I love music and more...

Finally the last day of the week is here and so it's the last day of my 30 days song challenge.

It's been fun and at times definitely challenging to come up with certain songs, but I did it! and over all I think it was pretty good.

One thing is for sure

it is such a huge part of my life and although there are some genres I don't care so much for, even if all I could listen to were those, I would still choose to have music in my life.

Perhaps the best thing about music is that it's very subjecting and different styles appeal to different people, but it also makes your soul sing with happiness!

For today, the last day of the challenge I am posting- My favorite song at this time last year.

Well, I don't think I have such a song, because again, like I've mentioned before, I do not have a lot of favorites in my life, but last year around this time the following song was all over the radio, so this is it...

The song is "Hey, Soul Sister" by Train. 

And last but not least, before I finish this challenge, I want to thank YouTube and it's users for all the great videos you upload, thanks to those I was able to make my challenge...YouTube rocks!

But on another note... before I finish today's post I have to inform everybody that I am officially in love (again)...

Well, this is a love it's been inside of me for a while but just now I have a way to make it all mine, so I am going to just go with it an make it public [yeah, I know my husband reads my blog, but oh well- he's meant to find out somehow].

I am in love with "Dulce de Leche", aka delicious, scrumptious, devilish caramel cream... Oh wow!!!!

And the best part is that now I've found the easiest way to make it.

Perhaps this is old news for you (the recipe- not my infatuation), but I am going to spread "the love" and share this wonderful recipe.

All you need to make it is:

1 Can of Sweetened Milk
1 Slow Cooker
Water
Electricity

Now, to make it:

1. Take the label off the can and wash it well, making sure it doesn't have any holes or dents, put it inside the slow cooker and cover it with water.
2.Set the slow cooker on low for 8 hours (or on high for 4) and wait for it (perhaps this is the hardest part!).
3. Dump all the water and use something to take the can out as it could be very hot!
4. Taaa-daaah! You have delicious "Dulce de leche"

Now, guess what I had for breakfast this morning?

LOL! Just kidding...

Have a Sweet Weekend!!!

29 takes me back

Today is finally day 29 of the 30 days song challenge and this number takes me back about 29 years as well, because today's song to post is- A song from your childhood.

Growing up in Latin America as a child I was always accompanied by the music of a famous Mexican singer Francisco Gabilondo Soler a.k.a. "Cri Cri - el grillito cantor" meaning in English "Cri Cri- the singing cricket".

Cri- Cri was a wonderful singer, almost all his songs are stories that teach values to children. He had the tendency to give animals and things human-like characteristics, and wrote songs about dolls, animals and toys who had something special about them, that separated them from the rest.

When I listen to most of his songs (even to the day), they touch my heart in a very special way and they take me back to a time when I was very little, pure and innocent, when all I had was fantasy and magic surrounding me!

Other songs remind me so much of my Grandmother (who always loved his songs and used to sing them to me) that those I cannot listen to, they make me miss her so much that I can't help but cry. [ so, I won't be posting one of those here today!].

I believe Cri Cri wrote over 200 songs, but today I decided to post "El Raton Vaquero"- "The Cowboy Mouse" because I happened to found a very nice video on YouTube that has the translation of the song.

Isn't it a nice children song? None of that Hanna Montana/Justin Bieber stuff kids listen to nowadays... 

If I had a baby/young kid right now, I much rather want him/her to listen to this kind of music... Kid's music, not "wanna be adult stuff". 

It's kind of sad that most kids nowadays don't have the same innocence we had, full of fantasy and magic surrounding them. I believe this is something parents need to work on.

I am glad I have these songs to remind me of the wonderful childhood I had and enjoyed!!!

Have a great Thursday!!!

we gotta start somewhere...

Nowadays just by watching or reading the news, one could feel sad and in some cases ashamed of the way us humans behave.

In some cases it is ourselves that behave or have the wrong attitude about others and situations, in those cases we should not feel ashamed but we should be feeling the need to change our ways.

