Five Lockdown Activities To Keep You Sane

Five Lockdown Activities To Keep You Sane

Wednesday, 29 April 2020

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They say only boring people get bored. I doubt those people had been in lockdown for the past six weeks. Guys, lockdown is hard. It's vital and necessary and so very important but it's intense. And boring. Now before anyone thinks I'm whinging about lockdown, I'm not,  well not a lot. I'm painfully aware that I have things a lot easier than a lot of people, especially all of our NHS workers on the frontline... but still, it is boring. So I've put together a list of things I've been doing to stave off the boredom while I'm safe at home. Enjoy!

Balance, Not Symmetry album review

Balance, Not Symmetry album review

Wednesday, 22 May 2019

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Guys, it finally happened! Biffy Clyro dropped Balance, Not Symmetry, their eagerly-awaited soundtrack/concept album for the upcoming film of the same name. Now, to tell you that I was excited for this album is a massive understatement. Seriously, huge. I’ve been waiting for this since Biffy debuted Different Kind of Love at the Roundhouse in November 2017, and once I'd heard Adored at the Royal Albert Hall in September 2018 I was like a kid (or myself) getting excited for Christmas if I had no idea when Christmas was. The waiting, the mounting excitement, the not knowing when it’s actually coming out, and then, finally, it drops. As I said excited is an understatement. Anywho, since it’s release, I’ve played the album non-stop, so it only seems fitting for me to dedicate a post to share my thoughts.

First of all, to absolutely no one’s surprise, least of all mine, I adore it. Though not technically a ‘proper’ Biffy album, B, NS is a delicious follow up to 2016’s Ellipsis and slots in nicely with the other albums thanks to it's key themes: love, loss, heartbreak and grief, which are common across the Biff’s entire back catalogue. However, there is so much life and happiness and joy present on this album that just isn't on the band's previous offerings. Let's face it Biffy love to worship their pain, and I am more than happy to do it with them, but there's a wide-eyed innocence here that I've not come across before.

Packed full of bangers, interspersed with moody and atmospheric instrumental pieces and gentle, earnest love songs B, NS is the culmination of an incredibly diverse and successful career. Its titular track is a throwback to a younger, angrier Biffy, and wouldn’t be out of place on Puzzle or Infinity Land, with its thrashing guitars, raw screaming, disjointed vocals and anthemic chorus. It sets the tone for the entire album and is fucking brilliant! Next comes All Singing All Dancing and Sunrise - two of my favourites -  a tribute to the bands later work with their pop-rock vibes and irresistible choruses. Tearjerkers Different Kind of Love, Colour Wheel and Adored are Biffy ballads at their finest - tender, raw, heartbreakingly earnest and sincere, they are tales of yearning and of love. These tracks are the ones I hold closest to my heart. Plead and The Naturals are also favourites, showcasing another phase in Biffy's history, while Jasabiab has a late Beatles almost Yellow Submarine-y kind of vibe to it which I wasn't fully expecting.

Overall, B, NS is a work of art. Now admittedly, I’m incredibly biased, Biffy are my favourite band in the entire world, so I was always going to like this album. I don’t think it’s possible for them to make music I wouldn’t like. But that, I think, is the incredible thing about art, you like the things you connect with, that you recognise yourself in and it makes you feel less alone. That’s why I love Biffy Clyro so  much, their music, including this album, reasonates with me in a way that nothing else has. It's magic I can't and don't want to explain. 

5 Songs I’m Loving Right Now

5 Songs I’m Loving Right Now

Tuesday, 30 April 2019

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Music, as you’ll all know, is the major (teehee) love of my life. As pretentious as that sounds - I know, I know unbearably - it’s absolutely true. There’s nothing I love more. Except discovering new, or new to me, music. Here’s five of the songs I am loving right now.

5 SONGS I'M CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH

5 SONGS I'M CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH

Wednesday, 11 July 2018

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If you've met me like ever or even briefly glanced at my instagram stories then you'll know that music is a major (not sorry for that pun) part of my life. Always has been. I love it and because I have excellent taste, in my opinion, I thought I’d share just five of the songs that I'm currently obsessing over. Enjoy

Silver Springs - Fleetwood Mac

I've been a fan of the 'Mac since I was 14 and my Dad told me I looked like Stevie Nicks (I don't, but it's still the nicest thing he's ever said to me), but I've only recently discovered this song, after watching 1997's The Dance. Written by Nicks, originally for the band's iconic Rumours album, Silver Springs is an angry, sad and bittersweet look at her epic and effed up relationship with Lindsey Buckingham. It's incredible. Gorgeous and brutal. I love it. 

