Oh, twenty twelve. You had many ups and downs. It was the year of Pinterest and of less of an addiction to Facebook. I went on a couple great trips - Florida and Croatia/Venice. I lost touch with some friends but made a lot of great new ones. I turned 24. I finally broke down and bought myself an iPhone. I have been making a lot of progress toward a real job, and hopefully I can secure it this year. I really made an effort to start blogging in the spring. I have lots of goals for Lovely Llorys in 2013, but I'm proud of what I've accomplished in the better part of 2012 with it. I hope you all have enjoyed reading and will let me know what you'd like to see in the coming year.
I haven't really made my resolutions list yet, but I know I want to make this year better than the last. Who doesn't? But really, with the impending apocalypse, I didn't have much time to even consider the possibility of 2013: P Here we are though, so we have to make the best of it! Andrew and I opened our jar of memories this morning and I definitely think we will continue that tradition. I loved every minute of dragging my film camera on the Croatia trip to capture some beautiful memories. I want to take more photos. I need to read more books - maybe one a month? I want to be a better friend and a better person. It can be really tough!
If I make my goals slightly less likely to be attained but all the more fun and rewarding, I would love to: learn French (I forgot most everything I learned in high school), update Lovely Llorys everyday (I'm one for one!), work out at least once a week (I know...), finally get a real job (or die trying?), and eat out less often, like way less. How do you keep your goals in mind? And what are your goals/resolutions? I'd love some inspiration!
So this is the New Year. And I don't feel any much different.
It was hard enough to choose ten of the best songs this year, so I don't really want to have to order these awesome songs from 2012 any further. So here they are, in the order I thought of them. I didn't keep up very well on music this year, so thank goodness for Andrew doing all the work for me. But alas, there was some great music out there! Also, disclaimer: some of these were released as singles last year, but the album came out this year so it counts, I say!!!
Regina Spektor "Don't Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas)"
I took Andrew to see Regina for our 2 year anniversary! Her voice is just so flawless and beautiful. I think the album grew on both of us throughout the year, but this song was just so catchy! I love it.
Lord Huron "Man Who Lives Forever"
Andrew always has this playing on the rotation in his car. It's hard to choose just one of Lord Huron's songs, but this one is super pretty.
Alex Winston "Velvet Elvis"
We discovered Alex Winston early this year, and haven't been able to stop listening. She has such a unique voice and "Velvet Elvis" and "Sister Wife" are raunchy and fun, super catchy tunes. She has been snubbed on all the lists we've seen so far, so show her some love!
Beach House "Myth"
So beautiful and dream-like. I love to listen to this and just close my eyes and imagine.
Magnetic Fields "Andrew In Drag"
I am proud to say that I discovered this song before Andrew (which doesn't usually happen). So fun, and I get to imagine Andrew dressed in drag when I hear it!
Fanfarlo "Deconstruction"
Fanfarlo was another band we go to see this year. I like this song the most from their release this year. Not much to say besides: listen if you haven't and their set was perfectly creative.
Islands "Hallways"
I love this! I feel like I should be drinking beer in an old saloon with Islands playing this rolling piano song. And then there would be a dual!
CHVRCHES "The Mother We Share"
I'll be darned if Andrew moved this to my list overnight because made me realize how it's cute how she says "proud" in the chorus because she's Scottish. IT IS SO CVTE. (Also, is this the actual music video?)
Fiona Apple "Every Single Night"
I had never really listened to Fiona Apple, like at all, before we found out we'd be volunteering for her concert this summer at Frederik Meijer Gardens. So I started listening and instantly became a fan. You can just almost feel the same emotions she is singing about because she is taking them from a deeper place. Amazing performance, by the way.
Purity Ring "Fineshrine"
I feel like this song might be way too hipster, but other than that, I love it! I will say that I watched a live performance of Purity Ring, and certainly wasn't in love, but the recorded stuff is great!
Bonus Track: The Lumineers "Ho Hey"
I don't know where this song came from, but it's all over the radio! I first discovered it by Shazaming. Is that a word? Anyway, good for these guys, who have been nominated for two Grammy's. Indie music has definitely been slowly taking over!
I would LOVE to hear your favorites! Please indulge me: )
