The Process of Creation & Collaboration with the Group Behind the Multimedia Project “The Flu”
This week on the Make It Happen Podcast, we are joined by Ian Silva, Andrew Tylenda, and Marissa Vianée. They are the creators behind the multimedia project “The Flu”. It would be limiting to just call them a band because much of their expression shines through in the music videos and artwork they create to exist alongside their music.
They talk about how they came up with the idea for their band, what their individual methods are for contributing to the project, and what motivates them as creators. Their music videos are silly and fun to watch and they openly share what the hilarious behind the scenes process is like when they get together to film!
Branching into your passion and staying true to yourself
In this episode, Melanie joined the very talented musician, composer, songwriter, producer, and singer (did I miss anything?) Fabian Dominguez, more known as Docta Groove. They recorded in his bedroom-turned-studio for this interview and chatted all about how his music process so far!
This conversation is very much a chat amongst friends but Fabian provides a peek into what his personal journey with finding himself has been like and how he finally decided to pursue music as a career. While his humility shines through, it is the value he places in himself that matters most at the end of the day. That mindset is truly what makes him unique, inspiring, and has led to his dedication for continuous improvement—plus, spectacular music!
Hey friends! Who else is struggling to find consistency in their life when everything feels so up in the air? Is it just me? I’d like to blame it on the changing seasons. Each year, when fall comes around, I feel a sense of refresh and rebirth hit me. Something about the season has always caused that. Maybe it has something to do with my birthday being in the fall? Who knows? 🙂
Now, onto some favorites from this week!
Pacifica eyeliner
Just like mascara, quality eyeliner is difficult to find. I use so many Pacifica products already so I knew I could trust them for sustainable, cruelty-free ingredients. To my surprise, the eyelineris very smooth, but not oily or soft, and has great wear-time. It applies with ease and just a bit of powder around the area keeps the liner from transferring. You can find Pacifica makeup in select stores but I buy mine from iHerb! (Code: MUS0884 for 5% off!)
Lauren Gleisberg Fall Challenge
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m trying to kick my butt into shape. I started Laruen Gleisberg’s Fall Challenge this week and boy, oh boy, does she mean business. My arms hate me as I write this. They’re so sore–in a good way! Though, the reason I like her workouts is because her workout plans target every muscle. Most workout programs will boast that same hook but Lauren splits up workouts by muscle group so every day you’re targeting a new spot. I personally find this to be extremely helpful for arm workouts in particular. You can work “arms” on back-to-back days as long as you’re targeting different muscles! Anyway, I’m following her free challenge and loving it so far!
Spiralized and “riced” vegetables
In addition to hitting my workouts harder, I am trying to ease off of the carbalicious life I’ve been living all summer. When I was having all sorts of stomach issues, soaked and soft-cooked grains were one of the foods I leaned on. Thankfully, I’m better able to digest the vegetables that I couldn’t at the time. So now, I’m trying to make meals with vegetables playing main stage. I’m looking to non-starchy veggies, breaking out my inspiralizer, and getting creative. Here is a dish I made myself earlier in the week:
A bed of mixed greens, topped with sauteed zoodles and onions, a beet and carrot “rice”, hummus, and fresh cilantro.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Back in high school, I was able to read many classic literature novels thanks to my Honors English classes. I’d say those classes really opened up my eyes to some interesting and impactful works of fiction. I’ve always been a fan of reading but usually YA fiction. Somehow, I haven’t really kept up with classic lit into adulthood but I’m glad I picked this one up.
The novel is downright eerie. It follows a young girl named Esther Greenwood as she has a sort of quarter life crisis. She feels she should be appreciative of her accomplishments but she just isn’t happy. She is frustrated with her job and the company she keeps. Her passion for writing is dwindling and her interest in life overall. The melancholic story was almost hard to read at times because, as a reader, I felt I could put myself in her shoes. I cringed at the sinister thoughts that crossed her mind but I understand them. It isn’t a feel-good read but, nonetheless, I think it is an important book to read because it portrays a very real and personal idea of what depression is like.
Daniel Caesar’s music
My taste in music is rapidly expanding this year! I never used to listen to soulful, bluesy, or rap music but look at me now! All of Daniel Caesar’s music is so, so good—check him out on Spotify! My favorite songs are Japanese Denim and basically everything from his album Freudian. I’ll include a video of a song from that album called “Hold Me Down”:
Hello beautiful souls! I’ve missed you! The whole two jobs, no spare time thing has really put a damper on social time. In case you didn’t know, I got hired for a seasonal job back in October and, not long after, was offered a full time job elsewhere. I’ve been juggling the two at the sacrifice of social media, my loving blog, and communication with anyone who isn’t a coworker or family living in my house. As the month soon comes to a close, I foresee some more time for me to get back to all of that!
