Chris
Image: WE MUST HAVE PIE graphic by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!>•< Connect on Facebook >•<
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I've put together a collection of not so typical love songs. Some are featured in my favorite movies. Some are from artists I love—Van Morrison, Newton Faulkner, Badly Drawn Boy, and more.
Okay, I admit #7 is not so unexpected. But I couldn't make a playlist about love without this classic song by the Beatles. And because I adore Stevie Wonder, you gotta include him in the mix.
It's a perfect soundtrack for Valentine's Day or a special anniversary.
Make today ridiculously awesome! xo Chris
Click on the widget above to play the Spotify.com playlist I created.
IMAGES: "I love you more" graphic is by me. The iPhone case featured in this post was also illustrated and designed by me and you can find it at my Society6 shop.
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What does inauguration weekend sound like? President Obama released his official inaugural playlist with this tweet:
Hear music from the artists who will be performing at #inaug2013 on the official@spotify playlist: http://spoti.fi/Wi2gPx
The playlist includes songs from the musical acts scheduled to perform during the inauguration festivities and a few of his campaign trail favorites.
Here is a list of the music on Obama's playlist.
Stevie Wonder – Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)
Beyoncé – I Was Here
Marc Anthony – Mi Gente
Fun. – Carry On
Alicia Keys – New Day
Brad Paisley – Mud On The Tires
Far East Movement – Turn Up The Love
Glee Cast – Edge Of Glory (Glee Cast Version)
James Taylor – Your Smiling Face
John Legend – Ordinary People
Katy Perry – Firework
Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway
Nick Cannon – My Mic featuring Biz Markie
Usher – Something Special
Walt Whitman – Higher And Higher
Smokey Robinson – Get Ready
Mindless Behavior – Future
Jennifer Hudson – Feeling Good
Soundgarden – Live to Rise
Black Violin – Brandenburg
Maná – Bendita Tu Luz
Jamie Foxx – Fly Love
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Make some popcorn and snuggle on the couch with your sweetheart and listen to this 8tracks playlist featuring music from some of my favorite soundtracks—Sleepless in Seattle, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones, Sweet Home Alabama. Music by Van Morrison, Christina Perri, Harry Connick, Jr, and many more.
Hope you have a relaxing weekend.
Images: Photo by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
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We have a dusting of snow on the ground and more is expected tomorrow. Thank goodness the mountains are expected to get a foot or two of fresh powder too! This ski bum mum feels like doing a little snow dance!
Even though you might not be in the mood for snow, you'll still wanna do a little dance after listening to this mashup of 50 songs from 2012. Check out the music video below.
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Are you looking for holiday music to play while wrapping packages or maybe for your Christmas party? I love this playlist of vintage—and modern—classics including songs featuring the following artists: Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Zooey Deschanel (She & Him), Burl Ives, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Dave Brubeck, and Johnny Winter.
Happy Holidays!
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I took the bird's eye view photo of the yoga studio above while walking along the elevated urban park The High Line on Manhattan's West Side. This NYC parkway path transformed an out-of-use railroad trestle into a beautiful public landscape that gives you a unique perspective of the city. It reminds me of walking on a bridge, but with the added benefits of the natural elements in a park.
Due to Hurricane Sandy and significant flood damage to some of the park’s utility connections, the park was running on a limited schedule—you can read more about the park and the schedule on their blog or follow the @highlinenyc on Twitter. If you want to help the recovery process, you can support the park by becoming a member of the nonprofit. You can even support the organization by shopping at their one-of-a-kind shop online. I'm loving the High Line photo magnet set below ($15).
Because it's a Friday, I'm in the mood for some totally random, feel-good music. Here's my weekend playlist via 8Tracks. Enjoy!
... A few on the playlist... I Saw You Blink, Stornoway... Hollywood (ft. Penguin Prison), RAC... Givers Up Up Up, Glassnotemusic... Bright Idea, Mother Mother... The Palace Garden 4 am, Beat Connection... Best Day of Your Life, Katie Herzog... Kangaroo Court, Capital Cities... Make a Wish OK!, Good Records2... Can You Tell, RaRaRiot...
Images: NYC YOGA and THE HIGH LINE MAGNETS photos by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
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Here's some upbeat music for you to play while you make coffee in the morning or when you are packing for a roadtrip. Playlist features artists like Coldplay, Hall and Oats (500 Days of Summer), Phoenix, Florence + The Machine, Snow Patrol, Of Monsters and Men, Newton Faulker (Hand Built by Robots), Wham! (Make it Big), and more.
Eyes on the road, heart on the music from Plainawesome on 8tracks Radio.
