Wednesday, December 31, 2014

10 of My Favorite Albums of 2014!



This year, I thought I'd scale back my list and only select 10 of my favorite albums- a bit easier? As if! Wishful thinking. As I began to recollect the year in music, I realized I had enjoyed far more than I thought. Narrowing down this list to 10 proved to be extremely challenging. I choose to not call this grouping "the best" albums of the year because I have not had the pleasure of listening to everything that was released- who has and where do they find the time, money and capabilities?! Furthermore, who am I to say that one piece of music is "better" than something else? How could you even begin to rank and compare within multiple genres? I'm sure that I'm forgetting many wonderful artists and there are plenty of others who I have not yet even discovered. In no particular order, this is simply 10 albums that I personally loved in 2014, accompanied with my favorite tracks, as well as a lengthy list of honorable mentions...



























Jack White, Lazaretto.
Released: June 2014
Tracks:
1) Three Women
2) Lazaretto
4) Would You Fight For My Love?
9) That Black Bat Licorice


























Lana Del Rey, Ultraviolence.
Released: June 2014
Tracks:
1) Cruel World
4) Brooklyn Baby
5) West Coast
6) Sad Girl
8) Money Power Glory
10) Old Money


























Gardens & Villa, Dunes.
Released: February 2014
Tracks:
1) Domino
3) Bullet Train
5) Echosassy
6) Purple Mesas


























Jungle, Jungle.
Released: July 2014
Tracks:
1) The Heat
3) Busy Earnin'
4) Platoon
5) Drops
6) Time


























Benjamin Booker, Benjamin Booker.
Released: August 2014
Tracks:
1) Violent Shiver
4) Slow Coming
7) Spoon Out My Eyeballs
9) I Thought I Heard You Screaming
11) Kids Never Grow Older
12) By The Evening


























Sam Smith, In The Lonely Hour.
Released: June 2014
Tracks:
1) Money On My Mind
3) Stay With Me
5) I'm Not the Only One
12) Latch (Acoustic)



























Angel Olsen, Burn Your Fire For No Witness.
Released: February 2014
Tracks:
1) Unfucktheworld
4) White Fire
8) Iota
9) Dance Slow Decades


























Wake Owl, The Private World of Paradise.
Released: March 2014
Tracks:
2) Candy
3) Letters
6) Buffalo
7) Oh Baby
8) Madness of Others


























Timber Timbre, Hot Dreams.
Released: April 2014
Tracks:
2) Hot Dreams
3) Curtains!?
9) Run from Me


























Future Islands, Singles.
Released: March 2014
Tracks:
1) Seasons (Waiting On You)
5) Back In The Tall Grass
6) A Song for Our Grandfathers
8) Like The Moon
9) Fall From Grace
10) A Dream of You and Me




HONORABLE MENTIONS:


  • Ariana Grande, My Everything.
  • Bahamas, Bahamas Is Afie.
  • Vance Joy, Dream Your Life Away.
  • Curtis Harding, Soul Power.
  • James Vincent McMorrow, Post Tropical.
  • Beck, Morning Phase.
  • Perfume Genius, Too Bright.
  • Alt-J, This Is All Yours.
  • Sylvan Esso, Sylvan Esso.
  • Paolo Nutini, Caustic Love.
  • Foxygen, ... And Star Power.
  • Jessie Ware, Tough Love.
  • Hozier, Hozier.
  • Chet Faker, Built on Glass.
  • The War on Drugs, Lost in the Dream.




Can't wait to hear what 2015 has to offer!














Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Flick Pick: Feast Of Friends (The Doors Documentary)





For the past decade or so, I've really been drawn to Jim Morrison. While I've been a fan of The Doors for much longer, I find their personal lives to be very fascinating. Inside glimpses into this era aren't always easy to come by. I was delighted when I heard about the release of this groundbreaking documentary by way of Coast to Coast AM.

via The film's producers:

Feast Of Friends, filmed in 1968, was the first and only film produced about The Doors by The Doors. It offers a cinematic look at The Doors on the road during their summer ’68 tour. Whilst never truly completed, the film provides a stylistic approach in true sixties cinéma vérité style. Concert performances are intercut with fly-on-the-wall footage of the group in their natural habitat, sometimes playful, sensitive, chaotic and touching. Other than a few appearances in film festivals in 1968, an official release would never be seen until now. Completely restored from the original negative, as supervised by Jim Morrison, the film has been colour corrected and cleaned in high definition with the soundtrack totally remixed and remastered by long-time Doors’ collaborator Bruce Botnick.

You can purchase the film here.

Official 














Now Playing: "The End" by The Doors
*Obviously

Monday, December 8, 2014

Music Monday: Memoir


"Raise Your Glass"


"Take Me Home"


"Look Away"



Memoir is an LA-based soul/pop group headed by Dena Deadly. You can purchase their music here.

Official
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Pinterest Lately (Fall 2014)


I've always had a soft spot for tufted furniture. When I get my own house, a blue sofa is a must. But lately, I've really been feeling the moss green hues for a library, den or sitting area.


