Before we get into my 'Month in Review', I will have you all know I'm well aware that I have missed a month, which I can only put down to laziness and the simple fact that March wasn't all that exciting.
Well, I lie. There were a few exciting things.
For example, in March I went to see Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars, both incredible performers in their own right who I belted my lungs out to. Getting home, however, that wasn't so pleasant. I think there were two sold-out venues in Sydney Olympic Park - so that amounts to a LOT of people. But alas, it was a fun couple of nights.
As for the month that has just been, I hope everyone who celebrates Easter had a great time. I was more keen about the fact that in the few days following I'd be going to see Lana Del Rey - yes, another concert. Lana was ethereal. Seriously, her voice is simply out of this world. 🙌🏻
Oh and I graduated university! I say that with an exclamation, 'cause it feels pretty good knowing I'm finished and can finally prove it to everyone and I will yell and scream cause I oughta.
One thing that they don't warn you about your graduation ceremony is just how nervous you're going to get going up to get your degree, so I'm warning all current students. It can be pretty scary up there.
So if you are 'umming' and 'ahhing' about whether or not you'll attend your graduation, just tick the 'I'm attending' box. It's a great night and to watch your friends graduate too is really special.
Now... lets get into some of my favourites.
Bits & Bobs
Calm | App
Usually I am someone that finds it really easy to get to sleep and stay asleep. I've always counted myself as lucky in that regard. Quite recently, however, I've been finding it harder than usual to shut the power switch off and just get to sleep.
I'd heard on podcasts and read multiple articles that have suggested meditation to be one of the great healing agents the body sometimes needs (and great for sleep, obvs.). Considering I was, and still am, a total newbie, I knew I needed some guidance to meditation. This is where Calm comes into the equation.
Through this app you are able to take a few minutes out of your day and just focus on getting in-touch with oneself. There are podcasts you can listen to, relaxing music and sounds, guided daily meditations (and if you want to pay some money, you get a whole heap of other goodies).
It sounds kinda weird and crazy, but the mind is also pretty weird and crazy, so I thought why the hell not?
I can't say I've used it on a daily, but I'm working my way there - it definitely allows me to just calm my mind before sleep and switch off, so for that feeling I highly recommend it.
I'd heard on podcasts and read multiple articles that have suggested meditation to be one of the great healing agents the body sometimes needs (and great for sleep, obvs.). Considering I was, and still am, a total newbie, I knew I needed some guidance to meditation. This is where Calm comes into the equation.
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| Source: Calm Website |
It sounds kinda weird and crazy, but the mind is also pretty weird and crazy, so I thought why the hell not?
I can't say I've used it on a daily, but I'm working my way there - it definitely allows me to just calm my mind before sleep and switch off, so for that feeling I highly recommend it.
A Sentence a Day...
Continuing on this pattern of 'mindfulness', I bought myself this cute little 'Sentence a Day' book (mine is from kikki.k).
The concept is pretty self-explanatory - each date has a different question and you write down your answer. They range from personal to more mundane reflections, but I love the idea of just sitting back and filling this in. It is, in a way, like a diary. I guard it much similarly.
Plus, this book is one you get to fill in over the course of three years - which is quite a commitment - but then you get an opportunity tp look back and see the changes in yourself, your goals and your life. A lot can happen in three years and being able to reflect on that will be pretty cool.
The concept is pretty self-explanatory - each date has a different question and you write down your answer. They range from personal to more mundane reflections, but I love the idea of just sitting back and filling this in. It is, in a way, like a diary. I guard it much similarly.
Plus, this book is one you get to fill in over the course of three years - which is quite a commitment - but then you get an opportunity tp look back and see the changes in yourself, your goals and your life. A lot can happen in three years and being able to reflect on that will be pretty cool.
I've Been Binge Watching...
Brooklyn Nine-Nine | Season 1 & 2 (so far..)
So I fought against the idea of watching this show for a while - purely because my brother loves it and I simply couldn't become a fan of a show my younger, dumber brother was interested in. However, this month I completely caved in and I'm so glad I did.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is the satirical cop drama you didn't know you needed in your life. Each episode follows the daily ins-and-outs of the 99th precinct of Brooklyn's police department, in what can only be described as professional in the sense of comedy rather than accuracy. While there are the 'main characters' of the show, like many shows have, this show just wouldn't hold it's own without the other amazing cast members. Each character have their quirks and it makes for hilarious television.
