20 Questions With All Boy/All Girl!

Hey Guys!
Exciting stuff - I was hanging out with a friend of mine recently, and he put on the EP of the band All Boy/All Girl. In less than two full songs, I was hooked! They're wonderful! 

Here's how they describe themselves:

All Boy/All Girl at seven members is lead by two strong female vocals and supported by an eccentric string section. They draw influence from electronic music, 20th century classical, early jazz, and american pop music.

With their unique and intricate blend of strings, haunting vocals and alluring melodies, I had to learn more about the Brooklyn-Based group!
I contacted their lead vocalist, Danielle Lovier and asked if I could interview her and members of the band and she said yes! 

The questions below were answered by Danielle Lovier (Lead Vocals/Ukulele), Nick Rahn (Double Bass), and Jessie Rogowski (Vocals/Guitar). 

T: How would you describe your style of music?

Nick: This is always a difficult question for us. The arrangements of the songs and instrumentation lean slightly towards chamber music, and vocally there is a theatrical edge. I think the music is kind of flirty and shimmery. 

Danielle: We like to imagine each song as it's own genre that we make up of various fantasized genres. We are always just trying to find the sounds and feels that we like.

T:What artists influence you?

Nick: The palate of influence is always changing for me. I'm really into the beach boys album "pet sounds" Also I love Sam Cooke. I think the recordings he made sound really great. Some more modern stuff I check out includes the dirty projectors, deerhunter, neutral milk hotel. I also love more abstract contemporary classical music.

T: What non-music related things inspires you?

Nick: I'm really into science, also reading poetry or going to see some art can be really inspiring. I think people watching is really creatively stimulating as well.

Jessie: Walking in prospect park

T: What would you say your live performances are like?

Danielle: I think dynamic is a good word for it. We have some really mellow sections, and also some really intense sections. I'd say our shows are also engaging. 

Nick: Danielle and Jessie do a great job of engaging the audience, and if two pretty girls singing to you isn't enough we've got 5 other instrumentalists to pay attention to.

T: What is your favorite thing about performing live? How about recording?

Nick: Live performance is all about energy. With recording I really love experimenting with sounds. And listening deeply at the nuances of the instruments

Jessie: The adrenaline and rush of performing a new song. The audience's reaction. Looking around at the band and seeing each member deep in their element.

T: What has been your biggest challenge as a band?

Nick: Aside from getting 7 people in a room together in NYC to rehearse haha, the hardest part is just navigating the over saturated New York music scene. The booking process can be painful at times. 

Danielle: Also just standing out from the sea of thousands of other bands here that are all trying to do the same thing.

T: What advice do you have for people working in music?

Nick: I wish I had some, we are still trying to figure it out ourselves

Jessie: The more you work together as a team, the better and more confident you will feel as a band .

T: Anything else you'd like to mention?

Look out for our debut full length album to release some time this summer!

T: And now for my Five Fundamental Questions:

- What's your favorite cocktail?

Danielle: Grapefruit mimosas and practically anything with gin.

- What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?

Danielle: "It's not who you know, it's who you blow" - my mother

- What 3 items other than food & water would you take to a deserted island?

Danielle: a really comfy mattress, a knife, a flint

- What's Your biggest pet peeve?

Danielle: Bad grammar

- If you could befriend one fictional character who would it be?

Danielle: Totoro

Thanks for the interview guys! 

You ALL should check out their music and more on their website: Allboyallgirl.net AND find them on Facebook HERE!! You can also listen to their stuff for free HERE on sound cloud!

AND!!! Watch their brand new fun music video for their song "Water"!!!

Heart List 2 ~ 24 ~ 2013

Columbian Coffee, MGMT, Sonoran Hot Dogs (SO good), Vodka Martinis (The Dirtier the Better), Heidi Braids (There's a good Tutorial HERE), Fresh Clean Sheets, VLOGGING!!!! (Make sure you Check Em Out)

The 50 Most Romantic Things Ever (You WILL Cry), Tapas, Phil Dunfy, Bagged Lunches, Fresh Mascara, Trader Joes Mini Ice Cream Cones (mmmm), The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter

This Hilarious Video about Anne Hathaway's Nomination, Food Trucks, New Girl (I fucking love you Jess and Nick), Young Warren Beatty (Yes Please), Seared Ahi, H&M Blazers

Spice Up Your Life...With Feminism

In the year 2013, The Spice Girls have become an easy target for mockery.

