La Blogotheque/Takeaway Shows

Music is a big part of my life and I spend at least 2 hours a day listening. One day I was introduced to the La Blogotheque videos on Youtube by a good friend, which a bit like the 'Live Lounge' tracks, and usually often involve the artist moving around Paris whilst performing. If you fancy hearing your favourite artist performing live then this is a great way to do it. It's also a fab way to discover some new bands - this is where I found out about Yeasayer:

Whenever I find myself despairing at the latest Popstar Idol Factor or whatever, that video restores my faith in humanity!

I'd totally recommend checking out the Beirut, Bon Iver and Sufjan Stevens ones too, but I'll leave you with my favourite. If you skip to 3.29 in this video you'll hear 'How Much More' by Stars (wrongly labelled as 'Haunted' for some reason). It's totally different to the original and totally beautiful...

Enjoy!

Sarah x

All Dressed Up

The party on Saturday went fantastically! I was so happy with how everything turned out, and it was amazing to be able to celebrate my birthday surrounded by my friends and family.

My lovely dress (it came from Coast)

It was also a lovely occasion to get dressed up. It was great to see everyone in their glad-rags and although I had to get my dress shortened (yes I'm THAT short!), I felt amazing in it! My mum even loaned me a diamond necklace that she was given for her engagement, so I felt totally glammed up.

Shoes from John Lewis (dead classy eh?!)

I was also given lots of lovely presents, including several pairs of earrings, two necklaces, hand creams, Cranium (I LOVE that game!), a bag and more bottles of wine and champagne than I dare to think about.

Although things feel a little flat now that all the guests have gone home and the planning is over, I'm still so thankful for a fab weekend.

Sarah x

One Little Word: YES

I read about this idea over at Oh Shoot (click here to check out Vivs' post on her One Little Word) and I think the original idea is from here.

I'm a little unsure about setting myself a solid resolution for 2012, but I really like the idea of having a word which I can focus on for the year. It seems a more realistic idea for me and can be applied to lots of areas of my life.

I have chosen YES! as my One Little Word - I am a very careful person and I over-think a lot of things. I feel it would do me a lot of good to say 'yes' to things more often. I don't mean being totally reckless, but I often think I'm guilty of totally over-analysing and consequently worrying myself sick about things, instead of just saying a bit fat 'YES' and getting on with it!

So, my One Little Word for 2012 is: YES!

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Sarah x

Looking Forward, Looking Back #4

So here we are safe and sound in 2012! Time for another 'Looking Forward, Looking Back'...

Looking Forward
There's all kinds of things to look forward to in 2012, but in the short term I have been organising a joint birthday for my little sister and I. I've lots of friends travelling from all over the country to come and celebrate with us, which I really appreciate - some even have to fly! I was a little worried noone would be able to make it, but a lot of people have come up trumps and I can't wait to see them all. My dress has just arrived and I can't wait to get all dolled up for a fun night with friends and family. It's going to be a night of food, drink and dancing and should be a lovely event!

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Looking Back
It's a slight cliche, but I must admit I am very thankful for the Christmas period. It was lovely to get to see family I haven't been in touch with for a while and spend some quality time together. I loved the build up to the big day and Christmas Day itself was lovely. Father Christmas was very good to me this year and I got given lots of exciting new toys, including a Kindle! I always thought they were a bit of a fad, but now that I've got one, it is actually a great piece of kit! The holidays were also a chance to have a bit of a relax and gather my thoughts for the coming year. 2011 had a lot of ups and a fair few downs, and I think it's important to have a little look back and think about how the experiences of the past year will affect 2012. I'm excited for what the year holds!

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Welcome to 2012 everyone!

Sarah x