summer essentials.

Wow. It's been an emotional couple of weeks. If you couldn't tell already from my twitter, I've been an emotional yo-yo. It's been hard finding good days, but I had one today and decided to go out and treat myself to some nice things! When I got home and inspected what I'd brought, I realised that I had been overly optimistic that we'll get some sun as I've got my top 3 summer essentials to share with you;

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner

So when it comes to hair, I am completely a DIY girl. I colour it myself, style it myself and even cut it myself (because no-one knows what style you want better than you!). Recently I've decided I'm bored with my current auburn colour and want to go blonde, but to do that I need to get my hair in better condition before it's destroyed by the bleach. So I gave it a good trim today and also used thisssss for the first time!

Now, I did a lot of internet trawling before I brought this, and as cheaper products go, this came out tops, so I decided to give it a try! And oh my god it was so worth the money! Seriously, I'm so stingy its unreal, so at £4.99 I was a little reluctant to buy, but, no word of a lie, my hair feels like silk! It smells like bubblegum too. I don't use a lot of heat on my hair, but because I don't get it cut regularly and because I have an OCD think where I break strands off, my hair was in ruin, but this conditioner totally changed that. My hair hasn't been this soft in a LONG time. I'll also probably try Fantasia IC Hair Polisher too, as I've heard great things about that, but for now I'm LOVING this. Definitely a summer essential, as in my opinion, summer is the worst season for your hair. The UV damage from the sun, the dryness from all the heat and don't get me started on the chlorine from pools! This conditioner should be in everyone's suitcase.

Accessorize Nail Polishes

If there's one thing I have an unhealthy obsession with, it's nail varnishes. They make me feel so nice and I love all the pretty colours! Me and Mum spotted Accessorize had a sale on, so went in to have a look when we came across THE most BEAUTIFUL glittery nail varnishes I had ever seen. And they didn't even look tacky like some do! Plus, they were only £4, which is quite cheap in comparison to some other brands! I brought a dark blue with bits of purple called Dream and a copper colour called Molten Copper. I tried the Molten Copper first and it was amazing. So smooth and I only needed two coats to get a nice even spread of the glitter, with no patches showing! Needed a top coat to get rid of some of the roughness of the glitter particles, but its stayed put really well, so I'm pleased. I love this colour so much, it's a perfect beached bronze colour, which is a little more pink in natural light than it is in these pictures (above taken in the natural light in the car, the right taken with the flash), that has just the right amount of sparkle for partying during the night, hence why it's a summer essential!

Garnier Fructis Style Surf Hair

As I mentioned earlier, I try to do as little heat damage to my hair as possible, therefore, no hair straighteners, curlers or blow dryers! So how do I get my hair into a decent looking style you may ask? Fear not! I wash my hair in the evenings, wait 'till it's damp and put it into two French plaits. Not only does this save it from the horrors of heat and leave me with super awesome beach waves, but it means that doing my hair in the morning consists of taking the braids out and rubbing a little of the Surf Hair in it to give it more texture - which takes a grand total time of a minute! Which is PERFECT for the school rush! I've tried loads of matte clays before but this is the first one I've brought a second pot of because I love it. It's got a really nice fruity smell, doesn't leave my hair sticky (although do find myself needing to wash my hands after application) and means that I can really manipulate my style and have it stay in place. A pot of this, and some salt spray, are summer essentials as they mean that you can drop the heat stylers and give your natural hair some easy and gorgeous beachy texture.

I'd love to do an outfit post and show you this AMAZING yellow lace bodycon dress my Nan talked me into buying - I was going to! It was a tenner in the sale and looked great, I just didn't know when I'd wear it! - but I'm not sure how I'd do that, so maybe that'll pop up in a couple days? Also want to share some pictures of prom and my experience of the night, as I have officially recovered now.
G'night all!
xox

words of wisdom.

So it's a Saturday, which means one thing - photo & song of the week!

But before I get to that, I wanna share with you something I posted on my FaceBook and elaborate on it a little for everyone, as it has quite a strong message behind it.


'Just wanted to say a little something about last night.. I'm not gonna apologise, because I wasn't drunk - I remember everything that happened, and I meant every word I said - I had a break down from stress and depression. I want people to realise that this whole #supportpeoplewithdepression thing on twitter isnt just just to get more followers. Depression is an illness, not a disease. Most people seem to think that if they try to help someone who's depressed, it'll rub off and they'll get depressed too. But if everyone reached out to someone with depression, even just to ask how they are today, then there would be a lot less lives lost. It's not something someone brings upon themselves, so why treat them like that? Everyone needs help sometimes, and people shouldn't be shunned for that. Don't sit back and pretend it'll get better, talk to your friends.'


Last night was the first time since the break-up that I've seen Marko, and I thought that I was ready and was strong enough to face him, but I wasn't. And its taken a talk that went on into the early morning with the Polar Bear for me to realise that I'm not just sad or lonely, I'm depressed.
Depression is a difficult topic for a lot of people, because no-one really fully understands what to class as 'depression', and it also scares a lot of people because, like I said, people think that it'll rub off on them if they try to reach out to someone who's depressed, but in fact it's the opposite. Just talking to someone who seems down, and not even necessarily depressed, will not only make them feel loved and like they aren't alone, but it makes you realise how much you value that person in your life and you feel better for helping them. Because depression kills people. 15% of people who are depressed will commit suicide and succeed. It's not something you should be ashamed to talk about, and admit to, and I know because it's something I've tried to hide and pretend it wasn't there all my life, and that's done nothing but bad as I've self harmed and tried to kill myself several times before - something I am ashamed of.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that people that are depressed are just humans, and shouldn't be treated like a mental case. Everyone needs love, and deserves respect, and if you can't give that to a person, then its not the person with depression you should feel sorry for, it's yourself.

