throwback thursday :: christmas memories

image via weheartit

It's time for some Christmas reminiscing, my friends! I've had some pretty fun moments over the years. Here are my top 5!

1. Dressing my pup up for Christmas. 

Poor Misty (may she rest in peace) always had to deal with us throwing her in sweaters and such when the holidays rolled around. On one hand, she kept warm in the snow. On the other, she probably didn't appreciate the reindeer antlers we forced her to wear and endless bows stuck to her head when we unwrapped presents...

2. Having my Christmas tree fall over. I was taking a nap on my family room couch after school one year, and that thing came crashing down way too close and scared the bejeezus out of me. We always had a really big tree, so it was terrifying. The worst part was that it broke my favorite childhood ornament: my pink, glittery ice cream cone. I'm still sad about that to this day.

3. Opening a present on Christmas Eve. My family had a tradition where we would each open one present on Christmas Eve after we got home from our neighbor's annual Christmas Eve party. My siblings and I came to expect that we would get PJ's from my mom every year without fail.

4. Christmas music. Every Christmas morning, my dad would turn up our big old stereo equipment and we would listen to Christmas music on the radio and records. We would make fun of the dumb holiday songs and sing along to the good ones. Pretty sure that's on a home video somewhere...

5. Christmas Eve bedtime. When my brother and sister and I would go to bed on Christmas Eve, we were often so excited that we would talk to each other for hours before falling asleep. Never mind that it would have been easier to just gather in one room and whisper... we were in our own beds in separate rooms talking loudly through the walls. Annoying for my parents I'm sure, waiting for us to shut up and go to sleep so they could put the presents out!

I'd love to hear your holiday memories and traditions! Share in the comments :)

what they wore :: ellie goulding

I wanted to feature Ellie for WTW today because she is one of the more popular artists that I actually enjoy. I fell in love with her first album when I got it for $5 off Amazon. This is one of my favorite songs of her's:

But that's besides the point :) We're here to talk about S T Y L E !

[all images via weheartit]

The word that comes to mind when I look at these photos is CLEAN. Girl's got style. Those sparkly dresses! The comfy sweaters and hats and lightweight shirts! And best of all, no overdone makeup. I just want to dip into her closet. :) 

And for good measure:

Ellie knows what's up. ;)

the talk :: mash-ups

Guys, it's December already. How did this happen? To ease the pain of life moving way too fast, I've decided to feature something holiday-related in each post of this month. Today is this gem:

Mash-ups are my favorite for so many reasons. First of all, they really aren't that hard to do. Most pop songs have the exact same melody if you listen. Secondly, they're fun to figure out! And third, they give a sweet element of surprise to people who don't expect it. I'm a fan!

What are some of your favorite mash-ups? I'd love to hear!

 

music monday :: courrier (& christmas wreaths)

First things first: sorry for the lack of posts last week, friends! Holidays are for resting in my opinion... so blogging went on the back burner. Instead, I spent my Thanksgiving with friends, babies, food, and my couch for a much needed break :) Side note: I tried to make a wreath this weekend. My roommate also made a wreath (unplanned). You be the judge and guess which is mine.

Yep, you guessed right... the sparkly white snowstorm. It's currently hanging in my closet so the rest of the world is shielded from its "beauty". My roommate's hangs proudly on our front door.

But enough about me and my suckiness with crafts... I'm back with a brand new Music Monday! Introducing Courrier. They come from Texas and are an alternative band with an affinty for good lyrics. These boys have a song that I've been obsessed with for a while... give it a listen!

Enjoy your Monday and if you happen to make a wreath... avoid making it like mine. ;)

what they wore :: she + him

Who doesn't love this Zooey Deschanel/M. Ward combo?! She + Him is a unique pairing of two individuals who love music and wanted to dive in together... and success just happened to follow. It doesn't hurt that they are totally adorable, either. Exhibit A below:

[all images via weheartit]

 

They are just the cutest. They do sweaters and casual wear and dresses so well. Not to mention their music is dreamy! Check out their Volume 3 album, out now. And their Christmas album, since the season is coming up soon! (PS - it makes an excellent gift for anyone that has a remote interest in music.)

 



the talk :: music for your brain

 

[image via google]

I recently came across this article, which explores the effect of music on the brain. Specifically, learning an instrument before the age of 7. We all know there are a lot of "math & science" vs. "english & arts" oriented people. I definitely fall into the english & arts category, seeing as I have struggled with math and science my whole life, and began playing music in third grade. I really think there is something to be said for the positivity that music has for children as well as adults. When states or counties talk about cutting their arts and music programs in schools, it breaks my heart. Having grown up in band from elementary to high school, competing and learning and developing my skills, I can't imagine other kids not being able to have that chance.

Let me get on my soapbox for a minute. If you live in a district where the legislation is thinking about cutting the arts programs in a school, please take a minute to sign a petition, make a phone call, or attend a meeting. Even if you don't have kids. That may be a lot to ask... but that's how important I feel this is. I'll give you a few reasons (from a personal standpoint) why keeping music alive in our schools is crucial:

1. The obvious: skills. Having music skills later in life is, in my humble opinion, the best thing. It's all about expression and passion and writing and sharing something the world communally appreciates. Also, it has been proven to be positive for child development in many different ways, especially for kids who have disabilities or struggle with learning.

2. Socialization. Call us band geeks, but we stick together! :) I had some great friends through my various band programs in my schools. And we weren't considered the nerds of the school by any means... it was a fun group. The best part is that you have music in common right off the bat, so it's easy to make friends. Plus, there's something special about sharing in competitions and practicing together... I believe it gives kids a sense of purpose and camaraderie.

3. Confidence. Kids so deseperately need this when they are growing up. Even high schoolers need it! Music is such a good way to build people up. Starting them early (if they stick with it) means that they will be able to do something really well by the time they are adults. Maybe it could lead to a career... but even if it's just for fun, they will know they are good at it and can share it with someone. They can even teach it!

In case you couldn't tell, I am a big supporter of keeping music in our school communities, whether through an actual school or outside programs. Being 27 years old now, I really appreciate that my parents started me in music so young. The truth is, I don't know one person who doesn't like some type of music. So parents: I encourage you to at least explore the idea of putting your kids in a music program of some kind, and seeing if they have interest in it. It's okay if they don't, of course. But I believe it's worth trying and seeing what they get out of it, even if it only lasts a year.

And to end this post, here is one of my favorite pieces I used to play in high school:

 

music monday :: HAIM

On Friday I posted some of my favorites for the week, and this video was on there:

Today, I'm introducing you to HAIM! Now, I love a good girl band. As a female musician, I'm all about it. It's even better if they are all related (like Eisley, one of the best sisterly bands out there). The band is made up of Alana, Este, and Danielle Haim. I had a chance to see them when they were an opener at a show I went to over the summer. I immediately fell in love with their unique sound.

These chicks are most like indie pop 80's kids to me. They are the coolest... their sound is really different and so interesting. They string words together in such weird patterns and structure their rhythms in a strange but awesome way. And they have so much talent among the three of them... from guitar to bass to drums, these girls do it all. They are also talented writers... I like their style and the lyrics they come up with. One of my favorite lines is from their song Falling: "When it gets rough, it's time to get rough." That's how I feel... when life gets crazy and hard to deal with you just have to face it and conquer it.

Give HAIM a listen today! If you make it to a show, enjoy Este's "bass face." (Google it!)