8 reasons why I don't read your blog

8 reasons why I don't read your blog

1. Your posts aren't original 
2. Your blog only fits a specific niche
3. You're mostly showing off what you have 
4. I am not benefitting or relating from what you write about 
5. You automatically tweet about your blog ALL THE TIME! 
6. Your posts have far too long 
7. Your unoriginal flat lay photos with irrelevant props in do not interest me
8. I simply haven't got time 

I'm sorry and I know how much time you out into your posts but please don't waste your time. Three tips to make your blog more appealing.

1. Keep it short and sweet
2. Make it original 
3. Don't ram it down peoples throats, if they want to read it they will

Growing up and losing friends

Growing up and losing friends

"Why should I care about others when they don't care about me?" Often something I say to myself when I get let down. So many times I find myself running after people when they've called me for help, they upset or angry about something. Every time I'm there giving hours of my time to someone who needs a shoulder to cry on. I will text my friends and ask 'how are you?' Only to be bombarded with everything going on in their life, which is great and I want to know everything that happens, but after that the conversation will end and I have very few friends who will actually ask how I am and see what's going on in my life.

Over the past year this has made me realise, I do not need this people in my life. I only want people who can support me and will benefit me, maybe this is selfish? But after all it is my life so why can't I be the centre of it?

A few months ago I decided enough was enough and it was time to let those people go. So if you are planning on binning the crap friends here are a few reassuring words.

It doesn't make you a bad person because you don't want to hang out with someone anymore.

You weren't born to live your life wasting hours on one sided friends.

There are people out there who actually care about you, spend more time with them!

To find those one sided friends, ask them how they are and see if 1, they ask you the same, and 2, if they actually listen to your answer.

Good luck xo

All New Miley

All New Miley

Source

New laid back loving Miley is back with track 'Malibu', the first track from her yet to be titled album. It is undoubtedly more tame than previous hits, such as 'Wrecking Ball' with the lyrics being a lot more personal and meaningful. 'I always thought I would sink, so I never swam' is my favourite quote from the track. Can you tell it's inspired by on/off lover Liam Hemsworth? 

Listen to it on Spotify below

5 things to achieve by June 2017

5 things to achieve by June 2017

I'm giving myself 16 days to start changing my life, how hard can it be?! 

Here's a list of 5 things I plan to do within those 16 days. 

1. Reach my daily footsteps goal everyday 

2. Go for a run 

3. Finish reading a book 

4. Don't get involved in gossip 

5. Do one thing that scares me each day 

I will report back on June 1st with my achievements (or failures). 

Source

Getting over sleeping with a someone you regret

Getting over sleeping with a someone you regret

It's inevitable that at some point in your life you are going to sleep with someone who in the future, you're probably going to regret. Unfortunately for me, 80% of mine have been regrets and most of which have been serious wrongens', seriously, what was I thinking!?

So here's a few tips on how I have managed to overcome the trauma that was a terrible sexual encounter.

The more you deny it the more people will talk about it 
Even though it is a big deal to you, don't let others see that because then they can always say "remember that time to slept with" *shudders* I instantly cringe when anyone says that.

See it as a learning curve
This goes with anything you do, but at least when a good guy comes along, you'll appreciate it.

Get yourself checked! 
This is pretty much a standard, but if they get around a bit then it's definitely worth being extra safe.

Don't be mad at them
It isn't their fault you think they're vile, just remember there is somebody out there that will love them, so don't knock their confidence. You two just aren't compatible.

And the last point, don't get with them ever again! Even if you get desperate.

TOTD: Animal House - English Girls

TOTD: Animal House - English Girls

Australian quartet Animal House were first brought to my attention when I watched The Michalaks weekly vlog and I was instantly captivated by the energy of the track. Definitely a feel good song, even if the lyrics are comical.

'English Girls' was released 6th November 2015, so amazingly its been around for a whole year and I am only just hearing about it. Don't be put off though, their debut EP "Sorry" is out on the 18th November which includes 'English girls' and addictive track 'Domino'.

5 Reasons Why I Hate Bonfire Night

5 Reasons Why I Hate Bonfire Night

Now before I start I don't want to sound like a super depressed person who looks at everything negatively. But it becomes more and more apparent that I don't like bonfire night or the 5th November. I have compiled a short list of the reasons why I feel this way.

