A Nervous Tic Motion

Andrew Bird is AWESOME!  I was lucky enough to win tickets to see him from 106.3 so I got some good seats.  Otherwise I probably would have ended up at the back of the balcony.  The place was packed and I'm pretty sure that the concert was sold out.  The audience was really enthusiastic which always makes a concert better of course.

The show opened with Swedish indy pop artist Loney Dear who was a complete delight and even got a standing ovation (as did Andrew Bird himself).  He was really nice and autographed my CD.  While he was signing my CD someone had asked if there were a lot of Ikeas in Sweden.  Silly American. (If you do want to know the answer to that question though...yes there are Ikeas but not on every street corner like Home Depot).

The kooky Andrew Bird puts on a very entertaining show.  It was fun to watch him switch from playing his violin to playing his guitar to playing his violin like a guitar to whistling to create the music for his songs.  The guy has got a lot of talent and has a truly unique and beautiful sound.  I would describe him as kind of a mixture of Damien Rice, Radiohead, and Jacob Golden with a splash of a Clint Eastwood spaghetti western theme song. I would totally see him again.  Hopefully he'll make it back to the capitol soon.

The Best Things in Life...

Pinching pennies doesn't have to be boring.  It can actually be a lot of fun if it's done right.  I've put together a list of entertainment ideas in Des Moines and they won't cost you a dime.

1. Des Moines Art Center

One of the nations top art centers is here in Iowa.  Who knew?  Not only can you look at a bunch of famously beautiful art pieces from the likes of Warhol, O'Keefe, Butterfield, Bacon, Hopper, etc., but the Art Center is also host to several events that are free to the public such as The Black Maria Film Festival, Day of the Dead Celebration, artist lectures, and film series.  They currently have American Gothic which is so surreal to see up close.

2.  The Historical Center

Even if you're not a history buff, this is a fun place to check out and learn a bunch of cool facts about Iowa.  They host special displays from time to time such Iowa's Black History or the toy exhibit where I got to learn all about the slinky's shady past.

3. Listen to the Radio

...and sign up and win!  The local stations, such as 106.3 and 102.5, frequently offer chances to win free tickets to concerts and other rockin' local events.  Sure your odds of winning aren't always that high but I've got a couple Andrew Bird tickets that say it's worth a shot:)

4.  The Library

Instead of buying a book or renting a DVD, check them out at one of the local libraries.  It's free and if you decide you didn't like that overrated crime novel or boring romantic comedy, you're not out any cash.

5.  Go to the Park

Okay...it's a little cold right now but this is a good option once it finally decides to be Spring.  Spend the day hiking, people watching, having a picnic, or doodling in a sketch book.  Become one with nature.

And The Winner Is...

Oscar Sunday is just around the corner!  I think it was a good year for movies.  I haven't seen all the nominated movies yet but here are my picks...

P.S. Check out the Spirit Awards on Saturday night.  A real treat for the indie lover!

Picture of the Year - The Reader

Best Actor - Mickey Rourke(The Wrestler) or Richard Jenkins(The Visiter)

Best Actress - Melissa Leo(Frozen River)

Best Supporting Actor - Heath Ledger(The Dark Knight)

Best Supporting Actress - Marisa Tomei(The Wrestler)

Best Director - Stephen Daldry(The Reader)

Best Original Screen Play - Courtney Hunt(Frozen River) or Martin McDonagh ( In Bruges)

Best Adaptation - David Hare(The Reader)

Best Animated Feature - Kung Fu Panda

A Few of My Favorite Things

Here is a list of some of my favorite places (and mostly local) to spend your hard earned dough.  I also listed some of my favorite items from each.  I hope this inspires you!

1.  Porch Light Gifts in Valley Junction

Looking for some shabby-chic vintage decor?  Then this is the place to go!  If your looking for an inexpensive end table or lamp you can get one here that is cute, unique and cheap.  They also have a nice inventory of hats and caps which range in price from $20.00 to $30.00.  A perfect way to hide those bad hair days.  And their locally made soy candles are wonderful.

2. Eden in East Village

Do you feel pretty?  You will after you go here.  This lovely shop is a wonderful place to go to if your in the mood to pamper yourself or want to have a do it yourself spa day.  I love the Gilden Tree foot scrub and lotion...a must for tired feet.  And nothing makes you feel more feminine then Tocca perfume.  If it's a little out of your price range, you can now get the solid perfume for $30.00.

3. Gordmans - West Des Moines

If you like your clothes at Wal-mart prices but want better quality, then this is the place for you.  I love the dejableu jeans.  They are one of the few brands that actually fit right and they don't wear-out fast.

4.  Clarks Shoe Store - Jordan Creek Mall

I'll admit it.  I used to be a Payless Shoes addict.  It turns out though that spending $20.00 on a pair of shoes that you'll only wear once because their uncomfortable and fall apart isn't very cost-effective.  Clarks has shoes that are classic looking yet funky and good quality.  Sure they may cost more that said Payless shoes, but they last for years.  I have a two year old pair of boots that still look brand new.

5.  Barnes and Noble - West Des Moines

The inside of Barnes and Noble exists in a special dimension where time stands still and you don't realize it until you walk out of the door and find out that you have just spent four hours in the place.  "That's funny it didn't seem like I was in there that long?"

6. Eclectic Gourd - Valley Junction

The perfect place to find that wonderful campy knickknack from yesteryear.  This is were I got my little yellow casserole dish and my blue Jesus rug.

7.  Esty.com - the worldwide web

With a wide variety of venders specializing in handmade and vintage items, shopping here is a good way to support fellow starving artists and find that unique item for which you've been searching.  Plus you can locate local vendors to shop from or request custom items.  I love the steam-punk style jewelry that I got from Torque.