Music Monthly: November
November 27, 2017
I'll be the first to admit that I tend to start a different series for my blog and then end up discarding them about three months later. Music Monthly, however is not one of those things and despite its lack of presence on the site last week (I was just incredibly busy with everything I had left me feeling as I had let myself down). It is, however, back and will be staying for as long as I am loving sharing my music with you guys.
The series is going to be structured slightly differently to how it is used to be; I am going to talk about new releases in a section, and then everything else I have revisited or I feel deserves a mention. Then, as always, I will have my Spotify playlist at the end. That way you guys are able to listen along as you read or easily find anything I mention, be sure to check out my other playlists too.
NEW RELEASES AND DISCOVERIES
Next up is Ricky Manning's single LA is Lonely, I had never heard any of his music but when watching Andrea Russett's snapchat story I came across this song and instantly had to google what the song was. Having just moved to another country on my own the lyrics seemed to seem a bit too relevant for my life, trying to do something to better yourself is often one of the loneliest tasks you can experience and this song captures it beautifully.
A friend of mine put Jaden Smith's new album on in the car the other day and mannnnnn was it good, I didn't see the reason for the hype behind it before but I do now. The track that I have been loving the most is definitely Ninety, it's such a chill song with laid back vibes and this is the exact kind of alternative R&B that I am all over at the moment. The lyrics are wonderful, the music is beautiful and the general production of it is flawless too.
Though originally by Tegan and Sara (who I don't know much about music wise) I discovered Hayley Williams' cover of Nineteen and fell in love with it. Hayley has such a distinctive voice and this haunting song is so beautiful when put with her voice.
OLDIES BUT GOLDIES
Halsey's freestyle Tokyo Narita is such a good song, the lyrics are so real and true as such everything else she has every released. If you know me, you're aware of my love for Ashley and the music she creates but to me this is just on a complete other level, it is so beautiful and haunting and generally well produced.
Though Taylor has released a new album this month - which might I add as a Swiftie is one of the most phenomenal blessings to this world since 1989 - I have been loving listening to Red. The one song in particular is The Moment I Knew, which I was reminded of after listening to Maisie Peters new track (as I had already mentioned) and it's just the most beautiful song in the world.
Lastly, it's November and in my eyes it is now socially acceptable to listen to all the Christmas music that you want. For this reason since I woke up on November 1st I have been listening to Christmas Lights by Coldplay which is easily one of the best Christmas songs ever to exist.
That concludes this months installment, I hope you've picked up some new tunes or just enjoyed reading about what I have been loving recently. If you have any music recommendations then I am always down to listen to new stuff so drop me a comment or a tweet and I will be sure to listen!
Shopping for the men in your life is easily one of the more stressful things of every holiday season. I'm not sure why this is but nothing you really seem to get is good enough and having four brothers leads to immense stress in this area for me. I thought I would spend a few hours scanning the internet for a heap of good ideas to take the stress away from me as well as easing any stress you guys may be having based on buying for men.
If you know anyone who loves gaming or just vintage arcade style things then this is so perfect. A portable version of an classic game that is such a novel gift that anyone would appreciate. Even I would love to receive something like this, and it doesn't even break the bank at £19 (though if you go to Urban Outfitters they are like £40). Not only do they sell Pac-Man but they have a heap of other classic video games like Space Invaders and that for sure makes this something to consider, and if you want to get it or see the other options then click here!
Know someone who loves cool socks? I sure do. These snazzy socks from Gap are such a good idea, especially for lazy Christmas days - however perhaps don't make it seem like too much of a cop out and get something else to go alongside them too. Grab these ones here or just head into any clothing stores and get some cool socks!
If you're gifting to a travel enthusiast then these beautiful travel guides are such a good gift idea, especially if you know they have a trip to the states booked as you can get them one specifically for that place. They're jam packed with plaes to eat, shop and other things to do that would perhaps be missed otherwise. Not only that but they make such cute coffee table books that it's a win-win really. Grab the traveller in your life one of these from here.
