First of all, thank you for all the nice Birthday wishes!
And now on to the regular blogging:
I know that some people hate listening to music while they read, but I think a good playlist makes everything better. So here's my beach book playlist (don't worry it also works on a balcony, or even on your couch):
I'm usually not one to dwell over the cancellation of TV shows. It was fun while it lasted, time to move on, circle of life and all that jazz …but Nashville, Nashville was special.
It wasn't something I had been watching for years (on that note: RIP Castle), or something that makes each day it's on feel like Christmas morning (thank God Lucifer is still with us…literally), but it was that one show I watched almost every sunday afternoon with my best friend. Coffee, tea, cake (lemon meringue pie for premieres and finales) and the shenanigans of Rayna, Deacon, Juliette and co. So it doesn't only mean the end of a show, but also of a really fun tradition.
The cancellation didn't come as a surprise, the writing was on the wall for a while, still with all these stories that probably won't get proper closure now, I was still hoping for a miracle. But to ease the pain at least a little bit, ABC just released a series of special performances that can be experienced in 360° view. It's almost like being at the Bluebird Cafe, which is pretty neat (especially if you're like me and the music was your favorite part of the show):
First of all Happy Easter if you celebrate it, and if not: Happy Sunday! I really can't believe I'm already posting my March favorites, didn't I just write the January post? Time flies…
Leopard Print Lindt Bunny:
I've seen tiger bunnies everywhere last year, but the leopard version was new to me. And come on, a leopard print Lindt Bunny? Easter just got so much cooler.
Someone recommended this to me and I immediately fell in love with it. Børns' sound is very sweet and relaxing, but also a little haunting, which is something I always enjoy. And if you're a fan of Lana Del Rey, Lorde or Halsey you'll probably enjoy Dopamine.
Favorite Track: American Money
Quail Easter Eggs:
It's ridiculous and a waste of money, but they're so freakin' cute.
The Kills "Doing it To Death":
The fact that the Kills are releasing a new album after what feels like an eternity would be exciting enough on it's own, but the video for the first single "Doing it to Death" just makes it that much better. How cool are those dancers?
It's been way too long since my last playlist, but this one should make up for it.
I obviously had to include the new Kills single (I've been playing the video on repeat for days), as well as Jack White's little Muppets stint …and I somehow ended up with a lot 80s and 90s favorites in between.
Maybe it's because of the extra leap year day, but I just couldn't narrow it down to 5 things this month…
TV Workouts:
Buzzfeed presents,43 workouts that allow you to watch an ungodly amount of television. Yes, you read that right workouts that include watching TV. This list has been around for a while but I just came across it recently, and it's definitely a fun way to get a little extra workout time in while binge watching your favorite show, no matter if it's Boy Meets World or Game of Thrones.
Margot vs. Lily:
Talking of workouts, Nike Women just launched a brilliant new web series. Their advertising is always on point, but the series about two very competitive sisters might just be the best idea they ever had.
Topshop scarf:
I was eyeing this Topshop scarf for a while, just waiting for it to go on sale … and it finally did. It's probably the softest thing I ever owned (I actually wish they'd make a giant blanket version of it), and it's so easy to wear – just throw it on over a navy coat and look like a movie star.
Jake Bugg:
I used to listen to Jake on repeat, but then I kinda forgot about him …until I saw his performance at the Burberry Fall/Winter 2016 show ...needless to say, he made it back to the top of my personal charts (and I can't wait for his new album!)
Whenever fall in love with a pair of expensive sunglasses, I usually buy a cheap version to "test-drive" them, but these Even and Odd sunglasses are so great that I don't even want the Dior ones that inspired them anymore (my bank account loves them too).
Sarah Michelle Gellar returning to Cruel Intentions:
In the best news I've heard all week: Sarah Michelle Gellar is reprising her role as Manhattan's original Queen Bee Kathryn Merteuil in the Cruel Intentions TV reboot. She announced the news via Instagram, and I'm over the moon that I get to see my favorite teenage sociopath all grown up.
It's that time of the month again, time for my November favorites:
80s Movie Soundtracks
I have a new obsession: buying the soundtracks of all my favorite 80s soundtracks on vinyl (Still looking for the "Dream a Little Dream" one …just in case Santa's taking notes).
Turtlenecks
I've always preferred scarves over turtlenecks, but lately I can't get enough of them. This one's from H&M.
The Middle (ABC)
Two Words: Charlie McDermott. I'm kidding, sort of… Yes, he's dreamy but definitely not the only reason why I always find myself binge watching the hilarious ABC comedy this time of year, I simply can't resist a Heck Holiday episode.
Maybelline Perfect Cream Mascara
I'm a huge fan of Maybelline's Great Lash Mascara, no matter which other mascaras I tried I always went right back to the tacky pink and green tube - but then I was shopping online, and needed an extra three bucks to get free delivery so I decided to give thePerfect Cream Mascara a try. I won't recommend this if you are a fan of the "Falsies" look, but if you prefer a more natural makeup then this is the answer. It has a super silky finish, is a dream to apply, and is a total bargain. Hands down the best drugstore mascara you can get.
