Song Crushes #2: Summer Loving

Summer has come to an end, but we're still receiving some beautiful weather over on this side of the world.  It's a good time to share with you some of the songs I've fallen in love with over the last couple of months.  These songs kind of illustrate what kind of summer I've had.  I'm definitely attached to a few of these on a deeper level.  Again to follow suit with the first Song Crushes post, I present you with 6 songs that my ears find delightful.  Hope you enjoy!  Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments.


Passion Pit - Constant Conversations (St. Lucia Remix):  This song is nothing but a slow motion strut.  Super chill, full of soul and blissful.  It's like really good dark chocolate.

Zee Avi - Concrete Wall (RAC Mix): I remember Zee Avi when she first posted videos to YouTube maybe 6 or 7 years ago.  She was living in Malaysia, singing and playing the ukelele in her bedroom, never revealing her face to her listeners.  Then she gained popularity and Jack Johnson caught wind of her amazing talent and signed her under his label.  It was a joy to find this rework of her song by RAC, whose music I also enjoy. Boom Shi Clack Clack anyone?



Tycho - A Walk:  This song came into my life shortly after the car accident I was in.  For a while there I didn't have much of an appetite, I could barely get a good nights rest and music didn't even sound good to me any more.  This song helped with whatever I was struggling with.  I remember getting up early one day, discovering this song and felt everything that I was bottling all up, instantly pouring out.  It was a release of negative energy; a much needed one at that.  Music is therapy.



Lana Del Rey - Summertime Sadness:  Oh Lana Del Rey, how I love you.  She helped ease the sorrow I was feeling when a bunch of employees were laid off at my workplace.  We lost a lot of people that I will dearly miss.  It is a strange and sad feeling to see so many wonderful and talented people vanish in one full swoop.  I remember hearing the news from a fellow colleague after returning from lunch one day and I couldn't help but burst into tears.  By that time most of everyone who had been laid off already had vacated the premises and I never had a chance to say goodbye.  We're still dealing with the after effects of such a huge lay-off, but I'm doing my best to keep focused and work hard.



Lykke Li - Little Bit (AutoErotique Bootleg Remix):  What a great remix of a song I already like in the first place.  I find it's rare for me to like a remix based off a song I'm madly in love with.  The lyrics still shine through strongly and the beat is married with some lovely new sounds.  I hope I can find more gems like this one :).



Ellie Goulding - High For This (The Weeknd Cover):  I listened to this version before listening to the original and I have to say that I like this far more than the original.  Interestingly enough I'm not fond of Ellie's original songs unless remixed.  This song was served up to me as an appetizer one afternoon before a fun night out with friends.  It's one I listen to often, especially if I'm getting ready for an adventure :).



Baauer - Harlem Shake: This is a new addition to my playlist favourites.  I didn't know what the Harlem Shake was until the bass in this song took full control of my body.  I know this isn't everyone's style of music, and it kind of surprised me that I liked it so much.  First listen I didn't fully connect to it, second listen through and I was hooked.  You definitely have to be in the right mood to appreciate how wonderful this track is.

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Song Crushes #1: Love At First Listen

Art by Kairixxxkiss

April showers give me super powers! Spring is here and it's finally starting to warm up!  Life is busy and I'm feeling dandy.  Although I really should be in bed right now...I have the terrible habit of going to bed late.

I've already mentioned this and you probably know, but I love music.  I love finding new music and when I find a song I really like I have to share it!  I thought it would be fun if I wrangled up some of my new favourite songs and capture them up on my blog.  I also think this will be a reoccurring blog event!  And without further ado, here are my latest song crushes.

The Neighbourhood - Sweater Weather:  I stumbled on this song by pure accident.  I think it only had a few hundred views when I first listened to it and now it's well over 90,000.  What a wonderful chill and catchy song that I had on repeat for a good solid hours.  Also the video is very lovely!


