Passionista!

November Winners

2009-11-06T09:03:00.000-08:00

This month's mix winners:

#12 - Jodi M.
#10 - M&E
#3 - Karen W.
#21 - Kim W.
#1 - Amy C.

Congrats Ladies!

Good Things:

2009-11-05T11:49:00.001-08:00

Some things on my mind today...

Danyelle and Molly are hosting a calendar swap over at My Favorite Things and I've signed up... you should too... and if you get my name in the swap, well, here's a little hint... I love this one...oh, and this one.

I always dread planning and executing birthday parties, but my recently renewed creative mojo is making Lily's upcoming 8th birthday bash much more enjoyable to plan. The ideas are a'flowin! The pic above is a little sneak peek at her invites.

My talented sister in law Nancie has started her own cleaning business and isn't her advertisement adorable? If you know her, then you know this fits her to a "T." Need help cleaning for the holidays? Moving in or out? Call Nan! She's really good. And my brother Mitch's photo shop skills are sweet, huh?

On my mind constantly is what our family will be wearing in some upcoming family pictures. Trying not to be too matchy-matchy, but still coordinated. Here's the color scheme I've come up with. Check out the talented photographer
we'll be using.

Oh and finally, don't forget to enter this months giveaway before tomorrow morning!

Trifecta.

2009-11-04T08:04:00.000-08:00

A winning trio this morning:

+ a beautiful, foggy morning
+ Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song"
+ piping hot candy cane tea

++ are you craving some Christmas tunes?
listen here.

Good Things

2009-11-03T07:35:00.000-08:00

Can't even begin to tell you how much I love this brilliant idea.
Filing it away in my steel trap...

[via]

November Mix

2009-11-02T06:14:00.000-08:00

My top-10 faves from this mix:

1. Made for Glory - Landon Pigg. Obviously, this song inspired the mix and the lyrics just got me the moment I heard them.
2. Dying Day - Brandi Carlile. Another song that I've replayed over and over.
3. Spilt Milk - Kristina Train. Gorgeous. Gorgeous. Gorgeous.
4. Beautiful Day - Miranda Lee Richards. This song is from the film "Adam." I am counting down the days to see this movie.
5. Satellites - Matthew Perrymore Jones. This song is my favorite release so far from Brite artist MPJ.
6. On the Stage - Kate Walsh. LOVE everything about this song.
7. Passenger - Daniel Ellsworth. Another Brite artist. I have been so pleased with my $4.99 a month membership to Brite Revolution because I've netted so many awesome tracks from so many incredible [lesser known] artists. Go check it out.
8. The Violet Hour - Sea Wolf. My favorite track from the New Moon soundtrack. It rocks.
9. Family Tree - Charlie Hardin. A Brite artist again, and such a great one too. I love this song.
10. Dreams-Come-True-Girl - Cass McCombs. "You're not my dream girl, you're not my reality girl, you're my dreams-come-true-girl." Such great lyrics.

Want to win this mix? Since it's November, comment once by Friday, Nov. 6th, 9am and tell me what you're grateful for. Winners will be announced Friday! Please don't forget to include your e-mail address.

Costumes.

2009-11-01T22:52:00.001-08:00

Journaling note: Had to take many pictures because the sun was shining in Lily's face and she was having a hard time keeping her eyes open, and Ethan objects to giving a toothy smile. In the end, my favorite picture is the top candid photo in which Ethan is showing wiggle-worm Lily where to look because she was having a very hard time focusing on the camera. Lovely little photo shoots.

Madeline and Jocelyn chose not to dress up this year...fine with me! Brandon and I were discussing that we only have about 4-5 more years of costumes.

I'm excited for November. Lots of fun stuff ahead.

Right now...

2009-10-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

I'm enjoying my all-time favorite snack: fresh apples from our orchard sprinkled with Truvia and cinnamon.

I'm nursing three [almost] broken toes. I'm pretty sure they're not actually broken, but they feel like it... and I have a limp now.

I'm listening to Ella Fitzgerald sing "All That You Are."

