Music Crush #22

It's been a hell of a long time since I wrote a Music Crush but man have I missed it! There was no indecision this week, I knew what my main love was straight away. There will be two Music Crushes this week though: one, because it's been so long and, two, because there was a small bit of indecision, but only a little bit.

X Ambassadors

~ ~ ~

Unsteady (Erich Lee Gravity Remix)

I cannot even put into words how much I freakin' love this song. 

We'll just get over the Me Before You part first - I went to see it, bawled like a baby, couldn't stop thinking about it, hunted down the soundtrack, fell in love with this song, couldn't stop thinking about it even more.

Also, can we just take a moment to stop and appreciate Emilia Clarke in that red dress. She looks stunning and somehow pulls it off effortlessly, I expected to fall in love with Sam Claflin (partially because I was already in love with him) but I didn't realise how much I'd appreciate how incredible Emilia Clarke was in this movie. Anyway, on to the song, this isn't supposed to be about the actors/actresses, I knowwww.

If you've seen Me Before You then I think you'll understand what I mean when I say everything about this song just seems to fit the movie and the story it tells perfectly.

I'm actually in love with the entire soundtrack, Not Today by Imagine Dragons is also incredible but I don't think anything can beat the way this song makes me feel. 

The beat is so dramatic and makes me feel the rising tension of the movie throughout my whole body and the words always just get me. They make me think of Will when you can see that his whole life is being turned upside down by Lou and her decision to try and make his life a happier one. It's just perfect and it never fails to move me and send me to a different world, no, a different universe every time I listen to it.

Go have a listen and, if you've seen the movie, have your insides torn out all over again:

Katie x

Music Crush #13

Hello!

I have been looking forward to telling you about this song since I told you about the last one - that long!

For once, I have it all planned and I know exactly what song is getting this weeks Music Crush status...

He Is We

~~~

Prove You Wrong (Acoustic)

I love, love, LOVE this band! I'll get the bad news over with first though, unfortunately they're not a band anymore :'( However, they do have a lot of amazing music that they made before, so it's all good! 

I put the acoustic version of Prove You Wrong because I prefer acoustic versions of anything and everything but the studio version is just as good: I'm currently listening to it as I write this. They have the kind of music that I don't seem to get bored of, so it's constantly on a playlist somewhere but this one song seems to be on constant repeat at the moment, for some reason, and it's made me rekindle my love with it.

I don't know many people who have heard of He Is We, in fact I only know of one person and I met her this year - thank god I have someone who understands how brilliant they are now! I only found them because one of their songs, All About Us, was featured on The Mortal Instruments Soundtrack. The first time I heard them I couldn't believe no one had told me about them before. When I found out about them I wrote about them on the blog I wrote for at the time but I feel like I need to make sure everyone knows about how crazily good their music is, so here I am, telling you!

So take a listen to this song and then go on and find every other song of theirs (personally, Fall and Our July In the Rain (coincidentally this one just started playing; it's a sign if you ask me!) are another few favourites of mine... along with every other song they've done).

Katie x

Another Music Crush (#11)!

Hello!

So I thought what better way to get back into the blogging flow than to do one of my favourite things - Music Crush!

I've been very sentimental with my music lately which has led to this song choice... Well, it's actually more of an artist choice because you have no idea how hard it was to pick just one song.

John Mayer

~~~

Free Fallin'

I have loved John Mayer's music for so long I can't even remember when I started listening to him, although I'm guessing it had a lot do with my brother considering he influenced (and still does) most of my music loves.

This is just the one song that I've been listening to mostly lately but it's not originally by John Mayer (I don't think), I'm pretty sure Tom Petty was the one to sing it first. I could recommend so many of this amazing guy's songs, like Neon, New Deep and Who Says and they're just a few! He also does an epic cover of Beyonce's XO, like seriously. Wow.

I love his voice in this song, it's live too so his voice sounds sincere and raw. His voice just fits unbelievably well to this song, but then again, he can pull anything off.

Enjoy!

Katie x

A Mid Week Pick-Me-Up #8

Hello!