Crizzly (Remix) - Lost Woods from Legend of Zelda:  Terribly catchy and upbeat.  A remix featuring one of my favourite video game songs.  Do as Navi says..."Hey Listen!!"


Javelin - Tryouts:  This song makes me feel happy.  Very satisfying...like popping bubble wrap.  It makes me want to bop my head, wiggle to the beat and skip down the sidewalk.


Kavinsky - Nightcall:  This song was popularized by the movie Drive, which makes it difficult to find an ad free version.  You should check out the movie if you haven't, it's great...as well as the entire soundtrack.  This song in particular makes me want to drive down the streets of L.A. like a boss.


Kid A - BB Bleu:  Kiddddd you got it going on!  I thought we could make it last, but the song unfortunately ends at the 3:02 mark.  This song basically plays hard to get, but my ears won't give up!  Love her voice and those knocking beats.  Great song to chill out to.


Madeon - Icarus:  This producer from France is only 17 years old and is making big waves on the EDM scene.  Fall in love, but don't fly too close to the sun now :P.


I decided to choose 6 songs for each "Song Crushes" post, 'cause I don't know how frequent I'll post but also because I like consistency.  I looked at my "Where Would I Be Without Music?" post and it had 6 songs embedded haha.  Well that's it from me.  I hope you enjoyed that selection and are all doing well!  Love you all :)

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Making Music Videos!

Start of a new year and I've got some projects in queue from last year that I need to finish!  Two of them being music videos!


The first song is "The Earth So Dark" by Bogatzke




The second song is "Trip" by Vacationer



I've received permission by both artists to use these songs.  I've had some ideas stirring in my head so far about both of these videos and I hope I'll find all the right inspiration to complete them in 2012.  Last year was just horrendously busy and I hadn't found the right moments to capture something beautiful that suits the music.  Keeping my eye out for unique locations to shoot :).  Also I'm hoping that it'll snow this year too haha.  Anyways hope you're all doing well and already having a great new year!

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Where Would I Be Without Music?

I realized I haven't blogged in 4 months and it has been around 2 or 3 months since I've made any videos.  I'm slowly falling off the face of the internet.  I cheated on Twitter with Facebook as a way to reconnect with people again after abandoning Facebook for a long time.  One friend even commented saying this was the most active they've seen me on FB haha.  Then recently a friend of mine that I met through YouTube messaged me on Twitter and it led us to reconnect on Facebook.  I guess I'm not good at keeping my social media life well balanced :P.  As I said when I first began this blog..."blogging is just so much easier", so if it is, I might as well do it!

So some of you might be wondering where I've been.  I'm kind of a weird one...I tend to disappear when something is going on in my life (either bad or good), just as a way to focus on the situation, or a way to escape, 'cause we all need to get some fresh air every once in a while.  I think I'm ready for an internet comeback though starting with this post :-).  

I wanted to dedicate this post to music that I love.  It helps me get through tough times, and it makes good days even better...you can often find me in my cubicle at work or in transit bopping my head to the music or trying to sing along haha.  I love hunting for new music, and when you do find that song you thought you only heard in your dreams - it's like falling in love for the first time...at least for me :P.  I love to share music, because I hope that people feel that same magical connection with a song too and it makes them just as happy.  I used to share a lot of music on Twitter and when I was reintroducing my face on Facebook I went and decided to share music...lots of music...I had a theme everyday.  Some of my favourite themes included: Memory Lane Monday, Whistling Wednesday, and Soundtrack Saturday...I also love alliteration.  Anyways without further ado some songs that made my heart melt and were stuck on repeat.


Flight Facilities - Crave You ft. Giselle: I was actually eating a popsicle on a hot summer day coming across this track.  It's cute, fun and addicting. 


Memoryhouse - Foreground: This is actually a cover by Memoryhouse.  The original is by Grizzly Bear.  I love how hauntingly chill this sounds.  


Neon Indian - Polish Girl:  I feel like I'm on a space adventure where there are dance parties and smoke machines.  This one just brings a smile to my face.