I'm dreaming up my Christmas card idea, and it is lovely. I hope it translates well once it's on paper.

I'm avoiding the dishes.

My mind just keeps wandering to the upcoming vacation Brandon and I will be taking.

What are you doing?

"Oh, do anything to be happy" - Noah & the Whale

2009-10-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

"this is a song for anyone
with a broken heart,
this is a song for anyone
who can't get out of bed,

oh, do anything to be happy.
oh, cause blue skies are coming
but I know that it's hard."

--------

today's gratefuls:

- teenage daughters old enough to figure out their costume
- the song at the top of this playlist
- lovely lin's grateful list, which inspired me today
- my "be happy" banner
- the plan of happiness and the gift of repentance
- my reading-loving Lily who reads three chapter books a week
- dates with my husband
- annual pumpkin carving FHE motivating me to CLEAN
- Alma 32, especially verse 27
- this book for making that chapter more fully understood
- the gorgeous fall colors I see each time I drive home

Mojo

2009-10-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

My creative mojo, which was at one time thriving, has been on the decline for months. And I've missed it. But, after adding a few creative inspirations back to my blogroll, I can happily report that I have found my desire to create again.

This picture via Darling Dexter sparked something in me and inspired my November playlist artwork, to be revealed later... like... in November.

And then, last week, my sister in law called me and told me to check out these paper witch shoes and invited me to make some with her. So last Friday, after a long hiatus from the craft store, I returned and purchased the goods and we crafted all evening long, cutting and folding and manipulating paper products into adorable witch shoes, to be filled with candy for friends. I could feel my mojo seeping back in.

Sadly, Ethan's very best friend is moving about 3 hours away. Today will be their last play date and so in an attempt to ease the heartbreak I quickly whipped up a gift for each of them. A framed picture of them together and a keepsake card with their addresses, phone numbers, e-mail address and a reminder to "make new friends, but keep the old."

It was an easy-peasy project and felt so good to see the smile on their faces and the assurance that everything will be okay.

I've determined that creativity is essential to my sanity, and this talk is proof. I've also decided that a new camera would greatly boost my creative desire... I am growing tired of blurry closeups.

Santa baby, a new camera?? Please?

For Inspiration.

2009-10-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

Over these [almost] three years that I've been blogging, I've gone back and forth on what kinds of blogs I love to read. Several months ago, I removed almost all of the "pretty" blogs from my google reader because sometimes it can get overwhelming when the number of new posts is hovering around 364. Those kinds of bloggers post a lot of pretty. And sometimes it's just too much.

But lately, I've been missing the inspiration, the beauty. So last week I set out to find some "pretty" blogs to start reading. Here's what I found:

You Are My Fave
Love.Obsess.Inspire
Oh, Hello Friend
Wren Handmade
Darling Dexter
Janet Hill Studio and her blog
Simple Blueprint
Hooray
Creature Comforts

Whether it's beautiful photography or interior design or fashion or paper, or the beautiful paintings of Janet Hill [I'd give my left arm to paint like her], I've concluded that I need this kind of inspiring beauty in my life.

My creative funk is gone, gone, gone... and I'll show you tomorrow what I've been up to.

Stunning

2009-10-20T12:27:00.001-07:00

It's been quite a while since I've heard such a stunning debut album. I know practically nothing about Kristina Train other than she has the most beautiful, soulful voice. I love every track and the easy, jazzy, bluesy feel to each. I love the lush strings and big horns sections. This album will seriously be on my top 10 albums of 2009. Please, if you are a fan of Norah Jones or Diane Birch, go check her out.

Today:

2009-10-19T16:46:00.000-07:00

Madeline stayed home sick. fever. cough. sore throat. headache. Yuck.

I am feeling nauseous. headache. worn out. Yuck.

The two of us watched A Walk to Remember. Twice.
Love that movie.

I listened to the New Moon album [I like it]
while making our favorite soup, Potato-Corn-Ham Chowder.
It's delish.

How are you doing?

Mid October Favorites

2009-10-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

[ this necklace to go with these earrings I bought. love love love.]

