We're about to enter March, spring is on the horizon. I am craving the sun setting later and later. I miss the flowers rising from hidden grounds  (I even miss the dandelions). How did I survive these dark nights and frosty mornings? Although the storms were short, winter seemed to drag on. And on. And on. And, most importantly, how will I survive the spring slump?

I had a few products that helped me survive the dreadful winter days and will keep me out of the slump. These items are newly added to my life and are making my life a little less dreary.

Going to the gym is not easy. Especially in the winter. There's no parking option at my gym, so I have to throw my snow boots on and tread up a hill. It isn't bad at all, until the winter winds are snapping at your face. And, of course, the gym itself is a place I'd like to avoid. When it's a packed day and everyone suddenly gains motivation, it feels like a competition. Best in show. Days I try to avoid. 

The one thing that makes my whole gym experience a little less sucky is my Direct Prints Customized Water Bottle. I absolutely love my bottle. After attending Marketing EDGE, a marketing conference last year, I received a free promo code to customize a bottle online. Over a year later, I found the code, and made my bottle. 

I wanted to do a style that would make my gym days less bland. I picked out a matte bottle, added the image of the Rude Boy and Rude Girl, and added one of my favorite song lyrics. 

I now have a water bottle that's uniquely me. It's one-of-a-kind. If I lost it, it would be easily returned to me (who else has a Ska water bottle?). Aside from bringing it to the gym, I carry it everywhere and I now remember to drink water daily. It makes me happy and proud to show it off. 

One of the biggest expenses I have is food. It's frustrating and difficult to deal with. I originally had a meal plan for college but due to my own-the-go lifestyle, the meal plan had to go!  I was wasting my swipes and eating on the way to and from jobs. 

When I go grocery shopping, I make sure I have my rewards card, a planned out list, and I'm searching for the best deals. I'll choose store brand over name brand just to save a few cents. Every penny counts! 

Monday through Friday is comfortably chaotic with me. Therefore, I pack lunches and to go snacks. Even scheduling in breakfast can be tough. I found myself spending some serious cash at chain coffee shops to make sure I have my daily bagel and cream cheese. 

There's a new favorite breakfast in town. 

Stop and Shop bakery offers this strange product I didn't know existed until a few weeks ago. They call it bagel chunks and it's essentially a big bag of slivers of bagels. I love this option because it's $1.50 for a bag and I prefer mini bagels. It's fun and funky and pretty sustainable, too. 

The newest, growing, funnest trend yet: adult coloring books. Whether you have a coloring book packed with colorful curse words or twisty patterns, this trend is bringing calmness to stressful days.  

I really loved to color as a child. I can recall days of laying on my stomach next to the TV coloring in my Rugrats coloring book. This trend is bringing not only nostalgia to my life but that care-free state I had as a child. It's also simply fun to color and a nice way to spend my free time, instead of TV.

Rogue Island. A literal hidden treasure. Farm to table fabulousness with a twist that'll have you returning once more. I could seriously go on for an entire blog post (hint hint).

My new obsession is this uniquely delicious restaurant. I CANNOT get enough of their Poutine Fries. Absolutely genius and I am absolutely addicted. During their brunch hours, they toss a fried egg on them! All I have to say is that you need to taste it to believe it.

I'm not kidding. The library. I used to go on a weekly basis as a child. Picking out books, hunting down the most spectacular story I had yet to conquer, genuinely enjoying reading. The older I've become, the more the library has become a printing station rather than a building full of adventures.

I recently went to the library to take out books and I cannot wait to start reading for pleasure once again.  

This blog post is not sponsored and no samples were received to review. 

You know how it goes; radio plays the same few songs, Pandora repeats the same crap you thumbed up circa middle school, your CD's hit the trash ages ago. If you hear the "baby hold me closer in the backseat of your rover..." song one. more. time. YOU MIGHT GO INSANE.

​How do we discover NEW and EXCITING music? We can Google and scavenge the internet for ages, but time is money and that's a waste.

