Huarache Lights

Have you heard about Hot Chip?

They're a British electronic music band and they have been around since 2000. Hot Chip have recently released their sixth album, Why Make Sense? and I'm obsessed with the first single  -"Huarache Lights" -, which is in loop mode at the moment.

Honestly, this genre of music is not my favorite but this song is kind of cool, kind of deep, perfect to hear when you want to step aside from what's happening around you: I put my headphones on and the world is out.

Here it is, my soundtrack for this week:

Hope you enjoy it!

Your TopCrusher,
Daniela 

Porto: forever being cool

You can feel it everywhere: the more and more cosmopolitan city that Porto has become in the last few years and how things started to be more appealing and more beautifully European.

The alternative and lovely spaces you can find in the city, especially downtown, turns Porto into a trendy, modern and interesting place at the same time. Like the right place to be and to be seen.

Rua Miguel Bombarda is a great example of that. Contemporary art galleries, vintage stores, restaurants, cozy and sweet coffee bars, are now calling for the generations that want their city always beating for something new and special.

Porto is getting a new look too and the city always wants to improve artistic movements. The art throughout the streets is a powerful way to keep them alive. Porto always has the perfect vision to give something to see for free.

The street art wall at Rua Miguel Bombarda was one of the many events that we couldn't resist.

Just passing by this is what you can see:

The streets are alive
(Pictures taken by me)

Porto is such a cool city and it definitely became alive with great colours.
Those colours are in our hearts! 

Your TopCrusher,

Dúnia

I'd Rather Be at Coachella...

California. Music. Arts. 

When the sun sets over the Coachella Valley. The view from the ferris wheel. The good vibes and the cool fashion trends.

The Cochella Valley Music and Arts Festival is definitely on my bucket list. What about yours Crushers?

I'd rather be at Coachella...
Credits

Your TopCrusher,

Dúnia 

Second Chances

Past and future
Credits

Let's talk about second chances.

Should we give one?

Do we deserve one?

Are both sides up to the challenge?

Well, wouldn't it be nice if we knew all the answers in advance! 

I've been thinking a lot about second chances lately. Although everyone seems to have an opinion, it's very difficult to evaluate these kind of things... On one hand, no one wants to waste their time - and their precious feelings - on someone who hasn't worked out in the past, no matter what the reason was, and this is something that crosses our mind instantly: why?

Why am I even thinking about this? Am I this stupid, really? Why still on my mind? Again, we can't know these things for sure unless we give them a try. Hours, minutes, days, years go by, and still, this is where you are. Should we take that as a sign? 

Precisely my point... And on the other hand of the negative side everyone has thought: even when you are giving a first chance, aren't you taking a big risk too? I mean, honestly, how many first chances haven't worked out for you? If we analyse this clearly we're always taking risks no matter what. I realize each case is different but if something makes you happy, I believe that should be enough to make you, at least, consider the risk. Why struggle against something that is giving you a reason to smile? The past experiences should be right where they belong: far, far away. Take your lesson, learn from it, and move on.

Again, the drama of second chances. 

From my point of view, I guess everyone deserves one: do you have the courage to give a second chance... or to seize the one you are given? You don't want to look back regretting an opportunity you didn't give or one you didn't enjoy because you weren't brave enough. 

The answers are right where they belong too: the future. 

Your TopCrusher,

Daniela

Summer Cravings

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” 

F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Summer cravings for the sun lovers!

Your TopCrusher,

Daniela

10 reasons why it is awesome to be a woman

Today it is March 8th, the International Women's Day. We have fought hard to be free, to be able to express our opinions, to be taken seriously, to be equal, and we still have a long way to go. Because I am a woman and I believe I am blessed to be one, here are the reasons why being a woman is truly and absolutely awesome:

Fierce
Credits

1. Gentleness. Yes, we are gentle, we are soft, we smell good and we like pretty shiny things. I'm proud to be feminine.
2. Power. Is there a great woman behind every great man? I believe that it might be the opposite. 
3. Taste. We are sweet, we are the sugar spoon in a world full of sour. 
4. Flirt. If you can flirt, you can do pretty much everything and convince everyone. 
5. Children. I haven't figured this one out yet, but my mom tells me we have the fantastic ability to give birth to a human being, so I will believe her. 
6. Beauty. I love the way we embellish the room when we arrive. We add value to the common places. 
7. Free stuff. Paying for my own drinks? I would, but since everyone is offering...
8. Short skirts, high heels. Come on, do I really have to explain this one? Looking in the mirror and loving what you see is such a good feeling.. Every woman deserves that!
9. Other women. Our mothers, our grandmothers, our friends, our sisters: we have to love and appreciate each other. 
10. Society. I believe that society is treating woman better nowadays. Our fight for equality isn't over, but we have to admit that we have conquered a lot, so this day is a great opportunity to sit back and enjoy the outcome. 

Happy Women's Day!

Your TopCrusher,

Daniela 

Soundtrack of the week: NAO

NAO: So Good
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NAO is a 24 year old singer and producer from London taking her first steps as a solo artist. I found her unexpectedly on iTunes and I really love the atmosphere of NAO's songs.

The Extended Play (EP), SO GOOD, spread across the internet to fast and "so good" to be true. The EP is also available on Soundcloud, where you can find more songs of this strong artist, like Good Girl, Adore You and Take Control of You.

I'm hearing NAO's songs on repeat. What about you Crushers?

Just give her a try and relax!

Your TopCrusher,
Dúnia