Newport Folk Festival Music Recommendations

Another summer, another glorious weekend at the Newport Folk Festival. To me, it's the country's best music festival (it is, in fact, the longest running music festival in America).  What makes it so special is not only the incredible line-up of back-to-back artists over two days, but the incredible spirit of the festival.  People from all backgrounds, old and young, come to listen to wonderful musicians as they lie down on blankets or dance in the aisles.  As Taylor Goldsmith from Middle Brother said during their set, "It's not about what's modern or new. It's about what's GOOD;" and, the fans here appreciate good music.  It's all about the music and pure joy.  I found it hard to keep up with everyone I wanted to see at the three stages.  Here are some recommendations of my favorite artists from this year you may or may not know.

The Wailin' Jennys

Typhoon


Delta Spirit



Tegan & Sara



The Devil Makes Three



Brown Bird



Trampled by Turtles



The Cave Singers



Chris Thile & Michael Daves



Middle Brother


The Head and the Heart



The Civil Wars

Aggressive list, I know.  Imagine running around to see everyone!  To listen to the sets live from the festival, head over to NPR. 

snow days mean...

(Working from home in whatever you like)

 (Popovers for breakfast (get a great recipe from Williams-Sonoma))

 (dance breaks with roommates)

(watching Saved By The Bell reruns at lunch)

What do snow days mean to you?

life lesson from Gaga

This one's for my sister...

"When I wake up in the morning, I feel just like any other insecure 24-year-old girl. Then I say, 'b--ch you're Lady Gaga, you get up and walk the walk today.' " 

 

*Image courtesy of dancing perfectly free

take me to serenity

I am currently a terrible novice blogger.  I haven't posted much these past two weeks because things are quite hectic and changing and stressful.  I hate saying that because in this day and age, who isn't stressed?  But I am coming at the end of a job contract and that means trying to get everything (quickly) tied up and I am at another crossroads.  Everyone always has one question they are always thinking about.  Mine is - what's next?  What's your question?

But I am happy to say I am going back to basics and heading up to Maine today for the weekend to go canoeing and camping with a fun and happy group that is sure to perk me up.  It's exactly what I need right now (and I do mean right now) and I simply can't wait! 

Create a fabulous weekend!

*Images courtesy of beachbungalow8, SeanP, WeHeartIt, & PInterest

hello august

I'm feeling spontaneous and saucy.  I love all the concerts and festivals I've been attending, the ease of the weekends after some pretty seriously stressful July work-weeks and refreshed by an awareness of possiblity.  Also, for some reason, all I want to do is take my clothes off and run around like I was 5 years old (don't worry, I'm not).  The end of summer is brought to you by: amazing friends.

*Images courtest of bippityboppityboo, beachbungalow8 & chanceco

Fins Up!

Jimmy Buffett rolled into Massachusetts this past weekend and with it, all the crazy parrotheads.  Have you ever been to a Jimmy Buffett concert?  I had never before and let me tell you - it's a complete circus and so much fun.  There are games, fan fare and characters galore - we even saw a bus turned into a pirate ship!  But let me tell you about some of the outfits that came out to play.  As inspired by Jamie Meares's Bonnaroo Stylez post over at ISuwanne, I bring you some attempted fashion in the heat:

(how cute are these board shorts?)

(love the silk screen detail on this tank)

(this bikini top is perfect as is the outfit this gal rocked)

(her shirt says "hot mess"!  and the ice cream is melting! get it?!)

(check out a couple of the sun hats filled with beachy tchotchkes)

(and let's not forget the mens that pulled out the stops)

(loved this lobster ski shot. he's a mainer, naturally!)

(I found Capt. Jack Sparrow!)

(and the bad.  seriously, allow me this moment to be catty and just say - wtf)

(all in all, a lovely day, taking a small vacation to Margaritaville)

turning it around

This morning my car was towed, but I made the conscience decision to turn the day around.  A very good friend drove me to the tow lot (Justin, that was huge), I got myself a blueberry iced coffee and onion bagel with cream cheese, said good morning to everyone in my office and announced I was turning the day around and voila!  All fixed.

Besides, who could be sad with a full weekend?  A going away party for a beloved roommate, Jimmy Buffett concert via a party bus with some awesome people ready to dance in the sunshine, hitting the beach and finally, sailing with some old friends. 

Create a fabulous day!

*image courtesy of Eunji