2015 Dallas Concerts

DALLAS CONCERTS

•  Sylvan Esso-March 24^th- Granada
• Nosaj Thing- April 16^th- Club Dada
• The Ting Tings- April 23rd- Granada
• Matt & Kim- April 24th- House of Blues
• Griz- April 24th- Trees
• Iron & Wine- Granada 
• Kodaline- April 30^th- Granada
• Walk The Moon & The Griswolds- May 1^st- House of Blues
• The Who- May 2^nd- AAC
• Bob Dylan- May 2nd- Winstar
• Lana Del Rey- May 9^th- Gexa
• Dave Matthews Band- May 15th- Gexa
• Foster The People- May 15th- Winstar
• Neil Diamond-May 28^th- AAC
• Train- May 29th- Gexa
• Robert Earl Keen-June 5th- Billy Bobs
• Brandi Carlie- June 5th- House of Blues
• The Rolling Stones- June 6th- AT&T
• Avett Brothers- June 25th- Verizon
• David Gray & Amos Lee- July 3rd Verizon
• Third Eye Blind & Dashboard Confessional- July 4th- Southside Ballroom
• Barenaked Ladies & Violent Femmes- July 15th- Verizon
• Phish- July 29th- Verizon
• 311- Aug 1st- Southside Ballroom
• Sam Smith- August 17th- Verizon
• Slighty Stoopid- August 21st- Southside Ballroom
• J Cole & Big Sean- August 23rd- Gexa

It's been awhile...

My last post was June 2014....it's now December. I can explain, and I have a confession to make: I hate being like everyone else. There have always been blogs that I have followed, but it seems as if in the past year there has been an influx of everyone and ANYONE having blogs. I started my blog originally in high school as a hobby and to post the new music I've discovered. I'm not here to hate on bloggers, because I'm no one special. Maybe I'm bitter and jealous I can't just have a fashion blog for a living, but I've felt that having a blog has become like that song you like at first, but then the radio overplays it and suddenly it's old news and you can't bare to listen to it again. I've had people write me and ask me why I stopped blogging. Well one answer is, life happened. I've become so consumed with work that I haven't had the chance or time to even find new music or jot down my thoughts or advice.But after I heard from a few people, I realized some people actually care what I have to say or share. It's sad that I've let everything else in my life get in my way of something I used to be so passionate about. We live in a world of clichés and everyone seems to have a opinion. I forgot how good it felt to write something knowing someone may read it and appreciate it, whether everyone is doing it or not.

So...i'm back. I may not be able to post as much as I used to because..well..I have a 8-5 job and lets face it, after work the last thing I want to do is sit in front of a computer screen again and write. But stay tuned my friends...many great things to come.

My Dallas Concert List 2014

There is nothing to better break up a work week then going to a great show. I sifted through several concert sites and compiled my list of performances that I would love to go to this year. I present to you my rather eclectic list of concerts coming up in Dallas for the rest of 2014. It's time to get some more live music into your life...save it, share it, and buy your tickets now.

Yuna - June 23rd, Kessler Theater
Goo Goo Dolls- June 25th, Gexa Energy Pavilion
Tove Lo- June 25th, House of Blues
Kygo- June 26th, House of Blues
Everclear & Eve 6- July 11th, South Side Ballroom
Oldcrow Medicine Show- July 11th, House of Blues
Rascal Flatts, Sheryl Crow- July 12th, Gexa Energy Pavilion
Beyonce & Jay-Z- July 22nd, AT&T Stadium
311- July 31st, Southside Ballroom
Steve Martin (yes, the actor and his folk band)- August 1st, Winspear Opera House
Ray Lamontage- August 2nd, Music Hall at Fair park
The Chainsmokers- August 2nd, Lizard Lounge
The Dirty Heads, Pepper, Aer- August 5th, South Side Ballroom
Wiz Khalifa, Tyga, Young Jeezy- August 14th, Gexa Energy Pavilion
Ginuwine & Keith Sweat- August 30th, Music Hall At Fair Park
Hood Internet- August 30th, Granada Theater
Grouplove, Portugal the Man, STRFKR- August 30th, South Side Ballroom
Aretha Franklin- September 6th, Winspear Opera House
Drake & Lil Wayne- September 7th, Gexa
Kings of Leon- September 12th, Gexa
Lily Allen- September 15th, Gexa
Porter Robinson- September 20th, Southside Ballroom
Tom Petty- September 26t, American Airlines
Katy Perry, Tegan & Sara- October 3rd, American Airlines
James Bay- October 4th, Kessler Theater
Sam Smith- October 9th, House of Blues
Bonobo- October 11th, House of Blues
of Montreal- October 22nd, Trees
Matisyahu- November 1st, House of Blues
Alt-J- November 5th, Southside Ballroom
First Aid Kit- November 7th, Granada
Bastille- November 8th, Verizon
The Black Keys-November 16th, American Airlines
Andrea Bocellia- December 11th, American Airlines
Fleetwood Mac- December 14th, American Airlines 

