Happy Mothers Day

 Happy Mothers Day Cordelia!

Also to all the amazing mothers out there. 

Almost 25 years ago I came and changed your world. I took up your time, I made you clean my poop, I also decorated the walls in poo, you no longer were able to do the things you wanted because here I was needing your every minute. You sacrificed lots of your years and time to give me the life I have. You from as far as I can remember always were honest with me. (Except that time you told me my blanket was lost when in fact it was in your closet and I found it after snooping one day after school. Tsk tsk. Do you know how many sleepless nights I had with out my bankie? ;) )  You were the mother I could come to when I had questions, you were there to wipe my tears, we can laugh at blonde jokes and we can cry at how much we miss each other. You've had such a tough year and your strength to overcome something so scary. I am so glad that everything is fine now. My world would literally fall apart without you. You are my foundation to life. You molded me to be the woman that will some day be a mother(not any time soon don't get too excited).  You've taught me not to sweat the small stuff. That there is always someone who has it worse. To look at the bright side of things. You've always had the ability to make me smile when all I want to do is scream. Although I now have a husband who does make me smile and knows how to tame my attitude problem. Sometimes I just need my momma. I love the fact that for a good share of your life you stayed with someone and put up with a lot of tough shit just to give me a normal life ( well as normal as OUR life could be) You didn't keep things black and white for me. As much as times were hard and sometimes all we really wanted to do was cry the fact that it made us stronger and form the relationship that we have today I wouldn't change anything. You will always be my best friend no matter what. You've always been that perfect medium of being a mother and best friend. You've never let a day go by without me feeling loved beyond belief. I just hope to return the favour til my very last breathe.

Some of my favourite mom daughter moments:

-The day you walked me down the aisle. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. It's always been the two of us. You and me. Always by my side it, I couldn't have handled the nerves without you. You were so beautiful and I just loved taking each step to my husband with you. Always be your little girl.
-This one is a given. My third Christmas when I woke up in the night and opened my presents to find that you got me the book " to grandmothers house we go" (how I remember that I have NO idea). Shoving it under the couch thinking you would never find out. A few days go by and you decide to vacuum behind the couch to find that a present had been opened. Thankfully I was there to explain to you that a squirrel woke me up in the night and I saw he stole my present so I beat him up until he gave me my present back although it somehow opened in the middle of our fight. Pretty good imagination for a 3 year old if I do say so myself.
-I don't know if you would completely call this a memory but just simply laughing with you. National Lampoon Christmas Vacation, each Christmas. Literally in tears every time we watch it.  Your laugh is so contagious and I can't wait to be in the house and just hear it again.
-Getting picked up from school in Kindergarten with you and your friends Sabine, Jutta, Tina and going to local lake and swimming endless hours in the day. I'll always be a water rat.
-Being grounded by my father to have you watch television shows that you in no way wanted to watch but you felt bad that I was grounded so you tried to make punishment less unbearable.
- Your blonde moments in general. There are way too many to even begin to start naming them. I don't understand how someone so mathematically smart can also be so ditsy sometimes. It's too cute.
- You, Me and Oma. Three generations of friendships. All the years spent sat around playing cards, laughing, being the three musketeers.
-Having lazy days just laying on the couch or in bed watching stupid television.
-Shopping. Especially when it's your treat. :p

Just to name a few.... as you know I could go on and on and the minute I push publish, I'll remember even loads more that I'll have wanted to share.

I love you so much. Like it literally brings me to tears thinking of how much I love you. How lucky I am. You were not only a mother but also when need be a father. (Minus the sex change, just hypothetically speaking.. duh)You didn't change your name when you and dad got divorced just so we wouldn't have different last names. I can't begin to say how thankful I am that Jim came into our lives. The years of pain you put up with for me because we probably wouldn't have made it very well on our own. I feel mostly responsible but ever grateful. The happiness that comes from Jim's love for you makes me feel it was all meant to be. I know the years and tears cannot be erased but I hope that every day since then are filled with the joy and blissfulness that you deserve.

