I got that Friday Feeling

Hello Bloggers

Let's face it I am pants at keeping to my blog schedule. I feel bad that I haven't written in a few weeks. 

Mood: Bored. To be honest this is mostly down to the weather. I have been carting my tartan blanket around wherever I go. 

I do have a lot to tell you!

Whilst I've been AWOL I have been spending a few weeks in Kent with my grandparents. My University course required me to go on a placement that involved children learning in an Alternative Environment. I chose to spend two weeks at Kent Life in Maidstone. It was so much fun and I can really say I learnt a lot (let's just say my 2000 word reflective journal was more like 7,500)! 

I spent time with farm animals (we all know how fond I am of pigs). 

Yes, yes they are most cute!

Sadly, I am back in Halifax and I've returned back to University. It was so nice to get away for a while and experience somewhere new. Unfortunately I've just seen all my assignments that are due in soon. I am most certainly beginning to panic. 

Today I have tried to start my 2,000 word essay for Alternative Placement but 259 words in and I've hit the wall. Weirdly I could write blogs all day. 

Hope you're all well I'll be posting a review of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1. Next Friday I shall be posting a 'Friday Favourites' of what I have recently bought. Let's face it I rarely shop, however whilst down in Kent I went to Stratford shopping at the Westfield Centre as well as Westwood Cross in Kent, so lots to show you all!! 

"The rest is still unwritten"

Megan 

1989 Era is here

Hello Bloggers!

Taylor Swift's album came out today and yes thanks to my bestie Megan I know have a copy. This was without a doubt going to be my focus for today's Music Monday!

The look

Firstly can we please just focus on how good the album looks?! I adore the polaroids that come inside the Deluxe Version. Megan and I agreed that this album felt a lot more personal. Even Taylor herself refers to this in the foreword:

“These songs were once about my life. They are now about yours”.

It may sound silly but even just handwritten parts on the polaroids make it feel more personal. The polaroids capture Taylor in different moments and you feel drawn in to be part of that with her. This makes the album and for us as fans it feels like we are part of her history. This is now her 5^th album and loyal ‘swifties’ have been here supporting her through it. For us this is a milestone marking a memorable moment being referred to as the ‘1989 era’.

The sound

This is Taylor’s full pop album and I wasn’t a fan at first. I loved Taylor for her cute country songs about boys and growing up, however after listening to 1989 I have changed my opinion. I love the 80s vibe. I’ve always been a fan of 80s music I’ve grown up with it as my mum always had 80s music playing in the car. For Taylor to bring out this album it feels vintage and completely different to all the other pop songs in the chart currently. When looking at all her albums you can definitely see how she’s grown as an artist and as a person. There aren’t as many collaborations with vocals in terms of collaborators, for example Imogen Heap, getting solo parts. In a way I think this adds to this album being personal especially as it is about Taylor’s life. With the writing she has collaborated with so many artists I love specifically Ryan Tedder (how gorgeous though?!) he has had so much success as a singer and a songwriter. I think Taylor made such a good choice getting him on board with the album.

The songs

I can't say I have favourites at the minute, as I've only listened to the album once so far (assignments are due in this week guys so I'm up to my eyeballs in work). In time though favourites will stand out to me. If I have to choose some from the first play I would choose; Blank Space, Out of the Woods, Shake it Off, Bad Blood and How You Get The Girl, Style. 

My firm favourites are Blank Space and Style so far. 

Response

This album seems to be getting positive raving reviews and it’s hardly surprising. She’s gone from being a cute country star to a pop princess and I am still a big fan. The album was worth every penny and I would recommend everyone to buy it if you’re into 80s pop.

I would urge that the Deluxe physical copy is worth a buy. It may seem like a lot of money, however when you see the polaroids and the lyric booklet you will agree that it is worth the extra money!

The Deluxe album gives 13 tracks, 3 bonus tracks, 3 songwriting voice memos, polaroids encased in a cute box with a lyric booklet. The best way to describe the look is definitely something you would see in Urban Outfitters! 

Hope you enjoyed this review guys! If you buy the album let me know what you think! 

@Megsiemaysmiles 

"The rest is still unwritten"

Megan 

Ramble Thursdays: Starting University

Happy Thursday Readers!

It's late September now and most Universities will be starting again. Freshers will start and no doubt the first week back will be a blur for most! Nonetheless there will be nerves for starting your new courses. I'll admit University is a big step and becoming independent whilst trying to get to grips with your new course can seem daunting. I felt exactly the same last year, however I'm moving into my second year now and I've survived!

