Meet Your New Favorite Band: Cable Car

Monday, December 29, 2014



If you're like me, you're always looking for new music. If you're like me, you also like to big up your friends who are making music. So right now, I'm going to do both. Meet Cable Car. They're talented, they're cool, and they're stupid hot. You're welcome.


For readers who aren't familiar with your band, can you introduce yourself and your band?
My pleasure, My name is Nate Mott singer and guitarist for the band Cable Car. Always by my side a Mr. Surr Chevvie and a Mr. Jack Turner. We hail from Rhode Island, Vermont and the UK. Chevvie and I came out to Los Angles together and we met Jack living across the courtyard from us. We started Cable Car soon after meeting.

So when I met you, we were both standing in line for the X Factor auditions. Now, you've just released your first ever music video with your band, Cable Car. Take me through that journey: how did you get from there to where you are now? 
Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone. I had the time and the geographical means to see what an X Factor audition might be like. As you remember it was quite an experience. When we met that rainy morning I was still in the middle of my plans to get to LA. X Factor was a why the hell not moment. Still it felt great to beat out 18,000 people that day and push on to the next round before I was cut. As for the video it was just the right time for us. We have a great new record and we wanted to put out a great video for it.

As for the journey…well it's a long story really. I could fill the page with the details so I'll condense it bit. As I said Chevvie and I had already made plans to move out to LA. We had a few friends who had made the jump ahead of us so we knew we'd have a  few friendly faces to help us get acquainted. Once we made the move we got right to work. Not only writing together but with two other projects we kept to the sides. The one that stuck was Cable Car. Why? honestly because it felt right for us all. Time and place kind of thing. We loved the music and each other so we went for it. LA is now well acquainted with us! We just played Sayers club a place many of our favorite bands have played including ASTR! In fact Bastille played the night after us. What an honor that was.

What is life like out in LA? Why did you make the decision to go there to begin your music career as opposed to New York? 
I have spent plenty of time in New York and although I love the people I'm a warm weather kind of person. There were also some friends out here that I knew would make the transition a bit more fun.

How did you meet your bandmates and come together to form Cable Car? 
Chevvie and I were already playing together in Rhode Island and Jack we met out here. Started playing together and couldn't turn away from how good it felt.

What is the music writing process like for you? Do you write with your bandmates, do you write music and lyrics together or one after the other?
Our process has evolved a bit over the last year. Instead of the standard acoustic guitar and a notepad we decided to let the studio get right into the mix writing as we record, throwing it all in the session and peeling away what we don't love. Lyrics tend to be derived from the mood of the sonic landscape. However if a theme comes up we might gear the music in a particular direction to fit it. Create a mood so to speak.

What was the experience of making your first video like? How did you come up with the concept? Has it been well received? 
The song Tonight speaks a lot to the power fantasy has when left unrealized. So we sat with the director and hatched out a concept that allowed each of us to express our sexual fantasies to a psychiatrists. To make the video exciting we had her becomes the fantasy but never really give us what we wanted. I think the video leaves you wanting more and that was our intent!

Will there be a full length album release in the future? 
There may be but to be honest EP's just seem to be where it is at right now. You can get in the studio burn out 5 songs then get right back in and burn out another 5 without these long gaps between releases. It's a fun new format.

What are the next steps for your music career? What can we expect next from Cable Car? 
We intend to promote the self titled EP just released for 6 months by touring it around a bit. From there a hopping on an established tour is where we are headed I suppose.

Itunes: http://bit.ly/12kqBxt
facebook.com/wearecablecar
instagram: @wearecablecar
twitter.com/wearecablecar
www.wearecablecar.com


Lushie 4 Lyfe: Lush's BB Seaweed Face Mask, D'Fluff Shaving Soap, and You Snap The Whip Body Butter

Monday, December 22, 2014


It is no secret that I love Lush products. So when I had five empty black pots, I headed straight over there to get some more that I could use up and turn in for another free face mask.


I ended up getting BB Seaweed at the recommendation of the Lushy girls (who are always amazing). It's made with seaweed, honey, rose, and aloe vera so it's not only soothing and moisturizing but it smells amazing. This mask didn't leave me feeling dried out like some others do, but left my face feeling really soft and silky. I was really really pleased and I can't wait to continue using it. Plus the joy of hearing WHY IS THERE SEAWEED CRAP IN MY FRIDGE from my father is totally worth it.


Second pick is D'Fluff Strawberry Shaving Soap. First off, this shit smells so good you want to eat it. I'm serious. My boyfriend kept smelling my legs like a freak. Plus, I have never been left so silky smooth after a shave. No razor burn, no missed spots, only clean and smooth and strawberry-scented skin. Loving it that I may as well go back and buy a huge pot of it now because I'm never gonna use another shaving cream ever again.


