Thursday, December 27, 2012
Reflective Style: New Year's Eve Wear
The word for December is "reflective." It's the end of the year and it's time to look inward to decide on changes that you may want to make for the upcoming year. Whatever you decide, why not take this theme with you when you kiss 2012 goodbye? Here are our choices for a "mirror inspired" style story to bring in the New Year. It's got it all: glitz, glam, just enough sparkle, and it will reflect who you are!! So it's time to ask: mirror, mirror on the wall, who do you want to be come next fall? 1/1/2013 at 12:01 a.m. is the perfect time to start being that person.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Reflective Music: the 2012 soundtrack
2012 had it's ups and downs, but music was steady and strong. I always like to think of my life in soundtracks, so I am sharing this year's with you. In this post, I've listed the songs that earned heavy playing rotation and captured our hearts for one reason or another. Check them out and don't forget to participate in our "guilty pleasure" poll at the bottom.
Opening credits to a movie based on my 2012:
Opening credits to a movie based on my 2012:
"Strange Love" by Theophilus London
Let's face it. My 2012 was filled with a lot of eerie days and strange dates. This is so fitting that even if it wasn't a killer song, I would have had to add this to the 2012 soundtrack. "Strange love, strange misery. Strange hearts beat so strangely. Was I right? Was I wrong? Was it you all along?" And for all of those who might be wondering the answer to this final question: no, (un)fortunately it was not that particular "you" all along.
"Don't mess with me, I'm a bad ass" award:
"Ima Read" by Zebra Katz
I'm about as threatening as a Panda bear. No one ever in history has been attacked by a Panda bear. Wait, hang on while I fact check. Okay... so apparently that isn't even remotely true (who knew?!), but you see my point. Pandas are sweet, cute, and kinda lazy. I generally aspire to be panda-like. However, when I blast this song, I'm nothing but all Grizzly.
"I have a broken heart, help me wallow" award:
"Climax" by Usher
This here's a fun 2012 memory. This summer, my family and I went to the beach. Adam, Zack, and myself were all jonesing on this song at the moment and at the time, it was poignant for each of us. (Divorce for me, breakup for Adam, and Zack is just sad he isn't Usher). Every car ride, every free music moment, we were busting out the falsettos at unimaginable decibels. Kids were so annoyed, they begged me to delete it from my ipod.
Best 80's comeback song:
"Come On Eileen" by Dexy's Midnight Runners
In it's early 80's heyday, this song was all the rage. In fact, it is generally classified as one of the greatest one-hit wonders of all time! With the release of The Perks of Being a Wallflower (great movie/book/soundtrack - you should look into it), this song became a repeat offender on my ipod. I loved it in the 80's, 90's and hey - might as well take it with me through the decades. Check out this amazing scene and tell me you don't love this song:
Best sing-along/ karaoke song:
"Break My Stride" by Matthew Wilder
Another 80's gem that re-captured our attention this year, CT and I have made a video or two of us singing and dancing to this song. This video does not need to be seen, but let me assure you - live performances could occur if the price was right. And how boss are these lyrics: "Ain't nothing gonna break my stride, nobody's gonna slow me down, oh no- I got to keep on movin'!'
"I'm so psyched for tonight, I have to dance around the house" song:
"Ass Back Home" by Gym Class Heroes
I can't really count how many times we actually did this, but it was a-plenty. This was such a fun year with so many good memories. That's an odd thing to say after a divorce, but I like to think that I made the very best of it, and I thank my friends for bearing with me while I blasted music throughout my house and danced around at all hours of the night, sometimes in my sleep. Sometimes, no matter what you are going through, you just need to dance your ass off.
"I don't care if the world ends on 12/21/12, this song is awesome" award:
"Safe and Sound" by Capital Cities
This video is one of my favorite things in the world and if I could make it be a piece if artwork in my house, I would happily do it. That and a poster of the Auryn from The Neverending Story. Seriously, doesn't it just make you happy? And the editing and choreography, just simply... amazing. It means that no matter what hell is going on in the world, we'll always be okay, safe and sound, as long as we have that special something that makes us a little light on our feet.
