Category: Music

Barcode Festival 2023

July 9, 2023

Another week, another festival! Last Thursday I attended Barcode Festival with colleagues from work for our summer social. Barcode is hosted by GroceryAid taking place every year at Magazine in Greenwich London and is an industry charity event for those who work in the grocery sector.

This really is an event like no other featuring celebrity chefs and A-list headline acts, this year being Sam Ryder, Sugababes and my favourite, Fatboy Slim!

All drinks and food are included with your ticket, so your spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing which drink to have next. Quite often we’d end up with a drink in each hand…

I was excited to find Moth Cocktails had a stand serving their fabulous canned cocktails on ice, perfect for a sunny day, I’m obsessed.

There’s so much to explore at Barcode; we even found this secret rooftop to enjoy our drinks overlooking the festival with amazing views of the Greenwich skyline at golden hour.

I was giving Barbiecore vibes wearing my pink flared Stradivarius jeans, an open back white vest, a pair of white Reebok trainers and my big cat eye Kenzo sunnies.

Me and the girls were loving the 3D camera complete with fun inflatables and quirky accessories.

Later on the music started on the main stage kicking off with Sam Ryder, then major throwback vibes with Sugababes and finally the one and only Fatboy Slim to close the night. What an awesome team day just having fun and being silly with my colleagues; until next year Barcode ❤

Lowde Fest 23; Old School Festival Vibes

July 2, 2023

When I was younger I found it very cringey and embarrassing that my Dad sings in a band, but now that I’m older, I actually think it’s awesome he is such a rockstar even now in his mid sixties!

This weekend we went to support his band playing at Lowde Fest, an old school local music festival which features mostly cover artists. https://lowdefest.com

My Dad’s band The Rollright Stones played a great set and really got the crowd going. My favourite song they did was The Chain by Fleetwood Mac and they ended on a high with their closing number, Sweet Caroline.

I love festival fashion so couldn’t wait to put together my outfit. I wore a pair of black denim high waisted Topshop shorts with a vintage western style leather belt, a khaki tie front top from Nakd, my new boxy cropped denim Zara jacket with stud detail, my Stradivarius cowboy boots and a pair of fun yellow tint aviator ASOS sunnies.

After the festival we decided to make an evening of it and go out for dinner at our favourite local The Mutton. I had a delicious lychee martini aperitif to start our date night right.

I opted for the whole plaice served with lettuce, crispy capers, crushed potatoes and beurre noisette paired with a crisp glass of New Zealand 2021 Sauvugnon Blanc. The fish was exquisite and fell off the bone beautifully, whilst the crispy capers complimented the flavours perfectly.

My boyfriend had his favourite sirloin steak cooked medium rare served with yee-ha butter, fries, pickled shallots, parmesan rocket salad and a green peppercorn sauce. A glass of Argentinian 2020 Malbec was his wine of choice to accompany his steak.

We also shared a side of the mini caesar salad which was divine. In fact, I’d say the entire meal is up there as one of the most delicious I’ve ever had, and that’s saying something as I’ve eaten at lots of amazing restaurants. The Mutton certainly is a must to visit if you’re ever in the Hampshire area and we’re lucky enough to call this our local! ❤

Welcome To The Mutton at Hazeley Heath
https://themuttonathazeleyheath.co.uk

Dance More Dances; Once a Dancer, Always a Dancer

January 22, 2023

I can’t quite believe it’s been almost 7 years since I graduated dance college. Whilst I continued to work professionally as a Dancer and Actor for a few years following my degree, soon I found myself moving to Australia and on a different career path as I discovered my passion for events working in Sydney. Over the last few years I’ve done some dance classes here and there, but mostly I just continue to do my Ballet exercises as part of my daily workout routine.

Moving my body every day is a non-negotiable for me as I’ve danced since I could walk and I know the benefits daily movement has for be both physically and mentally. My daily workout routine consists of a warm up, usually cardio based, strengthening exercises either focused on core, glutes, upper body or legs, a plank, a handstand hold, ballet barre and a good stretch to finish. I’ve always stayed supple even now I don’t dance professionally which I have achieved by stretching every single day; I believe consistency is key when it comes to staying fit, active and healthy.

Now nearing my 28th Birthday, I realised it had been too long since I’d hired a studio and practiced some dancing. The other night in fact I lay in bed thinking about my old dance routines and how amazing it used to feel expressing myself through dance, so this weekend I decided to dig out the old lycra and hire the local hall to do some dancing.

Reality is it has been a good 5 years or so now since I danced professionally, so my body doesn’t quite move in the same way these days. It really does make me appreciate how good I was back in my prime dance days. I’m still very proud of everything I achieved and only now looking back, do I realise I should’ve had more belief in myself and my skills at the time.

