July Top 10...

Hey everyone,

If you hadn't noticed (I was very quiet about it) I turned 21 last week. For this very special birthday I hosted a festival themed barbecue for me and my friends, which meant I had to do one of my favourite tasks PLAYLIST MAKING! So I have been dabbling in some new music as well as some birthday favourites to bring you my top 10 Birthday and summer songs.

(Birthday surprises, I have the best friends)

1. Happy Birthday - Stevie Wonder

I couldn't have a birthday related post without this stand out hit. It gets everyone moving and sounds way better than the usual happy birthday.

2. Birthday - Kings of Leon

As a massive Kings of Leon fan I could not leave this off. I listen to this every year on my birthday and although it has a more mellow vibe to it, it still makes me want to 'gather round like its my birthday'.

3. It's My Birthday - Will.I.Am feat. Cody Wise

This is the ultimate birthday song in my opinion. It gets you in the mood to hit all of the clubs and blow all your cash.

4. Lean On - Major Lazor feat. MO and DJ Snake

I am obsessed with song and listen to it at least 3 times a day, which normally spells trouble but I cant see myself hating this song at all. It is something I could listen to while partying on a beach somewhere but I'll have to settle for my garden for now.

5. Cant Feel My Face - The Weeknd

The Weeknd's song normally are uber sultry and saucy, this however has a funkier sassier vibe to it making it perfect for summer. It has a beat that will be perfect to strut to as well sing in the middle of the night about your closest friends or that special someone.

6. Body Talk - Foxes

I AM IN LOVE WITH FOXES. There I said it. Everything about her is amazing, she has great style, an amazing voice, what more could you want? Oh a song for the summer? CHECK. Body Talk is such a summer anthem, I could imagine this being played while dancing around a camp fire on a beach in America.

7. Oh My Love - The Score

Now it may just be because this song is on a particularly summery advert on TV but I feel like this is almost as good as Best Day of my Life - American Authors from a few years back.

8. Whisky Story - Example

Not your typical summer song but this is going to be a massive club hit this summer, Example you sir have out done yourself.

9. If You Ever Want to Be In Love - James Bay

I am ridiculously in love with James Bay's voice and music and this song keeps the pep in my step no matter where I am (yes even if it is raining...) in my eyes that mean its a great summer hit.

10. No Church in the Wild - Kayne West

I have been listening to this non-stop for the past week and I know its going to be my shower/cleaning/going to the shops song. Basically it will be my summer song without even trying, well done Kanye.

(My festival themed outfit for my barbecue)

Thats my top 10 for this month, have you been listening that you feel is going to be a massive hit this summer? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram. Tune in to see my payday post coming this weekend.

Love Katie x

June's top 10...

Hey everyone,

This months top 10 is going to tie in with my 'self love summer' feel and are going to be my favourite sassy and happy songs.

(Image from Pinterest)

1. Destiny's Child - Bootylicious

It would not be a good list of sassy songs if this wasn't on there. From the 'can you handle this' at the start you know you are in for a sassy ride. This is one of my favourite girl anthems and always gets me dancing.

2. Everybody (Backstreets Back) - Backstreet Boys

This is one of my favourite songs ever (not sorry at all). I hear this song and instantly my mood is lifted. This song may not be sassy but I certainly make this song sassy when I dance to it.

3. Life is a Rollercoaster - Ronan Keating

This is not a sassy song but it is on my sassy playlist because it completely sums up the reason why I want to self love summer. Life IS a rollercoaster and I need to just ride it and not worry about the little things that I spend to much time worrying about.

4. Gas Pedal - Sage the Gemini ft IamSu

This song makes me feel like Rhianna, sassy, sexy and badass. I put it on, attempt to twerk and nothing bothers me anymore. It's great to feel good for a couple of minutes.

5. It's My Life - Bon Jovi

Nothing more selfish than screaming its my life from the rooftops right? This is the key to SELF love summer so remember it's your life.

6. Shake Your Ass - Mystikal

This song is a getting ready song that helps me burn a few extra calories before I head out. Gets the endorphins going and the sassy mood too.