The clothes, the hair, the attitude, it all epitomized the cheese of the 90's. And don't even mention Spice World.

HOWEVER- 

As someone who was a young girl during the height of their popularity, I'm here to tell you that they were way more than just a pop band. They are feminist icons. 

The Spice Girls instilled positive morals & sense of confidence in young girls all over the planet. And although they didn't coin the term girl power, they certainly embodied everything it meant.  They maintained femininity and individuality and proved that 'girliness' and gender equality were not exclusive from each other. 

Their music promotes not only the demand of being treated well by men, but also unity and loyalty amongst girlfriends. Need I remind you - If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends.

While their different personas (Sexy, Baby, Etc) can be viewed as male fantasy types, I argue that they made the point that girls are all different, but that our differences make us stronger - not separate us.

Along with highlighting girl power with their lyrics and personas, they exhibited it with their entrepreneurial actions. They didn't just produce music and (amazing) movies, they had dolls, clothes, shoes, polaroids! They did it all!

In a time in my life when I was more focused on keeping my giga pet alive than any serious self development, they were embedding positive messages in my subconscious, setting me up with the foundation to be the feministic lady I am today. They helped me see the importance of friendship and girl loyalty, taught me to support other women and to demand respect from any man interested in me (not that that was an issue until I was about 17...). 

So thanks, Spice Girls. YGG.

Heart List 2 ~ 17 ~ 2013

Between Two Ferns Oscar Edition Parts ONE and TWO,  Bloody Mary's, Pickwick and Weller T-Shirts (Boys! Girls! Seriously Check them Out!), Oberhofer, Waffles, Reddit, Twistband Hair Ties

 

Elizabeth Banks and her Website, Garage Wine Co., Onze Clothing and Accessories, This Cake Slice postcard DIY tutorial, Key Lime Pie Yogurt, St. Lucia (The Band, not the Island. Although that's cool too)

 

The 5 Languages of Love Site, Baby Roses, Invisible Crown on Etsy, Django Unchained (which I finally saw and LOVED), MAKERS (videos by and for amazing women), Double Take Amber Ale

And this Song and Video by the band MS Mr: Fantasy:

Pink Empowerment

Do you ever do something that just completely rejuvenates your sense of self?

A decision that somehow, for whatever reason, makes you really feel confident that you're on the path towards who you want to be?

Something that's utterly gratifying, even though it can be simple as finding out what your favorite drink is, or buying the perfect pair of boots?

For me, that moment was dying part of my hair pink.

Having wanted to do this forever, and finally taking the plunge, this seemingly small act has jumpstarted my confidence & motivation, and given me a clear line of what direction I want to be headed in. 

I want to play Morrissey on the ukulele, and write a screenplay, and day drink.
... And not be as pretentious as that just sounded...
I want to visit flea markets instead of museums when I'm on vacation, and eat breakfast for dinner and to say fuck off to criticism.
I dunno. I'm rambling.
This whole thing just has me feeling pretty empowered.

I'm ready to let my freak flag fly.

I don't want to second-guess my instagrams about whether they're cool enough.

I did enough second guessing in middle school, & all it did was make me miserable enough to drown my sorrows in cafeteria pizza... No. Bueno.

I'm done with it.
I need to accept that some people may like me & some may not, that's what makes the world go round. I'm a weirdo, hear me roar. 

I think we all need a little pink empowerment in our lives.
Do exactly what makes you happy (unless its heroin. or zip lining. Not worth it.)
Follow your inner compass. Spend 150$ on a massage from a shaman, get that tattoo, wear shorts in public. 

I feel like in life, and specifically in our twenties, it's hard not to second guess & scrutinize every decision we make. Maybe it's not just in our twenties, but since I'm not older than that I couldn't say for sure.

Although, I do think our generation in particular finds itself crippled with options, & we need to focus on turning that into a positive instead of like a terrifying fate.

Things are not as permanent as they seem, and very few decisions can't be undone.
We just need to take the plunge.
Dye the hair pink.

Heart List 2 ~ 10 ~ 2013

Giphy (Search for all the GIFs!!), Crowned Bird, This Interview with New Girl creator Elizabeth Meriwether ("Funny women are honest women" Yes.), Sound Cloud, Pale Pink Hair

McDonald's Hash Browns (mmmmm), Top Shop, Podcasts, Lace Affair, Banana Republic's Mad Men Collection! (I know, right?!? Feb 27th!), Bourbon, Valentines Everything!!!!