Child abuse, domestic violence, non environmentally friendly practices, animal abuse and neglect, unnecessary political conflicts, world hunger... are just some of those behaviors I am talking about, and unfortunately the acts of a few [and sometimes ourselves], puts the rest of us the shame...

On today's song challenge, day 28 [ I'm also there!!!] I am posting- I song that makes you feel guilty.

Well, I wouldn't say guilty but like I mentioned before, ashamed.

In my case the song I can relate to from this point of view is "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson.

Not only this has a very powerful song but it's got a very simple message, so simple that perhaps it's very hard to follow...

But no matter if this song makes you sad or ashamed, what it should do is makes us wanna be better, reminds us that every day we wake up we have the chance to make a difference in somebody's life and that is as simple as to start with the wo/man in the mirror.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!!!

piano [who]man

If have the opportunity to learn to play an instrument, without a doubt I would choose the piano. I think it's an amazing instrument that can create some unbelievably beautiful music.

If only I could choose my teacher, I would have chosen the very talented Cuban artist/pianist, Ruben Gonzalez, he was amazing!

On today's song challenge I am posting- A song that I wish could play.

Well, in this case, pretty much any piano song is in my list,  specially if it's played by Ruben... He has some unbelievable songs.

Ever heard of the "Buena Vista Social Club"?

The Buena Vista Social Club was a members club in Havana, Cuba that held dances and musical activities, becoming a popular location for musicians to meet and play during the 1940s.


In the 1990s, nearly 50 years after the club was closed, American guitarist Ry Cooder along with traditional Cuban musicians, some of whom were veterans who had performed at the club during the height of its popularity, decided to record an album named Buena Vista Social Club after the Havana institution. The album became an international success.


German director Wim Wenders then captured the performance on film, followed by a second concert in Carnegie Hall, New York City for a documentary that included interviews with the musicians conducted in Havana. Wenders' film, also called Buena Vista Social Club, was released to critical acclaim, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary feature and winning numerous accolades including Best Documentary at the European Film Awards. (A MUST SEE!!!)


The success of both the album and film sparked a revival of international interest in traditional Cuban music and Latin American music in general. Some of the Cuban performers later released well-received solo albums and recorded collaborations with international stars from different musical genres.


The "Buena Vista Social Club" name became an umbrella term to describe these performances and releases, and has been likened to a brand label that encapsulates Cuba's "musical golden age" between the 1930s and 1950s. The new success was fleeting for the most recognizable artists in the ensemble: Compay Segundo, Rubén González, and Ibrahim Ferrer, who died at the ages of ninety-five, eighty-four, and seventy-eight respectively; Segundo and González in 2003, then Ferrer in 2005.


Several surviving members of the Buena Vista Social Club, currently tour worldwide, to popular acclaim, with new members such as the singer Carlos Calunga, virtuoso pianist Rolando Luna^[1][2] and occasionally the solo singer Omara Portuondo, as part of a 13 member band called Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club. [source: wikipedia.com]

 

And this is how I discovered Ruben's music, and since then I've been captivated by most of these talented musicians, but specially Mr. Gonzalez fabulous piano pieces...

Today I am going to share with you the song "Tres Lindas Cubanas", which means "Three beautiful Cuban Girls"...

Liked it? Well, if you have some time and you feel like listening to more of his beautiful music, please make sure to visit the Ruben Gonzalez YouTube channel and enjoy!

So, yes I wish I could play the piano like him... Oh well, at least I can play it on my cd player at home, LOL!

Happy Tuesday!!!

Merengues & More

Today's song challenge is quite disappointing, because if only I was able to play music the same way I can crochet or bake, I would be able to share a song today, but I don't...

So, instead of posting a song you can play on an instrument (as the challenge today calls for). I am going to share my latest crochet creations as well as some sugar merengues I baked yesteday.

A few weeks ago I joined a Fall Frenzy Gift Swap via Life of Meg blog, I got Jamie as a swap partner so I made her this lovely little owl... I named him Dr. Who!

Also in the spirit of Fall and Halloween I made a very nice Crochet Pumpkin...

Even our dog Sheba liked it!!!