7. Bye Bye Bye - N*SYNC

Again like the Backstreet Boys this is one of my favourite songs and makes me so happy. I also have the dance routine down and make it super sassy, trust me.

8. Sexy Back - Justin Timberlake

This doesn't need too much explaining, Im bringing sexy back this summer.

9. Don't Matter - Kings of Leon

It don't matter to me, that line sums up my feelings towards drama this summer. No time for it and it doesn't matter to me.

10. Lose Yourself to Dance - Daft Punk ft. Pharrell.

This is my number one song for feel good summer. This is because I really want to just dance and feel amazing this summer.


If you haven't seen my self love summer post check it out here. Follow the songs I'm listening to and how my self love summer is going on Instagram or Twitter with the #BOTTSelfLoveSummer.

(Image from Pinterest)

See you Tuesday,

Love Katie x

Self Love Summer...

Hey everyone...

This week marks an important start for me, the start of my self love summer. It sounds a little silly but having left uni and being thrown into the adult world it's about time I start to really appreciate myself. I have struggled with self love for a long while. Most people who know me would say I am a confident, bubbly person and I don't deny I am, but behind all that I have a lot of worries. I panic daily that I could be really annoying, or I'm being left out for a reason, maybe I'm not cool enough etc etc. I also have a lot of body confidence issues, I have never loved the way I looked in a mirror but I attempt to put up a confident front about it. I am determined to lessen this self-loathing if not abolish it for good. Here's what I plan to do to help me conquer my hatred and if you fancy jumping on the band wagon this will help you to.

(Image from Pinterest)

1. Exercise.

(Image from Pinterest)

I am all for being comfortable in your own skin and you should appreciate your body the way it looks, so I am not exercising to lose weight to love my body more. In fact I am going to start exercising because after I feel amazing, like I could conquer the world. Its this great feeling that I want to be part of my life everyday, ok, almost everyday. Also when I was at school I used to be pretty good at long distance running, I wasn't the fittest or fastest but I loved the distance. I want to be able to go for a long distance run again without having to stop every minute. I started couch to 5k Monday and I will keep you all updated on how it goes on my Twitter. Also dancing until the sun comes up counts too, cocktails in hand maybe not.

2. Diet.

(Image from Pinterest)

I am not dieting as such either. I am trying to eat better, try new things just to expand my mind and feel better. A plate full of veggies will make me feel happier than the chocolate in the long run. However, if I see that chocolate or cake and I fancy it nothing will stop me having it. You only live once and I don't want to be on my death bed regretting not eating cake that one time.

3. Spontaneity

(Image from Pinterest)

I am one of these people that have to plan every last detail of their day, and it is very restricting. This summer I am going throw out the to do lists (not for everything) and just go do something. Whether it be a cinema trip one evening or booking a trip away, this summer will be spontaneous, well after a double check of the bank balance.

4. Following your dreams.

(Image from Pinterest)

If there is anything that keeps me beaming it following my dreams. This summer I am going to do more to discover more dreams and to keep my self on the road to achieving current ones. One dream of mine currently is to be best friends with Taylor Swift but thats a bit too far out of reach (unless your reading this Taylor, get in touch).

5. Music.

(Image from Pinterest)

This summer will be full of sass and feel good songs. I will not actively be listening to anything that does not promote my happiness. Whether its some sassy Beyonce on my runs or some Alt-J to chill out to before bed nothing that makes me sad will pass into my ears (hopefully). This hopefully will keep the pep in my step and keep me motivated.

6. Be Selfish

(Image from Pinterest)

This one is a little controversial but I don't mean it in a mean way. Just put yourself first when you need to, don't hang out with people you don't want to, if you don't want to go for a drink with that guy from tinder who keeps nagging you, DON'T! Don't do things that bring you down just to make others happy, especially if they aren't (or you aren't) high on the priority list. It isn't worth your precious time. Remember this is SELF love summer, not love everyone else summer. Although if your mum/dad is asking you over to help them out, probably best you don't put yourself first too much, you may need their help sometime soon. This is also great if you are trying to avoid drama, if you don't want drama, walk away.

