First Ever Guest Post! ECM Shares Her Perfect Summer Playlist

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Hello lovely readers! It's me (ECM) here to give you a playlist of summer songs to keep you entertained while at the beach, by the pool, or on the roof! This is an eclectic mix of tunes - it's got everything I want to listen to while having a boozy popsicle and soaking up the sun.

We'll kick things off with Midnight Train to Georgia because, honestly, nothing says summer to me like Gladys Knights' soulful crooning. Also...Georgia is a state where its warm. And summer is hot. (E.S.N.*: she's a scientist**)

Segue into something upbeat and punchy to make sure you're not falling asleep and getting a sunburn. Neon Trees', Everybody Talks makes me want to dance around in a circle with my girlfriends, and I guarantee even if you're not the crazy dancing type, you'll at least tap your toes.

One Fine Day, because on a day when you can just hang out in gorgeous weather...it's always good to have some '60s girl groups to remind you how much fun a summer fling can be.

Gunpowder & Lead is a recent discovery for me (thank you NBC and The Voice for making me fall in love with Blake Shelton, and his wife Miranda Lambert), but nothing makes me feel more empowered than listening to Lambert detail how she's going to repay a guy who hit her. And, if you're going to spend a day in a bathing suit, a little extra empowerment can't hurt.

You Don't Know Me by Ben Folds featuring Regina Spektor is perfect music for chilling. The combination of beat, vocals and electric violin (I think) blend perfectly for easy listening.

Falling by Ben Kweller is the best description of the start of a relationship that I have ever heard in song. My relationship with Summer (the season) is the longest one I've ever had, and yet every year, I feel like there's something new and fun to discover about it.

The Head and the Heart are an indie-folk band, formed in Seattle is reminiscent of Vampire Weekend's earlier records, but with a slower and more relaxed groove. Just listen to this one while lying in body of water (ocean or kiddie pool sized).

I've found that Mumford & Sons are literally appropriate for any time of year and any occasion. I love the idea of having a cold beer and listening to Marcus Mumford croon. I just love that idea.

Daydreamin' by Lupe Fiasco featuring Jill Scott. Do I really have to explain why this is the perfect song? 

Thunder Road. It is simply NOT summer if you're not listening to The Boss. Thunder Road makes me want to roll the windows down in the car, and head out on a road trip...even though I no longer own a car.

Momma's Boy by the excessively talented Elizabeth and the Catapult. Momma's Boy is the kind of song that will always make me smile. First of all, the lyrics are unsurpassed, because let's be honest ladies...we've all known that guy who just isn't adult enough yet. Second, Ziman's voice is unreal, and if you don't rush out and buy the rest of the album after listening to this song then I don't think you have a soul.

Upside Down by Paloma Faith is the kind of song that really makes me want to be in a field of flowers. I can't listen to her unique voice and beats without snapping my fingers. And the lyrics are a great reminder for anyone who's felt a little different or left out...she likes living upside down, and so do I.

Alabama Shakes is like a combo of an updated Janis Joplin and Otis Redding. Naturally, I'm obsessed. Hold On is the perfect day drinking song...and a great transition to night time.

I hope you enjoy these songs as much as I do...and have a rocking summer!






*E.S.N. stands for: Editor's Snarky Note
**She is not.

Hot Town

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Summer in the city. Is there anything stickier and sweatier than a day over 90 in New York? The answer is, of course, no. No, there is not. Especially not when you live on the top floor of a 5-floor walk-up sans-air conditioner. But, everyone has their own coping method. The very wealthy head for the coast. The some-what wealthy brave the wilds of extreme electric bills and rely on our friend the air conditioner. Seeing as how I don't fall within either of those categories, I must now rely on my creativity. So how is a girl to remain cool, calm and collected without blowing all her hard-earned cash?

Arm yourself with boozy popsicles and minimal clothing and get thee to a rooftop! Naturally.


Load Up

Dirty Pirate Popsicles from Endless Simmer
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These Dirty Pirate popsicles are a delicious blend of spiced rum, Kahlua and Coca-Cola. What's better than staying cool and day drinking? The answer is nothing.