Well. Enough with the sad stuff, lets have some music! (sorry that there's no photo of the week, but I haven't taken anything lately!)

Well, I wanted to give you something happy today, but this is MY song of the week, and as I've needed a little cry, this has been perfect.

The Swellers - Stars

xox

procrastination on study leave.

So if you're anything like me, you'll use anything as a way of procrastinating. But sometimes you run out of things to do. NEVER FEAR! Here's my top ten procrastination activites, in no particular order :)

1. @Queen_UK on Twitter
Seriously. That shit is HILARIOUS. She's even got a book. I want that book. Someone buy me that book. Some of her recent favourites of mine are 'One can confirm that "Big Ben" is to be renamed "Elizabeth Tower". Nick Clegg shall also be renamed "Jemima Puddle-Duck" ' and 'Someone get one a bacon, sausage and egg butty. Queen Mother of a hangover.' It's just TOO funny! Brightens up those gloomy Monday mornings ;)

Ps. It's not actually the queen - duh?!

2. Rhett and Link on Youtube
If you are yet to have the pleasure of coming across Rhett and Link's channel, YOU ARE MISSING OUT! Start with 'Rub Some Bacon On It' and never be bored again. They are a very clever and talented pair :)

3. Julian Smith on Youtube
Another very talented youtuber, this one does more comedy sketches and less music, but is also a very talented musician too. Try 'Google The Heimlich' for starters, but don't neglect Jeffrey Dallas!

4. Club Penguin
I know there's going to be a lot of people saying to themselves 'that sounds familiar..', well that's probably because Club Penguin was a MASSIVE craze about 5 years ago. It's meant to be for kids, but for procrastinating, it's actually pretty fun.

5. Tumblr
Some of you may have  heard of Tumblr, but until recently it was new to me too. Tumblr is basically a picture sharing site, and it's actually really interesting to see some of the photography and artwork that's on there. Definitely worth a visit. My tumblr is imicooper.tumblr.com if any of you were interested :)

6. The Big Bang Theory
I've only just got into this too, and you can find a few episodes on 4oD, but YouTube is a gold mine of goodness. Trust me, watch this if you don't believe me.

7. The Sims 2/3
My name's Imogen and I'm addicted to The Sims 2. Not 3. I haven't got it, but I prefer the graphics on The Sims 2. Unfortunately this is the only one of my 10 you have to pay for, but it is WELL worth it. The Sims 3 is new so will be very expensive, but you can get 2 dirt cheap online. Anddd if you're not a computer gaming nerd like I am, they both come on almost all consoles! I don't know what it is about The Sims that's so addicting. I have friends that think I'm crazy for enjoying controlling virtual people's lives, but don't knock it 'till you've tried it!

8. Funny Junk
Most people will have heard of FunnyJunk or something similar, but it's a website where users post funny pictures or fails. Seriously, don't go to this site with a mouth full of coffee. And be warned, you may end up wanting to share EVERYTHING.

9. Mythodreas
This might be showing how lame and nerdy I am, but mythodreas.com was once called 'Zetapets' and is a spin of of 'Neopets' and BOY is it addictive! You don't really do anything except for look after virtual pets, but if you're anything like me, you'll just want to rack up as much money as you can!

10. Stalking teachers, ex's and ex's new partners on FaceBook
Pretty self explanatory, but leads to hours of fun!

Well there you have it! Hope these keep you interested when you have better things to do!
xox

end of this chapter.

Wow. It's been a while. And a LOT has happened..

GCSE's are OVER! My last one, maths, was almost two weeks ago - feels so good being free! It's so weird that they're done now though, considering I've been leading up to them for 11 years and now they're all over. But something else is over too..

Me and Marko are no longer together. And it's okay, because everything has to come to an end. But after being with him for a year and a half, its a little odd, so here comes the inspirational bit..

I'm turning 17 in a  few months. I've finished my GCSE's and I'm moving onto my A Levels. I'm not a little kid anymore. I'm entering a new stage in my life, so as scary and as sad as the split may be, I think it was the right time. Everything is going to start changing now; people's attitudes towards life, schools, what I get up to in my free time.. The list goes on. So for anyone else in my shoes, who's just come out of a long relationship and is a bit shaken up (trust me - some days I've been beyond a wreck!), don't worry! It's okay to cry! This is new and scary, but it'll be okay! It's just a new chapter in your life. And just like a new chapter in a book, you don't know what's going to happen. But that's okay too, because It's always fun finding out.

Right. That's my boring bit over. Lets have some fun stuff!

My prom is coming in a week today, and I am both TERRIFIED and very EXCITED! So now I actually have the time to post, I'll be doing a couple posts on how to survive prom - 'cause I've been going out of my mind!

So my photo of the week is probably from a month ago, but I wanted to post this one anyway because it's of me and my friend Chris dressing up on the very last day of Year 11 - Any guesses what I'm supposed to be?!

Sent to me by a very good friend, this song is not only great for nostalgia, but also made me realise that everything is gonna be alright ;) 

Jimmy Eat World - The Middle

That's it from me for now. I'll be back tomorrow with some old stuff that never got posted. BAH!
xox

Ps. It's okay to get angry too, as long as you think of clever ways to get revenge ;)

happy late valentines!

So its been a busy week at Panda towers! We've cleaned the garage out, moved the kitchen around, had carpet fitted and have been delivered a new broadband router - so no more dodgy internet!

This is just a quick little post, hoping you all had a lovely Valentine's day. I had a busy, but very interesting day. Marko surprised me while we were cleaning out the garage, with a beautiful rose, and we went swimming that evening. Didn't make too much of a fuss about it, as last Thursday was our anniversary! I can't get over that we've been together a year now.. It feels like forever, but like the time has flown by! Thinking of all the cool stuff we've done just blows my mind away.. So, inspired by Valentine's and our anniversary, this week's photo and song of the week are a bit more personal to me and Marko.

