the office!

I didn't want to finish that anyway.

Honestly, this doesn't happen to anyone else at work. I had to clean and refill my glass 3 times before I gave up. First time, shame on her for taking advantage of my unattended glass. Second time, shame on me for thinking placing a sheet of paper over the top would stop her. Third time, who would have thought she would knock a book off the top the glass. Not me, that's for sure. Maybe it's a sign that I shouldn't leave my desk or it's a reminder to never forget my Nalgene at home.

Either way, I don't trust cats.

Randomly breaking into song...

or why my brother is awesome.

While talking about how there aren’t any of the good old Disney cartoons on On Demand a yawn entered the conversation, to which I fake yawned back and received another fake yawn in return and all of a sudden my brother and I are singing “Meeermaid” as if it’s totally normal and then jump back into our previous conversation without missing a beat. I love my brother.




On a totally non-related subject, Modest Mouse is going to be in town and although I have already seen them live it seems like a waste not to take advantage of the fact that they will literally be down the street. Someone should come with me. That someone should probably be you. No, not you. The other guy, yes you!

Apples to Apples

I ran across this a while ago and it still makes me smile. Playing Apples to Apples with far too many drinks into the wee hours of the morning are definitely moments that I miss with a few amazing friends. I'm almost 100% certain that this was caught on tape during this time of year exactly one year ago. This is the kind of stuff that makes me miss college.

Sidenote: I have a horrible fake English accent and a terribly empty apartment. Don't judge me, I was a poor college student and now I'm a poor college grad but that's a whole other topic.

I swear it's not a pyramid scheme

This week has been random and busy. Both of which I have enjoyed very much!

I have been informed that the multi-level marketing company (some may say pyramid scheme, but I swear it isn't) that is run within the company that I work for has a new edition to our fleet of wrapped cars ( by "wrapped" I mean the cars that have the vinyl advertisements plastered all over them):



I've decided that I'm going to weasel my way into going for a spin. It would be a crime not to ride in it.

Homely & Hideous

I thought this was really funny and had to share it even though it's only funny at my expense.

A quick back story: A co-worker of mine wants to include a photo of each of us in the office with a short bio and our favorite product from one of our web sites (1 of 30 & counting that I get the awesome task of marketing/managing). He sent this email out to everyone in the office explaining why we should do it and an example link of what he was referring too. Low and behold my name gets tossed in there. Awesome.

"I was just on this site and I remembered that we were talking briefly about a contact us section for the SHP site (and possibly the other sites). This is the idea that I had. http://www.godoggygo.com/pages.php?pID=6&osCsid=be9c9060fd8989fbc704e07289f60cfe Everyone in the office could take a picture with a pet. It’s not a necessity or anything but I personally think it adds a fun, personal touch… and we’re all pretty attractive people (myself especially) and I think that makes a difference as well. Not any of us are homely or hideous (except maybe Angela, but only on a bad day)… ok, it goes like this………. when I saw Christopher’s picture I instantly wanted to buy about 50,000 toothbrushes… and move to Montana… next door to him…… and buy some binoculars. That’s all I’m saying. All because of a silly little contact us section on their site."

Can you feel the love? I know I do.