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."