Ruche Clothing, The Django Unchained Soundtrack, La Belle Rebelle Swimwear, Movie Quote & Fun Embroidery Hoops from Dearmoonbeams on Etsy, Shabby Apple, Carmex

O-M-Effing-G, My Friend Might Win an Oscar!

I am incredibly lucky to have a ton of incredibly amazing friends.
They are off all over the world conquering their fields in every realm you can imagine.
I'm a lucky gal.
One of these said amazing folk is my dear friend, animation director Timothy Reckart.
His short film, Head Over Heels, has been nominated for an Academy Award this year for Best Animated Short.
I KNOW, RIGHT?!?! SOOO EFFING COOOLLLL!
It's amazing and inspiring, and just totally awesome.
After months of keeping it under wraps, Tim has finally released the short online and it is ssooooooo awesome! 
He's allowed me to share it with you all, so please watch and enjoy!

Dear Teenagers:

Dear Teenagers ~
To begin, just let me tell you that I understand. I get it. Being your age blows. 
Aside from all that weird stuff happening to your bodies (my skin is rebelling!), and the wretchedness that is navigating the social scene (DO NOT worry if you don't get asked to the dance. Trust me.), there is soo much going on in your heads. Things are confusing and every day is a new wave of insanity.

However, despite the daily visits to crazy town and being forced to deal with adults who just don't get it, we need to have a serious discussion, you and I. 
A couple of things must be addressed.

First Off - You can stop acting like nothing is cool, or that it's lame to get excited about something. It's not. It's actually awesome to be an enthusiastic person and there aren't enough of us, so snap out of it. Thinking that nothing is cool doesn't make you cool.

Secondly - Please, I pray you, start dressing a little more appropriately. I know that you're young and leggy and you have metabolisms faster than the Millennium Falcon, but leave something to the imagination. Being ladylike is, in fact, cool. And the guys who don't think so aren't worth your time. 
And to you boys out there - More Deodorant, Less Axe Body spray. I know the ads literally tell you that if you spray it all over your body women will have sex with you, but they should be sued for false advertising because it is the exact opposite. 

And Third - Put. The Cell Phones. Down. 
I know they're amazing. They're effing incredible! I have a technology addiction myself! But when you are speaking to a REAL PERSON who's RIGHT in FRONT of YOU, it's sooo rude! It's also rude at restaurants, the movie theatre, the real theatre (can't even believe I need to point that one out), and in most social settings.
Instagram doesn't get updated that much that you can't even sit at the dinner table for an hour without checking it. Trust me. 
These are very formative years for your social skills, and when you're in your mid-twenties and are ignoring people around you so you can be on your phone, it's gonna be even more annoying.

You guys, I'm telling you this for your own good. It will help you throughout your lives, I swear! Just be yourselves, adhere to proper hygiene and modesty, and make sure your screens don't take over your lives. I'm fully aware that I sound like a crotchety prude, and maybe I am, but I just needed to put this out there for you. 

I wish you the best of luck forging onward in the peaks and valleys that are adolescence. 

Oh, and don't be too upset about Gossip Girl being over. Sex and the City ended when I was 18 and I made it through ok. 

This Week I Discovered Hot Sauce, Held a Pants Funeral, and Had Multiple Laughgasms...

It was a big week.

I'll start with the Hot Sauce.

I don't know about other parts of the country, but where I live, people put Hot Sauce on everything. I have spent YEARS of my life scoffing at the weirdos and the odd-taste-budded for piling on the Tabasco. It just seemed unnatural. 
Then finally, this week, I took the plunge, and dolled up my cheese pizza with some Chalula.

Game. Effing. Changed. 

The problem now is that I want to eat pizza even more. And that's saying a lot considering pizza takes up a good 40% of my daily thoughts.
Yes I'm serious.
Ok, maybe it's like 20% pizza and 20% about the beer I want to drink with said pizza, but we'll just round it. 

Thanks a lot, Hot Sauce.
No... Seriously... Thank you. 
I love you.

Now we move on to the Pants Funeral.

Have you ever had a perfect pair of pants?
I'm not talking about the kind that you really really like and wear a lot or the kind that you wear every single day.
I'm talking about the kind of pants that are so perfect you smile just thinking about them. The kind of pants that get you through the good times and the bad. (Also known as the skinny days and the fat.)
The kind of pants that when they finally rip in that unsightly place between your thigh and your butt - that place that no patch can fix - that place where all pants inevitably do rip - you literally WEEP?!
That kind?!
Well I have. And they just died.

