A Valentine for Myself

Posted on February 15, 2013 by lisafindley

The traditional Valentine’s Day gift is chocolate, but who says you have to wait for someone else to present it to you? This week I visited the Magnum Cafe in Bangkok, a restaurant that incorporates Magnum ice cream bars into just about every dish.

I don’t think this ice cream has made it to the US, but they were a big treat on family vacations in England, and every mini mart in Thailand has them. But to devote a whole restaurant to them–brilliant.

It’s kind of like the Cheesecake Factory–overpriced, strange decor, ridiculously long lines, and yet very popular with people from out of town. But hey, my plans for the day hadn’t panned out and “overpriced” in Thailand meant $10 for a meal instead of $3, so I went to check it out.

I managed to skip the 45-minute wait by virtue of being a party of one. I ordered the chocolate-mousse-and-burnt-caramel dish and the mango-and-white-chocolate-smoothie. Just about died of a sugar overdose, but it would’ve been a pleasant way to go. If you’re in the Siam Center in Bangkok and want a different kind of sweet treat, this is the place to go.

Valentine’s Day Mix (Not Mine)

Posted on February 14, 2012 by lisafindley

Dearest fellow travelers, I had every intention of creating a Valentine’s mix for you again this year, but every time I went to Grooveshark it crashed on me. We are talking through it and expect to emerge stronger than ever on the other side, but for now it’s a difficult time. So in lieu of my Motown-heavy list, might I direct you to The Rejectionist’s indieriffic playlist? (The Rejectionist is a stellar writer and also, as it turns out, a good DJ.)

It’s manufactured, it’s silly, but Valentine’s Day can also be a time to smile more at the people you love, and that’s always a good thing.

It’s a day late, but of course I wish you the best Galentine’s Day too. Leslie 4evah.

Valentine's Day blurry hearts

Image.

Valentine’s Day 2011 Mix

Posted on February 14, 2011 by lisafindley

Happy Valentine’s Day, all! Forget the flowers and the chocolates; this is a Hallmark holiday full of songtastic possibilities. Check out the mix from last year if you want to get it on, and read on below if you want a smile. Also, be sure to visit Ghostproof Blanket today — she made a whole mix that you can download for your listening pleasure.

Shoo Bop, Shoo Bop My Baby
old-school tunes for old and new loves alike

Just One Look — Doris Troy
It’s Growing — The Temptations
Give It Back — Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
Satisfied — Cee Lo Green
I’ll Never Stop Loving You — Carla Thomas
Baby It’s You — Smith
Ooh, Baby Baby — Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
Let’s Stay Together — Al Green
Mercy, Mercy, Mercy — The Buckinghams
Give Him a Great Big Kiss — The Shangri-Las
Never Forget You — The Noisettes
Nothing But Blue Skies — Jackie Wilson
I Love How You Love Me — The Paris Sisters
You Send Me — Sam Cooke

Valentine’s Day 2010

Posted on February 12, 2010 by lisafindley

For the past couple years, I’ve made my friends a Valentine’s Day mix CD. I am not attached to the “holiday” as such, so instead of anxiously hunting around town for a man to date so I have someone to buy me chocolates and flowers, I spend that time putting together a great mix of tunes instead. Past years have included a mix of all happy songs, and then a dual set of happy and sad love songs. I’ll post them another time.

But this year! Ladies and gents, I may not buy into Valentine’s Day as a special day for love and material possessions, but I am always willing to celebrate a day devoted to the S, the E, and the X. So I give you a mix that is devoted entirely to having a verrrry good time. Yes, it includes not only Barry White but also “Let’s Get It On,” and yes, it is as awesome and mood-setting as it seems. Enjoy!

BODIES: a sensual experience
Valentine’s Day 2010

Stay – Maurice & the Zendaks
Rockin’ Chair – Gwen McCrae
Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You – Lauryn Hill
Never Never Gonna Give You Up – Barry White
Feel Like Makin’ Love – Roberta Flack
Shake That Ass on the Dance Floor – Vicious Vicious
Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye
Your Love is King – Sade
So in Love – Curtis Mayfield
A Long Walk – Jill Scott
I’m Still in Love with You – Al Green
Your Ship – Enders Room
4 Leaf Clover – Erykah Badu
Inside My Love – Minnie Riperton
Smooth Operator – Sade
Didn’t I Blow Your Mind this Time – The Delfonics