"Roll that window down, it's gorgeous outside" song:
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"Roll that window down, it's gorgeous outside" song:
"Love on Top" by Beyonce
Diva woman busts her chop like no other in this song, but what is the most remarkable thing about this tune is the 90's soul vibe of it makes it sound fresh. Seems oxymoronic, doesn't it? Whatever. It's a ball of fun in less than 5 minutes. And what's the best way to enjoy a song like this? With your besties, singing loudly with the car windows down on a sunny day.
"I'd stay at least 1,000 feet away from this band 'cause they 'bouts to explode!" song:
"Forever" by Haim
I currently love this song so much that I wanted to place it into just about every category. It's freakishly addictive. I absolutely adore the message. We've all had relationships that take all of our energy until they suck us dry. Well, for once, there is a song that doesn't wallow in sad violins about this topic. Instead it actually makes working to get along with someone you love sound sort of like fun.
"Best live performance, we promise" award:
"We Come Running" by Youngblood Hawke
The live performance is amazing, the song kicks ass, and hello you-are-the-sexiest-man-alive Sam Martin. If you are going to take any of these songs with you into the next year, it should be this one and aforementioned "Forever." I actually had no idea who this band was until they opened for Passion Pit, and they were a blast to watch. Let's just say that two straight girls and one gay man fell in love with this strapping lad. Can you blame us?
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6 & 1/2 theme song of 2012:
"Brains Out" by Caotico
Nevermind the message, this song is all funsies and phenoms. Don't put this on your kids ipods, but definitely give it an adult listen and try not to smile. It's our jam. Again, don't read into the message. Just listen and love.
Closing credits to lead me into 2013 song:
"On Top of the World" by Imagine Dragons
2012 was tough, I'm not gonna lie... but it has led me to where I am now and I am very thankful. So far, the stars look aligned for my 2013 to be incredible. Hope yours do, too! This is a perfect song to close out the year and look toward the next. "Cause I'm on the top of the world, ay. Waiting on this for a while now, paying my dues to the dirt. I've been waiting to smile, ay. Been holding it in for a while, ay. Take it with me if I can. Been waiting on this since I was a child, ay, I'm on top of the world."
"It was a guilty pleasure song, admit it:"
This one is for you to decide. We will admit that all of these songs were present on our ipods at some point during the year. How long they stayed there, we will never tell. So - no one has to know your identity - just tell us which ones you actually listened to and enjoyed. Poll away my lovelies.
- MORGZZ
Friday, November 30, 2012
November Fashion: Appreciating Fashion that Matters
Tomorrow concludes the end of "appreciative month" and the beginning of "reflective month." Today, I want to do a little bit of both. How's that? Well, I want to reflect on how I can help the people in the world by appreciating those around me. In order to do this, I am thinking this is a perfect opportunity to start gift buying for a cause. A few years back, my family began donating to charities in the other person's name as a Christmas gift. This is wonderful idea in theory. However, when you add in a fashionable bonus, it becomes a bonafide Christmas miracle. So we here at 6andahalfthings have taken it upon ourselves to research a few companies that take philanthropy so seriously that they donate a huge portion of their profits to people in need. They also employ people in need to give them jobs. It's really a win-win-win type of situation. Check out these three options for your gift buying extravaganzas. You can also click on the little sound icon just below for a little tune for your reading.
1. The Giving Key
This is such a cool company. They employ people who are trying to transition from homelessness, first of all. Secondly, the company was started by singer/songwriter Caitlin Crosby who was simply trying to deliver the message that no matter what hardship someone is going through, they should always be reminded that they are special, one-of-a-kind, and loved. Each key is recycled, and should continue to be recycled. Each owner is encouraged to "pay it forward" when they encounter someone who needs the key's message. Click HERE to order a key for yourself or someone who could use the message this holiday season.
