MUSIC | Gym Playlist

When I've just updated my playlist on my iPhone, the thought of going to the gym and listening to all my new tunes can be quite exciting. Even though there are tv's at every machine in my gym, I find listening to music makes the time go much faster than watching Come Dine With Me. 

Today I started thinking about what my favourites are when getting pumped up.

With my iPhone on shuffle, I started thinking about why I was skipping them or stopping to listen to them. I realised this would probably be a good post for my blog, as I love picking up new music when I read other blogs. 

So, here's my top 10!

1. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana
Now this might be an unusual one, seeing as its a pretty old song. But I love the heavy metal part of it! I love listening to it on the rowing machine, as it sort of makes you angry and want to row faster and stronger. 

2. Green Light - Beyonce 
I'm sure we can agree that Beyonce is many girls' body inspiration. I mean, who wouldn't want curves like that?! The reason I love this song in the gym, especially on the treadmill because you can strut like the Queen herself, and basically pretend you are her... Makes the time go much more quickly! 

3. Black Dog - Led Zepellin
Okay, this is another unusual one. But I would definitely recommend this for the gym. It is so rock and roll that it just makes you want to dance around crazily to release all your energy and tension. You may be thinking, why have I even come across this "oldtimers" music? 

Well, my mum was a bit of a rocking hippie back in the days (actually, she still is) and keeps her extensive vinyl collection in the kitchen. For her birthday a few years ago, my dad bought her a vinyl player so this kind of music is basically all we listen to in my house! I do love it though. It's so real. These days music is so electronic and constructed with computers, but with bands like Led Zep and Pink Floyd, you can hear the instruments collaborating together to produce their unique sounds. (I'm also a bit obsessed with Pink Floyd - read my review of my favourite song here)

4. Budapest - George Ezra
George Ezra is an up and coming singer, who's new to the list of authentic acoustic singers. His voice is a slight take on Ed Sheeran with its own more original, raspy tone. The uplifting little riffs just make you want to smile, which is sometimes hard to do at the gym! 

5. Fifteen (Oxford Remix) - Goldroom feat Chela
Again this is so uplifting and it just reminds me of summer, which is exactly the right thing to be reminding yourself whilst working out. Summer is looming round the corner. Remember, summer bodies are made in winter, and although its now spring, there's still time!

6. Jabberwocky - Photomaton (Kartell Remix)
I found this funky track on the Majestic Music Youtube channel here. The playlist is so perfect for chilled out songs that can go on in the background, whilst also putting you in such a good mood. Which is, again, never a bad thing to feel happy when in the gym. The beat of this song is especially good at giving you a rhythm on the treadmill or even on the weights.

7.Chvrches - The mother we share (Moonboots Remix)
Again this is from the Majestic playlist on Youtube, which is similar to the previous Jabberwocky song. Chvrches (still find it hard to get my head round the 'u' is a 'v' thing) is a new band thats hit the charts recently and this remix makes such a summery vibe to it. Moon Boots remixes are always a hit in my book.

8.Unnatural Selection - Muse

This one is quite set apart from the rest of my choices. At heart, I do love a bit of Muse,especially their piano symphonies. I love how they have a mixture of rock and classical in every album. They sometimes have this in the space of one song! The mixture of the quiet sections is great for interval training as you can go slow on the quieter sections and then when that electric guitar hits, RUN!

8. Portland - Deezy Daisy (Oxford Remix)
Another Majestic discovery! I don't have much to explain about this.. it speaks for itself, well, sings for itself I guess?

9. Amber Run - Kites (Barn on the Farm)
So, this is different to all the rest in the list. Much slower. You may think that slow, emotional songs are the last thing you want to listen to when you're trying to power through a work out? But I seem to like it. It reminds me of being sad. And when I'm sad I like to run. It always either makes you feel better, or makes you feel like you're escaping whatever is making you feel like that. It gets out the emotion in a more productive way than moping around your bedroom. The talent of these guys is unbelievable. And his voice literally makes me want to jump on him. Plus he's attractive... marry me?

