Monday, October 5, 2015

Music Monday

Monday, September 28, 2015

Music Monday

If you happen to have 3D glasses lying around, I suggest you toss them on.

Monday, September 21, 2015

Music Monday

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Gypsy Rose Cosmetics

A few months ago, I had found out that a pal I had met through Black Milk Clothing had launched Gypsy Rose Cosmetics, a natural cosmetics line with some of her best friends. All three ladies also happened to be former LUSH employees, so obviously my ears perked up. Gypsy Rose Cosmetics procured the cutest care package with an assortment from their brand spanking new product line + being a former LUSH employee myself, to say I'm picky about the products I use on my body is an understatement. Gypsy Rose Cosmetics passes the test, so scroll down to see what goodies the gals sent me + to snag a coupon code for 15% off your order.


I opened up my parcel to find a nice assortment of products - The Fortune Teller shower gel, The Tattooed Temptress body wash, The Ringmaster Lip Balm, The Amazing Cure-All Tincture + a pair of   their Mermaid High Waisted Knickers.


The Fortune Teller is reminiscent of LUSH's sought-after Twilight shower gel. Lavender, bergamot + lemon are some of my favorites, super calming and mind-clearing. I prefer the consistency of GRC's shower gel over LUSH's formula + like how the shimmer powder is actually suspended in the gel, unlike Twilight, which sinks to the bottom of the bottle + refuses to surface. I love The Fortune Teller's scent, but wish it were a bit stronger. 

The Tattooed Temptress smells just like a chocolate orange. Upon opening the jar, I just kept sniffing it + sighing, hahaha. Its amazing! This sugar scrub is gentle + leaves you moisturized, plus the scent lingers for a bit, which I like.

The Ringmaster is probably my favorite product, because I use it daily. It smells + tastes like Orbit Sweet Mint gum, but without that slightly creepy artificial aftertaste. The consistency is also amazing - its not waxy or sticky + moisturizes really well.

The Amazing Cure-All Tincture is good for a plethora of uses, thanks to the essential oil blend. My favorite as of late? Using after I shave, mixed with equal parts water. Sounds weird, but its awesome.

The High Waisted Knickers are cool, but I feel that since I'm so short, they come up too high on me. It might be that I'm just not used to the cut, but I can see myself wearing these as a bathing suit bottom, not underwear. I was telling a friend last night that if I'm daring enough, I may wear them to the Coney Island Mermaid Parade!


Gypsy Rose Cosmetics offers all of their scents in multiple products. Each scent has its own shower gel, body scrub, soap + lip balm. I've been eyeing The Mermaid shower gel + The Bearded Lady, which is their new deodorant paste. If you use the code GYPSYGIRLS1, you'll save 15% on your order.

Friday, May 1, 2015

Vinyl Me, Please + a #RandomActOfVinyl

Over the holidays, I was hanging out at Sarina + Tim's house + decided to shuffle through Tim's ever-expanding vinyl collection. I had come across the Perfume Genius' Too Bright + noticed it had something attached to it that said Vinyl Me, Please - including a recipe for a cocktail. Obviously, being the nosy midget I am, I picked Tim's brain about the company. Lo and behold, I learned that Vinyl Me, Please is a record subscription service. Each month, subscribers are sent a record, which is carefully chosen by their music loving staff, along with a plethora of other goodies [an original art print - which looks killer in a record frame, a custom cocktail recipe, plus a slew of other perks only available to members].

I knew I needed to look further into this, so I sent an email to the powers that be, which led to a solid phone chat with co-founder Tyler Barstow about music, Long Island + the direction he saw VMP going in. After learning more about the company, I decided that I needed to get my hands on the next release.

April arrived + soon enough, so did my surprise from Vinyl Me, Please. April's Record of the Month just so happened to be Menomena's 2007 release, Friend & Foe.