Strong Enough (Sheryl Crow cover) by Haim

As obsessed as I am with the original, and trust me I am, Sheryl Crow is a goddess, I think Haim's cover might actually be better. I know, I know, I didn't see that one coming either, but it's an incredible cover, and the arrangement is awesome! Having said that it is just a great song, Haim cover or no, the lyrics are stunning and powerful, and my god they're so relatable. If the future Mr Lauren is reading this, I doubt it but you never know, then listen the hell up because this song explains everything you need to know about me! Also Haim's cover of Shania Twain's That Don't Impress Me Much is awesome and you should definitely listen to that too! 

Rut by The Killers

After I saw The Killers in November last year, after waiting about 10 years, I completely fell in love with their latest album, particularly this song. On the right/wrong day, usually one when I'm PMSing, Rut has the power to reduce me to a sobbing mess. It is beautiful. And sad. And hopeful. And I fucking love it! 

After the Party by The Menzingers 

I first came across The Menzingers at the backend of last year, when I was in Florida and I heard them on the radio while I was in the back of an Uber, and they've become one of my very favourite bands. They haven't knocked Biffy off the top spot yet, but they're up there. Anyway, I love and repeatedly listen to most of their songs - being basically in love with the Rented World album which is incredible - but lately I've been listening to After the Party, both the album and the song, loads. After the Party is nostalgic and wistful and completely fucking awesome!  

God Only Knows (Beach Boys cover) by Biffy Clyro

You weren't expecting to make it through this entire list without at least one Biffy mention, were you? Their cover of God Only Knows is perfect. It's emotional, heartwarming, joyful and utterly gorgeous. It is all of the heart eyed emojis and then some! 

What songs are you loving right now? Any recommendations for me? xxx

January Favourites 2017

January Favourites 2017

Tuesday, 14 February 2017

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Firstly I must apologies for these pictures. I'm really not happy with them, but I'm so short of time at the moment that I'm having to work with what I've got. It doesn't help that I mostly use natural lighting and it is so dreary at the moment. When I've got some time, and some decent lighting, I will definitely be re-shooting.

*Blog update: I have re-shot and I am much happier with the pictures now :) *

The Girl Boss Playlist

The Girl Boss Playlist

Tuesday, 17 January 2017

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Music is pretty epic, it's one of the fastest ways to change your mood. Don't believe me? Put Kiss' Crazy, Crazy Nights on and try not to dance. I dare you. Some days I need to feel like I run the damn world - we all have those days right? -  and on those days this is the playlist I listen to. I'm not gonna lie there are some pretty odd choices, including a song from the Trolls soundtrack - it is amazing though-  but they're all songs that get me super pumped up and ready to take on the world.  So without further ado, because I really bloody hate trying to describe music in any kind of detail, here's my Girl Boss playlist.

September Goals 2016

September Goals 2016

Tuesday, 6 September 2016

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There's something about September, and the beginning of Autumn, that feels like the world's hit it's refresh button and everything is starting anew, I think it's because September is the start of the new school year. Anyway now seemed like the perfect time to set myself some goals to work towards and really spur me on through the rest of the year. Here they are.

Post all content on time

Recently my posting has been a bit... up and down to say the least. To be completely honest a lot of stuff I've been posting has been more because I've felt obligated to, rather than me wanting to share content that I'm really passionate about and have enjoyed making. Which is why I then end up missing posts, because I'm not happy with the stuff that I've done, or I just haven't been in the mood. I'll let you in on a guilty little secret: sometimes, more often than not at the moment, I've left taking my blog photos until the very last minute, which isn't like me at all. Lately I've been feeling really uninspired and I feel like I need to get my arse in gear. The most annoying thing is that when I can't blog -  like when I was on holiday and didn't have my laptop with me or when I don't have wifi, stuff like that - then it is all I want to do and I get a ton of ideas. So obviously it's something I care about very much and want to do, it's just the doing it. This month I would like to post all my content on time, my schedule is Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, but more importantly I would like to be creating content that I love, have loved creating and that I'm proud of.

