Etsy and I love Rings

I love rings.  No, this is not a wedding ring post, although there were plenty of them to be had on Etsy.  I just love rings, no need for a big diamond (at least not now).   I have been keeping a list of rings I find on Etsy that just make me happy.  Here are a few of my favs.  

1. Here I go again with my nature style Lava stone (see my style here) 
2. For your Medieval style
3. I used to hate big rings, but this Green Stone ring is beautiful
4. This Finger Print ring is much better than a vial of blood (crazy Billy Bob)
5. Who knew Glass could be so funky
6. Birds of a Feather flock to my finger.  LOVE this one.
7. What do they say about Roses
8. No animal was harmed in the production of this Bird Band (I think)
9. Stack It ring never looked as good as these

RED's Top Albums for 2010

My music selection has expanded this year, but I was discovering new music only to me the rest of the world already seemed to know about them.  Here are my selections for best new album released in 2010.  Some are repeats from Brunette's list, but you can't argue with good music.

OK Go - Of the Blue Colour of the Sky

(They put on one amazing show)

Vampire Weekend - Contra 

(Amen to this nomination Brunette)

Broken Bells - Broken Bells 

(I got you Jake)

The New Pornographers - Together

Matt & Kim - Sidewalks 

(Just got it yesterday and love it)

The Weepies - Be My Thrill 

(Fell in love with The Weepies this year)

Brunette's Top 13+8 Albums of 2010

I eagerly look forward to the end of year wrap up that NPR does every year of their picks for the Best 50 albums to debut in 2010. I was thus inspired to rifle through the new albums and do my own highly biased Top 13+8. So what if its an odd number. That's how I do things around these parts. Here they are in no particular order. Enjoy!

Ray Lamontagne and the Pariah Dogs - God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise
If you know me, you know I can't get enough of Ray. Since first acquiring Trouble I have been a devoted fan. Seeing him live seemed to encapsulate my entire existence into perspective. I really love his blue grass alt country ways and he did not disappoint with the newest album.
Listen to: Like Rock and Roll and Radio

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
All I can think of when listening to this album is vast. This album is BIG and anthematic while still leaving you feeling like it works personally. I fell in love instantaneously. And hopefully you did too. Its a perfect mix of drama and down home goodness which will leave you feeling nostalgic and fresh. And how can we forget to mention their interactive film???

www.thewildnernessdowntown.com

Listen to: Ready to Start

Jonsi - Go
Go created by Sigur Ros' Jonsi is a delightful solo album. "Somewhere along the line, it just sort of exploded" is a perfect explanation of the albums essence from the man himself. Its haunting and cold and exactly what you would expect from a mixture of every style known to man.
2 enthusiastic thumbs up
Listen to: Tornado

Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz
I moderately to passionately enjoyed this album before seeing him live this year and then the passion grew to obsession and a whole new level of intensity. Let us all remember how my head exploded... He is slightly crazy, slightly genius and also slightly hot which is weird considering how loony he is. But that seems to make the best combination for great music. His tracks are littered with beats and synth up the wazoo. All an exploration in furthering his musical journey I suppose.
Listen to: Vesuvius

Angus and Julia Stone - Down the Way
This brother/sister duo trade off on vocals and create an engaging album from start to finish with ambrosial acoustic tunes and endearing lyrics. Although pretty long at 62 minutes, this became my perfect album for a lazy Saturday morning. A mellow modern folk set for those of you that can't get enough of that kind of thing.

Listen to: Big Jet Plane

Vampire Weekend - Contra
As soon as this album debuted it was firmly planted on my snowboarding mix and didn't move until May 2nd, the last day I hit the slopes. Fun, upbeat and loaded with energy, Vampire Weekend became my go-to album for a vigorous emotional uproar. Granted I did have to take a breather from it for awhile after so much intense listening, I still count it as one of my favorites this year. Did you hear the controversy over the album cover?
Listen to: White Sky

The Tallest Man on the Earth - The Wild Hunt
Can one man and his guitar be all that one needs to satisfy his/her every whim? Why yes, and Kristian Mattson is the man to do it. His scratchy and sultry voice lures you into a trance of acoustic goodness. He's also a Swede which may have something to do with it. Having been introduced to him just after he graced Utah with his presence made me one very sad woman. I won't let that happen again for sure.
Listen to: The Wild Hunt

