Hinterland Festival | {Kali}

This past weekend, I headed to Des Moines, IA to go to the Hinterland Music Festival with Shelbie and my friend, Elizabeth. It was originally supposed to be at Water Works Park, near downtown Des Moines. A few days before the festival, they decided to move it to the Avenue of the Saints Ampitheater in St. Charles, IA (about 30 minutes south of DSM) due to flooding at Water Works.



I was pretty torn between going to Hinterland and the Grassroots Music Festival which was in Council Bluffs, IA (way closer to me). But, gotta say, after hearing about what a fail it was, I think I absolutely made the right decision! (Um my source of entertainment the past few days miiight be looking at all the posts on their Facebook wall..yikes!).



Shelbie and I had actually been to Avenue of the Saints once before, a few years ago, for the Better Than Ezra, Vertical Horizon, and Sister Hazel concert (I blogged about our outfits here!) While I was disappointed at first that they were moving it out of Des Moines, it actually ended up being the perfect location. And, they provided free party buses from Des Moines to St. Charles, so I definitely couldn't complain about that! The event was actually extremely well-organized, especially for it being moved to a completely different location just a few days before!



We only went on Saturday, although I would have loved to see Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes on Friday night! On Saturday, we got there right in time to see Lucius perform. I had never heard of them before—but now—big fan! I was extremely impressed by them. My new favorite song is Two of Us On the Run by them.



I was most excited to see Brandi Carlile. When Hinterland announced the line-up, I had heard of her, but I didn't really know many of her songs. So I started listening to her a lot during work via Spotify and completely fell in love with her!



Brandi (and the twins) were even better than I had expected. Being able to see an artist live really makes you appreciate them so much more. You could just tell they were SO happy and so excited to be playing there, which really made the audience (and me!) love them even more! My favorite songs by her are The Eye, Wilder (We're Chained), Hard Way Home, and of course, The Story. She also brought out Lucius for a cover of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", which was awesome—so much girl power on stage, which I loved!


^ She also brought out Old Crow Medicine Show for a cover of "Going to California".



After seeing her at Hinterland, I'm even more depressed about missing her and Gregory Alan Isakov at Red Rocks on August 15. Dream concert! I wish I would have found out about it sooner and planned for it! I am beyond jealous of anyone going to that.



Old Crow Medicine Show was awesome! I knew almost all of the songs in their set list, which made it more fun. They definitely brought the energy and the crowd was loving it! Seeing Wagon Wheel played live also did not disappoint!


^ You know it was a good night when you wake up the next morning with glow sticks on!



I'll definitely be back next year, Hinterland! Oh, and please bring Brandi back. :)

Friday Favorites | {Shelbie}

Hey guys, TGIF, right? Spring is finally here and I've never been happier. People really are a lot more enjoyable to be around when the sun is shining and the pavement's hot. Here are a few of my favorite things lately!



Favorite spring dress: White Midi ASOS Dress
Spring means white, pastels, and bright colors! It's time to ditch the darks and freshen up your wardrobe for spring. ASOS is a great place to shop for dresses for any occasion. Also, if you're a student you get 10% off all day every day! I adore all things boho chic, and I'm also always drawn to anything white. I love the length and ease of this dress. It's perfect for a casual shopping trip or even as a beach cover up.



Favorite find: To Fetch a Whale of Water Pitcher
I fell in love with this adorable whale pitcher so I just had to share it! If you host parties or get-togethers often, this fun pitcher just might be the thing to spark conversation between your guests! Modcloth is a great go-to when you're looking for quirky and fun home décor items.

Favorite song: Mess Is Mine by Vance Joy
I've always enjoyed Vance Joy. I've known a few of his songs for quite some time now, but Megan recently suggested that I listen to his whole album. It's been on repeat every day, I can't get enough! Although I love all of his songs, my favorite would have to be Mess Is Mine.

Favorite laugh: Phil Dunphy Funniest Moments—Modern Family
If you don't watch Modern Family, you should. I started watching it because of Tad, but kept watching because it's so addicting. Each character is totally different, but put them together and it makes for one of the funniest shows on TV right now. This is a clip of some of Phil Dunphy's funniest moments. I would highly encourage everyone start watching Modern Family, you won't be disappointed!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Summer Concert Survival Guide | {Shelbie}

{Better Than Ezra – summer 2014}

With warmer weather approaching, we can all tell summer is near. What's associated with summer? It's simple. Summer equals boating, late night bike rides, picnics, smoky bonfires and everything in between. There's one thing in particular that I, along with a lot of people, look forward to the most—summer concerts and festivals.


