Subscription boxes #1: Bella Box

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Can we just talk about subscription boxes for a minute? No, not the Youtube kind, the arrive-on-your-doorstep kind.

Now I will admit, I'm very late to the party on this one.  I've been umming an ahhing for far to long, trying to decide if these subscription boxes are all they're cracked up to be.  However, after seeing this video by Maddie, I decided I had to have them all!

So today my lovely BellaBox arrived at my door.  BellaBox is an Australian subscription box, that contains 5-6 beauty/cosmetic/hair products.  Now I got my box for just $10, with a special promo for May, but they're normally $15 per month.

This month's BellaBox was flight themed, with Jetstar images on the sleeve, and a boarding pass inside the box. All of the products had some link to travel as well.

And here's what was in the box:

1. Timeless truth face mask.
2. Wen by Chaz Dean sweet almond mint cleansing conditioner. (Which I am very excited about using! I hope this can replenish my dry hair).
3.  Appelles rosemary body bar.
4. Sally Hansen sugar coat textured nail colour - full size. (I got Lick-O-Rich, which is a black polish with grainy flecks in it for the texture).
5. Chapstick limited edition tin.
6. Chapstick moisturiser green apple - full size. (You can't really go wrong with one of these).

Overall, I think this was a good mix of products, and I do like how they all went with the theme. However, I was hoping to receive more cosmetic products. I did get a couple of full size products though, so it's swings and roundabouts I guess.

Have you had any subscriptions boxes before? What did you think? Let me know!

Beth. x

I Miss Michael Paynter.

There I said it. I miss Michael Paynter.

For those of you who don't know, Michael Paynter is an Australian singer, musician/multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, all-round awesome human... And that still doesn't sum up the talent that this guy has!

Me with the lovely Michael Paynter at
The Deluxe Sessions in 2008.

Michael has been an enduring musical favourite of mine since my cousin took me to see a Shannon Noll show in 2008, and Michael was the support act. I was absolutely taken by this guy who could sing and play, and man could he sing! Since then, the only other chance I got to see MP perform was at The Deluxe Sessions - a special, intimate, rehearsal-space gig - because I wasn't old enough to attend any of his other shows. But now I'm 18, and Michael has been missing.

His stint on The Voice saw him reach audiences who had never experienced the MP magic, and I was so glad that he was reaching wider audiences. He was let go from the show far too early, (don't even get me started on that), but while all the other contestants are releasing music, MP (humble as he is) is helping up-and-coming artists to fulfil their dream of musical success on the big stage.

I have days when I play his back catalog and reminisce and remember why I love his music so much. My friends will tell you just how much! His music is just...uplifting. It tells a story. It has heart. Yes, it is unashamedly commercial pop, but it's REAL. It doesn't tell stories about getting drunk and getting with someone, it tells of overcoming hardship, of dealing with heartache and of taking chances. And yes, the music and MP himself have evolved, but everyone does over time.

I miss spending hours replaying a song like novocaine on YouTube, just so I could learn to play it and sing it myself, (and show my parents, my friends, and my school just how amazing this music is). I miss his hilarious vlogs and amazing one-take covers that were truly phenomenal.

(One of Michael's phenomenal covers).

It's not often that you find an artist that really resonates with you. I listen to so much music - I adore the stuff! - but I keep coming back to Michael Paynter. With lyrics like "There's a moment when we all, have to choose to fly or fall, here's yours," and "Before you go let me know if you're happy pretending, before you leave make believe that you know who you are," it's hard not to!

('Praying For Rain' - an original song).

It frustrates me that we have talented people like this in our own country, but can't give them the support they need and deserve. I want great things for all these striving, talented people!

So, Michael if you're reading this, your fans (and there are a lot of us!) "won't run away... We're all a little broken, hoping, to get closer."



Beth. x

Check out Michael here: https://www.facebook.com/michaelpayntermusic?fref=ts

Beach Snaps.

I recently got to spend some time at the lovely beach town of Barwon Heads.  The weather was lovely, so I dusted off my old faithful Canon 550D and headed towards the beach.
Here are some of the many photos that I took:

I love capturing sunlight and working with interesting light.

I also love photographing different textures... And this wooden wall definitely caught my eye!

And a shadow seflie never goes astray!

So although it's currently the middle of Winter here, I got to make the most of the gorgeous weather and amazing scenery to wile away a few hours. 

Glass Towers brings Halcyon Days.

The long awaited debut LP from Sydney band Glass Towers has finally reached the ears of eager listeners, and it does not disappoint.  Halcyon Days combines the catchy drum beats, great bass lines and screaming guitars that Glass Towers has become known for.  With three relatively successful singles being released prior to the record's release, the hype was well and truly there for this indie-rock LP.

The first track on the record "In This City," is a great start to the record.  It's full-on, fast-paced and foot-tapping, and definitely draws the listener in.  The chorus has great vocal harmony lines, and the track ends with the stereotypical abrupt Glass Towers ending.

