My love note to Zenni Optical

I've been wearing glasses since I was in the second grade. The blinder I got, the more expensive my glasses became. It came to a point where I was spending $300+ for a pair of frames/lenses and that was a deal. Since I pay more for compressed lenses so my prescription can actually fit in frames, I thought I just had to accept my fate. Until I found Zenni Optical.

I swear this is not a sponsored post. I get asked a lot about my glasses and I am just so thankful for spending less than a 3rd of the price for the same quality, so I'll tell people about over and over again. I love wearing glasses, even with all the annoyances they come with. I don't have much of a choice in the matter either, since tiny eyeballs and thick contacts don't get along, glasses are all I've got.

Zenni has tons of fashionable choices, from basic to bold. As long as you're not into labels and don't mind the process of measuring your face, Zenni is great! I even ordered a pair of sunglasses.

So let all my four-eyed readers rejoice, cute affordable glasses for all!

New Music: Circle//Circle

Last week I got the chance to see Circle//Circle down at Cafe Nine in New Haven, CT thanks to one of my friends who was playing with them. They're a local group that I'm pretty excited about. Two gals, Emily and Kayla, handle lead vocals while strumming away on their ukulele and banjo. Chris is also on guitar and with the three of them they form some awesome harmonies.

You will not regret checking out their latest album, Guts. Go ahead, have a listen!

Adventure Time: Sister Tries Sushi

Have you ever been so excited to share a new experience with someone but also feared their potential hatred for said experience? Welp, I feel like ever sushi lover has felt that when convincing someone skeptical to try it out.

Years ago we would go to sushi places with friends and I kid you not, she would bring a tupperware of chicken and just order a miso soup. I of course would try to coax her with the fact that i really don't like seafood and sushi doesn't taste like other fish.

Turns out she really likes it. Yay!

But that's not all we did that day. She was officially our first overnight guest in the new apartment. We had a busy night planned helping a friend in Greenwich film his music video. Before we headed over I had errands to run and I was itching to check out the farmer's market up the road. It was super cute; I'm pretty excited to have one so close by!

It's on the smaller side, but it had all the essentials and was very affordable. I had already done enough grocery shopping for the week, but I wanted to see what was there since i never really been to a farmer's market.

What was really great is that it's right next to the community garden. The gate was closed but at some point I definitely want to find out more about it and see if I can participate.

Lastly, the Sugar bakery truck was there! They won  Cupcake Wars on the Food Network. I can taste why. I got a chocolate salted caramel cupcake and my sister got a peanut butter snickers cupcake. She wasn't as impressed but she also doesn't care for sweets. Let me tell you, these little things are heaven.

TTFN

ComiConn 2014!

For my first comic convention, it was super fun! It was definitely overwhelming, though. So much to see! I didn't know anyone that was talking at the panels or performing except AKIRA, who put on an awesome show.

AKIRA is an electro-pop/EDM artist who just released his first single "Zero" in iTunes. I was so happy I got to see him perform! He did a cover of Gaga's "Venus" that was fitting for the venue; my favorite original song of his would have to be "Gravity" Check it out if you get a chance!

So I mostly walked around aimlessly with my friends and sister. We must have made at least four complete laps around the place and saw something new each time. The best part was taking pictures with fellow cosplayers ^_^

My sister went as Storm and it was boss. She made a belt and and rocked white hair and pleather and the whole bit. We found a Rogue.

 I basically flipped when I found a Leelo.

And Toph

And Bathrobe Gandalf.

AND FRICKEN MR.T

But what took the cake was this one right here. She cosplayed the cat from the Cat Returns!!! WHAT! We were the only Studio Ghibli cosplays. Her's was definitely a bit more obscure but it's my favorite film on the box set and she pulled it off so expertly! Definitely made my day.

As for my purchases, Sister and I bought my dad a Star Trek tie clip, and I got my big bro Deadpool and Wolverine shot glasses. I got myself a whole bunch of pins and a manga.