Song Of The Day: Ordinary Love-U2 (Pretty Pink Remix)

There is something about this song that just get's me pumped up. This is one of those songs that I wish could just come on at any "epic" moment of my life. Am I the only crazy person who daydreams life scenarios in my mind to songs? Ohhh...ok awkward. Well i'll embarrassingly admit that I picture myself on a rooftop overlooking San Francisco with all my best friends indulging in some sort of our typical debauchery with this song just blasting. Add this song to your summer playlist immediately. It is sure to assist in the making of some pretty great memories. Pretty Pink is a new house DJ from Germany and I'm really digging her style.

#Summer

Summer is upon us my friends, and I couldn't be more excited. Everything is just better in summer. People are tanner and better looking, everyone is outside, and we can all take life a little less seriously. With summer around the corner, it's crucial to have a good "go to" summer playlist. Add these 3 songs to yours and you won't be disappointed. Cheers.

1. XO- Beyonce (Monsieur Adi Remix)
2. Sad Machine- Porter Robinson 3. Gecko- Oliver Heldens X Becky Hill

Daily Advice: Slow Down

I've always considered myself an "old soul." I'd rather drink a great bottle of wine, listen to some old records, and enjoy great conversation with people I care about, then go rage hard at a club playing dubstep with slimey guys trying to grind their half chubs against my back...so not romantic. I grew up listening to Billie Holiday, Sinatra, Louise Armstrong, Johnny Cash, Andy Williams, Dean Martin, Perry Como, Nat King Cole, and all the other classics. My grandfather used to play their records and dance with me in the living room and always tell me about how "these were the good times." I'd look at my grandparents who met in elementary school and were married for 60+ years and wonder how they did it. They could just sit there together, listen to a record, and enjoy their time together. They lived in my neighborhood and sometimes I'd see them walking (very slowly) through the neighborhood just holding hands. The rest of the world would be flashing and rushing by them but they were just very...content. You just don't see that anymore.

I'm all about excitement and always trying something new. However, since I moved to Dallas I've become very accustomed to this fast paced lifestyle of always having plans Monday-Sunday whether it's a concert, sporting event, dinners, grabbing drinks, taking clients out, happy hour, etc. I haven't really had a second to just slow down, and this hit me last night. I had the option of going to a "pre Byron Nelson" party last night and I realized I just needed to chill the hell out and be alone. I went to the grocery store, came home and lit some candles, poured myself a glass of wine, made some dinner, and played some Billie Holiday. Call me cheesy, but I hadn't felt that relaxed in a long time. I think we could each add a few years to our lives if we listened to more classic music and just slowed down.

We live in a very fast paced world that needs everything NOW. We have mobile phones with apps to make things quicker for us, we drive cars with GPS systems to get us where we need to go faster, we've stopped cooking dinner at home and pick up food at the best to go place around, all so we can fit more of what's so "important" in our lives into 24 hours. I'm guilty of it all. Granted, being out of college and working will do that to you. We just don't have as much time in our day anymore. But if we could all just remember at least once a week to slow down and enjoy the little things, I think we'd realize just how important those "little things" truly are.

Check out my spotify playlist of all the classics that I love. 