1. I am alone. I feel like it's an unwritten rule that fireworks are to be enjoyed with loved ones and since I am single and not particularly close to my famil, I then to just be reminded that it's another year that I am alone. Shit that was depressing, sorry!

2. Cold. The 5th November is ALWAYS cold. So having to stand outside in the cold is not really my idea of fun. I remember going to watch fireworks with my parents having to wear hats, gloves and scarves, otherwise you would freeze. Nowadays I just sit in my car watching them with the heating on.

3. Boring. I can count on the back of my hand the amount of firework shows I have actually enjoyed. These of course, were very expensive to put on. The ones that go on near me are very simple and not really worth watching.

4. Bad for the environment. And dogs! Sorry to sound boring and all but seriously, I am happy to dog sit anyone who wants to go out!

5. Idiots. I think every year I discover how stupid people can be. One time me and my family were parked on a cliff next to these young people. They started letting fireworks off in-between our cars, then they starting messing about with them and let one off sideways, which actually went under their car! They found it hilarious so they wanted to do it again - at which point dad quickly made us leave. Do people not realise these things are dangerous?!

Wow this post makes me look miserable - I can assure you I'm not! 

What are your thoughts on bonfire night? 

TOTD: Cassava - Martha

TOTD: Cassava - Martha

Tuesday again, one less day to the weekend. I have discovered an absolute gem by 4-piece indie band Cassava. I'm not sure how I haven't ever heard of this band but I'm super glad I did. Their track 'Martha' just fills me with happiness. The whole song just feels very rock and roll, they're definitely a This Feeling kind of band.

With the Southampton band being recognised by BBC Introducing they are definitely ones to look out for. Their last show of the year comes right before New Year on 30th December and I can't help but think this will only grow their fanbase even bigger. They have had a good run of shows and festivals this year, which can only mean next year will be 10 times bigger and better.

25 Facts About Me

25 Facts About Me

1. I don't know how to burp

2. I absolutely love property programs 

3. Seth Rogen is my favourite actor 

4. Spaghetti Bolognese is my favourite food 

5. I live on an island and I don't know how to swim. Yes if we sink, I'll die 

6. I have no friends that I tell completely everything 

7. One day I hope to run a marathon 

8. I have never been in a proper relationship 

9. My Myers Briggs personality type is ESTP

10. My middle name is Marie 

11. I have double jointed thumbs... I don't believe it but apparently they shouldn't move as much as they do

12. My favourite film is Shrek 

13. 13 seems to be my lucky number 

14. There are very few blogs I enjoy reading 

15. I'm left handed 

16. I love wearing boots 

17. I have never been abroad 

18. I wrote a 100 page story when I got my first computer. I would do anything to have it back because I have no clue what it was about 

19. I have to sleep for about 8 hours per night in order to feel normal 

20. My favourite colour is navy

21. I played with Bratz until I was 12

22. I would rather walk into a room full of strangers than a room full of people I know 

23. I have only ever broken a toe 

24. I love positivity and happy people 

25. I have to eat cereal every morning 

TOTD: Chilé - Every Outline

TOTD: Chilé - Every Outline

It's Tuesday, we don't want to listen to something too upbeat because the weekend is still pretty far away. Late last night I found the perfect chilled out song, perfect for a rainy Tuesday in October. 'Every Outline' is their first single from their upcoming EP 'Pleasure in Tears', which I think will do wonders for the unsigned trio.

One I found this track I was eager to find more of their work and it quickly became apparent that it's almost impossible to find them on social media. After I cracked their 'chilefromchile' usernames I could then explore their world, sadly there are only a handful of videos online so we will just have to wait for the EP.

Meanwhile let me know what you think of 'Every Outline'.

Shout Out To My Ex review

Shout Out To My Ex review

First, let me brief. Little Mix, the four-piece pop girl band who won X Factor 2011. Recently announced they're releasing their fourth album Glory Days supposedly coming out before Christmas (probs hoping for Xmas number 1 but that's none of my business).