Cloud 9
There's only one thing I love more than a classic DCOM, and that's a classic DCOM set in a winter wonderland. Technically Cloud 9, doesn't fall into the classic category (it came out last year), but thanks to the lack of musical numbers it certainly felt like one (there's even a remix of Superchick's One Girl Revolution – Cadet Kelly, anyone? – on the soundtrack). My new favorite "snow-com".
October is my favorite month of the year, and these are my favorite things about October:
Team Nightmare's Halloween Routine
I don't really follow Dancing With the Stars, but I never miss the Halloween Special. This year the group numbers were my favorite part, and while I also really enjoyed Team Who You Gonna Call's take on the Ghostbusters, Team Nightmare was outstanding!
Woah... that's what I thought after reading the first few Chapters of R.L.Stine's newest Fear Street novel. I read too much "grown up" horror to actually be frightened by anything that could happen on Fear Street, but that's why I love them, I read them to relax. But he really amped up the horror in this one...and I just couldn't put it down. It's the good old Fear Streat…just a little scarier.
The Final Girls
In The Final Girls the daughter of a 1980s Scream Queen gets pulled into her late mother's most famous movie, lots of "how to survive a slasher flick" hilarity ensues. Campy horror at it's best.
Butternut Squash
I was never big on pumpkins (shocking I know), but lately I've been crazy about squash. It has become my go to dinner. I usually just cut one up, throw it in the air fryer, and put some chili salt on it …but if there's time I also like to make a nice pasta.
Since I did the whole mellow (well as mellow as it gets for me), cuddle by the fireplace fall playlist last year, I decided to put together something a little different this year: A Halloween Playlist!
Now, not every song on this screams Halloween, but they all bring back Halloween memories. Like the Ramones cover reminding me of my favorite scary movie as a kid, or the bittersweet lyrics of Acadia taking me right back to all the Halloween mischief we caused. And let's be honest, the new Dead Weather album had to be in there because it's the perfect haunted house soundtrack.
September just flew by... But it was filled with lots of awesome discoveries (and some rediscoveries):
Paige Denim
I'm usually not one to go crazy for designer jeans. They have their benefits but so far I never really felt like it was worth the splurge, and usually ended up back at H&M ...but then I came across Paige. I had heard great things about the label, so I took a couple of pairs into the changing room, and let's just say I had a really hard time deciding which ones to leave at the store since I couldn't possibly justify buying four pairs of jeans. What I love about them is that even though they are incredible soft and comfortable (seriously they feel like pajama pants), they don't lose their shape and look as good on day five as they did on day one. And don't even get me started on the fit… Best. Jeans. Ever.
Burts Bee's Red Dahlia
I Love Burt's Bees tinted Lipbalm (their pigmentation is amazing for a sheer balm!), and Red Dahlia is the epitome of a great fall color.
Superstar Car Wash
I recently rediscovered this, and have been listening to it on repeat all month. It's actually one of the first albums I ever bought (if I'm not counting all the Disney soundtracks and NOW compilations), and I'm still a fan of the band today, but for me none of their newer albums do even come close to Superstar Car Wash …I only wish it was available on vinyl.
Steve Madden Fringe Booties
Another rediscovery, I bought them back in spring and never wore them much, but they quickly became my favorite early fall shoes.
Scream Queens
Scream Queens might simultaneously be the best and the worst thing on TV right now. The show combines everything I love (campy horror, 80s music, and cool hats), but I also see why people might not enjoy it. Satire – especially if it's this crude – isn't everybody's cup of tea… But I think that goes for all Ryan Murphy shows, you either love them or hate them, and this one's no exception.
I love Taylor Swift, always have always will. But I'm also more of a rock girl, and when I heard that Ryan Adams was covering Taylor's album, I was more than just a little excited (there was jumping involved). It's so unexpected, but that makes it so great. Judging from the previews, the 80s vibe seems to be even stronger on Ryan's cover versions, and some songs give me the impression that Taylor Swift + Ryan Adams = Bruce Springsteen …Which again, unexpected, but in the best possible way.
It is also always a nice thing to see different genre come together, because there's really no reason why a Ryan Adams fan can't enjoy a Taylor Swift song (or vice versa). So whether you're a fan of Taylor, Ryan, both, or maybe even neither check out Ryan's 1989, you might just be surprised:
August is almost over… let that sink in for a moment. But that also means fall is just around the corner – and you know how I feel about fall (boots, pumpkins, and a new season of American Horror Story…)
…but more on that next month, because now it's time for my August favorites:
(Skip this one if you did not see the Pretty Little Liars summer finale)
The Dead Weather is back!
And if the rest of their new Album is gonna be as good as the first single, then it was definitely worth the long wait. And how cool is the video?
Tidal
Talking of that video, I was so excited to see it that I finally caved and got Tidal to watch it a week early. Best decision ever! Yes, it's expensive compared to other streaming services, and the free trial ends after only one month (gasp!), but quality and content are definitely worth it. And with 9.99 a month the basic version is cheaper than a movie ticket but will entertain you a lot longer.