Is there anything you feel I should do to love myself this summer? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram. Also keep up to date with how my summer is going with the #BOTTSelfLove or #SelfLoveSummer. When I head back to work after summer I will be doing a post on how I feel the summer went and if my little experiment worked and I feel any better about myself.

See you Friday,

Love Katie x

Festival must haves...

Hey everyone,

So my posts recently have been quite festival related but its fitting so well especially with the UK festival scene kicking off. This Thursday's post is all about my festival must haves. All things I'd be lost without and I HIGHLY recommend you pack. If you are a festival virgin this will be a useful tool, however this list will probably be really relatable to those festival veterans.

(Image from Pinterest)

1. Tissues and hand sanitiser.

(Image from Superdrug)

Yes I am getting the disgusting stuff out the way first. Different festivals have different toilet situations, some are really nice and cleaned often, others not so much (I still have nightmares about the Reading campsite toilets, sorry). So your best bet if you don't know is BE PREPARED. The best way to be prepared is have tissues and hand sanitiser on you at all times. If your chosen festivals toilets are top notch then at least you have tissues and hand sanitiser for when the dirt and mud gets everywhere. This hand sanitiser pictured above is one of my favourite smelling hand gels on the market, available at Superdrug.

2. ANYTHING FOR COLD, WET WEATHER.

(Me at V Festival 2 years ago showing off my light rain coats and clashing wellies)

Even in the hottest of British summers you can guarantee on a festival weekend it will rain or the nights will get awful cold. Even if you have a tent buddy the nights can still get awfully cold. Make sure you have a jumper, even if it does make me sound like your mum. Also a light rain coat and wellies are a must. We don't have the beautiful desert grasslands of Coachella, we have fields, muddy muddy fields. Dont bring your best trainers/sandals pop on some cute wellies and make it work.

3. Disposable Camera

(Another fetching picture of me at Vfestival, pitching the tent. Also showing how great disposable camera pictures look)

There is nothing worse than coming home from a festival getting and being snacked round the face with festival blues. The best way to stop these blues hitting so hard is having lots of photos to look at. Yes, you can take your phone and take pictures but what if it gets lost or stolen (it does happen), NO PICTURES. Disposable cameras are large so will be hard to lose and don't get stolen, bonus, plus the pictures look super cute. If you are fancy enough to have one of these polaroid cameras, these are also a must. Instant cute photos, just be sure not to lose them.

4. Dry shampoo.

(Image from Pinterest)

This seems to be quite obvious but you'd be surprised how many people I know that forget it. Although I haven't had a bad experience with festival showers, I have heard horror stories. If you aren't keen or the horror stories have scared you to much, dry shampoo is your answer. A quick baby wipe bath and a spritz of dry shampoo and you will be feeling super fresh and ready to battle your way around the festival. Batiste is a personal favourite, especially the floral and flirty one.

5. The ultimate alcohol sneaking device.

(Image from Urban Outfitters)

Now I am not condoning breaking festival rules of not bringing alcohol into the arena at all. However, those bar prices are ridiculous and if you have already spent lots of money on alcohol thats just sat in your tent, you don't want to waste it. Again, like the loos, every festival is different. I have been to festivals that have security with hand held metal detectors to get hipflasks down shorts, and I have been to some where you can stroll in and no one bats an eye. You will have to do some research and keep an eye out when entering the arena. I met a lovely bunch of ladies at V Festival 2 years ago that drank wine in bags then re-filled it and stuffed in their shorts and tops to look 'larger' and no one asked questions. Think long and hard about your choice and hopefully it pays off. I love the hipflask in the picture from Urban Outfitters, they have a great selection if thats the route you go down.

6. A Setlist.

(Image from Pinterest)

Im not talking about the list the festivals publish on their website. I am talking about a detailed list of when bands are performing and on what stage. If you aren't an organised person this must sound like a nightmare but finding a clash after you have forked out a fiver for a programme would be worse. At least if you bring your own, you've saved some money and stress. You and your friends can sit around and work out your plan for the day but if you want to cut out the hard work use a website like clash finder before you head off to the festival.

