Rock. Paper. Reckless

Music Monday: Lykke Li & Bon Iver

Since Justin Vernon won two awards on the Grammys last night for Bon Iver's latest album, everyone will probably start to notice the amazingness that is this bearded man. And that is fine with me! I've never really been into those award shows, I think they are a little ridiculous, and generally speaking there arent very many good bands showcased or winning any awards. But I had to watch, for just a little bit last night, and happened to catch him accepting the award for best new artist.

I dont know if anyone say the interview he did back in December for the New York Times, but he was quoted on the Grammys saying, "I don't think the Bon Iver record is the kind of record that would get nominated for a Grammy," he said then. "I kinda felt like going up there and being like: 'Everyone should go home, this is ridiculous. You should not be doing this. We should not be gathering in a big room and looking at each other and pretending that this is important.' That's what I would say."

Pretty good if you ask me, although he didn't really follow through, but either way.

I found this little gem a while back, and wanted to share. I love the raw, street performer gypsy feel of it all. And Lykke Li is amazing. 

and another acapella version of 'For Emma, Forever Ago'. Enjoy!

Hi, I'm Michelle, I've been on an Artcation

I have been hiding for weeks now. Kinda like a vacation, except I've been in my studio. Painting. and it's been the best vacation...sorta. I have two shows this month in Des Moines I wanted to share a little of my new work. It's been a great process and transition back to older styles and mediums I used to work in. It feels good.

Michelle Holley’s latest work is a latent commentary into the societal acceptance of the inhumane transgressions of our nations ancestors, and an oversaturated response from the victims of genocide. In her new work Holley remains influenced by powerful female figures in romantic and utopian landscapes, while revealing the contrasts between old and new, the grave similarities of the worlds treatment of the minority still rings true.



My first show 'Vacancy' opened last Friday at Cuatro, 400 Walnut Street, Downtown Des Moines.

'Brute' opens this Saturday, from 5-7 at the Village Bean in the east village.



To view more images from 'Vacancy', visit website here: michelleholley.com

xoxo..michelle

New Music Monday: Band of Skulls

Hailing from Southampton, England, I bring you Band of Skulls. A little reminiscent of the heavy rifs and deep bluesy drum beats of The White Stripes, this solid rock and roll band is something to watch. They toured the midwest last year with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and played the last SXSW.

BAND OF SKULLS IS:
Matthew Hayward – Drums
Russell Marsden – Guitar & Vocals
Emma Richardson – Bass Guitar & Vocals

Their debut album 'Baby Darling Doll Face Honey' was released in April of 2009. They did some touring to support it over the past few years, and have since recorded their newest album 'Sweet Sour' which is set to be released February 21. 

I could literally listen to 'Sweet Sour' for 6 hours on repeat. You can also do that with the music player below. I suggest you do so!

New Years Party Style

Happy Friday everyone! I am so excited for this weekend! I just got back into town, have to work today, and then off for another three day weekend. I just realized this morning that tomorrow is New Years Eve. So crazy how fast this year has gone!

I think I am going to create a fun glitter-filled outfit for the festivities tomorrow...if theres one time its slightly acceptable to cover your body in glitter, tomorrow night would be it. I've put together a little post of what I am planning and some inspirations for the festivities.

These shoes from Opening Reception are amazing...but a little out of my price range, so i may just have to DIY some of my own! I love the rose gold/rust color...very unique!


I adore the neckline on this dress for Modcloth..so simple but so unique and elegant. 


 I really like this simple braid updo. I want to try something like this but add a little glitz. Have you guys seen any of the new hair tinsel extentsions? I kind of feel like Ke$ha started this odd trend, but i think they would be kinda cool intertwined with braids and messy buns...i may try it out and let you know how it goes

I really love this eye makeup..smokey eyes with some glitter splashed on there. I've come to the realization that I am probably going to look like a disco-ball tomorrow night. yikes..wish me luck!

New Years Resolutions..

So I kind of am anti new years resolutions...i feel like if you want to do something, just do it. But I I just purchased the most adorable planner on the planet, and I am so excited to start using it, and to start my first "resolution"...it's called being organized. I feel like I am a fairly organized person, but it comes with some chaos. So now...i am going to plan my life better. we'll see how it works.


Introducing my new Kate Sutton 'Play Every Day' planner. Isn't is so adorably awesome?! It is perfect for me because it has month planning, weekly planning, and a notes section. And as an added bonus, a sketching area!







Buy Olympia is a great company out of Portland, Oregon that specializes in handmade, unique paper products. You should wander on over to their website and see what treasures you can find!

What are your New Years Resolutions?

xox..michelle

Holiday....Celebrate..!

Hope everyone had a great holiday! I am still in the great state of Utah for one more day, but wanted to share a few photos of my adventures while here. That's Dexter, the adorable, yet demonic, puppy pictured above.


me and my little bro trying to navigate the crazy salt lake highways on our way to family christmas

We had two different family Christmas parties, with both sides of my family. It was so fun to see everyone! I have a million little cousins that are so adorable!

My mom and grandma above with two of my cousins! The little baby is the youngest of the bunch, and Im the oldest...26 year difference in cousins..yikes!

Hope everyone had a magical holiday weekend!

Hill Vintage on a Friday!!

My absence is inexcusable but the pressures of work/life/holiday fever have won. I just wanted to pop in and say Happy Holidays to everyone. Be safe and be merry!!

xoxo, erica and jessica

Mountain Lady

Hello dearest bloggy. I am in the mountains! Well, sort of. I am in utah, very close to mountains. my dear mommy and step dad live here, along with all of my extended family. I only get out here twice a year, so we always fill the week with lots of activities, which I am hopefully going to be able to share here!

My mom lives in a town called Eagle Mountain...it's fairly all new development, right in the foothills of the mountains. I shot this photos early morning. As you can see, there's not much, if any, snow here or in the mountains, which should make snowboarding this week interesting!

I think the street names up here are so adorable! Ok, that is all for now, I will have more vacation updates soon! Happy Thursday!

xoxo..michelle

Holiday Tradition Inspiration

Hello Blog. I love you, i miss you, please forgive me. In preparation for my holiday travels, I have been putting in enormous amounts of overtime and crafty time, and have been one busy lady! I'm headed to Chicago this weekend, and Salt Lake next week! Yikes!

I will have plenty of travel adventures to share, but in the meantime, I've been thinking about all of the fun family traditions we've had through the years, and one of my alltime favorites is gingerbread house making. Last year I kinda screwed up the recipe, and we had a house collapse, but I am fully prepared to remedy that this year.

I found some adorable houses on the interwebs, and just had to share what I am hoping planning to accomplish this year!

1/2/3/4/5

I love that lost one! so cute! ok, now that i have put myself into a baking frenzy, i must leave you. Happy Holiday Tradition Dreaming!

Pumpkin Milkshake...Yum!

yum yum yum! if you havent noticed this by now, i love everything pumpkin, and Elizabeth over at Delightfully Tacky has the best pumpkin milkshake recipe today! Who wants to make it for me?

What you'll need:

A Blender

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1 1/2 cups Tillamook Pumpkin Ice Cream

3 Tbs simple syrup

A few Ice cubes

Learn how to make your own Pumpkin Milkshake here!