When starting any new course at University there is a chunk of reading to do. I know a lot of students who regretted this and didn't get the mark they wanted at the end of first year. I may be alone in thinking this, but personally if I was paying £8000/£9000 a year then I would want to do everything I could to make sure that that money wasn't wasted. I'm aiming for a first at the end of my three years so during my second year I'm really going to put more effort in! 

My downfall last year was getting on top of assignments. I was silly in that I didn't plan when I was going to do them, or start them early. This year I plan to change this and start planning as soon as I get them. This way I will have more time to edit and change my essay/project prior to the hand in date. Also I will be worrying less so if I've finished an assignment I can hand it in and then have more time to go out and do the things I enjoy!

Reading recommended books your lecturers suggest is really worth it. Although, one thing you should do is reference the book when you've read it. That way if you get given an assignment and you've already read the book you don't have to worry about reading it again, because you will have made notes and referenced. This will make it less stressful and will help when writing your essay!

I started back on Monday and I'm sure I will have lots to tell you when I write next Thursday! I'm really looking forward to seeing my friends again and getting back into a routine. I've been sleeping in far too late and going to bed at silly hours! Going back to Uni will definitely mean my sleeping pattern has to change drastically! Mum and Dad are away for 2 weeks so I am planning to use my Thursdays off to get back into my baking. I have big plans! 

Yes, I'm aware I don't sound like your typical student. This is mainly down to the fact that I've moved back home as renting in Leeds became too expensive when I don't live miles away. I can drive in everyday and save money to use on better things! It also means that I'm not worrying about food shopping which is a god send when I start back at placement. 

Overall, I can't wait for second year to start. It means I'm closer to graduating and I can't wait to be a fully qualified teacher in charge of my own class. I'm more than excited to get my own house and start being more of an adult. 

I hope your week is going well! One more sleep and then FRIDAY! I'll be off to the Student Lock-In tonight at Meadowhall like last year. Next week's blog will be all about that. Hopefully I'll have some goodies to show you all! 

"The rest is still unwritten" 

Megan

Music Monday 2: Car playlist

I've gone through my 'starred' playlist on Spotify and I thought I would write down a few of songs that is on my playlist (don't think you'd appreciate me writing a huge list containing over 900 songs).

My Top Picks From My Spotify Playlist

1. All The Luck In The World/ Never
2. Alt-J/ Tessallate
3. Alt-J/ Breezeblocks
4. American Authors/ Hit it
5. Atlas Genius/ Symptoms
6. Ben Howard/ Keep Your Head Up
7. Ben Howard/ Old Pine
8. Bombay Bicycle Club/ Carry Me
9. Bombay Bicyle Club/ Feel
10. Bombay Bicyle Club/ Eyes Of You
11. Bombay Bicycle Club/ Luna
12. Boyce Avenue/ Lights
13. Calvin Harris feat John Newman/ Blame
14. Catfish and the Bottlemen/ Fallout
15. Charli XCX/ Superlove
16. Chic/ Everybody Dance
17. Chris Brown/ Fine China
18. Chromeo/ Jealous (I ain't with it)
19. Chromeo/ Come alive
20. Crystal Fighters- Love Alight

I'm going to do 20 songs for now and see how that goes. I will post more next week!

"The rest is still unwritten"

Megan 

Ramble Thursday: 20 Facts About Me

So I've looked through my old posts from when I first started writing my blog and for my first Ramble Thursday I thought it might be good to finally introduce myself...properly! So here we go 20 random facts about little old me...

I'm the greatest dancer

1. I'm 19.

Being 20 next year is a bit scary...maybe it's time to start growing up haha-not going to happen! I was born on April 21st 1995. I wasn't actually going to be called Megan I was going to be Eleanor May. Instead I'm Megan May.

2. I love going to see musicals and visit theatres in general.
Hairspray, Les Mis, Sister Act, Grease, Sound of Music.

3. My favourite colour is green.

I don't know why this is my favourite colour but it is. I prefer lime/light greens over darker greens. 

Bobby and I

4. I adore dogs.

My dog is my favourite thing ever. He is adorable. Bobby is my best friend and I look forward to our cuddles and kisses in bed on morning. I don't mind being woken up early if it's by him! 

5. I really want a ginger pig called Wotsit. 

Yes I've asked for a pet pig for my birthday and Christmas for the last 3 years and my mum refuses to give into the idea. Personally I believe owning a pig will be cute. 

