I Need to Move

Photos via Lauren Ross' incredible Tumblr and main photography site.

I just realized: I could really use some dancing around like crazy for no reason right now. :) Hope you're out there doing the same.

Find Your Peace

All photos are frames taken  from the film. Wondrous!

I just discovered this amazing video via YogaDork. Ever wonder what happens when a bunch of New York yogis decide to get together with the collective intention of creating more peace and happiness in the world?

Well, here you are.

Choreography and creative vision by Molly Lehman. Revery Media New York City. Song by Trevor Hall.

A pregnant woman practices on a rooftop. Two commuters stretch out before their train arrives.  A ballerina-like yogi does backbends by the water. This little film is full of beauty.

The Weepies Live in Evanston!

The Weepies are one of my favorite bands ever. I belted out every song :)

The show last night was incredible. I am more in love with The Weepies than ever! Hubs and I smiled, laughed, tapped our toes, and sang along with every tune. Deb and Steve were adorable, as usual, and the band rocked out. I was very impressed by their stage presence, spot-on vocals and silly stories.

They all came on stage dressed in crazy Halloween costumes and wigs, Deb with black lipstick on and long, black hair. Steve was hiding behind a wild side-swept wig and sunglasses, and the rest of the band was sporting awesome hats and makeup. After a couple songs Deb laughed as she introduced them as "The Creepies." It was great.

My two favorite songs were "Can't Go Back Now" from their Hideaway album, and a fantastic ballad sung by just Deb and Steve called "Sing Me to Sleep," from his first album Big Senorita. I really loved all of their charming stories about the inspiration behind songs (anything from spam porn emails to their son playing peek-a-boo to fighting with each other). It was a beautiful night and they sounded even better live than on the recorded tracks. Lovely! Beautiful! Wondrous. I am still grinning and humming their songs.

I've checked another dream off the list :)

In case you don't know The Weepies and their playful lyrics, here are a few tidbits...

Yesterday when you were young
Everything you needed done was done for you
Now you do it on your own
But you find you're all alone, what can you do?

You and me walk on, walk on, walk on
'Cause you can't go back now

-from "Can't Go Back Now," which was my personal theme song earlier this year during a hard time. It inspired me to carry on despite challenge, pain, and worry. I truly believe in the idea behind the song: sometimes, in order to grow we truly have to take steps on our own!

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And at closing time we're a nickel and a dime
In the deep back pocket of America
Trying to find wings or something to carry you home
Right now you better make the best of your situation
Escape through a hole in the conversation
The sun comes up like a revelation and I'm so lonely without you

Baby sing me to sleep turn down the covers ‘cause talk is cheap
Baby sing me to sleep ah turn out the lights
Remember the nights when the rain fell eighteen inches deep
Baby sing me to sleep

-from "Sing Me to Sleep," a tune that's beautiful and heart-wrenching at the same time. "A hole in the conversation?!" Brilliant.

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If you've never been to SPACE in Evanston, you should check it out. They've got one of the prettiest, classiest venues around. Delicious pizza and a warm, inviting yet modern atmosphere with gorgeous over-the-bar lights and ceiling art fans that look like jellyfish!

My view looking up at the ceiling. Jellyfish fans! They were so calming and stylish.

Uncommon Ground, Stomping Ground for Uncommon Artists

Josh and I shared a tasty chai. Their menu at the restaurant is fantastic -- everything's fresh, and most is organic & local too. Mmm.

Last night the Hubs, my friend Shuling, and I ventured down to Uncommon Ground, a ridiculously cool & beautifully green Chicago restaurant featuring some talented musicians. Their atmosphere is lovely -- low lighting (candles + sparkly decorative lights), fall and Halloween items scattered around, and gorgeous original artwork.

The painting hanging in front of our table displayed these big, puffy, white clouds and dreamy-looking tropical birds floating around in bubbles. It was earthy and unreal. Quite dreamy!

Sweet signage outside along 

Even the gorgeous bathroom decor -- with its mosaic mirror and tree ceramics lining the walls -- made me smile.

But the real treat? Calming, relaxed music in a seriously sweet venue. I had never heard her before, but Shuling recommended we come down to check out Kelsey Wild, an NU student and very talented folk singer/songwriter who can also jam on the guitar and piano. Kelsey really belted it out, and her clever lyrics, subdued charm, and hilariously cute shiny shoes and bright orange socks gave me warm fuzzy feelings. I was so happy when Shu gifted me the EP (Wishing Well) featuring each song we listened to, so now I can enjoy her tunes at home.


In case you're wondering, she played: Wishing Well, Fun, Ghost Song, Salt, and The War. 


