New season, new music. That's my philosophy.
Here are some songs I'm loving right now, along with this beautiful change in weather.
I tried to keep the commentary at a minimum, so y'welcome for that.
Let's talk about Christmas music, because seriously it's all we listen to these days! (Maybe I'm a freak, but it feels like a crime when we dance to reggaton instead of jingle bells in Zumba, but we don't have to go there.)
Here are some of my favorite Christmas tunes this year:
Pentatonix- Little Drummer Boy
Stop it with the chills right now! So good!
Eric Whitacre- Glow
Eric Whitacre does it again. LOVE this song.
NSYNC- I Don't Wanna Spend One More Christmas Without You
Did you know about this song?! I still love their original Christmas album, but this is just so good. You can take the girls outta the boy band (har har) but you can't take the boy band outta the girl!! Speaking of NSYNC....
NSYNC- Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
I'm as obsessed with this song now as I was 15 years ago
(ACK can you believe it's been that long?!)
Also, Christian has this thing lately where he walks around the house singing this song, but instead of singing "Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas..."
he says "Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna...".
I think it's hilarious. And we are idiots.
Michael Buble- All I Want For Christmas
AHHHH. THIS SONG.
Total theme of my life before Christian and I got engaged two years ago. Thankfully he proposed 2 days before Christmas, so I got my wish and he definitely got his ;)
I hope you are all enjoying the holidays, and especially reveling in the wonderful music!
All this dreary weather we've been having has got me in a certain mood.
The kind that involves listening to slow, acoustic-driven, melancholy music and sitting on my couch under a blanket while spending hours on Pinterest, I mean what?!
I really enjoy picking music to go with the seasons, and I guess that's what I've been doing. Building my autumn/rainy day playlist.
Here are some of my favorite songs at the moment.
Punch Brothers- Soon or Never
Punch Brothers- Soon or Never
Ohhhhh this song.
The strings and banjos and harmonies just kill me.
If you listen to any of these song, please let it be this one.
Amos Lee- What's Been Going On
I'm married to Amos Lee's biggest fan, so we listen to a lot of that around here.
This is one of my favorites of his.
Sara Bareilles- Islands
This album is great, but this is by far by favorite song from it.
The chord progression is too good!
And there you have it. If you are like me and feel the need to usher in a new season with appropriate music, please indulge. This girl knows music,
So here's the thing.
I really really really love Latin music. I took six years of Spanish and it completely lit a fire in my heart. That's actually half the reason I love Zumba so much. It lets my Latin flair completely loose for an hour and makes me crazy happy. Or maybe just crazy. But anyways.
I'm about to share some Latin songs that I absolutely love, and might just light a fire in your heart too.
You've been warned.
*Also speaking of Latin things, can we just discuss how wonderful it is that Juan Pablo is the next Bachelor.
I mean, we women LOVE our suave Latin men, obviously. So I'm foreseeing the best season yet.
Viva el Bachelor!!!*
Best warm up song: La Camisa Negra- Juanes
This is the guy who started it all.... the fuel behind my Latin-loving fire!
If this song doesn't make you want to get up and groove, well.... Git yer head checked!
Best power song: Ave Maria- David Bisbal
How's that for a screen shot?
Seriously listen to this song, it's definitely NOT the Ave Maria you are familiar with.
Also don't be fooled by his Cher-like voice.
I don't know what that's all about, but whatever.
Best cool down song: Flor De Campo- Don Omar
Don Omar makes some seriously great music, but this song is probably my favorite.
Sit back, stretch and enjoy!
And there you have it.
Now go high-tail it to a Zumba class or something.
My life has been all over the place for the last few weeks, which is very obviously reflected in the following choice of music. Regardless, these are some great tunes. Enjoy!
Best warm up song:
Who's Lovin You- Michael Buble
This song simply puts me in the best mood. Nothing like a little happiness to get me ready for a workout!
And then there's this.
I'll wait while you wipe the drool off your face.
Best power song:
Bumpy Ride- Mohombi
I haven't watched this music video, thus I cannot approve of it's content if there is anything sketch. Sorry in advance. I CAN however, guarantee that you will want to shake your tail feathers as soon as the music starts. And you're welcome in advance.
Best cool down song:
No Explanation- Peter Cetera
Because who doesn't love a little 80's throwback Chicago/Peter Cetera?
I pulled out my old journals again today and guys.
I've got another gem for you.