This week's quote is dedicated to my best friend; she's on holiday at the moment but I'm seriously missing her and I thought this quote described our friendship perfectly!

"The best friendships usually steal up on you, you don't remember their start point." - You Had Me At Hello (Mhairi McFarlane)

This is one of the truest quotes about friendship that I've ever heard... or read, actually (it's from a really great book, you should give it a read). I know that I certainly don't remember when my best friend and I became the best of friends. I do remember when we first met because it was over a skipping rope and she likes to constantly remind me of that story, but that's definitely not where we became friends!

I don't think I remember the start point to any of my best friendships, maybe it's just because the best ones have been around for that long I can't remember far enough back, or it's because the friendships happened that quickly that I just don't know how to pinpoint the start point.

I've definitely had my fair share of "bad" friendships because, as my best friend likes to constantly remind me, I'm a softy and let people off with things because its easier than arguing with them - I really don't get on well with confrontation, I'm too quiet and shy for all that!

I don't know what I'd do without my closest friend some days; she's always there for me and I think she knows more about me than I do! We both go to different universities too, which can take its toll on some friendships (I know it has on other friendships of mine), but we still text all the time, and skype; we even started sending each other actual written letters, I loved that, it was super cute - not enough people hand-write letters anymore! 

No matter how far away from each other we are, we still tell each other everything and any problems we have we always tell the other first. I know that if I'm feeling a bit down or something really bad has happened, she is going to be the one person who can pull me out of that and pick me up. 

Soooo, my best friend is this weeks mid week pick-me-up because she's always there to pick me up and I'll always be there to pick her up. Awww, all the feels and the mushiness (sorry!).

Katie x

21 Of The Best Feel-Good Movies!

Hello!

This week's been a bit of a down-in-the-doldrums week (if you don't have a clue what I'm going on about read HERE) BUT I have watched some of my favourite movies to help cheer me up and they are the perfect medicine. So, I thought I'd share them with you, just in case you're feeling a bit under the weather, or you just like having movie days!

Now, I have watched a lot of movies this past week... like, I've spent nearly every day, all day, watching movie after movie, after movie. After movie. There are a few of these that I haven't got round to watching yet, but they're on the list for the rest of my week!

1.

Mary Poppins

Without doubt, this is my favourite movie from my childhood! This is my go-to movie whenever I need a bit of a pick-me-up, I know every word to every song in this movie because... I'm not at all obsessed... Nooo. Okay, I am, but what is not to love about Julie Andrews?!

2.

The Railway Children

I used to always wish I could be a one of the Railway Children and for that, I will never stop loving this film. I don't mean the modern version one either, I mean the one with Jenny Agutter in it; she's my fave.

3.

Bride Wars

A seriously hilarious movie. Two best friends, a.k.a. two brides. Accidentally sharing the same wedding day. It's just... just... Go watch it! It's awesome!

4.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Another childhood favourite. Another one I can tell you every lyric to!

5.

Chalet Girl

I looooooove skiing, and this one is kind of to do with that. More snowboarding than skiing but meh, same thing! It's an English actor thing too which I find awesome because it's rare to find a good movie with English actors.

6.

We're The Millers

I already mentioned this particular movie in the last Mid Week Pick-Me-Up because it makes me laugh. A lot.

7.

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory

First of all, don't confuse this with Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. I'm talking about the original one, not the one with Johnny Depp in it (sorry Johnny, I love you but this one's so much better). Second of all, I love the bubble scene of this one - the first time I saw it, I went round and told everyone they were "naughty boys"... Yep, I was a right goody-two-shoes.

8.

The Mighty Ducks

Ice hockey. I love ice hockey. Enough said.

9.

Bridget Jones's Diary

Just a super British movie and I know exactly how you feel Bridget, I feel ya!

10.

The Holiday

Literally one of the only movies that is set at Christmas time and I don't class it as a Chirstmas movie - go figure! Again, a bit of British-ness in it - I just love the English-y bits because most movies you can watch and see that they're really Americanised but this one has the best of both worlds!

