Frustration = Exhaustion.

I took this picture just a minute ago with the camera on my macbook. Seriously, this is what trying to get a new website live will do to your appearance.  Luckily the lady like-ah the zombie.

I was hoping to tell you all that we’d be online this Friday so you’d have something to do at work all day, but alas, I just don’t think its in the cards.

In the meantime, blow your mind by checking out Banksy’s Cans Festival

Being huge fans of this legendary graf artist, my bruv Ali tipped me off on this legend’s latest. After watching this, scour the web for more as the scope of his work will surely astound.

Cheers.

Tuesday’s Gone

Hey Hey Now Now. This is what I call frequent. More posting for all your coffee break needs!

So, I just got done telling you how primo my new Braves cap was, but I didn’t mention how delicious it could be. How was I to know?! Until, at least, my bastard dog Ernie got ahold of it. You see Ernie has expensive taste. He enjoys munching on our most valuable possessions and then sleeping it off with a long nap in the sun. Whether its $300 sunglass or $35 New Era caps, he could write a journal on exquisite cuisine the likes of which even Anthony Bourdain has never experienced.

But thanks to Mall of Georgia Lids dude, and of course some more cash, in your face Ernie.  Actually, no, please, not in your face:

Wrote about these guys a couple posts back. Totally obsessed with this EP which you can find in stores (iTunes) now, and their album, which you’ll have to wait a little while for. Legally at least.

Pure liquid sunshine.

and a song, cause you know I wouldn’t leave you hangin:

Fleet Foxes – Mykonos

More details on the following bloodbath to come. Just know that the two hottest Atlanta phenomenon will finally meet and its not gonna be pretty. Or sober.

Whynatte dudes are in for it. Or are we? We’ll just have to see.

Start your diet now, cause we’re doin a photo shoot for our new line before this party and you’re invited. Stay tuned.

Finally. Checked out Mr. West Sunday night at Gwinnett Arena and while dude is certifiably insane, his show was pretty amazing. We tragically missed Lupe, but the hike to Buford is not for the weary. N.E.R.D. sucked. Seriously, who enjoys these idiots? Even Rihanna was better. Rihanna dude. Although, she’s pretty striking.

Kanye brought the damn house down. The most expensive stage anyone on earth could ever have imagined; shifting, changing, 15 different alien landscapes, giant computers, even bigger panoramic video screens, smoke, fire, lasers, wind, rain, balloons, completely revamped live versions of the songs you love, oh me, oh my. Complete sensory overload… and the ONLY person on stage for that entire hour and a half was Mr. West. Yeezy. Working the crowd into what looked to be inevitable spontaneous combustion. The sound wasn’t great, vocals too muffled, bass a bit too much… but you, my man, are scary enrapturing.

I’m out.

MEGA POST!

Kids, I’m blogging.  It’s been tough to keep this thing up to date with all we have going on, but I promise we’ll do a better job of it going foward.

Yesterday was the Kentucky Derby, one of my favorite sporting events every year.  Nic and I had been out running errands all day long and after several excruciating hours in IKEA I was ready for a cocktail.  Pictured above was the Mint Julep I made while the crowd was singing “My Old Kentucky Home” and let me tell you, it was exactly 5 times more delicious than you could ever imagine it being.  Using the mint we’ve been growing outside gave it an extra dose of satisfaction.  Although the race was excellant with Big Brown living up to his hype and beating the pack by almost 5 lengths, it was also marked by tragedy as crowd favorite, and first filly to race in some years, Eight Belles shattered her two front legs and had to be euthanized on the track.

Nicole’s reaction to me telling her they did it with a shotgun was priceless.

This morning we had a couple more things to take care of and then, on the verge of starvation, headed over to Mediterranean Grill for some seriously delicious grub.  They’ve got the best Baba Ganouj you’ll ever taste and just killer falafel.  While I’m on the Mediterranean kick, if you’ve never been to Marco’s Pita on Ponce, do it asap.  He’s an Atlanta icon, the place is legendary, and the Falafel Pita is one of my favorite meals ever.  Just don’t rely on it…  I swear he’s open like once a week for 15 minutes only.

While we were having lunch, I went out to grab a Loaf and upon finding an empty bin, grabbed The Sunday Paper instead and boom!  There’s my boy Ken Bouche front and center in the food section.

