Review: Zara Larsson - So Good Album.

Hello, hi and welcome! 

So, I don't know if you're aware or not but Zara Larsson released her album 'So Good' today. I listened to it to and from work and I have to say I've loved every single song on it. 

I thought I'd give you a little breakdown of what I think of each song on it. 

WHAT THEY SAY.

This song is perfect to start the album off. It's uplifting and great to drive along to!

Favourite Lyrics: "They don't believe in you like I believe in you any way."

LUSH LIFE.

I've loved this song ever since it came out. It always reminds me of dance class in Berlin, my teacher there always played it to warm up to.

Favourite Lyrics: "No tricks, no bluff I'm just better off without them cuffs."

I WOULD LIKE.

Another song I've been loving up until now. Me and my dad took ages searching on Spotify for the original version of this song - turns out there isn't an original, but she did take the 'i would like to get to know you baby' from Sasha's 'Dat Sexy Body' (go have a listen and you'll see what I mean). 

Favourite Lyrics: "I can't help myself its human nature, human nature. Whose to say what's meant to be?" 

SO GOOD ft TY DOLLA $IGN.

Probably one of my favourite songs of hers ever. It's so chill and feel good, I know I'm going to be blasting this in my car in the summer. 

Favourite Lyrics: "Stuck on it 'cause my loves so good so you keep coming back to get some more." 

TG4M.

I remember when I first heard this when I was driving and I was like 'yaaaas'. I turned it up and tapped along to it. 

Favourite Lyrics: "You're too good for me but I want, I want you any way."

ONLY YOU.

I like this song but not as much as other songs on her album. Her voice reminds me of Bridget Mendler in this song. 

Favourite Lyrics: "I can't love no body like I love myself, only you."

NEVER FORGET YOU ft MNEK.

I remember when I first heard this song, I had it on repeat - I was obsessed. I'm sure it was in my monthly favourites for like five months in a row. I still sing along with everything I have when I hear it. 

Favourite Lyrics: "I wonder what would happen if we went back and put up a fight." 

SUNDOWN ft WIZKID.

I love this song so much. I love the backing track, her voice, everything. This song is definitely one for the summer.

Favourite Lyrics: "So can we love now? 'Cause I don't wanna wait until sun down." 

DON'T LET ME BE YOURS.

I really like this song. I feel like I'm saying this about every song, but there isn't a song I dislike on this album. This song is a little different to the others, it's quite deep and honest without being too dramatic. 

Favourite Lyrics: "You think you know me, but you can see my lonely heart."

MAKE THAT MONEY GIRL.

This song just makes you want to scream YAS. This is like an anthem for women, it's a solid favourite of mine. 

Favourite Lyrics: "You know that you're one in a million, so make that million."

AIN'T MY FAULT.

When she first released this I wasn't too sure, but that quickly changed and I'm sure I played this for like the whole of December - no joke. The drop is just perfection. I also want her boots in the music video.

Favourite Lyrics: "It ain't my fault you came here looking like that, you just made me trip, fall and land in your lap."

ONE MISSISSIPPI.

Another favourite of mine, I feel like I can relate to this song which is probably why I really love it. 

Favourite Lyrics: "Three Mississippi you're gone, saying you don't even want it no more." 

FUNERAL.

I thought this would be a lot more sad than it is - I'm not disappointed, I just assumed because of the title. Another song I relate to and really like, I dance along to this in the car too. 

Favourite Lyrics: "I wished you everything you ever wanted in your life, this tastes so bittersweet it's like I'm going under."

I CAN'T FALL IN LOVE WITHOUT YOU.

This is quite a slow one which really shows off her voice, it's not got a lot of production behind it. 

Favourite Lyrics: "I feel so happy, so happy that I'm free. And I can see things, things I couldn't see."

Favourite Song(s):

• One Mississippi
• TG4M
• Ain't My Fault
• Sundown
• Make That Money Girl

Least Favourite Song(s):

• Only You

Rating /10:

10/10. There is no particular song on the album that I've skipped. I think the only reason I don't love Only You yet is because I need to warm up to it still. I love this album and I know I'm going to be playing it for a long time. 

Thanks for reading!

Natalie xx

Sent from my iPhone

Little Mix - Glory Days Album Review

Hello, hi and welcome! I've been so excited for the new Little Mix album, mainly because I'll be seeing them three times next years so I wanted the album to be amazing!

Let's just get straight into the review shall we?

 

SHOUT OUT TO MY EX.

The perfect middle finger to that ex who hurt you. It's full of girl power, indirects and "oh, oh, oh's".

Favourite Lyrics: "Hey look at me now, well I'm all the way up I swear you'll never bring me down."

 

TOUCH.

