by Radiohead (1995)

Let’s pretend we can drop in on me the Spring of 1996. You will find me listening to The Bends and feeling introspective. It was an album that had been released the year before but was only introduced to me on a soul igniting Chicago visit to life long and dear friend, Billy (Radiohead hadn’t made the rounds in Colorado Springs yet, where people were pretty much still hung up on Steve Miller and Led Zeppelin). It was a visit that found myself in puppy love, teetering on the edge of  semi independence into young adulthood, and finding that that world was going to be so much larger and fascinating than I could have imagined.

It was this, Radiohead’s love letter of cryptic moodiness that would be the soundtrack to those first steps towards someplace larger than High School. Which is probably why I don’t listen to the album all that much, even though it really stands up to the passing years as artful and lovely and much more sophisticated than it’s time of the mid nineties… home to Alanis Morissette and belly button piercing.

When it popped up on a random shuffle it was immedately transporting in the best way possible. I guess the me of now, about to embark on an unknown life as a mom can relate to the me of then that was about to embark on college and beyond. Both versions of me are romantically swayed by lyrics like “I keep falling over I keep passing out when I see a face like you”. Sigh.

See more: Albums 1990s Indie Rock

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Posted on October 6, 2010

For Your Health!

Everyone over 6 months old is recommended to get the flu shot this season. So if you’re reading this, you should be finding the nearest location (many companies offer them, I went to my local Rite Aid) if you’re reading this and under 6 months, I am very impressed.

PS. If pregnant make sure to ask for the non-mercury shot.

See more: Spend a Couple Minutes Health/Beauty

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Posted on October 6, 2010

by TLC (1999)

I am shocked that I have failed to recommend Silly Ho, a late nineties robotic blast of a pop song by TLC. As shocked as I am that I always meet empty stares when I mention it as one of my favorite songs.. but I suppose a song overshadowed by the inferior No Scrubs that didn’t even earn itself a music video wouldn’t be ingrained in the peoples memories as much as it has been in mine. Producer Dallas Austin (who required intervention by Lionel Ritchie to get released from a United Arab Emirates prison on a drug charge) wrote this awesome little number and is also responsible for other R&B greats like Hit ‘Em Up Style.

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Posted on October 5, 2010

Aired on Sundance

The fashion world is often viewed as a most glamorous one and there is certainly no shortage of glamour in the behind the scenes documentary, Signe Chanel: the Chanel head quarters in Paris house bright, incredible work spaces, the clothes themselves are almost inexplicably gorgeous (a wedding dress that will in particular make you gasp), and the mastermind himself Karl Lagerfeld is bejewelled and sunglassed at the height of impeccable style. However, it’s the true labor, care and dedicated hard work that goes into this collection (a memorably exquisite Fall 2004 collection) that film maker Loic Prigent, who also made the Day Before series I previously recommended, is most intrigued by. The seamstresses are every bit as important as Karl at the house of Chanel and to watch them interpret his free form, beautiful sketches into three dimensional pieces of couturier art is absolutely fascinating.

One of the most interesting characters revealed in the show is Madame Pouzieux , an elderly farmer who also creates the signature Chanel braids on her remote farm on a loom she invented herself over forty years ago. A local shoe maker with his made to order cobble shop and a beading house where women tirelessly bead one garment for days and nights with little rest are also given rare center stage in an industry obsessed with the rich, famous and showy. The humble awe he treats these tailors, seamstresses, shoe makers, beaders and braiders makes for a most intimate and slightly heart stopping look at fashion. It’s certainly one of the most interesting things I have seen on TV recently and a must for fashion fanatics – though just as recommended to those that turn their nose at fashion as art (isn’t it curious that those people often have no problem appreciating other art forms?).

Shot simply and beautifully on video, this feels intimate and you become involved in the arduous process of making a collection. It aired on Sundance during NY fashion week but is unfortunately not listed to be airing again soon but you can watch via youtube or on DVD from Amazon UK if you have a region 2 player. It’d worth seeking out this joyous ode to haute couture.

Click here for the rest of Signe Chanel

See more: TV Shows 2000s Documentary French Style

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Posted on October 5, 2010

Simple And Yummy

Smoothies are great. You get your creamy, your protein (we add vanilla protein powder) and your fruits with little effort. This week we’ve been enjoying a simple Banana Smoothie. The key is one banana to one cup of milk, no more, no less.

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Posted on October 4, 2010