French Musicians to Discover

Bonjour tout la monde! I have been obsessively scouring iTunes, YouTube, and Google over the past week in search of new cool French musicians to get stuck in my head. The results have been pretty great, although it has resulted in very late nights...very late. You see, with an American iTunes account I can only get so far, and since I can no longer listen to French radio during my daily commute, I had to make an effort myself.

Here are some French musicians I am selecting out of my YouTube playlist that you should definitely check out ASAP!

Greg Laffargue kind've has a Jason Mraz feel, happy and laid back.


Sofia Essaidi is so much fun...not to mention super adorable in this video.


Thomas Pradeau is one of those musicians who you instantly love.


Zaz has this amazing soulful voice that is rare these days. This is her doing an impressive cover of an Edith Piaf song, but her original music is definitely worth checking out as well.

Which French musician will be 

added to your playlist mes cheris? 

Music Friday: Brighten Your Weekend

Here are some videos of the latest songs running through my head. I hope they brighten your weekend and keep you moving through your rockin' Friday!

Lenka - Heart Skips a Beat

Adele - Rumor Has It

Have a bright weekend!

Pourquoi Pas?

Why not learn to play the accordian my dears? When did you hear it was Grandpa's? The last I heard it was tres chic! After the all the French caught on to that long ago...

{merci weheartit}

Broken Roads & Hope

I was listening to a certain Rascal Flatts song this past week. Its a song I've heard so much that I tune it out automatically, but for some reason a phrase caught my attention and got me thinking...this song really does speak volumes to the truth.

Others who broke my heart, they were like Northern Stars, leading me on my way into your loving arms. God blessed the broken road, that led me straight to you.

Each time we fall, we get back up, we keep hoping. Why is that? Are we all just habitual masochists? Maybe. Or maybe we know its worth the journey. With every heartbreak we are one heartbreak closer to being done. With every guy who doesn't call, we need'nt worry, we've just narrowed it down one more. Stood up, overlooked, moved on...out, out, out. 

{merci weheartit}

Although it may hurt (and you should never deny that), we heal ourselves, brush ourselves off and keep on swimming. Because we have to, because that one fish is out there, swimming in circles, just as lost as we are.

Here's to broken roads...cheers.

Pourquoi Pas? & Giveaway Winner

Why not brighten someone's day today mes cheries? Yesterday my day was brightened and I hoped to motivate you to do the same. After a long day at work I was surprised by a special package in my mailbox from a contest I had won on Twitter by Hana Pestle. This talented chica is definitely worthy of your ears my darlings, just take a listen to her moving rendition of Hallelujah here!

So to pass on the smiles... it's time to announce the first winner of 2011 for The Embellished Life!


And the KT Collection Ring is going to...

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:12Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Pin at Sensorimotor!! Congratulations!

Be sure to check out the KT Collection for amazing jewelry to complete your wardrobe and follow them on Twitter!

Pourquoi Pas?

Why not smile today darlings?

This toe tapping song by Newton Faulkner did the same for me!

Pourquoi Pas?

Why not date a musician?

Bond over your love for music and fall head over heels while he plays for you.

Why not date a guy that can write you poetry in musical form?

{merci weheartit for all!}

Do you have a custom love song mes cheries?

In Lights

Let me tell you about a little obsession I have had since childhood darlings: singing. I also happen to love dancing, although I have no training in this area. So naturally a world where you can break out into song and dance at any (and most) given moments is of course one in which I would love to live. Just think of Amy Adams in Enchanted and you will understand.

*merci tumblr*

I usually manage to catch one musical a year and I am beginning to feel the urge to be enchanted by another one soon, although I know it will sadly be a while before I can. Far away from the glistening lights of Broadway, I must wait until I can get myself back to the Theater District. My first stop will be Wicked which I have been dying to see for years now, ever since it came out. Immediately followed of course by Junior's Cheesecake just down the block, if you haven't ever tried this cheesecake, your life is not complete. It is single handedly the greatest thing in all the world.

What is the next musical on your list?

Love is...

