Well this really is all very exciting isn't it! I'm delighted to tell you that I've been nominated to do the fantastic and blog renowned Liebster Award! Thank you http://rubyjennick.blogspot.co.uk/ for the nomination, I too feel like a right novice blogging but looky here at me writing away like there's no tomorrow AHAH!
Right so the task is:
You must link back to the blogger who nominated you.
You have to state 11 facts about yourself.
You have to answer the 11 questions that were given to you.
You have to nominate 11 others and set 11 questions for them to answer.
You can't nominate the person who nominated you.
You have to tell the nominees that they have been nominated by you.
Well let's not dilly dally Grace, let's do this!
TEH [sic] FACTS
1) When I was younger I really wanted to be a paleontologist! I know! It's all very strange, but I loved reading about dinosaurs and the Jurassic period and honestly considered it as a career before I found acting.
2) I have size 3 feet, I struggle in life and not the shoe sales.
3) I ask myself a lot of questions during the day and almost to the point when they start becoming existential and deeep.
4) I lot of my clothes are from charity shops, eBay or the sales because I don't like spending vast amounts of money on stuff that's eventually going to go out of fashion!
5) I went to Australia in October 2013 and it was my first EVER trip outside the country since my PGL trip to France in 2006.
6) I prefer soya milk to normal milk and earl grey to normal tea. I'm just too snazzy
7) I bite my nails and it's number one of all of my flaws.
8) I'm a purple belt in karate but if you asked me to do some moves now I'd probably look like an intoxicated Jackie Chan, so best not.
9) I went to an all girls school from the ages to 11-16 and it literally killed my soul but I met and made some of my best friends there.
10) I lived in London up until I was four and some of my earliest memories are pondering round London with my mum, going from theatre to theatre, and sitting on the balcony with my legs dangling on the edge looking out onto the streets of Acton with my Granddad's binoculars
11) The words 'up', 'Hamish' and 'Hezzah' have a very special place in my heart. All for weird, sentimental reasons.
RUBY'S QUESTIONS
Whats your favourite beauty product? Oooo it'll have to be MaXFactor False Lash Effect Mascara (peeps like Daisy Lowe swear by it so trust me it's goooddd)
Whats your travel/handbag essentials? Phone (which kinda doubles as my iPod), earphones, a notebook, Youtube journal (inspiration can spark from anywhere!), purse, Hand Food hand cream and spf chapstick!
What would you be doing right now if you weren't writing this post? Probably watching another Game of Thrones ep or reading How to Be a Woman!
Whats your favourite fashion item? My Wrangler jeans!
Which celeb would you most like to meet? Benedict Cumberbatch obvs.
Where would you live if you could? Positano. It's beautiful.
Whats your most valuable item? My sky blue Swarovski crystal necklace in the shape of a swallow.
If you had to have a last meal, what would it be? A massive Chinese buffet with a poached pear and ice cream pudding.
What is your most memorable moment? I don't really have a specific one but the buzzing feeling when I'm just about to go on-stage is pretty special/memorable
Where would you go on your dream holiday? LA
What is your favourite past time/hobby? I used to stargaze a lot with my uncle when I was younger - we'd look through his telescope and I can still name some constellations he showed me!
So today has been possibly the laziest day in a while, I've indulged in far too many carbohydrates and decided that my "weary" body should stay put on my bed for most of the day. Productive (haha) activities include: watching Youtube video's and browsing Tumblr and other blogs. I've hit a dead end with trying to find blog templates that actually work. I look at other blogs and then look at mine and think " T'heck, no one's going to look at this - it just screams amatuer!" Honestly is there a site or helpline or something that might be able to help me? It's giving me minor headaches at present I can't deal with it. (I jest.)
I wish my bloody blender hadn't broken down I really fancy smoothies at the moment and god dammit life, you're just making things super difficult for me aren't you. Hmm.
Anyway enough over-dramatic riff raff!
I'm about to read "How To Be a Woman" by Caitlin Moran! I'm rather excited you know - it can't possibly be because of the amazing, snappy reviews either side of Ms Moran's head saying 'Funniest book of the year' and 'The book EVERY woman should read' (it really is capitalised, I wasn't just emphasising that all females should endeavour to sprawl these apparently marvellous pages). She looks wise...very wise in fact. A silver streak in her fringe representing an individual style and oozing coolness.
