Everyday Beauty - Kirty

I first saw Kirty perform at The Garrison in Toronto. She was the opening act for Harvey Cameron, my friend's band that I was waiting to watch. There she was, this auburn hair shaking hip swaying guitar playing girl, and it made me want to find out more.

Kirty grew up in Orillia, Ontario, always surrounded by music. Her mother taught her how to play guitar, and she played trumpet all throughout high school. She attended Humber College for their Contemporary Music program. At 26, she's already released her first album through independent grants from a variety of Toronto art councils, and she's working on a new album that will be released under a label.

She describes her music as beachy, rock, folk. She quotes Bruce Springsteen, Sarah Harmer, Blue Rodeo and Neil Young as musical inspirations, as well as her family and ex-boyfriends.

Welcome To Juice City

This post is called Juice City, because that is my current address.

Population: 1

Everyone must sing to the tune of this impossibly catchy summer rap song. Replace "rack" with ju..

Here is how my immune system works as of late. If someone has a cold and they insomuch even glance at me, I'm on bed rest. This is an exaggeration, but it seems that I've been sick more in the past two months than in two years.

Notes on Juicing: 

I know juicing is "the new thing" and cleanses are supposedly popular but I juice with a meal, not in place of. I've been known to faint in very public places (read: church, school, Second Cup) and also have breakdowns in public places if I haven't eaten in numerous hours (read: hangry).

I'm Not A Doctor so consult one of those if you want to do a cleanse, some people find them worthy.

I read a recent Bon Appetit article about this designer who doesn't eat solid food during the day and only drinks juices. Food lovers lost their minds in the comment section. Worth the read for the comments alone.

If you're looking to consume more vegetables and increase energy, I highly recommend investing in one. I sprang back much faster from my latest sickness, since adding fresh juice to my weekly routine.

The above juice recipe is apples, beets, ginger, cucumber and carrots. Lately, I've been juicing monster shade green things.

When home juicing, you must drink the concoction RIGHT AWAY to maximize nutrients!

My hand is in dire need of cream in that photo.

If juicing is not your thing (and you can't believe you just read this far) but you need another pick-me up to end the week, below is a musical playlist that could accompany daydreaming, weekending, pajamaing, gorging on brie, whatever chills you out.

Here's to small steps to getting back on track.

The I Love or Hate Juicing Playlist

• Alabama Shakes - You Ain't Alone
• Azealia Banks - Luxury
• Atlas Genius - Trojans
• Phantogram - When I'm Small 
• Open Season - High Highs
• The Strokes - Two Way Trigger
• Sky Ferreira - Everything is Embarrassing
• The 1975 - You
• Frank Ocean - We All Try
• Solange - Some Things Never Seem To F**** Work
• SOHN - The Wheel
• Frank Sinatra - You Make Me Feel So Young
• Port of Call - Beirut

Book Worms & Music Monkeys

Reading and listening to music are two of my favourite pastimes.

Somewhere along the lines of tweeting and every-book-is-now-a-movie, reading lost its cool. I'll admit I read a lot and I don't discriminate. I read everything from chick-lit to the classics. I get excited when I can have a conversation with another person about a book, and not the I-watched-the-movie-version type of conversation. Yes, I just wrote that.

When it comes to music there is no need to provide a long-winded explanation. It is definitely uncool not to like music. I always gravitate towards people who have similar tastes in music as I do, or who can 'vibe' with me in my car or at a concert.

Anyways, monthly, I want to start sharing book and music recommendations. I've done both before, but I haven't shared much recently.

Not A Model book of the month: One Day by David Nicholls

One Day was my favourite book that I read this summer. It follows the story of Dexter and Emma who meet for the first time on their last night of college. It is written in a very unusual way. The book continues, with each chapter jumping one year from that very first day. For example: Chapter One starts on July 15, 1988, Chapter 2 is July 15, 1989, and so on.

The book follows their journey through adulthood and focuses on how life unravels after college. The writing is engrossing, the characters are real and I couldn't put it down. The ending will surprise you and the whole experience will leave you thinking about growing up and the decisions that are made along the way.