Everything that I am and hope to ever be I owe to you. ( I can't even really take credit for that I am pretty sure I have read that somewhere. Hallmark card maybe? Either or it's true...)

Hello. Hannah here, hope you're all having a nice day. 

I guess this is the first May Music Monday so without further ado, here goes.

Since, last week was for the girls out there - I ought to do something a little more for the men that maybe reading this. Alternatively, I pretty much have a girl crush on every one of the following ladies, there's nothing cooler than a girl with a guitar right? 

First up, the wonderful Laura Marling.

1. Laura Marling - 'Sophia'

Born in Hampshire, Marling was initially introduced to the folk scene by her father, a music teacher and learned guitar at an early age. At the young age of 16, Marling moved to London to pursue her musical career and became part of the original line-up of folk band Noah and the Whale. 

Things rapidly materialised and Marling was later invited to tour with Jamie T after he attended her second-ever solo gig. Her debut album, 'Alas, I cannot Swim' was released in 2008 and was later nominated for the 2008 Mercury Prize. In 2011 Laura Marling snatched the prestigious Brit Award for Best British Female, surprising many by beating the likes of Ellie Goulding and Paloma Faith however Marling displays talent way beyond her years with heavenly soft vocals throughout. Her current album, 'A Creature I Don't Know' was released in September 2011 and features the beautiful song, 'Sophia'.

2. First Aid Kit - 'New Year's Eve'

Yet another sublime sibling combination in the form of Swedish folk duo, First Aid Kit. Reminiscent of a personal favourite of mine, 'The Staves'. Their exceptional woodsy vocal harmonies have gained them a selection of famous followers including Fleet Foxes, Lykke Li and Patti Smith. Their second album, 'The Lion's Roar' is available to purchase now featuring 'New Year's Eve'.

3. Ren Harvieu - 'Through The Night'

Typically my kinda girl, Ren broke her back last year, jumping over hedges in a field at 4am, however it seems nothing can stop her. With an album out this year, Ren has managed to gain a string of followers, writing with Glasvegas and The Zutons. Such collaborations led to an invitation from BBC Introducing to play Glastonbury, to which unfortunately due to her freak accident did not materialize. Although, fear not, at just 21 years old, Ren looks likely to become one of the most talked about singing voices of the next few years. I have a sneaky suspicion she may also be featuring on an upcoming Later With Jools Holland show so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. 'Through the Night' is the self titled retro soul song, from her debut album, available next week.

4. Lykke Li - 'Little Bit'

Hailing from Sweden, this singer songwriter is best known for her blends of pop, indie rock and electronic beats. Her debut album was released in 2008 and led to her debut UK TV performance on Later... With Jools Holland shortly after, performing the chosen track, 'Little Bit'. Though not a new release, I never tire of this song. Lykke Li means 'happy' in Swedish and her music certainly succeeds in delivering happiness. Not only has she sung vocals for Kanye West, recorded tracks for the Twilight Saga and Knocked Up, Lykke Li also finds time to model, becoming the face of Levi's Curve ID collection. Is there anything this woman can't do? The song 'Little Bit' really launched Lykke Li into the music industry and has since found itself sampled on Drake's mixtape, 'So Far Gone'. Her mesmerizing, sensual and metronomic sounds are not ones to be missed.

5. Lianne La Havas - 'Empty'

Well, what can I say about Lianne La Havas. I struggle to describe a talent so rich and pure as La Havas' in a mere few sentences. La Havas was born to a Greek father and Jamaican mother, citing her parent's diverse musical tastes as having the biggest influence on her music. Having provided backing vocals for the likes of Paloma Faith and Everything Everything, Lianne was spotted following the release of her own material by Black Cab Sessions and French website, La Blogotheque. However, it was her appearance on Jools Holland in October that saw the young singer burst into the spotlight and rightly so, won La Havas the highly acclaimed and prestigious support slot, touring with Bon Iver.

