Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Music to My Ears: Piano
After last week's season finale of Downton Abbey, I don't know what I'm going to do with my Sunday Nights. All week I look forward to that dramatic piano theme to play as we prepare to see what new drama will unfold in the Grantham household. It's amazing how much emotion a good piece of piano music can evoke. And I love how taking the words out of a favorite song can give it a whole new sound and meaning. It's one of the reasons I love shopping at Nordstrom where the pianists often play remixed versions of pop favorites strictly with a piano. When I'm trying to get work done and need to be able to focus, or I just want some relaxing background music, I often turn to my piano playlist. I've even added the Downton theme song to help me get my fix until next January. What are some of your piano favorites?
Grammy Party
It's time to get Fancy; you already know. The Grammy's are this Sunday, February 5th and we are ready to swing from the Chandelier with excitement. Looking for some fun ways to celebrate? Stay With Me, cuz we're all you need to get your party started. With these fun treats and games, you can take any concern you have and Shake it Off. You'll be completely prepared not to be All About That Bass-ic. (Ok, that one was a bit of a stretch. ;))
The Red Carpet
This year's award show has a throwback vibe that gives you a lot of flexibility in decorations. Whether you go bold with print and color, or classic with metallic and black, create a backdrop on a blank wall space in your home. I found a fringed backdrop from my local party store that works perfect. With a few props, you have a wonderful setting for a photo booth (aka red carpet) as people arrive. Sunglasses, microphones and wigs are great additions to your props, but feel free to print these cut-outs we found from Creative Juice and attach to skewers for your own quick set.
Worst Dressed Cones
While the Oscar's are a perfect excuse to go classy with your menu, the Grammy's are...less classy. To stick with our rock star vibe, we decided to do microphone-esque ice cream cones covered in chocolate and sprinkles.
After making these, we kinda understand how someone ends up on the worst dressed list. It seems like a good idea in your head but ends up looking more like a hot (or in this case, cold) mess. Still even while suffering an ice cream cone's version of a wardrobe malfunction, these did provide a lovely little sugar rush.
To make these, scoop any ice cream flavor you want into round scoops and place them on a plate lined with parchment paper. Freeze for an hour. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave (microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring between each time). When it's melted, stir in a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Take your ice cream scoops out of the freezer. Working one at a time, place the scoop on a sugar cone and use a pastry brush to coat the ice cream with the melted chocolate. Immediately coat with sprinkles and place back in the freezer until you're ready to eat.
Or if this sounds like too much work on a Sunday evening, pick up a box of Drumsticks for $4 at the grocery store.
All About That [BLANK]
It wouldn't be Grammy night without some (in)famous live performances (Taylor Swift and Stevie Nicks, anyone?). With our Grammy Ad Libs game, you and your friends get a chance to take the stage--but only after you show off your songwriting skills. You're a true artist, after all.
Here's how to play:
1. Print out a copy of Grammy Ad Libs for everyone at your party.
2. Fill in the blanks for each Record of the Year chorus individually on the first page of the game.
3. When everyone's done writing, it's time to vote for the winner.
4. Now here's where it get's really fun...the person with the LEAST amount of votes gets to treat the crowd to their own rendition of All About That Bass
5. Before they can perform though, you get to improve upon Megan's little ditty on the second page.
6. When you're all done, hand over the microphone, sit back, and enjoy your friend's humiliation.
7. Pass the mic! Let everyone have their moment in the spotlight.
Get the Game
Pre-Show
Now that you've got your party supplies ready to go, here are a few of our favorite Grammy-related links to get you ready for the weekend.
1. Get familiar with the nominees by checking out the official Grammy website. grammy.com
2. Are young female fans the kiss of death when it comes to being nominated? latimes.com
3. 13 reasons Britney Spears' 2000 Grammy's performance was the best ever. mtv.com
4. Whose performances should you look forward to this weekend? cleveland.com
5. So much awkward dancing...so little time. fuse.tv
This year's award show has a throwback vibe that gives you a lot of flexibility in decorations. Whether you go bold with print and color, or classic with metallic and black, create a backdrop on a blank wall space in your home. I found a fringed backdrop from my local party store that works perfect. With a few props, you have a wonderful setting for a photo booth (aka red carpet) as people arrive. Sunglasses, microphones and wigs are great additions to your props, but feel free to print these cut-outs we found from Creative Juice and attach to skewers for your own quick set.
