Drop everything right now because Maroon 5 have a new music video out. Okay, so maybe don't drop anything but you really need to watch the music video. 'Sugar' was one of my favourite tracks off of 'V' album and this music video makes me love it even more.
Basically, the band crash real weddings in one day around LA to play for the party. Their is a lot of talk about how real the weddings are and if they were staged or if it was scripted, but honestly, I don't care. It's a music video at the end of the day, if its real then I'm jealous because how the hell will a wedding top Maroon 5 randomly surprising everyone? If not, then the idea behind it was brilliant. Either way, the music video has gotten people talking and what more could a band want. At least their music video is classy.
'Sugar' has that old school vibe to it, a little bit of swing mixed in with their usual pop making it a little different to everything else available, it definitely reminds me of summer and makes me wish for the sun to come out and the cold weather to disappear. The song makes me incredibly happy and brightens my mood. It's one of those feel good songs about being in love with someone.
The band looks incredibly dapper in the music video with their tuxes and bow ties. No doubt though if Adam Levine showed up at my wedding their is a good chance I wouldn't be getting married that man is perfection in my eyes. Also, I would've freaked out beyond belief, I mean its Maroon 5 who doesn't love them. It's a cool music video with a feel good vibe to it and if it doesn't make your face hurt from smiling so much then I don't know what will.
Check out Maroon 5's music video for 'Sugar' below:
What do you make of the music video? Leave a comment below telling me.
After seeing JacksGap post a video about mental health the other day, I felt myself really wanting to get involved. I'm glad that there are people out there at the moment that are really driving forward and attempting to get rid of the stigma that comes with mental health and get people talking. For me it really helped when I saw Demi Lovato come forward talking about her own experience with mental health. So here goes.
For as long as I can remember I've suffered from panic attacks, I don't know where they came from, how they started or why I suffer from them. All I know is that my body would feel frightened and go into fight or flight mode as it thinks it's in danger. I used to have panic attacks in social situations: at parties, when I was out for meals with friends or family, in queues. Anywhere public I could have a panic attack. I believe this is what lead me to have social anxiety. It was the fear of the unknown and the fear that if I was to go out with my friends that I would have a panic attack.
It was a long time before I actually got help for my social anxiety, in fact, I didn't even realise that I did have social anxiety for a while, I simply thought it was the panic attacks. But it was one day when I had been really looking forward to going out with my friends for a meal before we all went our separate ways to university, college or starting work and I felt this overwhelming feeling that I simply couldn't go with the belief that something truly dreadful was going to happen that I realised that I needed to get help. I hadn't been going out with friends for years, in fact, I used to make up so many excuses that they simply stopped inviting me. Who could blame them when I always said no?
I finally managed to get to the doctors and started a counselling treatment where the therapist helped me through what was the issues. It took a little time and it was hard having to put myself in situations that I had been so afraid of for a really long time. It's bad when you can't go to your local pub and order a jacket potato because you're so anxious you feel like you're going to throw up. Or when you're at a party and you don't dance because you think that all eyes are on you and people will laugh at your dancing. The social anxiety was causing me to panic and I had so many safety behaviours that it was only reinforcing my fear and belief that I would panic if I went out. After a couple of months of learning about social anxiety and panic disorder, and challenging myself I was finally discharged and I've never felt better. Sure I still get anxious but I try not to let it control what I do. You can't allow your anxiety to control your life.
When I finally started talking to my friends about it, I was shocked by how many of them had said that they had also spoken to someone about their own issues. I had wanted to keep my therapy a secret as I was a little ashamed that I was 18 and in therapy. But I soon realised that there was nothing to ashamed of and that I wasn't alone in feeling the way I did.
I've seen friends and family battle through depression and it's not an easy journey. What works for one person might not work for someone else. It can be scary finally asking for help but once people know what's happening they can help you. Talking about mental health isn't anything to ashamed of. It's something that a lot of people (more than you probably realise) suffer from. You're not alone and things really do get better with the right treatment.