11.

The Princess Diaries

I always thought that one day a long lost family member would come and find me to tell me I'm a secret princess, thanks to this movie... I'm still waiting...

12.

Rumour Has It

Jennifer Aniston is an amazing actress and I loved her when she played Rachel in Friends so I often watch her movies. Just going to ask the typically expected question of me here - how does she not age?! I'm sure she's immortal or something because I swear she's never changed! Anyway, the moral of this movie is, don't do what your mother did. Or your grandmother... 

13.

What To Expect When You're Expecting

Hilariously funny, I'd watch the trailer first if you are expecting to make sure it doesn't terrify you but I don't think it will because it just poses all of the most common scenarios that could happen to you when you're expecting a baby but it does it in a belly-laughing way!

14.

The Smurfs

Little insider knowledge for you here, I always get called Smurphs because my last name is Murphy, so I like Smurfs tons! I'm not quite a legitimate Smurf though - I'm not blue - although that's a great idea if I ever need a fancy dress outfit!

15.

Definitely, Maybe

Ryan Reynolds. Mmm, mmm, mmmmmm! Ahem, sorry for that little outburst! So, yeah, this movie has Ryan Reynolds in it and he reminisces about three of his past girlfriends, changing their names, as his daughter tries to figure out which is her mother and which is his true love. Awwww.

16.

The Proposal

This isn't another one with Ryan Reynolds in it... Noooo... Okay, I like Ryan Reynolds. Just as an actor though, of course... Another hilariously funny movie as he has to fake a relationship with his ever so slightly pushy, bossy boss.

17.

Shrek

Another little fact for you, my mama's name is Fiona and when the movie first came out, the younger children in the family started calling her Princess Fiona... As long as they were meaning the human version she said she didn't mind! Anyway, Donkey is just the cutest, annoying little thing ever!

18.

Tangled

My best friend loves Disney movie in ways that most little un's even don't, so she made me watch this and it's another one that just makes you feel all light-hearted and want to sing along to! Yeah, I do know a lot of the words...

19.

This Means War

One of the most amusing movies I've watched in a long time and it has Chris Pine and Tom Hardy in it. It also has the stunning Reese Witherspoon in it. I want two secret agents to fight over me - I can dream!

20.

Flushed Away

When this was originally released I lurvved it. I haven't watched this in several years but I did watch the trailer on YouTube and it's officially made it onto my list for watching over the next few days.

21.

Knocked Up

And another hilarious comedy to end with! A bit explicit, though, so be careful who you watch it around if you get my gist! I think you can guess what it's about from the title, so I won't bother trying to explain it without making it sound any less explicit than it is!

There are a lot more movies there than I planned on telling you about but I just kept thinking of another, after another, after another! I hope there weren't too many for you to take in there! Enjoy!

Katie x

A Mid Week Pick-Me-Up #6

Hello!

This post is going to start with an extra cute little birthday message, to an extra cute little nephew on his first birthday!

Aside from the fact that you're obviously the cutest Chief Little One there is, and you're obviously the secret prince because you were born in the same year and only a week apart  from the the royal baby, Prince George - they must have got you mixed up with him because there's no way you're not a prince, too - you're the giggliest (and grumpiest) little boy I know, and you're going to be such a lady-killer when you're older, I can see it already! Love you, little Dude.

Now for this week's Mid Week Pick-Me-Up!

To try and stick to the family theme that seems to have started this post... and yesterday's post was very familial as well, actually... This is the quote I have chosen for this week.

(Source)

"Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind, or forgotten." - Stitch (Lilo and Stitch)

I know I normally do my own little drawing of whatever the pick-me-up is each week but I really loved this one. 

I not only love the quote because it's from one of my favourite movies when I was younger, but I love the drawing of Stitch and it would take me a long time to draw anything that good. So, I thought why not just share the original with you rather than try and put my own twist on something that's already pretty amazing.

Family means a lot to me and it always will, because every little part of my family is important to me. I would do anything for them but I also know that they'd do anything for me.