I am super stoked to go to my next comicon whenever that will be. Here's a baby Yoda caressing a live R2D2 to end this post.

TTFN!

Adventure Time: Books & Company and Le Petit Gourmet

{via}

This book store is a community gem. I was on my way to an appointment and had some time to spare so I decided to stop in; so glad I did! It's located right on the corner of Whitney Ave and Putnam in Hamden. It features half priced (or lower) gently used books of all kinds. My favorite part however would have to be the beautiful little gifts, from jewelry to ornate journals to tibetan prayer flags. IT'S JUST SO DARN CUTE.

It was also very welcoming and exuded a lovely "come relax, chill" type of vibe. In the back of the store there's coffee and a parent/kids reading area. The staff was super friendly too!

Right next door was Le Petit Gourmet, which is this quaint little cafe that served me the most bomb panini I've had I think ever (the southwestern one, you should try it!). This establishment is also approachable and friendly; don't be intimidated by all the old biddies having their lunch dates.

Back to Books & Company, I want to show off the bracelets I picked up today:

Cute right?! They were on sale at the book shop. I will definitely be frequenting this place.

Pearl River Mart Haul!

The Food in Philadelphia

...Deserved it's own post. Zack and I ate so well, it's easily the one thing we both miss about Philadelphia. We became avid yelpers on this trip; writing reviews, checking in, and looking up ratings before we decide. Although it was annoying at times, it was definitely worth it.

Philly cheesesteaks at Geno's

Of course, when in Philly we had to try the cheesesteaks. We wanted to try Pat's too but time escaped us. I'm convinced there's better cheesesteaks than theirs, though. I'd have to say of all the food we ate, this was the most underwhelming. They were so quick to get out orders it wasn't very welcoming.

Rybread

This little cafe really packs a punch! it's about a block away from the Eastern State Penitentiary. We had breakfast AND lunch here it was so good. Everything on their menu is super creative. They're all named after places and the flavors follow suite. I ordered an Austin salad, my first time having avocado and tortilla chips in my salad. Needless to say I had no idea what I was missing.

Alma de Cuba

This was a beautiful find. Alma de Cuba is a bit more upscale than Zack and I are used to, but it was suggested by one of his relatives and we had to give it a try. The ambiance is, for lack of a better word seductive. I ordered the chicken imperial on top of a bed of rice and fiancé got the honey mustard glazed salmon. Both of us can agree that when we visit Philadelphia again we will absolutely be returning. The food was mind blowing--everything was fresh, the chicken was juicy and tender, the rice was soft and pillowy, and although it doesn't look like much food when first presented, it was just enough. For dessert we split a peanut butter bombe, which is a chocolate and peanut butter mousse covered in dark chocolate ganache, with marshmallow ice cream and caramelized bananas. Pure. Bliss. This restaurant really made us want to find food this good in our area.

Reading Terminal Market

Excuse our partially eaten pieces of heaven I mean doughnuts. This place is an absolute MUST when in philly. My cousin along with several others were pretty adamant about that. The best way to describe it is a huge indoor farmer's market with every food imaginable. The Amish have a very strong presence here and everything they made was glorious. I could assume it would be because everything they made truly is "farm to table." It's easy to spend the whole day here just to eat everything. My suggestions would be to definitely try Beiler's Donuts and Famous 4th Street Cookies (which you can order online whaaaaat).

Marrakesh

This place is definitely for the adventurous foodies. You should know that the front door doesn't have a knob and you have to knock and wait for the owner to let you in. The idea behind this whole experience is this is how you would be served if you were to have dinner at a Moroccan home. This includes seven courses of delectable traditional Moroccan food. You get to choose the meat for two of the courses, but otherwise everything is already decided. Make sure you're starving, and you go with at least one or two other people since you will be served tons of food to be shared amongst everyone. After the owner seats you he goes over all of this with you as you wash your hands under the elaborate kettle he provides. Why you may ask? because you eat everything with your hands. The decor is also elaborate and inviting, surrounding you with vibrant colors and patterns. Everything I ate was like nothing I've ever eaten before. It was so tasty we were disappointed that we couldn't finish.