Gosh I sound odd. I must read more. Okay, okay a book a week now, otherwise I just end up sounding like a complete plonker why am I even still typing GOD.
Today's Febulody is Ain't it Fun by Paramore. Love this, I've played on repeat for the past couple of nights just because it's a very re-playable song. Also Hayley Williams' voice. Gosh wowza.
Okay I'll stop now, this is getting redicorosss [sic] (intended to sound like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh and not like a 5 year old with a lisp.)
it's been a very hectic week for me. I've volunteered and laughed and stepped on lots of peoples feet and eaten a lot of pasta for one reason or another. I've cried at the Baftas and the Brits and a poor guy who couldn't do the Cajun two step to save his life. So quick update:
(Legit X Factor mans voice)
MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY
These were volunteering days at DLWP where met lots of lovely people and felt warmly welcomed into the bosom of a massive family-like team. Lots of stuffing of envelopes with beautifully printed cards. There are loads of contemporary artists' being shown here over the next couple of months which you can find more information on here.
TUESDAY
Brighton day!
It's the most depressing feeling when you have little or no money when you go to somewhere like Brighton because you just end up touching things and stroking things and staring at things that you can't afforded and you end up looking like a bloody weirdo.
(and breathe)
HOWEVERRRR I DID manage to buy a few things in the sale.Primark mini haul - socks and underwear! YAYAAAnotthatexcitingbutHAAYYY.
Also, my friends and I fancied a pint after all that shopping so we headed to the nearest pub.
"Hahaha" says the Lord, "I'm going to make that guy reject your ID".
And my citizen card was declined as valid ID. Honestly it's a right pain in the bahooki when someone's like "We ONLY accept drivers license or passport". I'm there feeling like a kid again. I know that they're not usually accepted in pubs and clubs outside of Hastings buh...
OWH
Why'd you even bother Grace? Well I'd like to take this opportunity to highlight the 'not usually' aspect of this situation and like to keep positive and confident that one day they'll accept my ID, which is very much valid.
We spent most of the day playing the post it note game and singing 'Let it Go'.
Here yar.
THURSDAY
Visited my gorgeous and hilarious Nana!
Love my Nana.<3
FRIDAY
The day I was introduced to Cajun and Zydeco music and dancing. It was another volunteering day, usual drill of being chatty and smiley and encouraging but this time I joined in the dancing. This was also the day, well night, that I met a few people from the local Green Man society called the Mad Jacks. They were incredibly friendly and suggested that I join the society! No doubt I will!
The live music was supplied by none other than local band the Cajun Dawgs.
SATURDAY
I kid you not all that two stepping and swinging and twirling made me terribly dizzy and therefore resulted in me staying in bed a little longer than anticipated. I'd like to point out that after 3 hours of dancing it is allowed. Shortly after waking from my deeeeep, deeep slumber I found that I had a blocked nose and ghastly sinus pain *LEVEL UP DING NOISE not*
I spent the duration of the day drinking buckets of orange juice and...feeling ever so slightly existentially anxious.
I'm not terribly worried by it now because I'm writing this after I experienced it and it has been much worse in the past, but every so often I worry about things that I shouldn't and get scared that I'm not doing anything. To be perfectly frank, I think this was sparked from my topsy turvy sleeping patterns. Otherwise, if I'd been in my right mind, I'd have reviewed my week so far and reminded myself 'Grace you do know that you've had a pretty eventful week so far'. Except I didn't and I felt pretty damn crap for a few hours. It didn't help that I had a cold.
*sniff*
SUNDAY
Nana turns 85! Went out for pub lunch, had possibly the biggest mixed roast ever and and and NOW feel absolutely exhausted!
So with 7 being my lucky number I decided to post up my lucky song. We all one, do we not? That one song we can rely on before we go for an interview, on a trip, or in mine and many other peoples' cases before we go on stage?
Today's Febulody, which I'm not going to lie is a little unexciting because I've had a long day coping with my Nana (ah), is the song It's Time by Imagine Dragons - I really honestly don't know if I've already posted this. I'm pretty sure I haven't but yeah, that's the song which makes me feel secure and ready for anything. I should have played it this morning before went ventured up to my Nana's but yeah.
You can kinda tell by my writing, I think, for those of you that have read my previous posts, that I'm completely knackered. If you're new please read this one before you read the rest of my blog and if you like it - you're my new friend.
