The Faint

One of my favorite bands to see live, The Faint, played last night down at SOMA

and man! was it exciting!

I tell you, these guys never disappoint when it comes to a live show.

I feel it can be compared to what raves were like in the 90s (even though I have never experienced an actual rave.)

EVERYONE, and I really do mean everyone, dances and the venue turns into a giant sweaty dance party. 

Their newest album was released on Tuesday, and though I haven't really cracked into it yet, by the way things were sounding last night,

its packed with even more dance fever.

Perrrrrfect.

Oh and did I mention the crowd was beyond attractive?

Yeah. Yeah...

The Dove Parlor

I really want to check this out...

Its called The Dove Parlor,

located on Thompson between W. 3rd and Bleecker Streets. 

I've read about it in a few places and it looks rather jazzy...

Maybe if I like it enough, it will become a staple hangout.

Oh boy, I can't wait!

Summer Jams

I have a big crush on the band below...

They are called Los Campesinos! 

and (in the words of my friend Laurel) 

they are so neat I can't stand it.

And even though they met while studying at Cardiff University in the UK,

I like to think their story goes something like they were bored one day and just decided to play their instruments and make a lot of noise and then by some crazy chance,

it happened to sound fantastic. 

Like "My Year in Lists."

Who thinks of an opening line like,

"She said, 'Send me stationary to make me horny!'"

They also look like they're a bunch of kids.

Which makes me love them even more. 

Its happy dance party music.

And if you know me, you know I'm ALL about a happy dance party. 

This lady here is Brooklyn darling Santogold.

And though my vote has yet to be officially cast on how I feel about her album,

I must commend her for her single, "L.E.S. Artisties."

Its got a sweet beat, and for me, that's good enough.

Behold! Tan in a Bottle

When I was in either 5th or 6th grade,

my mother slapped on latex gloves one night and slathered me with self tanner in our hall bathroom.

I remember it was right before going on an end-of-the-year class trip to either the pool or the beach and I was embarrassed of being so pale. 

So leave it to me and my mother to race to Macy's on a school night, right before they closed,

to buy some Estee Lauder self tanner.

Mind you, this was when self tanners were a new embark on the beauty frontier.

And though I commend my mother in her efforts,

me and my 12 year-0ld self vowed to never do it again

in response to the horrid stench and risk of orange streaks.

Unless, however, it was for emergency reasons...

...Like the summer when I was in a Quinceanera 

and my tan lines were so distinct that I looked like I was wearing a white halter top under my canary yellow dress. 

Or those four out of God knows how many high school dances I attended when I felt the need to dabble in air brush tanning, instead of burning myself in a tanning bed like everyone else.

(And I somehow ended up starting a trend.)

But this summer, I decided to give my old friend another shot.

I figured,

"Hey, a lot has happened in the ways of self tanning since I was 12."

So with an acquaintance's recommendation,

I found and fell in love with this baby...

Its the True Blue Spa Bronze Bombshell line

found at good ol' Bath & Body Works. 

I've tried both the Shade to Order and Strike Gold tanners, 

but would recommend the latter if you are looking for more bang for your buck. 

And knowing Bath & Body Works, they always have some kind of deal going on.

So if you're feeling a little pasty today and you don't have the time to lay out (in the true Californian way,)

go ahead and check it out for yourself.

I promise it won't disappoint.