Sophie (Chanko) Dare

Creating, writing, and writing about creating!Connect with me on Twitter and Instagram @yesimsophie

LISTEN HERE:

https://open.spotify.com/track/5l4luBj0hGmq0lwIHcJHEU?si=LelgvcuDSAGxOV9tezXbbw

Do you ever listen to Blink-182 for a while, and think “These guys really write some ridiculous lyrics”, or “Gee, these songs kind of all sound the same”? Well, this band thought those exact same things, so they decided to just make a joke out of it.

Benny Linguini & The 8 Legs started out as a couple of guys writing humorous music and messing around. But as they started to make studio recordings, they realized that people might actually enjoy what they were making, so they began to make the music available to download and stream. They've made songs that are “rip-offs” of Creed, Post Malone, and now Blink-182.

This single, aptly named “Benny 182,” really isn't complete without its music video, which the guys shot in an old school building that's now used for music practice space and concerts. It's got some hilarious visual gags like the band walking down the hallways, all playing their respective guitars- except for Alec, the drummer, walking behind them and just playing his drumsticks in the air.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ5Ky8IsN1A&feature=youtu.be

The lyrics poke fun at the typical Blink-182 fare: high school being a drag, liking a girl but her not liking you back, you being a loser, and some explicit humor thrown in for good measure, all tied together with some good old na-na-na's. It’s a well-produced, clean sounding pop punk track, and they could probably put it in the middle of a Blink-182 album and you wouldn’t notice.

And finally, a quote from the band:

“We like writing humorous music because not only is it fun for us, but because, at the end of the day, we know that there is so much going on in the world today. And, during times of hard seasons, we hope our music can make people laugh and take their minds off of things.

I was hired through my Fiverr page, a freelance platform, to write this review for promotional purposes!

Thanks for reading!

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LISTEN HERE:

https://open.spotify.com/track/5fubkNeFfWoJFvOOaQfLrZ?si=8CT3D47vSeKCd5Wl8FJ33g

This bouncy rap tune is one of three singles put out by MHLS, a.k.a. my boyfriend. He's recently made progress by leaps and bounds in learning how to produce, mix, and master his music and vocals, so he finally sat down and recorded a bunch of verses he's had living in his Notes app for months now.

This single is filled with witty one-liners and puns, with some good old self-deprecating humor about barely being old enough to have a drink, and references to Will Smith. Peter takes inspiration from artists like Jon Bellion and Tyler the Creator, as well as comedian musicians like Bo Burnham, which makes for a snappy, interesting writing style that just keeps getting better! Look out for a full mixtape/EP coming very soon, and check out his other singles on Spotify as well!

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I have plenty of recurring series on my blog – single reviews every Saturday, monthly playlists (both current and throwbacks!), and recaps of what's happened each month, both in my own life and on my page. But something I'd really enjoy doing going forward is a catch-all kind of monthly post – miscellaneous, if you will.

There's so much that I discover each month that I want to talk about or recommend to readers, from any and every category – TV shows, movies, musical artists, hair/skin/beauty products, clothing, recipes, restaurants, shops, websites, services, small businesses, you name it!

Community (TV Show)

This our current entertainment of choice; I'm only at the end of Season 1 and I'm already hooked! Any show with Dan Harmon and the Russo brothers at the top of the production credits is destined to be a home run, and this is no exception.

It's charming, funny, weird, and filled with ridiculous characters played by talented actors. The episodes are an easy-to-digest 22 minutes, six seasons, and there's 25 episodes a season, so this is going to last me a long time.

I just love all the actors and their unique characters, all put into an unlikely buddy scenario as the misfit group at a community college. And finally, I'll admit it, I just have a giant girl crush on Alison Brie, so it's just a great watch all around.

Watch on Netflix or Hulu

Kevin.Murphy Shimmer.Shine Spray (Hair Product)

I bought this bad boy at my last hair appointment months ago, and oh MAN was it worth the hefty price tag. It's a smoothing spray to tone down frizz, and it gives you that very specific, fresh-from-the-salon feel and smell. Not to mention that it has actual shimmer in the formula that you get to shake up every time you use it!

