Moving on and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Phew, this year has been an interesting one for Zoei and myself. It's safe to say that we learned A LOT about our relationship and the amazingness that comes along with being sisters and twins! I'm happy to say that we have survived the year and are ready to move on to better and more fantastical things! We just finished up cleaning and moving out of our lil studio. But don't fret we still plan on making some lovely tees, especially in the summer of 2013! For now though we have packed up our stuff and am taking a bit to sort out and figure out the next step. Both of us are excited to start new with a new space and new fresh ideas! So keep your eyes peeled for some newness that is in the works.

The biggest thing I want to mention is all the amazing support that we continually receive from friends and family. There is no doubt that we couldn't have accomplished anything with out all of you! When you jump into a project like this its so amazing to see how positive and supportive people can be! One of the greatest things I've learned through out all of this is that the people I've surrounded myself with are truly beautiful, amazing people! I just feel so incredibly lucky to live the life that I do!

So THANK YOU all my lovlies! I hope you have an amazing new year!

-Remi

Music Monday: Best of 2012

I know by now you're probably sick of hearing all the "best of" playlists. But I wanted to share my two cents and also share some of my favorites of 2012. Now, don't worry I'll keep it short and won't ramble one too much. Man, there were so many good albums released this year. Probably too many that I can't even remember them all! But I think that it is a unanimous decisions the The Lumineers have taken the top spot in the bright-side girls hearts. That album has become a must have staple in our car. But don't forget about The Avett Brothers, Norah Jones (long time favorite of mine.), Bahamas, Joshua James, Matt and Kim, Alabama Shakes, Fiona Apple and Lisa Mitchell. Whoa, there are just too many. Not including all the amazing singles and eps that have been released! Needless to say it was an amazing year for music!

Zoei and I also got the chance to see a ton of great bands this year! Everything from Matt and Kim to the Avett Brothers we really got spoiled this fall! I think its fair to say that live music is the best. Old or new releases it all sounds amazing when you see it in a crowed place with strangers. We've already got tickets to see Augustana and Thao and the Get Down Stay Down early 2013, so I'm super stoked for the new year! So many awesome bands are making there way to good ol'utah!

Phew, so here is a mini playlist of my favorites of 2012. I couldn't find all the songs that I wanted to include. So click HERE to listen to an amazing Lisa Mitchell songs and click THERE to hear an awesome Joshua James song. I've also probably left TONS off of my lil list, but eh it is what it is!

Cheers to a great year in music!
-Remi

Festive Hair!

It's that time of year! Time for family gatherings and awkward parties to attend. This year I'm going to attempt to be extra festive with fancy hair! I saw THIS post to do a chignon hairstyle. (yeah, I had to look that up, but doesn't it look pretty!) Seems pretty simple. I also found THIS video on how to do a zipper braid with a bun. Which I have tired a few times and am realizing that its gonna take some practice before I can get it down. And that this girly must have some really buff arms, cause man mine were aching after 2 seconds! I also want to tackle THESE finger wave curls. I wouldn't mind doing my hair like that everyday. Well, that is if I have the time and aren't feeling too lazy.

Go out and do some fancy hair for New Years Eve!
-Remi

Tis The Season!

      I can't believe Christmas is almost here! Where did the time go! It seemed like I was so ambitious at the beginning of the month, now I'm just trying to finish one project! On the bright side I have successfully sent out all my christmas cards and am done with the shopping! (Well almost there is always more stuff to buy!)  So many things still that need to be done! I haven't even begun to start wrapping any of the gifts I bought. Zoei and I are doing personalized mugs for our family (which I found HERE!) and we haven't even started on those yet! Plus we plan on making some sweet treats also, because lets be realistic Christmas isn't Christmas with out plates full of unhealthy things! I think this year we're going to try to make peanut butter truffles, caramel shortbread cookies and almond roca! Thanks to Zoei's new found obsession with Pintrest, she's been finding all kinds of recipes. Who knows what will actually get done. Like I said we were a bit overly ambitious. But we're still going to give it a shot! Wish us luck!

I've also found some christmas tunes to enjoy whilst tackling the long to do list I've got in head of me! I love 8tracks, this is one of my favorite holiday playlists I've been listening too. Also, you can download  a free christmas album from the lovlies at Velour!! I love this because its local, its free, it's live AND Isaac Russell singing sister winter. Need I say more.

-Remi

Indie Christmas Carols from mykal on 8tracks Radio.