Images: TWO SLEEPING DOGS photo by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
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Woke up this morning to a diamond-sparkles layer of light snow. My DH and I didn't want to get out of bed. A couple of neighbor kids went sledding on the hill out front before school. The ski resorts are opening up nearby. I will be checking the slopes out soon. But this weekend, I'm thinking just be lazy. And if the sun shines, I will walk my dogs high up into the foothills. And when the sun sets, a glass of wine, some dark chocolate and who knows...
I couldn't decide today, so I've got two playlists.
First, here's a happy soundtrack for relaxing. Play this while scrapbooking or baking.
And here's some music to play at dinner. Who knows. Maybe a little slow dancing will begin.
Play it if you like James Taylor (Copperline), John Haitt (Have a Little Faith in Me) , Eagles (Hotel California) or if you remember the refrain in Sister Golden Hair. Doo wop doo wop ...
I won't give it all away. Just listen :)
Image: KISS illustration by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
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Happy weekend! Here's my pick for a perfect handcrafted playlist for baking cookies, eating lots of pie, or doing dishes. Go ahead, pour a glass of pinot grigio and dance around the kitchen—it's the weekend!
xo
Chris
Image: WE MUST HAVE PIE graphic by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!>•< Connect on Facebook >•<
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Woke up today and it really is another lovely day to watch the sun rising. I'm grabbing my bike and peddling up the hills and down through the woodsy trails in beautiful Colorado. Check out my weekend playlist via 8Tracks Radio below. Let me know what you think.
Happy Weekend!
xo
Source: stylemepretty.com via Chris on Pinterest
Take a listen to my weekend playlist via 8Tracks Radio below. Let me know what you think.
Vintage bike photo via Style Me Pretty.
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Hello, Weekend! Why are you turning so cold on me? Snow? Oh no, please say it isn't so. Two days ago I took a nap on my front porch. Snow? Really?!
I need to layer on a couple of sweaters, pull on some snug-as-a-bug wool socks, and grab a book to read by the fireplace this weekend. And while I'm reading I think this playlist is just what I need. How about you? What plans do you have?
Why do I like the Straight up Class soundtrack? Let me count the ways... Jazz, champagne and pearls—in music form of course. French twists, moderns and throwbacks; alas, listening doesn't get much classier than this my friends.
J'ai deux amours... I confess I have two loves on a day like today. Coffee and chocolate.
Images: PARIS CAT AT THE TABLE artwork by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
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My son put together an awesome & timeless playlist for all those dads out there. Check it out. My son tells me this playlist is:
"an upbeat fusion of classics with a modern edge and 21st century hits that would have been appreciated in any decade as well as a few sentiment-evoking favorites."
Playlist—You can preview and listen to each song by clicking on the album link and then clicking on the song:
1) Hold on I'm Coming by Sam and Dave
iTunes album link: Hold On, I'm Comin' by Sam & Dave
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2) Lisztomania by Phoenix
iTunes album link: Lisztomania by Phoenix
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Image: Graphics above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
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Now you can listen to your iPod or iPhone in the tub with the iDuck wireless speaker that lets you listen to your favorite music and your iPod/iPhone/MP3 player rests safe and sound away from the water. iDuck will also play your FM radio.
Great way to get kids in the tub! Available at ThinkGeek. $29.99
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Here are 12 favorite—but not so typical—love songs on my playlist. It's a perfect soundtrack for a wedding, or Valentine's Day or an anniversary. Oh yeah, I added a few alternative songs if romance is the last thing on your list. Enjoy. xo, Chris
Click on the links and you can hear the songs in iTunes preview:
And then some totally love-ly but unromantic heart songs:
Image: DATE NIGHT artwork above is by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
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Blues and jazz icon Etta James died of complications from leukemia on Friday at age 73. Her last album "The Dreamer" was released just three months before her death. I love so many of her songs, but her jazzy torchsong "At Last" was a favorite.
James had a voice with a soul so rich and authentic that it would flatter almost any song of any genre. The four-time Grammy winner's influence on amazing talents including Beyonce, Bonnie Raitt, and many more will keep James' sound alive for generations to come.
My favoirte Etta James quote comes from the LA Times article back in 1992 via a recent NYTimes article:
“A lot of people think the blues is depressing, but that’s not the blues I’m singing. When I’m singing blues, I’m singing life. People that can’t stand to listen to the blues, they’ve got to be phonies.”
More reflections on the Queen of Soul here:
Etta James: Singer's Passion, Great Range Remembered
Good Times Or Bad, Etta James Kept Love Going : NPR
Listen to the NPR interview here:
Etta James illustration by me, Chris Olson
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Listiening to great music always boosts my mood. Here are my picks for the best albums for wrapping Christmas presents:
And if you are tired of Christmas albums here are a few alternatives that will rock your wrapping.
