gold feather

Red Pink White Day

2012-02-14T16:01:00.000-08:00

I love Valentine's Day. It's one of my favorite holidays because it's one of the best to get dressed for. I always wear one of my Uncle Vaughn's heart pins that he makes me every year for Valentines Day. Some iphone photos below and fun DIYs for this lovely day! What better way to spend this day then making crafty things.

DIYs below click for link:
Super Cute easy Valentine's Day Nail Art
How to make heart shaped elbow patches for your favorite sweater
How to make a heart shaped hula hoop, YES IT'S POSSIBLE!
How to make hearted shaped boken photography!

Freedom Riders

2012-02-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to repost this from Tomboy Style. By the way Tomboy style is an awesome blog that celebrates women with tomboy style in fashion, music, history and much more. In honor of Black History Month I thought I would share this. Below are the mug shots from volunteer civil rights activist who rode the interstate buses into the segregated south in 1961. I love these mug shots of the freedom riders for a number of reasons. I love the diversity of women and their style. I also love how young they are, they must be the same age as I am now maybe younger. I also love that they all have a little smirk on their face in the mug shot, showing that although they are being arrested it was all worth it. These photos definitely inspired me to remember those who fought for the rights that we take for granted today. It also makes me wonder would I make the same risky but brave decision to fight for a better future for the next generation?

Dreaming of Summer

2012-02-09T12:50:00.000-08:00

Now and Then was my favorite movie when I was a tween! I have been meaning to get my hands on it to reminisce about its greatness. When I saw this on Style Inspiration From Our Favorite Summer Movies on Refinery 29 I was so happy! Lets be honest warm winter has been good but lets just have it be summer now please! So I can run around and have Now and Then adventures in tree houses and cemeteries!

Otis & Maclain Collared Crop Top, $150, available at American Rag; Moto Denim Plaited Belt Shorts, $65, available at Top Shop; Keds Shabby Laceless Sneakers, $50 available at Far Fetch; Kris Nations Blue Lapis Friendship Bracelet, $70, available at Max & Chloe.

Old and New

2012-02-07T14:01:00.000-08:00

I finally got some B&W film rolls developed. One roll is from my sophomore year when I went to visit my cousin Louisa in San Francisco and the second is from this past fall. I love shooting with B&W even though it costs a pretty penny to get them developed I am always super exited to see how a roll comes out. Some of the photos from these two rolls are below.

my photos

Happy Birthday Shawty

2012-02-06T18:53:00.000-08:00

Bob Marley would have been 67 today. Happy birthday to one of the most original shawties of all time.

via ringstarstv

Ghost Ride The Whip

2012-02-04T10:01:00.000-08:00

This video is amazing. I love MIA, so glad she is back!

We got SOUL!

2012-02-02T11:38:00.000-08:00

The month of February marks Black History month in American society. Although Black History is AMERICAN history that should be celebrated all year round, I am happy that my people get some extra recognition during this month. (This morning in my head I rehearsed a speech about why Tracy Morgan's character on 30 Rock is nothing more than a Sambo Caricature, for no reason at all. I am not even joking.) However as a Pan African studies major, African American women and just an American I think it's really important to remember Black history to fully understand the history of this country and how that has affected the society we live in today. To start off this wonderful month in honor of Black History, the passing of Don Cornelius and SOUL TRAIN! I thought I would post some old school photos from Soul Train. Because lets be honest who didn't want to be on Soul Train. The music, the dances moves, the clothes and of coarse THE HAIR all show a time that has passed but should never be forgotten.

via The Cotton Club

via The Chicagoist

Yes that is Sly from Sly & The Family Stone via WBEZ 91.5

via The Loose Book

via WBEZ 91.5

The Emotions perform, via krrq

Little Dragon

2012-01-30T10:12:00.000-08:00

I am a little late in the game with this one but I really love Little Dragon. I discovered the band through Miss Moss's playlist and had one of those moments when you discover new music and you play it over and over again because you can't believe you have never heard it before because it's THAT good. Little Dragon is a Swedish electronic band. Yukimi Nagano is the vocals and her close high school friends Erik Bodin play drums, Fredrik Källgren Wallin plays bass and Håkan Wirenstrand on keyboards. Although their music is labeled electronic I would say it definitely has a soulful R&B aspect to it as well, Nagano's vocal definitely bring that in. I have heard some people call her the Asian Erykah Badu too! Now if you never heard their music before don't expect to instantly see that comparison. But honestly, I do hear it now the more I listen to Nagano's voice. I love Badu so know that I am not quick to go comparing people to her! If Little Dragon and Badu ever collaborated though that would be pretty awesome. Below are some of my favorite songs by Little Dragon that you should let you ears enjoy.

via Hazyskyline

(My favorite song by Little Dragon)
Also good songs to check out: Night Light, Twice and After the Rain

Shawty

2012-01-27T13:09:00.000-08:00

Donald Glover, Childish Gambino, Troy Barnes, whatever you want to call him it's safe to say he is a shawty. There are so many reasons to love this guy and he keeps popping up everywhere whether it is music, television, anything that is remotely awesome. Example: He was in the season finale of Awkward Black Girl! Either way saw these photos taken by Ariel Rosenbloom made me fall more in love with him. It also looks like he is in my uncles old loft in Philly which makes me feel like I am at this photo shoot. Happy rain happy weekend!

Mancala!

2012-01-25T11:19:00.000-08:00

Words with Friends got nothing on Mancala! I used to love playing this game when I was younger I had my own wooden board with the stones as well as the computer game! If you don't know how to play mancala its pretty simple however I am not going to try and explain, but you can read how here. After a little research I found out that mancala comes from the Arabic word naqala meaning "to move." I also found out that mancala isn't the name of the game but is the name of the family of these types of games which are count and capture games. Mancala games are played in many African and Asian societies and is often called Kalah or Oware. The game dates back to between 500 and 700 AD in Ethiopia and Eritrea. Thanks wikipedia! Either way I was reminded of the game when my mom says that her students love to play at school. I decided if I am ever rich and excessive I am going to have a room in my house just for playing mancala. In the center of the room will be an a beautifully elaborate wooden mancala board sculpted in the shape of an elephant with gems to play with. Sounds fun right? Below are some images I found of people playing the game throughout Africa.

