Music Monday: Albums Of The Year

Last year saw some of my ABSOLUTE favourite bands release albums so I was wandering what 2014 would bring in terms of new music material for my ears. It did not disappoint. It saw the return of some artists that have been missing from my life for quite a while. *cough* The Kooks *coughcough* Paolo Nutini *cough* Not to mention a cracking debut from Catfish and the Bottlemen. If that wasn't enough then let's throw in new records from The Courteeners and Kasabian for good measure. 

1. The Courteeners - Concrete Love | The fourth album from my favourite band has fast become my most played this year. It's a little different from their previous records to say the least. Liam Fray's lyrics are so relate able but can mean something different to anyone. 

Favourite song: Next Time You Call

2. Kasabian - 48:13 | Another band that have explored different sounds and another ear pleasing record has been created. This time around we've seen a softer side to the songs but still guarantees some top tunes that you'll want to catch live if you can.
Favourite song: Treat 

3. The Kooks - Listen | They are one of those bands that take me back to being 13 without a care in the world and not really appreciating the lyrics. I've really enjoyed having new material to listen to from The Kooks this year.
Favourite song: Bad Habit

4. Paolo Nutini - Caustic Love | The ultimate easy listening artist. He's won me over once again with his unique voice and that pretty face of his. Once again Paolo has mixed slow songs with a few upbeat tunes to make an all-rounder record.
Favourite song: Better Man

5. Catfish and the Bottlemen - The Balcony | If there's one band that have come into my life this year and opened my eyes up to new sounds then it's this one. Controversial but relate able lyrics. If you look out for one band next year it's got to be these lads. 

Favourite song: Cocoon 

What music have you been loving this year?

Glitter Nail Polishes For The Festive Season

I'm not the biggest glitter nail polish lover but when those Christmas songs begin to play on the radio I have to make an exception. These are my favourite polishes I've dug out of my stash..

From left to right: Ciate Locket | Models Own Freak Out | Avon Rose Golden | Barry M Limited Edition to Superdrug | Seventeen Sequin Top Coat | Bourjois Vampire Vanity | Barry M Aqua Glitter | Revlon Daring Graffiti | Models Own Aqua Splash

Which is your favourite?

Shoe Wishlist

There's a hole in my wardrobe that needs filling. It's a high heel shaped hole that's in need of a revamp. I could also do with a little bit more colour to my shoe collection. I take the saying 'black goes with everything' very seriously it appears.

So here are the shoes I'm lusting after right now:

• New Look Monochrome Ankle Strap Heels (£19.99)
• ASOS Navy Blue Flat Shoe Loafers (£20)
• Topshop Burgundy Platform Shoes (£60)
• New Look Holographic Block Heels (£19.99)
• Office Leopard Pony Hair Effect Sandals (£60 £30)

What stores are stocking the best shoes right now?

The Christmas Tag

One thing I love about December in the blogging world is reading all the Christmas themed posts. What better way to continue 'Blogmas' than with The Christmas Tag too!

Image Source: Tumblr

What's your favourite Christmas movie?

I love Home Alone 1 & 2. I am a typical chick-flick kinda girl so The Holiday is another favourite. Everyone loves Elf too don't they?!

What are your favourite Christmas colours?

Gold and silver are so pretty - especially when glitter and sequins are involved. I do love just the right shade of green as well though. 

Do you like to stay in your PJ's or dress up for Christmas?

I do try and stay all cosy for as long as possible but I split myself between family on Christmas day so I do actually have to get dressed up as much as I'd like not to I'm afraid.

If you could only buy one person a present this year who would it be?

My little brother. Everyone else who was close for this answer has had plenty of Christmas' so it'd have to be my favourite little person. I love seeing his cheeky smile when he opens gifts too.

Do you open your presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

Christmas morning obviously! Any earlier than 9am doesn't go down well with my parents.

Have you ever built a gingerbread house?

No! But I really want to this year.

What do you like to do during your Christmas holidays?

I work in retail so apart from the day itself I don't get a lot of time off but I like to spend as much as possibly with family and friends with good food, good drink and good music. 

Any Christmas wishes?

Can I have Liam Fray from The Courteeners waiting under my tree? No? Okay.. For all my family and friends to have a lovely Christmas just like they deserve. 

Favourite Christmas meal or treat?

PIGS IN BLANKETS! I know you can make them any time of the year but there's something extra special about just having them at Christmas time.

How excited are you for Christmas?

Lush Christmas Haul

I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in saying that I tend to go a little wild in Lush around Christmas time. This year once again is no different. I don't tend to have a lot of baths except for the Winter as I just prefer to jump in the shower. With Winter being the exception though as soon as the festive collection hits the shelves I'm in there like a shot.

Luxury Lush Pud (£3.50) - I purchased this one last year and I knew I wanted it again. Not only does it smell unreal but without sounding like a complete loser I love watching all the different colours fly around everywhere. This is one of the larger bath bombs on offer and definitely a stronger scent than others. 

Dashing Santa (£2.95) - I haven't tried this one before but I'm a sucker for citrus smelling products. It's really refreshing and not too scent heavy - just a hint of satsumas. It didn't blow me away but perfect if you're not in the mood for anything too fancy.

Magic Wand (£5.25) - I have wanted to try this one out forever. It's reusable and lasted me four uses in total. Pink bath water and bubbles?! Like a festive princess surrounding in the bathroom.

What Lush products do you recommend?