Again, a gift for the traveller (and perhaps the person who needs to redecorate their uni room). This world map is perfect as they are able to scratch off the places they visit as they go on their travels. It's such a pretty and cool idea, and for less than £15 it is so affordable too! Grab one here.
It's the season of parties and drinking, and we all know someone who takes full advantage of this so why not get them the gift of being able to grow their own craft beer? This unique and cool gift is something that nobody else will have got them and will almost definitely stand out among the piles of Lynx gift sets - also look at how cute that packaging is!!! Grab one here.
Know someone that loves photography but can't afford to get them that ever so expensive lens that they have their eye on for their DSLR? Grab them some cute keychain lenses for their smartphone, because let's face it even when we have a DSLR us millennials are always seeming to go back to phone photography every now and then. These are £25 and will for sure be appreciated, grab them here.
I think this may just have made it onto the list purely because I have a weakness for cute boys in caps, but this Nike hat is such a good gift if you know someone who is a Nike obsessive or a hat hoarder. I love the burgundy, however they do also do a black and white one so you're able to pick what will suit the person best. You can get this in store or online at Urban Outfitters.
Christmas Gift Guide Higher Budget (£20/£50)
November 22, 2017
It's me back again with yet another Christmas gift guide post in this mini series! Today I'm going to be doing my last female targeted one before I move over to gift suggestions for the men in your life, again obviously as with the other posts if you do feel something is fitted to a male in your life then go ahead and get it for them! This is just a guide after all.
Admittedly, this is rather pricey but it is real leather and such a beautiful piece that it is worth the pricetag of £38 in my opinion. You are able to completely personalise this purse/pouch with up to four letters as well as select which colour you think is best, though I love this nude pink one! If you know someone who is after a new purse or just want to give the gift of a new purse then I wholeheartedly recommend something like this, I have had one for about two years and love it so so much. Get this here.
In my last post I mentioned the idea of a star bracelet which could be personalised, this is another option which is just that bit pricer at £25 and therefore fitted into this section of the series instead! It is so elegant and pretty and honestly if someone got me something like this I would be sure to wear it all the time, you are able to pick from gold, white gold, and rose gold to help cater to any other jewellery that the person might already have which is so helpful. As someone who always wears their gold ring wearing silver jewellery is something I hardly ever do as to me it feels strange to mix the two up, yet this really helps to be able to pick! Grab one here.
Okay, yes I know when you were younger receiving clothes for Christmas was your biggest nightmare but honestly in this day and age us millennials are broke as fuck and love receiving new clothes no matter what (as long as we know we will wear them anyway). This cute as heck top is from Urban Outfitters and I love it so much, it could be paired with so many cute outfits and is such a simplistic item that there is nothing you can't wear it with to be honest. When I saw this in store I automatically thought of four people I know would love this and also fell in love with it myself so it definitely earned it's spot in this list. That being said, it is Urban Outfitters and it is quite pricey but £25 for a tee isn't the most you could spend and it can for sure get a lot of wear and use. Grab it here!
If you know a makeup lover that doesn't have this gem in their collection this holiday season is the perfect time to get them it! This palette is the most beautiful thing I have ever owned and I cannot sing its praises enough, the pigmentation and blendability is beyond anything I've ever had with any other palette. I have had it for almost a year and am only just starting to hit pan on shaes that I use basically every day. If you want to be in someone's good books this festive season then this is the way forward, grab it for £43 here.
This is something that isn't for everyone but if you know someone who adores Vogue then honestly this gift would be ideal. The Vogue Covers book is a look back on all of the covers that have graced the publication over the years, it is the most beautiful book and I for sure have someone in mind to get this for. If you know someone who loves fashion, editorial photography or anything like that then this is just the best gift you could give them. It is rather pricey at £45 though so buy here at your own discretion.
It's Christmas and you have a higher budget than usual? Get them some Calvins. Just do it. Get them here and search the whole site for some of the cutest ones possible.