Band Of The Week: Black Cobra Vipers

There are certain songs that make you just want to dance around in your underwear and pray to god no one can see you through your apartment windows. Well "On The Road" by Black Cobra Vipers is that for me. I came across this song today on Soundcloud and was thinking to myself  "Wow, this is definitely blog worthy." I went to read up a bit on the band, only to realize that the drummer, Rob Mills, went to my high school (he is the trendy guy in the blue blazer pictured below). Black Cobra Vipers (how cooler can a band name get?) is a San Francisco based trio rock band with a ton of talent, and their doing great things. I'm interested to see where these guys are in the future. Check out more of their songs here.

Song Of The Day: Mrs.Vandebilt Told Me- Big Boi

What do you get when you combine Big Boi and Paul McCartney? This masterpiece. Enjoy.

Daily Advice: HOT vs BEAUTIFUL

Our world has been hit with the worst epidemic we've seen in decades, and that my friends is called the "selfie." If you scroll through anyone's social media news feed, you are destined to find at least 10 girls flooding the stream with their new "modeling" pics of them posing in the mirror in a thong and covering their bare tits with their hands. And no, i'm not a fat chick behind the computer pissed because I don't look like these girls. As a matter of fact, myself and many of my friends have been blessed with what men would consider an appealing "outer exterior," but we just so happen to show it differently.

Narcissism has been taken to a completely different level, and we're making it seem OK by double tapping and following on Instagram. I get it if modeling is actually your career and that's how you make a living. You're not who I'm talking about, and I respect it. I'm talking about these girls who would be so much more BEAUTIFUL if they decided to smile and take a picture with their girlfriends; rather than smother self tanner on, make a kissy face, stick their ass out in the mirror, throw on a Victoria s Secret bombshell bra to make their tits 4 sizes bigger, add a "Valencia" filter, and then post it on all forms of social media for the world to see. "#IamwhoIam"...No sweetie, that's your extensions talking.

I decided to dig a little deeper into this and figure out just why girls find this OK to do? First, I looked at about 20 of my immediate close girlfriends who all graduated college, have great jobs, and come from great families. Want to know what I found? Not ONE of them had a selfie of them trying to seek attention on Instagram. Am I starting to see a pattern here? I'm not saying just because you post a picture of yourself in your new bikini on Instagram that you're uneducated and your daddy never loved you. What I'm saying is that there are so many beautiful women I know who don't have to do that because they'd rather seek respect from others, not attention. 

I think it's sad that more women these days are striving to be the next "chivette" or "smokeshow of the day" by exposing their entire bodies for 17 year old boys to jack off to. There have been actual STUDIES done on selfies, that's how extreme this has gotten. Dr. Pamela Rutledge, Director of Media Psychology Research Center in Boston, Massachusetts said "
“Selfies frequently trigger perceptions of self-indulgence or attention seeking social dependence that raises the damned-if-you-do and damned-if-you-don’t spectre of either narcissism or very low self-esteem." Rutledge stated,“Preoccupation with selfies can be a visible indicator of a young person with a lack of confidence or sense of self that might make him or her a victim of other problems as well.” This goes back to my forever philosophy of learning to love yourself. Yeah, I like to get dressed up, put makeup on, feel beautiful, and I post pictures on Instagram. It's 2014, that is the generation we are living in. However, if 99%  of your social media pictures are of YOU and only YOU, I challenge you to 1) Get off your phone and go smell the fresh air outside 2) Make some friends.

I've asked a few of my guy friends what the difference between "hot" and "beautiful" is. The majority of them all had the same response: A "hot" girl is someone you just want to have sex with, and nothing long term. You wouldn't kick her into bed, but you'd kick her out. A beautiful girl is someone you know you have to work for, you respect, and you can take home to mom. Unfortunately, we don't all look like Jessica Alba but beauty fades and herpes doesn't.  Being beautiful doesn't have to do entirely with your exterior. I know dozens of men who would prefer a smart funny girl, over the girl whose biggest accomplish this year was being named "Barstoolu of the Day." So keep on posting mirror pics in that new bikini girl, we will talk in a few years...

"HOT"

BEAUTIFUL

4 Must Have Remixes

4 remixes to start your week off right. Cheers to a great week.