The ever-so-evil-Amanda
"Sunday February 2, 2003
So I was on the web* today and I was reading more things on Josh Groban. He apparently had a date to the AMA's!!!! :( It showed a picture of them hugging!!! :( I about cried when I saw it. He's supposed to be single!!!! Her name is Amanda, and I guess she sings too. Do you know how many people on his forum* want him and her to do a duet together?!?! They were all trying to be nice and supportive about it, but me, no!! I'm just thinking "I saw him first Amanda. Buzz off!" Now I know that is mean.... But I love Josh for pitys sake!!!! There was also a thread on a Groban forum about everyone's favorite Josh songs and if you will turn the page..... (page turn)....."
This is followed by another full page of explaining my favorite Josh Groban songs and why. I will spare you.
You should know, however, that I signed this entry as GROBANGURL, surrounded by a gaggle of hearts.
Naturally.
You should also know that a few entries later I get even classier by signing
"GROBANORBUST"
Heaven help us if our teenage girls are anything like me.
*apparently I didn't know it's actually called the internet
* what website was I looking at that was purely forums?! Such the noob.
Spring has sprung (sorta) and this month, some happy music was in order.
So without further adieu, here ya go:
Top 3 Favorite Workout Songs
- March Edition -
Best warm up song:
Let the Groove Get In- Justin Timberlake
It started in 3rd grade, and it's still going strong.
I guess my JT obsession will never end.
And this song?!
You will totally feel pumped to workout after listening to it.
Best power song:
Kiss You- One Direction
You know what else will never die?
My obsession with boy bands.
I am seriously in love with this song.
If you need a good summer jam, this is it.
Even Christian likes this song guys!
Also, the music video is great.
Seriously, WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?!?!
Best cool down song:
Apartment- Young the Giant
These guys are one of my favorite bands, ever, of all time, in the history of life.
They have such a wonderful groovy sound, and this song is no exception.
Turn up the volume and get that lactic acid out of your system as you stretch along!
There you have it. And y'welcome.
* * * * * * * * Also, here's just a brief update on my/our progress. Last week, I found a 20 week training program for an olympic distance triathlon. That's... count 'em... FIVE. MONTHS. People. In the words of Christian: "SHEESH that is hardcore!" But you know what? We are both feeling so good that I don't think tackling that beast is going to be a problem. Let's just say I'm pretty sure I will be kicking some serious trash once I get back on my road bike, yeehaw!
Anyways, I'm still trying to decide between 2 races in Utah this summer. The one that's cheaper and closer doesn't have an olympic distance option, which I've kinda got my heart set on doing. So we shall see what happens. TOUGH DECISIONS, RIGHT?!
And the last bit of news... I'm going to a conference this weekend about health coaching(!!!) One of my friends is a personal trainer and health coach, and has told me a little bit about the program, and I'm super excited to see what it's all about and maybe get more involved! (Also, sorry to be a total meat head about some of this. I'm just super excited about the shape I'm in and the habits Christian and I are forming as a couple. It's so much fun to be healthy and exercise with him, and I'm feeling better than ever! Reasons to rejoice, and share, right??)
Last night I was just perusing my favorite songs on Youtube.
And GUYS.
I found some serious gems.
Like high-waisted-wrangler, too-much-chest-hair, how-much-aqua-net-is-he-wearing, why-don't-we-use-laser-noises-in-music-anymore, GEMS.
And I'm about to share some of them with you, and all their grossly awesome 80's glory.
Y'WELCOME.
Pour Some Sugar on Me- Def Leppard
Just A Friend- Biz Markie
Poison- Talk ... To Me
(Please forgive the slight unsavoriness, and pay attention to THE HAIR. OH THAT HAIR!!)
Also, will Bret Michaels ever quit that bandana?
I'm thinking...... no.
Africa- Toto
AND MY PERSONAL FAVORITE,
(WHICH YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY WATCH ALL THE WAY THROUGH BECAUSE THERE IS A LOT OF DENIM. ALSO, EAGLES.)
Michael Bolton- Said I Loved You
Aaaaaand now your day is complete. Happy Friday peeps.
(mega headaches, LOTS of celery and parsley, and a couple gags later, I'm a new woman!)
- Listening to lots of Christmas music
(the David Archuleta, Country and Nsync stations are our current favorites....
Okay so maybe Nsync is more of a "Brooke" thing...)
- Firmly decided that Christian and I love art museums more than anything.
(We are the nerds that sit and analyze the lighting, flow and color choice of all the paintings.
Never knew we had that in us, but I love it!)
- Saw Lincoln
(due to Christian's high expectations of he movie - he's a Lincoln enthusiast- we didn't enjoy it as much as we hoped. Soooooo political. Which we are soooooo over.)