{Blues Traveler, Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth, and Uncle Kracker in Omaha – summer 2014}

I've always been an avid concert-goer. Growing up, the group of friends I ran around with always tried to attend every concert possible. In my opinion, nothing compares to the atmosphere experienced at a live concert. I'm not lying when I say that I've been to quite the array of concerts. Tech n9ne, Childish Gambino, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Maroon 5, Jake Owen, Gregory Alan Isokav, Alice In Chains, 311, Blink 182 and Better Than Ezra are just a few. With that being said, my favorite type of concerts are outdoor festivals. I'm sure a lot of you have been to some sort of outdoor concert/festival. In my experience, there actually needs to be a lot of thought that goes into attending. From your attire to the vehicle you drive, every part of the concert journey must be considered.

I have some suggestions I would like to share with all you crazy music fanatics.


{Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers at Red Rocks – September 2014}

Your Getup:
The questions you need to ask yourself are:
• Is it an indoor or outdoor concert?
• Is it an all-day festival or just a two-hour show?
• What is the weather supposed to be like?
• Will I need a jacket just in case?
• Will I be standing or sitting?

If you are attending a longer concert you should definitely go for the comfort route. Nobody wants to hear you complain about how uncomfortable your shoes are! Outdoor concerts can be unpredictable when it comes to weather, believe me. My first suggestion would be to simply check the weather! If all appears to be clear, sunny skies, be my guest and wear that pair of high-waisted cut-offs you've been dying to rock. Another thing to consider when attending an outdoor concert is the location. Will you be groovin' to music on a dirt dance floor? My recommendation would be to wear something you aren't totally attached to. Things get dirty and if you're like me, you'll be in the midst of all the action, which means sharing sweat with tons of strangers. Lastly, remember there will always be that "die-hard" fan who can't control his booze.


{Dustin Lynch at the Iowa State Fair – summer 2014}


{Eli Young Band – winter 2013}

Transportation:
The questions you need to ask yourself:
• How far am I traveling for this concert?
• How many people do I have riding along?
• Will I have to drive on any gravel or dirt roads?
• Will I have to park in the grass?

Most people only think of gas mileage and the number of seats when they consider modes of transportation. When attending a concert, there is always the issue of parking to take into consideration. I once attended a concert where everyone was forced to park in the grass. With the last act on the stage, a thunderstorm rolled on in. Two girls driving a small two-wheel car out of the muddy grass field in the pouring rain isn't my fondest memory. With that being said, ALWAYS think about the weather and where you will be parking.


{Gregory Alan Isakov – January 2015}

Beverages: (Yes, beverages needs its own section!)
The questions you need to ask yourself:
• Am I allowed to take any beverages into the concert?
• What type of beverages will be provided at the concert?
• How much will the beverages cost?
• Do I plan on consuming alcohol at the concert?

When attending a concert at a venue or arena, normally people aren't able to take drinks in with them. That could also be said for some outdoor concerts too. There are also outdoor concerts that I've attended and they will allow you to bring coolers and chairs. My suggestion would be to take drinks in with you if at all possible—nobody has time for those overpriced drinks! If you're attending an all-day event, you definitely need to drink lots of water. Being dehydrated when your favorite artist is playing is no fun! Even you beer drinkers need to be consuming water. If you don't want to lug around cans or bottle of liquor, a nice alternative would be to buy shooters. They are small, accessible and make it easy to monitor how much liquor you've consumed.


{River Ruckus – summer 2014}


{Lady Gaga in Minneapolis – spring 2014}

Miscellaneous:
Let's be honest, there's always that one thing you wish you would've brought along! Here is a list of miscellaneous things that are useful to bring with to an outdoor concert:
• Sunscreen
• Portable phone charger
• Sunglasses
• Dry shampoo
• Concealer
• Face oil blotter
• Ponytail
• Flask
• Camera

I hope everyone has a fun, concert-filled summer—I know I will! In fact, I get to kick my summer concert adventure off by attending the Chase Rice, Jake Owen and Kenny Chesney concert in May in Des Moines! You could say I'm a little excited.

Currently | {Kali}

{Currently I'm really loving having new fresh flowers every week on my dining room table—definitely brightens up the room & my mood!}
What I'm Watching //

Bloodline: I just love Netflix. And I also ♥♥♥ Kyle Chandler (aka. Coach Taylor for my fellow Friday Night Lights lovers!). I started watching their newest show, Bloodline, earlier this week and currently I'm up to episode 5. It's definitely one of those slow-burn type of shows that may not be for everyone. Some people want dramas like this to be action-packed every episode, but I don't mind more character development. I'm really enjoying it so far, and I heard it gets better with each episode, so I'd definitely recommend it.

The Jinx: The Life & Deaths of Robert Durst: So, this documentary is done now, but if you can catch it on on-demand, do!! I was originally interested in watching this documentary because a few years ago I watched the movie All Good Things with Ryan Gosling which was based on the story of Robert Durst and his wife. I was very intrigued by the mystery of Robert Durst and I looked forward to watching this documentary every Sunday night. It was just so fascinating, especially with him getting arrested the day that the finale episode aired! I literally got goosebumps the last 5 minutes of the season finale.