"Castles" has a sense of urgency to it, and the fast drum beat gives it a more punk feel.  This track also includes the squealing guitars that are scattered through most of the songs on this album.

"Jumanji" was the first single released off this album back in February 2012.  This track has a more tribal feel - reminiscent of Jinja Safari - during the verses, but packs a punch in the chorus, with a call-and-answer style vocal.  It's one of the less layered songs on the record, but it works really well.

"Tonight" was the second single released off the album, and is one of the standouts on this record. It's just so unbelievably catchy; it gets you in in a second.  The guitar riff, the bass line and the melody will be in your head for days without you getting sick of them.  The lyrical content is also really relatable.  This song is sing-a-long material, perfect for belting out as you're driving along.  For me, this was the song that alerted me to the amazing music of Glass Towers,  I found myself singing along whilst driving, and knew these guys were worth listening to over and over.

"Gloom" is slightly different to the rest of the tracks on the album.  It has a more dreamy style, with just the right amount of vocal editing, almost reminiscent of Tame Impala. 

Another standout off the record is "Halcyon." As the single released immediately prior to the record, it really does set the tone for what's in store on Halcyon Days.  Again, it has a lovely bass line, catchy drums and some great falsetto.  What makes this song stand out though, is the use of pauses and silence throughout the song, it just adds an extra element that keeps the listener on their toes.  But overall it's just a lovely fun indie rock track to sing a long to.

Glass Towers bring a more moody tone to the record with "Lust For Life."  This track has an almost Panic At The Disco! vibe, both vocal and musical wise.

"You're Better" brings the pace down a bit.  The instrumentation isn't as full on, but in a good way.  That is until you hit the chorus, which brings a soundscape of noise.

"Griffin" runs along the same lines as "Tonight," and is everything that Glass Towers is known for: fast drums, catchy guitar riffs sing-a-long chorus.  The vocal on this is also really interesting with lots of interval jumps throughout the song.

The second last track on the record, "Best Of Friends" hits you with drums as soon as it starts, and draws you in.  This drum and bass heavy song also has great lyrics.

The final track on the record, "Foreign Time" is a slower more reflective track, with deeper lyrics than the more acoustic sound lets on.  There are also some lovely piano lines throughout the song.  A perfect choice for the closing track.

Glass Towers have really carved out a great representation of themselves with this record.  They show influences from many people, but their own style shines through.  The fast drum beats of Daniel Muszynski, catchy bass lines of Cameron Holdstock and squealing guitars of Sam Speck are present throughout, as are the lovely (and at times haunting) vocals of Ben Hannam.  

Halcyon Days is a record that has captures your attention in seconds and has you listening for hours.  These guys are definitely ones to keep an eye on.

You can stream/buy Halcyon Days here:

http://themusic.com.au/listen/all/2013/07/01/exclusive-glass-towers-halcyon-days/

https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/id659190109

http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/music/alternative/halcyon-days-bonus-mp3/686231

You can find Glass Towers here:

https://www.facebook.com/glasstowers?fref=ts

The wonder of Woodlock.

I've been lucky enough to stumble upon the lovely boys from Woodlock performing twice while I've been in Melbourne, and both times they've had huge crowds.  No other busker in the busy Bourke Street mall could compete with the quietly confident boys from Woodlock, who thanked each person who bought their EP mid song, as well as warning the crowd to move off the tram tracks when there was a tram coming.  They let their music do the talking, and it speaks to so many people; I saw the very young and the very old enjoying every moment of the music.

With melodies and harmonies similar to that of Mumford and Sons and falsetto reminiscent of The Temper Trap, they are certainly a band to watch!  Their set contains many originals that you will be humming all day long as well as covers of some of the biggest songs at the moment.  Many bands wouldn't dare cover songs like "Resolution" by Matt Corby, "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk or "Don't You Worry Child" by Swedish House Mafia, but Eze and Zech Walters and Bowen Purcell do so with ease, reinvigorating these songs with their indie folk vibe.

Their live performance is like no other.  First of all there is a drum setup like none I've ever seen before, but also you can just see the joy on all of their faces, and that makes you love their music as much as they love it.  It seemed people only had to listen for a couple of minutes before they bought an EP, proof that they are good at what they do.  These guys aren't just buskers, they are musicians... No question about it.

The EP Lemons which features four folk/indie pop songs, has lovely melodies and harmonies, and really thoughtful lyrics. Even the title track "Lemons" which seems like just a fun song, is about "people who've gone sour" says Zech Walters.

For me, all the songs on the EP are great, easy to listen to and catchy, but the standout is "Lemons."  This track is just so infectious and joyous and the vocal loop that runs throughout the song is impossible to not sing for hours afterwards.  The drum beat, especially towards the end is also incredibly catchy, and live both Zech and Bowen play this part, which is quite exciting to see.

