2024 in Favorites

Are we out of the woods yet, are we out of the woods yet, are we out of the woods?

2024 was *ahem* ... a year, but it did provide a lot of little joys in the form of books, films, music, and my own fun obsessions and discoveries. 

Without further ado, here are some of the small delights that caught my fancy this year (whether they were released in 2024 or not):

Favorite graphic novels: For me, 2024 was the year of the graphic novel. This was the first year in recent memory that I really started to get into these types of books. I have no idea what I was waiting for, as I have always loved comics and cartoonish art. My favorite graphic novel reads this year were two series I had never picked up before: the “Heartstopper” books at the start of the year, and the “Lore Olympus” series at the end of it. Both are about ✨luv.✨

More favorite reads: My favorite full-length fiction read this year was “A Court of Mist and Fury” by Sarah J. Maas (the second book in Maas’ “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series). That was a big surprise because I wasn’t a massive fan of the first book. Well, lo and behold, book two was a massive game changer. It held my attention and would not let go. Honorable mentions this year go to “Come & Get It” by Kiley Reid; “Woman, Eating” by Claire Kohda; and “My Body” by Emily Ratajkowski. I also bought several horror/thriller-type books, which is a genre I don’t often explore but am excited to get into. You can see all of the books I read this year here. Find my upcoming 2025 TBR list here.

Favorite records: If my Spotify Wrapped is to be believed, Twenty One Pilots was my favorite artist this year. I spent a good portion of 2024 listening to my favorite artists’ new releases, obsessively playing my favorite tracks again and again. I will give myself kudos for branching out and adding new-to-me artists Chappell Roan and Tory Lanez to my listening roster this year. I did, however, find myself in the habit of listening to the same tunes over and over and over. In 2025, I want to branch out and listen more to full albums and push more outside of my comfort zone to find new artists and sounds I might like.

Favorite songs: Most of my fave songs this year were on my favorite records:

“Hurts Me” and “The Color Violet” by Tory Lanez“Rich Girl” by Hall & Oates“Alesis” and “Candy” by Mk.gee“That’s Life” by Declan McKenna“We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” by Ariana Grande“Snap Back” and “Oldies Station” by Twenty One Pilots“Femininomenon” by Chappell Roan“Black Friday” by Tom Odell“Fortnight” by Taylor Swift+ a lot of old NSYNC songs lol

Favorite movies: There’s nothing I love more than seeing a good movie in theatres. I can’t remember all the ones I saw this year, but I ADORED “Wicked” and would recommend the Netflix movie “It’s What’s Inside” for a trippy thriller that has an indie/small budget-type feel. The Bob Dylan film “A Complete Unknown” with Timothee Chalamet as the lead was also amazing.

Favorite shows: Somehow, I didn’t discover the magic of “The Umbrella Academy” until this year. That show got me through some tough times. I’m obsessed with all of the characters and with Gerard Way, of course. “Black Doves” was a fun new one. I also watched several Netflix documentaries, which is a new genre for me. “Pop Star Academy” and the DCC doc were both really gripping.

Other favorites: Girrlscout clothes; the color green.

What were your favorites this year? I’d love some recommendations!

Till next year,

The Honeymoon Adventures, Pt. 1

This post is going to be about my honeymoon, but I have to preface it by saying: waking up on your wedding day is a weird feeling. The night before mine, walking through the ceremony with family and friends at the rehearsal dinner, I was more nervous than I have ever been. The next morning, though, I pulled on a pair of checkered pants and ate toast at a local diner with my parents, somewhat subdued, even though it was The Day. Then when the wedding was over, it was finally time to travel.

For our honeymoon, Peter and I ventured to Savannah, GA and Asheville, NC.

Our honeymoon was a supreme road trip, up from central Florida over to Savannah for a night, then continuing onto a remote cabin just outside of Asheville for the remaining nights. Because of all the driving, there was also a lot of music, and because there was a lot of music, I decided to write down my favorites from the songs that we played. I have included the tracks in a playlist at the bottom of this post!

The hotel we stayed in Savannah was called the Hyatt Regency, and it was right on the water.

Our room had a view of all the boats down along the river, and right below was (the aptly named) River Street. Because of all the traveling, we were too tired to explore Savannah extensively upon arrival, but we brought food in from Olympia Café, a fantastic Greek restaurant. 

The next morning, we sleepily emerged from our hotel room to go look around downtown Savannah.

I did not know, but Savannah is something of a walking town, so we walked the streets to get from place to place. We happened upon an adorable breakfast spot called Goose Feathers Café, and settled in at the window seat. I got a cup of orange juice and something called an Eggel Bagel(!) with avocado.