Like seriously, how can you not love a giant softy with his love of yoghurt and a food-obsessed blogger who wears his heart on his sleeve? Terry & Charles - you are men of my own heart.
So I fought against the idea of watching this show for a while - purely because my brother loves it and I simply couldn't become a fan of a show my younger, dumber brother was interested in. However, this month I completely caved in and I'm so glad I did.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is the satirical cop drama you didn't know you needed in your life. Each episode follows the daily ins-and-outs of the 99th precinct of Brooklyn's police department, in what can only be described as professional in the sense of comedy rather than accuracy. While there are the 'main characters' of the show, like many shows have, this show just wouldn't hold it's own without the other amazing cast members. Each character have their quirks and it makes for hilarious television.
Like seriously, how can you not love a giant softy with his love of yoghurt and a food-obsessed blogger who wears his heart on his sleeve? Terry & Charles - you are men of my own heart.
Santa Clarita Diet | Season 2
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| Source: Pizquita |
Like I've already mentioned, the show is basically about zombies, or more specifically, one zombie. However, these aren't the scary, bluish monster like figures you're used to being scared of in 'The Walking Dead'.
In this show, Drew Barrymore (Sheila), is a zombie that comes across like any other regular woman does, until she starts eating human flesh, which can be a little distressing.
The show is a great illustration of a 'what would you do if' situation played out in real life. If your Mum suddenly craved the taste of flesh and went on random killing sprees, how would you live and cope? This show plays that out. Check out the trailer just to get what I'm talking about...
Flipping Through...
You Do You - How to Be Who You are and use What You've got to get What You Want | Sarah Knight
So I'm pretty late to getting onto the series of books written by the 'anti-guru', Sarah Knight. This woman has a few titles to her name, each of which are NY Best Sellers and aim to simplify life's biggest conundrums - like giving a f*ck, getting your sh*t together and doing what is best for you (the premise of this particular book).
We, as humans, are programmed to risk assess, worry and give too many f*cks. After a certain age, usually after childhood, we start to take notice of the time, worry about how we present ourselves, care if we say the wrong thing, and just overthink EVERYTHING.
Knight, throughout this book follows the basic principle; 'You Do You' and f*ck the rest. However, she does like to note that being a dick isn't what she is proposing. In fact, Knight suggests that being a respectful human whilst doing what makes you happy isn't out of the realm of possibility.
I have yet to read Knight's other books, but after tackling yet again another 'self-help' guide book - which Sarah Knight would roll her eyes to - I think I'll be back to read her other two best sellers. In comparison to Mark Manson, who wrote The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck, Knight is much more anecdotal and conversational - a good in-between for someone who can't quite take Manson's abrasiveness and abruptness. It's more feel-good vibes than mind-fuckery - take your pick depending on your mood. They are both great reads.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars - Versatile, veracious and vividly real
I've Been Listening To...
As aforementioned, this month and the last were full of music related opportunities, so I listened to quite a range of music - from some new discoveries to some old favourites that made their way into my Spotify queue, this month had quite the mixture.
As for the new discoveries, I got into Bazzi, who recently released his debut album, which I'm particularly looking forward to sit down and have a good listen to in full. He has some very Zayn Malik vibes and I'm definitely into it. I think Bazzi and I will becoming more acquainted 😉
I also want to give a shout-out to some of the local Newcastle music legends I discovered this month who have blown me away with their talent. The list could go on, but some legends worth mentioning are Georgie Jones, Skyepaint, Bravo Victor & Jye Sharp. One thing I love about Newcastle is it's richly diverse musicians and this month I was reminded just of this and these artists above seriously make my heart sing.
Check out my April playlist below for some of the tuuunes I got into last month...
As for the new discoveries, I got into Bazzi, who recently released his debut album, which I'm particularly looking forward to sit down and have a good listen to in full. He has some very Zayn Malik vibes and I'm definitely into it. I think Bazzi and I will becoming more acquainted 😉
I also want to give a shout-out to some of the local Newcastle music legends I discovered this month who have blown me away with their talent. The list could go on, but some legends worth mentioning are Georgie Jones, Skyepaint, Bravo Victor & Jye Sharp. One thing I love about Newcastle is it's richly diverse musicians and this month I was reminded just of this and these artists above seriously make my heart sing.
Check out my April playlist below for some of the tuuunes I got into last month...
What did you get up to and love in April? x
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