First Friday: Wedding Edition

So last weekend I was in a wedding which marks my first wedding as a non-flower girl. (not that I am not still willing to be a flower girl...Katie and Jenny...) I was a bridesmaid for the first time and it was killer! Was the dress expensive? Yes. Will I wear it again? No. Did it take up my time and cause me to stress out? Yes. Was it AWESOME? YES!! It was worth every minute of stress to help relieve stress from the couple, it was worth every late night to help them make this wedding perfect and it was worth the cost of the dress to be a part of their big day. The day was as close to perfection as humanly possible and I hope the newlyweds thought so too. Were there moments of craziness and things that did not go as planned? Yes there was, but that is going to happen everyday...especially on the wedding day.

The decorations were beautiful and all done by the bride, the dress was gorgeous and the reception was a blast!! There was a photo booth that was sweet, great music (only one short chunk of slow dancing) and the people there were really fun. Oh, and the pointing was re-dic-ulous!!!! So all-in-all I hope every wedding I am in will be as fun as this one!!

So you want to hear some of the crazyness that happend? Here ya go:

• The church had another event that night so we got stared down during pictures by the wedding coordinator (who is no joke...she means business! We started the wedding 2 min early!!) and she kept moving closer and closer to rush us along. 
• The pointing caught on so much that the kids in the bridal party were doing it all the time, the bridal party dance was a sea of pointing and by the end of the night the entire reception was like a pointingpalooza. It was the best.
•  We ate stranger's cold pizza...they left it there and we ate it. When they came back for it we were still eating it. We couldn't help ourselves, no food place it open past midnight, lame I know, except Taco Bell and that was a disaster for the few who went.
• We took pictures in "urine" soaked mud, the downtown streets, and in a park...the bottoms of our dresses are done for. (Especially once you add in our attack of the chocolate trays at the reception because we were so hungry.)
• One thing I will take away for future wedding experiences...our dress had TOO MUCH dress. By reception when we kicked off the heels, had to maneuver in between two head tables and dance, there was just way too much dress to take care of. Not to mention how hot they were. Oh, but they did "bustle" in the back. Yeah right...because of there being way TOO MUCH dress those lasted about 5 min. In 90% of reception pictures I am awkwardly finding new ways to hike up my dress, pointing (of course), and throwing modesty to the wind.
• In line for the photo booth you saw some crazy things go down behind the curtain. We yelled at two guys trying to hurry them up and they said "Wait, we have to get dressed" 
• Most of us did not get cake until the after party in the hotel lobby...where we ate it with our hands in huge chunks on our "plates" which were the strangers pizza boxes.

There are a few of the amazing things that happened that are blog appropriate. It was one amazing weekend!! And remember...

When in doubt? POINT! IT! OUT!

Music Monday: Wedding Edition

This past weekend I have the privilege of being in one amazing wedding! My two friends got married in one grand, epic, legendary wedding!!!! I had an awesome time and am still feeling the effects of a four day wedding blitz. (I can barely lift my arms right now.)

In honor of their marriage I made them a little mix CD to help them in this new stage of their relationship. So below is my Baby Makin Mix especially for the newlyweds.

1. Let's Get it On- Marvin Gaye (This is the quintessential first song to any CD of this nature.)
2. Can't Get Enough of Your Love- Barry White
3. My Love- Justin Timberlake (The Bride loves this song)
4. Giving Him Something He Can Feel- Ev Vogue
5. I Wanna Sex You Up- Color Me Badd (pretty self explanatory why this is on here)
6. Red Light Special- TLC
7. I'll Make Love to You- Boys II Men (Because what would any love makin CD be with out Boys II Men??)
8. Rock the Boat- Aaliah (So yeah, the 90's R&B scene is the best to pull from....lots of options as you can see.)
9. Sexual Healing- Marvin Gaye (I was asked a few times if there was any Marvin Gaye on this CD. My answer: "Of Course! He is on there twice!")
10. A Natural Women- Aretha Franklin
11. I Only Have Eyes for You- The Flamingos (Because you need some romance on these CDs too)
12. Turn Me On- Norah Jones
13. Put Your Head on My Shoulder- Michael Buble (they are Buble fans...aren't we all?)
14. These Arms of Mine- Otis Reddin (He is right after Marvin and Boys II Men as a must have)
15. At Last- Etta James (Not only a great love song but the Brides favorite)
16. Hold On- Michael Buble (Their first dance...great choice)
17. I Just Had Sex- The Lonley Island feat. Akon (Not only because of the title but also because it was an ongoing joke that we were going to have this played at different times the day after the wedding...we are so funny!)