This is my list of festival must haves, have a missed anything you think is important? Did I include something you didnt think of? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram. Stay tuned for Mondays post which will be a Fathers Day gift guide just in time for some great presents for our fab dads.

See you Monday,

Love Katie x

Favourite Festivals...

Hey everyone...

As I mentioned before in my Hello Summer post June means the start of the UK festival season and this post (along with my next few) are all going to be based around the UK festival season. The reason I am sticking so close to home is because the American and European festival scene is so big it would take me years and years to pick favourites (maybe some time in the future... maybe). Today I'll be showing you 3 festivals that are perfectly tailored for me, that I am loving.

(Image from Pinterest)

The first is Glastonbury Festival. I have already mentioned this in my Hello Summer post but I really cannot get enough of this festival this year. With the line-up being the most controversial (I think) for years, I personally think its one of their best. Kanye West, Foo Fighters and LIONEL RITCHIE (yes I am a 20 year old who is excited about that) headlining it really is catering for everyones music taste. I haven't come across anyone who hasn't heard at least one song from either of those headliners and wont sing along to them. If you don't fancy those headliners (you must be mad) they have James Bay, George Ezra and Alt-J performing on the famous pyramid stage over the weekend too. I cannot wait to watch this on the tele 24-28th June, if you were lucky to get a ticket I am so jealous. Its not a bad price either at £220 for the weekend including camping!

(Image from Pinterest)

The next is Boardmasters. This is a festival I recently have come across but have fallen completely in love with. Set on the beautiful beaches in Cornwall this festival has been said to be the closest thing to Bondi beach in England. The line-up is perfect too, headliners this summer are Faithless, Rudimental and Bastille. All providing summer classics to fully enjoy beach life. Other artists performing that I am super excited about are Catfish and the Bottleman, Everything Everything and Sea Sick Steve. I will have to keep my eyes peeled for reviews and highlights as sadly I don't think this festival is televised (why not?). However, if you are around 5th-9th August and like the sound of Boardmasters pick up a ticket its only £119 for the weekend.

(Image from Pinterest)

The final festival I am crushing on this year is one very close to home, Reading and Leeds festival. I attended Reading festival religiously since the age of 16 before heading to University. This was partly due to the festival being moments down the road and the fact that I find myself falling in love with the line-up almost every year. This years headliners are Mumford & Sons, Metallica and The Libertines. It's Reading and Leeds doing what they do best, making each headliner a little different to cater for everyones likes. I was a little skeptical about Mumford and Sons as headliners but since hearing their latest stuff I am excited to see them rock that stage. Other artists on the line-up include Alt-J, Royal Blood and Kendrick Lamar. There are so many more that I could list as there are so many bands I like playing. Like Glasto I am so excited to see this on the TV. However if you want to go keep the 28th-30th August free and £205 spare.

The three festivals I am loving are very rock music based, if that isn't your scene check out New Look Wireless festival or V Festival. They are perfect for those who like a bit of pop/chart music. If you are heading to a festival this summer let me know on Twitter or Instagram, I'd love to know what made you want to go. Or are you loving my favourite festivals for this summer? Just drop me a tweet.

See you Thursday,

Love Katie x

Hello Summer...

Hey everyone,

I am saying summer as I am hoping the horrible weather we have picks up and brings us a glorious June. June is one of my favourite months of the year as people are finishing exams and leaving school or Uni and its the start of the UK's festival season. A few little festivals have already kicked off (Slam Dunk and Radio 1's Big Weekend) June officially marks the start of all things festival. The past month I have been very quiet as I had a lot going on with exams, moving house and starting my new job. I also have been completing a Cardiff Bucket List of fun things to do in the city I called home for 3 years, check it out here and here. This post is all about the things I am looking forward to this month.