Playing mancala in the sand in the Sudan.

A Dinka man smokes a pipe while playing in Southern Sudan.

Children playing mancala in Akropong Akvapim, Ghana.

Wood mancala board from the Cameroon.

ultimate fur vest

2012-01-23T12:17:00.000-08:00

Also when I saw this outfit I believe the words "holy guacamole" first came to mind. I wouldn't mind walking the streets in this one bit. Speaking of guacamole I made egg tacos with the avocados on top today so yummy!

The Sartorialist

womp womp

2012-01-23T12:08:00.000-08:00

So it seems winter has finally decided to grace us with its presence. Although I love the way winter looks I don't like being cold. Also winter does nothing but bad for my car and living in the country you need a car to survive. I am not to happy about being immobile at the moment. I saw this post on wit + delight on pity parties and I had to share. I basically just want to do and wear all of these things right now as I am stuck inside. The wool panties are too cute. However I am going to stay positive about winter and engage in some winter sports soon! My plans are to ice fish and learn to snowboard!

Lady Love

2012-01-20T12:08:00.000-08:00

At Last is one of my most favorite songs in the world. Everything about it is perfect. Honest, powerful, raw and romantic. You can't listen to it and start singing along. Etta James had the goods and although she was very ill and I am still really sad about her death. They sure as hell don't make them like they used to. RIP

travel bug

2012-01-09T20:01:00.000-08:00

I am definitely itching for another big trip soon. I miss having the sheer thrill of going on an adventure in a place that is completely foreign. But I can't complain because I am rediscovering the beauties of my own back yard that I grew up in and the land of Connecticut. New England really is beautiful, because you really experience every season to the fullest. I think it's important to spend time at home when your older and learn to appreciate it. Because then when you do go on that next big trip you can respect and learn to love the differences.

A well traveled woman

Instagram

2012-01-09T12:59:00.000-08:00

Is my newest obsession. I know everyone loves it but it's for good reason it's simply the best. I love photography but sometimes I don't want to take my cameras everywhere I go. I love this app because it makes me actually like my cell phone photos and be able to share daily photographs. I have a old iphone with a broken screen but that hasn't stopped me from taken photos on it. It's perfect for photography lovers and narcissistic people. Below are some of my favorite photos I've taken using the app. In other photography news I was given FO FREE everything you need to make your own dark room. SUPER STOKED!

Thank you Dalai Lama

2012-01-04T08:57:00.000-08:00

The Dalai Lama provides 20 ways to get good karma. Trying to start the new year off right by approaching things differently then I have in the past even if its just the little things and seeing if it does cause positive change in the long run.

Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
Follow the three R’s:
- Respect for self,
- Respect for others and
- Responsibility for all your actions.
Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.
When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
Spend some time alone every day.
Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and
think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.
Be gentle with the earth.
Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

back to life back to reality

2012-01-02T17:12:00.000-08:00

We have officially merged with 2012. Welcome to the new version of the world, its a little older but still fly. Today as I embraced the new year I realized that its time to organize some things. I went through all my old photos and found some favorites from this year that I never posted on here from personal, work and other random things. I also realized it may be better to post my thoughts at the top of my posts and not the bottom. I am even chilling in the new chill spot of my house.

new year

2011-12-29T23:12:00.000-08:00

I saw this and thought it was pretty flipping cute especially since I have a crush on both Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. I am pretty obsessed with Zooey new show on Fox New Girl. But only two days until 2012. I almost can't believe all that has happened in 2011 from events in the world and my own personal experiences. I am excited for 2012 though it will be my first year as a none student and kind of a grown person I don't want to use the A word. With the new year I will have had this blog for 3 years real weird and I am sure my momma is the only one who still reads it hahahaha. BUt I will note that I have posted more this year than I have had any other! I plan to do so more in the new year to with more DIYs, photos and if I ever figure out how to make a proper playlist that too! But this weekend I am going away to engage in festivities in NYC and Boston to ring in the new year. I usually don't have very crazy new years eve plans but this one should be fun. See you in 2012 :)

fly girls

2011-12-28T23:36:00.000-08:00

Le Coil

Above are some of my favorite photos from editor and photographer Jamala Johns tumbler le coil. I had a epiphany the other day about my hair, I realized that I had been wearing the same hair style since I was like 10. I am in need of some dreadlock hair styles so bad. But love this blog and of coarse I looked to it for inspiration. I not only love all the beautiful ladies featured hair but style and overall essence as well, and Corinne Bailey Rae is too cute.

rain playlist

2011-12-27T14:44:00.000-08:00

It's still 2011 but the new year is fast approaching. The holidays are coming to an end even though Kwanzaa is well underway (happy Kujichagulia aka Self-Determination today! ). Kwanzaa gets no love from anyone anymore, I am going to bring the sexy back into kwanzaa! But anyway its raining and I have been hula hooping inside to some new music. I thought I would put together a little playlist, enjoy!

Sunny- Marvin Gaye Mercury Edit II (This song will make you want to dance in your kitchen with your momma)
Araabmuzik- I remember (I finally discovered the name of this song it used to play so much at parties in college. But I love it because it makes me feel like I am in a cape town mini bus)
Coming Up- Paul McCartney (While playing this song one must dance in their underpants)
Amelie Soundtrack - J'y suis jamais allé (I want to run through Paris with this song playing)
ADHD Kendrick Lamar (I feel like this song speaks to my generation)
Lana Del Rey- Video Games (every girl needs a ballad)
Big Sean ft Nicki Minaj- Ass remix (every girl also needs a pop your booty ballad)
prizewinning- Julianna Barwick (This song is ideal for things like yoga, painting and doing interpretive dance in your back yard)

Gifts

2011-12-21T22:56:00.000-08:00

My gift to everyone this year, I made them myself! The smallest one is for a two year old :)

holladaze!

