November Sum-Up

"Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree"! It is less than a month until Christmas and I am buzzing! I don't remember being this festive in the past 3 years of Christmas'! Here is my sum up for November!

Favourite Songs?

It has to be Dodie's new EP, Intertwined. It is the most beautiful EP and I am so happy for her. An exciting bit of this month is that my friend and I got tickets to see Dodie in March 2017 and I am SO EXCITED! Also, the new Hamilton Mixtape is out on the 2nd December and they have already released some of the songs onto Spotify, which is the coolest thing ever. Generally, my best playlist has been my playlist which has everything on, which is called "A Compilation of Beautiful Things", which you can look at here.

Favourite Part?

My favourite part of this month had to be going to see Tom Odell in concert in Brighton. I wrote a post on it which you can view here. I honestly enjoyed it so much and I can't wait until my next concert in December!

My Biggest Inspirations?

This month, my parents have really helped me with a lot of things. Also, my friends. They are just the most amazing, inspirational people ever, who can achieve so much and have achieved so much and I am truly proud of them and everything they do.

Lessons Learned?

That I don't have to impress everyone all the time. Not wearing makeup every day and wearing the same jumper two days in a row does not matter. It shouldn't affect your friendships, it won't affect your grades and unless you truly care that month, it won't affect your self-confidence, which is aways a benefit.

Favourite Pictures?

Stay happy,
Katie xx

My Holiday Time Goals

As it is coming to that festive time of the year (I think it is that time of year but many would disagree), I thought I would revert to my good old goals. Usually, I do monthly goals but I thought I would do more of a general "Christmassy" themed one. I hope you enjoy!

• Buy everyone present that I am happy to give
• Buy myself something for Christmas - sometimes you need to treat yourself
• Study hard to the end of term exams
• Enjoy the time leading up to Christmas - don't wish it away
• Buy myself a ukulele - I had to give my other one back and I am feeling bereft without it
• Write more blog posts
• Start writing a new novel
• Focus more on my flute grades

What are your goals this Christmas?

Stay happy,

Katie xx

I'm Magnetised...

On the 4th November, Anna (who runs A Fabulous Feminist), Maisie and I went to Brighton to watch Tom Odell in concert. I can well and truly say that words can not express how much I enjoyed that Friday night. The music was amazing, the company was fabulous and altogether the experience was incredible.

Once we got to the venue (after problems with buses, a bit of traffic and a quick stop off at McDonalds), we got straight in and went to the merchandise store, where all three of us bought the same t-shirt and within minutes, we were wearing them and looking fabulous.

There were two support acts that were both pretty incredible. Firstly, there was Johnny Lloyd, who was amazing and sang some really good songs. After, on came Rag'n'Bone Man. He started his set off with an acapella verse, using low notes and this just made it so atmospheric. I loved it and he is now on my playlists on Spotify because of it.

Then was the most exciting part. Although he was 20 minutes late, due to his drummer dislocating his shoulder and the drum technician having to do his first gig and sight read the music, he started and ended in the most incredible fashion. An hour and a half of Tom Odell is never a bad thing, but live was just the best.

One of the best bits for me was the fact that I didn't feel like I was going to panic once. I felt so good throughout and for me that is an achievement, especially since this is my first concert without a parent being close to hand.

Altogether, it was a pretty fabulous night and I would urge you all to see Tom Odell live whenever and where ever you can.

Stay happy,
Katie xx

Alcoholic Nights: A Poem

"Didn't you have fun last night?

It really was a blast!"

"I don't really remember much,

About my recent past."

"I guess it must be

the drinks I had last night,

It's safe to say I was flying

at quite a dizzy height."

But what she hadn't realised

Was that I had told her so,

"Thank you for being there,

And helping me to grow.

I love you so much

And though you may not see,

You help me out through thick and thin,

You mean so much to me."

But she doesn't remember any

of what I said to her,

Because the alcohol just made

her whole night a blur.

Stay happy,

Katie xx

October Sum-Up

As Holloween turns to Christmas (well, kind of), I conclude that this month has been pretty damn fabulous in the grand scheme of things. I have got a job, settled into college, been to London, been to Wales and even had a couple of parties. What a life I lead.

Most inspirational part?

To me, the most inspirational parts of my month have been completely different ends of the spectrum. If you read my latest post on Through Our Eyes, you will know that I recently watched my dad perform along with several other male voice choirs in the Royal Albert Hall. To me, that was just the most amazing thing. A whole group of people, spreading from North Wales to Hong Kong to Boston to London, all coming together to sing and celebrate music. It was an emotional night and one that inspired me along with many others that night. 

On the other end of the spectrum, when I went to Wales, I visited the Aberfan memorial and got to see the graves of the 144 people who died on such a tragic day. I had seen a lot on tv, but it doesn't even begin to compare to actually being there and seeing the memorial, built on what used to be the school building and seeing all the marbled graves on the top of the hill. Again, it was emotional, but in a different sense.

The place you enjoyed the most?

Although I had my moments, London was the place I enjoyed most this month. I love the atmosphere of it, especially at this time of year and it also, it is so photogenic. I think it is because so many of the buildings are light colours. I don't know, I just enjoyed it a lot.

What lessons have you learnt this month?
That talking to someone about a problem will make you feel 100 times lighter.

Anything exciting coming up?
Lots of things are happening this month! On Friday 4th I am going to see Tom Odell with Maisie and Anna! On the 5th I am celebrating my Grandad's birthday, where he would have been 90. Lots of school things are happening and lots of birthday celebrations for various people! Also, lots of pictures of leaves will be happening!

Stay happy,
Katie xx