Holidays and Photo-A-Day

        I must say I've been lacking on the blog posts as of late. In all fairness doesn't it seem like the holidays suck the time out of everything! Even the simplest things take FOREVER! Little things just like running to the store to get a pair of gloves. After battling to find ones you like, you get 5 other workers trying to get you to buy other crap that you really don't need. But its the holiday season so you don't want to be rude to anyone. Nobody wants to be that grumpy gus that pouts whenever they go out anywhere. So, I smile and wait in the extremely long line at the post office and accept it. It is what it is, Oh the holidays and the wonder of it ALL!


On a lighter note! I feel like I'm on the edge of getting my creative juices back! This week has been filled with sketches and getting stuff done! I don't want to say anything too soon so I don't jinx myself. But I have a good feeling about this coming year! I've also been doing Fat Mum Slim's Photo A Day! Its really fun and now that I've discovered instagram it makes it so much more enjoyable! Any who  check out my instagram and take part in the photo challenge! Its tons of fun!

Only 18 days until Christmas! 

-Remi

Music Monday: Shovels and Rope

Hello my lovlies! Can  you believe it's December already! Time is just going by crazy fast. On the bright side Christmas is a coming! It's official you can listen to Christmas music and NOT get dirty/ strange looks from people! By now you're probably thinking, YAY music monday has gone Christmas ..well you're wrong. Today I'm in love with SHOVELS AND ROPE! (Don't worry there are plenty of Mondays in December!) Shovels and Rope are two lovlies named Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst. They are quite the nifty duo if I do say so myself. I'm not quite sure how to describe there sound. For me personally it has way more of a country-ish sound then I normally go for. But they've got a few singer-song writer tunes as well as a bit of a rock-ish pop sound. You should probably just listen to the mini playlist i've complied for you and tell me what you think! Regardless of the label I try to put on there sound one thing is clear, these guys can write a fun/sappy tune. They've got songs laced with poetic/story telling lyrics and the occasional foot stopmin' hand clappin'. Which are all good things!

I've to warn you, Box Car is my favorite song of theirs and it will get stuck in your head. In a good way of course, until you can't help but sing it out loud. Which can sometimes be awkward, unless people around you know what song has possessed your mind at the moment. SO, if you like there tunes,  you should share them so then you can sing them out loud and only seem semi crazy.

"If they ever come to ask about me, tell 'em that you knew me and you kinda liked me. I ain't afraid to go it on my own, you can make a run and make it all alone. You'll be alright." 

Happy Monday!
-Remi

Lauren Simkin Berke Illustrations

I got something really spectacular in the mail the other day. I received some stickers from a project that I had supported on kick starter a little while ago. Now, I often roam around kicker starter backing random art projects and had totally forgotten about this one. You're probably thinking, they are just stickers. But they are some amazing sticker from a very lovely illustrator! 

We all know that I'm a sucker for illustrations and old photographs so its only natural that I was smitten for LAUREN SIMKIN BERKE. I really like his style of illustrations. They appear simple at first but are actually really complex and full of textures. Which you can see HERE! in some of his sketches. I like that he uses old photographs to work from. Mostly because I love the mystery that old photos of strangers hold. To take something as simple as a photograph and transform it into something beautiful and unique, that takes a pretty special person. I really enjoy this blurb he says about his work. 

"I collect old photographs from flea markets, antique and junk shops and draw from them. They are often family snapshots from the 1920s through the 1970's or studio portraits from the last quarter of the 19th century. I find it strange these document are for sale as part of a consumer market place instead of being in albums on book shelve in the homes of the families of those in the photos. I find myself at the intersection between fascinated voyeurism and determination fo know these documents as well as humanly possible in order to give them a new, longer life." 

Needless to say I'm going to be snatching up some of THESE cards and probably end up buying his new book as well. Check out his stuff, its dripping with awesomeness!

-Remi

Music Monday: Various Cruelites

Hey there! I hope all of you lovelies enjoyed your holiday weekend! I know I sure did. It was full of laziness and new tunes! One of my newest favorites is Various Cruelties. Ok, now I must admit that I first heard this band on a commercial. I can't remember what it was advertising but the song was If It Wasn't For You. It was just so catchy and lovely and I fell in love with the guys higher voice and the kinda sweet rock and roll-ish pop sound they had. Once I listened to the full song the lyrics were so sweet. (which was interesting for having such a harsh sounding name) But after falling in love with that song I needed to find more of there tunes. Needless to say it only took me once tracking through there album to realize its a must have. I mean, sure there are a couple of tracks that are lacking, but as a whole its very nicely done. I feel I've yet to discover the awesomeness that is Various Cruelties, but a bit more poking around on the interweb I'm sure I'll just find more reasons to love these guys.

