A Friday (holiday) Buffet
No. 012 Music makes the best memories and the final Gift Guide!
Hello!
Let’s ignore the drab and dreary weather for a moment because earlier this week we had several beautiful (cold) days filled with sunshine. I am going to focus on those! And while nothing particularly exciting happened this week, my holiday spirit is back in action and I’m very much looking forward to the holidays, and some time off, very soon. :)
Yesterday, while driving around to do a few errands, I was enjoying the upbeat, no-nonsense holiday tunes flowing through the airwaves on our local holiday music station. Yes, I love holiday music, no I won’t change my mind, and yes, I still listen to the radio in the car. I am who I am.
Not only did the cheerful music encourage a better mood despite traffic and several detours along my route, it also made me remember (once again) why I love music so much: it brings back a treasure trove of joyful memories. Hi, it’s me, I’m nostalgic all the time, thank you for being here.
I have loved music all of my life and I can often connect songs to very specific events, or periods of time in my life, when the song(s) had even more meaning. I was also a musician during school (trumpet until 9th grade, then trombone during high school and college) so I think music is engrained in my soul and wellbeing. I just thrive when music is involved.
What kind of music is my favorite? Well, that depends entirely on the situation! I prefer classical for the work day, a mixture of pop and hip hop for background ‘noise,’ and the holiday classics - through a jazz lens - during the holiday season. I’m a big fan of Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Dean Martin, and Sinatra; for workouts I prefer Top 40 Hits and sometimes even EDM. I have had the main theme music from ‘The White Lotus’ playing in my head for months.
The best part about music is that there are endless options and you can “tune your day” however you please. My taste varies greatly depending on my mood, the weather, my to do list, and if I’d like to sing a long. Fun fact: long ago I took singing lessons because I loved singing at home. Snap to reality and I learned I had pretty intense stage fright. Playing trombone I had no problem performing in bands, but singing by myself was a no-go. Probably for the best…I don’t think I would be a very good pop star.
But let’s get back to the music. A favorite genre of mine for many years was soundtracks. I had countless CDs of movie soundtracks, TV series soundtracks, and Broadway recordings (I love live theater). The joy of soundtracks, then and now, is that listening instantly transports you and brings back fun memories of watching that show. Additionally, listening to certain songs on soundtracks brings back specific moments in real life as well. Delightful!
Last night, while we listened to Ella’s ‘Swinging Christmas’ album, I suddenly remembered one of my favorite songs that played during the holiday episode of Felicity, a TV show I deemed “the best” back in 1998 starring Keri Russell (it was excellent and I should re-watch it). The episode was about the main character, Felicity, managing finals during her first semester of college and all of the excitement and stress surrounding her relationships with Ben and Noel, the other main characters. I was only 13 at the time so the depiction of college on TV was pretty much the gold standard in my mind.
All this to say that the song playing during that episode, which I am still trying to pinpoint, had quite the lasting impression. I knew exactly what was going on in the TV show, I remember watching it from the couch thinking college would be the best ever, and to this day I can hear the song in my head (someday I’ll locate it) bringing me back to that moment in time: eager for the future and passionate about music in ways I didn’t yet fully understand.
Music creates the best memories and songs, whatever they happen to be and wherever we happen to hear them, can leave a lasting impression for years to come. Another personal favorite? Pomp and Circumstance (that graduation song) - makes me teary-eyed every time. No graduation ceremony required. ;)
I hope this time of year, for you, is filled with the “sounds of the season” whether or not the traditional tunes are included. If you have been following me lately on Instagram, you’ll notice I’ve been pairing a song to every meal I post, which has been a fun way to incorporate my musical taste with my dinner’s.
And now, without further ado…cue my all-time favorite holiday album:
Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas by Ella Fitzgerald (release date: 1960).
[Gluten Free] Mollie D: Holiday Gift Guide #3
A Holiday Hodgepodge: A little of this, that, and everything else that would be a great gift!
I Dream of Dinner by Ali Slagle - a fantastic cookbook for those looking to spruce up their weeknight meals.
100 Cookies by Sarah Kieffer - a great cookbook with 100(!) amazing cookie recipes for every time of year and any occasion.
Gift Card: The Bancroft - Burlington, MA - steakhouse that also offers some seafood and a terrific bar scene.
Gift Card: FRANK - Beverly, MA - farm-to-table elegance in a relaxed atmosphere. Wonderful brunch options as well.
Gift Card: Oak Long Bar + Kitchen - Boston, MA - a gift card to Boston’s “Best Hotel Bar” would be a great gift!
Edgecomb Potters - handmade pieces from Edgecomb, Maine, there are so many beautiful designs and pieces available, picking just one is almost impossible!
Slip Silk Pillowcase - the best pillowcase for a restful, relaxing night’s sleep.
Winston Flowers Delivery - a gift of flowers, or a gift basket, that will surprise and delight!
Dudley Stephens Fleece - a cozy top is the ultimate cold-weather gift.
The gift of kindness: Here’s an idea; how about doing something for someone that is helpful, pure and simple? It may just make their day. And that would be a gift to you both. :)
Happy Holidays!
It’s Friday so it’s time for the Buffet! Right this way…
The “true winners” of The White Lotus. Ha! Ah, I just loved that show.
There’s a lot going on in morning television in case you hadn’t noticed. Yikes!
Truly enjoyed this tour of various work-from-home spaces. I should have submitted our kitchen! ;)
Do we need this expensive pepper mill? Possibly…
I do agree that swapping chicken for shrimp in many meals is a great idea.
Skillet Cheesy Chickpeas is a dish we’ve made several times and it never disappoints - an excellent low-effort, major deliciousness meal.
Adding Kung Pao Beef to next week’s dinner plan!
I’ve been eyeing this Alex Mill dark green roll neck sweater for a few months. Looks so cozy!
How do we feel about matching sweatsuits? I’m still on the fence.
Loved the latest Food Diary featuring a 37-year-old personal chef in Boston. Fascinating!
Just for fun (holiday) luxury: Of course the perfect little tote is from Prada. Chic.
Sneaks of the Week: Converse Chuck 70 Vintage Canvas I’ve been wearing this style for years, but have been reaching for them even more often these days. A classic style that goes with everything and there are plenty of colors to choose from which is why I have three pairs. Oops.
Cheers and joy,
Mollie