6. My favourite season is Winter.

Cold, cold, cold! I can't wait to crack out the knitwear and cosy jumpers. Curling up on the sofa with Bobby and put the fire on. Fluffy socks and boots. Yes ok I have an obsession with Winter.

7. I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

By far my favourite holiday! The food, presents, the shops, the mood, TV and movies. Everything about Christmas I am CRAZY about. I'm already counting down the days to Christmas and don't blame me if I'm far too excited already! 

8. I am a girl gamer.

I play COD more than I should but I've already discussed this...it's bad and I'm addicted.

9. I go to Leeds Trinity University.

So glad I got into Uni. It's the best decision I have made in my life so far and I would tell everyone to go to Uni if they got the chance!

10. I'm Training to be a Teacher.

I've always wanted to work with children and a teacher seemed the best fit for me.

11. I like singing and playing guitar in my room. 

Can't say I have much confidence with my singing and I've only recently got into playing guitar so I can't say I'm a master. With a bit more practice maybe I'll feel more comfortable performing in public.

12. I live on a mini farm (we love animals).

I have horses, dogs and some cats. We used to have chickens but unfortunately they disappeared...bye bye chickies. 

13. I like going to gigs. 

I've seen so many people live now and I feel so lucky to have seen them especially before they became big and expensive. Some of my best memories are from gigs but the worst feeling has to be post-gig depression.

14. I love Indie/Alternative music.

Hozier, Kodaline, We Were Evergreen, Rhodes, Two Door Cinema Club, Foster The People, Noah And The Whale, Years and Years, Dan Croll, Coasts, Orla Gartland, King Charles, Bastille, the list goes on and on... 

15. I drive...

Driving to Uni, road trips, music loud. 

16. Due to being able to drive I have a Nissan Micra and he's called Derek. 

My friend gave me a magnetic moustache to put on my car so he looks all cute. 

17. I only have my ears pierced.

I'm not a big fan of piercings and tattoos so I definitely think I would stick with just having my ears pierced.

18. I was inspired to write a blog.

I decided to write a blog because I watch Youtubers and felt inspired by Zoella and Sprinkle of Glitter.

19. I love pigs and piglet.

It's an obsession and I'm addicted. I don't care though they are the cutest!

20. I am obsessed with Disney.

Movies, songs, everything. One day I will get to Disneyland, but it will probably be when I have children of my own. 

"The rest is still unwritten"

Megan

Music Monday 1: Neon Trees

Monday is my least favourite day of the week and I have no idea why. I guess it'll be worse when I start back at Uni!

When travelling to Uni it is important for me to have some music on my journey as it keeps me occupied whilst being stuck in traffic jams! Over Summer I have been listening to music and adding it to my Spotify playlist. I know I know in recent posts I rave about Spotify but it's the best thing I spend £4.99 a month on! 

I loved the band Neon Trees, I am obsessed with 'Everybody Talks'. Although I'd never listened to their other albums and songs so now I have Spotify I've explored their album and their new stuff. I love their album Pop Psychology in particular their song 'Sleeping with a friend'. There are also remixes of those songs and sometimes I'm not really into remixes, the 'Sleeping with a friend- the Chainsmokers remix' was one of the most listened to on the Neon Trees artist page so I added it to my playlist and now I really love it! Definitely worth a listen. So if you're looking for a new band to add to your playlist, or maybe you're like me and think that you need to listen to more of Neon Trees then it's never too late to have a listen and like me you might for even more in love with their sound. 

I hope your Monday was good!

"The rest is still unwritten" 

Megan 

Getting organised

I'm about to start my second year of University and I think it's about time I organised my blog. I've decided to theme days and organise when I'm posting.

Monday- on Mondays there will be a music related post every week. This could be anything from a gig I've been to, band recommendation or a new suggested playlist. I will try and post at 5pm everyday, however this might be hard when I start back at Uni as I'll just finish a lecture at 5.

Thursday- Ramble Thursdays. I might tackle an issue and put my opinion across about something. I might decide to give advice for Uni or I might review something! Again this will be at 5pm and I will try and stick to this.

Food Fridays- this might not be every week, however when it's possible I will post something about a new restaurant I visited and review it. Maybe even a new recipe I've tried. These will again be posted at 5pm.

Sometimes during the week I might decide to post another random post but I think for now 2/3 a week is something to aim for!

I hope that having these 'theme' days it will give my blog more direction and allow this blog to appeal to more people. I'm determined to put more effort into my blog and dedicate a bit more time to it because I do enjoy writing it.

The new blog will be up at 5pm for Music Mondays.

"The rest is still unwritten"

Megan