DIY: Lemon Vanilla Body Scrub

Photo courtesy of www.elizabethannedesigns.com

Here again is one of my random DIY posts that I said I would post from time to time!

I found a recipe online for a homemade body scrub that was made from ingredients we pretty much all have lurking around in our pantries and cupboards. I'm usually kind of skeptical when it comes to homemade body creams/scrubs/lip balm etc, but I thought that I would take a risk (a BIG one I know ;) haha) and the risk was successful!





Ingredients:
3 cups white sugar
3/4 cup of Olive Oil
Juice of one squeezed lemon (I didn't have a lemon so I used lemon juice from the fridge)
2 tbsp of lemon rind
2 tbsp vanilla

And that's it!

There's no special way to mix, you just add them to a bowl and then bam! You're done!

I used it for the first time tonight and my skin is still nice and soft from the sugar scrub and the olive oil helped to moisturize my skin! I even used it on my poor rough and dry feet and they seemed to have liked it too!

You can halve the ingredients (like I did) and/or mix smells. I used a natural vanilla (instead of a clear extract) so it came out dark. I also think I added too much oil and not enough sugar. It was supposed to come out like a wet sand texture and mine was a little "watered" down. Live and learn I guess!!

Check out the website I got the recipe from and I hope you enjoy the scrub as much as I do!


http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2011/07/28/diy-wedding-favors/

Faber Drive to Release Lost In Paradise August 28th

That's right you read correctly! Faber Drive's long anticipated third album Lost in Paradise will be released at the end of August!

Being a long time supporter of the band and a friend, it makes me proud to see that they've finally accomplished this album! It's a huge deal and I'm super excited to listen to it when the time comes!

Everybody get excited!!

Oh and if you're in the Toronto area  be sure to come and check them out at Dundas Square on July 21st for a FREE show!

While you're "patiently" waiting, check out this wicked fan-based lyric video for their most recent single "Candy Store"! Oh and while your at it, be sure you call your local radio stations and bug the crap out of them until they play the song! It's catchy, it's sweet and it's full of puns! What's not to love? It's definitely on my summer playlist!
(Notice anything special around the 2:42 mark?! wink wink)

- T

S.C.E.N.E. Fest 2012

I've been a loyal fan of the S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival (@scenefest) for over five years now, and as a media guest for the last three of those five. I have never come out disappointed with the event and it continues to amaze me at how organized the committee and crew are  when it comes to executing a smooth day. Yes there have been years where they've hit some snags, really bad weather, or rowdy crowds, but they have always been calm, professional and friendly when it came to such matters - and this year was no different. For the first time (to my knowledge) they set up not one but TWO stages at Market Square (the main venue and where all the bands set up their merch) and had a 19+ area that was sponsored by Jager. And while this was a little foreign (being this my fifth year running) having two stages, I quite enjoyed the set-up (and the drinks).

SCENE is a 12+ hour affair that starts at noon and continues into the wee hours of the morning. Hosting bands from all over the province, Canada and even some from the States, there is always a band and/or venue that will have something for everybody's ears. Canadian favourites Down With Webster made an appearance for the third time in Scene history and they did one heck of a show.

Here's a list and a short review of who I managed to catch at this year's S.C.E.N.E. festival 2012:

First up was Wesley James good ol' Saint Catharines, Ontario. Not originally on my list to check out, I was pleasantly surprised when I checked him and his band out. At first listen he kind of reminded me of an edgier Illscarlett (see review below) but after listening for awhile he began to create his own sound (in my mind). With a bit of everything mixed in, it's hard to specify a certain genre of music. With everything from Dub, Ska, and Rock to a little bit of Folk and then some. What was easy to determine though was the passion he felt towards his music and performances. He even had family in the crowd that was bouncing along to the music and looked just as proud. James and his band is definitely work having a listen! Check them out on Facebook or on his website to get more information and hear some music!

