Cats and Showers

So, I have another round of fun friends coming to visit and stay with me (and Bert) this weekend. Both of the couples visiting were friends of mine in Albuquerque, where I adopted Bert, so they know him and his crazy antics (see future blog post regarding Bert and Bra Straps). It is one thing to have to say to your house-guests though, "If Bert's standing in the tub meowing, just drip the water. Oh, and you might find him in the bathtub while you're trying to pee. It's cool." We're just that good of hosts, you see, Bert and I. We just want to be around you all the time. In your biznass.

Anyhoo, Bert drinks almost exclusively out of the bathtub (my water bill proves it) and occasionally his Dean and Deluca mug (well, it's mine, but you know what is yours is the pet's...Oh, and Bert only endorses the finest of coffee establishments for his mug of choice. Ugh, Coffee Snob!) Bert simply sips the water. This cat below, well, showers.

Thanks Pablo for the link. A little LOL on our FRIDAY.


MEOW IT OUT, PEOPLE! (No clue what that means)
Pia The Pig

Mod is Modern and AWESOME!

I am so excited to tell you about Mod! Mod is an awesome new line of designer camera accessories for SLR and digital SLR cameras. The collection of trendy, bold fabric straps and bags and dazzling cap savers is brought to you by a new good friend, Amber Clay, and her mom. I have had the chance to get to know Amber of the past few months and she is an amazing entrepreneur, an awesome multi-tasker, and even a mother of 2 year-old, Sam. The amazing Melissa Darst took all the photos which really bring these products to life. Check out the site here.






I'm definitely adding these to my gift-giving list this year!

Congrats AAAD Readers Amber and Melissa. Mod is modern and totally fun.

Enjoy!
Pia The Pig

Today is Barkley's Birthday

Yes, Barkley, the Sesame Street dog with no eyes.

In honor of Barkley, I thought it was time for a pet post!
Check out these Personalized National Football Jerseys for your dog.

Adorable!

Match that with the NFL Collar and Leash set, right in time for football invading our homes, TVs, and relationships.


Not to be outdone, the cat wants to watch the game, too. Keep him or her entertained and adorably seasonal (very important) in this Football Fanatic Scratcher.


Even better, all of these products benefit the SPCA, where now through October 15, your donations will be matched by a friend of the SPCA. It's a fantastic gift to donate on behalf of a friend's pet, or even better, for no reason at all! (Except for, ya know, pets rock our world and need our help, too!)

That's all for the preachin'. I'm off to play with my cat Bert who is attacking my dry cleaning bag.
Pets Rule!
Pia The Pig

Fall Rocks

Beautiful poster via Aaron Gresham

AAAD Reader Bari sends out monthly concert updates. She's the queen of concerts and always knows the scoop on upcoming stars. I'll be posting her monthly updates and having her guest blog on the best new bands and singers, so stay tuned!

Friday, September 4 – Graham Colton House of Blues Cambridge Room
Sunday, September 6 – Paolo Nutini @ House of Blues
*Tuesday, September 8 – new Pete Yorn/Scarlett Johansson album out (“Break Up”)
*Tuesday, September 8 – new Howie Day album out (“Sound the Alarm”)
Saturday, September 12 – Dear and the Headlights @ Prophet Bar
Monday, September 14 – Jason Mraz and Glove @ Nokia
Friday, September 18 – Britney Spears @ American Airlines Center (yes, she was just here)
*Tuesday, September 22 – new David Gray album out (“Draw The Line”)
*Tuesday, September 22 – new Mika album out (“The Boy Who Knew Too Much”)
Wednesday, September 23 – RaRaRiot @ Granada
Wednesday, September 23 – P!nk @ American Airlines Center
Thursday, September 24 – Bob Schneider w/ Vallejo @ Granada
Friday, September 25 – Erik Neff @ Prophet Bar
Friday, September 25 – Taylor Swift @ American Airlines Center
Saturday, September 26 – Odis @ Prophet Bar
Tuesday, September 29 – Ingrid Michaelson @ House of Blues Cambridge Room
*Tuesday, September 29 – new Paramore album out (“Brand New Eyes”)
*Tuesday, September 29 – new Swell Season album out (“Strict Joy”)
Wednesday, September 30 – Ben Folds @ The Meyerson
Thursday, October 1 – Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers and Carbon Leaf @ House of Blues Cambridge Room
Friday, October 2 – Zac Brown Band @ Nokia
Friday, October 2 thru Sunday, October 4 – Austin City Limits Music Festival in Austin
Sunday, October 4 – Moby @ Palladium
Monday, October 5 – Arctic Monkeys @ Palladium
Monday, October 5 – Rob Thomas, One Republic and Carolina Liar @ Nokia
*Tuesday, October 6 – new The Gossip album out (“Music for Men”)
*Tuesday, October 6 – new Brandi Carlile album out (“Give Up the Ghost”)
Wednesday, October 7 – Kings of Leon @ American Airlines Center
Wednesday, October 7 – Snow Patrol @ Palladium Ballroom
Thursday, October 8 – Cowboy Mouth @ House of Blues
Thursday, October 8 – Creede Williams @ Barefoot at the Belmont
Friday, October 9 – Wilco @ Palladium
Sunday, October 11 – The Sounds @ House of Blues
Monday, October 12 – U2 @ the new Cowboy’s Stadium
Wednesday, October 14 – Travis @ Granada
Thursday, October 15 – Eliza Gilkyson @ Barefoot at the Belmont
Friday, October 16 – Widespread Panic and the Allman Brothers @ Superpages.com Center
Friday, October 16 – Black Crowes @ Palladium Ballroom
Sunday, October 18 – Colin Hay @ Granada
Monday, October 19 – Rodrigo Y Gabriela @ House of Blues
Tuesday, October 20 – Pinback @ The Loft
Wednesday, October 21 – O.A.R. @ House of Blues
Thursday, October 22 – O.A.R. @ House of Blues
Friday, October 23 – Colbie Caillat and Howie Day @ Palladium
Saturday, October 24 – ODIS @ Levitt Pavillion
Saturday, October 24 – Marc Broussard w/ Caitlin Crosby @ Bass Hall (Ft. Worth)
Saturday, October 24 – Mat Kearney @ House of Blues
Sunday, October 25 – The Bravery @ House of Blues
*Tuesday, October 27 – new Tegan and Sara album out (“Sainthood”)
*Tuesday, October 27 – new Weezer album out (“Raditude”)
Thursday, October 29 – MUTEMATH @ Palladium Ballroom
Friday, October 30 – Peaches and the Butthole Surfers @ Granada
Saturday, October 31 – Robert Randolph and the Family Band @ House of Blues
Saturday, October 31 – Ghostland Observatory @ Palladium Ballroom
Tuesday, November 3 – The Veronicas @ House of Blues
*Tuesday, November 3 – new Carrie Underwood album out (“Play On”)
Thursday, November 5 – Ari Hest @ Barefoot at the Belmont
*Tuesday, November 10 – new Michelle Branch album out (“Everything Comes and Goes”)
Thursday, November 12 – Erin McCarley w/ Butterfly Boucher and K.S. Rhoads @ The Loft
Saturday, November 14 – Vienna Teng @ Rockhouse Films
Saturday, November 14 – Peter, Bjorn and John @ House of Blues
Saturday, November 14 – Rufus Wainwright @ Bass Hall (Ft. Worth)
*Tueday, November 17 – new John Mayer album out (“Battle Studies”)
Wednesday, November 18 – Eisley @ Prophet Bar
Friday, November 20 – Jackopierce @ Granada
Saturday, November 21 – Jackopierce @ Granada
Monday, November 23 – Neko Case @ Granada
Wednesday, December 2 – The Whigs @ The Loft