I was like a kid in a candy store + opened the box as fast as my little hands could. Wow. This was way cooler than I had anticipated + photos don't even do the art justice. The album has a six panel gatefold cover, with cut outs on the front. You can spin a disc of art on the cover, which changes the faces + shows the track listing. Genius, I tell you. The art print included is also really nice - I feel like I could hang it in any room of the house [pretty sure I'm going to put it in the kitchen or bathroom when I move into my new place at the end of the summer]. As for the drink, The Old Square, I have yet to drink it because I've been battling a killer sinus infection, but next week I will be heading over to Swallow in Huntington Village to snag one! Oh, as for the music? Its awesome. I was worried that I wouldn't enjoy the selection, but its a solid album start to finish. The dudes at Vinyl Me, Please know whats up. 


While I was on the phone with Tyler, we decided that a contest would be really rad. I haven't done one in ages + they had yet to participate in a contest, so it was perfect! I've had to keep this a secret for MONTHS, so I'm stoked that we can get this started. Scroll down to get the details.


I'm all about random acts of kindness, so this is a random act of vinyl. The prize is a three month subscription to Vinyl Me, Please [valued at $75]. What do you have to do to enter? Just comment once below with a band//album//song that you really dig that you think we [me, fellow readers of the blog + the dudes at VMP] should check out. Super simple, but hella informative for everyone involved. 

Now, for those of you who know me, I always want to do a little more. We decided to give away TWO subscriptions, not just one. One winner will be chosen from the blog, but we will also be choosing another winner from Instagram as well. All you need to do for the Instagram contest is follow @VinylMePlease + repost the photo below with the hashtag #RandomActOfVinyl. You can enter on Instagram as many times as you'd like. The contest starts today + ends at 11:59p EST on Friday, May 8, 2015. Winners will be chosen the following day + contacted within 24 hours after the contest ends.


Good luck - I can't wait to see what y'all are listening to! :)

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Gift Guide: Mother's Day

Mother's Day is right around the corner + I haven't done a gift guide in awhile, so I figured this was the perfect holiday for one. All shop owners are mama's to human babes +//or furry creatures, so if you haven't snagged a gift yet, check out their wares!


1. Lead to Paper Art Custom Artwork [$75+, save 40% with coupon code SPRING40]
2. Erin Donnelly Ellis Copper + Black Obsidian Necklace [$118.25, save 40% with coupon code SPRING2015 until April 30 or 10% with coupon code ILOVELAKETAHOE]
3. Indie Nook For Like Ever T-shirt [$24, save 20% with the coupon code mothersday]
4. Vaya Bags Record Bag [$125]
5. Square Cat City Biergarten Necklace with Stein Charm [$21.99, save 20% until May 1 with coupon code ILOVEMOM20]
6. Nerd Craft Librarian Marvel Zipper Bag [Sarina is currently on maternity leave so the shop is technically closed, but said she would take some orders for the holiday]
7. Dabshark Glass Extra Large Cheesy Pizza Pendy [$60, save 15% with the coupon code HOMIEHOOKUP]
8. Destiny Candle I LOVE YOU MOM Cherry Blossom Candle [$24.99, save 20% with the coupon code love]
9. Buckley Pieces of Meces Throw Pillow Cover [$20]
10. Mi Vida Vintage Shit Could Be Worse Typography Print [$25 - $75]
11. E. Binard Designs Jack + Meg White Tee [$28]
12. Pink Avenger Rainbow Heart Ring [$17, save 15% with the coupon code AWESOMEDUDE]

Not pictured, but equally awesome shops nonetheless:
Mercurios Jewelry
Ankh by Racquel
Foul Owl Vintage
Echo + Air [save 25% with the coupon code madeinla]
Sour Girls [save 20% with the coupon code treat20]

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Life

I wrote this piece back on February 23. It saved this as a draft, because I wanted to revisit it at a later date. My headspace was swimming with so much at that point in time. While contemplating my future, I decided a change of scenery was needed + planned an impromptu trip to California. Things have been non-stop since returning home + I only got a chance to look again today. At first, I was tempted to edit, but decided to leave it alone. It needs to be seen how it swirled through my mind - slightly choppy, a little repetitive, but real. 

