Happy weekend lovelies!

Project Thursday was semi-productive yesterday…We discussed new changes for the blog and did some inventory of items for our Etsy shop.  There will be lots of updates coming soon, so make sure you check it out.  We also can’t be without treats on a work afternoon, right?  Brownies were definitely the best part – in my opinion.

Today was a very long workday for me and it felt like it.  I worked 10 hours and threw in a couple of errands before heading to Starbucks(best place on earth) where some friends were playing a little patio concert.

It was a very relaxing end to a busy day and I loved every minute of it.  Tomorrow, Stephanie and I are heading thrifting first thing in the morning and I am so excited!  I haven’t been thrifting in too many weeks and I miss it desperately.  This weekend will be a little full, but all fun things with the family and I am really looking forward to it.  Do you have any fun plans for this weekend as the end of Summer approaches? (yay!)

Love,

Stormie Dae

My kids decided to make a band yesterday – pots and pans for drums, and a couple guitars (one that was missing a string).  They jammed in the living room for quite awhile, and it made me want photos of the event.  I set up a “band area” in the living room this morning, and got out Tristan’s vintage accordion and an old snare drum that he has.  I also used my vintage Jaymar toy piano, and let the kids choose what they wanted to play.  It took some coaxing because 2 of the kids (who shall remain nameless) were having a bit of a bad attitude…but they finally warmed up to playing for the camera.  The drum was in pieces, so it wouldn’t really stay together, and the front of the accordion kept falling off.  Oh well.  As is real life.  These photos crack me up!  They are far from perfect, and some are blurry (I really need a new camera), but they are cute.  These kids are always cute.

Love,

Stephanie May*

P.S.  I can’t wait to see them play in a real band someday:)

It has now officially been 7 days since my last post.  Remember when I said I would update every once in awhile with photos?  Well…I’m a liar.  Remember when I said I was going to be very busy working for a music festival this weekend?  Well….that was true.  This year I had the privilege of working with the photo and video team for the festival – amazing group of people, I tell ya.  I LOVED my outfit for the festival, but I was way too tired all day to take many photos so I don’t think I ever got one of my full outfit which bums me out.  I also didn’t get many photos in general, so this is just what I could find on my camera and since it’s been so long, I have quite a few photos for you from before Saturday – this is my week in a nutshell:

My mom and I were working on a backdrop for a photo booth at the festival.  Hot glue + Stormie = no bueno apparently.  I literally squeezed out a HUGE circle of glue on this thing and proceeded to put my thumb right in it.  Of course I had no ice water nearby so I had to wait for it to burn my finger while cooling down so I could take it off with my other hand.  I almost cried…almost.  Then I iced my finger for 2 hours and since it was still hurting, I wrapped it in black duct tape and pickled it with aloe.  Problem solved.

I admit it, I am an over-packer.  But this time I did really good with not over-packing on clothes.  Accessories, that’s a different story.

I had to get all of my work done for the festival before Thursday last week except for set-up the day before so when I got off work early on Thursday, I was able to walk around the festival grounds and take photos – the sun was so gorgeous and it was very relaxing.

My sister and I were doing some data entry on Friday and it was scorching hot but we already had loads of water and needed the caffeine so our sweet dad picked us up some Dr. Pepper(best drink ever) and ice…so nice.

This is the most beautiful piece of equipment I’ve ever seen…and I got to touch it.  Yes, you should be jealous.  It’s called a Steadicam and one of my video team members(Payton) owns it – he is the most talented 16-year-old I’ve ever met.  Actually, he is the most talented camera man I’ve ever met, period.

Last minute details on Friday night to prepare for Saturday, the big day.

Part of my video team – these guys rocked it!  And that’s Payton in the middle, with his Steadicam.

My niece and I, before I lost all energy to the sweltering heat of the day…she apparently was not in the mood for photos.

This is the backdrop that was out to injure my poor thumb.  We made it with plastic tablecloths and it was for our official photo booth at the festival.  This is my Media Manager, Chris(also my tattoo guy) testing out the natural light, which looked awesome btw.  I don’t know, I think he kind of liked the photo booth, don’t you?

Just taking a little break in the golf cart.  By this point in the day I was completely unable to hold coherent conversations with anyone…I was a little loopy for sure.

And my feet were dirty…really dirty:

This is at about 1:30am on Sunday after the festival…gotta be honest, I didn’t feel like I looked as horrible as I felt at that exact moment…the festival was so much fun and everything ran so smoothly, best year yet out of the 4 years we’ve done it, for sure!  Did you get to make it out to the festival?  What was your favorite part?

Love love

Stormie Dae

This week…I am scheduling, emailing, making phone calls, working on photo backdrops and generally trying to get as much rest as possible…although that’s at the bottom of my list and will probably be the most likely to not get done.

Saturday is the big day…the music festival that I’ve been working on for months will be over in 6 days.  Holy heck, it’s so close!  That being said, I am making excuses now and saying that I will mostly be MIA on the blog this week.  I will post a photo here and there but no super-involved time-consuming posts for me, thanks.