Learn to play a complete song on the guitar

I've been learning to play the guitar, and I can play a few songs, like the really easy ones, but there are a ton of songs that I can only play individual parts of and not all once, so they don't actually sound anything like the way their supposed to. Luckily it turns out I absolute love playing the guitar, I've been practising for hours everyday. So I'm really excited to try and add some more complex songs to my repertoire, and more importantly, to be able to play them the whole way through!

Change stone bracket

I'm back on the Slimming World wagon, and have lost 10 pounds! Whoop whoop! But I do still have quite a way to go until I reach my target. This month I want to change my stone bracket so I see a completely different number when I get on the scales. I think that will give me a real boost and spur me on to get closer to my target weight.

Do interval training on treadmill 

When my fitness programme was first set up I tried really hard, and I mean really hard, not only to impress my personal trainer, but to prove to myself that I could. That kind of ended up backfiring, because the interval training that I've been put on is really, really hard. It's 12 minutes long and those 12 minutes are impossible and so painful. I've never managed more than 8 minutes of it. Although I think that's partly because I am so sure I can't do it that I end up standing in my own way a bit. I'd really like to get over this hump just so I can say I did.

Post first Youtube video

I have been saying I want to start youtubing for years, but every time I have sat down and got my camera all set up to film I just freeze. I've done dress rehearsals where it's gone perfectly but the minute I turn the camera on I completely freak out. Completely! It is ridiculous! I think it's because it's quite a scary thing to put yourself out there on the internet, and that is all I can think about, when I'm staring into the lens of my camera and trying desperately to remember what it is that I wanted to say. I do have some footage, but it's full of so many 'umms' and 'ahhs' that it's unusable. I just need to get over the inevitable awkwardness of my first video and just get it done!

What are your goals for the month? Let me know by commenting below, on twitter, or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat -search lolarocknroses - & pinterest for regular updates.

Love love love xxx

June Non-Beauty Favourites 2015

June Non-Beauty Favourites 2015

Thursday, 2 July 2015

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I had so many Non-Beauty Favourites this month that I thought they really deserved their own post. So let's talk Non-Beauty Faves!

Pitch Perfect 2

I love this film! I kinda thought I would because I was already a huge fan of the first one, and obviously the insane girl crush on Anna Kendrick continues, but I was surprised by how much I liked it.  It's so funny, it has some really amazing music in it and is all about the girl power. It's awesome, and really stands up alongside the first film. Roll on Pitch Perfect 3! This brings me to my next favourite...

Crazy Youngsters by Ester Dean

I am obsessed with the Pitch Perfect 2 soundtrack, obvs, but this song is one of my absolute favourites from it. I've been listening to it pretty much constantly because it gets me so PUMPED! If I went to the gym (I'm working on it) this would be my new favourite work out song. I seriously love it. 

Wish I Was Here

I've been a massive Zach Braff fan for years and Wish I Was Here has been on my to watch list for ages but I'd just never got round to watching it. Well I finally did and it's fantastic! It's funny, bittersweet and completely heartbreaking with a terrific soundtrack. It has a fabulous cast including the incredible Kate Hudson and the so-talented-she-makes-me-feel-like-I-need-to-get-my-shit-together Joey King as Braff's daughter Grace. Plus if you're a Scrubs fan, like me, there are loads of cameos from former cast members. It's such a good film, definitely give it a watch if you're a fan of funny, awesome, indie movies or Zach Braff. You know what just watch it. 

99 Days by Katie Cotugno

I was a HUGE fan of Cotugno's first book How to Love, it's actually one of my favourites, so I was desperate to get my hands on her latest offering and I'm happy to say that it is fantastic! 99 Days is about Molly, a young girl who has returned home for the summer after escaping to boarding school a year earlier. Before she went away Molly had been in a relationship with this guy Patrick for years, they had grown up together and everything was great until the day they broke up and she slept with his very handsome older brother Gabe. To make matters oh so much worse Molly's mother, who I hated btw, is a famous novelist and wrote a book about the whole thing. After returning to her small home town over a year later Molly has to survive 99 days of summer and the wrath of Patrick and his bitchy sister Julia before she can leave for college and never look back. Luckily handsome Gabe is also home for the summer to make things a bit better. Now I really, really loved this book, I also had a bit of a crush on Gabe but that's beside the point, it's heartfelt and very moving and really highlights society's hypocrisy of applauding guys and shaming girls when it comes to sex. It's a fabulous, fabulous book and I will be reading it again very soon. 