So, yes, I might not be able to play a song on an instrument, but I surely can play an oven for some delicious baking...

When we were kids, my Mom used to bake these treats for us all the time, Sugar Merengues... I love them. This is officially the very first time I make them by myself.

The ingredients are:

3 egg whites
1 cuppa suga'
1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar

Using a hand or regular mixer, whip egg whites and when they start to look all white, add the vinegar and cream of tartar, keep mixing and then add little by little the cup of sugar. Once you've added all the sugar mix for 4 minutes. Using a spoon put the mixture inside a decorating bag and create your little merengues.

Bake in a dark cookie sheet (not greased) for 1 hour and 5 minutes. Once out of the oven wait about 2 minutes to get them off the sheet, if they don't come out easy, then put back on the oven 5 more minutes.

And now for the final result.... [insert drum roll here]

Have a sweet Monday!!!

Day-O

Some people say, "laughter is the best medicine", plus if you laugh on Sunday, you'll laugh all week (well, not really!).

Today's song challenge is to post- A song that makes you laugh.

The following song by itself doesn't necessary makes me laugh, but the scene from the movie Beetlejuice with the song does... I just try to imagine how many times those actors had to shoot that scene without laughing...

The name of the song is Banana Boat Song a.k.a Day-O by Harry Belafonte. 

Hope you enjoyed the video as much as you are enjoying your Sunday!!! Happy week ahead :)

When the day comes....

Today's topic for a song challenge is quite different and something I've never really thought of before.

But, in a world where there's so much violence, wars, destruction of the environment and simply lack of values, one can only be ready for when God calls us to his side and hope that when the day comes, we will be rewards with a much better place than what Earth is becoming every day.

Day 24 of the 30 days song challenge is- A song that you want to play at your funeral.

Well, like I mentioned before, I never really thought about this until now that I am doing this challenge and after some though, I guess I would like to go with the following song.

"In My Life" by The Beatles.

The Beatles were and still are an amazing band, so it's really difficult to go wrong with their songs. 

On a happier note, yesterday I was off and I really enjoyed my day. Went to the gym, grocery shopping and just relaxed the rest of the day...

Hope everybody's enjoying their Saturday and rest of the weekend!!!

Over the rainbow

It's been 882 days, or 2 years, 4 months and 29 days since the day I walked down the aisle.

There, was my man, waiting for me, so we can both say our vows and officially become husband and wife.

Our wedding was very nice and simple, with just the right amount of family and friends invited to witness our love and our union.

So, why is it today I am thinking about such a special and unforgettable day?

Well, cause today's song challenge is to post- A song that you want to play at your wedding.

In our case, after we walked out together holding hands, we played the following song.

Isn't this a beautiful song... well, that's exactly how I felt that day... Somewhere over the rainbow!!!!

And I still, to the day, I feel very much in love, lucky and blessed, it's been 882 days of me being the wife of a wonderful man... Whom I get to spend the weekend with by the way! :D

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. I am off today so it's a long weekend for me, yey!!!

Have a wonderful day and weekend ahead!!!

Day 22

Once I read an article that talked about the memory of our senses; eyesight, taste, smell and hearing. According to the article, the sense of smell is the one that has the best memory of all.

Well, not sure if I agree entirely with the article, since I think that the sense of hearing can trigger on our brain lots of memories; when we listen to a song, a voice, bird chirping, etc...

Now, today's song challenge calls for- A song to listen when you are sad.

The song I decided to share today, is not necessary a song that I myself listen to when I'm sad, but it sure can apply if you need a song to listen to when you are feeling blue.

In my case this song brings me some very nice memories of my teenage years!

"Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M.

Hope you enjoyed the video... Have a wonderful Thursday!!!

Happy song

Sunday was a pretty exhausting day for me when we did our annual inventory at work.

Problem is, for some reason I still feel as if instead of working at an art gallery, I work as a dummy on a baseball bat factory, very single muscle in my body hurts.

Perhaps it's because I haven't been to the gym in a while and this is because I am having some major skin issues, so in order to avoid my rash getting worse I have to try an not sweat too much.

