Modern Mixtape Vol. 10: You Can Paint It Any Color You Like

It's that time again, friends... break out the boombox or put on your headphones. Whatever it takes, there's a lot of great summer music out there you should be listening to.

My last compilation, Modern Mixtape Vol. 9 was featured on the 8Tracks iPhone App. Plus, Sway, the lead singer from Freedom or Death emailed to thank me for including them on my mix. He said he learned about some new bands and even sent me a free copy of their album, Ego. How cool is that?

This mix is 2 parts Indie and Alternative with a side of Electronica. Artists include: The Knife, Bear in Heaven, Here We Go Magic, Gardens & Villa, Motorboater, Work Drugs, The Antlers, Tune-Yards, Dom, Zola Jesus, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Yuck, The Joy Formidable, Win Win, Washed Out, Cults, Twin Sister and Mogwai.

SIDENOTE FOR SO-CAL: I happened to notice that Yuck is playing at The Casbah tonight in San Diego and at The Troubadour in Hollywood tomorrow. If you're in the area you should check them out!


Listen HERE on 8Tracks

or

Download directly to your computer right HERE.

Echoes

at night, i slip into their rooms for a kiss, a stroke of hair, an "i love you" whispered into the dark.

usually tired {and sometimes tipsy}, i return again and again until i go to bed, for good.

perhaps i trip over an out of place toy or stub my toe on the bed post. or, 

maybe i grumble over the obstacles of being.

no matter the path it took to get there... it's always a moment of bliss, i kiss.

seeing my beloved babes with eyes shut and heavy breath, 

exhaustion is on everyone's lips.

we part.

it's our time to dream.


☾

Book Review: On a Stick!

As a student of modern-day culinary school (learning through blogs and television), my appetite and need for an ever-expanding collection of recipes has grown out of control. There is just something so exciting about a new cookbook, right?

When my friend and mentor, Matt Armendariz offered up his new book, On a Stick! {80 Party-Perfect Recipes by Matt Armendariz} -- I jumped at the opportunity to review/promote it.

I had a quick preview of it during the Real Food Photography Workshop back in April, so I knew how great it was. (And to be honest, I'm pretty sure Matt has never failed at anything in his life!)

Although it might sound simple at first... food on a stick, it's actually much more than that. I can honestly say that I'd never thought about how many foods can go on a stick and let's just say he pushed that limit further than I could comprehend (spaghetti + meatballs, mac + cheese, Jello-O shots!)

Of course there are corndogs and candy apples, but there are also plenty of chic appetizers that could play a part at any meal; from Wednesday night with the family to Saturday evenings' garden party to a child's birthday on a Sunday afternoon.

I received my book just before I left on a slew of different travels, so in-between trips I tried to make as many recipes as I could:

Chinese Meatballs with Sweet and Sour Chili Sauce 

Deep-Fried Ravioli

Fried Mozzarella with Marinara Sauce

Suppli

Frozen Bananas dipped in Chocolate

Frozen Elvis

Fudge Pops

Now that I'm home, I can try some of the others on my list. (Elote, Molotes, Panzanella, Sangria Pops, Strawberry Shortcake, etc.) I love the idea of incorporating one of his recipes into an everyday meal. The range of regional foods combined with the ease and fun in making them would definitely be a big hit in my house.

And as someone that loves to throw and cater her own parties, I can assure you that I will absolutely use this cookbook regularly. At less than $12, I promise you won't be disappointed! There's truly something for everyone.

Disclosure: This book was given to me for review and promotional purposes, but I would've bought it anyway. :)