"If it wasn't for you, I don't know what I'd do. I've got nothing to prove, I've got nothing to lose."

Hope you enjoy this little playlist! Good luck on this fine Monday! (Mondays after a holiday are always the roughest, hang in there cookie!)

-Remi

Black Friday Sale!

       I know I've been ranting on about my discomfort with black friday. But alas we wouldn't be a very good lil' shop if we didn't partake in the festivities. So we're having a sale! We are offering 20% off of everything in our SHOP. The sale lasts from the 23rd to the 27th. It successfully encompasses all the black friday-ness and cyber monday-ness. See, I'm not a complete bum when it comes to the madness! 

I must admit I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my beautiful family. I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend my Thanksgiving. Now I'm just going to be lazy for the rest of week and soak in whats left of November until the Christmas madness begins. 

-Remi

Thanksgiving!

I can't believe how fast time is going by! Its already Thanksgiving tomorrow! Thanksgiving is always a bit of an odd holiday. I mean, it is a lovely holiday and all. I love the idea of eating together as a family and it sort of kicks off the holiday season. But when you really look into the history of Thanksgiving, it's strange holiday. Although, I'm not complaining, I love eating so a day based around eating is totally up my ally. Plus I get to spend the day with the people I love most! 

What's the deal with black friday? I mean everyone just spent a lovely day with there families now its time to go and tackle each other for cheap stuff? It's kinda crazy how agressive people get. I personally will just shop online for the good deals. Although I could probably get better deals after waiting in line in the cold at the crack of dawn. Mostly likely I'll find myself in the situation anyways if my sisters drag me out with them. I suppose it is kind of fun to see all the crazies and snag a couple of neat things for oober cheap. 

But if you're one of those crazy agressive black friday-ers, just remember to be nice. No need to yell at people or plow people down with shopping carts. It is the holiday season after all, so be kind to one another! 

-Remi

Music Monday: Local Natives

Hey! It's Monday..again! This Monday I'm in love with Local Natives! I've been a fan of them since there first album release Gorilla Mannor. They have such a fun and complex indie sound that I just love. They've got poetic, witty lyrics that make there songs easy to listen too over and over again. Which is always a plus! They just released a single called, Breakers. I can't wait for them to release a whole album which is expected to come out early 2013. The song Breakers has there same catchy guitar riffs, but more sophisticated. They have stuck to there same layered goodness and complex building percussion section. I'm excited to see where there new album goes. I've a feeling its going to be similar but better. If that makes any sense. Anyways, I love there sound. Here's a little playlist of my favorite songs of theres. Hope theres at least one song on here that you love! 

"Breathing out, hoping to breath in. I know nothing's wrong but I'm not convinced."

Have a successful week!

-Remi

It's officially winter.

    Well, finally finishing up a cold lazy week. I know what you're thinking by now, when doesn't Remi have a lazy week! I think I'm finally getting out of my lazy funk. Just seems like so many grown-up decisions need to be made and my indecisiveness isn't helping me with any of them. The cold weather isn't helping because all I really want to do is snuggle up in bed. It's 90% harder to get out of bed when its cold! But today I made a giant to do list and I feel like I might be getting back on track to getting stuff done. I'm feeling very creative also, which is a good thing! I sat down today and worked on some sketches and wrote out some ideas. So I'm slowly getting out of this rut. But for now I'm going to lay in bed and catch up on Modern Family episodes and obsessively listen to Lisa Mitchell's newest album. 

Happy Weekend!
-Remi

Nifty Findings: Sweaters!

      It is official  winter has come like a slap in the face. This week so far has been so cold! I mean, knew the snow would bring some chilly nights, but it occasionally brings sunny days. But not these past couple days. It feels like winter is in full force! It's time to dig out all the heavy duty sweaters, jackets, scarves and mittens! While I was thinking about this chilly weather, I realized that I needed some new sweaters. I want to buy something big, thick and cozy. (But still cute and fashionable) So, I went digging around on the interweb. And I wanted to share with you some of my nifty findings! 

Let's just say my list of sweaters to buy quickly became, sweaters that I WISH I could buy. But here are my favorite findings!

    

1: Bear Sweater                 2: Owl Sweater

I think it's safe to say I need an animal sweater! Both of these look so cozy and cute!

                                        

       3: Yellow Sweater                  4: Striped Sweater

I love all the sweaters on Modcloth and Ruche! But I'm especially in love with these two!

