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!

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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. 

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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. 

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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!

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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! 

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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!