Monthy Round Up | July

Oh shoot me, there's another picture of a glitter ball. I know, you don't have to tell me again - I need to take pictures of more things. Yadayadaya. But on a more topical topic, hasn't July been an eternity?

Most recently it was my birthday, and if you couldn't tell from the blogpost, it was a super fun, festival themed affair. True to 18th birthday form I was well and truly spoilt by my family and lovely friends - complete with no holds barred playlist (made with the help of Becky) which included the likes of Snoop Dogg, Wham! and The Arctic Monkeys - I know what you're thinking and no, Wham! wasn't a dare. And to no surprise the glitter ball has remained a permanent garden feature. YAY!

Rewind to the beginning of the month I packed the cider and onesie (the 2 things this girl really needs in life) and headed off to the gorgeous county of Herefordshire with a whole bunch of friends for a alcohol fuelled week of bliss - complete with swimming pool and sunshine. With a lack of wifi and TV and phone signal, the feeling of being isolated was so calming, and a nice change from the usual stream of consciousness that is twitter. I think drinking games and/or card games are now a solid skill on my CV - my mum is so proud.

One night at home, then I strapped on my Doc Martens for 24 hours of camping, solid awakeness and activities at Gilwell 24 with two other lovely girls. Ok, so I cheated and lasted until 3 in the morning, but I learnt my lesson last year - I'm the angriest, most vile human being when I haven't slept. Urgh. But I had a crack at white water rafting at Lee Valley. For the adrenaline junkie in me it was amazing, soaking and tiring, but amazing.

Also, I should probably mention the belly flop that was 'Music Month'. Due to the for mentioned lack of internet in Hereford, its was extremely difficult to upload that week... and then I kinda dropped it. However, blogging every day was fun. Just spending time writing constructively and sharing experiences was a good change and has helped me be a tiny be more creative. So, every cloud eh?!

BIRTHDAY!!

It's safe to say I take my birthday VERY seriously, It's no holds barred affair. This year was a bit of a milestone: my 18th. However this hasn't stopped me in the past from going all out despite the 'non-milestoniness' of my age...

My second birthday was a cat party. Yes, you heard right, A CAT PARTY. I not sure whether it was my idea or my mum's, but regardless, it was the best. My dad dressed up as a mouse, huge ears and all, and petrified my friend Caitlin - of whom still has a problem looking my dad in the face because he gave her nightmares for 3 weeks.

I've had Pirate parties - of which palm trees and pirate ships were made from wood and placed around my garden. I've had knights and princess parties, and not to mention a couple of fairy parties (glitter included), and bowling parties. This year, obviously, I had to do a theme: festival.

Discoballs, gold body paint, glitter, floral head bands and of course tequila. And for the last 3 days I've been cake for every meal. NUTRIENTS!

Birthday cupcakes, made by Mum.

I don't understand why the British Government haven't made the 25th of July a national holiday, or international even (I'm looking at you, U.N - Make it happen).

Also, here's the goofiest face I've ever pulled.
It must be a birthday thing. 

Justin Timberlake | My First Gig | MM DAY 7

I think my first gig aged 11 was more for my mum's benefit rather than my own. At the time, I was listening to Green Day and Nelly Furtado (a mixture of influences from my way cooler than me cousins and my primary school best friend, Lydia), evidently not Justin Timberlake.

I was given the tickets for my birthday, and felt super accomplished telling all my new school friends in year 7  that I was going to see 'Justin!!!!' *cue hysterical screaming and jealously* - both of which I didn't really understand.

Anywho, my mum, her friend (at my birthday?! I know, I'm still confused now) and I settled into our seats in the Gods at the O2 awaited Justin.

I don't remember a whole lot from the concert, but vividly, burnt into my memory forever is my mum screaming Justin's name whilst I was trying to video the concert on a shitty little Nokia camera phone in order to prove to my new friends that I was kinda cool. I failed.

This concert is possibly the only cool thing I've ever done in the last 17 years of my life. Ever since, I've been pretty much in love with Timberlake - who isn't?!

Have a lovely Sunday,
Josie xo

Do I Wanna Know? | SOTD | MM DAY 6

What is Music Month?! Read THIS to be in the loop.

In the space of 40 minutes on Thursday, I transformed from a messy 17 year old who, for all intents and purposes was going to stay in bed for most of the day (because you know, it's hot and that) into the best sister my brother could have asked for.

For those living outside of my mundane twitter feed (which you can feel free to laugh at here) you may or may not know the trials and tribulations that I endured yesterday morning whilst trying to obtain 2 Arctic Monkeys tickets, which obviously, I needed.

40 solid minutes of refreshing pages, tweeting my equally stressed friends, repeatedly typing in the 'robot proof' codes, ringing my mum and almost crying when finally : Josie, you're going to The Arctic Monkeys, standing! THANK YOU LORD.

Bring on October, when I can bounce around Earls Court like a lunatic with my brother. It's in the genes.

Song of the day is Do I Wanna Know? by The Arctic Monkeys.

Have a lovely day, 

Josie xo

Because Of The Times | Album | MM DAY 5

What is Music Month?! Read THIS to be in the loop.

My favourite album of all time is undoubtedly, Kings of Leon - Because Of The Times.

3 reasons why, I hear you ask? 