One of the greatest things about love is that it is indescribable. It can be everything and nothing at once; a million little things or one very big thing. After hundreds and hundreds of years of music revolving around the subject we somehow still haven't fulfilled all the words that could be said about this power that possesses us all at one point or another.

*merci weheartit*

Even in one person the word love varies as greatly as the ocean. You might love your daughter with an overwhelming blanket of hopes and dreams, and love your job with its rush of power and fulfillment, and then love your husband with a consuming fire of passion and selflessness that no language could ever properly define. How does one feeling manage to evoke such range and emotion as love? That is why I am convinced that love is not a feeling, rather a verb. Love isn't "lovely" it isn't dainty and light, its enthralling and pushes you to action. Love changes the world with just a whisper.

What is love to you?

Soundtracks of your Life

Ever feel like there is an artist out there that is writing the soundtrack for your life? There are many songs that speak directly to me, but few consistent artists that do. But I seem to be consistently linked with Taylor Swift, I'm telling you, every song the girl writes seems like a page out of my diary...if I kept one.

*Thanks weheartit*

I've often felt like this girl, funny thing is I'm usually most inspired to write a song when love is going wrong, when its slightly complicated. I guess when everything's great there is no need for guitar therapy.

Who's your soundtrack singer?

Pourin Your Heart Out

I've had this look on my face far too many times, whether sitting at a piano, or on a bed with my guitar. There is something about music that allows whatever emotion you are feeling to be poured out onto the empty piece of paper in front of you; to fill the silence of your heartbreak, or uplift your sheer bliss. Music takes over when their are no words, and lyrics provide poetry to even the most indescribable feelings.

*merci weheartit.com*

All my life music has been my constant companion, I have a love for it that was born in me and is unending. A great love of mine is finding new artists, especially when they carry some unique sound, it is so interesting to see how many forms music can be carried through!

What is music to you mes cheries?

Today's Soundtrack & Giveaway Winner

Wanted to share my latest musical obsession with you guys to brighten your day!

Lykke Li does many viral videos performing on city streets, and even public bathrooms! Just search her and you will see for yourself. I love how she is keeping music on the streets in the middle of life where it is alive and infectious. She is notorious for using unconventional instruments in her music, spoons, metal chains, megaphones, and even her stomping her heels!

Here is Lykke Li "I'm Good, I'm Gone"

This wasn't my favorite video link of this but the really good one wouldn't let me embed the video..bummer. So check out her stuff darlings, you won't be dissappointed!

Now for the Zig-Zags Giveaway Winner...

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:5Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congrats to The Lone Dollier of Dolls, Etc. !!!

Not a winner today, try and change that...the Emelia Jane Photography giveaway is going on now and what an inspiring giveaway it is!

Bonne Chance Mes Cheries!

Travel Confession #7 and Giveaway Winner

As I have mentioned before I have a great love affair with music, and I think one of the greatest sounds in the world is when you take your seats before an opera, Broadway, or some live musical program and the orchestra begins to warm up! The flirty, incandescent sound of so many notes hopping around in organized freedom is so soothing.

*photo compliments of Flikr: Chris Halderman*

I was able to attend a Polish Opera in Warsaw on this New Year's Eve and was swept away by the thought that no matter where you go, music transcends all barriers. It needs no language because it speaks to the soul which has no use for words, but rather feeds on emotion. It needs no calendar because it is timeless and is not contained by minutes and hours, rather its effect continues long after its harmonic vibrations cease. And it needs no container because it is impossible to contain, rather it plays through the cars in traffic, dogs barking, footsteps of a runner, rain on a tin roof. Music resides in the hearts of people which can never be governed.

With love in mind...lets see who wins the lovely Je T'aime Ring Dish Giveaway from Chrissy Ann Ceramics!

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:9Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congrats Tessa of T&T Crafts! I'm sure you'll love it, I know many who will be quite jealous of you. But don't be discouraged if you didn't win this time, we have another giveaway already going on for a great jewelry item from Gossimar Wings! Also, be sure to stop in to Chrissy Ann Ceramics; you can still secure your own Love Bird Ring Dish before Valentine's Day arrives. Thanks Chrissy Ann for offering this wonderful gift for the holiday!

