MUSIC WE LOVE: Trevor Hall

We love this video. Check out the newest song called"Brand New Day" from Trevor Hall and download it from iTunes August 23rd!

BOOK WE LOVE: The Girls' Guide to Rocking

The Girls' Guide to Rocking: How to Start a Band, Book Gigs, and Get Rolling to Rock Stardom by Jessica Hopper (Workman Publishing).

We know you want to be a rock star, so put down the hairbrush and pick up a guitar! In this chick-friendly guide to the world of rock'n'roll, Hopper narrows in on everything you'll need to know to make it in the music world. She offers advice on picking an instrument (or using what you already play), writing lyrics, soundproofing, booking your first gig, recording demos, and how to develop a stage presence. Other useful information includes descriptions of the different types of microphones, promotion advice, and how to build personal connections. Hopper even touches on how to prevent interband bickering and conflicts. The book is geared towards teenage girls, but women of all ages can profit from the author's expertise, and the further reading suggestions, listening lists, and inspiring quotes from successful musicians she includes. There's also an additional, full-color, glossy pull-out timeline of "A Superstar Century in the Sisterhood of Rock'n'Roll." Read this book and start rocking! Even the seasoned musician will find this to be an enjoyable read.

Short on Cash? We Have Your Night Covered!

What's a fun-loving, social, recesssionista fashionista to do on a Friday or Saturday night? If you're attempting to save a few pennies, try a couple of these great ideas for evenings at home with your friends. :)

~ MOVIE NIGHT or MOVIE CLUB
What you need:
-Large TV or a film projector and screen (or white wall)
-Lots of comfy seats and fluffy pillows
-Popcorn, wine, and maybe some homemade pizzas

You can start your own film club. Choose foreign films, comedies, or any assortment you like. Try making membership cards, and you can even punch holes in them to make it more "official."

~ COOKING PARTY
What you need:
-A well-equipped kitchen (or just tell guests to bring certain items)
-Ingredients for your recipes
-A couple photocopies of some of your best recipes

You can make it into a "cook-off party" and provide kitchen-oriented prizes for the winners, but we just like getting together and making tasty goodies with friends. Switch around the houses for different taste adventures. The best part? At the end of the cooking fun, you get to eat delicious food. Provide good wine and beer, or fancy cocktails (check out our list on the website).

~ CLOTHING SWAP (or even try this as a CD or BOOK swap too)
We don't have as much money as we once did, but we're still bombarded by beautiful clothes. What's a girl who wants a little change in her wardrobe to do? HOST A CLOTHING SWAP!

What you need:
-Old clothing, jewelry and shoes you no longer wear but are still in good shape
-Smoothies & finger food (or you provide the drinks and ask others to bring a dish)

Have a girly evening and tell your friends to bring all the clothing, scarves, handbags, jewelry and shoes they don't want. Set up shelves and hangers (or just drape across the sofa!), and display the clothing so your friends can see each others' selections. Swap that blue shirt you wore twice for a "new" sun dress. Make strawberry banana smoothies, blueberry blackberry smoothies, and lay out an assortment of fancy finger food (homemade hummus with veggies, scallops wrapped in bacon, mini quiches, etc.). MMMM!

~ JAMMING PARTY
Do you play an instrument? If so, host a fiesta filled with good, lively music!

What you need:
- An instrument
- Outlets for instruments that need to be plugged in
- Friends and neighbors who play good music

Get together and play some music! This can last anywhere from an hour to four hours. Or, make flyers and post them around your neighborhood, inviting other musicians to attend. This also works well as an outdoor party in the summer. Provide some beer, and ask others to bring some beer and snacks too.