Not A Model music picks of the month:

These picks have nothing to do with what's current or 'right now'. My picks will reflect what I like, or how I feel at a present moment. Most of the stuff I write about, I've probably been listening to for months, or years even. If you've already heard these, forgive me. If you haven't, perk up those ears:

For those who prefer a real man's voice: The National are one of my favourite bands. The rough, dark lyrics and deep voice of lead singer Matt Berninger can soothe any bad day or fluttery romantic whim. Try: Afraid of Everyone or the classic: Slow Show 

For those who wish dance music had words: I watched Miike Snow, a three-person Swedish band in Toronto months ago. The concert was a full out dance-party-mind-trip. If you need music to exercise to, relieve stress or just smile about, I'd give them a listen. Try: Animal

For those who are a sucker for a duet: Angus and Julia Stone are a brother and sister duo from Australia who produce music that is a little bit folk, and a lot of heart. Their voices are calming and the soft beats are grab-a-cup-of-tea-and-daydream-beautiful. Try: Big Jet Plane

Let me know if you like any of my picks! What are you non-models listening and reading these days?

Make Me A Mixed Tape Baby

I'm not a music snob.

I'm referring to those people who instantly stop liking a band when they become popular. Those people who want to keep their obscure, precious jewel of a band all to the confines of their personalized headphones.

I believe the whole point of music is for a large group of people to appreciate it. Not just for some too-cool-to-shower-headband-sporting-drenched-in-american-apparel-hipster. No offense.

The music I share depends on my mood. My recommendations may feel like old news for some, while for others I may be introducing you to your next great music love affair. 

I have one of those weekly.

For the person who dances with flailing limbs:  If you haven't heard of them yet, I highly recommend you pay attention. They're called Phoenix and I've been listening to their album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix on repeat since May. In my car. In my room. In the shower. When the music hits your body, you are overcome with the urge to move. Mismatched socks, in my underwear, hair out of ponytail insanity. 
Try: Lisztomania  

For the heavy-hearted searching for answers: I believe John Mayer's Battle Studies was written for me. Okay not really. I discovered it during a time when I was seeking some closure from a whirlwind something or other that dragged on for what felt like forever, and then ended. Just like that. Battle Studies traipses on the grounds of compromise, not quite break-ups and deciding to define what's in front of you.
Try: Friends, Lovers Or Nothing

For those whose bed is never cold: There is a band that consists of four 20 year olds from the UK called The XX.   So what? Well, their music kind of sneaks up on you. With a few listens I was entranced by the male and female voices. I'm a sucker for a duet. But this ain't no Sonny and Cher. They hush about all those things that your mother told you not to talk about. 
Try: Heart Skipped a Beat

So that's it. I'm not a music blogger. If you're looking for one, my friend Zack (who recommended me the xx)  well he is pretty much the best when it comes to all things music. If you can think of your favourite band, he's probably photographed their concert. From Kings of Leon to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Zack is an expert. Check him out here. 

No hipsters were harmed in the writing of this post.

That good old new hip mind numbing beat

When I’m happy, sad, anxious or excited- nothing sets my mood aflame like music. It can intensify an emotion, a moment or a memory. But you already knew that.

I’m always on the lookout for the next great band or song that will affect me physically. You know, those songs that hurt your heart, give you goose bumps or just make you smile. Chocolate may provide some with endorphins, I say give me music.
 

Today’s pick: Portugal. The Man Their style can only be described as indie-soul-alternative-good-for-a-long-drive-in-your-car-music. Their album The Satanic Satanist brings a wide array of emotionally charged song lyrics and strong vocals. It's all about the voice for me. You can have a great band, but if I can't connect with the voice- the rest gets drowned out.

I’m definitely not a music critic but my ears know what they like.

If you look real high you just might find sitting in the stars glistening, glistening.. - The Sun, PTM

I dare you to give them a listen- I'd love to hear your favourite bands, songs or artists of the moment!

Feel free to comment or write to me at: write.notamodel@gmail.com