take a minute to unplug

I don't know about you, but lately I feel like I have been way too attached to my phone/technology in general. Obviously, some of this is just unavoidable during the work day, but it has become too easy to get home and hop right back on the computer or sit there checking all the different social networks I find myself plugged into. 

I love this short film...a reminder that we miss out on a lot of the wonderful things right in front of us because we are so busy being virtually connected. Just a good reminder that the best and most genuine connections are the people right in front of us everyday. 

Embrace those moments and the people around you!

listening to | volcano choir, repave

If you are a fan of Justin Vernon's work and you have been missing some of the sounds we heard with Bon Iver's For Emma, then the latest album from Vernon's band Volcano Choir might just do the trick. Set to release September 3rd, Repave creates the familiar mysterious, but expressive sound and lyrics that are reminiscent of Bon Iver and "work wonders in arrangements that swell and boom."

NPR's First Listen once again lets us have a sneak peak at this latest body of work and I highly recommend pressing play right now...

passion pit!

I am super excited to be heading to the Passion Pit concert tonight and NPR must have been tuned in because this Tiny Desk concert featuring the band just came out-perfect timing! I am actually going to be volunteering with RadioMilwaukee prior to the show, so if you're local and checking out the show be sure to swing by the 88.9 booth for a chance to win some free "swag" :)

In the meantime, check out this stripped down Passion Pit performance
to get your morning started off right! 

listening to | sharon van etten "serpents"

I just started listening to Sharon Van Etten in the past few months and I definitely like what I am hearing! I have a whole handful of friends who have been fans for years and I wish I had tuned in earlier...but glad to have some new music to listen to now :) Take a listen to "Serpents" from her latest album Tramp....

You can also check out more of her music here from NPR's World Cafe interview over the summer!

listening to | mumford & sons

Very excited that Mumford & Sons released their new album, Babel, yesterday. Since they are one of my favorite bands, I figured we could all start out day with one of their new songs, "Whispers in the Dark". If you like what you hear, you can check out more of their live performance (and an interview) on WFUV...I know I will! 

Now if they would only come to Milwaukee for a show, fingers crossed!

local spot: Anitgua Latin restaurant

^^delicious pupusa and empandas^^

^^best.flan.ever^^ photo by Michael Sears

A few weeks ago, we finally made it over to Antigua Latin restaurant (I've had a groupon for this for months!) and we were both very impressed with....everything! 

The restaurant, located in West Allis, was totally different than I expected-fresh, lots of bright colors and of course, traditional Latin American decor. Our waitress was wonderful which is always huge and appreciated in any dining experience. 

We decided that we would just sample some of their small plates so we could get a taste of a variety of dishes, but I think we will certainly head back to try an entree or two next time. First, we started with ceviche-a first time for both of us and it did not disappoint! Light, great citrus sauce on top and served with homemade tortilla chips, a win-win-win for sure!

Next we tried the Yolanda empanadas, an Argentian dish with ground beef, onions, egg, and raisins-seasoned really well with a great balance of salty and sweet. We also chose the pupusa, corn tortilla pockets filled with pork and beans...simple, but great flavors. Final dish of the night: cochinita sliders! Pulled pork perfection.

So even though I was feeling pretty satisfied with the meal, when our waitress brought out the dessert menu and I saw "Milwaukee's Best Flan" right on top, I couldn't pass up the chance to try a piece. I will selfishly (and embarrassingly) admit that I miiiight have had the whole piece to myself, but MAN was it g-o-o-d! Lucky for me, I happened to stumble across the recipe for their flan, so now I can recreate the magic at home!

Long story short: fun, vibrant, delicious, can't wait to go back!

listening to | lorde

The past few weeks I keep hearing the hit song "Royals" by the New Zealand native, Lorde aka Ella Yelich-O'Connor and it has managed to completely get stuck in my head (in a good way!) Apparently, Lorde is the first woman in 17 years to top the alternative songs chart AND she is only 16 years old-nuts! 

Have a listen and see for yourself why some call this the real "song of the summer"...

happy online shopping with H&M!

For those of you who have a (slight) online shopping addiction, than today is your day! H&M finally opened it's website for US shoppers and now everything in their stores is at your fingertips! As much as I like to try and choose more high-quality pieces to include in my wardrobe (let's face it, those items just last so much longer!), I personally am still a sucker for their affordable and trendy fashion so this will be hard to resist! 

Be sure to stop by H&M today to get your fashionista fill (they even have home furnishings available) and sign up for their newsletter to get FREE shipping and stay up to date on other fashion news and discounts!

p.s. they are also having a Instagram contest with a chance for the finalist to win $250 gift card and a grand prize trip to travel to NYC for and H&M shopping spree! 

Happy shopping!