Cherry Apple Whiskey Sour Popsicles from Endless Simmer
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Kahlua and Coke not your thing? Try these Cherry Apple Whiskey Sour pops as a tart and fruity alternative.

ONYX Stainless Steel Popsicle Mold
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You can't very well make popsicles without a mold of some kind. Sleekly designed, these minimalist pop molds are BPA-Free and are (almost) cool enough to freeze your treats without the aid of a freezer.

Gear Up

Tattly Temporary Tattoos - Popsicles
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Give a shout-out to the summers of your youth with these whimsically designed temporary tattoos by Tattly.

ASOS Florial Print Sweetheart Neck Bandeau Suit
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The cute print and bright tangerine color of this one-piece are great for disguising the inevitable stains from melty pops, while the sweetheart top flatters all shapes.

ASOS Simple Full Skirt With Paperbag Waist
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If you find that you must absolutely, positively need need need to leave the comfort of a breezy rooftop to rejoin the living, just throw this simple navy skirt over your bathing suit for a completely adorable (and appropriate) outfit.

Lay Out

Woven Beach Hat from C.Wonder
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Generally speaking where there's heat, there's sun. And where there's sun, there are harmful UV/UVB rays. Cover up that pretty face with this adorable straw hat from C.Wonder.

Aveeno Natural Protection Sunblock Lotion with SPF 30
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This natural Aveeno sunscreen is fragrance-free and waterproof and is gentle enough for the most sensitive skin. Slather and repeat.

Chevron Beach Towel
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Protect your precious little bottom from the concrete roof (and the bird poop covering it) with this adorable chevron towel. BONUS: it's only $15! Just make sure to wash it after use...

Deck it Out

Popsicle Lights by Kurt S. Adler
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Should you decide to keep this lounging about going all night, you're going to need to illuminate your surroundings. String up these adorable popsicle lights and keep the party going like Lionel Richie. All night long.

Weber Smokey Joe Grill
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 It's too hot to even think about turning on the stove in your apartment. And forget about the oven - you already live in one. Drag this puppy out to the open air and throw some marinated chicken, steaks, heck, even fruit for sustenance.

UFO Kiddie Splash Pool
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Ok, seriously I might buy this. Actual product description: "UFO Sprayer revolves around, spraying water, when hooked up to a garden hose". I rest my case.

How do you keep your cool in heat? Share your tips and favorites in the comments!

But Wait!

There's more! Stay tuned for music recommendations from guest blogger/co-conspirator Elizabeth Cooper-Mullin.

(She's famous, dontchaknow)

Favorite Shows of the 2011-12 Season

While I consider myself a mildly intelligent, literate human being with much to offer the world with opinions, hopes and dreams, etc., etc. -  but damn I loves me some television. I honestly don't understand how you can't. There's nothing quite like coming home from a long day of work and catching an episode of Jeopardy! or...coming home from an even longer day of work to crawl in to bed with some Netflix. This past year has given us some truly truly excellent television - both well-established dramas and comedies and new, vibrant shows. Here are some of my favorites (and, yeah there's a lot of them. Deal):


Sherlock

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Oh god damn. This has pretty much everything I can possibly demand from anything: British men, excellent acting, a dude named Benedict Cumberbatch, a delightfully evil villain, and...British men. Given to us by the gods of BBC, Sherlock saw its second season this past year and left me NEEDING, physically needing, the third season. Now. Now please.


Best Friends Forever (RIP(?!))

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I can't even with this. If you haven't seen BFF, (which, I'm guessing you haven't seeing as how NBC cancelled it (yet renewed Whitney. There is no god.)) get thee to a computer. Created by, written by and starring Lennon Parham and Jessica St. Clair, this comedy is both genius and an accurate portrayal of female friendship. Think Bridesmaids but y'know, on the tv. And without Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph & co. I'm actually still in mourning of its short life so it's hard to really talk about, but hope springs eternal.

