Tune Tuesday: Hidden Gems

 

 

Hey guys!

 

 

I don't know about you, but sometimes I get bored of hearing the same songs played over and over again on the radio. Fortunately, Spotify and YouTube enable me to discover artists and songs I wouldn't listen to otherwise. In this post, I will share some of my favourite songs that you might not have heard of.

 

 

1. Make Me A Robot - Tessa Violet

 

 

Tessa Violet, a.k.a. Meekakitty, is a YouTube singer from Ashland, Oregon. She started posting videos on YouTube back in 2007 and has shifted from comedy songs (such as Wizard Love) to vlogs to original songs about love and anxiety. Her song 'Make Me A Robot' was released in 2014 and features on her album 'Maybe Trapped Mostly Troubled'. Although it was released two years ago, I first heard this song during Tessa's live performance at Summer in the City this year. When I got home, I instantly found it on Spotify an added it to my saved songs. It's such a beautiful song and Tessa has a really unique voice.

 

 

2. Survive - Madilyn Bailey

 

 

Madilyn Bailey is another YouTube singer from the US. She released her EP 'Wiser' a month ago and it features some lovely tunes, one of which is called 'Survive'. Madilyn Bailey is super talented and this song just proves it. Her voice is so powerful.

 

 

3. Technically Single - Tayler Buono

 

 

Tayler Buono also uploads covers of popular songs on YouTube. Her single 'Technically Single' was released last month. I love this song - it's so catchy.

 

 

4. Lie A Little Better - Lucy Hale

 

 

You may be familiar with Lucy Hale from Pretty Little Liars (she plays Aria), but did you know that she is also a singer? Lucy's debut album 'Road Between' was released in 2014 and it features a range of country songs. 'Lie A Little Better' is one of my most favourite songs on this album. It's upbeat and enjoyable to listen to. I don't tend to listen to country music, but I do like Lucy Hale's songs.

 

 

 

What are some lesser-known songs that you would recommend? Leave your suggestions in the comments :)

 

 

Hasta luego!

 

 

Serena

 

 

August Netflix Recommendations



Hey guys!

It is no secret that I love Netflix. As a student (or rather, ex-student) I spend a lot of time on Netflix. In my last year of uni I used Netflix more often than usual since I was doing my dissertation on the portrayal of women in films and it took a while to decide the final films I would analyse.

Anyway, this post will feature five of the best films and TV shows I have watched on Netflix recently. If you're ever in the need of a Netflix binge session, I'm sure these suggestions will come in handy!

 

1. Innocence

Splash Magazines

Innocence is a film about a girl (Beckett) who realises that there is something strange going on at her new school. Beckett has just lost her mother in a surfing accident and moves to Manhattan with her father. When she starts school, Beckett experiences hallucinations and begins to grow suspicious of her teachers. I initially put off watching this film because I thought it would be scary - and I don't really like horror films. However, Innocence turned out to be creepy rather than scary. It's also quite weird. I'm hoping there is a sequel to Innocence as it ended on a rather annoying cliffhanger!

2. A Girl Like Her

A Girl Like Her Movie

A Girl Like Her focuses on Jessica, who has been bullied by Avery for a long time. She is given a wearable spy device by her best friend Brian to record everything that goes on between her and Avery. Jessica refuses to show the footage to anyone, but after she lands in hospital Brian gives the device to filmmaker Amy, and the truth about Avery is finally revealed.

 

 

A Girl Like Her deals with bullying and the effect it can have on both the victim and bully themselves. However, the film is unusual in that it focuses more on the bully and her motives behind tormenting another person. A Girl Like Her is a powerful mockumentary that will have you in tears by the end.

 

 

3. The Fundamentals of Caring
 

Indiewire

The Fundamentals of Caring is a great film to watch this summer. It follows Ben (Paul Rudd) who has just gone through a tough time and decides to get a job looking after Trevor (Craig Roberts), who has Muscle Dystrophy and is stuck in a wheelchair. Ben and Trevor embark on a roadtrip to tick off some of the things on Trevor's bucket list, including 'The World's Deepest Pit'. During their journey, Ben and Trevor are joined by Dot (Selena Gomez) and Peaches (Megan Ferguson), who is heavily pregnant. Although Trevor is very sarcastic, he soon becomes close friends with Ben and falls for Dot. The Fundamentals of Caring isn't the best film on Netflix, but Craig Roberts and Paul Rudd are excellent in their roles.