Anyway, I recently heard a lot about their new single Shout Out To My Ex which literally made me feel sick. Don't get me wrong the song is pretty catchy and definitely makes you want to have a good sing along. BUT don't you think it's the kind of information you should keep to yourself? If I wanted to make my ex jealous I wouldn't go giving him attention by writing a song slating him.

There's a lyric in the song that says he's no good in bed and that they never loved him anyway, this is most definitely not true! You would never stay with someone that didn't love and didn't make you happy.

Personally, this isn't the kind of song that makes me feel empowered and good about myself. I think it's more a joke and slightly embarrassing. I don't think it's going to make Zayn and Gigi think twice about their relationship. 

Who I'll be seeing at Bestival 2016

Who I'll be seeing at Bestival 2016

Can you believe it, Bestival 2016 is only 3 weeks away! Bestival is one of those places you have to experience, I guarantee you'll fall in love. Situated in my hometown of the Isle of Wight, of course I will be attending. Every year the lineup is cram packed full of old and new talent, which means you find yourself constantly entertained. This year I thought I would share a little playlist with you containing the acts I'm more than likely going to be watching this year. 

I think there is pretty much someone for everyone in this playlist.  So to start and possibly my most exciting one, it's only Sean Paul! Yep you heard that right, the dance legend is headlining and I am definitely ready to get it on 'til the early morn'. 

I'm very excited to be seeing Major Lazer, I saw them at Bestival a few years ago and I have never seen a crowd so big get so wild - absolutely incredible experience. Two artists I'm really hoping will bring in a rowdy crowd are Girli and one of the best men in musical history Mr David Rodigan.

With grime music currently booming, Bestival have gathered the best of the best to represent the face of the rapidly growing genre. My faves playing the bill are Krept & Konan, Kano, Skepta and the girl taking over Lady Leshurr. 

Chart topping Bastille will be performing for the second time. I've seen these so many times now and they do not disappoint, I look forward to hearing their new music this time around. Keeping on the chart music theme - Anne-Marie,  MØ, VANT and Frances have taken a dip into the charts and lead a very exciting music career ahead of them. 

Another up and coming band, Pretty Vicious are performing and I have to say, I'm not a huge fan but I can't let my friends go alone can I?!

Lets not forget my current favourite band - Spring King. If you haven't heard their album yet I'm not sure we can be friends, I love love love love them so much! 

Lauran Hibberd, you most likely haven't heard of her, she's a local girl and definitely heading for the stars. I unfortunately missed her at IOW Fest and since then she's been around the UK performing at the coolest festivals. If you're attending, go and show her some love. 

And of course it's not all about the music, I shall be watching my childhood legends The Chuckle Brothers. This will be the second time I will be seeing them and let me just tell you, they're just as hilarious as on TV and they really know how to work a crowd. 

What happened to Passenger?

What happened to Passenger?

Remember that Let It Go song that stayed in the charts for what feels like forever? Everyone knew he was somehow linked to Ed Sheeran but nobody could be bothered to buy the bearded Brightonians album so he slowly creeped back into the woodwork. 

Source

I saw him supporting Ed Sheeran before the big hit was released. Lets just say it was an honour, I have never seen an artist that was such a joy to be around and have the most relatable songs. He appeared on my Facebook the other day which reminded me that I haven’t actually heard new music from him in a while, making me question what he was actually doing nowadays. 

By the looks of it he’s still playing to thousands of people each night, whilst making the most of the new live feature on Facebook, where he shares short performances to keep the fans entertained by his astonishing voice whilst he conquers America.  

My internet stalking lead me to his most recently released video Somebody’s Love, an incredibly beautiful love song showing how caring and sensitive Michael Rosenberg really is. 

Luckily for fans of the 32 year old folk singer, he is set to be releasing yet another album on September 23rd, titled Young As The Morning, Old As The Sea. I don’t know about you but if its anything like his previous albums, it will fill me with emotions I didn’t even know I had. 

If you buy one album this year, make sure it's this.

If you buy one album this year, make sure it's this.

This is something that has to be spoken about. The Viola Beach album. Maybe you heard of them from Coldplay's Glastonbury performance? Maybe you heard them in the news at the beginning of the year? Or maybe you don't even know who they are? Either way who cares, the album is masterful and you need to listen. 