I wasn't sure if I liked this song which you'll find I feel the same throughout the album, but its really grown on me and I can imagine this will be the first song on when I'm getting ready to go out or when Becky and I go on a car trip.

Favourite Lyrics: "Just a touch of your love is enough to knock me off of my feet."

 

F.U.

Love this when I'm walking to work I feel like saying F.U to everyone after I listen to this(I don't) but it makes you feel energised which is what everyone needs.

Favourite Lyrics: "I wanna say 'shoo,shoo' I wanna say 'screw you'."

 

OOPS Ft Charlie Puth.

I really love this song, the second I heard this I knew I was going to love it, its just got that vibe. It makes me really happy when I sing along, its just so uplifting.

Favourite Lyrics: "We had a good run, we messed around and had some good fun, guess it turns out I lost a good one."

 

YOU GOTTA NOT.

I've liked this for a while as they released it early. This is super pop, fiery and damn right cool and i like where they're taking their music, this song is quite different to what they've done before.

Favourite Lyrics: "And everybody warned me, you gotta not. But you're kinda hot so I thought why not, oh well."

 

DOWN AND DIRTY.

I'm sorry but the beginning to this sounds just like Black Widow by Iggy Azalea. Not a favourite at all and it makes me so sad. I don't think it suits the album, I don't think it sounds like them or their image and its not really a very good song. Sorry girls..

 

POWER.

I wasn't sure if I was going to love this or loathe it but I really love it! It makes me want to go out and buy a motorbike and just drive around singing this. I like Jesy rapping I think she does a better job than Leigh-Anne(sorry not sorry).

Favourite Lyrics: "You make it rain, but I make it, I make it, I make it shower. You should know I'm the one who got the power."

 

YOUR LOVE.

Their voices sound incredible on this song, I love the backing track too. It's a really relaxing song to chill to as well. Favourite definitely.

Favourite Lyrics: "Come and kiss me on the moonlight."

 

NOBODY LIKE YOU.

I like this song but I feel there's something missing from it somewhere, I'm just not of sure what. Their voices sound strong and the harmonies are on point!

Favourite Lyrics: "I tried goodbye a hundred times not one of them true."

 

NO MORE SAD SONGS.

This is the perfect song for someone going through a break up or has a broken heart at the minute, its kind of like the song you'd want to hear when experiencing it. I really like it.

Favourite Lyrics: "I keep trying to put this behind me, I still wanna know, whose taking you home."

 

PRIVATE SHOW.

The beginning of this reminds me of JLO - Get Right..anyone else?? It's quite 90's RnB driven. Not a favourite, but still extremely funky.

Favourite Lyrics: "To get high you gotta get low."

 

NOTHING ELSE MATTERS.

I'm not sure still if I like this i think I need a little bit more time with it, its neither here nor there for me.

 

BEEP BEEP.

This song is totally random, I don't think it suits the album or their image really. It's more like a song from Grease than a girl band in 2016..

 

FREAK.

This song is like the older sister to DNA or Lightening, a continuation. It's alright, but it doesn't jump out.

Favourite Lyrics: "Listen to me this is critical, you don't want to unleash this animal."

 

FAVOURITE SONGS:

- Shout Out To My Ex

- Touch

- OOPS

- You Gotta Not

- Power

 

LEAST FAVOURITE SONGS:

- Down & Dirty

- Private Show

- Beep Beep

- Freak

 

RATING OUT OF 10:

7/10

 

Thanks fod reading! Natalie xx

Shawn Mendes - Illuminate Album Review & Thoughts.

Hello, hi and welcome!

One artist I've really been enjoying is Shawn Mendes. It all started really when I heard Treat You Better; I was never a huge fan of Stitches or the song he did with Camila Cabello, but when I heard Treat You Better it really got me intrigued with his second album which was released today.

So after listening to it this afternoon I thought I would give you my thoughts about it.

LEGGO.

 

RUIN.

I think it sounds like a John Mayer song to be honest, but that's not a bad thing - I like John Mayer! It's quite a slow song about speaking with an ex who has moved on and asking if they still think of him.

Favourite Lyrics: "I'm not trying to ruin any happiness but darling don't you know that i'm the only one, for ya?"

MERCY.

This isn't one of my favourites from the album but that's just my personal opinion. I think this song could be interpreted in more than one way, and not necessarily be about letting go of a relationship with a spouse.

Favourite Lyrics: "Even though you have good intentions, I need you to set me free."

TREAT YOU BETTER.

This song is the reason I started to like Shawn Mendes to begin with. I think this song resinates with people quite well, I've been in a situation where someone believed they can treat me better than the person I was with at the time.

Favourite Lyrics: "Give me a sign, take my hand we'll be fine, promise I won't let you down."

THREE EMPTY WORDS.

A really cute little song but not a favourite. A song about being in a loveless relationship and trying to make it work.