Clogs. Ah. Memories. At my Catholic high school, because of our strict uniform policy, we weren't allowed to wear heels. Clogs were always the go-to loophole. Interesting to see them back in style again.


Not that this mystery plant is exclusive to the South or anything, but I snapped this shot in South Carolina. I believe my neighbors here in Pittsburgh even have some in their yard. I would love to have them as well someday. Anyone out there who can identify this fuzzy bit of fabulous?


Loving tennis style sweaters with a deep v-neck. This particular blogger had the sweater linked, so I was able to find all the details on it. The beauty of the internet.


Thanks to Harper's Bazaar via Pinterest, I discovered the recently launched nail polish brand Smith & Cult. I have my eye on a few of their bottles. Starting after the new year, I'm on a very tight allowance for introducing polishes into my collection but these little beauties might earn their way in.


With a face like that, what wouldn't work? But loving this soft look that adds an unexpected splash of yellow warmth.


I came across this brand on Urban Outfitter's web site. LOVE the name of the line along with their products! Aquarian Soul. Must have! I'm really into body oils but they're not very easy or affordable to come by. Will hopefully report back on this.



A simple touch. Rituals Candle via Barneys online. Again, I'm a sucker for branding, packaging, a good name. Yes, please.


This shot feels... familiar. Very much my type of vibe encompassed in a photograph.


This 1953 Alfa Romeo Bat. Incredible to think that after six decades, such a classic car still retains a feel for the future.


These quotation mark bookends. Could probably DIY for a cheaper alternative. If you know me at all, read my blog or follow me on Pinterest, then it should come as no surprise that I want this in my life. Love quotes. Love books. A marriage made in lit lovers' Heaven.


Enjoying this style of smooth, sparkly pant. I don't wear a lot of traditional heels, so I am having a hard time with the shoe pairings.


Such a classic look. Love my Levi jeans. This outfit reminds me of so many things I've worn over the years- all at various times of my life.


These vintage Balenciaga booties are phenomenal. Would love to own a pair like this!


Made me laugh! Reminds me of someone but I just can't think of who ;)


Need a couch like this in my home someday! How perfect would this be for a media room or other loungy type of space?!


This shot of Lily Aldridge channeling Jane Birkin is otherworldly. She's so naturally beautiful but with a bit of glam it makes her all the more fun to admire.


Fornasetti. Inspired by this Italian company's touch of style.


I've had my eye on this Anthropologie piece (Codify Pencil Holder). I finally allowed myself to go ahead and get it on Black Friday because it was of course on sale. Back-ordered through the end of March! The struggle is real! I plan to use it for my makeup brushes.


I created this little bit of truth last month. Whenever I liked a song I heard but didn't know its origins, I used to have to listen intently to the lyrics, then Google, only to hope that it was found. I Shazam all day long at work. Pointing my phone up in the air towards speakers is something I've grown accustomed to. People not in the know stare but I don't care! It's worth it! I've discovered so many new artists this way! I don't exactly know how Shazam works and I have no interest in learning. I don't want to ruin the illusion. It's magic and that's all there is to it.


In my free time, I like to watch makeup collections and home tours on YouTube and through blogs like Apartment Therapy and The Selby. Shots like this do way too much for me. I've been consumed by the thought of organizing my own stash!


I put the Roman in romance. Love poetry.















Now Playing: "I Spy" by Mikhael Paskalev
*Thanks to this Hanes commercial, I can't get this song out of my head!

Monday, December 1, 2014

Music Monday: Small Black




"Breathless"


"Real People"


"Consequences"


"No Stranger"


"Photojournalist"



Small Black is a synthpop group from Brooklyn. Their music can be purchased here.

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Thursday, November 27, 2014

Luxe Living: 2014 Thanksgiving Decor & Style































 A few things I'm thankful for...

-A supportive family. Parents who continue to help me in any way they can. A sister who I love. 
-My pets who bring so much joy into my life.
-A job where I have freedom, fun and friends.
-Transportation. Travel. 
-Memories. 
-My home. The city I live.
-The internet which inspires and guides me every day.
-Health. My own and those around me.
-Optimism...




















Now Playing: "To Build A Home" by The Cinematic Orchestra
*I feel like this is a good one for Thanksgiving. I've always lived in a stone house. Really like the sound, lyrics, vocals...

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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
I'm living life in beautiful Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I hold a journalism degree from West Virginia University. I have worked in television news, fashion marketing, PR, and cosmetic sales. My love for writing and sharing with the world my various passions is strong. One of my many ambitions is to be published and continue creating in the fields of digital and print media, literature and film. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, going to concerts, reading, following Pittsburgh sports and traveling as often as possible. Some of my favorite things include beauty, style, architecture, books, tarot and astrology, thrifting and my shih-tzu, Ireland. I’m engaged to the love of my lifetimes and we look forward to starting our next chapter together. If you have any questions or comments, I would love to hear from you!