Music Monday: Small Vampires & Robots

Happy Monday!

Anyone else need their coffee extra strong today? It's been that kind of Monday morning for me.

But enough about me and my need for caffeine, let's talk about today's featured artist Char2d2!

No, Char2d2 is not R2D2's adorable cousin. It's a band consisting of Charla McCutcheon and Eric Breitenbach. Charla is formerly of the popular indie Vancouver band Bella, and also a fan of Star Wars.

The only way I can think of to describe Char2d2's sound is indie pop. It's catchy, it's got emotion, and it'll have you singing along by each song's end.

My favorite song off of her EP "Small Vampires" is "Take and Send." I could listen (and have listened) to it over and over and over again. It's so. good.

Don't believe me? Have a listen, and find out for yourself.

Check out her site char2d2.com for more info.

You can follow her on Twitter: @Char2d2

And "Like" her on The Facebook.

Have a wonderful week, and I'll catch up with you on Friday!

Much love,

XoXo

Feel Good Friday: You Are Perfect

Happy Friday Folks!

Back when boy-band *NSYNC was in their hey-day, I saw them in concert at Foxboro Stadium. We were so far away they only looked about three quarters of an inch tall, but my little sister and I were so happy to just be there. My dad on the other hand, was not.

I was in for such a thrill that night and I didn't even know. The opening act was an artist by the name of "P!nk." I hadn't heard of her before. But when she came on stage and began belting out her first single, "There You Go," my little tweenie boppin' mind was blown.

More than a decade later she's still around, making music and sharing her incredibly personal songs with the all of us. Honestly, I'm super grateful. Pink's music got me through the most awkward stage of every human's life- junior high, and I'm sure her music is helping a whole new generation of kids get through that time.

Her latest single, "F*ckin' Perfect" is just one example of the many songs that open a window to her heart.

It also happens to be today's feel good tune.

"F*ckin' Perfect" is not warm and fuzzy. It is not a cute little kitten that wants to curl up on your lap. It's more like a mama lioness fiercely protecting her cubs.

Yeah, it's more like that.

So, sit back and relax because for the next four minutes and eight seconds Pink is going to tell you better than I that you should never feel like you are less than f*cking perfect.

And if you ever need a reminder, just come right back here and this will all be here waiting for you. Every time.

Have a lovely weekend!

XoXo

Much Love,

Beastly: Modern Take, Same Message

I'm sure by now you've all probably seen the trailer for the new movie, "Beastly."

(AKA the modernized retelling of Beauty and The Beast.)

Just so you know I'm all about a movie where a person must look past the outer shell of another human and get to know the individual from within. Really, I think it's certainly a message we should be teaching our youth, for sure. Absolutely one-hundred percent.

My only qualm is, once again, the person who must do the looking past the outer shell and seeing what's on the inside is a female. Why must it always be the lady? (And a beautiful lady, not just some schlub.)

This is the message being told and enforced by stories like Beauty & The Beast:

"Appearances don't matter. What counts is what's in your heart...Unless you're the girl."

Well, here was Belle's reaction to that:

Even Belle is in shock.

You see, because as we all know in the very popular Disney version of "Beauty & The Beast," Belle is a little different than the other women, but she is beautiful all the same. It's easy to see why The Beast would fall for her. But, for Belle, she must see past his "hideous" appearance.

Having a (beautiful) woman see past the perhaps not-so-attractive physical appearance of a man is echoed in so many ways in our culture.

Here are just a few examples on the television that immediately come to mind:

"King of Queens"

"Family Guy"

& "Modern Family"

I'm just disappointed, yet, not surprised the current-day take on "Beauty & The Beast," follows the same formula we see above.

I guess I just wish I could see a story where it's not a beautiful woman being asked to see past the physical appearance of another human.

Is that too much to ask?!

Why are the standards for women set so high? Why is it so important to make ladies strive to try be a Barbie Doll? (Even though it's physically impossible. Seriously. If today's Barbie Doll was to be a real human, she wouldn't be able to stand. She'd fall over.)

While, as long as a guy is funny, it doesn't matter if he's attractive.

C'mon! Why are we (an by "we" I mean, every person who's human, not just ladies) standing by and allowing this sort of double standard to occur?

It shouldn't just be up to ladies to take the time to learn and see who a person really is.

Music Monday: Thieves and Their Hands

Happy Monday All!

Anyone watch Private Practice? Or Pretty Little Liars? I ask because today's featured artist has had her songs play in the background of both of those big shows.

So, who is she? Some of you may know her from the days she toured with Tegan & Sara. Others might know her as Rachael "Kitchen" Cantu. And those of you who don't know her, allow me to remedy that, and introduce you to Rachael Cantu.

Rachael Cantu's got a sound that's quite unique. It's singer/song writer meets soul meets pop. Also, it's quite good. She's certainly got talent, and I think more people should know.

Here's a video of her performing my favorite song (on Liz Feldman's show- This Just Out)

"Thieves and Their Hands"

She's great! (Am I right?!)

You should check out her website and purchase her album(s) I promise it'll be worth it!

You can also follow her on Twitter: @rachaelcantu and "Like" her on the Facebook.

