Turning 20

I saw someone post on twitter this morning that turning 20 counts as 'growing up'. WHAT?! Nobody informed me of this when I turned 20 last september and I know it's a little daunting not being a teenager anymore but I can't help but look forward to how much better my adult life is going to be in comparison to my teenage years.

These are the years of university, jobs, careers, parties, travels, engagements, weddings, maybe even children if you're quick enough haha. These are the years when independence actually means independence rather than living away from home but still getting your parents to pay the bills. Quite frankly I love the prospect of really making the decisions which build the rest of my life, I like being in control of that. 

Let's not lie though, it is difficult to be independent. I have experienced the difficulties of trying to find a part-time job at university, trying and constantly failing with budgeting, balancing working for money and working for my degree, and most of all the struggle of buying something you love but you just can't afford. These are the things which can really drag you down and make being independent much harder but we have to remember that these things take time. Time and mistakes are very good at making you learn and change your habits which is what your 20s are about. Make the mistakes and learn from them to develop into the person you are going to be. At the end of the day, you need the difficulties in life to really appreciate the best times. 

Enjoy turning 20 and take everything in your stride!

K xo

Music: Lorde

Okay, so it's been a while. I understand that. I'm sorry, is that okay? 

I have definitely been slacking on writing recently. It's been a busy term and sometimes I neglect some parts of my life in favour of others (namely my extra-curricular activities for my degree, it's important and all that) but now I'm back with a vengeance, well almost.

Today, I have to share my love for a new artist on the block. I can't get enough of her dulcet tones and witty lyrics on life. Namely, Lorde. A young lady from New Zealand who has been involved in the music business since the age of 12 and rocketed into my musical awareness a couple of months ago. Lorde was propelled into the spotlight as unknown 16 year old when she was featured on the Spotify playlist 'Hipster International', being described as "the antidote to disposable pop" by the owner of the playlist (here).

I am loving the music this girl is making, it's moody yet catchy, punchy, and easy to listen to. I don't feel as though I'm listening to a glimpse of teenage angst against the world but something that is well-thought out, considered, and then clean cut into these pieces and then matched perfectly with videos that reflect the world which Lorde inhabits and invites the listener to join in for those three minutes. But don't take my word for it, have a listen for yourself...

K xo

The Magic of Music

Recently I've really been suffering from exam stress. Now, I don't usually stress about exams; I was heading to house parties the week before my A levels were due to start and never had a meltdown in preparation for my final exams. However, university seems to have cracked me. With 4 3 hour long exams to prepare for, which all fall within 10 days, I have been seriously FREAKING OUT. I've tried doing all sorts to calm down a little; running, long showers, shopping, talking to old friends. Nothing seems to have done it quite so well as playing with my jazz band for a couple of hours this evening.

As previously mentioned, I enjoy my music. I think that the best kind of music is that which you create yourself. I love the social element to a band, chatting with different people, but also the amazing feeling that you get when you work together as a group on a piece and it sounds absolutely magnificent, it's really the best feeling and you get such a buzz from performances. The best part of music is that you don't have to play an instrument to get this feeling either, it comes from singing too! 

So, if you've never been in a band or a choir, I seriously recommend joining one. Especially at university! You meet the best people.

K xo