Taking The Long Way - Dixie Chicks
BUY AT: Amazon
I’ve never bought a Dixie Chicks CD before but when this one came out, I bought it simply to support them as artists. I wasn’t expecting to fall in-love with the CD, however, but it’s hard not to when their writing hits home.
It’s the first album they’ve written themselves and there’s something powerful to that - there’s also something completely powerful about being vocal after going through something hard and still working through it. And that’s what this album largly is - overcoming people hating on them and the windstorm that swept up because of it.
Not only are the lyrics strong but the vocals and music back it up. You can feel the intense truth in this album without being put off but actually drawn into it. It’s brilliant and now I’m a huge Dixie Chicks fan for more than one reason.
PS: I’m so in-love with the sweetness of Lullaby, I think Easy Silence is incredibly romantic and The Long Way Around is my personal theme song right now. You can hear samples at Amazon.
Kinky Boots Soundtrack
Buy at: Amazon.com
When I went to the screening I was fully prepared to not like this moving. When I first saw the previews I thought, “not another one of those movies”. However, I enjoyed it and even took something away from it but what really got me was the music.
Chiwetel Ejiofor’s performance as Lola is incredible but the singing/performances even better. But it’s not just his talents that appear on this CD; Nina Simone, David Bowie & James Brown tracks make this an album that will have you shakin’ your arse in no time.
The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner Book
Buy at: Amazon
I decided a few months ago that within the year I’d buy my first home. Despite being around real estate and even working in it a little, I wasn’t too sure what I really had to do to get a home. The day after I declared I was going to get a home, my bank sent me info on a David Bach seminar on home buying and sent this free book. Love. It.
It’s clear, concise, easy to read and understand on a basic level. It tells you all the steps to getting a home, what you need to do, all about mortgages, realtors and on and on and on. It’s given me a tonne of confidence whilst looking for my home and seriously made home buying totally possible for me.
Curious George Soundtrack
Buy at Amazon
There’s nothing on earth like getting something you didn’t know you needed which is how I feel about this CD. Sent to me by my best-friend, it came when I needed some music to keep me going that was upbeat without being upbeat.
Charming, positive, catchy, sweet and fun is what this CD is. Think it’s just for kids? Then think again. Better yet, listen to the single “Upside Down” which will make anyone feel good without feeling sappy.
The Notebook Soundtrack
BUY AT: Amazon
It should be noted that I am generally not a romantic nor do I like soundtracks but there is an exception to every rule and this is it.
Featuring music from the 40’s, the songs go from swinging to simply charming (I defy you not to adore the Benny Goodman Always and Always). Why I love this CD so much is that it’s a perfect compliment to creating. The music keeps me going without overwhelming thoughts or ideas. It’s just a beautiful backdrop to any occassion. It might even make you swoon… just a little.
Personal Photography Book using Flickr
BUY AT: Qoop
I love Flickr because it makes posting photos so easy and viewing friends photos even easier. But Flickr has taken the next step by teaming up with Qoop to publish your photos in several different ways - I chose a book.
By selecting my own photos and layout and by waiting under a week for it to deliver, I had an inexpensive, nice looking portfolio book to quickly show to clients or people whom I meet on the street (I have to sell my work somehow!). I was surprised by the quality and actually quite pleased. A great gift to give to someone or yourself.
The Art of the Handwritten Note
Buy at Amazon
True, I’m a writer but sometimes I even get stuck on what to say. With lots of little examples, ideas, and information this is not only a charming book, but a very useful one. Never write another condolence note before reading this.
Occasions by Kate Spade
Buy at Amazon
One of my goals when I finally move to my destination in January is to begin to host little parties again. From an afternoon tea, to evening drinks, I want to do special things for special people. Entertaining I love - the hoopla and ordeal of it I don’t. This book has so many fabulous ideas for parties from birthdays, to evening meals, to just because. Ideas on how to entertain, send notes, what to do alongside brilliant and lovely little illustrations.
Stich-it: Classic to Cool Embroidery Projects by Jenny Hart
Buy at Amazon
I met Jenny a couple of years ago when and was blown away by her fabulously cool stitching projects. I have to confess, however, that her work intimidated me. First, was I cool enough to have patterned tea towels and secondly could I stitch them? I’m not a crafty girl at all so I was thrilled when I received a copy of her new kit. The how-to guide is not only informative, but entertaining (Jenny has a wicked way with words and humour). The patterns? So perfect! It’s the cutest little kit, coming packaged perfectly. Yes, even I can do this now. Finally!
A Gracious Welcome by Amy M. Nebens
BUY AT Amazon
One of my favourite things to do is to create a special place for my house guests, which I have to confess are few and far between. There is nothing, I think, better than going to someone’s home where they make you feel special with so many little touches. I’m no Martha Stewart and I don’t have a guest room. But I do keep a separate stash of good linens (for bedding and towels) as well as prepare little drinks and snacks for them to munch on whilst staying. This book takes the art of having guests a step further but suggesting simple, easy and wonderful ways of having a guest and giving them a special time. I highly recommend this - even if you just have a fold out couch like myself and limited space. Making someone feel special is always welcomed.