On Monday I went to the doctor and he sent me a new treatment, unfortunately at the pharmacy and I couldn't find one of the ointments, so I got to wait until Thursday to get it... hoping to jump back in the exercise horse by Friday.

I need more energy asap!

On today's song challenge, I am posting- A song to listen to when you are happy.

Now, this song I'm posting is a classic, and you can't definitely go wrong with it!

"I'm walking on sunshine, wooaah!!!" by Katrina & The Waves.

 So, how about we all walk on sunshine today? Have a great day!!!

nothing else matters...

With 10 days left on my song challenge, today's post is- A song to listen when you are angry.

I haven't really listen to music while angry, in a long time, but if I was to choose a song to listen to, I could probably go with "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica.

I think this is a very deep, wreaking heart song that could very well help you get over any angry moments... check it out and give me your opinion, o.k???

It's also a good song to calm you down, or even drown your anger...

Have a wonderful Tuesday!!!

Sunday Morning

No, I am not mistaken with the day and I wish it was Sunday morning all over again because I had a pretty long day yesterday.

Inventory for my part of the store (the gallery) was fast and smooth, everything "art related" was accounted for by 1 o'clock in the afternoon.

Unfortunately I cannot say the same for the retail store downstairs that took forever to get done.

So after I was finished, I basically help out the rest of the time by pre-counting some of the product to speed up the process. Unfortunately one of the "teams" with a gun was very slow and slacking, so it took F-O-R-E-V-E-R to finish.

For today's song challenge I am supposed to post- A song from my favorite album.

Well, I don't think I have a favorite album, but for a while I was really into Maroon 5's "Song about Jane" one. Also during that time is when I met my husband, so this will be an album that will always have a special place in my heart.

This album reminds me of that time at the beginning of a relationship when you feel "butterflies" on your tummy when to you talk to the person, when you see them and pretty much everything makes you happy!

I think I like every single song on this album, but today I am going to post "Sunday Morning".

"You twist to fit the mold that I am in.."- that phrase describe also how I felt during that time when I met my husband, like we were both twisting to fit each others life and way of living... it was an awesome time and I am very happy we now fit, together, in our own little mold!

Have a wonderful Monday morning, afternoon and evening!!!

working Sunday

While you are in the comfort of your own home reading this, I am at working doing our annual inventory...

Did I mention I am very happy it's only an annual thing? Well, I am, because I don't really like working on Sunday.

Today's song challenge is to post- A song that you wish you hear on the radio.

For today's song I am going to post one of the many Jack Johnson songs that I like and that I wish that were played on the radio, my choice today is "Better Together"... (By the way; I found a very nice animation video on YouTube for this song), hope you'll like it!




Isn't it a nice song?

Have a wonderful Sunday!!!

Saturday Off!

Today is my only off day during the week, as tomorrow we are going into work to do the annual inventory.

The good news is that, as of yesterday at 3pm when I left work, I feel very confident that I am pretty much ready to take on that "scan gun" and shoot the entire inventory in a couple of hours.... Hoping that would be case.

Today I've decided to bake some cupcakes out my great grand aunt's cake recipe that is "to die for", so delicious. This would be the first time I attempt that recipe for cupcakes, let's see how it comes out... Also I am trying a Marshmallow Frosting my Mom used to make when I was kid... yummy!


Tonight we are going to Chloe and Adam's wedding, will share some pictures later.

And now, to my song challenge of the day- A song that you hear often on the radio.




I guess this guy Pitbull is pretty popular now a day, this song features Marc Anthony (JLo's ex) and I guess this song it's a big hit right now (at least around here), it's all over the place and they play it in the radio at least once a day...

Gotta say, now really my "cuppa cocoa" but I guess it's alright... And there you have it, today's song!

Have a great Saturday!!!

Finally it's Friday :)

Let's start today by celebrating the fact that it's Friday already.

Although I am not quite ready for Sunday (when we are having our annual inventory), I am ready to take on everything that left to do for today and be ready... My reward? one day off I get tomorrow and hopefully that the inventory goes smoothly and fast on Sunday!