I feel your pain, it is an absolute pain. So here's a thought, every once in a while, I'll be enlightening you music craving creatures with some up-and-coming artists that deserve your ear. I welcome you to the first segment of Keep An Ear Out. 

Meet Keith Brower Brown; singer, synths, and guitar in Trails and Ways

Genre
Indie-Pop, Indie-rock with strong flavors of dream pop

"What inspired you?" 
Keith's love for music first began in elementary school with piano and choir. He took years off and late in high school, he envisioned traveling or joining the Peace Corps. He felt as if music was an international language or a language of interchange and believed that music could help with his understanding of cultures. Therefore,he began learning guitar. Years later, while in Brazil, he was inspired by the styles of music there. That's when the seeds were planted!

"Best time to listen to your music?"
Keith stated that he does not project or over-predict what the listener should perceive. Therefore, he creates music that is real to him and allows the listener to choose what they perceive, such as what is the best time to listen to Trails and Ways.

"Favorite show or venue you've played?"
"The Independent" or "The Black Cat". Keith says he loves playing at places that have their own history and radical culture.

"Favorite song or album?"
The newest album, Own It, is Keith's favorite album up to date. After making it, he said he couldn't get enough and wanted to continue listening to it. He said,with the album, they achieved what they set out to do.

"Favorite performance story?"
The band played on a GIANT cruise ship that left from Miami to the Bahamas last November. The cruise was half music festival. The band wasn't able to talk about the cruise, which was filled with tons of other artists and bands. For the four days, the band played one show and was able to enjoy lectures, shows, networking, and more. It was a surreal experience.

"Any advice to new musicians?"
Keith says it's never too early to start. The first step is always developing a strong sense of yourself, meaning, and what you want to make or what you want to do.

Upcoming shows
Stay up to date with upcoming shows by visiting their website or by clicking here
​List of shows and tickets on their "shows" tab
See them in Boston TOMORROW. Buy tickets here

Find their music
Bandcamp: Search Trails and Ways or click here 
Spotify: Search Trails and Ways or click here
Soundcloud: Search Trails and Ways or click here 

Find them on social media
Facebook: Search Trails and Ways or click here 
Twitter: Search Trails and Ways or click here
Instagram: Search Trails and Ways or click here

Website
http://hiketrailsandways.tumblr.com/

Online store
Find music, merch and more by clicking here

Contact for booking
​​ trailsandwaysband@gmail.com

Meet Michael Cangemi; bassist and a songwriter in Bron Don

Genre
​Rock, Alternative, Reggae, and Good Vibes. 

"What do you sound like?" 
"If Jimi Hendrix, the Chili Peppers and Bob Marley had a three-some and John Cena was the doctor birthing the baby, that baby would be Bron Don" 

"Who inspires you?" 
"A lot of things inspire me, musical things and non musical things. Being at Berklee and seeing the talent around here and the talent of the homies in my band is really a big part of inspiration. We live together and we are always just in a creative atmosphere".

"Why music?"
"I've played bass and guitar and a few other instruments since I was a little kid and I can't imagine myself really doing anything else with my life and time. It's what I enjoy most in life. I founded my band Bron Don at my first semester at Berklee (Fall 2013) with 2 of my friends, then we got a drummer and have been pushing it since then!"

"Best time to listen to your music?"
"My band has music literally for all moods. We got good hang reggae vibes, hard rock bangers, sad breakup songs, trippy druggy songs, love songs, sexy time songs. We got it all. Check it all out on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp and all those good things". 

"Favorite show or venue you've played?"
"Brighton Music Hall has been my favorite venue I've played at thus far"

"Favorite song?"
"I mean personally I like all the songs my band has written. We like to write music that we like to listen to and if other people like it then that's a plus as well!. We also like to do cover medleys, usually fusing 3-5 songs or riffs together that are crowd favorites. We like making songs into a reggae feel so we surprise people with songs that are far from reggae and make em reggae". 