Festivals:

(Image from Pinterest)

As I had mentioned before June really marks the start of festival season in the UK and some of the biggest festivals all fall in this month. These are Isle of Wight, Download and Glastonbury. Isle of Wight Festival is situated in Newport on the Isle of Wight from the 11th-14th of June. It is the ultimate indie festival with music spanning from all genres. This years headliners are Blur, Fleetwood Mac, The Black Keys and The Prodigy. They also have special guests which include Pharrell Williams and Paolo Nutini, this makes me very happy. I always fall in love with this line up every year and I still haven't been. Maybe as it is a long way to travel on top of the price of the festival, but hopefully one year I will go. However this year I am looking forward to watching this festival on the TV and no doubt regretting not saving up for a ticket.

(Image from Pinterest)

Download Festival is situated in Derby from the 12th-14th of June. Clashing with Isle of Wight it is quite rare that fans of each festival will have to pick between them. This is due to Download being known for hard rock music which isn't covered widely by Isle of Wight. This years headliners are Slipknot, Muse and KISS. All bands that I really do like. Normally I wouldn't look twice at Download as I am not a massive fan of the music there. However, this year I can see a lot of bands of the line-up that I really enjoy, like Mallory Knox, Enter Shikari and Fightstar. They are also featuring a tattoo parlour at the festival this year with full after care. That is definitely something that puts this festival ahead of others, because whats better than getting a tattoo to remember the experience of having the best weekend of your life?

(Image from Pinterest)

Glastonbury Festival does not need any introduction. Situated in the wonderfully quaint town of Glastonbury, this festival is the mother of all UK festivals that falls on the 24th-28th June. It has music from all genres and is a festival for everyone. Young or old, with or without family, its perfect. This years stand out acts (for me) are Foo Fighters, Kanye West, and Alt-J. There are many more like Lionel Ritchie that I am beyond excited to hear about. This years line-up has definitely been the most varied and controversial after the petition to get rid of Kanye. I personally think its going to bring a fresh younger audience to the festival and it mixes things up really well. Also it would be pretty cool to see Kim K stage side. Again like Isle of Wight I am so excited to catch highlights on the TV and hopefully I will not be disappointed (I know I wont be).

Film:

(Image from Pinterest)

June also see's the release of lots of amazing looking films. Three I am really looking forward to seeing are Spy, Jurassic World, and Minions. Spy is an amusing take on all the serious action films around making it something I am beyond excited to see. Starring Jason Statham, Jude Law and Melissa McCarthy this film shows how an unexpected CIA-analyst having to go undercover to help save the world from an evil arms dealer. I recently saw the trailer while in the cinema and that alone had me in stitches. I am excited to see this trio work together, as typically the films they work are so different. Hopefully the collaboration works as well as I am hoping it does and doesn't flop. Out in cinemas 5th June.

(Image from Pinterest)

Jurassic World comes around 22 years after the original incidents of Jurassic Park, where the dreams of it becoming a tourist attraction for the world, have come to life. However in order to keep people coming the park has to get more exciting attractions and this backfires leading to more dinosaur related destruction. With Chris Pratt being the big star of this film, I am super excited to see him being serious and saving us from dinosaurs. I have always been a fan of the original Jurassic Park and it will be interesting to see what they have made of it now, and if it is is as good. Out in cinemas 11th June.

(Image from Pinterest)

Minions shows us how the minions began and how they evolved through time just like us humans. The film follows Kevin, Stuart and Bob on their quest to find a new villain to work for and leads them to help the evil Scarlet Overkill and her husband Herb attempt to take over the world. As this is before Gru we all know they went on to find someone else, but how? did the plan work? what did the cute minions have to do in this plan? All questions I am hoping will be answered once I get myself to the cinema and watch the film. This is bound to be a firm favourite for all the family. Out in cinemas 26th June.

Thats what I am looking forward to this month, is there anything you are particularly excited about this month? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram. Wednesday I'll be doing a post on my trip to Liverpool and it was very interesting indeed.

See you Wednesday,

Love Katie x

Mays top 10 songs...

Hey everyone,

I have taken a little over a week out of blog writing to get settled at home and in my new job. Now I have had some time to myself I can get back into my usual writing again. I am going to start this all off again with my top 10 songs of this month. Music has been my background to my walks to work, my packing and unpacking, a lot so far this month. Although I am listening to a lot of my top 10 from April there are a few more songs that are slipping through.