I love me a body butter, so I went with You Snap The Whip this time instead of King of Skin. It's got charcoal in it, which is the new thing for beauty products - charcoal soaks up impurities, so its great for a deep clean. Plus, this little beauty has exfoliating stuff in it too, so you're cleaned, scrubbed, and moisturized all in one. And let me tell you, I am about that life. That's the goal right there.

All in all, it was a successful mini-Lush haul. No regrets here.


Foam Party: Rituals Zensation Foaming Shower Gel Sensation

Friday, December 19, 2014


I acquired this in possibly the best way possible: for free, on the street.

The Rituals girls were just....gifting them. It was amazing. I was on the way back to the office from lunch and they were there on the corner giving away free shower gel. Bless Soho, man. They were also running some instagram contest at the same time, so I guess this was a promotion. But it worked, because it did get me interested in the brand and wanting to go back for more. So good job, Soho Rituals store.

Most importantly, this shower gel is the coolest. It's not your average Dove or whatever. I think most people don't really think about their shower soap even though they should. So you just slather it on, rinse it off, and be done with it. But cleansing the rest of your skin is just as important as cleansing your face, and especially for me and my dry skin, it's important to take care of my whole body.

Ritual's Zensation sets itself apart because it foams. And it's so boss.

It starts as a gel and as soon as it hits water, it foams up and gets all creamy bubbly. This is great for two reasons: one, because it makes me feel like a kid again. Two, because a little bit really goes a long way, and you can use a dime sized amount to cover your whole body. Zensation smells clean and fresh (it doesn't have a really distinct scent so it isnt overwhelming and won't conflict with all your other smelly products) and  does leave me feeling clean and silky.

But honestly, it's just fun to play with foamy bubbles in the shower. I am all about that.


Confessions of an Arbonne Consultant

Monday, December 15, 2014



I went to my first Arbonne party a few months ago when my friend Julie announced that she had become a consultant. And I was a bit skeptical - from what I'd seen, it seemed geared towards old ladies who wanted anti-aging crap. And I'm 26, I'm not quite there yet. 

I was pleasantly surprised. 

The party started with Julie's sponsor introducing the business, and then we got to try some products. I was shocked at the range of products that Arbonne offers - I had no idea that in addition to skincare, they also offer makeup, diet supplements, and products for men. And it isn't overwhelmingly geared towards the anti-aging crowd. There are a lot of great products, and honestly I feel much better about my money going to support my friend than to some Corporate Conglomerate. 

The RE-9 system (pictured above) is basically their starter skincare regime kit - it's cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, eye cream, and a night cream. It's a lot of shit but I mean, most people use at least half of those products anyway, and I like the idea of having a system with similar ingredients so they all work together in harmony. The formulas are smooth and creamy, they don't smell like anything in particular which is great, and your face really does feel great when you take care of it properly. 





I also ended up buying  the Nurturing Day Lotion moisturizer from their FC5 line because it had 20 SPF, which I've been happy with so far. I went with the Sparkling Citrus Sugar Scrub because I am a sucker for sugar scrub, and its fucking great. It's oily so it leaves your skin super duper soft and smelling nice and fresh and lemony and I dig it and use it all the time.

But don't take it from me, take it from Julie, my Arbonne Consultant:

What got you interested in being an Arbonne consultant? 
When I met my sponsor I was 9 months pregnant & definitely looking for something more in my career. I've worked side-jobs before, and Arbonne offered an extra stream of income on my own schedule. Her success inspired me that this could be a full-time job & business, not just a fun hobby.  She was able to quit her teaching job, which I would love to be able to do and work from home with my daughter.  The brand is amazing, and I was already spending money on personal care products- as a consultant I would receive a 35% discount + turn an expense into a profit.

What do you think sets Arbonne apart from other beauty brands?
Our stand-out quality is our motto: "Pure, Safe, and Beneficial". Arbonne products are natural and botanically based, not filled with the toxic and petroleum ingredients found in most other beauty brands. Our nutrition line is vegan & gluten-free, nothing is tested on animals- these are all things people are looking for today.
We also offer more than just beauty products, we have a market for everyone- men, babies, health & wellness, you name it!

What is the benefit of hosting an Arbonne party and buying through a consultant? 
Party hosts receive wonderful rewards such as the option of being "consultant for a night" and getting our 35% discount on their purchase. We also offer hosts package options that will give them $100+ worth of free products.  There is the added perk of having a fun night with friends & being able to try our products for free!...Buying from a consultant gives you the benefit of becoming a preferred client (20% discount), and being first to know about any special sales your consultant is offering.  You get to buy products you're already using from family & friends instead of giving your money to faceless corporations.