I wish we had had more time to explore Savannah before heading to our cabin in Asheville, and I definitely want to go back. There were a lot of cute shops we spotted on our walk that morning that weren't open before we had to leave for the next leg of our journey. I would definitely recommend Savannah, even though we experienced precious little of what it had to offer.

Please ignore the dumpsters lolol.

Our travels took us over a large bridge and through dense woods, and eventually we arrived (up the side of a mountain - big deal for a FL gal) at the cabin in North Carolina. The cabin had an adorable front porch, a loft bedroom, a hot tub outside, and a hammock. I already miss it, and the crisp mountain air that is infinitely preferable to the constant humidity we have here near the coast.

We spent a lot of time in the cabin cooking (Peter), reading (both of us), and eating store-bought macarons with abandon (me).

I could definitely see myself living in a cabin someday. It was just so green and peaceful - save for the times that the tree branches surrounding the house would creak so furiously against the roof that we thought someone was trying to break in. Save for that. 

 I have more adventures from our time in Asheville to share, but I will save them for the second part of this post, which I hope to finish drafting next week.

Until then, here is the playlist of the songs I jotted down from our honeymoon travels (basically a love letter to The Spring). I made an Acoustic Erin Spotify where you can listen to them, and will be updating it with more honeymoon tunes next week. I hope to add more playlists for y'all to listen to as time goes on. I also started a blog Instagram, which you can find here.

And now an interlude from my husband, who will be writing fun footnotes to my posts for the time being (click here to read the first installment).

~Peter's Paragraph No.2~

Hello all! Recently, I became interested in flash fiction. "What is that?" you ask. Well, it's short fiction stories, usually 3,000 words or less. I started writing some in the hopes to get published on a small-scale website, but then I thought to myself, "Why not make a website of my own?" This has been something Erin has been encouraging me to do in the recent months and I realized creating a flash fiction website would be a good hobby to have. So, yours truly has created The Creative Anecdote, a website of flash fiction that believes in paying for creators' works. The prizes may be cheap, but hey, it's being funded by me right now. If you like the idea, please follow us on Instagram (@thecreativeanecdote) and join our mailing list on our website. Just by doing that, you are supporting something that helps support others! Love you all. 

And there you go, that is the post! Have you guys ever been to Savannah or Asheville? Where have your summer travels taken you to?

Missing the woods,

E

Playlist: 14 Glorious November Tunes

Is it time for a new playlist already? HECK YES IT IS

I'm not going to lie, a lot of November (at least musically) was spent either waiting for or listening to Taylor Swift's new album. BUT NEVER FEAR - there are more than just Swift songs on this playlist (12 more, in fact). And this post features twice the usual amount of recommendations because I just really love sharing groovy tunes with y'all. ♥

"Friends" - Justin Bieber

I know, I know, it's the Biebz, but give it a chance! Maybe it's this super sweet commercial or the fact that Jelena is a thing again (yes, I'm that person), but I'm digging some Justin tunes lately. If you want to dance or need some sick background music for your cardio workouts, this is a great jam.

Like this? Try "Midnight City" by M83.

"Destruction of the Disgusting Ugly Hate" - Soko

If you're looking for sad indie jams, look no further. This entire album by Soko details heartbreak and missing someone, and plays like a sad, lonely walk through a snowy city. This song is simple and beautiful and almost wistful? I love that interlude towards the end. This is a song I write to all the time, especially when I'm working on "Dreamland."

Like this? Try "Happy Birthday" by the Innocence Mission.

"I Miss You" - Blink-182

This one's a classic. I have nothing more to say about this.

Like this? Try "Call to Arms" by Angels & Airwaves.

"This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" - Taylor Swift

November was the month of the Swift. I won't lie, "reputation" was on repeat this month quite a bit, and it was AWESOME. I'm a fan of Taylor Swift's music in just about any form, especially sassy songs like this one. But alas, I cannot find a YouTube link to this song and I don't think it's on streaming sites. It's worth including, however, if you grab a copy of the album!

Like this? Try "New Year's Day," especially if piano ballads are more your speed.

"Mind" - Declan McKenna

When Declan's "What Do You Think About the Car?" album was released in July, I didn't buy it straight away. AND WHAT A MISTAKE THAT WAS. Declan is only 18, but he is immensely talented. And, yo, he has stuff to SAY. His music is so raw and honest and that's what I love about it. So much angst. So genuine. Give the dude a listen, y'all.

Like this? Try "Cigarette Daydreams" by Cage the Elephant.

"Call It Off" - CHVRCHES for The Con X: Covers

Fun story: I purchased this album on a complete whim when I heard it playing overhead at my favorite record store. It's an entire album of covers by rad artists in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Tegan and Sara's "The Con" album. And this song describes my novel so wonderfully. If you like ethereal angst, this one's for you. It always makes me think of someone sinking to the bottom of the ocean peacefully? I don't know if that makes sense, but...give it a listen!