Check out the JacksGap video that inspired this confession below:
Leave your comments on the subject below, but please remember to be sensitive.
I realise that everyone and their mother has spoken about this cleansing balm and last year it seemed that every blogger out there was raving about the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Cleansing Balm. I was always intrigued about the product and wanted to try it but I couldn't help thinking that it was extremely expensive for what is essentially a cleanser. However, after Christmas I had a little spare money and decided that it was time to treat myself.
I was really surprised by how much I love using this product as well as being incredibly relieved. It's a lot more luxurious than what I've used before however it doesn't particularly feel heavy instead it's got a rather buttery texture to it. Cleansing balms I've used before I've noticed that they feel a little heavy on my eyes, whereas this feels quite gentle and doesn't sting my eyes. The product removes my makeup really well and I feel like it does really remove all my makeup and I don't wake up with panda eyes in the morning after I've used this.
I absolutely love the smell of the product too, it's very subtle and calming. I usually struggle with using fragrance face products, but the Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm doesn't upset my face and cause me to have red rashes on my face like other products I've used before have. I also really like the packaging. It look expensive sitting on the shelf in my bathroom and also came with a muslin cloth which is so soft and lovely to use.
I didn't really think that it would have benefited my skin in anyway as it is a cleanser. Since starting using this product, however, several people have commented that my skin looks softer or feels softer. Whether this is simply from using this or the other products that I've changed up in my skin care routine recently I'm not quite sure.
There is a lot of hype around the product, but as someone who does live on a budget, I would seriously recommend it. It feels really lovely to use and I'm dreading what I'll do when it runs out, hopefully that is a long time away yet. I find you don't have to use much product, however, which is another bonus. If you're considering buying it but not sure whether or not to join the bandwagon, I'd definitely jump on board. It's one of the best skin care products that I've used.
Have you used the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Cleansing Balm? What did you think? Leave a comment with your favourite skin care products below.
Villafan is a new artist that has been bought to my attention recently after being contacted about his new EP 'I Still Believe' and honestly his music is right up my street so I have been incredibly eager in wanting to get my thoughts down for you. I've been so desperate that it's currently 23:47 and I never stay up this late working, but I figured I'd make an exception when good song writing needs discussing.
What I particularly love about Villafan's'I Still Believe' EP is the lyrics. They seem to make you think about the bigger picture or about other people such as 'Changing the World' the lyrics are something like 'easier to remind yourself that if you look away that all your problems will fade away' and I really love that line. It is so easy to try and forget about your problems or let things slide but how does that play out in the long run? Furthermore, in 'You're Not Alone' the lyrics that caught my attention was 'someday maybe we'll be a little stronger, but till then maybe hold on a little tighter', this made me think about relationships and how if you're arguing a lot it's easier to walk away but by staying and discussing those issues and having a little faith it makes that relationship stronger. Finally in 'Let Go' I am obsessed with the lyrics in the chorus of 'can you let go of the fear that holds you back' it's something that I feel will resonate with a lot of people. I feel like his lyrics would encourage people to make little changes in their life which surprised me. I was thoroughly impressed with Villafan's song writing and how the lyrics hit me.
I also like the style of music that Villafan expresses on the EP. It has that blues sound that I really like and a hint of jazz, sometimes reminding me a little of Phillip Phillips 'Behind the Light' album which we all know I loved. I love how his music doesn't seem 'current' or 'oldschool' it simply sounds classic and like BBC Radio Merseyside said it's 'music without an expiry date'. His sound doesn't seem to age it just has that classic sound which I think is refreshing from music releases recently. Villafan has that soulful and romantic air to his music too which I loved, you can't help falling in love with his music, its that sound that will make you sway and want you to dance with you partner.