So although I can’t split leap and pirouette the way I used to, I still get that buzz when I put on the music and dance an old routine and practice some moves. Dancing will forever be in my heart and remain my souls method of expression for life; once a dancer, always a dancer ❤

My Spotify Wrapped

December 11, 2022

It’s that time of the year again when Spotify reveals our true music taste by rounding up those artists and genres we have listened to the most over the past 12 months.

I’m always intrigued by people’s wrap for the year and tend to find even my own a surprise as I don’t realise how much I lean towards certain genres. It would seem I’m a big Indie and House lover with a bit of Soul and Pop mixed in there too.

I didn’t expect Ocean Alley to be my number 1 artist this year, but I guess I did go to their gig back in February which got me hooked on their albums. Their music gives me major summer vibes, so I remember playing them a lot during those stunning summer days we had this year.

Spotify identified my listening style as ‘The Deep Diver’. I’d say this is an accurate summary for me as I use Spotify to discover new artists through those I already know and love. That’s how I discovered Fred Again earlier this year just before he had a big summer playing heaps of festivals and firmly establishing himself within the Dance – House music scene.

So there’s my Spotify all wrapped up for the year. I made some great new artist discoveries along the way whilst still going back to my old favourites including Odesza and Lane 8. Now I need to get some gigs and festivals booked for the new year, top on my list is to see Fred Again ❤

Festival Fun; All Points East London

August 28, 2022

Summer festival season was in full swing down south of the UK this weekend with Reading, Victorious and All Points East all kicking off over the late August bank holiday. Me and my girlfriends joined the crowds heading to All Points East in London this Saturday dressed in our festival gear and glittered up, ready to party summer festi style again.

After getting ready together at my friend’s flat in Islington, we arrived at Victoria Park where the afternoon sun was shining and good vibes were in the air; it felt great to be back at a festival again soaking up that awesome atmosphere.

I love festival fashion as an excuse to go all out and express yourself with fun outfits and different accessories. I kept the base of my outfit simple with denim Levi shorts and a layered crop-top, leaving my statement Stradivarius cowboy boots to do the talking. A cute lace choker, coin chain belt, curly hair with a gold leave headband and glitter eye gems completed my look.

My girlfriends looked fabulous in their stunning outfits too, it was so fun getting all dressed up and hyped for a festival together again. Tinnies in hand and golden hour upon us, you couldn’t wipe the grins off our faces as we grooved along to Charlie XCX.

My festival fuel of choice was Island Poke where I got their classic ahi tuna bowl with all the toppings. This nutritious, colourful meal was so delicious and provided me with all the good energy for a night of more dancing ahead.

At 8pm one of my favourite DJs Fred Again was playing in the tented stage. Unfortunately the venue was packed out and it was near impossible to get inside without being pushed and shoved. Now I know what crowds are like and I’ve been to my fair share of big festivals, but this year’s All Points East festival was clearly overbooked and there shouldn’t have been that many tickets issued.

Thankfully Disclosure headlining on the main stage made up for our experience at Fred Again as we finally had the space to dance together in our group without being pushed all over the place. Sam Smith made an appearance and they put on a fantastic show to close the evening. Overall a wonderful day out with my girls partying at a music festival altogether again like old times; cheers to the memories ❤

Sunshine Spins in my Cooper Convertible

May 15, 2022

With the sun making an appearance in the UK this weekend, it was time to get the roof down for a sunny countryside cruise in my Mini. Having a convertible to spin around in on summer days really is the best feeling!

I got my Mini Cooper around about this time last year and having now experienced the fun of owning a soft top car, I will never go back.

Tunes up high, sunnies on and wind through my hair as I zoom around our local countryside roads showered in golden sunlight; summertime is just around the corner and I can’t wait for more days like these ❤

Coachella; Festival Fashion Runway

April 24, 2022

After 3 years away, the famous Coachella music festival has made a return this year with a show stopping lineup and as always, attracting many A-list stars and influencers out to Palm Springs for two weekends of live music in the desert.

Harry Styles took the crown for his performances both last weekend and this weekend, with his fabulous front man energy and quirky outfits reminiscent of the late great Freddie Mercury. What could be more rock n roll than that multicoloured sequin Gucci jumpsuit which of course only Harry could pull-off in such style!

The Revolve Festival took place within Coachella as well, bringing together all of the top influencers in their lavish festival ensembles. I’m obsessed with this cute look worn by Brigette Pheloung, giving me Latina vibes with the long flamenco skirt complete with statement cowboy boots and a neckerchief.

