the talk :: in all honesty

I've felt lately that I've been struggling to find the perfect balance of music + lifestyle in this space. This is a blog I started to showcase music. But I also have a very busy, lovely social life, and I'd like to share that too. Yesterday's post got me thinking about the importance of sticking to my original goal: introducing musicians that my readers may not have heard of. After I announced the Music Monday post on Instagram (@sarahfisch), Josh Mhire was nice enough to respond and show his appreciation. That is why I do what I do. Not for the recognition part of it, but so musicians that I feature will know they are heard and their hard work is worth it. I'll still share my life on here, but I want to try to keep the music going at the same time. :)

On that note... another album came out today that I am dying to share with you! I've mentioned Noah Gundersen on the blog before. He released "Ledges" today, and I am so excited to give it a listen. "Cigarettes" is already one of my favorite songs, having heard him play it live. Here's a little bit of why you should check him out:

Also this, with his insanely talented siblings. I almost cried the first time I heard them do this live:

You can listen to "Ledges" on Spotify or get it here, and listen to Noah's older work here. I can't wait to see him next month!

music monday :: josh mhire

photo via joshmhire.com

Today's Music Monday is inspired by a lovely blog I keep up with, Sincerely Kinsey. She's a photographer of beautiful things, and she just happens to have a husband who makes awesome music. I was going through my Bloglovin posts last week and saw THIS! I was really excited to listen to Josh's new EP, Coalesce. He incorporates everything I love: banjos and other acoustic instruments, a solid male voice that I could listen to for hours and hours, and lyrics that really mean something. You can tell he put a lot of work into this project: that it's part of who he is and he's not trying too hard. 

I've been listening to Coalesce on Spotify, but you can listen to it here as well! It's perfect for a Monday at work or drinking your morning coffee.

friday favorites :: give me the weekend

This week has been so insane, I almost didn't get around to posting yesterday. Thankful for a few minutes to breathe this morning! And really looking forward to my weekend... I have plans to have drinks with friends tonight, then go to lunch in Annapolis tomorrow (expect food pictures). To start the relaxation, here are some favorites of the week!

softest hoodie and Trader Joe's Chai. two days in a row (thank you, causal Friday).

i don't know why i think this is so funny... but it is.

I sent these grilled cheeses to my pregnant friend and I'm pretty sure she wanted to kill me. Not to mention she was in the gym at the time... oops! :)

Have you been hearing all the hype about vaccinating your kids? Read this article and then tell me you shouldn't. People are ridiculous. Vaccination is crucial for your children and those around you. (Read the comments too, they're the best and worst.)

If you want to laugh, read 20 Reasons Why White People Can't Be Trusted. Haha!

A great post about social media issues and how God plays a role in them. Worth reading.

I'm only a little bit obsessed with these two. I NEED MORE!

To conclude, I'd like to point out that my roommate told me I was the Avocado Whisperer. This is such a high achievement, you guys! Do you know how hard it is to open an avocado at the exact right time, the tiny window between not ready at all and way too ripe?

images via google

You know what I'm talking about. Happy Friday!

throwback thursday :: burgers & flowers

This day has been insane so I'm just going to get right to it. This was my weekend! Abbey Burger (yes, a fried egg on top. My cheat day), Pub Dog deliciousness, and Tresa's spoon skills. She'll hate me for putting this on the interwebs, but I had to.

Round two! Saturday was brunch. Oh, brunch. The love of my life. Eggs Benedict is my love language. So are apple cider mimosas. (Metropolitan in Annapolis, in case anyone cares.) Then my roommate bought me and our other roommate flowers! And then I opened the perfect avocado. 

In conclusion... Life is pretty great.

what they wore :: rings and other pretty things!

To be honest, I'm not a daily jewelry wearing person. When I wake up at 6 AM to get ready for work, I'm not really thinking about accessories. But the weekends are a whole other story (thank God). I really do enjoy jewelry and there are some fun pieces out there I'd like to share.

FACT: these two pieces from BaubleBar are my favorite. One time I was convinced that I lost one of my stacking rings, and I was so upset. (I found it in my bed later that day.) They just have the cutest things and their midi rings are so fun to wear. I do a lot with my hands like typing on a computer all day and playing guitar, and these stay out of my way. Pricier than cheap jewelry but a nice little treat. Tell your man for Valentine's day! It won't break the bank but it's probably money you wouldn't spend on yourself.

My roommate got me this necklace for Christmas, and I love it. LOVE IT. I don't think there's anything better than Forever 21 necklaces that don't cost that much but look great. I always layer this over a plain shirt or sweater with jeans. It instantly makes me look less boring. (Trust me, I have a busy life but sometimes I don't look it.)

A couple months ago I was shopping with my roommate and she found this gorgeous necklace (click the link for a better picture, that's an order). She was on the fence about it but after she brought it home and wore it, she fell in love. I think it's the prettiest shade of pink, and she's a total daisy fanatic, so it was just right for her.

For more casual times, I enjoy a classic geometric shape. I like the types where you don't have to think about it too much because it goes with anything and will fit in anywhere you're headed. Easy peasy!

And last but not least... bracelets. A weird subject for me since I rarely wear them... I have skinny wrists and they never seem to fit right. But when I do, I like this kind from Fossil. Simple, cute, and buckles. I always love buckles!

I highly recommend treating yourself this Valentine's day, or getting someone you love to treat you! ;) A little jewel action never hurt anyone and it always makes me feel better when I wear something pretty. You deserve it!

*This is not a sponsored post. All images taken from product websites.

the talk :: as of late

▲ Re-watching all eight seasons of 24 on Netflix. I have to be ready for the comeback!

▲ Nickel Creek is going back on tour! This is a life dream moment.

▲ I just got a whole bunch of new books from the library. The Sprouted Kitchen is one I'm excited to start on and get some new recipes!

▲ Speaking of recipes... this week's lunch is quinoa stuffed red peppers. So good and I love not having to think about incorporating a vegetable.

▲ Confession: this is the first year I did my taxes all by myself with no help. It's the little things.

▲ This morning my windshield wipers were frozen to my car. Very unhelpful in the defrosting process. I think I'm moving to Hawaii.

▲ I spent the Super Bowl with my best friend, her husband, and their puppy this year. We had delicious (and healthy!) homemade margherita pizza. Also, asparagus with parmesan cheese is the best side dish ever. 

▲ It's possible that I am going back to Sweet Lobby for the first time in forever on Saturday! They have the best macaron flavors. I can't resist getting a whole box and trying to make them last as long as possible!

▲ Did anyone else forget the Olympics are starting this weekend? 

▲ Three words: apple cider mimosas.

▲ I've renewed my sponsorship over at Bubby & Bean... be sure to pay Melissa a visit and check out the pretty blog button she made me in her sidebar! :)

music monday :: allman brown

image via google

I almost named this post "snow jams." I am well aware that "snow jams" is an awful title. Chalk it up to sleep deprivation and also falling down the stairs this morning. (Don't worry, it's just a sprain.) Anyway, it's raining. But it's supposed to snow very soon, so we'll see. For now, I'll stay cuddled in blankets, drinking a latte and delivering you some great music!

I have the perfect artist for a drizzly snow day like today. Ever heard of Allman Brown? If not, you should listen to him today. He is wonderfully acoustic and lyrically brilliant, and has such a soothing voice. He's the type that makes me want to truly listen to every word he has to say. Plus he's a Londoner. They make such good music. I will be holding my breath for him to come to America and play a show.

This song is a must listen. I beg you not to leave this post before hearing it!

And the others are great too. 

Listen to the rest here!