Top 10 Indie Music Picks of July

Here are my July indie favourites! Hope you enjoy as much as I do :)

Cavity by Hundred Waters

Nerve by Half Moon Run

Dark Star by Jaymes Young

Close To You by Neon Trees

We Hit A Wall by Chelsea Wolfe

Tough Love by Jessie Ware

Coming Down by Alice and the Glass Lake

Beloved by Say Lou Lou

Teach Me by Observer Drift

Pumpin Blood by NONONO

Writing and Other Things

So I'm working on a new writing project right now. I've had the general idea in my head for years, but haven't yet found a way to construct it. I'm feeling a bit frustrated because my efforts to form a good plot and write an outline are failing me. I've rewritten the plot SO many times, and I know that I'm going through a normal process of writing, but it's hard to deal with. Anyone who ever said writing is easy is lying to themselves. It's one of the hardest things to do. But it's also one of the greatest things, which is why I do it. It may be frustrating at times, but the result of seeing the finished product is always so rewarding and and worth the struggle. I'll just have to hang in there, until I pin down my plot and gain some writing momentum. That's when the fun truly begins! 

In other news, my music library is out of control and I can barely find songs that I want to listen to because I keep forgetting song names and artists. Usually when I find songs, I'll listen to it once and then if I like it, I'll save it so I can listen later. Unfortunately a lot of the time I forget about some songs and months down the line I hear it again and think, "hey I've heard that before." When I start humming or singing a song in my head, I desperately try to find what song it is -- I then have to go through my ENTIRE library. Sigh. But on the bright side, going through my playlists helps me discover old favourites. It's a bittersweet situation. 

Also, I'm in a reading slump and it's killing me! Anyone who considers themselves an avid reader will know that reading slumps are the absolute WORST things in life. All I want to do is read and good book! Sigh again. 

I just noticed this post is me just venting my frustrations. COOL. I'm going to go now. Okay bye. 

The Underdog: 5 Emerging or Underrated YouTubers (Part 2)

Since my last post about underrated YouTubers, I've discovered many more amazing people to watch. These people give me inspiration and are generally just awesome people that deserve to be noticed.

1. AConMann

I truly believe that Connor is one of the best things to ever happen to YouTube. His videos are insightful and thought provoking, and so inspiring. I wonder how one person can be so amazing, and all I want to do is meet him one day and have hours of debates and shared opinions. He is an incredible human being, and I admire him. 

2. Smoothiefreak

Okay, what can I say about this woman?? Akilah is a riot! She is so genuine and witty and I can't help but smile or laugh while watching her videos. She's my most recent find, and I couldn't be more pleased. I binged-watched her videos and I'm not even sorry! I love her. 

3. Kristina Horner

Kristina is such a nerd, but in the greatest way. I'm a proud nerd myself, and her videos include gaming, books, and sometimes fashion. Her videos are vlog style, so she just sits in front of the camera and talks, which is nice. 

4. Emilyofnewgloom

Emily makes visually stunning videos that make me want to get off my lazy butt, grab my camera and film something (like I told myself I'd start doing over a year ago). Her videos are so peaceful and beautiful. I wish she'd post more regularly, but her videos are definitely worth the watch!

5. ApprenticeEh

I've been watching ApprenticeEh for years now. Corey Vidal is at its core, but everyone else who lives in the ApprenticeEh house make the channel what it is. I'm Canadian, so I relate 100% to their content, but even if you're not from Canada, they appeal to everyone. They're just fun and their daily vlogging gives me something to look forward to everyday.

Hope you enjoyed this list! I'll be back with another one in the near future :)

The Big 2.0

This past weekend I celebrated my 20th birthday. It's kind of crazy to think of myself no longer as a teenager. I've been alive for two decades... wow. They say when you turn 18 you're an adult, but it doesn't feel like it at that age. And although I don't exactly feel like I'm 20 yet, I'll give it a few more days, or weeks, or months until it sinks in. I want to enjoy being young and reckless a little while longer before I have to think about having a career, starting a family, and all that jazz. I have two more years left before I get my degree, so I think that'll be enough time before I'm shackled down by too many responsibilities. 