I went through all the five stages of grief:

Denial: They're fine! No one will even see that part of my body where they're ripped!
Anger: WHY DOES THIS ALWAYS HAPPEN!?!?! It's just not FAIIIRRRRR!
Bargaining: Ok, if I can just find a way to patch these up, all will be well.
Depression: What's the point of even getting dressed? No outfit is worth it without my black stovepipes.
Acceptance: Literally half of my butt is now showing -  I can't fight it anymore.

The term funeral may have been a bit excessive.
All I did was make a slideshow of all the good times we had together set to a certain 90's Sarah McLachlan song...

I'm totally fucking with you.
...
It was to "Endless Love"

It's only one of three inannimate objects I've truly mourned - the earlier two being a pair of pink tweety bird high tops in third grade and my hunk-o-junk amazing first car.
Man, I miss those guys.

Fortunately I didn't spend too much time mourning my jeans, because A) I discovered American Apparal's Easy Jeans (A.Mazing) and B) had a really hilarious week -  which leads us to the laughgasm...

This last week between rolling on the floor at work with one of my best friends laughing so hard it hurt, as well as visiting my bestie and the 3 bottles of champagne we consumed, I have decided to officially coin the term Laughgasm.


Ya know when you laugh so hard and so long that your body just feels SO GOOD after? 
It's like a super cathartic experience that leaves you with a total high? When you can barely breathe after and your stomach hurts but it doesn't matter because you basically just OD'd on endorphins, and everything feels amazing, even though you were having such a good time you literally knocked a couch over, and it didn't even matter because that made you laugh even harder?
THAT's a laughgasm.

You read it here first:

Laugh·gasm 

[laf-gaz-uhm]

noun

1.

the physical and emotional sensation experienced at the peak of hilarious excitation, usually resulting from stimulation of the humor gland and usually accompanied by shortness of breath and continued giggling.

2.

an instance of experiencing this.

3.

intense or unrestrained laughter for a prolonged period of time.

4.

an instance or occurrence of such excitement.

None of these events particularly tie together, but somehow create a real through-line of my week. 
It's been a good time.

Valentines Fun Times

Hello Lovelies!
Well, Valentine's Day is coming up, and as you may know, I adore holidays! Last February I did a ton of different valentines themed posts, but this year I've stepped back a lot on the kinda crafty and how-to branch of things. 
However not completely! My hours spent on the internet every day is paying off with this collection of fabulous heart-day inspired links of everything from treats to make to DIY projects to quotes to date ideas! Check it all out and have the happiest of Valentines! 

Want to make something tasty and adorable? Check out this list of 44 Valentines Treats!

The 39 Best Things ever Said About Love according to Buzz Feed:

Also Check out this Yummy looking Black Forest Trifle for Two:

This selection of DIY Valentines Gifts from Mr. Kate:

And as always A Beautiful Mess has some wonderful Home Made Valentine Ideas as well:

ABM Also has a delicious looking Valentines Spiked Punch! Mmmmm:

AND this cute SUPER easy Wall Art! (Basically you should just read that blog all the time...):

Need some Last-Minute Valentine's Gifts? Buzz Feed has your back:

Not as ambitious as all that? Try these dressed up store bought desserts:

Design Love Fest's Adorable Valentines Desktop Downloads (I just made mine the hearts!):

Check out this article to buy a classy bottle of wine for a romantic evening:

And of course, never underestimate the power of the Valentine's Section on Pinterest!

And Etsy!

Man oh man, looking through all of this has certainly put me in the romantic holiday spirit! Hope it does for you too!

Xoxoxo

Heart List 2 ~ 3 ~ 13

Chalula Hot Sauce, These Shots of Disneyland from the 50s, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Key Lime Pie, Soul Pancake, Girl Scout Cookies!!!!! - Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs!!!! Yum!

Tweenysomething, Lasagna, Free People, Sidecars (Mmmmmm), Vine (It's like Instagram for Video! Whaa?!), Warby Parker Optical (So Great), American Apparel's Easy Jeans (I'm Obsessed!)

Tiki Bars (I don't understand why no one ever wants to go with me!), Girl Meets Notebook,, Caramels, Filleosophy, Tennis (The Band, not the Sport), Les Mis as Mean Girls, Disney's Short Animated Film Paperman