My Trip To New York - Radio City Music Hall

As you know, last month Dan and I travelled to New York City but I don’t think I’ve explained the reason why we decided to go….other than the obvious, duh it’s New York.  I know I’ve posted about my love for the band Coheed and Cambria in a previous blog post and it’s that love that brought me to New York. 

The band recently released a double album (it was released in two parts) and just completed a North American tour to promote it.  Originally, the tour did not include a stop in Toronto so I was a sad Alex.  Luckily, I was able to convince Dan that it would be a good idea to coordinate a trip with one of the American tour dates and we settled on New York.  Luck was on my side again when they added a Toronto stop so I got to see Coheed and Cambria on March 16^th in New York and then five days later in Toronto.  

Another added bonus of travelling to New York for the concert was the location: Radio City Music Hall.

Dan looks like he's contemplating something.

I really wish that I took better photos of the bathrooms because parts were swanky and they were definitely unique.

The bottom left says, "To Operate Hand Dryer Push Foot Pedal" and there was a brass foot pedal below.

Rockettes Costume Display

These were the doors from the lobby into the concert hall area.  Again, I wish I took better inside photos but I was too busy wandering around staring at all of the beautiful architecture.

Shot of the merchandise table.  Individuals with "VIP Passes" (which you got by ordering the box-set from the band's website) were given signed copies of the set list so I wanted to buy something to get a bag to safely carry the list back to the hotel (it was snowing).  I was going to buy a toque, since it was snowing and cold, but there was some confusion over what I was asking for (do Americans really not know the word toque or was it this one woman?) so I ended up getting a shirt from one of the opening bands.

Did I mention that it's beautiful inside the venue?   The sound is also incredible and has completely ruined any other concert venue for me.  The show in Toronto sounded like muddled garbage when compared to Radio City's sound. (it wasn't garbage -- both shows were awesome)

If you ever get the opportunity to go to Radio City Music Hall, do it!

Alex & Arthur

Friday Five - April 5, 2013

1. Gandalf & Saruman Salt & Pepper Shakers

Periodically Dan will send me emails of things that he wants to buy.  I got a link to this salt and pepper set in an email earlier this week and I concur -- want!

 2. Mary Had a T-Bar Platforms - by Iron Fist

I love Iron Fist merchandise and their shoes, platforms included, are always super comfy.  I love t-strap heels and the lambs, bows and spikes just make these extra adorable.

 3. IAMX (Chris Corner) 

IAMX is the solo project of Chris Corner (from the Sneaker Pimps) and the reason I'm included him in this week's Friday Five is because he just released a new album (March 22nd) and I'll be seeing IAMX at the end of this month.

I had tickets when he came to Toronto in 2007 but ended up getting extremely sick and couldn't go.  So this will be my first time seeing IAMX live and I'm incredible excited.

 
 4. French Bulldog Ring by KopoMetal

Hey Alex, don't you already have a French Bulldog ring? I CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH FRENCH BULLDOG THINGS!!!

First, how cute is this ring (there's also a really cute French Bulldog wrap around ring) and second, there's quite a few cute rings available at KopoMetal's etsy store (fan of cats?) so I wanted to share.

5. Coconut Bacon

I follow Paul Jarvis on Instagram and Twitter and last week he posted a picture of coconut bacon that looks delicious and I've wanted to make some ever since.  In the comments section he indicated it’s made by mixing coconut pieces, soy sauce and mesquite powder.  Then you dehydrate the coconut pieces.  It sounds pretty easy.

If you like eating healthy veggie raw and cooked meals then you can check out his website EatAwesome.Ca and his “Eat Awesome - A regular person’s guide to eating plant-based, whole foods” guide.  There’s some yummy recipes and resources in there.

Happy Friday

Alex & Arthur 

 

Happy 66th Mr. Bowie

The Sovereign turns 66 today and releases a new single!
(Archer Season 3 was also released on DVD today so an exciting day all around)

In honour of Mr. Bowie's birthday I thought I'd feature some awesome David Bowie related items. So in no particular order, here they are:

Guild of Calamitous Intent T-Shirt from ThinkGeek

Remember at the top of the post, when I called David Bowie Sovereign? Well in the show the Venture Bros, which we all know that I love, there's an organization called the Guild of Calamitous Intent that oversees the operations of super-villians.  The head of the organization is known as the Sovereign who otherwise known as David Bowie. (Not actually voiced by Bowie but still awesome)

  

David Bowie Matryoshka Dolls from ArtMatryoshka

Bowie Print by Jess Fink

David Bowie Embroidered Brooch by LeighLaLovesYou

Bowie Magnet

My coworker bought this for me one Christmas -- it's currently in my cubicle at work.

Ziggy Stardust Record Clock by ItsOurEarth

Happy Birthday Mr. Bowie!

Coheed & Cambria

Do you have a favourite band that's stuck with you throughout the years?  I've had obsessions with bands but as I grow older my taste in music evolves.  When I was in high school I was very into Deftones, like crazy into Deftones.  I once made LoveElycia wait for seven hours at a radio station so I could get Chino's (the singer) autograph.  Thanks dude - you're a trooper! While I still listen to Deftones, they're definitely no longer my favourite.

Coheed & Cambria have been my favourite band for quite a while now.  I was really into the Second Stage Turbine Blade, Coheed's first album, when I met my boyfriend Dan.  I got him into the band and we've been together ever since (9 years).

I really enjoy watching them live, it's hard to explain how happy I am while at one of their concerts.  They're all extremely talented guys and you can tell they really enjoy playing.  I think I could honestly go to every single one of their concerts on a tour and never get tired of watching them.