Well, that's it for me folks, have a lovely week and I'll catch up with you on Friday!

Much love,

XoXo

Feel Good Friday: There's Nothin' Wrong With Lovin' Who You Are

Happy Friday Friends!

As I'm sure you all know Lady Gaga released her knew single, "Born this way," and then performed it at The Grammy's. But, maybe some of you missed it, or want to watch it again?

Let's be real, I'd be bonkers if I didn't use this song for a feel good tune. It really is a celebratory song about loving yourself, and accepting yourself for who you are. (Which is what I'm all about over here.) So, without further adieu, here's Lady Gaga's first performance of "Born This Way!"

Hope you have a fantastical weekend and I'll catch up with you on Monday!

See you then!

Much love,

XoXo

Post Valentine's Day Treat

(Pictured L to R: Sara Quin & Theohpilus London)

You're all probably just coming down from those sweet delectable sugar coma's yesterday might have put you in. Oh the wonders of chocolate and all things dipped in it. Am I right?!

Well, I promise to not spoil you with sugary treats as you've had your share of them yesterday I'm sure. I do, however, have a special little treat for your ears today.

Remember yesterday when I said Sara Quin would be serenading me on TV last night? (Well she wasn't really serenading me, I was just pretending!) But, in case you missed it, I thought I'd share it with you today!

(Aaaand you can feel free to pretend she's serenading you too if ya like. We can all dream, right?)

Here's Theophilus London featuring the lovely and talented Sara Quin on my new favorite jam,

"Why Even Try?"

Check out Theophilus London's new album, "Lover's Holiday."

Have a fantabulous week!

Much love,

XoXo

Music Monday: You Stole My Heart Like A Thief In The Night

Happy Valentine's Day Readers!

(For those of you who are "anti" this over commercialized holiday about love, I do humbly apologize in advance. For the lovers out there I hope you've got a wonderful celebration planned! And if you're single and ready to mingle, instead of calling it "Single Awareness Day," think of it as a day to love and treat yourself, guilt free!)

This Valentine's Day I'm pretending Sara Quin (from Tegan & Sara, obviously) is my Valentine. And she will be serenading me tonight on NATIONAL television! (That's right friends, NATIONAL television.) If you'd like to witness this, you can tune in tonight on David Letterman's "The Late Show" on CBS at 11:35pm.

(Ok, obviously I'm not delusional enough to actually believe she's serenading *me.* But a girl can dream!)

Sara's featured on Theophilus London's song "Why Even Try," which is the song that will be performed this evening. Yours truly cannot wait.

Haven't heard it yet? Well, what are ya waiting for?! Here, take a listen and enjoy!

If you liked what you heard you should go here and check out Theophilus London's website, and then go here to purchase the song(s)!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

And I'll catch you on the flip side for a feel good tune!

Remember to treat yourself today!

Much love,

XoXo

Meet Noah, A True Inspiration To All Humans

I'm writing today because Jack, from the bands Steel Train and Fun, has brought something to my attention which I believe needs to be shared with all of you.

I want you to meet Noah, an 8th Grader from northern California, and a true inspiration to all humans.

He started a "Gay-Straight Alliance" at his school, and is currently planning an Indie Benefit Concert for the It Gets Better Project as well as The Trevor Project.

Here's a blurb about why Noah wants to put on this Benefit Concert:

"I attended a number of vigils when Proposition 8 passed. At these protests, I got to see the light in people’s eyes and the sorrow in their hearts as they stood up for what they believed in. That experience made me realize how important it is to have the moral courage to support those who constantly have hatred thrown upon them, and rights taken away from them, simply for who they are. It made me realize that I needed to take a stand."

Watch this video to learn more!

Noah's Benefit Concert will only be funded if at least $5000 dollars is pledged by March 3rd.

If you have one dollar to donate click here.

Also, lets get this viral and spread the word!

Thank you, friends!

XoXo

Feel Good Friday: Remarkable YOU!

Happy Friday Readers!

This week I pretended to be Canadian because Sara Quin was on the show, "Canada Reads." I tell you this because it got me thinking about my favorite books. My absolute hands down without a doubt favorite book of all time is J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan.

Perhaps you are unsure of where I'm going with this. (It has a purpose I promise! Stay with me!)

J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan was originally a play, later made into the book "Peter and Wendy," and also was made into a musical. My parents owned the 1960 NBC live performance of Mary Martin as "the boy who never grew up."

In that musical, there's a song called, "I've Gotta Crow."

My friends, that song is today's feel good tune!

"I've Gotta Crow" celebrates who you are in a most fantastical fashion. It's one of those numbers that I just cannot help but want to get up and join in.

(Side-note: as a wee tot I watched this movie multiple times a day. I still know every line to this movie by heart.)

And to this day, whenever I watch it, there's a part of me that dances around inside when I hear this song. (Sometimes, when I'm alone, I will actually get up and dance...) What can I say, it makes my little heart happy?!

Here's "I've Gotta Crow!"

Enjoy!

So, the next time you are in front of a mirror and look at yourself, I hope you see all the wonderful things about you. And the days when you are pleased with yourself, remember, you have every good reason to be!