Barely Famous: Okay, so I haven't watched a show on VH1 since maybe 2006? But, I am kind of obsessed with Gigi Hadid right now (isn't everyone?) and so I obviously follow her on Instagram. She posted a promo for her step-sisters' new show a few weeks ago so I had to check it out. It's a "faux"-reality show featuring Sara and Erin Foster (daughters of David Foster, step-daughters of Yolanda, step-sisters of the Jenner boys, etc. etc.). It is so hilarious. I'm really into dramas on TV, and rarely watch any comedies, but I literally LOL during this one.

Other favorites: American Crime, Shameless, Nashville, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (can Brandi & Kim please go now??), and The Walking Dead (as is everyone in America). And, I really can't wait until Game of Thrones starts in April!



What I'm Listening To //

"Believe" by Mumford and Sons: Okay, I'd love to hear what you guys think of Mumford & Sons' new direction. They are, by far, my favorite band—I know every single song by heart and will never get tired of any of their songs. But, I can't help feeling a little sad that they are moving to an electric sound and away from the banjo!! Anyone else feel this way? I LIKE their new song. Am I absolutely obsessed with it, like I normally am with a new song of theirs? Well, no. As I've seen others mention, it reminds me of Coldplay. But I'll wait to judge this "new sound" when the album comes out in May. Also, I FREAKED when I heard they were coming to Iowa this summer. Then I heard the price of the tickets and another wave of sadness hit me. I just can't spend $200 on a concert. MAYBE if it was in Des Moines, I'd consider. But.. I just can't and I'm pretty sad about it.

Also check out "Kansas City" on The New Basement Tapes album. The album features songs based on newly discovered lyrics by Bob Dylan. Marcus Mumford sings on "Kansas City" and I'm loving it!

First Aid Kit: I discovered these ladies a few years ago and played their songs on repeat for a good few months, then they just kind of went off my radar. Well, I've rediscovered my love for them and have been jamming out to them lately via Spotify during work. Check out my favorites, "Emmylou", "In the Hearts of Men", and "The Lion's Roar"—and some of their newer ones, "America", "My Silver Lining", and "Stay Gold".

The Wailin' Jennys: More girl power! I found these ladies by totally creeping on Shelbie's Folk playlist on Spotify. I've been listening to a few of their songs on repeat for the past few weeks. Check out "Long Time Traveller", "The Parting Glass", and "Arlington". (Thanks Shelbie!)

Gregory Alan Isakov: Okay, so let's be honest, I'm always listening to Gregory (not just a current thing!). He's definitely one of my faves, and of course, I love love love "The Stable Song", as everyone does. But lately, I've really been into his latest album, The Weatherman. My favorite songs are "She Always Takes It Black" (for some reason, this one always makes me tear up!?), "Suitcase Full of Sparks", "All Shades of Blue" and "Second Chances". Also, "Amsterdam" will always have a special place in my heart as it was on my wedding ceremony playlist. Okay, but really, all the songs on his The Weatherman album are amazing so go listen to the whole thing! Megan, Shelbie, and I recently saw him in concert in Omaha and it was absolutely one of the best concerts I've ever been to and I will definitely go see him again next time he comes to Nebraska or Iowa!

What I'm Thinking About //

Lately, I've been all about planning for decorating my office! As most of you know, I was lucky enough to be able to stay on at Meredith when we moved from Des Moines to Lincoln this past fall—so I currently work from home. My family came up a few weekends ago to help me paint the walls and the trim in the office (no more oak trim!!!). So painting is done, but I still need to decorate! For the past few months, I've been using Zac's tiny old black desk that he's had for years. It doesn't work very well as I have two big monitors that just *barely* fit on them, so I've been anxious for a desk upgrade. Luckily, my parents are helping me out with that and building me a new desk! They are planning to bring it this weekend and I can't wait. I also ordered this tufted loveseat from Target in taupe (it was on sale last week for $300!) and it should be arriving this week sometime. Other than the big stuff, I'm also looking for accessories and other decor to complete the look!



Last weekend, Megan and I stopped by Simply Bungalow, the cutest vintage/antiques store, located in a beautiful old house in Lincoln, to look for a few things. White Cottage Designs was having a pop-up shop in part of the store that day, and I brought home these three lovely pieces, all three for $40! I just love this vintage lamp—it will definitely help with bringing some character to the room! I also thought the clipboard and print was adorable, so I'll likely hang that on the wall somewhere. Simply Bungalow is having an open house this weekend, so Megan, our mom, and I are definitely going to be checking that out—maybe I'll find some more gems for the office!

What I'm Looking Forward To //

Our honeymoon! 8 months after we got married, we're finally going on a honeymoon. We'll be heading to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic toward the end of April (okay seriously, it seems like EVERYONE goes there for their honeymoon lately, so I guess we're following the trend!). We haven't been on a real vacation since we went to Cancun in 2012 with my family, so this is much needed!


{I'm already thinking about all the swimsuit options to take with to Punta Cana!}