My Life In Music: Soundtrack To Me 2016

You know how this works. Another year comes to an end (Bye, 2015!) and another list of "this is my life in music" is shared.  I can't sing a lick, but music is truly who I am, for the most part. Music calms my soul and feeds my spirit. 

For 2016, these are the songs that helped me reflect on life and will help me remember where I was as an individual in 2016.  It helps you to truly understand who I am and where I am with certain issues and emotions. 

This is me...and this is the soundtrack to my life for the year 2016.

MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2016

• Alicia Keys + Maxwell - Fire We Make
• Jazmine Sullivan - Good Enough
• Melanie Fiona - Wrong Side of a Love Song
• Rihanna - Kiss It Better
• Christina Aguilera - Change
• Whitney Houston - You Were Loved
• Beyonce + Kendrick Lamar - Freedom*
• Deborah Cox - Kinda Miss You
• Gregory Porter + Kem - Holding On
• Adele - I Miss You
• Rihanna - Love On The Brain
• Jennifer Hudson - Dangerous

2017, let's see what you're made of!

As I always say, to me music is a therapy: it relaxes me, it inspires me, it becomes my voice to express myself when I cannot find the words. Put your life to music. Which songs capture you?

You'll never stand alone,

Xx

*Not included in video playlist

My Life In Music: Soundtrack To Me 2015

Another year; another this is me, this is who I am. I love these posts; I love this mini project. It helps me reflect on the year, it's fun, it features music (a major love in my life), and it allows me to share myself with others...in a way that many likely don't understand from the outset. 

This is the soundtrack to my life for the year 2015.

I confess, I'm not sure what was up with 2015; was it a year of reflection, a year of living in the past, or a year of what's old is new or relevant, again? Many of the songs on the playlist this year are recordings that were released in earlier years, but they spoke volumes to me this past year. The only missing audio/video is a song from Adele's "25," but with over 3 million sales the album reached in it's first week of release...I'm sure everyone has the CD by now. If not, find the and listen to it; the title is in the track listing below!

MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2015

• Tamia - Chaise Lounge 
• TLC - Waterfalls 
• Whitney Houston - Exhale (Shoop, Shoop) 
• Deborah Cox - Where Do We Go From Here 
• Ariana Grande & Nathan Sykes - Almost Is Never Enough 
• Iggy Azalea + Jennifer Hudson - Trouble 
• Miranda Lambert + Carrie Underwood - Somethin' Bad 
• Mariah Carey & Ne-Yo - Angel's Cry 
• Whitney Houston - My Heart Is Calling 
• Paolo Nutini - Let Me Down Easy
• R Kelly - Spend That 
• R Kelly - Cookie
• Adele - I Miss You

Hello, 2016...it's me. Let's see what you hold.

As I always say, to me music is a therapy: it relaxes me, it inspires me, it becomes my voice to express myself when I cannot find the words. Put your life to music. Which songs capture you?

Nothin' But Love,

Xx

*Not included in video playlist

MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2011

Nope, I'm still not singing, but I am grooving, relating, living my life, and loving music as much as ever. Another year behind me, more experiences under my belt, and another edition of My Life in Music --the soundtrack to my life over the past year. Songs that shook my world, played with my emotions, reflected aspects of my personality, contain lyrics that touched my soul, or just made me shout "That is my song!" (over and over, again).

As I always say, to me music is a therapy: it relaxes me, it inspires me, it becomes my voice to express myself when I cannot find the words.

I present to you ....

MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2011

• Toni Braxton - Why Won't You Love Me
• Fantasia - I'm Doin' Me
• Patti LaBelle - I Can't Make You Love Me
• Toni Braxton - Hands Tied
• Jennifer Hudson - All Dressed in Love
• Adele - Rolling in the Deep
• Usher - Making Love (Into the Night)
• Usher - Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)
• Michael Jackson - Behind The Mask
• Kem - Why Would You Stay
• Cee Lo Green - Forget You
• Leona Lewis - I Know Who I Am
• Adele - He Won't Go
• Quiana Parler - Save Your Love For Me
• Terisa Griffin - Wonderful

Put your life to music. What are your tunes?

Single and Sexy ... with Style

Ok, don't hate me...sexy is as sexy does; and I do me. It comes naturally; it's just who I am.