"The Last of Us," although slower than "Lemons" is such a beautiful song, with such lovely lyrics.  On the EP it also has a string arrangement to die for, and an instrumental passage which most bands don't do anymore.  It's the same with "Blood Brothers;" the lyrics tell a real story.

Eze Walters voice is reminiscent of that of Marcus Mumford from Mumford and Sons and Caleb Hodges of Art Of Sleeping, and combined with the more contemporary vocals of Zech, makes for beautiful harmonies.  And just when you thought they were talented enough, they swap from guitar to keyboards, to probably any other instrument you could name!  Bowen, with his crazy drum setup, has to be the most joyous drummer I've seen!  He honestly makes you happy, just by watching him.

These guys are beyond their years as far as storytelling and writing music is concerned, and are well worth a listen or hundred.


You can find them here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/WoodlockOfficial/videos
https://www.facebook.com/WoodlockMusic?fref=ts

It's the small things.

As New Empire's song 'Imagination' goes: "Simply put I like all the simple things." And that is so true; sometimes it's the smallest things that will brighten up your day.

Here are some things, that make me instantly happy, because clearly I'm:

Small things that make a big difference:

• Compliments from strangers.

• When someone requests the song that you wanted to hear on the radio.

• When a musician makes eye contact with you through the crowd at a gig... And no, you're not just imagining it.

• When people actually help you in a (slightly scary) festival crowd.

• Pretty coloured sunrises and sunsets.

• The smell of rain.

• Looking at the price-tag of something, and seeing that it's reduced.

• A hot shower after a freezing day.

• The moodiness of the sky during a storm.

• When you get every green light when you're driving along.

Sometimes you've just got to sidestep the big picture for a moment, and seek joy in the most ordinary things.  Take time to appreciate the little joys in life, and then get back to the important stuff.

Albums That Lift My Mood.

           So I've just written an assignment for uni that has potentially fried my brain, so what is the first thing I reach for to remedy this?  Music, of course.  Music is something that I know can instantly lift my mood or help me to get over brain strain (as is the case at the moment!)  So I thought I'd introduce you to a few of my favourite albums.... Note few, I have so many LPs it's hard to choose favourites without leaving out something out!

Here goes, my brief list of favourite mood improving albums.

San Cisco - San Cisco

     The debut LP for the WA quartet starts off slow and melancholic with "Beach," but boy does it pack a punch when you get to songs like "Fred Astaire" and "No Friends," which have you bopping away without a care in the world.  The combination of Jordi and Scarlett's vocals make for lovely easy listening, and the catchy melodies have you singing in seconds.

     My personal favourites on the album would have to be the foot-tapping "No Friends" in the upbeat stakes and "Nepal" for lyrics and piano.  However all the songs are worth multiple listens.

      San Cisco's album is extra special - not just because it's signed by the lovely band themselves - but because I got to see them perform it live... Oh the nostalgia.

Motor Ace - Shoot This

   The oldest of my selections, "Shoot This" took a lot of work to find.  It's not online and CD's of it aren't printed anymore, and I was starting to lose hope.  That is until I walked into a second hand record  store one Spring afternoon... I struck gold!

    If you're after classic Aussie rock/alternative Motor Ace is your band, with classics like "Keeping Secrets," "Carry On," and "Ride The Wave" all on the one album, you're in for a great 50 minutes.  

     Favourites on this album, again, are many, but "Keeping Secrets" is definitely number one, purely for the many sing-a-longs it created in the car in the early 00's.  

   "It's the way I feel.  Speak up when you know that it's real."

New Empire - Symmetry 

    Another album of songs that really speak to you is "Symmetry" by the Sydney boys New Empire.  Hope and strength is a theme throughout, with songs varying from the pulsing "Train on Time" to the ballad that is "Ghosts" to the anthemic "Give Me The World."
    Again New Empire is a band I've seen live, and their performance is better than the album, if you can believe that!
     Favourite songs would have to be "Train On Time," "Tightrope" and "Give Me The World."  All for their amazing and melodies, which make them impossible to not sing along to!

Emma Louise - Vs Head Vs Heart

      "Vs Head Vs Heart" is the long awaited debut from Emma Louise, and I have to say it's worth the wait.  Soothing and soulful is how you'd describe it.  All the songs carry a theme of heartbreak or melancholia, but you'd never know if you just listened to the lovely melodies and Emma's voice caressing the notes.  While most of the album is fairly laid back, tracks like "Boy" and "Freedom" up the tempo a bit to a danceable pace.

       Favourites would have to be "Stainache" for it's beautiful piano, and "Freedom" for it's incredibly catchy chorus.

Gold Fields - Black Sun

     Last but not least is the infectious first album by Ballarat boys Gold Fields.  All I can say is that every song will have you nodding your head without you even realising.   Innovative use of tribal beats and harmonies make for an even more exciting experience.

     Favourites are definitely "You're Still Gone," "Meet My Friends," "Dark Again" and "Treehouse"... So most of the album basically.

So there you have it, some of my favourite albums.  Hope you can find some great new music!