We mainly stuck around the main stage this year as it was easiest and where most of the action was happening. Next up we enjoyed the musical talent of Care Failure and her band Die Mannequin (@DMannequin). Girl fronted bands are more common than most people think and they usually pack a powerful punch when it comes to the words and music performed on stage. Care was no different and she managed to wow her audience with her powerful chords and stage presence. Her sexy rough-edged voice mixed with her sharp and angst-filled lyrics made for an interesting performance. After being dropped from their former label Warner, they had reason to let out their emotions in their music. Mixing it up with old favourites with new songs off their recently released EP Danceland, Ms. Failure and her band made a great way to start off this year's 17th Annual S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival! Check out Die Mannequin's Facebook page to find out more info on the band!






With a couple of hours to spare on the main stage, we wandered the downtown streets of St. Catharine's and found a band that went by the name of Searching for Satellites at the wonderful Red Hot Chili Pepper. While not a band I normally listen too, I was intrigued by their name and their style of music. A mix of singing and screaming, it was a combination that seems to be popular with the younger crowds. I definitely enjoyed the show and thought they did a the combination of singing and screaming quite well. Didn't help that they were quite the lookers either!

We then made are way over to Rockford's. A tiny bar that barely fits in the band let alone the fans, but all the same is still cozy and intimate. I've been listening to Brighter Brightest (@BrightrBrightst) on and off for the last couple of years and I've always liked what I've heard. The last time I saw them they were heading a Skate4Cancer event in my hometown. They even went as far as showing us ladies how to do a self-breast exam. Amazing right? Anyways, their catchy upbeat songs are the big reason why I enjoy their music and watching them perform. Playing new songs off their recently released album Right for Me like "Everyday" and "Right for Me" while still keeping it real by mixing it in with old favourites and probably the best cover ever of Wave's "California". I don't know about you but part of my childhood consisted of listening to Wave on repeat. That was a great blast from the past! You can catch Brighter Brightest on their "Tourlympics" tour this summer across Canada! For more information be sure to check out their Facebook page!

Before the next choice band, we had some time to spare so we searched out the world famous Smokes Poutinery and decided to eat some delicious Canadian staple food. We then went to support our lovely friends of Illscarlett while they tried to raise some money Busking for Change for Warchild - a wonderful charity that helps children in war torn countries all over the world. As per usual they were pretty damn good. I have to say I do enjoy them being acoustic. Then again, I think I enjoy every band more when they're doing acoustic. Call me crazy but I think it's sexy.

Rockford's seemed to be my only other choice venue this time around. Winnipeg band Take Me To The Pilot (@TMTTP) were performing and I could NOT miss it. A friend of mine introduced me to this band a few years ago and it's taken me that long in order to see them perform. I missed them by a hair at last year's CMW and that was only because they had a super late (or super early?) set time at 2 a.m. These guys have a special, airy like quality when it comes to their vocals and it captivates me every time I listen. Their songs are upbeat (even when sad) and I can't help but enjoy every aspect of their performance. I also managed to pick up their newly released EP What Makes You and it`s definitely one to listen to. The performance itself was flawless and even though they were probably on the tiniest stage possible they still managed to make a great time out of it and their Ontario fans definitely didn`t complain. While singing new songs off of their seven song EP, they also sang favourites like "Call the Cops", "I Was Alive for 15 Days in the 80s" and my personal fave "Green Eyes". They also managed to play off of their pals in Brighter Brightest and did their own version of Wave's "California" as well!

Our last stop of the night was to catch the last two performances of the night on the main stage at Market Square. Illscarlett (@Illscarlett) has been a crowd favourite all across Canada for years now. I remember seeing them for the first time live when I was in my second year of University back in 2007. They have produced, sang and toured multiple times since then and even added a stay in California. As of recent they have dropped their record label and are currently in the process of writing, and recording their self-produced EP that will be released in August of this year. These guys always give an energy packed performance that allows the crowd to just release their energy. In fact, out of all the Ill shows that I have seen in the past, there is not one show that has not had a pit take over the audience. Pretty sure there were a few times where the security guards had to step in because they were harming other fans in the area. Because they haven't released an album or EP in awhile they mainly stuck to tunes that I was more than familiar with. Instead of focusing on the lyrics I was just able to get into the music and bob my head along to the beat. If you  don't enjoy an Ill show, then there's got to be something wrong with you right?