The Weepies - Be My Thrill
Who doesn't love the happiness that oozes from every Weepies album? No one that's who. Even listening to the sad songs, or my favorite Please Speak Well of Me which clearly talks about an ended relationship, I still manage to smile every single time I hear this husband and wife strike up a chord. The concert was amazing as well. Don't let this one pass you by. Even if you get turned off by the two "Be" songs placed next to each other on the album (who made that decision anyway??).
Listen to: Please Speak Well of Me

The Black Keys - Brothers
 Slightly dark and extremely bluesy this album made me love The Black Keys in a whole new way. A huge step up from their last album, Brothers makes me just want to throw their brotherly love in my stereo for a long road trip to paradise. As Liz Lemon would say, "I want to go to there."
Listen to: The Only One

 The National - High Violet
This album reminds me of a really great piece of artwork that has been deconstructed just enough so that you find it endearing in a whole new way while still keeping the essence and integrity of its original beauty intact. It hits the right nerve and makes me want to do something with my life, even if it ends up in utter ruin.
Listen to: Bloodbuzz

Horse Feathers - Thistled Spring
Calm, peaceful and contemplative, this album is a treat with violin and cello arpeggios running in and out of each other alongside a striking and melodic banjo. I love me some folk and these guys do it so well. Plus they are playing TONIGHT! At Kilby! So come and say hello to me, because I will for sure be in attendance.
Listen to: Thistled Spring

 The Walkmen - Lisbon
Just listen. When you have a lot of time to fill and you just want to groove. Do it. Now. Drop everything and groove away.

Blue As Your Blood

Frightened Rabbit - The Winter of Mixed Drinks
Building off their last album The Midnight Organ Fight with a beautiful and more streamlined sound, Frightened Rabbit are a force to be reckoned with.

Listen to: Swim Until You Can't See Land






Ok that rounds out the albums I have bought so far. Now here is the list of albums I have been streaming online constantly and are still on the purchase wishlist. I wouldn't say these are honorable mention more like Brunette is too poor to purchase more music but totally favorites and worthy of mention. Christmas anyone?

Josh Ritter - So Runs the World Away
The Morning Benders - The Big Echo
Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark and Twisted Fantasy (Can you believe this album???)
The Roots & John Legend -Wake Up!
Caribou - Swim
Sleigh Bells - Treats
Kings of Leon - Come Around Sundown
LCD Sound System - This is Happening

What are your favorite albums this year?

Trim the Virtual Tree

When you are bored at work, log into Better Homes & Garden's website and check out this virtual Christmas tree trimmer.  I had a little fun today.

Red's Tree - isn't it cute

Not mine, but still cute

 

This person went a little crazy

Note: I think you have to sign up for BH&G to use.

Personalized Gift Idea in Stamp Form

A year ago my big brother and his family purchased a beautiful home in Missouri.  As a house warming gift my fabulously crafty sister found these delightful personalized address stamps from Cambria Cove.  I thought it was such a cute gift to welcome them to a new house. 
We also got one for my Mom for Mother's day and now I wish I had a real house (real as in not an apartment) so I could get one too.

For my fellow drifters like me who never have a permanent address for long, check out the "From the kitchen of" or "This book belongs to" or many other stamp designs from Expressionery (find coupons occasionally in Country Living).

Round 2 of Blonde’s Christmas Music Favorites

I previously posted on some of my favorite Christmas Holiday Albums.
Here are some more.

Disco Noel
Unfortunately, I do not own this album in electronic form and must rely on others’ record players to get me through the holidays. I first heard this album in high school because some friends found it at the local DI and decided it would be a fun adventure and boy-howdy was it. I found my copy on ebay.
Favorite song: Jingle Bells

Hotel Café presents…Winter Songs
Some traditional, some non-traditional Christmas songs by your favorite female artists. Do yourself a favor and delete Katy Perry’s version of White Christmas upon arrival, otherwise it might make you throw up. Of all the butcherings of classic Christmas songs, hers is all the leftover gross stuff that they meld together to make hot dogs, but pre-hot dog so you have to sit and look at it.
Favorite song: Winter Song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson

Christmas Portrait by The Carpenters
Few can rival the mellifluous sound of Karen Carpenter's voice. Have her sing Christmas songs and you have Christmas Magic.
Favorite song: Merry Christmas Darling

