LIFE: Reflecting on 2014

With only a day left of 2014, I thought it was about time I looked at what I've done within the year and what I've achieved. It's easy to look back and think about all the negative stuff that's happened in the year, whether that's losing friendships, or not getting something you really wanted to. The amount of times I've said that 2014 has been crap, but now thinking back it really hasn't been. Yes, there are things that I wish I had done that I hadn't but that's what I can aim to do in 2015.

1) Breaking out of my shell.
I've always been quite a shy and quiet person, I've also always struggled with social anxiety. Having spent a little time getting some help with my anxiety and panic disorder, I've been able to come out of my shell more and just be me. It's weird how when you understand more about what is happening to you in those panicky situations how it can affect you. I've managed to make so many more friends and open up to them and act silly around them without worrying. I've also made a lot more plans and had more of a social life as a result of it. It's made me a lot happier and I can't wait to continue this throughout 2015.

2) A New Job.
I got the opportunity in March to take over a concession whilst someone was on maternity leave, therefore acting manager. It hasn't always been the easiest of jobs and I'm not saying that it's my dream job at all. However, it gave me confidence knowing that my area manager thought I could handle it and also been given such a huge opportunity at a young age. I couldn't be more grateful for the experience and what I've learnt from it.

3) Starting this blog.
Now, I know my blog isn't successful like most bloggers, however, it has been something I've been thinking about doing since I was 15/16. I've always enjoyed writing and my love for music is something I'm incredibly passionate about sharing (even though I have no musical talent what so ever *cries a little inside*). However, finally writing these posts, even if they haven't been as frequent as I would've liked, it's gave me some cool opportunities that I cannot wait to continue into 2015 and see where my hobby takes me. Having people contact me saying they like my work is surreal and makes it feel worth while.

4) Going to an Arena concert.
This is something I've wanted to do for years but I've always been too nervous and scared that I would start panicking at the gig. However, this year, I took the risk and went to see one of my favourite bands (You Me At Six) with one of my oldest friends and it was such an enjoyable time. Not only the concert but catching up with my friend who I don't get to see enough.

5) Having the best friends I could hope for.
This year, has shown me who my friends are, and though I haven't fallen out with anyone, its definitely made me realise who I was important to. I've made new friends along the way which I can't imagine not being in my life now. I have friends who will come back from Coventry to cheer me up (a 3 hour train journey, what a friend). Also, I have my friends who I never thought I would be friends with who have turned out to be so incredible. Without them this year I wouldn't have such an amazing year. I've also had old friends come back into my life this past year, and it's felt like we never had that break.

6) Starting my NVQ.
Now, I was supposed to go to University this year after deferring my offer in 2013. But when the time came I knew I was enjoying working and that university wasn't really for me. My manager, however, did tell me about doing an NVQ in retail and as I love learning, I've decided to take up the opportunity. Whilst it might not be a degree like my friends, I am still learning and it is odd to go back into that after a year and half out of education, but I'm sure it will be great for me to do.

These are just a few things that have been important to me in 2014. However, I cannot wait for the next year to come and to start taking more risks and more opportunities. Check back tomorrow to see what I want to achieve in the new year. Hope you've all had a fabulous year!

What has been the highlight of 2014 for you? Leave a comment below letting me know.

♥

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BOOKS: Jane Costello - My Single Friend

After re-reading Jane Costello's 'Girl on the Run' I went a bit Jane Costello mad and wanted to read more of her books. My sister-in-law's mum had recently given me 'My Single Friend' so I thought I'd give it a go, knowing that it'd be an easy read and would make me chuckle.

The story follows Lucy who embellishes her lifestyle when on dates, despite the fact that she's got a great job and is actually a very lovable character, obviously these embellishments backfire on her. Living with her geeky best friend, Henry, the two of them decide to give him a makeover including two best friends, Dominique and Erin. Whilst they embark on their mission which is 'Project Henry' to make him datable. Giving him a new hair cut, new clothes and new glasses and teaching him how to flirt. We see their friendship develop and unfold, whilst sometimes it's tested.

Henry is literally the best guy friend that we all want and I couldn't help but love him, whilst I wanted to slap him sometimes it was out of love. Lucy is another great character from Costello, she writes about these successful women too which is quite inspiring rather than the female protagonist always being written as a damsel in distress. If you're looking for an easy read with lots of laughs, then this is definitely for you. I read this book so quick as I never wanted to put it down.

If you have any book recommendations for me, leave them below.

♥

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MUSIC: Artist Vs. Poet - Medicine

So, one of my favourite bands (Artist Vs. Poet) are back with a new album, 'Medicine' and when I found out I was so excited, I think my parents thought I had gone slightly crazy. They are one of those bands that no matter what they release I always enjoy what they produce. They've kept changing up their style and experimenting with their music with their recent releases which has kept the sound of the music fresh.

Speaking of, 'Fresh' is the opening track on their latest album. Its one of those songs that you will be singing constantly after the first listen. It's slightly edgier than recent releases and they've gone back to their punk/rock vibe which I really like. However, their lyrics are more mature. The song just makes me want to jump around the room in attempt to dance, its fun, flirty and sexy which is different for them. 

