Mums and Music is back after a little break…
As many of us don’t have the time to be going out disco dancing much anymore, this series is to give us mums the opportunity to reminisce about songs we may have forgotten, have a laugh at what we used to think was cool and take some time out to listen to something other than cbeebies theme tunes! This week I am very pleased to welcome Nicola from MummytoDex. Nic is my not so northern twin, so I can’t wait to hear her music choices! Over to Nic!
A little bit about Nicola
Hello! I’m Nicola, I’m 31 years old and blog over at http://mummytodex.com. I am Mummy to 15 month old Dexter James and wife to Neil. We live in Liverpool on the UNESCO world heritage waterfront and I work full time as a branch manager. Music took a bit of a backseat in my life while I was on maternity leave but I am back listening to at least two hours a day now on my commute into work. I am totally into the classics- Beatles, Queen and Elton John to name a few of my oldie faves but I also love me a bit of indie-pop-folk too and ten years ago I would have listed my favourite bands as Two Door Cinema Club, Van She, Empire of the Sun and Real Estate. These days I am more likely listening to Heart or Magic and when I logged onto Youtube the other day, felt a little bit concerned that I did not recognise the name of one band with a current tune in the charts. Eek! I guess that is what happens when you get old.
A Song From Nicola’s Childhood
Spice Girls – Say You’ll Be There.
My childhood was quite lonely at times being an only child and I spent a lot of time listening to music in my room. Before I was a teenager, I only had a tape player (attached to a record player no less!) and I loved buying the ‘Now That’s What I Call Music’ tapes to listen to a wide range of pop music. I was a huge Spice Girls fan (what girl wasn’t in the 90’s?) and loved rewinding this particular song over and over. I used to love buying Top of the Pops and Smash Hits magazines and it was Top of the Pops mag that came up with the nicknames for the Spice Girls. It was for my 12th or 13th birthday that I got a CD player and I remember buying Viva Forever on CD. You could put it in your PC and watch the video to the song, it was revolutionary at the time!
A Song that makes Nicola happy
ABC – All of my Heart.
This isn’t a particularly upbeat song but I love it and it makes me really happy. On my long commute to work I listen to Radio City 2 which plays music from the 60s, 70s and 80s and when this comes on I turn it right up and sing along with glee. 80s music is a little bit before my time, but is probably my favourite decade for music.Just putting it out there now, I love Wham!
A song that psyches Nicola up
Phoenix – Consolation Prizes.
I became a massive Phoenix fan after spending a year in France as part of my degree. This is my favourite track of theirs and I have it set as my alarm to get every day off to a good start.
A song that makes Nicola sad
M83- Too Late. This is one of the songs that I used to like listening to when I was in my mid twenties, single and sad. I was introduced to M83 by a friend when I was travelling around the US in 2008 and was super happy to hear it featured on Gossip Girl during an episode of Season 5, even more so that it related to the love story of Blair and Chuck!
Nicola’s favourite song from a film
This is the best scene of all time in any movie ever! I loved the movie 500 Days of Summer and seeing little Joseph Gordon Levitt so happy that he got with Summer just brings a smile to my face. My husband and I loved this song so much we had our first dance to it at our wedding. It’s was a bit too upbeat for the DJ to understand why we would want this as a first dance song and he insisted we had a slow Take That song play first as an into. Idiot.
Nicola’s favourite theme tune from a tv series
RJD2 – A Beautiful Mine.
Mad Men has to be the greatest show to ever grace our television screens. So beautifully written, so understated and yet so clever; I really miss it. I think I will watch it from the start again one day. Also what is not to love about Jon Hamm?! Swoon!