"Favorite performance story?"
"We were playing a show at the Middle East Down Stairs one weekend and a dude front row got a blow job on the front monitor before he and his lady friend were escorted out of the venue...."

"Any advice to new musicians?"
"If you love music and the music you create then go for it, but you gotta have some drive, determination and patience". 

Upcoming shows
"We actually have a BANGING Halloween show Friday the 28th at 8pm at The Red Room, Cafe 939 on Bolyston St. You can find the details about it on our facebook page, as well as info about other upcoming shows!"

Keep up to date with upcoming shows by clicking here

Find their music
ITunes: Search Bron Don
Spotify: Search Bron Don or click here 
Soundcloud: Search Bron Don or click here

Find them on social media
Facebook: Search Bron Don or click here

Twitter: Search @brondonvibes or click here

Instagram: Search @brondonvibes or click here

Snapchat:Yep you guessed it, @brondonvibes

Websites
www.brondonmusic.com
www.brondon.bandcamp.com
​
Online store
Find merch, music, and more by visiting their store or clicking here for merch or here for music
​
Contact for booking
bron.don.booking@gmail.com

​Meet Steven Collins; singer, rhythm guitarist and writer of Steven Collins and the Complications.

​Genre
Alt rock, indie, emo, etc.

"What do you sound like?"
"I like to think we sound like Death Cab For Cutie married to Modern Baseball and having an affair with The Dear Hunter on the side, but we’re probably nowhere close to that haha"

"What's your style?"
"I’m still kind of figuring out what style I want to play but the current project we’re working on is probably best listened to late at night in the fall thinking about your ex and considering texting them. That’s probably the ideal situation to hear this EP"

"Who inspires you?"
"I’m mostly inspired by bands like Brand New, Modest Mouse and Modern Baseball. I’m also very inspired by singular artists such as Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean and Julien Baker"

"Why music?"
"The initial thing that drew me to music was the cathartic experience I’ve had through listening over the years. As I’ve gotten older I’ve realized how much writing has helped me to put things into perspective and deal with emotions in ways that other forms of expression wouldn’t allow. I began writing music in an attempt to deal with certain things that weren’t being fixed in any other way, and I hope that at some point my music helps a listener the way that I was helped by music growing up"

"Favorite show or venue you've played?"
"My favorite show I’ve played was probably a show in my buddy’s backyard, it was one of my first times ever playing music in front of people and there was about 60 people there. It was just me and a guitar but everyone was very nice and being one of my first shows, I’ll remember it forever"

​"Favorite song?"
"My favorite song I’ve written right now is the last song on the “Archaists” EP. It’s called “Eulogy” and I think it’s a really effective closer in the context of the EP’s story. I’m incredibly happy with how that one came out"

"Advice for new musicians?"
"I’m not really in any position at the moment to give advice about the pursuit of music since I haven’t done anything yet but I suppose just never looking at all of the failure around you. It’s a tough industry and it’s really easy to give up on your aspirations when you look around and see all of the absolutely incredible acts not getting the attention they deserve. The only thing you have to do is keep your head forward and only concern yourself with your career and you’ll feel a lot more optimistic about where you’re headed."​

Upcoming projects
The band is releasing an EP this winter

Upcoming shows
The band has their FIRST SHOW in New York on November 18th at Wagner College
(Break a leg, guys and embrace the mix of crippling anxiety and ecstasy!)

Find their music
Check out their Bandcamp to stay up to date about their upcoming music. You can find them under Steven Collins & The Complications or by clicking here

Steven says he recorded one in his bedroom and "...One being a very early demo of a song that is on the new EP and one being a Brand New cover. Those two tracks are not an appropriate representation of what we’re working on now but it’s something!"

