Coffee Date

went for a coffee this afternoon with my lovely friend Thea.  if i've learned anything this year it's that as busy as i think i am, i will always have time to sit down with a friend and actually talk to them, as opposed to the usual quick passing by and "hello, how are you?" without waiting for an answer which typically seems to be the case...run on sentence.  i am lucky enough to have some very lovely people in my life and i plan on keeping them in it. therefore, viva la coffee date

my wonderous Thea

- J

Listen Up!: Laura Marling

Laura Marling is an incredible young artist from Hampshire, England.  While her roots stand strongly in folk music, she tours with various Alternative artists, and you can see the influence in her work.  A talented guitar player and wonderful lyricist, her music is soulful and poetic.  Her debut album Alas, I Cannot Swim released in Feburary 2008 was nominated for the Mercury Prize (a prize awarded to the best album in United Kingdom and Ireland).  She followed this with her album I Speak Because I Can in March 2010, which was also nominated for the Mercury Music Award and entered the UK album charts at Number 4.

You will like her if you like: Mumford and Sons, Noah and the Whale, Florence + the Machine, The Avett Brothers, Joni Mitchell

Why she is important: Her mature, poetic lyrics well preceed her age.  Her angelic voice is powerful and melodic without overpowering the music.  A perfectly simple voice to overlay complex lyrics

Songs to listen to: "New Romantic", "Ghosts", "Rambling Man", "I Speak Because I Can", "Devil's Spoke"

- J

Friend Love

i have to say this is one of my favorite photos. my friends are so lovely and wonderful
-J

Benny

this is one of the loves of my life.  my parents dog benny.  he always gives me more love than i know what to do with. simply the best

Toronto Fall

Favorite Things: Music

My newest discovery in music is not a particular artist or a rediscovery of genre, it's online radio.  I know I may be a little bit behind the times on this one but I was extremely excited the other day when I stumbled across http://www.sky.fm/. 

It's a free online radio website that allows you to choose a channel based on genre.  I've really been into the Indie Rock channel, however they have everything from Smooth Jazz to Classical Guitar to Urban Jamz, even a Beatles Tribute channel...literally any genre of music you are in the mood for.  I love it so much because while it gives you the option to upgrade to get some better features, it doesn't cheap out on the free version.  No time limits or restricted genres.  So if you're getting bored of listening to your own iTunes and want to open your mind to discovering some new music, seriously give it a try.  You may discover a new found love for Bossa Nova Jazz

The Perfect Bag?

As my sister can confirm I've been looking now for awhile for a new bag.  But I don't want just any bag. I want the perfect, within budget, carry-all-of-my-crap-but-doesn't-look-like-a-suitcase bag. Sadly, I have yet to find said bag. However I am inspired not to give up the search by these beauties, even if some of them are a touch out of reach. 



Alexander McQueen Faithful Medium Satchel



Coach New Madison Gathered Leather Sophia Satchel

MARC by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Francesca Hobo (love!!)



Urban Outfitter Cooperative Spectator Bag



Forever 21Verstile Briefcase Bag

I love the slightly masculine feel of these last two bags.  Makes me think of my dad's old briefcases.