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. :)

5 Healthy Summer Drinks | {Shelbie}

Things that define my summers: the outdoors, getting a tan, traveling, hanging out with friends and family, and (let's be honest!) drinking. I try to change up my drinking habits from season to season. This summer, I've made it my personal mission to try new cocktails whenever I get the opportunity. The summer heat usually makes me crave fresh and fruity drinks. So today, I wanted to share with you my top 5 favorite healthy summer drinks to try this summer!


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Cucumber & Melon White Sangria
Recipe from EatingWell

Lately I've been absolutely obsessed with cucumber flavored-everything! This recipe isn't only refreshing, but also healthy. For those of you trying to watch your summer figure, this drink would be a great option.

INGREDIENTS
1 750-mL bottle Gewürztraminer, dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc
1/2 cup dry vermouth
2 cups diced honeydew melon
1 cup diced cucumber
1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves
1 cup chilled plain seltzer
Ice

MAKE IT!
Combine wine, vermouth, melon, cucumber and basil in a large pitcher. Refrigerate until cold, about 4 hours. Just before serving, stir in the seltzer. Serve over ice.


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Strawberry Margarita Punch
Recipe from Dinners, Dishes & Desserts

I've always loved everything strawberry and, of course, everything margarita-related! Margaritas in the summer are definitely a staple of mine. This fun punch will definitely "punch" you in the taste buds—in a good way! Although this might not be the healthiest drink on this list, I had to add it because it's perfect for summer!

INGREDIENTS
8 oz frozen strawberries
1 can frozen limeade concentrate—thawed
1 cup orange juice
3/4 cup tequila
1/4 cup triple sec
1 bottle sweet sparkling wine (strawberry moscato is preferable, if you can find it)

MAKE IT!
With a blender, blend together strawberries, thawed limeade and orange juice until smooth. Pour into a large pitcher. Add tequila and triple sec. Mix well. Refrigerate until cold. Pour in sparkling wine to serve. Serve over ice.


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The Skinnygirl American Virgin
Recipe from Food.com

I used to be an avid Real Housewives of New York fan, so I've always kept up with Bethany Frankel. She is the creator of Skinnygirl cocktails. I think this drink is a must-try!

INGREDIENTS
2 ounces peach vodka
2 ounces club soda
splash orange juice
splash lemonade

MAKE IT!
Well, this one is simple. Mix it all together, add ice and garnish with a lemon wedge.


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Ruby-Red Grapefruit Cocktail
Recipe from EatingWell

Some people think grapefruit is an acquired taste, and that's fine with me—more for the rest of us! This fun-colored drink is so bright and vibrant—it could definitely be dressed up for parties. Plus, who doesn't love pretty drinks?

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups red or pink grapefruit juice, preferably fresh-squeezed
1 1/2 cups plain seltzer
1/2 cup gin
2 tablespoons Campari
Ice cubes
Grapefruit wedges or slices for garnish

MAKE IT!
Stir grapefruit juice, seltzer, gin and Campari together in a pitcher. Pour over ice. Garnish with grapefruit, if desired.


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Skinny Asian Mojito
Recipe from Shape

This mojito is fresh, crisp, and from what I've heard, addicting! Keep your waist small with this naturally sweet drink. I haven't tried this one yet, but I plan to soon!

INGREDIENTS
2 ounces TY KU Sake
Fresh mint
1 splash citrus seltzer
1 squeeze citrus (lemon, lime, or orange)

MAKE IT!
Combine first 3 ingredients in a glass over ice and add a squeeze of citrus.

I hope you all have a healthy, fruity and refreshing rest of the summer. Cheers!


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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.