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Speaking of fabulous books... I've had The Rosie Project on my kindle for ages but hadn't had the chance to read it so when my lectures finished for the summer and I had a bit more time for reading this was the first book I reached for and I loved it. The Rosie Project is about Don Tillman, a geneticist with Aspergers Syndrome who has no idea that he is on the Autistic Spectrum, who after a series of disastrous dates starts 'the wife project' in order to meet his perfect match. Instead he meets Rosie, a bar maid who brings chaos into his neatly ordered world. For any Big Bang Theory fans out there this is very much a love story told by a Sheldon Cooper-esque figure. It's excellent, well written, very funny and actually quite sweet,  the best part  though is the fact that it's the first in a series and the sequel The Rosie Effect is really good as well. 

What were your Non-Beauty Favourites? Let me know on twitter, by commenting below or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses & pinterest for regular updates.

Love love love xxx

*Disclaimer* I own all images except for those of  Pitch Perfect 2, Wish I Was Here & the music video for Crazy Youngsters. All media used for entertainment purposes only. Images/Videos Via, Via, Via

Lola Rocks #3 ... The Live Music Edit

Lola Rocks #3 ... The Live Music Edit

Tuesday, 10 February 2015

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I have seen a lot of live music, like a lot, a lot. I try to see at least one live act a year but most years it's way more than that. In 2011 I went to loads of festivals and saw roughly 28 live acts and it was a really good year. 2012 was the best year though because I saw my favourite everything, the Boss Almighty himself... Bruce Springsteen! And then I saw him again in 2013 and he was - and continues to be - the best musician I have ever seen!

Anyway I thought I'd put together a list of the Top 5 bands/musicians that I want to see this year.

The Killers 

 

The Killers basically got me through my dissertation last year but for some reason or other I've never got round to seeing them live and I desperately want to change that.  Sadly it doesn't look like they're  touring anytime soon so it might not happen this year but I will definitely see them live. At some point.

Kodaline 

 

Kodaline is my current obsession and I'm dying to see them live. Their touring at the moment but the only UK date I can get to is next week and I really can't afford it but I will see them before the year is out! 

One Republic 

I always forget how much I like One Republic and then a song will pop up on my iPod and I'll remember that they haven't released a song I don't like, and then I have a One Republic binge.  I've wanted to see them for a while but have just never got round to it. They're touring in Canada at the moment and I'm hoping they'll end up in the UK soon. 

Flogging Molly 

I have wanted to see Flogging Molly for years! Since I first heard If I Ever Leave This World Alive in P.S. I Love You. I've listened to a couple of their other songs and I just really like them and I bet going to one of their gigs would be so much fun!

The National 

I love The National! They're music is heartbreaking and amazing, and I would just be in tears the whole time if I ever saw them in concert but it would be WORTH IT!

Who are the bands you want to see live this year? What was the best live music experience you've had? Let me know on twitter, by commenting below or even dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. I'll be back on Thursday, until then have yourselves a lovely week & check out my social media (instagram, facebook, Bloglovin & pinterest)

Love love love xxx

*Disclaimer* I own none of the videos featured in this post. Videos used for entertainment purposes only

2014 Non Beauty Favourites, Part 3: Books & Music

2014 Non Beauty Favourites, Part 3: Books & Music

Sunday, 1 February 2015

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At last we come to the end of my 2014 Favourites, it only took all of January but hey ho! Now this post is probably gonna be on the longer, ramblier side of things. I love books and I love music so I'll try to keep this short and sweet but you've been warned, it may get lengthy.

Love Rosie (Where Rainbows End) by Cecelia Ahern

I read this back in the summer, before I saw the film (which I also loved), and I loved it so much I read it twice. It's just such a lovely story. For those who don't know Love Rosie is about childhood best friends Alex and Rosie told through emails and letters as they grow up and life gets in the way of things. I loved it, a lot. 