I loved this before 500 Days of Summer, and ironically, it's a perfect summer tune. Such a beautifully quirky band. This song makes me so happy.

Mumm-ra - She's Got You High

I'll finally get round to posting that DIY and get back on track with my monthly playlists in the next few days. In the meantime, hope you guys find love!

xox

panda, we have internet.

Ugh. Frustrating and stressful couple of weeks! But the internet is back up and I'm pleased to announce last week's photo and video of the week, as well as an upcoming tutorial and band review/photo dump that I've had ready and waiting for when the internet came back up!

I haven't really got a lot for last week's photo of the week! The most pictures I took were of friends at a party, with the exception of thissss.. A little something two of my mates left our host's parents..

Song of the week this week is in fact two songs! They're just in parts, so really it's one long lot of loveiliness! This comes from a French band, of which me and a friend are DYING to get their new album. From the album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix isssss..

Phoenix - Love Like A Sunset

All rights to V2 Records.

Enjoy! Will be back tomorrow with my tutorial, as well as this week's photo and song of the week.
xox

slow sunday.

I've realised just how fun it is making gifs..

The timing on it is a bit screwed up, but it's probably about the same time as it would be if it happened right in front of you.. Pretty pleased for a first go!

Had a bit of a slow Sunday where no-one did anything until about half 2, when we all got up and went to the beach!

It was really windy and cold, and the boys were moaning, but we braved it and it turned out to be a really lovely couple of hours! Of course, it's only Weston, so the snaps are nothing special, but I wanted to upload and share them with you all.

And my favourite picture of the day...

I'd just like to point out that she's not kicking HIM, she's kicking a ball for him to chase - it just came out as a hilariously funny picture!
xox

i'm useless. but this will make up for it.

YES. OKAY. I REALISE IT'S BEEN TWO MONTHS!
But a very busy two months. And I come today baring gifts!

This actually breaks my heart that I'm able to share this with you all, as I spent a lot of money getting a hard copy of this beauty sent over from the US, but one of my all time top 3 bands Paper Route, have released their first full length album from 2009, Absence, and their brand new single, Better Life, onto NoiseTrade! So the album that I've literally worn down from playing so much, can be yours FOR FREE!

Not bitter. Honest.

I don't work with Paper Route in any way, I'm just a huge fan of such an unfairly underrated band, and in a way I'm quite sad they're releasing their music for free, but it's sooooooo good that I just can't not share it with you!
You can find the whole of Absence, plus the new single Better Life, HERE!


So now that I've made up for my absence (heh heh.. Absence..), I feel it's time to introduce you to the newest member of the little panda bear family..

My Christmas present - A Nikon L120
(Just a quick snap I took before heading off to school.. Like the Koala hat Marko brought me?)

I say 'newest addition to the family' as I'm hoping this will mean the start of a LOT more posts from me. This makes it so much easier for me to share what I've been up to, or found, so easily. So here is where I introduce 2 new features to the blog!

(Okay.. Small lie.. I couldn't decide on just ONE for the first week.. So here's four!)

This week's song of the week isssss...

Lykke Li - Get Some

All rights to LL Records.

So there we go! Both those features will be popping up on Saturdays and will be separate from any other posts during the week :)

Ending on a sad note today - Picnik is closing! I'm so sad, it was the easiest way for me to edit my photos for free.. Anyone know any alternatives?

Have a nice night!

xox

IT LIVES!

Yes, I'm still alive!

I owe you a HUGE apology, I underestimated the amount of work GCSE's would bring, but I've only got one last mock coming up, so I feel I've got time to update you on the happenings from the last couple of months!

I turned 16! I feel so different now I've finally reached that monumental age.. It's all a bit scary! I celebrated by going to Harvester with Marko and my family. Didn't have a party, but low key is my thing ;) I wanted to tell you about the most amazing present Marko made me though!

It's based on the book Q and A a day, which I read about on the Dainty Squid, but Marko has made me his own version, full of his own questions and things personal to us.. Which is the cutest thing anyone has ever, or could have ever done :')

Just noticed that in the background of that picture, you can see my new wallpaper! The room is looking amazing, I could do with some things being moved about, but I love love LOVE it! ^^ For anyone wondering, in the end we went with one wall of lime green and two of the blue, as well as raspberry pink décor. Funkayyy.

Also, I KNOW that I've missed 2 months of my monthly playlist, but I will get around to them shortly. Thinking of getting rid of the opinions, as it takes up a lot of time that I don't have! :L

FINALLY! Something I've been gagging to do for a while, the Bombay Bicycle Club review!! 

Now I've been to a great number of gigs in my time (never before with my Mum though!) but I think I would go far as to say that BBC was THE best gig I have seen ever. From where we were stood, we could see the whole of the people on the floor, and a great view of the stage, and damn you could see a lot! The crowd was a sea of people that were going insane to even the slow ballad that is Still. The huge hits like Shuffle and Always Like This saw the entire venue come alive and sing the words at the top of their lungs. It was a room of pure passion. It could've easily gone on for hours and people would just never tire. It was a perfectly picked set too. They played pretty much all of I Had The Blues.. with the exception of maybe one song? 3 tracks from Flaws and about half of A Different Kind Of Fix, as well as a b-side that frontman Steadman said only their 'hardcore fans would know'. I honestly could not fault it. Except maybe that I would've liked for it to be even louder, so I could really get absorbed in the music. But in all honesty, Bombay Bicycle Club are a band that everyone has to see live.

Will be back in a day or two with my September and October playlists!
xox

back to school and my august playlist.