You are remarkable! (And don't you ever forget it!)

Have a lovely weekend and I'll catch up with you on Monday!

Till then,

Much love from me to YOU.

XoXo

The United States Reads?

How many of you can say a member from your favorite band is on a show called "Canada Reads" ??? Well, if your favorite band happens to be Tegan & Sara, you're in luck! I know I gush about my admiration for these ladies a lot. But, I just can't help it. I think they're awesome. Inspiring even. Seriously.

It makes me super proud to say that someone from my favorite band is on a show called "Canada Reads." In a world where ladies like Katy Perry reign with songs like, "California Girls," it's so refreshing to see Sara Quin, who is not only a super talented song writer, singer and musician, but she's smart, well spoken and someone who cares about what's happening in her country. She's a panelist on a show designed to get the people reading. Need I say more?

I will anyway. She brings hope to me because, I think if more people in the spotlight talked about books instead of what color toothbrush they have, or if they'd date a fan, it might encourage the younger generation to pick up a book.

Example: Sara championed the graphic novel "Essex County" by Jeff Lemire. Guess who already purchased said novel and is awaiting it's arrival in the mail? (... it's me.)

Could you imagine if we had a show called "The U.S. Reads!" Maybe you're thinking, "Who would watch THAT?" But, what if Lady Gaga was on it, or Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Eminem, or somebody that you looked up to? Respected? Enjoyed their talent? Would you watch it then? And what if they were championing a book that they loved so fiercely? Would you take the time to read it and see why they loved it so much?

How awesome would that be! I think it would be truly awesome.

Till then, I'm pretending I'm Canadian for the week and watching "Canada Reads," to hear what Sara Quin has to say about all 5 books.

Meet Indie Artist Sara Quin as she talks about the novel Essex County

Here's the link to watch the show if you're even just a wee bit interested.

So, do yourself a favor and take a gander:

http://bit.ly/hXUCUe

Okay, that's enough rambling for now I think.

Have a wonderful day!

Can't wait to chat with you on Friday!

Much love,

XoXo

Music Monday: What Better Time To Find A Brand New Day

Good Morning Readers!

The other night I watched BBC's "Electric Proms with Paul McCartney," from 2007 and it truly moved me as I sat there and listened to him sing some of the classic Beatles songs I grew up loving.

I mean, let's be honest here, that man is near his 69th birthday and he is still rocking harder than anyone these days. He has an energy and a vibrancy when he is up on stage that just cannot be denied. Perhaps this might sound strange because I wasn't even born when The Beatles were in their heyday, but, when I watched Paul perform "Eleanor Rigby," and "Hey Jude," I felt like if I just closed my eyes, even for a second the Paul performing looked like the Paul in the photo above. That's how he looks to me. It's like he's frozen in time like that in my brain.

There's one song I wished he had performed in that set. It's one of my personal favorite Paul McCartney songs. (And I'm not talking Beatles songs, or anything from Wings.) I'm talking about his solo stuff. Specifically, one song from the 1982 album "Tug of War." (Of all his solo stuff, THAT album is by far my favorite.) The song is called, "Wanderlust."

As a kid I loved that song because I enjoyed the melodies along with the piano and horn ensemble. Once I got older I appreciated the song in a whole new way because I began to understand what the song was actually about. I'm certainly not saying I know why he wrote that song, or that I know exactly what Sir Paul was trying to convey with this particular song, but, I understand it better than I did as a seven year old.

Here's the video of "Wanderlust," ENJOY!

I hope you are all recovering from a crazy Sunday evening of football and the like. (If that's your scene.)

Have a lovely week!

See you Friday!

Much love,

XoXo

Feel Good Friday: We Can Work It Out

Happy Friday Readers!

Can you believe January is over?! I feel like I blinked and now we're in February!

(And I still find myself writing '10' instead of '11' on things. Anyone else? No? Just me? That's okay. Happens to me every year...)

Today's Feel Good Friday post is dedicated to anyone who made a New Year's Resolution this year.

One of mine was to get back into shape, because, nothing makes me feel better than the endorphin rush after I've worked out.

So, to motivate myself I created the Ultimate Gettin' My Fitness ON Play-list!

I want to share it with all of you, in case this too happens to be (one of?) your New Year's Resolutions.

This mix was intentionally designed to continuously keep the adrenaline flowing throughout the 35 minute workout. If you like what you hear, I give you complete permission to borrow my Play-list!

1. Little Things (Good Charlotte)

2. You Winding Me Up (Hesta Prynn)

3. Jungle Love (Steve Miller Band)

4. Scared as F***/Warm Hands (An Horse)

5. Another White Dash (Butterfly Boucher)

6. Bullet (Steel Train)

7. Bad Reputation (Joan Jett)

8. Misery Business (Paramore)

9. The Ocean (Tegan & Sara)

10. Not Afraid (Eminem)

11. Won't Go Home Without You (Maroon 5)

Welp folks, that's it for today's Feel Good Friday!

I hope you all enjoy your weekend!

Can't wait to share music with you on Monday!

Much love,

XoXo