the man's got soul...

soul step records

There's just something about listening to music on vinyl that gives it that extra oomph. Think about the last album you heard on vinyl. The needle scratch, the feeling of the record in your hand, the way the music seems to ricochet and echo throughout the room. Vinyl gives music the edge that CDs and iPod speakers simply cannot. Which is why I am thrilled to share with you a new company whose endeavor is to bring listeners that vinyl-exclusive edge: Soul Step Records. 

Soul Step Records is based out of Lexington, Kentucky. Founder and close friend of mine, Melvin Dillon, 

has a simple yet admirable goal: to help bands who do not have financial means to get their record pressed on vinyl, pay for the vinyl, and give the masses the opportunity to listen to the music the way it should be, on vinyl.

The first vinyl release from Soul Step is a gem from Scattered Trees.

The latest release from this beautiful and soulful Chicago-based group, "Sympathy," is the first vinyl press and release from Dillon's company. The group even recorded a Daytrotter session, available for listen and download here. Heads up: the song "Four Days Straight" is one that can be played on repeat, and still get to you every time. I can only imagine the feelings it will conjure up on vinyl. I can't wait to experience it, and I believe you should, too! 

Also, take note, music afficianados: in addition to standard black vinyl, Soul Step also produced a limited edition 100 clear vinyl available for purchase. Check it out!

Scattered Trees release on vinyl, courtesy of Soul Step Records 

Spread the word about Soul Step, darlings. It's such an admirable and worthy project. Let's listen to music the way we are supposed to! 

For more information, please check out the official Soul Step website, the Soul Step Facebook page, and Twitter account. 

Happy listening! 

you are what you eat

Hey, kiddos! I wanted to give a brief update on the last aspect of the happiness project: valiant veganism (woot!) I've stuck to my guns and it feels marvelous!

source

The endeavor started mostly for the animal activism aspect; if you've ever watched the documentary Earthlings, then you know what I mean! Watch it for an eye opening experience. Anywho! As I progressed and noticed the change in me health-wise, I began to grow more health conscious about what exactly I was putting into my body. It's so easy to fall prey into "junkfood vegetarianism/veganism;" Oreos and Sour Patch Kids are vegan, after all. 

Andrew and I watched Forks Over Knives, a documentary that really gives perspective on the benefits of a raw food-plants based diet. 

source

Don't be fooled: I am not embarking on a wholly raw food/plant diet. I'm incorporating more of these foods into my daily eating habits. But, come on. I'm way too much of a pasta fanatic to go raw just yet :)

As I was saying, Forks Over Knives exposes the benefits of a raw food/plant based diet and the amazing impact it has on several degenerative diseases and disorders. The idea of "food as medicine" is fascinating to me. How is it we are one of the, if not the, most technologically advanced nations in the world, yet we have one of sickest populations in terms of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease? It's quite the wake up call. 

Food Rules, a short and sweet book by Michael Pollan (who also authored The Omnivore's Dilemma), offers practical tips and guidelines for eating healthier. Here are some of my favorites: 

• Rule 19: If it came from a plant, eat it; if it was made in a plant, don't. 
• Rule 20: It's not food if it arrived through the window of your car. 
• Rule 21: It's not food if it's called by the same name in every language. (Think Big Mac, Cheetos, or Pringles.) 

Pollan also stresses the importance of knowing exactly what we're putting into our bodies. Example: sugar isn't good for you, but at least it's sugar. Splenda, aspartame, and other artificial sweeteners are filled to the brim with chemicals and lord knows what else. If you're going to sweeten, do it yourself, and use raw sugar over the falsies. 

source

I encourage everyone to take baby steps into a healthier lifestyle. No, I'm not telling everyone to cut out the meat and dairy right this second. I am asking everyone to at least look at what they're eating and take small steps into a healthier life. 

Alrighty, I'm off my soap box for the morning. Ciao, darlings! 

wonder-fall, a things i love thursday special!

source

Hello, friends! It's been far too long since we've spoken. I hope all has been well in your worlds :) As for me, I've been doing the dreaded work-school combo that so many of us are all too familiar with. Still at the bookstore, and still in nursing school, both of which keep me really busy, but in the best possible way. Apologies for the hiatus! 

So, now that we're all caught up, it's time to focus on my favorite time of year: AUTUMN!! Kids, I cannot express how much I LOVE this time of year. The leaves, the air, the sky (sunny or cloudy, they're both beautiful), the clothes, the boots, the coffee, the pumpkin everything; there's just a general cozy feeling floating in the air that's tangible and beautiful. I love the fall. And all that it comes with. Which is why today's T.I.L.T. is autumn-themed! 

fall-ish nonsense i adore...

cloudy, gray skies / the first falling leaves / boots! / pumpkins ...