Plus tomorrow Saturday our friends Chloe & Adam are getting married, so that should be fun too!

Now, today's song challenge comes loaded with some something extra special...

[insert drum roll here]........

Friday's Random pictures!!!

But this aren't just any pictures, but some I've taken around lately with my brand new Samsung Galaxy S2, which by the way is awesome and takes some pretty cool shots!

Now, to the pics... 

7 mile beach with rain in the horizon

part of our cactus collection

Our dog Ditto (and Sheba in the very back)

Our 6 resident kitties, from left: BTK, Little One, Goldie, Leroy, Shadow and Al.

view from my desk at work

another one of our doggies

big water spout by the cruise ship leaving the island

round cactus

And last but not least, for today's song challenge I am supposed to post- A song that you used to love but now hate.

Well, I don't really think there is such a song in my life. But there is one that I used to listen to a lot when it came out and I even got the record, but then it got suuuper popular and the radio used to play it sort of 24/7 so I kind of got tired of it and don't like it as much anymore...

The song is "Waterfalls" by T.L.C.

I think the lyrics and the message are quite good, but I do have to say I do not hate it, it's just I don't like it as much anymore!

Have a great Weekend!

Unwritten Day

You know you really love somebody when you have conversations like this... and you find it adorable.

(Very early in the morning)...

Me: what time is it?
Him: it's almost time to get up.
Me: really? but what time is it?
Him: almost 5
Me: looks pretty dark out...
Him: well, it's 4:15!!!

Now, since when 4:15 is almost 5?!? LOL... And since my usual wake up time is 7, the whole thing didn't quite make any sense.

Perhaps he was actually talking in his sleep, or not. Most times it is just his very unique logic, which makes him a very peculiar man... But, he is my husband and I love him just the way he is!

And now, back to my song challenge, today I am 1/2 done with it and that makes me happy, some days have been fun and easy, others not so much.

The song I am posting today is- A song that describes you.

Well, without over analyzing today's challenge, I am going to with a song that is very positive and that has a message that every time I hear it, inspires me.

The song message is basically; be yourself, live life to the fullest and remember that nothing is written in stone and we are the only ones that can make ourselves happy.... let's live our lives with arms wide open!!!

"Unwritten" by Natasha Bedinfield

I am unwritten, can't read my mind, I'm undefined

I'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned

Staring at the blank page before you

Open up the dirty window

Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance

So close you can almost taste it

Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin

No one else can feel it for you

Only you can let it in

No one else, no one else

Can speak the words on your lips

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins

The rest is still unwritten

Oh, oh, oh

I break tradition, sometimes my tries, are outside the lines

We've been conditioned to not make mistakes, but I can't live that way

Staring at the blank page before you

Open up the dirty window

Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance

So close you can almost taste it

Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin

No one else can feel it for you

Only you can let it in

No one else, no one else

Can speak the words on your lips

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins

Feel the rain on your skin

No one else can feel it for you

Only you can let it in

No one else, no one else

Can speak the words on your lips

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins

The rest is still unwritten

Staring at the blank page before you

Open up the dirty window

Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance

So close you can almost taste it

Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin

No one else can feel it for you

Only you can let it in

No one else, no one else

Can speak the words on your lips

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins

Feel the rain on your skin

No one else can feel it for you

Only you can let it in

No one else, no one else

Can speak the words on your lips

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins

The rest is still unwritten

The rest is still unwritten

The rest is still unwritten

What do you think of this song? have you heard it before? Hope you liked it...

Have a wonderful day... remember "the rest is still unwritten" so make the best of it!!!

Without Me

Wednesday is here, half a week gone and I have to say I feel pretty good about the week so far.

At work we will have inventory this next weekend coming up. I have been working hard to make sure everything is ticketed and the scanning of all the art goes fast and smooth.

Also half way done with the week, it's day 14 (already!) for my 30 day song challenge, which today is to post- A song that "no one" expect me to like.