My family don't all live near each other but we still all come together when we're needed or for big occasions like big birthdays or Christmas. We spend Christmas together every year, all of us, without fail, there are no excuses allowed but it's one of my favourite times of year just because we all get to be together on that one day. 

You should always love your family like there's no tomorrow because you never know when something horrible could happen and could snatch someone important away from you, when you think it could never happen to you.

Cherish every moment you get with your family, young or old, everybody needs love. And giraffes. Everybody needs giraffes too... Just saying.

Katie x

Have you read the previous Mid Week Pick-Me-Up's?

A Mid Week Pick-Me-Up

A Mid Week Pick-Me-Up #2

A Mid Week Pick-Me-Up #3

A Mid Week Pick-Me-Up #4

A Mid Week Pick-Me-Up #5

For the Birthday Princess...

Dear Little One,

This is just a little letter to you that, I hope, one day in the future when you're all grown up, you'll read and see just how much I love you and how special you are.

You're officially two as of the exact time this post went up!

Until there is someone as special as you in your own life, you will never understand just how quick you're growing up. I remember the first day I saw you, and the next day, and the day after that too. (Shhh, don't tell your sisters but you were definitely the most well-behaved baby out of the three of you ;) ). You were the most precious little thing I'd ever seen, in your bundle of pinkness! This is a warning, Daisy Doo, stop growing up! Even when you're thirteen, and probably don't want big hugs from me, I'll be giving them to you, because you'll always be my baby goddaughter that nuzzled into my chest when you couldn't sleep.

I know I'm bias, so some might say my opinion doesn't really count, but you're the most beautiful little girl there is, with your big blue eyes and little blonde pigtails - you make my heart melt, baby girl - dye your hair and I'm going to cry... Buckets! Seriously. Don't dye your hair. It's beautiful. And don't you dare ever let anybody tell you you're not the most stunning and delicate Little One that they ever did see, because you just tell me and I'm gonna go kick some butt! You're amazing.

Every time I see you, no matter how often it is, you always seem to have grown up that little bit more, saying new words  - your current favourites are "owanges", "no", "babyyy" and "baf", just in case you're wondering - and doing new things; I know you'll be off to school before I know it!

It was because of me going to university that we started our real, whole-day little park days and play dates - it was something that just the two of us could do together and get some proper Daisy and Tatie time, and I could spoil you tons too (remember, all of those bubbles and cakes are a secret from mummy - we always forget to save any for the grown-ups ;) ). It's also probably the reason that every time you manage to get hold of my phone you look at it and go "cheeeeeese" with a big, cheesy grin on your face.

You make me smile on days you don't even know I'm feeling down and, it's on them days especially, I don't know what I'd do without you. You're this gorgeous little light that nobody can help but love. All I ever want to do is see that smile on your face and I'm not going to be happy if anyone ever stops you from smiling - I'll kick their butt too! Promise.

There is nothing I wouldn't do for you (and you know it, I'm sure!), every time I walk through the door you have that cheeky grin on your face, as if to say you already have planned where you're taking me to that day (I don't get the choice, I just follow, and that's the way I love it). One day you can hopefully look back at this blog, figure out how this blog came about (I know you're going to be a clever girl, so that shouldn't be difficult for you) and see all of the different places we've been and what we've done.

I love you so much, Little One.

Tatie xxxxxx

P.s. I have a lot of embarrassing baby pictures of you, expect me to show them to any and all future boyfriends - it's in my Godmother contract!

Exciting Days!

Hello!

Sorry for the lack of a post yesterday but the day suddenly got really busy, really quickly!

I thought I'd give you a little update of what's happened over the past few days because I've been a busy, buzzing bumble bee!

I feel like I've done nothing but run around since Wednesday, when I went to see my great aunt. It all started to get super hectic Thursday though.