Louie

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If you're not watching this show, well, I just don't know if we can be friends. I don't think I'm being dramatic when I say that years and years from now humanity will look back be all "Louie is a national treasure" and then Nic Cage will show up and be like "That's high praise." Louie is equal parts laugh-til-you're-in-actual-physical-pain funny and incredibly poignant and heartbreaking and smart.


Scandal

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I promise you this show is not about a woman in ill-fitting pants (seriously, Kerry. They're called "tailors"). This new Shonda Rhimes-helmed political drama had me hooked by the first episode. It's a scosh melodramatic, but it's lots of fun to watch pretty people maneuver the shark-infested waters of D.C. political intrigue.

Community

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RIP, Starburns. Community is an interesting show. It started out as something almost entirely different (though equally hilarious) than what it is now to become the meta-est of meta shows - self-aware without being pander-y (in fact, part of why it might be having trouble finding a strong foothold with its network is probably Harmon & Co.'s unwillingness to pander. There's no Big Romance a la The Office's Jim & Pam, the plotlines are disjointed and weird) but my god how is it possible that one show can have so many laughs? This season saw the genius that was the Ken Burns-esque docu-episode, "Pillows and Blankets" and the Law and Order-Themed "Basic Lupine Urology".

Parks & Recreation

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The funniest comedy with the biggest heart, this year Parks & Rec saw one of its (in my opinion) greatest seasons as Leslie made her run for City Counsel. I can't imagine one person alive who wouldn't vote Knope 2012.

Mad Men

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Gah! So much has happened this season I can barely contain myself. While discussing it with a coworker who admitted that this is the first season she's watched in real time (as opposed to Netflix-ing), and how she's been so wildly impressed with the pace. It's true that it seems more has happened in Season 5 of Mad Men, while the past few seasons have been incredibly taut, well-acted and directed, intense observances as opposed to actions. I'm on pins and needles for the finale.

Breaking Bad

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Four words: "I am the danger."

Game of Thrones

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Mmmm Robb Stark. Can't. Keep. Typing. His eyes. Too. Distracting. The King in the North!

New Girl

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I'll admit - I was wary of New Girl when it first started out. I had always liked Zooey Deschanel, but as soon as I heard the word "adorkable" I wanted to tap out. Thankfully, though, the show really came in to its own when the focus shifted a bit off of Jess and out towards her lovably ridiculous roommates. Any show that is home to Jake Johnson is a show I can really get behind. And Drunk Nick Miller might, honestly be one of my favorite things ever in the world.


Happy Endings

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When Happy Endings first came on the air, there were lots of murmurs that it was trying to be another Friends, that it was relying on that well-farmed formula of six twenty-somethings in the city trying to have it all, etc. etc.And while it shares the same framework, Friends it is not. While I will always always love me some Monica & Chandler goodness, they can't hold a candle to Brad and Jane's epic weird yet perfect marriage. And all of Joey's dumb-guy antics pale in comparison to the commitment-phobe, epic slacker that is Max. Well done, David Caspe. Well done.



Runners Up:
Luther
Girls
Downton Abbey
American Horror Story

Role Models, Dude.0

Gentlemen need role models, too - don't they?

In compiling this list, I started to notice a theme. It would appear that in my original, lady-driven role models post, what I was looking for were brains, sass and a fiercely independent streak. These were the characters that struck a chord in my adolescent soul. The (fictional) men I admire, it would appear, are defined largely by their morality and kindness. And, well, I can't think of anything more admirable than morality.

Maybe a love of bacon...

Ron Swanson




The funny thing about Ron is that he is the most hyper-masculine man imaginable. There have been comparisons between him and Ernest Hemingway (the Man's Man of the 20th Century), he enjoys fishing ("It relaxes me. It's like yoga except I still get to kill something."), bacon and hunting. That being said, Ron is actually a noted feminist. In short, he's the perfect man.

Some nuggets of Swanson wisdom:

"I don't consider myself an anything-ist, but my life has been shaped by powerful women. My father once told my mother that woman was made from the rib of Adam, and my mom broke his jaw."