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Yes, I know it is early, but I am listening to A Very She & Him Christmas. If anyone at my house complains about this, then I will be playing the album everyday at 5:00 a.m. for the next two months.
I first fell in love with the voice of She & Him singer Zooey Deschanel when she was the store elf-ette in the movie Elf.
Listen below to “The Christmas Waltz,” the first track from ‘A Very She & Him Christmas’!
She & Him - The Christmas Waltz by MergeRecords
Zooey Deschanel and The New Girl show
Now Zooey Deschanel has a TV show too, "The New Girl" on FOX. If you ever were suddenly single after facing a break-up, then you will definitely want to watch the trailer for that show below.
(Here's the The New Girl show YouTube Link.)
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I love the random and fun art on Chris Martin's colorful piano. Even if he calls his band a group of middle-aged rockers, I think Coldplay's music will always be setting the latest trend in music and style.
The band's new album Mylo Xyloto will be released October 24th.
You can follow my musings on everything decor on Decor Crush on Tumblr. Photos: Coldplay concert at the Plaza, Rock Center.
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When the clock strikes midnight, join me in singing the song translated here into the English version. (Scottish version printed second.)
(photo above by jsorbieus.)
Auld Lang Syne
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne?
CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you'll buy your pint cup!
and surely I'll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we've wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine†;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
And there's a hand my trusty friend!
And give us a hand o' thine!
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
Original Scottish version:
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?
CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp!
and surely I'll be mine!
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We twa hae run about the braes,
and pu'd the gowans fine;
But we've wander'd mony a weary foot,
sin auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We twa hae paidl'd i' the burn,
frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
sin auld lang syne.
CHORUS
And there's a hand, my trusty fiere!
and gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak a right gude-willy waught,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
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You can watch the Lehrer oldie turned into a YouTube video by a fan.
I'm spending Hanukkah in Santa Monica,
Wearing sandals, lighting candles by the sea.
I spent Shavuos in East St. Louis,
A charming spot, but clearly not the spot for me.
Whose eastern winters, I can't endure 'em,
So every year I pack my gear and come out here til Purim.
--Lyrics by Tom Lehrer
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I find dozens of great cooking ideas and more in each issue of the Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine. Sometimes the odd bits of trivia are the most fun. Take September's 2nd Annual Food A to Z...
Keep yourself company in the kitchen with playlists
for Rachael's favorite 30-Minute Meals:
MUSIC TO CHOP TO
When you're making Caponata Frittata
with Grilled Panettone
The First Cut Is the Deepest
by Sheryl Crow
Cuts Like a Knife
by Bryan Adams
Another One Bites the Dust
by Queen
Into the Groove
by Madonna
EverY Time I Eat Vegetables It Makes Me Think of You
by the Ramones
....The September issue also includes:
Music To Stir To and Music To Grill To
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In honor of Mother's Day on Sunday I am posting The Mom Song again. Practically everything a mom says in a 24 hour period set to the William Tell Overture.
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Ann Curry on Twitter alerted me to this YouTube link. I don't want to give the video clip away, but suffice it to say I'm cheering for 47-year-old Susan Boyle in Britain's Got Talent singing "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables.
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Absolutely loved the Elton John concert this weekend. Still humming his mega hit "Rocket Man." He went nuts with an improvised piano solo. Fabulous.
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How is it a simple song can change how you see everything? Somehow a good song can make you smile even when the day was an endless stream of carpool drop-offs, diaper changes, soggy preschooler play dates in the rain, 90-minute waits for pediatrician appointments, more diaper changes, and burned casseroles.
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Do you ever run across a new artist or a song and wonder how you can hear more music like this? The science of music preferences is explored in Pandora.com--a web radio program created by the "Music Genome Project." This free personalized internet radio service launched in 1999 helps listeners find new music based on their old and current favorites. Pandora.com was created by film composer Tim Westergren and now has 120 employees with five offices nationwide. Working in the film industry meant Westergren spent a great deal of time trying to figure out the type of music directors wanted. Turns out that film industry research in musical preferences was useful in developing musical fingerprints for the masses too.
How does Pandora.com work? According to an interview with Westergren in TheHoya.com, The Georgetown University Newspaper, “We basically determined a musical taxonomy, with 400 musical attributes applied to each song. Each song has a strand of DNA which represents its musical fingerprint,” Westergren said. “We try to replicate the experience as much as possible of what it’s like to explain to a friend what kind of music you like.”
Pandora can be a memory hog, so if you have Windows you might want to download the Pandora standalone (standalone version is not available for Macs yet). You also can shut down Pandora every two hours so your system doesn't crash.
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