'Medicine' follows the same sort of vibe as 'Fresh' with that edgier vibe. It kind of reminds me of The Bigger Light's 'Battle Hymn' album which I used to be obsessed with. Joe Kirkland has a signature sound to his voice though that really stands out, he's very versatile which goes a long way and I'm pretty sure there isn't anything that his voice can't do well. I'm always blown away with his vocals. This is probably the heaviest song they've released for a while, but I really love it. 

'Break Away' they've released two versions of the song on the album, the full studio version and a piano version. Both are incredibly beautiful but the piano version is my favourite track on the entire album and had me on the verge of tears. The lyrics are gorgeous, about a love that they want back. It's the song that I think that will relate with a lot of people and has a lot of potential. 'When you finally rest your head tonight, are you wishing I was by your side' is a lyric that I just love, you can't help but think about your relationships when you hear this song. 

Next up is 'Sincerely Me' and 'Kids Again' which I already wrote a post on (here) in short, I really love these two tracks, their slightly more acoustic and quirkier. Losing that rock edgy and sounding a little more folk. I love how Artist Vs. Poet can show different sides of what their capable of as a band and the album still sound perfect and not a collection of songs that don't fit together  in anyway. Their sound changes but they're are elements in the music that keeps the album together.

'Leavin' is another favourite of mine. Again, it's a little slower and more acoustic sounding. I like how it builds up into a faster pace, talking about a girl leaving in the middle of the night. It's like a campfire song which I really love the sound of those songs. For me, they sound much more authentic and then they can be played up or down depending on the type of gig that the band is doing. Though they mix up their sound, they're always completely unique and make music that tell stories that are so beautifully honest which is what I really love about the band. They don't attempt to make music that sound like chart music, but stick to what they like and what they want to achieve. They do their own thing which what works for them, the character that they have in the music opposed to having songs written for them that they're not really interested in.

'Somewhere Else' I think I annoyed my parents by singing this song over and over again last night but it got them singing it too, so my plan was executed perfectly in my opinion. It's quite a modern song if that makes sense, in the way that it talks about people playing games and not tolerating it anymore. It has a more of a R&B sound to it in my opinion, but more old school, with a focus on the beat. Does anyone else think of Beyonce too when he sings 'if you put all my shit in a box to the left'? Just me?

'Everything Must Go' demonstrates that softer side of Arist Vs. Poet, depicting a break up and cutting all ties to that person. It's the perfect break up song in the fact that it's not bitter towards a person but just describes how a break up should be.

'Unbreakable' starts with talking that's kind of creepy, it reminds  me a little of a fair ground voice-over. It's got that rock edge to it with a little soul/R&B especially when it comes to the chorus. This is probably one of the tracks that shows off how versatile Kirkland's voice is, as it has really powerful sections, but also demonstrates the rock and R&B side of his voice too. The track has a lot more production to it than I am used to for the band, but it builds to add atmosphere to the song which works incredibly well, and gives an almost ghostly air to it.

Finally, 'Awake' is the perfect way to finish the album. I feel like the entire album is like a love letter to winning a person back and though they may have had other relationships that nothing else can compare to what they and that original person had. Maybe I'm wrong, but music is open to interpretation.

For me, this is the best album that Artist Vs. Poet have released to date. They keep getting better and experimenting as well as growing as a band, which always makes me excited to see what else they have planned for the future. This album blew me away, and they deserve a lot more credit and popularity.

Check out their album on Artist Vs. Poet's Sound Cloud page.

What do you guys think of Artist Vs, Poet's latest release? Leave a comment below with your favourite track.

♥

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MUSIC: Gavin DeGraw - Need

This week has been absolutely mental for me. I've done over 50 hours at work, including early mornings and late nights and somehow managed to go to a party and see one of my friends. To say I'm shattered is an understatement. So whilst I wait for the Strictly Come Dancing results, I thought I would share an artist and a song that means a lot to me.

I've been obsessed with Gavin DeGraw for years now and I can't wait to go to one of his gigs one day, but he doesn't tour the UK enough (hint, hint). When he released 'Make a Move' I immediately fell in love with the track 'Need'. I liked the lyrics and the melody of the song and how he goes from a steady pace into this huge and powerful chorus. It's Gavin DeGraw doing pop that doesn't sound like everything in the charts which is why I loved it.

Over the year, I've kept coming back to 'Need' it's one of those songs that get's me thinking about life and relationships. Plus I relate to the lyric 'you've got these secrets you keep, like the looks that you steal from me'. We've all had friendships and relationships with people where there's been a flirtation when maybe there shouldn't be. This song means a lot to me and always reminds me of one person which is probably why I love it so much.

Check out the audio for Gavin DeGraw's 'Need' below:

What's your favourite Gavin DeGraw track?

♥

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Music: Olly Murs - Wrapped Up Feat. Travie McCoy

This week, I've been non-stop listening to Olly Murs feat. Travie McCoy 'Wrapped Up', even whilst I've been at work it's been playing. On my shift last Friday it was played five times, and I didn't complain once. In fact, I actually used it as a way of knowing how long I had left before I could go home (shh, don't tell my manager) and looked forward to it being played again.