2. Me To We
1. The Giving Key
This is such a cool company. They employ people who are trying to transition from homelessness, first of all. Secondly, the company was started by singer/songwriter Caitlin Crosby who was simply trying to deliver the message that no matter what hardship someone is going through, they should always be reminded that they are special, one-of-a-kind, and loved. Each key is recycled, and should continue to be recycled. Each owner is encouraged to "pay it forward" when they encounter someone who needs the key's message. Click HERE to order a key for yourself or someone who could use the message this holiday season.
2. Me To We
Me To We donates half of all their profits to Free the Children programs all over the world. Free the Children works hard to provide better opportunities for under-privileged children by providing schools, clean water and sanitation, medical resources, and alternative income. Me To We employs 453 Mamas to hand craft all sorts of jewelry, clothing, and accessories that are sold to raise money for their organization. Click HERE to shop for an unique and beautiful gift for someone while giving back to a program that is changing the world.
3. Live Fashionable
Live FashionABLE employs African women to fashion these scarves, which in turn creates a sustainable business opportunity for them. They are so cute, affordable, and each scarf is named after a woman whose life was changed by this program. Live FashionABLE provides a better life to women who had been exploited due to the effect of poverty. To continue this progress, click HERE to shop for yourself or someone who would appreciate it.
Happy Holidays! And yes, if you were wondering, it really is the time to start your shopping. So what are you waiting for? Get started here by giving these sites a look through! You are one step away from changing the world. I won't even try and take the credit, I promise.
- Morgzz
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
November Health: A Thanksgiving Diet?!
I know I may seem crazy, but I am starting a diet today. A serious diet. One day before the holiday that celebrates overeating. The food you eat is stuffed so it is expected that you will do the same. You should be stuffed with food that's stuffed with food. It's like the dream within a dream theme of Inception, but with food. So why diet tomorrow? Because 1) it's becoming that necessary for me, clothing-wise. And 2) because why does celebrating food mean celebrating overly processed junk? I'm going to keep it simple and learn to love the basic food itself, much like the Pilgrim's did on their first Turkey Day. I thought for this month (appreciative month), I should appreciate what food naturally offers, rather than pile on extra sugar and fat. So, I went on a search for my T-Day recipes. Have a look - I think they look amazing, and I can't wait to taste the final products! Try them out yourself if you would like and let me know what you think!
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| Cooking Light's Ultimate Roasted Turkey |
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| Eating Well's Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes |
Tons of Vitamin A (230% daily value-WOW!), 10 minute prep time, and only 96 calories per serving? Sign me up, please! I'm a huge sweet potato casserole fan, but this looks sweet and savory enough to do the trick. Click here for Eating Well's recipe.
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| "Hungry Girl's" Rockin' Lean Bean Casserole |
"Hungry Girl" needs to be called "Hungry Smart Girl." She is BRILLiant. I love a good green bean casserole, but apparently it just loves to make me fat. This recipe swaps out a few of the fattiest ingredients, and guess what? This recipe is only 76 calories per serving! Click here for Hungry Girl's recipe. You won't be disappointed!
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| Weight Watcher's Pumpkin Ice Cream in Homemade Ice Cream Bowls |
- MORGZZ
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
November Playlist: Dedications
This month the word is "appreciative." Basically, there needs no explanation for why this month is about giving thanks to those who have inspired us, believed in us, made us who we are. So, with that - here is your November playlist. What's the theme? Dedications, naturally. Each of these songs were written for someone in particular, and you may be surprised by some of them. Enjoy and enjoy! Oh - and we wanted you to know how THANKFUL we are for you readers, so we are dedicating this entire playlist to you!!
"Uptown Girl" by Billy Joel (written for Elle Macpherson and then Christie Brinkley)
"Me and Mr. Jones" by Amy Winehouse (written for Nas)
"Meg White" by Ray Lamontagne (written for Meg White of The White Stripes)
"In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel (written for Rosanna Arquette)
"Pride (In the Name of Love)" by U2 (written for martyrs, notably MLK, Jr.)
