MUSIC: Mi'das - Stronger EP

I was contacted about reviewing Mi'das latest EP 'Stronger'  - which is available on April 30th - and as always, I jump at the chance of listening to new music and hopefully becoming fans of more artists. Always the optimist when it comes to new artists that are brought to my attention, Mi'das hasn't disappointed. With a gorgeous soulful sound to his voice, it's powerful without becoming more like shouting which a lot of similar artists do. Mi'das, also known as Mike Davies, is pure soul and it's incredibly beautiful.

The opening track on the EP, 'Wish Road', I've found sounds rather different to the rest of the EP. It's a lot more haunting, especially his voice at the beginning of the track. I like the sound that's been created to make the song sound like an old vinyl playing as you can hear the crackles. It has that more vintage sound which I think helps with creating that old and haunting sound. It's a beautiful song and not surprising that he's releasing this as his first single off of the EP. It shows off a lot of his skills, such as the power in his voice and his range as well as his song writing. This was the first song I heard of his, and it blew me away, I was so impressed.

'Too Little Too Late' is one of my favourite tracks off of the EP. I like the opening the melody of the song and how it starts quite low and his Mi'das' voice is incredibly smooth and then it has this cool almost pop sound when it reaches the chorus, however, he sticks to his roots. The added use of a choir only helps create that true soul sound which I really love, it helps to create power and drama. The song also shows off his vocal abilities and his range which is rather impressive.

'Vienna' has a little more edgy, it's very much more a pop song and a feel good song. You cannot help but smile when listening to this song, which focuses on about discovering what makes you happy. It's a warm song which makes you want to dance around, it completely takes over your thoughts and makes you happy, at least that's what I discovered. His voice still sounds incredible with a taste of his soulful sound coming through. It's the fun track on the EP which I personally really love.

'Like You Did Then' slows things down for us. With an beautiful soft sound to his voice and the use of an acoustic guitar. It's everything I really love in music. The song demonstrates his fantastic song writing skills. The song, and Mi'das voice gave me shivers which is always a bonus. It's simple with mostly just the use of a guitar and his voice, but it has so much power and stands out. 'Like You Did Then' shows his vulnerability and that, to me, shows complete strength like the title would suggest. It's the perfect end to the EP, showing off everything that he does so well.

Mi'das sounds incredibly unique, in his style of music, there's nobody I can think of that sounds like him. It's like he's took the artists that influences his music and created a whole knew sound which makes him his own artist. He's very impressive and I have no doubt that he's going to go far. He's definitely made a new fan in me. Mi'das 'Stronger' EP is available on April 30th and I am highly recommending his music. He is a breath of fresh air and does soul music proud.

Check out Mi'das lyric video for 'Wish Road' below:

Let me know what song you're looking forward to hearing below.

♥

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BEAUTY: Good Things Manuka Honey Radiance Face Mask

Recently, my skin has been going through a dull spell yet again, whether that's because the weather's finally picking up and the sun has been shining I've found myself looking in Boots for products that will help brighten up my skin and make me look healthier than it is currently.

I spotted the Good Things Manuka Honey Radiance Face Mask the other week in the Boots and it was quite inexpensive so I thought I would pick it up and give it a try. I've read a few reviews about Good Things but it wasn't a brand that I was ever really drawn to but thought it was worth a try. I've been using this twice a week, applying it just before I get in the bath leaving it to dry for 5-10 minutes whilst I relax reading a book or simply listening to music. I then remove the mask with a damp cloth.

Since using this face mask I've noticed that afterwards my skin has looked a lot more glowy and healthier. I find that it doesn't make my skin feel tight afterwards which I really despise in face products but instead leaves my skin feeling really clean and fresh as well as soft. I would definitely recommend testing the Good Things Radiance Face Mask though if you are suffering from dull skin. I would buy it again if I was suffering with my skin looking tired.

What products do you use to look more radiant?

♥

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BEAUTY: The Body Shop Honey Bronze

I'm not usually one for bronzer, I have quite pale skin so sometimes I find that bronzers can look quite 'muddy'. However, after hearing EssieButton mentioning The Body Shop's 'Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder' I decided to pick it up a while back but only really just started using it a lot.

I wasn't really expecting to like the bronzer as I never enjoyed using them before but I picked it up in the lightest shade and find it suits my skin tone really well. It just adds that little bit of warmth to my face that I've really needed at the moment. The winter has made me look incredibly pale so using The Body Shop's 'Honey Bronze' has really made an impact.