SHIMMER.SHINE, $34

Human – Mozi EP

I'm revisiting this EP that I discovered way back in January, when I saw Mozi play a show with my good friends, The Timbre of Cedar. It's chilled out and sweet, and it's perfect for the more calm autumn vibes I want out of my music now.

I reviewed this EP in full a while back, and it's still one of my favorite reviews I've ever written! Read it here!

Simple Modern Travel Mug

I just got this 16 ounce tumbler for my hot coffee, now that it's feeling like fall weather in the mornings here in Michigan, and I'm really digging it. The top seals perfectly, so no leaks, and it keeps your drink really hot for a really long time.

Buy on Amazon

So. Many. Planner. Stickers. (Book)

In case you didn't know, I'm a pretty big planner nerd, and these fun little stickers just make scheduling my life that much more fun! There are colorful stickers for almost any category or occasion, like bills due, cleaning, grocery shopping, parties, or just cute little reminders to drink water or take care of yourself.

Buy at Urban Outfitters

Glossier Hoodie

I love Glossier for their skincare products, but this time when I ordered refills, I splurged on a new hoodie for the upcoming cold months... and when I tell you this is WORTH IT, it IS. It's incredibly high-quality, thick, and fleecy on the inside – definitely the most warm sweatshirt I've got, so when the temps take a nosedive, I know I'll be comfy in this. Plus, this blush pink is my favorite color, and this is probably the tenth clothing item I have in that color, so it's very on-brand for me.

Buy on glossier.com

Karity Cosmetics Picante Palette

As we go into fall, I realized it's time to break out the best fall palette out there (in my humble opinion). These eyeshadows perfectly blend all the best fall tones into one palette, with yellows, oranges, reds, and purples. I always love picking this up to do my eyes, and I always get a fun look out of it, no matter what color scheme I go with.

Buy on karity.com

ZipRecruiter.com

And finally... a job search site! I always thought Indeed was the only option for digging through job postings, but this site has quickly become my favorite by far.

Once you complete your profile with all of your experience and qualifications, as well as uploading your resume or any other important documents, you can literally apply to jobs with one click, and your entire resume and profile is submitted. They also notify you when the company opens and reviews your applications, so it eliminates some of that feeling of being left hanging and never knowing what your status is.

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I'll be the first to admit, interviews are kind of the worst.

As someone who is much more well-versed in written communication, having to spout off answers to questions on the spot, AND sound professional while doing so, is incredibly stressful!

I've been at my current job for over two years now, and while it's been great in terms of schedule and pay, I'm looking to spread my wings a little bit and try to break into a more corporate, back-office environment. So, that means I've been spending most of my free time digging through ZipRecruiter.com, following up on emails, and getting lots of phone calls.

I had a few interviews over the initial quarantine for remote internships (one of which I landed), and I'm having multiple phone and Zoom interviews now amidst my job search, so I've had plenty of experience with this topic lately!

Here's what I've learned recently about interviewing, and mainly how I've made the process easier and less stressful for myself.

Coil subscribers, keep reading for my tips!

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Three years seems like a lifetime ago, and I'm so glad I have these monthly playlists to take me back down memory lane. This one is particularly heavy-hitting, even though I'm not sure exactly why.

These are the songs I listened to during my very first drives back and forth to community college. I was all on my own, going to a new school as a new almost-adult, and nothing was familiar anymore. When I hear these songs, I can immediately recall the feeling of the cold fall morning air, and remember all the places I was driving while listening to music and thinking about what was new and exciting in my life.

Almost Famous – Noah Cyrus

https://open.spotify.com/track/5fbeWfU4fnLobWibtLTzdQ?si=PH7KxnRsTiqdqo9qj6TYcA

I was finishing up my stint of sad feelings about a guy who I had told I liked him, and I got friendzoned (again). He definitely didn't deserve any of my emotions or time looking back, but hey, it's a good song.

Dusk Till Dawn – ZAYN feat. Sia

https://open.spotify.com/track/1j4kHkkpqZRBwE0A4CN4Yv?si=Defrya_QQLipnPOOw2r2mg

This song is just plain great – great vocal performances, great melodies, and it conveys such a specific, moody set of emotions.