Favourite Lyrics: "It might be easier to stay, but it'll never be the same."

DON'T BE A FOOL.

A definite favourite of mine. At the beginning the melody reminds me of Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright. It's quite a sad song about someone who can't love someone properly because of their inner issues.

Favourite Lyrics: "Don't be a fool, and say that you love me. 'Cus you'll find a man who will stand by your side and be there for you."

LIKE THIS.

I connect with this song on so many levels. He can literally sing anything and it sounds poetic.

Favourite Lyrics: "I try to ignore you, try to go on with my day. But i still pick up the phone, get lost in what you say."

NO PROMISES.

I love this song and I've seen quite a few people tweet about it too. It's probably one of the most upbeat songs on the album, with an almost Spanish style backing track.

Favourite Lyrics: "Please no promises, because i know the consequences."

LIGHTS ON.

This song just makes me love Shawn Mendes, i can't help but think this song would be 10x better if he collabed with someone though.

Favourites Lyrics: "I wanna love you with the lights on, and hold you 'til the nights gone."

HONEST.

This song is literally just him and a guitar and i obviously love it. He basically sings about not being able to be enough for her. And its so.damn.cute.

Favourite Lyrics: "You deserve more, than i can promise and baby I'm just tryna be honest."

PATIENCE.

This song connects so well to a situation I've been in and I just feel like Shawn Mendes is my spirit animal to be honest. A song about someone who can't make their mind up whether they want to be with you or not.

Favourite Lyrics: "I always give in when you tell me lies to reassure me. I always make the same mistakes. Ooh, you give me a little taste, love me and then you take it from me."

BAD REPUTATION.

This song reminds me of One Direction - She's Not Afraid, the story line is similar not the tunes. A song about a girl who is known for the wrong reasons but he knows the real her.

Favourite Lyrics: "I don't care about what they think about you baby, they don't know what you've been through."

UNDERSTAND.

A song about how Shawn is coping with growing up and what comes with it. He also has a cute monologue half way through it and he's just so cute.

Favourite Lyrics: "I've been on this train too long, people getting off and on."

Least Favourite Song(s):

- Mercy

- Three Empty Words

Favourite Songs(s):

- Treat You Better

- Don't Be A Fool

- Patience

- Honest

Rating Out of Ten?:

8. Solid 8 for this album!

Buy it?:

I'm thinking of buying a hard copy from HMV.

Thanks for reading!

Natalie xx

REVIEW: Meghan Trainor - Thank You Album.

Hello, hi and welcome! If you haven't already gathered by the title this is a post all about Meghan Trainor's second album she released Friday 13th May.

I love Meghan Trainor, I love her music style, her message and what she stands for. She doesn't take herself too seriously and it really shows within her lyrics in her songs.

 I really loved her first album and from the few songs I heard her release before her second I knew I'd love it, and I do, so enjoy my thoughts, feelings and this not so very good review of Meghan's second album: Thank You. 

Watch Me Do

Comment: Although this is such a Meghan Trainor style of song it's not a favourite of mine, I don't really connect with it and I'm not too keen on the lyrics. 

Me Too

Comment: When I first heard this song I was not a fan as it reminds me of a Black Eyed Peas type of song. But although it's not a favourite, I still like how it's completely tongue in cheek - but I think she should have chosen Better to be a single than this one. 

Favourite Lyrics: "My life's a movie, Tom Cruise. So bless me baby, achoo."

NO

Comment: This was her first single from the new album and I knew by listening to it that I would love her second album. It's a message to those girls who need to stand up for themselves when a guy just doesn't quit. He gotta let it go.

Favourite Lyrics: "If I need a man, then ima get a man but it's never my priority."

Better

Comment: OBSESSED with this song. Ever since I heard it on her snapchat I knew I'd love it, I explained my love for it in my April favourites so I won't ramble but yes Meghan, YAS.

Favourite Lyrics: "Finally I can breathe again, the weight is off my shoulders."

Hopeless Romantic

Comment: I like it when Meghan shows off her vocal ability. She has crazy talent that is often belittled by industry snobs. I love how this song is just her and a guitar, no mass production, it also reminds me of Like I'm Gonna Lose You from her debut album. I think a lot of women can connect with this song, deep down we're all hopeless romantics who wish for their own Romeo. 

Favourite Lyrics: "I'm just a hopeless romantic looking for love. I'd risk it all just to have it, I wouldn't take it for granted."

I Love Me ft LunchMoney Lewis

Comment: This song is so funky. Meghan really takes inspiration from old school music, she has an old soul even though she's so young. A song about self love which I think we should all have, it's nice to not listen to an album full of love songs. 

Favourite Lyrics: "They gon' try to clip my wings, but I'm gon' fly."