...but really, get in everything I drink for the next three months / Beach House - go to www.daytrotter.com and listen to the 2/1/2010 session with Beach House. "Walk in the Park" is such a perfect autumn song! And best of all, it's from daytrotter which means free, legal downloads of all the sessions. Huzzah! / the smell of bonfires and cinnamon / fall candles, like "Kitchen Spice" from bath and body works / coffee, all day, every day / this fall bucket list: 

and I am going to do ALL OF THE ABOVE! / aviator shades / layers and layers of clothes / new nails: 

the ring finger is "Jade" by Orly, and the mauve is "Tickle My France-y" by OPI / snuggling under blankets outdoors / sleepy afternoons / hiking / neutrals and gold jewelry / the inexplicable sense of calm when I go outside / how the color orange seems to sneak up everywhere (I mean, look at this post!) / rosy cheeks from chilly wind / 

What are your favorite aspects about fall? Maybe we share some of the same ones! 

Happy Thursday, my dears! 

valiant veganism

Bonjour, mes amis! As some of you may know, I embarked on a vegetarian lifestyle a few years back, and admittedly faltered here and there. I stuck to it recently, and must say it was an incredibly wise decision on for me. I am not here to pressure anyone to pursue a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle; I believe whatever one chooses to eat and indulge in is completely their prerogative. So, that being said, I am thrilled to fill you all in on my latest endeavor, beginning a vegan lifestyle.

Precious bowls from Pinterest

Going vegan is not something I dove right in to. I may have very well gone crazy if I'd done so. Already sans meat, I started by omitting obvious dairy. Never the biggest fan of plain milk, I already used almond milk over cereal, in smoothies, etc. But frozen yogurt, Starbucks, cheeses (oh, blue cheese crumbles...), and milk chocolate (duh) were the first obvious to be eliminated, substituted, and revamped. Vegan cheese and soy lattes are new staples. Baked goods and other items containing eggs and milk were next; reading labels and being that gal at restaurants asking about ingredients are two new habits, and habits I do not mind a bit. I began cooking a lot more at home, which has helped me feel better health wise and financially. I enjoy searching the internet and various cookbooks from work for new recipes to try. And guess what, folks? The recipes are fantastic. Today, for instance, I made chocolate brownies. I am willing to bet anything you can not differentiate between the vegan brownies (using applesauce and vegetable oil) and "regular" ones (using eggs and milk). My mother couldn't, nor could two of my friends. 

Good for your health, good for your wallet, good for the animals, and good for the environment. Like I said, I'm not here to pressure anyone or change anyone's eating habits; just bringing awareness to a new endeavor and sharing it's benefits!

More updates to come!

things i love thursday

Happy Thursday, kiddos! And what a lovely Thursday it is. Well, as lovely as it can be from inside a roasting garage waiting to get my car fixed. But no matter! I have an iced coffee and a copy of Aldous Huxley's Eyeless in Gaza. In other words, I'm set for a good while. 

There's so much to be happy about this Thursday, I'm not quite sure where to begin. So I suppose I'll just dive right on in!

Foster the People's album, Torches - do your ears a favor and listen to "I Would Do Anything For You." Yes, it's a little on the lovey-dovey side. Who cares. It's precious and light and a perfect addition to a sleepy time playlist, or a time to chill playlist / running downtown in the evening / summer produce stands...and summer produce in general / going vegan! More details to come on this :) / How good it feels to crawl into bed after a long day / popping bubble wrap / This chair and decor set up-I want it so terribly! 

Je t'aime beaucoup, aussi!

Essie nail lacquer in licorice-I'm back on the black nails once more / pasta with tamari sauce and red peppers / gold bangles and bracelets / blowing bubbles out of the car window at red lights / fred brand "birds on a wire" photo clips - I have 8 pictures now dangling above my closet! 

source

old v-neck t-shirts all soft with age / surprise phone calls / when the window is open and the breeze blows the white curtains in my bedroom / cucumber anything / hammocks / "You'll See It" by Washed Out - 

                                              

This has been on repeat for a good week now. I don't know if it's the song itself, or some exceptional memories attached to it, or a lovely combination of both. Either way, I adore it / the feeling when you throw something in the trash, not expecting it to go in but looking like you have epic aim / Fantastic Mr. Fox - Wes Anderson (my favorite director) did an amazing job on his first animated feature / Steve Martin on Twitter / kids reading out loud /  

That's all for now, my dears. I hope you have the most glorious and happy Thursday you've had in a while!