Life can be weird + strange. People can walk into your life one day + flip things upside down, which can be a good thing. Might be a bad thing. But its something. Its living.

A few years ago, someone very dear to my heart was gone in an instant. That moment was one of the biggest wake up calls of my life. That was the day I decided to start being more mindful + living the life I deserved.

Sometimes you just need to take a leap of faith. Trust your gut. Fuck the "what ifs" - stare them right in the face + see whats there. If its not what you expected or what you want, at least you took the risk. Plus, its quite the adrenaline rush. It can be really scary, I know. But we are so much stronger than we realize.

I'm a firm believer in the fact that things unfold how they're supposed to. You can try + fool the universe, but in the end, what is supposed to happen will happen. We don't know what tomorrow has in store. If we will even see tomorrow. So get out there + experience life. I swear, its worth it.

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Linkity Link


Girls has been renewed for a fifth season + it looks like they're getting a significant chunk of the upcoming season's wardrobe from Nifty Thrifty again [I accidentally stumbled upon this when I typed "tshirt" in the search bar.]

I hesitated posting this last week due to the content [the article is called Why I Don't Give Blowjobs], but after reading it again the other night, I had to post it. I know people are entitled to their own opinions, but this rubbed me the wrong way, no pun intended. I'm not going to get into it on the internet [hi mom!], but feel free to ask my opinion about it next time we run into each other.

When you're just shy of five feet tall, the struggle is real. I mean sure, there are some solid perks: every dude I date is taller than me, there's always leg room in cars//planes + I can wear whatever shoes I want without towering over my dates. Buzzfeed compiled 29 things that folks under 5'3" will understand + I must say, this is pretty accurate - 11, 13, 14 + 26 are my faves.

The dates for Long Island Craft Beer Week are up + the site will be adding information as it becomes available.

If you were a child of the 90s, you may have had some questions regarding what you watched on Nickelodeon. Also, Rocko worked as a phone sex operator. On a kids show. How did that even fly?!?

Momofuku Milk Bar offers weekly baking classes + I'm pretty sure that I need to get my booty to the bake the book series: pies. Mmmmm, pie.

Need to get your tiny humans out of the house for something fun? Check out these 25 things to do with Long Island preschoolers.

The Smashing Pumpkins + Marilyn Manson are playing Jones Beach this summer + Groupon has solid seats for $40 apiece - including taxes. My friends + I are taking the day off to head to the beach before we make our way to the parking lot for tailgating antics.

My friend Ryan texted me the recipe for Ruffles Krispies Treats the other day. NEED.

Growing up, sitting down to dinner with my family happened nearly every single night. We never brought distractions to the dinner table. I might have snuck a book or something with me into a restaurant, but if we were at home, we sat at the table + talked, even when we didn't want to. When I saw the video for the Dolmio pepper grinder that turns technology off in the home, I was so stoked. Disconnect to connect.

These 12 Starbucks hacks will save you money, but be careful with number 8. As a former Barista, we were told not to split a venti [especially with Frappuccinos].

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Things I'm Loving Lately


Lead to Paper Art
Long Island artist Stephanie Laderwager creates beautiful portraits with charcoal + graphite. She is having a Spring sale in her shop, Lead to Paper Art - use the code SPRING40 at checkout to save 40% on all custom orders [including pet portraits]. This would be the perfect time to snag something in advance for Mother's Day.



Danny Elfman's Music from the Films of Tim Burton
For years, Danny Elfman + Tim Burton have been asked about live performances of the music from the films they've worked on together. Twenty-something years later,  the dynamic duo are making this happen on select dates in July at Lincoln Center.