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

I read this over Christmas and completely loved it. We Were Liars tells the story of the seemingly perfect Sinclaire family who spend every summer together on a private island owned by the family patriarch. BUT all is not what it seems. I seriously loved it, I read it in a day because I couldn't put it down. It is so beautifully written and a really good story. If you do read it make sure you have some tissues to hand because it gets really sad.

How to Love by Katie Cotugno

This is one of my favourite books, I read it at least 5 times last year because it is that good. I've definitely talked about it on here before so I won't bang on about it too much just trust me it is an incredible book, made all the more impressive considering its Cotugno's first one, and well worth a read. I seriously love it. 

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling

I reviewed this ages ago when I first read it so I won't go on about it. I love it because Mindy is my favourite everything and it is laugh out loud funny. 

Delicious by Ruth Reichl

Another book I read over Christmas and loved. Delicious!  is about aspiring food writer Billie Breslin as she moves to New York and starts working at Delicious! magazine. It doesn't sound great but trust me it's such a good book. It is so well written. If this book was a cake I would eat the whole thing in one go because it's amazing.  

Those were the books I was loving last year, now onto music. It's no secret that I'm a music lover, I could talk about music I like all the live long day... I won't but I could. Anyway instead of boring you with random music things that only I would care about I'm just gonna give you a rundown of the Top 6 songs I loved last year. I can't imagine that any of these will come as a surprise.

Kodaline - High Hopes

Kodaline -  Latch 

Twin Shadow - To The Top



Jake Bugg -  Broken



The 1975 - Robbers



Karen Gillan's cover of Chandelier from Selfie

I've definitely mentioned some of these songs on here before but I was basically listening to them on repeat for pretty much the entire year. You'll notice that there is a recurring theme here are two songs they're all heartbreakingly sad BUT they're all amazing and  sad  songs are just my favourite kind of song. There are two by Kodaline and that's because I was, and am, obsessed with them and their first album In a Perfect World and I just couldn't decide which was my favourite out of the two. 

Those were my favourite books and songs from last year but I want to know what were yours? Let me know by commenting below, on twitter or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also while you're at it check out my instagram, facebook, BlogLovin & pinterest. 

You lovely people have a fabulous week and I'll see you soon. 

Until then... 

Love love love xxx

Images Via , Via, Via, Via, Via

*Disclaimer* I own  nothing, all images and videos used for entertainment purposes only. 

Lola Rocks #1

Lola Rocks #1

Wednesday, 22 October 2014

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Lola Rocks is something of a new feature round these here parts. Last Thursday when I made my long awaited - for me at least - return to blogging (read it here) I told you that 2 Stars & A Wish was being demoted from a weekly feature to bi-weekly and Lola Rocks is here to take it's place, for one of the weeks at least. 

Now some of you will know that I am a music lover, and by lover I mean obsessive. I am constantly on the hunt for new music to sink my teeth into and I find music everywhere. I love music so much that my music collection is spread across 2 ipods and my phone. This is the level of obsession we're talking about here.

Music is such a major (pun intended!) part of my life BUT other than a Song of the Week on Fridays it's not something I talk about a lot on here. In the past I have published the odd music post but I have decided to shake things up a bit and add a regular musical element. Hope you don't mind. I haven't exactly hammered out the details as of yet so I'm not sure if this will be a monthly or bi-weekly post but I would love to know what you guys think. If this is something you'd like to see more of let me know either by commenting below or on twitter (use #LolaRocks). 

The first song I want to talk about is called To The Top by Twin Shadow. There is something kind of magical about this song... it is so heartbreaking that on more than one occasion it has actually reduced me to tears. Listening to this song breaks my heart a little bit, but it's totally worth it. The lyrics are lovely and the melody is just incredibly... moving. It's a gorgeous, gorgeous song. Have a listen for yourself and let me know what you think. 

I first heard this song in the background of an episode of House - yes I'm STILL watching it! - and I was instantly hooked. After a quick Shazam, aka the best app ever, I found out it was Shark in the Water by V.V. Brown and I have had it on repeat pretty much every since. It is so upbeat and awesome and it literally gets me out of bed in the morning.  

Another weepy song. Ever since I heard INeed My Girl in an episode of The Mindy Project I have been a big fan of The National. Start a War is my favourite kind of song being both beautiful and sad. It's wonderful.