So not only was our time in Philadelphia fun, but it was quite delicious. Zack and I are definitely interested in finding more local foodie experiences after this venture. I never realized just how good food can be! 

Bring on the Heat!

via

I dread summer every year because it's always the most uncomfortable. Don't get me wrong--my curves look great in summer dresses and breezy skirts, but I've always had a problem with chafing in my inner thigh area. I've tried biker shorts, leggings, powder, and several other remedies that have all fallen short and I've just about had it. This summer I really wanted to say good bye to chub rub and searched the internet for advice (because duh the internet solves everything right?) I came across the big girl blog with the absolute best product recommendation!

I've used Monistat's chafing relief powder gel for the past couple of weeks on hot days and I am free to wear all the skirts and shorts and dresses I dream of. It works great at both preventing and soothing and a little goes a long way. What could be better? I figured I'd share my enthusiasm about this product because it really is a game changer for me when it comes to summer style. Hope this helps any other ladies with this issue!

The Lion King on Broadway!

For my birthday one of my best friends treated me to MOTHAEFFIN LION KING!!! *ahem* Seriously the best play she could have possibly picked. It was a surprise until the day of; I was expecting a different show because she saw it in january, but I can see why she'd see it again immediately.

Wax sculpture of Rafiki

The play follows the movie with all the same songs plus a few more, so no surprises there. But the puppetry and the devotion to african cultural influences is what kept my jaw on the floor--not to mention the talent of the whole cast is just unbelievable. There's not much else I can say directly about the show other than everyone needs to see it. Everyone will enjoy it.

Danisha and I excited for the train!

Oddly enough, this play definitely left me inspired for my pottery. How? The fabric patterns! ALL the patterns! I've always been aware of the beautiful traditional cloths in african culture and I've never really ventured that side of my ancestry (or any of my ancestry for that matter). So this play made me realize that I should look into it!

Huge huge thanks to Danisha for the amazing day in the city!
TTFN! <3
-Avé

Tune in: "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat Wanz

via

Genre: Alternative hip hop, comedy hip hop
First Listen: Yesterday
Released: August 2012
Found out through: My sister
Listen to this while you: sift through racks at the thrift store

This song has already hit KC101 (our local clear channel radio station; i.e. Z100 for you NYC folk) and I don't even care; this song is effing awesome. My sister was hesitant to show it to me but she said "I found this song you might like....you might not like their other stuff but this song is about thrifting and it's really funny soooo....."

She was so right about this track. Added bonus: I like their other stuff too! "Thrift Shop" has this kinda swanky sax riff for the loop with a nice, easy beat. The lyrics are clever, relatable, and absolutely hilarious if you frequent Goodwill. Wanz singing the chorus is the cherry on top.

TTFN! <3
Avé

P.S. First day of class today! *stoked*

Tune in: "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" by Pomplamoose Feat. Wade Johnston

• Not on an album (to my knowledge)
• Genre: Jazz fusion, indie rock
• Released: December 2008
• First Listen: December 2008
• Found out through: Youtubing covers of random songs
• Listen to this while you're: wrapping presents!

I've been following Pomplamoose for quite some time now and since 'tis the season, I'm going to showcase one of their best christmas songs. Natalie and Jack already have an awesome blend of talents and to add Wade for this track = success. Their harmonies really give me the willies throughout this song and I love the modern take with the instrumentation. I especially enjoy the accordion (and Jack's facial expressions when he plays it). I highly encourage you to check out their Christmas album!

