My Maggie October

When Tom Petty died earlier this month, I knew my October playlist would be dedicated to him. Ya'll know my love of "dad music" from the 70s. And Tom Petty was born one week before my own dad. The best part about his music is it spans through the 70s, 80s, 90s, and even until today. I mean, he even recorded a few songs with my idol, Stevie Nicks, so my love for his music was just meant to be. One of my best memories is listening to his greatest hits album on a road trip with my brother to Arches National Park.

The majority of songs on my playlist come from his greatest hits album and Wildflowers. I sorted them by which songs sounded good fading into the next.

My Maggie September

It's time to let go of this endless summer afternoon

I almost didn't publish my playlist this month. I got on an electronic kick and I decided to dig out a bunch of old songs I didn't think I would ever share from my library. There will be plenty of people who don't like this kind of music. Some of the songs are way old and some are brand new. There are quite a few that are so over the top that I just find them humorous. And I think the way I've ordered them here they feed off of each other. I decided to share all of it anyway. 

My Maggie August

Here's a short, energetic playlist to celebrate the end of summer. I envision listening to it over and over while driving out to the desert. At least that's what I did last weekend, driving to and from Bear Lake on the Utah/Idaho border. Has anyone else noticed an uptick in 70s-disco-sounding music? I first noticed it last year when M83 released Junk. I hated it at first, but now I've downloaded almost the entire album. This playlist includes a lot of that sound, since so many other artists are going that direction.

What are you up to the rest of the summer? I'll admit my energy is waning, which is usually what happens to me in August. Don't forget to watch the solar eclipse next week. There could be such a good playlist for that, right?

Here are some things I'm digging this summer:
Reading: Anne of Avonlea
Watching: Last Chance U
Eating: Trader Joe's pizza dough (savory and dessert!)
Buying: This and this cheese board. I'm really happy with them. I bought two of each for work parties. They look beautiful layered at varying heights.
Anticipating: Utah Shakespeare Festival to see these two shows.

Photo

My Maggie July

Summer slipped us underneath her tongue
Our days and nights are perfumed with obsession


How was your 4th of July? Like the smoke hovering low in our valley this morning, I'm still feeling a lingering spirit of what felt like a 4-day holiday. Saturday, July 1st, saw hiking a mountain to watch Provo's Freedom Festival fireworks with friends. Sunday was a twilight rooftop party with views of fireworks all around town. Monday night we kicked off the 4th with a midnight bbq, to ensure we celebrated the first bbq of the 4th of July. And, finally, on the 4th, watching Provo's parade on a friend's balcony facing Provo's historic Center Street. Whew! Provo celebrates Independence Day right.

I'm grateful for friends and family who live in the moment and make my life here pretty magical.

Listen to this to set a dreamy mood for the rest of July.

My Maggie June

If the me back then could see me now

June's playlist was made for the road. And it's a mixture of some favorite new music with throwbacks to all the right places. You see, 10 years ago in the summer of 2007, Adrianne moved to Provo for BYU. And last week, I helped move her and her family back home to Kansas City. Adrianne and I had two rad days in the car together, just the two of us. It feels like they went by in a flash. I made this playlist with her in mind and threw in a bunch of stuff that just felt right.

I think I'll always remember that drive and how I can feel 100% myself with Adrianne. I will miss her and Jed and Juliet and Nora more than I can say, but they don't feel far. We'll adjust. In the meantime, they're starting a grand adventure of their own.

Check out the playlist on Spotify next time you need a good 2-hour playlist.

There were 3 songs not available on Spotify, so if you're curious about the full experience, I'll include the Youtube videos below.

My Maggie May

I'll keep a bonfire for you

Let the summer of love and adventure begin! I'm seeing lots of weddings, red rock, and bonfires in my future. Who's up for a bonfire on the shore of Utah Lake this Tuesday night? If you're reading this, consider yourself invited. This weekend, I'll be heading down to National Park land again for camping with good friends. Later this month there will be some epic exploring of Colorado and wedding festivities to die for. If only Monday through Friday were equally exciting.

What adventures are you up to this month?

This playlist will see you through highway escapes and get you in the mood for those bonfires.