Hello! I'm right on time with my monthly playlist this month - get me! But first a quick update..
Today was my first day back at school as a year 11. And for anyone who doesn't know what year 11 is, it's the last year of my GCSE's, meaning that I am going to be SUPER busy between now and Christmas doing music coursework, and then again from about May onwards doing my finals. Thus meaning that you'll have to excuse my absence!


But lets get on with the cool stuff! I'm afraid that I'll be gradually adding my take on all these tracks as the days go by, as I'm tight on time!

Teenagers - Hayley Williams
First off, I actually know the girl that posted this video and she has some aweshum covers and original songs that you should check out, pronto!

The Beach - All Time Low

Pumped Up Kicks - Foster The People
Ahh this song just sums up summer for me!

Spotlight - Mutemath
Yessss. I know this was on here last month, but it is just THAT good!

Full Moon - The Black Ghosts
The video for this is a bit odd for me.. Personally when I hear this, I think of driving home through the elements..

Control - Mutemath

Childers - The Mercury Program
THERE IS NO LINK TO THIS! You CAN find it on last.fm though.

The Birth and Death of The Day (Remix) - Explosions In The Sky
This is the month, the amazing month, I found what may just be my favourite band of all time.

Shine - The Album Leaf

A Letter From Home - Ulrich Schnauss

Nozomi - Sleep Dealer
Ugh. I've been trying for ages to get Marko to appreciate the beauty of this - WITH NO LUCK! There is something about this song that just sends shivers down my spine and yet makes me feel so relaxed and high at the same time. I've decided that I'm writing part of my music composition based on this!

Pyramid Of The Moon - Maserati

The Tenth Planet - Sleep Dealer

Shivers - Shark Quest
I finally found one Marko liked! I felt this was a bit Spanish sounding, and very different from the other ambience music I'd heard before.. So I'm not sure if I'd class it as that? But still very good!

You Give Me Problems About My Business - The Mercury Program

First Breath After Coma - Explosions In The Sky
This makes me lost for words.. Love the bit at 5.50

Set The World On Fire - The King Blues
I SAW THIS LIVE! Amazing. Itch Fox is so inspirational.

Heavy In Your Arms - Florence and The Machine
YEAH? It's another from the Eclipse soundtrack. Problem? Hey, bet you didn't know that Florence has a new single out? I can't remember what it is, but I promise to try find it. It's very good!

Catastrophe And The Cure - Explosions In The Sky
As you can tell, I was really into EITS in August, but how incredible are they?!

This Orient - Foals

Moving To New York - The Wombats
This came up on shuffle on my MP3 and I realised I hadn't heard this in ages. I don't know why, it's an awesome song!

Lights Out, Words Gone - Bombay Bicycle Club
This is the live version from their set at Reading, and this was the version that made me fall in love with this song. Can't wait to go see them!

Love Generation - Bob Sinclar
Who remembers this?! How awesome is this! I found recently somehow.. I really can't remember how, but I'm so glad I did, 'cause this song is so happy and hippy and I love it!

Undercover Martyn -Two Door Cinema Club
If you haven't heard this yet, you must be living under a rock. It's been on the radio NON STOP. But with good reason yes?!

Loverboy - You Me At Six
Here it is! I mentioned this recently and now they've finally released the video I think it's only fair I share with you the epicness of their new turn. Win.


xox

dye time 3# - the finished product!

For a £3.75 dye, this covered so well! It's a very intense colour.. and the orange in it is very prominent! But it's definitely one of the only dyes that's pretty much the same as the colour chart on the box as it is in real life.
Thumbs up from me for Superdrug Colour Luminance!
xox

2am blog finds.

I've been browsing this for agesss, mainly because I'm absolutely in love with her hair! It's making me regret dying my hair already, and I haven't even seen the colour properly yet! But she is so quirky and really knows how to get the most out of charity shops and cheap shops like Primark. I adore her look, it's so retro. Very 80s inspired, especially with the big hair in bows. Check out her blog 'kayla hadlington'.

Also! For all you lovelies living in and around Bristol, this years Youth4Youth main event is coming up this saturday! This year the headliners are The King Blues, and as an extra treat, Young Guns are playing too! Make sure you've got yourself a ticket because not only is it super cheap (£6?!) but if it's as good as last year when The Blackout headlined, you wont want to miss it.
If you are going, and you spot me, feel free to come say hi! I'd love to meet someone that's not from my group of friends that reads my blog! :L
xox

dye time 3#

I'm thinking of making this into a series.. I swear I use a different dye each time!

This time I'm using Superdrug's own brand Colour Vibrance (which seems like a take on Live XXL colours) it's certainly the cheapest I've ever bought! At £3.75 (but also on offer for 2 for £5 something..) it's cheaper than even any semi perminant dyes I've used, so I'm a little worried on the quality, but we'll give it a shot! I'm using the 77.44 colour, 'Hot Red'. I appreciate that the lighting is terrible, but this is just a quickie to show you. On the box it appears to be a very bright, orange red - which is what I'm hoping to achieve!

Again, I know the lighting is terrible, but my current colour is somewhere between a light chestnut brown, with a kinda coppery hint. I'd love to keep it this colour, or maybe even lighten it up, but considering this is just how it's faded from the last dye job 5 and a half weeks ago (the longest I've gone without re-dying!) I know that I'm not really gonna be able to get it back this colour.. *sigh..*

First thing I noticed was how small a bottle the developer lotion was in and how big a tube the creme colour was in! It didn't say anything about washing your hair free of product, but it did say to apply it to dry hair, so although I had hairspray in, I used it anyway. The instructions have separate instructions for regrowth application (which is what I SHOULD be doing) but I'm just gonna chuck it all on!

As a little side note, this was the first dye I've ever used that says on the side that it's 'not recomended for use on under 16 year olds'. Odd.