2011-12-17T20:42:00.000-08:00

It's officially that time of year. Christmas has seriously taken everyones brains. I am sorry other holidays but Christmas seriously would murder you in a game of badminton. Christmas got game! The SNL Christmas episode is on, I can't stop eating my moms christmas cookies from work and don't you dare say word Santa around a kid or they will freak out. Either way I am working on some pretty sweet presents for my loved ones. I have been obsessed with all the houses decked out christmas lights. I think winter would be ten times better if they left them on past the holidays. Some recent photos I have taken above.

Happy Monday

2011-12-12T13:57:00.000-08:00

I usually don't color on my photos but this one I couldn't help it. Eating a PB and J at the Lake Warmaug Look out earlier today for a post birthday hike with one of my oldest and best friends Katie!

Shawty

2011-12-07T20:41:00.001-08:00

a well traveled woman

I don't even need to see the front of him, I already know hes a shawty. I can feel it. I think I need to start a shawty of the week on here.

twins

2011-12-07T16:14:00.001-08:00

Some photos I took around Thanksgiving of my cousins Nelson and Tyler, they are probably the two most adorable boys I have ever met and I am not just saying that because we are related.

He's back!

2011-11-15T22:37:00.001-08:00

snacks

2011-11-15T15:00:00.001-08:00

I realized that I never talk about food on here which is weird because I am probably the biggest foodie of all time. On my twitter I just tweet photos of meals I make myself, and thats about the only reason I have one. But last night and today I made myself some kale chips. Let me tell you they are the yummiest, healthiest and most addicting snack on the planet. I thought I would share my first ever recipe yipeee!!

What you need:
Kale
olive oil
cajun spice
sea salt
pepper

1. Preheat your oven at 350. Rinse off you kale and cut the trick stems off so you are left with the leafy curls. (the photos above don't show this however you should cut the stems.
1. Place the kale in a bowl and drizzle a little bit of olive oil on them. This was my first mistake I dumped olive oil all over the kale and it resulted in very limp and greasy kale chips. For best results you only need a minimal amount.
2. Put your hands in the bowl and toss around the kale so the olive oil coats each leaf. Add sea sale, pepper and cajun spice as much or as little as your like. Keep tossing the kale so that all the leaves are covered.
3. Lay the kale on a baking sheet and stick in the oven for 10 minutes. Be careful on timing they burn quick. By ten minutes they should be crispy and green, if not leave in a little longer like 1 minute. You don't want your kale chips to turn brown.
4. Place on a plate and eat them with ketchup, hummus or lemonaise. Be careful once you start eating these its hard to stop!

swag

2011-11-14T19:40:00.001-08:00

The Sartorialist

I love this so much.

seasons

2011-11-04T22:18:00.000-07:00

Miss Moss has gems upon gems. I love this how each outfit fits in nature perfectly. It's almost beyond colors but also the mood of the season is similar to the mood of the outfit. The spring one may be my favorite.

yarn people

2011-11-04T06:33:00.000-07:00

Seventeen Evergreen - Polarity Song from Lucky Number Music on Vimeo.

Everything about this video is awesome I wish I was in it.

sunday jam

2011-10-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

I heard this song yesterday and I already know I will be having it on repeat a lot. I love the dreamy vide with the slow build up to the end. I discovered the song from Miss Moss's Girls Playlist. If you have never looked at Miss Moss check it out you could easily be on there for hours (and she is South African!) and the playlist has other gems of songs too. I somehow this morning managed to escape the snow apocalypse that hit Connecticut and am heading to Philly to finally celebrate Halloween!

Transitions

2011-10-19T21:02:00.000-07:00

Transitioning seasons via hula hooping. I feel like I talk about season so much but I really am obsessed with them. Like right now outside is so beautiful. Even today in the rain, I loved the way wet leaves look. They make the world look like a perfect water color painting. But seriously new england falls are the best! And of coarse the hula I really cannot get enough.

Shawty

2011-10-17T19:16:00.000-07:00

via Tomboy style
I had no idea Marlon Brondo looked this good. He looks like a real life Disney prince.

apple pickin

2011-10-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had some friends visiting. Perfect fall weekend for apple picking. The leaves have finally started to change spectacular colors of gold, red velvet and pumpkin orange.

The Cosby Show

2011-10-06T13:32:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about fall is the layering. I have been getting so many Bill Cosby sweaters from thrift stores, they are the best. The mens section of thrift store are full of them. They are perfect to wear with skinny jeans, leggings, or a mini skirt with some hoop earring. The bigger the sweater the better because they are warmer and can be worn as a dress. Above are actual sweaters that Bill Cosby wore on his show. I love the top left one its almost African print, which is always a deal breaker for me.
Also I am going to start sewing again, I have a epic dress idea that needs to be made into a reality. I will post photos as the creation progresses!

a little film

2011-10-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

I miss film. Above are some photos I got developed that are a couple years old and some from this past summer. But there is something wrong with my light meter so my film photos have been struggling. I would shoot with film all the time if I could it makes the world look so fantastic!

patches

2011-10-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

I have been obsessed with this song for a while, but when I finally found this music video I feel in love with it again. Above is the song Loftcries by the electro pop band Purity Ring set to scenes from the 1970's Swedish Film "A Cruel Picture." I love how music and film from two completely separate times periods mesh together so well. I also love the Swedish actress, model and journalist in this Christina Lindberg. She looks like a total badass I would be her for halloween with a patch hehe. I also love that she is a journalist among all these other things. I like the idea of being a variety of different professions that may seem completely exclusive from one another. Happy weekend!

Please

2011-09-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

From STREETFSN

Someone let a sista know there I can get this top. I am obsessed with it or maybe I just want to look as good as this girl does in it. Yay for two posts in one day! Also if your looking for a unique nose ring I just got one today from Gazit off Etsy and I love it!