Don't forget to keep warm and bundle up!!

-Remi

New Reads!

  Now, I normally don't post very much about books I read. But I've been reading a lot lately and I figured that this blog is just becoming a mash-up of the randomness that flows through my head lately. And I've been reading a lot lately, its one of my favorite cold weather activities. I really just wanted to share this awesome book I finished the other day. It is called Where'd You Go, Bernadette written by Maria Semple. The reason why I first downloaded this book on my Kindle was because of the cover illustration. I know, its horrible to judge a book by its cover.(But how awesome is this one?) I also kept seeing this one pop up all over the place and was recommend on a couple blogs and under the "if you like this, you might like that" section. Now when I first started reading it the lay out was a bit awkward to get use too. Most of it was written in email and letter kind of format. Which after getting use to it I actually really enjoyed it. Over all it was written very well. I felt like I could really relate to Bernadette's anxiety issues. It was funny and touching. It was a good read and I recommend it to anyone!

Now I'm on the quest for a new book! What are you reading lately?

-Remi

Music Monday: Camera Obscura

   Hello! It's a snowy monday this fine November day! This monday I'm listening too Camera Obscura. I love these guys. They have his lovely retro sound to them and sweet cynical lyrics. They have released quite a few ablums, which I have barely begun to dig into. But by far my favorite album is My Maudin Career. For me there sound fits the cold weather appropriately, with the idea that sunny days aren't really that far away. Here is little playlist of my favorite songs. I just want to be lazy and cuddle up with some tea and soak in these lovely tunes! 

"I love how your eye close whenever you kiss me, 

and when I'm away from you I love how you miss me." 

-Remi

Where did fall go?

  Well, all the weather men have been in a fuss all week. Apparently we are due for some snow this weekend. Which I can't say I'm completely opposed too, but where the hell did fall go? Didn't it seem like we were just soaking in the smell of falling wet leaves...and now its time for snow! I must admit I have been spoiled these past couple weeks. We've had lovely sunny weather with chilly nights. Which is my favorite thing about autumn! But I guess winter was approaching whether I wanted it too or not. In the end it's safe to say that time is just going by way too fast.

I was wandering around outside the other day. Its official that death has swept though the living plants outdoors. Here's just a couple pictures I took while meandering. Now, I know that I'm not a that great of a photographer. But that's not gonna stop me! Plus, these pictures turned out pretty well considering I took them with my phone. And really I just wanted to play with the new photo editor on my new computer. I figured so it wasn't a complete waste of time I'd post the pictures.

Anyways, bundle up cause some snow is a coming! Time to get out the mittens!
-Remi

My favorite person in the world! 

Instagram!

Yes, I know. I am a bit behind on the whole Instagram thing. I am just now finding out how kinda awesome it is. I think at first I was a bit reluctant because it was only for the cool iphone people for the longest time. BUT, now I'm finally hoping on the bandwagon. Although, I still feel like I haven't quite gotten the hang of it yet. After my failed attempts at trying to use twitter, I have my doubts. Instagram seems a whole lot easier though, like the simplified version of twitter with added pretty pictures! Anyways, now I can follow all my favorite blogs and people! I was surprised how many people were on there. But then again I am a bit late in the game with the whole technology thing.

I normally try to post at least one doodle a day! Mostly cause it will keep me doodling if I have a goal! That way I'm always trying to be creative everyday. But man, there are some really awesome doodlers on there. So, you can follow me and my random doodles, if you would like too! 

 Follow @remikeahi

-Remi

Music Monday: Matt & Kim

Hello friends! This past Thursday I got the chance to see one of the greatest duos ever.. MATT AND KIM! I think this has to be one of the funnest concerts that I've been too. They just had to so much energy! I mean, what are you to expect from these two. All there songs are high energy songs! But I love how much they interacted with the crowd. It gets so boring when an artist takes the stage and just plays the albums straight though, it doesn't make it a unique experience at all. But these two were the exact opposite! Of course I was stoked that they played all of my favorite songs! And man, that Kim is not someone you want to mess with. Her energy and aggressiveness was enough to plow down anyone! Which is so awesome to see a strong..I mean strong independent women like that. Needless to say, she's the last person I would ever pick a fight with. In the end these guys have released 4 amazing albums. All are worth a good listen too. they've got some happy, dance-able tunes intertwined with meaningful catchy lyrics. All rolled into a neat little uniqueness package!

"Sometimes truth sounds just like lies." 

Have a successful week!