When you first put it on it STINKS. And I mean like a bleach type smell. It gets better, but it's pretty strong! The dye in the bottle is peach colour, but when its been on your head for a while, it goes a deep orange and looks like it might stain, but rubs off with a wet cloth really easily. For what looks like a small bottle, this stuff goes really far! My hair isn't too long at the moment, but its pretty thick, and it covered all of it with dye leaving nothing left in the bottle. It took me 10 minutes to apply and I left it for 25. The box says 30 minutes for the type of application I wanted, but considering it took me so long to apply, it made sense to knock off some time. By the time I went to wash it off, it was blood red.

Washing it off was really good! All the stains on my face came off super easy, and it didn't feel too dry or like rough after the dye had been washed off before the conditioner went on. The conditioner was actually really good too!

For a £3.75 dye, I'm actually pretty impressed. I'm gonna post a picture tomorrow, because the light will be better and I'll have make-up on, but I'm very pleased so far!
xox

my july playlist.

Can you believe it?! This one's actually somewhat on time! I'm rather pleased of myself :')
Spent the majority of today stripping more of the border (which is now all gone!) and trying to get off the glue left behind with paint strippers. Which failed, and has just left my room smelling vile.. Hopefully it'll be all painted and papered by the end of the coming week! With a little help from Marko, of course ;) who is coming home..
TOMORROW!! ^^


But lets get cracking on this MAHOOSIVE corker of a playlist!


Certain - Set Your Goals
This is off their new 2011 album, Burning at Both Ends, and I've got to admit, hearing that made me pumped to hear the rest of it! Its definitely a step up from This Will Be The Death of Us, so much more.. refined? than their previous album. I'm not 100% on the right word for it right now, but if you listen to it, you'll understand where I'm coming from. They've obviously grown up on this record!

Pretend.Relive.Regret - Emarosa
There was a period about 3 months ago where I was really obsessed by Emarosa, just after I'd finished my first music composition. I was listening to them, not really paying attention, when this came on and I suddenly stopped. It sounds very much like my composition! I guess I was inspired by them without even realising! I think I love this song the most for the lyrics in the chorus.. They give me chills.

Lemon Meringue Tie - Dance Gavin Dance
Considering I just said I was obsessed by Emarosa, you can probably tell why I like this. Jonny Craig is the vocalist for Dance Gavin Dance too, and it's definatley got hints of Emarosa in it. Or the other way around.. Which ever came first.. Great song! Esp for bassists - you'll love the intro!

Tonight's The Kind Of Night - Noah and The Whale
They released this during May or June I believe, so it was on the radio a lot. But you can't complain! Noah and The Whale is one of those bands that EVERYONE likes. Whatever music you're into, you can't NOT like them! They're just so cheery and they're music is really inspiring.

The Best Is Yet To Come - Kids In Glass Houses
I think I posted something from Gold Blood (their upcoming album) in my June playlist, so it's only fitting to have something from Dirt in this one! As I'm sure you should know, I've had the great pleasure of seeing this played live during an INCREDIBLE show. So if anyone would like to buy me tickets for their October show in Bristol as a Birthday present, I'd gladly accept! But this song in particular is pretty much BAM BAM BAM!!! and you're knocked off your feet. It's that awesome.

Between Two Lungs - Florence and The Machine
At this particular moment, I can't remember my reasoning for this being on the playlist.. It was probably just stuck in my head last month. But Florence is such a great artist with such an amazing voice, do you really mind? I also really quite like the use of those long tube things that you spin in the air and they make a noise. Clever!

The Violet Hour - Sea Wolf
This one is from the New Moon soundtrack and I'm not ashamed to say that, because YES I do love the films, but NO, that's not the reason this is on here. This is on here because it's so mellow and relaxed and an easy listen and it really makes me happy. It's a little slow, and can drag at times, but it's still a good song!

Ain't No Rest For The Wicked - Cage The Elephant
The boyfriend and a very close friend of mine have been banging on about Cage The Elephant for ages (esp since they have an upcoming gig at the 02 in Bristol!) and I was always a bit hesitant to take a listen.. But boy am I glad I did! This is so funny and yet so good! It's got a strong country influence to it, but it also reminds me of early Arctic Monkeys and King Blues. You NEED to listen to this!

Tired - Adele
I like Adele. I'm not crazy about her as everyone seems to be at the moment. Some of her stuff is nice for the first few listens, then it just gets really irritating. This however, seemed to stick. I don't know why.. There's just something really quite clever about this that I can't put my finger on! And it's from her first album. Her recent one can fuck off for a bit.

Shuffle - Bombay Bicycle Club
You have NO idea how excited I am for October! It's gonna be an amazing show! When I first heard this I was actually a bit put off. It's something very different from I Had The Blues... and Flaws, but after a few listens I got it! I can really see the route that Bombay Bicycle Club have taken when writing A Different Kind of Fix. They say that a band's 3rd record is the decider - and this is certainly a good one!

What Part Of Forever - Cee Lo Green
Yeah yeah. It's another from the twilight soundtrack. But c'mon?! The bands and artists that have written for the films are insanely good! And this is no exception! It's a bit different from any of his other stuff, but I just really like the rhythm in it and the whistling ^^

This = Love - The Script
A mate of mine gave me Science & Faith for my birthday last year, and it's about 3 weeks away from my birthday this year and I still love this album! Admittedly, The Script can get a bit depressing and annoying at times, esp since most of their songs are about loosing in love, but the lyrics in this really hit me hard. They're very well thought about. I really like that in a song - lyrics with real, hard hitting meaning. Also, I'm a sucker for cute snare drum parts like in the intro.

Buddy Holly - Weezer
If you read this blog often, you'll know that I picked up Weezer's blue album recently. I think this has to be one of the best songs on it. Turn it up real loud and join in on the chorus.. 'OOOHWEEEOOOOHH I LOOK JUST LIKE BUDDY HOLLY!' Everything Weezer writes is just so funny. I'm so easily amused.