Fall

2011-09-29T11:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the blog neglect I am not sure how it came to be so long since I have wrote anything. Fall is here whether I want to accept it or not. Although I have accepted fall clothes I have been thrifting far too often but have got some awesome Bill Cosby sweaters! I also have been hula hooping like a total addict. Its crazy how wonderful hooping is when you really get into it. And there is this whole world of people who are just as obsessed, which I am finding out thanks to the internet. I am going to make a hoop soon just need all the materials. I also went to Boston last weekend to visit my South Africa friends which was so much fun! Speaking of South Africa friends one of mine just hooked me up with this some new music. I love this song with the old school dance moves, I need to learn all of these moves and show them off at a club hehe :)

22

2011-09-14T20:44:00.000-07:00

Lana Del Rey - Video Games by PurplePR
I turned 22 on Monday and I can't believe it. Definitely the most surreal birthday yet. This photo was taken in August I started the blog in June 2, 2009. Time flies homie

2011-09-04T19:48:00.000-07:00

Illumination night in Marthas Vineyard :)

summer summer don't leave please!

2011-08-15T07:09:00.000-07:00

I am kinda obsessed with dyed hair and flower crowns. Above is my friend Isabelle again with turquoise hair wearing a flower crown I made recently. They are so easy to make and fun! Although I made this one for myself and my head is way bigger so its huge on her. The colored hair and the flower crowns remind me of Marie Antoinette the Sophia Coppola movie especially here:
But I kinda like the mermaid essence better with the turquoise hair and tropical flowers.
But I can't believe its the end of August. I am in Marthas Vineyard and its so nice to be by the ocean. However usually right after I leave the Vineyard I usually head back to school like two days later. Not this year! Still can't believe I am done. But I am excited to have more free time to see friends and do other things you cant in college. I especially love that I never have to do homework again! Except if I go to graduate school. For now though I am just going to enjoy this easy laid back summer vibe. Also I have taken up hula hooping, its possibly the greatest thing ever.
This song is dedicated to my belle boo who I miss already!
Animal Collective - In The Flowers by ScottFowlerMix

blueberries galore

2011-07-28T18:09:00.000-07:00

My best friend Isabelle is here for the summer and its so so good. Heres some photos from our evening of blueberry picking. I like the way her hair is the same color as the blueberries.
old jam new mix: Feist - I Feel It All (Britt From Spoon Remix) by soyabean

Roll Call Y'all

2011-07-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

All of this summer heat is reminding me of my favorite summer movies. Especially Do the Right Thing, one of my favorite movies of all time. It's a classic Spike Lee Joint! What better way to honor this heat than a movie that centers around the hottest day in Bedstuy, Brooklyn. Below is a clip from the movie, one of my favorite scenes. When Samuel L Jackson the DJ for WLUV radio does a roll call of the influential African American musicians from different time periods. I love this scene because it's shows history. I remember at a Akwaaba ( meaning welcome in Ashanti a language from Ghana) dinner we would have at Drew. Professor Addo would take a moment before we ate to have students, professors, anyone shout out names of people they wanted to be remembered. He said this was often done in Ghana to remember and show respect to your ancestors and those who came before you. Which is shown in this video. My Pan African Studies degree is really showing itself here, but I love thinking about the African diaspora. Enjoy, but really see the whole movie if you haven't already!

Cut and Paste

2011-07-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

I used to love doing collages when I was younger. I was inspired to start doing collages again after seeing Maya Villagers on her blog Turned Out. It's hard to see the whole collage because my scanner isn't wide enough. Most of the photos are from a recent issue of W magazine. Also great news I found out today that my photo and story on New York State Governor Cuomo signing the Distracted Drivers Law made the front page of the paper! Check it out here.

fun summer jam: Body Language - Social Studies (Plastic Plates Remix) by PLASTiC PLATES

heat

2011-07-19T17:33:00.000-07:00

via nasty gal

I love the peak of summer. I feel like it's about that time right now. When heat is unbearable during the day but the evenings are perfect temperature of humid yet cool. I wish I could go out and do graffiti art. Music from Mixtape///Mountain a drew collaboration, that is pretty fantastic.

Teen Daze- Splendid Isolation Mixtape by MixtapeMountain

ARVYBURN

2011-07-11T22:05:00.000-07:00

Also here are some photos from my afrikaburn/burning man themed party from this past saturday. It was a huge success! Tons of food, flower crown making, body painting and tepee chillin! My friend Campbell aka Funner Future (he does the best rendition of Rebecca Black's Friday) performed making the party a stop on his tour! Along with DJ Ronnie Whaley who caused the epic rave in my backyard, electronic beatz so loud they echoed down the Housatonic River. AND I had a parade, because parades are awesome! Photos below :)

photos by Arvolyn Hill and whoever else got their hands on my camera saturday

tepee love

2011-07-11T21:33:00.000-07:00

So for the past three weeks I have been preparing for my Afrikaburn/burning man themed graduation party. In honor of burning man I had to build something and after seeing this DIY tepee on Honestly..WTF the seed was planted in my head. From that point on I was determined to build my own tepee. It was easier than I expected but still a lot of work building a 13 foot tepee. Since I couldn't afford canvas I built the tepee cover completely of scrap fabric: jeans, table cloth, my old Star Wars sheets, red velvet, dresses, and more! My dad and I went into the forest and cut down trees that soon became tepee poles. Then two hours of labor setting up the tepee with family the morning of my party and it was done! Here are some photos of the process of the tepee construction.

photo by Arvolyn Hill

Isn't it great! I am not gonna burn it through, which would be true burning man style if I did. I prefer to have it as my new summer chill spot. Also below was my inspiration for my homemade tepee.