Hammock - Tristia:  Sometimes songs are better without lyrics.  If there were words I think it would say "Things will get better.  We're in it together."  Cheesy I know...but give it a listen and see for yourself.


Goldfrapp - It's Not Over Yet:  Sad and beautiful cover by Goldfrapp.  I like all the instruments and the emotion in the vocals. 


Lana Del Rey - Video Games:  An old Hollywood star reincarnated in this 25 year old beauty by the stage name of Lana Del Rey.  Love her voice, love her songs.  How perfect this song is called video games...


 

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Top 5 And A Half Things That Make Me Happy

I always get contemplative around this time of year.  2010 is almost at an end, and I'll be turning a year older this upcoming Thursday.

The Chinese weren't lying when they said the Year of the Tiger would be a challenging one.  You'd think being born a Tiger would bring some luck to this year.  So yes this year has been challenging and I face another challenge even today haha...oh what surprises life likes to throw at us.  The year's not over so anything can happen right?

Though times are tough, I've been able to remain strong by keeping positive and by enjoying all the lovely things that life has to offer me.  Today I'm inspired to write up my "Top 5 And A Half Things That Make Me Happy" list (in no particular order.)


Family & Friends:   From my intermediate family, to my boyfriends family and my closest friends which I consider like my family; all of you are beautiful, inside and out.  You have all been incredibly supportive throughout this year and so inspiring.  Together we've shared some scary, sad and life changing moments.  Although times were and still are difficult, I think the strength and love we have for one another holds us together to face any challenge that may come our way.  Like my Foosball nickname in college...I aim to be a brick wall of China for you in times of trouble and dismay.  Thank you for everything, from the bottom of my heart; love you all dearly...enough with the mushiness now :P.

My Wii family..or wee family if we're talking about height :P.

Music:  What would I do without music?  Music is therapy for me.  One day when I was sharing music with one my colleagues, they said to me "so this is why you're always so happy."  If I'm ever in a less than good mood, I can always zone out with my headphones on and enter a state of bliss.  I'm happy to share any track that I like, as you can see if you follow me on Twitter.  I do enjoy singing as well, although I'm no Christina Aguilera by any means.  It's fun to sing along to a song, even if I don't know most of the lyrics...mostly I just like making up silly, random songs, which some of you have been witness to before.  Hopefully if I can get some equipment together, I can start making some of my own music too, (although none with me singing haha) :).

Playing The Beatles: Rock Band with my dad and boyfriend :).

I still have those same headphones now.  I am 17 in this pic...the years have flown by!

Food:  So this may be a huge surprise *sarcastic*.  I've been coined as the "Food Monster" by my lovely boyfriend.  I eat...I eat a lot...I eat a lot for a person my size...feeding me is like, feeding that monster you've been hiding in your closet from your parents because they wouldn't let you have that puppy and then your parents wonder where all the meat disappeared to from the deep freeze.  I have been better with my food portions as I am more health conscious and want to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  But beyond the nutritional goodness and tastiness of these foods...I love that food brings people together.  Food = lots of good times and memories.

Not so health conscious in this photo as I devour my lobster steak dinner on my dad's b-day last year.

Nature and Wildlife:  Being close to nature and seeing animals in their natural habitat is an amazing experience to share with others.  It's breathtaking to walk along a trail and come across a doe and her young (*sings* doe a deer a female deer.)  I like to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city...and just listen to the birds chirp.  You can see my reaction to the beauty of nature in this video where I luckily caught 2 blue herons at a marsh while I walked the dogs with my dad.  It was kind of a double rainbow moment I would say :P.