-Remi

Rambling Bits

Wrapping up a very busy and lazy week! I'm not sure how that is to be lazy but still be doing a million things, but that's what this week has felt like. Successfully survived Halloween and all the chaos that comes along with that holiday.We went and saw the fantastic musical duo Matt and Kim last night. Man, do those guys put on an awesome show! So much fun. I finally ordered a much needed new computer! I think I've found the perfect one, thanks to Dirk! Hopefully it's as wonderful as I'm imagining it is! Only time will tell. I've got the sketch worked out for the new banner. Now just the final touches are needed. It doesn't seem like I've accomplished too much this week. But considering I found time to sleep in embarrassingly late and catch up on all the Project Runways. I'd say it was a success! 

Happy Friday! Check out Matt and Kim's new album Lightening! These are my favorite lyrics from the song Now off of there new album. You can listen to it HERE! 

-Remi

Happy Halloween!

Huzzah! Ending the month with this lovely holiday that the kiddies all enjoy! Hope you all have a fun and safe Halloween! Don't eat too much candy and make sure you look both ways before crossing the road! (Seriously though, dangerous stuff.) I wanted to post a spooky Halloween song, but this is the best I could come up with. It's kinda spooky, but more then that its just a fun song!

Cherokee Fade- Witchcraft


-Remi

New sidebar buttons!

In the midst of all the Halloween-ness. I've found some time to try and update the look of the blog a little bit. I've been meaning to redo the buttons for quite sometime. Now you can clickty click and go to the Bright-side Etsy shop, see all the music Mondays  check out some photos and projects we've blogged about! I think that they've turned out well. But now I feel like I should redo the banner and make it match the buttons. That's my next project.

I did these a little different then I've done other things like this. I drew them all out first and then scanned them in and edited them in illustrator. When normally I just open up illustrator and go for it. But computers haven't ever been a strong point of mine. So doing it this way was much more efficient.

Photo by: Jake Buntjer

On a random side note one of my favorite artist JOSHUA JAMES is releasing a new album that comes out next week Tuesday! But better then that you can hear the entire thing online before it's released! Plus there's such a good interview with him about the new album. So far my favorite song is Surrender, but I'm probably going to obsess over this album for a little bit so that is subject to change. On top of ALL that you can download his other album Build Me This for FREE! How amazing is that?! Such an amazing artist and an amazing album! He's just a damn good song writer. Check it out. You'll love him!

-Remi

Music Monday: Random Playlist vol. 2

Now every once in a while I just can't really decide what artist to feature on Music Monday. So today my indecisiveness got the best of me and I just decided to do a random playlist. I was going to do Camera Obscurea for today's featured band, but upon listening to there vast discography. It just didn't fit the feeling of October for some reason. So I've decided to save that for a cold November Monday. I think it would suit the mood better. Also it did cross my mind to do a Halloween flavored playlist. But that just seemed too cliche. Plus I'm not too keen on most of the classic Halloween songs, mostly cause I've been hearing them all month every where you go.

So instead I give you a random playlist of songs that I'm particularly fond of lately. I hope you enjoy this semi-cohesive group of songs. Hopefully you'll start to like these songs as much as I do!

Have a spooky week!

-Remi

Rambling Bits

  Yup it's officially upon us folks! One of the more silly holidays that the kiddies all love! I've gotten my costume done. (well mostly done, just a few things left.) Going to my sisters Halloween party this weekend. Which should be fun! I mean, its always good times when you get all the Germaine sisters together. Also fairly loud for the most part. I plan on watching a scary movie this weekend to get in the spirit of the holiday! (Actually I'm probably going to end up watching Practical Magic, because I'm a chicken and don't want nightmares.) Also candy is a must and probably carving some pumpkins!

Hope you're all ready for Halloween, cause man time is flying by and its coming up fast!
-Remi

STOP Motion Videos

I'm such a sucker for stop motion videos. I mean what's not to love? The patience and creative sense it takes to successfully pull of these off is pretty amazing. I always wished I had the patience of a stop motion animator. I've always been keen to stop motion claymation shows like Wallace and Gromit and Gumby. I still love to watch these shows. (Thank you Netflix!) I just love the feel they have to them. I could spend hours just being blown away by videos like these.



I just love this video. Getting the little guy to swim and float though the air like that must have been a challenge. You almost forget for a minute that it's a stop motion, its THAT good. I found this thanks to one of my favorite art blogs boooom!



Now my favorite part about this one is the crinkly-ness of the hair on the horse. I've never heard of this band before stumbling upon the video on THIS music blog. But if they were smart enough to go with stop motion music video then I'm sure they are worth looking up.