"Strippers do nothing for me. I like a strong, salt of the Earth, self-possessed woman at the top of her field. Your Steffi Grafs, your Sheryl Swoopeses, but I will take a free breakfast buffet anytime, anyplace."



George Bailey

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"Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this rabble you're talking about... they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath?"

How many men in this day and age would forgo their dreams of college and travel for their family? How many would use the money he scrimped and saved for his honeymoon to lend out to his neighbors when the economy went bad? Not too many. George was a (fictionally) living embodiment of Karma - he put nothing but goodness in the world, and just when it seemed as though all he was going to reap was "bankruptcy and scandal and prison", the community he gave his life helping paid him back in kind. George Bailey was a loving father, a devoted brother, son and husband but above all else, an exemplary human being. To quote his future wife, "George Bailey, I'll love you til the day I die."


Atticus Finch

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"I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do."
 

"Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passin." It's no wonder that Atticus tops hundred of "Greatest Heroes" lists. He was a beacon of goodness in a time and place when it was hard to come by and he fought tooth and nail for what he knew was right. He was the posterboy for empathy and understanding - a quality generally lacking in the world around him. His quote, "you never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view - until you climb into his skin and walk around in it," is so definitive of his character that you could almost end the book there (though, thank you, Ms. Lee, for continuing).



Coach Eric Taylor

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"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose."

Because he was one hell of a husband. And one hell of a dad. And one hell of a coach. He wasn't always perfect (who is?) but he always knew right from wrong. Texas Forever.




Runners Up:
Ned Stark -  "The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword."
Harry Potter -  Friendship 4 Lyfe




Important Note:
I'm aware that there is a shocking lack of Indiana Jones on this list, but while writing this I had to ask myself, "at what point does this just become an Indy Fan-Site?". And then my friend told me I was already dancing a bit too close to the edge of that. So...that's why he's not on here...

Where The Wild Things Went

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Today we lost a truly incredible man. Maurice Sendak - the Brooklyn-born, proud curmudgeon will be missed for not only his revolutionary contributions to literature and art, but for his surprisingly sharp wit and intelligence.

As always, he said it best:

"I have nothing now but praise for my life. I'm not unhappy. I cry a lot because I miss people. They die and I can't stop them. They leave me and I love them more. ...What I dread is the isolation. ... There are so many beautiful things in the world which I will have to leave when I die, but I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready."

Girls, Girls, Girls

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So, in case you haven't heard, dear Reader, there's this new show called Girls on HBO. And it's like, the best thing ever. Or the worstest thing that ever worsted. Depends on who you talk to (or on which entertainment sites you read religiously). It's "the voice of our generation", it's got one hell of a race issue, it's nepotistic, it's our savior. For one 30-minute show two episodes in to its first season on a network that most people can't even afford, Girls seems to be a whole lot, huh?

And you know what? I'm kind of super psyched about that.

I'm going to go ahead and heap one more thing on to the pile of things that Girls apparently "is". And that's a dialogue starter. It might not always be conscious of or intentional with the dialogues that it creates, but it's creating them just the same. The Girls Backlash, as it's known, calls in to question the ideas of privilege, of gender, age and race - and last I checked, those are still hugely significant issues. So, while I'm glad that the same people who mindlessly watch the truly horrible excuse of a show that is True Blood or Whatever You Kids Are Watching These Days (jk I hate-love that show, lol ttyl byob) are now being engaged in a (hopefully) healthy discussion about these kinda-significant subjects, I still have some personal issues with the show. And seeing as how this is my blog, what better place to air my grievances (is it Festivus yet?)?

1.) Why did it have to be called Girls?