"Man On the Moon" by REM (written for Andy Kauffman)
"The Warmth of the Sun" by The Beach Boys (written for JFK)
"Boom, Like That" by Mark Knopfler (written for Ray Kroc about the founding of McDonald's)
"Angel of Harlem" by U2 (written for Billie Holiday)
"The Wish" by Bruce Springsteen (written for his mom)
"Hey Mama" by Kanye West (written for his mom)
"Hey There, Delilah" by Plain White T's (written for distance runner Delilah Dicrescenzo)
"Jessie" by Joshua Kadison (written for Sarah Jessica Parker)
"Philadelphia Freedom" by Elton John (written for Billie Jean King)
"Glory" by Jay-Z (written for his and Beyonce's daughter, Blue Ivy)
As a special treat, you can check out this playlist (with even MORE songs) on Spotify right now when you click HERE!! Get listening, and don't forget to leave comments if you have any songs you think should be included on this list!
- MORGZZ
Thursday, November 1, 2012
November Little Things
Oh hey, do you have 5 minutes to spare today? Use them differently! Surely you can appreciate these fun suggestions :)
Nov 1: Write a letter to an old teacher who served as a catalyst in your younger years
Nov 2: Learn to spell a word that you commonly butcher
Nov 3: Unsubscribe to the stupid junk emails you get (for me, they come predominately from pizza delivery places and urban outfitters-both dangerous)
Nov 4: Make a construction paper card for your mom and/or dad
Nov 5: Cut a PBJ sammy into fun shapes with a cookie cutter
Nov 6: Give yourself a pep talk in the mirror- use funny voices, please
Nov 7: Put a leaf in your pocket...just do it!
Nov 8: Tell a stranger all about your favorite animal
Nov 9: Ask a waiter/waitress what his or her preferred menu item is and order it
Nov 10: Make an emo Facebook status using some 90s alternative rock lyrics
Nov 11: Take a picture of yourself first thing in the morning. Yuck.
Nov 12: Cut a pretty something out of a magazine or newspaper and put it on your wall
Nov 13: Interview a random gas station customer
Nov 14: Draft an email to Oprah about all of your problems. This always makes me feel better.
Nov 15: Clean out the trunk of your car, dead bodies and all
Nov 16: Get a new toothbrush! Bacterias are raging on your bristles!
Nov 17: Ok, time for a hand turkey. It's a crowd favorite
Nov 18: Drive exactly the speed limit all day. Good exercise in focus and self control!
Nov 19: Stretch. Like, for real. Thank me later.
Nov 20: Offer to do something that you really don't want to
Nov 21: Read a sonnet
Nov 22: Repurpose something you already own
Nov 23: Listen to an album all the way through. Might I suggest Aja (Steely Dan)
Nov 24: Learn about your anatomy a little. You should know where your vital organs are!
Nov 25: There are 5 countries that start with the letter 'L'. Memorize them. Use this info to make your family members feel inferior at the dinner table. Just kidding...maybe
Nov 26: Paint an endangered species (preferably on a t-shirt or hoodie)
Nov 27: Leave an encouraging note on a windshield
Nov 28: Throw away something negative you've been holding on to (like old ramen noodles, stirrup pants or the Twilight bday card your ex "thoughtfully" gave you although you've never seen Twilight)
Nov 29: Dance in your undies and boots. Perfect start to a cold day!
Nov 30: Plan your own random little things to do for next month; adopt the habit!
CT
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Concert Review: Passion Pit
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| Passion Pit fans in a passion pit |
I'm not sure our bodies are equipped to handle perfect happiness. There is always something that could improve an already amazing situation, therefore making sure that perfect happiness cannot exist this side of paradise. Tonight I saw my favorite band perform at a really cool venue, streamers falling out of the sky, beautiful lights set to look like sunsets, chills running up and down my arms... My feet hurt from jumping around so much and my chipmunk cheeks ache from smiling. And yet, it could have been even better.