For now, I’ve got a list of things I’ve loved over the past few months. My last monthly favorites post was back in September and much has happened since then! I can’t commit to a monthly favorites post at this time but I’ve got a huge list of goodies to keep you occupied. Be sure to tell me what you’re loving in the comments down below or on Instagram!
Visual Favorites
Hallmark Channel
As far as TV goes, Hallmark Channel is where I’m at! Hallmark Channel is putting out 20 new movies this holiday season. While it is almost over, you can find a holiday movie airing at any hour of the day on the channel—along with its partner channel Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. The cozy, sweet, and romantic movies are all I need to make my December feel like Christmastime. A few film favorites are: Marry Me at Christmas, Miss Christmas, and Christmas in Angel Falls.
73 Questions with ______
Recently, I went on a video binge over on the Vogue YouTube channel. They have a series called 73 Questions with different celebrities. It is such a fun, laid-back way of asking questions that tell you a lot of interesting things about the person in a short amount of time. See my woman crush Emma Stone’s 73 Questions video here!
I was on a big lemon/ apple cider vinegar warm water kick and now tea is my morning cup of choice. This one legit smells like hot chocolate but the depth of flavor is unlike any other tea I’ve tried. Once before, I had a plain mushroom tea that tasted like bitter broth but I guarantee Reishi Detox is yummy even for mushroom haters.
B-Complex Vitamin
As you may have heard, supplements can’t fix a bad diet. Supplements are only meant to assist in health not be the sole solution. I eat pretty healthy (hello, have you seen my Instagram photos?) but, with the addition of B vitamins, I have seen noticeable effects. I’ve tried taking a B12 vitamin but I really find that the B complex is the best. If you take too much of one, you might be lacking in the others so a complex ensures you’re getting all the vitamins you need. I was taking Nature Made B Complex plus a B6 vitamin until I found this Solgar brand at Vitamin Shoppe. Both work but the variety of B vitamin levels in the Solgar one allow me to meet my needs in one bottle!
Protes Chips
I’m making efforts to not be a carb monster so protein-filled snacks are a great addition to my meals! So, I’m definitely not a chips person or a crunchy food person usually but these are different. The Protes chips are light and crispy and quite flavorful! The bags are small but satisfying—and the savory and dessert flavors are both delicious!
Recipes I’m Loving
Garlic Sweet Potato Fries
Behold: the yummiest recipe for CRISPY Sweet Potato Fries at home! Dare I say they’re better than the fried kind at restaurants :p
Black Bean Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes
I made this dish for a staff after-hours party and I received multiple complements! The zesty, tex-mex dish is perfect as a standalone meal or side dish! I’ve got some leftovers in my fridge ready to be made into tacos 😉
Coconut Cacao Tahini Snack Bites
I love Minimalist Baker’s take on the “fat ball”. It combines my precious tahini and delicious coconut butter for a melt-away, delicious, and satiating snack. Try them and swoon!
Paleo Double Chocolate Banana Bread
This recipe uses A LOT of ingredients so it took me a while to get everything I needed to make it. Let me tell ya, it’s worth it! This banana bread tastes like freaking rich, dark chocolate cake without the sugar! It’s naturally sweetened from banana and doesn’t leave me feeling weighed down like if I ate something decadent. It is also delicious with nut butter or decked out as a breakfast meal.
Fit Favorites
I admit I’ve sidetracked from my workouts lately. I felt like the pressure to fit in a workout was getting to be too much. Though, exercise makes me feel good so I’ve still got some options! Lauren Gleisberg’s Fitmas is crazy good for strength training! I love the targeted body part workouts that are usually less than 30 minutes to complete.
The stress at work + the natural stress from workouts had me feeling like I had no moments of calm. So, a yoga flow to start my day sets me up for success! I recently completed Yoga Revolution for the second time and know the upcoming January challenge will be just as amazing!
Audible Favorites
Eisley’s newest album I’m Only Dreaming
The angelic vocal stylings of Sherri Dupree make for a record of wistful, melancholic, dream pop. The band has come a long way since older albums Room Noises and Combinations but maintain the gorgeous ambient tunes that make them unique. Listen to Sparking down below or check out their Christmas single (YAS!) Star on the Tree.
