B O O K | Although it wasn't released this year, 2018 was the year I finally read Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman. One of those rare times when I saw the movie before reading the book, I was even more in love with the story after I turned the last page.
A L B U M | American Utopia by David Byrne. I listened to this album all year and saw the Austin show from the tour, which is the best live performance I've ever seen. Ever.
M O V I E | Luca Guadagnino's Suspiria. I am a huge fan of the original, and when I heard this remake was happening I was skeptical, but whoa, what a great job they did.
B R A N D | Vince. I can basically throw a dart at their catalogue and always hit something I'd want to wear.
R E S T A U R A N T | Bartlett's in Austin is by far my favorite restaurant, and their grilled artichokes are by far my favorite dish.
B O O K | Savage Harvest by Carl Hoffman. “A tale of cannibalism, colonialism, and Michael Rockefeller’s tragic quest for primitive art.”
A L B U M | Bottle It In by Kurt Vile. Witty lyrics via talk-singing; think Bob Dylan. This album is on regular rotation here at the store.
S E R I E S | Dark Tourist on Netflix. If the world were a house, this show gives you a tour of the crawl space.
B R A N D | Jungmaven. They have a worthy mission and I swear by their Baja Tees.
R E S T A U R A N T | The Lion’s Share, San Diego, CA. Adventurous takes on familiar dishes and drinks; order the Elk Loin, rare.
B O O K | The Healing Self by Deepak Chopra. It is a super interesting read regarding how your everyday life impacts your overall health in your lifetime.
A L B U M | John Prine Tree of Forgiveness. I do have to be honest though and my top played song on Spotify for 2018 was Better Now by Post Malone.
S E R I E S | Godless. This is a wild west outlaw type mini-series on Netflix. Jeff Daniels, from Dumb and Dumber, plays a great villain and probably my favorite role I have seen him in to date.
B R A N D | Bridge and Burn. Beautifully constructed clothing that is perfectly minimal yet still unexpected.
D I S H | The Bird Bird Bacon biscuit sandwich from Bird Bird Biscuit. Breakfast is by far my favorite meal and this new east side spot does not disappoint.
B O O K | Master and the Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov. Came recommended by my brother about 15 years ago and was my first Russian novel. Plowed through it and then it led me to A Gentleman in Moscow a few years later.
A L B U M | Anything usually from the Avett Brothers or Wilco. But I have to admit, most of my time is listening to Podcasts. What’s my favorite Podcast then you ask? Right now it's The Daily which starts every day or Armchair Expert for some fun.
S E R I E S | Schitts Creek - Some people think I’m crazy, but it’s become my favorite comedy of all time.
B R A N D | Aether - being a kid that grew up in the mountains of Oregon, the products they build and the way they showcase their brand speaks right to me.
R E S T A U R A N T | Hands down it’s the pork based Ramen called Tonkotsu Tantanmen at Afuri in Portland, Oregon. There are so many good places to eat in Portland, but its the place I always send people when they ask.
B O O K | Travels with Charley: In Search of America by Steinbeck, where he and his poodle travel the country in a custom-made camper. Having made the trek across the US with my own furry co-pilot, there's something comforting about driving the same roads and experiencing the same feelings as someone you've never met (and almost 60 years later).
A L B U M | Novo Amor's Birthplace. This album! If you like artists like Bon Iver or Ed Tullett, just go ahead and put this one on repeat.
M O V I E | God Knows Where I Am - a documentary that introduces you to Linda Bishop through her journal, the family that tried to help her and a system that failed her. Heartbreaking, frustrating and definitely worth watching.
B R A N D | Herbivore Botanicals. I'm not adventurous when it comes to trying new products on my skin, (not since the face mask incident of 2008), but I trust everything they carry and I'm pretty sure my skin would thank me if it could.
R E S T A U R A N T | Butch & Babes in Burlington, Vermont. Amazing food, super friendly staff, beautiful space...did I mention AMAZING food? Pick anything on the menu and you'll end up raving to your friends. Trust me. I still can't stop talking about the Honey & Sesame Pork Shoulder.
B O O K | Educated: A Memoir. Family in a cult isolated in the mountains. Teenage girl and siblings know nothing outside of their land. She escapes her religious cult brainwashing survivalist family and heads to Cambridge University where she gets her PhD. Dang!
A L B U M | Failure. In the Future You Body Will Be the Furthest Thing From Your Mind. One of my favorite bands ever who have survived and led the ever evolving rock game since the mid-90’s.
S E R I E S | Bodyguard on Netflix. Strong character development with a story and suspense to boot. Watch it.
B R A N D | Bridge & Burn. Picked up 3 jackets there this year and have been living in them. Perfect materials, patterns, quality and fits. Can already tell they’re gonna be my go to’s for years to come.
R E S T A U R A N T | ALL TIME in LA. Food, wine and service doesn’t get better than this. Anywhere.
M A G A Z I N E | The Messy Heads!
A L B U M | Mac Miller's Swimming Album. RIP
S E R I E S | Insecure on HBO
B R A N D | Take Heart in Austin
R E S T A U R A N T | Tay Do in Houston, TX. My dad and I go there every birthday since I can remember.