Playing Favorites with Ukulele Virtuoso, Taimane Gardner

Join us for a fun game of favorites as Taimane shares her go-to music for every occasion, her favorite self-care rituals, a recent cherished memory, and even a guilty pleasure!

Photo by: Isaiah Acosta Magsayo

Mudra Love: Favorite guilty pleasure?

Taimane Gardner: Barbara’s Baked Cheese Puffs. I can eat an entire bag in a day, so I only allow it for special occasions.

ML: Favorite song to sing in the shower?

TG: At the moment, Billie Eilish’s “When I Was Older”. It’s a haunting melody that wont get out of my head! I can’t listen to it before bed, or I’ll wake up with it stuck in my head. 

ML: Favorite recent memory (or performance)?

TG: Non-performance: Spending time at home with my partner, baking banana bread, and watching Netflix all night. I know that’s pretty boring, but I normally don't have time to do this.

Performance: Playing NPR’s “Tiny Desk Concert” this past January in Washington D.C. I’ve been a fan of their Youtube channel that showcases famous and up and coming artists in an intimate setting. So to be able to share Hawaii and the ukulele was an honor and my best 2020 memory so far!

ML: Favorite scent?

TG: Neroli Nectar by @indigoelixirs. I love anything that’s sweet like gardenia, or has a chocolate, creamy aroma. 

ML: Favorite time of the day?

TG: Mornings! I’m trying to be a morning person, but my body is a night owl. I love how fresh the new day is, and I try to be as productive as possible so I’m satisfied by the evening. However, my brain is more creative in the evening, so it’s an ongoing battle to keep waking up early. 

ML: Favorite place in nature?

TG: The forest. I love being surrounded by green, and listening to the birds and the wind rustling the trees. It’s calming and spiritual. I grew up next to a hiking trail, so I’d spend a lot of time in the mountains on my own. 

ML: Favorite self-care ritual?

TG: Hair: I use an oil for the ends of my hair and leave it in overnight. For face, I’ll cleanse, exfoliate, and mask it up! Or use a serum I’ve been wanting to try. I just got Herbivore’s Bakuchiol, and I’m excited to try it out tonight.

ML: Favorite go-to instrument?

TG: It depends on my mood. Guitar is soothing and warm. I love feeling the vibrations on my chest when I play. But if I’m trying to learn a new song, I reach for “training wheels,” my flat-bodied four string uke. It’s easy on the fingers and has a sweet sound.

ML: Favorite musician/ band/ composer to listen to for motivation / to dance to / on a rainy day (or you can get creative and make up your own!).

TG: Favorite Musician: Lana Del Rey 

Favorite music for a Confidence boost: Rihanna “Needed Me,” or most recently: “Levi High” by DaniLeigh. 

Favorite music for emails/accounting: Electronic with no lyrics

For Dinner: Bossa Nova or Italian 

 ML: Favorite piece of life advice?

TG: This Song: “Get up Get Out” by Born Dirty