Songs for the Holidays

For the last ten years my father has been producing CD's for the holidays and sending them out to friends and family. He starts the search for new and interesting takes on traditional songs in the summer and then goes into production October/November. He has never had a repeat, keeps the music interesting and crosses all genres of music to provide only the best compilation year after year. Last year I shared my favorite songs and this year I thought I would share his 2012 Christmas from Beach CD. I must say that I love this years selection and I hope you do as well!

PS - I added the last song because I love it.

Spot-i-what?

I see a lot of you have Spotify through the feeds on Facebook, but do any of you actually use it like you should?

I was at a party recently where my friend and I had to describe it to so many people that I thought a little information might be helpful to others. Those that understand Spotify you can put your hands down, the rest of you should pull up a chair and listen carefully.

Spotify is millions of songs, records and artists at your finger tips that you can play, play and play until your little heart bursts from the pleasure of hearing any song you want, when you want on your computer. It's like a little piece of joy. You can create playlists, check out friends (or strangers) playlists, listen to the absolute latest music and you don't have to purchase a thing. Too good to be true? Well actually for free the only downside is that you have ads, can only listen via your computer, and you are stuck to your country. Doesn't sound bad, does it?

Now if you are willing to shell out a little cash there is way more. For $9.99* per month I get everything above, but also the full mobile experience on my phone (play it in the car, on the docking station) and iPad (same as the other one, but this way I don't burn my phone battery) and play it in most countries, you know like I would on my iTunes, but I don't have to purchase every little thing. Oh and my playlists can be played offline. Hello airplane.

You may be saying why would I spend money when it's free. Well truly that is up to you, but when I am running I like to mix up my tracks and purchasing them through iTunes adds up to way more than the $9.99 a month I spend on Spotify to create playlists like they are going out of style. Think of it this way, are you really going to be playing Taylor Swift's**, "We are Never Ever Getting Back Together", like, ever again after a week or so? That's what I thought.

So to kick things off for you here is my playlist from this summer and fall that I keep annoying the BF with. Enjoy and seriously get on Spotify. It's just ridiculous not to.



* There is a $4.99 option, but I think you are worth $5 more.
** Not saying you would purchase it, but I would, because I love terrible pop music. For like, a week at a time.

Surface of the Sun

I could be just a giant wimp, but I like to think people in the Southwest who tell themselves it's a dry heat so it's much more tolerable than when humid, are just nuts. It's similar to what people in the Northwest say about how the grey and rain are worth the 3 weeks of beautiful weather (it is amazing). All true, BUT it's still 99 degrees out at 10pm or you haven't seen the sun since June. Here's the thing if you feel like you have to justify why you are living somewhere it's time to move. Or stay, but stop pretending like I didn't just sweat off an entire dress size while talking on the phone last night, because I have no phone reception in my air conditioned room. Oh did I mention I am in Arizona? Well I am and it's hot out. Even at night.

So with that in mind I thought I would get myself in the mood for a lovely Friday with hotter than hell temps with a little Len, Steal my Sunshine. I like to share as well. 

Hope your Friday is a little cooler than mine and that you have a fantastic weekend.

Rest Stop

Today I am heading out to Mesa, AZ to see my grandparents. It's been awhile since I have hung out with them so off to retirement village I go. My plan is to drive from San Diego to Mesa so of course I went to the Internet to see if the largest ketchup bottle was on the way or at least the biggest lint ball, but alas there is a total of nothing between here and there. Nada. Not even a ghost town or some other Brady Brunch fun stop. So it will be just me, satellite radio (Thank the lord we have that in the car), cacti, sand and hills for as far as the eye can see. I will just have to make up my own fun stop on the way and hope that something exciting (that does not include road kill) happens along the way.

On a completely separate thought thread you need to check out this video. Boy got moves. Word.

See you on the other side of the desert.

Alive in Seattle

I arrived at SeaTac yesterday to fairly warm weather with only a slight bit of rain (which is considered a win for Seattle in January). I had a fantastic afternoon with a good friend and then tried to stay up and hang out with my family for as long as possible. Despite my best efforts I have been up since 2:30am pacific time. You would assume since I have been up for hours that I would have pulled out the Christmas gifts for the family and friends from the suit case, repacked, taken a shower, eaten breakfast and am all ready to tackle the day. You would also be wrong. I have watched 4 episodes of Once Upon a Time, had three (they were small) bagels, some salad, 8 gallons of water and broke my charger thingy for my computer. Jet lag sucks. My goals today are small, but at least they include Mexican food and Target. Hope your day is equally stimulating.

To kick start your morning here is one of my favorite 'Seattle' bands playing one of my favorite songs.

Heart - Barracuda live at the Paramount theatre in 2002 via Heart You Tube channel

Christmas music. Are we done yet?

Almost. I promise.

If you are like me Christmas music can only go on so long before you want to burn the stereo from the constant repeat of songs. I get it. So guess what I am going to do today? That's right share the Christmas songs that I really enjoy this year or the ones that I don't want to burn. You may want to burn them, but I leave that up to you. In the meantime totally check them out before judging. Also they are on Spotify which is fun. We can totally share music (kinda) and not get arrested. Yay!