+ purple, plum, deep violet.
it's my color this fall.
I bought this coat and these shoes, and I love them both.

+ pumpkin desserts.
it wouldn't be autumn without pumpkin.
I made this last night and it is yummy...and easy.
Find it here.

+ Made for Glory.
a little obsessed with this song.
"Like a thistle on a tree,
like the sparkle on the sea,
you were made for glory."

+ cold, foggy, rainy days.
I know I'm strange, but I love those kind of days.
days where I just want to stay in and watch movies.
movies like "Far and Away" and "You've Got Mail."

What are your October favorites?

Crazy Love.

2009-10-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

*** It's 10:45 pm on October 8th and I am giddy because iTunes thinks it's October 9th and Michael's new album is already available. Here's my track by track review upon first listen.

1. Cry Me a River. Oh. My. Goodness. Just WOW! I can NOT wait to see this performed live.
2. All of Me. This is the epitome of what Michael does best. He takes a song we all know so well and have heard so many times and he breathes freshness into it and it is lovely.
3. Georgia on My Mind. I've been really anxious to hear his version of Georgia because I love this song so much. It's perfect.
4. Crazy Love. Each song flows so well into the next one on this album and this one just works.
5. Haven't Met You Yet. This is the first of the two original songs that Michael co-wrote. Honestly, it took me several listens to really really love this song, but now, it plays so much at our house because all 4 of my kids love it too.
6. All I Do Is Dream of You. Such a fun song, and he sounds amazing.
7. Hold On. The second original song, and this one is just gorgeous. He really does have some pretty impressive song writing skills.
8. Heartache Tonight. When I saw the track list, this is the song I was most nervous about...I just couldn't imagine how he would make it his own. He certainly made it his own, but it's not my favorite... maybe it will grow on me over time. Maybe not.
9. You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You. Being a major Dean Martin fan, I was curious to see if he could rise to the challenge on this song. He really went a different direction than the original, which was wise, and this song might just be my favorite from the entire album. It's so awesome.
10. Baby (You've Got What it Takes). I love the sound on this track, so retro and fun.
11. At This Moment. I simply adore the Billy Vera original of this song, and always thought that this song would fit Michael's voice and style... well... I was right. Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, it's a good one and I don't ever want to stop listening.
12. Stardust. All the greats have sung this song, and now Michael proves he deserves his spot at "the big table."
13. Whatever It Takes. This is the bonus track available on iTunes and it is a duet with Ron Sexsmith and it has a nice bossa nova feel to it, and is a great way to end the album. ** When you buy the album on iTunes you also get some extra tracks and a video.

Michael will be on Oprah today [Friday] and the Today show on Tuesday, be sure to tune in and be sure to tell me what YOU think of the album.

New This Week.

2009-10-08T08:53:00.001-07:00

Give Up The Ghost - Brandi Carlile. Still trying to absorb the amazingness of this album.
If you are a fan of her at all, this is a must buy.
My favorite track so far: Dying Day. I la-la-la-love that song.

The Cricket's Orchestra - Meaghan Smith. This is a brand new to me artist, but it looks like she's been around for a while. I utterly adore the sound on her album...it's a little hard to pin down on the genre though. It's quirky, old fashioned sounding, adorable music. And I like it a lot.

Go Easy Little Doves - Brooke Waggoner. The combination of piano and strings and her voice . It's magic. And it's different than most music on the market today. She has a uniqeness that I love. This album has a very cinematic sound, so interesting. I've been anticipating this new release from Brooke and I am excited to delve into it. So far, I love every track and haven't picked a favorite yet.

Watch

2009-10-07T12:10:00.000-07:00

Today I will tune into Oprah, to see NieNie talk about life after the accident. I've already watched this little preview of today's show, and cried. And decided that I need to never ever ever take for granted all the little things like being able to use my hands during daily tasks, like taking a 5 minute shower, like holding my children.

Will you be watching too?