Find out more about Nicola and her adventures of being Mummy to Dex here:
Welcome to my brand spanking new guest post series, Mums and Music! As many of us don’t have the time to be going out disco dancing much anymore, this series is to give us mums the opportunity to reminisce about songs we may have forgotten, have a laugh at what we used to think was cool and take some time out to listen to something other than cbeebies theme tunes! This week I am very pleased to support a brand spanking new blogger – Jen from Life-Milk. Jen is so new that her blog hasn’t even launched yet, so I am honoured that she has taken the time to guest post for me as she must be very busy preparing her own site. I’m so glad that she did… she’s got a Maxwell tune in there. Oh how I loved that fella during my college and uni years, it has taken me back and made me think about happy memories – exactly as I had intended for the series! Over to Jen!
A Little Bit about Jen
Hellooo, I am Jen over at Life-Milk, which is FINALLY launching on 1 st Oct, double yay! I am 28-year- old single mother, living in Croydon and currently working in corporate services for a council. I have an 8-year- old daughter called Kourtney and together we are two peas in our own little pod. I am so pleased to be a part of this guest post opportunity as I am not only a mother but a huge fan of music too. I am a horrific singer but it has never stopped me from belting out my favourite tunes from a very young age.
A song from Jen’s childhood
Spice Girls – Say you will be there
Born in 89 of course, my favourite band was the Spice Girls – they were shaaaamazing. I was obsessed with all their songs and went to many of their concerts. I genuinely loved every single song but I think my favourite would have to be ‘Say you’ll be there,” because it was very catchy, powerful and the video was wicked. I lived in many different houses as a child and this song, in particular, reminds me of a house I was able to call home for 5 years which was a record for us. Everyone had a favourite Spice Girl and mine was definitely, baby spice aka Emma Bunton. Despite, Spice Girls no longer being in a band, I still regularly listen to their tracks and my daughter is now a fan.
A Song what makes Jen happy
Meghan Trainer – All about that Bass
I feel happy when I listen to this song, as it is so bouncy, pop video with a great message. I loved the video because it was bright and quirky. Every time I hear this song, I act as if I am literally in the video. Not only was it a fabulous song but I loved that Meghan Trainer was confident enough to release a song about curvy girls (for once.)
A Song that psyches Jen up
Mark Ronson Feat Bruno Mars -Uptown Funk
A song, which psyches me, would have to be Mark Ronson feat Bruno Mars “Uptown Funk,” because anytime it comes on the radio, at children parties or pops up on my playlist, I shamelessly start TRYING to dance. I am so bad, that I cause major embarrassment for my daughter – so much so that I see her face fall when the song comes on! The song is so bloody lively and fun, how can you not enjoy it? I think it is a brilliant song, so hats off to Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson.
A song that makes Jen sad
Maxwell – This Women’s Worth
This song is such an emotional one for me as I always think of my loved ones that I have lost. The lyrics are deep and meaningful, so much so it moves me to tears, almost every time. I think the song,
was beautifully written and cleverly arranged. I am such a sensitive soul and this song always without fail, moves me.
Jen’s Favourite song from a film
Prince -Kiss
Pretty Woman is my favourite film of all time and I absolutely adore when the beautiful Julia Roberts is in the bath; looking almighty HOT, singing along to it. Prince was iconic and has left a legacy behind and I will forever have great joy when the watching that particular scene.
Jens favourite theme tune from a TV series
Eastenders
My favourite theme tune would probably have to be EastEnders, sad as it maybe. However, it is so catchy and whether you watch it or not, I think everyone knows the tune. In addition, we all know when the tune slightly changes; somebody is leaving – proper fan! Please do not judge me but it is my guilty pleasure.
I hope you have enjoyed getting to know me a little bit more and if you would like to converse, or collaborate, then please contact me on any of the below.
Social media links:
Blog: Life-Milk.com (launching 01/10/17)
Twitter: LifeMilk2016
Instagram: LifeMilk_
Welcome to my brand spanking new guest post series, Mums and Music! As many of us don’t have the time to be going out disco dancing much anymore, this series is to give us mums the opportunity to reminisce about songs we may have forgotten, have a laugh at what we used to think was cool and take some time out to listen to something other than cbeebies theme tunes! This week I am very pleased to welcome the first of my blogging besties – Hayley from Devon Mama. Hayley has been a great friend to me during my time as a mum and often gives me pep talks about work and life. Although, I had to think for a moment about what her real name as she is affectionately referred to as Dev by my other blogging bestie, Nicola from Mummy to Dex and I.