1. Moths- Carousel Remix
2. Burn- Ellie Goulding (Gryffin Remix) 3. Moths Wings- Passion Pit (Artec Remix) 4. Just Like Heaven- The Cure (The Penelopes Remix)

Song Of The Weekend: Free- Rudimental (Cash Cash X Gazzo Remix)

Can't seem to wake up in the morning? Needing that extra push to keep running on Katy Trail? Starting to crash at work? Tired from work all week and have no energy to go out and socialize? This has been my go to for all circumstances that involve pumping myself up. I'm getting close to overdoing it, but I thought i'd share it with the rest of you.

Party Guide Coachella 2014

I present to you the list of "go to" parties for Coachella 2014 Weekend 1. If you're not on the list, get on the list.

FRIDAY-April 11th
-Details of Midnight: -An after party hosted by Details Mag & Sponsored by Lexus. 10pm-2am. (Private Residence in Bermuda Dunes, CA) INVITE ONLY
-Guess Hotel-  415 S Belardo Rd.  Palm Springs, CA 12pm-5pm
-Dickies- Pool party at ACE HOTEL sponsored by Tillys&Dickies. 11am-5pm  DJ performances by 100s, Thee Mike B, Jayceeoh, DJ Equal and more.
-Saguro Desert Weekender: Friday-Sunday, Day and Night 1800 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92264
- Hard Rock Hotel- LED DAY CLUB presents Dirty South, A-Trak, Disclosure, & David Guetta sets every day of Coachella) -Time: TBD

SATURDAY- April 12th
-H&M Loves Music Party: Saturday, April 12: 11 p.m. – 4 a.m. (Last years performance was Santigold- supposed to be another big headliner)
-Neon Carnival sponsored by Nylon and Olay Fresh-  Saturday, April 12, 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. INVITE ONLY
-Soho House (TBD)
-Lacoste Desert Pool Party- Alligators, a pond, giveaways, celebrities and pools. (Disclosed address in Thermal,CA) INVITE ONLY
-Bootsy Bellows- Performances by Juicy J and a DJ set by Passion Pit. Saturday, April 12, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. (House in Rancho Mirage, CA) INVITE ONLY.

SUNDAY- April 13th
-Lacoste Desert Pool Party

My Fashion Guide To Coachella 2014

13 days and counting until I'm on a plane and heading to Palm Springs, CA for Coachella. Great music, beautiful people, celebs, pool parties, and 87 degree weather..it doesn't get much better than that. It is crucial for any girl to plan her outfits for Coachella. That is why I've included my "must have" list prior and during what is soon to be one of the best weekends of my life.

1. Frankbod Coffee Scrub -$14.95

If you're NOT living in California and you're not a year long bronzed goddess, life can be difficult. I know going from Texas weather to being in a bikini in the sun for 4 days will not be the greatest on my skin. That is where Frank comes in. Frankbod is HEAVEN sent. It is a coffee scrub that smooths out skin, decreases appearance of cellulite, and gives your skin a nice beautiful glow with essential vitamins and minerals. If you're gonna be rockin a bikini week long, Frankbod is crucial.

2. Free People Apres Ski Aviator- $18.00

If you're anything like me, I loose sunglasses ALL the time. Which is exactly why I will not be bringing my Ray Bans to Coachella. It's inevitable that I will be dancing to Empire Of The Sun or Outkast and the next thing I know my glasses are no longer there and that's $200 down the drain. Free People makes some amazingly cute aviator glasses (I prefer the blue) that I will be purchasing for Coachella.




3. Stone Cold Fox-Holy Tube Top- $308

I'm a die hard fan of Stone Cold Fox. Unfortunately, since my parents no longer pay for my clothes I can't afford $300 tops anymore. Tough life. If you can afford this beautiful Holy Tube, it is the perfect top for Coachella. However, if you can't..all hope is not lost. I found a very similar looking top on Sabo Skirt that I love for only $50.






4. LF Daisy Strap Bralet- $65

 With temps averaging the high 80's/90's...it's inevitable majority of people will be wearing little to no clothing. This usually disgusts me about festivals, because no one wants to see a chick who shouldn't be wearing a crop top in a crop top. There are ways to stay cool and not look like a complete slut, and that's where the LF Daisy Bralet comes in. It's not a straight up bra or just pasties and is really cute paired with white lace shorts or a skirt.




