The Music Tag

Don't you hate it when you want to blog but cannot think of anything to blog. I do also look like a wookie on a bad hair day at the moment. While I wait for my afternoon of getting glam once again (Hairdresser, threading etc.), I shall provide you another insight into my little world by doing Makeup-Pixi3's Music Tag that she did a few months ago.

What’s your favourite type of music?

I am a rock fan, I am however not limited to that. I have a huge mixture of music in my collection thanks to my pop loving mum, jazz loving dad and hip-hop rap brother. I also find my music taste depends on the weather, mood and what I'm doing while playing music. Most of my music has all got some kind of memories attached to it, it's amazing how it can transport you to another time and place.

What’s your least favourite type of music?

As I find I am getting a little bit older now, there are some trendy music that I just don't get. Sampling done well is brilliant but most of the time it makes me feel nostalgic for the orginal. Not the biggest fan of County and Western, just cannot get into it really.

What’s the best gig you’ve been to?

Within Temption - an amazing rock band with a operatic lead vocalis. Got towards the front, danced sang and moshed happily away. They played every single song I loved and I even caught the drumstick of the support band. I even managed to get the train home in time to sneak into my weekly local and met my mates.

What albums are you listening to at the moment?

Currently listening to The 2nd Law by Muse. Husband and I are big fans of Muse, all of tables at our wedding were their song tittles and our first dance was 'Endlessly'.

I am also a huge fan of a Canadian band called Barenaked Ladies (most known for the mid 90's hit One Week), they have released their new album 'Grinning Streak' so I've been listening to the uploaded version on youtube while I wait for it to arrive. The 'Fun' album is on my wish list currently.

What's your favourite bands/artists & favourite albums?

Favourite albums:

Stunt - Barenaked Ladies
The Heart Of Everything - Within Temptation
21 - Adele
Greatest Hits of Queen (Yes I know that's cheating but it's well loved - Great memories of blasting it out of my friends Skoda on the way to watch F1 at Silverstone)

If you could instantly know how to play any instrument, what would it be?

I did want to play guitar and owned two, but because I have really small hands I never got very far. I learnt to play keyboards on an organ in my dining room, I played clarinet at school (but gave up after I fainted in a lesson) and sang in the school choir. I also did and failed my music GCSE's. I was happy to sing and dance, my Saturday nights were spent doing this to The Prodigy

 



An Unevenlemming Christmas

So here it is Merry Christmas.... OK not quite but there's not long to go, my advent calender is nearly empty and I'm only less than 24 hours left before my 6 day holiday begins (and the nation finally takes a collective sigh of relief that for another year, it's all over).

Before I take a couple days break and start on the merry-go-round of going round to see all the in-laws/family - Here's my thoughts on Christmas from my side of the screen (With thanks to Nikki Etc for the twitter tag)

1. What is your favourite thing about Christmas ?

There just seems to be a different feeling around Christmas time, I really can't explain it. I like the decorations, cards, and thinking about the presents to get everyone. I like to put as much thought as I can behind it, as well as reflect on why we celebrate this time of year.

2. What is your favourite make up look for festive the season?

Yes I follow the cliche of red, I like red nails and red lips for the Christmas parties. For the day itself I keep it simple and relaxed - smart pair jeans with a jumper. It is a day off after all!

3. Real tree or fake tree?

This year I have none, yes you read that right this year we have no tree. We were due to move but as we started to move delays came up and the tree is at the other place. My TV stand is a my supplement with all my cards around it as well as red and gold tinsel. I normally have a black fake tree with blue and silver. My parents fake tree is nearly 40 years old!

4. Giving presents or receiving presents?

I like thinking of different and new ideas for presents, so I' certainly a giver. I also make presents as well as buy and make it as personal as I can. This year money is extremely tight so I've used my own skills to make my own gifts including a set of nail art done of fake nails to give to one of my family (who doesn't read this!)

5. Do you open presents Christmas morning or eve / evening

I used to do my 'Santa' presents in the morning and then after lunch do ones from my family. My stocking was opened as soon as I could sneak it into my room. Now I'm a little older, it's husband's after breakfast (another family tradition from my side so I had something to eat and not just chocolate!), then the morning is my family as they go out for lunch, before eating at in laws and presents from them.

6. Handmade Christmas cards or bought?

Brought and even then I haven't sent many out as stamps are really expensive this year. I normally do them for people I don't see often and this year I've even sent some to other bloggers.

7. What is your favourite Christmas film?

Santa Clause The Movie with Dudley Moore. When I was younger they always had this and The Snowman on Christmas Eve (I'm looking forward to The Snowman and The Snowdog :D), once it was finished I was sent to bed to wait for Santa. I have it on DVD now, but I still watch it on Christmas Eve before bed, I am still a big kid at heart.

8. What's your favourite Christmas food?

I do like a good piece of Stollen, a German fruit and marzipan cake dusted with icing sugar. Mince pies can be a mixed bag, my father in law has made 9 dozen of his version this year!

9. What's your favourite Christmas song?

I like Fairytale of New York by The Pogues, however for the time of year it can be a little depressing. I do like The Darkness, Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End or A bit of Cliff with Mistletoe and Wine (I dare you not to sing along after a post dinner Baileys!)

10. What's your favourite Christmas memory?

They've all be very good and relaxed but my first married Christmas, I was getting over the flu and husband had the start, either of us could not eat and just sat on the sofa trying to get the other to make a cuppa (At least it got us out of the family visits).

I must admit this year I'm looking forward to getting more than one day off like previous years, the joys of not being in retail anymore. For everyone who is I hope you have a good break not matter how small.