I've not always been a huge Olly Murs fan, I've always thought his songs were okay but I've never felt the urge to go out and by his albums, however I have always loved his personality. It's only fairly recently that I've got into his music. What I do love about his songs is that his cheeky personality and character comes across in a lot of his songs, in particular with 'Wrapped Up'. It's one of those fun songs that you can't help but singing along to, even if  you are in the men's suits department and you're supposed to be serving customers (oops). I love songs that instantly make me happy, as you've probably noticed, and this does exactly that. 

Not only are the lyrics cheeky and fun but the melody and vibe of the song also has that feel. It has that natural and authentic sound to it of old school music with the use of trumpets. I'm really loving that old school vibe in music at the moment, its starting to become a little bit of a trend and I much prefer it to when 'dropping the beat' was popular. The addition of Travie McCoy to the track is perfect. I do enjoy Travie McCoy's work with Gym Class Heroes and so when I found out he was on the track I was very excited. It adds that cool edge to the song and I think the rap actually adds to the song. 'Wrapped Up' for me, reminds me a little of Maroon 5 'Hands All Over' and it's not the first time that Olly Murs has reminded me of them. I'm not moaning though because he does sound amazing. I feel like he's found a style that really suits him, by blending current pop sounds with that older sound creating something fun, unique and current. I'm definitely going to be buying his new album (Never Been Better) this week. 

Check out Olly Murs' music video for 'Wrapped Up' Feat. Travie McCoy below: 

Have you checked out Olly Murs' latest album yet? Let me know what you thought.

♥

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LIFE: It's Okay to be Single

I've been doing a lot of music posts recently, and today I just wanted to be 'real' and talk about something that's been bothering for a while. I'm at a point in my life where being in a relationship would be really nice, to go on dates and cuddle up on the sofa watching movies that would be lovely. But I'm also the kind of person that likes to be in control of who's coming into my life and who I spend quality time with. I've had two friends trying to set me up recently and I love both of these people to pieces and I know that they're not trying to force me into the wrong relationship but it lead me to this post. IT'S OKAY TO BE SINGLE!!!

My friend told me the other night, 'I want to see you happier' when I asked him why he was trying to set me up with our mutual friends and I love him to pieces but being in a relationship shouldn't be forced. My other friend thought me and her friend would make a good pair and I just wasn't feeling it. I'm not picky when it comes to relationships, I'm not shallow and want a really hot guy or anything like that. But I know exactly how I want to be treated. I told my friend that 'I believe that things happen as they happen'. I honestly believe this when it comes to people. I've had people come into my life when I've needed them the most and whilst we might not talk any more or anything I'll be grateful for the time that we did share together.

Not only is it the fact that I didn't want to just be in a relationship with anyone. For me, the reasons that I'm single come down to having feelings for someone and not knowing what to do with them in the fear of losing a friendship. Also, I work all the time so fitting in time for someone else is really difficult. I'm also very happy being single. I'm surrounded by people who make me happy and who I can have a laugh with without having to worry about someone getting jealous. I also don't have to worry about jealousy over a boyfriend and his female friends. 

This post was just to remind anyone who feels like they need to be in a relationship to be happy that you don't. There are a million things out there that make me happy, for example: this blog, going to work and hanging out with some absolutely amazing people, hanging out with friends,even just chilling out in bed with Gavin DeGraw playing (yes that is what I'm doing right now). It's also okay to feel lonely sometimes. Yes, I would love to be able to go to see that movie but I can't because none of my friends want to see it and a boyfriend wouldn't have the choice, right? But overall I'm in a position where I'm so happy about the people I've got in my life right now and when the time comes someone special will come into my life or something will change and I'll end up falling in love with someone I never thought I would and it will be amazing. But being single doesn't have to feel like a failure. It's the time to find out what makes you really happy and time to focus on yourself.

Is anyone else going through a similar situation at the moment? Leave a comment below saying how you deal with people trying to set you up?

♥

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MUSIC: Jesse McCartney - Punch Drunk Recreation

Today, I thought I'd be brief and just share with you a song and music video that I've been obsessed with all last week. I cannot stop listening to Jesse McCartney's 'Punch Drunk Recreation'. It's one of those songs that just lifts your mood.

I love the beat of the song and the fun nature of it. It's still got that old school funk vibe which is seeming ever so popular with artists that have been in the business for a while. We all know I have a soft spot for Jesse McCartney, and if you follow me on Twitter you'll have seen me saying how I would love to dance with him one day. Not only does he seem like a really nice guy and fun to be around but he creates music which is in a genre that I don't normal listen to but makes me really like it. If there's one thing that Jesse McCartney can make me do it is dance (very badly, I may add). 'Punch Drunk Recreation' is the perfect song to listen to cheer you up or to listen to getting ready for a night out. 

Check out Jesse McCartney's music video for 'Punch Drunk Recreation' below: 

What songs have you been loving this week? 

♥

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