Christmas Gift Guide for Females (£10/£20)
November 21, 2017
Yesterday I decided to share a heap of secret santa priced gifts that would be perfect to give this festive season with you all, today I thought I would continue this gift guide series with a few suggestions of gifts for friends or siblings that are a bit more expensive than £10 but still pretty affordable. This post is aimed towards females, however obviously there is no set gender on things so if you see something that you know someone you know would love then why not get it for them!
Having cute makeup storage is a must in my eyes and this brush holder is the cutest thing that I have seen in the longest time. I am guilty of using anything other than a brush holder to store mine (they're currently in a makeup bag as I forgot to pack one when I moved and I am looking to find a cute one to use) and so finding this was just perfect. The tub can hold a large amount of brushes and even has a cute makeup related quote on it, I promise you that every makeup lover would appreciate the hell out of this. You can get it for £15 here.
Know someone who is obsessed with bubble tea or just want to give a novel gift that they wouldn't get anywhere else? This make your own bubble tea set is perfect, the site explains that 'the kit includes everything you need to make your own tapioca balls, green tea, black tea, lots of fat straws and a handy instruction card. Everything is packaged in a cute gift box and would make an amazing birthday or christmas gift.' For £15 this is such a steal and anyone who loves bubble tea would appreciate the chance to make their very own version of it, grab yours here.
For the girl who loves anything minimalistic this beautiful bracelet is perfect! You are are to get the initial of your choice engraved into it making that little bit more personal and generally meaningful and there is no hidden cost for this part, the price stated is the set price. Available in rose gold and silver these bracelets are so pretty and affordable at £14. Grab one for a friend here, and perhaps even pick one up for yourself too and make them friendship bracelets!
To start with when I saw that this was a personalised dictionary mug I thought it meant that you could pick any definition and have it put onto the mug - however it got even cooler when I realised it was a definition of a person and you built it up yourself. This is such a wonderful, unique and personal gift that any lover of cute mugs and hot beverages would almost definitely love to receive, after all you can never have too many mugs. Make your own and build your own definition of someone you love for £14.50 here.
I'm known for always carrying a body spray or fragrance of some sort around with me, I have done for years and so when I came across this set of handbag friendly roll on perfume sticks I just had to put them in the guide! These are 100% cruelty free and not only that but you are able to select the perfect three to build your own personal set that really matches the personality and preferences of the person that you are buying them for. These cost £17 and they are such an ideal gift, build a set here.
There's nothing better than a pair of warm, cosy socks in the winter and these beautiful socks that come in either cashmere mohair yarn or are such a timeless gift. That being said, because of the materials that they are made from they are for sure some of the most pricey socks I have come across for £15! However, they're beautiful, come in a range of colours and have a personalised box so in honesty I would happily spend that amount provided I was certain the person on the receiving end would want them. Grab a pair of these beauties here.
Know someone who loves mugs as much as they love hot the beverage it holds, or perhaps they're just a mug hoarder? This cute mug would be the perfect cute gift for a friend, you could even fill it with some of their favourite sweets/hot chocolate sachets/whatever else is appropriate! Grab this lovely mug here for £12 to give the person a constant good morning reminder of how awesome they really are.
I mentioned them in my last post too but Lush's Christmas collection is way too good to forget about. Their gift sets are such a good way of giving someone a variety of different things that they perhaps wouldn't always want to try, or just to give them the gift of a bunch of things that they do love and use a lot. There are so so many on the site but the one that caught my eye was the deck the halls set for £19.75 which you can grab here. This one was fab to me as it has shower cream, a bath bomb and a bubble bar which is such a key combination of lush products!
Beautybay are slaying the Christmas game this year with their gift sets, this one is £20 and holds some of the coolest stuff! The Laura Geller highlighter that it features is also one of my go-to products and to be able to get it with all of this other cool stuff is such a bargain (considering it is about £17 on its own). They are also doing a wide range of other ones too but this one is by far the best in my eyes, although that is probably because of the glitter and highlighter!!!! Go grab it while you can, link is here.
Secret Santa Gift Guide (£10 And Under)
November 20, 2017
It's finally the best time of the year, Christmas lights are filling the streets; people are starting to buy gifts for their loved ones; it's slowly becoming more and more acceptable to listen to Christmas music; and it is well and truly sweater weather.