Gee's Bend Quilts:
Gee's Bend is a poor tenant community in Alabama. Located on the edge of the Black Belt in Wilcox County, enclosed by three sides on the Alabama River. Many slaves who worked on the plantation in Gee's Bend never left the area and stayed in the isolated community. Gee's Bend has received world wide attention for their infamous quilts created by the women in the community. The quilts have been shown in exhibits in the Whitney Museum and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Philadelphia is where I saw their work and fell in love with the history of Gee's Bend and the quilts. For a college creative writing class I wrote a story that I made up about a girl who was from Gee's Bend and moved to DC, thats how obsessed I am with these quilts. Also my Uncle Vaughn makes quilts very similar to these even more extreme that I grew up with on my bed. So maybe its just fate that I made a Gee's Bend inspired tepee.

photos from google

Of coarse the Native American tepees themselves were fascinating to me. I felt like having your own tepee would be like the ultimate fort. Yes I just graduated from college, and still love forts! I live across the river from the Schaghticoke reservation, and though its so close, the town and reservation are isolated from one another. I think a lot of Native American history has been static in how we remember it and there are gaps between the way it was in the photos below and today. Regardless I love these old photos of tepees because its a side of American history that is gone.

photos from google

2011-07-04T21:01:00.001-07:00

I took this photo a couple weeks ago and have been meaning to post it, amazing sunset! Also this song is my current obsession I know nothing about SBTRKT but I heard it and instantly fell in love!

Happy Birthday brotha!

2011-06-30T17:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to one of my best buds in the world Riordan Woods. I wish you were not all the way in LA so we could celebrate together! But I thought I would post one of your many favorite songs. I have been dancing to this all day in your honor :)

remember when I took this photo of our Harlem adventure? Such good times!

shawty in the tank!

2011-06-24T12:57:00.000-07:00

I am pretty obsessed with STREETFSN right now. Its a great street fashion blog and the boys oh.my.goodness the boys!! These photos make Europe look like the land of the beautiful, fashionable, and fabulous people. I want to go there and just people watch all day long...sigh

Circus

2011-06-18T09:25:00.000-07:00

Photos by Arvolyn Hill

I have been to the circus twice in my life. When I was young with my mom and last week. Of the two times I have been I am always shocked that they still exist. Mostly because everything about them feels very vintage from the performers, costumes, and the animals. Especially this circus which showed in a small town it had a classic Americana feel. It was hard to see all the animals performing, even though they probably don't know a life other than the circus. After being in South Africa and seeing animals like elephants on safari who had a majestic presence. The elephants at the circus looked very tired and worn out (I found out they were 40 years old elephants!). One of my favorite of the day is the last one of them holding on to one another. This also goes for the children who were performers, though they looked like they were having a great time I couldn't imagine being a circus performer at 7. The most interesting and difficult thing I witnessed was the tiger in the box for photos. As though the tiger was a giant stuffed animal. I am not trying to bash this particular circus because I think this is the way the circus has always been, and many times way worse. But I just want to point out some things that I felt were interesting as subtext for the photos.

stuck in my brain

2011-06-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

I love browsing through tumblr, blogs, and just randomly on my computer seeing photos that I find inspiring. I will sometimes have 10 different tabs open just because I don't want to lose a photo. I started putting ones that I really like in a folder and thought I would share them on my blog on this rainy day. So I guess here is my attempt to be like tumblr. Enjoy :)

some new things

2011-06-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

Some new photos on my flickr site check check it out!
Sleigh Bells - Run The Heart (Bassnectar Remix) by Bassnectar

The one and only

2011-06-06T18:54:00.000-07:00

OUT MY MIND JUST IN TIME from Creative Control on Vimeo.

This weekend I...

2011-06-05T15:35:00.000-07:00

Took photos at a abandon barn.

Ate yummy tamales at a Farmers market.

saw some awesome old school cars

made friends with a Peruvian Painter

and a dog.

Went to Sadie's 1st birthday party.

Went to Winfred Rembert's art opening that had a pig roast, free drinks, and live gospel music!

SO much fun I am exhausted though :)

Awkward Black girl

2011-06-03T07:26:00.000-07:00

I discovered The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl before I graduated thanks to Colorlines and I am now obsessed. I love this show because it simply is realistic and relatable. Also I have been waiting for a show where a black woman is the main character and she can be beautiful dark skinned woman with short hair, and doesn't have to follow the medias constructions of beauty...breath. Also this show is hilarious and fun to watch, definitely watch all the episodes. I love the awkward element, because we are all awkward and this show just made me realize how awkward I am.. though I already knew that kinda. And hopefully soon a show like this can be on prime television, because its nothing short than the truth.

ya summer, you my sweetheart

2011-06-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

Amazing mural art

2011-06-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

SUPAKITCH & KORALIE - VÄRLDSKULTUR MUSEET GÖTEBORG from elr°y on Vimeo.

I saw this on honestly wtf and became obsessed. Created by French artists Supakitch and Koralie. I love the process of making art. With the beginning of just mixing paints, to amazing doodles, then paining, collages, and then placing it all on the wall. I love how it turned out in the end and the amount of detail that went into this mural. I hope this summer I can paint or spray paint my own mural!

Happy relaxing-fun-dancing-swimming-eating-fabulous weekend!

2011-05-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

Thundercat - For Love I Come by Hypetrak

Rebel

2011-05-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

Today I got myself a graduation present by getting a new camera. I needed the canon rebel back in my life! Here are some of my first photos I took around my house. Enjoy :)

Lookin snazzy

2011-05-26T18:25:00.000-07:00

My original shawty

2011-05-23T12:38:00.000-07:00

photo by her mom

My best and one of my oldest friends Isabelle Barron got into SCAD Atlanta for fashion design. Look at her isn't she such a cutie, I cant wait to hug her :)
Nothing new but this my jam: Mac Miller - Donald Trump by Hypetrak

Alexander McQueen

2011-05-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I went to NYC with my mom. We had a great time adventuring around avoiding the torrential rain, and decided if the world was going to end (rapture= people acting a hot mess) we were going to have a great time! Today we went to the Alexander McQueen show at the Met with my friend Emily. It was a fabulous show. How they set up each room and showed the progression of his work was really interesting. His work is historical, intriguing, haunting, intricate, and romantic. Though I loved the show everything was even more powerful because of his death. It was like watching a movie and you know it going to be a bad ending but in your head the whole time until it happens you think its all going to work out and be alright. It also made me realize how amazing his clothes are, true art. People sometimes say well they are just clothes. But if you go to this show you see that its so interdisciplinary, all of his clothes have a strong purpose and story behind them. I love when artists can do that, they create something beautiful and it changes the way you see the world around you. Go to the Metropolitan (its basically free, I paid a penny :), see the show (it will be there until July 31st), read his quotes, and marvel at his work.

