Friday, 27 March 2015

23rd March




There are some days when I don't feel like writing anything, and some when I could write pages.

Today is the latter.

It is amazing what a bit of fresh air can do for you.

Last week I was really stressed with deadlines, and a thousand and one other things that I needed to do or that was going on in my head or around me.

If there is anything that I want you to take away from this post, is that:

'taking some time out for YOU is very important!'

I came back to Leeds last night with a negative mindset and didn't feel like doing anything today. University can be amazing and give you some of the best memories, but sometimes it can be a bit tough. 

I had an interview today, and I was slowly talking myself of not going, staying in bed with my head under the covers. I managed to snap myself out of it, get ready and leave my flat! Thank god I did! 

Whilst waiting to be seen, I got chatting to two lovely girls - who both ended up living not too far from me back at home. What a small world ay! We laughed and shared stories which kind of secretly all helped us with our nerves. I got called up and wished them well. 

I had nothing to worry about at all. It was a quick informal chat and I was out of there. So fingers crossed it all went well. I felt quite positive after that one.

On a high note, I thought I would take a wander into town for a little mooch round the shops. By this time my battery on my phone had run out, so I had nothing else to distract me. 
Taking some real time out for myself was just what I needed. And maybe a little bit of retail therapy also ;) 

Some bargains from Primark and a green tea later, I am now sat back at home feeling so much more happy and positive. 
I think the weather really helps me too. Even on a windy day, the presence of the sun and fresh air does absolute wonders for me.

I feel inspired and motivated for what feels like no real reason at all. But I'm in a great mood and thats all that matters. So even if its just going for a walk, sitting in the garden with a book or taking a trip to the shops to spend spend spend. Having 'me time' is a neccessity.

SB x 




Monday, 24 November 2014

We're not in Kansas anymore...

I went home for the weekend back to Birmingham, and got up to a lot of festive fun.


 

I mainly spent the week, catching up with my family and friends. I had such a lovely time, and it was just what I needed to finally get into the festive spirit. Over the past few months, I have slowly been sorting out everyones christmas presents, as I'm a bit of an organised freak! 

So on the one evening I got to myself, I decided to light a few candles (Christmas scented o'course!), stick on one of my favourite classics and wrap away!


The Christmas Rum Punch candle was definitely my favourite! But its nearly all gone now because of how many times I have used it! If I remember correctly its from Aldi, so I will definitely be making a trip there soon, to buy some more! 


After an evening of successful wrapping. I have nothing to do now in terms of buying presents - which I am slightly gutted about because I keep on seeing wonderful things in the shops, and being so tempted. I wish I could treat my loved ones to them all, but unfortunately the student budget just does not cut it.



* Spoiler alert for whoever this is for * 


I have become candle obsessed! Especially ones that are christmas related! 

Whilst working at Grand Designs Live, I strolled into the interiors section on one of my breaks. To my surprise and complete joy, I found the Yankee Candle stand. Of course I had to have a little mooch around. Unfortunately, I only had enough money for some lunch and journey home, so I couldn't stretch out to the beautiful Christmas limited edition gift sets, but instead I bought 9 mini candles for £11 I think it was. They had like dispensers of each scent from the wide range you could pick from. I literally picked each one up and smelt it probably about two or three times. The man on the stand must of thought I was mad! 

So I went for a few christmas scents as presents- they smell absolutely divine, then classics ones for myself like Clean Cotton



To end my week at home, I went for a girly bonding shopping session with my mom and sister, and ended it with a festive Starbucks drink - which I have never actually had before. Shock horror I know! I had the Almond and Honey Hot Chocolate, and I think Elena had a latte of some sort. We had gold sprinkles on our drinks also! I asked the man behind the till as to why this was and he replied "Selfridges are the only store that does it in the country, we make it more special". 

It was lovely to have some home comforts and spend some time with some of my favourite people. It really set me up for the festive period. I hope you are all starting to feel christmassy too and it's not just me! 

SB x 

Monday, 10 November 2014

HAPPINESS




I am currently very content with my life, for the first time in a very long while. 

I feel like I've learnt so much in the past couple of months. 
About life and myself
Where I want to go, and who I want to be.
 