[image via nie's blog]

October Winners

2009-10-06T11:40:00.001-07:00

This months winners are:

#22 - RIP - [aka, Terri]
#13 - Chocolate on my cranium
#16 - AngelaBeth
#3 - by M
#5 - Kadi

Please e-mail me [ lomaril at aol dot com ] your physical address, so I can get you your mix. Congratulations!

My Heart was Spoke to:

2009-10-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

*** It is simply amazing what a weekend of soul nourishing guidance will do for a Monday morning. I mean seriously, wasn't that general conference A-MAZING?

I took 9 pages of notes all weekend long, because my forgetful heart needs to be constantly reminded. Here are the highlights that spoke to me:

** 5 new temples announced, so exciting. It brought back floods of memories from years ago when our temple was announced.

** Elder Richard G. Scott said "Throughout the ages, many have obtained guidance to help resolve challenges in their life by following the examples of respected individuals who have resolved similar problems. Today, world conditions change so rapidly that such a course of action is often not available to us. Personally, I rejoice in that reality, because it creates a condition where we have necessity, and are more dependent on the Spirit to guide us through the vicissitudes of life. Therefore we are led to seek personal inspiration in life's important decisions." He also said "Personal growth will come as you struggle to learn how to be led by the spirit."

** Elder David A. Bednar gave a talk that seemed to be written just for me [at least I felt that way.] He truly spoke to my heart. I needed to hear it, I needed to be reminded and amidst his words, I discovered what will become my word for 2010: Consistent. Thanks Elder Bednar, I can already get a jump start on my 2010 goals.

** President Dieter F. Uchtdorf has quickly become my favorite speaker. Perhaps because of his German accent, it forces me to really listen to each word and I find myself glued to his messages. He said something to the effect of "Love is the great commandment. It overcomes all things. It heals, it strengthens, it unites. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we feel lost and without compass, His love encompasses us completely." He spoke so beautifully and I will be downloading that talk to listen to over and over and over.

** Following President Uchtdorf was MoTab's beautiful rendition of "Come Come Ye Saints" and that song always gets me. Gets the tears flowing. Gets me in my heart. It's the lyrics...

Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?
'Tis not so; all is right.
Why should we think to earn a great reward
If we now shun the fight?
Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.
Our God will never us forsake;
And soon we'll have this tale to tell-
All is well! All is well!

And should we die before our journey's through,
Happy Day! All is well!
We then are free from toil or sorrow, too;
With the just we shall dwell!
But if our lives are spared again
To see the Saints their rest obtain,
Oh, how we'll make this chorus swell-
All is well! All is well!

** President Monson's story about the father who asked his children each day "What did you do for someone today?" really spoke to my heart. I decided that we would start something like that in our home and incorporate the jar of warm fuzzies as well, so that they can see their good deeds fill up the jar. LOVED THAT IDEA!

** MoTab's exquisitely beautiful rendition of "O Divine Redeemer" in the last session blew. me. away. You can download that and all of the music from each session, here. I am downloading it immediately.

** Following that powerful musical performance, was perhaps the most powerful testimony I have ever personally heard, and I will never forget it. It was, for me, the highlight of the conference. I watched it over twice, both times, feeling so grateful to have this beautiful gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, what a wonderful man he is.

[image via folk artist Eric Dowdle]

Speaking to My Soul

2009-10-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

This new album, released just a couple of weeks ago, will most likely be playing on constant rotation for several days, because I am in LOVE with it.

It is a few of our favorite hymns remade with an indie/singer-songwriter feel and it is beautiful. My favorite tracks so far are Libbie Linton's "Come Come Ye Saints" and Sarah Sample's "I Need Thee Every Hour." Beautiful!

The entire album speaks to my soul, and I cannot stop listening.

You can listen to samples on iTunes or here.
[Discovered via Mindy Gledhill]

I am also very much looking forward to the "speaking to my soul" that will happen over the course of Saturday and Sunday, during our General Conference.

One Week.

2009-10-01T20:15:00.000-07:00

Only one more week, and then I'll be devouring this new album from front to back, back to front, inside and out. Seriously.