With a vocal  ability coming second to Adele, Lianne La Havas knows exactly what works and has perfected her smoky soul vocals and icy guitar abilities to a t. In particular, her new single, 'Empty' which is a true display of the talent La Havas oozes. The addition of bass and a cajon, impeccably slapped, create a unique backing to the beautiful and emotional song. In my eyes, utterly sublime.

That's all for now folks! Happy Monday!

Twenties

Don't sweat the small stuff. 

When life hands you limes do not turn to tequilla. 

 No one is guaranteed tomorrow therefore make today the best it can be. Even if you don't feel up to it. 

There will people who want to be in your life for all the right reasons and those who don't aren't worth the hassle. You will know at your darkest hour the difference between the two. 

Take chances. Big chances. They may not always work out but at the end of life it will be better to have lived then to have sat on the fence saying shoulda coulda woulda. Just do. 

Be true to yourself. 

Sometimes you just have to open up. Let people knowing whats going on in that little head of yours. Keeping things in, won't make problems go away. You might feel vulnerable but more than likely you have nothing to worry about. 

Talking behind other peoples backs is not good for anyone. 

Listen to loud music and dance. 

Always be nice to others. You never know how bad someone elses day is. 

If you don't like the way things are going change it. Do something different. If you haven't got a job, don't complain about not having one, go and get one. You probably haven't tried hard enough.

Stop comparing yourself with others. 

You'll feel better for having gone for that run then not. Even if you don't run as much or as far just doing it will feel good. 

Eat less sugar. More fresh vegetables and fruit. You're body will thank you for that. 

Taking loads of drunken pictures and uploading them onto facebook doesn't make you cool. 

Also updating your facebook status about everything is also not cool. 

I actually don't hate cats. I love them. 

Distance may seem impossible but nothing is impossible unless you let it be. 

Leggings, nike running shorts, uggs and a white tee is not acceptable. I don't know why I ever thought it was. 

Time goes by really fast so sometimes it's nice to just step back and slow things down a bit. Obviously we can't ACTUALLY slow down time but we can try not to get stuck in routine like robots and just sink in this beautiful life. 

Family doesn't have to mean blood relative. 

Writing in a journal is a great idea. I love going back and reading things from just a year ago that I noted down. It doesn't even have to be full paragraph or detailed entries. Just even a few key words to describe something you don't want to forget. 

Love will find you in the most unexpected of places. Somehow someway things work out in your favour. Don't fight it. I can't imagine my life without David. 

Your mother is always right. 

I still have many years to go through my twenties but I thought it would be fun to part take in this. I can't wait to learn many new things and see what else life has in store for me. 

Music Mondays

Hello it's Hannah here, yet again - it's Music Monday. Wahoo.

Fist punch the air, is it weird I get excited for this little feature every week...
More so this week, today infact. The sun was sorta shining, I am rocking my Pink Floyd tee and I am most certainly ready to share some lovely songs with you.

Whatsmore, today is for all you ladies out there, for not only your ears but your eyes, for this week I bring to you musical men. Many men. Five infact. If you like a man with a guitar, look no further. If you like a man with facial hair then today is your special day. Carefully handpicked, I bring to you the creme de la creme, the last Music Monday of April.

First up, the magnificent Bon Iver.

1. Bon Iver - 'Perth'

Words cannot describe my love for this band. Founded in 2007 by Justin Vernon, this American folk band continue to gain popularity and recognition worldwide, recently winning 2012 Grammy Award for Best New Artist and Alternative Music Album. Their debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago was released independently in July 2007 with the majority of it being recorded whilst Vernon spent three months in a remote cabin in North West Wisconsin. If you're not already familiar with their songs, many English folk maybe familiar with 'Skinny Love' - rising to fame through talented young singer, Birdy. Justin Vernon in my eyes, is one of the most talented musicians - joining forces with Kanye West as an unlikely accomplice on the hip hop artists album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Vernon has also founded Chigliak Records and has left his own imprint on home label, Jagjaguwar.


