Wanderlust Wednesdays

New blog installment, y'all.
Get excited.

I love alliteration.  So, from now on, Wednesdays shall be called "Wanderlust Wednesdays" to express my constant desire to move/travel/explore/experience.

I'm gonna blog about Seattle.  Because I want to travel there with Mr. Hickerson.
Here are some lovely photos of Seattle for you to enjoy. :)

(First two images//weheartit.  Next three//by my lovely boy, and the last//by Lilliume)

Where in the world do you want to go?

iPad photos from ACL.

Enjoy. :)

 Ethan and me relaxing in Zilker, sunglasses and cellular devices, and a stage with some clouds.

 BARET (Barret, Aubry, Rachel, Ethan, Tim) in front of Rosa's.

 Rosa's herself.  Isn't she beautiful?

 Timburly.

 Barrett.

 Aubry.

 My honey bunches. :)

 The most awkward picture possible ever.

 Tim and me.  He's neat.

 Tim, me, Ethan.  I luh dem.  In different ways.

And us all excited like.

ACL

Hey y'all!

I am currently in Starbucks eating some oatmeal and drinking tea and listening to the civil wars. It's lovely. And the weather outside suits this fall state-of-mind I am currently in.

I've been having some requests to blog about my weekend at ACL.
So, here we go.

On Thursday evening, Ethan, Tim, Aubry, Barrett, and I took off in Barrett's pathfinder towards Austin. We were excited, giddy, and freaking hilarious. Aubry, Tim, and Barrett met Ethan and me in Edmond after their drive from Fayettville/Tulsa.
We missed all the traffic and made really good time all the way to Denton. In Denton, we stopped at Rosas' Mexican restaurant and tortilla factory that Aubry raved on. It was prety fantastic. Except we were those guys who went into the restaurant 10 minutes before they closed. It's okay.
Everyone enjoyed their cheap, pretty authentic food and then we were off again towards our final destination, Austin (or really San Marcos, because we were staying with Aubry's friend Kristen for the weekend).

We arrived around 3ish am and we were thrilled and exhausted all in one.
Friday morning was semi early because it was a big day at ACL.

When we got to the festival, Ethan and I kind if split up from A, T, and B. It was nice to experience ACL with my boyfriend. We layed on my floral sheet and played UNO and listened to some fantastic musicians.

Bands/musicians we saw on Friday:
Ray Lamontagne
Brandi Carlile
James Blake (who was so so so good)
Delta Spirit
Cold war kids
Bright eyes
Coldplay
Kanye West.

A lot of the time we sat towards the back and relaxed on the blankets and had good conversation.

The end of the night Coldplay and Kanye performed. Ethan and I agreed to stay for a few songs of coldplay's and then walk over to Kanye, who was performing at the other end of Zilker Park.
Both shows were a lot of fun.

On Saturday, we took our sweet time getting to the festival.
Because we stopped at a fantastic little restaurant, The Magnolia Cafe, for a hearty brunch.
First on our list was Iron and Wine. Ethan and Io stayed for a little bit and then wandered off in search of souvenirs and other shows.
E bought two shirts for two of his good friends and I bought something for my best friend, Marielle that she doesn't know about yet. ;)

After wandering, we thought about going to the Skrillex show.
So we did.
I was a little disappointed, though I don't think I gave them a fair listen.
We also listened to Allison Krauss who was great.

The rest of the night was kind of a blur. We smelled a lot of pot and waited for a while to see the beginning of Stevie Wonder's set before heading back home.
And by home, I mean San Marcos.

Sunday, we went to S. Congress street to do a little shopping and a little eating.
I didn't find any vintage finds (even though the shopping there is wonderful), but the Thai food Ethan and I had from Coat and Thai, a food truck, was super duper. And their Thai tea is really refreshing.
I got one of my favorites, Pad See Ew, which is egg noodles with broccoli and a sauce and tofu. So good.

Then we went back to Zilker to catch the last few songs of The Head and The Heart. They sounded really good and had a big crowd.

As the sun began beating down on us, we decided it would be a good idea to go swim in Barton Springs, which is a natural swimming area. The water is a constant 68 degrees all year 'round. Getting in at first was so bad. But once we got all the way in, it was refreshing.

We went back to Zilker Park around 3:30 so we could catch Broken Social Scene (on accident), Fleet Foxes, who were incredible, and Arcade Fire.

Ethan was a sweetheart and accompanied me to the hill in the middle of the park to watch Arcade Fire from. I got uncomfortable in the FF crowd and wanted a small break.
Even though Arcade Fire is one of Ethan's favorites (and mine too), he just wanted to be with me.
We talked about life and music and things and he eventually went back down to catch a last few songs of Arcade Fire. They ended on Sprawl ii--a fantastic ending and probably my favorite song on The Suburbs. Actually, probably tied with We Used To Wait.