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Here’s to a crazy week ahead.  Go.

Love,

Stormie Dae

I have loved Death Cab for Cutie for over 10 years now.  I can’t believe that it’s been that long.  I was only 18 when I first went to see them (yes, I remember the exact date, March 19th, 2001) at a small bar by the name of Cat in Denver.  It was a $7 cover charge, and I remember wondering if it was worth that much money to see a band that I had never heard of.  I’m so happy that I decided it was.

Death Cab for Cutie released their 7th full-length album, Codes and Keys last month.  I have been pleasantly surprised by it because they started to lose me a little on their last album – Narrow Stairs. I didn’t dislike it, just didn’t feel the same connection that I had with earlier albums like, The Photo Album. I am so happy to be reunited with these 4 guys.  They are amazing and wonderful and electric.  I love em and I definitely think that you should take a listen:)

What are you listening to these days?

Love,

Stephanie May*

The past 2 days have been filled with the glorious sounds of We Are Rising – the second full length album by Son Lux.  I’ve been anxiously anticipating it’s release for what feels like years, and I am so happy that it’s finally here and tagging along wherever I go.  I first heard about Son Lux (a.k.a Ryan Lott) via Nathan Johnson’s blog last year, and I was instantly intrigued to know more about his creative and unique sound.

The really amazing thing about this album is that it was all recorded in the month of February at the request (or challenge) of NPR’s All Songs Considered (read an interview about the project here).  It seems like having such a short time limit would really affect the results of the album in a negative way, but it’s hard to imagine it being any better than it is.

You can listen to a full album teaser with explanations by Ryan here.  I love SO much about this album – the sound of his voice, the unique placement of the instruments used (the celesta might be my new favorite sound), and the highs and lows felt through each song.  Favorite songs – Rising and Claws….and All the Right Things.

Great music makes my heart happy ♥

Oh!  You have to watch this awesome video about the making of the album cover (above) – I’ve watched it several times and now, my daughters come running to watch it with me when they hear the song Rising come on:)

Buy & buy.

Love,

Stephanie May*

I am SO enjoying blogging about my current music favs, and today is no exception. Eisley is a rock band comprised of 4 siblings, and their cousin.  Their family roots make them instantly cool, but their music takes them to a level that hits right around “insanely awesome”.  Eisley just released their 3rd full length album, The Valley (which I happen to be listening to as I type) and it is truly amazing.  The album is full of passionate, (sometimes painful) lyrics, and accompanied with beautiful melodies/harmonies and strong drum beats.

The band just came through Denver on tour, but we were previously engaged and couldn’t make it to the show.  Blast.  Please come back to Denver soon.  Pretty please?

If your interest is peaked at all, I really really recommend going and buying The Valley right now – only $5 for the whole album.  You can thank me later:)

Listen to 2 of my favorite Eisley songs here & here.  I ♥ them.

Love,

Stephanie May*

Florence Welch’s voice and style are electrifying.  Two of my favorite songs here & here.

What music is inspiring you these days?

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Don’t you just love headphones?  I do…especially because they let me listen to music – which is divine.  Yesterday I noticed that when I am really groovin’ on a song at work, I start typing in rhythm with it.  It gets a little strange if it’s a really fast song, but I think it actually makes me more productive.  That might seem weird, but I kind of like it.  The song I noticed it on was “Festival” by Sigur Ros(greatest band ever in case you didn’t know)..go listen to it.  I bet you’ll type in rhythm with it.

Anyway, last night I was looking through my Nylon magazine and saw this ad:

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It reminded me of how much I love headphones.  And colorful/cute headphones?  Double bonus.

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These are pretty much my fav. {Source}

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Happy Friday loves – see you Monday!

Does anyone else have a to-do list a mile long?  I really really love this busy time of year, but I always make plans to do more more more, and then get discouraged when I can’t find the time for it all.  Even now as I look around my living room, I see boxes of Christmas decorations on the couch, a sewing desk that is filled with all manner of things not related to sewing, and half finished paper chains (2 down, 8 to go!).  Oh, and did you know that tomorrow is December 1st?  Big, hefty sigh.  Don’t worry about me.  I’ll make it through.  Cinnamon toast, chocolate chips, and raspberry tea will help me get there:)

One thing I’ve noticed this year, is that I really want a simple Christmas tree.  The thought of piles of glitter, ribbon, and cheesy ornaments makes me feel a little sick, so I’m totally loving these ultra simple, GORGEOUS trees:

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In unrelated news, my husband Tristan and I went to see Blonde Redhead perform on Saturday night in Denver, and it was an amazing night.  You really do experience music differently at a live show.  Their music had an electric connection for me.  I really can’t explain it further.  It was my 2nd time seeing them live, and I hope to see them again…really soon.

Sparkly pants and an amazing white “bearded” mask.  Looks a little strange, but you really had to be there – electric.  Here’s to long to-do lists, cinnamon toast, and bearded masks.  Merry Christmas.