Phantogram

Phantogram has that “city sound” of electronic beats and hip-hop loops, shoegaze, soul and a little bit of pop dances through their various tracks, yet this American Indie pop duo – Sarah Barthel (keyboards, vocals) and Josh Carter (guitars, vocals) – grew up in the tiny municipality of Greenwich and made their name in Saratoga Springs, New York, (population 26,186.)

Despite the influence of local Skidmore College (where fellow beat-experimenters Ratatat formed) Saratoga isn’t exactly teeming with fans of alternative rock or hip-hop or adventurous listeners, yet Phantogram toured, performed and gained momentum for their self described “street beat, psych pop” sound.

When they are not performing, Phantogram drive a further 45minutes into upstate farmland to a barn they affectionately call “Harmony Lodge”.

Filled with various samplers, tapes, records, synths, drums, and both percussive and stringed instruments, Harmony Lodge is their writing, recording and thinking space – literally where the… [ Read more ]

, , , , , ,

1 Comment

Little Red

As many of you know I was fortunate enough to work with Rick Nunn for a couple of days in 2011. After shooting “White in the Woods” we got onto something creative and attempted “Little Red.” Rick burgled his parent’s house for the basket, rented the cape from a local fancy dress shop, and I put together the rest with a little help from my theatrical wardrobe.

Rick shot the first three digitally – and the rest on expired film which is what caused the unusual colour tones and grain on the later images.

The first image above is my favorite – which is yours?

So those were the digital… but Rick also shot this on FILM with his Canon 1V-hs with the Canon EF 135mm F/2.0 L on expired Fuji X-tra ISO400 (which is where these amazing tones come from).

[ Read more ]

, , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

February 5th is World Nutella Day

Of all the chocolately goodness in the world, Nutella stands out in my mind as one of the greatest – so why not take this opportunity to celebtrate it, eat it, bathe in it and play with it with the rest of the world.

World Nutella Day started in 2007 when Sara Rosso, an american blogging in Italy [Ms Adventures in Italy] felt a love for Nutella that warranted an official day in which to celebrate it. Now co-hosting the day with Michelle Fabio, editor of Bleeding Espresso, the Nutella enthusiasts have brought us an official World Nutella Day website offering us Nutella Recipes;  guides on how to celebrate World Nutella Day as well as how to say “Happy Nutella Day” in almost every language!

Nutella, created in 1940 in Italy by mr Pietro Ferrero, was[ Read more ]

, , , , , , , , ,

2 Comments

It’s not difficult to convince a man that bacon has healing powers

How rad are these plasters? SLK is actually one of the world’s anomalies’ who does not like bacon – but she can appreciate the joy and delight it gives to others.

Watch the wonderment and delight light up the faces of the wounded. Buy these for only $3-99 here <- *click* and mail delighted faces to sam@samanthalaurakaye.com

, , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Quinoa – the unsung hero

Quinoa, quinoa, how did it take me so long to find you?

Quinoa is a grain like crop with edible seeds. It has a texture that is somewhere between rice and cous cous, yet is a pseudocereal as it is not a member of the grass family. Quinoa is classified as something called a chenopod which means it is closely related to spinach and beets.

A “grain” native to South America, Quinoa was once called “the gold of the Incas” who recognized its value in the stamina of their warriors. Nutritionally Quinoa is high in fiber and has more protein than any other grain (12-18%). What’s more is that Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all nine essential acids. Not only is Quinoa a good well balanced source of all the amino acids, making it perfect for vegetarian and vegan diets, but it… [ Read more ]

, , , , , , ,

No Comments

Sublime February

I’m feeling pretty good about February.

January, despite the many exciting events and opportunities it held, had a lot of tears and disappointment – I like to think I got all the bad for 2012 over with in one concentrated emotion packed month.

February however has been amazing so far. The sun is shining, my face is smiling, and I’m grateful to be falling in love with my universe all over again.

Happy Thursday – today’s themesong is from Sublime:

27 days left to plan your leap year festivities – who already has something planned? Tell me/inspire me by commenting below.

, , , , ,

No Comments

The 2012 Valentines gift guide.

Valentines day is upon us and whether you are in a relationship – or whether you just want to let a special friend know they are loved – you are probably going to look for a gesture or a token to make them feel special and thought of.

With two weeks to go, there is just enough time to ship or shop for the following gifts should you find yourself low on inspiration and panicked by the thought of grossly overpriced sickly red roses.

Unisex

  • For the Zombie Fanatic

Something gooey and chocolatey to delight and amuse your zombie obsessed love.

Order yours here -> *click*

  • An 8-bit bouquet

Standing 13″ tall, the 8-bit flower bouquet never wilts or fades and comes with a hook for the wall or a stand for your… [ Read more ]

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

5 Comments

White in the Woods.

As I mentioned in my “Streetcat” jeans and vest post, my modeling agency are keen for me to get a few more photos looking innocent and not wearing much makeup.

Rick Nunn (of the internet) shot these photos for me in Lincoln Forest. I got bitten a countless number of times by midges or mozzies or whatever lives out there, but the images were worth it.

My Agency also really like this headshot Rick took of me. Its a strange angle, but its nice and fresh.

Photographer: Rick Nunn

Model, hair,[ Read more ]

, , , , , , , , , ,

1 Comment

K’s choice

I discovered K’s choice on MTV in 1998 and fell in love with them via this song:

Waking up at 4:30 this morning has left me feeling a little dreamy.

This last weekend still has me confused.

Virgin state of mind?

Can I burn the mazes I grow?

If you want to know more about this Belgian band you can read about them here on wiki, or visit their official website.

, , , ,

No Comments

Noeleen’s first CT seminar for 2012

Thos of you who follow me on social media will have heard me talking about Noeleen, the amazing feline model of firm female form who has been teaching me about nutrition, self control and who has been toning my body into something I’d be proud to run around in a bikini in (as opposed to positioning myself in flattering poses for photographs.)

Noeleen has inspired me to change my whole attitude to food and nutrition, and she is without a doubt the best thing I found on my adventures in 2011.

This February she is hosting a talk about nutrition… if you want a better body or more energy or to look half as fabulous as she does at 50 I suggest you go.

Noeleen trains men and women of all shapes and sizes, she charges monthly and no gym membership is required to train with her.

, , , , , , ,

No Comments

Afrigator