 

 

4. Jane the Virgin

EW

I love this show! I was hooked right from the start. I'll admit that when I first heard about Jane the Virgin I was a bit put off by the premise - it does seem unrealistic to get accidently artificially inseminated. Nevertheless, when I saw that it was on Netflix I thought I might as well watch it. I'm glad I did. Jane (Gina Rodriguez) is a highly likeable character, and her father (played by Jaime Camil) is hilarious. The storylines are so compelling - specially the romances and drug subplot. I was really surprised when I found out the true identity of Sin Rostro - it was not who I was expecting at all!

 

 

5. Gilmore Girls

Cinema Blend

Gilmore Girls has FINALLY been put on UK Netflix - and it's about time too! With only a couple of months to go before the revival season airs, Netflix really hasn't left much time to watch all seven previous seasons. Luckily, I have already managed to watch all of Season 1 and am currently half way through Season 2. I don't know how I'm going to get to Season 7 - or even Season 5 - before November, especially when I have an internship starting on Friday. Anyway, Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel have quickly become two of my favourite actresses. Melissa McCarthy is great too. If you haven't watched Gilmore Girls, I'd recommend you do. Now. I promise you won't regret it.

 

Honorable mentions: Full House, Fuller House, Gossip Girl, Once Upon a Time, Skins, Pretty Little Liars , Clueless, The Addams Family, Home Alone, Maleficent, Dreamgirls and The Fault in Our Stars.

 

 

So those are my Netflix recommendations! Have you got Netflix? What films and TV shows would you recommend? Have you watched any of the ones mentioned in this post?

 

 

Hasta luego! 

Serena

My Reverse Bucket List

Hey guys!

If you have been following my blog for a while, you might remember that I did a post on the Top Five Places I'd Love To Visit last year. A little update - no, I still haven't been to any of those places! I might possibly be able to go to Switzerland in the next year or so, we'll see...

Anyway, today I thought I'd do something a little bit different - a reverse bucket list. I got this idea after reading Annie's blog. To put it simply, a reverse bucket list is a good way to look back at all the great things you have done in your life so far. Many of us have big dreams about stuff we want to achieve in the future (I know I do), but what about things we've done already?

This post will divided into four sections: things I've done generally, places I've travelled to, things I've done in London, and things I've done in York.

GENERAL

1. Swim with dolphins

I got to do this in Portugal when I was 11! It was amazing - I love dolphins!

2. Meet someone famous

Carrie! (Taken by a friend at SitC)

I've actually met a few famous people, thanks to SitC. I won't be surprised if you haven't heard of any of them - unless you watch Youtube a lot! The YouTubers I've met are Dodie Clark, Bethan Leadley (twice!), Tessa Violet, Hannah Witton (twice!), Elyar Fox, Lancifer (my Italian friends knew him quite well so we ended up going to Nando's with him back in 2014!!), Louise Cole, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Lucy Moon, Emma Blackery, Raphael Gomes and Hazel Hayes. Ok, that is a lot more than I thought! I've also met Geri Halliwell, from the Spice Girls, just when I was walking down my local high street!

3. Complete school

4. Attend university

I studied Sociology at York for three years.

5. Graduate from university

I actually still can't believe it!

6. Ride a horse

I used to have horse riding lessons back in primary school, and I had a horse riding party years ago!

7. Go to a concert

Cuties! Mirror

I've actually gone to a few concerts - Busted (just before they split up!), Pink and Lady Antebellum. I've also seen several Youtubers perform at SitC and Katy B during Fresher's Week.

8. Learn to swim

I was pretty much swimming before I could walk!

9. Learn to ice skate

I did ice skating lessons for a few years before I fell ill in 2011. Unfortunately, I never got to the competing stage, and I am quite rusty now!

TRAVEL

1. Paris

Taken by me!

