BenZel & Jessie Ware - If You Love Me

Repeat repeat repeat...

Black + red nail art...

I have a friend who loves doing nail art and the result is that I get to be experimented on, and it is pretty much fantastic. Previous to this, my nails were all different happy colors with polka dots and smiley faces, which was cute. This black and red combo (with little sparkles) is probably my favorite manicure ever. I wish it would never wear off, but then I guess I'd get bored and want something different anyway. Such is the nature of life ;-)

I went to Encinitas yesterday and discovered what a great community it is. All the different beach communities along highway 101 have such distinct characters, it's so fun to experience them all. Encinitas is definitely one of my favorites, full of unique little shops and cafes. It has a historical feel to it and the people I encountered were super friendly. I also saw some interesting outfits that I admired. 

It's the strangest of things...even in mid-November this California weather keeps deceiving me into thinking that I'm still on summer vacation. I am not complaining.

James Blake - The Wilhelm Scream...

I'm obsessed with this song...it's stunning, gorgeous, utterly addictive. 

This weekend I moved to a new house and am now stuck with billions of boxes to unpack. The good point is uncovering fun things I'd forgotten about, and finally getting my hands on my guitar, after almost 2 years of not playing, eek! 

The weather's gotten a bit chilly so it's been fun feeling cozy inside. I thought it would make it easier to study since I wouldn't feel so tempted to run around outside...but it didn't. I should not be surprised.

I cannot believe it's November already. Wow.

Cocteau Twins - Pur

I'm sure this is what the sky sounds like.

Hundred Waters - Visitor

I never thought electronic, folk, intricately orchestral, beautifully composed, modern yet old-fashioned, epic music could exist all at once. But it does. Here it is. Hundred Waters = sheer brilliance and listening to their music just feels really good. Their unique sound is a delight for the ears, and the singer often reminds me of Bjork, which can only be a great thing.

Fleetwood Mac - Black Magic Woman

Just realized I didn't post any Halloween related music, the horror!

I adore this song.

The Jazz Age + Annette Hanshaw

I love old jazz and lately I've been listening to it pretty much nonstop while studying and such. I've also been reading a book that takes place in New York during the Roaring Twenties, and it does such a great job bringing that lively world to life, using slang, music, and vivid descriptions that are incredibly atmospheric and detailed. It's called The Diviners, and was written by Libba Bray. A word of caution - even though it gives a wonderful historical account of the Twenties, it also deals with supernatural, horror type stuff so it's not all sunshine and dancing. Some parts are icky. The main character, Evie, is simply fantastic. Full of spunk, over-the-top, and eager to live life in the biggest, boldest way she can, her character just sparkles. 

I would love to travel back in time to the age of flappers and classy jazz. This was a time when women could be seen in action, fighting for equality and unafraid to display their ideas, opinions, and bold personalities. Just the act of wearing a shorter dress and cutting your hair was a big statement, and many women chose to make it. More importantly, they were not afraid to speak out and to really live. They would not be stopped by outdated beliefs and the disapproval of men. 

Here's to a jazzy, carefree Thursday ;-)