Doesn't it look like fun to make one of these!
-Remi

Nifty Findings: Bows

   I haven't always been a fan of bows, but recently I love them! I always thought that they were a bit girly. I didn't really think it matched me very well. Until I saw a mint green polka dot bow! I just had to have it. Mostly because I adore the color green and I'm totally smitten for polka dots. Afterwards I realized that bows  are the perfect thing to make an outfit look fun and not too girly. 

Bows are actually very handy to have around as well. You can spice up any old hairdo with a bow! Makes a bad hair day better almost instantly. (Depending on the bow and current situation you find yourself in.) But  read THIS awesome blog post on how to style a bow in your hair. I'm personally a under the bun kinda girl, but that's just because I'm a fan of the really high bun. (Yes, the word bun is making my giggle a little bit.) 

My newest addition to my bow collection are these two lovely bows form SPRINKLES CORNER. I love these bows so much! They are nice and big so they don't get lost in my thick messy hair. Plus aren't those colors just awesome. Perfect for fall outfits! 

I'm also very certain that I NEED this bow necklace from the lovely shop FREENA. Isn't it just lovely! Bows are so perfect for adding a little something special on to anything! A little girly.. sure. Is that a bad thing? Not at all. Don't fret if you don't have any bows. You can learn how to make one HERE. Which looks super easy, just have to find some really cute fabrics. Or if you want something for your hair you can make THIS bow. That hair comb looks like it's so comfy in your hair and wouldn't pull at all. I'm going to have to make one of those these days and add it to my bow obsession. 

Bows are so cute! sigh. 

-Remi

Costume Update

Wow, time is going by way to fast these days. Didn't it seem like it was just summer the other day and now its almost Halloween?! My costume is coming along quite well. Although I really should get a move on it, since time is running out quickly. I've already got one wing pretty much finished and all the little pieces cut out. Really its the cutting that takes a long time. Now just pinning and sewing. 

I was surprised how heavy they turned out to be. Which is a good thing, cause its getting quite cold lately  The extra layers will be nice. Once I'm finished with the wings I've to get started on my mask. I think I've got a pretty good plan on how I want the mask to look. So hopefully that means I can finish it quickly. 

So many layers! But I'm loving how the colors are turning out. Although I'm supposed to be an owl, but I've a feeling everyone is going to say I look like a blue bird. So, maybe I'll jut start calling myself a blue bird. Hm, well I'll wait and see how the mask turns out. Over all I'm pretty excited how its turning out so far! Although I did recently find THIS old post on A Beautiful Mess Blog. Which looks kinda really awesome. Who knew bird costumes could be so pretty! 

Aren't homemade costumes the best?!

-Remi

Music Monday: Blind Pilot

       Howdy! This week I'm starting it off right with some tunes from Blind Pilot! Now I must admit this is another great band that I've shrugged off until recently. A little while ago I stumbled upon a whole live set that they had done and after listening to that I was sold. There first album was released in 2009 and they've had another one since in 2011. Both are equally fantastic and I'll probably end up buying at some point. Just to have ( yes, I'm one of those that still likes to buy the hard copy of cds.) I just love the feel these guys have. At first I was a little put off by the pop-ness of it. But upon a second listen I realized that just because it's happy and fun doesn't necessarily make it pop. They've got some nice, poetic lyrics and some percussion that just makes it so complete. The rhythm in there songs is what makes it so listenable and is what makes you want to listen to it again. (at least for me.) This kinda sound just feels like Autumn to me for some reason. But the happy kinda autumn. Like lets go a play in the leafs and maybe dance a bit and drink hot coco afterwards. Ok, maybe that's a bit extreme, but still. Good feeling tunes.

"I didn't know I'm not in control
I didn't know I'm not invincible".

-Remi

Parlor Hawk Kickstarter

     Parlor Hawk has to be one of mine and Zoei's favorite bands. They are now trying to make a second album! You can check out there KICK STARTER and help these fellers out on there quest for releasing an album with out a label. Zoei did a lovely music Monday post about them a while back. Ever since she did that post we've both just fallen even more in love with that first album. For some reason it's the perfect fall music. That first album just really sunk into mine and Zoei's souls that one fall. I don't think there is any other album that carries so many memories like this one does. So if there second album is anything like the first, I really want to get my hands on it.

   Luckily for kick starter I can take part in helping them reach there goal. I have backed a lot of projects, but I haven't seen any one as proactive as these guys. I love when they send out messages and follow ups. You can tell that they really care about this project. Which  makes me want to help them even more. So, check them out! If you love what you hear, help them continue on making music and sharing it with the world! Donate what you can! Spread the word about these lovelies!

