playlist: hot chocolate

(This one is for Cinde)

Believe it or not, I have done it again. Yes yes, yet another acoustic playlist. Readers, I promise you.. the next one is going be something completely different.

This playlist was actually the hardest one I've had to collate thus far, because it was created upon a request. In case you don't know, my playlists have specific moods. To be exact, the mood that I was meant to capture for hot chocolate was 'feeling special,' and 'fitting in.' I had absolutely no idea how to handle such a request without going down the generic route, but then it finally hit me. All I had to do was look for songs that encapsulate youth and simplicity.

To me, hot chocolate is all about the feeling of warmth. I think of sitting around a giant bonfire with my friends, or dancing around the flames with a big straw hat on my head. I can imagine myself curling up into a ball with my favourite book. Most of all, I picture safety, comfort and the element of youth that I know most of us will  cling onto for the rest of our lives.

If you just click on any of the titles listed below, you will automatically be redirected to youtube. :-)


We are young (cover), by Boyce Avenue

The banjolin song, by Mumford and Sons

Idaho, by Gregory Alan Isakov

We're going to be friends, by The White Stripes

Dancing in the moonlight (cover), by Matt Knapp

I recommend: this inspiring video on success.

Last semester, my friend Kiran linked me to one of the most incredible videos I have ever watched: 'How bad do you want it? (Success)'

As the title suggests, the video is about pushing yourself to achieve your goals. The great thing about it is that it can be applied to pretty much anything: exams, jobs, ambition, or even life in general. If you're feeling demotivated, or you just have absolutely no idea what you're doing, I highly recommend watching it.

The clip has an array of brilliant quotes, but these two shook me the most:

• 'When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you'll be successful.' 
• 'Don't cry to quit. You're already in pain, you're already hurt, get a reward from it.'

So my gorgeous viewers, dim your lights, turn up the volume and soak it all in. It is my greatest hope that after you've watched the video, you will be motivated enough to BRING IT.

playlist: sherry

'In the night of death, hope sees a star, and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing.' 

- Robert Ingersoll

This one is dedicated to my friend, who just lost someone.
I hope with all my heart that you find peace. May these songs bring some comfort into your life.

Love,
Nadia.

- The stable song, by Gregory Alan Isakov
- Upward over the mountain, by Iron and Wine
- High and low, by Greg Laswell
- Signs, by Bloc Party
- After the storm,  by Mumford and Sons