The tracklist:

Cry Me A River [most excited about this one]
All Of Me
Georgia On My Mind
Crazy Love
Haven't Met You Yet*
All I Do Is Dream Of You
Hold On*
Heartache Tonight
You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You
Baby (You've Got What It Takes)
At This Moment
Stardust
Whatever It Takes (bonus track)
*co written by Michael Bublé

October Mix

2009-10-01T13:13:00.001-07:00

Happy October!

This month's mix is here and ready. I like it. I like it a lot.

21 tracks.
all really great.
but here are my favorites:

+ I Don't Know What to Do - Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson
+ While My Guitar Gently Weeps - AM & Tina Dico
+ Where Are You Now - Jenn Grant
+ Sleepwell Chicago - Trent Dabbs
+ Can't Get You Out of My Mind - Aqualung
+ A Ghost - Landon Pigg
+ Mockingbird - Ryan Adams
+ Everybody - Ingrid Michaelson
+ Melody - Kate Earl [possibly my #1 fav?]
+ No One Said This Would Be Easy - The Postmarks

Comment once on this post by Tuesday, October 6th, for a chance to win a mix.

Enjoy!

Today:

2009-09-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

- order some of this perfect, apple green bakers twine.
It is so perfect it almost makes me cry.
More colors will be available soon... can't wait!

- send flirty texts to my cute husband

- more laundry

- more dishes

- try to find a really good salmon ~~bisque~~ chowder
recipe for dinner

- try to kill all the flies in my house.
Seriously one of the most annoying things
about this time of year.
I think I might go insane.

Sharing:

2009-09-29T10:07:00.001-07:00

what I'm going to listen and soak up today: I am in la-la-la-la-la-love with Jenn Grant's warm and delicious voice and I'm going to soak up her newest album "Echoes" today. Oh my goodness, it's the perfect thing to listen to on a blustery, fall day. Check this out.

a book I love: I am currently reading "Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller" a novel, based on actual people and events, and I love it. I hope to finish it today. Have you read it? What did you think? I don't think it feels like a novel at all.

some videos you MUST watch: My sister in law Melanie...she gets my music obsession and every once in a while, she e-mails me links to videos she knows I will love. [Melanie, these gave me chills.] Love them to pieces. And I think this is the proof America needs, to realize that the arts are just as important in school as math, science, and reading. Look at the way these children come alive when they sing. Amazing! Click here and here and here and here. Bravo to PS22 and their inspiring teacher Mr. B!

a link you locals might like: My cousin Alicia, is working to gather up 99 other people who would like to see New Moon before anyone else and not at the unnatural hour of 12am. Click here and let her know if you are interested.

Mraz. In concert.

2009-09-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

> Jason went up a few notches on the adorable factor.

> he sounded even better live, which is always a plus, right?

> when he went straight into Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds"
after "I'm Yours"... I swooned.

> a very very slowed down version of "A Beautiful Mess"
is a very. very. good. thing.

> my new favorite Mraz song, "Dear Anna." [ if you can't hear it, turn volume up all the way!]
Help! I haven't been able to find this song anywhere.
Major Reward for locating a download for this gorgeous song! Please!

> new-to-me Bushwalla was a great host and it was a blast to watch him and Jason jam together like old friends. G-Love and Special Sauce were... okay.

> Spokane's Riverfront park, overlooking the river, on a perfect 75 degree evening... it was a magical backdrop for Jason's music.

> we [mom and I] finished up our perfect evening at my aunt and uncle's B&B and woke up the next morning to the most insanely delicious breakfast. Very Naughty! But worth every bite.

Good Things:

2009-09-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

a few things I am crushing on right now...

- Mika's new album but especially track 2, "Blame It On The Girls." Listen here.

- this post and her completely adorable gift for her beau. Her creativity levels astound me.

- Landon Pigg's upcoming album and the two free mp3's offered at his site. Go check it out here. I love both songs.

- this beautifully renovated cottage in picturesque France. I want to go to there. [via]

- want to download a really cute, free, thank you card? go here. [via]