Music

Pür Minerals at Atlanta’s Music Midtown

Shutterstock_3135232 This month, Atlanta welcomes the triumphant return of Music Midtown—the wildly popular multi-day music festival that went on hiatus six year ago. With headliners Coldplay and The Black Keys, it’s no surprise that this year’s lineup is making waves. And for those on the V.I.P. list, the excitement doesn’t stop there. That’s because 25 lucky guests will receive an exclusive Pür Minerals goodie bag, featuring two NEW fall products not yet available for purchase. Rock on.

Want to know what’s inside?

We’ll give you a few hints. Both offer a collection of high drama colors perfect for fall. One redefines high-shine lips while the other makes metallic eyes a breeze. Want to know more? Join our mailing list for the latest product updates, and stay tuned for more to come this fall.

Your 2011 VMA Recap

Shutterstock_1653830 Last night marked the 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards, and if you weren’t tuned in to the latest hurricane coverage, preseason football or an especially emotional Extreme Home Makeover (we had to keep switching in between commercial breaks), you might have missed it. Never fear, we’ve got your bite-sized recap right here—from the night’s biggest winners to the best dressed and more.

The Biggest Winners
Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Adele were the night’s biggest winners. In addition to Video of the Year (for “Firework”), Perry shared two awards with Kanye West for their “E.T.” collaboration. Gaga’s “Born This Way” earned the eclectic performer Best Female Video and Best Video with a Message, while Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” racked up a trio of tech-y and dance awards.

The Best Dressed
Two words: Selena Gomez. The 19-year-old Disney star stepped things up with a breathtaking Julien MacDonald gown that brought it all—black lace, filigreed frills and a hip-hugging, full-length train. At an event known for being flashy, Gomez brought a classic elegance more befitting an Oscar or Grammy appearance. Way to keep it classy!

The Big News
If you haven’t heard already, yes, Beyoncé is expecting. The “Run the World (Girls)” singer showed off her baby bump on the red carpet with hubby Jay-Z and during her live performance of “Love on Top,” where she dazzled (literally) in a purple sequined tuxedo.

What was your favorite VMA moment?
Share it with us below.

Sounds of Summer: Wilco and The Whole Love

Shutterstock_1383107 Alt rock darlings Wilco are at it again. Their eighth studio album The Whole Love (out September 27) promises more of the progressive group’s signature blend of folk, country and roots rock. Fans of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and the band’s self-titled seventh album have much to look forward to—the pre-released single “I Might” is a carefree jaunt full of catchy hooks that might just be this summer’s ultimate driving song. We just wish the rest of the album would get here sooner.

If you like Wilco, you might also like…

Hawk by Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan
2010’s under-the-radar collaboration by Isobel Campell (of Belle & Sebastian fame) and Mark Lanegan is a rootsy revival that’s haunting at times and raucous at others.

Quicksand / Cradlesnakes by Califone
Singer-songwriter Tim Rutili has been creating his own brand of acoustic folk rock for nearly as long as fellow Chicago natives, Wilco. Give their fifth album a listen, and lose yourself in Rutili’s gravelly voice.

Pür on the Red Carpet

DSCN0289 Last night, Pür Minerals Brand Manager Tisha Thompson and Assistant Brand Manager Amanda Poe brought beauty—pür and simple to the red carpet at the 53rd Annual Grammy Nominee reception in Atlanta, GA. Held by the Atlanta Chapter of the Recording Academy, the event honored Georgia’s music elite in the glorious ballroom of the W Hotel.

Nominees included B.o.B, Cee Lo Green, Lady Antebellum, Justin Bieber, India.Arie, Elton John, Fantasia, Monica, Bryan Michael Cox, Musiq Soulchild, Usher, Janelle Monáe, Big Boi, Ludacris, T.I., Zac Brown Band, Little Big Town, Alan Jackson, Young Jeezy, Teddy Riley"Tricky" Stewart and others.
 
Georgia Grammy nominees from 34 categories received a free Pür Mineral Mudd Masque as part of this year’s event goodie bags. Tisha and Amanda were also able to connect with some local celebrities such as Rashan Ali, radio personality for Hot 107.9, and Jen Hobby from station Q100.

Give a Little Love to Yourself

Yet another celebrity has recently melted-down and gone to rehab, but for once it was not due to drug use. Demi Lovato, the 18-year-old singer and star of Disney’s “Camp Rock” and “Sonny with a Chance,” cut her current tour with the Jonas Brothers short and admitted herself into a medical center for “emotional and physical issues.” Apparently, the girl was bullied a lot in grade school and has struggled with bulimia and self abuse for years. This makes me very sad.

Shutterstock_934910 I hate to see anybody suffer with their self-image, whether it’s a result of bullying, social demands, daily stresses, imagery from the media and/or low self-esteem. Girls can be cruel, but we are often hardest on ourselves. I feel bad about myself sometimes, and I have to make an effort to be my own cheerleader. It can be tough, but you have to be our own best friend, not your worst enemy!

Stop the Negativity

We do it too often. We say negative things. I dare you to look into the mirror every day and say something empowering to yourself. I try to remember to tell myself each morning that “I’m smart. I’m beautiful, and I’m going to make this the best day I can!” This sounds cheesy, but try it anyways. Just like downing yourself can start to sink-in, encouragement can lift your spirits. Also, would it hurt to compliment somebody once in a while? We all love to hear praise. Pay it forward.

Check Yourself Before you Wreck Yourself

It’s easy to not take care of yourself and let life overwhelm you. Stress is a nasty beast that needs to be kept in check. Don’t forget to treat yourself to some much needed R&R. I love to take hot baths to melt the stresses away. Exercise is also a fantastic double whammy, making you physically healthy and releasing endorphins, those wonderful brain chemicals that relieve stress and pain and replace them with good vibes. I love yoga, pilates, and playing Dance Dance Revolution! Play games. Have fun. Surround yourself with friends and family. Go out, but be sure to get enough sleep. Heck. Allow yourself a sweet treat, even if you're trying to watch what you eat. You deserve it!

Get Help

If you are so deep in anxiety and depression that you can’t handle it, get help like Demi Lovato did. There is no shame in seeing a doctor if you’re suffering. Depression, anxiety, self abuse and eating disorders are not to be taken lightly, and you don’t have to go it alone. See a counselor or doctor.Photo

 I wish Demi Lovato a speedy recovery and nothing but the very best going forward. As for the rest of you
ladies and gents, love yourselves and each other. Everybody has “fat days” and “downer days,” but we should all be proud of who we are. I am posting this pic of myself from last week, saluting you with a chocolate covered Twinkie I still feel bad about consuming (How many calories was that? Like a few thousand?!) and saying “We are all beautiful, Pür and Simple!”