Usually I am the kind of person who is utterly useless when it comes to Christmas shopping, however this year I made it my mission to be much more prepared than usual. After spending what seemed like hours on end scanning countless websites and shops for gift ideas I have complied quite a lengthy list of gift ideas for this seasonal period.
Over the next few days I'm going to be putting them into a mini-series of blog posts to help make your Christmas shopping that little bit easier! This post is about gifts that are mainly aimed towards females and are all £10 or under, that I believe would work well as a secret santa gift, little stocking fillers or even as a mini hamper with a few things compiled together.
For any girl who loves cute things this mini button mirror is an absolute winner. You can find so so many of them in various places but I loved how cute and simple this one was. It is priced at £4 and you can get it at notonthehighstreet.com or simply by clicking on this link here! The site has a wide range of button mirrors and all of them are incredibly cute and incredibly affordable. This could be a lovely little present on its own or could be paired with a little lip balm/gloss as a combination present that is both affordable and thoughtful.
Perfect for using in your handbag as a way of storing everything you usually reach for without having to rummage this holographic pouch retails at £10. It looks like something that Urban Outfitters would sell for at least £20 and they are some of the most useful things to have. Coming in a range of colours means that you are able to pick the one that best suits the person you are buying for, and with them being so affordable why not pick one up for yourself too while you're at it? If you have a higher budget than the £10 one mentioned in this post, perhaps even think about filling it with some of the other items I suggest as a pick and mix kind of gift. You can get the pouches from here!
Know someone who loves sleep or just collecting pins to put on their denim jackets/clothing/bags? This pin is perfect for them and though it is quite pricey at £6 for how small it is, the detail of it makes up for it completely in my eyes anyway
Who doesn't need a reminder how much of a boss lady they are every now and then? This coaster is so so cute and such a lovely gift to give someone, you can even get a little message engraved into the bottom of it too which I think is such a lovely little touch. For £8.99 this is certainly on the higher end of gifts for this section, however as a gift for a mum while on a budget (or even just a boss ass friend) this would be so lovely as it looks to be something that would for sure cost more than £8.99! You can grab it here.
For the lover of prosecco (or any other beverage to be honest) there is a lip balm that exists. The sweet smelling lip balm has the cutest packaging and would work perfectly as a little Christmas gift! You can grab this for £6.95 here, making this novelty gift super affordable.
If you know someone who likes a different kind of beverage, such as gin and tonic or pina coladas then there are a wide range of different items too, including bath bombs and candles at varying prices!
Lord knows, I'm the worst for buying things that have pretty packaging but these bath salts are so so cute and so affordable too! They look so high end and cost under £4 which is such a great price in my opinion. The company does a range of different scents but I love anything floral which is why I've picked out this one! If you want to have a look at the other options then just click here and if you want this one then click here.
If you're on a mega budget or just wanted something else to add to the gift you have already got someone and know they love stationary (though let's be real, who doesn't love stationary?) then these little paperclips are perfect. They're cheapest thing on this list by far at £2.95 they come in all letters of the alphabet and are a perfect little gift, click here to grab yourself or someone else some!
As always, Lush are killing it with their Christmas gift range and the Golden Wonder bath bomb is back yet again in all it's glory. This is my favourite of all of their festive things, probably because of the fact it's a glittery bath bomb which leaves your bath as golden and shimmering as every bath ever should be (which is very). Bath bombs are great gifts as long as you know the person actually likes them, have a look at the whole of the Lush range as it's full of gems like this one, and click here to go straight to this one for £4.50 or just as a shortcut to the Lush site.
Know someone who loves having cute things in their room/house? This peg board is perfect for them (and also soooo instagram worthy which is a plus in my books). You could give as a gift with a phrase/quote/message on it already or leave it for them to do themselves. As Urban Outfitters and other places seem to sell these for rather high prices finding this online at Superdrug for £8 was such a steal and I thought I would share it with you guys, click here to pick one up.