Duolingo
I began Spanish lessons in elementary school. In high school + college, I took Spanish because I was lazy + wanted an easy class. When deciding to study abroad in Italy, I took an Italian course that was rendered useless, because as soon as I opened my mouth, they would say "Tu sei Americana?" + I'd sheepishly smile, replying  with "si," then start speaking in English. A friend told me about Duolingo while adventuring in San Diego + I've been using it every other day for the last week or so. I am currently working on French, Italian + Spanish.



Chef
My happy place is either a music venue or the kitchen, so when Chef popped up as a suggested film on Netflix, I knew I needed to watch it. Not only did Jon Favreau star in the film, he also wrote, produced + directed it. The cast is phenomenal, the storyline is realistic + the message of the film is solid. Stop reading this + go start the movie. :)

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Long Island Music Bundle Release Party

03.28.15//Velvet Lounge//Setauket, NY
Long Island Music Bundle Release Party











Support local music + purchase the Long Island Music Bundle

Monday, March 30, 2015

Music Monday


Christine Sweeney + the Dirty Stayouts are part of the Long Island Music Bundle, which is an amazing collection of local musicians. You pick the price, but keep in mind that 20% of the proceeds are being donated to the Long Island Chapter of Food Not Bombs. Support local artists + organizations!

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Linkity Link


My friend Mike created an awesome Long Island Music Bundle, featuring 8 bands from the area + multiple albums. 20% of the proceeds will go to the Long Island chapter of Food Not Bombs. Six of the bands will be performing at the release show at Velvet Lounge in Setauket. Show starts at 9p + will go til around 2a.

While we're dealing with snow [again], President Obama is hanging in my hometown + playing his 220th round of golf as POTUS. I hope he pulls a Frank Underwood + goes to my favorite rib joint

How come Ariel could sign the contract to give up her voice for some stems in The Little Mermaid, but couldn't write Prince Eric a note telling him what the deal was? Ugh, my inner child is not happy upon realizing this, Disney.

If you have a thing for babes in uniform, Fleet Week is returning after last year's hiatus.

Bear Grylls is getting a new Survivor-type series on NBC called the The Island.

Welcome back, Mulder + Scully. Chris Carter is bringing The X-Files back after a ".. 13-year commercial break."

I want to start cooking with wine more, so I did some research on what to keep stocked + realized that for budget + culinary purposes, box is best.

If it weren't for WWI, would the Apple Watch even be a thing? Hmm...

Broken Lizard posted their Indiegogo campaign to raise funds to create Super Troopers 2. In less than 24 hours, they reached their goal + only 4 days in, they're just shy of $3 million. By the time the campaign is over, I wouldn't be surprised to see this go as high as $7 million.

Netflix announced premiere dates for the upcoming seasons of Orange is the New Black + Wet Hot American Summer. My summer is going to be filled with lots of weddings, parties + Netflix binges. I'm super stoked.

On the fence about what to major in at school? Well, here's some food for thought: the medical marijuana industry needs more chemists for research purposes.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Things I'm Loving Lately

House of Cards
I binge watched the first two seasons before heading out to California + I totally understand the hype now. I'm taking it easy + savoring the flavor of season three, although I feel like this season is building up to the shitstorm that will hit in season four [which is rumored to be the final season, due to timeline comparisons from the BBC version].

Single-Serving Soup
I've been on the fiercest soup kick lately + made homemade stock for the first time. Making the stock led me down the rabbit hole known as Google + I found these single-serving recipes. I made the Avgolemono + plan on revisiting//doctoring that recipe next week.



Kristen Bell Performing "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?"
I know that some of you are so over Frozen, but this is a really solid performance from Kristen Bell. Also, how adorable is Bell when she's gushing about wanting to be a Disney princess?

Spotify March Playlist
This month's playlist is mostly 90s tunes, with a few newer releases tossed in for good measure.


Saturday, March 21, 2015

Linkity Link

Pixar Story Supervisor Josh Cooley's latest adventure has been taking not-so-family-friendly films + making awesomely inappropriate art for adults in his new book, Movies R Fun!

