Halloween Playlist 2013

Ah, yes.  It's that MAGICAL time of year again; a time for some of the best songs to be played relentlessly on repeat until your ears bleed from all of the charming, eerie spookiness.  Seriously though.  Some of my favorite songs are "horror" themed so it's never a real challenge for me to put together a Halloween playlist of songs for every little girl and boy ghost to enjoy.  Feel free to enjoy them yourself by listening to my selections on Spotify.

1. "Evil" Interpol

2. "River of Blood" The Black Angels

3. "Hell's Bells" Cary Ann Hearst

4. "Blah Blah Blah" Say Hi To Your Mom

5. "Dressed In Black" Shangri-Las

6. "Witchcraft" DZ Deathrays

7. "Alive" Kid Cudi

8. "The Scream" The Cure

9. "Wolf Like Me" TV On The Radio

10. "Dead Souls" Joy Division

11. "Ghost Dream" Blouse

12. "Trick Or Treat" Peaches

13. "Spellbound" Siouxsie and the Banshees

14. "Twilight Omens" Franz Ferdinand

15. "Vicious" Lou Reed

16. "Superstition" The Kills

17. "Bloody Water" Thee Oh Sees

18. "New Fang" Them Crooked Vultures

19. "Midnight Creeper" Eagles of Death Metal

20. "Godzilla" Fu Manchu

21. "Love You To Death" Type O Negative

22. "Pet Sematary" Ramones

23. "Monster Mash" Misfits

24. "Pa Pa Power" Dead Man's Bones

25. "Dead Man's Bones" Dead Man's Bones

26. "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" Blue Oyster Cult

27. "Candy Man" Roy Orbison

28. "Ghostbusters Theme" Ray Parker Jr.

29. "I'm Your Boogie Man" KC & The Sunshine Band

30. "I Put A Spell On You" Screamin' Jay Hawkins

31. "Creeper" Islands

32. "Super Freak" Rick James

33. "Love At First Fright" Murderdolls

34. "Skeletons" Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.

35. "Devil's Playground" Gram Rabbit

36. "Leaves In The River" Sea Wolf

Euphoria

Lots of magnificent things have been happening lately.  It's been really wonderful.  Jason and I took that amazing trip to the west coast.  It's finally Fall, my favorite season, even though the temperatures won't actually start to cool off for another few weeks here in Austin.  Who cares if Texas doesn't experience full "seasons" climate-wise?  Fall is a magical time of year for me - whether it's hot or cold.  It's my birthday month, my favorite holiday's month, there's an exciting new scent in the air that makes everything feel new and refreshing for some reason.  It's simply magic.  There's just no explaining it.

The Breaking Bad series finale happened, and it was even better than I was expecting it to be.  New Girl, Parenthood and Homeland are back on.  The Vampire Diaries is about to be back on.  

I successfully threw Jason a surprise party for his 30th birthday this past weekend, and so many people came out to help us celebrate, even in the gross, rainy weather.  It made my heart so happy!  I can't wait to share some pictures from the big event, thanks to Emily and Sarah, who were my fearless photographers for the evening.  

Pretty soon we'll begin our search for a rental house.  I'm a gigantic ball of nerves every time I start to think about moving.  The hassle, the time, the expenses, the deposits, the headaches, the stress... ick.  Here we go again.  At least this time, we will hopefully be moving somewhere with an actual yard for Fozzie and more square footage for our ever-growing collection of stuff we have accumulated as a couple over the past four years...

Oh, and ACL is this weekend! 

Well, it's just about bedtime for me.  I just wanted to check in and share a few things that have made me feel especially grand as of late.

Goodnight

xoxo

Fall Fashion Favorites

It's that magical time of year again when everyone starts chatting about fall fashion over coffee at their local coffee shops because they're pretending the outside temperature is actually beginning to cool off.  Well, maybe it's cooling off in certain parts of the country, but not here in Texas.  Actually, as I say that, I remember that we've actually had a slight cool front these past couple of days in Austin due to some light rain.  And by "cool front" I mean the high today was 99 degrees instead of 108, but there has been a lovely breeze which really makes all the difference.

I've never been one to actively follow a seasonal "code" of what and what not to wear at different times of the year.  I've always just worn whatever I felt comfortable in.  It's amazing that specific colors are assigned to each of the seasons.  If I want to wear a neon, floral dress in the winter, I am going to do that.  Who cares if I offend someone by my questionable sense of style?  Not me.  That being said, I have been dutifully studying my Vogue and InStyle Fall Fashion textbooks that arrived in the mail a couple of weeks ago, and I'm realizing that it's actually kind of fun to see what trends have been popping up on high fashion runways.  Oh, and I'm pretty much obsessed with the thought that grunge is back.  Nothing makes me giddy like the '90s!