TTFN!<3

-Avé

P.S. It's been a while since I posted one of these, yeah? I took my last final today *HOOrahh*

Tune in Tuesday: "Gangnam Style" by Psy

• Genre: K-pop, electro house
• Released: July 2012
• First Listen: August/September 2012
• Found out through: My friend Samson
• Listen to this while you: 강남스타일

So I'm not sure how many of you have ever heard this song; I mean K-pop isn't really big in the US...but there's this awesome new song out called "Gangnam Style!" lolz OK seriously though, if you haven't heard this song you've been living under a rock. A cold, dark, dusty rock. This song is boss and it's been stuck in my head for the past couple of days because it's highly addictive. It's everything I love about K-pop and J-pop! Dare I say the Asians do it better?

TTFN! <3

-Avé

Tune in Tuesday: OK Go's OK Go

• Genre: Indie rock, power pop, pop rock
• Favorite track: "C-C-C-Cinnamon Lips"
• First Listen: Sophomore year in high school
• Released: March 2003
• Found out through: Probably my friend Ken
• Listen to this while you're: dancing in tennis courts. Or treadmill dancing.

This is a sneaky sneaky favorite band of mine. I honestly don't realize just how much I listen to them! They've been a mainstay in my iTunes library since high school; a band me and my friends bond over. We got to see them perform at Toad's Place. (Click here for my first concert review/blog post ever. complete with grainy cell phone pictures) I got to see them again and do a meet n' greet at Bamboozle. A really cool, genuine group of guys. What I especially loved about meeting them is their sarcastic humor that's scattered about their lyrics was prevalent in their casual banter.

Speaking of lyrics, I'm pretty sure that's why I love this band so much. Filled with metaphors and euphemisms, their eloquence is sure to impress. Their sound on this album is also pretty upbeat (even when their lyrics aren't). I also have to note that every now and then I take style ques from these gents. They do not fear patterns, to say the least.

TTFN!<3
-Ave

Tune in Tuesday: "Think About It" by Flight of the Conchords

Image via

• Genre: Parody Folk, acoustic, comedy
• First Listen: June 2009
• Released: April 2008
• Found out through: Surfing Youtube, then watching their show
• Listen to this while you're: Contemplating the world's troubles

I have a crush on these New Zealand gents. Funny, witty, good tunes, and they have an accent! *swoon* I had a hard time whether to review the whole album or just one track. I sided with reviewing this particular track because the message of the song is always on my brain and it's also my favorite.

This track questions what, what is wrong with the world today? It's pretty funny and light, but at the same time it's got a ring of truth to it, like most of their songs. For example, one of the lyrics in this song:

They're turning kids into slaves just to make cheaper sneakers. But what's the real cost? 'Cause the sneakers don't seem that much cheaper. Why are we still paying so much for sneakers when you got them made by little slave kids? What are your overheads?

It also has a groovy 70's riff. Oohhh yeahhh....

TTFN! <3

-Avé

Tune in Tuesday: "Electric Feel" by MGMT | Justice Remix

• Genre: Electroclash, French House, Experimental
• First Listen: Fall 2008
• Released: June 2008 (?)
• Found out through: Ex-boyfriend
• Listen to this while you're: 

This is one of those cases where I'm totally infatuated with the original, but the remix.....mmph.  It's not fair to compare the two because they're two different vibes. The remix gets me pumped, the original mellows me out. Justice has a signature raunchy bass that I absolutely adore. I wish I could say more about it but....I have a hard a hard time describing how much I enjoy this song. So you'll just have to listen!

TTFN!<3

-Avé

LookSoup [dot] com

Recently I was contacted by the fashion blog research director of LookSoup.com to use their website because they were interested in the content that I was putting on my little corner of the interwebs. They offered to feature my posts on their homepage for a week, which was really a cool incentive for me to check it out. I've spent a couple of hours fiddling around and I have to say I'm really excited about it! That being said, this is purely my opinion; LookSoup didn't pay me or any business like that.

wowowow there I am! 

What is this LookSoup you speak of?

This is a new and growing community of fashion lovers and influencers. It's a place for the like to share their fashion, style, products, etc... to a community that would be interested. Likewise it's a great place to find inspiration, trends, products, and other styles you may not have explored yet. They're goal is to "Spread the good style!"

