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 :)