Geez, I kinda fell off the wagon with blogging there for a minute! I made it to and from Philadelphia successfully and even though it was still cold, it felt so nice to be in 40 degree weather with no snow in sight. (Plus we're going to Florida in two weeks, yesss!)
I'm watching United States of Tara and don't feel like trying to be witty, so here's the trip in pictures. Good night!
A couple months ago, Andrew kept listening to these beautiful songs over and over again, and I quickly learned about Mutual Benefit. As Christmas became near, I was fortunate enough so incredibly lucky to find out about a small house show they were playing in Grand Rapids, so I emailed one of the people who set it up to get a spot on the list. Then, even though it was so super hard not to tell Andrew, I kept my mouth shut and gave him the news in the form of a Christmas gift. The show was last night, and it was so beautiful. Jordan Lee is Mutual Benefit, and right now he's touring with five extraordinary musicians alongside him (including his sister who sang backup vocals) to recreate his album Love's Crushing Diamonds. Wow, we are seriously so lucky we got to attend that show. I'm pretty sure they are already way too big to be playing house shows, and Andrew said it was the best Christmas gift he'd ever received! Thanks for coming, Jordan and crew!
This was the best picture I could get because that lamp back there eventually was unplugged, but you get the idea!
Jordan is a tiny and adorable man who acts and sings equally as adorably as he appears. He told us jokes about soda (we told him that we call it pop) during the set - "someone got hit with a soda can... It's okay though - it's a soft drink." He also very humbly joked with us that they normally play to thousands of people and their last show was on a yacht. And the house we went to was so lovely - there were autumn leaves hanging from the ceiling and owl decorations everywhere (!!). I might not be hip enough for the Bird House, but I'm so glad I got to go there! Thanks to the hosts, if you by chance ever read this.
So if you haven't heard Mutual Benefit, they aren't just like a one hit wonder. The whole album is a stream of gorgeous songs and thoughtful lyrics. You can order that here, through whichever format you prefer (but obviously you should get the vinyl). And they just began their tour, so if they happen to be coming to a city near you, I highly recommend not missing that opportunity!
Advanced Falconry is probably their most popular song - take a listen! Side note: I love the little boy in this video, he reminds me of my brother when he was little! So cute.
You taste much nicer than you did last year, and with this winter dragging along so late, you are a welcome sign that summer is near. As I wade through day 3 of five 100%-chance-of-rain-y days, I am happy to call you my friend. I pity those who have not tasted you and cannot buy you in their stores. Michigan isn't good for many things (more than you think though), but you are one of them. Thank you for being you.
Are you all enjoying your V-Day? I just got out of work and I am going to a happy hour and then bowling my single and taken friends tonight. No one gets left behind! At work today the chefs whipped up a whole bunch of goodies for me to sell at the coffee bar. I took some pictures: )
Chocolate truffles!
Cherry Chip cupcakes!
Chocolate cupcakes with a bonus chocolate covered strawberry on top!
Yum!
I also have a somewhat Valentine's related trivia question for you, if you're into that!
Which Chocolatier first introduced the box of chocolates?
It's pretty crazy I haven't done a proper post about our little bundle of love sooner, but I want to formally introduce you all to our new cat, Stevie. We got him at the beginning of December from a shelter called Crash's Landing in Grand Rapids. He wasn't our original pick, but every time I went to the shelter, Steve Purry would just be lounging around somewhere, calm, cool, and collected. Andrew and I just loved how mellow and handsome he was, so we took him home. He is such a good boy, and suuuuuper soft, and very friendly. Here are some photos!
Don't you just love his little white paws? ^.^
He loves to do the Kate Winslet "paint me, Jack" Titanic pose; )
: ) I just love him so much! And you can look forward to lots more adorable photos in the future!
I had been waiting for what seems like a year to see "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," and luckily, it did not disappoint. I think the author of the book, who also wrote the screenplay, directed, and produced had to have majorly helped, but man, I was on the verge of tears the entire time. It was so sweet and the actors fit the characters so well. I'm glad they had Emma Watson playing Sam because I doubt it would have ever made the theatres in Grand Rapids if they didn't have a big name star. Ezra Miller was SUCH a great Patrick. It's hard to believe he played a psycho killing teenager in "We Need To Talk About Kevin." Wayyyy different characters! Anyway, I would definitely definitely recommend this movie. They couldn't have done a better job with it. If you are a music lover, ever considered yourself an outcast, have ever been through a traumatic experience, or were popular and need a reality check, see this movie. And read the book! I need to reread it now!
It's been a while since I shared my Tuesday Treasures! Have you guys been in a Target lately? They have all this cool new stuff and I have so much trouble not buying it. This week I wanted to start by sharing some items from Target's Patch NYC Look Book, which are super irresistible!