One Part Plant Podcast
I think I’ve mentioned this podcast in a previous favorites video but this latest season of episodes is crazy great. Jessica Murnane really put together a great lineup of guests. If you’d like a recommendation, check out episode 89 with Celeste Headlee!
Real Talk About Life Lately
Honestly, guys, I haven’t felt this level of stress in a while. So much so that my period came a week late this last cycle! Also, for me, the first place stress hits me is my face. My skin is freaking out and breaking out. The winter has also been killing my hands which are competing with the scratchiness of sandpaper. If you’ve got any recommendations for natural or nontoxic lotions, please share. I know my skin will get better if I can just chill out. Easier said than done but I’m trying to find my groove!
The center where I work full-time always keeps me busy. Though, what makes it really enjoyable is the people I work with. I started out being trained by a girl who was leaving (and I was replacing) and we became instant friends! Funny how that happened. I feel so fortunate to have met her because she is such a rare, sweet person!
As well, I’ve become friendly with a few others in the office but there is this one particular guy I work with who is so cool. With my hormonal imbalance issues, I almost thought I lost the ability to actually like someone else the way I like him. He knows a lot around the office and is beyond helpful with showing me reports, how to fix the copy machine, and more. At a recent staff party, (where I made the above mentioned sweet potato dish) him and I chatted nonstop! 🙂
For the first time in a long time, I’m just excited about this time of year and where things may be headed. I’m sending love and warm wishes to you all ♥
This post is coming to you hot! 🔥 So hot that I literally just finished writing this the moment before it went live. Basically, I almost skipped writing an August favorites post until I realized that August has 31 days! Huzzah! That extra day gave me the time I needed to coagulate all of my favorite things from food, entertainment, and more! What have I been so busy with that I couldn’t write my favorites down? I can’t tell you all quite yet! Call me superstitious but I just like to get my ducks in a line before I make any announcements.
Also, I hope to get blog posts back on a regular schedule. I try to put out two a week but content and timing varies. I’ve got ideas for my next few posts but I just need to actually WRITE them. They are coming soon. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll be sure to get the latest and greatest there first! Anyway, let’s get on with my August Wrap-Up!
What I’ve Been Reading
How to End the Game of Catching Up
I am constantly seeking ways to improve myself. One of the most common thoughts that come to my head is: as soon as I get caught up with this, then I’ll have more time to do what I want. The mistake here is in putting off doing what I want in favor of things that are always going to be there. “How to End the Endless Game of Catching Up” over on Be More With Less describes exactly that.
Apparently, I’m a Highly Sensitive Person.
Who knew? Okay, I kind of always had a feeling growing up that I was extremely sensitive. I’m sensitive to a sales associate at a clothing store asking me if I need help the way others seem to be sensitive about the Game of Thrones halfway season finale. Both are startling (so I hear. I don’t watch GOT) but I will elicit a strong reaction to even the most miniscule of circumstances. So, I try to stay away from labels but I can’t help but relate and feel less alone when reading articles that seem to describe my life. I might cry over spilled milk but knowing there are other HSPs out there doing the same thing is comforting. Oh, and there’s a quiz here if you’re wondering if you could also be highly sensitive.
A Positive Spin on Bad Habits
On a funnier note, I often refer back to this Man Repeller post just to make me feel like less of a screw-up. I mean, I may be incapable of making a decision about ANYTHING but that makes me open-minded to possibilities and I can live with that. Sort of. What’s your bad trait?
Movie and TV Favorites
Atomic Blonde
I am a sucker for a female-led film and this one delivers. Charlize Theron plays a spy on a mission to recover a list of names during 1980s Germany, at a time when there is much instability surrounding the Berlin Wall. It’s spy against spy in this thriller/action film because it is hard to know who can be trusted. The dark and punk setting adds much to the overall vibe and theatrics of the film which leads like a wicked graphic novel as it switches from scene to scene. Plus, Theron can throw and take some serious sucker punches all while strutting around in uber-cool outfits. There is no other way to describe Atomic Blonde except: badass. As a disclaimer, the film isn’t very kid-friendly due to sex, language, and violence.
Orphan Black
On the smaller screen, I’ve recently started watching the series Orphan Black thanks to my Direct TV On Demand. (We recently switched satellite providers and I’ve finally got access to On Demand! Yay!) It is about a young woman who is trying to clean up her act to regain custody of her daughter but instead figures out that there’s a whole lot more to her origins. She engages in some duplicitous behavior and discovers she is one of many clones that look exactly like she does. It’s got drama, suspense, a super-cute gay friend that I wish was mine, and a story line that keeps twisting and turning. It’s Canadian entertainment at its finest. Earlier this year the show wrapped but I’m just getting around to seeing it and I’m hooked! Also, I’m only on season 2 right now so, please, keep the spoilers to yourself.