Ricardo Ullio’s newest spot, Cuerno, is profiled and Chef Ken is interviewed.  He’s also in that pic above…  And so is a beautiful pig leg.  Go check the restaurant out and give Ken a holler.  And if he’s not there he’s at Beleza next door.  Both places are uber trendy, but buck the idea that a hip place can’t have good food or drinks.  Beleza has very modern Brazilian influenced cuisine and Cuerno is purely Spanish, with traditional paellas… and yes they have the crust on the top and bottom.  I NEVER order off cocktail menus, but I swear these two places have the most creative drinks I’ve ever tasted.  I highly recommend “the Southern” at Cuerno: Toro Albala PX Sherry, Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Maple Syrup, and Lemon on the rocks.  Mmmmmm.

Next up, a hilarious picture of Eric:

I took this pic at the Inman Park Festival last weekend and while I’m pretty sure you can guess what Eric is talking about here, I think it would be fun if you guys could leave possible captions in the comments section.  Since taking this pic, I look at it every morning to start my day with a smile.

Orchestra Baobab has a new album out just in time for the summer.  Its called “Made in Dakar” and its predictably excellent.  Senegalese, Afro-Cuban music fused with West African Tradition, they formed in 1970 and have churned out over 20 albums of sultry, sweaty, groove laden, afro-cubanismo.

Check out the closing track, which just so happens to be one of the best:

Colette

In other news, I finally got my hands on one of those new all navy Braves road hats that debuted unannounced a couple weeks ago.  It was almost impossible to find as they’re sold out everywhere, but dude at the Lenox Lids finally tracked one down for me.  Dope.

Nicole thinks so too.

Til next time.

Spend That Rebate Wisely!

So, the excitement is building as we near that oh so special time when we all get $600 of well deserved extra cheese, cool cash, folding money, big bucks….. whatever you feel comfortable calling it. Being an expert on money, I feel it is my duty to let you in on the best way to spend those extra dollars. Word on the street is that Esperanza has some of the dopest shirts that you can find and they are only $30 dollars a piece. That is 20 new shirts for you and your friends! I can’t think of a better way to invest your money. To help you along, I am providing you with my 3 favorite designs for both men and women.

MENS MENS MENS MENS MENS MENS MENS MENS MENS MENS MENS MENS MENS MENS

WOMENS WOMENS WOMENS WOMENS WOMENS WOMENS WOMENS WOMENS WOMENS      

That’s 6 shirts….$180 You still got $420 left. It’s an easy decision because you know you deserve to look good. That’s also not all you can choose from!!!! There’s even more at www.esperanza-atl.com.

CHECK IT

WORD

EK

Wallpapering!

While working on a couple projects the other day, I came across a great site solely focused on filters. Texture filters, effects filters, you name it. While they’re great for graphic design, they’re even better for wallpapering your background. Go check out FilterForge and give your laptop a makeover. I went with the very stylish cell leather, but don’t bite my style, go find a seamless filter that fits your own.

Sunshine!

What’s the word peoples? Spring has definitely sprung and we got sunshine in the house once again! I don’t have much time but I thought that I would let you in on….

EK’S Top 5 Songs About or Involving the Sun

1. Good Day Sunshine – The Beatles

2. Sunshine – Josh Rouse

3. Sunshine – De La Soul

4. Sun is Shining – Bob Marley and The Wailers

5. Sunshine – Atmosphere

I’ve realized in posting this, that there are about a billion awesome songs about sunshine, so these aren’t the absolute best, but they are all damn good so check them out.

Word

EK

Easy Purchase.

While I admittedly enjoy nice footwear, I’m not really a true-blue-shoe HypeBeast… however I am most definitely a Joe Strummer HypeBeast and these things are about as easy as a future purchase can be.

These Nike SB Dunks are inspired by Joe Strummer’s legendary Fender Telecaster with the pair atop representing the “before” of his early career and the lower pair representing the beat-up and weathered “after” of the end of his career…

Check back later for some insight into what cocktails we’ll be imbibing on this weekend.

Tings I’ve Done & Tings Ta Do

So, I went to the Braves game last night and could not fathom why it had been so long since I’ve been to a game. I had a blast and I got to see John Smoltz record the 3000th strike out of his career! That unfortunately was the highlight of the Braves night as they got schooled by a shitty team with shitty pitching and lost 6-0. I did still manage to drink about 7 beers and eat 2 hot dogs and all for only $250. Seriously, you gotta have cream to hang at the Ted.

It was a beautiful night for baseball last night!

I thought it weird that Francoeur was watching from the stands. I knew he was young…..but not that young!

So that brings up one cool thing to do on Thursday night. I have been to this event the past 2 Thursdays and it is a blast. This is great for drinking some wine and relaxing while you listen to some great jazz. It’s called Jazz Nights in Oakhurst and it is every Thu in April. This is unfortunately the last episode, but it will still be awesome! A good amount of people show up, so if you want a good spot you better get there early. Info can be found by clicking on the picture

That’s a cool shot of the trumpet player from last Thursday

Last but not least, just one song for you guys to listen to.