Vogue has been getting some serious shit regarding their article "How To Have A Threesome." Some think the magazine crossed the line, but I think it was a solid article.

Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck will sneak into theaters across the world next month before airing on HBO in May. They've also provided information regarding a book + DVD release, but are keeping soundtrack info mum.

Death Grips may have disbanded back in 2014, but their final release, The Powers That B, comes out at the end of the month. I wouldn't be surprised if they reunite + hop onto a late summer//autumn tour this year.

Can ice cubes on an acupressure point help people be happier + healthier?

Dudes who post selfies may be more inclined to exhibit Dark Triad traits, according to a study from The Ohio State University School of Communication.

Butcher Billy killed it back in 2013 with his Post-Punk//New Wave Super Friends + he's back with his sophomore batch of comic crooners.

Here is what is coming + going on Netflix in April, so you better check your queue + watch what is disappearing before its too late.

Key lime poundcake with Key lime cream cheese icing miiiiight have to get made this summer so I can cut it up + put it in a new ice cream recipe.

If you're over the age of 50, you can get some serious discounts on travel, clothing + other amenities. Links for student + military discounts are listed on the site as well.

Hellogiggles posted this cool article about perfect bikini bods. I hope they do this again with dudes as well, sans bikini [unless thats what they would prefer to wear - to each their own], because girls aren't the only ones who need a body confidence boost.

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Linkity Link


Tom Hanks stars + lip syncs in Carly Rae Jepsen's latest video, "I Really Like You" + its awesome. Hanks is one of my favorite actors + I would love to sit down + have dinner with this dude.

Great South Bay Brewery is releasing Hog Cabin [its a maple bacon porter] today + having  a cornhole tournament to boot. I'm heading over in a bit + it runs late, so come say hi + have a drink or two!

Brand New's Deja Entendu is being repressed on vinyl for Record Store Day 2015.

Garbage's self-titled debut is twenty years old. Are they next to hop on the bandwagon for an anniversary tour?

TruTV is working on their new scripted comedy, "Those Who Can't." Writing staff looks solid + the premise is something I can relate to, so I'm hoping its a hit.

Ben + Jerry are all for gourmet ganja ice cream. This could get interesting.

Need to save money, but still want to have some fun with your partner in crime? Here are 68 dates that are free ninety-nine.

Remember the ABC show "Dinosaurs?" See what the cast is up to, courtesy of Buzzfeed.

A friend texted me about 30 things no on tells you about leaving Long Island - its a clever attempt to get me to stay on the island, but I'm not ruling anything out.

Once upon a time, I made pulled pork with homemade barbecue sauce. It was magical + they all lived happily ever after. The end.

Have you heard about NASA's upcoming Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission?

Saturday, February 28, 2015

Linkity Link


The Instagram account for Sleevebucks is amazing. I laughed so hard that I snorted when reading caption for the Voldemort sleeve - the original flat white. Yeah, totally just lost it again while typing this.

Step up your cooking game + master these five mother sauces.

If any of you ladies need a confidence boost, check out these 8 simple reminders.

You want to know what he's thinking? Stop Googling the bullshit, cookie-cutter self help articles. Just ask him. Simple. The end.

311 is getting their brew on + conjuring up an ale of their own. Its Amber, which is only appropriate.

Speaking of brews + bands, Hanson, the dudes who brought you "MMMBop" are now bottling Mmmhops. If anyone can get their hands on a couple bottles, save me one - I heard its really good.

I've always been a fan of pickles, but here are 17 reasons why these treats + their juice rule.

Oh, and here are 37 uses for leftover pickle juice. Can you tell I've been on a pickle kick?

Artist Alex Grey's Chapel of Sacred Mirrors looks amazing + its not far from the Long Island.

Pornhub has created the Wankband - a Fitbit type gadget that lets you charge your electronic devices while you beat your meat. Oh man, I can't wait til the reviews start pouring out on this one.

So, you're mission is to eat healthier or organic, but sometimes, junk food really hits the spot. Here are 7 healthier alternatives to some well-loved snacks.