Amongst the celeb sightings at Coachella, there’s always a number of models taking the limelight in the most stunning designer pieces. Victoria’s Secret model Elsa Hosk looked like a desert princess in this FWRD sand coloured tassel dress with matching crochet mules, exquisite!

Elisha Herbert, an Aussie model and influencer, took it back to basics in this denim low rise mini, cropped vest, suede cowboy boots and Gucci bucket hat. An old school nineties inspired ensemble keeping it fresh and fun, I’m a fan of this cool-girl effortless look.

A headscarf, all in one body and mesh skirt is a failsafe festival outfit combo, I do always love Helen Owen’s timeless style. I’m a sucker for glitter when it comes to a festival and this sequin cutout skirt ticks all the boxes. To finish the look, it has to be a pair of cowboy boots, the shoe of the moment it would seem and I’m here for it!

Coachella 22′ has been the year to be together again, celebrating awesome live music and having fun with festival fashion which we’ve missed so much these past few years. I can’t wait for the UK summer festival season to kickoff soon, I’m already planning my most outrageous, glitzy outfits – let’s express ourselves babes ❤

Gig; Ocean Alley at the Engine Rooms Southampton

March 27, 2022

Happy Sunday and the official first day of British summertime – bring on those long sunny days! Yesterday I was so excited to be going to my first gig back post covid down in Southampton to see Ocean Alley. Being an Aussie band, I heard their song Confidence for the first time a few years ago when I was living in Aus and I’ve been a big fan of their music ever since.

With a group of my friends all coming along to the gig, we met for an early dinner and drinks at Bills in West Quey at 5pm. We enjoyed a spread of delicious food including these exquisite chicken dumplings and my favourite miso padron peppers, the perfect pre-gig nibble.

I couldn’t resist a cheeky espresso martini to finish and it didn’t disappoint. Nothing like that wicked combo of caffeine, sugar and alcohol to set me up for a night of dancing ahead.

We made our way around the corner to the Engine Rooms just in time for the gig already kicking off with the support band at 7pm. Beer in hand, I was ready for some much missed live music and a good old boogie with my friends.

Ocean Alley put on a fantastic show and sounded so great live, it was like listening their original tracks! I felt like I was back down under in a room full of fellow fans many of which had that typical Aussie bogan moustache long haired look going on… if you know, you know.

What a night and novelty to be at a live gig once again without any social distancing restrictions. I forgot how many awesome songs Ocean Alley have under their belt too; highlights for me were Knees, Baby Come Back, Happy Sad and of course Confidence. I definitely felt a pang of nostalgia for my Australia life down under. What a time that was with so many unforgettable memories, I’ll have to take a trip back to my spirit land again soon ❤

Raving; It’s a State of Mind

August 1, 2021

With it being the legend that is Annie Mac’s last ever show on BBC Radio One on Friday night, it was time to head back to the club finally and put on my dancing shoes for the first time since lockdown.

Stepping foot back into our local club sure was surreal but then again felt like no time had passed. Whilst we’ve been unable to party together over the past year and a half, music has continued to unite us and keep us sane during such difficult times. Whether you’re in a club surrounded by friends or dancing alone in your bedroom, in the words of Annie Mac – ‘Raving is a state of mind.’ Now let’s dance!

Music; Medicine to Madness

March 2, 2021

Whenever I feel a little unmotivated or need to fight those blues, I always find music lifts my spirits and pulls me out of that funk. Whether you’re driving along in the car belting out to those old school tunes, or raving solo to Radio 1 on a Friday night in your bedroom, music has the power to move the soul and open the door to your imagination. Escapism is a wonderful effect of music as a certain song can take us back instantly to a memory, or a place, or even a person.

I tend to go through cycles of finding new music either on Spotify or via mixes on YouTube. My taste is very much eclectic as I love the old school classics and current hits as much as I do those lesser known artists, however deep house and electric dance are my most popular preference. I’m constantly using the artist radio feature on Spotify as well to discover new music, my favourites right now being Ocean Alley Radio or Harry Styles Radio – two very alternative genres! So here are some of my current most listened to tunes that you may find me dancing to in my bedroom as we see out lockdown 3.0:

LANE 8 – Brightest Lights

BICEP – Glue

LONDON GRAMMAR – Baby It’s You

OCEAN ALLEY – Infinity

REX ORANGE COUNTY – Loving Is Easy

These are just some of the most recent additions to my ‘Majestic’ playlist, but I do have an extensive library of awesome tunes over on my Spotify so go check it out at – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6FMBqmvt5ZirwFbvfiIt0F?si=752e71a73a41481c

Go on, lets rave together – it’s a state of mind.