It was a grand day, Sunday.
After Arcade Fire, BARET (that's our group name) met in the middle of Zilker to head out.
The streets outside of the park after the last show were so so so crowded--it was like an evacuation for a zombie apocalypse or something.

We eventually got on the road and made it back to Edmond around 6:30 in the morning.
It's good to be back safely, and I can't wait until next year's festival.

(I will be back tonight with weekend pictures)

I'll be back

I had a lovely time at ACL this past weekend.
I've been going and going and going.
I plan on blogging about it either tomorrow or Thursday.

Hope you all are well.

Cheers.
xo.

(I suddenly feel British)

Bon Iver escapades (with pictures)

So, as you all know,  I went to see Bon Iver on Monday night.  I promised pictures.  Here they are.

*sigh*
It was a wonderful night indeed.
Guess what??
In about two hours, I'm off to Austin, Texas for ACL!  Wooooo!

All my love, Bon Iver

Yesterday was a highlight of my life.

Big time.

Almost immediately after class, Ethan, Aubry, Brandon and I drove down to Dallas to the Winspear Opera House (which is the best, most stunning venue ever) to see my all time favorite band, Bon Iver.  I had waiting years to see them, people.  Literally, years.

Aubry and I found out that Bon Iver was going to be near us while we were in Scotland.  Ethan texted me the news and then we spent the day trying to figure things out and coordinate a plan while not having internet and phone calls costing way too much.  During the entire trip to Scotland, my phone would die within an hour.  The battery sucked.  The day we found out about the show, I had less than 20 percent battery life on my phone and it stuck it out while I was trying to communicate with mom about buying 3 tickets.

The actual time when we had no idea if we could get them or not to the time we found out we did have them lasted maybe a few hours, but they were probably the longest hours of my life.

Anyway...

So, we get to the show in time to buy a bon iver shirt, look at people, and catch the last few songs of the opener, Kathleen Edwards, who is incredibly talented.

After a 25 minute intermission, the show began.

I was sitting between two people whom I love so much, Ethan (who is my boyfriend of a year and half, if you didn't know) and Aubry, who is my forever roommate and a dear, dear friend.

They played all of my favorite songs from For Emma, Bon Iver, and their EP, Blood Bank.

Here's a list of my favorites they played:

Calgary,

Holocene,

Towers,

Beth/Rest,

Michicant,

Flume,

Re: Stacks (Justin did a solo version of this without any other band member.  It was beautiful),

Skinny Love,

For Emma,

Creature Fear, and

Blood Bank (in which I cried from joy, from being there with Ethan, and from seeing it live.  Ethan and I really bonded over Bon Iver when we first met and the first painting I gave him had "Blood Bank" lyrics.  You know those songs that  speak volumes?  Yeah, Blood Bank is one for us).

It was so, so, so great.

I didn't want it to end.  I will see them again very soon.

After the show, we kind of snuck to the stage entrance and hung out/chatted with most of the band members.  Justin didn't appear, which was disappointing, but I understand why.

Plus, it was okay, because Aubry and I met and talked with him last year in October (also one of the best moments of my life).

Mike, the bassist, said that Justin didn't want to get too big of a head, so he doesn't interact with fans much.  He wants to stay grounded and humble, which I respect.

But on the other hand, fans are an important aspect of any musicians career and life.  I think making himself known (especially to the handful of dedicated people who stayed an hour and a half after the show to see/meet him) would be nice every once in a while.  But I can't complain at all.

If and when I see and talk to him again, I won't say "OMG, I'm like your biggest fan (even though I think I am).  I'd merely thank him for creating and writing sensational, moving music.  Because that is hard to find these days.

I'll post pictures up from the show tomorrow, I think.

I've got homework to do and work to go to.

Oh, by the way, if you're a Bon Iver lover,

go listen to the new, live version of Blood Bank.  You'll probably either love or hate it.  I loved it.

A whole live show is available for free download, including "Blood Bank" right HERE.

Have you seen any incredible shows/concerts lately?

A Saturday in September

Hello, loves,

Is anyone ready for fall weather to stay?  I am.

Starbucks has their annual Pumpkin Spice Lattes back.  I've had one every day this week save Monday.  It could be potentially harmful to my health, but they are SO GOOD.

I'm thinking about making some pumpkin cupcakes very soon.  Yes, that needs to happen.

Here are some things I'm incredibly excited about for fall:

The leaves changing and the colors they turn.

Falltastic, delicious treats.