My style? It's a natural born talent; I can't explain it. But I have cultivated it through the years; nourished it properly and allowed it to grow and blossom into the fabulosity you see (in and around me) every day. I'm fancy, huh? You bet. Classy? Amen! (snap, snap)

While I can't (nor will I ever try) to teach you all of my secrets, I will let you in on a few things. I think most of these are widely and commonly known, yet astonishingly enough...a lot of you are completely in the dark. Please don't try to enlighten me, because I'm afraid to find out.

You may or may not know this, but I don't like to pay full-price...for anything. Somethings I have no choice in the matter and some things just talk to me and touch me in ways that I have to have them right then and there; despite the cost. For everything else...there are sales. Sample sales. Designer sample sales. Members-only designer sample sales.

Allow me to introduce:

Gilt: The premier (and my 1st choice) destination for deals on stylish and trendy designer fashions, home decor and small appliances, travel experiences , beauty and spa treats, gourmet foods (Gilt Taste), and local city and cultural indulgences (Gilt City). Membership highly recommended.

RueLaLa: My runner-up to Gilt. Love it for stylish fashions (their Stylathons are very popular and worth while), small kitchen appliances and cookware (they frequently offer Le Creuset), and travel packages. Recently started with their local city offerings; rather intriguing...and great at introducing you to new local opportunities.

Ideeli: Likely the most cost efficient and great for affordable fashion staples; cannot beat their Red Sales. They also offer items for the home, kitchen, and vacations. Note that their sales are very popular and with the lower prices, they sell out quickly.

Hautelook: Arguably, the first of them all, but unfortunately, my least favorite. I would describe it as a cross between RueLaLa and Ideeli. Nevertheless, I visit them daily; you never know when you'll stumble upon treasure! Definitely a good stop for basics and sunglasses. They recently started offering "Getaway" experiences and frequently offer beauty/cosmetic items.

Other sale sites to consider and register for are Fab.com (designer home decor), Lux Delux (all things must-have and must-experience), and MyHabit (just launched, but a part of Amazon, so you never know where it will go).

Now, while I've just let you in on this; for these resources to be effective, you have to be on top of your game! Don't be sloppy; and no amateurs! 'Limited-time' and 'exclusive' mean something. Get in, learn, and progress; period, full stop.

Singledom...well, it's not for everyone..nor is it always cute. But, we do what we have to do; accentuate the positive!

Cupcake Contention

I'm not sure what has become of traditional bakeries and classic treats such as brownies and cookies, but these days deluxe, delicious, and designer gourmet cupcakes are all the rage. Truthfully, as much as I want to lose 20lbs (hold your comments); I hate to say it, but I'm almost sure I've developed a cupcake addiction. Mind you, it is moi we're talking about, so you know I'm not addicted to just any ol' cupcake, but a cupcake of substance, quality, decadence and utmost approval and deliciousness. Once I start, it's awfully hard to stop -- you can't eat just one, but I try.

Just like I'm not addicted to any ol' cupcake, I'm also not addicted to cupcakes from just anyone's over. Ugh-ugh...absolutely not! Not my style! I'm addicted to gourmet cupcakes from THREE different companies; I kid you not! I can eat them without notice. I have my fave creation from each cupcakery (my word, but you can use it), but cannot bring myself to choose one favorite overall. These are just my faves from the selections that I've tried...there are still many options remaining at each bakery; not even going to mention the bakeries I have not had the pleasure of visiting (Babycakes and Buttercup Bake Shop [Peanut Butter and Jelly] are on my list to be tried soon and very soon) or those I have ruled out for other reasons (subtext: some things are just nasty). I think you should try all the cupcakes; especially from my three fave cupcakeries. Of the establishments I am about to name, they may have their own nominee for their best cupcake; be sure to ask them when you visit.

Georgetown Cupcake - (@GTownCupcake) A welcomed discovery I made by walking by (someone's desk) and being curious; another reason it pays to be nice -- you get rewarded with treats. My favorite GTown Cupcake thus far is their delicious and moist PB Fudge.

Sweet Revenge - (@sweetrevengenyc) I was introduced by a friend and fell in love immediately. First, you know I love the name...and that's all I'll say about that. Secondly, my friend is one of those who "playas" who try to be smooth and on the romantic tip in his dating excursions ... the venue is cute and provides a great atmosphere for the occasional first date; an added bonus is that they pair these sweet treats with wine. My favorite is the Sweet Revenge Cupcake, but I'll suggest trying the Not So Dirty -- they are only available on select days.