         This is just super nit-picky, but hey, I tend to take a bit of an issue with this. While yes, the main characters are of the female gender and yes, they are youngish (and I understand, the whole crux of the show is how these "Millenials" are stuck between the grown-up expectations of their parents/the older generation and their need to, essentially, remain emotional children), but like, c'mon. Society is obsessed enough as it is with youth (and youth in women in particular - blech) that we don't need to label a show about women as "girls". And again, I understand that calling it something like Young Ladies is a.) nowhere near as snappy and b.) makes anyone talking about it sound like an angry father from a 70's after school special (he's not angry, he's just disappointed.), but you could as least call it Ladies. Or like, Vaginas. Oh Judd Apatow don't pretend like you didn't think about naming it that. You know you did. Although, I guess naming it Vaginas wouldn't make it any easier to google. It's super hard to search for it as is without getting the occasional NSFW in your image search.

2.) Ugh why do all the guys suck so hard?

        Again. I get it. It's called Girls it's a show about girls and girl power and uteri and woo. But if this show is supposed to be so grounded in reality (which, I believe it's trying to be), it needs to acknowledge that there are men and women in this universe, and that often these genders (and others!) interact in ways that are non-sexual, or non-authoritative, or just...non. The penises on the show so far have been: Adam - the main character's non-boyfriend boyfriend and the general worst and Whatshisface - Brian Williams' daughter's (who, btw went to Yale and is super pretty and wrote/was in these really funny Wills & Kate videos on Funny or Die and also did this Mad Men theme song thing and yeah she's just great) overly sensitive girlfriend-boyfriend who's also the worst. Um let's see...who else? There's Hannah's indulgent and kind of useless father, a dude who picks girls up in malls and makes opium tea (is that a thing?), whoever impregnated British McHippie, that guy that made out with British McHippie, Hannah's dickish former boss and Hannah's job interviewer. So far the only men who end up looking like they are not horrible people are The Dad (who, again: useless) and The Hapless Interviewer (though Hannah did jokingly accuse him of date-rape. Score.), and even they serve as the show's sources of withheld opportunity - one denying money, the other a job. I'm all for strong female friendships on television. I encourage it. It's dangerously lacking. But I'm also all for not vilifying an entire gender in the hopes of making another one look better. It only makes the women involved look self-serving.

3.) The Uncanny Valley

         Yet another personal issue here, but the main character's issues seem to mirror mine in a way that makes me feel...I don't know, let's say "itchy". Girls is so close to being my life, yet so not. It's the television equivalent of Tom Hanks in The Polar Express. The Uncanny Valley is the (mostly unexplained) human aversion to artificial human likenesses that are too realistic that is best explained, like most things, by 30 Rock. Like Hannah, I am a 24-year-old living in New York with less-than-secret dreams of being a writer of some sort. Like Hannah, I'm an intern. Like Hannah, I'm clueless about my future and a little tubby and dependent on my parents. Like Hannah, I wouldn't think twice about bringing a cupcake in to the shower with me. Unlike Hannah, I'm working two jobs to make ends meet and would never demand that my parents or anyone should help me. Unlike Hannah, I don't place so much weight on whether a guy is my boyfriend or not (and I also would not put up with this Adam character. Ew.). Unlike Hannah, I'm a real-live person, so maybe I should just chill. But you see, it's hard not to relate to a character or a situation that has so much in common with the life you are leading. And because of this Uncanny Valley nonsense, I get pulled in only to realize that the show is the artistic equivalent to this. So, what I'm saying to you is that HBO's Girls is the awkward face of a Japanese Sex Robot.

Yeah, I guess that's what I'm saying to you.


ALL of that being said, I'm still very interested to see where this show goes and if it decides to maybe fix it's posture a little and stand a bit taller. Either way, I'll be watching. But on my friend's TV because I'm poor.

Movie Kisses Every Good Romantic Should Swoon Over

As I may have mentioned before, I'm a bit of a badger-faced cynic most of the time. My reaction to most displays of PDA falls somewhere between disgust and annoyance, but I will admit, my love of movie-based romances trumps...pretty much everything. And, thanks to the visual nature of all thing film, the kiss tends to be the at the core of every great movie romance. Here are a few of the ones I consider "iconic":

The Notebook

Any girl worth her salt will tell you (via unabashed gushing or begrudgingly) that this kiss? The one in the rain with the Gosling and the undying love? This is where it's at.

