Apologies, Reader, for a noticeable lack of posts in recent times. We’ve been a little overly engaged of late in both exciting work + exciting non-work.

On that latter note, a very happy birthday to the better half of the company, Ms. Katie Frichtel—designer extraordinaire + all-around amazing woman. You make each of this writer’s days better than the last.

We’ll catch you on the flip side, as they say, with a return to bringing you the finest in independent music, cruelty-free delectable foods + goods, and all things pleasant next week. In the meantime, don’t forget to vote in the photo contest we’re doing with MooShoes. You have until 5PM Wednesday. Vote on their Facebook page.