Kindly Calm Me Down

Comment: Another slow song so obviously I'm going to love it. This for some reason was the last song I listened to on the album. It doesn't really sound like her style which I think is good, it's not the typical song you'd think she'd have on an album. 

Favourite Lyrics: "When my world gets loud, could you make it quiet down? When my head pounds could you turn off all the lights?" 

Woman Up

Comment: Oh Meghan you just make me love you more and more. What a freaking tune. The beginning guitars are definitely Bob Marley inspired - they have to be, I listened to too much Bob Marley as a child not to hear that inspiration in there. A song of pure female empowerment. 

Some women flaunt Feminism around on their social media to gain respect and fans, others sing about it and actually work to make women feel good. Ahem. 

Favourite Lyrics: "Don't matter what you been through, just make them remember you."

Just A Friend To You

Comment: The beginning of this song reminds me of another song and it annoys me that I can't think of which song. It sounds like an older sister to Close Your Eyes from her debut album so if you like that song you'll probably look this one - like me. It's also just her and a guitar with no crazy production so it's a great chill song.

Favourite Lyrics: "You say I'm just a friend to you, but friends don't do the things we do." 

I Won't Let You Down

Comment: This is such a feel good song. It has that summery, calypso vibe to it. I can imagine dancing to this on a beach somewhere extremely hot and having zero worries. It kind of reminds me of early Rihanna - it makes me wonder if she took inspiration from Rihanna's first couple of albums as they had this sort of sound to them. 

Favourite Lyrics: "I made my mistakes, probably more than I can count so from this day on I won't let you down."

Dance Like Yo Daddy

Comment: This song reminds me so much of the Sex and The City theme tune, OR Fergie - Labels or Love, if you know either you'll probably agree. I can't help but tap my foot to this song, it's so upbeat and feel good and I just want to dance on tables and sing my heart out.

But I won't, don't worry.

I also love how she makes fun of herself with witty lyrics such as 'I can't touch my toes' making fun of comments from social media that have mocked her weight.

Favourite Lyrics: "If you care what they're thinking you can't have no fun."

Champagne Problems

Comment: I feel like this song is basically explaining my life bar a few things. It really makes you realise that the things we complain about are nothing, they're champagne problems compared to others problems. 

Favourite Lyrics: "And my iPhone always seems to die right before I'm about to reply, but I can't complain, life's too short for that."

Mom

Comment: This song reminds me of my mama. It makes me think of her and I think Meghan purposely wrote a song to make you think about your mum. I love how she's even included her mum talking on the phone in it too, SO CUTE.

Favourite Lyrics: "Her loves 'til the end, she's my best friend. Ain't nobody got a mom like mine."

Friends 

Comment: This song makes me so nostalgic, and also reminds me of a song from the 90's but again, I can't put my finger on what song it is. A song to make you appreciate your friends and life. I also like how she's added her friends singing along in it too, makes it more real. 

Favourite Lyrics: "And after all my money's spent and I can't afford my rent, they walk me in their house saying "you can take the couch" yeah, that's the only friends I need."

Thank You

Comment: I feel like this is a cute song to her fans and this makes me want to hug her. I also think she sounds like JoJo in this song.. just me? Okay.. 

Favourite Lyrics: "I feel your words, they don't go unnoticed."

Favourite Song(s):

- Better

- NO

- Woman Up

- I Won't Let You Down

- Just A Friend To You

- Thank You

Least Favourite Song(s):

- Watch Me Do

- Me Too

Rating Out Of 10?:

Easy 9 out of 10. I love her and this album. 

That's it! That's my opinion and feelings on Meghan's new album - I lurrv it.

Thanks for reading! 

Natalie xx

REVIEW: ZAYN - Mind Of Mine album.

(Screenshot taken from my phone)

1. MiNd Of MiNdd (Intro)

First things first, how were those high notes physically possible..?(I have a feeling I'll be asking that throughout this review because he is the king of high notes). I felt this intro was the perfect way to start the album, he's telling you to explore what's really in his head which is each of these songs. 

2. PILLOWTALK

Probably one of my favourite songs so far this year. Although I don't necessarily get the concept of the music video(apparently it's all metaphors and only artistic people get it), I do genuinely love this song. I also love the remix version with Lil Wayne. He basically talks about his bed being a paradise and war zone and fighting or something(I suggest he gets a new bed, preferably a memory foam). 

Favourite Lyrics: "I love to hold you close tonight and always, I love to wake up next to you."

 3. iT's YoU

It's yooooOOOOOuuuuu. Such a slow jam I LOVE it. So many people I've spoken to(well, not many, like 4 people) have said this is their least favourite and I don't get why, this is in my top five favourite of the entire album. It reminds me of a song a young Usher may have sung, those kind of vibes. A song about not understanding why you love the person you do, and how whatever you do you still want them.