Owls AND mushrooms AND foxes!!!
Do you see the owl in the middle? I love this!
I also wanted to share a few of my favorite items from The Mitten State, which sells the neatest Michigan apparel! I haven't bought a shirt yet, but I look at their site all the time! They also donate a portion of the proceeds to charity. Aww, what a great company!
Their stuff is great, and my birthday is coming up soon - just sayin'!
I told you I had one more cat to introduce you to, and his name is Mr. Kitty. Have you ever wanted someone you can't have? Sigh. So the story goes, that about a year and a half ago Andrew and I went home over Christmas for about four days. When we got back, we heard a miserable kitty crying in the apartment next door to us. I had seen this cutie orange cat one other time, and met the neighbor once as well, so I knew his name. Upon further investigating facebook stalking, whilst feeding this kitty tuna under the door, I found out that my neighbor was back home in Minnesota for three weeks. I was super worried about the kitty, and he did not. stop. crying. So we contacted building management and the neighbor and got permission to watch the little guy while he was gone. He said his girlfriend was checking in on him every two or three days, but Mr. Kitty is such a friendly and playful little guy and wanted some love! So I gave it to him. After that, Andrew and I developed a friendship with our neighbor, (who is well meaning but just needs a lazier cat) and were able to watch Mr. Kitty a lot. Unfortunately, we moved from the apartment building about ten months ago, so I haven't seen my little guy too much lately. Who knows where my old neighbor will move since he's about done with school, but I'm so happy to have met Mr. Kitty in the meantime. He give hugs and kisses, LOVES to play, and is the most rambunctious cat I have ever met. He made his way into our ceiling once. That was terrifying, but he was having a great time! Anyway, do any of you consider yourself a "godparent" to a cat? I wish Mr. Kitty could be mine! (I'm a little obsessed, if you couldn't tell).
Sorry, he photographs so well that it's hard to pick just a couple!
So I also want you to meet my new friend Kelly! I'll be honest here a minute and say that blogging is hard work! It's hard to gain followers and make relevant posts that people actually care about. One way I've reached out to other potential readers is through an Etsy team, and there I met Kelly! Kelly has an Etsy shop with handmade cat toys and accessories. She is here today to tell you her story, and I included my favorite photos from her shop: )
"I grew up always with a love of animals, and always with cats as pets. My life has lead me through a lot of different fun paths, but some things have remained constant: my love of animals (cats!), my love of art, and my appreciation of nature. In December of 2011 I put together a knotted no-sew toy for my cat who was bored of her other toys. Around that same time, I was trying to decide what I could do with my creative side that has been shut off since I began working in various corporate offices after graduating from college years ago. The light bulb flashed brightly when I realized that I could make things for cats that they would have fun with, as much as my cat did with her toy! That is where the idea for Bax Cat & Co. began. My shop is named after my great cat friend Baxter, who is no longer with us. He would be very proud of how much love goes into each toy (along with catnip!). He was always such a fun-loving cat, and I named this shop after him to keep his memory alive always. While designing cat toys, I always have nature and art on my mind - the colors, the feeling each gives, the aesthetic qualities of both. I have an Art History degree, and have always been interested in diverse styles of art. The goal of my shop is to make cat toys and cat accessories that will make cats happy when their humans open the package of their purchased items. I love hearing stories from my customers about how excited their cats got when they opened up the envelope and took out their new toy, it makes me happy and proud! New items are added as soon as I can make them from the images I see in my head! I hope to continue to gain momentum with Bax Cat & Co., and to spread joy to lots of cats around the world!"
I hope you guys will check out Kelly's etsy shop if you're in the market for some adorable handmade cat toys made with organic catnip! Show her some love on facebook as well! I love the above pineapple toy, and had to include the picture with the kitty because he looks so much like Mr. Kitty!!! Obviously I'm loving the owl as well, and the fact that Kelly took a picture of it in a tree! So awesome.
P.S. I pre-wrote this post and scheduled it for when our plane lands in Venice, Italy! Jealous? ; ) Have a great Saturday!
i always knew i liked kate spade's bags as opposed to other designer bags, but i have a new unhealthy obsession with her stuff, since i can barely afford a deck of her playing cards. she is amazing. i want it all.
this journal from chronicle books. they seriously have the cutest things ever. and it's all quite affordable. i looked at some of these when i was in schuler books the other day and even the pages on the inside are filled with pretty details. want!
this pretty dress from lovenell. i don't usually wear white, but i wantttt this! (i found lovenell through cakies giveaway).
this colorful, geometric locket from etsy. she has a lot of great stuff!
this glow-in-the-dark pineapple dress from urban outfitters! so fun.
these minty shoes from b.a.i.t. footwear that make me want to attend a hoe down. (i found out about b.a.i.t. through the dainty squid giveaway).
