Abbey Road on the Rooftop

Last month I had the pleasure of opening for Meaghan Smith on the Rooftop in Provo, UT. It was magical. Tonight (Friday, July 1st), some of Utah's finest musicians including Paul Jacobsen, members of Fictionist, Ryan Tanner, Debra Fotheringham, Sarah Sample, Ryan Innes and more will be doing a Beatles, Abbey Road tribute concert. It also happens to be the first day of the Freedom Festival so yes, you will want to get your seat early and enjoy all of the patriotic energy abuzz the streets of downtown. (See concert details below).

All photos by Trevor Christensen

100 N 100 W
Provo, UT
7PM Market
8PM Sarah Sample
8:45 PM Abbey Road Show
FREE!

My Magnolia: A Post About Where I Buy My Vintage Dresses

Last week, I spent some long work days at The Backyard Studios in L.A. working on an upcoming Christmas album. I've never recorded vocals so quickly in my life. We tracked 10 lead vocals and all background vocals in less than 14 hours, split between two days. In the recording world, that's lightening speed. I'm happy to report that it all felt really solid too. On Saturday when we finished up the last track, I treated myself to my very FAVORITE indulgence when I visit the L.A. area:
Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank.

Magnolia boasts some of the most delightful antique stores and vintage clothing shops around with surprisingly affordable prices. This is where I find most of my vintage dresses. I'm telling you, I'm like a kid in a candy store whenever I visit. My first stop, was Best of Times Antiques. They always have treasures flowing out the door and onto the sidewalk, so you just can't miss it.

A tray of vintage perfume bottles is so sweet.

Lovely linens, pillows and lots of wall art to be found.

I have a thing for Blue Willow.

Owner, Laree Adel, is very friendly and helpful (and so gorgeous). She gifted me the most lovely strand of red, glass beads when I left. Thank you Laree!

Across the street from Best of Times Antiques, you'll find a sweet little gift shop called The Mindful Nest. They have the best selection of artsy gift cards ever and when you walk in prepare yourself for some amazing smells from their customizable bath and body line - apothecary style.

LOOK WHAT I FOUND!!!

Further down the street, you'll find Hubba Hubba, a vintage dress shop laden with old character clothes from Hollywood musicals and plays. The owner, Pat, has owned the store for about 30 years. This woman is full of personality and there is never a dull moment in her shop. You just have to experience going there to see what I mean.

This is the dress rack where I found the dress I wore on the cover of my "Anchor" album and in the "Anchor" music video.

It was $35.00

Photo by Wendy Whitacre of Blue Lily Photography, Artwork by Jed Wells

Immediately next door to Hubba Hubba is another favorite, Swift Vintage Shoppe and Sewing Studios.

Carrie Diaz, the owner, is as lovely as can be and has an incredible eye for fashion. Sadly, I'm not sure there was much we could do for my 7 1/2 month pregnant self this time. Next time, Carrie?

Last year, I bought this lovely dress at Swift and used it on the inside of my album cover art.

Photo by Wendy Whitacre of Blue Lily Photography

You may also recognize it in the motorcycle scene of the music video for "Anchor."

But, wait! I couldn't walk away from Swift without these incredible shoes by Seychelles at 75% off. I adored them so much, I also bought them in gray with brown trim.

And heaven help me, I can't remember the store name, but almost adjoined to Swift is yet another juicy vintage dress shop, specializing in formals. You simply must check it out.

They have a fantastic selection of vintage shoes.

For the perfect afternoon on Magnolia, stop in at Portos Bakery when you get hungry. Every single item on the menu is AMAZING and the desserts have never failed me.
A few other shops among many to check out are: 33 Rooms (where I have bought dresses like this one for less than $15!), Madrid Antiques, and Life Way Thrift Store (where I bought the glowing globe in the Whole Wide World music video). Have fun!