Perth, is the opening track from the self titled second studio album, Bon Iver released in 2011 . The mesmorising sound features haunting, electronic rhythms, with a voice that is an instrument in itself. His choral qualities matching the very best, accompanied perfectly my bold drumming and surging horns. 


2. Jake Bugg - 'Trouble Town'

Jake Bugg is an 18 year old singer/songwriter hailing from Nottingham. It's hard to believe his age when he starts to sing, displaying talent way beyond his years. Having played Glastonbury in 2011, Bugg was recently picked up by Mercury Records and released his debut single, Trouble Town on 2nd March 2012.

His strong acoustic abilities and impecable vocal delivery are reminiscent of the likes of Bon Dylan and Willy Mason. Noticeably influenced by The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix, it comes as no surprise this young artist finds himself one of hottest tipped artists for 2012. Trouble Town is a true feel good song, a somewhat anthem for the youth today, as he paints the picture of life in a small town. Let's dance away under the Summer sun to this song.


3. James Blake - 'A Case Of You'

James Blake is a singer songwriter from London. Last year he was announced as runner up in BBC's Sound of 2011 poll, closely missing out to Jessie J. Blake has released three EP's before the highly anticipated self titled debut album on Feburary 4th, 2011. The release of his first single, Limit to Your Love created much hype for the young artist, achieving regular airtime on radio stations all over the country and rightly so. In 2011, the album was nominated for Mercury Prize.

However, when listening to this song it's hard to imagine James Blake has and continues to leave his mark as an English electronic music producer from London. Stripped back with just a piano, this Joni Mitchell classic is utterly sublime.



4. James Vincent McMorrow - 'Higher Love'

James Vincent McMorrow is an Irish folk singer/songwriter. With comparisons rife to the likes of Bon Iver and Ray LaMontagne, McMorrows vocal abilities continue to grow from strength to strength with every opportunity. His debut album Early in the Morning was released in February 2010, much like Justin Vernon - McMorrow wrote the album during a self-imposed seclusion, this time in Ireland. 

Having made his UK TV debut on BBCs Later with Jools holland in May 2011, McMorrow has since performed at the Eurosonic Festival and his Steve Winwood  cover of Higher Love was featured in the LoveFilm television advertisement in 2011.


5. Keaton Henson - 'Small Hands'

Last but by no means least, the superb Keaton Henson. Not only an incredibly talented singer songwriter, this 23 year old is a man of many talents. Hailing from the suburbs of London, Keaton is an illustrator/visual artist and poet. His diverse, creative mind allows him to gain great appreciation and following. With his creative flow continuing from pen and paper, flowing into the sensational music, not even intended for release.

His debut album, Dear features a wide array of beautiful songs, each recorded in his bedroom. What's astonishing is the fact his bedroom is located directly underneath a flight path, close to Heathrow Airport. This slight set back forced Keaton to work to a busy flight schedule, often meaning the majority of songs were recorded in just three minutes, between planes. If you listen carefully, it is thought you can still hear the plane approach towards the end of the song, unique, cool, unexpected. Genius.


That's all for now. Swoon. I hope you enjoy. Happy Monday x

Monday

Monday already? Sheesh. Where did the weekend go? 

I'm really looking forward to Music Mondays today. I can't express how thankful I am for Hannah helping with my iTunes lack of music. Plus I'm hopefully going to be getting a new iPhone soon so I will have my library up and ready for some tune age. Don't forget to check out her blog Daisy Digital

Some things lately. 

- I don't remember if I told you guys or not but I kind of did a little something something with Poppy Love Vintage. She talks about it here. I really was touched by the lovely things she said and it was really sweet knowing that someone you'd been Facebook stalking was in turn stalking you back. You can check out her amazing stuff out on her ASOS boutique page.