-Remi

Halloween Costumes

  It's that time of year again! Halloween! Now, Halloween hasn't ever been my favorite holiday. In fact, it's probably my least favorite. I'm a big chicken and don't like being scared and always got way to stressed out trying to find a cute and clever costume. But now that I'm a older I'm finding it to not be so terrible. I know, that sounds way backwards. Since it is a childish holiday and all. I mean candy and costumes doesn't really scream grown-up. These past couple years I've grown fond of Halloween.

Anyways, this year Zoei and I are going to be owls! I first saw THIS lovely pattern off of Pintrest and thought, we could just do it adult size. I then after a little bit of research I found THIS awesome tutorial. Then I found an awesome owl mask! After that it was decided that we'd be owls for Halloween. I've already started cutting out all the pieces for our wings and dusting off the sewing machines. The one issue that I am having with this tutorial is that it didn't really say how much fabric to buy. But that isn't a real issue. It just means another trip to the fabric store. Which is always a bit fun.

Here are the colors I picked for my wings. I still have a bunch of these wing shape pieces to cut out before I can even start sewing. I'm anticipating the sewing to be fairly quick. well, I hope so at least. I like to think my sewing skills are good, but it has been a while. Anyways, once I get a bit more of it done I'll post more pictures as I go. (Although honestly if I mess up on it a little bit, I might not share that with you.)  I'm thinking even after Halloween I'm gonna want to wear mine around. They are just so much fun! And so pretty!

What are you gonna be for Halloween? You're never too old to dress up!

-Mint~Tea

Nifty Findings: Halloween

One of my favorite thing about blogs is all the creative ideas that people share! Here are some of my favorite Halloween findings that just brilliant and creative! 

I think one of the most important parts of Halloween is the costume. The blog OH HAPPY DAY has so many cute ideas! This lady is seriously one of the smartest moms ever! I hope I'm a creative mom like she is! Check out her HOMEMADE HALLOWEEN section. Such cute ideas! I particularly like the little artists costumes. Oh and this strong man costume. So adorable! 

You know whats better then adorable little kid costumes?! That's right, family costumes! Now these bear heads are just the coolest! The three little bears! How cool is that! The ladies at A BEAUTIFUL MESS make it seem fairly easy. They always write easy to follow instructions. I love that they are slightly creepy.  I kinda want to make one just to have. It would probably make someones day if I was just riding my bike around with one of these on. Or if you want something a little more cutesy. HERE is this lovely tutorial on making a cute lion hoodie! So cute, easy to make and will keep you warm and snugly against the fall weather! 

I've never really been one for decorations. But if you're going to have a Halloween party, you need some killer decorations. These swizzle sticks are so easy to make! Check it out HERE! SHRIMP SALAD CIRCUS always has the cutest crafts that are so simple and quick to do! 

How cute is the wreath?! Halloween is one of the holidays that it's just fun to decorate the out side of your house. I love walking around seeing everyone's creep decorations. I love this wreath tutorial from KYLA ROMA's blog. Just a perfect amount of cute and creepy. 

I think I'm starting to enjoy Halloween maybe a little too much. 

-Mint~Tea

Music Monday: Thao Nguyen

     Hello you. It's the beginning of the week. That means its time for some tunes to kick start this week! Today I give you Thao & The Get Down Stay Down. Now, I've been a big fan of hers for a long time. Shes got those albums that you listen too over and over.Then forget about  until a couple months later and you remember why you listened to it over and over. Well this weekend I'm falling in love all over again with her album We Brave Bee Stings and All. Shes just got a unique style. But not so unique that it's hard to appreciate. If that makes any sense. Most of her songs are a bit upbeat, but with somber lyrics. Which is kinda why I love her. Heavy messages being said with a bright tune. It's the contradicting-ness of it all that makes her songs so lovely. She's also collaborated with one of my favorite artists Mirah. They released an album in 2011 that is pretty killer. Although for me it doesn't have the get down stay down feel to it. It's different  but a good different. It was produced by Merrill Garbus of Tune-Yards. Which I mean come on, that's just awesome! If you like Mirah and you dig this playlist then I highly suggest you by the collaboration album! Now thinking about it the Tune-Yards and Mirah should really get there own Monday. Well, in due time. There will always be another Monday. 

Hope you have a successful week!