- Went to a performance of the National Symphony....
took the grainiest photo evvvveerrr, while getting photobombed by Andy Bernard.... .....and saw this guy.
My classical-music-loving-heart was beating out of control all night!
LOVE!
- Anticipating our month long break in Florida with our families.
And our tropical Christmas gettaway with the Showalter side. imsoexcitedimgonnadie!!!!
- Anxiously awaiting our return to beloved Utah.
We miss it a great deal, surprisingly!
(I think that's just our need to settle down speaking out)
Also, I get my old job back weeee! I can't wait to be back in the Hinckley building!
- Decided that I definitely have carpal tunnel syndrome. I am being totally serious about this.
Stay tuned for a true diagnosis.
(No but really. I'm going to the doctor like.... this week. I don't think you guys understand how serious I am)
In the mean time, I have to tend to my very tingly, weak, and painful wrist and hand.
BOO.
- Aaaaand enjoying my week long hiatus from work!
Hence the reason why I'm blogging twice in one day. So much time!
I'm sure I will be going nuts-o by Friday, but for now, I'm lovin' life.
Truly, I am destined to be a stay at home mom, because nothing makes me happier than being a hermit all day.
Which I can't decide is good or bad, but for now I'm going to enjoy being in my own little bubble and NOT invading someone else's all day long. (Oh the trepidations of being a nanny!)
For those of you who don't know, Christian served his mission in the great South American country of Uruguay.... and it has been brought to my attention over the last few months that they have a GREAT music selection.
*sarcasm*
Below is a prime example.
This has quickly become mine and Christian's favorite song to listen to whenever we need a laugh.
Her name is La Zorra, and although we don't condone her name and possibly behavior considering her name, we love her.
Just listen for yourself.
How is this even supposed to be real music?!
Just priceless.
I've been debating about posting this for a while....
Because it's kind of personal, and probably ultimately embarrassing.
But seeing as how Christian and I are both fairly loud people
(translation: we couldn't keep this to ourselves even if we wanted to.... in fact I'm pretty sure we say it in public 90% of the time and people probably already think we are... um.... riding the short bus, if you get my drift....)
it's probably better to just let everyone in on the secret.
Here goes.
So Christian and I have these pet names for each other.
Actually it's just one name.
"BAYBA."
Let me explain.
It all started with the innocent name "babe"
And then one day we were laughing at how all the cool 90's love songs used to use the word baby.
But not actually the word "baby".
Oh no.
They too use the ill-fated word "Bayba"
I'm thinking Celine Dion, "It's All Coming Back to Me"
In fact....Just go to 4:29 and watch for yourself.....
(Also can we talk about how priceless this music video is?
Actually no we can't.
There literally aren't words.)
In all its hilariousness, we started using the pet name as a joke.
But as jokes tend to go.... It stuck.
And there you have it.
That is how "Bayba" was born...
and we can't stop calling each other that name to save our lives.
So if you hear it, no we aren't crazy or.... um... riding that short bus....
We just have zero inhibitions.
The Playlist of Life *and the happy things it reminds me of*
"Alla Luce del Sol" Josh Groban- Being obsessed with aforementioned Josh Groban. Art and drama classes. Height of nerddom, and loving everyblessed minute of it.
"Ocean Avenue" Yellowcard - How cool was 8th grade?! And EFY dances?!
Is it embarassing to admit that we first go to Rubio's, followed by Yogurtland?
Did I just admit that?????
- Drinking 3L of water every day. That's almost a gallon, people. Aka a LOT of water. And it seriously makes me feel like a million bucks! Highly recommended.
- The song "Heaven Forbid" by Fictionist. Talk about instant mood-lifter-upper!
Right along with.......
- Foster the People Pandora station and the song "Houdini". Goputonyourdancinshoesrightnow,honeybooboo!
- Chips and salsa. Maybe Christian and I go through a bag and jar of each, almost weekly...
(and by weekly, I mean it happens in one sitting... in one night... during the week.... don't worry, we are champions. Also very Latin-ish.)
- The google search "epic photos of Harry, Ron and Hermione" linking to this blog. Obviously the internet knows what's good. Happy Hump day, all!
When I first typed that, it said "git yer boogeyman on" haha.
You can do that too I guess.
So basically one of the biggest reasons why I love running is because of my great workout playlist.
It gets me almost as pumped as frozen yogurt.
Or Happy Hour at Sonic.
Or watching Modern Family.
Or Josh Groban concerts.