(wearing the bronzer above)

I find it's quite light but can be built up to a more darker tone, but it doesn't give that muddy look. As it's a matte bronzer you can use it more as a contour in the hollows of your cheeks to give your face more shape too. I've been applying it using the Zoeva Luxe Sheer Cheek Brush to ensure that I haven't applied too much. If you're looking for a new light bronzer, I would definitely recommend The Body Shop's 'Honey Bronze'.

♥

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MUSIC: Hilary Duff - Sparks

Last week Hilary Duff released the audio for new single 'Sparks' and we see the return to dance/pop music from her. Whilst her last two singles had more of an indie/folk vibe to them this is clearly something that you're more likely to hear in a club.

'Sparks' is incredibly catchy, I listened to the song and had the chorus in my head. It also has that ability to make you want to get up and dance along and have fun. For me, music has to make you feel something whether that's great emotions or simply makes you want to dance. 'Sparks' is exactly that for me, it's fun and flirty, a song perfect to singing along to when your getting ready for a night out with the girls. The song is more mature than Hilary Duff's previous releases, but what else would you expect as both herself and her audience have grown up now. I like the dance approach that she's took this single, it kind of reminds me of 'Dignity' but with more modern beats. I also really love the whistling in the song, it adds that fun and bouncy feel to the song.

Whilst I loved 'All About You' this feels like what I'm used to from Hilary Duff and I know a lot of fans are happy about this return. Either way, I'm looking forward to her album whether that be an indie/folk or dance album. Or the album could be an appreciation of all the types of music that Hilary Duff likes, it will be interesting to see what her approach will be on the album and this release has only made me more excited.

Listen to the audio for Hilary Duff's 'Sparks' below:

What do you think of Hilary Duff's latest release?

♥

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FASHION: High Street Edit - Dorothy Perkins

As I work in a Dorothy Perkins store I am obviously surrounded by Dorothy Perkins clothes all the time and I also have to wear the brands clothes whilst at work. However, I have found that I have been really loving a lot of items that they have in store recently. My favourite item of clothing being these patterned trousers. I've said that trousers really do not suit me, but I saw these in store and fell in love with them immediately. They're a skinny trouser and you can dress them up to look smart or keep them really casual. I found that they are skin tight on me which is quite unusual for me to get trousers that fit so tightly to my legs. This is how I've been styling them recently though.

I love high neck/roll neck jumpers at the moment and thought this sleeveless version would be perfect for spring as it still keeps you quite warm. The top is quite ribbed which I find is really flattering on a lot of figures as it sucks you in and emphasises your curves. Plus it looks very Topshop-esque. 

I've also been wearing them with this little short sleeved thin knit jumper which I love. I'm obsessed with the crochet collar (pictured below) and think it's incredibly pretty. 

And here's what I've been wearing and loving at the moment. What high street store are you loving at the moment? 

♥

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MUSIC: Jana Kramer - I Got the Boy

I've been meaning to write this post for a while now because I am obsessed with Jana Kramer's latest single 'I Got the Boy'. I've been a fan of Jana Kramer since I saw her on One Tree Hill and when she started releasing music I got really excited. I loved her first album and listened to it non stop but nothing, I feel, compares to this single.

'I Got the Boy' tells the story of a girl who fell in love with a boy and how he's now moved on to someone new. It's quite a sad song but it's something I think a lot of us think about when we see old friends/boyfriends/crushes finally growing up and getting married. Its a song for reminiscing which is what I love about country music, they tell stories so well. Jana Kramer has that really strong country sound to her voice which I really love, she sounds completely country music but her voice is incredibly powerful. I feel, that her voice also has the ability to really capture emotion, in particular on this track, at any moment I keep thinking she's going to break down in tears which may sound harsh but I like to hear raw emotion behind a song, I think it makes them stand out.  

I love the entire sound to the track, it's got ballad elements but with those clear country guitars which makes it a little less dramatic which I always prefer. It's an incredibly emotional song sung perfectly. Furthermore, its very relatable and it's a song that I can't stop listening to at the moment. Jana Kramer definitely doesn't get enough credit for her craft as this is truly, one of the most beautiful songs I've heard this year. I cannot wait to see what she has to release next. The single is out now and available on iTunes.  

Check out Jana Kramer's 'I Got the Boy' below: 

Have you listened to Jana Kramer before? If so, what's your favourite track? 

♥

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