Thank you for bearing with, now if you'll excuse me and my terrible grammar I'm going to have a bath and then immediately retire to my chamber.
HEADS UP FOR THOSE THAT DON'T KNOW OR NEED REMINDING THE BRIT AWARDS IS LIVE FROM 8PM GMT ON YOUTUBE - GO GO GO!
Tonight will consist of tears, screaming and heart thumping like a fish is having a fit and the tail is whacking my chest from the inside OMG I'M SO EXCITED.
For those that don't know what the Brit Awards are.. Google and appreciate the epic goodness before your very eyes.
Hope you're all well - I WILL blog 3 posts tomorrow because I need to catch up on tiiings and tell you what's been happening and what's coming up! :D
Enjoy the show tonight guys, and if you're not watching the show - enjoy your evening munchkins!
QUACK [sic] HEADS UP FOR YOU ALL; MY FRIEND ARCHIE WHOSE LIKE A MAHOOSIVE FASHION FIESTA PERSON HAS JUST STARTED BLOGGING (blatantly copying me - loljks I luff dis guy noh8t wut) AND I'D LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU IF YOU COULD CHECK HIM AND HIS TUMBLR OUT
Anyway, so the main focus of this post is pixie haircuts. I cannot tell you how strong the urge to get a pixie haircut is sometimes. It's like a urge to have a double shot espresso when you're on a decaf diet. Actually that's a bit of a weird metaphor but I'm sure you've grasped the concept by now. Late last year I said: "Right I'm going to lose a stone and then get a pixie cut" Weeelll... I'm kinda halfway there. As you can tell from the banner, my hair is verging on 'bob' but is in fact 'not bob'. I forced my gorgeous mother to chop it all off just before Christmas and I've embraced the bounciness that has unexpectedly come with it. However, I still desperately wish to sport the pixie cut. SO I CALL UPON YOU GORGEOUS READERS, TO HELP ME CHOOSE FOR WHEN I FEEL READY (next month or so) TO GET MY HAIR CUT This #1
So it's quick pixie chic this one. I dunno though, because my hair isn't that dark it's like an auburn/dark brown at present but I was thinking of dying it slightly darker or something. ADVICE?
That #2
Slightly shorter, again remember that it'd be an brunette version of this. I really can't decide. Okay direct question now: Have you ever had a pixie cut and did it go well or horribly wrong? Did you spend your days loving your new do or did you hide your head in a hat for a like 5 months or something? Looking at my face, is it project a-go-go or abandon ship? PLEASE HELP. Would appreciate a comment or tweet @poshballoon on Twitter! Thank you choppages <3 FEBULODY #6
Upon picking today's Febulody, I wanted a song that's made me feel strong and bold in the last 24 hours and then immediately thought of this. This was the tune that was played at the start of the Baftas this year and wow, what a performance! Loving Tinie's new album - make sure you check out Demonstration on iTunes . I hope it makes you feel inspired and strong too! And I'm feeling extra generous tonight so here's Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth singing Defying Gravity from Wicked (favourite musical of ALL TIME)
So you know how everyone who ever existed (minus those who sadly passed away before the books) ..(however I like to think they have books in Heaven) ..loves the Harry Potter books.
(If you haven't - DO YOU EVEN BREATH?)
And you know how everyone in their right mind loves the idea of Butterbeer and those fortunate enough to have tried it at Harry Potter World or Universal, adore it to pieces?
I could rant forever about this profound and exceedingly special lady, but nothing I'd say would justify how brilliant and special she is. This shall be a brief post but please watch this. I admire her greatly and always will.
God bless you lady - and every other actor who's spent over 30 years practising and perfecting their trade as an actor.
No hail or anything like that just Sun. Beautiful, untouched sun. Not a cloud in the sky. Couldn't even fathom it this morning, it was literally the most refreshing thing since cloudy lemonade. We embraced this fine weather, my family and I, by taking a gentle stroll along Pett beach. The coast is at it's most beautiful in these geographical circumstances. However it was troublesome on the old physique... As I was slightly stiff; you know the drill, the seizing up feeling in every single joint and you can't do anything too enthusiastic otherwise you feel like a limb's just torn or something equally awful.