For my birthday, I had two amazing days with my wonderful family and my closest friends. I spent one day partying (like a normal young female might do), and the other day just relaxing on the beach. The beach day was definitely the best day. I felt relaxed and calmed by the view of the water, the cool breeze, and the familiar smiling faces around me. I also got to reunite with a few people I hadn't seen in quite some time. Everyone seemed to be having fun, and so was I. Aside from the water being incredibly cold (like literally freezing and when I got out I was shivering for almost half an hour), it was still the perfect day. 

Here are a few photos of that day:

I may be a winter girl at heart, but I also love the season I was born in. 

- Lily <3

Top 10 Indie Music Picks of June

Here's my June indie music picks! Hope you enjoy. This month has been so lovely in the musical department, and some of these songs are my writing inspirations at the moment. 

No Rest For The Wicked by Lykke Li

Looking Too Closely by Fink

Young by The Paper Kites

Love In High Places by Kimbra

Burning Desire by Lana Del Rey

Don't Wanna Be Your Girl by WET

Don't Wait by Mapei

Black & White by JMR (Acoustic)

Never Gonna Change by Broods

Harlem by Cathedrals 

Back Into The Swing Of Things

Hi all,

So I've been slacking a bit when it comes to doing the things that I love. For instance, I love to sing, but I haven't been singing much lately. I listen to beautiful songs everyday, but I haven't been humming and singing along like normal. I just kind of sit there, hearing the song, but not really taking in the lyrics--the true meaning. 

But the main thing--the biggest passion of mine--that I've been neglecting, is writing. As you may be able to tell, I haven't been writing much of anything. When I first started blogging, it was all about writing and letting random people get to know my deepest inner thoughts. Then I took everything down and made a new blog--this one. And it's not the same. I think that's because I was afraid to be real and just share my thoughts with strangers. I have this crazy feeling that no one cares, or they'll think I'm weird for thinking certain things or saying certain things. Which is ridiculous, and I know that. It's the anxiety talking.

I've realized in the last few months that I care way too much about being judged than I care about having a voice. I don't know why, but I always put myself inside of this box that only allows me to do what I think other people will like, instead of doing what I love.

So today I'm fixing that. I'm changing my attitude--which is not an overnight process by any means--and saying screw it! Here I am. In the flesh. Raw and original. I am going to write more, sing more, be more of myself. It's the only way I know how to be. 

But if anyone ever feels this way... like you're kind of just floating by with the tide instead of fighting against the current, don't give up. Instead, why not just swim?

- Lily <3

Top 10 Indie Picks of May

A bit late with this one, but life has a way of stealing all of my time. Here's my May indie music playlist. June will be on the way. Enjoy! 

One For The Road by Arctic Monkeys

Bead Hearts by Stars 

Never Gonna Leave You by Us

All I Want by Daniella Mason

Night Still Comes by Neko Case

Esmerelda by Ben Howard

22 by Night Beds

I Need You by M83

I Spy by Mikhael Paskalev 

Life Round Here by James Blake

12 Things Book Obsessed People Do

1. Read out loud, even if it's clear that the people around don't want to hear the story. People may even tell you to "shut up", but you keep reading.

2. Go to the bookstore frequently to look at the same books you saw the last time you came to the bookstore.

3. Stare at other people's book covers, to see what they're reading. If you haven't read the book, you write the title down so you can search for it later.

4. Get stressed out if a movie comes out based on the book. If you haven't read it, you decide whether to watch the movie or read the book first. If you have read it, you're still stressed because you want it to be perfectly identical to the book.

5. Find yourself attracted to a character in a book. Since book characters tend to be so interesting, you can't help but fantasize a life with one of them.