P.S. A few helpful addresses for you:

Best of Times Vintage Collectibles: 3401 West Magnolia Blvd., Burbank
Mindful Nest: 3319 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank
Hubba Hubba Vintage Apparel: 3220 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank
Swift: 3212 W., Magnolia Blvd., Burbank
33 Rooms: 3318 W., Magnolia Blvd., Burbank
Portos Bakery: 3614 W., Magnolia Blvd., Burbank

Christmas Recording, Day 4

I love the way it feels to record vocals. It's an out-of-body experience that I just can't quite explain. Bless the good men who invented the microphone. (I believe there are a few contributors). The microphone I'm using on this album is a Telefunken of sorts and I used it for all of the songs on the "Anchor" album. Not sure of the model, but don't you love to say "Telefunken?"

Stuart finds some lovely flutey sounds on the organ for "Toyland," (one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs).

Joe is a pro on the tambo. (This rhyme brought to you by the letter, "O.")

And of course, Piper finds one more thing to destroy before the day is done. My shoes are her victim of choice.

Pep Talk

Dear Abbey,

Here's the thing: I think I need a pep talk. I'm just SO TIRED these days. It's driving me mad. I feel so heavy and slow and so not hip in any way. Normally, I would be out running and lifting weights and ready to take on the world. Sometimes I forget that being pregnant can limit you. LIMITS ME NO LIKIE!!!!

What advice can you give to help me keep my sanity in the home stretch of my last trimester? (And during the first part of Newborn Land?).

Christmas Recording, Day 2

So, the first part of making an album requires a lot of sitting and listening on my part. We track the bass and drums first and because I am rhythmically challenged, I'm not much help. Lucky for me, Piper the Puggle pup played with me and licked my hands until they were raw.

What? Did you think I'd leave my keytar off this record? Pfft.

Joe busts out a vintage Fender 12 string.

Drew Harris is one of the most patient people I know. He assists Stuart here at the studio and he makes me remember how much I appreciate positive and kind-hearted people in my life.

Stuart made an effort to get out his Christmas decorations for me. Atta boy, Stu.

Tomorrow I'll get to be more hands on and track some piano. Stay tuned!

Christmas Recording, Day 1

I'm a girl who likes to take chances. I've wanted to do a Christmas album for a long time, but let's face it: recording Christmas songs in the summer at 7 months pregnant just seems weird. But with the coming of a baby and the time it takes to prep an album for release, I decided that this was the prime time to just go for it. Today I started the recording of my first Christmas album ever. It went something like this:

Arrive at the Backyard Studios.

After about 30 minutes of brainstorming and sharing ideas about how the album should go down, we dive right into tracking. This is where I get to sit on the futon and watch the magic begin.

My producer, Stuart Brawley and right hand man, Joe Corcoran begin with scratch tracks on guitar.

Then, I record scratch vocals.

The scratch tracks give drummer, Matt Mayhall, a foundation with which to track his sweet beats.

Rigby has learned to sleep through all this racket, bless his heart.

We'll be moving at lightening speed on this album (tracking the whole thing in a week). It will be simple, and so perfectly spontaneous.

Christmas in L.A.

Heading to L.A. today to work on a Christmas album! Follow along this week as I post photos and videos in the studio. Happy Christmas!

Lilac

You know how a lot of pregnant women talk about how beautiful they feel when they're expecting? Well that is a bunch of bologna. I've never felt frumpier in my life. Hence, my recent quest to find maternity clothing that is hip. Enter Lilac Clothing.

Don't worry, owner, Kristy Olsen's head (far right) is not normally distorted. This is the only group photo I had. Sorry Kristy!

My neighbor Karen, told me about this company that makes transitional clothing for women. What in the blazes is "transitional clothing?" you ask. Allow me. Transitional clothing is tailored to fit your body during different stages of life whether you've gained a few pounds, are in the middle of a pregnancy or are recovering from having a baby. The cuts and the fabric compliment your body at any stage.

At 7 months pregnant, this darling little red number can work with my roundness, but I can totally see how it would still fit and look flattering after I've had the baby and morphed into my regular body again. The jersey fabric is SOOO comfy too.
Kristy helps to style me. Thanks Kristy! Glad your head is back to normal in this photo.

After what must have seemed like an eternity to the Lilac ladies who helped to style me, they let me pick some favorites and I am loving them. Many, many thanks! Go check out their lovely designs and last chance sale HERE.