Thanks, Bari, you rock!
See You At Snow Patrol!
Pia The Pig

Today Is National Blueberry Popsicle Day

Okay, okay, it's not fall yet...
Let's round out the summer with these delish badboys. (There are so many celebs that could fit that statement, but I am a 6-year-old today instead writing about popsicles.)


Blueberry Popsicles via Megan at Food-ography

- about 3 cups of vanilla low fat yogurt
- about one pint of blueberries, rinsed
- popsicle molds and wooden popsicle sticks

In a blender, combine about 2 cups of yogurt with the blueberries. Blend until smooth. Distribute the remaining cup of yogurt into each popsicle mold. Add the blueberry mixture to the top of each mold.
Makes 12 popsicles

Everything tastes better on a stick. Enjoy!
Pia The Pig

The Best News Of The Season Thusfar

Monday I spotted this poster in my local SuperTarget and did a little dance in my pants. I was quickly busted for snapping the photo, but come on, if I am going to report all things awesome, I gotta report this.

Thanks also to AAAD Reader Amanda for the text this morning to break this amazing news, and I was also pleased to see it on my girl Nastia's Twitter. It's back, bitches. Make it a Venti.

Happy September!

Welcome to a new month and the kickoff to my favorite time of year, complete with football, falling leaves, and all things pumpkin. Kicking off a new monthly tradition at AAAD, I'm going to feature month-long celebrations on the 1st of each month, as well as including random holidays throughout the month (Stay tuned for National Butterscotch Pudding Day on the 19th).


Got something to add? Let me know.

Happy September!
Pia The Pig

An Awesome Idea With Chalkboard Paint

I hate the sound of chalk hitting the chalkboard, but I think I could easily grin and bear it for the immense hosting and entertainment possibilities that this Chalkboard Table via Design Sponge would bring.

Look how she transformed at $75 Craigslist table into this gem I'd enjoy sitting at every day.




Read more here!

And if you aren't a big fan of traditional green/black chalkboard paint, check out this AMAZING color palette of chalkboard paint from the very cool brand, HudsonPaint.


Chalk it up to some good ole' D-I-Y!
Pia The Pig

40 Years of Awesome

It's no secret I am a huge fan of Sesame Street and the amazing power it has had to educate children and encourage creativity. In celebration of it's upcoming 40th season, SS was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at last night's Daytime Emmys. I luckily caught the tribute and it's worth a watch. Jim Henson is my creative hero and has made one of the longest running creative successes I've loved to be a fan of for years. The guests have been amazing through the years, and Bob and the gang can still Sing A Song with the best of 'em. Take a look.


And then turn it up and blast this Bert and Ernie Gangsta Rap video. Those boyz can kick it!


S is for Success!
Pia The Pig

MIKA Is Awesome

Over the weekend with some great friends in town, I was blasting my new "Top Down Mix" which is anchored by Mika and his new single "We Are Golden." It's time you learn about Mika, blast him, love him, and sing and dance along.


Mika's first album, Life in Cartoon Motion, made me smile and shout with glee the first time I heard it. I couldn't stop. It's like showtunes with pop plus rainbows and candy. And all of his cover art and website look like the most gorgeous regurgitation of a box of 64 Crayolas I have ever seen. It's glorious.


Mika wanted to be "as naked as possible" in the video for his new single "We Are Golden" off his upcoming album, and I am totally okay with that.


His boyish looks, his French accent. Swoon! Check out this awesome making of the video below.


Sing along and enjoy! It will make your day. Like candy.
Pia The Pig