Gone With The Wind

Ugh. Ashley is stupid. Oh, Rhett you tragic, dashing so-and-so.

The Quiet Man

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This movie is chicken soup for my soul. It is many things: a great romance, a love letter to a beautiful country, hilarious, and just...I love it. If you haven't seen it - go. Now. Stop reading this. I'll wait. Watch two of the greatest kisses in cinematic history here and here.

Breakfast at Tiffanys

How many people in this world keep running in to themselves? Audrey was lucky enough to find George Peppard. And her Cat.

Notorious

This is the kiss that skillfully (I mean, Hitchcock) and sexily avoided all those pesky Hollywood codes restricting the amount of time people could be shown locking lips. And you really couldn't ask for two more gorgeous participants in a kiss.

The Godfather: Part II

Ok, ok. This one is not romantic in any sense, but it sure as hell is memorable. Oh, Fredo you heartbreaker, you.

Lady and The Tramp

Who would have thought that a spaghetti-laden kiss between canines would become so very iconic?

It's a Wonderful Life

You hear him? No ground floors!

Titanic

A good kiss should make you feel like you're flying anyways, so I suppose Jack is tipping the scales a bit in his favor.

Sixteen Candles

Sixteen Candles - Final Scene - Movie Ending. Watch more top selected videos about: Sixteen Candles, Molly Ringwald

I will admit I'm always worried that that 80's poof of a dress will catch fire and engulf the beautiful, no-way-a-real-guy-will-ever-be-like-this Jake Ryan. Oh yeah and I'm also worried for Molly Ringwald's safety. I guess.

The Princess Bride

If Peter Falk narrated every single one of my kisses from now on, I would die a happy gal.

Brokeback Mountain

Words fail me. The emotion behind this kiss (or, well, series of kisses) is heightened by the impossibility of it all.

From Here to Eternity

How many parodies of this scene have there been? Too many to count, for sure. But nothing beats the original, and nothing beats Burt & Deborah going at it in the surf.

Tell me in the comments if I missed any of your favorite ones!

Oscars 2012: Best Dressed

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I am officially proposing a canoodling buddy cop film starring Meryl and Jean.

Ok so my predictions were off. Way off. Rihanna ended up wearing my Rooney dress at some British thing (and ok, fine, she rocked it whatever I'm bitter.), and her bffl Katy Perry wore one of my Michelle Williams' to the Grammys (Michelle would have done it better). I was, however, on the right track. At least three people wore Elie Saab (to varying degrees of success), Roons ended up in Givenchy, someone from The Help wore Giambattista Valli, Glenn Close attended, and Viola Davis did wear a gorgeous color gown.

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Roons in a structural Givenchy gown. Though she looks stunning here in minimal makeup and jewelry, there's something about her that always makes me want to throw a blanket over her and hand her a hot toddy.

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Milla Jovovich looked white hot and old hollywood in the best Elie Saab dress of the night, just edging out Berenice Bejo and Kate Mara.

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Gwyneth Paltrow in a mother f'ing Tom Ford cape (oh yeah and a dress, too). Seriously, who wears a cape? And looks fantastic in it!?

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Winner Octavia Spencer in glittering Tadashi Shoji. The loveliness of this dress does not translate so well in photographs, but on TV it was stunning. She glowed.

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Winner Meryl F. Streep in statuesque Lanvin. Ok so it's no bright orange getup, but she was thinking gold and got gold. Smart lady.

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Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace. I love the dress, love the look, but a high slit is no reason to stand like a skanky trucker, ladies.

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Some people were hating on this magenta Giambattista Valli dress that Emma Stone wore. I love it. And I don't feel like I have to validate myself. The dress came in second only to her incredible presenting skills.

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Similarly, people seemed to be split on Michelle Williams' coral Louis Vuitton look. I love the color, I am the biggest fan of peplums, and the, well, I hesitate to call them "ruffles" on the bottom actually don't bother me!

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Peplums! Tina Fey! Carolina Herrera! Need I say more? (the answer is no.)

Who were your favorites?