So there is my CD just for the newlyweds. Maybe, if you are lucky (and I know you) you will get a personalized one on your wedding day too! (although the first song is not changing!)


Tommorrow's New Music:

• Dominant Legs- Invitation: I have been waiting for a full length or a least nationally distributed CD from them and am so excited there will be one tomorrow! It sounds pretty awesome and a little 80's reminicent, which I love, so go and check them out!
• Blink-182- Neighborhoods 
• Matthew Sweet- Modern Art: Sadly no Hoffs on this one :(
• Wilco- The Whole Love
• Chickenfoot- Chickenfoot III: A lot of guys like this band....a lot.

Music Monday: Best Coast

So I may be a little late to the Best Coast party, but I am here now so get excited!

I first learned about them right before their album was released because as I had said before- I used to work and the most amazing record store ever. (that is right Media Play, take that) However before I heard their music or knew anything about them I did not like them. Someone that irks me the wrong way highly recommended them to me so I was done with them before anything ever started. You know how that goes right? At least it is a common occurrence for me..judging things based on my feelings toward something else? Like I never have seen Armageddon because I liked Deep Impact so much? (I tend to be a very loyal fan and defend things even when they are not being attacked) Or being an *Nsync hater because they copied Backstreet Boys? (I later redacted that statement once No Strings Attached came out)

Anyway, months ago I came across "Boyfriend" online somewhere and became a little obsessed. It was catchy and fun. (and we all know my affinity for female vocalists) I played the heck out of it but still maintained they had to be crap other than this song. Then a few of the stars I love came together and again I had to eat my words. Drew Barrymore directed a video starring one of my top 5 favorite young actors Chloe Moretz (aka Hit Girl) to the Best Coast song "Our Deal" and once again I was obsessed. I watched it daily waiting for the extended version that had more of their music in it. After a few weeks of this I decided that it was time to swollow my pride, admit that my judgement was wrong and go to Finders and buy the album. It was worth it.

Overall best coast is a great album.They have a little bit of the Ramones attitude of the hit and run songs with most of their songs averaging about 2 min long. My new favorite song is "Crazy for You" and I sing it in my car all the time. The CD has not even made it to my computer yet because it is always on in the car...maybe I should do that tonight because then I could listen to it at work?? Anyway... Best Coast. Great album. Go buy it. (Even if someone with a snooty attitude likes it too)


Tomorrow's New Releases: (and there are so many! Who is excited that the lackluster summer of music is over and fall is here with the colder temps and about 100 new releases a week! ME! ME!)

• NeedtoBreathe- The Reckoning: I am a fan of this band since I saw them live in Chicago about 2 albums ago. This new one is sounding great and I cannot wait to go get it!
• E Family- Now & Forever: the incredibly talented Escovedos (which includes Shelia E.) have joined together to form a family super band. I am excited to hear how this one turns out with guests like Raphael Saadiq, E. W. & F., Israel Houston and Joss Stone.
• Tony Bennett- Duets II: This may be a pretty popular release from the guy who "loves things that are great!" Includes duets with Norah Jones, Aretha Franklin, Buble, Groban and Amy Winehouse. 
• The list goes on...Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Demi Lovato, Gavin Degraw, Tori Amos, Jens Lekman (don't get TOO excited it is only an EP), Pearl Jam, ANR, Blessed Feathers, Rachel Taylor Brown, and the list keeps going...and going...and  going... YAY for fall!!
  

I love mail...and music

So I have been getting a lot of mail lately- which is awesome!! Coupons, catalogs, invites, of course junk mail, and LOTS of packages!! Most of these packages are from my online shopping for said invites, my never ending search for a nice dress and nude heels and work stuff. Yesterday I got a package that I assumed was the latest pair of nude heels (I did end up getting those latter that night and once again they are a no go..boo). I took the box downstairs and opened it up and saw a bunch of brown paper and the Led Zeppelin box set. I was real confused. I knew what box set it is before I even finished opening the box since I used to work at the coolest independent record store ever Finders, and I had got it for my brother when it came out. All I was thinking was, "Why would anyone from Finders be sending me this?" Wait it is not from Finders. "Why would my brother want a second copy?" Not his...although it turns out he does want a second copy. "How is this mine?" After further inspection...and more confusion...I finally figured it out.

