Sing Along Sunday: Falling In Love With February

It's that time again folks! In honor of St. Valentine's Day this Friday, I've compiled a list of old and new favorites describing all stages of love. I went a little overboard with this list and could (and probably will) continue to add more, but I'll try to keep it under 2 hours.

No matter your current relationship status, I hope you take the day to cherish and love yourself. If I've learned anything it would be the following: without loving and appreciating who you are, you cannot properly express love for others.

Like last post, be sure to click on the link or follow me on Spotify by going here. Please note that you'll need a Spotify account to access the list. I've included both the artists and song titles below; if you'd rather not sign up, you could always check out the songs on YouTube or iTunes instead.

1. "O.N.E." by Yeasayer: I instantly loved this song upon first listen. The lyrics went perfectly with a pre-break up. You know that feeling of struggle: when you refuse to accept that a relationship is no longer working but need to in order to be true to yourself and the other person in your life.

1. "1, 2, 3" by Camille: One of Camille's most beautiful, dreamy songs. I highly suggest listening to her other songs if you've never heard of her until today. This one ends with the French version of  "There are other fish in the sea."
2. "Keep You" by Wild Belle: The lyrics are pretty straight forward on this one. It's such a catchy song; get ready to hit the repeat button.
3. "I Still Care For You" by Ray LaMontagne: Ray was my go-to paper-writing mode artist in college. This song gives me goosebumps every time.
4. "The Girl" by City and Colour: Coincidentally, this song reminds me of one of my best friends and our road trip to Atlantic City, not a past love. She's one of those friends you may not see for a very long time, but the friendship always picks right back when you finally do get together in person.
5. "Me And Armini" by Emiliana Torrini: Why do people always think we're having a melt down when falling in love?
   
6. "You & Me - Flume Remix" by Disclosure featuring Eliza Doolittle: I prefer this remix over any of the others out there. There's just something about the build up and suspense. The music video is perfect.
   
7. "Inkhatably Omr" by Shireen Abdul Wahab: A beautiful love song in Arabic. I do enjoy Shireen's fast-paced pop songs, but this one takes the cake. For the English translation, go here.
8. "Don't Wait" by Mapei: I recently came across this song when listening to a 8tracks playlist. I dig the drums and simplicity of her lyrics.
9. "Why Don't Your Love Me" by Beyoncé: I know, I know. Why didn't I pick one of Beyoncé's more recent sexy time songs for Valentine's Day? Well, because this is a hidden gem that will get your booty shaking just as easily and she reminds you that there's nothing not to love about yourself.
   
10. "No More 'I Love You's'" by Annie Lennox: This has been my favorite song since I was about six. I'm not sure if it was the reference to monsters and crazy voices that hooked me or because the song grew popular as my parents separated and divorced, but no matter the subconscious reason, it will always remain my favorite.
11. "Aicha" by Khaled: This song makes me smile every time I hear it. (More than likely because Khaled's smile is so damn adorable).
12. "Hoppípolla" by Sigur Rós: In order to fully comprehend this Icelandic song, you must watch the music video. Bring out the tissues.
13. "Take Off Your Cool" by Outkast and Norah Jones: Another hidden gem that I've been obsessed with since Speakerboxxx/The Love Below came out when I was in high school. Two of my go-to artists on the same sexy track. Meow.
14. "Wait for Me" by Kings of Leon: Ever since these guys have blown up on the music scene, I've seen a shift in the attitudes (like most artists who get big) and stopped listening to them as often. This song from their latest album gets me though. I wish I could watch them perform it in a tiny, dirty venue, rather than the Verizon Center. It would be even more sexy in an intimate setting, don't you think?
15. "Tellement Je T'aime" by Faudel: Another classic that I came across thanks to my dear friend, Selim. How can you not love this song? 
16. "Heatbeats" by José González: As much as I enjoy the original by The Knife, José really made this song his own with this acoustic version. I was lucky enough to see and meet him back in college with my brother.
17. "Human Touch" by Bruce Springsteen: I love this song because of the memory associated with it. My dad would pick up my sister and I in his arms and we would dance, jump, spin, and shout along with Bruce. Plus, the lyrics are just amazing.
18. "Toi et moi" by Guillaume Grand: This song was on NRJ all the time when I first got to France. The lyrics are quite good, but for some reason it always makes me sad. Maybe it's his pout throughout the music video.
19. "Middle of the Bed" by Lucy Rose: I absolutely adore Lucy's voice. This song reminds me of those the break-ups that never seem to come to a complete end.
20. "Adieu" by Coeur de Pirate: You probably have heard her most popular song "Comme des enfants," but if you haven't noticed, I tend to go for the revenge/bad ass break up songs. 
21. "All I Want Is You" by Miguel featuring J.Cole: Like all of Miguel's songs, this one is sexy, even if it's supposed to be sad. 
22. "I Ran Away" by Coldplay: This is by far my favorite Coldplay song. It always reminds me of being way too shy around my first major crush.
23. "Ya Salam" by Nancy Ajram: This song is also the name of Nancy's third album, which proved to the music industry in the Middle East that she was indeed as talented as she is gorgeous. For an English translation, go here.
24. "No Ordinary Love" by Sade: My uncle introduced me to this artist when I was fairly young. I absolutely love listening to her voice when eating a late dinner alone. She's got such a soothing voice and her lyrics are just as lovely.
25. "Rumour Has It" by Adele: My little brother was quite obsessed with Adele two years ago. He would insist on listening to her CD every time we all hopped in the family van. This is the one song I can stand to listen to over and over again. 
26. "Sweater Weather" by The Neighbourhood: One word: swoon.
27. "Stand Back" by Stevie Nicks: Another favorite thanks to my uncle. Timespace was my first cassette and I believe it's still tucked away in my old (now sister's) car. Best twirling song in the world.

