HEAR: Dashboard Confessional - Alter the Ending
I feel like I’ve gotten a lot of flack for sticking with Dashboard Confessional over the years, and you know what? I’m kind of tired of it. If someone keeps writing good songs, I’m gonna listen to them. This is exactly why I’m saying you should hear their new record “Alter the Ending.” There are actually two versions of the album, an acoustic and a full band version. For a band that has continually struggled with the acoustic versus band vibe, this was a really good move. The songs are good, catchy, and Chris Carrabba consistently writes well. The third track “Everybody Learns from Disaster” is especially good.

SEE: Art In My Coffee
The first time I ever experienced “foam art” in my coffee was in Seattle. There’s a coffee shop our good friend Megan told us about called Victor’s Coffee that literally made designs in coffee. It’s something I’ve seen pop up more in the internet world and now the site Art in My Coffee is completely dedicated to this beautiful art. I really appreciate the quality of the images here as well as the fact they are basically considering it an online museum. You can even submit your own photo which is fabulous. Oh, and if you’re looking for them in short form, they are on Twitter.

DO: Buy Me This In-N-Out Clear Cup
For those non-Californian types this won’t make sense so if you want to move along that’s fine. But for my California natives, I know you understand how awesome this is. Some people may have already spent their hard earned money on one of those (way overpriced) Starbucks clear cups, but I’m telling you right now that this In-N-Out cup should be mine. For only $10.50 from the In-N-Out company store, this is a no-brainer. My family already purchased the beautiful, stunning, fabulous, hand-painted, hand crafted In-N-Out Double Double, fries, and drink Christmas ornaments, but those can only be brought out once a year and for a limited time. This perfectly clear, palm tree lined, 16oz plastic cup of goodness is exactly what I need on a daily basis. I promise I will treat it right, never microwave it, and always hand wash so you know it’ll be in good hands.