Favourite Lyrics: "Could it be that it's a lesson that I never had to learn? I looked at it like a blessing but now it's just a curse."

4. BeFoUr

A lot of people were creating goss that this was about the 1D lot, but now that the song is out it's quite clear that it's not. I will be honest and say I don't understand why it's not just called before, but it's probably for a really artistic reason and it's ZAYN so we accept it alright? Right. 

Favourite Lyrics: "I've done this before, not like this."

5. sHe

This is a real banger and a definite favourite of mine. LOVE IT. The high notes and the ending are just.. no one can tell me he isn't a true artist(I will fight you). I don't know if this was based on his ex-fiancée but it wouldn't surprise me if it was. 

Favourite Lyrics: "She wants somebody to love, to hold her. She wants somebody to love, in the right way."

6. dRuNk

Crying because this song should of had Chris Brown OR Tyga on it. I think I may have cried for a good few hours if they were on it though. This is such a chilled song, a barbecue or campfire tune where you just chill with mates. 

Favourite Lyrics: "I'm emotional, hope I haven't said too much."

7. INTERMISSION: fLoWer

I don't know what he is singing as it is in Urdu. But it's still so beautiful to hear, and really quite soothing. A great idea on his part.

8. rEaR vIeW 

Another favourite(think I've said this every time). This song isn't very similar to anything that's out right now and I like that. High notes, as always, are on point. It's a song about not being able to love someone who wants love but willing to be their friend.

Favourite Lyric: "Heard about all the love you lost, it was over before it began."

9. wRoNg (ft Kehlani)

The second I found out he had collaborated with Kehlani I legit felt like a kid on Christmas Day. Kehlani is one of my favourite female artists at the minute(look at my monthly playlists). This song just is, I can't really put it into words. A song about  being the wrong person for someone, you can't give them what they want, but you're willing to be a casual thing(sounds sleazy but it's not). It's basically a similar concept to Temporary Fix(for all you 1D lovers) but with a RnB twist and the lyrics aren't forcibly suggestive and cheeky(no shade but c'mon). 

Favourite Lyric: 

ZAYN: "You're looking in the wrong place for my love, don't stop what you're doing because I like how you do it."

Kehlani: "I'm a problem of problems I know who I am and that I'm not, no good."

10. fOoL fOr YoU

I almost cried when I first heard this, I'm not going to lie about it it's just such a.. I don't even know. It just brought something out in me. A sensitive song about being a complete fool for someone you're in love with(title kind of gave that away).  

Favourite Lyrics: "This love is tainted, I need you and I hate it. You're caught between a dream and a movie scene."

11. BoRdErZ

This song is probably my least favourite of the album(I bet you're thinking shock, horror, Natalie can dislike something Zayn does?!) Yes, yes I can. It's not that I dislike it but it's just not in my top favourites. It's basically about being open with someone and breaking down the borders(excuse the pun) that has been put up in their relationship. Another I think may have been influenced by his ex fiancée but who knows..

Favourite Lyrics: "I don't want to cut off so let's cross the lines we lost."

12. tRuTh

This is quite an obvious one, he's clearly talking from experience with this song. It's very Frank Ocean, that's the vibe I get from it(where is Frank Ocean by the way..?) A song about finally being able to see the truth with a clear head(whatever the truth is I don't know I guess he didn't mention any topic purposely..) 

Favourite Lyrics: "I got caught up in this game and you know I won't say names of whose to blame." 

13. lUcOzAdE

I don't really understand what this song is about(no, it's not about the energy drink). High notes are on point, but not a fave. A good song to chill to though which is the concept I think Zayn was going for with this song.

Favourite Lyrics: "The elephant in the room, disguised as your perfume."

14. TiO

A solid favourite. I quickly figured that tio stands for take it off which is what he says quite a lot throughout the song. A song about stripping metaphorically and literally so you can be yourself. I think I could listen to this song in all situations. It's a song that puts Zayn in his own category, it doesn't sound like anyone else and in years to come people will say other artists have a sound like Zayn's.

Favourite Lyrics: "Take off all your makeup baby take it off. Take off all your clothes I'll watch you take it off."

15. BLUE 

A slower ballad that Zayn really shows off what he's capable of; the high notes. Oh the high notes. From what I got from the song it's about wanting someone to love you until they're blue even though you know they don't love you as much as you love them.

Favourite Lyrics: "I have her love and devotion, she gave me thought and a notion."

16. BRIGHT

This song reminds me of Becky because when I played this the first time she danced like a mum to it. An upbeat potential dance tune if he remixes it. It makes me think of Justin Timberlake actually and it would make my life if they ever collaborated. IMAGINE THE HIGH NOTES. 

Favourite Lyrics: "The cage I was in fell away when she asked me to dance."