I've seen them play live many times -- the show I went to last week was my 15th time seeing Coheed & Cambria.  (Also, if you've ever read my post Twenty Facts About Me -- fact #20 happened while Coheed & Cambria were playing)

I've met them several times, in fact at some of the early shows Claudio (singer) would be at the merchandise table. I bought my Second Stage Turbine Blade sweater from him.  They're nice dudes!

 I have their autographs -- Claudio has also signed several of my ticket stubs.

This is one of the videos that "I" took that's posted to my Youtube Channel.  I say that "I" took because the videos that usually end up on my youtube are ones that Dan has taken.  I can't stand still at concerts.


So there you have it, my favourite band.  I'd love to hear about bands that you've been into for along time or just stuff you're listening to at the moment.  I'm always looking for new music so if you're really digging something please let me know either by posting in the comments or by email :)

In other news I got my PonyChops button brogues in the mail last night and I am in love.  I've received so many complements today.  

They're super comfy, super cute, and arrived super speedy even though they came all the way from England.  I can't recommend PonyChops enough!  Arthur approves of my new shoes and knows that he's not allowed to touch them with his teeth.

Alex & Arthur

Five Fav Friday

1. Sigur Ros (and Jonsi)

Wednesday eveningI had a date with my friend Peter that consisted of dinner and a Sigur Ros concert. The lovely evening combined two of my favourite things: Jonsi and Peter.  If you've read my blog before you'll know that I absolutely LOVE Jonsi and the same goes for Sigur Ros.  If you have the opportunity to see them live, GO! you will not regret it.

Sigur Ros bowing at the end of the show

2. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles 

Do you like cookie dough? If the answer is yes, then you'll absolutely love this vegan truffle.  They're so insanely good and incredibly easy to make -- I'll be sharing the recipe tomorrow.

I'm kind of embarassed to tell you how many I ate when I first made them but I will tell you the number rhymes with beven.

 

3.Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis Read from '50 Shades of Grey'

I was fairly certain I had mentioned in a previous blog post that I really dislike the 50 Shades triology but can't seem to find the post.  It's so terribly written and has little plot.  I got so bored that I had to stop reading it for awhile.  Good news is that I'm not a quitter, so after a little break I was able to get through the triology.  

This video is hilarious.  I'd go see the movie if it starred Will and Zach

"The writing is exquisite"'

4. Pixel Heart Friendship Necklace by ZABZU

This necklace reminds me of Diesel Sweeties.  Speaking of Diesel Sweeties the creator, my internet crush R Stevens, got married yesterday.  Good for him...sad for me.

Back to the necklace, I love anything pixelated and 'puzzle' jewellery.

5. Plush Toilet Paper Cover from Bored Inc.

Make your spare toilet paper roll extra cute with this plush roll cover.  Toilet paper with a smiley face, what's not to love?

Have a good Friday!

Alex & Arthur

Song Mash-Up

I've found a way to appreciate Adele!!! I think she's got an amazing voice but god, do her songs ever bore me to tears.  (Sorry Adele lovers)


I love Daft Punk and I love this mash-up even more.  Daft Punk's Something About Us meets Adele's Set Fire to the Rain.  I can't stop listening to it.

Happy Wednesday

Alex & Arthur

We Bought a Zoo

Originally my blog post was going to consist of one adorable picture of Arthur, so without further ado I bring you plush toy cuddle pants!

It's Arthur and his English Bulldog Webkinz

However, I finally had time to sit down and listen to the two new Jonsi songs released for the We Bought a Zoo soundtrack.  I love this man so much! His music always makes me either really happy or break down in tears.  I saw him when he came to Toronto, I was sobbing by the end of the show -- it was so beautiful.  I already can't stop listening to Gathering Stories and Aevin Endar! (Just click on the song titles on the We Bought a Zoo page)

For those of you who aren't familiar with Jonsi, he's the Icelandic lead singer of the band Sigur Ros but has also released his own solo album (Go Do is one of my all time favourite albums).  He's also released music with his boyfriend Alex.  Jonsi and Alex, both raw food vegans, have also made several "cooking show" videos on their website and posted a raw food vegan cook book.  I've made several recipes from it before -- the raw strawberry vegan pie is especially delicious.

Both of them are ridiculously adorable human beings.  Every time I see them I want to hug them.

Cutest face ever at 1.06 when Jonsi makes a mistake :)

Okay, I'm going to stop my Jonsi-fest right there so I can go listen to Gathering Stories and Aevin Endar some more and cuddle with Arthur and his bulldog!

Alex & Arthur

Music Monday

So I've been listening to a lot of Anchor by Mindy Gledhill over the past couple of days.  It's Arthur's new favourite song!!! (previously he was really into Dubstep and Chiptunes).  Luckily the song is beautiful and I love listening to it.

Last Thursday, as I sat watching Bones with Arthur at my feet, the song Anchor came on the TV and Arthur immediately sprang up.  He stared at the TV for the entire song clip and then went back to sleep.  It was pretty darn adorable.  Ever since, I've randomly stared playing the song and whatever Arthur's in the middle of doing he completely stops, sits and stares (a couple of times he's laid down and drifted off to sleep).  He gets completely engrossed in the song.  Perhaps I should try other songs from that album.

In other news my hair appointment was a complete success, although I was a total nervous dork throughout the beginning of the appointment.  I told the stylist, Lesley, to just do whatever.  Although you don't know what my hair looked like before, I ended up with heavier bangs, larger pink chunks (almost the entire bottom layer of my hair is now pink), and it looks much neater than before the cut.  It had been almost 6 months since my last appointment -- my hair (and roots) was really bad.

Arthur likes my new hair

Bye bye!