Food Favorites
Cookie and Kate’s Cookbook + White Bean Pesto (Dip)
You guys know I’m obsessed with the Cookie and Kate Love Real Food Cookbook. If you don’t, you must be new here. Hey, happy to have you here, new friends! 👋 Anyway, I’ve been cooking up different things from the cookbook like the Colorful Weeknight Burrito Bowls and Chickpea Tikka Masala with Green Rice. The recipes are so substitute-friendly for allergies, vegetarian/vegan, and, most-importantly, they are all majorly delicious!
Plus, I tested out a wicked White Bean Pesto from the Crostini recipe in her cookbook and OMG, it is SO GOOD. Honestly, I like dips but most of them just make me want to eat pita chips or crackers. The white bean pesto spread actually works as a delicious dip for veggies! As you can see, I was so hooked on these roasted veggie bowls with white bean pesto dip.
Half Baked Harvest’s Mean Green Detox Salad
I try to cycle sync my food but powerhouse ingredients found in this salad, like kale, broccoli, chickpeas, and avocado, are good anytime! Y’all know I don’t often repeat meals but I can tell you I’ve been very hooked on this one! I’ve switched up the fruit, too, and you can’t go wrong! Oh, and you’ll want to double the lemon tahini dressing because it’s so freaking tasty!
I’ve yet to post the recipe for this one. Is it mean of me to include it in my favorites? If so, I’m sorry for being a tease but, the recipe is coming soon! I’ve been trying to creatively pair WomanCode approved foods for my cycle and this smoothie is loaded with multiple luteal phase appropriate goods. Stay tuned!
What I’m Listening To
The Balanced Blonde’s Soul on Fire Podcast
Have you ever spoken to someone and they mention feelings or ideas that you have but you’ve never said out loud? That’s how I feel listening to the Soul on Fire Podcast. Jordan and her guests have all been through some miraculous and difficult experiences on their route to finding their passions. I truly find inspiration in each episode and that just motivates me more to find my path. I’ve been mentioning how I want to change some things in my life and this podcast is honestly a big part of that reason. I’ve been flip-flopping around through episodes but some of my favorites so far are the episodes with: Jonathan Albrecht, Jeannette Ogden, and Emma Mildon.
Jessica Murnane’s One Part Podcast
I had heard of Jessica Murnane when she released her cookbook but it wasn’t until I listened to her episode on The Balanced Blonde’s Podcast that I decided to check her out. Jessica’s One Part Podcast is similar to Soul on Fire but more concentrated on specific topics with each guest. I’d say OPP is educational but not in a boring way! Here are some episodes I’ve found fascinating so far: The Hidden Dangers in Healthy Food and Doing Your Dharma.
Magical Moment of August
I’m going to be a bit vague here for the sake of privacy. A friend of mine has been going through some wild things the past few years. He tried any drug he could get his hands on and abused all the substances, most notably alcohol. Of course, he was as vibrant and as could be when he would talk to me because he did not want to let on how much of a mess he felt like. I could see what he was doing to himself but we’re all adults here so you can’t force anyone to change their ways. They have to want that for themselves. Finally, he did.
I was talking to him on the phone just recently and he had a different zest about him. Over the years, he has left out key details about his life. In fact, he almost wasn’t going to tell me what had happened to lead up to his present, newfound passion for life. He said it was bad and he tries to just tell me the good things. That really struck me and, frustrated, I said:
You can’t just tell me about the good things that happen to you. Everyone has good and bad experiences that happen to them but you can’t learn from them if you’re only hearing the good part.
You know, or something like that. It made me think about how on social media is largely comprised of accomplishments, flattering pictures, and best case scenarios. Why? Well, people (myself included) like to share the GOOD things. That’s understandable but, if you ever have the chance, asks someone how they got to where they are. I bet you’ll find out the “bad” or less glamorous experiences that make up their story are a hell of a lot more worthwhile.
If you’re a regular reader, you may notice that my monthly wrap-up posts change depending on what favorites I have. Like, for August, there are no product favorites! What? I know. I’ve kind of been a shut-in this past month because summertime is like the equivalent of walking into an oven broiler where I live. No joke. That’s why I’ve been busting out so many smoothie recipes—‘cause that is all I want to eat! Anyway, I hope to have good news (and stories to go with them) to share with you all soon.
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