What was the best part of watching NBC's premiere of "The Voice" last night? Being introduced to the indie duo from Nashville, Elenowen. The husband and wife team instantly won my heart with their amazing vocal blend as soon as they started singing the Oscar-winning song, Falling Slowly.
So, I've been a little obsessed this morning, purchasing their music (here on iTunes) and watching more videos. (Their version of Falling Slowly is also available on iTunes.)
The album "Pulling Back the Veil" is a collection of eight original songs written by the newlyweds to chronicle their first year of marriage- a year filled with both hope and joy; but also the realities of the struggles and frustration they have experienced. Their beautiful harmonies and the raw honesty of their lyrics go straight to the heart, whether you are married or not.
The show was a hit, too. At first I thought it was going to be another American Idol copycat- but it had many different elements that made it fun and at times even emotional (like watching the parents and other loved ones react to the judges decisions from a back room.) NBC will air The Voice again this evening at 9:00 pm EST.
I love the "Water for Elephants" cover story in the May issue of Vogue and am looking forward to seeing the movie this week. The book has been on my must-read list for quite sometime. I usually like to read the book before seeing the movie, but after seeing the trailer and looking at these exquisite photographs by Peter Lindbergh I just can't wait that long! Isn't Reese Witherspoon just gorgeous? Tai, the 42 year old elephant she stars with, is a beauty to behold as well.
I love this treasury that features my Go Green Necklace, created by Wahlrus, in celebration of Earth Day tomorrow (I hope it makes the front page!) Wahlrus makes adorable bookmarks, prints, and cards. Her stories and inspirations are fun to read, too; which is one of the things I've always loved about Etsy! Here are a few of my favorites from her shop:
8 x 8 Pen and Ink Print
"By the Beautiful Sea" card collection
and a bookmark just in time for Easter...
So, in celebration of Earth Day take 20% off the Go Green Necklace featured in this awesome treasury!
I love everything about this new video, "Don't Look Back" from Zooey Deschanel's band, She and Him! It's not only a wonderful song, but a visual feast; combing retro-sixties clothing, furniture, and dancing with the "future."
Hooray! Sara Tornow's fabulous blog, Sweet November, is giving away one of my Little Bee necklaces! The contest starts today and ends on Thursday, April 21st. Check out her blog for rules on how to enter.
As an added bonus you are all welcome to a special coupon code for 10% off my entire shop. Just type SWEETNOVEMBER10 on your invoice when checking out! Thanks for stopping by!
(offer ends Thursday, April 21, 2011)
We just returned from Spring Break in Nashville, which is officially my new favorite town in the United States! Nashville is a city filled with culture, entertainment, live music, great antique shops, wonderful food, and the friendliest people I have ever met. Here are some highlights:
Country Music Hall of Fame
Our main mission was to visit colleges, but we had a lot of free time to explore the city. The historic relics at The Country Music Hall of Fame were fun to look at- I loved these boots, worn by Hank Williams III, at every concert appearance for 21 years! Hilarious!
They were hosting an event at The Parthenon, but we were still able to walk around and take pictures.
Yes, we stood in line to eat pancakes at The Pancake Pantry... and yes, it was worth the wait!
What do I miss the most? Well, at this moment that would have to be Las Paletas (the high today in Florida is 90 degrees)! Paletas are to Mexico what gelato is to Italy, all made from fresh, seasonal fruits and sometimes even vegetables! Sisters Norma and Irma Paz from Guadalajara, Mexico, are responsible for bringing their native treatsto Nashville. With traditional and exotic flavors, the choice is difficult. We sampled several: banana chocolate-chip, chocolate mint cookie, cucumber jalapeno, avocado, and more. My favorite? Pineapple hot pepper! Tristan was overjoyed to find that Las Paletas combined her two favorite foods, white rice and popsicles- into one delicious creamy treat.
Here we are at the legendary Bluebird Cafe, where we saw the dynamic Ashley Thomas play the "Sunday Spotlight" show and listened to several other very talented newcomers, including 15 year old singer/songwriter Bonner Black. Stealing the show was the amazing sister act, The Command Sisters. Charlotte Command, 15, is the songwriter of the duo and is gifted way beyond her years. Sarah, 12, plays multiple instruments (bass, piano, guitar, mandolin, and currently learning the fiddle) with the precision of a seasoned professional. Here is a video of the girls playing at another terrific venue, Nashville Hootenanny. They are so good!
And finally...our last day
at Percy Warner Park. Goodbye, Nashville! You are in my heart!