I love that they use the word "look." It may seem trivial, but "look" implies so much more than "fashion." That's why across my blog I use "style" and my fashion/style tumblr is called avelooks. "Look" covers the entire ensemble from head to toe. That means makeup, hair, outfit--everything that makes up the final look. "Fashion" kinda lends itself to just clothes and may not take into consideration the entire composition of a look. Trivial but important, I think.

What makes it different from other sites like it?

My first impression was like, alright, Pinterest/Tumblr thing for fashion only. But it has some key differences that really makes it special. Unlike other online fashion type communities that I've experienced, It's really focusing on personal style more so than what's happening on the runway. High fashion is cool and all, but I could really care less to be quite honest. Amongst all the shuffle on the internet it's hard to find real, normal, diverse people and what they are wearing and what they want. On LookSoup? Not so much so! You can find them much easier.

They also have this nifty thing called your LookSoup score. It's a way to measure the fashion influence you have on the site. You get points based on how many likes, collections and followers you get/have.  LookSoup breaks it down much better than I can right here.

___________________

If the site continues to go in the direction of predominately personal style, I will definitely be active on this site. I love to see what other people are wearing! I want to see user generated content ~ fancy way to say pictures (in this case) that people take themselves. If it turns into looking like a page out of VOGUE, they'll probably lose me there.

If you're interested in this sort of thing and have room in your digital life for one more community, I definitely recommend you check out LookSoup. I've added a button on the right sidebar towards the bottom if you're interested in seeing/following my page.


Big thanks to LookSoup for bringing their site to my attention!
TTFN!<3
-Avé

Tune in Tuesday: Alabama Shakes' Boys & Girls

image via

• Genre: southern rock, soul, blues rock
• Favorite Track: "Hang Loose"
• First Listen: August 2012
• Released: April 2012
• Found out through: Karen from The Quiet Owl
• Listen to this while you're: cooking comfort food

When I find a band that I really like, like, reeeeaally like, they are all I can think about for a good while. Right now, Alabama Shakes is that band. I got so excited when I heard them on Karen's blog that I immediately had to find out more and eventually purchase the album. Boys & Girls is their debut album. I almost wish it wasn't because that means I have to wait for another album and there isn't a mass discography for me to fall back on to fill my fix. I had the same issue last year with Sleigh Bells...I'm so greedy!

Alabama Shakes is an awesome blend of grit, Motown, and passion; kinda like if you were to cross Kings of Leon with James Brown and Marvin Gaye. I love the bluesy riffs in songs like "Heartbreaker" and "You Ain't Alone" and the funk on tracks like "I Found You" and "Rise to the Sun." The whole album is a seriously great mix. The band has already made their rounds on the late night talk shows, so their's plenty of opportunities to see lead singer Brittany Howard's magnetic stage presence. I have to say I LOVE that the frontman of the band is a woman and the band isn't your typical bunch of dudes. It's just so refreshing.

TTFN!<3

-Avé

P.S. OF COURSE they're playing at Terminal 5 in NYC and the tickets are sold out. I have yet to go to that venue but everyone I want to see plays there and I always find out a little too late. ~le sigh~

Tune in Tuesday: "All The Rowboats" by Regina Spektor

image via

• Genre: Alternative, Anti-folk, Indie 
• First Listen: yesterday
• Released: May 2012
• Found out through: Fresh Air interview on NPR
• Listen to this while you're: running away

I leave NPR on in my car all the time. When they play music, it tends to be pretty rare, but pretty awesome. I was so stoked to hear Regina Spektor and I had no idea she has a new album out! "All the Rowboats" is from What We Saw From the Cheap Seats. I haven't gotten the chance to hear the whole album yet, but this song captivated me. 

"All the Rowboats" is layered with driving riffs, dark undertones, and imagery in abundance. Her classical training definitely shines but what I love is the percussive noises she makes with her mouth throughout the track. You can tell she has evolved as an artist since Begin to Hope. I can't wait to hear the rest of the album!