Down With Webster (@DOWNWITHWEBSTER) has been around for more than a couple of years. they started off as a basement band where nobody really heard them and now they've become a Canada and State wide phenomenon. Toronto boys born and bred, these guys always have the crowd jumping and psyched to be in the crowd. Their unique mix of R&B, Rap and Rock&Roll make for a unique, one-of-a-kind show that will always leave your ears pleased. While their set was too short for my liking, they did a great mix of old and new songs off their albums Time to Win Vol.1 and Time to Win Vol.2. It's always a thrill to hear these guys perform live and to see the audience so wrapped up in each song. It's easy to relate to and something you don't hear every day on the radio (well except them of course). I've already seen them in Montreal this year and I'm excited to see them again whenever they come back. They are addictive, super cute and super catchy. If you haven't listened to them or have never heard of them before (I know I've got some non-Canadian readers out there) you should definitely check them out on their Facebook page to hear some music and find out more information on the band!

I always have such a great time at S.C.E.N.E. and this year was no exception. As a lover of music, outdoor festivals and being with friends, this was the perfect summer kick-off and I look forward to working with them in the future!


- T 


Oh on a side note, friends and I discovered this not so appealing sticker on someone's car that stated "No Fat Chicks Allowed". Obviously we were offended but we went on about our day. Turns out someone had been just as offended and managed to peel off the "No" part. Karma's a bitch isn't it?

www.zebraprintsky.com's writer Jenny Ellis posing with the offensive sticker.

Morgan Cameron Ross - Hey There Darling Video

So Morgan C Ross is a pretty wicked dude who's got a lot of heart and a heck of a lot of soul...Especially when it comes to writing and performing his beautiful music. As you all know, I'm a big fan of bands like Hedley, Marianas Trench and so on but there's just something about this guy who makes me absolutely love the music and him as a person! His lyrics are personal and meaningful and the music is catchy and easy to get caught up in when listening to it wherever you may be.

I was introduced to him by a friend of mine (*cough* Zebraprintsky *cough*) and I've been forever grateful ever since! Just yesterday Morgan released a video for his new song "Hey There Darling" which is set in the 1960s in a diner. This is one of my favourite songs off his most recent self-titled album and I'm excited to share the new video with you guys!

So check it out!

- T

Maroon 5: Overexposed? Heck No.

Some people may not hesitate to agree that Maroon 5 has been around the block one too many times, but those people would be wrong - or right? Depends on their perspective...but that's besides the point. Overexposed is actually the title of Maroon 5's new musical masterpiece.

I've been listening to Maroon 5 for more than a few years now and they've always been catchy, upbeat and addictive. Pretty sure front man Adam Levine is the object of many women's sexual fantasies as well - which helps A LOT in my opinion as to why the band is so successful. Anyways, the album is exactly what you expect: pop-tastic, sexual-tension releasing, delicious music to your ears. No lies.

I think the only two songs that you may have an issue with would be "Moves Like Jagger" and "Payphone". And the only reason that could be possible would be that you listen to the radio way too much...or it's on a CD at work that's on repeat constantly (like me).

The rest of the album have a mix of dance addictive, catchy, and even heartfelt tunes that will definitely get you moving and/or swooning to the beat. Adam's voice is smooth and sounds as good as ever, and the music behind the words is cohesive and melds together well with everything.

As with every good album, there's always a mix of smooth, ballad-like songs that go along with the dance-y, upbeat music and this album is no different. Songs like "Sad" and "Beautiful Goodbye" are good examples that remind me of Maroon 5's Songs About Jane album and make me love the songs even more.

Overall the album is addictive, and definitely on my summer playlist and it should be on yours too. It's currently available for pre-order on itunes (it's available June 26th!).

Happy Listening,
Taryn

P.S. Check out the video below of their newest video for "Payphone" ft. Wiz Khalifa (warning it's got swear words...so if your sensitive, get over it!)

MMVA 2012: Winners

While the last post was more about my thoughts, here is a full list of last night's winners...just in case you weren't paying attention or if you had better things to do on a Sunday night!

