Music

11.23.18

The 10 Best Songs of Christmas Music

Today I want to share something that I love so much. Music! Specifically, CHRISTMAS MUSIC.

Music has been my life for so long, and just like anything in life – we’ve had our ups and downs. But that doesn’t mean that anything has changed about how much I love music. Or how much it moves me.

When I was a child I was part of a group of children who got to perform all over our city throughout the year, but ESPECIALLY at Christmas! Which means that I’ve listened to A LOT of Christmas music, and usually from about August through to January 1st. Because of this, I feel like I just HAVE to share my favorite Christmas songs with you! Having listened to so so so many, and so many versions,

throughout the years – I consider myself a connoisseur of Christmas songs.

Here is my top 10 for Christmas songs – including my new favorites and my all time favorites, and some instrumentals!

Angels from the Realms of Glory – The Piano Guys
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy – Lindsey Stirling
Christmas Canona – Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Ave Maria – Celine Dion
Snow – Danny Kaye, Trudy Stevens, Bing Crosby and Peggy Lee
Santa Baby – Eartha Kitt
Cold December Night – Michael Bublé
Night Divine – Josh Groban
What Are You Doing New Years – Karen Carpenter
Carol of the Bells – David Foster

10.31.18

What’s Your Mission Statement and Why You Want One

Napoleon Hill called it your “definite purpose” and now we call it a mission statement.

It’s mostly used by business to define the mission of the brand or business. I recently started reading a book called “Principles” which is what it sounds like – a book about principles. It essentially touches the same idea – that humans work well with a guiding mantra for their life – a mission statement.

It sounds DAUNTING, I know. “How do I define my life and what I stand for in one short sentence?!” But it’s actually somewhat simple. It’s a statement built around your:

Beliefs
The kind of person you are/want to be
Principles
Priorities

Why a mission statement for your life can be so helpful is because it is a guidance system by which all decisions can be measured.

As I mentioned business have them. Starbucks’ is “Our mission: to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.” What I like about mission statements is that they transcend goals but they can change! It’s like having a compass in your pocket to pull out when you start to feel confused or overwhelmed.

It allows you to define the terms on which you will live your life and it will make decision easier because you have defined who you are and what you stand for.

09.28.18

Following a Dream to Paris – The Long Way

We went to the Louis Vuitton Time Capsule in Toronto to celebrate the anniversary of Louis Vuitton coming to Canada! What I loved about this more than all the beautiful items was the story behind Louis Vuitton’s journey to success. He left his small hometown at 13 years old and set out for Paris. It took him over two years to get there are he worked to earn money and accommodations and then traveled a little farther. Finally making it to Paris and becoming a boxer’s apprentice at age 16. He then opened his own boxing business and then introduced luggage – as they say – the rest is history.

Here is what I love about this. He followed a dream. From that dream he set goals, took action, and created a magnificent legacy. What is most wonderful about the story of Louis Vuitton though, isn’t that he set out to become a famous luggage and handbag designer, but that he followed his dream of going to Paris, and from there found something he was good at and enjoyed and it resulted in a brand with more than a century of history. I believe this occurred because of his passion – that’s what built a legacy that still exists today.

You don’t have to enjoy Louis Vuitton to appreciate his journey and the effort he put into succeeding. There are stories like this from many facets of the world. What I love is when people discover their passion and they pursue it. It creates magic. This story is inspiring because it reminds us that even if we have to walk over 300 miles to achieving what we want, it’s possible.

Anything can be possible with some creativity, imaginative thinking, and the willingness to say “this is what I want” and to then go about doing it!

09.07.18

The Inspiration Trick

What is inspiration to you?

As a songwriter, inspiration is something I’ve spent time studying and learning about. I’ve found that inspiration is one of my favorite things because of what it can do for us as humans. Inspiration motivates us to set GOALS, to reach for goals, to try something NEW, to be our best, INSPIRATION is something we all need.

I find inspiration in nature, travel, art, goals, daydreaming, music, conversations, ideas, really anything can become inspiration and you never know when it will happen! To me, that is so fascinating and exciting! Sometimes alone time can be inspiring – I know that can be the case for me. Or maybe looking at people you admire on instagram is something that inspires you to dream and then set goals.

One source of inspiration that is particularly interesting is how we as people have found inspiration in other people. You can be inspired by someone’s lifestyle, the things they overcame, and the things they achieved. The BEST THING about this kind of inspiration is that it can occasionally masquerade under another name…jealous. But instead of letting that envious feeling take hold, just look at it as inspiration. Don’t let yourself fall into the trap of comparison, or letting yourself think, “well if I had that advantage I could be a _____ too!”. Instead just look at what they achieved and let it inspire you to be the best version of yourself and that you can achieve what they have and even more.

If you can reprogram your mind to see something that you normally would envy as something inspiring you can STOP the comparison cycle. It will help you make the jump to APPRECIATING something that once made you jealous, because you will start to think of yourself achieving something similar. Change your thoughts…CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

08.13.18

Life Update August 2018

I took a little break over the end of July and August to focus onget spending time with my family and thinking over what I’ll be working on next!

I now find it crucial to follow my intuition and when I need a break to take one! It helps me write and create the best music, content, and keeps me refreshed! Now, I’m ready to finish the summer strong and head into the fall!

So here’s a little update.

I GOT MARRIED!

It sounds so new to say “husband” but I’m excited to start a fun adventure with my love. We got married on 8/8/18 and I’ll probably share the pictures once I get them back from the photographer!

WRITING NEW MUSIC UPDATE

It’s been a fun time this year already! What with planning a wedding, releasing an album, having a wedding, and now starting to write for a new project!

MY 16-YEAR FRIENDSHIP WITH MY HORSE

My 29 year old thoroughbred crossed the rainbow bridge a few days ago. It’s never easy to say goodbye to a horse, especially one you’ve had so long. He was the perfect horse; beautiful, big, kind, sweet, gentle, and a true gem. He will always be one of the most special horses to me and I will love him always. I know he’s at peace now and I’m glad we got to spend so many wonderful years enjoying each other’s company.

SOMETHING NEW UPDATE

I’ve decided it’s really important to me to make empowering people, especially women, a consistent part of what I do. I want to help them, and all people, find their power, the things they’re passionate about, and to live life to the fullest! I’m not totally sure what that’s going to look like, but I’m working on it!

It’s been a busy summer and now I’m excited to focus on the blog, new music, and empowering through speaking and music! Tell me about your summer!

06.27.18

Pick Me Up Playlist

Obviously I love music, but I’m fairly particular about what kind of words I want to hear. Which is why I sometimes want a pick me up.

I think the music we listen to really matters, and that we should only be putting good thoughts in our minds! These are some of my favorite songs to listen to when I might need a reminder to keep a positive attitude. What better way to show you what I’m talking about than the share the songs with you! Every one can use a pick me up, especially half way through the work week! So here are 10 songs that I love to listen to to remind me of who I am and what I can do.

I hope it does the same thing for you!

Pick me up playlist

Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles
Fight Song – Rachel Platten
All I Do Is Win – DJ Khaled
Legendary – Welshly Arms
Shake It Off – T Swift
Happy – Pharrell Williams
Walking On Sunshine
Good Vibrations – Beach Boys
Don’t You Worry Child – Swedish House Mafia
Shake It Out – Florence and The Machine