Crumbs - (@CrumbsBakeShop) Don't worry; you won't have any 'crumbs' leftover to clean up. My first Crumbs experience was with a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcake...I've been hooked ever since. They are pretty much a staple at office parties and becoming ever popular at birthday parties. I warn you now, they are ginormous. My ultimate favorite is the Blackout -- never had a bad one, I like them room temperature or chilled, and I often get them two and a time-- followed closely by the seasonal Chocolate Pecan Pie. Red Velvet is proclaimed to be their top selling cupcake; I've also been told to check out their new flavor Milkshake (I imagine it has all the boys...and girls...running to a location).


Also, trendy and worth checking out is Baked By Melissa -- delicious and cute mini cupcakes. No personal faves, but they definitely add color to a party or celebration...and make great gifts, as well.

As I've said, I have no final favorite as I still have many options to experience, but I'm not giving up...I'm holding on and keeping strong. Believing that one day, I'll be able to say..."And, the winner is...."

It will likely be Blackout, but you never know.

If/when you've had some wonderful cupcake experiences, let me know...I'm also open to suggestions.

Get your eat on!

Oprah In Me: O-So Fave Things

You know you want this...and everybody wants to be Oprah Winfrey; except me. Madam Winfrey is fab, great, grand...and beyond wonderful; I give her that. My hat off to her! However, I know I could never be her...I can only be me! I...we...can learn from her; from what she's done and everything she's accomplished. Don't worry, I'm going to spare you the "this is how to succeed," "this is how to get rich" spiel; I'm not even going to say my usual....DO BETTER.

Nope. No way. Not this time. I'm channeling another part of Ms. O --- quality and standards. Oprah has some out of this world taste and grand standards; which is why practically everything she references/recommends/mentions/thinks about and selects as a 'favorite' or 'pick' becomes an instant hit and a favorite of many of her fans and followers (can you say "powerful" and "highly influential"?). I have impeccable taste and standards too; go ahead, admit it...you know it's true. [smile]

So, I present to you, my inner Oprah and my recent (ok, first official) "O-So Fave Things" list. Now, I warn you...don't hurt yourself.

MY O-SO FAVES:

• Sharpie pen - A quintessential writing tool! Lightweight, smooth writing, and it doesn't bleed through your paper.

• Systane eye lubricant and ointment - Yes, I had my doubts...at first, but I absolutely LOVE the Systane Ultra Lubrican Eye Drops and the Systane Nighttime Ointment. They leave your eyes feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I've often used "moist" to describe these two products make my eyes feel, but you now...take that as you may.

• Bath & Body Works shower gels; for men (Twilight Woods and Noir) -- both subtle and clean fragrances that make you want to jump around and dance and sing after your shower, but still leaves you feeling sensual; unisex (Sea Island Cotton) -- yes, this one will have you smelling yourself! It's soft, clean, and crisp. Great for a night out on the town or a cozy, snuggle-heavy night inside.
  

• Red Jacket Orchards - Fuji Apple Juice; that's pretty much all that needs to be said. It's pressed; and is likely the best tasting apple juice you will ever have...minus the concentrates.

• Fage - Strained Greek yogurt. Who knew plain could be so extraordinary!? For those days when you want a little something extra...pour in the topping (honey, strawberry, and blueberry are my fave add-ins).

• Barbara's - has a few products that tickle my fancy, but their Original Wheatines Crackers are at the top of my list; also try their Peanut Butter Puffins cereal.

• Glutino - has the BEST pretzel sticks E-VER! Not to mention, they are gluten-free. Hush...don't knock it 'til you try it. You will never want another pretzel. (Look for the blue bag!)

• French Meadow - Splendid chocolate chip cookies and fudge brownies; gluten-free, as well. You won't want to miss out!!!
  

• Revolution tea - Talk about tasty...and cute (they come in individual serving sizes in adorable boxes). Not only did I had to call and tell my mother about these, but I also had some shipped to her as a gift. She loves them, as well!

So, yes, this is the "Oprah in me" that I'm sharing with you. None of my recommendations are paid endorsements or advertisements. I'm all about quality and taste. Each of the above I use and thoroughly enjoy (some I 'live by,' if you will) and use/consume frequently.

Step up to the plate...try them; I dare you! You know you want to.