Bravo, Kelsey! If you'd like to find out more info, check out her website (link above on her name) or her contact page here.

 

Next up it was Landon Smith, a guitar-strummin' guy from Texas who reminded me a lot of Matt Nathanson and Dave Barnes and a little bit of Brett Dennen. He told some great stories about surviving broken equipment, growing up sorta cross-eyed, and performing in front of fans who were convinced he was weeping. Don't worry, Landon, we believed you: sweat dripping in the eyes is no fun; believe me, we Bikram yogis know it! Anyway, thanks for the awesome entertainment, wise words, and wicked talent in front of that mic!


One of the songs Landon played featured his friend Matt Jones, another artist at the show last night. We missed Matt's set since we arrived a bit late, but I loved their collaboration song called "Enjoy the Ride' (it's apparently featured in a teen flick that I hadn't heard of but, according to Landon, is "killin' it overseas!") Keep up the film work, guys. :)


Check out some of Landon's music and silly videos with Matt here. I know I'll be listening 'til I've got lyrics like this memorized:


I will love you as much as I want you to love me... 
(from "Roseanne," a song inspired by Landon's real family members)


Some are scared are living without somebody by their side
You won't control your future; ask anyone who's ever tried
You may not get where you're going... so enjoy the ride.
(from "Enjoy the Ride," the collaboration between Matt and Landon)


Thanks for the great show, guys! Keep in touch and let us know when you're in Chi-town again. Best of luck in your travels & namaste.

Loving Lululemon's New Eagle Bra, Dark Icelandic Chocolate & Design Blogs

Lululemon Athletica carries awesome yogi wear and travel bags. Their stuff is top notch! Photo from their website.

Oh hey again. How's your Thursday afternoon turning out?

Mine is pretty lovely. I'm enjoying a little square of dark Icelandic chocolate (thanks, Whole Foods!), a glass of Cera Sport pomegranate acai berry rehydration mix, and a glance at this new blog I love, For Once, Then, Something.

I'm also meditating on this:

Yoga is the stilling of the changing states of the mind.

- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

I'm saying aaaaaaaah and doing my best not to miss the Hubs too much. Heading to Bikram soon. It's super hot and humid here today, so I'm guessing the room will feel cooler than usual. I hope. I'm sleepy!


I think I'll wear my new Lulu bra that a friend treated me to. It's comfortable, supportive, and sexy. Pretty much a perfect fit!


Now for some rockin' out to folk music (or terribly indulgent pop) on my way to the studio. Enjoy your evening, yogis!

Be My Thrill, Be My Honeypie

That's Steve and that's Deb of The Weepies, a really kick-ass folk/pop band I'm in love with. Check 'em out!

Next up in Letting Out the Domestic: A Series on New Apartment Life...

New Arrivals (It's in the Music)

Have you ever listened to The Weepies? They are one of my favorite bands, a folk duo with some of the sweetest tunes and most charming lyrics you'll find. Plus, Deb & Steve started just as bandmates and are now married with a beautiful little babe and that's just a lovely story all around :)

I highly recommend oogling at the beautiful pics on their Myspace page. You can see the adorable little Theo in all his glory and check out some of their awesome songs.

Oh, and also: they have a song titled "I Was Made for Sunny Days." Who wouldn't want to listen to that on a lovely end-of-summer afternoon?

I just downloaded the new album Be My Thrill and I'm stoked. It's some really great stuff, plus it's getting me even more pumped to see them live at Space in Evanston very soon with the Hubs! I am finally, finally checking them off the list of fave bands to see live.

The other night I was going through all my (32!) old ticket stubs from past shows -- everything from Spoon to Treasure Island fest to The Decemberists and Josh Ritter, too -- and I realized it's been awhile since I've seen some rockin' live music. And quite awhile since I've seen one of those intimate, life-changing acoustic shows that are the ones you really remember.

So, along with all of the other shifts and changes that this fall season will bring, I'm ready for a new arrival into great music, too. Other bands I hope to listen to more of as the weather turns cooler:

Lady Antebellum (for the smooth-talkin' days)

Rise Against (for the crazy days)

Innocence Mission (for the quiet times)

Mat Kearney (for when I'm longing)

The Ghost of Brown County (for when it's time to dance)

She & Him (for the long and winding days)

Amos Lee (for the peaceful moments)

Who are you playing on repeat lately? Who do you listen to get pumped up? To chill out? Who's bumpin' in your backseat on long travel days or in your speakers at home while you're cleaning? After yoga class?

Recommendations appreciated. Enjoy the tun-tunes!

Photo via Algo's Flickr Photostream. Beautiful, isn't it?