In addition to my Fall Fashion magazine manuals, I have been soaking up tips and tricks from a few of my favorite fashion bloggers, as well as a website or two.  Joanna of Keep Austin Stylish mentions beanies, emerald hues, knee-high lamb socks, leopard print, leather and slouchy pants.  I've never been fond of myself in hats, but something tells me I could rock a beanie into the ground, and I've always loved emerald. 

ModCloth

American Apparel via ASOS

Personally, I think knee-high socks are super hot.  I guess I should invest in some cute boots I can wear them with.  As for leopard print, I don't think it'll ever be not classy and sophisticated.  It's way too timeless. 

Minnetonka

Kate Spade

Leather, however, is a different story for me.  This is a trend I don't think I'll ever be into.  I have never liked leather on me or on other people.  I just think it looks tacky.  And slouchy pants are definitely not the cutest piece of clothing out there, but they sure look comfy.

Urban Outfitters

Aside from these trends, I am also really into these styles for the upcoming Fall season:

Spanx skinny jeans (just released!)

Hunter boots

Tulle ballerina skirt dresses

Printed blazers

Colorblock totes

Suede Lace-Ups

Lacy Blouses

Corduroy Skinny Jeans

Boyfriend Jeans

Itty Bitty Update

I took the above picture this morning when I first got to work.  The chilly fall air seemed the perfect counterpart to the tranquil morning stillness of Lady Bird Lake - I just had to capture it and use the oh-so brilliant new photo-editing app, Afterlight.  

So it's been a little while, but not much new has happened.  Friday night, Jason and I drove out to Gruene to have dinner with my dad and Rebecca at one of our old favorites, Adobe Verde.  Yesterday I went to Evelyn's baby shower with Helen and Krista.  Jason began brewing his first batch of beer today, so we're excited to see how it turns out!  It should be ready for consumption right before Christmas.  The Formula 1 Grand Prix was this weekend in Austin - the first one of U.S. soil since the Indianapolis catastrophe.  I was expecting the city to be in absolute chaos due to the amount of people the event was estimated to bring in - about 300,000 (three times the amount during ACL).  However, I have been pleasantly surprised.  Work has been super slow and chill, traffic hasn't been bad at all (or at least no worse than usual) and it's been an overall pretty positive experience.  

I'm looking forward to tomorrow when my mom, sister and cousin Kaylie come to town for an early, mini Thanksgiving feast.  My mom and I have planned a pretty delicious menu full of my favorite holiday comfort foods.  I have to work on Thanksgiving day, but will accompany Jason to his parents' house that evening for dinner.  It should be a nice, family-filled week.  Cheers to kicking off the holiday season right!

xoxo

Playlist Post: November 2012

Leaves are starting to fall, temperatures are starting to drop (slowly, but surely) and I've made yet another playlist.  Although, October is my favorite month of the year, November, December and January aren't so bad either.  This playlist features some of my new favorites including POLICA and Father John Misty as well as some golden oldies such as Arcade Fire and Modest Mouse.  These songs are best listened to by candlelight with a mug of hot tea.  Enjoy!

Austin City Limits 2012

It was super last minute, but thanks to some interesting/lucky circumstances, Jason and I got to go to the Austin City Limits music festival at Zilker Park completely for free!  I was given two three-day wristbands to the festival by an appreciative guest staying at the hotel.  Because it was so last minute, and we weren't planning to go, both of us were scheduled to work over the weekend which was a bit of a bummer only because I had to wake up early for work each day and Jason wasn't able to go Friday night.  However, we still had a great time and got to see some amazing shows.

Seeing Jack White play with his all-female band was probably the highlight for me because (1) it's the closest I'll ever come to seeing The White Stripes live because, let's face it, they're never getting back together (thanks, Meg) and (2) I've been a huge fan of mostly everything Jack White has ever done, he's entertaining to watch and he's one of the greatest guitarists of our generation.  He opened with one of my personal favorites, "The Hardest Button To Button" and closed with the timeless "Seven Nation Army" which was a sure-fire crowd favorite.  I got to see him back in 2010 with The Dead Weather at Coachella, but this was better because he played a few songs from each of his musical collaborations.

