Mexican Music Playlist

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Mexican music is incredibly passionate and vibrant, and plays a big role in shaping the Mexican culture, past and present. The music of Mexico is very diverse and features a wide range of musical styles. Mexican music has been influenced by a variety of cultures, notably indigenous Mexican and European. Mexico has a rich culture that should be boasted about. The Mexican culture integrates the traditions from Mexico and the world cultures the country has been in contact with through the centuries, be it through song, dance, art, food, or language, and forms it into a unique voice for the Mexican people to share and cultivate from generation to generation.

What makes Mexican music and integral part of the Mexican culture, and therefore the lives of Mexican people is how much it is a part of the historical makeup and mexican heritage. Mexican music, for the most part, is the music of the people. Traditional Mexican music depicts vibrancy, folklore, and color. And above all, from folk songs to mariachi music, to the modern upbeat music today, Mexican music speaks volumes for the people.

For example, "Banda" music a form of traditional Mexican music including cumbias, corridos, rancheras, and boleros, was created with the imitation of military bands that were imported during the second Mexican empire, under emperor Maximillian I of Mexico in the 1860s. Banda music actually sounds very similar to polka music, again illustrating the diversity of the Mexican music sound and influence. Banda music was further popularized during the Mexican Revolution with revolutionary leaders like Pancho Villa utilizing the music to be apart of this campaign, appealing to poor Mexican farmers and families.

Below is a playlist of classic and modern Mexican music. Each song integrates a different quality of the Mexican culture. Moreover, this playlist brings light some of the very best aspects and traditions of the Mexican culture.

Read more about the music of Mexico and check out my 10 songs I love in Spanish!

P.s.- Check out my Youtube channel for the playlist + video: Mexico Playlist

Authentic Mexican Recipe: Tacquitos

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Step 1: Ingredients 

• 8 flour (or corn) tortillas
• 3/4 cup water
• 4 pieces of chicken breast (I used 1 big piece, 2 medium pieces, and 1 smaller piece) NOTE: You can also use beef, pork, fish, or no meat at all, if you like!
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 salsa
• 1 cup oil (for frying)
• 1 package of cheese ( I used a blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar)

Read more after the jump!

New Feature: Youtube Channel!

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I created a Youtube Channel that will feature all the playlists, movie trailers, and videos for when I create the recipes that get featured weekly on the blog for your convenience! Please subscribe to my channel! Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/user/DaydreamingTraveler?feature=mhee

ENJOY!

From the Editor: Ven Conmigo!

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It has been a long while since I have done a new post. These past 2 weeks have been bananas in terms of homework, projects, and work!!! I was terribly bummed to not be able to post new stuff, but it didn't stop me from concocting lovely recipes, crafts, art, music, and much more for this week.

Which leads me to my next order of business, announcing this week's destination of the week will be to.....

Authentic Greek Recipe: Spanakopita

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Step 1:

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 10z. bag of Spinach (Pre-chopped)
• Salt and Pepper
• 6oz. feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 eggs
• 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
• 1 pound filo pastry sheets

Pre-heat Oven to 350 degrees

From the Editor: Kalioreksi! Last thoughts of Greece

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Before I reveal our next destination of the week, I would just like to say how much I've enjoyed sharing my love of Greece. I did manage to dig up my favorite Greek recipe to share with everyone for Spanakopita. I absolutely love this dish! I believe I first had this dish when I was a little kid, and no one makes it like my grandma Olympia. This coupled with my favorite Greek movies is definitely an equation for awesomeness!

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♥Kalinichta♥

Top 10 favorite Greek films!

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Click the movie title to see the trailer! Enjoy.....

Photo Tour of Greece

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The cultural and historical background of Greece has sprinkled the landscapes with ruins that span six thousand years. The alternating invaders, the peaceful settlers, and the country's position at the crossroads between eastern and western culture, have all left their mark on the Greek cultural landscape. Ancient sites around the country side, and museums in cities protect priceless artifacts from antiquity.

Time has been really kind to the land and has adorned the mainland and the Greek Islands with an impressive array of natural attractions. Travelers to this beautiful country especially loved by travelers are the extensive sunshine and the ocean's gorgeous blue hues.

One of my favorite aspects of Greece (besides being surrounded by the very roots of Western Civilization!) are the beaches. They are really breathtaking, and that doesn't begin to fully describe them. Some beaches are well organized and offer many luxuries, while others are very secluded and isolated. Some offer clear water, some perfect soft sand, while others are framed  by incredible landscapes. The national Greek tourist organization has its own "top ten beaches" list based on the voting of its website visitors, and many beaches of Greece sport the Blue flag which symbolizes cleanliness and quality.

I've complied some of my favorite destinations, sites, beaches, and locales in Greece. Check them out after the jump! Enjoy....

Greek Music Playlist

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Some of the most diverse music I have ever heard has hands down come from Greece. The music of Greece is well celebrated as the country's own history. Greek music separates into two parts: Greek traditional music and Byzantine music, with more eastern influence. These compositions have their roots in antiquity. Music is a significant aspect of "Hellenic" culture, both within Greece and in the diaspora.

Typical pop music of Greece includes the following genres: Éntekhno, Dimotika, Hip Hop, Laïkó , Punk and Rock.