Movies/Film:  Movies capture a lot of the other things I love, including some of the things I can't fit on this list.  Sometimes watching the right movie can make you feel happier than before you started watching it.  Sometimes a movie will leave in stitches from laughing so hard.  Sometimes the visuals may leave you captivated and inspired to do something creative or try something new.  Sometimes the soundtrack will lead you to discover wonderful new artists to add to your play list.  I think most people have a selection of movies that they hold dear to their heart for many different reasons.  My all time fave is Spirited Away, as I've mentioned many a time.  The animation, story and music is fascinating, uplifting, and all around amazing.  This is a movie I related to when I was making the transition to college and my life away from home.  I try to share this film with as many people as I can :P...and so I leave you with a trailer of Spirited Away! 

Aha some of you may have thought I was done writing, but if you were counting then you would know I have half of something left which makes me happy.  It's not really half a thing, it's definitely a huge part of everything that brings me joy.  Here's my secret to happiness...I ultimately love making others happy.  To share music to raise each others spirits, to be in the company of others when enjoying a meal, to experience rare moments of natural beauty with others, to connect and share feelings with others through film, and overall just spending time with the people I love.  These are just little things...not big huge fancy things...but like one person said, it's the little things that count.  This extends out to people I've never met.  If I can lend money to someone in need of a meal, or help a person cross the street, any positive difference I can make to another person is what brings me happiness.  I don't think there's a better feeling than making someones day a little bit brighter, even if it's as simple as saying "hello".  So to wrap up this blog entry, I hope this made your day a little bit brighter and you too are able to find the things that make you happy when you're having a bad day or year for that matter.  Thanks for reading! 

If you should feel so inspired, I'd like to see posts from others about the things that make you happy :)...because that would make me happy :). Also this list could have been 100x longer :P.

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2010 Wish List of a Girly Gamer Geek

All in all I wouldn't consider myself as a superficial or materialist person, but as December nears closer I can't help but think of all the wonderful and sparkly things that the humble hoarder inside of me wants.  I was talking with my sister Emily recently and I had remembered that I needed her wish list for this upcoming Christmas, which then prompted her to remind me that she needed mine as well.  Since I have this lovely blog and need to share this list with more than one person and my birthday is also coming up *wink wink* might as well utilize it and display my 2010 Birthday/Christmas wish list.  Now without further ado here is my 2010 Wish List in no particular order :).


1) Crystal Fighters - Star of Love Album is first up on the list.  This is a group that was featured on musigh.  I fell in love with this album immediately after my first listen.  I listened to this album every day at work for the last little while as it helped me keep focus as I multi-tasked up a storm.  I really want to take this album with me wherever I go as it puts me in such a great mood whenever I listen to it.  The album only seems to be sold in the UK so it can only be acquired via iTunes (lame!) and via the interwebs off the HMV site. Shipping and handling fees are a few of my favourite things (not!)  You can stream Star of Love via Sound Cloud, which I've embedded below.  Take a listen while you peruse through the rest of this wish list.  My fave song off the album is "At Home", which is very fitting of the holiday season.

2) Fable III:  And at number 2 is Fable III.  I didn't play Fable I, I'm almost done Fable II, and I'm excited to get my hands on Fable III.  I love everything about Fable II, all but one thing; is it just me or does the menu design suck major ass?  Let's hope this is something they've improved in this third installment.  I am making it a goal to finish Fable II before November is up but my time has filled up recently with birthdays, crafting, shopping and life :P.

I'll have lots of free time around Christmas to play this as I've booked off 2 weeks vacation time.

3) Murchies Libre To Go Gift Set:  This gift set is a huge tease (teas)...get it!  Okay enough with the puns, (although I do enjoy myself a good pun.)  After having discovered an awesome American tea store called Teavana, during my business trip to Las Vegas, I wanted to discover something closer to home and found Murchies, which has been around since 1894.  This great gift set features their blueberry green tea, raspberry black tea and their afternoon blend, which is a mixture of their black teas.  It also comes with this awesome tea tumbler that is double walled to keep your tea hot for hours, includes a tea strainer to keep the loose leaves out of your tea and a tight screw top for maximum leakage protection.  My best friend Laura purchased this exact tumbler, (apart from the design) over at Whole Foods a while back and I've been wanting one ever since.  This gift set is available in store at their 6 locations and via their site.