All My Friends – Hoodie Allen feat. State Champs

https://open.spotify.com/track/1LrKk1EwgHm91W0XTNXZvP?si=uGwae6kuT5CLCtl_eR4HYQ

What a time. The most unlikely combination – a collab between a rapper and my favorite pop-punk band – turned out to be an instant favorite between me and all of my other friends who are die-hard Champs fans. They play and sing the hook in between verses, and it's just a super fun, playful song.

Caroline – All Time Low

https://open.spotify.com/track/3zGjPxmQpPQUYbrQyincUX?si=JeLrxTiiRJ-7Hrh1Jl8StA

A B-side, bonus track from All Time Low's Future Hearts era, this is one of their typical cheeky, underhandedly explicit songs that makes me laugh.

The Last Of The Real Ones – Fall Out Boy

https://open.spotify.com/track/7cQMJ0wDqVS5iM0JIvP6Ay?si=caW8dNlzSHmMNQEiK_o5VA

This album was an awfully disappointing release from Fall Out Boy, but at least this song was good enough to stay on the playlist. It's super catchy and hearkens back to the Save Rock and Roll era of anthemic, smartly written FOB songs.

Wildest Dreams (Taylor Swift) / Blue Jeans (Lana Del Rey) – Cimorelli

https://open.spotify.com/track/1vUnSKPq5PBrKimfkgax7T?si=5fgVEZj6R5-Bi5ywllHC6w

This was one of the girls' cover videos from way back in 2015 that flew under the radar for me, but when I rediscovered this amazing mashup of these two songs that fit together perfectly, I could NOT stop relaying it.

Homemade Dynamite – Lorde, Khalid, Post Malone, and SZA

https://open.spotify.com/track/7rdUtXasA973gmrr2Xxh3E?si=6Y3f1jd7SVKgLC7CR5H7BA

Lorde is an amazing artist on her own. But combined with all of these huge hip-hop artists for a remix of one of her songs? Even better! All of the verses by different artists are so interesting, creative, and catchy. I couldn't stop singing along to this for weeks once it was on my playlist.

Weight Of The World – Jon Bellion

https://open.spotify.com/track/6dVcavGKwvUjk998frTljW?si=jjDgiEIyS_CSDNYl2xs1lA

This month was the very beginnings of my eventual love affair with Jon Bellion's music. I was blown away by the beauty of this song, with unexpected musical composition and great vocals (as usual) from Jon.

...Ready For It? – Taylor Swift

https://open.spotify.com/track/7zgqtptZvhf8GEmdsM2vp2?si=c_GGyKTBSzuYbumWP_9f-A

This was the follow-up single for Reputation, and after the ...uh... interesting Look What You Made Me Do, I was not happy with the direction Taylor was about to take with her music. However, I was surprised with how much this track grew on me, and I eventually learned to like it.

Africa (Toto) / Let Me Love You (Justin Bieber) – Cimorelli

https://open.spotify.com/track/0BuW61TETnBe2MxyxKuwWP?si=zindjs0xTY2ZawCMCcN7lQ

Oh man, now THIS one was a real obsession. It's just a cover of the iconic song by Toto, but it fits perfectly over the instrumental of Justin Bieber's pop hit, Let Me Love You. The new track just adds a whole new life to the song, and I loved it.

19 Seventy Sumthin' – Neck Deep

https://open.spotify.com/track/6mgexmUT7AbuOPumrScmsQ?si=dswvjPbrRKu5eJTo1vEo5Q

Neck Deep makes heavier pop punk music, great for making mosh pits at concerts and what have you. I loved this album from them, full of bangers, but this slower ballad really stole my heart. It's a sweet telling of the singer's mom & dad's love story – sentimental, sad, and hopeful.

Coil subscribers, keep scrolling for a link to my entire playlist from 2017!

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LISTEN HERE:

https://open.spotify.com/track/3hFJCuaWDiHhgEtcXDrRjW?si=abzHcTOpR5yap3c3dr-zig

MAX, aka Max Schneider, is a super talented guy who's been around for quite a while, even though he's still so young. Born and raised in New York, Max acted, danced, and sang in several Nickelodeon shows & movies. I first saw his talented performances on Kurt Hugo Schneider's (no relation) musical YouTube channel, where he would sing on incredible covers and mashups of popular songs.