10. KAASI - Heartbeats (original mix)
For the millionth time, this is a funky, summery, vibey tune. So just take a listen and you can decide for yourself...

Click the links and have a lil listen, hopefully some of them tickle your pickle!

Amy xi

What do you think of them? What do you like to listen to in the gym? 

TRAVEL | Edinburgh Trip Number Two

As a little treat to myself, I decided to have another trip up in Edinburgh with my best friend who goes to uni up there! I know I've said this before, but the weekends at uni can be so boring as everyone tends to go out during the week instead. So me and my other best friend took a road trip (driving in my trusty lil cream mini, Billy) up to Scotland. 

We arrived about half 9 so there was little time to meet and greet friends before we had to get ready for a night out on the town! I wore my green embellished silky topshop top with black jeans and my river island boots which was perfect as I had a little sparkle but was casual enough to fit in. The dress code is so different to Newcastle. Newc is all glam; heels, tan and fake eyelashes, whereas Edinburgh is much more cool and understated. There are pros and cons to both sides, I think. 

At Cab Vol with Mischa (far right) and Lydia (left)

We went to a club called Cabaret Volataire, which is a slightly alternative scene, with LED lights around the doorways and amazing house music. There was a girl dj and she was literally the coolest person ever. BUT, it was £8 on the door which I was horrifed at!! Anyway it was a great night, topped off with some cheesy chips for the taxi ride home. Apparently they're an Edinburgh speciality (you've got to try the local food, haven't you?!)

On the Saturday, we dragged ourselves out of bed bright and early for a saunter around the city. For lunch we went to the cutest little cafe, called Boddingtons, for amazing sandwiches. There were funny, humorous jokes written by the scribbly, makeshift menu, for example, 'we can guarantee unattended children will be sold as slaves, including dogs'.. Maybe it's a 'you had to be there' kind of thing. But this is what I love about Edinburgh, it's so cosmopolitan yet so down to earth and personal. My friend seemed to know every shop owner. 

My gorge Italian sandwich/panini - chicken, red peppers, mozzarella = delish!

Inside Boddingtons - so cute and personal

We then went to another little cafe for hot chocolate and scones for afternoon tea (yes, this whole trip was centered around eating). And we caught up with another friend who goes to uni there. 

At this point we were severely dying from our hangover and all we wanted to do was get back into bed and have a nap. Which is exactly what we did. And it was a bad idea.. We were supposed to go out again that night but we really weren't up for it after dozing off. So we decided that dinner and a film would do. Going out on a Saturday is so last year.. 

We had dinner in a new Thai restaurant called Caravan, which was absolutely ah-mazing! It was very small, like a pop-up restaurant and they used the space really well. Everyone was sat on benches so we had other people either side of us, which might put some people off, but it actually worked nicely. It let's you peek at other peoples orders so you have help deciding on what to get, as there was so much that I wanted.

Posters on the back wall, very cool

We had deep fried squid and spicy chicken wings to start with. The squid wasn't what we expected, as it looked like it had been flattened, and as I'm not the best lover of seafood I'm not the best judge on the taste, but my friends liked it. However the chicken wings were delish. Perfectly sticky and enough meat on the bone to feel satisfied yet not too full for the main. 

I ordered the Thai green curry, not very adventurous I know, but I just love it. And it was so yummy. I'm not the biggest fan of spicy food (I find the lemon and herb nandos is still too hot) but they let you choose how spicy you want it. There was a little kick in it but just the right amount. I ate every scrap. Altogether it was a very reasonable price and came to £40.50 for three of us, with wine as well! 

We all felt so ridiculously full though, there was no way we were going out afterwards, so we went back home, snuggled up with our food babies and watched Pitch Perfect. 

It was the ultimate girly, food filled weekend, and was so nice to break the routine for a little bit. I will definitely be making another trip up there in the future! 