1. Cheerleader (Felix Jaehn Remix) - OMI

(Image from Pinterest)

Everywhere I go I seem to hear this song at the moment. It is super catchy and I find myself singing it to myself in the shower, the bath, even writing this blog post now. Although I am loving this right now I will probably hate it in a few weeks due to how catchy it is. However for now it is my song of the moment and never fails to get me in a good mood and ready to dance.

2. Bills - LunchMoney Lewis

(Image from Pinterest)

This song is just great. Its cool, sassy and funky. It makes me want to dance and I can definitely relate to having bills (adult life sucks). It changes your mood instantly even if the subject of the song is a little depressing. I will be dancing to this song for a long long time, its going to be a favourite for sure.

3. Bad Blood (ft. Kendrick Lamar) - Taylor Swift

(Image from Pinterest)

I couldn't have ignored this one. With massive Instagram hype after it seemed like every one was getting involved in the video it was safe to say I was super excited for the video. The original track on the album is brilliant and the re-vamp with Kendrick Lamar is just as amazing and fits the song so well. If you haven't seen the video (WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?) check it out, its a masterpiece. A personal favourite is seeing one of my favourite models Lily Aldridge as Frostbyte. Its a true girl power hit.

4. Someone New - Hozier

(Image from Pinterest)

I spent all of yesterday on the sofa watching Radio 1's Big Weekend highlights and one of my personal favourite sets was Hozier's. I have been in love with this mans soothing voice since I heard Take Me To Church months ago and Someone New is definitely one of my favourites off his album. Seeing it live (well on the TV) has made me determined to see him sometime soon, and maybe marry him, please?! This more upbeat track is perfect for chilled drinks in the garden and its definitely a summer anthem for me.

5. Mess is Mine - Vance Joy

(Image from Pinterest)

I am completely in love with Vance Joy's voice. This song is a perfect folky, indie song. It makes me want to dance around, and have one too many ciders in the garden with friends. It is such a feel good song and hopefully it will be a big hit in the UK sometime soon. Watch out for Vance as he is currently touring with Taylor Swift and hopefully will be hitting the UK on his own tour sometime soon. Ill be waiting for that announcement just hoping it comes sooner rather than later.

6. She Will Be Loved - Maroon 5

(Image from Pinterest)

This is a little blast from the past but I have been re-listening to a lot of Maroon 5 recently as I am seeing them live Friday in Liverpool. I am super excited to finally see one of my favourite bands in the flesh. I always listen to this song and it never gets old in my eyes.

7.  1 Thing - Amerie

(Image from Pinterest)

Before I left university and my house of fabulous ladies we went on a massive Kisstory hype. Which meant we were reliving lots of the RnB we listened to when we were a little younger. Ever since this night I have been listening to this song non-stop. It reminds me so much of dancing around my room as a young tween and it still makes me feel sassy to this day.

8. F**kin' Problems (ft. Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar) - A$AP Rocky

(Image from Pinterest)

This song brings out my inner G. I hear this song and suddenly I feel as hard as nails and ready to do anything. Its a good party hit if you need something to make you feel sassy or hard. I mean who doesn't love bad b*tches ey?

9. C'est La Vie - B*Witched

(Image from Pinterest)

I recently travelled to Portsmouth to catch up with some of the girls I went to camp with. During this time we caught up and listened to many of the songs we listened to while out in America. One of these was C'est La Vie as we had a 90's/00's night and we were super close to making our own video to this song. Since seeing the girls I've been filling the campless hole in my heart with this song. It brings back some of the best memories.

10. Best of You - Foo Fighters

(Image from Pinterest)

After watching Foo's performance at Big Weekend last night (and crying my eyes out because I wasn't there) I have been singing this around the house. Its cheating a little as I haven't been listening to this all month but I know after last night I will be listening to it a lot more. Plus you can never have too much Foo Fighters in your life.

Have you been listening to anything non-stop this past month? Do you think any of my choices should be changed? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram.

See you Wednesday,

Love Katie x