Another highlight would be seeing Ryan Gosling about ten feet away from me (!!!!) as he was exiting the Austin Ventures stage during The Black Lips' set.  He and Rooney Mara are in town continuing filming for Austin director Terrence Malick's new movie.

Friday night I went to the festival by my lonesome and got a bite to eat and a beer before finding a spot for the Alabama Shakes.  Sadly, I could not hear Ms. Brittany Howard too well because of all the chatty Kathys surrounding me, but I stayed for the majority of the set before heading over to see The Black Lips.  I had been wanting to see this foursome for quite a while by this point, and they definitely didn't disappoint. They played one of my faves, "Not A Problem", which they referred to as "a golden favorite."  I was up front for their show because it wasn't too crowded, which I was relieved to find because it was a zoo of bodies pretty much everywhere else in the park at all times.  After that, I got some Amy's Mint Chip ice cream and made my way back over to the Barton Springs stage for the musical delight to my ears that was M83.  Their light/laser effects were pleasing to eyes as well - a perfect ending to the night.

Saturday night Jason went with me and we got to catch the very end of Band of Skulls before going over to the Bud Light stage to catch The Roots and then to AMD for Jack White.  Unfortunately, Jack White played at the same time as Neil Young and Crazy Horse so we had to make a pretty tough decision.  We went with Jack White, but got to catch a couple of Neil's songs as we were exiting the festival grounds.

Sunday night was the last night and we had the pleasure of seeing The Civil Wars (who have stayed at my hotel before), Die Antwoord (for the second time), Iggy Pop & the Stooges (which was amazinggggg!  He opened with "Raw Power" and "Search and Destroy"), Crystal Castles (headache) and then about the first five songs from the Red Hot Chili Peppers because the sound was super bad.  It wasn't necessarily their sound; they just weren't loud enough.  Apparently ACL experienced the same problem last year during Stevie Wonder's set.  Pretty silly.

It was an exhausting, yet fun-filled weekend, and I'm so happy and honored that we were given the spontaneous opportunity to go.

The Little Things

People always say that, in the grand scheme of everything in life, it's the little things that matter the most. Everyone gets caught up in "life goals" and ultimate destinations or deadlines, profits and spreadsheets, but when you manage to get a break from all the day-to-day chaos, you can actually see pretty clearly what is most precious to you.  You just have to remind yourself to pause every so often and relish in the moment.  Breathe deeply and temporarily erase all the little worries eating away at your mind and soul.  I know I sound like a weirdo, but this time of year always brings this out in me.  The temperatures finally start to cool down, I can wear my tights and my boots and walk outside without being immediately drenched in sweat.  I'm reminded that it can actually feel nice outside in Texas, if only for a short while.

Needless to say, I had a great two days off.  After work on Saturday I met up with my Dad, Rebecca and a couple of their friends at Red's Porch for a late lunch before they headed over to the UT football game.  It was nice to catch up and visit with them if only for a brief time.  I also spoke with my aunt who informed me that Nana has decided she no longer feels comfortable living alone, so the plan is for her to sell her car and her house and rotate living with each of her four daughters in three-month increments for as long as she's able.  It's sad to see her lose her independence and suffer from so much anxiety over her health, but I know she's in wonderful hands.  She's still one of the strongest, most beautiful souls I have ever encountered, and she deserves to be taken care of in the best way possible.

Last night I made a delicious dinner of Paul Deen's honey & goat cheese chicken, au gratin potatoes, peas and crescent rolls before Jason and I met up with our friend Amanda at Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter Lane to see LOOPER.  The movie was really great.  The story line was super captivating and intelligent.  I definitely recommend it.  I was a little disappointed with the service at Alamo however, and I hate to complain because I work in the service industry, but really?  How hard is it to make a mimosa?  Yes, I drink mimosas at night.  Shut it. So I ordered a water and a mimosa, and they gave me a Sprite and a champagne flute full of what tasted like 100% orange juice.  Oh and I later ordered a sangria that I never received.  I'm not closing the door on this location by any means.  I realize it's a new theater, and I'm sure they were swamped as it was a full theater.  I just hope our experience is better next time.

Today was pretty relaxing.  Jason and I both slept in, I did a bunch of laundry and we drove (windows down!) to End of an Ear to buy a replacement needle for our record player and each got a new record.  When we got home we caught up on last night's episode of Dexter.  The new season has actually been pretty entertaining so far.  For dinner, Jason made amber ale barbeque beef sandwiches and sweet potato tots while I squealed over the season six premiere of Gossip Girl.  Chuck + Blair 4 lyfe.