They could have played "Cry Like a Ghost," which was the only song missing from a near perfect set list. The ratio of adults to out-of-control teenagers wearing Indian headdresses or Beetlejuice costumes could have been a little less embarrassing. I could have had my man who I like oh-so-much sharing this experience with me (he's cabin-in-the-woodsing it this weekend with friends). Passion Pit could have performed at an outdoor venue on the California coast in May or June with a personal shout out from Michael Angelakos himself thanking me for being his muse for the beautiful music he makes. Would that have made this experience better? Well, duh. But it would have also made this experience entirely fictional because I would have died from cardiac arrest were all this to come true. Too. Much. Good.
All that said. Passion Pit did not disappoint. They were wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. Absolutely and realistically wonderful. It ebbed and flowed with songs from all three of their recent albums. Energy was pretty much consistent all night. The beats were solid and the synths were nevercheesy. Michael's voice reached new angelic proportions of falsetto and the crowd absolutely loved him. They picked two perfect opening acts in Helldorado and Youngblood Hawke. Both will make appearances on my iphone, I promise you.
It was a build up that definitely delivered, and I am thankful for this experience for reminding me why I love music so much. My ears will be ringing in the morning, my body is starting to ache, and my voice left midway through the show. But I sang my little heart out, burned off calories dancing the night away, and now I can fold this night into a little envelope and keep it in my pocket forever.
Set List:
"Take a Walk"
"The Reeling"
"Fold in Your Hands"
"It's Not my Fault I'm Happy"
"Carried Away"
"Better Things"
"Let Your Love Grow Tall"
"To Kingdom Come"
"Constant Conversations"
"Mirrored Sea"
"Live to Tell the Tale"
"Make Light"
"Love is Greed"
"I'll Be Allright"
"Sleepyhead" (with appropriately timed streamers)
encore:
"Moth's Wings"
"Little Secrets"
- MORGZZ
Friday, October 26, 2012
Ask an Expert: Professional Costume Designer Amie Eoff
All the dirt on homemade Halloween costumes from the one and only Amie Eoff
We totally miss the Ostrander award winning designer who made a name for herself at Playhouse on the Square. She made the actors look good and feel good all the time. Plus, she has such a cool girl style that we all want to emulate. So when it came time to start focusing on Halloween costumes this year Amie was the first person we asked, obviously. Read on to see what she had to say about rummaging through closets to find the costumes you didn't know you had, gaining inspiration from thrift store shopping, and making flesh colored bodysuits your new best friends.As adults we don't always have the kind of money to go out and get the pre-packaged costumes that cost a fortune just for one night of Halloween fun. What is the best way to costume on a budget?
I personally think that pre-packaged costumes might be useful if you are on a strict time schedule, but even if you have an hour you can come up with something fun and creative that blows those bagged costumes out of the water! Why shell out $40 on something that is made of cheap, thin polyester that will probably fall apart before the night is over anyway? Most of us have access to a thrift store of some kind. You will be amazed at the things that you can find there as long as you are patient enough to sort through the racks and piles! Think of it as a treasure hunt and, if you have an open mind, you will most likely find some piece that will pop out at you, and it will be the source of inspiration for your entire costume. Then you can fill in holes by purchasing the other pieces you need while at the thrift store, or with items from your own closet. If you are still having trouble coming up with an idea you can search through the pre-packaged costumes online and instead of purchasing said pre-packaged costume, steal the idea! Simply go to your closet or the thrift store and see if you can find something similar. In the end it will be even more fabulous, because it won’t fall apart and you might even be able to use the individual pieces in your everyday wardrobe!
What is the most creative costume you have ever come up with? What materials were used?