I’ve actually been rockin this song for a minute and thought i’d let you have a listen

It’s off the Daptones Records Remixed Album and the whole thing is Fiya, but this one really gets your ass movin!

Sharon Jones – Keep on Looking (Kenny Dope Remix)

Sharon Jones – Keep on Looking (Kenny Dope Remix)

Enjoy!

EK

Pics from the Past Weekend

Here are some pics from the past weekend, where I sold my Avett Brothers tickets for $160 and I bought them for $30……BOOYAH!!!  Then we went to Star Bar and hung out with Ocha la Rocha.  Johnny and the guys are working on their new album and it should release later this year.

After Star Bar we headed to Tin Roof to hang with Talley, watch the UFC fight and kick ass in Wii Home Run Derby.  Bart is a badass in Wii Home Run Derby, I was learning fast, and poor, poor EK was terrible.  I dont think he recorded one home run.

Ahhh!

Hello everyone.

It’s been a couple of days which is no way to maintain a blog, but we are so seriously busy its not even funny. That new website will be up any day now, which will be the fruit of most of our recent labors. In addition we have some collaborative projects in the works with some *local* companies that should impress and awe. I’ll be on this thing a little later this evening, so check back tomorrow for some updates.

Isn’t it awesome how funny a simple animated .gif can be?

Vote for Esperanza Clothing in Sunday Paper

 

Go onto the Sunday Paper’s website at (http://www.sundaypaper.com/More/CheapDateContest/2008SPReadersChoiceAwardsBallot/tabid/102/Default.aspx)

and vote for Esperanza in the following categories:

Best local designer

Best overall clothing store

and if you want you can vote for Bart in the “Best-dressed local celebrity” category.

Yard Sale

Despite a slow start due to some early morning showers, we had a great time last Saturday selling junk, sipping on brewskies, and chompin up dogs courtesy of Chef Bart.  I don’t have enough time or energy to write the funny right now so enjoy the vivid pics.  Back later.

Weekend in Charleston…Tharp Wedding

So I took off this weekend for Charleston, SC to go to my good friends Laura and Jeff Tharps wedding.  I rolled into Charleston about 11:30pm and went straight to the bars.  First of all Charleston seems to be about 22-1, girls to guys.  It was ridiculous.

So Saturday we walked down to the Market and grabbed some beers and watched the masters.  I noticed a new Guinness gimmick that I have never seen before.  They pour a special type of Guinness that has no foam.  They then put the Guinness on a platform that shoots sonic waves into the beer to create the foaming waterfall effect.

So after hanging out downtown, we all dressed to the nines and pulled out the seersucker suits and flapper dresses and headed to the wedding.  It was at an old church in downtown that was built in the 1700’s.  Jeff and Laura looked great and they put on a great weekend.

The reception was down at a place called the Rice Mill and it was on the water near a marina.  Great weather, great setting, good food, and a sweet big band that we danced to all night.

Good work to Bart and EK for throwing the successful Yard Sale in the Highlands.  Thanks to the AJC for writing about us again.  Get ready for the 6 Degrees spread in a couple weeks.  We are basically putting our line sheets on multiple full pages.

So all in all a great weekend for Esperanza.

Daniel

Esperanza YARD SALE TODAY!!! AJC informs Atlanta.

So we are throwing the Yard Sale today and our good friend, Richard Eldredge, wrote about the event in the AJC.  This guy deserves some free shirts for all the support.  So come one, come all to our Yard Sale and check out the new line.  We will be taking pics of fans and buyers to put in publications and our brand spankin new website which drope TUESDAY!!!!  We cannot freakin’ wait.  Movin on up!

http://www.accessatlanta.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/accessatlanta/peachbuzz/index.html

Grab a beer and a lawn chair and join us.

Daniel

Yard Sale/Photo Shoot!!!!

Alright People! Time to put on the bargain pants because it’s time for the first edition of

THE ESPERANZA YARD SALE

Just when you thought that yard sales could not get any better, Esperanza had to prove you wrong!

Not only will there be endless amounts of priceless treasures to sort through, there will also be plenty of bargains on the new new line from Esperanza!  And it keeps getting better!  We will be grilling plenty of hot dogs and burgers and serving up ice cold brew for all you hardcore shoppers.  We will have the camera out and any Esperanza fans who buy a shirt from the new line will have the opportunity to be an official model for our new website!  We love our fans and we thought it would be cool to give you the chance to show off how much you love Esperanza.   Food, Booze, Bargains, and Esperanza.  It don’t get no better than that!