Tune in Tuesday: Grizzly Bear's Veckatimest

image via

• Genre: Alternative, neo-psychedelia, lo-fi, indie rock
• Favorite track: "Southern Point"
• First listen: April 2010
• Released: May 2009
• Found out through: Last.fm recommendations 
• Listen to this while you're: dreaming

Funny story about Grizzly Bear. In 2008, Zack a couple of his friends and I went to see Radiohead. The venue was about two or three hours away. We were about two thirds of the way there when we realized we left the tickets at home. We make a very panicked u-turn and called his aunt to see if she could look up any way to get in without the tickets or have her meet us half way or ANYTHING really. We thought we were screwed. She called us back and said to show the card used to purchase the tickets at the booth and they'll print us new ones. Wiping the sweat off our brow, we make another u-turn and make it to our seats just in time to hear Radiohead open with "Reckoner." We missed the opening band but we didn't care! We didn't miss anything Radiohead did.

Almost two years later I stumble Upon Grizzly Bear. I'm really diggin' Veckatimest--like on repeat pretty heavy--and I mention it to Zack.

"Oh yeah, they were the opening band we missed when we went to see Radiohead,"says fiancé ever so nonchalantly.

I cried on the inside. All I could think is IF ONLY.... *Le sigh*

TTFN!<3

RADIOHEAD_LIVE in Mansfield, MA

I love my man, and we are obsessed with love Radiohead. We saw them four years ago at the same venue. I can't compare the two because they were both an amazing experience. JUST SO GOOD YOU CAN'T UNDERSTAND UMMMPH.

*ahem* Anyways....

Caribou opened and it was just perfect to set me in the mood for a great concert. Their beats sound so much more intense live. It was my first time ever hearing anything by them and I absolutely adored it. I kept wiggling in my seat to their infectious groove; couldn't help myself! I made sure I didn't forget to purchase their album a couple days after the show.

Caribou - I wasn't actually able to see this with all the smokes and lights and daylight.

Comcast Center is an outdoor venue; really great actually. Except most bands' sets are best seen in darkness; no daylight to interfere with their lighting and smoke or whatever. So it was a bit of a downer because you weren't actually able to see anything....Not sure how Zack's camera was able to capture this but I'm glad it did! During intermission the sun had completely set in time for Radiohead's stage to shine ever so gloriously.

15 sets. HA. get it? I'm lame get over it. 

This was the most beautiful stage I've ever seen. For each song the screens would be lifted, lowered, and tilted in all sorts of directions in so many different colors. It was mesmerizing. Each matched the song's vibes perfectly. My absolute favorite color/set up combo was with one of my favorite songs, Everything In It's Right Place.

Speaking of songs, the setlist was absolutely positively unbelievable. They sprinkled tracks from almost all of their albums. They played all my favorites. ALL OF THEM. Well, all but Optimistic, but they played that last time I saw them. Seriously they knew I was there. I just get so lucky.

As some of you may or may not know, I am obsessed with Thom Yorke and his dance moves. He gets SO INTO IT and moves like no other. It's contagious, and I love it love it love it. And how can I not mention his voice? The voice that can so easily put me in a trance I'd hate to break out of? I have a problem, guys.

They had a second drummer who looks very much like Phil. Honestly, they were so tight that you could barely tell there were two sets, yet the complexity it offers was insane. Brain explosions occurred due to the complexity immediately with Bloom. Such a great way to start. SO GOOD. I thoroughly enjoyed the new song Identikit as well.

Last thing I need to mention is IDIOTEQUE. I have a relationship with this song. Zack would get jealous but he totally understands. When they played it live at this concert, they lit a fire under it and revved it up to an extraordinary level. The vibe of this song live is totally different than the studio version but I love it all the same. Needless to say it's my favorite song of all time hands down. I have no idea why other than how I feel when I hear it.

I'm SO glad we were able to make it to this concert; Radiohead is incredible live. I'm pretty sure Zack and I will forever attend every Radiohead concert we possibly can.