I checked out some of his other releases too when I was looking through his work and came across his signature song 'When We Try' and I was really impressed by his vocal abilities not only in this song but throughout his EP. I like how he has this soft sound to his voice, his falsetto is so smooth and gives me shivers but then his sound builds this power and shows raw emotion behind the words his singing. My favourite track was 'Let Go' I just think that those lyrics really hit home for me and I love how powerful his voice is towards the end of the song. I also love 'Believe', Villafan's voice is gorgeous on this track and sounds romantic, but the song also talks about chasing your dreams and encourages you to continue on your path.
You can listen to Villafan's'I Still Believe' EP on his website. You can also download a free copy of his Acoustic EP which I've been listening to on repeat. You cannot beat some acoustic music.
Check out Villafan's Live Performance of 'Believe' below:
Have you heard of Villafan' before? Be sure to check out his EP's.
On Monday, Tim Schou released his second single, 'Goodbye', and the music video to accompany it. Obviously, I downloaded this as soon as it was available.But that's not all that Tim Schou has done this week. On Wednesday evening he had his Showcase at The Garage in London. Though it killed me not to be there I did listen to the show via Stage It, thanks Christian for keeping us company all evening.
First off, the single. From the previews I knew that 'Goodbye' would have the ability to break my heart. It's one of those songs that really hits home and is incredibly relatable. A lot of atmosphere is created in the song with the music with an almost romanticised air to it which I really love. You also cannot deny the fact that Tim Schou can sing the crap out of the song. His voice seems to get stronger each time he releases something new, plus you can here the emotion behind his voice, particularly when he sings 'sad' you guys know the part. The use of a choir in the final choruses works really well also to create power in the song. I feel like this addition really helps to create the drama and atmosphere to the song.
Not only does the song sound amazing, the lyrics speak volumes too. Tim sings about a love where they 'lost the will to fight' and regretting breaking up with that person. Although the song is powerful that doesn't mean that you won't be singing it non-stop. I cannot get the chorus out of my head and I'm probably annoying everyone that has seen me this week by repeatedly singing it over, only because I can't sing even though I do pretend to be Beyonce too much.
Gutted that I was unable to see Tim Schou at any of the gigs that he was playing this week, I settled with the Stage It show where I could hear the set. Honestly, it sounded amazing which only made me more sad that I wasn't there. But I'm holding out that I'll go to a Tim Schou concert soon. His voice is so powerful and is one of my favourite voices I've heard for awhile. His songs are relatable and you can't help but fall in love with his music. I wish him all the best for the future and cannot wait for an album or more songs to be released because I loved each one that I heard from the gig.
Check out Tim Schou's music video for 'Goodbye' below:
Were you at the London showcase? Leave you comments below about the gig, I'm dying to hear more.
I've never really been a fan of wearing leggings as trousers, and instead always opted for a short skirt over leggings or dresses when I have worn them. However, this year I've been really loving the patterned leggings/treggings that have been available on the high-street and have found that these have been my go to, when I'm not feeling a jeans day.
I was actually after a pair of nice trousers that I could wear to work when I came across patterned leggings. Trousers really do not suit me. They make my legs look really short and anybody who knows me always comment about how long my legs are. So, I was out shopping with my mum and brother one day when I came across a pair of white and black dogtooth leggings in Topshop and I immediately fell in love with them. However, I didn't pick them up on the day thinking that £25 was an awful lot of money to spend on leggings. It was only when I got home that I regretted not picking them. As they weren't in my local Topshop I ended up ordering them online.
I love how they could be styled up for work with an oversized black button down shirt and some black loafers, or with an oversized blazer and they looked really smart. But they could also be dressed down with a t-shirt, and a jacket with a pair of burgundy Chelsea boots and look really cool. It was only after I realised how comfortable they were that I decided I needed more patterned leggings in my life.
I looked on eBay and found a pair of Topshop green and black checked leggings on there. They are quite muted so the pattern isn't really bright and garish but they are incredibly comfortable. I've probably gotten the most wear out of these so far as they are that little bit darker. Both pair of leggings are very flattering and stay tight on your legs opposed to go baggy around the knees and bum.