Let it Snow Baby, Let it Reindeer by Relient K
If you thought that punk rock and Christmas did not go together then golly are you in for a surprise. Upbeat takes on traditional Christmas songs as well as some new ones of their own.
Favorite song: We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve and Other Stories by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
More Upbeatness with the electric guitar. I can’t help it, I loves me some Trans-Siberian Orchestra for Christmas. My blonde sister introduced me to their intense Christmas array when she started hosting Trans Siberian Orchestra parties at her apartment every week until Christmas (and PS she started in October).
Favorite song: Christmas Eve in Sarajevo

December by George Winston
Need to wind down? I often do and this is the perfect blend of piano prettiness and Christmas favorites.
Favorite song: Variations on the Kanon by Pachabel

More from the Christmas vault of songs I do not love: Christmas Shoes, no matter who sings it. If you like it fine, but if you value our friendship, don’t tell me you like it.

Musician Spotlight: Discourse

Lucky for you this week brings you two whole musician spotlights! Today's spotlight is with the local band and curator of haunting rock tunes-Discourse-a three man assemblage consisting of brothers Jordon and Chase Dawes, along with brother in harmony Mike Henderson. Lucky for me, I got to spend some time with these guys and I can tell you they are as genuine as they seem. Mike grew up down the street from me and I wasn't surprised at the least to see such awesome things come out of him. Vocalist, Drummer and Keyboardist he is one talented man and compliments Jordon on the guitar and loops and Chase with the base making this band a winning combination. I can't wait to see where they go.

Check out a preview of their new CD Sparks with our Hands and see them live on Thursday December 16th at Kilby Court for the release party!

Oh and you know what else is awesome. The boys saw fit to offer up a free download of their single "Giving Up".  How cool are they? You can download it HERE.

Jordon, Mike and Chase

Where do you draw the most inspiration?

The majority of our inspiration comes from wanting to create music that moves us like an emotion, comforts us when we need it, and is enjoyable like a good conversation.

The freedom of our artistic expression is enough in it self to be inspiring.

Tell us about your writing process.

Usually a song will start off with a melody from Jordan on guitar or a sample. Then we layer with different elements to expand on what we hear. We all can be fairly picky on what we do with a song but, luckily we understand each other well enough to create something we all like.

What are your go-to tools?

What does an average day in the life of Discourse look like?

Anything we can get our hands on, we have experimented with different effects and instruments throughout our writing and we love finding new ways to make a song sound unique.

Our average day usually ends up with work or school and when we can find the time we sit in a room for a few hours and do what we love most. We do all of the work together and it can become a bit overwhelming to be serious about making music and still fund everything ourselves. But we all know it is important enough that we have to keep doing it.

How do you keep the creativity juices flowing?

What happens when you have a block?

We tend to push ourselves to do better than we did on the last song or album. When we have a block we move on to something else. We have written an entire collection of songs and just trashed them to start in a new direction.

What are some of your favorite songs you've produced/written?

Each one of us has our own favorite songs over the years. Voice up, Reboot, Great Escape, Steady Hands.. We usually play the ones we like at shows! haha and the other ones we kind of forget how to play.

Who do you look up to most in the music world?

Anyone who has made a difference in the music industry in a positive way.

Other than making music what else would you say

influences or defines your band?

Art and Humor we usually are joking about something all the time and the friendship we have gained by playing music together comes through in the music we create.

If you could have a cup of cocoa with any person (dead or alive) who would it be?

We would love to have a cup with anyone who has heard our music and it affected them in some way. One of the reasons we play music everyday is we had a artist move us and if we could share that with anyone it would be a really positive thing.

Who are your favorite bands?

Oh man, too many to list. Mike likes a lot of great indie/experimental and folk bands. Jordan gets on kicks of listening to only one band for three months. Chase is looking for the most technical metal and solo artists he can find.

Where can we find you?

Best Place, discourseband.com also look for us on Facebook.com/discourseband and twitter.com/discourseband

Hopefully at a show very soon!

Feed Me Etsy

I'm sorry there was no Etsy love last week.  I was out shopping Black Friday and just assumed you were as well.  But I'm back this week with another interesting Etsy find.  Didn't know there were shoes on Etsy, well check out the FOOD.  I'm telling you Etsy has everything homemade including your grandma's mint jelly.