17. LIKE I WOULD

A song we've all already heard as he released it early and apparently it's his next single(very happy about that). Another favourite that I'm a huge fan of. I like that he's done an upbeat dance tune where he shows that he doesn't fit into just RnB, soul, slow styles(he also showcased this in 2013 with 1D in Little White Lies let's pretend that song was single for a second..)

Favourite Lyrics: "He don't know your body, he don't do you right."

18. SHE DON'T LOVE ME

The lyrics to this are a little saucy aren't they? I was expecting a really sad, slow song about someone not being in love with him. But it's actually quite uptempo with a Miguel vibe. This song is hinted to be about Zayn possibly cheating on his ex but this is only hints, so let's not get all judgey now kids.

Favourite Lyrics: "I think I know she don't love me, that's why I f$#% around."

Overall Summary:

I LOVE this album, I wasn't disappointed and I had such high expectations for it. He's really got his own sound, style and I couldn't be more proud. I'm so proud I stood by and waited because he was my favourite so to now have 18 songs of just his voice is like perfect heaven for me. He's kept his dignity, not throwing insults to anyone directly, using metaphors and being himself. So, so happy.

Favourite Song(s):

- Drunk

- Wrong ft Kehlani

- Tio

- She 

- Like I Would

- PillowTalk 

- It's You

- Rear View

- Fool For You

Least Favourite Song(s):

- Borderz

- Bright 

Rating out of 10?:

9.5 EASY. It would be a 10 if I liked those two songs more.

Buy on iTunes?:

Yup, got it(after some bank detail issues I finally was able to download it).

So, there you go. My review(kind of, mainly me harping on about how much I love Zayn I think). Hope you enjoyed!

Until next time..

Natalie xx

REVIEW: My 2015.

Hello, hi and welcome! Usually I like to review and give my (not so professional) opinion on albums but today I thought, seeing as it's the end of the year, why not review my own year, to look back at what I've done and experienced.

I have loved 2015, it has been one of the best years of my 20 years of living in all honesty. I've traveled, seen some beautiful places, and met the most amazing people along the way.

So let's start, shall we?

J A N U A R Y:

January was quite an interesting month as I spent more of it at home rather than in Switzerland. Going home meant spending time with family and of course Becky.

Our first ever night out together which obviously means taking 100's of photos on the Mac.

In January I also was fortunate enough to meet Holly and Amy, two girls who were also nannies in Switzerland.

The first day we met aka the craziest day ever. They gave their numbers to a waiter, I had my first ever beer in life and we talked until 10pm and we were asked to leave because we'd been there for around 5 hours.. Oops.

 We spent this day playing in snow like kids, drinking beer on benches like classy lasses and eating amazing chicken kebabs. (I wrote a blog post earlier this year called 'Thalwil'.

January was also the month I decided I would be leaving Switzerland later on in the year in July. It was a tough decision, I loved where I lived, my job and my friends. But I knew I needed a new adventure in my life.

Song of the month: Meghan Trainor - Mr Almost. 

F E B R U A R Y:

February was a month of pure work and earning money. I didn't do anything spectacular but I did take Dana to Zürich for the day shopping. We didn't get chance to hang out often so once we got the opportunity we spent the day spending all our money. 

February wasn't really a crazy month, it was kind of like a 'forgotten month', I don't really recall anything exciting happening.

Song of the month: Ella Henderson - Lay Down.

M A R C H:

March was a cool month. 

In March I flew to Berlin for the night where I went for a job opportunity that would be starting later on in August. It went amazingly well(obviously). 

March was also when I got the news of when I'd be leaving Switzerland to return home: July 3rd, this meant I could start a countdown and make plans with family and friends(mainly Becky).

For some reason in March I decided to be an absolute nutter and get this pierced. I have five piercings, all on my ears. I don't have any tattoos but I'm thinking about it in the future ~ I want a lion and/or a quote(personal quote) in Italian somewhere.

My mum also told me in March she'd be visiting the following month for a week during Easter which excited me to no end(as you can imagine).

Song of the month: Rihanna feat. Kanye West & Paul McCartney - FourFiveSeconds.

A P R I L:

April brought many exciting activities! I only worked for a week in April as the family I nannied for were on holiday so I got to do and see many things. 

My mum visited for 8 days which was flipping fabulous. We went to Bern(photo above), it's my mums favourite city and she requested on the first day to go there so we did.

We also visited Geneva for the day which was on my 2015 bucket list. I got to go to the Jet D'eau, as well as the United Nations building and lots of other amazing places. It was such an amazing day and I would only have wanted to spend it with my mum.

Also in April I climbed up the St Urs Tower with my friend Jess(I also did a post about this earlier on in the year HERE.