I had to be up at 7AM on Thursday morning and, can I just point out, I don't think I've gotten up that early for about a year now, considering most of my lectures were after 10AM - it nearly killed me (of course I'm not exaggerating)! Anyway, I had to be up early for an orthodontist appointment, then I was meeting my best friend, Feef, so we could go to Newcastle for the day and have one of our epic and wonderful shopping days! We literally only made the train with seconds to spare but hey ho! What fun would it be if we were always organised... 

We did nothing but chat the entire way to Newcastle, and the whole time we were there. And the whole way back, actually. We just talked. A lot. We have one of those incredible friendships where we can talk about anything and everything without even thinking about it, and we can make fun of each other but if anyone else does it, they're dead meat (not literally, obviously, I don't advocate violence... Seriously though, we always have each others backs). Our day in Newcastle started with a lovely meal in Pizza Hut; it was yummy - I'm one of those awful people that goes to somewehre called Pizza Hut and gets pasta because what's the point in going with the flow, right? It was delicious though, without a doubt, one of the best pasta dishes I've ever had. 

We also had a lengthy discussion about tattoos (something I'd love to know your opinion on, by the way, I know not everyone is a promoter of tattoos). I personally wouldn't mind a tattoo, I'm just not sure if I could handle the pain, and I wouldn't know where to get it either. I like tattoos as long as they're not too big; I don't really like the whole cover-your-body-in-tattoos-because-it's-so-cool look and, I'm not meaning to be sexist here but I know everyone will say it sounds like that, I don't think girls suit having heavy tattoos, like sleeves or a whole leg covered etc., I do love to see other peoples tattoos though and get to know the meaning behind them.

We spent over an hour and a half in Primark and I'm sure over half an hour of that was spent in the fitting rooms! Of course, we needed a coffee break after that (any excuse). A trip to Boots ended up in me spending £15 on an eyebrow pencil - don't ask - after Fee persuaded me I was in desperate need of it, which I'm sure I am... Maybe. It's okay though, we went to New Look after that and I told her that the denim jacket she was looking at was a necessity and a bargain, plus, every girl has a denim jacket in her wardrobe; it's a staple. Apart from me, oops! We went other places too but our feet were killing by this point and we were knackered and now I'm struggling to remember everywhere else we actually went into, and I need to stop saying 'and'. 

Before we went to wait for the train (we actually had to wait for this one, rather than jump on it at the last minute) Feef went and bought one of the smallest Machiato's I've ever seen - her whole hand could cover it, and she has tiny hands!

We had a great, girly day, now we just wish we hadn't spent all of our money so that we could go back and do it again!

(I had to put all of the pictures into a collage, there was that many!)

We made an impulse decision the next night for us all to go out, like a mini reunion for those of us who are back home from uni. Only problem was, I'd already arranged to go and see the Megan, Sophie and Daisy, so I had to pay a flying visit to their house (I pretty much did fly in and out of the door, too!). The night resulted in a lot of alcohol and a lot of pouting - I'm not even sure why we were pouting so much, we're obviously just too cool for school! I don't drink that much either, so I guess there wasn't that much alcohol for me. Every picture I have from the night was what we found on Snapchat the next day - some of us were definitely drunker than others, I'm proud to say I was not one of those - It was an phenomenal night full of laughter and a whole lotta new 'drunk jokes'.

Anything interesting been happening elsewhere?

Katie x

An Unlawful Obsession

Hello!

Before anybody gets the wrong idea, I'm not into anything like drugs or something that is actually illegal! Promise!

No, I have a new found obsession in an American TV show, Suits.

Anybody who lives in America will probably know that 'Suits' is a common term used for lawyers but not so much here in England - however, I'm not going to say no to a man in a suit. Who doesn't love a man who scrubs up well in a suit; it just makes them look so much tidier and more appealing... In my opinion... Anyway, let's get back to the actual show and off the topic of how hot a man in a suit looks!

The show is about a guy, Mike Ross, who gets caught up in the wrong thing with a friend and somehow ends up getting a job in one of New York's biggest law firms, Pearson Hardman. He has the ability to remember anything he looks at, no matter what it is, making him pretty much brilliant at everything - I have seriously spent most of my time watching this show wishing I had his brain. He gets to work with, arguably, the best lawyer in New York, Harvey Specter, whilst he tries to hide his secret from everyone around him.

