The Maghreb

I can't believe it's been exactly two years since I've studied abroad in Morocco. Not sure if it seems like a century ago or like yesterday, but I still remember it vividly. I do hope I get to go back one day, because I highly recommend it. It's a true treat for the senses.

ahhh... to travel again!

Mixtape Monday: Inspired by the 80's, Part Deux

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Today's mixtape is a compilation of current indie music inspired by the 80's:

1. Hurricane (CHVRCHES Remix) - MS MR

2. Claudia Lewis - M83

3. Imagine It Was Us - Jessie Ware

4. Huddle - Kisses

5. The Pendulum  - Solid Gold

6. Note to Self - Parenthetical Girls

7. I Don't Fit In - Suburban Living

8. Presence of Mind - The Fresh & Only's

9. Sweet Talk - Jessie Ware

10. Everything is Embarrassing - Sky Ferreira

11. Lose It - Austra

12. Fifteen (ft. Chela) - Goldroom

13. The One - Twin Shadow

listen to them all:

see also: Inspired by the 80's, Part Un

Yolanda Sanchez

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I am loving the impressionistic quality of Yolanda Sanchez' paintings. Each is so unique and have a melody all of their own. Plus, they serve as interesting color theories and palettes. 

I'd kill to have one hanging on my wall. 

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Caseable

 

This case was provided by caseable. All opinions are mine.

I am overprotective of my precious electronics - I think my computer, camera and phone collectively are worth more than my car (please note: my car is also about as old as I am). Sleeves and defense cases are what prolong the life of my devices, but have typically, for me, done so without style or personalization. 

Enter Caseable, a marvelous website that lets you create custom cases for your smartphones, tablets, and laptops using your own photographs and/or art. It's so customizable, you get pick every last detail - even the zipper color! Also, their hand-crafted cases are made from recycled materials. Have I made my case for Caseable yet? (sorry, had to put the pun somewhere) 

For my MacBook Pro case, I chose two high-res photos that I took while in Morocco (there are also works from artist collections you can choose from). I really wanted something vibrant, rich, and a little bit funky. To be on trend, I had to go with a neon yellow zipper. The process of playing around with your design is a bit addicting and the possibilities are endless.

Needless to say, I am in love with my MacBook's new home - it's cosy, protective and totally "me." I was also super impressed with the quality in which the photos were enlarged and printed to - snaps for that. I foresee myself ordering a snazzy new iPhone case in the near future...

Visit Caseable:

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Mixtape Monday: What I am Listening to and Why

I've collected tons of great new music lately and would love to share with you some of my favorites:

1. Oblivion - M83 (feat. Susanne Sundfør) (I am so proud that M83 has finally scored a movie.  All their music is already so cinematic and epic that it just makes sense for M83, aka Anthony Gonzales, to create music for films. I can't wait to see what soundtrack he creates next. Although the movie was blah, the Oblivion's music is outstanding.)

2. Recover - CHVRCHES (Quickly becoming one of my new favorite acts - super 80's/indie electronica.)

3. Mirrors - Justin Timberlake (20/20 is oh so good, and I can't wait for part 2 - releasing in September.)

4. Over the Love - Florence + the Machine (Fresh off The Great Gatsby Soundtrack - releasing tomorrow. It's going to be amazing.)

5. Royals - Lorde (Keep your eyes peeled for this funky-fresh New Zealand act. For fans of: Marina and the Diamonds and Lily Allen)

6. The Mother We Share - CHVRCHES (see #2, and their songs are super catchy)

7. Pretty Boy - Young Galaxy (Love the lyrics - I need to get more music from this band)

8. Step - Vampire Weekend (This is a single off their forthcoming album, Modern Vampires of the City, a spring-y tune with a Baroque pop twist.)

9. Wildest Moments - Jessie Ware (I've been obsessed with her album Devotion and it's 80's pop/90's R&B vibe.)

10. Open - Rhye (It's unreal how wonderful Rhye's debut album Woman is. It's Sade for the 2013 set but mysteriously sung by a man. You have to hear it to understand and fall in love with Rhye's sexy sound.)

11. Darling Are You Gonna to Leave Me - London Grammar (sultry and summery)

12. Lost and Found  - Tessa Rose Jackson (for fans of: Of Monsters and Man and Jaymay)

13. The Fall - Rhye (Have I mentioned how amazing they are? Do yourself a favor and just get their album - you'll still love it in 30 years.)

14. Hey Now - London Grammar

15. No to Love - Jessie Ware (Simple but funky)

listen:

May {2013} Listens from PamplemousseBlog on 8tracks Radio.

Atlanta Lately...

Seeing one my favorite new bands St. Lucia and HEARTS live, together ... Spending lots of time in Charleston visiting my best friends, laughing ... Enjoying the blossoming trees of Atlanta and it's crisp, Spring weather ... Icing Finding Nemo-themed cupcakes at work (who else is stoked for Finding Dory?!?) ... Blasting this song in my car, but not caring much for the movie ...

Like Fall, Spring seems to always be barely seen or felt, but I have made an effort this year to be outside more during this heavenly season (and observant). It's odd to think how quickly my time at home will be coming to an end, in about 3 months I'll be off to Chicago. 