This is because my friends, last night I decided to do some exercise. Yes, yes I'm keeping to my 'new me' agenda and attempting more physically challenges! So I decided to do some squats, some press-ups, planking, weights, the lifty-leg-thing that you do (gym terminology has never been one of my strong points) etc. And after a solid 2 hours of that yesterday I felt fantastic - you know I'd go as far to say that it motivated me to do more SHOCKA HORROR.
But this morning.
Shizzle sticks. This. Morning...
It felt like my soul had been pelleted with several ice bullets and then proceeded to be petrified by the Basilisk in Harry Potter. I've never felt so stiff IN MY LIFE!
Just shows how much exercise I actually do.
I must stress, to the young and old, if you plan on getting fit and want to participate in physical challenges such as those THEN WARM UP BEFORE. I recommend:
Shaking
Jumping jacks
rolling shoulders/ankles
stretching
lots of shaking
And only then do something gentle nothing too vigourous. Like a powerwalk - move your arms around a lot, don't lock them by your sides all the time. Remember you're working your whole body, you've got to become comfortable and keep warm so your body can become stronger!
FEBULODY - DIBBY SOUND
Literally cannot get enough of this track - I remember listening to it for the first time and thinking 'Is that Ms Dynamite-heee'
It was.
Now what's it called again?..
Trying to find a track that you don't know the name or lyrics of and only know a bit of the tune (and you can't exactly Shazam your voice) proved to be the most excruciating online search of my life (not really though, but you get me).
Found it eventually though. DJ FRESH & JAY FAY have created an epic track.
AND I LOVE IT - definitely going to be a BIG tune this year (BBQ TIIIME)!
I bet it's not just me who's put off by the word 'healthy'...
Eh?
Someone reading this must be like 'Oh yeah me too.'
What comes to mind when someone says HEALTHY? Because with me, it usually implies something bland and doesn't fill you up. Like Miso soup. *shivers* (I'd just like to point out that I mean no offence to those who do like Miso soup, it's just not ma baaag baby.)
I HAVE HOWEVER, found an ingenious solution to this small but irritating conundrum and that is by using a different adjective. SO I've chosen Yummy as an alternative to Healthy. And trust me they are really nice I'm not jesting you.
I've lost 5 pounds over the last week and I swear down it's due to just swapping a few things and eating at appropriate times and not eating LATE! (A little bit of exercize too; couple power-walks per week or even daily if you feel up for it!) I know some people can't help but eat late, but make sure that you eat a big breakfast to kick start your day something liiikee.... RIVETA
Now before you stop reading from possible nausea or unbearable cringe from the memory of cardboardy texture RIVETAS ARE NICE OKAY. It's all about putting it with the right things. E.g Some avarcado and mozerella on a pine nut and pumpkin seed riveta is nomnom for a quick snack OR riveta with the cook brekkie fav's egg, bacon, mushrooms and tomatoes for a smashing breakfast!
SMOOTHIESSS Smooties are fab if you want something quick and filling instead of a full blown cooked brekkie ! This is a fabulous recipe from LEON - *put a handfull of oats *couple of banana's *some honey *some milk (preferably whole) *a couple of tablespoons of Greek yoghurt aaaand mix it all up to create a concoction of beauty!
GREEN TEA N' EARL GREY
Green Tea/Earl Grey instead of bog standard tea. Green tea = very very very good for the brain and skin. I suggest Clipper Green Tea with a dash of Lemon. It's light and fragrant - which brings me to earl grey. If you simply deteste the natural, earthy taste of Green Tea, then I thoroughly suggest Earl Grey. Still maintaining the tea-like quality however with a little more gentility and kindness to the palette.
Very good with Soya Alpro.
ALPRO SOYA ALPRO soya as an alternative to normal milk. Still has all those key vitamins and calcium like normal milk but tastier in my opinion. It's kinda hard to convince those of you who haven't tried it that it's 'creamier' and 'silkier' than normal milk because milk is milk. Full green goodness and is produced in less concentrated areas! Drink up, feel good and save the environment! It comes in different flavours too like hazel, almond etc.
I hope you like the wonky quality of these pictures (y)
So yeah those are the "yummy" alternatives!
Coolio.
It doesn't all the time though does it? All you need is food and soppy rom-coms and Tumblr and your diary to jot down ideas for your ideal date/holiday/outfits/man/woman (whatever floats your boat).