Cece is A:
I know many didn't like the reveal, but I really did. Yes there were small plot holes, but that would have been the case with anyone, and the clues are all there! Just go back and rewatch – and honestly after six years of guessing I would have been ok with finding Pepe the dog under that hood.
Lolita
The day after the Pretty Liars Finale was spent re-reading this. Because #clues. They really did tell us everything we needed to know. And I'm thrilled that all those references actually meant something.
I admit was a bit skeptical about Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll, the cast is awesome, the promos looked fun... but comedy is always a slippery slope. But then I watched the pilot, and now I have a new favorite comedy.
The premise is simple, aging "has-never-been" Johnny Rock (Denis Leary), gets a chance to turn his life around when his estranged daughter Gigi (Liz Gillies – I've been a fan of her since her Victorious days, and excited to see her in a "grown up" tole) hires him and his old band mates to kickstart her own career.
The characters are hilarious, the guest stars are out of this world (Joan freakin' Jett!), the soundtrack is awesome, and don't even get me started on the perfection that is Liz Gillie's wardrobe…
And you don't even have to be a music freak to enjoy it, I watched it with a friend who doesn't share my enthusiasm for that aspect of the show and she also loved it.
Ok, I admit that this one looks a lot like last year's August playlist, but it's not August without listening to Boys of Summer on repeat (it's just not!). The rest is the usual eclectic mix of everything from power pop anthems to "reflecting while watching the sunset" ballads.
First of all, thank you for all the lovely Birthday messages! And what better way to celebrate than with a great playlist? And maybe it's the birthday thing, but this one is a little on the nostalgic side – but still as eclectic as always.
I just realized that it has been way too long since my last playlist, so today I have a very special treat: my study tunes! I've mentioned before that I can't study in silence, and while apps like Coffitivityare perfect non-distracting white noise machines, sometimes it is just a little more fun to study with music (if the subject allows it).
I believe that the secret behind a perfect study playlist is balance, too mellow and it will make you sleepy, too upbeat and it will be distracting. It should, however, always end on a high note, something that screams "break time!" (seriously, singing along to your favorite song can be an amazing way to clear your head and re-energize). Finally, my number one tip is to avoid songs that remind you of TV shows. I know it sounds silly, but there is nothing more annoying than the sudden desire to watch the Forever Pilot just because that one Beck song popped up in your playlist… And yes, I realize that I included the Virgin Suicides theme song, but it is somehow different with movie soundtracks (The Last Kiss soundtrack got me through more all-nighters than I can count).
I am not at Coachella, but I'm not gonna dwell on that or spend hours on Tumblr envying those who are (ok, maybe I did that yesterday), because who says that I can't enjoy it from my couch?
And no one's stopping me from dressing up either. It would, of course, be a little silly to go all out for watching a livestream, but these toned down looks are definitely couch appropriate:
A few days ago I blogged about my favorite Holiday ads, unfortunately apple's "The Song" ad wasn't out yet, or it would have been number 1. I love how it isn't as over the top as many other holiday ads. It's just nice, and really shows how the simplest things are often the greatest presents.
…and parts of it were filmed at Third Man Records, aka Disney World for music nerds, aka me.
There's even a behind the scenes, which includes a closer look at the Record Booth.
…visiting Third Man Records is so high up on my bucket list.
The best thing about December? Christmas Songs! Duh!
Last night I tried to put together a Christmas playlist, but I quickly gave up. I just couldn't narrow it down to the usual 10 or 12 songs. And since I don't have the time to post a new playlist every week, I decided to try something new and call it a "project" – which is just a nice way of saying it's a mess.
…but I kind of like it this way, and I will add to this mess all the way up to Christmas (I'm always on the hunt for new festive songs). So check in once or twice a week, or simply press the follow button.
Style inspiration is a funny thing. Personally I would describe my style as very classic and preppy (and I own enough chambray shirts and navy cable knit sweaters to prove it), yet I would never refer to the Blair Waldorfs and Sarah Vickers of the world as my fashion idols. Don't get me wrong, I love them but I believe that the best inspiration can be found outside one's comfort zone.
And for me that's in Alison Mosshart's closet:
She is the epitome of cool, has collaborated with fashion and music icons alike, and fronts not only one but two of my favorite bands (The Kills and The Dead Weather). Oh, and she was on to the whole leopard thing years before it even was a thing.
Her look is simple: skinny jeans or leather pants, tattered tees and silk shirts, well worn boots, and great jackets (she seems to have an endless collection of vintage fur and leather jackets, with the occasional Burberry Prorsum trench thrown in for good measure).
My favorite thing about it is the way she mixes high-end pieces with thrift store finds. It looks so effortless, so easy and playful – which is exactly why her iconic look is so hard to imitate. Still, that doesn't mean we can't at least try to take a couple of hints from Miss Mosshart.
The first and only rule is to wear what you love and to wear it all at once. It's all about finding your favorite pieces, and mixing them in unexpected ways: A simple hoodie under a vintage fur coat, a designer scarf with your rattiest shirt, or two crazy patterns at once. Basically, the idea is to reach into your closet, pull out something random, and look amazing – and a touch of leopard never hurts (for me that means my favorite pair of riding boots).