Now, in the past few years, he's released his own original music, with the single Lights Down Low hitting Top 40 radio in 2016. Lately he's been collaborating with many other artists like Noah Cyrus and Hayley Kiyoko.

This new single with a rap feature fits in the same vein as most of his other music: a little funky and meant to be danced to. The lyrics are an upbeat but honest take on feeling like you're “breaking your back” while working hard and waiting for the end of the week to come so you can catch a break. It's got a great hip-hop & salsa inspired beat and bassline, and I'll admit, I used it, turned up loud, to wake myself up on my 7am drive into work today!

Thanks for reading!

In my recent articles about buying more ethically produced clothing, one of the most important things when it comes to sustainable shopping is buying items that you know are high-quality and will last you many years.

I decided to make the switch several months ago, when I realized that most of the tshirts I wear the most were worn out, cheap looking, and were bought many years ago when I was a teenager. I wanted to update my wardrobe, not only with more grown-up pieces that are more my style, but also with higher quality clothing that will continue to look good through many washes and wears.

I discovered Everlane through Sarah Therese's YouTube videos; she has a beautiful, classy, minimalist style, and it seemed like every piece she wears on Instagram is tagged as Everlane, so I had to check them out. I quickly realized that they would be a worthy brand to invest in, and so here's my thoughts on all of the clothes I've bought from them so far!

The Almost-Mini Skirt (formerly known as The Work Skirt)

This office-ready skirt is great for putting together a cute work outfit, an interview look, or anytime you need to look classy. It's stretchy and has a convenient side zipper that makes it easy to style with almost anything.

Women's Organic Cotton Box-Cut Pocket Tee

This is the wardrobe staple – simple, comfortable, and comes in every color you could want. I especially like how it's ever-so-slightly cropped, so even though it's a more relaxed fit, it still gives you some shape and helps accentuate the waist.

As someone who's a big fan of solid colors and neutrals for my everyday outfits, I realized that having good quality basics was a lot more important than I had previously thought. I really enjoy the tees I currently have in black and gray, and I look forward to buying more colors and styles, and tossing out more of my old, cheap tshirts!

Party Of One Tee Dress

This dress is the definition of simple, yet fancy. There's no frills, no details, not even a button or zipper on the back, but I love how clean and classy it makes me feel every time I put it on. I have it in this sky blue color, and I don't own anything else like it, but I'm sure I'll be buying it in other colors in the future!

The Luxe Cotton Jumpsuit

I call this one my “rich lady outfit” because that's exactly how it makes me feel. It's such an easy summer piece that looks super polished, even with a jean jacket thrown over it with some sandals or sneakers. It's so comfy, and most importantly, it fits my abnormally long & tall proportions.

Coil subscribers, keep on scrolling to read about the products I haven't yet tried, but am excited to buy in the future!

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Trips to Target always end in way too much money spent on way too many cute new things. But, for all the impulse buying it brings on, Target has got some hidden gems that are super practical and that I use almost daily. Here are some things from basically every category at Target that I can't live without!

A New Day Open Layer Cardigan

I wear this basic sweater almost every day to work – it's simple, it goes with my uniform, and it's a happy medium weight. Not too thick & warm, but not too thin & flimsy, so you can wear it year-round.

A New Day High-Rise Paperbag Pants

Unfortunately, these aren't available anymore, but if you can get your hands on a pair of loose, comfy, high waisted pants that feel like PJs but are polished enough to wear to work, I highly recommend it!

Universal Thread Women's High-Rise Short Jean Shorts

These are hands-down my favorite pair of jean shorts I've worn all summer. They're super stretchy and comfortable, and the inseam is long enough where you're covered up, but still short enough to look cute and not frumpy.

Women's Slim Fit A New Day Tank Top

I literally have one of almost every color in this basic tank top; it's simply the best for layering under other tops or wearing on its own in the summertime.

Room Essentials Hair Pin Writing Desk

I'm obsessed with this desk! It's got simple storage underneath to store planners, pencil cases, or notebooks, and it's the perfect size and height to fit in a small bedroom, but still have enough space to work on it. Not to mention the style is super cool, and it's a great touch to add to a room.