2. Disneyland

3. Nice

4. Monaco

I took this back in 2009!

5. Madrid

I stayed in a mountainous area outside Madrid when I did my Spanish exchange and we went into Madrid a few times. It's a beautiful city and I'd love to go back.

6. Grenada

I went on a day trip to Grenada with college when we were staying in Seville.

7. Malaga

Camp in Marbella, back in 2011! (Taken by a friend)

8. Seville

9. Barcelona

Barcelona is one of my favourite cities - I love the food and the fact that it was right by the sea!

10. Florence

11. Rome

Beautiful city, full of history!

12. Cyprus

Barrheadtravel

13. Greece

I went to Mark Warner in Greece when I was 14.

14. Amsterdam

Possibly going back in April for Vidcon.

15. Lake District

I went to the Lake District for a geography field trip, but I did explore the area quite a bit so it does count!

16. Liverpool

17. Dorset

Sooo many times! I tend to go to Lyme Regis, which is where my grandparents have a holiday home.

So pretty! (taken by me)

18. Wales

19. Cornwall

20. Isle of Wight

Twice, for school trips.

21. Bath

22. Bristol

 

LONDON

1. Visit Madame Tussaud's

I've been to Madame Tussaud's a few times actually. However, I haven't been within the last few years so I'll put in on the list of things to do when my European friends come to visit next year!

2. Go up the Shard

I was lucky enough to celebrate my 21st birthday in the Oblix restaurant in the Shard last year.

3. Visit Hamley's

The Guardian

For anyone who doesn't know, Hamley's is basically toys galore! It's the perfect place to take young children!

4. Shop in Oxford Street

As I mentioned in my What I Love About London post, Oxford Street is basically my second home! It's unbelievable how many times I've been there!

5. Have a picnic in Hyde Park

Hyde Park is my favourite park in London and I've been there countless times!

6. Browse the shops in Westfield

There are two Westfield shopping centres in London and they're both HUGE! It's so easy to get lost in them!

7. Ride the DLR

A driverless train :O

8. See a show in the West End

Wicked

I've actually seen several shows in the West End - my mother and grandparents are big fans of musicals, as am I. My favourites would have to be Wicked (I've watched it twice) and Matilda.

9. Visit Buckingham Palace

I went to Buckingham Palace a while ago when an exchange student from Spain came to stay with me for a week. And no, I did not meet the Queen! Though that would be pretty cool!

10. Go inside Shakespeare's Globe

11. Visit Camden Market

Haha! (taken by me)



Camden is great - but it does start to lose its appeal if you've been there as many times as I have!

12. See the animals in London Zoo

A must for when you visit London!

YORK 

 

1. Have afternoon tea in Betty's

These look scrumptious! Betty's

2. Climb Clifford's Tower

3. Go on a day trip to Leeds

I went to Leeds a few times while I was studying in York - twice with uni friends, for the Christmas market, and then once for a blogger event in December.

4. Visit Newcastle

Newcastle is a nice city; it's giant compared to York!

5. Spend a day in Harrogate

I went to the original Betty's in Harrogate.

6. Visit Scarborough

My grandparents took me to Scarborough a few months ago. Unfortunately, it was raining the whole time, so I didn't really get to see much of the town.

7. Sip cocktails in Evil Eye

Evil Eye is probably the best bar in York - and apparently it's Johnny Depp's fave!
 

8. Dance in Popworld

Popworld is a cheesy bar in the centre of town, with a revolving dancefloor!

9. Walk along the Walls

10. See the Millennium Bridge

Millennium Bridge

What's on your reverse bucket list?

Hasta luego!

Serena

Tune Tuesday: Summer Playlist 2016

Hey guys!

It's been soooo long since I last posted a Tune Tuesday post! But I've decided to FINALLY return to this feature and share my summer playlist! It's a bit late, considering it's almost the end of August, but oh well!

 

 

1. WILD - Troye Sivan and Alessia Cara

Troye Sivan is brilliant! I first discovered him at SitC two years ago when I heard Happy Little Pill.