6. Attempt to get people close to you to read. When you get someone who doesn't read to read a book and they like it, it's like you just found the cure for cancer. It's miraculous.

7. Take any chance to mention a book you've read to someone. Whether they want to hear it or not, you'll tell whoever is around about the latest book you read.

8. Skip out on a night out to finish the book you're reading. You'd rather stay home than spend time with friends if the book is interesting enough. Sometimes you won't even come out of your room for food or water until you finish the book.

9. Stay in a "book hangover" state for days. After finishing a good book, you think about that book long after the last chapter, and sometimes find yourself unable to go on with your normal routine because of the way it impacted you.

10. Silently freak out when someone asks for a book recommendation. You act like they just asked for the key to the universe. You think about every book you've ever read and desperately search for something amazing.

11. Fall asleep with a book in your hand. Even though you know you're tired and the chances of you finishing that chapter are low, you still try to read a few more pages and end up passed out mid-sentence.

12. READ EVERYWHERE! On the bus, on the train, during class, while waiting in line, while walking... you read any chance you get.

Top 10 Indie Music Picks of April

Found some great picks for this month. I don't know what I'd do without music in my life. (I would probably go insane). Enjoy! 

Ten Goodbyes by Tim Atlas

 Is This How You Feel by The Preatures 

We Are No Longer The Future by Dream Eater 

Strong by London Grammar

Breathe you In My Dreams by Trixie Whitley 

Gold by Gabriel Rios

Settle Down by The 1975

Talk Is Cheap by Chet Faker 

Silver by The Neighbourhood

Paris by Magic Man

A Night With James Vincent McMorrow

Last night my best friend and I went to the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto to see James Vincent McMorrow in concert. I'd been excited ever since I bought the tickets about a month ago. A Canadian folk band by the name of Aidan Knight opened up for him. They were great, and definitely deserved to be up on that stage opening for James. The lead singer in the band sang with so much passion. I was surprised at how musically gifted each of the band members were. Here's an acoustic performance of theirs that I enjoyed.

The moment James came on stage, I couldn't hide my excitement. He immediately sang his first song and blew me away. His live versions sounded exactly like his studio versions. He hit all of the same notes and never attempted to play it safe. The band was exceptional as well. The bassist, keyboardist, and drummer were just as talented with their instruments. They also sang some of the best background vocals I've ever heard. Their voices, mixed with James's voice, made my heart melt. Everything was perfect. James said he wanted the lights to look like he was performing on the moon, and somehow that made the night that much sweeter. The spotlight created a strange halo on him, and when he sang--it was magical. I'm not even being dramatic. I was in a trance. He was funny and sweet and mesmerizing. (He's from Ireland, so the accent didn't hurt either. It was one of the best concert experiences I've ever been to). I didn't bring my camera because I didn't want the distraction, and I'm glad I made that decision. Concerts are so much better when you're not looking through a small lens.

This post won't do him justice, so if you ever get the chance to see him live, take it! For now I'll leave you with a live performance of one of my favourite songs by him. 

My Mad Fat Diary Season 2 Finale

If you read my post earlier about underrated TV shows, you'll know that I'm a fan of My Mad Fat Diary. Maybe it's the fact that it's set in the 90s, or that it's British, but I can't get enough of it. The show is different from any other typical teen show. There's something about Rae's personality that makes me feel more human somehow. Even if I can't relate to everything she's going through, I can understand how she feels. I've struggled with anxiety and depression for a while now, and it's good to see a show that's not afraid to show a real depiction of what a person might go through. 

This last episode is one of my favourite episodes of the entire show. Sharon Rooney is an incredible actress, and she plays Rae's character so well. This episode had me in tears, because for the first time, Rae finally started to believe she can change, and that she didn't have to hide behind her illness and use it as a crutch. She acknowledged the possibility of hope and I just felt like this episode is such an important episode for people to see; even people who don't think they can relate. 