It excites me massively that the album has been created from songs previously recorded. Had the boys still be making music on earth, I can imagine they would be taking over the world. At the beginning of such a promising career, they created 9 beautiful songs that then became the content of their self titled album, which was put together by the boys families.

For those that don't know, at the beginning of the year unfortunately the band and manager Craig were taken from us to join the music legends above, but their album was released the other day. Money from which will be going to the families. 

Anyway, the album is right up my street. Full of energy, catchy and a breath of fresh air for the music scene. My personal fave, although I love them all, is Go Outside, it really makes me want to have a little dance, even at 7am on my way to work. All the tracks on the album are pretty upbeat, even sad song, Call You Up leaves you wanting to tap your feet.

It makes me sad that we won't be hearing any new music from the guys because I can tell they would have had a massive career. I'm buying the album for all my family and I think you should too. 

Let me know what you think! 

Buy it here on iTunes or Amazon

July Playlist

July Playlist

It's been a while since I told you what I was listening to, so here we have it - my faves throughout July.

Hello Operator - Stephanie

Mantras - Boulevard

The Shimmer Band - Freedom

Yak - Habour the feeling

Paves - Woman

Spring King - Adele Cover

Jackals Rose - D.I.D

Anteros - Breakfast

Viola Beach - Boys That Sing

My Week

My Week

What have I done this week? Well for a start, my life has been completely revolved around work - again! I mean I don't mind working all the time but I wish it was for a job I actually wanted. I've also been ill so I have been trying to sleep as much as possible which has lead to me not doing a lot of fun stuff.

I went and saw Me Before you, which is an incredible film and I highly recommend you go and see it. I loved it that much that I actually bought the books so I can continue the love story.

I have started watching Skins again to try and relive my youth. Some of the stories on there, no, most of the stories are so far fetched and unrealistic.

The biggest thing I have done this week is think about my career. I have decided I want to either to a degree in music management or go into PR. I am really unsure as to what to do, I know I could do whatever if I got a load of work experience. It's really stressing me out because I want things to progress and I want to work hard but I need to have a plan on how I can do it.

Finally my week ended with a spot of shopping - again. I am starting to get pretty obsessed with shopping now, I used to hate it. Honestly, I used to order everything only because I hated going to shops so much.

Thinking about it, I'm not really sure why I even wrote this post because it's boring as f*ck...

Ps. This is my view from work. Very lucky!

Favourite Acts at Glastonbury 2016

Favourite Acts at Glastonbury 2016

This year has been incredible! I'm pretty glad I got to watch from the comfort of my own home rather than in a mud swamped field and getting wet. Radio 1 kindly streamed everything so we were able to pretend we were all at the notorious festival. I thought I would share a couple of my faves with you because I've watched so many performances and I need to pretend I'm doing it for a reason ok.

Source: Independent

Blossoms
I am absolutely obsessed with this band at the moment, after seeing them at Isle of Wight and my friend telling me how good they were I thought I would give them a go. So glad I did because when I watched their Glasto set it reminded me of two weeks ago. Their new single is out now and I highly recommend you check it out, it's called Charlemagne FYI. Personally I think these guys sound even better live than on their tracks although still amazing.

Jake Bugg
Where do you even start with Mr Bugg. I guess he's got a very love hate voice but for me, I LOVE. I think I'm a bit biased because I have never seen him do a bad performance. For me it was great to see him playing his older music as I was a huge lover of his first album. It's interesting that lights remained fairly dark during his performance, making it a little harder to see his usual emotionless face. Either way the suspense makes me have a crush on him that little bit more.

Lady Leshurr
She's such a breath of fresh air, especially for a grime fan like myself. Its amazing to see a girl doing so well in a very male populated scene. Using popular backing tracks such as "Know Me From" by Stormy and covering a snippet of "Werk by Rihanna" definitely energised the crowd. She definitely knows how to hype a crowd.

Adele
When I first heard Adele was going to be headlining the Pyramid Stage on the Saturday I honestly thought what the hell. Don't get me wrong she is an incredible singer and I would absolutely love to see her live. But to play a festival? I wasn't too sure.  Well how wrong was I! I actually put off watching her performance for a while because I thought it would be a little boring. Again I was wrong, it was brilliant! She has the best personality and really connected with the crowd. The sound of thousands singing along side her was truly breathtaking! I didn't actually realise how many of her songs I actually knew too, very impressed.