- We reorganised our bedroom and when we moved our bed we found a nest of things that I thought I'd lost but Luna actually was just hiding them. Contact cases, make up brushes, tweezers, pens among many other odd things. 

3. As I'm sure you've noticed my new blog design that Don from Adeline's Daddy is working on. Isn't it fantastic? Once it's all finished we can talk about it more, but for now why don't you check out some of his other work. 

-I've been taking lots of salads in for my lunch at work and just to add a bit of protein and fibre I've been obsessing with Buckwheat and Quinoa. It's not too filling but does keep me going the rest of the day. Especially when I've joined a new gym with a friend and we've been going after work. Do you have any other fun healthy adds to spruce up a salad? 

-I know I sound like a flipping broken record but I'm so over this stupid weather. It is now May and I'm still wearing my winter coat. I went to the match Saturday and wore 3 long sleeves shirts underneath my winter coat. So not cool mother nature. 

-I'm signing up for my first actual marathon. It's a 5k so it's only small but gotta start somewhere. I'm pretty excited. If it's something your interested in it check  race for life for more details. 

- I miss instagram more than ever and I can't wait to get an iphone again.

-I am OBSESSED with this girls voice. She pretty much brings me to tears everytime she sings. Team Ruth

-I'm quite envious of my friend Emma because she gets to be around these everyday.

Right off my lunch is over. Off to working I go. 

Why don't you go have a gander at some Beautiful things and maybe even order? :) 

Take care.

Nostalgia

Ohhh nostalgia. 

I remember this exact moment and exactly what David whispered into my ears. Erika said for David to say some sweet nothings in my ear and David ever so seriously whispered: " Sweet nothings" He's always had this charm that makes me laugh from deep within. It really seems like just yesterday that I was anxious to get off of work to drive up to Branson to visit David. Sweaty palms as I gripped the steering wheel, windows down, music playing yet my mind was racing.  We'd been talking loads on the phone and feelings; no matter how much I tried to fight it, had turned from like to love. I kept telling myself to play it cool and really just take things slow. Then what happens? I get out of the car and we pretty much just straight away said the words we'd been wanting to say but knew that we didn't want to say it first time on the phone. I love you. It was such a kind of High School way we went about it but I wouldn't change it for the world. 

I can't believe that the most unthinkable happened and that almost three years later I am not only still with him, he's my husband. I live in England and we are ever so happy. So cliche and cheesy I know but if you have ever been in as dark as a place as I was before I met David you would not even think that something such as just simple happiness would ever be apart of your life. It's not something I really feel comfortable talking about or going into detail but I can definitely say he was my knight in shining armour. When I least expected it he swept me off my feet.  

I really have been feeling nostalgic lately. Missing wedding planning and all those stages before the big day. Do any other brides feel this way? Is this normal? I mean I do know that any bride must want to go back to their big day and relive it. I just want to be in a room with everyone I love again. Dancing the night away and  just being on cloud nine. 

Now it seems time is going by faster and it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. I feel like someone has pushed the fast forward button on life. I really want things to just slow down and be able to just take everything in a bit more. Next thing you know we are going to be 55 talking trying to remember the names of old friends we once knew, laughing about funny memories and telling tales of nights out and travels.  

I wish I could remember everything like I remember certain moments. It's unusual how certain things just stick with your mind and others as hard as you try to remember seem to slip into a black hole lost forever. 

How unusual when a scent or sound can instantly take you back to a specific time in life and it's almost as real as present day. It's sometimes the smallest things as well. I heard a Dean Martin song a few months back and I couldn't pinpoint exactly where I remembered the song and then I heard it again and it literally clicked. I could see my mom singing the song to me as I was lay in my canopy bed, blankie in one hand and thumb in my mouth. 