Like this? Try "Myth" by Beach House.

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" - Darlene Love

Yes, I know. A CHRISTMAS SONG IN NOVEMBER?! I'm not sorry. I won't apologize. This has to be one of my absolute favorite Christmas songs in existence, if not my very favorite. Give it a listen, y'all; it's post-Thanksgiving now, we're in the clear. :)

Like this? Try "All I Want for Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey.

What about you?

Did you have a good Thanksgiving? Are there any songs that have your heart lately? And has anyone started listening to Christmas music yet? Tell me below in the comments!

Playlist: Spooky October Songs to Listen to Before Halloween

Happy Wednesday, blog fam!

Before I pepper you with spooky songs from October's playlist, I want to say THANK YOU. Y'all have been so supportive of the Creatives Project and I am so grateful! I'll be sending out questions to everyone who is interested shortly! There is always time to send me an email if you still want to be part of the project! Remember, there is no deadline, just stories. ♥

And now for the playlist!

"Thriller" - Michael Jackson

Y'ALL. Y'all. You didn't honestly think this playlist could have started out with any other song, did you? IT'S THRILLER, GUYS. This is the quintessential spooky jam for Halloween or a killer dance party. I have so much love for this song, I don't even know where to start. What's better, the creepy dance, the funky bass riff, Michael Jackson's stellar vocals or THIS COAT?! GAH there is too much to love about this one, you already know, moving right along...

"Lovesong" - The Cure

BRB I just discovered The Cure's "Disintegration" album and LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. (Can you tell I'm excited?) This whole album is the sonic equivalent of tiptoeing around an old, dusty attic. It's moody, creepy, spider-webby...I'm making up words now, people, that's how much I am failing to express the glory that is this album. "Lovesong" makes the playlist for its haunting verses and chorus. AND THAT COVER! (I promise not all of the songs on this list are from the 80's.)

"Vampire Again" - Marlon Williams

Marlon Williams is living his best life now. And yo, if there was ever a semi-silly song about dressing up like a vampire and spooking people, THIS WOULD BE IT. This track is gloriously old school, a perfect mix of sassy humor, finger snapping, vintage vibes and aesthetic goals. It kind of makes me want to be a vampire (again) for Halloween, even though that's what I was last year. GAH

"Little Dark Age" - MGMT

I feel like this song is the hipper, more millennial version of The Cure's music?! It's at least after the aesthetic. This one is very groovy, bass-heavy and (hopefully) signifies a darker, moodier direction for MGMT's new music. It's the perfect background song for getting ready for a costume party, applying black lipstick, walking down the street in combat boots...it's a solid goth-bop, yo.

"Monsters" - Angus Stone

If you like your Halloween jams acoustic and folky, look no further. Angus Stone creates absolute folk magic on his solo album, "Broken Brights" and this track is no exception. "Monsters" is the perfect soundtrack for a long, country drive or a morning walk. Angus's music is so introspective, melancholic, serious and whimsical all at once. Definitely give him a listen if you haven't heard his tunes before!

"Threnody" - Goldmund

This song is an eerie, wistful piano ballad. The instrumental captures the mood of the album cover perfectly - haunting, nostalgic, memories pressed in film...this song feels like the somber ending to a romance, or the face of a loved one in an old photograph. It's not scary so much as it is chilling, if that makes sense? "Threnody" means "a lament," so I guess that's fitting. Had to include this one, y'all. ♥ 

"Nature Boy (Acoustic)" - Aurora

Are you looking for creepy music to write to? Music that tells a story? Aurora's the artist for you! This Norwegian singer's songs make me think of walking barefoot in a dark forest, or an eerie mist. Aurora is super whimsical and has a pleading, soft voice that cuts you, it's so haunting. "Nature Boy" is short and spooky and 100% guaranteed to creep you out if you listen to it in the dark, or your money back.

What about you?

Do you have any songs you're loving this Fall? I always love listening to y'all's recommendations! You guys have wonderful taste in tunes.

And is anyone breaking out the sweaters and scarves yet?

Playlist: September Grooves

Can you believe September is almost over?

September has been a doozy, y'all. A complete drive-by month. I don't really have any words to describe how fast it has flown by, or how odd it has been, but thankfully I have some glorious tunes to show for it. Here are the songs that got me through September. Enjoy! ♥

"In Undertow" - Alvvays

YO, ALLOW ME TO FORMALLY DECLARE MY LOVE FOR ALVVAYS. ♥ This indie Canadian outfit has a gift for pairing dark, eccentric lyrics with upbeat beach-y guitar melodies. Ya can't beat it, y'all. Their new album came out midway through this month and I have been DIGGING it. Their songs are perfect for sunny Saturdays or chill mornings cleaning your room. Such good vibes!