I am not sure about this whole "no one" deal, because most of you, my lovely readers of my blog, don't know me in person, so who is to expect what from my taste in music, right? I sure don't expect anything from your taste in music.

Because that is what life is all about, respect to free will and taste in music, food, looks, activities, religion, culture, etc, etc, etc... right? To me expectations without respect is like a hollow desire.

So, I guess today I am posting a song that is kind of out of character for me, but truth of the matter is, I like it!

Today's song today is "Without me" by the famous rapper Eminem.

I think some of his songs are pretty good, he is a rapped with rhythm and even rhyme... Unfortunately we cannot say the same for many "artist" playing songs in the radio nowadays... Still I respect those "artists", but don't expect me to buy their records!!!

Have a great day!!!

guilty as charged!

What kind of toys did you liked when you were a kid?

My favorite doll was Rainbow Brite. But also I had many barbie dolls. Some were "regular" ones, others were princesses and I even had a Barbie Rocker.

Then I also had a Ken and even Barbie's niece Skipper. Oh boy, I would play with my Barbies for hours, always making up houses for them and then my cousins would come over and bring their dolls and we would play about... living, I guess? Perhaps, pretending we were adults through the interaction of our dolls... funny!

Now, why am I writing about Barbie dolls today?

Well, because today's song challenge is to post- A song that is a guilty pleasure.

So I guess my enjoyment of Barbie dolls when I was a little girl still has a spark in my heart with the fact that I have always loved and enjoyed this song, although I know it's a silly song, but what can I say? It's my guilty pleasure.

And the song is no other than Barbie Girl by Aqua. 

Now, this song made me go back into memory lane and look up some of the Barbie dolls I used to have and enjoy, here are some that I remember I had and that I found on the internet.

 

Crystal Barbie (shown above) was a very nice barbie, she had an awesome necklace, a ring plus sparkly shoes.

Love Me Barbie (shown below) had such a pretty dress, the red part was "velvet-y" and the rest was very flow-y and soft. She was very pretty until I decided to cut her hair and that didn't turn out as I expected, so she ended up being, not so pretty!!!

Them there was Western Barbie, who technically really belong to my cousin, but somehow ended up being mine... Although horse must have sold separately cause "we" never had that!

And last but not least, my most favorite Barbie doll I owned, Diva the Rocker.

She was awesome, with her huge and wild hair (reminds me of someone I know- me!) and because she was a rock star, she came with a stand, a guitar a a microphone...

 

 

So, there you have it, the real reason why my guilty pleasure is that song, LOL!

What is your guilty pleasure song?!?!?

Bye, bye weekend!

And we are back to square one.

Monday is here and that marks the beginning of yet another week and another song challenge day.

For today's post I am supposed to post- A song from a band I hate.

Well, I don't really like to use the word hate to describe things I don't like, mostly because hate is such a strong word and it's a feeling that I don't want to give space to in my heart.

But the following band, is one I really don't like, mostly because their songs are lame pop ones and also because I find "boys groups" to be kind of tacky and even sort of ridiculous.

So, for today's song, I am posting a song from a group that no longer exists [insert sigh of relief here] and it's the "all boys" band of N'sync, yuck, can't stand any of their songs!


I don't blame you if you decided not to watch the video, I wouldn't do it myself, LOL! 

This week is going to be a busy one at work as we are all getting ready for our annual inventory of the store, so as of tomorrow I need to check and make sure that every single product in the gallery is priced and with the proper bar code. Oh joy, fun, fun stuff...

So have yourself and wonderful Monday and an even better week ahead!

Sun(day) is shinning!

It's Sunday and the end of another wonderful week.

Weather is been on and off sun and rain, but it is rainy season, so it's o.k. to have some showers, as I always say: I don't mind the rain, as long as it's no hurricane!

Yesterday I went for a dive and it was great, if you would like to see some pictures, please visit my husband's blog here!

In today's song challenge, day 11 it's about posting- A song from your favorite band.

Well, my favorite band is no other than Bob Marley & The Wailers, so today's song it's

Sun is Shinning!

This is a great song, happy Sunday!!!