I digress… OVER TO DEV!
A Little Bit about Hayley
Devon Mama is run by me; Hayley – a 31 year old mama and wife living in rural Devon. Along with my husband, son and the world’s bounciest dog, I can usually be found attempting to cook, Googling everything and embracing the strange new world that is parenting. Add in a house with ‘a lot of potential’ and a return to my ‘real’ job as a Company Director and it’s organized chaos at the best of times.
A Song From Hayley’s Childhood
Lionel Richie – All Night Long
I always like Lionel Richie to my childhood. We used to have his CD on repeat as we’d drive down through France on holiday. We would all sing along to it in the back of the car at the top of our voices, badly out of tune! Just listening to the opening bars of it for this has taken me back there – and made me want a holiday NOW!
A Song that makes Hayley happy
Edward Maya – Stereo Love
This song reminds me of holidays and summer time – it was playing on our first holiday together and seems to have followed us every time we’ve been away. Every time I hear it, it makes me think of heat, sun and relaxation!
A song that psyches Hayley up
Macklemore – Can’t Hold Us
If I put this on in the car or in the gym (oh yeah, I went there!) I can’t help but bop along in time with it. I’m 90% sure I know none of the words but in my head I’m word perfect. I turn it up loud and get the blood pumping. Or you know, as loud as you can with a toddler in the back seat…
A song that makes Hayley sad
Eric Clapton – Tears In Heaven
The lyrics, the reason it was written, the slow pace… this song just puts me in a reflective place.
Hayley’s favourite song from a film
Beyonce – Listen (Dream Girls)
There’s just something about this song that gets me – I like to belt it out whilst I’m doing the washing up. Because obviously Beyonce has nothing on me. If you haven’t seen the movie, I would recommend it completely. I didn’t watch it for years because the thought didn’t appeal but it’s really good!
Hayley’s favourite theme tune from a tv series
True Blood
or
The Chain
So tempting to say Eastenders… I mean really, is there anything more iconic?! But in terms of songs that get stuck in my head I’d have to say either True Blood or The Chain, which is used for Formula One. I can’t pick one… I love TV too much!!
Welcome to my brand spanking new guest post series, Mums and Music! As many of us don’t have the time to be going out disco dancing much anymore, this series is to give us mums the opportunity to reminisce about songs we may have forgotten, have a laugh at what we used to think was cool and take some time out to listen to something other than cbeebies theme tunes! This week I am very pleased to welcome Zoe from Mummytoliss
A little bit about Zoe
I’m Zoe, young mummy to 1 year old Alyssia, blogging my way through motherhood over at www.mummyandlissblog.com
A Song From Zoe’s Childhood
A Song from my childhood would have to be Follow me by Uncle Kracker, it’s a song that reminds me of my Grandad and that we still sing together to this day. Every time that my Grandad would take me and my cousins out for the day we would have this song on in the car & all sing a part each, it was so funny. I have such Good Memories from this song, I don’t think I will ever forget the words.
A Song that makes Zoe happy
A song that makes me happy would definitely be ‘This Life by Ryan Huston’ if you listen to the lyrics in this song it is bound to make you cry, but it really is a happy song. This is the song that my partner first sang to me and we have always said that this will be our wedding song. It will always be our song.
A song that psyches Zoe up
A song that psyches me up would be ‘Love Myself by Hailee Steinfield’ It’s a song that shouts “I love me, gonna love myself no I don’t need anybody else” I love this so much, is there a song that is anymore empowering? Always love yourself.
