#MusicMonday 8

Hello again! It's been a few weeks but I've decided to rekindle the old #MusicMonday posts and share with you some of the songs that have been on my radar this week. You can read my last #MusicMonday post HERE.

1. Clean Bandit featuring Louisa - 'Tears'

Ever since I saw Clean Bandit and Louisa perform this song live at Summertime Ball, it's all I've heard on the radio. It's grown on me a lot and it's a perfect song for Louisa, who I feel was shafted a bit by her X Factor winner's single. The song is already doing well in the charts and I have no doubt it will continue to do so over the next few months.

2. Reggie 'N' Bollie - 'New Girl'

X Factor runners up Reggie 'N' Bollie released 'New Girl' a few weeks ago, but I've only now got round to hearing it properly. IT'S SO CATCHY!!! Granted, they're not the best singers in the world, but they have an infectious energy and are such uplifting individuals that you can't help but smile when you see them. 'New Girl' is a summer bop that makes you want to dance your heart out.

3. The Neales - 'I'll Be There'

The Neales were contestants on last year's Britain's Got Talent and reached the finals. The father and sons team have released this song for Father's Day in aid of British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK and it charted at number 22. They're a charming bunch and it's endearing to see a family with a close bond, doing something they love together. (My inclusion of this song has nothing to do with the grey suits or my love for the beautiful Phil Neale...)

4. Shawn Mendes - 'Treat You Better'

Shawn's back with a new single, which he released a few weeks ago. The Canadian singer knows how to deliver a pop hit, and 'Treat You Better' is no different. I'm adding him onto my list of people that I need to see live, he's really great!

5. Tom Odell - 'Magnetised'

I have never particularly considered myself a fan of Tom Odell. Off the top of my head, I can't even think back to what songs he's most known for. My main memory of him is that his debut album was called Long Way Down, and they used to have a poster for it in Angel tube station, above a very very very long escalator which I found hilarious lol. Anyhow, recently I first heard 'Magnetised' on the radio and it hooked me instantly - ever since then, it gets played on a regular basis and I keep falling in love with it even more.



What are you listening to this week? Hit me up with some recommendations!

Hwyl am y tro ✌️

10 of my favourite Summertime Ball performances

On Saturday, I went to the Capital Summertime Ball with mum and David. This was my fifth time going and it was just as incredible as usual! The day had its one downer (Zayn cancelled, sob) but aside from that, I sang, I jumped about, I fangirled, I laughed and generally had the best time with the best company.

Nick Jonas Appreciation Society ;)

I wrote a review about the gig on CelebMix, which you can read HERE. I wanted to blog about it too so instead of boring you with a repeated ramble about the day, I thought I would share 10 of my favourite performances with you!

10. will.i.am and Lydia Lucy - 'Boys and Girls'

Seeing Lydia Lucy on stage with will.i.am was a super proud moment. I've been a fan of Lydia for a few years, since I supported her brother Luke in a band called Times Red. She's got an incredible voice and recently reached the finals of The Voice UK under Will's mentoring. The song is so catchy too and they make a perfect partnership. (From 9.42)

9. Nathan Sykes and Louisa Johnson - 'Over and Over Again'

'Over and Over Again' is one of my favourite songs and it sounded absolutely beautiful in Wembley. Nathan brought Louisa onto the stage for a duet this time, and they sounded so lovely together. Maybe they'll consider dueting again in the future?

 

8. Little Mix - 'Hair'

Little Mix opened this year's show, and in all honesty I couldn't think of anyone better to do so as they always put on a great production. 'Hair' is one of my favourite songs right now, and I chose this as one of my favourite performances thanks to all the sass, slaying and the fierce dance break down.

7. Years and Years - 'Desire'

Years and Years are incredible live and this was my first time hearing 'Desire' in person. Olly is a great front man, and I loved all the dance sequences too.

6. Craig David - 'Rewind'

It was so hard to pick a favourite song from Craig's performance, but honestly he was just all-round superb. He was so humble and blown away by the reception he received (look at the video thumbnail!) but I don't know why though as he is the king of childhood throwbacks. I can't wait to see him at Fusion too!

5. Dizzee Rascal - 'Bonkers'

Dizzee was a surprise act and I have no shame in admitting that I screamed SO. LOUD. I was buzzing, I love Dizzee and the fact that he sang 'Bonkers' made my night!

