Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Music Madness: COME ON, GET HAPPY!, A Playlist


I don't know about you, but sometimes I need a little extra encouragement. Sometimes, life is really really tough. Maybe it's an awful situation or stress or hormones or maybe you don't even know what is wrong but you're feeling a little extra blue...whatever it is, it's the ABSOLUTE WORST.

As I've stated a THOUSAND times before, music is one of my passions. It's something that is always a stable foundation for me. It never fails to boost my mood or give me exactly what I need at that moment. Lately I've had a lot more anxiety and "blue" days than are normal for me. I've noticed that that seems to be the case for many of my loved ones and friends. Maybe there's something in the air or perhaps the planets are in a strange alignment. Or maybe it's all that dang HEAT we're still experiencing, I don't know. But I do know that the world is a MESS right now. But we don't have to feel that way! We can turn it around! Even if it's only for as long as a playlist.

So here's to all those who are struggling to be happy or enjoy life right now. Put on this playlist and escape to your happy place for the next hour or so. I'll be there too.

[Author's Note: Clicking on the playlist title will allow you to listen to it for FREE on Spotify!]

COME ON, GET HAPPY!

1. Shake it Off, Taylor Swift
2. Carry on my Wayward Son, Kansas
3. Move Along, All American Rejects
4. What A Feeling, Irene Cara
5. Eye of the Tiger, Survivor
6. It's Time, Imagine Dragons
7. The Show, Lenka
8. Follow Me, Muse
9. Joy Ride, The Killers
10. Girl on Fire, Alicia Keys
11. Counting Stars, One Republic
12. Roar, Katy Perry
13. Can't Hold us, Macklemore
14. Titanium, David Guetta
15. Good Feeling, Flo Rida
16. (I've Had) The Time of My Life, Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
17. Hella Good, No Doubt
18. The Zephyr Song, Red Hot Chili Peppers
19. Any Way You Want It, Journey
20. Footloose, Kenny Loggins
21. Go Your Own Way, Fleetwood Mac
22. Beat It, Michael Jackson
23. Take it Easy, The Eagles
24. We Built This City, Starship
25. I Gotta Feeling, Black Eyed Peas

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

13 *Halloween* Movies to watch NOW!!


It's no secret I LOVE Halloween. I mean, it's almost as great at Christmas, almost. Not only does it fall (pun intended) during my favorite season, but it also has involves my favorite things: candy, creepy things, and the macabre. I mean, a month to celebrate all things spooky?? Sounds amazing right!?

A lot people forget about Halloween movies because the Christmas movies get all the hype. But Halloween movies are just as great!

1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
The BEST Halloween movie in my opinion (tied with #2). Who doesn't love witches?? And spells! And immortal cats! And a zombie that comes to life but in the end is really a good! I mean, it's seriously fun Halloween perfection. And it's hilarious
2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
I've always been a Tim Burton fan. When this movie came out, it was my favorite! I was a tiny tot and I remember getting it on VHS for my birthday. (Yup, that dates me.) Nothing, I repeat, NOTHING is better than Jack, Sally, and the gang. It's an amazing soundtrack too! Tim Burton never fails to create masterpieces.
3. The Addams Family and The Addams Family Values.  (1991 & 1993)
Who didn't want to be an Addams?! I LOVED them as kids, loved their black clothes and all the lace and dark hair! Plus, they had the best one liners! I mean, Wednesday is HILARIOUS! And Morticia is clever and witty and wears black better than anyone! Who didn't want to be her? Plus, who didn't have a crush on Gomez? I mean, honestly! What's more macabre than this family?! They ARE Halloween.


4. Sleepy Hollow (Johnny Deep version) (1999)
Again, I've been a Johnny Depp fan since Edward Scissor Hands, and this movie doesn't disappoint! And Christina Ricci makes the list again. I love the story by Washington Irving and LOVE Johnny as Ichabod Crane! He definitely brings his signature "Johnny-ness" to the role but still makes Ichabod an individual character. Not to mention Christopher Walkin makes a freaking terrifying Headless Horseman.

[P.S. Now it's a TV series on Fox (in it's second season), and it's also amazing. And Tom Mison is Ichabod, and he's PERFECT.]


5. The Monster Squad (1987)
Probably the best "monster film" out there. My siblings and I grew up watching this every Halloween and it's great. It's super fun and something everyone will enjoy. Plus, it has all your classic Halloween monsters, in one place! 
6. Young Frankenstein (1974)
This is one of the greatest spoof movies of all time. We watch it every year and still laugh! It's a MUST. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and watch it, immediately! Or you know, as soon as possible.

7. Ernest Scared Stupid. (1991)
A freaking classic. I've can't remember a Halloween that doesn't involve this movie! It's funny and weird and perfect for a laid back October evening. 
8. Halloween Town (the Disney Channel Movie) (1998)
Yes, I HAD to include this. Because it's probably the best Disney Channel movie, ever. (Okay, okay, but it's up there!) 90's kids unite!


9. Halloween...Obviously. (1978)
I was much older when I finally saw this, my friends and I watched it on Halloween and it was like a right of passage. Sure, it's not as scary as the horror films nowadays because we're so desensitized, but it's a freaking classic, so pay your respects to a film that paved the way for the Horror film genre. Plus, the theme song really is creepily awesome. (It was my "ringtone" back when people still used the phone to actually call each other.) I also like Scream and Nightmare on Elm Street, but they'd all fit this same slot. 
10. The Others (2001)/The Sixth Sense (1999)/Amityville Horror (2005)
Ghost movies are the ones that really freak me out. A lot of circumstances or situations in horror films can be avoided, like say, The Hitcher. Just DON'T pick up a hitch-hiker! Or like, I Know What You Did Last Summer, don't hit a fisherman on a foggy windy road in the middle of the night, think you've killed him, and dump his body in the lake and you'll be fine! Unlike classic "slasher" films, the ghost ones FREAK ME OUT. Because you just NEVER KNOW.  Anyways, The Sixth Sense scarred me for years when it came out and it's just a Classic. And I LOVE Amityville; it's terrifying and also Ryan Reynolds spends half the movie without his shirt on chopping wood, so you know, there's that. ;)


11. Beetlejuice (1988)
This movie is pretty weird and at some times borderline disturbing, but that's what makes it great! It wouldn't be Tim Burton without it! (and the 3rd Burton on my list...) It's not technically a "Halloween" movie, but it sure fits the bill. And it's a classic!


12.Practical Magic (1998)
This is definitely NOT specifically a Halloween movie, but as it involves witches and my favorite actress (Sandra Bullock), it's a MUST. My BFF and I watched it all the time growing up and it's still a favorite. Plus, it's a great book too! :) It's a chick flick, so it's perfect for a Halloween girls night! ;)

13. 28 Days Later (2002)/ Zombieland (2009)
You've got to have at least ONE zombie film, whether you make it a classic horror film or go with a comedy is up to you. 28 Days Later is a great apocalyptic zombie film that I like to think inspired The Walking Dead. Cillian Murphy is amazing in it as well. You'll need a strong stomach for this one, as naturally, there's a lot of blood. Zombieland is hysterical and includes Emma Stone, Woody Harrleson and Jesse Eisenberg, so you know you're in good hands. 

Happy viewing!!

xoxo