I am actually obsessed with Hello My Old Heart by The Oh Hello's. Again it's a sad song (are you really surprised?) and I just love it. It's  about building a wall around your heart to keep it safe and why that may not be the best thing. I think it's beautiful.

Last up is Blue Moon by Beck. I'm not a massive fan of Beck but this song is kind of amazing. It's both happy and sad and it's kind of spacey. It's hard to describe but I like it a lot. Listen to it and let me know what you think.

So those are the 5 songs I've had on repeat for the last week, what do you think? Love them? Hate them? Let me know on twitter, using #LolaRocks, or by commenting below. If you do comment below I do always reply so check back. Also have a quick look at my facebook, Bloglovin, instagram & pinterest. Anywho I will be back on Thursday with another  new feature. 

Until then ...

Love love love xxx

My Top 15 Happy but Mostly Sad Songs

My Top 15 Happy but Mostly Sad Songs

Thursday, 14 November 2013

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On twitter I describe myself as a music blogger BUT I have never actually written about music... well all that is about to change. Music just might be my favourite thing ever. According to the marvellous Jodi Picoult, in her book Sing You Home, the reaction that music inspires in a person is some of the only proof there is such a thing as a soul. I don't know if I believe that but what I can say with absolute certainty is that music means so, so much to me, I love how it can move people, how you can dance to it, cry to it, sing along with it, fall in love to it and with it. I just love it so much. So I have put together a list of my favourite songs and the reasons why I love them. In no particular order or course (I apologise if I gush I'm not good at being critical).

Simple Song by The Shins - some of you may recognise this song from the season 8 finale of How I Met Your Mother, That's where I first heard it and I very, very quickly became obsessed with it. Honestly my play count on this song is ridiculous (triple digits).  It's so beautiful. I can't really describe it better than that.

Mine Again by Black Lab - Everyone has a song that they listen to when they're sad, this is mine. It is the most beautiful song.

Don't Stop Believing by Journey - in stark contrast to the song above, this song is the happiest song on the planet! I have been obsessed with this song since I was 10 years old when I first heard it (briefly) in The Wedding Singer! In the last couple of years or so this song has experienced quite the revival due to a little show called Glee and as much as I love that version (and the subsequent two other versions) nothing beats the original. It feels me with energy and happiness. This could be (whisper it) my favourite song ever!

The Freshmen by The Verve Pipe - a wonderfully moody 90's song. I so wish I had come of age in the 90's. I first heard this song briefly in American Pie: Reunion and it was love at first listen. It's my most played song and for good reason. The lyrics are so sad. It breaks my heart with every listen because it is just so beautiful. I don't know why it resonates so much with me it just does. It's wonderful.

Little Talks by Of  Monsters & Men - the lyrics of this song are deceptively sad! For a long time I didn't realise and then I listened to the lyrics properly and they are absolutely heartbreaking! But they are cleverly disguised by the ridiculously upbeat melody. As far as I can tell - I could be wrong- it's about an elderly couple and one of them has a degenerative disease and they're fighting it together. Like I said I could be wrong but it is so sad.

You Really Got A HoldOn Me by She & Him - Zooey Deschannel's voice is absolutely beautiful and it sets off the lyrics perfectly, it's such a wonderful version of the song. it makes me both happy and sad to hear it. This song is a classic but I love this version. Whilst the original version has quite an upbeat melody this one is more moody and more fitting to the lyrics I think.

Sweet Louise by The Belle Brigade  - This song is so nice. It's so upbeat and happy and it's just such a nice song! I strongly recommend it. It's about a guy who tells a girl, the titular Sweet Louise, that he is madly in love with her, sadly the not so sweet Louise doesn't feel the same but he doesn't regret telling her because he couldn't help it. It's really rather lovely.

Bruise by Oleander - This song has never been officially released,  however it was used in one of the earlier American Pie films, which is where I first heard this song. It's another song that appears to be happy but isn't. I think it's a real shame that it was never officially released as it is a really good song.

Overjoyed by Matchbox Twenty - The first time I heard this song was when I was in New York last year. Me and my mum were walking down West 49th and 5th Avenue looking for pancakes one morning when we stumbled onto Rockefeller Centre and what we found there was the set of Good Morning America and Matchbox 20 performing this song. Not only is it a really, really lovely song with a beautiful music video but whenever I hear it I am transported back to the streets of New York and reminded of what a wonderful time I had and how much I want to go back.

