The Year That Was: 2012 Favorites

Days of the Year: May 5th, August 2-4th (Lollapalooza), All of September and October, November 1st & 20th, December 12th, December 24th

TV Shows: Modern Family, The Real Housewives (Beverly Hills, New York, New Jersey, Miami), How I Met Your Mother, The Tudors, Girls, Made in Chelsea, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, The Inbetweeners (UK), Sister Wives, Gallery Girls, The Middle, Four Houses, Mad Men, Real Time with Bill Maher

Movies (not necessarily released this year): Moonrise Kingdom, Like Crazy, Unmade Beds, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Party Monster, Bachelorette, For Lovers Only, Heathers, Natural Born Killers

Favorite Concerts: The Kooks at Mr. Smalls, Bon Iver at The Mann Center (Philly), Santigold at Stage AE, Beach House with Wild Nothing at Mr. Smalls, My Morning Jacket with Band of Horses at Stage AE, James Vincent McMorrow at Hartwood Acres, Lollapalooza- Mackelmore & Ryan Lewis, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Black Angels, The Black Keys, Florence + The Machine, Tame Impala, M83, Policia, Jack White, etc... Virgin Free Fest- Future Islands, Portugal. The Man, etc... 

Songs: "Port of Morrow" by The Shins, "40 Mark Strasse" by The Shins, "Love Is Blindness" by Jack White, "Feels Like We Only Go Backwards" by Tame Impala, "Myth" by Beach House, "Lazuli" by Beach House, "Missing" by The xx, "Home Again" by Michael Kiwanuka, "Bad Religion" by Frank Ocean, "Nothin But Time" by Cat Power, "Nancy From Now On" by Father John Misty, "Paradise" by Wild Nothing, "Shadow" by Wild Nothing, "Ho Hey" by The Lumineers, "Open" by Rhye, "Come Home" by Chappo, "Do You..." by Miguel

Albums: Port of Morrow by The Shins, Bloom by Beach House, Lonerism by Tame Impala, Kaleidoscope Dream by Miguel

Books: What Remains by Carole Radziwill, Bohemian Manifesto by Laren Stover, The New New Rules by Bill Maher, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, Once Upon a Secret by Mimi Alford, Chocolate Please by Lisa Lampanelli, Romantic Irish Homes by Robert O'Byrne, Psychic Intelligence by Terry and Linda Jamison, Advanced Style by Ari Seth Cohen, Creativity at Work by Heather Clawson, I Never Promised You A Goodie Bag by Jennifer Gilbert, Various tarot and astrology books

Web Sites: Pinterest, YouTube, Twitter, Google, Wikipedia, Facade.com, Aeclectic Tarot, Alabe.com/FreeChart, SongMeanings.net, DListed.com, HauteLook

Present/Gift: Many a concert ticket, Tarot & Astrology books

Most Enjoyed Places Visited: Chicago, Nashville, Florida, dare I say... Baltimore/DC area
















Now Playing: "Let's Forget All The Things That We Say" by Julia Stone

Music Monday: Gardens & Villa

"Star Fire Power"


"Black Hills"


"Spacetime"



Gardens & Villa are from Santa Barbara, California. Check out more of their music here.

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My 12 Favorite Albums of 2012!

2012 was a great year for music! While I spent a good amount of time listening to new releases or attending concerts and festivals, I certainly haven't had the opportunity to hear everything. This is a small list of some of the music I enjoyed the most. I hesitate to call it the best of 2012 but they're all certainly among my favorites. Enjoy!


12. Antony and the Johnsons, Cut The World.
Released: August 7, 2012
Best Tracks:
1) Cut The World
4) You Are My Sister

11. The xx, Coexist.
Released: September 10, 2012
Best Tacks:
1) Angels
3) Fiction
7) Missing
11) Our Song

10. Michael Kiwanuka, Home Again.
Released: May 8, 2012
Best Tacks:
3) I'll Get Along
4) Rest
5) Home Again
6) Bones

9. Frank Ocean, Channel Orange.
Released: July 17, 2012
Best Tracks:
2) Thinkin Bout You
10) Pyramids
14) Bad Religion

8. Cat Power, Sun.
Released: September 3, 2012
Best Tracks:
1) Cherokee
2) Sun
8) Manhattan
10) Nothin But Time

7. Grimes, Visions
Released: February 21, 2012
Best Tracks:
3) Oblivion
6) Vowels = Space And Time
8) Be A Body
12) Skin

6. Father John Misty, Fear Fun.
Released: May 1, 2012
Best Tracks:
1) Funtimes in Babylon
2) Nancy From Now On
5) O I Long to Feel Your Arms Around Me
7) Only Son of the Ladiesman