5.Stone Cold Fox-Bloom Jumper: $275

    
 The Stone Cold Fox Bloom Jumper might be my favorite piece of clothing I own. Day time during coachella usually consists of pool parties then everyone heads to the festival later in the afternoon. You never know what party you might end up at after, so make sure to bring a back up "go to" outfit.









6. Child of Wild Jewelry: $98

 It's all about the turquoise jewelry. shopplanetblue.com and freepeople.com have some great stuff. The more the better....just don't lose it while you're raging to Ellie Goulding.








7. Vix Swimwear: $164  

 I'm a huge Vix swimwear fan. They have the most flattering swim suits out of majority of brands i've tried. L*Space, Acacia Swim and Luli Fama are among my other favorites. Pool parties is half of the fun of Coachella so it's crucial to have some great bikinis. Check out thegirlandthewater.com, you can't go wrong.

Song Of The Day: Stay With Me- Sam Smith

You might recognize the name Sam Smith from Disclosures popular song "Latch." Well he's come out with a new single called "Stay With Me" and I find his voice absolutely mesmerizing. He has kind of a John Legend feel and i'm diggin it. Excited to see what else he has to come.

GUY TIP #6: 18 Things Every Man Should Know To Do

The fact that I even have to write this list is incredibly disappointing. Way to go guys. While many people say chivalry is dead, I think that has to contribute to growing up on the west coast. If I didn’t go to college in Texas and experience the south, I think all hope for the male species would be lost. Sadly, some southern boys don’t even have it down. The ones who do, I applaud you. The ones who don’t, continue reading. WARNING: Women may become more attracted to you after reading this list. 

1. Cut the texting bullshit. Learn to pick up the phone and call her. That shows confidence, girls like confidence.
2.   Invest in a tailored suite. You look like an idiot with your oversized blazer from Men’s Warehouse. Do us all a favor and google Johannes Huebl. That is how you should dress. Follow @johanneshuebl on Instagram.
3.  Learn to take control in certain situations. If you ask her out to dinner, pick a restaurant and make a reservation. When you get to the restaurant, ask what she wants and order for her..it’s sexy.
4. If you don’t know anything about wine, it’s time to learn. You’re in the big leagues now.
5. This is mostly for all the west coast “boys” I know…but ALWAYS open the door for a woman whether you want to have sex with her or not. It’s the polite thing to do.
6. When you’re picking a girl up for a date, get out of your car and open the door for her. I forget that this isn’t the norm when I go home to California. And god forbid you ever honk your horn for a girl to come out…
7.  Never ask a girl if you can kiss her. If it feels right, she seems into it, and you feel comfortable..just go for it. Nothing turns a girl off more then a self conscious guy.
8. If you invite a girl to go out with you and your friends, make sure you introduce her to people. If you don’t want to introduce her, then don’t invite her out with your friends. Simple.
9.  I feel bad about this one, but if you’re a guy it’s both a burden and a responsibility to buy a girl a drink at the bar. We have to give birth; the least you can do is buy a drink. Don’t be cheap.
10.  I’m sure you’ve heard otherwise, but don’t play games. If you sincerely like a girl, just be straight up.
11. Talking about what your dad does and the car he bought you…not attractive. Talking about how you started your own business or moved up in your company…very attractive.
12. If you take a girl on a date, don’t check out other girls. She should be your main focus. If you can’t do that, then you shouldn’t be taking her on a date.
13.  Always wait to make sure a girl gets into her house ok before you take off.
14.   Brush your teeth..please.
15. Don’t take tips on how to be “physical” with a woman from the pornos you watch late at night. I promise it won’t be good.  If you don’t know what the hell you’re doing..figure it out. 
16. Don't be rude to waiters. It makes you look like an arrogant asshole. 
17. Compliment her if it's sincere. Don't be afraid of saying what you feel or what's on your mind out of fear of not looking "man enough."
18. Be spontaneous. No one likes a boring guy who just wants to sit home and watch movies every weekend. Movie nights can be fun, but a spontaneous weekend trip is even more fun. 

You're welcome...