On Repeat: Eisley

If you met me on the street, you would probably know that my favorite band is Eisley because I own at least five t-shirts and wear them all the time. My friend Brooke introduced me to Eisley in 2006 with Marvelous Things, which creates such a dreamy musical landscape that you can't help wanting to hear more.



The band members of Eisley are all related from Tyler, Texas and formed way back in 1997. They emerged on the Dallas music scene in 2001, and have since released four studio albums and numerous EPs.

I tried to catch them playing a few years ago when they released their third studio album The Valley, at SXSW where my husband was also playing. Sadly between running between my husband's shows, and the line to grab my RSVP pass I only got to listen from outside the venue.

Smarter is my favorite song off The Valley:



I finally got to see them live when they played here in Lubbock, and I bought tons of merch! Here are a few crummy iphone photos:

They just released their fourth studio album Currents, which is just as magical as all their other albums. You can definitely hear the progression of Eisley as a band, and the expansion of their musical prowess on this album. So far my favorite tracks are Save My Soul and Millstone.

Here is an acoustic session featuring songs off the new album:



If you just can't get enough, most of the members have side projects:

Sucre'

Perma

Rising Fawn

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Her hair is getting long, so I've been looking for some cute headbands to keep it out of her face. I found a tutorial to make the ones you knot, but I think I'll end up ordering some off Etsy. Let me know of any cute headband shops.

This past week was filled with a visit from MeMe, climbing on the couch, learning to feed herself from the squeeze pouches, and finding out some snacks aren't too bad. This lady is on the move, and will probably be walking in no time!

That's What She Said Sunday

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No one ever tells you about the real life happenings of a stay at home mom. You read all the mommy blogs trying to prepare yourself, but most of those blogs are staged. You learn this after you have a baby and you never sleep or have a free moment to yourself. Makes me wonder if those staged moms are robots, or wizards that just have house elves (I'm going with wizard).

Free time becomes a hot commodity. Those days of shopping, showering, going out to eat, hanging with friends, watching something besides educational kiddie shows/My Little Pony, or talking to your spouse about something besides poop are over. Some parents may have got a system down, and are able to function as active members of society...me I'm lucky if I'm able to brush my teeth and put on pants (apparently leggings aren't pants).

So what keeps me sane besides talking to real people via twitter and the occasional face time with my sister? Making dolls, scrapbooking, sketching, painting, writing in my journal, baking, dreaming. As a creative I need some alone time or I go insane and Hulk out. I need that time to hear my thoughts, let out some ideas, get my hands dirty, or just vent to my journal about how I haven't slept in days and would love a shower. I spend 24/7 with Amelia and I love her more than anything, but getting that hour by myself keeps me sane enough to keep going when there's laundry, dishes, diapers, puppies, teething, toys, baby food in my hair, and a crying baby to cheer up. I will never have one of those picture perfect houses or be dressed to the nines, and seriously who has time for that?! I would rather spend my time with family, and my limited alone time doing something I love and that keeps me sane. I don't need to prove to anyone that I'm a wizard....

What keeps you sane?

Moodboard: Too Cute To Care

It seems like my tough girl side is showing in this month's moodboard. So watch out, because I'm too cute to care!

*I've been craving sweets, and Pocky isn't cutting it! I've had red velvet cupcakes and made some yummy brownies from scratch recently. I recommend everyone eat cake, whenever you want...even for breakfast (I do).

*Clearly I'm loving green hair! I just got mine dyed mint green, and its awesome! (Thanks Kristyn!) I've had my eye on Enchanted Forest from Manic Panic...maybe for fall. Also, I wouldn't mind being a Blythe doll when I grow up! Have you seen Littlest Pet Shop?

*My life revolves around My Little Pony Friendship is Magic. It's Amelia's favorite show! I think Pinkie Pie is her favorite (mine too). I want to draw a pony that looks like me. I wonder what my cutie mark would be?! What would your cutie mark be?

*I can never get enough Sailor Moon! I saw a box set of the first 6 manga the other day. I only have the first 4. Also, I saw on Instagram where someone wrote an after story arc and is selling it....but Chibi Usa is my least favorite character. My favorite character is hard to pick...probably Sailor Venus or Saturn. Who is your favorite character?

What kind of mood are you in?

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This past week Amelia attended her very first concert. My husband plays in the band Thrift Store Cowboys, and they were having a free outdoor show at the Buddy Holly Center here in town. Amelia didn't really know what to think of all the people and the loud music, but she had fun and got to see her friend Lucille.

My husband is the bass player in the bright yellow t-shirt.

It was nice to get out of the house, see friends, have a beer, and watch my husband's band. I hadn't seen them in about a year, since they played the Buddy Holly Summer Showcase the year before.

Have you seen any shows this summer?

 

Manga Quest: Kitchen Princess

It's no secret that I like cute things. Add in baking + romance and you get Kitchen Princess. Kitchen Princess is a shoujo manga written by Miyuki Kobayashi and drawn by Natsumi Ando. This manga started my obsession with wanting to eat flan, and made creme brûlée take a back seat.

Sadly I am missing a few volumes from my collection: 2, 3, and 6. My manga quest is to buy these volumes and re-read this adorable, feel-good manga.







Kitchen Princess is about an aspiring young chef with a flawless since of taste and a heart of gold searching for her "Flan Prince". This mission takes her to the prestigious Seika Academy, where she faces many challenges and love interests.

If that doesn't have you sold, there are super cute recipes at the end of each volume.



Do you have any manga to recommend for my next Manga Quest?

That's What She Said Sunday

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The first time I heard of Felicia Day, was when my friend T had us all watch Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog. (It's hilarious, you should watch it).

Then I discovered she was a potential in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (only one of my favorite shows ever!).

Then she was cute and quirky in Eureka. Seriously Holly and Fargo are super cute!

Then I started following her on Twitter and Instagram.

Then she popped up in an episode of Supernatural, where she was super awesome and hilarious. I also wish I had her apartment in that episode (The Girl with the Dungeons and Dragon Tattoo), and if I start talking to Hermione like she's my conscious you'll know where that came from...

Then my husband mentioned The Guild, which I've only watched a few episodes of, but seems pretty funny. Although I am not a gamer, my husband and most of my friends are, so I sorta understand what is going on.

Then I saw her video about what her definition of a geek is, and was kinda blown away with her conviction.

I like that she has the guts to do her own thing, and not care what anyone thinks of her. I believe everyone should be that way. It's a hard thing to do, especially when you're into something unconventional, not mainstream, or whatever.

I think it's easier to be who you are and like whatever the hell you like, when you find your people. You know the people who like the things you like, and will support you and encourage you to just be awesome.

 So go on being you, and being happy. Find your people, and encourage each other. Ignore the haters, they're probably at home doing whatever they're hating on you about in secret because they are too scared to be themselves.

 Things I like to do that may not be considered "cool": read manga, watch anime, play cute video games, watch Korean dramedies, watch tons of sci-fi shows, dye my hair crazy colors, not dress my age....

What things do you like or do that may not be considered "cool" or "mainstream", even "geeky"?