A couple months ago I pledged to support a movie on Kickster that Colin Hanks was making about Tower Records. Now, I never grew up with a Tower Records near by but I do support record stores-hence my dream job growing up being working at an awesome record store. I also like Colin Hanks. He was great in Orange County, The Good Guys etc. and he is so much like his dad in so many awesome ways that I keep telling my brother that if Tom ever retires we already have someone to take his place. So anyway, I supported the movie and this box of goodies is my thank you!

One thing that added to the confusion is I thought it was supposed to be 5 albums (vinyl) and was really disappointed to see CDs...but after I looked through everything (and stopped being ridiculous) I am super excited about it! There are two CDs from artists I do not own anything by: INXS and Lead Belly. But both are on my running list of things to check out and buy. Then we have, as already mentioned, the Led Zeppelin box set that contains every one of their albums. I own nothing of theirs either, but again, they are on that list and they are Led Zeppelin sooo, awesome. Finally there were 3 vinyl albums: Ramones- Rocket to Russia, Milt Jackson and Coleman Hawkins- Bean Bags, and Prince- 1999. Really this could not have worked out much better! I have some Prince vinyl, but not 1999, and I would have never thought to buy Ramones on vinyl but I love them! Plus I am a fan of some good Jazz so I will give Bean Bags a listen.

All in all I say this is the best package I have received in the mail since my surprise snapfish book from Jessie. So if anyone wants to send me music grab bags of awesome go ahead! Man, I do love the mail.

(Music grab bags would be an awesome thing to exchange through the mail...hmmm. Anyone interested?)

Music Monday:

What a horrible Monday I am having. Tonight may be a Mary Poppins night...

Anyway, because of that I am trying to think of music I can play to cheer me up and make today go by faster...any ideas? Anyone else super excited that the summer of mediocre music releases is over and fall is here where about 50 CD come out a week? I am. (oh and the return of new tv shows...especially comedy....I could use some comedy right now. Parks and Rec anyone?)

So if you are in a Monday Funk here are some of my recommendations for you listening consideration:

If you want calm, commiserating, or melancholy:

• Nick Drake- anything: He is so peaceful yet still a little fun so you are not going to sink deeper into depression.
• Dan in Real Life Soundtrack: Very similar to the above description but a little more quirky and lively.
• Garden State Soundtrack: Your in an off mood, this is the place to go if you want a CD to commiserate with you for a while. (You can include The Shins and even Broken Bells in the mix)
• The Smiths- anything: They are just so good for these moods...they have a little of everything. "Please, Please, Please Let me Get What I Want" is my theme for the day.
• Simon and Garfunkel- again...anything: duh.

If you want up-beat music to take your mind off things or pull you out of your funk:

• Bird and the Bee covering Hall & Oats: Come on what is not fun about that?
• Mathew Sweet and Susana Hoffs Cover CD: They do some great fun covers of songs from the 60's and 70's. I am really hoping that and 80's edition is in the works!
• Hanson - Shout it Out: I know, Hanson? Get over it. This album is pure fun, loaded with horns and I love it.
• Camera Obscura- Let's Get Out of this Country: it is the sound of prettiness. Ah...nice.
• Paul Simon- Graceland: It is fun, happy and just great music.
• ELO: Get your Xanadu on with the ELO greatest hits...although I would suggest this in a mix not straight through...

• My Feeling Good playlist: I know you do not know what is on it, but I do and I like it a lot.

If you want a mix of the two:

• Fleetwood Mac: Almost any of their CDs or hits collections will do, but my go to is of course Rumours.
• Todd Rundgren- Greatest Hits: this is just a fun collection spanning his career and when "Bang the Drum All Day" comes on at work, you'll smile.
• Rufus Wainwright- Want One: Beautiful, rich, passionate and at times epic.
• She and Him- whatever Volume you want: They are awesome!! And already one of my favorite Christmas Albums this year!! (Did you see the promo pic? I LOVE IT! October 25th!! CANNOT WAIT!!)

These are just a few I am thinking of/listening to today. Any suggestions of others? I could use some more. Like any music to make you feel like not everything you do is wrong? Just wonderin.

**UPDATE**
Feeling Good Playlist Below...