My Maggie April

Something about this spring feels different. Probably because we've had more damp, cloudy days than sunny, warm ones. I can't tell if the blossoms and sprouting flowers have already come and gone or if they are still on their way.

I've been fascinated by the brooding, low-hanging clouds that swirl in and out of Slate Canyon behind my house and Rock Canyon out my work window. They spin me into a low-key energized, yet somewhat melancholy and thoughtful mood. That's exactly how I would describe this playlist, by the way.

You'll find this playlist hits the spot for quiet moments with a touch of heart-pumping energy when you need it.

Warning: Songs 1 and 3 are marked explicit for language. Sorry about that. The songs are just so beautiful that I had to include them.

My Maggie March

Introducing: My 80s playlist, Part 2, which I started last September. Part 1 featured the gritty, electronic pieces I was feeling from 1980-1984. This month, I take on the pop and color that speaks to me from 1985-1989. This playlist inspires roll-down-the-window-speed-down-the-highway-sing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs-with-friends. And it will be the best thing that has ever happened to you!

Can't look forward enough to the transition that is March. I'm ready for 60-degree weather and blossoming trees and Women's Session of General Conference. I'm ready for spring cleaning and revamping my wardrobe. I just started using ThredUP and pulled out massive amounts of clothes from Kate Spade, Boden, Stitch Fix, Banana Republic, Gap, and more to sell to their company. Just placed my first order and feel really good about buying consigned clothing.

Also, for the first time in my life I'm considering placing curtains over my bedroom window. I've NEVER liked the look of curtains before, but I have a feeling it will be one of those things where I never knew what I was missing. I want something delicate and airy with interesting texture that almost blends in with my white walls and bedding. I think I'll go for one of these two looks:

 I want one large curtain that pulls to the right like the grey example above. It will clasp just outside of the foot of my bed, creating a nice aesthetic. My linear picture ledges featuring SEVENTEEN framed works of art begins on the other side of the window and wraps around the head of my bed. Having the curtain pull away to the opposite side of the window will provide a balancing effect. I have no idea where to start with a curtain rod, though. I'm thinking something minimal and white and placed high enough over the window to create a lengthened and enlarged effect.

I recommend listening to this playlist on a Saturday morning while cleaning out your closet!

My Maggie February

Singing songs of Februaries and Fridays, ya'll.  Celebrating pink skies, romance, a 3-day weekend, my favorite holiday, and all things pink, red, glitter, and hearts. Listen to this playlist for some insta-romance in your life. I hope you'll find it fresh and hip with just a touch of nostalgia.

I threw the last song in for a bit of nostalgic contrast and because all February playlists should be bookended in Paris. It's not on Spotify, but here's a youtube video:

My Maggie January

January is here! And with it came allll the white and snow. While scraping my car and driving in the snow is NOT my favorite, I love everything else about this winter wonderland we're living in. I had a wonderful holiday season. I hope you did too. I rang in the new year surrounded by friends at a fun party we threw. Any new year brought in with confetti, sparkling toasts, and hot tubbing in the snow is gonna be a good one. I wish you the best 2017!

January will bring snowshoeing in pristine canyons, friend reunions, and glitter parties galore.

Listen to this playlist to give yourself a boost in motivation to make this year everything you want it to be.

Past New Year playlists: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013

My Maggie December

These are the songs I'm listening to over and over this December. I love them so much. They emanate emotion, stillness, warmth, and a little quirkiness.

This December I'm following the #LIGHTtheWORLD campaign and loving focusing just a small part of my day on becoming more like the Savior. My favorite experience so far was Day 3: Jesus Can Help Others To See And So Can You. I didn't necessarily have an opportunity to donate old glasses or help someone blind, so instead, before I went to bed, I sat in my room without my contacts or glasses on. I have always had TERRIBLE eyesight. I never go more than a few seconds without corrective lenses. As I sat there looking around at everything blurry, I focused on how my Savior can heal me, just as he healed other blind people. And how blessed I am to have amazing doctors to care for me. And how grateful I am for people who decide to study optometry to help people like me. Because of my Savior, I will be resurrected to a perfect being who will no longer have vision impairments.