Everything Foster, ALL THE TIME FOSTER

I seriously have so much love for this band. They are one of the best! Even though "Sacred Hearts Club" came out a while ago, I've still got it on repeat. It's one of my favorite albums of the year by far. I've also been spinning the "Supermodel" and "Torches" albums and looking into some of Mark Foster's solo music. You really can't go wrong with these stellar grooves, friends.

"These Arms of Mine" - Otis Redding

Oh, my soul. I don't know what it is, but I've been in a soul mood lately...? This song is warm and honest and everything lovely. It's a perfect song for a slow dance or just watching the morning sun come up as you sip tea in your favorite coffee shop (guilty). Give it a listen and you're sure to smile!

"Younger Now" - Miley Cyrus

I know, I know, I know - it's Miley Cyrus. JUST LET ME HAVE MY DISNEY CHANNEL MOMENT. While I don't exactly know what has been going on with Miley Cyrus and her music post-Hannah Montana fame, WOWZA, "Younger Now" is a jam. I love how Miley's voice is sultry and a bit old-school. She seems to be a great singer live, too?! I dig this track, even though it took some warming up to. Kinda stoked to see what she writes next.

"The Valley" - The Oh Hello's

If you're looking for peaceful, whimsical folk, you've found it, sister! It took some time for me to come around to The Oh Hello's tunes, but once I did, I was hooked. Their lyrics are honest, filled with Biblical allusions and an equal measure of optimism and heartbreak. Perfect for an early morning run or writing a novel set in a woodsy town. You'll want to have the whole album playing in the background the whole day long!

"Take Me Away" - Bleachers

First off, Jack Antonoff just seems like a wonderfully awkward sir, and that makes his music all the more enjoyable. "Take Me Away" is feverish and apologetic and a little manic all at once, in a low-key sort of way. Like a bruise forming beneath the skin.
BUT STILL GROOVY.

"Heroes and Villains" - The Beach Boys

This song is classic. It's worming its way into my heart and quickly becoming one of my favorite Beach Boys songs. Can't beat it. Give it a listen!

What about you?

Please, please, PLEASE for the love of all that is good and sacred, comment a GIF of one of your favorite musicians or bands doing something hilarious. Or leave a song recommendation if you're a gem! What is your favorite album right now?

Playlist: August Jams

Happy Saturday, blogfolk!

Today I want to talk to you about music! Listening to music and writing music and BECOMING ONE WITH THE MUSIC are some of my favorite things, and I want to incorporate more of that here on the blog. Each month (or perhaps more frequently), I will be compiling playlists of the songs I've been listening to recently. Get ready for some glorious August jams, my people!

"Open Season" - High Highs

I was watching Pitch Perfect the other day (I know) and was mesmerized by this soft and airy song playing in the background. "Open Season" is the perfect soundtrack for writing or taking an early morning drive along the coast. It's very wistful. I'm looking forward to researching more about this band and discovering more of their music!

"Cold Little Heart" - Michael Kiwanuka

This song is such a groove. Empowering yet pained, it feels both old-school yet fresh at the same time. I can't listen to this song without literally dancing, y'all. I need to check out more from Michael Kiwanuka, because this is a solid jam.

"Creature Comfort" - Arcade Fire

So much love for this song. The lyrics go straight for the jugular, sharp and honest. I highly recommend listening to this one multiple times to catch all of the lyrics. It's raw and blunt and regretful and I DIG IT.

"I'm Waiting for the Day" - The Beach Boys

I recently discovered the happy-sad glory that is The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds album, and W O W. This song reminds me of love and hope and the shore, and I can't get enough of it. It's by far one of my favorite songs on the album, and closely rivals "Wouldn't It Be Nice," my all-time favorite song by this awesome band. 

"The Greatest" - Sia

If you're searching for an awesome work-out song, search no further. The video for this song gives me chills....okay, all of Sia's music videos give me chills! This one seriously makes me wish I could dance. It's poppy, motivating and a little dark, and I totally dig that. I think Sia has one of the most incredible voices - crackly and emotive and always right on the edge of breaking. Beautiful!

"Look What You Made Me Do" - Taylor Swift

I would be remiss if I didn't include Taylor Swift's new single. At first I wasn't sure what I thought of it at first, and it's still growing on me. I love the move to a new, darker sound, because I like most of my music to have a little edge, and "Look What You Made Me Do" definitely does. My favorite part has to be the spoken bridge towards the end of the song....dying to hear y'all's thoughts on this one, since fan reactions are a mixed bag.

What about you? What songs have you been listening to lately?
Leave your fave tunes down below! ♥