Find them on Social Media
Facebook: Search  Steven Collins & The Complications or click here


Contact for booking 
stevencollins1996@gmail.com

Meet Matt Jordan, independent Emcee known as Two Three (23)

Genre
Hip Hop/Rap

"What do you sound like?"
" I would say that my music is a lot like Drake’s, without the crooning and often condescending lyrics about women. I am also like West in the sense that I am unapologetically honest about my life and try very hard not to write any music that doesn’t truly represent who I am or who I have been. In terms of the production I am like a chameleon; I can perform on any beat while simultaneously maintaining the aspects of the lyricism that make the music, mine."​

"Why Music?"
"Music has helped me find my identity; it has gotten me out of the darkest points of my life. I began pursing it as a form of meditation for myself, however, I also wish to provide listeners with the same guidance that I received from my favorite artists in order to get them through the various obstacles in their lives"

"Who inspires you?"
"Artists who speak freely and think outside the box, like Kanye West, have influenced me a great deal throughout my life. I believe it’s the job of the artist to display their own authentic interpretations of the world in their work and not feel inclined to stay silent on topics that they disagree with. I believe West, time and time again, utilizes this method of artistry which is why he is one of the most polarizing artists in music; he defies tradition"

"Best time to listen to your music?"
"The best time to listen to my music often varies because I often write for individual seasons. I have made a tape entirely for the summer season, as well as one for the winter. I’d say my strong suit is the summer-sound, however"

"Favorite song of yours?"
"My favorite songs are my most personal. I immediately think of a song I wrote in High School called Rhodes where I glide across a nice guitar sample, detailing the things I’ve seen in my life and how they’ve shaped me"

"Advice for new musicians?"
"If you pursue music, make sure you remain true to yourself despite the constant temptation to conform to others."

Meet Morgan Brown, singer, guitarist, and member of The Amy Incident 

Genre
Alternative rock, with an indie rock sound

"What do you sound like?"
“I would say that we are if early “Green Day” hung out “Squeeze” for a day then met up with The Front bottoms and Modern Baseball, then they all had a kid with Arcade Fire”
​
​​"Why music?"
"I started playing guitar when I was 7 years old. I saw the Longview (by Green Day) music video and I instantly wanted to be a musician. After seeing other people become successful, I realized that I actually could"

"Who inspires you?"
"My grandfather is 90 years old and still plays gigs. Him along with my other friends and family inspire me to just be the best me I can be. If that includes music, then I will be super grateful"

"Best time to listen to your music?"
“I would say we have songs for night time and crying but we also have songs to dance around with your friends at the park?”

"Favorite song of yours?"
"My two favorite songs off of the new record would be “Sand” and “Outro”, although I am extremely proud of every song I put on the self-titled record coming out in November"

Favorite show or venue you've played?
"Any Basement. There are such good vibes when people care about what’s going on. Such a great environment to play in"

Any advice for new musicians?
“My advice to anyone who wants to perform would be, to be organized. Know the direction you want to go, give yourself time, and then just go for it. You might think that it may not all work, or it’s not going the way you want, but seriously it will take time. Just be determined and organized"

Upcoming shows
​The band will be playing with Steven Collins and the Complications in New York on November 18th at Wagner College

​Social Media
Facebook: Search The Amy Incident or by clicking here
Twitter: Search @morgancbrown or click here

​​Contact for booking
​morgancbrownmusic@gmail.com

Check out these amazing music groups and let them know Samantha sent you!
​
Special thanks to Keith of Trails and Ways, Michael of Bron Don, Steven of Steven Collins and The Complications, and Morgan of The Amy Incident

“Nothing brings people together like food”

On October 10, 2016, I had the pleasure of joining my friends in volunteering with the organization “Food Not Bombs” in Providence, Rhode Island. When I first heard the name of the organization, I was automatically drawn in.

A Quick History Lesson

Food Not Bombs is an organization that brings kindness, respect, dignity, sustainability, and the community together while combating the issues of hunger within the homeless community. The organization first began in the 1980’s due to a public outcry asking “why are we paying for war but cannot feed those in need?”. Volunteers receive food donations from restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores and more that have a surplus of food.