And that's a wrap! Give me some feedback in the comment section below and be sure to bookmark my blog or sign up as a follower. Enjoy your week and be sure to treat yourself to something spectacular this Friday. You owe yourself a little extra loving! 

Bisous,

La petite pamplemousse

Think About It Thursday: #sochifails

Earlier this morning, my co-workers and I were sharing links to various articles discussing the current situation in Sochi, Russia. Most of these articles focused on the visual proof via Twitter, Instagram, or the like, of the inadequate hotel conditions over there: snapshots of broken door knobs, yellow water, missing toilet stall dividers, and bricklayers still at work. Later in the day, my coworker sent me a Times article, which focused on the fact that 5,000 containers of Chobani yogurt are currently sitting in a freezer near Newark Liberty International Airport. Russia allegedly claims that the United States has not sent over the proper paperwork. Then, in the early afternoon a Huffington Post story claimed that Budweiser has allegedly dropped its traditional Club Bud party spot from the games as well. The whining continued throughout the day with another article highlighting the lack of swag in the press gift bags. I admit that when my co-worker asked me what press gift bags usually include, I hadn't the slightest clue. But, that isn't the point here. The point is that everything you get is free. Every item in that big, as pathetic as it seems to you, comes from somewhere, was made by someone.

Then I read this opinion piece by Margaret Coker.

Let's just take a second here to focus on the negativity so quickly spread via social media once the Tweet or Post buttons are clicked. Let's focus on how repulsed we are that there are signs stating no toilet fishing rather than the fact that the games have begun (even if the Opening Ceremony isn't until tomorrow.) Let's focus on the fact that we tend to highlight all of these awful things that are not in the slightest bit surprising elsewhere in the world. (The reporters complaining about the lack of privacy or toilet paper have yet to use a Turkish toilet, that's all I have to say). What bothers me the most is that, as Coker pointed out, these journalists expected the best. After traveling around Europe and North Africa, I have come to understand the whole "patience is a virtue" philosophy. Don't ever expect your train to be on time. Always bring Kleenex, even to a club, because chances are there's no toilet paper or paper towels left (nor was there ever.) Bring snacks and bottled water no matter how long your journey.

You should relish the moments which challenge and frustrate you; those are the ones that teach you the most about yourself. But hey, there's that thing called a learning curve, right?

In any case, I beg to wonder what half of these reporters would do if they had sparkling five star hotel rooms. Would they still find something to complain about, or would they tweet songs of praise to Russia? Furthermore, are these journalists the farthest they've ever been from America, thus explaining their ignorance of how the rest of the world works? Or, have they ventured far and wide, speaking with citizens of all races, religions, income levels, and sexual preferences and thus reserve the right to deem their treatment the worst out of any past experiences? Why are we so quick to judge? And, most importantly, why aren't they reporting on what they went there to do?

I ask you to think about it. The Olympics, social media, the press, the ignorance of Western countries, the ignorance of Eastern countries, the reasoning behind the hatred and disrespect of others that do not eat, drink, speak, pray, or shit like you.

What is the underlying cause for your judgement and what comfort line are you unwilling to break at any cost?