Coldplay
Of course I'm going to mention Coldplay, its just standard. When do they ever give a bad performance? It was great to see that when they had a technical issue halfway through the set, front man Chris Martin took to the stage alone to perform Everglow. Another breathtaking moment was when they paid tribute to Viola Beach whom sadly lost their lives alongside manager Craig Tarry earlier this year. This performance as a whole just proves that they haven't been outdated and are still as loveable as ever. Definitely a band I NEED to see live!

My experience at the Isle of Wight Festival 2016

My experience at the Isle of Wight Festival 2016

Most of you probably aren't aware but from Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th June I went to a festival near to where I live. I was fortunate enough to be my best friends plus one as she was reviewing the weekend for a magazine. This meant we got VIP, which was pretty cool. Not only that she managed to get us Jack Daniels wristbands, allowing us to get backstage at the Jack Rocks tent. Yep we definitely had a good weekend.

Who did I see?

BUSTED!! They were definitely my favourite! I definitely relived my childhood seeing these. They were even better than I had thought. Highly recommend seeing these.

I also saw big acts like Faithless, Queen and The Who. However I spent the majority of my time in the Jack Rocks tent and may I say there were some fab acts, Yak gave a completely eye opening performance, I've never seen someone pass their guitar out to the crowd or try to hump the stage scaffolding with their guitar - yes this actually happened! Some of my favourites from Jack Rocks were probably Paves, The Amazons, Mantras and annoyingly Judas (lets not talk about them).

What was my highlight?
The highlight for me was definitely spending the weekend with my best friend Shannon, she's just so cool and is doing ridiculously well for herself. I spent the whole weekend telling her how proud I was of her, which definitely got annoying.

Any stupid things happen?
Yep, a lot. I'm not going to go into some of it on this post, we're keeping this clean, but yes I am probably a whore. I just hate how people get the wrong impression, mainly the opposite sex but still.

What have I taken away from it?
Well I have learnt a lot from my weekend actually! The first being that I am a fantastic cupid, well if you're looking for a one night thing anyway. Another thing I have taken away from it is that I shouldn't trust boys in bands. They are smelly, weird and probably on drugs - even if they are pretty attractive and their music is good.
I have made loads of friends! That's an amazing thing. It has also brought me closer to an old school friend which is great.
The last thing I have taken away is that I need to live more. I got stuck in this whole 'eat, sleep, work, repeat' routine and I forgot that there is actually a world out there full of amazing people that I need to meet. Look out London, I'm coming for you..

BLOSSOMS

BLOSSOMS

Stop right there. Let me just tell you about a band that are about to take over the world. A five piece indie pop band from Stockport known as Blossoms. Labelled as BBC Sound of 2016 they were sure to have a good music career ahead of them.

I was lucky enough to see them recently at the Isle of Wight Festival and they quickly became one of my favourite acts of the whole weekend. I find a lot of indie bands get a little cocky onstage and really try and get the crowd going. Blossoms however did none of this, I mean they got the crowd going for sure, but the crowd did that out of free will.

I'm sat writing this post trying to decide what my favourite track is but I'm not sure I can. I would say Charlemagne is definitely the most memorable. Then again, I do love a good sing song to Getaway, why am I so indecisive?! The album is set to be released 5th August so a full review will be up then.

Meanwhile here is Getaway, the video is a bit strange but don't let that put you off.

Is this the end?

Is this the end?

I said last month and the month before that I was finally going to start my blog again. Wow, how wrong was I!  After 6 failed attempts and spending each day wishing I could blog again, I find myself here - writing that blog post. Again. Telling myself that yes I am going to do this and yes I will become a regular blogger again. No doubt I'm lying to myself though. Lets not fool ourselves into thinking I'm going to stick at it but I'm certainly going to try.

I know what you're thinking, why don't I just give up? When I was blogging before I found myself so organised with everything - work, social life and blogging. I actually did things and had a life. Whereas now all I do is work. I need that life back, that organisation and that happiness. I want my little diary back.

Wish me luck and hopefully posts will resume shortly.