1. #1 for a reason. Chocolate dipped Oreos got nothing on these Twinkies
2. Make your own tea with this array of Tea Spices
3. Yum Cranberry Apple Butter
4. These are so beautiful, sandwich cookies
5. The Sucker says it all
6. My favorite ice cream in a holiday treat Rocky Road
7. Blackberry Verbena
8. Don't ask, but it looked interesting Jezebel Sauce

Free Museum

Looking for something to do this weekend?  The Utah Museum of Natural History is offering free admission this weekend (Sat-Mon).  Check it out as it "used" to be before it moves to its new home in research park.

OLD

NEW (top)

NEW (Front)

Thanks for the heads up SL Trib.  Check out more details of the new building design at e-architect.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1

The most anticipated film of the year for us here at BBR was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. We are all vivacious fans. Though the movie has been in theaters for 2 weeks and you have probably already seen it (being stalwart HP fans yourselves) here is what we thought:

Blonde: I really really liked it. And that’s saying something. I do not give high praise to most movies I watch and I really don’t give good marks to Harry Potter movies that do not follow my beloved books. Back in 2004 I was so excited for the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban that I reread the third book right before the movie came out. This was a big mistake as they did not follow the book at all. I was bitterly disappointed and have been holding a grudge ever since. Well, I did not make the same mistake with book number seven—I read it but one time and that was years ago at its release. So, with the not-so-clear memory of the book in my mind I was able to thoroughly enjoy the movie. It was dark and scary and I jumped in more places than most people do. But, it also lightened the mood when it was getting too intense with Ron’s and Luna’s humor. I was particularly impressed with the portrayal of the story of the Deathly Hallows, the spindly illustrations were whimsical yet sinister and ominous. And as for keeping to the book, I felt it did very well. There were a few places where it looked like the scenes came right from my imagination, so I knew they must have followed the descriptions carefully. Well done. I may change my tune once I read the book again, but for now you fooled me.

Red: I love pretty much all movies. Blonde may be convinced my movie opinions are not to be trusted for that very fact. Our varying movie lovingness can cause difficulty at the redbox. Anyway, needless to say I loved HP #7 Pt 1 (like all my abbreviations?).
I took my folks to see the movie and that was entertaining. My dad has never read any of the Harry Potter books and probably only seen one of the movies. To better illustrate what this means, on the drive home he asked "So why are they trying to kill Harry Potter?" Classic Dad. This is why I love you. The parents also added for those awkward moments when you feel like you just got busted watching a naughty movie (they only walk in on the bad scenes). The scene where Ginny asks Harry to zip up her dress and the Harry/Hermione non-clothing make-out were just such scenes. But I'm a big girl and only blushed a little.
I, like Blonde didn't read book seven anywhere near the release of the movie (and with my mind the way it is) I didn't have any problems with possible book/movie conflicts. I was delighted by Ron (he seriously cracks me up and we have a connection...the red hair), the set design (I love the Weasley home in the wheat field), and of course the story (which had me hiding tears from my parents).
Now I need to only wait 226 days for Pt 2.

Brunette: Well it looks like it is three thumbs up here at BBR. I, along with my fair and flaming haired roommates, thoroughly enjoyed HP #7 Part 1. It was dark and twisted and just as dreadfully slow as the book, and if you know me I love slow and dark. Not so much twisted though, but I can forgive that part. I like to watch characters simmer and stew and enjoy seeing lots and lots of character building. There were some plot holes but for avid HP fans, we know what is going on. Although Blonde is usually the jumpy one of the bunch, in this movie I felt like I was suddenly in her shoes whilst suffering through the scary scenes. Seriously does Voldemort just keep getting creepier? And that snake...shudder. More than once my handsome male movie mate was attacked mercilessly by my flailing limbs and screams of terror. (ahh alluring alliteration...) He graciously took the brunt of my fear, and acted as the kind gentlemen. Gosh I must be getting soft in my old age. Anyways, like the other two I also had not read the book in quite some time and found that to be a successful avenue of novel to movie watching bliss. Two enthusiastic thumbs up. 5 stars. Golden cup of awesome. Whatever, you get it.

Now go see it.