Halloween is my favorite holiday, and every year it seems like there are multiple parties I want to attend. Most years, I will set a goal for myself that I won’t want to wear the same costume twice, and this will lead to some pretty crafty thinking especially if I am throwing something together last minute (which, let’s be honest, is ALWAYS). One year I found a nude colored unitard at a consignment shop so I decided to be an American Gladiator straight from the 1980s. I am a small person, with absolutely zero muscle tone, so of course I had to remedy the problem by stuffing the nude body bodysuit to make “muscles.” Then I painted some scrap fabric that I had on hand with stars and stripes, and made a teeny weeny thong bikini that I wore over the bodysuit. Then I slapped on a blonde wig, some awful 80’s makeup, a horizontal headband, white sneakers and some lovely scrunch socks. Everyone thought it was hysterical and I definitely posed for for many photos that night.
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| Amie rocking the flesh colored bodysuit |
What do you think is the worst mistake you can make when dressing up for Halloween?
As much fun as that costume was, I absolutely learned a few lessons from it. The party I was attending was a wild house party with over 100 people. It was cramped and unseasonably warm that night. Needless to say with all that stuffing strapped to my body, I was HOT. Luckily, I brought another shirt and some shorts in patriotic colors. So I wore the American Gladiator costume for a couple of hours, but when I could not stand it anymore, you better believe I made a costume change into something more comfortable. Make sure you check the weather before you go out and think about the venue, because as you all know Halloween weather can be very temperamental, especially here in the south. I have seen so many girls standing outside at a Halloween party wearing their skimpy, sexy costumes but so cold and shivering that they look miserable. Also, seriously consider your choice of footwear before going out. Those 6 inch stilettos might look hot at first, but nothing can compare to how gross your feet are going to look the morning after because you walked around barefoot after hour two. There is no shame in keeping a comfy pair of shoes in your car or some little flats in your bag to change into. Staph infection doesn’t look hot on anyone. My number one piece of advice would be to make sure you are going to be comfortable all night, because NOBODY can get their party on properly while wearing a costume that is holding them back. And if you ask me, having fun is the main reason this holiday exists!
How would you advise our readers to make the most of what they already have when putting together an outfit?
I think a lot of the time with Halloween Costumes, accessories are key. Do you have a white dress? Make some wings and a halo and you have an angel. Black outfit? Add a cape and some fangs and you have a vampire. Another thing to do is try to put a new twist on a famous character. I once went to my closet and put on a red polka-dot dress, some black tights, yellow shoes, put my hair in two buns, and put a black dot on my nose with liquid eyeliner and I was Minnie Mousse for zero dollars. A male friend of mine with a beard wore a robe and a tool-belt and called himself Jesus. A female friend wore one of her mom’s old white hippie dresses and attached some birds to her hair and shoulders and went as an avant-garde Snow White. And why not? Halloween is a holiday where pretty much anything goes, so you should stretch the limits of your imagination. Honestly, who is going to question you? Have fun!
Any specific character inspirations that you think would be fun to dress up as?
I always enjoy topical Halloween Costumes, anything spoofing current events usually makes me laugh and always shows me that the individual is very creative. This year I think it would be funny to go as Honey Boo Boo, a NFL replacement referee, or Psy. But personally, I think I am going to pull together some sort of “Big Bird with an Axe” get up and talk my boyfriend into dressing up as “Mitt Zombie.” I have only got a day to pull it together (as per usual) so we will see how it goes! Happy Halloween!
- MORGZZ
Friday, October 19, 2012
Spooky Fashion: Costuming like Classic Horror Films
Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year. Cooler weather, orange becomes a much more acceptable color, eating candy is not frowned upon, and wearing a costume doesn't make me crazy! So. Much. Winning! Going to the store and purchasing a plastic mass-produced costume just isn't our style, so we have been brainstorming quite a bit about costumes that we might have been able to just pull from our closets or off the shelves at our favorite stores. Scroll down for 6.5 complete looks (The Shining Twins can either be one or two looks) and start getting inspired! Here is a quick preview:
-MORGZZ
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