From there, volunteers come together to cook and serve those in need of a hearty meal. Rather than the act of “dumpster diving”, homeless community members can be served the food that would originally hit the trash in a respectful manner.
​
The organization serves vegan and vegetarian food to anyone who is hungry. There is no discrimination, no identification needed, and no judgement.

Chapters can be started in any location and I was fortunate to volunteer with the Providence chapter. Food Not Bombs stands for “Solidarity, not charity” and there is no hierarchy in the organization; everyone is equal.

Food Not Bombs is more well-known on the West Coast but it is hoped more chapters will be developed on the East Coast.

Listening to Laura

I had the pleasure of speaking to a volunteer named Laura. Laura is originally from Boston and is now living in Providence. She is 29 and is a member of the Providence chapter. Talking to Laura opened my eyes about the significance of the organization.

She was first attracted to Food Not Bombs due to the principles of the organization. She enjoys cooking and being with friends and creating a positive impact on others. She is proud to be providing this service because shelters cannot keep up with the demand for food and Food Not Bombs helps with this issue.

One thing Laura stated that truly impacted me was police officers usually don’t like the organization because it creates a large gathering of the homeless population. I was disgusted at the idea that Food Not Bombs is impacting and saving those less fortunate of hunger yet the view of a group of homeless people cause the police to want to break up the peaceful and gratitude-filled events.

Talking to Thalia

My best friend Thalia was the person who put Food Not Bombs on my mind and made me want to get involved. Thalia is 19 years old and is from Worchester. She currently lives in Providence and is a part of the Rhode Island Chapter. She helps publicize the organization through running the Facebook and Instagram accounts. She is also the creator and president of the Johnson and Wales club, The Style and Design Association (SDA).

Thalia was scanning the web for organization that SDA could volunteer their time to and stumbled upon Food Not Bombs. After being moved by the mission of Food Not Bombs, she became involved. She states, her “mind was blown” and was amazed with the volunteering and being around like-minded people who wanted to do good and to positively impact the lives of others. She instantly felt a connection to those involved. “Nothing brings people together like food”, she exclaimed.

In Thalia’s life, she has seen restaurants throw away food and has thought to herself, ‘why must it hit the trash rather than going to those who are hungry’? This being one of the reasons Food Not Bombs has attracted her to being involved. She affirmed, “people don’t think things are a problem unless it affects them”.

Do Good, Feel Good

After feeling moved by the mission, I HAD to get involved. I came to Providence on October 10th, Indigenous People’s Day. I met with all of the volunteers at Laura’s house and the cooking was in full swing. Vegetables being chopped, roasted, and diced. Stews and soups being prepped and boiled. Bags of vegetables being separated. I knew two people in the room of the house but by the end of cooking the meals, I felt like I gained a family.

We traveled to the Kennedy Plaza where the PRONK Festival was held. We served food such as apples with sweet potatoes, roasted beets, mixed green salads, bread with Nutella, and more. As a line grew and more and more people gathered, other organizations at the event donated food and trays. No person was turned down and EVERYONE received at least one plate of food.

One of my favorite parts of the event is guaranteeing those who are hungry will not be hungry tomorrow. We gave out bags of vegetables and salad mix as well as loaves of bread, peanut butter, rice packaged, and more. We offered everyone food to take home as well as food to share with their family and friends throughout the event.

As PRONK ended and the guests shuffled out, the homeless population still strayed at the Kennedy Plaza. There, we gave the rest of the food to whoever wanted some. It was comforting to see so much gratitude, thankfulness, and love by those who came to the Food Not Bombs tables and was given meals they may not have had if we were not there. Having my hand shook by strangers, praise and thanks booming throughout the day, and seeing how much we had impacted those who were in need… absolutely made my day.

Join the Revolution

If you are interested, please check out the Food Not Bombs Facebook page here
https://www.facebook.com/pvdfnb/?fref=ts