L. Chlorine Free Ultra Thin Super Absorbency Pads with Wings

Okay, maybe a little TMI, but I'll seriously never buy a different brand of pads again after discovering these guys. The package lasts me a long time, you get a good bang for your buck, and they do exactly what you need them to, no leaking or slipping off!

Simple Modern 24 oz Stainless Steel Classic Tumbler

THIS is the find that inspired this article! This tall cup with a sealed lid and attached straw is amazing for taking your water or iced coffee on the go, and my ice cubes are still intact even after several hours.

Universal Fit Water Pitcher Filter

Refills for Brita water pitchers can get expensive pretty quickly, so these off-brand alternatives are a huge help. Fun fact: I found my oversized Brita Grand pitcher for $3 at Goodwill; all I had to do was give it a good wash and pop these affordable filters in!

Smartly Citrus Scented All-Purpose Cleaner

This spray cleaner is super convenient, smells wonderful, and it's cheap! For under $2, you can clean your mirrors, countertops, surfaces, basically anything you want.

Conair Scunci Curved Bobby Pins

These are real game-changers when it comes to doing hair. Straight bobby pins never seem to lay right, and they always come out of my hair relatively quickly. These actually curve to the shape of your head, giving them much better staying power in your hairstyle, so you can stick them in and forget about them.

Thanks for reading!

In the same vein as my last couple of posts on fast fashion, reducing waste, and being more ethical consumers, I realized that I make an effort to buy better quality products in areas other than clothing as well. One of those areas is makeup & skincare.

It's easy to get enticed by the pretty colors and marketing of cheap, drugstore cosmetic products, but are they really worth it if they're not going to perform well, and you'll end up tossing them in the trash after a while?

The products you put on your skin, especially your face, are crucial to your skin's health and well-being. Harmful chemicals are in everything these days, so any way you can improve the ingredients in your products is beneficial to you!

image: mapleholistics.com

ACURE is a personal care brand that creates products with your health (and the earth's) in mind – they produce with no parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, paraffin, mineral oil or testing on animals. All products are 100% vegan as well. To top it off, their prices are very affordable, and you can find them at retailers like Target, Ulta, or Whole Foods.

image: livingpetite.com

As you can see, their branding is very clean, simple, and easy to read, as well as color coded depending on the ingredients or benefits of each product line!

I first started using their products when my mom started buying some from our local health food store, but now I own several different products of my own and use them daily!

Here's my thoughts on the products that are currently on my vanity shelves:

Brightening Cleansing Gel - $9.99

First up, we've got my cleanser. This has got to be my favorite product out of this bunch, and it's because it's effective yet gentle. Almost every face wash or makeup remover I've used stings or burns when I get it in my eyes – which is unfortunate, considering eye makeup is the toughest to get off, and I often have to scrub extra around that area. But not this cleanser! It foams and cleans super well, but it doesn't sting my eyes at all when I'm working to get all of my pesky mascara off.

Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum - $19.99

Vitamin C is like a little energy shot for your skin, and I personally enjoy the effect it has. It renews your skin, almost like an exfoliate, and it leaves my face feeling soft and fresh. This serum goes on great and soaks in quickly.

Rosehip Oil - $12.99

This is just pure rosehip oil, and wow is it great. I always steered away from using oil on my face, because I thought it would feel gross and heavy, but it's actually a lifesaver in the cold, dry winter months. I'll just use it at night before bed when I feel like my face needs some extra TLC and moisture. Rosehip oil is filled with Vitamin A and antioxidants with anti-aging properties.

Radically Rejuvenating Moroccan Red Clay Facial Scrub - $12.99

I just picked this up because it was on clearance, and I like it as an extra step if my face is feeling extra greasy or tired, and I need a good cleanse. It's a gentle scrub and not super abrasive, which is crucial – you don't want to use a scrub that feels like you're tearing your skin, because that's exactly what's happening!

Ultra Hydrating 12 Hour Facial Moisturizer - $18.99

This is a good old fashioned daily moisturizer, and it's just great. It has a clean scent, it's nourishing but still light and not heavy, and it's just a no-brainer product. I'd definitely recommend this to just about anybody, no matter the age or skin type!

Coil subscribers, keep on scrolling to read about the products I haven't yet tried, but am excited to buy in the future!

(All product shots courtesy of acure.com)

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