I'm not scared of heights so it was an amazing experience as it was such a beautiful clear day and we could see the Bernese Alps. The only thing I didn't like was that it was very tight walking up the tower as it was a spiral staircase so it was really narrow and it wasn't easy to turn around in so it felt quite claustrophobic. But once we were out on the balcony it was stunning.

Song of the month: Tori Kelly - Unbreakable Smile.

M A Y:

May was a lovely month, it brought lovely weather too.

 Great weather meant many trips to Zurich on the weekends. For me, personally, Zurich was the best city in Switzerland. I loved going there whether it was summer or winter, but with lovely weather it really came alive. Boats would be out on the river along with pedalos and little fishing boats, street acts would perform, sometimes they'd be dancers or musicians or magicians, it would change every week. It just had a great vibe to it, and made you feel so happy and at home.

Also in May, Minty and I went to Ikea for the day which was one of my favourite days in Switzerland to be honest. I also purchased this little gem that is Herbert(Herbie) the hedgehog.

I also tried this out, it's dried out apple rings. I found it really strange as I'm not too sure it's something us Brits have. It tasted very weird, like chewing leather in all honesty. It's really difficult to chew and digest.

Song of the month: Rixton - I Like Girls.


J U N E:

June meant the countdown to returning to England really began. I pushed my boundaries to do things I'd never done and go places I wanted to visit before I left. One of these places was Luzern.

Minty and I went to Luzern for the day and it was honestly one of my favourite places I've ever visited. It was so beautiful and pretty, I wanted to take a photo of everything. On one side there was the town with shops etc then the other side was the mountains, the alps hidden behind them. It was truly breathtaking. 

I also went by myself to Thun, a place around an hour and half away from where I lived in Solothurn.

They love a good bridge in Switzerland, don't they?

It was a cute little city that I'd love to visit again some day.

June also brought one of the hottest weeks ever there. On one of those days Dana and I spent the day chilling. (I was too hot in this and went home to change later into a thin playsuit). It was a great day of subway, chats and dipping our feet in the Aare.

Song of the month: Jhene Aiko - W.A.Y.S.


J U L Y:

July brought a few tough goodbyes as I waved a 'see you later' to Switzerland and those I knew there.

The weekend before I left, Dana and I went to a carnival.

We drank a LOT of white wine, and met some crazy Americans. Dana also had to force me chinese food and water so I would sober up. Cringe. But anyway. it was a great night(what I remember). It was also the night that I took a video of a drunk Dana saying: "Natalie, someone has taken the floor... or you?" One of the greatest quotes of 2015 to date. When we woke the following day Dana was wearing my shirt I was wearing that night as a skirt, and I had somehow put on my pyjama top. We ordered pizza and watched girly films all day until I went home at around 7/8pm.

Also, in July I returned home for a month to see family and friends. I loved every single minute of it.

My sister & I

My brother & I

Of course my brother and sister were the first people I wanted to see. I always miss them so much when I'm away, it was amazing to come back and spend quality time with them.

I also got to see my beautiful best friend Becky.

We had some of the best days ever together. A sleepover that consisted of chinese food, taking photos with my selfie stick, dying Becky's hair pink at midnight and spending too much money on rubbish in Tesco.
We also went on a road trip to Birmingham to meet Louise Pentland, aka Sprinkleofglitter where she signed our books(Darcy too). Becky almost killed us with her driving but it was okay, we were alright(thanks god).

Becky also stayed at mine for the night, the following morning we heard Drag Me Down for the first time and almost fainted, we also played games in the garden with my niece.

We went on a road trip to Meadowhall, made crazy dubsmashes and loads more - it would all be too long to write.

Also in July, I got to meet up with some old school friends.

Anjelica, myself and Gurpreet.

 These two are two of my oldest friends I have. I have known them both since I was around 5/6 - and I'm 20 now. I believe I will always be friends with these two, I couldn't imagine not having them in my life. They're the two people who I may not speak to everyday but I can always rely on being there.

Lauren(front), myself and Sonya.

These two were my best, best, best friends at school. I have shared some absolutely amazing memories with these two. Sonya was the only girl I was close with in my tutor group so we always just got on and had a bond because of that. And Lauren has just always been there for me, it's kind of funny really; we started secondary school disliking one another. People would say we looked alike and we didn't like it so we decided to hate each other. Then, one day we magically became friends for whatever reason and then we just became such close friends.

I also saw Charlotte who is the only friend I've known since I was 4 but we didn't take photos together because we spent the meal literally talking non-stop. We didn't have time to do much else.

Song of the month: Nicki Minaj ft Ariana Grande - Get On Your Knees.


A U G U S T:

August was also a mixture of emotions month. On the 5th was my 20th birthday. I have finally come to terms that I am no long a teenager anymore. It took some time, but I am okay.

My little brother and I on my birthday.