disconnect to reconnect: the summer happiness project

A new mission statement for a new period of The Happiness Project:

source

Folks, I'm aware we are living in the pinnacle of the digital age. Everything we do is run, controlled, maintained, or monitored by something technological. And while this is convenient, and certainly makes life easier, it's taken away from the old-world simplicity of generations past. One of the most unnerving realizations I've had is the lack of face time contact. Social interaction has been replaced by Facebook chat and text messages. To me, it's taken away from the thrill of being with people. Pen-and-paper communication, something once so common, has been demoted to something of a novelty, something quaint and foreign. We reach for the Blackberry instead of the stamps. Our cell phones have become new appendages; they are now extensions of our hands. As funny as this poster is below, it seems to be the societal norm and totally acceptable.

"look into the eyes of another person..." This breaks my heart. Look at couples out to dinner, friends meeting for coffee, or family gatherings. Is anyone really talking? Or are they playing Angry Birds under the table, or BBM-ing?
"the arrival of a snippet of trivial text holds promise of unimagined pleasure..." I feel so foolish reading this, because how often do I feel my phone buzz and reach for it like a precious winning lottery ticket? I am just as, if not more, guilty of cell-phone over usage as the next person. I sleep with my iPhone nightly. Well, I say no more. I'm stopping this nonsense in an effort to really connect with people. The phone will be staying off longer, will remain in the purse during meals, and will not surface while I'm with another person.

Disconnect to reconnect, darlings!

the summer sabbatical

Greetings, my dears! It feels like eons since my last post. And eons may as well have passed since then. But no matter. I had my bout with anonymity and escape from here; now I'm back from my brief June hiatus.

And this is exactly what I needed to do. 

Now, you may have noticed I didn't embark on a June Happiness Project. Honestly, darlings, I didn't pick anything in particular to focus on. I had a case of those aforementioned mean reds, and put most of my time and effort into feeling better. I'll definitely pick it up once more in July, which (shockingly!) isn't too far away! 

Hmmm. Maybe this can be my July project?

Anywho, I'm back, folks. Still recovering from a case of SCS, otherwise known as "Sad Cookie Syndrome." I've been reading like a madwoman, writing here and there, and embarking on new projects to keep busy. 

Homemade necklace I churned out

Doing this as soon as possible!

Fabric flowers are insanely adorable.

And that's only the tip of the iceburg! I've been scanning Pinterest for new ideas, and they are indeed abundant! So, that's all for now, lovebugs. It feels good to be back!

Au revoir!

the mean reds

Breakfast at Tiffany's is iconic. It's classic, cult, outlandish, heartbreaking, and beautiful. It is also my favorite movie of all time. I think it's because I think Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) is so relatable: closed off, yet so willing to befriend; frightened, yet adventurous. She is a marvel.

In the above still frame, Holly is divulging the definition of the mean reds. 

"...The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of..." 

I feel like I've had a case of the mean reds lately. I'm certainly not a fan of this. But I've been doing some thinking, and I've come to a conclusion. Negative feelings are inevitable. And sometimes it's easier not to combat it and force yourself to into happiness. Rather, I believe sometimes it's healthier just to channel those mean reds. Savor the lows. That's what makes the wonderful things in life wonderful, after all. 

Au revoir, mes cheries. 

things i love thursday - summer time!

Cheers, my dears! It's Things I Love Thursday! And it's a special edition: summer favorites!

source

Dresses: Obvious, right? But you should know just how much of a skinny jeans fanatic I was (and still am, really), and last summer I was stubborn as ever and clung to the jeans and tightly as they clung to me in the summer heat. Absurd, isn't it? Well, I've put the jeans away for the summer and embraced all things flowy and billowy. 

source

Bright polish: Again, no surprises here. Orly's "Jade" has been my staple, but I had to pick up Essie's "Lapiz of Luxury." 

color me smitten. 

More summer things I love!

beach totes / ice pops / Sephora tinted moisturizer / bicycling / anything citrus flavored 

yum!

sandals that zip in the back! Where have you been hiding? / pinantas! / looking at new patio furniture / greenhouses / this beverage dispenser from anthropologie: 

source

straw fedoras / bright peach Toms / flavored iced teas / minimalist jewelry / Dove Intensive Repair system - ladies, this is seriously the best hair care line I've used. And it's affordable! / "Going to California" by Led Zeppelin / Blue Lizard sunscreen / Goody Spin Pins make summer hair effortless / outside naps / orange gerber daisies 

Happy summer, dears! What are your favorite summertime things?

the happiness project: an even exchange

darlings! It's been what feels like forever since I've posted and I hate it! I will never go this long without posting again.