Life is a Musical

Music is a huge part of my life, and a passion of mine since I was very young. I am constantly singing some song that is stuck in my head, and I pretty much live in my own musical. My life is my playlist so when I stumbled across this picture, it got me thinking...

*photo compliments of aroundapplegate.blogspot.com*

I'm not really sure what my theme song is, so here is a mini soundtrack I've compiled. I encourage you to check out the links if you have never heard them, they are all worth a listen.

Dream Big - Ryan Shupe

Suddenly I See - KT Tunstall

It's a Girl Thing - Jesse Lee

I Do Not Hook Up - Kelly Clarkson

Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow - Fleetwood Mac

Many the Miles - Sara Bareilles

I Don't Know a Thing - Lucy Schwartz

Empire State of Mind - Jay Z and Alicia Keys

Say - John Mayer

What is your theme song?

Upgrade to a Rockstar

I finally got to make a Treasury on Etsy!! It was lots of fun finding the items to go along with my theme, and posting them. But, after a busy weekend, I did not get back to my laptop in time to read any comments on my Treasury :( I was so disappointed! So, I am posting my treasury here as a way to figure out what you all think of it!

Upgrade to a Rockstar...

because Prince Charming doesn't write you songs!

*all photos are rights of their respective shops with links provided*

#1 Skeleton Key Wallet - Urban Heirlooms

#2 Crossbones Beanie - Charliemai

#3 Guitar Barstool - Metz Functional Art

#4 Rock God Ring - Wicked Metalz

#5 Studded Necktie - Embellished

#6 Guitar Tie Tack - Dabble Designs

#7 Spade Belt Buckle - WATTOnline

#8 Tattoo Wallet - Silver Beyond Ordinary

#9 Guitar Pic Keychain - Mag Pie Designz

#10 Composer's Journal - Transient Book

#11 Tattoo Cuff - Skadi Jewelry

#12 Lyrics Guitar Strap - Barking Maddison

#13 Crossbone Cuff Links - Little Angels Jewelry

Blow up the picture, review the links, get inspired!

I had so much fun making this treasury, and I hope you have fun reading it! Please, please, PLEASE comment with your thoughts. I would love some proper feedback, after my cyber mishap!

Music is What Feeling Sounds Like

I love music for its sole ability to speak directly into your soul. I am a huge music lover, and I am always surfing iTunes and other sources to find new music. Every once in a while I hear a song that hits my core and that happened to me when I heard this song by Kate Voegele. I have heard her stuff before (and actually already own 2 of her songs) and always loved it, I don't think she has gotten the mega-press she deserves. Regardless, I thought I should share this.

I think all of us have had that special person in our life, that we see so much potential in to be this amazing person, and we love them completely for that among many other things. But sadly if we're not careful we fall in love with the person that we WISH THEY WERE. I know I have had my heart broken from this situation and I was immediately brought back there when I heard this song. It has great emotion, truth, and melody...enjoy.

Blip.fm

I found about this one on W+K London's blog, it was a recommendation by Renny Gleeson (W+K Interact Strategy Director). It's one more of those web community, social gathering places. This one is great to find new music, and share songs you like. If you would like to check my selection, here is my invitation blip.fm/invite/akbsantos.


Via: welcome to optimism

Flake TV

Flake.tv is an online television channel dedicated to urban lifestyle, art, fashion, music, and creative culture. I just saw a couple of short features they have and they were pretty interesting, definitely worth checking it out.


Via: Styleboost

Stop Motion Drums & Piano

Cool stop-motion by Lasse Gjertsen.


Thanks to Bob Ferraz

Dancefuel: online MP3 shop for DJs

Sorry I haven't been posting lately guys. Things in the agency have been pretty hectic lately in the agency, a lot of work. Anyway, hopefully I'll be able to do some posting this weekend.
I start with this website, it's a great resource if you fancy yourself as a bit of a DJ, or even if you just like dance music. Have a great weekend :)