-Mint~Tea

Rambling bits

      Hid away from the world for a bit and didn't drag myself out of bed until outrageously late. Played random chords on the ukulele until my fingers were sore. Surrounded by the loveliness of family in the evening. Started a new book today to drown myself in. Drank way too many cups of tea. Finishing up some blog posts that are long over due, that I will post next week. It's only 10:00 pm and I'm already debating if its too soon to crawl into bed. Maybe I'll  hold out for a little bit and catch up on some correspondence. 

Over all a successful Sunday. 

-Mint~Tea

Nifty Findings: Fall

As you all probably already know, I'm just smitten for fall. Today I'm sharing my favorite fall findings of the interweb! First off how lovely are all THESE ideas from A Beautiful Mess blog. Pumpkin pie milkshake?! How awesome does that sound. Plus a cold fall morning with a bowl of baked oatmeal! Sounds pretty much amazing!

Plus the change in the weather also means a change in clothes! Time for sweaters, scarves, hats and boots! I wouldn't mind having all of the THESE outfits! And I need to get a pair of THESE shoes! They are sure to keep my toes warm! I want to wear more hats this year, maybe something like THIS or a headband like THAT.

But fall is never complete with out a nice cup of tea and a good book. Don't those two just fit so well together? Even if it is a bit cliche. But I need to get myself one of THESE cute, sturdy mugs and some of THIS tea to put in it! I'm still working on the book part. On the look out for something cozy and fun to sink my nose into. Especially with all these rainy days we've been having, perfect cuddle in bed and read weather.

Finally to top off all the fall-ness, some fall mixes! 8tracks.com is my new favorite addiction! I'm in love with THIS mix. Oh, and THIS one too!

Phew! Lots of linky love today! Bundle up and embrace this fall awesomeness before its gone.

-Mint~Tea

Bonus video! (For some reason Two Weeks by Grizzly Bear and the movie the Red Balloon always give me the feeling of fall. )

Music Monday: Daughter

Hello! It's Monday! This fall-ish Monday I'm cuddling up to the somber tunes of Daughter. Now, I don't know much about this lovely lady. But I put her song Landfill on a fall mix tape that I did recently I was surprised that it was one of Zoei's favorite tracks on the mix. (Mostly cause its not really Zoei's style) So I decided I should probably look up more of there tunes. Over all I really enjoy the sound they have. Its kinda of a somber, soft sound that builds on its self. The lyrics are really powerful. Which I love. This is a perfect band to put on in the fall. You can curl up in bed with a cup of tea and let the sickly sweet sadness sweep over you. Hope you enjoy this mini playlist.

Have a lovely week.

-Mint~Tea

Perks of Being a Wallflower

Now, I haven't ever rambled on too much about the books I read. Mostly because I felt like it didn't really match any kinda "theme" I had going with our lil blog. But lately I've just been blogging about whatever I feel like. So today I'm ranting on about Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. 

Now this book has been recommended to me by a lot of my pen pals, mostly cause its written in a letter kinda format. And we all know how fond I am of letters. But then I saw they were making a movie off of it and decided that I must read the book before seeing the movie. I am so glad that I did! Cause this book is one of the better ones I've read in a long time. It touches basically every issue that you might encounter as a teen. Yes, I know I'm not a teen but that doesn't mean that you can't relate to it. Its written with intense detail and emotion that makes it a intense book to read. I found myself crying a lot while reading it. Not because it was sad (well, some parts are) but because the emotion in it was just overwhelming. After finishing I couldn't wait and had to go see the movie. During the movie I was annoyed about how many details they left out, but then realized that it would be a freakishly long movie if they hadn't edited it at all. But man, the movie had me a little weepy. By a little I mean I was a mess. But not because it was sad, I think it was because everyone can relate to that kind of emotion. Or maybe I'm just a weepy kinda girl, who knows. But what I do know is that this is now one of my favorite books and an awesome movie.

"We accept the love we think we deserve."

 Read the book, watch the movie and absorb some deep thinking that it has to offer. 

-Mint~Tea

Lovely Letters!

Hello! Just wanted to share this awesome new project! I'm always looking for letter and snail mail projects to participate in. I'm super excited about this one! This one is a little different from others because you have tasks to do. Or like general guide lines to follow for each letter. Which I love because trying to figure out what to write about is the hard part. There is also a deadline for each task. That is really good for me cause I love to put things off and procrastinate. This way I'll for sure get it sent out! I'm off to start task number one! 

Also check out both these lovely ladies blogs!

They are two of my favorites! Modern Buttercup & Kitty and Buck. 

-Mint~Tea