In researching information for my Rock 'n Roll Cakery (it's already trademarked so don't try and steal my idea!), I came across this article that I really think is going to help me with the idea behind my cakery. While working in the chocolate shop, there is piped in music that is not really exciting or motivating for employees so why would that make customers want to stay in the store longer and purchase more? I started to notice a trend of an increase in sales when I would plug in my ipod with a mix of classic rock and oldies but goodies. This began my quest to find what research has been done in regard to the correlation of food and music and ultimately sales. Here is the article for you to enjoy:


Seven Ways Music Influences Mood
[Photo by MarS]Good music has direct access to the emotions. As such it's a fantastic tool for tweaking our moods. Saarikallio and Erkkila (2007) investigated the ways people use music to control and improve their mood by interviewing eight adolescents from Finland. The participants may be a small, very specific group, but they actually present a really useful list:
Entertainment - At the most fundamental level music provides stimulation. It lifts the mood before going out, it passes the time while doing the washing up, it accompanies travelling, reading and surfing the web.
Revival - Music revitalises in the morning and calms in the evening.
Strong sensation - Music can provide deep, thrilling emotional experiences, particularly while performing.
Diversion - Music distracts the mind from unpleasant thoughts which can easily fill the silence.
Discharge - Music matching deep moods can release emotions: purging and cleansing.
Mental work - Music encourages daydreaming, sliding into old memories, exploring the past.
Solace - Shared emotion, shared experience, a connection to someone lost.These seven strategies all aim for two goals: controlling and improving mood. One of the beauties of music is it can accomplish more than one goal at a time. Uplifting music can both divert, entertain and revive. Sad, soulful music can provide solace, encourage mental work and discharge emotions. The examples are endless.Many of Saarikallio and Erkkila's findings chime with previous research. For example, distraction is considered one of the most effective strategies for regulating mood. Music has also been strongly connected with reflective states. These tend to allow us greater understanding of our emotions. One of the few negative connections Saarikallio and Erkkila consider is that sad music might promote rumination. Rumination is the constant examination of emotional state which, ironically, can lead to less clarity. On the contrary, however, Saarikallio and Erkkila found that music increased the understanding of feelings, an effect not associated with rumination. http://www.spring.org.uk/2007/03/seven-ways-music-influences-mood.php

Life has been so hectic lately! Hank and I took a road trip to LA so I could take care of some pre-surgery appointments. I am FINALLY having my jaw surgery on Monday after a year of having braces. Here is some information describing the operation: http://www.healthbase.com/resources/dental-procedures/dental-procedures/mandibular-sagittal-split-osteotomy.html and along with this I am having a Lefort I procedure for my upper jaw. You can come across some pretty narly pictures when you google those terms so beware! I will have a perfect Halloween costume this year with the natural bruising :) Also, in my crazy work life, Big Feet Pajama Co. was featured in the gift lounge for the Andre Agassi 13th Annual Grand Slam for Children charity event that was held at the Wynn in Las Vegas, NV. I got to meet Emeril Lagasse, Ray Romano, Fergie the Duchess of York, Lifehouse, The Killers, and many many more (not to brag!) Here is a picture of me and Donny Osmond for your viewing:

This Saturday was probably one of the most glorious days of my life! I scored tickets to the third game of the National League Division Series of the Dodgers vs. Cubs. Dodgers were ahead in the series from their two wins in Chicago and this was their first home game. After sitting in traffic for 2 hours and sneaking into a season ticket holder parking spot, we climbed to our seats located on the Reserve level 3. Before actually sitting we purchased the required Dodger dog, nachos, peanuts and beer. If you have never had a Dodger dog, you are missing out. It is truly a fat kid's paradise. We sat down in the 2nd inning and whipped our free rally towels over our heads as each exciting moment came around. The energy in the crowd was absolutely amazing. The thrill of watching the Dodgers sweep the Cubs was something that I will always remember. I can't wait until Thursday when they play their first game for the National League Championship vs. the Phillies in Philadelphia. For all of those that thought that the Dodgers couldn't do it...just watch TBS and see what happens. In case you didn't know this about me: read the Dodger jumbo-tron board below!

Date #2 Part II: We met up at Al's Garage to have a couple of beers and watch the Dodgers kick the Cubbies in their special no no place! Had a blast chatting and chillin without any pressure. Good deal. I was on my way to work this morning and he called me to ask if I wanted to go to breakfast tomorrow before I head to LA for the weekend. This is a first for me. A guy who actually makes plans and wants to hang out with me...a rare oddity in Vegas for sure. Stay tuned for stories of Saturday shenanigans to include the following: Dodger playoff game in LA and Melinda (my best friend since kindergarden) celebrating her quarter of a century birthday! With pictures to be posted too I promise!

Meeting/Date #2: EJ. He has a pup that is half lab half pit. We decided to meet at the dogpark. First plus: he was willing to drive to MY side of town to go to MY dogpark. Second plus: we meet and he compliments me on my braces to which I immediately blush and get nervous wondering if this is a deal-breaker....until he revealed that he had braces too :) We stayed at the park for almost 2 hours and had good conversation. After leaving the dogpark I got a text from him: thanks for a great time, had fun. Any time that I go out with someone I usually send them a text saying the same thing. Good to know that we have the same good manors. There will be a dinner date to follow...minus the pups. All in all, a very pleasant experience and I'm excited to see where it goes from here :)