Or no school.
Ok so maybe I get pumped easily.
Anyways, I thought I would share. You can thank me later!
1. E.T.- Katy Perry. I should probably be embarrassed. But I'm not. When you run to this song and see your mile time improve, you can add it to your playlist too.
I won't even say "I told you so."
2. This is All Now- Taking Back Sunday. Again, just another great song to help you improve your mile time!
Plus the guitar riff is so catchy.
3. My Time- Fabolous and Jeremih.
If you didn't feel like it was "your time" before listening to this, I GUARANTEE you will afterwards.
I'm so funny.
4. A Beautiful Lie- 30 Seconds to Mars.
Definitely the BEST sprinting song on the list.
Try it. In tempo with the song.
I DARE YOU NOT TO SWEAT YOUR BRAINS OUT.
5. One Time- Justin Bieber.
Ok how could I NOT have a biebs song on here? Honestly?
6. Love is Only a Feeling- The Darkness. Did you know these guys are still touring?
Color me surprised, I had no idea they had done anything significant since "I Believe in a Thing Called Love"
Check it. This is probably the second weirdest music video ever.
7. The Show Goes On- Lupe Fiasco.
K so maybe he ripped off a Modest Mouse song, but this is still great to run to.
8. Little Secrets- Passion Pit.
The first 15 seconds of the song speak for itself.
9. Hysteria- Muse.
If you don't feel like you are in a Bourne movie while listening to this then....
Well, I'm sorry. You are just plain missing out.
10. Kings and Queens- 30 Seconds to Mars.
The BEST song on the planet to end an epic run with.
Again.... Try it. Your life will be changed.
I'm not even trying to be dramatic, for once in my life.
Ok well, now that I have been all reconnected with this playlist, it's time for me to go be hardcore.
Aka MATH FINAL DOMINATIONNNNNNN.
I honestly don't think I have ever seen anything so 90's, except for the 90's themself.
The hair, the animals, the nature, the fade-in-fade-out close ups, the galloping horses, the random immodest woman, the chest hair, the super high wrangler jeans....
It's been quite some time since I dedicated a post to music.
And I miss it. So here goes.
I am having a love affair with a few good albums right now.
And if you are looking for a way to jazz up your music collection, probably you should read on.
Because I am totz the best music expert in Utah and probably the United States. Or world. Also, I'm really humble.
Moving on.
First, "Winter Songs". Sarah Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, Lenka, and Fiona Apple all on one lovely Christmas compilation?
YES PLEASE. Also, Katy Perry singing a blues-ey White Christmas? Surprisingly... me likey!
Also Jonsi's album "Go".
Holy wintertime-magical!
Here's a sample of my favorite song.
One more bit of exciting news concerning this Icelandic weirdo/genius.
exhibit A.
You know the movie coming out soon, We Bought a Zoo?
The entire soundtrack is Jonsi music! WOO HOO!
I've found that sometimes I have to use music to help me embrace things.
Like bitterly cold weather *cue today*
I guess I can't complain too much. It's December 1st and there is no sign of snow yet!
Thanks Utah for being kind once in your life. Just keep it up through finals and I will be a happy camper.
Or student-er. Whichev-er.
Did you ever see that Winne the Pooh movie where Christopher Robbin goes off to school?
But then none of the gang knows what that is, so they begin calling it "skull" instead of school?
No?
Well you are missing out.
Also, I am starting to empathize with the Hundred Acre Wood gang, and I may just start calling school "skull" instead.
It's only been 4 days and that's already how it feels?!
I better brace myself for a looooonnnnnnngggggggg semester.
Kidding.
Kind of.
So yeah this week has been a little out of control. And by Tuesday night, I was really feeling the stress.
So were my tear ducts.
You get my drift.
Thankfully, the Lord was mindful of my needs, as always, and sent a tender mercy my way last night.
Who knew that a 3 hour long church meeting could lift my spirits so much? It was just such a nice reminder that I am surrounded by the most fantastic people.
I go to a bomb university.
I am getting a great education.
I live in a beautiful place.
And a lot of people really love me.
So yeah maybe things will be stressful.
But you just gotta keep it all in perspective, ya know?
In other news, I am on the biggest Mat Kearny kick right now. I hate to be one of those people....you know.... who are all "I totally loved him before he was on the radio"......
But seriously.
I TOTALLY LOVED HIM BEFORE HE WAS ON THE RADIO.
Also, his new album is so so so SO good. And so is his Pandora station. It suits this time of year/life very nicely. Exhibit A.
