Monday, June 25, 2018
Music Monday: Amen Dunes
It's been quite a long time since I've been compelled to share a Music Monday post but I have not stopped listening to the newest release from Amen Dunes. I was on Twitter the other night and by happenstance, I read a timely Pitchfork tweet of a live link to their show in Brooklyn. Instantly a fan. I had listened to a few of Amen Dunes' older songs many years ago but never truly connected until this week. Here are a few of their latest songs that I've had on repeat:
"Believe"
"Blue Rose"
"Skipping School"
"Dracula"
Damon McMahon is the mastermind behind New York's Amen Dunes. Their latest album, Freedom, is out now and can be purchased here.
Official
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Flick Pick/Get Lit: Sharp Objects
I finally read Gillian Flynn's intriguing debut thriller, Sharp Objects, a few years ago. I couldn't put it down. When I learned that HBO was developing a limited series around the material, I was all in. The casting hits the spot and Jean-Marc Vallee (Big Little Lies) is directing. Amy Adams is one of my favorite actresses; her range and ability to portray so many different types of characters is not credited highly enough. If you're a fan of dark thrillers with a female lead, I imagine you might be a fan of this project. I recommend checking out the book before the miniseries premieres on July 8th. It's a quick read and does not disappoint. If you enjoyed The Sinner, you will probably like this one as well.
Now Playing: "Believe" by Amen Dunes
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Sunday, June 10, 2018
Quoteworthy: Kate Spade 1962-2018
-Kate Spade
Now Playing: "Sweet Like Brandy" by Kwamie Liv
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Tuesday, January 9, 2018
2017 Makeup No Buy: The Final Update
If you were following along with my 2017 makeup no buy, I apologize for leaving you hanging. About midway through the year, I went through a few personal challenges and makeup simply wasn't even on my radar. I purchased a few selective items during a sale here and there but overall, I added very little new product to my collection. I purged quite a bit as well. Overall, I was extremely pleased with my results. If I were grading my performance, I would say that I earned a solid B+. I am going to continue my no-buy into the new year with the same "rules" of only purchasing for special occasions, major sales or rare launches. My focus has completely shifted in recent months and I no longer have the desire to buy everything that catches my eye. I simply don't need it. While my love and appreciation for beauty will always remain, there comes a time when you must take an inventory of your lifestyle and priorities and realize what you need is more important than what you want. I would rather put my money toward savings, books and travel. Collect moments, not things.
Products Featured Above:
L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
Tarte Tartelette Toasted Eyeshadow Palette
Etude House Universe Palette in Gold
ABH Subculture Palette
Urban Decay Eyeliner in Alkaline
MAC Holiday Lipstick
Too Faced Clover Eyeshadow Palette
Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eyeshadow Palette
Now Playing: "Praise You" by Jon Kenzie (Fatboy Slim Cover)
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Friday, November 3, 2017
Hearth & Hand with Magnolia: Top Selections from Chip and Joanna Gaines' New Collection for Target
I'm late to the Fixer Upper craze. I don't watch very much HGTV, so it wasn't until very recently that I started to binge the show. I kept hearing the name Joanna Gaines all over sites like Pinterest and among my friends who are into home decor. I finally figured out what all the buzz was about and now, I get it. My mind is a bit blown by the fact that it took me so long to jump on this bandwagon. I've always been thrifty and appreciated the art of turning something old and unwanted into something new to be cherished. A lifelong thrifter (I inherited the genes from my parents), over the years I have developed a keen eye for quality craftsmanship. You couldn't pay me to live in a McMansion. While my style isn't a mirror image to Chip and Joanna's preferred, modern farmhouse aesthetic (I'm much more of a traditional eclectic), I can definitely appreciate a ton of what this design power couple has to offer.