5. Wild Nothing, Nocturne.
Released: August 28, 2012
Best Tracks:
1) Shadow
2) Midnight Song
3) Nocturne
8) Paradise
11) Rheya

4. Miguel, Kaleidoscope Dream.
Released: October 2, 2012
Best Tracks:
1) Adorn
2) Don't Look Back
3) Use Me
4) Do You...
9) Arch & Point

3. Tame Impala, Lonerism.
Released: October 9, 2012
Best Tracks:
3) Apocalypse Dreams
4) Mind Mischief
7) Feels Like We Only Go Backwards
9) Elephant

2. Beach House, Bloom.
Released: May 15, 2012
Best Tracks:
1) Myth
2) Wild
3) Lazuli
4) Other People
5) The Hours
7) New Year

1. The Shins, Port of Morrow.
Released: March 16, 2012
Best Tracks:
2) Simple Song
3) It's Only Life
9) 40 Mark Strasse
10) Port of Morrow

Honorable Mentions:

• New Build, Yesterday Was Lived and Lost.
• Kendrick Lamar, good kid, m.A.A.d city.
• Chappo, Moonwater.
• Crystal Castles, III.
• Jack White, Blunderbuss.

Pinterest Monthly: December 2012

I love this room! From the cozy pillows and blanket to the eye-catching tray with candles (my favorite), I want to recreate something similar! The table and floral display are also beautiful.

New Year's is right around the corner. I think the presentation of this wreath and champagne is stunning.

I want this sweater. The color would probably wash my fair skin out and the material probably wouldn't flatter my figure but it's so pretty.

I'm a total girlie girl so of course I love jewelry. I have a decent collection but truth be told, as much as I enjoy looking at jewels, I prefer simplicity on myself. The most jewelry I'll usually wear is a pair of stud earrings and maybe an interesting ring. Necklaces get lost in my cleavage or make me feel strangled and bracelets always get in the way. But this display case inspires me to actually wear some of the pieces I have. I think it's so elegant.

Deer are definitely some of my favorite animals on the planet. They are so graceful and absolutely adorable. I love this shot.

As much makeup as I own, I almost always stick to neutrals. I think this cat eye with a touch of glitter is the perfect look for an evening out or holiday party.

Truth. Never mistake kindness for stupidity or naivety. 

This little "emergency" kit from Henri Bendel is too cute. You gotta love the WTF monogram.

I'm sure people will laugh at me when I wear this blouse but I like it. It reminds me of the 90s in the best way possible- the good old days when everything from my pogs to homework folders had a yin yang on it. I think it's a nice alternative to the McQueen skull that every single company under the sun has knocked off.

Marc Jacobs scarf from the Neiman Marcus/Target collaboration. I like to layer this with my other scarfs. It's quite pretty.

The Skywalk on the Tianmen Mountains in China. This is insane!

Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park, California. Pinterest claims that each year, for a few days in February, the sun's angle lights up the water in a way that resembles fire.

I had to do a double-take when I saw this Polyvore set. It looks exactly like something I would put together (minus the watch because I never wear one but I do like the look of it). 

Le Sirenuse Hotel in Positano, Italy. I want to visit you. The Amalfi Coast looks like another world.

Porsche Cayenne S. I've always driven a low to the ground sports car but I've recently discovered the benefits of being higher up. I like that this SUV still has the capabilities and luxury of a fast car but with the height and reliability of a truck.

Now Playing: "I Feel It All" by Feist

Flashback Friday: Quoteworthy Edition

For the longest time, it seemed like I was the type of girl to always carry a large purse. Lately, it's mostly been small shoulder bags. Because my handbags are smaller, I've switched from regular sized wallets to small ID holders. But I recently purchased a new wallet that's too large for my smaller bags. I also received a larger planner that requires a bigger purse. In the winter months, I tend to haul around more things, so it's back to being a bag lady. While I was cleaning out the last wallet I used to transfer the contents into the new purchase, I found this fortune inside one of the folds. I must have thought its message was too pretty to throw away.