I saw my dad, brother and sister on my birthday, then met my mum in town with Becky, Charlotte and my nephews. I did a post about this which is HERE.

August was also the month I said goodbye once again(why is my life full of goodbye's?!) and moved away to Berlin, Germany aka the greatest city in the world(in my opinion).

I couldn't wait to move to Berlin, I was honestly so excited for a new adventure to begin. it exceeded all of my expectations too. It is my favourite city yet and I've visited a few i.e: London, Paris, Zurich,Geneva, Antalya..

I was also able to meet some incredible friends in Berlin too.

Carlee, Jordaan and myself.

One night I was invited to a house party by Carlee that was taking place soon and I felt so anxious about it. I contemplated it and thought it over for two whole days, I talked myself out of it but when I told my friend Franklin he offered to go with me and I was so glad he did. Without him going with me I never would have gone and I never would have met the people I did. Note to self: Say yes more!

Cologne.

I also got the opportunity to go to Cologne for the evening too in late August. It was a fabulous trip even though it was a short one. I walked over the bridge that was full of locks, went inside the famous cathedral and had one of the best ice creams I'd ever had in my life.

Love lock bridge in Cologne.

Song of the month: Gabrielle Aplin - Panic Cord Hucci Remix.
 

S E P T E M B E R:

September brought a lot of traveling for me. At the beginning of the month I went to Majorca where I got to see some beautiful sights of the island, one of my favourite places was Alcudia.

It was beautiful weather and I couldn't have been more thankful for the experience, it was amazing.

Towards the end of September I had a month of travel planned so I met up for drinks and a night out with my Berlin friends before I left.

At the end of September I set off with my job for a months travel. First stop was Spain, a small town called Guadix near Granada. My threes weeks there enabled me to meet some of the greatest people I have ever met in my life and I wouldn't have changed a single minute of it.

We got to explore a part of Spain I had never been to, and see things I didn't think were possible. The middle photo is a photo of a small village built from caves. Simply amazing.

Song of the month: Alessia Cara - Seventeen.

O C T O B E R:

October meant a little bit more traveling, this time to Turkey, a small town called Lykia.

It was the cutest place ever in the mountains, on one side was the ocean, on the other pomegranate fields. Pure bliss.

After Lykia we went on to Antalya where I got to experience the crazy markets which I unfortunately didn't get any photos of.

Antalya.

When I got back to Berlin in late October I was able to catch up with friends again which lead to a night out at some random club that gave us a free magic show at 2am..

Natalie, myself, Amelie & Joss about to watch a magic show.

October also meant Halloween, not an occasion I usually celebrate, but I dressed up for it and had a drink or seven..

Mairi & I on Halloween.

Mairi-Jane went as an alien and I was dead scary spice(I wore leopard print leggings - tragic).
It was a great night, I didn't get home until 5am because I am wild. And my train got delayed.

Song of the month: Tori Kelly Ft Ed Sheeran - I Was Made For Loving You.



N O V E M  B E R:


The traveling didn't stop there, November consisted of a week in Kitzbuhel, Austria.

I also went to Hamburg for the day too.

Hamburg townhall.

When the traveling eventually finished I was happy to spend some time with friends back in Berlin.

Riana, Ashley, Gaby, Mairi & myself.

We spent to day exploring Berlin, drinking Starbucks, discussing Justin Bieber nudes and chinese food(a pretty great day if you ask me).

Song of the month: One Direction - Wolves.



D E C E M B E R:

My mum flew out to me at the beginning of December which made me so, so happy.

Mum & I at the Berlin Wall.

Berlin Wall.

Alexanderplatz Christmas Market

We went exploring together which is my favourite thing to do with my mum as we always like to go to the same places. We visited the Berlin Wall, Bradenburg Gate, Holocaust Memorial, Alexanderplatz and a few Christmas markets.

With December comes Christmas which meant it was time for me to fly home to spend Christmas back in Nottingham.

The day after I landed I visited my brother and sister - I was so excited to see them both.

My sister & I.

My Christmas day was quiet and I only saw strictly close family; Mum, Dad, Brother, Sister.

My brother, sister & I.

I got some lovely gifts, but the main thing I was thankful for was my family. I am always grateful of my family.

Song of the month: Hailee Steinfeld - Rock Bottom.




My 2015 has been absolutely.. crazy.

It's had highs, lows and inbetweens. I've said goodbye to many people, but also met some great people too. I have so many highlights and happy memories from this year and I couldn't be thankful. I want to thank everyone who has made my 2015, there are some people I started 2015 with but I won't be ending it with them, it may be sad to some people but I just say: when one door closes, another opens.

This year has taught me that.

Here's to 2015 being a great year, and to 2016 being an even better one(if it can top this year).

Peace out 2015.

Natalie xx