Yesteryear Revival

Obviously things haven't settled down too much around here, and that's why it's been so quiet. I'm attempting to stay positive with this post though, so here goes. This past weekend the mister and I got away for a bit. It was much needed. I had a ton of unfinished homework when we left Friday afternoon, homework I knew was due Sunday by midnight, but I managed to get in that car anyhow. I'm so glad I did too. A change of scenery and a little spontaneity did the trick. We went to Chicago to see Tanner & Amanda (& Stella!). We ate so much delicious food, consumed too many drinks, public transited all over, shopped, explored and just so happened to catch a Thee Silver Mt. Zion show! Umm, have you heard of this band? I really hope so, but if not, immediately commence your google, youtube or whatnot search. I can probably hook you up with some links, too :) Not only was the show beyond amazing, but the fact that us seeing this show so last minute came to pass, well that was pretty amazing as well. Literally just two weeks ago I remembered how much I love this band, and I'd been listening to them nonstop ever since. And then it just so happened that they were playing a show the same exact weekend we were in Chicago?! We bought our tickets 30 minutes before sales ended, just hours before the show. I'd call that fate, and I was ecstatic, to say the least. Not to mention the fact that I couldn't imagine seeing this band with anyone but Aaron, Tanner & Amanda. It was perfect. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that they played my favorite song as the encore? And it lasted like 12 minutes. Yeah, perfection. The whole weekend was pretty great really. We got Sprinkles and Magnolia Bakery while we were there, too. T & A definitely know how to entertain. Thanks again, <3 you guys, come visit us soon!

Here's a little taste...

Friday night the mister, my brother and I headed to Lake Lansing for the weekly Sounds of Summer concert.

This week featured Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys, a local bluegrass group.

They were truly amazing playing a combination of covers and originals perfectly suited to their diverse audience.

Surprisingly, I planned a little ahead and packed some delicious snacks for us to nosh on throughout the evening.

Bean & corn salsa w/ multigrain chips, herb goat cheese & crackers, and garlic hummus w/ pita.

Ohh my mouth is watering just writing this post!

We also took some cards and books to keep us occupied.

It was the perfect evening, bugs and all, and one part of summer I will definitely miss come fall.

I love being outside.

Especially when the weather is as beautiful as it has been.

I keep a blanket in the back of my car at all times for spontaneous picnics or naps in the sun.

I am a summer girl for sure.

Give me a book and blanket on the beach and I'm set.

Yesterday evening the mister and I roller-bladed for miles around campus. It was lovely.

Something about summer just makes me want to be active.

I want to play sand volleyball and tennis and swim and ride my bike.

Ahh so many things to do in so few months...

What are some of your favorite summer activities?

I'm back home in Michigan after spending some much needed time in Illinois with my family.

It was really important for me to see for myself that my dad will be okay.

He continues to improve each day, and I'm so thankful.

Tomorrow I'm jumping back into the daily grind which I'm not exactly looking forward to...

but, such is life.

Last night the mister and I, along with Tanner and Amanda, saw Godspeed You! Black Emperor in Chicago.

We bought tickets for the show like six months ago, and over the course of those months the excitement (for me) wore off.

That combined with my recent unexpected trip home made me rethink attending, but I'm really glad I decided to go.

It was an ahhmazing live show.

The continuous flow of music and video feed made for a trance-like experience.

That's the only way I can think to describe it.

I would definitely recommend seeing them live if you get a chance.

Miss me?

This weekend was ridiculous. And it was so because I had to work on Saturday and Sunday.

I know I shouldn't complain.

Lots of people have to work every weekend and at much crappier jobs.

But still. It sucked. And I had to deal with some serious biznatches.

End rant.

So I wore this outfit for a few hours on Friday while shopping.

Hippie-esque dress and cowboy boots- one of my favorite looks ever.

Super cute and comfy.

I would probably wear this everyday if it wasn't so cold right now and if I wouldn't start to smell bad.

I foresee many a spring day when this outfit or something similar will show up again.

By the way- any thoughts on the new hair color?

It's kinda dark, but I like it.

ALSO! I totally forgot to tell you!

I saw Murder By Death last night- for like the 8th time!

They are amazing.

Great musicians and live shows.

Go listen to them now.

:)

Just wanted to stop in for a quick minute and share another playlist featuring some of my favorite ladies of all time.
Enjoy!