Video of the year:
Carly Rae Jepsen, "Call me Maybe"

Intl video of the year, artist:
Katy Perry, "Last Friday Night"

Intl video of the year, group:
LMFAO, "Sexy and I Know It"

Intl video of the year by a Canadian:
Justin Bieber, "Boyfriend"

Pop video of the year:
Marianas Trench, "Haven't Had Enough"

Post-production video of the year:
Down With Webster, "Big Wheels"

Cinematography video of the year:
Marianas Trench, "Fall Out"

Director of the year:
Danny Fernandes ft. Josh Ramsay and Belly, "Hit Me Up"

MuchLoud rock video of the year:
The Sheepdogs, "I Don't Know"

MuchVibe hip-hop video of the year:
Drake ft. Lil' Wayne and Tyga, "The Motto"

MuchFact indie video of the year"
City and Colour, "Fragile Bird"

UR fave artist or group:
Justin Bieber

UR fave intl artist or goup:
Katy Perry

Most streamed video of the year:
Carly Rae Jepsen, "Call me Maybe"




All I have to say is...if you were my boyfriend....I'd cut you loose. Sorry Jbiebz, but you're SO overrated.

MMVA 2012: Likes and Dislikes

Well it looks as if another year of the MMVAs has successfully completed itself. For the second time in three years I wasn't accepted into the media room due to "high quantities" of people applying. In non-professional words they were pretty much telling me that I wasn't important enough to warrant and in-person invitation.

Anyways, I decided that I would just watch the show this year instead of spending countless hours watching a live feed and "trying" to get my questions answered over all the other journalists there in person. So, my thoughts? I felt that compared to last year's show, this one was a lot more successful than before. And by successful I mean that the music SOUNDED great on TV, and the performances (for the most part) were really well done. The only issue I had didn't really have anything to do with the actual award show itself.

Things I liked:
- LMFAO's co-hosting duties and performance were 100 % above par. They were hilarious, they sounded great and they interacted with the crowd and the other presenters extremely well.
- Carly Rae Jepsen's performance and surprise performance with Flo Rida. She has shot up SO fast over the last year and she has thanks to Justin Bieber and his label for that. I remember seeing this shy girl in a mall with Faber Drive in Port Coquitlam way back in 2009. Since then she's blossomed into a quirky girl who can make every celebrity and fan sing religiously to "Call Me Maybe"
- I know I may be a little biased, but I felt that Hedley's performance of "Kiss You Inside Out" was one of the best performances of the night. I think the only issue I had with this was the camera was pretty much trained on Jacob Hoggard the entire time. Note to Muchmusic cameramen: Hedley is a band. It's not Jacob Hoggard and the Hedley Boys.
- Katy Perry in general. She had such a cute walk down the red carpet with all the mini Katy Perry's and her set on stage was probably the most extravagant and beautiful. She did such a great job.
- Kelly Clarkson was the powerhouse of the night. It's crazy that she was the very FIRST person to ever win American Idol and she is still going strong.
- Lucy Hale. I love that girl. She's beautiful, funny, and I feel to be a great role model.
- Ed Sheerhan surprised me to no end. I didn't really even know who he was but then I listened to his performance and I was enthralled. His performance was hands down the best of the night. I think everybody should just go acoustic and belt it out. Then we'd be able to string out the real talent from the fakes.

Things I disliked:
- While everybody else just LOVED Marianas Trench's entrance, I felt that it was just a little obnoxious. Did they not get the memo that the theme was classy? Sorry, I am a HUGE Trench fan but they just seemed to irk me this time around. And continuing with the Trench theme, their performance was terrible. Sure people will probably say it sounded better in person, but with most of the other performances sounding great on TV, I highly doubt it. I know from experience that Josh has some bad singing days, and I'm guessing last night was one of them. Oops.
- Nelly Furtado. She looked gorgeous in that beautiful white dress, but that's where it stops. Her performance was lackluster and she sounded SO nasally. I had to turn down the volume at one point because her voice was annoying me. She should have surprised the audience with K'nann and sang their song together.
- Justin Bieber. Sorry but why hasn't he washed out yet?
- Okay, again this may sound a little mean, but why did Carly Rae have to win all the awards? Yes I get that you can't control the UR Faves, but what about the others? There were SO many talented bands and musicians out there that didn't get recognition because Carly was the one who "blew up" and became an international sensation. Muchmusic used to be about supporting ALL musicians, not just the ones who made big names for themselves.

So that's what I thought of this years awards. Please leave comments and opinions if you will. I know I'm bound to have some disagreements but hey, that's why I'm a blogger and you're the reader.