Category: Random Thoughts

Have you tried bamboo sheets?

Brownie MarieLeave a comment

 

I received the Linenly Bamboo Sheet Set for review purposes, but all opinions are my own.

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Luxurious! I had never heard of bamboo sheets, but was enticed by the descriptions of soft and comfortable fabric with so many benefits over cotton sheets. But first, the texture! These sheets are unbelievably soft. They have a satiny smooth feel, and your body simply slides over them. I selected Linely’s queen size in Violet Pink, and the 400 thread count is equivalent to a 1000 cotton thread count.

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Bamboo sheets also save on energy costs. They should be washed in cold water, and also takes less drying time than cotton sheets. Linenly’s sheets are also 100% organic and eco-friendly, being 100% biodegradable. From the outer packaging, I also learned that the sheets are naturally antibacterial, anti-fungal, and odor-resistant! No wonder they last longer than cotton and synthetic fabrics.

I normally overheat during the night, but I stayed nice and cool with these sheets. The gaps in the fabric whisk moisture away, so there’s a nice sweat control factor that takes place naturally. Needless to say, I am a fan! Get your own Linenly Bamboo Sheets here.

#sleepwithlinenly

Cleveland strong

Brownie Marie2 Comments

A long time ago, back when I was modeling, I had an audition in group interview format. A company was looking for promotional models in the Cleveland Metro area, and asked us what qualities the city embodies. Almost in unison, we answered “resilience.” From the weather, to the economy, to our sports teams, we’ve been through a lot. It’s a collective Midwest experience, where the factories close, jobs evaporate, and there’s an exodus of people (feels like most of the people in Atlanta are actually from Cleveland).

However, Cleveland has been the butt of jokes for years– the Cuyahoga River fire, the “Mistake on the Lake” nickname, close playoff and championship losses, the LeBron James saga, the “Hot in Cleveland” television show, two viral “tourism” video parodies (“We’re not Detroit!”), and more have been fodder for comedians and haters nationwide. When I tell people I’m from Cleveland, some will respond with, “I’m sorry to hear that.” Most will ask how I feel about LeBron. It’s annoying every time. But, after years of collective disappointments and snide remarks, we’ve developed a thick skin. We also get up again and again, every time we get knocked down.

The last time I visited my hometown, I was proud to see a revitalized waterfront, vibrant downtown, and joyous people. With new businesses, attractions, and luxury housing, Cleveland is on the upswing. But, there is still a lot more work to be done. Job growth in Ohio still lags behind nationwide rates, and the number of unemployed increased by 5,000 persons from June to July, according to Cleveland.com.  Hopefully, positive changes will be implemented and sustained by the politicians elected (or re-elected) in November. There are Clevelanders around the world rooting for the city to win!

Loving this Italian alt rock band

Brownie Marie5 Comments

There is something about alternative rock that has always spoken to me. The angst, passion, and indie roots of the genre are just as compelling to me now as they were when I was a teen. I felt that same magnetism while listening to Stolen Apple’s album, Trenches. The 12-track project was released in September, and is a wonderful demonstration of the art that has stemmed from 70s punk rock. Listening to Trenches all the way through is emotional, riveting, and necessary. “The only thing that matters is the free movement of ideas,” the album’s EPK reads. “Each song is an expression of the independent spirit of the band.”

Former Nest members Riccardo Dugini (vocals, guitar) and Luca Petrarchi (vocals, guitar, organ, synth) founded Stolen Apple in 2008, adding musicians Massimiliano Zatini (vocals, bass, harmonica) and Alessandro Patagani (drums, piano, percussion). Based in Florence, Italy, the Rock Bottom Records artists frequently perform throughout the region and connect with fans across the world through their music and social media. Trenches is available for streaming or for CD purchase on Bandcamp. Connect with Stolen Apple on Facebook, and watch the music video for their single, “Falling Grace,” on YouTube.

Shouts out to Alessandro for introducing me to his band via Facebook. Grazie!