Twas a good couple of days indeed.  Now, it's back to work for both of us tomorrow...ick.

Currently

Oh hello friends.  It's Friday night.  Kinda.  I have to work tomorrow so I'm not feeling much like party crashing a wild ruckus tonight, but here is what I am up to this evening...

Drinking: A Fox Barrel Blackberry Pear Cider.  Mmm mmm delish.  I got hooked on these a few months back when I stumbled upon them in the beer/wine section of Central Market.  A cider lover's delight, lemme tell ya.

Listening to: Good ol' Grizzly Bear.  I'm really digging their new album right now so it's made me reinvent my love for the group by going back and listening to their beginnings.  I'm head over heels for the remixed version of the 'Horn of Plenty' album.  Especially this song:

Realizing: There are a lot of shortcuts I am unaware of on my MacBook.  I just accidentally pushed command + G and a weird little search bar popped down under my bookmarks bar.  Also, it's fun to listen to a song on YouTube at the same as a song is playing on Spotify.  Trippy.

Pondering: How narcissistic, rude and self-entitled some people act.  This has been an axe-murdering of a week at work due to a myriad of factors.  I stayed late today to type up a statement for my manager regarding an incident in which a self-entitled jack-booty went a little too far.  I'm just so ready for tomorrow to be over and done with.  Thank god I'm off on Sunday and Monday.

Anticipating: My birthday!  I always look forward to it for some reason.  Hey, maybe I'm one of those narcissistic freaks who craves attention.  Anyway, I already know what Jason is getting me, and I'm super excited to receive it, and I'm moving into my "mid-twenties" which can only be a good thing, right?  Right.

Enjoying: These little baby pumpkins I bought at the store today on the way home.  They just complete my Halloween decor.  Hunter likes them too :)

My Love Affair With October

For as long as I can remember, I've always had a little thing for October.  I can't quite explain it, but every year on October 1 I just feel this great sense of relief and comfort.  It's like every stress, large or small, that I've been bearing in my mind or on my shoulders just eases up a bit, and everything is fresh and fancy-free.  It sounds so silly, I know, but it really is the best time of year.  October also brings my birthday, as well as a few birthdays of friends and family, my favorite holiday, red and orange leaves, a cool breeze, the delicious scent of baked sweet potatoes, Russian sage and aster, memories from the past and Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkins!

As for Halloween - people seem to either love it or hate it.  Well, say what you will about the day of "devil-worshipping", but there are some really wonderful aspects to the spooky holiday.  For me, it has always been such a beautiful example of community togetherness.  Yes, there have been negative cases regarding trick r' treating such as awful people poisoning candy and/or putting razor blades and other harmful substances into kids' goodies, but nothing like that has ever happened to me or anyone I know so excuse me while I reminisce the good.  When I was little my whole family would come to Nana and Pop's for my birthday on the 30th, and many of them would stick around for Halloween and take me out trick r' treating with my mom.  Then, when I was a little older but still young enough for it to be acceptable to participate, I would go around the neighborhood with my close friends collecting candy, laughing at the funny costumes, crying at the scary ones and just relishing in the moment, wishing time would come to a stand still.

It makes me excited to think about the future when I have children of my own and get to celebrate this magical time with them.  I hope they adore all the wonder as much as I do.  I also hope they aren't little sour-pusses like I was every year on my birthday.  It's so strange that I would get so grumpy all of the sudden on my special day and almost always end up getting a spanking or, at the very least, a good talking-to.  I think I would just get overwhelmed by all of the emotions I was experiencing - excitement and delight to be surrounded by everybody I love, the opening of all those pretty little gifts.  And I've always gotten really anxious when I'm with opposite sides of the family at the same time and friends from different friend circles.  I always feel like I'm not giving each person enough attention, or giving some people too much attention.  I'm silly like that I suppose.

Let's see if I can remember all of my Halloween costumes.  I've been a witch, Jasmine from Aladdin, Meg from Hercules, Dorothy, a clown, a '50s diner waitress, an angel, a can-can dancer, Marie Antoinette, a vampire princess, Linda from The Evil Dead, the Virgin Mary, Courtney Love...and that's about all I can think of right now.  I'm sure I forgot quite a few costumes, but those are the ones that seem to stick in my memory.

So there you are, kids.  Now go enjoy the beginnings of Fall and that fresh October air we all love so much.

xoxo