University has taught me how to grow up. 
I already knew how to cook, wash and clean before I got there, so I wasn't completely clueless. However I was very much dependable on my mom for getting things done. 
Starting a fresh new journey on your own can be extremely terrifying, but luckily, I had a lovely bunch of flat mates to feel lost together with. 

I've always loved the feeling of independence and being able to make all my own decisions, which is what I can now do - although I will forever always turn to my mom for her great words of wisdom, but then again who doesn't?


I've just started an incredible journey for the next 4 years. 
They say uni days are the best days. And I really hope so, because this is this start of something new *breaks into song*.
I am studying something which I have a great passion in. Something that I've always want to do and be involved in. Something that has influenced me a great deal in life. I can't wait to continue into this career and explore the world doing so.
(I will do a separate post of university as a whole soon.)


I have goals and ambitions.
 They will never get handed to me on a plate. I have to work extremely hard for them. And as crazy as it seems, I can't wait to do so! I can't wait to achieve my aspirations, knowing i've worked my little butt off to get there. When I receive my first proper payslip, I can say 'I did that all by myself'. I can't wait to buy myself that designer bag I've always wanted - so I can say 'I worked damn hard for that'.



But one main thing I have learnt is:
 We are the creators of our own happiness

You choose the people who you want in your life, the people who bring out the best in you. Those who you can count on and be there for, through thick and thin.

I currently feel so much love around me, I couldn't be happier right now in time. 

And I thank those for staying in my life, and coming into it unexpected :)


SB x 

Tuesday, 14 January 2014

DEAL | SPOTIFY PREMIUM

CALLING ALL STUDENTS! 

On a student budget so can't afford to download off iTunes?
Are you fed up of listening to ads on YouTube?

Well look no further, Spotify are offering students half price on their premium package.
 All you have to do is click on the picture below, and sign up!




Monday, 13 January 2014

MUSIC MONDAY: Rainy Milo

First of all,  Happy New Year to everyone!

I haven't had a lot of time to myself since the new year started. However tonight, I decided to just sit down and listen to Radio 1. And I'm extremely glad I did.



Zane Lowe played a track on his show by South-East Londoner Rainy Milo
I became mesmerized with her vocals in 'Bout You', so hit to SoundCloud immediately, to find it and share with you all. 

I would highly advise you to listen to all of her songs on there, as I just have. 
When discovering new artists, I never normally enjoy all of their songs, like many of these top shots who always have that one crap song on the end of their album. 
But luckily in this case, they are all stunning, if that's even a way to describe songs. 
Milo's voice is so mature for her age, at only 18.


With talent and music like hers, I expect big things for Rainy Milo in the future. 
Stay Tuned...


Wednesday, 6 November 2013

SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA @ MKB | REVIEW

It's been months since my last post. And even longer since this event.

But I wanted to share with you all, my experience from when I went to Swedish House Mafia's final UK show at Milton Keynes Bowl


SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA
Swedes host largest headline DJ show in the world
MILTON KEYNES BOWL, ENGLAND.
 Saturday 14th July 2012.
  
★★★★★


You would think cramming 60,000 people into, what can only be described as a crater situated in the centre of Milton Keynes would cause chaos? This certainly wasn’t the case when the sensational stars – Swedish House Mafia rocked up to the bowl with a line-up of dance acts, who have supported their journey from inception, to stage a farewell extravaganza.

The trio joined forces back in 2004 after touring together as DJ’s to showcase their ability as a union. It was unknown at this juncture, that their careers would transform progressively and that three guys from Sweden would be acknowledged worldwide, under their alias, as the ‘faces of progressive house music’. From dingy clubs to headlining major festivals, escalating album charts and selling out arenas – or bowls, in this case. It is clear that, the power of evolution is key.
Milton Keynes Bowl has seen the likes of ACDC to Jay-Z. So it was certainly prepared to host a record breaking 9 hour gig in the middle of July. 

The sun was beaming, the gates had opened and fans started flooding in by the thousands, for what was billed as ‘the largest headline DJ show in the world’. They all shared one aim. That was to give Axwell, Sebestian Ingrosso and Steve Angello the best send off – to embrace the music and reminisce about the past 8 years whilst being blinded by various strobes and lasers.


