Happy TunesDay: Collection 9

January 12, 2016 by christina ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

It’s 2016. It’s 2016. It’s 2016.

I have to remind myself over and over when I write the date, or else it becomes some weird 5 with a messy loop at the end. Y’all know what I’m talkin’ about.

This week has been particularly difficult for me to focus already (I know, it’s only Tuesday, for the love of all that is good.) I’m sick and just want to sprawl in my teensy twin bed all day. But, this week’s tunes will hopefully help me gather what energy I have and refocus on my tasks for the week: studying for the math section of the GREs, reading some books on poverty & violence for my research, and finally doing some errands (grocery shopping, cleaning my room, and sorting out my medical benefits situation).

I hope your week is as or more productive than mine!

Sending lots of love and good listens your way,

Christina

Cute watercolor graphic for my featured image comes from Angie Makes. Send her some love!

Happy Tunesday: Collection 8

January 5, 2016January 5, 2016 by christina ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Back to work and back to reality…What that means for me is more dedicated studying for the GREs and for my research fellowship.

In the new year, I’m trying to be more consistent and thoughtful in my short and long-term goals. I would say I am a dreamer, and while my passions are far-reaching, I have a tendency to jot down notes for future ideas and never follow through. Hopefully I’ll be able to change some of those habits into being more fruitful. This year I am doing my best to put my health and well-being first, including surrounding myself with friends and family that challenge me & push me to be better. I’ve had a good run in 2015 with new friends and chances to reconnect with old. But in 2016, I’m hoping to solidify those opportunities and really express how grateful I am to have those people in my life.

In that spirit, a lot of this week’s tunes go out to my good friends Lia & Alyssa who introduced me to more of Troye Sivan’s music. Good, good stuff. A talented musician and so young. It’s people like him that make me question my entire life. He’s 20 and is already so accomplished.

I guess in 2016, I should also try and stop making so many comparisons of myself to other talented people. I…will start doing that next week. I can only focus on so many things at once!

What are some of your goals for the new year and are there any songs that you are already digging in January?

with gratitude & affection,

Christina

Happy TunesDay: Collection 7

December 29, 2015December 28, 2015 by christina ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Hello friends!

December is coming to a close and the new year is about to begin. Every time a year ends, I get a slight tinge of sadness. Most people think about the new possibilities and all sorts of opportunities that the new year can offer. But, I usually sit in quiet contemplation and reflect on the things I’ve done over the past 364 days, mulling over the missed opportunities and things I could have improved on. Sometimes it’s productive, and sometimes not.

This week’s TunesDay is full of slower jams that might induce some sort of sadness, but only for the purpose of getting into a more calm and self-reflective mood! Warning: do not listen if you are trying to overcome loss and/or heartbreak.

Lots of love and warmth for your new year and beyond,

Christina

*big up’s to Dani Schafer + Design Love Fest for the background image*

Happy TunesDay: Collection 6

December 22, 2015December 22, 2015 by christina ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Winter Solstice is today…I celebrated with my grandma and we paid respects to our ancestors by making traditional Chinese soup and lighting incense. It’s usually pretty low-key for our family, but it was nice to make food with my grandma and learn some of her tricks! My lovely mother provided translations for me, which was super helpful so I could understand my grandma telling me that I’m going to be an old maid.

Love you too, Gramms.

Anyway, this Tunesday is full of some electric, house-y, upbeat sounds to perfectly combat the chilly & stormy weather.

Happy Tunesday, friends! How do you celebrate the Winter Solstice or did you even know it was today? Let me know below!

Credits to DesignLoveFest for the wonderfully sparkly background image!

TunesDay: Collection 5 – Holiday Edition

December 15, 2015December 15, 2015 by christina ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Hip happity hooray!

The holiday season is upon us, and despite every crazy thing happening around the world, I am convinced that most people are good and that we should always try our best to love one another.

Maybe it’s the peacebuilder in me, but it’s much more difficult to embrace those different than us and to live with love and compassion in our hearts than it is to solve things with hatred. Hopefully these hipstery holiday tunes will remind us all to live with love, however that may look like for you.