Urban Outfitters are the absolute best for kitschy notebooks and stationary and while they do have quite a lot of overpriced stuff I love some of the notebooks that they have at the moment! They are selling at £10 each and while this is just one example of them they are also selling Harry Styles, Taylor Swift and Beyonce ones too - making them the perfect gift for any music lover. Click here to pick up this one or have a look on the site/in store for even more cool items!
Right, okay I lied when I said the paperclips were the cheapest thing. There's these face masks too, for £1.50 you can begin to make a perfect beauty hamper. Put in a Lush bath bomb and a couple of these alongside the prosecco bath bomb and bish bash bosh there you have a well thought out and pretty gift! Grab yourself and a friend some of these masks here.
And that concludes my first post in this mini-series of gift guides for Christmas, check back tomorrow for another post filled with even more gift ideas!
Dodie Clark - Koko Photos
November 18, 2017
Last month I was incredibly lucky and was accepted to be one of Dodie's photographers for the London show, a lot of people seemed to really like the snaps I got and I thought it would make a nice post to compile a few of them and put them into a blog post.
Alternatives to Zoella's Advent Calendar
November 12, 2017
This past week my Twitter feed has been filled with tweets about how controversial it is for Zoella to market her advent calendar at £50, to many people it seems that as soon as she puts the name of her brand on anything ever she can charge extortionate prices for it. There is no denying how fundamental the Zoella brand has been within the beauty community online over the past few years, she is one of the biggest names out there these days but her following also mainly consists of younger people which is something that seems to be forgotten within her marketing (especially for this product). This calendar costs £50 and has twelve doors, lets think about that for a second a do a bit of maths to work out that it means each door should be worth about £4 on average and if it was then the price of this calendar wouldn't be as much of an issue. However quite clearly cookie cutters and confetti are worth a lot less than £4, as are many of the other things that this calendar holds.
For the people who are struggling to afford the calendar this post is for you, I'm going to share with you a few of my favourite beauty and lifestyle advent calendars that are either cheaper or so much more worth the money that is being asked for them. One thing worth mentioning is that each of these do tend to have 12 doors instead of the usual 24 doors on a chocolate calendar.
BENEFIT SAN FRAN WINTER WONDERGLAM - 2017 (£34.50)
First up is my absolute favourite beauty calendar to exist, the Benefit calendar never fails to disappoint. Filled with so many lovely, travel friendly sized goodies this calendar has definitely been at its highest standard this year, I mean just look at how many cool things there are in there. This is retailed at a hugely reasonable £34.50 and with a value of over £70 this is such a steal, it is also such a perfect way to try out fin new products and generally look forward to advent in a new way. Though it is sold out online they do often do restocks and also sell in selected retail stores so it is worth looking out for!
TANYA BURR 12 SWEET DAYS BEAUTY CALENDAR (£20)
Zoe's fellow YouTube prodigy also has a wonderful advent calendar which is stocked by Superdrug and Feelunique, this usually retails at £30 but is currently on offer at Superdrug for £20! That is literally £30 cheaper than Zoe's one and I personally feel much more worthwhile to have too. This is filled with various beauty treats including, but not limited to, glitter eyeliners, nail files, and nail polishes. I personally love Tanya's cosmetic line and feel as though everything about this advent calendar is perfect for those that love YouTube or just want a different kind of calendar for a change.
MAKEUP REVOLUTION ADVENT CALENDAR (£30)
FORTNUM & MASON CHRISTMAS TEA LOVERS CALENDAR (£25)
Differently to the other calendars that either have 12 or 25 doors this one has 24, leading all the way up to the day before you are bombarded with gifts from your loved ones. I adore this concept for the calendar and think that it is so so pretty in general as well, if you're a tea lover and want to perhaps begin to try different types then this is perfect for you, for £25 this is a winner in my eyes.
SOAP AND GLORY IT'S A CALENDAR, GIRLS! (£40)
Go grab some of these beauties while you can and remember that there are so many other calendars out there, these are just the ones that I discovered while doing a little bit of research!
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