Example was the first act that many punters got to see, because it took about 45 minutes to actually catch a glimpse of the bowl itself from the gate, as they contiguously ascended through the long process of ‘passport control’. Many missed NO_ID –who obviously didn’t have any issues getting themselves in. Example, aka Elliot Gleave is known for his ecstatic energy which he throws onto the crowd. He was the only act to be accompanied by a live band.  The atmosphere this created was thrilling as he got a spectrum of individuals all bouncing and singing in unison like football maniacs, chanting ‘HERE WE F**CKING GO’, setting the crowd up for a day they would never forget.

More famous faces were welcomed to the stage; Madeon – 17 year old producer from France stunned the crowd with his exceptional skills.  Alesso, gave them a taste of the final set list that they were patiently waiting for, as he played his track with Ingrosso – ‘Calling’ and chart topping Calvin Harris, who has seen majority of the population of the UK in the past month due to consistent touring, joined them to woo the fans, pump their souls and make them realise why they are actually here - their love of music. By the time the penultimate act – Pete Tong – was on. The bowl had transformed into a mud bath of drunken bodies all connected together by passion. The crowd was a panorama who had already danced their feet to blisters, sang their throats dry and warmed their hearts up. But without a doubt, they were ready.

Darkness had descended; a curtain had dropped to reveal a 20 ft high video screen. Pyrotechnics had kicked in and ‘Greyhound’ was introduced as the screen split through the middle to reveal the 3 DJ’s, who had waited months for this particular moment.  The two hour set had begun, and they blazed through their top tunes such as; ‘One’ and ‘Miami 2 Ibiza’.  As the threesome went through their discography, they thanked everyone numerous times for attending and sharing an exceptional day with them.  “Real friends are people that help you home from the club, when you’re too drunk. Real friends are people that help you move house. Real friends will drive 10 hours, sleep in a van or tent, to come and party with you, even though it’s F**CKING raining! That’s what you are. Real friends”.



The climax of the night had to be stated when their collaboration with Knife Party – ‘Antidote’ got dropped. The grungy beat combined with intense visuals and extreme pyros is what made the performance, with confetti cannons shooting off in all directions. Also, when played their new single ‘Don’t You Worry Child’ – which was written about the night itself, brought everyone that little bit closer.  A 2 hour set definitely wasn’t enough for the fans. They could have carried on partying throughout the night, as they did not want to see the Swedes disappear through the surge of CO2 cannons.

 They ended off with their classic, ‘Save the World’. This marked a moment where everyone sealed their bond and became officially united. They didn’t care whether the person dancing next to them ran over the neighbour’s cat, or whether they were worst enemies at school. They cared about that moment.  Emotions were flying, just like the bottles of piss. No-one cared. Everyone was in awe, from the bar staff to security. From merch sellers to litter patrol. They were mesmerised by what they had just been a part of.  Swedish House Mafia had just performed in the UK for the last time.

Following the drastic news that Swedish House Mafia will never grace decks in England again, Axwell personally announced on June 24th “Today we want to share with you, that the tour we are about to go on will be our last. We want to thank every single one of you that came with us on this journey. We came. We raved. We loved”.


Although it may be the last time we see them as a joint in the UK. It certainly won’t be the last time we hear of them as individuals. But for now, as they embark on their final tour – ironically called ‘One Last Tour’, they give a list of other countries round the world the chance to experience the euphoria and relive the indescribable, which happened in Milton Keynes that night.

Swedish House Mafia’s new album ‘Until Now’ forms the official soundtrack to the tour, and is out now in all leading music stores.

Tuesday, 13 August 2013

NEW MUSIC | Jareth



You may be wondering who's Jareth

She's a London based singer/songwriter who has written for the likes of Cheryl Cole and Chris Lake. 
Jareth gained the attention of many with not only her soulful voice, but with her impromptu performances around London - in black cabs and museums,to name a few.  

You are most likely to recognise her powerful vocals, from the worldwide 2012 Roberto Cavalli parfum campaign.

Now that you've got yourself familiarised with the star, I'm here to introduce to you, her new track Long Way - which is available for FREE download here.


Check out the official video below

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