Music Mondays err... kinda of

Wow... an entire week went by and I didn't post!? It was a busy one. My work week kicked off in full gear. I hit the ground running and by Friday I was ready to embrace the four day weekend. If I may, I'd like to shamelessly congrats myself for landing a great business review and raise this past week. I was not expecting it and though, I've been working very hard I'm still only a year and half at the company. I am a firm believer that you work for what you get. Sliver spoons and handouts are not what I believe in nor entertain. It felt so great to have my company recognize my work and reward me. I came home that night with filet mignon! The Mr. and I ate good. Ok, ok.. enough with my spotlight. So, today is a national holiday, Memorial Day,  honoring all who are severing/ have severed  America.  Yesterday while walking around our neighborhood I fell in love with these flags and the house. The one on the left has names listed to make up the shape of the flag.

The weekend has been a great mixture of R&R and good hangs with good people. Friday we hosted  friends for dinner, drinks and stellar times. Saturday was our perfect lounge day. Bryan watched the champions league and I went off to the salon to get my hair done - cut, color (darn greys are creeping in!!) and picked up some styling products. Later that night we made a pizza and snuggled up to watch Casablanca. I had never seen before. Bryan has a penchant for movies and old black and whites are favored. We walked around our neighborhood and romped around old stomping grounds. We BBQ'ed with friends and played a new dice game. We laughed, we drank, we ate... happy hearts. Today, who knows what's in store. We are still HAPPILY in pj's and Bryan is doing the crossword.

Oh, YEAH, it's Monday... MUSIC MONDAY ...eek the post has become a weekend recap. I digress.....

For those who know me well, know I love music. I lean towards certain preferences, but enjoy many genres/types. As a reward for getting my raise I bought four new records (I adore my vinyl collection) here's what I bought ..And Out Come The Wolves by Rancid, Otis Blue by Otis Redding, Temptation's Live and Best of Mo-Town. Yes, punk and mo-town ... I'm girl of many layers! ha.

Upcoming Musical Highlights:

• Alkaline Trio @ The Metro, Friday, May 31 (these local boys are very much a favorite for the Mr. and I)

• The Menzingers @ Sub T, Saturday, June  1 (My sister is coming to this show with us and we are SO excited. The Menzingers is the band Bryan and I drove to Providence, RI to see on my 32nd birthday and was also part of our East Coast Honeymoon trip. WE LOVE THESE GUYS! This will be our 5th time seeing them in less than a year!)

• Glen Hansard @ Millennium Park FOR FREE! What is even more amazing is this gig will be enjoyed with Bryan's friends coming next week for 11 days.  The beautiful Chicago skyline, good people, wine- in- hand, sitting on blankets ... making memories.

• Riot Fest - this is still months away, but definitely a major upcoming highlight for us.

I hope all are enjoying their day and have happy (musical) hearts!

xoxo

Music Mondays

Every Friday night my husband waits for RTE to air The Late Late Show and then streams it from the computer onto the TV.  For those who don't know, The Late Late Show is Ireland's most popular  depressing chat show. Even if we are out and about and come home in the wee hours he is still eager to watch before he goes it bed. Maybe it's a connection from home that he likes to hold onto. I ask he why he watches when it's a sure bet the featured guest(s) will be telling a sob story about all the tragic events in their life. He says, "the show is shite, but sure ye all watch it for the craic."  I say, no thank you! The last thing I want to on a Friday night after a long week is watch a 2 hour long program full of downers and sad tales. HOWEVER, from time to time I can't help but catch it. This past week was one of those times. And, hello, musical guest!! I was instantly blown away by Jake Bugg's performance.

Swoon!

This guy is an old soul exuding musical goodness from every pore! Check this out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY0oPg1h8fQ 

Can't believe he's 18!!!!!

(For more information find him on facebook by clicking here )

Also - really diggin' on the latest album from Two Gallants called The Bloom and the Blight. Here they are singing Winter's Youth, the 7th track off the record. Mmmmm, the gritty, raw, soul- bearing tunes that these two guys create gives me Goosebumps!  

They are playing at Lincoln Hall June 26. We are hoping to see them, but may not make it. We have seen them a couple of times before, but hey, sometimes you just can't win them all.

I hope everyone has happy ears to happy hearts!

Happy Music Monday! xoxo


 

New Beginnings

As I mentioned before, we moved!

Sorting out a relationship with someone long distance overseas is challenging for a number of reasons. One  being that one place never feels like it's joint. It's always the other persons place - regardless of how many items are stashed. So, apartment hunting was especially exciting. It communicated just how far we've come. Where were see ourselves going and provided a blank canvas for all the memories to come.  In total, we looked at 11 places. We each created a apartment wish list. A two bedroom was a must!  Our home was going to be just that - a home, not an apartment - but a place with these huge welcoming arms to warp around each and every guest. Having the chat, the laugh, sharing good food and drink - genuine love is what we offer and want.  

So, yes, we found that place and have it! It's been a very exciting time for us. This apartment is truly perfect for us. It's a great location with access to everything. Overall, we do like how it's decorated with only a few adjustments/additions desired, but those will come in time. Umm, hello 8x10 rugs are EXPENSIVE! 

 Anyhoo, a few highlights that just make my heart swoon!

 This is an area in our dining room. I LOVE sitting at the table with the beautiful huge windows opened listening to a record and sharing good times with .. insert a love, we are lucky to have a few!

This seriously makes my heart all types of happy! My sister-in-law is visiting and was so kind to gives us this gift. Family IS a circle of LOVE!

This painting hangs above our bed. Bryan gave me the canvas as a wedding present to paint something for us. Yellow birds are a significant reference for us so it was a no brainer.

I hope everyone enjoys the weekend and has a great one! xoxo

Ode To An Old Friend

The sun beaming with warmth..
My maxi dress dancing in the breeze...
Sensation of my pale skin turning pink...

During my lunch hour I broke away from mastering public relations to say "hello" to my old friend, Summer. She's so lovely and kind. It was hard to walk away from her and head back into the office.  She is an amazing reminder why Chicagoans endure her evil  stepsister, Winter.

Top 3 reasons I LOVE Chicago in the Summer

1) The Lake Front -  Twenty-six miles long with 31 beaches. Yes, B-E-A-C-H-E-S, in the Midwest!

2) Endless amounts of outside activities... and usually FREE. Movies in the Park, Shakespeare in the Park, Concerts in the Park and Street festivals (not in the park)

3) Alfresco dinning & Roof tops

I had to keep my list to 3 or I would have listed at least 100 reasons.

Happy Summer!

Music Mondays

Oh, hello! Well, moving is a busy task to take on! I was away from here for much longer than what I had planned for. After a long, tiring day it's easy to justify "I'll do it in the morning." However, that "it" never happens in the morning. So, here I am - still tired, but not sitting on excuses.

..so, on to Music Mondays!

I'm excited to read that The Lawrence Arms are currently recording a new album. And, I'm doubly excited, because new album surely = tour!  I'm going to guess they will play the Metro.

Also, The Menzingers are back to writing a new album. Oh, be still my heart. Swoon!

I'm so bummed that the Mr. and I missed The Wonder Years Chicago show. We were so preoccupied with moving that tickets sold out by the time we went to get them.

On the flip side of my punk taste in music, I love me some folky/singer/song writer tunes.   My stellar friend, Kate introduced me to this song by The Oh Hellos. so so sweet.

I can't get enough of these guys! I just want to dance bare foot in lush, green grass, under the warm sun and blue, blue skies!

What are you diggin' these days?