What a lovely basket

The tumbler of tea champions

4) Learning ActionScript 3.0 - A Beginners's Guide by Rich Shupe with Zevan Rosser:  I haven't touched ActionScript since high school.  Back then there was only ActionScript 2.0.  I really want to refresh my skills and make some cool interactive Flash games.  I browsed around the interwebs and saw others recommending this book for people like me.  Time to throw the AS3 n00b status out the door yo! 

A frosty cover perfect for winter

5) A Big Box of Mandarin Oranges:  I fucking love these.  I could eat them every day.  I could and probably have at some point eaten a whole box to myself.  I am the "Food Monster" for a reason.  My mom likes to put one of these in the toe of our stockings for good luck.  Not sure what the origin of that is...maybe it's just something my mom made up?  Anyways these are delicious and I would be happy if this was the only thing I got for Christmas. 

LOOOOOOVE THESE!

6) Canon PowerShot S95:  It's been a while since I've went around and taken some photos.  A lot of this is due to past equipment that was more frustrating than fun to use.  I was reading up about digital point and shoot cameras and the Canon PowerShot S95 called my name.  It has a line-up of sexy features that meet all my camera needs including capturing HD video.  It's currently on sale at Future Shop.

Sleek and compact design...soooo sexy!

This will be my reaction if I am so lucky to receive such a lovely gift.

7) Urban Decay Naked Palette: Every now and then I throw some make-up on my face to accentuate my features.  I have brown eyes, which can be paired with most eyeshadow colours, but I like to keep everything natural on a normal day.  Urban Decay Naked Palette has been sold out every time I venture over to Sephora and is seemingly impossible to acquire.  The 12 shades look absolutely gorgeous and right up my alley.  It also comes with Urban Decay's famous Eyeshadow Primer Potion to make eye colour more brilliant and 2 convenient eyeliners.

They say the eyes are the windows to your soul...or bigger than your stomach...or bigger than your wallet...or your wallets soul

8) Brilliance Found - Feather Wrap Ring: I love my rings dearly.  When I forget to put my rings on it makes me sad.  I currently have 2 rings I wear often.  I have one which I acquired from a kiosk during the time I attended college.  It's sterling silver and features little elephants.  I love elephants which are considered lucky in India.  To me this ring symbolizes a time of independence and strength.  I bought my other ring from the cruise ship during my big trip 2 years ago.  It's also sterling silver and is a simple band which has a nice wave shape to it.  This ring for me symbolizes my "go with the flow" attitude and the milestone of going on my first big trip.  Enough about my old rings!

This feather ring would symbolize a lot of things for me.  I love nature, always grew up around it and always loved birds.  If you didn't know already, the "dee" in my username comes from chickadee, which are very cute birds I grew up around.  My favourite type of bird are crows and there's a lot more meaning behind that, which I won't go into right now.  Brilliance Found is a store posted on Etsy.  I had heard about this store from a friend (the one that bought me the OPI nail polish.)  This store has a lot of beautiful creations posted up which you should definitely check out.  The fact this jeweler is local makes me like it even more. 

I would flap my wings if I had them if I had this ring

They also have this ring created by Foxy Originals which is a Canadian company that started off with two girls that were passionate about creating their own jewelry during their teen years.  They are now supremely successful having been featured in O Magazine and their jewelry worn by some very famous celebrities.

9) Professor Layton and the Lost Future:  And now presenting the last item of the list.  I love the Professor Layton games.  The cute art, the story, the puzzles and music....everything about of them makes me happy.  I've finished playing The Curious Village and The Diabolic Box, which leads me to want to get my hands on the third game The Lost Future.  

Need it, want it, got to have it!

I hope you enjoyed seeing and reading through my wish list and even spotted something you might like for yourself, girlfriend, friend or family member. 

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