gorgeous

The next month of the happiness project began 14 days ago. Again, so sorry I didn't blog as usual at the premier of the month! I'll admit, I was at somewhat of a loss when it came to what project I wanted to tackle this month. It hit me, though, when I was unpacking my clothes after moving home for the summer. There was an absurd amount of clothing spilled out onto my floor. It's rather embarrassing the vast amount of clothes that covered my floor...and bed...ugh. So, as I hung up the last shirt today, it hit me. I'm doing a closet cleanse. If I haven't worn it in a year, honestly won't wear it again, or am holding on to it for nostalgic purposes (or wishful thinking), then it is out. And for everything I buy, I will get rid of at least one item of clothing already existing in my wardrobe. 

By doing so, not only will I de-clutter my closet, I'll also be able to modify and create a closet full of items I really love, and can feel good wearing. 

outfits like this!

I can't wait to start this project. I'll keep you posted on the progress!

Au revoir, mes amies!

peruse and cruise: indulgences

Hello, my dear friends! So, most of you know by now that a peruse and cruise is an internet scour and post containing my favorite finds. Well, I recently gave in to two of my p&c gems and want nothing more than to share them with you!

Koi fish ice cube trays: folks, ever since I spied these beauties online, then in person at Francesca's, I've wanted them as my own. It is at last a reality! And round two of my koi fish ice cubes are freezing at this very moment!

source

You can find these cold fish trays by Gama-Go on Amazon. They are incredibly silly, but drinking water has never been this much fun. Seriously. 

Jill Bliss "Drawing Nature" journal: Design*Sponge, one of my most frequently visited blogs, featured a post on this notebook. 

As said in the post on Design*Sponge, it is a "manual/journal/inspiration/drawing book" and was "a true labor of love" for Ms. Bliss. The cover in and of itself is enticing and charming enough to rope me in, but sifting through some of the pages online had me swooning. 

All of the above found on shop.jillbliss.com

And, in a phenomenal brush with serendipity and downright luck, a random venture into a Barnes & Noble had me face to face on the foremost display with this journal. Needless to say, I made a purchase and happily took this home with me. And with the lovely weather emerging, I've wanted nothing more than to grab my pencils, this notebook, and contentedly dwindle the daylight hours away. 

a fortunate fortune

"Remember three months from this date.

Good things are in store for you."

This fortune popped out of my cookie at lunch 3 days ago. So, July 26th, let's see what you have in store for me! 

whitney wonka and the chocolate factory

j'adore la chocolat. This is a known fact. So I persuaded Derek to venture with me to a small town in east Tennessee, Jonesborough, to visit a chocolate shop known as Earth & Sky Confections. 

The chocolate shop itself is a beauty. The downtown strip consists of old brick buildings, and nestled in one of these is Earth & Sky. The shop is small, with exposed brick and the candies on display like jewels under glass and light. Take a look: 

passion fruit on the left, peanut butter & jelly on the right

an upclose; they look like big marbles!

kahlua and salted caramel 

mint and honey lavender

Let me go ahead and tell you, darlings, the chocolate is unimaginably over-the-moon heart stopping phenomenal.

clearly enjoying some salted caramel

Not only are the chocolates delicious and beautiful, they're reasonable priced! Which is always a pleasure to my frugal side. 

So, next up, Derek tried the honey lavender chocolate. This can go one of two ways....

does he like it...?

...yes! 

Earth & Sky is operated by a couple of lovely people named Chris and Laura. They clearly have a passion and talent for what they do, and I (and my tastebuds) thank them greatly for it! I will take time to venture back there as soon as possible. Here are some shots of their handiwork (not taken from my iPhone, heehee):

aren't they gorgeous? almost too pretty to eat...almost. 

Please investigate their website here. Bravo, Earth & Sky! You have made me a true fan of artisian chocolates!

au revoir, mes amies!

the happiness project-miscellaneous thoughts

Hello, my darlings! So though it isn't yet the start of a new month, therefore not time for a new month of the happiness project, I was thinking about it pretty intently today in class (oops...hehe). Anywho! I found myself reflecting back on all of the aspects of this project: what I'd wished to accomplish, what I actually accomplished, and how it improved my happiness. I realized something: over these past five months, whenever I set a goal to improve my happiness, I changed something in my life to accommodate. And I think that's the ultimate key here, folks. If you're unhappy with something, change! It's that simple! Now, exercising and implementing the change isn't that easy, but bringing yourself to that awareness is.

source

This is so incredibly true, isn't it? I've printed this out and I'm putting on the ceiling above my bed. It's something good to dwell on before dreaming and when getting up in the morning.