Cinco de Mayo Pins {Pinterest}

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GEOMETRIC CINCO DE MAYO FIESTA GARLAND DIY {source / pin it} 

I've compiled various pins from my Pinterest page that I think perfectly fit the theme of Cinco de Mayo. For a holiday that heavily relies on colorful tissue paper decorations, margaritas and tacos, how can you go wrong and how can you not absolutely love it?

See also: a Fiesta Party I hosted years ago - there are some good ideas in there, if I do say so myself...

Top: Roasted Veg Tacos with Avocado Cream and Feta {source / pin it} // Piñata Cookies {source / pin it}
Bottom: Queso Fundido with Chorizo {source / pin it}

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Bottom: {source / pin it} // Sweet Potato Burrito Smothered in Avocado Salsa Verde {source / pin it}

DIY crepe paper flowers {source / pin it}

Zesty Lemon Black Bean Salad with Oven-Roasted Tomatoes

My favorite cookbook lately has been Super Natural Everyday by Heidi Swanson. It's filled with healthy and vibrant vegetarian recipes interspersed with gorgeous pictures of Northern California. I highly recommend getting yourself a copy. I recently made this black bean salad from the cookbook and am glad to say I will be making it again and again. The lemon zest really brings it to another level. 

Zesty Lemon Black Bean Salad with Oven-Roasted Tomatoes

(taken from Super Natural Everyday by Heidi Swanson)

1 pint grape tomatoes

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 TBL sugar

sea salt

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2 - 15 oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed

3/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

zest and juice of 1 lemon

1/2 cup feta cheese

extra virgin olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

1. Place tomatoes on a large rimmed baking sheet and toss with olive oil, sugar and salt so that all the tomatoes are covered. 

2. Bake at 350 deg F for about 45-60 min, until caramelized, stirring halfway through cooking time. Let cool on baking sheet when done.

3. In a large bowl combine black beans, almonds, lemon zest and juice, and feta cheese. Add tomatoes and toss until completely combined. 

4. Add more olive oil if needed and season with salt and pepper. 

This can stay up to 4 days in the fridge. The longer it sits, the better. 

What cookbooks have you been loving lately?

Mixtape Monday: Workout 2.0

Due to the popularity of my last Workout mixtape, here's an all new one:

1. Sacrilege - Yeah Yeah Yeahs (I'm loving their newest album, Mosquito, it's very reminiscent of their older sound.)

2. Black and Gold - Sam Sparro (a sexy, danceable tune I've loved since high school)

3. Looking Hot - No Doubt

4. Modern Hearts  - The Knocks (feat. St. Lucia)

5. Lies - CHVRCHES (This is my new favorite band, check them out.)

6. Million Dollar Bills - Lorde (for fans of: Santigold and Marina and the Diamonds)

7. Starstruck - Lady Gaga

8. Now is Not the Time - CHVRCHES

9. The Old House is Gone - St. Lucia 

10. Motorway - Little Boots (great for cooling down)

11. Let the Groove Get In  - Justin Timberlake (20/20 is UH-MAZING, y'all. Instant "Album I Will Always Love")

Workout 2.0 from PamplemousseBlog on 8tracks Radio.

Albums I Will Always Love: The Killers, Hot Fuss

The Killers

Hot Fuss

I think it's safe to say that most music critics helm Hot Fuss as one of the best/accomplished debuts by any rock or alternative group. Mr. Brightside. All These Things That I've Done. Somebody Told Me. Enough said, right?

Sure it borrows inspiration from 80's bands like The Smiths or Duran Duran, but The Killers add their own dose of Las Vegas glamour and edge. 

The first time I heard this album in 2004 - my freshman year of high school - I remember falling in love with their unique sound and Brandon Flowers' charcoal-rimmed eyes. I just felt so cool (read: I was not) and it thus began my love for all things alternative and indie. 

I am a sucker for story-telling lyrics, and I like that most numbers on this album do just that - whether it's about a murder or hearing rumors about an ex.
The album's sound and subject matter also reflect the state in which the band is from - Nevada. The desert landscape. Glittering Las Vegas. Old-timey western saloons and tumbleweeds. All of it.

If this album has remained a favorite of mine for over 9 years and Brandon Flowers still makes the most appearances in my dreams out of any celeb, then I think it's safe to say my obsession with this album (and Brandon) will never cease.  (Don't get excited about my Brandon Flowers dreams, all we usually do is just hold hands and walk around a mall, but..still.)

I got soul, but I'm not a soldier 

- All These Things That I've Done

Never thought I'd let a rumor ruin my moonlight

Well somebody told me

You had a boyfriend

Who looked like a girlfriend

That I had in February of last year

It's not confidential

 - Somebody Told Me

I love this video - very Moulin Rouge.

Check out: "All These Things That I've Done" is a catchy, soulful anthem, "Jenny Was A Friend of Mine" is a wonderfully energetic and emotional opener, and "On Top" is very 80's/very inspired by Sting.

Buy: Amazon | iTunes

More Albums I Will Always Love