Cozy blankets and cool picnics with my boy.

Fire. And S'mores.  I'm actually excited for 

this all year around.

The Pumpkin Spice Latte (and all other pumpkin things)

Also, Panera Bread has the best Pumpkin Latte, in my opinion.

Fall fashion!  The sweaters, hats, layers, scarves, shoes.  I'm so excited. 

(All images were found on Pinterest)

What excites you for Autumn?

Oh goodness,

I've worked everyday this week save Monday.  I'm still training, but I think I'll be done with that by Saturday.  I've closed every night.  I am tired.  I am sore (?).  I am behind on homework.  I am worn out.

But I am still so blessed and so happy.
I'm pumped to have a job I enjoy doing.  I'm pumped to have a job at all, really.
 (plus, I get free food this week.  SCORE.  I love food.  And free things.  There's not much better)

Okay.  I'm gonna listen to music and collapse into my bed.

(I am happier, a lot happier, than I appear in this photo.)

Excuses for my absence

Wanna hear my excuse for why I haven't been blogging the past few days?
It's because I've been away from the computer, enjoying my life.

And you know what?  It's been fantastic.

The past weekend was just wonderful.
It consisted of my boy, good conversations, thrifting, great coffee, some improv, making new friends, staying in Tulsa, Joe Mamma's, Dilly Deli, getting closer to old friends, hugging, some longboarding, a belated birthday celebration, movies, laughter, and good, good, good music.
Pretty swell, right?
I'm so excited with my thrifting purchases, that I'm going to share them with you.  Yay!

What I bought: 

Peach colored tribal V neck shirt

White pleated skirt

Light pink somewhat shear button up

Tommy Hilfiger high waisted jean shorts

Light blue floral short sleeved button up

Vintage navy floral dress (that needs to be hemmed)

Brown felt fedora (or a bolo hat) 

Ralph Lauren brown buckle flats

And a massive, knitted ivory Grandpa cardigan (not pictured)

Well, I've got to get ready for work, because I START TODAY! YAY!

Ombre, longboards, and snow cones.

I had a wonderful day yesterday. It was just lovely.
It was sweltering here in Edmond...sometimes I just don't understand why/how it is so dang hot. Anyways, about my lovely day:

School was schoolish. I went to class and did the routine. In my Creative Writing class (English major, of course), I made the entire class-including the professor-laugh. More than once. I love making people laugh.
After class, Ethan and I went to go sign a lease at his new apartment. May it be known that I will not be living with Ethan...I was with him for moral support. Yup.
After the apartment agenda, we ran to the glorious, beautiful, brand-spanking-new Sunflower Farmer's Market, which is actually a smaller version of Whole Foods. I want to go organic so bad. I need a bit more money to do so first, but one day, my goal will be achieved.
I bought two big boxes of spinach and arugala. Some romaine. Some asparagus. And organic tortilla and rice chips. I am so excited to do more shopping there.
After relaxing at Ethan's apartment for a little bit, we went to Chili's. I know what you're thinking: "Chili's? That makes your day great?" It does when you have a coupon for a FREE MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKE!! Those things are so bad for me and so good. If I ever do go entirely organic, I'll either miss those bad boys or cheat.
Last night, Ethan had to go into work and work/close the register. He works at Zumiez--that skate shop in most malls. While we were in there, and yes, I went, too, a nice lady named Kristi came up to me and asked if I had ever thought about doing my hair ombre. I said yes. She offered to do my hair for free, just because she wanted to play around with it and see what ombre would look like. So, tomorrow, I'm getting my hair done, and it'll be new and edgy and I am going to love it.
Also when we were in Zumiez, Ethan kind of surprised me and bought me new trucks, bearings, and wheels to fix up my longboard. I was so excited! I got a longboard last year for my birthday and it was a cheap one, so the quality wasn't good. And I mean about $40 for a complete board. It was terrible to ride. It didn't turn and the wheels were difficult to ride on because they were nearly plastic and it was just not too good of a deal...but, I mean, you get what you pay for. I was really thankful for the board, just because it sparked my long boarding interest. But now, my board is ready to ride and it rides so smoothly. I am stoked. I have been riding it around campus today. I'm still not the best long boarder in the world, but I try. (I've only lost control today about 5 times) ((whoops)) But I really find long boarding enjoyable.

Today, on campus, STUMO has been giving out free snow cones. Goodness. I love UCO.
But I will divulge more on that subject in the near future.
College is treating me so well.

And next week, Monday is supposed to be 86 degrees as the high. I cannot wait. Maybe I'll pull out a cardigan :p

What are you loving about your week?

Peace,
--rachel :)