Amy xi 

Have you ever been to Edinburgh? What did you think of it? Or has this made you want to go?

Skiworld Competition - How to Look Good on the Slopes!

If you've never been skiing then you may be under the impression that we gracefully glide down the slopes. This is not always the case (as you may notice if you've read about my 'flying into the tree' escapade). But there are loads of ways you can live up to these glamorous expectations by what you wear. 

I was asked to take part in the Skiworld competition by Luke from The Bloggers Lounge, to write about my ideal skiing outfit. So, here are my snow style faves!

1) Topshop SNO Red Ski Jacket with Faux Fur Hood

2) Dare2B Women's Gallivant Trousers : £69.99

3) Topshop Thermal Top and Leggings : both £18

4) Topshop Ski Socks : £7

5) Barts Quilted Faux Fur Boots : £44.50 at ASOS

6) Manbi Alicia Faux Fur Headband : £21.95

7) Minkpink Contact High Sunglasses : £19

8) Volkl Skis with 4Motion : £245

If you ski with a big group, it can be very easy to lose people, so a bright ski jacket, like this fire red, is definitely a necessity, whilst also making a fashion statement. The accessories have been chosen specifically to match the jacket, as I feel that’s the main element of a skiing outfit.

A helmet isn't the most flattering item to wear when you want to look cool at après ski events. When you take it off you then have helmet hair, which isn’t the best either. That’s why I’ve included this faux fur headband, which whilst skiing you can wear round your neck as a neck scarf, then on your head at après. Problem Solved!

Is it too much to have skis to match as well? Oh well, I’m going to do it anyway! These cater for intermediate skiers who want to improve. The ‘tip rocker design provides easy, smooth turns on the piste…and requires less energy to ride’. Sounds like a walk in the park!

Do you like this outfit? What would your favourites be?

Amy xi 

Check out their twitter pages here :

@Blogger_lounge                           @ski_world

TRAVEL | Ski Trip - Verbier

Finally back at uni after the loveliest week away with my fam skiing. I'm not sad to be home, but think I know where I'd rather be! My older cousin has moved out there on a ski season and he absolutely loves it.. Maybe something I could do after uni? Verbier is gorgeously authentic with its log chalets and crowded but cosy pubs, not too mention the amazing slopes. Perfect for my little 5 day get away, escaping all the pressure from studying and work.

 I had to get the first ever flight on my own (eek!) starting from Newcastle, to Heathrow and then to Geneva, and it was a trek, but I survived. Got my early morning flight from Newcastle and arrived safely in Terminal 5, which is amazing! I had an hour or so to wait so I took advantage of the shops on offer. Although, it was ony window shopping because I don't think my student loan really stretches to purchases from Louis V and Prada, dahling. A girl can dream though, can't she?! I did purchase the Wolf Of Wall Street book though, written by the man himself, the real Jordan Belfort. I'm reading a few too many books at the moment, including The Hunger Games, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy and High Heels and a Headtorch, but the Wolf has definitely got me hooked. Love having a good book to sink my teeth into on holiday!

Kurt Geiger at Terminal 5 - amazing shoe display.. makes you want every pair!

Anyway, I made it to Verbier unharmed, and excited about the week ahead, if not a little nervous. Tuesday night is a big night in the little town, so I went to Pub Montfort (where my cousin works) and had a slightly crazy night. Have you ever seen the show, Snow, Sex and Suspicious parents? Well, it was sort of like that, minus the sex and I knew my parents were there. Actually that is the reason I was so drunk, because my dad found a new love in jäger bombs.. Lethal combo. Especially with the altitude, so I'll just keep that as my excuse. So the first day of skiing was a bit uncertain having had little sleep, plus a banging headache! 