Rainy day throwback:holy cuteness!

2011-05-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

things from college I will miss

2011-05-18T22:08:00.000-07:00

SHOES

2011-05-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

Untitled from andrea cruz on Vimeo.

Today I had my first day of work! I can't believe I graduated on Sunday and started working on Wednesday, who does that? At first I was bummed because I have no downtime between school and starting to work but after today I am excited for the future. I started at a small town newspaper as a reporter. Theres a lot to do but their are some small perks that make me happy. Such as being able to use my FILM camera for photos of events, getting into events free, and business cards! Either way this new job makes me want to shop for new clothes so bad. I especially have been lacking in shoes, I wish I could afford all of Jeffrey Campbell's shoes. And the glittery ones in the video above make me very happy :)

The Graduate

2011-05-17T14:24:00.000-07:00

The Hood Internet - Two Weeks Of Hip Hop (Dead Prez x Grizzly Bear) by hoodinternet
This past Saturday I graduated from Drew Univeristy. I cannot believe I am done with college. When I was walking down the path in my cap and gown with my class, in my head I was thinking alright this is it! But it all doesn't feel real. I am going to miss being surrounded by some of the most awesome-fantastic-intelligent-beautiful group of friends I could ever ask to meet these past four years. I will miss being together with all my friends at one place at the same time.After graduation I stayed at my friend Jasmines house with Riordan.It was glorious all we did was eat, sleep, watch TV, and see penguins. These are the times I will especially miss, just chilling with your best friends. But I am also excited for this new time in my life. For the first time I honestly have no idea what will happen next. Sorry for the blurry graduation photo, it was the best I could capture on my iphone with the craziness that was graduation.

I love my momma

2011-05-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

There's no way I can pay you back. But the plan is to show you that I understand. You are appreciated.
-Tupac

One week!

2011-05-07T11:13:00.000-07:00

Until I graduate from college! I cannot believe how fast it came. I am one paper away from enjoying my last week as a undergrad. Also congratulations to my best friend Emily for having a kick ass senior thesis art show. Above is one of her many amazing creations!
Also how amazing is this Lady Lamb the beekeeper shawty!
Lady Lamb The Beekeper - Penny Licks by brooklynvegan

Rainy day throwback: photo

2011-05-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

This photo resurfaced thanks to some friends through facebook. This is a photo of me pre-dreadlocks I had to be 6 or 7. My mom never let me drink soda or anything else she consider "teeth rotting" when I was younger. So when I went to my yearly family reunions I made sure to get in as much sugar as possible, clearly...

Get at me bad girl

2011-05-01T17:58:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from my final portfolio project on bad girls. It was a lot of fun working on this and made me enjoy shooting with a digital camera, especially since I love film. Thank you to all the bad girls featured, you guys are awesome!

face paint

2011-04-26T21:23:00.000-07:00

I LOVE wearing face paint when I get a new kit I hope to rock this style. I am getting so excited for summer and all the wonderful things it entails such as swimming, music festivals, Marthas Vineyard, dresses, driving with the windows down, and being home. But this summer will be bittersweet because come September I wont be going back to school, super weird. Either way I am excited for this next chapter. Also heres some Dean's List:

Graduation Dresses

2011-04-25T12:16:00.000-07:00

I am graduating in 3 weeks from college! I wish I could afford one or all of these Anthropology dresses for my Graduation ceremony and parties after. Also warm weather, I love and so glad you are back!

check them out and many more here!

Maggie

2011-04-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

Below are some of the many amazing photos of Maggie for my Bad Girls portfolio/headshots for her acting, enjoy!

Easter Inspirations

2011-04-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter! I am jealous of all the people waking up to candy today. I am spending my Easter at school this year. Though I miss spending this day with family its been kinda fun just a handful of cool people on a empty campus. But I wanted to post some photography and film. For my digital photography class I am doing a portfolio on Bad Girls. I am trying to explore what constitutes as bad behavior for women or is that behavior actually empowering. Below is some work that I hope yo channel in my own photography. I discovered a American photographer Alex Prager through websites on Cindy Sherman. Her photos are mostly 60s portraits of women recreated since most of her work is very recent. Then also below is a video by Marc Gómez del Mora a cinematographer from Barcelona, which I found on a friends blog.

EL GUINCHO | Bombay from MGdM | Marc Gómez del Moral on Vimeo.

Rainy day throwback

2011-04-23T13:39:00.000-07:00

Recently

2011-04-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

Some photos to recount the past couple of weeks. Also some good music below!

Lofticries by PURITY RING

Whose story it it anyway?: Portrayals of black women in Spike Lee and Tyler Perry films

2011-04-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

This is the title for my presentation I am doing today for my senior seminar Pan African Studies major. I am discussing the issue of black female identity in Spike Lee and Tyler Perry movies as the leading black filmmakers in the industry. The movies I am focusing on the most are Spike Lee's Shes Gotta Have it and Tyler Perry's reoccurring character of Medea and his adaptation of "For Colored Girls." I am super nervous my presentation which is open to the public and anyone can come. I hope this goes well.

repeat

2011-04-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

Lykke Li - I Follow Rivers from The Line Of Best Fit on Vimeo.

black brother, I love ya

2011-04-09T19:49:00.000-07:00

I saw this a while ago but forgot to post about it. This photo is beyond amazing. Everything from the fashion, photography, and concept of the project makes it a great and inspiring work of art. Its from The Black Ivy project for more photos from this shoot click here.The project includes a bunch of collaborations such as Street Etiquette and The Brooklyn Circus. If I went to a school and the men looked like this I would be in heaven! Enjoy and share, black is beautiful :)

Childish

2011-04-06T12:36:00.000-07:00

Break (AOTL) by Childish Gambino

Riordan Woods

2011-04-04T11:50:00.000-07:00

The photos above are from my black and white film photography class freshman year spring semester 2008. The photos remind me of some kind of black power/ school daze theme.