4. MNEK and Zara Larsson - 'Never Forget You'

This was one of my favourite duets of the day. 'Never Forget You' is such a gorgeous song, and both MNEK and Zara served us some glorious vocals. Zara, in particular, impressed me throughout the day (she also got to sing 'Lush Life' and 'Girls Like' with Tinie Tempah) as she's got all the ingredients to be the next pop princess.

3. Lukas Graham - '7 Years'

This performance was one of those goosebump inducing moments. '7 Years' is such a sing-along song so that in itself was quite moving, but what really stood out for me was Lukas, the lead singer. He came on stage all casual, and he was one of the most humble people ever. It genuinely meant so much for him to be stood on that stage and it seriously warmed my heart.

 2. Nick Jonas - 'Jealous'

Nick returned to the Ball this year, after performing 'Jealous' as a 'breaker' last year. This time, he got to do three songs, and the change in reaction to 'Jealous' was absolutely remarkable. There's a bit in the video below where Nick leans the microphone into the crowd for them to sing, and his face makes me want to cry happy tears. He looks SO overwhelmed, it melted my heart on the day and continues to do so every time I watch it back. He was so grateful to be there and the crowd reaction truly moved him.

1. Sigala featuring John Newman - 'Give Me Your Love'

Anyone who knows me well will not be surprised to see this at number one. I was praying that this collab would happen at STB and it did and I lost every ounce of chill I've ever owned. I saw on Twitter beforehand that John would be at the Ball, but I was still anxious until he came on stage. As soon as the intro to 'Give Me Your Love' started playing, I was on edge. Someone said 'Introducing.....' and all of a sudden he popped up from below the stage and I screamed so loud that I missed the first ten seconds of the performance LOL. I shook David's arm until it nearly fell off, and jumped out of my seat so quickly, so embarrassing. Genuinely, as much as I call myself a 'fangirl', I've never been a hysterical mess (much lol) but John makes me weak. He is hands down my favourite male performer and it made me beam with pride to see him have 80,000 people at Wembley in the palm of his hand. He's so underrated it hurts - seeing him get a chance to perform on that stage yesterday was so special. John is bae, thus John is number one.


Did you go to Summertime Ball? Let me know who your faves were!

Hwyl am y tro ✌️

Unwrapping June's TreatBox

Pinch punch, first of the month! It's TreatBox time again - after a long day on my wrecked feet (new shoes = foot chaos), coming home to the box was a welcome treat. This month's box was a literal treat too - the sticker on the box was covered in biscuits, and after opening the box, there was a little note from Zoe encouraging us to take five and pop the kettle on! There was also an inspirational card - 'you've gotta risk it to get the biscuit', which is just fabulous life advice haha.

welcome note, inspo card and the cutest sticker ever!

Next....the box unwrapping. I never get bored of opening my TreatBox every month, I love surprises!

unwrapping the TreatBox...

June's TreatBox!

There's an evident baking/biscuit theme this month, so cute! My TreatBox contained:

'You've Gotta Risk It For A Biscuit' inspirational card 

'Sweet Thoughts' notebook

'Star Baker' pencil

Chalkboard stickers

'Enjoy The Little Things' spatula

Six decorative pegs

A biscuit shaped nail file

Teapigs popcorn teabag

An edible biscuit

Notebooks are always handy and I love the sweet design on this one. The 'star baker' pencil makes me feel like I'm going to be a contestant on the Great British Bake Off, which is quite wonderful!

The chalkboard stickers are really unusual - I've never seen anything like it before. They're perfect for labelling or leaving notes for loved ones and the best thing? You can use them over and over again!

I cannot bake to save my life, so I'm not too sure how useful this spatula is going to be, however, I might have a baking urge one day. The decorative pegs are adorable! I love little things like that and when I get my room in order, I will definitely be using them. As for the nail file, as disappointing as it was to find out it wasn't edible, it is very handy and will keep my nails in shape.

Okay, so I most definitely do not have this biscuit in my possession any longer...oops! (I did share it with mum though and it was delightful). I am so intrigued by this popcorn tea, as it's basically green tea with toasted rice. It sounds absolutely bizarre but I'll definitely have to give it a go before the night's out.

That's it for June's box! As usual, it's definitely worth the money. Out of all the boxes I've received so far, this would probably be my least favourite as it's not as well suited to me as some of the others have been but I loved it regardless. I'm already counting down to July!

You can sign up for TreatBoxUK here. You can also check out last month's box review by clicking here. 

Hwyl am y tro ✌️