I love the Moon and feel a strong connection to it. My middle name, Selene, is actually the Greek goddess of the Moon. In addition to this, my rising astrological sign is Cancer which is ruled by the Moon. I'm definitely a night owl and love its beauty.

Now Playing: "The Great Gig in the Sky" by Pink Floyd

Luxe Living: A Wintery Welcome Home

There's something special about winter. I find it to be the most underrated season of the year. Just looking at these pictures of beautiful homes surrounded by trees and snow makes me happy. I imagine myself curled up inside a cozy cabin with a warm fire, some tasty red wine and the people and things I love most.















Now Playing: "Mykonos" by Fleet Foxes

Turning Water Into...

Brrrr! When it's -41 degrees and you're living in Siberia, I suppose throwing a pot of boiling water out your window is the cool thing to do! It's a good thing that it worked out this way because you wouldn't want the other alternative to land on your neighbor.











Now Playing: "Breathe (2 AM)" by Anna Nalick

A White... Day After Christmas

I was disappointed that we didn't get to enjoy a white Christmas in Pittsburgh this year but 24 hours late isn't too bad. PS: I had literally just woken up from a night of drinking when I recorded this little video clip. My voice doesn't usually sound like a man.













Now Playing: "Make Love In This Club" by Usher
*Fond memories associated with this song but not in the literal sense of the title. It's a good one.

Winterlicious Tag!

1) Favorite Winter Nail Polish?
I'm crazy enough to own more nail polishes than a salon. I correlate certain months with colors. December- Reds, Greens & Golds, January- Silvers, Metallics, Glitters, Blues. February- Reds, Pinks, Purples. March- Greens, Oranges, Greys. A Few Favorites- OPI An Affair In Red Square, OPI Crown Me Already, LA Colors Color Craze Live, OPI Glitzerland, Essie Penny Talk, Chanel Peridot, OPI Step Right Up, Revlon Perplex, Zoya Veruschka... I could go on for an eternity so I'll stop right there.

Essie Penny Talk

2) Favorite Winter lip product?
A classic red lip (Chanel Fire or NARS Cruella), berry shades or "vampy" bordeauxs are also nice but a good lip balm is essential- Burt's Bees does the trick quite nicely. Revlon Lip Butters and YSL Volupte Sheer Candy are my favorite products for hydration and color.

Adele's gorgeous red lip at the Grammy's.

3) Most worn Winter clothing piece?
If we're keeping it real, I have to be honest and admit that it's leggings- whether for sleep, working out, under skirts, lounging around the house, dressing up a sweater dress or tunic... there is a pair for everything.

4) Most worn Winter accessory?
Scarfs! Scarfs! ...and more scarfs (they definitely deserve a prettier name)! I love infinity scarfs but my gigantic leopard print scarf is my favorite.

Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Leopard Scarf.

5) Favorite winter scent/candle?
As far as candles go, I'm easy to please. Anything woodsy is nice. Perfume- Gucci Guilty. Overall, I love the scent of fresh air when it's cold or snowing.

6) Favorite Winter beverage?
Seasonal Christmas/Winter Ales or Red Wine (Pinot Noir).  

7) All time favorite movie that's primarily set during the Winter?
It's difficult to think of one that isn't exclusively a holiday movie (A Christmas Story, Home Alone, The Family Stone, etc.)... hmmm... I'm sure there's a better answer in my head but I'll go with Some Girls or Zack and Miri Make a Porno.



8) Favorite non-holiday song with a lyrical/musical Winter theme?
"Blood Bank" by Bon Iver is up there.



But as far as winter themed music videos go, "Sleep Forever" by Portugal. The Man is the ultimate:


9) Favorite Winter food/treat?
Peppermints!

10) Favorite Winter activity?
Playoff football and hockey season! I'm missing the NHL.

















Now Playing: "Truth" by Alexander
*Love this song so much! It just doesn't get old for me.

Merry Christmas!

Thank you to anyone who reads my blog; be it deliberately or by happenstance. I enjoy sharing my thoughts with the world. I appreciate those of you who take the time to find out what's on my mind. If you ever have any questions, suggestions or just wish to say hello, I'd love to hear from you! My email address is kristaselene@gmail.com.

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate! :)

Love Always,

Krista












Now Watching: A Christmas Story
*My favorite!

Wonderwall

Now Playing: "Suitcase" by Circa Survive