Musicphile time

So, if you haven't noticed already, I am quite a musicphile. I think it is just in my blood. I thought it may be interesting to share with you, what I listen to each week. (I'd love to hear your jams/ recommendations too.) I have added a link list on the sidebar, and will post/highlight 3 or so albums/artists a week. Here it goes.

Ivy : In the Clear
I've been a fan of Ivy for some time. In fact, the track 'Edge of the Ocean' is on my top favorite songs of all time list. Their newest album, "In the Clear" clear came out in 2005. It is a pretty great album, a little poppy with a frenchy feel. I've never heard them played there but it seems like it one of those albums that you might hear playing in a nearby Starbucks or Gap. Heard of Stereolab? I think perhaps they are musical cousins. Pitchfork gives it a 6.5, Itunes customer reviews 4.5 stars. My favorite tracks : Nothing but in the Sky, Thinking about You, Clear my Head. Go here to listen to more.

Here is the song, Thinking about you, played live.



Jose Gonzalez : Veneer.
This album is awesome acoustic, chill music. A perfect choice for a road trip, or background music while painting your walls or sitting on the couch catching up with a good magazine. If you are familiar with Nick Drake, I think Gonzalez has a similar sound and style. I love Jose's soft vocals and my favorite songs from the album are : Crosses, Heartbeat and Stay in the Shade. Pitchfork gives it a 7.0 , Itunes customer reviews 4.5 stars . I like this excerpt from the itunes album review, "Gonzalez is definitely a member of the "quiet is the new loud" school founded by Elliott Smith and Kings of Convenience. Veneer is about as intimate as they come; it sounds like he is sitting right at the end of the bed singing just for you." To hear more of his great music, go here.

Here is the song Crosses played live.


TV on the Radio : Return to Cookie Mountain
When I think of the term wicked, - I think of this band. Lately, they are my new favorite band to rock out to. They are a little more heavy for those of you like to keep it more chill. Not your average pop/rock genre. In fact, to be honest, at first I really didn't care for them, but boy did they grow on me. Pitchfork gives it a 9.0, Itunes customer reviews 4.5 stars. Killer tracks I like: Province, Wolf Like Me, Hours.

Here they are playing Province in Brooklyn. (where they are from)

Way to wear it.

Saw a girl in the airport wearing a puma watch similar to this one, thought it was cool. I didn't even know they made watches. In the past, tokyo bay and diesel watches have been my favs. I think watches are one of the ultimate accessories.

Mischa + Nanette

I used to wear keds way back in grade school, in fact, I would line up all the bright colors in my closet, and smile. Since the whole celebrity endorsement with Mischa Barton (who reminds me of my little sis') and their be cool campaign, I have found myself looking at them once again. Nanette Lepore has even jumped on the wagon.

Japanese love

Cool finger puppets by Syuzi Pakhchyan seen at craftzine.com

The 4th

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. ~Erma Bombeck


image via martha

I don't sew, but wish I did

Pretty patterns + fabrics just make my heart flutter. I love these sites.

Denise Schmidt

Purl Soho:

Repo Depot

Cia's Palette

Warm Biscuit : great children's fabrics



Inspiring crafters:
Hello my name is Heather : Heather Bailey's studio alone, makes me want to learn
wee wonderfuls
posie gets cozy
angry chicken

An old friend of mine, returns.

I used to subscribe to Victoria magazine, but unfortunately they stopped producing it back in 2003. This weekend, I received a notice that they are bringing it back! I am excited to see what they do. For those of you who haven't heard of it I think that this sums it up:

"Victoria was the authority on romantic living, including home and garden, fashion and beauty, food, home decorating, collectibles and profiles of remarkable women. Its mission was to create a community of kindred spirits – those who recognize the importance of beauty and manners and traditions in daily life. In its new form, Victoria magazine will once again take its place as the official guide to gracious living."