Enjoy my December playlist! (Song #10, Last Christmas, is down below)

Song #10 on my playlist, Last Christmas by SASKATCHEWAN, isn't available on Spotify, but you can listen to it below. You don't want to miss it!

My Maggie November

Each November I normally go for happy, feel good music I can dance around to while cooking Thanksgiving dinner in the kitchen. Something's different this year, though. I've been studying British Classic Rock, and I'm inspired by the groundbreaking advances in rock music during this period of 20 years--mid 60s to mid 80s.

Let's talk about everything that's inspiring me right now:

1) Stranger Things. Based in suburban Indiana in 1983 (basically identical to the world I entered in Missouri). The sets, the cars, the clothes, BARB'S GLASSES, the mixed tapes Jonathan makes for Will. THE MUSIC.

2) Ron Howard's new documentary, The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years. So interesting to see four, cheeky, suited teenagers with simple melodies transition into experimental studio recording artists. The Beatles' album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, which featured the only Beatles song I included on this playlist was the first album they recorded after the touring years. It's like the pressure and the act were over and they could focus on really being themselves.

3) Love and Mercy, the film about Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. This is strictly American, but it's the same time period and the same transition from traditional harmonies to an amazing time of studio experimentation. Plus, they simultaneously praise and rip on The Beatles and accuse them of stealing their sound...ha ha. They view The Beatles as their competition.

4) Reading Can't Buy Me Love: The Beatles, Britain, and America.

5) Dad conversations and Boss conversations. I love talking about music with people who lived through it.

This playlist isn't meant to be anthological, I just chose some songs that I already had. I learned a lot in the process. Also, the songs aren't in chronological order. I ordered them according to what I thought sounded good. I included the year next to each song title so you can get a sense of time period. It jumps around a lot.

Happy November, everyone. With the evenings getting darker earlier, I'll be sticking close to home and enjoying hot chocolate outings, bookstores, and cozying up to the new Gilmore Girls releases coming out the day after Thanksgiving.

My Maggie October

October is upon us, and I'm more than ok with that. Provo's mountain and canyon colors are peaking, and by the end of this month the valleys will have their moment to shine. The sunny days and brooding mornings have been stunning.

I'm in the mood to cozy-in for General Conference weekend, which starts tomorrow. This is a weekend of no plans, stay at home, watch conference in bed or while tending to tasks around the house. I hope to catch up on some home decor projects that have taken a backseat to everyday life (white spray paint EVERYTHING). I'm thinking doughnuts and homemade chicken noodle soup are in store for this weekend, and I've already fallen victim to the overflowing pumpkins and apples at the markets. It might be my favorite time of the year.

I really like my playlist this month. It's equal parts brooding, rhythmic, creepy, and nostalgic. It's perfect for October. It's best listened to with a 9-second crossfade, which you can set through Spotify settings. I take as much time to design the flow of these playlists, as I do the content. Listen for some instant October moodiness!

I'm sorry about the profanity in track 10 Blood in the Cut. I didn't know it was there until after I bought the song. If you leave the sound down for the first 30 seconds, you won't have a problem after that.

More October playlists here: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

Did you know I give a visual recap to my last month on my Instagram account? It's a fun tradition. I guess you can say I use my blog to set the scene for the coming month and Instagram to report on how the month went. Follow me @magsrose and #mymaggiemonthly.

My Maggie September

We all know by now that September is my favorite month. It starts out still summery with Labor Day and last-ditch-effort summer plans and slowly morphs into what Provo is experiencing in perfection right now: misty clouds, red mountain foliage, snow atop the mountains, and clear cool sunny days.

When I think of September, I think of vintage back-to-school, hanging with the in-crowd, football, birthdays, and a freshness of new possibilities. Since it's my birthday month, I decided to do a study of the top hits of the 80s. I chose my favorites from 1980-1984 and imagined what life was like around the time I entered this world. I chose songs with some grit and electronic undertones, because that's just what I like. In case you are curious, Maniac from the movie Flashdance was the #1 hit the night I was born. I like to think the song wafted through the hospital halls and the streets of Kansas City, subconsciously motivating my mom to getter done! If you want to know which song was #1 when you were born, ask me and I will tell you.

This playlist has already taken me through road trips and last-minute beach getaways to the Outerbanks and to DC with a few more adventures yet to come. My heart has been full this month. People + places = home.