Thursday, February 26, 2015

Things I'm Loving Lately



Hindsight
I am OBSESSED with VH1s new 90s sci-fi romantic dramedy. Honestly though, are you even surprised? Its my favorite film//television genre[s] taking place in my favorite decade. The soundtrack rules, the characters are rad + I'm pretty much in love with Becca's shaggy-haired babe of a brother, Jamie [portrayed by John Patrick Amedori].

Spotify Playlist: February
Every month, I create a new playlist + add songs throughout the month. Its always suuuuuper random, but this month has more of a nostalgic nineties feel with some tunes I've been dancing around in my underwear to. I have no shame in admitting that - its the best mood booster. Its pretty rad, so check it out.



California
When I was in my twenties, I contemplated making a move to the West Coast, but decided to play it safe + stay home to finish school. Lately, I have been tossing the idea around again. The last few years have been interesting to say the least + I'm wondering if a change of scenery will be what I need to shake things up.



Andrew Bird's Echolocations - Canyon
Andrew Bird turned to nature for his latest project Echolocations: Canyon. Bird recorded in the Coyote Gulch canyons. The remained of the project have yet to be released, but they are called City, Lake, Forest, + River, respectively.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Bay Lager Beer Bread Muffins + Cheesy Beer Dip

Lately, I've been hanging out at Great South Bay Brewery. Last week, I made banana muffins with Snozberry Stout + they went over really well with the staff + patrons. While I was hanging out in the tasting room on Saturday, I was contemplating a project for this week. I wanted to make beer bread, but didn't know what brew to use. Jon, the lead brewer at GSB suggested I use Dirty Deeds, their Russian Imperial Stout. So, I took a growler home to test out my concoction. First batch was a major fail + it was right before I was having people over for dinner. I accidentally used baking soda, not baking powder, which my friends Gary + JR are never going to let me live down. Ugh, kitchen fails are rare for me, so when it happens I get a little cranky. I also wasn't too keen on the taste of the muffins with the stout - I wanted something lighter. My friend Melissa suggested I make a cheesy beer dip to pair with the muffins [she was handling the bacon jalapeño mac + cheese - which was amaaaaaaaazing], so I looked at what I had in the fridge + decided to use Bay Lager for both dishes. It turned out really well + I'm stoked for my next exbeeriment in the kitchen. Experiment + beer = exbeeriment. Get it? It sounded a lot cooler when I said it. Whatever.


Bay Lager Beer Bread Muffins
makes 12 muffins

3 cups whole wheat flour, sifted
1 bottle GSB Bay Lager
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
optional: an additional 1/4 cup melted butter to drizzle on top

Preheat oven to 350. Coat muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large glass bowl, combine dry ingredients + mix well. Slowly add beer + melted butter.

Scoop mixture into muffin tin + bake for 20 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool. If desired, drizzle melted butter on top of the warm muffins before serving.


Cheesy Bay Lager Beer Dip
makes a boatload of cheesy goodness, mmmmmm!

1 pound Sharp Cheddar, cut into cubes
1 pound cream cheese
1 bottle GSB Bay Lager

Add all of the ingredients into a medium saucepan. Heat on medium heat, stirring well. Once all ingredients are incorporated, pour into a serving bowl.


You can substitute any cheese of your choice, or change the beers up. I suggest using the same beers in both if you're serving them together, but thats only because I like to play it safe.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Linkity Link


Did you know that Tupac auditioned for the role of Mace Windu + that Lucas came up with R2-D2's name while filming American Graffiti? Check out 56 other Star Wars factoids.

An oral history on the Laurel Canyon music scene makes me wish time travel were possible.

JNCO is making a comeback + now I want to find that poem I wrote for my high school English class about my love of  their jeans [lolol, I know].

15 subscription boxes that are worth dishing the funds out for [they also make great gifts].

Need to step up your game between the sheets? Well + Good can help with that.