A song that makes Zoe sad
song that makes me sad would be ‘Yesterday by Leona Lewis’ this is a song that I dedicate to my Grandma, if you listen to the lyrics it will explain everything. We planned so many things, but never got to do them before she died. The song says ‘They can take it away but they can never have yesterday’ meaning that I will always treasure the days that we did get together. This song breaks my heart every time but it also means so much to me at the same time.
Zoe’s favourite song from a film
A song from film, well its got to be Shrek right? An absolute classic!
Zoe’s favourite theme tune from a tv series
A theme tune from a TV series, there is so many that I could choose from but now that I am a mum, its got to be Peppa Pig. This theme tune never leaves your brain.
A big thank you to Zoe for these picks, I honestly never thought I’d see the Peppa Pig theme tune on these pages! You can follow Zoe here:
You can find Zoe’s blog here Facebook Twitter Instagram
Welcome to my brand spanking new guest post series, Mums and Music! As many of us don’t have the time to be going out disco dancing much anymore, this series is to give us mums the opportunity to reminisce about songs we may have forgotten, have a laugh at what we used to think was cool and take some time out to listen to something other than cbeebies theme tunes! This week I am very pleased to welcome my twitter pal, Lisa! Lisa has recently been teaching me a thing or two about music and she isn’t impressed with the fact that I’ve never heard of The Used!
A little bit about Lisa
Hey, everyone! It’s Lisa here from www.lisacowan.co.uk! I’m a beauty, parenting and lifestyle blogger from Manchester UK. I’m a first-time mum to Imogen and although my music tastes seem to now vary to children’s tv theme tunes, music is very dear to my heart.
I was influenced from my mother and father in two completely different paths and discovered my own tastes away from the charts at just 10. I was always into rock and metal music with a bit of cheesy pop and fast paced dance. I was lucky enough to be able to follow a lot of bands in my teens on tour and went all around the UK and Europe to see them. I’m going to try and answer these questions without blabbing and share with you some of my favourites!
A Song From Lisa’s Childhood
Bruce Springsteen – Dancing In The Dark.
This song funnily reminds me of my dad. We don’t talk anymore but it was always a song I enjoyed listening to and with him. It was only when I was older I actually appreciated the Boss and though others are my faves, this is my childhood background music.
A Song that makes Lisa happy
The Maine – Like We Did (Windows Down).
I used to follow this band on tour everywhere. I was utterly in love with their music and made so many friends and we all used to drink and sing until our voices cracked every single night for two weeks. This song just sums up the general feel good vibe that we had and it is one of the happiest memories in my life.
A song that psyches Lisa up
Bury Tomorrow – Casting Shapes
Bury Tomorrow have been a band I’ve known for about 8 years now and it’s crazy because they’re just getting bigger and bigger. This is from their first album and I get so pumped listening to it because it reminds me of stage diving a million times. So proud of the lads!
A song that makes Lisa sad
Blue & Yellow The used.
Throughout my life I’ve suffered with mental health problems. I have good days and bad days. The extremely bad days I can pick apart more than anything from the same songs I listen to. When I get to this song it means I’ve sunk and I’m on a spiral. It makes me sad because it’s a trigger song in a way and I can’t stop myself. There isn’t songs that make me emotional as such.
Lisa’s favourite song from a film
Lorde – Yellow Flicker Beat
This song is from Mockingjay part 1 of the Hunger Games. I was such a huge fan of the books and read each one of them in a day after my pen pal (yep even in this day and age) from Australia sent it to me. She was so determined to get me to read them and I was a huge fan and followed everything to do with the films. I love Lorde and think she’s such a talented young woman.
Lisa’s favourite theme tune from a tv series
Regina Spektor – You’ve got time
I really really wanted to put Friends here because it’s probably my most watched. Followed by the GOT intro. I never get as excited as I do for when a new Orange Is The New Black series starts and I chant and shout the theme tune dead giddily around the house. You just can’t not right?! The animals.. the animals.. they’re TRAPPED TRAPPED TRAPPED til their cage is full THEIR CAGE IS FULL
And that’s everything! Honestly my music taste is so varied this is just the cherry on the cake! I hope you enjoyed reading my faves.