Worst Dressed Cones
While the Oscar's are a perfect excuse to go classy with your menu, the Grammy's are...less classy. To stick with our rock star vibe, we decided to do microphone-esque ice cream cones covered in chocolate and sprinkles.
After making these, we kinda understand how someone ends up on the worst dressed list. It seems like a good idea in your head but ends up looking more like a hot (or in this case, cold) mess. Still even while suffering an ice cream cone's version of a wardrobe malfunction, these did provide a lovely little sugar rush.
To make these, scoop any ice cream flavor you want into round scoops and place them on a plate lined with parchment paper. Freeze for an hour. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave (microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring between each time). When it's melted, stir in a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Take your ice cream scoops out of the freezer. Working one at a time, place the scoop on a sugar cone and use a pastry brush to coat the ice cream with the melted chocolate. Immediately coat with sprinkles and place back in the freezer until you're ready to eat.
Or if this sounds like too much work on a Sunday evening, pick up a box of Drumsticks for $4 at the grocery store.
All About That [BLANK]
It wouldn't be Grammy night without some (in)famous live performances (Taylor Swift and Stevie Nicks, anyone?). With our Grammy Ad Libs game, you and your friends get a chance to take the stage--but only after you show off your songwriting skills. You're a true artist, after all.
1. Print out a copy of Grammy Ad Libs for everyone at your party.
2. Fill in the blanks for each Record of the Year chorus individually on the first page of the game.
3. When everyone's done writing, it's time to vote for the winner.
4. Now here's where it get's really fun...the person with the LEAST amount of votes gets to treat the crowd to their own rendition of All About That Bass
5. Before they can perform though, you get to improve upon Megan's little ditty on the second page.
6. When you're all done, hand over the microphone, sit back, and enjoy your friend's humiliation.
7. Pass the mic! Let everyone have their moment in the spotlight.
Get the Game
Pre-Show
Now that you've got your party supplies ready to go, here are a few of our favorite Grammy-related links to get you ready for the weekend.
1. Get familiar with the nominees by checking out the official Grammy website. grammy.com
2. Are young female fans the kiss of death when it comes to being nominated? latimes.com
3. 13 reasons Britney Spears' 2000 Grammy's performance was the best ever. mtv.com
4. Whose performances should you look forward to this weekend? cleveland.com
5. So much awkward dancing...so little time. fuse.tv
Music to my Ears: Workout
Since music is one of my biggest motivators while working out, I've got a playlist for you to keep that booty moving. (It's still January so we're all thinking about working out, right?...) Each track has the perfect tempo to keep you on pace whether you're running outside or on the treadmill. Listen directly below or follow me on Spotify to access all of my playlists!
Music to My Ears: Christmas Edition
As a kid, my favorite Christmas song was hands down, Little Drummer Boy. I wanted to listen to that song on repeat...all...the...time. (That and the Nutcracker suite so I could dance around dramatically...) But I can still remember my parents' slight cringe every time I would ask to listen to that sweet Parum Pa Pum Pum just one more time.
Now, an an adult, I totally get it. Little drummer boy is the Christmas equivalent of It's a Small World. The repetitive drumming? The overly cheesiness? (This coming from a girl who admits to loving Hallmark Channel movies.) The made up nativity character? "Me and my drum..."? I just can't get on board anymore. Which is why I've created a holiday playlist that is full of Christmas classics, a few fun new favorites, but leaves out the Little Drummer boy. (Sorry all you drummer lovers!) Listen as you bake Christmas cookies, trim your tree or just relax around the house. Enjoy!
Now, an an adult, I totally get it. Little drummer boy is the Christmas equivalent of It's a Small World. The repetitive drumming? The overly cheesiness? (This coming from a girl who admits to loving Hallmark Channel movies.) The made up nativity character? "Me and my drum..."? I just can't get on board anymore. Which is why I've created a holiday playlist that is full of Christmas classics, a few fun new favorites, but leaves out the Little Drummer boy. (Sorry all you drummer lovers!) Listen as you bake Christmas cookies, trim your tree or just relax around the house. Enjoy!
Music to my Ears: Thanksgiving Edition
While I'm in the kitchen, I like to listen to something that keeps me upbeat with some smooth, easy listening mixed in. Each song on my Thanksgiving playlist this year reminds me of a person that I love spending the holiday with. The list is eclectic, just like friends and family, but it's sure to keep your apron-clad hips shaking and feeling thankful this weekend.
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