Raise Your Weapon (Madeon Remix) - Deadmau5
I'm not really sure what to say about this. It's not my usual genre of music so I'm not entirely sure what to say about it :L I like it because its quite chilled compared to other records from this genre. Yeah.. It's alright.

My Mistakes Were Made For You - The Last Shadow Puppets
This has Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkeys in it (just in case you thought the vocals sounded familiar!). It just makes me think of Bond films! I can just see it in one! I really don't know why.. I think it's because its got that sexy, sultry, mysterious feel to it. Not a bad bond film though. A really cool one. With smoking hot Bong girls in it.

Atlas - Fanfarlo
This is from Eclipse this time! Ignore the weird humming intro, because this is a stonker. Reminds me of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros or Slow Club. So if you like that, or you like real hippy indie music, this is one for you! The lyrics don't make much sense to me though.. Maybe I'm just tired today.

Home - Finlay
(I had trouble finding this song, so you'll have to listen to it from their myspace) I have NO idea how I came about this. I think I was just mucking about on Spotify, but whoa?! Reminds me of Red Morning Light by Kings of Leon, except less country. Oh I know why it's on here! It's from a compilation album that had Fanfarlo on! Sounds very old school, wouldn't you agree?

Love Me Or Hate Me - Lady Soveregin
This is a classic! I'm not really into rap and RnB, but I've always had a bit of a thing for Lady Sovereign. The lyrics and the video are really funny too. I heard it on the radio and realised that I hadn't heard it in ages! So it went straight on the playlist!

Cath... - Death Cab for Cutie
I can't quite remember WHY it was on Radio 1, but I heard it on Radio 1 thinking 'ooh! Death Cab for Cutie!' Its one I hadn't heard before, but it's DCFC. You can't go wrong. It's all awesome, emotional stuff. Although, I actually think this is the happiest, fullest of all their records. Compare it to I'll Follow You Into The Dark and you'll see what I mean.

The Bike Song - Mark Ronson & The Business
Another one that popped into my head that I hadn't heard in a while. I'm really into Mark Ronson. I loved Version, it's got Amy Winehouse's most famous song on it! How can you not?! But this is so cute and quirky, it just makes me smile with every listen. Gotta love the use of the bike bell! If you recognise the guy with the curly hair, it's because its Kyle Falconer from The View!

Starry Eyed (Jakwob Remix) - Ellie Goulding
Let me get this straight right now. I don't really like dubstep. Ano everyone gets really into the drop and that bit that comes after, but I really don't :L However! Saying that, I do really like this. Its not that much different from the original, it's just got a better beat to it. Which kinda explains why I like it more.. Me being a drummer and what not..

Accident & Emergency - Patrick Wolf
One of my first introductions to indie rock/Brit rock was from a NME Presents album, which this was on. I didn't like it at first, and it was deleted from my library, but after getting my new laptop, and having to rip that cd back onto my computer, I listened to it again and realised that if you look past the.. well just plain bizzare, intro, it's actually a really good song!

The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala - Arctic Monkeys
How about that for a song title! This is the 2nd single from Suck It And See, which is very different from Favourite Worst Nightmare - but in a good way! They've grown up a lot, so their music is a lot less pop influenced, but I'm not 100% convinced that it's a move in the right direction as of yet.. More listening is needed.

Whatever Happened To My Rock 'N' Roll - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
This feels like it reminds me of something.. But I can't put my finger on just what. Think, heavily distorted guitar, Alex Turner type singing in When The Sun Goes Down and lots of jumping. I think I found your rock 'n' roll mate!

Albatross - Wild Beasts
Again, not really sure what to say about this. It's a very delicate song.. His voice is a bit odd, but it's actually really calming? NO idea where I found this either, but it's on my July playlist!

Spotlight - Mutemath
I get it! I might as well give you all a copy of the Twilight soundtracks.. I can't help how much I love them! Although this is from the first film, it's my most recent buy. I'm not sure why it took me so long to get my hands on it, but I'm just glad I did now. It's got some of Paramore and Muse's best stuff in it! Super win?! I think Spotlight is one of my top songs at the moment. Its just.. GAH! Listen  for yourself and appreciate its awesomeness!

Joy Ride - The Killers
The Killers just win. Day and Age is such an odd album compared to any of their other stuff, but then again, The Killers are an odd band. I love the sax in this. I think its a sax.. Yeah I'll go with sax. It also sounds like it's in the style of something. But I can't think what.. Sorry..

This month I've also been listening to a load of tracks from Tool. Schism and Forty Six & 2 are great places to start if you're interested!

This took me an absolute AGE, so I hope you enjoy! But as I was doing this and got sidetracked, I noticed a trailer for Talihina Sky, which is a documentary about the Kings of Leon. Pretty peeved I live in the UK right now, I'd love to see that!
xox

home, wallpaper and a bloody big mess.

Hello! I'm back from my few days in Essex and I'm throwing myself into preparing my room before Marko gets home, so that we can paint it and get it looking luusssshhh for my birthday - which is coming up very soon! I'm so excited! 2 days and my baby is home and a few weeks and I'll be 16!

I just wanted to show you THE coolest wallpaper that mummy found..

Its called Frames and it can be bought here from B&Q. Isn't it just the coolest?! I was set on having stripes, which I knew would be a challenge, but thinking about all the possibilities with this is getting me really excited! I love it already!

Now all I've got to do is decide if I'm still going to have the green, blue and pink on the other 3 walls, or if I should have just blue and green. The colours are so yummy though! I want them all!

They're wayyyy brighter and more vibrant in person but.. Gah! I cant wait for it all to be finished! I'll be slacking with the posts and will have to postpone my July playlist until it's all finished as I'm still sleeping on a mattress on the floor, surrounded by boxes and wallpaper covered floors.. It's a long and tedious process!
But in the meantime, me and Milo are just waiting for our favourite Serbian to come home :)

xox

ambience.