I also want to know does anyone else ever have dreams/nightmares that they've had since they were children? The mind really amazes me and I could probably go on and on about the philosophy and psychology of it all and how my mind is so intrigued by just really everything from the mind to how airplanes actually fly?

Am I the only one as well that is kind of sad that we won't ever be children again? Like I really miss childhood. I miss playing kickball and then dreading when the night grew darker because dark meant home time. I can't imagine how it must feel to be a parent and watch as your child gets older. I really cannot wait for that time in our life but definitely have some living to do before we are ready for that. I admire parents. 

Do you ever get nostalgia? 

Music Mondays

Hi there. It's Hannah again. So it's time for another Music Monday feature and I am a little excited for this one. I hope you guys like it. This weekend I went to see a great trio, 'The Staves'. Having seen them twice already, I regularly find myself trawling their youtube account. The other week I found an absolute treat and today I am going to share it with you.

So, as I mentioned to Tanja, today is Communion themed. Now, I figure you may be a little confused. Let me explain... Communion was formed in 2006, here in the UK by Ben Lovett (Mumford & Sons), bassist Kevin Jones and producer Ian Grimble. It is a brilliant artist led organisation and combines live promotions, records, production and publishing, enabling a hub for songwriters and musicians alike to develop in the music industry.

It just so happens that Communion has released tracks from five of my favourite artists and whats more, I've seen them all live and they're equally flipping brilliant. So today I am going to explain a little bit about who they are/what they do and then leave you with a video, in my eyes - the best jamming session I ever did see. Here goes... Folk in all its glory.

1. Michael Kiwanuka - Lasan

Having supported Adele in 2011, Michael was included in the prestigious and highly acclaimed BBC Sound of 2012 poll and was named winner this year. His tender yet powerful, husky tones are noticeably influenced by legends such as Bill Withers and Otis Redding. A wonderfully captivating and  atmospheric live act who is often accompanied by a band, including percussion, guitar and keys giving off a great jazzy vibe. However, in contrast Michael has the ability to enthral an audience with just his guitar. The track, titled 'Lasan' is featured on Kiwanuka's debut album, 'Home Again' and is a collaboration between The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach and Michael.

2. Daughter - Landfill

Experimental folk duo, Elena Tonra on vocals teams up with Igor Haefeli her boyfriend, lending his hand on guitar. The sound is haunting, moody yet atmospheric. Much like the above, Daughter are a great live act, with many unique and experimental traits setting them apart from many other bands of the industry. The Wild Youth EP is available for download now.


3. The Staves - 'Pay us No Mind'

The love child, or three for that matter of Fleet Foxes and Laura Marling. Hailing from Watford, three certainly in the magic number, in this case anyway. The steady interplay amongst their idyllic voices, is effortlessly beautiful. 'Pay Us No Mind' is taken from their current EP, 'Motherlode' and effectively makes use of smooth strumming sounds of both guitar and drums mixed with the harmonies of all three sisters.


4. Ben Howard - Only Love 

English singer songwriter Ben is polished to the point of perfection. His individual style of strumming, singing and jamming with his band builds an exceptional atmosphere. It's brilliant to see him riding a wave of new found success and especially nice to see him having grown from strength to strength in all aspects of both his vocal ability and presence on stage. 'Only love' comes from his debut album, 'Every Kingdom'.




5. Matthew & The Atlas - 'Come Out of The Woods'

Typically Mumford esque yet with their own, extremely unique style and oh that voice, as high as can be but yet so magical and touching, leaving any crowd in complete awe. A somewhat enchanting combination of vocals and instruments from lead singer - Matthew Hegarty, Harrison Cargill on the banjo and Emma Kraemer on violin, transporting the listener to a magical land. Without a doubt, one of the most exciting and upcoming folk bands.

Lastly but by no means least, the greatest jam. Imagine if some of the above collaborated...
Well you need not imagine... here it is. 'Over The Hill' featuring The Staves, Michael Kiwanuka & Ben Howard. Enjoy x