BattleBots is making a triumphant return to television this summer with six new episodes.

According to a NASA study, these are the best houseplants for air filtration.

Feast your eyes on 20 of the most beautiful skylines in the world.

Love mac + cheese? Here are some places on Long Island to feed your craving. My personal favorite is  from Robke's Country Inn, located in Northport. If you're a carnivore, get it with the sliced steak.

Sleater-Kinney's video for "A New Wave" features the cast of Bob's Burgers + its awesome.

Feel like nerding out a bit? Check out these made up laws in the land of Science Fiction.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Restaurant Wednesdays at Great South Bay

Every Wednesday, Great South Bay Brewery brings in local restaurants to share complementary creations with customers. This week, local favorite All American Wontons supplied an assortment of sweet + savory treats. They were so good that when I went back to take pictures, they were all gone! You'll have to trust me when I tell you they were fantastic.








Restaurant Wednesdays run from 3p to 8p at the GSB Tasting Room in Bay Shore.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Banana Snozberry Stout Muffins

Whenever it snows, I have the overwhelming urge to bake something. Not sure why, but I go with it. The bananas I've been ripening were ready, but I didn't have all of the ingredients for the banana muffin recipe I whipped up last month. I did, however, have some Snozberry Stout that I snagged from Great South Bay Brewery. I've always wanted to make beer bread, so why not incorporate it into my muffin recipe? The beer by itself is phenomenal, but I wanted to see how it would fare in a kitchen creation. As I had anticipated, they're delicious + the powdered sugar adds the perfect touch.



Banana Snozberry Stout Muffins
makes 24 muffins

Dry Ingredients:
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups flour [I used 1.5 cups white flour + 1.5 cups whole wheat flour]

Wet Ingredients: 
1 bottle Great South Bay Snozberry Stout
1 stick [1/2 cup] unsalted butter, room temperature
4 ripe bananas, mashed with a fork
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup light brown sugar [you can use dark or white sugar, it'll just change the flavor profile a bit]
2 eggs, slightly beaten
powdered sugar for dusting

Add butter + beer to a saucepan. Heat on low//medium heat until the butter is melted. Take off the heat + transfer to a bowl. Let it hang in the fridge for fifteen minutes to cool. Note: if your beer is cold + your butter is room temperature, it might seem like the butter is curdling, but its not, the beer just solidified the butter again. I learned this the hard way. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯


Preheat your oven to 350 + get your muffin pans ready [use paper liners or a non-stick spray. I'm lazy + always opt for paper liners = less clean up].

Add flour, salt + baking soda into a mixing bowl + whisk.


In a separate bowl, mix bananas, sugar + vanilla. Add in the egg + gently mix. Slowly alternate adding the dry ingredients + beer//butter mixture in until incorporated, but don't over mix!


Spoon mixture into muffin pan - you can fill a little more than 3/4 of the way, these don't rise too much.


Bake for 15-20 minutes. Cool on stove for 5 minutes, then put on a wire rack to cool for additional 10 minutes. 


When you're ready to serve, add a dusting of powdered sugar to the top.

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Linkity Link


Danielle Guenther's "Best Case Scenario" photography series shows what life is really like in the Land of Parenthood.

Bobby McFerrin is a musical genius. Watch him engage the audience with the Power of the Pentatonic Scale. If you have time, I recommend watching Notes + Neurons: In Search of the Common Chorus.

According to scientists at the Max Planck Institute, research shows that lucid dreamers are better at self-reflection.

Ever wonder who all of those artists are that Jay-Z is spitting about on "Picasso Baby?" Complex Magazine compiled an extensive list, breaking it down with a bit of background on the noteworthy artists.

Jay-Z teamed up with Mark Romanek in 2013 to create Picasso Baby: A Performance Art Film.

You won't ever see me throwing back shots of whiskey, but quality tequila is a different story. When consumed in moderation, tequila might actually be beneficial to your health.