Just a quickie before I hit the road. Found a beautiful song I want to show you..

Loving this so much!
xox

he's over 1100 miles away and yet my boyfriend still dresses me..

Marko is STILL in Serbia.. *sighhhhh* but there's only 8 more days 'till he comes home! But the other day, he decided that he wanted to dress me for my girlie night with one of my closest mates. And actually, he picked quite well!

Just trying out some of the apps on mah new phone as you can see! I LOVE retrocamera! It's basically an app that has loads of old style cameras to choose from that take a picture as if it was taken with one of those retro cameras. For someone like me that loves polaroids and vintage photography, it was perfect! And it was free!

Speaking of Marko, I got his postcard from Slovenia today.. A good 2 weeks after he sent it! But it made me smile 'cause some of the stuff he wrote is so typical him ^^

Ooh yeah! Look what I found earlier..

Isn't this the coolest?! I've seen loads of people with real spiral stretchers and thought they were really cool, but the idea of spending agesssss stretching your ears seemed really boring, and it's not always good if you're trying to get a job, like me! So this is perfect! There's a few other sizes and styles, but these are the cheapest I've found - £2.95 plus £1.75 shipping on Amazon. I'm seriously considering getting one, even though I've heard that they can be very delicate. Has anyone bought one before? What do you think?


Just wanted to share that with you for now, along with a little note that I will be going away to Essex on Monday for a week to visit some family, so I doubt I'll be blogging during that time. Hope y'all liked the playlist yesterday!
xox

my june playlist.. more than a month late!

Yeah yeah, I know! I've been promising this for a long time now, but through my laziness I've been incredibly busy. I mean, just look where I'm sleeping at the moment!

But anyway! Without any more faffing about, HERE is my June playlist.

Trains - Porcupine Tree
I believe this was something the boyfriend sent to me. It's an easy listen, and kinda feels like something you'd hear in a movie or something you'd put on whilst in your soft-top with the roof down, driving across country. Don't be put off by the album art, or the slow intro.. Wait for the drums to kick in!

Skinny - Pegasus Bridge
June was the month I had the pleasure of seeing these guys live and WOW what a show! But how clever are the lyrics in this? This song is so quirky, but so effortless. Yum is all I can say for now.

While We're Young - Pegasus Bridge
This is a bit more rocky than Skinny, but just as awesome. My heart skips a beat when the guitars kick this bad boy off. Just imagine me singing at the top of my lungs to this, jumping to the beat. Amazing. So sad that they broke up :(

Blitzkreig Bop - Ramones
Don't ever say I don't listen to classic punk rock! I had this on whilst revising for my tech exam at 3 in the morning. The iconic chorus is oddly good at spurring you on.. But c'mon. Do I really have to explain my reasons for loving this?

See The Sun- The Kooks
Doesn't this just make you feel like you're walking through a festival or something? It's kinda really happy too, despite the depressing lyrics.. Just rather cheery! The Kooks are always so cheery, even if its not intentional!

Blood on The Ground - Incubus
Heard this on one of Dev's Metal Mondays on Radio 1, and I suddenly realised what I'd been missing! Anyone else thinking off The Chillies here? His voice just really sounds like Anthony Kiedis! Think of a mash up of RHCP and Alien Ant Farm, and you're almost into the pure awesomeness of this song. Not really metal, but a good headbanger I think!

Air Hostess - Busted
This was the only video I could find, so all the good stuff has been edited out.. But who remembers Top of The Pops?! I used to watch that religiously every Friday! Anyway, this song pretty much sums up my childhood and is the reason for my love of rock. And anyway, everyone loves Busted!

Dancing With Myself - The Donnas
Yes. I know this isn't the orginal, but after the singer from my old band showed me this version, I fell in love and prefer it so much more! It just makes me wanna scream 'GIRL POWER!' and dance with myself!

Swansea - Bombay Bicycle Club
This song is so simple (meaning that even I can play it on guitar!) yet so effortless and beautiful. Its a perfect finish to Flaws, a perfect album. I'm also going to see these guys in October - so excited!

Monster - Paramore
As a Parawhore, when this first came out I was very unsure what I thought of it, but almost felt that I had to love it? Less than a week later I did. Admittedly some of the lyrics are cheesy, and you can really tell that Paramore has had a major change in their members, but it's just a great, powerful song! Paramore is (still) a band! Plus, how awesomely quirky is Hayley's hair?!

My God - Bombay Bicycle Club
I ran out of plays for this on my Spotify very quickly. Words litterally cannot describe my love for this. I'm just so bummed that I couldn't find a tab for it! Marko said that the snare was really annoying, but I think it fits perfectly. Saying that though, I am a drummer! Jack's voice is just so full of emotion and beauty and.. :')

Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair - Arctic Monkeys
This is from their new album Suck It And See, and this track has been floating around for a while as the first release from it, but with good reason! This made the new album sound really promising for me! Its much more toned down on the punk side from their previous stuff, but I say its a step in the right direction. Just listen to the guitars on that ending!

Mic Check - Hadouken!
I think I've said before that I'm not a massive Hadouken! fan, but after the weird ass intro, I really do like this. The video is a bit odd, but its got a decent beat to it and is definitely a rave song. Can't believe I just said that..

A Town Called Hypocrisy - LostProphets
I recently bought The Betrayed, why I hadn't bought it sooner, I don't know! But I think that this track could easily be one of their best. Its really punchy and everything I look for in a song without it being cheesy. And the video is really awesome!

Gold Blood - Kids In Glass Houses
I weed a little when I first heard this. I have so so so much love for KIGH and this is exactly why! I saw them in November last year, and reallyyyy wanted to see them again this year, but no-one would go with me. I can't see why though. This song is just amazing! They've gone heavier and it's paid off big time!