Enter their newest collection with retail giant, Target. Hearth & Hand with Magnolia is everything you'd expect from Chip and Joanna Gaines: simplistic pottery, preppy plaids and galvanization galore. It's the quintessential array of products that will easily add a dash of down-home charm to your place. Best of all? The products are all very well-made and affordable. For fans of Fixer Upper and the Magnolia brand made famous by Chip and Joanna Gaines, this new collection for Target is sure to impress. Launch date is set for November 5th. While this is a permanent range, these items are sure to sell-out fast and you never know if or how quickly items will be restocked. Here are a few of the items from the collection that I thought stood out to me the most:
Galvanized Container 25 oz Candle
While I absolutely adore the ambiance that only a candle can provide, when it comes to a jar of wax, I have a difficult time spending more than about $10. One way that I justify spending money on candles is knowing that I can repurpose the container. I have used the jars for holding everything from straws on a bar cart to pens on a desk or makeup brushes on a vanity. If the packaging is cute, the price of the candle is suddenly okay in my book. This galvanized container would be adorable for holiday crafting!
Galvanized Charger with Gold Welding
I love a good charger. I adore anything with a gold accent. These would be spectacular for Christmas dinner. I'm picturing a warm and cozy cabin in the mountains. The fireplace is crackling and the conversation around the table is engaging. I don't have a country house to display these beauties but it's fun to pretend, right?
Stoneware Pitcher
For some reason, black stoneware isn't easily found. This pitcher really sparked my fancy because not only is it black but it's the perfect shade and finish of black (yep, I'm crazy). I also like the contrasting trim on the bottom of the vessel.
Galvanized House Lanterns
Lanterns are definitely in my wheelhouse. I have been a fan for years. These adorable galvanized "houses" would be stunning indoors or on a patio. I envision these filled with candles, Christmas garland, twinkle lights, ornaments...the options are endless.
X-Patterned Glassware Goblet
I get my love of glassware from my Mom who has collected Depression glass since I was a little girl. I have amassed my own collection of beautiful drinkware. This particular design isn't exquisitely crafted like true antiques but the shade of green is dynamite for Christmas or even a St. Patrick's Day tablescape.
Moravian Star Tree Topper
I will forever be grateful to this collection for reminding me of the name of this design! I have been a fan of the MORAVIAN Star (use it in a sentence today!) for many years. Anytime I see an episode of Friends, I find myself lusting after the light fixture in the hallway of Monica's apartment. I have seen similar styles but never remember what to call the actual design. This galvanized Christmas tree topper would pair wonderfully with so many other items in the Hearth & Hand holiday collection. So rustic. So chic.
Stoneware Serving Platter and Plates
This is hands down, my favorite piece in the entire collection! I will absolutely be adding these plates to my shopping cart. Rae Dunn vibes for sure (not exactly cool to blatantly rip off another designer) but these beauties are everything.
Lidded Jar Container 8 oz Candle
Here we have another product that feels familiar. The poor man's Le Labo candle? Don't mind if I do.
Women's Pajama Union Suit Green Plaid
I love green and blue plaids. It takes me back to my optimistic childhood when as a young Irish girl, I thought that someday I'd go to Notre Dame (for the record, I never applied). My Mom always dressed me in these colors to complement my red hair and green eyes. Not only is this pajama absolutely adorable and festive, but it also comes in sizes for everyone in the family.
Round Acacia Wood Cutting Board
There's nothing particularly unique about this design but everyone needs a good wood cutting board. They make excellent hostess gifts (put a bow on it and pair it with some wine and cheese). I also like to use mine for serving appetizers, as a cheese board, or for layering home decor vignettes.
Round Wood and Wire Tray
I have a mild-severe obsession with trays (and boxes while we're on the subject). I adore using them for any and all purposes: displaying perfume, booze, seasonal accents, makeup, bath and body products, candles...the list goes on and on. I am not a minimalist. I have a lot of stuff that I've
Happy Shopping!
Now Playing: "Won't You Be My Neighbor" by Rachel Lynne
(Yinzplosion! That's a Pittsburgh artist covering the late, great Mister Rogers)
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- Krista Roman
- 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!