Backstory on how "Under Pressure" came to fruition, plus full isolated vocal tracks of David Bowie + Freddie Mercury recording the 1981 hit.

Really bummed that I didn't tag along with my friend Ross to the New York Toy Fair because Hasbro is revealing their new Star Wars Bladebuilders lightsabers.

Once upon a time, I obsessively counted calories, worked out too much + starved myself to be a size two [apparently being a size six was "too fat" for my ex]. I was miserable, but I was skinny.  One day I woke up + realized it wasn't worth it. Joni felt the same way + decided to be "fat + happy."

I didn't plan on watching the Oscars this year, but I might have to, seeing as Tegan + Sara are performing "Everything Is Awesome" with The Loney Island.

22 Couples' Products That Went Too Far//22 Reasons Why Your Friends Aren't Calling You Back, courtesy of the folks at Buzzfeed.

Friday, February 13, 2015

Art Through Instagram

Last week, I was introduced to Invaluable's #GotArt project + was asked where I find art that moves me. I thought about my recent art purchases, projects + galleries I want to explore - the one thing they all had in common was finding them via Instagram.


galleries1988 
Gallery 1988 has two locations in LA, which are on my list of must-sees for my next Cali adventure. I snagged this awesome Joey Spiotto print last year, but had almost missed it due to such small runs of prints being made. If I hadn't scrolled through my Instagram feed, I wouldn't have seen the post about the prints going live on the site. I've also discovered an array of artists through Gallery 1988 over the course of time.


100soft 
Truck Torrence is the dude behind 100% Soft. I'm a pop culture junkie who digs kawaii art, so when I discovered him I was stoked. Torrence has a solo show running at Gallery 1988 East this month [February 6 - 28]. Prints from the show are available online in limited quantities.




nimasprout 
Nicole Gustafsson is another artist I discovered via Gallery 1988. I saw her "I'm a 90's Girl" painting from her Pop Terrariums show + fell in love. That piece is my entire youth in a nutshell, complete with a watermelon Ring Pop + a slice of pizza. The rest of her work is pretty fantastic as well.


taramcpherson
I discovered Tara McPherson back in 2006 via JapanLA, due to my obsession with tokidoki. My only McPherson art is in the form of a camera, which adorns a bookshelf with other artsy trinkets. McPherson not only kills it on canvas, she's also created some solid gig posters in the past.


thecottoncandymachine
Cotton Candy Machine is Tara McPherson's art boutique located in Brooklyn, which sells art, books, toys + also houses art shows. Some of my favorites [Buff Monster, Daniel Danger] are included in her collections, so adventuring here is a must for me this year.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Printable Valentine's Day Cards

Couldn't find the perfect Valentine's Day card in CVS? Don't have enough time to order the rad one you just saw on Etsy? Have no fear, there are a plethora of free Valentine's Day cards on the 'net - all you have to do is snag some card stock + print. If you don't have a printer, head over to Staples - color copies printed on card stock are under $2.50 each + you can squeeze a few of these onto an 8.5"x 11" sheet.


The folks at FOX made Bob's Burgers cards this year. I'm torn between Tina + Gene, they're both so hilariously inappropriate. 


Lionel Richie is exactly what I was looking for - thanks Creative Type Dad.

image via
Tokidoki created printable sheets with mini valentines, plus a standard size card.


Alecia Dawn has an assortment of Star Wars cards to choose from.


Handing out treats to your sweets? Choose from an assortment of pop culture bag tags over at Delia Creates. If you're handing out lollipops or something of the sort, you can punch a hole in the corner of the tag + tie in onto the stick with ribbon.

The Walking Dead printables created a few seasons ago are still available.


Printable Valentine's Day coupons? Also rad.


 Michelle over at Elegance + Enchantment created a coupon that can be used for all of the special people in your life. All you have to do is print + fill in the blanks, so they are age appropriate [or inappropriate, if you're handing out naughty ones]. She also includes lists of coupon ideas, depending on who the recipient is.