Greek music actually extends far back into Ancient Greece, since music was a major part of the ancient Greek theatre. Music was an important part of education in Ancient Greece. Boys were even taught music starting as early as six years old. Greek musical literacy created a flowering of development. It would eventually become the basis for Western religious music and classical music.

Greek instruments that are typically used in music include: the lyra Pontos and Crete, the Outi,  the Bouzouki, and the Baglamas. All of these are stringed instruments. Wind instruments in the Gavali, the Karamoudza, and the Thiambioli. My favorite instruments are the drums, like the Daouli, the Defi, and the Toumbi. Learn more about Greek instruments HERE!


The genre "Éntekhno." arose in the late 1950s. Éntekhno, literally meaning "art song", is orchestral music with elements from Greek folk rhythm and melody. It's lyrical themes are often political or based on the work of famous Greek poets. Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hadjidakis were the most popular early composers of Éntekhno music. "Laïkó" music, meaning song of the people, is the urban folk music of Greece. It emerged by the creation of Greek music culture in the 20th century. Contemporary Laïkó is currently Greece's mainstream music genre in  their modern nightlife. Contemporary Laïkó emerged as a style in the early 1980s.


I definitely recommend checking out MTV Greece, which was just launched in 2008, as a starting ground to finding out what is happening today in Greek music.


In the meantime, check out the 10 songs I love in Greek after the jump! Enjoy....

From the Editor: "There are two types of people: Greeks, and everybody that wishes they were Greek!"

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Yassou! Welcome to Greece!

It gives me great pleasure to announce our next destination of the week will be to Greece! I have a special attachment to this beautiful country due to my own bit of Greek heritage. My paternal grandmother, Olympia, is half Greek, and her mother was from Kalamata.

I wasn't raised in the Greek Orthodox Church, but my grandma taught me how to say my prayers in Greek. I'm sad to report, I barely remember how to say them. Nonetheless, my Greek today amounts to a keen understanding of the basic phrases. Hello. Goodbye. Good morning, how are you? Etc...


In many ways, we are all sons and daughters of Ancient Greece. Greece is really the cradle of Western Civilization. So much is owed to antiquity, and the rich foundation the Ancient Greeks built in terms of philosophy, literature, political science, major scientific and mathematical principles, education, and Western drama (just to name a few).

Oh, just the home of the gods. No big deal.....

Greek cuisine is some of the finest dining in the world, and the classic example of the healthy Mediterranean diet. It incorporates fresh ingredients into a variety of dishes like moussaka, Greek Salad, souvlaki, and my absolute favorite, spanakopita. And you'd be crazy to turn down a nice, sweet, and sticky helping of baklava!


Greece is the birth place of the Olympic Games. The Panathenian stadium in Athens hosted the Olympic Games in 1896, 1870, 1875, 1906, and recently in 2004. Of course, you can't talk about Greece without mentioning the numerous gods of the ancient Greek mythology. They intersect with the world of literature's greatest epics ever written (uh, can you say The Odyssey and The Illiad?)

I absolutely love Greek culture, traditions, and customs. I am so thrilled and honor to share this piece of my own personal history with you all.

Stay tuned for all kinds of Greek-ness for your everyday life this week!

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♥ Kherete ♥

French Decor Craft

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I wanted to do an arts and crafts project that would incorporate my love of France and of art. So what better way than to make my own art piece to hang in my house! I made an art box, or simply, a decorated box you can hang on your wall like art. Easy, right? A couple weeks ago, I had seen this project done, but with a cheapy painting you might find at a thrift or crafts store. I wanted to do the same thing, but with pretty construction paper I had around the house. I did cute sayings for my piece, but you can put song lyrics, or your favorite quotes for the lettering. 


You'll need:

• Plain gift box
• Construction Paper
• Craft paint
• Paint brushes
• Letter Stickers or make your own letters

Authentic French Recipe: Crêpes

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Step 1:
Ingredients

..  

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

From the Editor: Holy Crêpes, Crêpes, Crêpes!

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I absolutely love France. I definitely know I will be living in château in the south of France sometime in my life.  IT WILL HAPPEN!

c'est tres délicieux!

Before we go onto our next destination of the week, I just wanted to share some lasting impressions of France, and by lasting impressions I mean food recipes! Something I have always wanted to try is crêpes. I've never had the pleasure of tasting one, even though I've had other French delicacies. 

I found an easy crêpes recipe that is super fast and yummy, because as I have said I am culinarily challenged!!! I topped my crêpes with powered sugar and fruit, but you can add just about anything to crêpes, for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert!

Stayed tuned for tomorrow when we reveal the next stop on our travel journey!

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À Bientôt!

French Art + Culture: Check this out, Mes Petites

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If you are interested in contemporary French art, check out The French Art Studio, a French contemporary art exhibit from London!

♥ Bisous!

Photo Tour of French Art

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The world famous Musée du Louvre in Paris! 

Art and France have had a love affair as old as time. Some of the greatest artists, both visual and written, have come from France. Additionally, some of the greatest artists to have ever lived have made their way to the country for its pure inspiration at some time or another in their life.


France has been on the cutting edge of making art into our understanding of Art. From the Renaissance through the Impressionist period, and into our modern day, the Art world would not be the same without French influence.

I'm going to share some of the most famous classic works of art by some of the biggest names to enter the Art World, as well as what is going on in modern French Art.

Read more about my favorite French artists and their works after the jump!