I Need My Girl by The National - The lyrics to this song manage to be complete and utter nonsense and heartbreaking at the same time. I first stumbled across this song in an episode of The Mindy Project and it is just amazing. It makes me cry but for the life of me I couldn't tell you why.

The Funeral by Band of Horses - Another song I heard in How I met your Mother. I owe the person in charge of music a big thank you.  The melody is haunting and beautiful, as are the lyrics.

Feel Again by OneRepublic - This song feels me with love and happiness and other good emotions. I love OneRepublic they haven't released a song that I haven't completely loved but this one is my absolute favourite. It's a happy song that is actually happy.

Girls Like You by The Naked & Famous - Recently I heard this song in a film and I have been listening to it on repeat. It's absolutely wonderful, so wonderful in fact that I was compelled to instantly download their album Passive Me, Aggressive You and listen to it a lot. Which I did and then reviewed.

Falling Slowly from the musical Once - I am a massive  fan of musical theatre, I saw this show back in July and it was so different from all the other shows that I have seen. This song was my favourite. The show is about a (beautiful) Irish man whose heart has recently been broken, he is busking on the streets of Dublin where he meets a Czech girl who falls in love with his music and then him. This is the song they sing when they first meet and it is absolutely beautiful. It had me in tears in the theatre and even now if  it comes on and I' m not prepared for it I get a bit misty eyed.

Let Your Heart Hold Fast by Fort Atlantic -  Ok I am a bit of a sucker for an indie love song. I love them. This song is amazing. It's so happy and sad at the same time. So beautiful.

Sorry I did ramble on a bit there. Music is my love. Creepy I know.What are your favourite songs?

Until next time lovelies feel free to follow me on twitter, facebook, BlogLovin, instagram & pinterest.

Love love love xxx

A few of my favourite things...

A few of my favourite things...

Tuesday, 12 March 2013

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So I thought I'd hit the ground running with this blog and tell you wonderful people - and if you're reading this you are wonderful :) - about some of my favourite things. I'm very excited.

Favourite Thing #1

So to start off I thought I'd share my favourite song, or one of my favourites at least, and that is The Freshmen by The Verve Pipe. I first heard this song in the background of an episode of How I met your Mother (another favourite thing) and then again in American Pie Reunion and I very quickly became obsessed. And by obsessed I mean if this song was a person they would have gotten a restraining order by now. This song makes me wish I came of age in the nineties when it first came out. I listen to it at least once a day if not more and my play count is currently on 405.

  

Check it out here, fall in love with it's moody nineties awesomness, listen to it repeatedly (as I have done) - preferably whilst rocking a super grungey nineties look complete with ripped fishnets, boots, checked shirt and tons of eyeliner - and let me know what you think.

Favourite Thing 2:

Despite being a lifelong nail biter I truly love painting my tiny, bitten nails. In fact this is one of the best Christmas presents I have ever received.

My favourite nail polish of all time is O.P.I Nail Lacquer in Bogota Blackberry. Red is one of my favourite colours and this deep red is so shiny and pretty I just want my nails that colour all the time... now if I only I could just stop biting them... my nails would be even prettier.

  

O.P.I Nail Lacquer, in my opinion is totally worth the fairly hefty price tag, the colours are stunning and wearable and it only takes two coats and you're good to go. I've been wearing it for ages and I am still on my first bottle. Try it, love it.

Please ignore my pathetically short nails. I am trying to stop.

Favorite Thing 3:

MAC Blusher in Dame. I have been a long time admirer of MAC makeup but I didn't actually own any until I went to New York (my most favourite thing <3) last summer. I didn't actually wear blusher until I discovered this beauty of a product. This blusher is so lovely, it goes on like a dream and it gives my cheeks a lovely rosy glow. If you're incredibly pale like me - I make Casper the friendly ghost look tanned and healthy and he's dead! - then this is the PERFECT blusher for you. I adore it and dread the day when I run out of it.

I'm gonna leave it there tonight you lovely lot. Will be back soon with more of my favourite things and maybe some other stuff too. In the meantime please check me out on twitter, facebook, BlogLovin, instagram & pinterest or comment below, I would love to hear about your favourite things. 

Until next time... 

Love love love xxx