The photos above in color are for my digital photography class taken this past weekend. In this shoot I was trying to make it have a Harlem Renaissance theme to it. I thought it be interesting to put them together since my friend Riordan and I are now seniors. I still don't know if I like the film or the digital better, but I like how similar the two shoots are even though they are four years apart. I love taking photos of Riordan, hes the best model!

Bananas!

2011-04-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

I dislocated my knee cap over my spring break dancing haha. I am now stuck wearing leggings constantly because of the brace I have to wear around me knee. I really love these new leggings from top shop definitely something I would wear on the regular. Especially since they remind me of the famous french icon and dancer Josephine Baker. She is well known for her infamous banana skirt that she performed in! If you have never seen her dance, youtube it! Its pretty awesome. There are so many spring outfits I want to wear but this weather just wont stop! I am still wearing my long down winter coat and its April! I just hope the weather gets better for my last month as an undergraduate!

I have a crush on Theophilus London

2011-03-27T17:05:00.000-07:00

William Eggleston

2011-03-22T19:05:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I am doing a presentation on William Eggleston. I have never heard of William Eggleston before I was assigned to do a presentation on him. But after reviewing his work I fell in love with his photographs. He is known as the first photographer that excelled in Art photography in color, he is considered a master of color. He is also a southern man, raised in Memphis, Tennessee. She shoots the majority of his work in Memphis and Mississippi. I love Eggleston's work because although he may be taking photos of something as simple as a Coca-Cola sign or gas station the colors look so fantastic. I also think he is successful in achieving the essence of the South during the late 60s and 70s. Though in my research their are no discussion of his feelings towards race in his photos you can tell that he is aware of the status of blacks in the South during this time. Eggleston is still alive and in a interview I read with him he still photographs, smokes, and drinks bourbon everyday with a serious southern drawl in his voice. Below are some photos by him that I love.

wupac's playlist

2011-03-16T18:14:00.000-07:00

My friend Adam nick name wupac (white-tupac) sent me this playlist below of new music with comments from him about the songs. I wanted to share it on my blog because who doesn't love new music and I need help getting through this list. So if you hear something you like comment and let me know!

The Game-Better Days
Darius Rucker- This (give it a try you country hick)
Chromeo-Night by Night
The Vampire Weekend- Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa
...Animal Liberation Orchestra- Girl I wanna lay you down (original song)
Gudda Gudda- Always Love You
Prof-Superstyle
Usher-More (Remix)
Wiz and snoop- Young, Wild, and free
The Virgins- Rich Girls
The Dean's List- Dear Professor
The Dean's List- Breakfast Talk
Bassnectar ft. Nelly Furtado- Magical World
YC the Cynic- Summertime High
Ski beats ft. Mos Def- Cream of the Planet
Duck Sauce- Barbara Streisand
Chiddy Bang- Never
Mavis Staples and Jeff Tweedy- Wrote a Song for Everyone (acoustic)
Wiz- Huey newton
French Montana feat. Curren$y- So high
The Dirty Projectors- Remade Horizon ( @30 seconds in soo lekker)
Chiddy Bang-truth

The Dean's List- Valley girl
The Dean's List- I'll Be Okay
Prof- Amazing
Lupe- Never Forget You (real talk amen sistas lol)
The Dirty Projectors- Cannibal Resource
...Wale-Pretty Girlz
Phoenix-1901
Phoenix- Too Young
Pac Div- Take Me High
Passion Pit- Sleepyhead Mashup (ft. Lupe, Kanye, Wale, Eminem)
LCD Soundsystem- All My friends
LCD Soundsystem- I can change
The Game-Heartbreaker
Vampire Weekend- Oxford Comma
St. Lunatics- Groovin Tonight (such a classic Wupac song)
The Beautiful Girls- I thought about you
The Dirty Projectors- Stillness is the move

Wiz- We're Done
Ski beatz- we can do it big (just put some butter on your popcorn hahahaha)
LCD soundsystem- Dance yourself clean
Theophilus London- Want you for myself (funny music video-->picture todd dancing)
Theophilus london- why even try
...Marv Ellis- Uncondiotional Love
Cold War Kids- Oh, this is life (multiple songs in one)
MSTRKRFT- Easy Love
Mega Ron and K Murdock- Forever
Chiddy Bang- All things go
Duck Sauce- Anyway ft. Armand van helden and A-trak)
two door cinema club- something good can work
maximum baloon- groove me passion pit-better things
Big Sean- too fake
The avett brothers- head full of doubt/road full of
chromeo- fancy footwork
Chiddy bang- the good life
...chiddy bang- dream chasin
theophilus london- humdrum town
theophilus london- always love you (thats some bullshit lol)
gorillaz-stylo remix
The Dean's list- la vie
the dean's list- the people
the dean's list- light up the sky
The dean's list- light up the sky
prof-animal
MSTRKRFT- heartbreaker
mumford and sons- hold on to what you believe
009 sound system- with a spirit
sugarland-Little miss (make fun of me all you want this song bangs feel good style so hard)

Springin

2011-03-14T17:27:00.000-07:00

Spring break was amazing and awful this year. It was amazing because I went to DC with my roommate for a few days and stayed at GW with one of my best friends from South Africa. It was so great we ventured around U street and went to the infamous Ben's Chili Bowl ( delicious chili dogs) and a Caribbean club called Patty Boom Boom. Things turned bad when I got to Philly and my knee gave out at a club when dancing (yes I was dancing and hurt myself!). I had to go to the ER and the doctor said I probably tore my ACL, so ya you can imagine not fun. Now I am back at school two months before graduation in a full leg brace and crutches stuck in my room. But I am trying to look at the bright side and I want to make my last months at school a lot of fun despite my leg. Also it will be spring soon yes!

Philly window <3

Adele - Rolling in the Deep (Jamie xx remix) ft. Childish Gambino (wemakeitbetter) by JThunder

flower power

2011-03-09T20:36:00.000-08:00

Today I went to the Philadelphia Flower Show, it was amazing. The theme this year was Paris so everything had to do with a night out in Paris. So many beautiful different types of flowers. It was nice to see flowers especially after this winter from hell, it reminded me that soon it will be spring! Here are some photos I took while I was there.