I've skiied my whole life, but last year I didn't get to go because of A levels (boo) so I was apprehensive when standing at the top of a mountain thinking I would end up at the bottom in a heap, Bridget Jones style. However it's like driving, once you've learnt, you don't forget, so thank goodness I glided down the first blue with ease. It was a snowy morning, if any of you ski, you will know that white outs are the worst condition to ski in. We ended up being stuck on the mountain, the ski lifts had nearly closed, it was a red run (hard at the best of times) and we literally couldn't see our hands in front of us, let alone the slopes! So after shakily managing to get down, we caught the gondola back home, safe and sound.

The next few days were b.e.a.utiful, and I went off piste for the first time ever.. which ended up like this... under a tree and completely stuck. My skis were lodged into the tree and I couldn't bend round to click off my bindings, but I thought of it as a challenge, as though I was on a survival programme, and managed to click them off using the branch of the tree, where I then wiggled myself to the surface. So dramatic!

I love how instead of my dad helping me, he just stands there and takes tons of photos..

But you have to do the hard skiing in order to get better! And I wanted to challenged myself, as I'm going on the uni ski trip in March and want everyone to think I am glamorous skiing professional.

I loved the town, and would definitely go back tomorrow if I could, but party time is over and uni is getting quite serious now, with assignments and deadlines, so will have to concentrate on that for now (boo).

The reason I love skiing so much is that every day you have a purpose and you have to get up and out of bed to basically exercise all day (I'm not painting the best picture of this am I?). But it makes you properly relax, so in the evening you can really chill out with your family. Don't get me wrong, I looove a sunny, lounging around holiday as much as the next person, but there's something different about skiing. Because of all the exercise you feel exhilarated and exhausted, giving you a sense of achievement. Plus, there's loads of cool, hot boys out there.. Should probably go live there really!

Have you ever been on a skiing holiday? What do you think of it? Or would you like to go one day?


Amy xi

FILM | Dallas Buyers Club

I went to see this last night with my uni friends, and we took up the whole row.. felt like we were on a school field trip! Usually when I go to the cinema with so many of us, we end up just messing around and not really watching the film at all, but this had me gripped. It would have been utterly disrespectful to even consider having a mini conversation at any point. It moved and shocked all of us, and the acting was undoubtedly award worthy.

Matthew Mcconaughey plays a drug and sex addicted, gambling rode, Ronald Woodruff, who is diagnosed with HIV. This true story is an iconic tale that I hadn't known about before seeing this film, which I think is a shame. Ron Woodruff was a sleazy troublemaker who had no real purpose to his life, and remarkably, the diagnosis gave him purpose. In the 80's, there was human drug trials for HIV/AIDS treatment, and only a handful of people were given access to the drug. Ron Woodruff wanted it. He only had 30 days to live, and he wasn't ready to die, so was willing to do anything to survive. 

Around the world, there is a huge stigma against people who contract this disease, because it is often related to homosexual activity and promiscuity. Many people lose their family and friends when they are diagnosed because of the social issues involved with it. Ron himself is homophobic, but through his friendship with a transexual, Rayon/Raymond (Jarod Leto) he comes to accept everyone, making him a kinder and more open person. 

Through many twists and turns, he began smuggling pharmaceutical drugs into Texas and selling them to others also suffering from the disease. Instead of selling each drug separately, people had to buy their membership to the Dallas Buyers Club. This was, of course, illegal. He struggles and fights against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help those whom he previously would have ostracised. His journey is incredible.

For me, there is nothing better than a film with good acting (as you may have guessed from my other reviews). Mcconaughey's dramatic change in appearance is desperately apparent. By running for at least three hours a day to lose weight, it is painful to watch as he becomes screamingly thin. But it was all part of getting into the skin of his character, Ron Woodruff. Jared Leto's performance is also astonishing, after being used to seeing him as lead singer of 30 Seconds to Mars, to cross dressing as a transexual. In an interview Leto admits he stayed in role of Rayon the whole way through filming as he loved her character so much. Both Mcconaughey and Leto deserve their Oscar nominations. 