Everyone has hard times and feels low at some point--it's a normal human experience. People need to realize how important it is to take care of the mind as well as the body. This show has so many important themes woven into it that can be deciphered in so many ways. Every single person can watch it and come out with a different experience.  

I'm actually so sad this season is over. I'm hoping it goes on to a third season. It's too awesome to be one of the unlucky shows that gets axed (which happens way too much). 

Keeping my fingers crossed, but in the mean time, please go watch it! There are 6 episodes in the first season and 7 episodes in the second season, so the binge-watch will be a breeze. It's completely worth it. I promise :)

Spring Snow

So... it snowed in Canada today. 

Although I love this country, and I do enjoy the winter, this particular winter has been quite aggressive. In Toronto we've had crazy ice storms (which caused a week of blackouts across the city during Christmas and New Years). We've had ice covering sidewalks and snow piled so high in driveways, cars couldn't back out. And we've had days so cold schools were shut down. It has been an extremely cold and snowy winter and to be honest I just want it to end. 

This probably contradicts my blog name, but I don't think anyone will blame me for not wanting winter to last an entire year. Everyday I expect spring to appear and I wake up to cold or snow. It's fine when it's actually winter. I love it, especially during Christmas (I'd cry if I ever had to go through the holidays without snow). I'm a winter girl. But I'm also a summer girl, fall girl, and spring girl. Right now, I want to see the flowers bloom, feel the sun on my face, and not have to wear a big furry coat to school. I keep joking around with my friends about how this year winter will be the only season because it just won't end. 

I know that in a couple of weeks the weather will finally change, but for now, I just want to hibernate. I've had my fun in the snow. Now I want my fun in the sun. 

P.S. There was sunshine a couple of days ago...

Oh Canada, how you tease us.

Things I'm Into: March Faves

1. Patterned Leggings can be rocked any season and still look great. You can dress them up with a blazer or dress them down with a simple plain t-shirt. Also, they're just cool to look at.

2. Pinterest is my current obsession. I joined only a couple of months ago, but I'm only getting more and more addicted each day. This site is great for keeping track of all of my favourites things and other things that I admire or desire.

3. Journals. I'm the type of person who forgets things within the span of a minute, so I need to write them down. I used to write in journals when I was in high school, but I stopped for some reason. Now I'm back at it. I can scribble down all the ideas floating in my brain to free up some space--especially at night time, so I can sleep without the interruption of my thoughts. 

4. Knitted Berets are perfect for fall and winter. In Toronto, we're still experiencing winter, so I have a few more weeks of wear out of my berets. When spring arrives (if it ever does), I'll have to hang them up, but for now, I'll continue to wear them almost everywhere I go. 

5. Mason Jars just make everything taste better. I don't know why. I usually put frozen fruits in water and let it sit in the fridge overnight, and in the morning I have my own flavoured water (which actually tastes amazing). 

Top 10 Indie Music Picks of March

Every month I end up with a stack of new artists and songs to add to my music collection. 

I thought I'd share my monthly finds with all of you. 

Some of these aren't recent songs, but they're the songs I find myself listening to this month.

Indie Music Picks of March

Let Go For Tonight by Foxes 

Girls by The 1975

Cavalier by James Vincent McMorrow

Love Don't Die by The Fray 

Ash Tree Lane by Ms Mr 

Firelight by Young The Giant

Bought and Sold by Rag Dolls 

Your Body Is A Weapon by The Wombats

Open by Rhye

Make You Love Me by Us

Confessions Of A Third-Wheeler

So, apparently I have third-wheel syndrome.

A lot of people I know happen to be in a romantic relationship, which is totally fine, except I'm usually the one who ends up hanging out with them. There's nothing more awkward than watching two people make out passionately in front of you, totally ignoring the fact that you're in the general vicinity. I think being in love makes people utterly unaware of their surroundings--and their extra company.