Bibio, I like

2011-03-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

Missing South Africa

2011-02-09T12:05:00.000-08:00

This time last year my trip in Cape Town was really underway in terms of making friends, adventuring around the city, and falling in love with this beautiful country. This mash up brings all of those old feelings back to me. I am missing South Africa but I am always trying to keep it apart of my daily life even if I am not physically there anymore.

Iceland

2011-02-04T12:59:00.000-08:00

Some photos I took from when my campus was overtaken by ice on Wednesday.

Sewing, Sewing, Sewing through the winter

2011-02-02T08:31:00.000-08:00

I mentioned in a previous post that I received a sewing machine for Christmas this years from my Uncle Vaughn. After making a pattern of a bag I decided to make all of my friends bags before the break was over. I used quilt squares, pillows, table cloth, curtains, my dads Tommy Bahama shirt, jeans, and tons of floral prints. I realized after spending everyday sewing that I love putting prints together and seeing what works and trying different styles. I cannot wait to get a dress pattern and many more! Below are a bunch of photos I took through the process. Unfortunately I didn't bring my sewing machine back to school because I didn't think I would have had time to sew. But now seeing the weather I should have, we have had two snow days and its only week two of classes. Regardless its looks absolutely gorgeous outside and if you can go for a walk you will just marvel at the snow and ice that has covered everything! Stay warm stay safe :)

Pockets

Bags

Recently

2011-01-11T14:53:00.000-08:00

New Year

2011-01-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

Its a new year and I am excited because 2011 should be a really interesting year for me. The first reason is because I am graduating AHHHHH! I cant believe it! But also I want to develop this blog into something new and improved. So look out because new changes are coming! I received some really awesome Christmas gifts this year that will influence my blog. The first is my own website (Arvolynhill.com), there is nothing on it yet but hopefully soon when I figure out how to use it. A awesome hand ring, not gonna influence my blog but its just cool! Then a iphone and I already downloaded the Hipstamatic application and I am obsessed with it. I will put my prints, but some are already on my flickr if you want to check them out. And Last but not least a sewing machine! I will post photos, I already made two bags. I was intimidated by sewing but its really fun and calming. Yay so yes Goldfeather is going to have a great year in 2011, I can feel it!

hollladays

2010-12-23T21:56:00.000-08:00

Well its almost that time of year! Christmas eve has officially made its way here. And to honor that I am posting a song, but its not a Christmas song. But it has some Christmas themes going on, love! Either way I do love this song and it reminds me of my time in South Africa, and as the year comes to a close that's all I can think about since this time last year I was getting ready to go there. It was a amazing trip and it has been a amazing year. But before I get all sentimental about the new year I do want to say Merry Christmas! The holidays can be stressful I witnessed my mom run around like a chicken with her head cut off today trying to make everyone happy this holiday. She finally said at the end of the day Christmas is one intense holiday, so much pressure. She is right people put too much pressure on themselves to make the holidays perfect. But its impossible to do everything so you might as well do as much as you can and spend the rest of your time enjoying yourself. So my advice fuck the ham, relax and enjoy yourself! Happy HolidAYS:)

2010-12-20T17:26:00.000-08:00

A photo I took of my dog, hes quite the hipster now a days.

Tools to Survive Exams

2010-12-14T11:27:00.000-08:00

Its the wonderful time of year when I am completely swamped in work. Luckily I have only one more exam to go so the end is almost here. But in order to get through these past two weeks I posted some essential things to help me through the struggle!
The Sartorialist is one of my favorite fashion blogs, I check it out to look at how people are dressing for winter. My goal every winter is to try and look cute yet still be warm, but I always end up looking like a hobo! Either way this site is a great for procrastination, since it gets uploaded frequently but not too much that you obsess over it.

These two fine ladies help me start my day right. Katie lee and Hoda Kotb on the today show at 10 am, they are always already tipsy by the time I wake up. They crack me up with their celebrity guests, food and wine segment, and how they equally make fun of one another throughout the show.

This hip hop and rock collaborate has been what I have been listening during finals. Damon Dash got the Black keys along with Jim Jones, Mos Def, Raekwon, Pharoache Monch, NOE, Billy Danze, Nicole Wray, the list goes on if you can believe it! Its a amazing collaboration of classic hip hop with a bluesy type of rock.

Last but certainly not least, Rooibos tea. I feel in love with Rooibos tea in South Africa, Rooibos is the Afrikaans work for red bush. Rooibos tea has a high level of antioxidants and assist with nervous tension, allergies and digestive problems. It also tastes amazing especially the Chai yogi tea.

I will soon be out of Jersey and returning home for the winter break! I cannot wait and I will be able to post more :)

Grey spot

2010-11-28T11:46:00.000-08:00

Above is two pictures of my aunt. Doesn't she have the most amazing hair! A while ago I posted about black woman's hair and whether they chose to go natural or not. When I talked to my aunt this week she told me about how her friends will burn, dye, and fry their hair to make it appear a certain way. In my post before I didn't even consider older women in the struggles they face. Most women are terrfied of going grey every time they see a hair they go to the salon and get rid of it. When thinking about the things black women already do for there hair to be straight. Buying weaves that cost as much as a car payment or putting chemicals in it until their hair doesn't grow back at all. By the time they have grey hair they are doing all these things along with dying their hair. Now I don't have grey hair so its hard for me to justify to keep it.But I look at my aunts beautiful grey locks. Not only does she choose to go natural she chooses to keep her hair the color its suppose to be. With that she has healthy hair that continues to grow. She even is creative and added silver beads to style it. I know not eveyone wants to have locks or an Afro but I encourage women to go natural at some point in their life. Whether it be through hair style or hair color, no matter the age give. So that by the time you are my aunts age, you will still have healthy hair.

I hope everyone had a amazing Thanksgiving :)

GIRLTALKGIRLTALKGIRLTALK

2010-11-19T11:54:00.000-08:00

Hey Girl Talk Fans
All Day is available for free.99 yay :)
Link below to download:
http://illegal-art.net/allday/