Time – Sat 4/12  9am-till the cows come home

Place – 1396 Wessyngton Rd Atlanta, GA 30306  right off of N. Highland in Morningside

See you there!

EK

Good Morning Esperanza!

Big Ups to Bart this morning for Reppin Esperanza and the A-Town on Fox 5’s Good Day Atlanta. Bart was cool as a cucumber and Suchita was looking fly in her Esperanza Southern Rebelle shirt. I’m sure that all of you guys were recording this morning, but just in case you weren’t, you can check out the interview by clicking the photo below or by going to www.myfoxatlanta.com

Here’s Bart getting a little preinterview make-up. I thought it was nice that he let his personal make up artist come along with us. Daniel gives the interview his stamp of approval. We thank everyone at Fox 5 for helping us out and giving us the opportunity to be on the show. Stay Tuned for more events in the future. Peace

EK

Spinning Currently…

The Cool Kids – Action Figures

The Cool Kids – ‘88

Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal

The Wood Brothers – Pray Enough

Big Boi (feat Andre3000 and Raekwon) – Royal Flush

The Black Keys – Strange Days

Ghostface Killah – Charlie Brown (DJ Mehdi Remix feat. Mapei)

EK was right as rain on that Ghostface track as it did, indeed, light my pants on fire.  That Fleet Foxes track is off their upcoming album “Ragged Wood” and yeah, the whole thing is that good.  Definitely one of my favs right now.  Cool Kids are the absolute jam and should have a full length on the way.  You can catch their EP if your good on google.  What else, oh yeah, the Black Keys album “Attack & Release” was produced by DangerMouse and was originally intended to be a collaboration with Ike Turner before his untimely departure.  The album is great anyway, and its really good to hear them fleshing out some new sounds as their insanely talented musicians.  Some people are yelling that its “over-produced,” but I say nay.  Bring on the shiny, they’ve done their time in the dirt.  The Wood in The Wood Brothers is Chris Wood of Medeski Martin & Wood fame.  Do you think I could have fit one more Wood into that last sentence?  Maybe.  Anyway, their first album “Ways Not to Lose” was one of my favorites of 06.  Their new one “Loaded” steps off the porch for a bigger sound, but is just as good.  And last but not least, Big Boi has a solo album entitled “Sir Luscious Left Foot” on the way (FINALLY) and that’s the first single.  Rock it well.

I’ma Get on This TV Mama, I’ma, I’ma Put *ish* Down

Tune (or set that DVR) to Fox5 Good Day Atlanta Tuesday morning between 8:00am and 8:50am to catch your boys talkin’ bout the new line and the Esperanza tremors shakin’ the Dirty right now…

or to catch world-record arm pit sweat stains. I have to go on TV and talk about our company???!! Forecast calls for heavy showers.

I hate TV cameras.

New Pics of the Dangerpress Bike from Esperanza

Check out some new pics of the Dangerpress Hog from Esperanza.  Those guys are going to love this thing.  I cant wait to race this around Dangerpress.

The best $200 I have ever spent!

So this past week, Esperanza launched the new line at the Breast Event Ever, and we killed it in Sales. We sold over 125 shirts in 4 hours of partying and boozin. The fashion show was a hit and I think there was about 600+ people that came. Next event will be at 6 Feet Under…..details to be ironed out by this Thursday.

So given we printed over 3 times the size of our normal print run in 3 days and pretty much have sold and delivered more than half of it in just the first 4 days after getting the print run, we thought we would do something nice for our printer, DANGERPRESS. Ed and his crew broke their backs for us and we just wanted to show some appreciation.

I did a little research and found a $750 Harleyesque Mini Bike for only $200 on Craigslist. I went up and saw it, and I think I bought it in 5 minutes from a guy who was 7 feet tall and lived way out in the woods. The bike is only 6 months old, barely used, dirty and muddy, and I loved it.

I got the bike home, filled the tank, and called Eric and Bart. We rode it all afternoon and did time trials in my neighborhood. I riegned supreme at 1:08 lap time. That night I thought I would make the bike a little more special of a gift. I painted it DANGERPRESS style, and I cant wait to see the look on Ed’s face. We will be racing around Dangerpress and putting up a leaderboard of time trails around the warehouse. The track is called the gauntlet. I foresee many more pics and videos in the future of this blog.

Oh yeah, Meri and I built all these walls from a pallet of stones. A little Green Thumb action for the Sunday afternoon.