Hanging out with my friend and their significant other tend to get super awkward when they start kissing every five seconds and fall deep into their own world of conversation that has no room for me in it. They usually walk a few paces ahead or behind and I just end up with my eyes glued to my phone, desperately texting everyone on my contact list -- even the people I don't really talk to. It's like sending out an S.O.S to anyone who can save me.

Don't get me wrong. I'm all for love and anyone who finds it. More power to you! I'm just a very observant, and hyper-aware person. I pay attention to everything around me, and when I'm stuck in awkward situations, I become very uncomfortable and sometimes forget how to breathe. True story.

I've been trying to avoid the third-wheeler environments, but I don't want to seem rude or inconsiderate, so I think the only way to survive is to never go alone. And yes--going as a third wheel basically means you're alone, because the two love birds in front of you probably don't even remember your existence. So bring a friend, a book, an objective (like maybe you'll slip away and go buy that cool top you saw the other day), or maybe a knife...so you can cut your eyeballs out and spend the rest of the day in the hospital. It might get their attention.

Whichever works.

Awesome Movies You May Not Have Seen

1. The Kings of Summer: Nick Robinson is just too adorable (he's from Melissa and Joey if you're wondering). If that's not reason enough to watch this movie, how about Moises Arias being incredibly, awkwardly hilarious? This movie is witty, adventurous, and emotional on so many levels. It's not just another teen flick with lame themes and even lamer acting, it's so much more. 

2. Warrior: I've been really into fighting movies for some reason and I took a leap of faith after I heard my brother talking about this movie. I watched it and immediately fell in love with Tom Hardy. He is incredible! This movie is so intense. I cried... a lot. 

3. United: This movie just proves how much of an emotionally driven person I am. Handsomely talented soccer (or football if you're not from Canada) players get in a plane crash and bam! Tears everywhere. I should probably stop describing every movie as emotional, so that I don't scare people away. All you have to know is this movie is worth the watch.  

4. Million Dollar Baby: I loved Hilary Swank in Freedom Writers, and she was even better in this movie. I'd seen this movie around, but kept avoiding it until one day I just gave up. I was afraid it was going to be so incredibly boring but it ended up being one of my favourite movies of all time. It also didn't hurt that Hilary kicked ass in the boxing ring. *Shrugs*

5. Finding Forrester: One of my all time faves! I watch this movie every year. I fell in love with Rob Brown after watching Take The Lead. I don't know what it is, but I just can't help but admire him. Sean Connery is great in this film too. They were the perfect match to play the roles. 

6. Stuck In Love: Lilly Collins and Logan Lerman? Um, yes please! I love these two. This movie was a pleasant surprise. I was rooting so hard for it not to be a typical teen romance flick and was so happy to see that it wasn't. It was great! 

7. The Man in the Moon: I'm a huge Reece Witherspoon fan, and a sucker for romantic flicks. It was so different from anything I've seen her in, because I'm so used to seeing her all grown up. 

8. The Art of Getting By: Emma Robertson and Freddie Highmore are a great combo. If you've read my TV show post, you'll know that I love Bates Motel and Freddie is an incredible actor, so I've agreed to love everything he's in. 

9. Remember Me: I almost didn't watch this one after falling into a period of Twilight loathing. I kept forgetting that Robert Pattinson is not actually a stalkerish sparkly vampire. I was surprised at how emotional I got throughout this movie. I may have cried... every time I watched it (I watched it 4 times... so yeah). 

10. The Words: Well since I adore Zoe Saldana and my love for Bradley Cooper continues to grow, this one didn't surprise me. I expected it be good, and it was :)

11. Country Strong: Once again, cried. It's just the way I'm wired. I happen to love country music and could not believe how much I loved this movie. Garrett Hedlund is swoon-worthy, Leighton Meester is adorable, and Gwyneth Paltrow is amazing! 

12. People Like Us: Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks are great in this! It was one of those movies I just stumbled upon, but I'm glad I did :)