What are your favorite Arbonne products?
I LOVE our Intelligence CC cream- it has built-in primer, moisturizer, and color correction; provides lightweight coverage for everyday wear, and gives you a dewy "glow"
I'm a huge advocate of our ABC baby line; it cleared up my daughters dry patches in days, after months of using Aveeno & Burt's Bees to no avail.
Our FC5 facial scrub gives you a nice exfoliating cleanse.
I enjoy our pomegranate fizz sticks added to water for a natural boost of energy to replace daily coffees.

What products would you most recommend to people who have never tried Arbonne before?
 Our most popular line is our RE9 anti aging skincare.  Cleanser, toner, day/night cream, lift gel, eye creme- it offers something for every facial need, and makes your skin look & feel beautiful!  The cellular renewal masque gives an amazing glow & tingle the following morning
Our makeup primer is a best seller- feels like silk on your skin to prep it for flawless makeup.
Our FC5 daily shampoo/conditioner doesn't lather & strip hair; and Pure Vibrance line nourishes color-treated hair.


Use consultant ID 21331334 to order through Julie and try Arbonne for yourself!




Living Without Apology: Makeup As Warpaint

Wednesday, December 10, 2014


So, this is a thing that happened:



I wanna start off by saying I was actually debating on whether or not to post this, because the second after I posted it on Tumblr, I got this:



But this is my blog, so fuck you. I am not stupid, and I am going to continue to show this to more people. Insert Evil Cackle Here.

As a makeup and beauty blogger, I am constantly inundated with advertisements telling me that I NEED this new product or this lipstick is a MUST HAVE or whatever. And I hate that shit. I hate it when advertisers shove stuff down my throat and tell me that I need all this extra crap to be a decent human being. I love makeup and I love fashion because it's fun, because it lets me create the woman I want to be, because it lets me state exactly who I am without having to say a word. It's a creative outlet just like any other.

And I don't, on a day-to-day basis, think "Oh I have to put on eyeliner so my boyfriend thinks I'm cute today", and I don't think most women do. But this isn't really about me or my personal practices. This is about the bigger picture. Women have been enhancing their features using makeup for centuries, and yes, historically this is a mating practice. We are victims of centuries of this type of thinking. Hence my urging that these thoughts must be destroyed.

I stand by my belief that women should reappropriate makeup as war paint. I believe that makeup is an art and is a key to creative expression. I stand by my belief that women should not feel the need to do anything to themselves to please or to catch a man (or a woman, or a nonbinary, whatever you want). I believe that the thought that a woman should do such things for a man's benefit is detrimental to both sexes because it does not allow anyone to be themselves completely, and is always keeping a woman in a submissive position, if she is always thinking about pleasing someone else. If we hold our women back, we are all held back.

And the truth is, it's different for everyone. I'm not telling anyone that they shouldn't make an effort for someone they care about. I think the issue is not wanting to look good. The issue is the belief that it is a woman's job to look pretty or else they are worthless to a man.

I will reiterate: I do not wear makeup for you. I do not wear clothes for you. I do not smile for you. I am not here to placate you, to make you happy, to be the thing you want me to be. I didn't ask your opinion and I never will. I will be beautiful and terrifying. I am living without apology.



But First, Lemme Take a Selfie: Julep's Photogenic Palette

Monday, December 8, 2014



Frequent readers of this blog know I'm a huge fan of Julep products. I've been a Maven (their monthly nail polish subscription box) for over a year and it's the only box I haven't cancelled yet. They have great colours, great deals, and their customer service is amazing. 

But while Julep is best known for their nail polish, their other beauty products are pretty badass too - I've been happy with their lipglosses especially. But in the eyeshadow department, I felt they were lacking. Their first palette was a mini sort of Naked Basics knock-off deal, with boring boring browns and taupes and it was boring and nothing special. Then they had gel/liquid eyeshadows for a while that didn't really go over well either. 

But when I saw this baby, I knew I had to have it. Enter Sweep - The Photogenic Palette

First off, the colours are beautiful. It's not your average Naked knock-off palette. There are bright, holiday-ready colours in here. The colour payoff is really great too - each tone has got just the right amount of shimmer and the pigment is bold while still being really wearable. The formula blends really well, and you can use this one palette for a whole variety of looks, from something more natural to a bolder, brighter vibe. 


From bottom: Flash (which you can barely see since it's almost the exact same colour as my arm), Gala, Focus, Pose, Filter, Sepia, Icon, Selfie, Debut, Star, Fame.

The brush it comes with is really nice too - dual ended with soft bristles. I've been having so much fun creating looks with this palette. It's unexpected, and a really great holiday offering from Julep.

The Photogenic Palette  makes for a great gift for makeup lovers in your life, or for yourself! It's on special discount right now and its TOTALLY WORTH IT. Julep winning it yet again. 






Fall/Winter Lingerie Edit: Lace & Garters

Monday, December 1, 2014




Victoria's SecretAgent ProvocateurVictoria's Secret

"I love it when you can go about your daily business with the knowledge that you have a little secret of your own on underneath" - Dita Von Teese