I have always been a fan of Rihanna’s music, especially more in the last few years with how her style and sound have matured since “Pon de Replay” and “SOS“.

“Stay” features a soulful, almost broken-sounding Rihanna and a beautiful piano collaboration which instantly caught my attention the first time I heard this song. Of all the 259 No. 1 songs to rule Billboard‘s Pop Songs chart, ”Stay” is only the second piano-and-vocal-only No. 1, dethroning Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man.”

This song is also a tie-breaker that allowed Rihanna to trump Katy Perry for the claim of being “the first artist in the 20-year history of Billboard’s Nielsen BDS-based Pop Songs radio airplay chart to tally 10 No. 1s,” and only since 2006!

So here is some great music for your Monday. Lyrics after the video.

Stay ft. Mikky Ekko – Rihanna

All along it was a fever
A cold sweat, hot headed believer
I threw my hands in the air I said show me something
He said, if you dare come a little closer

Round and around and around and around we go
Oh now tell me, now tell me, now tell me now you know

Not really sure how to feel about it
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can’t live without you
It takes me all the way
I want you to stay

It’s not much of a life you’re living
It’s not just something you take, it’s given
Round and around, and around, and around we go
Oh now tell me, now tell me, now tell me, now you know

Not really sure how to feel about it
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can’t live without you
It takes me all the way
I want you to stay

Oh the reason I hold on
Oh ’cause I need this hole gone
Funny you’re the broken one but I’m the only one who needed saving
‘Cause when you never see the light, it’s hard to know which one of us is caving

Not really sure how to feel about it
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can’t live without you
It takes me all the way
I want you to stay, stay
I want you to stay, oh

(Songmeanings)

April 15, 2013

in Música, Music Monday
Leave a Comment

Music Monday: Country Throwback (Fishin’ in the Dark)

What’s great about Mondays? This week, it means only two days until my weekend starts. But normally…eh, not much. But I like listening to music to help pick myself up a little and get moving in the mornings and throughout the day.

I used to be one of those people who didn’t like country music at all. When asked what music I liked, my response would be “Pretty much anything BUT country.” Classic rock is one of my boyfriend’s favorite genres and after sharing music for the last three years, I’ve developed a great appreciation for it also. Because of this I’ve also become more conditioned to country music, particularly Johnny Cash and George Strait. My good friend Courtney, a perfect definition of a southern gal, introduced me to one of her favorite songs while growing up in Roscoe, Texas, and I’ve been obsessed so now I’m sharing it with you guys. It’s by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band circa 1987.

Hope everyone has a happy Monday and let the hook put you in an upbeat mood.

Fishin’ in the Dark

Lazy yellow moon comin’ up tonite,
shinin’ through the trees,
Crickets are singin’ and lightning bugs
are floatin on the breeze
Baby get ready…..

Across the field where the creek turns back by the ol’ stump road
I’m gonna take you to a special place that nobody knows
Baby get ready…..OooooooOooo

You and me going fishing in the dark,
Lying on our backs and countin’ the stars
Where the cool grass grows.
Down by the river in the full moon light,
We’ll be fallin’ in love in the middle of the night
Just movin’ slow…
Stayin’ the whole night through, feels so good to be with you…

Spring is almost over and the summer’s come
and the days are gettin’ long
Waited all winter for the time to be right, just to take you along
Baby get ready…..

And it don’t matter if we sit forever and the fish don’t bite
Jump in the river and cool ourselves from the heat of the night
Baby get ready…..OoooooooOoo.

(Songmeanings)

April 12, 2013

Wanderlust: Long Life, Health & Happiness in Greece

April is Stress Awareness Month, which makes it an easy topic to tie into my newest wanderlust post because I am a firm believer that relaxation is essential to good mental health and happiness. And what’s a better form of relaxation than traveling? Few things can top it in my book.

My boyfriend is a tax accountant and as we reach the final stretch of tax season, he is easily booking 65+ hours/week. April 16, the day after one of the most stressful days of the year (deadline to submit your taxes!), is coincidentally or not recognized as National Stress Awareness Day. In serious appreciation of this day and our own mental stability, we are taking a few days to vacation, relax and have a little bit of fun to break up the monotony of life as hardworking adults.

While relaxation can help counteract the serious health complications linked to high stress (heart problems, dementia, seizures to name a few), it is just one of many ways to improve your quality of life. I recently read articles on Yahoo and the New York Times that state that the Greek island Ikaria is one of the places on Earth with the largest grouping of centenarians, or people who live to witness their 100th birthday.

According to the article, these Ikarians’ secrets to longevity include “lack of pollution, a diet heavy in fruits and vegetables, moderate consumption of wine, and…coffee brewed by a boiling method.”

As an avid and religious drinker of coffee, I am always happy to hear of more reasons why the deliciously fragrant little beans can protect me against diabetes and liver disease (Ironically, those who have had a liver transplant due to a liver disease must ban coffee consumption from their diets). According to research published in the journal Vascular Medicine, this particular type of boiled Greek coffee was associated with better endothelial function. Endothelial cells play an important role in blood vessel formation and in reducing the friction of the flow of blood in blood vessels.

Greece has been on my travel bucket list for years, ever since I saw my first picture of Santorini’s blue-capped, whitewashed stone homes flushed into the hills. If the same is true for you, be sure to check out my Pinterest travel board. Someday, I would love to move to one of the breathtakingly idyllic Grecian towns picture below. Enjoy!

April 9, 2013

in Tatted Up, Tattoo Tuesday
1 Comment

Tattoo (Sleeve) Tuesday

I’ve taken a long hiatus from Tattoo Tuesdays and posting in general, but with the accessible Pinterest app I still regularly scan and share my favorite tattoo finds. You can always check out these latest finds on my Pinterest page.

Lately, I’ve been fixed on great arm tattoos. I can always appreciate a great sleeve, and I especially love the bright, bold colors and intricate details in the ones below. Enjoy!

March 27, 2013

in Música
Leave a Comment

Anniversary Song

Citizen Cope’s “Sideways” describes it perfectly.

You know it ain’t easy
For these thoughts here to leave me
There’s no words to describe it
In French or in English
Well, diamonds they fade
And flowers they bloom
And I’m telling you
These feelings won’t go away

They’ve been knockin’ me sideways
They’ve been knockin’ me out lately
Whenever you come around me
These feelings won’t go away
They’ve been knockin’ me sideways
I keep thinking in a moment that
Time will take them away
But these feelings won’t go away

(lyrics)

March 15, 2013