Remember last year? My Maggie September 2015 70s hits! Another great music love of mine.

My Maggie August

It's August and the beginning of the end of summer. The good news is, here in Utah, there are amazing things to do and places to go within a weekend. My summer rush is slowing down a bit, and I'm craving a little more down time. This August will see road trips with cool beats and lazy summer tunes, new towns, festivals, and National Parks. Closer to home will be cheering on the U.S.ofA. in Rio and good family and friend time.

August 2015, August 2014, August 2013 

My Maggie July

My July playlist is inspired by a trip to California with wonderful friends that had been in the works for years. It was a first taste of California in my adult years, and it was so so good. I was exposed to luxurious beach life, but it was the vintage California scene that really inspired me.

Leading up to this trip, there was something about the heat of summer, exploring somewhere new, and feeling alive that put me in the mood for what you're about to hear.

Later this month, there will be a lake house with friends at Bear Lake. Those carribean waters are calling my name! July is a celebration of turquoise beach shacks, magenta flowers, sand and sun, aquamarine waters, fireworks, balboa bars and raspberry shakes. I'll be listening to this playlist all month long.

A few playlists from Julys-past: 2015, 2014

My Maggie June

This June, I've been staying closer to home and enjoying beautiful things near Provo. It stays light now past 9:00, and I'm telling you, it is the best. It's the beginning of an amazing summer. There's been outdoor concerts, fresh roses, downtown (Provo) city life, and beautiful mountain and valley views. I'm seeing rodeos and fireworks in my future.

I just passed my year mark of moving to Utah and starting my job here. It's been an amazing, fresh, stunning, outdoorsy year. I can get bogged down by my list of things to work on and make happen, so there is great value in looking back at how good it's been.

Here's what I'm listening to this June:

A couple songs weren't available on Spotify or iTunes (what?!), so here are a couple YouTube videos:

My Maggie May

Sharing the songs and messages and vibes that are speaking to me right now. I love that so many of these songs have a cool, chill sound. There's also a mixing-in of the highs and lows of trying to accomplish my many goals.

I have a goal to be in a relationship by my next birthday! I'm keeping a journal and holding myself accountable everyday for taking steps to accomplish my goal. But, obvs I can't do it alone, so if you know anyone I'd be a good match with, let me know. This is a scary, vulnerable place to be in, but I believe in this goal and in inspired helping hands.

Hope you are enjoying May! It has already been filled with gorgeous gardens, derby-style hats, celebrations of love, and stunning nature. And rain.

My Maggie April

I'm finally melting in the sun. Springtime is helping, feel the hum.

Looking back at April, where do I begin? There's rugby matches in the cold mountain air and lunchtime strolls in the soft sun, coaxing anything and everything to blossom in bunches of fluffy white, pinks, and yellow. Trail-walking under skies, bluer than blue, against spring-green mountain-sides and everlasting snowy peaks. And this is just the fertile valley of the Wasatch front.

Head south for three hours, and you've stepped into a Maynard Dixon painting, complete with subtle desert hues and striations and rock formations from Mars. Springtime in the desert is the best. I've seen the greenest these deserts will get all year and delighted in the variety of desert flowers dotting the terrain. The swirling, arching, goblin-ing canyons do not disappoint.

April playlist here (it's a little all over the place):

My Maggie March

March brings us an unapologetic mix of old and new music that just seems to match the atmospheric transition of winter into spring. When I listen to this playlist, I feel inspired to roll the windows down, look up at the mountains, and get some fresh air.

I signed up for another lazy man iron man, so this month, I'll be out getting my swim, bike, run on. 

I have my 8-week hair appointment coming up. This is my inspiration. What do you think?

I felt inspired to think back to where I was a year ago, in March 2015. I was living in this tense world of good and bad clashing together, but truly trying to soak in the wonderful and overcome the hard moments. I was about one month out from some major life-changing moments. It's so interesting to look back at the video in my head and think, "Hang in there, Maggie! Some beautiful, hard, important things are about to come your way." I suppose you never really know what is around the corner, but you must live openly with trust and hope. It's those things that lead you into new opportunities.

Past March playlists here, here, and here.