Jennifer Garner plays Dr Eve Saks, who goes against her responsibilities as a doctor to help Woodruff, and their chemistry on screen is fascinating. There are moments where a voice inside your head screams at them to kiss, and I'll leave you to find that out for yourself. Admittedly, I'm not Garner's biggest fan, because in many films she seems insincere, but her performance was also brilliant. As a viewer, you have total respect for Dr Saks, as her kindness and selflessness are rare attributes.

This isn't a film for those in search of an exciting thrill ride. It is long. There are moments when "not much happens". But if you're looking for an emotive, powerful, real portrayal of this epic story, then this is the film for you.

It envelopes you and convinces you into believing the journey in which they take. Although it is not your typical "happy ending", I left the screening feeling strangely uplifted with a sense of contentedness.

It points to many important social issues that we have in our society today, such as homophobia, and the increasing rate of HIV/AIDS. Definitely a must see, it will be a classic for decades.

Have you seen this film? What did you think of it?

Amy xi

CHAT | to all you single pringles..

The dreaded "V-Day" is just around the corner, and for all us singletons, this isn't the greatest day of the year. Whether you've just come out of a relationship or haven't had one in years, it is undoubtedly a painful time. Everyone wants to be/feel loved, and Valentines just reminds you of something you don't have. It almost makes you feel like you've failed. You've failed at life because you can't be involved with a world-wide event, and it seems everyone but you is celebrating their love. Well, this is how I can feel. 

Last year I had a boyfriend for the first Valentines in ages, and we had the loveliest, romantic evening. And there is something in me that wants to sadly reminisce, wishing things were the same this year, but I'm not going to let myself do that. A lot of my single friends are really feeling the loneliness this year as they are in search of a boyfriend, but I don't seem to be feeling it. Is it because I don't care? No, I do care, and would love to have someone who loves me, but I don't. You shouldn't let a consumer obsessed day get you down. I understand that it is just another reminder that you're alone, but you're not! You have so many people in your life that love you and care about you, that just because you don't have a boyfriend/girlfriend doesn't mean you shouldn't celebrate Valentines. Celebrate the love that you have with your friends and family! Buy your mum some roses or your brother/sister. Go out for dinner with your friends. Have a bit of retail therapy to give you something to smile about. Buy yourself a treat or do something you've always wanted to.

You have the rest of your life ahead of you to have a lovely romantic Valentines day, who knows whats round the corner? Next year you could be with the love of your life, so just sit back and wait, because there is someone out there for you, and one year you will have the best Valentines Day of your life, and all these years angsting over being alone with have disappeared. So do yourself a favour, instead of sitting at home crying and eating all the Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream that was available in the nearest Tesco (Bridget Jones style), get all dressed up and go have cocktails with your girls! Instead of mourning the love you don't have, think about the people you do have, and trust me, you'll feel happier than ever. 

FILM | American Hustle

American Hustle is a film that I reaally wanted to see. I was drawn in my the actors, Bradley Cooper, Christian Bale, Jennifer Lawrence, some of the best in the business. The style of the period also intrigued me, the outfits were just incredible, although on many occasions, Amy Adam's was awkwardly close to suffering a nip slip. 

Christian Bale plays a moderately successful hustler, with the help of the savvy Amy Adams, but when they are caught by the FBI Agent, Bradley Cooper, they are convinced into co-operating with the police to bring down corrupt politicians.  I know I have a major crush on Jennifer Lawrence, so I am slightly bias, but her character was just amazing. She seemed like the typical 'bitch wife' to start with but layers of her personality reveal themselves throughout, which I think epitomises a brilliant actor. 

I expected to feel stunned at this end of this feature, but I didn't. Unfortunately it was slightly underwhelming. On the contrary to the plot, the acting was excellent. Director, David O'Russell received 11 Oscar nominations for Silver Linings Playbook, and I'm certain there will be more nominations coming his way soon.

I wouldn't recommend this film for cinema viewing, although the cinematography is beautiful, but definitely a watch for a movie night in. 

Have you seen this film? What did you think of it?

Amy xi