Swim - Jack's Mannequin
Another song courtesy of Marko. I moan about his music taste, but it's actually not that bad! This makes me think of Owl City and Escape the Fate for some reason? A mash of the two maybe? Or am I thinking of another band? Who knows! All I know is that this is really something special.

The End - Kings of Leon
Now I LOVE Kings of Leon, but I was really disappointed by Come Around Sundown. Its only really got one or two decent tracks on it. This being one of them. Its not like any of their old stuff, but it is very good! This links to a live version, but KOL are such an amazing live band, it doesn't make a difference!

Red Morning Light - Kings of Leon
For a KOL fan, it took me a bloody long time to actually have a copy of this album, and boy was I glad when I did! Their old stuff is pure country gold and Red Morning Light is no exception. There's something about the way that you cannot understand a word that Caleb sings, that really makes me warm inside. Weird, but just take a listen, you'll understand!

MakeDamnSure - Taking Back Sunday (Live from Orensanz)
I've liked this song for a while, and then I found this version. Whoa?! Why have I been missing this for so long?! Taking Back Sunday are another of those bands who crank out some awesome lyrics. Love love love!

Come Alive (War of The Roses) Janelle Monáe
I was watching the Glastonbury coverage when Janelle came on. I was so entranced by her live performance and her presence onstage that I sat and watched the whole set, eventhough I'd never heard of her before in my life! If you think this is awesome, watch the live Glastonbury version. Insanely long, but insanely amazing. This girl will go far.

Cold War - Janelle Monáe
Another from Janelle, but this one you're more likely to recognise as I believe its been released. I love how this is a mix of soul and jazz and swing and pop! Its just.. well. Take a listen! And don't you love how real and bare this video is?


That's it for now, will be around with my even longer July playlist in a day or so. Got lots going on at the mo!
xox

paint.

So this is the first blog from my brand new Samsung Galaxy Pro, which I'm currently liking a lot! What I'm not liking however is the torrental downpour outside my window..
I guess this is just a quick post to show you why I've been slacking with the blogs at the moment..
xox

i'm so forgetful. and that i'll confess.

I realise I said that my June playlist would be up tonight, but I've been busy! I was bombarded with notifications on FaceBook when I posted 22 confessions! And Marko came online! My first chat with him in ages :') June playlist will take a while, so in the mean time, I'd like to say HELLO! to all my international friends that I've just noticed have been viewing the blog, and as a treat, here are my confessions - just so you learn more about me!

‎1. I am SHIT scared of hairdressers.. like.. so bad. I don't even know why?! But yeah, I haven't been in over a year, I do it all myself :L


‎2. I'm really happy with my body and my appearance. That doesn't make me vain, it just means that I've got self confidence, which is a big thing for a girl (or a guy!) and I think more people should love and be proud of who they are!


‎3. I get farrrrr too over excited when I find things like (Mg, Fe)7Si8O22(OH)2 - google it! It always makes me giggle being the nerdy little kid I am :')


‎4. I'm a hopeless romantic. All I ever do at Marko's is moan, and sleep. But mostly sleep. He doesn't like this very much because it means he cant do anything in his own house, but idc 'cause his bed is really comfy!


‎5. Saying that.. I don't like sleeping :L If there was some way to keep me awake all the time, I'd do it! I don't do very well on little amounts of sleep.. I get VERY grumpy.. Which is probably why I'm a bitch most of the time :)


6. I'd love to be a mum. I know it's stressful and bloody painful, but it's amazing to know that you created a life.


‎7. In my head, I am a much better singer/drummer/guitarist than I actually am. I get very jealous of people that can do better than me.. Which is.. everyone.. ¬¬


‎8. I love trains! Omg I could just ride on one all by myself all day with just my headphones in.. So relaxing :')


‎9. I want to be a hippy. Long wavy hair, floaty dresses, acoustic guitar, VW camper van.. Just.. Really girlie and hippy XD


‎10. Part of me wants to be Hayley Williams. It's so clichéd, but the hair, the lifestyle.. Me all over!


‎11. I never thought I would be, 'cause originally I thought everyone who was obsessed by it was weird, but I LOVE Twilight! I cried watching the newest trailer and I fall asleep listening to the scores :L


12. Up until about the age of 10, I was convinced that I was a secret princess, and that everyone I knew were just actors keeping my life a secret until I was old enough to know who I really was.. Part of me still feels the same now.. WHAT AREN'T YOU PEOPLE TELLING ME?!


‎13. My veins run with pure peanut butter.


14. Me and my mum have been thinking about prom since year 9. And I've almost bought dresses at least 3 times..


‎15. I love the idea of being both vegan and a Buddhist. It's just so amazing and peaceful and healthy and just overall really good! But I couldn't give up meat.. Soz..


‎16. I want to learn how to play the harp.


17. I tweet my favourite Huffee quotes. I think he's hilariously funny. My favourites are 'If god did not care, the world would be like Yate shopping centre' and 'I don't date girls with gills'. I also firmly believe he has a very pert bum.


18. Me and Marko have been together for.. 6 months-ish. But I still get butterflies when I get a message from him. Being in love is magical when you're with the right person ♥


‎19. I've always had the urge to paint my dog's claws. And dye some of his fur.. That cant be classed as animal cruelty can it?!


‎20. I HATE Christmas songs. They're so cheesy and ugh. Just like I hate how everyone that they're indie 'cause they like Olly Murs and Ed Sheeran. I like them, but the fact that chavs think they're so cool listening to them makes me sick.


21.  I have a map of the fairy worlds on my wall. And I love it.


22. Apart from the fact its pink, my room might as well be a guys room. Dirty pants everywhere. It makes it feel homey :)




Hopefully this is a little insight into me!
xox