Finally, I was hunting for a pair of nice black leggings and it was whilst I was at work in Dorothy Perkins that I came across the perfect pair of treggings, These are slightly different in that they are more like a trouser style with a button and zip but again they are like leggings in the body of them. With a white window pane check in them, I have been living in them since I got them.
I have literally been obsessed with Sofia Karlberg's version of 'Crazy In Love' since I heard it about a week ago. We all love the Beyonce song and if you say you don't well I refuse to believe you. However, when I heard this I got shivers.
It's being released as part of the 'Fifty Shades of Grey' soundtrack, which I'm really not that bothered about but I had to download this song. It's haunting and eerie and I love it. I've never heard a slow version of the song and I think it's that which has taken me by surprise. A song that we have no doubt all danced along to in a club or at a party believing we were Queen herself, has been transformed into this beautiful and ghostly version. I get shivers whenever I listen to it. The slower pace makes you truly listen to the lyrics and there's so much power not only in the music but within the emotion behind her voice.
I hadn't heard of Sofia Karlberg before but decided to check out some of her other songs, and discovered her YouTube channel. Her voice is absolutely gorgeous and unique. She's got a great voice for singing these ballad songs and I think she's definitely one to be looking out for in 2015.
Check out Sofia Karlberg's cover of 'Crazy In Love' below:
Are you a fan of this new version of 'Crazy In Love'? Leave a comment below telling me what you think.
New Year Resolutions are something we all make and never keep. 'A new year, a new me' something that get's on everyone nerves, right? So, this year I'm not having resolutions. I want to set goals which I can aim towards. At the beginning of the year I had some therapy sessions to discuss my social anxiety and panic disorder, and within those sessions we set some goals which I was to work towards. I'm pretty much ticked all of those off now apart from a trip to London. So I wanted to share my goals with you guys so I can reflect back on them next year and see how well I've done.
Go to London.
This is the top of my list, I've wanted to go to London shopping for a while now. I haven't been since I was a kid and as it's the last thing I've got to tick off I want to make it my mission to have at least a day in London with either friends or family.
Travelling and going on holiday.
I haven't had a holiday since I was 16 because I've been working all the time. I haven't even been to the beach. So, this next year I want to travel more. Whether that's in the UK or abroad. I, at the very least, want to see a beach this year.
Go to more gigs.
I love going to concerts but this last year I only went to one which is quite pathetic considering how many I wanted to go to. I'm hopefully, going to go to more this year, obviously this does depend on who tours. But I'm planning on seeing Tim Schou at the Aaron Carter gig in January and I'm hoping to see Maroon 5 this year around my birthday (fingers crossed).
Spend more time with family and friends.
This last year I've been working such a lot that I feel like I haven't had much time to hang out with my friends and family enough. I used to go to garden centres with my Sister-in-law and I would go to parties every weekend when I was younger. So this year, I want to do more on my days off opposed to sitting around watching movies all day (though that does sound rather lovely too).
Take more risks and opportunities.
This isn't something I've done much before. But when I have in the past I've found that even if I haven't loved every minute of it that it's helped me grow as a person. I want to say 'yes' to more opportunities whether that's with work or with this blog. I don't want to sit back wondering what could've happened.
I want to spend more time on this blog.
Finally, I want to put up more posts. I love writing on this blog and whenever I'm sat down at a table writing these posts and editing HTML codes it makes me incredibly happy. So, I want to update this blog as much as possible. I also want to do more fashion/lifestyle and beauty posts as I really do love thinking about what outfits I would like to share on my blog. I also think I've found my own style and what suits me best now.
These are just a few things that I hope to achieve this coming year. Though they are quite loose and non-specific I think that will help in making sure I meet them.I hope you all have an amazing 2015 and remember that you can get whatever you want out of the year.
What are you hoping to achieve this year? Let me know in the comments.