It's one of the best TV series I've ever seen. I'm hooked. Completely. My infatuation with the TV show and its characters should probably be illegal.

Most people probably think that some show to do with lawyers is going to be either boring or too serious but it's actually funny as hell at times as well, as managing to deal with the more serious aspects of being a lawyer. 

The relationship between Mike and Harvey deals with lots of twists but they always manage to keep it serious and humorous at the same time, which I love... And they both wear suits nearly all the time, just saying. I also love Donna's character - she is just freaking, amazingly hilarious. Her ability to gossip astounds me! She's just awesome. But she doesn't wear a suit. 

It's very kindly available for us English folk on Netflix too (which is where I found it), which, of course, means endless watching of each series!

It really is something else. I love it. A lot. Like, a lot a lot. Go watch it. You'll love it. Seriously. Love it.

Katie x

A Lovely Few Weeks!

Hello!

I'm back!

Sorry for my notably long absence but, as I'm sure any frequent readers know, I've been on my holidays and to say the wi-fi there was awful would be an understatement - they may as well have not had any, it was that bad. My brother also got married this week so when we came back off holiday a lot of my time was thrown into helping them get organised for the big day.

I'm back now though, so you can expect a lot more blog posts to be coming your way!

I figured since it's been a while since I've blogged I'd ease myself back into it with a general little chat and life update for y'all.

Despite the lack of decent wi-fi, our holiday was still incredible. In fact, maybe the lack of wi-fi made it better, it meant you weren't stressing so much about what was happening at home. It definitely made it more relaxing.

We went to this quaint little hotel in Ovacik, Turkey, called Hotel Leytur and it was positively adorable.

This is the second time we've been to this particular hotel and I just love how quiet and relaxed it is. It's not right in the middle of an enormous, lively city but it's not far away from a little bustling one known as Hisaronu (there's supposed to be some accent-y things over certain letters in 'Hisaronu' too but that's just too complicated to try and add). If you wanted to go out for a night or have a change of scenery it's easy to just jump on a doormush (minibus) and it's only five minutes away. We went there a couple of times and I can definitely see why people describe it as the 'Turkish Blackpool' because that's exactly what it reminds me of. It has all of the lights and activity that Blackpool has - it even has a miniature fun fair!

There was a Turkish Night whilst we were staying there too, where they had a BBQ Grill type-thing outside - there was sooooo much yummy food, I was completely and utterly stuffed! They had a belly dancer too after all of the food, who was not only an amazing dancer but she was hilarious too! She got loads of the people staying at the hotel up to dance with her and it's safe to say that a lot of them had the dancing abilities of an awkward giraffe!

It was a fantastic little get away for my mama and I and I'd recommend it to anyone, especially if you like to just sunbathe by the cleanest pool you've ever seen and relax for the duration. It's perfect.

We only arrived back two days before the wedding so there wasn't much time to do anything else, although I did manage to squeeze in an afternoon with Daisy, which was just super cute, as always!

Then it was the wedding my whole family had been waiting for! 

My big brother finally tied the knot! It was something that, although him and his partner had been together for over ten years, we never actually thought would happen. I always remember when I was little and I'd play with my dress up dolls and read books about Cinderella getting married to her Prince Charming, my brother would tell me he didn't see the point in marriage, it was just a posh piece of paper after all. None of us ever thought someone would manage to change his stubborn mind but they did and I couldn't be happier for them! 

It was a truly wonderful and stunning day and the weather managed to stay amazing for the whole day, too! I would say welcome to the family to his new wife but she's always really been part of the family to me, so there's not much point!

And that's everything. That has been my life up to now... Aside from the part where I left my kindle in Starbucks on Friday - that wasn't fun. I'm pretty sure my heart still hasn't returned to the correct rhythm after that wee heart attack. Don't worry, my kindle and I have been reunited and we've been spending a lot of time together in our attempt to put the mistake behind us and continue with our relationship...

Katie x