Welcome to my brand spanking new guest post series, Mums and Music! As many of us don’t have the time to be going out disco dancing much anymore, this series is to give us mums the opportunity to reminisce about songs we may have forgotten, have a laugh at what we used to think was cool and take some time out to listen to something other than cbeebies theme tunes! This week I am very pleased to welcome Claire from The Lazy Girl Blog. A bit of an expert in this field, so I have looked forward to sharing this with you all.
A little bit about Claire/LazyGirlUK
I’m a 35 year old UK Mum of two. I’ve blogged at The Lazy Girl UK since 2006, I’m a total music and social media nerd and for the last year I’ve been co-hosting an indie radio show- The Strictly Vinyl Show with Him And Her- every Sunday over on radioactivefm.co.uk. I’m a huge vinyl collector (before it was cool) and have a pretty varied taste in tunes.
A Song From Claire’s Childhood
A Day In The Life – The Beatles
My Dad was so sick of me listening to crappy nineties pop when I was around 10 that he ran me off a tape of Sgt Peppers. I listened to it daily for the entire school holidays, learned all the words, and literally it made me start exploring old bands and music. I still like the odd cheesy pop tune but it far improved my musical taste from that point on!
Song That Makes Claire Happy
This is cheese I admit! Hey Mickey by Toni Basil
In my defence, I was at college in 1998/99, a time when a lot of Euro House dance music was around. My friends and I were indie/alternative kids, forced to share a common room and one stereo with these kids who loved really appalling techno and stuff which gave you headache! To get revenge, we used to put this on every morning, and sing and dance like loons to it. It makes me remember that young, silly time of dressing a bit strange and annoying the hip kids!
Song That Hypes Claire Up
Renegade Master by Wildchild (Fatboy Slim Remix)
I have 4 different versions of this tune on vinyl! Its got to be one of my fave dance tracks of all time, and Fatboy Slim is a legend (and I finally got to see him live at Camp Bestival in 2016). The first time I heard this version I was ironing for a night out. Had to put the iron down for safety as was forced to dance round the kitchen to it. Took me ages to track the right one down on vinyl but managed it.
Song That Makes Claire Sad
Change Is Gonna Come – Sam Cooke
I have to own up that it was the Seal version of this song but I love Sam Cooke- Change Is Gonna Come. In 2008 my youngest was born at 28 weeks, and spent 4 months in Neonatal care. They didn’t have facilities for parent’s to stay every night so every day, I would travel for just under an hour by bus to be with him, and to pass the time I used to plug a radio into headphones on my phone. This was a big track on local radio as it had been redone by Seal. I still associate it with that time. Happily, my son is now a strapping near on 9 year old!
Claire’s favourite song from film
Don’t Rain on My Parade – Barbara Streisland
Its from my fave film and probably one of my fave actresses too, Barbra Streisand Don’t Rain on My Parade. My sadly no longer with us Nan introduced me to musicals, all the classics! Barbra though i just amazing, a great actress, a great singer and frankly a gorgeous lady too. I never miss Funny Girl and the, probably not quite as popular sequel Funny Lady too.
Claire’s favourite tv theme tune
Danger Mouse
OK, so this is by far the best TV theme tune ever- no contest! Kids TV today has nothing on my era! Its Dangermous, the opening and closing credits. It had explosions, a cute superhero mouse, a mate who was a bit of a drip (seriously, I can’t be the only one who thinks The Simpsons based the Milhouse/Bart friendship on these two?) and an evil baddie too! I am attempting to introduce my children to it as an excuse to watch it with them!
A big thank you for taking part! If you’d like to find out more about this week’s guest blogger you can follow her at:
My social media links
My blog is The Lazy Girls Guide to Life www.lazygirluk.wordpress.com