I wish to dismiss this idea that Valentines Day sucks for spinsters! Society's expectations of a day of love is completely overrated. Last night I spent Valentines Day with my best friend and her sisters, watching Bride and Prejudice and eating cake. BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT WE DO BEST. We also spent a considerable amount of time reminiscing over our old school days and wishing that we were back in the routine of school as real life sucks. I've said sucks a lot in this post haven't I...let's say something positive.
VALENTINES DAY SHOULD BE ABOUT APPRECIATING THE LOVE THAT YOU HAVE FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS AS WELL AS A PARTNER IF YOU'RE LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE ONE.
(The term partner's a bit wide as well don't you think?...I mean it could mean partner in crime. In which case yeah cool. *Tangent*)
Anyway, yes, positive! The Brits are upon us so I thought it only right to put my winner for the BRITISH BREAKTHROUGH ACT 2014(it is Febulody after all hahaha)...
AND THE AWARD GOES TO...
T-T-T-TOM ODELL
Yes my lovely's, the 23 year old who won Critics Choice at the Brits in 2013 is MY BBA 2014 winner! What a beautiful and talented man - can't wait for the day I see him live. Here's one of my personal favourites.
Grace is like "Oh yes, I'll do a daily blog for the whole of February on music la la ladadraedsfk"
BASDNSDNGKENGKOLLOCKS.
So let's talk about how from NOW I have to do a post on SOMETHING every day, be it music or a random moment in my day which was memorable for one reason or another...
SO I'm literally obsessed with this song at the moment you may have heard of it (especially on Radio 2 - Simon Mayer woop woop). Honestly I think they're such a damn attractive couple and make beautiful music together.
Also the video is smashing too. She's so purrdddy.
You should check out this band called 'Winter' they're really good - if you like Mumford, Johnny Flynn and Snow Club you'll like these guys!
http://officialwinterband.com/
Winter - Zanzibar
ALSOOOO
There's an exciting festival called Redfest were Lauren Aquilina is playing, who's song 'Wonder' is one of my favourites at the moment so check her out!
http://www.redfest.co.uk/
http://www.laurenaquilina.co.uk/
Each and every one of you have a fabulous weekend!
(Poor attempt at sticking February and Melody together - don't cringe, I'm doing that for you)
A month where I talk about more music because I can.
5. What You Wanted - OneRepublic (Native)
How can you possibly not after TFIOS trailer? It makes me all warm and fuzzy inside EVERY. SINGLE. TIME I listen to it. I also find myself whispering "Okay" to myself, pretending to be Hazel.
I'm verging on the point of obsession I know, please don't worry I'm signed to regainmysanity.com (jks).
4. Lifetime - Emeli Sande
(Our Version of Events)
I got her album the Christmas before last but didn't really listen to it (I'm sorry Miss Sande) HOWEVER in the last couple of weeks I've revisited the album that I so rudely ignored and this particular song is now one of my favourites of hers. You must check out her album 'Our Version of Events' though, ooorh, it's very good.
3. More Than Friends - Gabrielle Aplin (Acoustic EP)
One of her first professional live sessions, this song explores the meaning of 'friends' when you're in that Summer/Tom Hanson relationship where you're simultaneously lost and stable and don't know where the progression path lies. I particularly like the pick up beat at the end.
2. Buzzcut Season - Lorde
(Pure Heroine)
I love this one from Lorde. She really is WOW. She's so so talented, like argh, it hurts my head. The unnecessary amount of envy I feel from time to time when I remember that she's 17, beautiful and producing her own music just erupts inside of me and destroy's me a little bit. Gah. But in all seriousness this one I prefer to Royals (universal gasp of horror). Yeah. But the BEAT. BEAT.
1. La La - The Cab
(Symphony Soldier)
After visitng the Radio setting of my Spotify (aspect of Spotify that allows you to pick a song that then plays a random selection of artists and songs that share the same genre or fashion sense as I've recently observed) I found The Cab. From listening to loads of Fall Out Boy over the last couple of months and literally bowing at their metaphorical feet, I decided to let Spotify take control of my shuffle mode. AND OMG La La came up and SURPRISE SURPRISE their influences are FOB and Panic at the Disco. I'm not afraid to announce that I am in love, my dearests. Very much in love.
Album of the month
You and Me At Six
Cavalier Youth
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