2. Chasing Shadows - Matt DeFreitas

I heard Matt DeFreitas singing in the open mic room at SitC this year and I immediately went on Youtube to discover more of his covers! Chasing Shadows is an original song by Matt.

3. Heathens - Twenty One Pilots

I recently discovered Twenty One Pilots and I've had this song on repeat ever since!

4. Stressed Out - Twenty One Pilots

Another song I love by Twenty One Pilots (and the first song I heard by them!).

5. Ride - Twenty One Pilots

Can you see a theme running through this playlist?! Btw, you have to check out Alex Aiono's cover - it's amazing!

6. Bury It - CHVRCHES and Hayley Williams

I literally love anything with Hayley Williams, and since CHVRCHES is great too, this is one of my favourite songs I've been listening to this summer.

7. Don't Let Me Down - The Chainsmokers and Daya

So I'm not that keen on the dance element to this song, but it is just so catchy and it's the perfect summer tune! Daya is amazing! And she's only 17!!!!! (I mean, she does look really young but still...)

8. This Is What You Came For - Calvin Harris and Rihanna

Does anyone else think that this doesn't really sound like Rihanna? I was surprised when I found out she was the singer! This is another song I've had on repeat all summer. 

9. Treat You Better - Shawn Mendes

Love this song!

10. Back to Church - Alyson Stoner

So catchy! Remember her from Cheaper by the Dozen and Camp Rock?!

11. Snow White - Christina Grimmie

You might remember that Christina Grimmie sadly passed away at her concert a few months ago. I was just starting to discover more of her original songs at the time (I'd previously been listening to her covers). Snow White is probably my favourite song by Christina Grimmie. I also love Shrug, Cliché and Anybody's You.

12. Send My Love (To Your New Lover) - Sam Tsui, Madilyn Bailey, Alex G and Kurt Hugo Schneider

This song was originally by Adele, but I have to be honest, I'm not that keen on it. However, the cover done by Sam Tsui, Madilyn Bailey, Alex G and Kurt Hugo Schneider is just incredible!

13. Wiser - Madilyn Bailey

Madilyn Bailey is one of my favourite Youtubers and her song Wiser features on her debut original songs album.

14. Into You - Ariana Grande

Another catchy song!

What songs would be on your Summer playlist? Let me know in the comments!

Hasta luego!

Serena

What I Love About London

Hey guys!

I thought I'd share with you my favourite things about London, the city I have lived in for my whole life.

1. Camden

For some reason, I rarely went to Camden while I was a teenager (even though I live so close), but now I go nearly all the time! I love the stalls - they have so many nice things. Camden is also great for taking photos; you can find unusual people walking around the market.

2. The food 

 

I absolutely love macaroons! How pretty is this one?! (taken by me)
 

Taken by me



There is an abundance of places to eat in London. You can find food from all over the world within a half-hour walk (or less, depending on where you live). It's such a diverse city and there is food from Italy, Spain, Africa, America, China, and many more countries.

3. The parks

 

According to Buzzfeed, "London has more green space than any other major city on earth." Whilst I wouldn't know if this was accurate or not, it is true that London is such a green city. There are thousands of trees all over the city and plenty of grass. Growing up, I spent hours at the park. Hampstead Heath was literally around the corner from my house for ten years, while I played sports at Regents Park during secondary school and hung out with friends at Hyde Park during college.

4. Oxford Street

Taken by me!

I literally go to Oxford Street twice a week when I'm in London. It's like my second home! I can spend ages wandering round the shops, especially Selfridges. I always seem to end up in the Food Court (though I don't buy things every time. I promise). The shoe department is definitely worth a visit too!

5. Travel
 One thing I love about London is the fact that it's so easy to travel everywhere. You can literally turn up to an airport, book a flight, and be at your destination within 24 hours. The tube is great too - it makes getting around London so convenient. On the flipside, I'm not keen on the cost. And the crowds! It's particularly a nightmare during summer when everyone tries to cram onto the train at rush hour even though they can easily wait for the next train!

6. Art

 I love looking at art in London! There are so many exhibitions and galleries and they're constantly changing so you can always find something new to browse!

What are your favourite things about where you live? Let me know in the comments :)

Hasta luego!

Serena