Hello!

I feel like it wouldn't be a new chapter for both of our lives if I didn't also mark it with some mix CDs. Well, I guess they aren't really CDs because I've just made YouTube playlists, but as we've determined: it's expensive to mail packages to/from Ukraine. Also, my MacBook Air doesn't even have a CD player.

I've been making mixes for people since middle school, back when we all figured out how to burn music (shh), but my favorite mixes were always the ones I would exchange with you and the girls. I'm glad I was able to introduce you to my guilty pleasures (scream-singing "7 Things" by Miley Cyrus in your car is still one of the funniest memories) and there are country selections from your CDs that are still some of my favorites.

Whether it was a mix CD for graduation/goodbyes, or a mix "just because," it feels like we can't move from phase to phase of our lives without exchanging music – music that we unapologetically love, and music that ranges from the classics to the hidden treasures. I like that about our friendship.

So per your request to use YouTube (if/when Spotify is accessible, I'll bombard you with music there too), here are three playlists to keep you occupied: they're sorted out by beverages to help you decide what mood you're in to listen to them:

VOL. 1: Latte



Twelve songs to get your day going (or just give you a burst of energy when you need it)! Of the three playlists, this one has the most MIKA because there are just so many songs that pick me up right when I need it. I threw in some you've probably heard before ("Valerie," "24K Magic") and some you definitely haven't ("Just as Simple," "Not Over You"). There's also a classic Carly Rae Jepsen tune because the music video is A+ (seriously: watch it, if you haven't) and a cool a capella cover of "Shut Up and Dance."

VOL. 2: Earl Grey



This playlist of 11 songs begins with some songs to bounce around to, but it ends with a nice exhale. Imagine you're in the middle of your day and working on a project (or, in your case, cooking beans), and you're not exactly looking for a wake-up call, but more like an afternoon snack. Need a Broadway tune? "Waving Through a Window" is there for you. (Also, "Popular Song" samples from "Wicked.") Or some lovely storytelling? Try some "Tea & Toast." There's also a fun live version of "Would You Be So Kind?" from a tour bus, and gorgeous music videos for "Dream" and "Good Guys."

VOL. 3: Chamomile



The most relaxing of the three playlists comes to you with a cup of chamomile tea. Here are 11 songs to get you thinking and dreaming – from a harp cover of "Get Lucky" to "Novels" played on the side of the road. (And before you ask: yes, there are two MIKA songs on this list and someday you and I should do an arrangement of "Happy Ending.") I also couldn't help it and had to include some Harry Styles because I'm afraid too many people have overlooked "Sweet Creature." Oh, and if "6/10" doesn't make you want to sit down at a piano and start writing music, then I don't know what will.

That's all from me for now. Hope you like them! Maybe my next playlists will be named after boba drinks.

xoxo