1. Charmer 

2. On Call

3. Ragoo

Have a lovely day,

Josie xo

Oh La La! French Toast Breakfast

Picture this; 9am, sunshine and waking up to a sea of white duvet. Glorious. It can only be topped off by a delicious breakfast of French toast - which by the way is totally my favourite thing before 11am and makes me feel far more accomplished despite my Hagrid hair and band t-shirt pjs.

To make the Batter (per 2 slices of bread) :
- 1 egg
- A drop or two of Vanilla Essence/Flavouring
- 2 tbsp of milk

Thoroughly mix all of the ingredients into a bowl and dip the bread, a slice at a time, into it until it is covered entirely.
Grease a frying pan with a bit of butter and set it on a medium/high heat.
Fry the soaked bread until it's golden brown on both sides.
Serve immediately with berries (mine are frozen) and a dusting of icing sugar.

Hope you enjoy,
Josie xo

Black Skinhead | SOTD | MM DAY 4

What is Music Month?! Read THIS to be in the loop.

As per usual, I'm two weeks late on this hype. It's a curse. Regardless, I've finally got round to listening to Kanye West's new album, Yeezus. I'm not a die hard fan of Mr West, but the obnoxious music he makes puts me in a very very good mood - circa every time Gold Digger comes on anywhere, that's my time to shine. 

Black Skinhead, the first single of the album, is right up my street; in fact, it's so my my street it's permanently residing on my iPod as a neighbour. An angry, gnarly, neighbour. This is like listening to Stomp! and leather - I know it's an odd description but it makes me want to goth-up, stomp about and destroy shit. Kanye, you have done a top job with this one. 

Have a lovely day, 

Josie xo 

The MOM Jeans

Jeans: Topshop

Top: Primark

Shoes: New Look 

Necklace: Dorothy Perkins

Nails: Barry M Gelly Nail Effects in Papaya

I don't remember the last time I wore jeans, or owned a pair. Me and jeans aren't really friends, me and Cigarette trousers however, BBFs. Anywho, finally I've found a pair that actually fit me; I've got odd legs - ankles like and anorexic, thighs like an elephant. WOO! THANK YOU TOPSHOP!

Mom jeans: slightly skinny legged, super high waisted and turned up at the ankle (which'll make my legs look a bit longer). I think these were sent from heaven specifically for me, we are feeling good. Very good.

Have a lovely day,
Josie xo

Blogging Soundtrack: Kanye West- Black Skinhead

The Strypes | MM DAY 3

What is Music Month?! Read THIS to be in the loop.

Photos courtesy of the lovely Becki Pearson

With the average age of about 16, already these boys behold more talent and coolness than I ever will in my entire life time. GAH! I'm jealous and I'm not even going to try an hide it any more. 

So, after spotting them on Later... With Jools Holland a couple of months ago, my family have been obsessed on the verge of fan-girling upon their every appearance. It was only right that we went to go and see them in the flesh to properly bounce around in public instead of our front room. 

*Cue gig at O2 Academy Islington*

My Brother, his mate Felix, the lovely Becki, and I tottered off the tiny venue for the under 18s show, and true to form, the band were amazing. Granted, I was more or less the only one who was comfortable enough to just loose my shit ( and necklace - due to excessive bouncing) to every song, it was a great concert. I would go as far as wicked. 

If you haven't heard of this Irish lot, I guarantee you soon will. They've got the backing and management of some serious music industry legends, and not to mention they were all over Glastonbury this year *swoon*. 

Have a lovely day,
Josie xo

Train In Vain | MM DAY 2

What is Music Month?! Read THIS to be in the loop.

This song has been whirling around my head ALL WEEK. A hidden track from their 1979 album, London Calling, it's The Clash's Train in Vain. It's perfect; it's even got harmonicas - something of which I've recently become an obscure fan of (what has happened to me?!) and it makes me want to dance like my dad - you know, the kind that only shows it's true colours at weddings and involves all the hands and feet and bouncing around all at the same time. 

 I work in a charity shop and it's a kind of  an obligation to be  friendly and some what approachable to humans (something I occasionally lack), I play this song on repeat on my walk to work and I have to hold back on the skipping and smiling at strangers, it puts me in that great of a mood. I know I'm odd, but it's difficult trying to convince others that you're not when you're grinning ear to ear like a fruit cake. 

Regardless of my weird habits, have a listen, tell me what you think of it; maybe you hate harmonicas, and the oddly miserable lyrics. and be sure to let me know what your song of the day is!

Have a lovely day,

Josie xo

Welcome to Music Month! DAY 1

Sue me, I've been inspired. 3 days of watching Glastonbury on the telly box on the comfort of my settee  has reminded me how much I really love just listening to music, and need to expand on my musical, hypothetical, horizons.

So, starting today on this blog there will be 31 days of music related posts in conjunction with, you know, the usual ramblings that I post. You'll be seeing my song of the day (SOTD), gig memories, playlists, guilty pleasures and plenty plenty more. AH I'M EXCITED! I'm also trying my best to persuade my brother to film a video for me too; he's an amazing guitar player and I like to show off his talent despite my lack of.

If you want to keep my with the posts, I'm on Bloglovin' which you can follow by clicking here or the picture of the arty naked lady on the right. I'm also on twitter  and will be posting a couple of links on there too! Keep you're eyes peeled!

Have a lovely day,
Josie xo