I want to get back to blogging–especially now that summer is (practically) here and I have much fewer obligations.
I’m having a little bit of writer’s block, though. I have been writing, but nothing I finish sees the light of day because it’s either too long and wordy, too dark, or just too incoherent. None of it is of quality and I don’t want to post just to post.
But that’s kind of what this is.
I mean, not really. I was just listening to some songs and these lines would jump out at me and be so relatable that I would just pause what I’m doing and stare into space for a minute, letting the words sink in.
I wrote down some of these lyrics tonight and thought I’d share them. Back to back they seem random. There are definitely recurring themes, but there are also contradictions. And some don’t even relate to my life specifically as it is now. I just generally resonate with all of these words.
And besides, they’re all good songs so I thought I might as well share something.
Maybe after this one of these lyrics will spark something in me and inspire a blog post that isn’t entirely made up of things someone else has said.
“If I could be just one thing, I would be what you’re craving … but I’ve lived long enough to see you will never be craving me.” Iris – Mike Posner
“She just wants to feel something and I don’t think that’s asking for too much.” She Lays Down – The 1975
“And I don’t want a never ending life. I just want to be alive while I’m here. And I don’t want to see another night lost inside a lonely life while I’m here.” Spirits – The Strumbrellas
“I don’t have the right to ask you where you go at night but the waves hit my bed to think someone’s in your bed. I get a little bit Genghis Khan, I don’t want you to get it on with nobody else but me.” Genghis Khan – Miike Snow
“All alone I watch you watch her like she’s the only girl you’ve ever seen.” I hate u I love u – Gnash
“Don’t wish, don’t start. Wishing only wounds the heart. I wasn’t born for the rose and the pearl. He loves her so, I’m not that girl.” I’m not that girl – Wicked
“All of your flaws and all of my flaws they lie there hand in hand. Ones we’ve inherited, one’s that we’ve learned, they pass from man to man.” Flaws – Bastille
“I’m stumbling off drunk, getting myself lost. I am so gone, so tell me the way home. I listen to sad songs, singing about love and where it goes wrong.” One – Ed Sheeran
“And my hopes, they are high, I must keep them small. Though I try to resist, I still want it all.” Fools – Troye Sivan
“Don’t go out much at all. I’ve never been the type to call. I realize to be happy, maybe I need a little company.” Happy – Marina & The Diamonds
“I would rather be at home all by myself not in this room with people who don’t even care about my well-being.” Here – Alessia Cara
“If I’m honest I know I would give it all back for a chance to start over, rewrite an ending or two for the girl that I knew.” (And honestly the whole chorus) She used to be mine – Sara Bareilles
“There is a map in my room in the wall of my room and I’ve got big, big plans.” Maps – The Front Bottoms
I did an awful job explaining why I did this, so I ended up cutting most of the explanation out of the video.
Basically, I feel like you can get better at things if you just put yourself out there and do it (channeling my inner Shia LaBeouf here). I know I’ll never be a good singer and I’ll never have a range like Carrie Hope Fletcher or Sia or Lea Michele or anyone really. I know that, it’s fine. But I’ve always wanted to be at least a decent singer and I think (I hope) I can improve.
So my logic here is this: I got better at writing by having a blog and forcing myself to write more. I got better at editing videos and starting my YouTube channel and making videos. So maybe if I sit down every once in a while and sing on camera, I can try and get better.
We’ll see.
So this is a video of me from the beginning of January, trying out a cover of Carrie Hope Fletcher’s new song. I’ll probably end up making this video private one day but for now, let’s just put it out.
I uploaded a new video on Friday, and then the next day I found a new song that I am absolutely, utterly obsessed with. So I guess you can go ahead and watch this first video to see the eleven songs I’ve been loving since mid-September
and then watch this one here to watch my current favorite.
Yay for new music just in time for long road trips to family gatherings!
Over the weekend my dear sister came to visit me at Miami and helped me with my final project for a video productions class that I’m taking. I didn’t think I would be, but I’m actually pretty pleased with the final product, so I thought I might as well share it.
And who knows, maybe there will be more to come. I can only get better, right?
If you don’t already know, every Thursday I upload a weekly update, if you will. And at the end of those posts, I list some of the music I’ve been listening to during that week.
But this week I realized that I listened to a lot of music.So I decided to just dedicate an entirely separate post to everything I’ve been listening to, separated into three parts: Oldies, Car Songs, and Honorable Mention. Enjoy.
Oldies
It began with Billy Joel. I was listening to a sad playlist made by someone else on Spotify, when the song And So It Goes comes on. I recognized it from covers I had heard, but never realized Billy Joel sang it–I had really only known him for Piano Man and For The Longest Time.
After listening to his most popular hits and falling in love with Vienna and She’s Always a Woman to Me, I became sad that music really isn’t the same as it once was–something adults always seem to babble on about as it goes in through one ear and right out the other.
But maybe they’re right.
So I made a playlist of my favorite songs from a time before I was born, which include:
Sweet Pea by Tommy Roe
Tainted Love by Soft Cell
Every Little Thing She Does is Magic by The Police
Love the One You’re With by Crosby, Stills & Nash
Car Songs
I love to sing, but I’m well aware that not everyone enjoys listening to my voice as much as, say, the original artist. And, being at college, I’m never really alone in a car, driving around, singing at the top of my lungs–which is something I really miss. So you can best believe that I took full advantage of the car when I went home this weekend. These are the songs that I was shamelessly jamming to:
I’m Alive by Michael Franti
Notice Me by Alexa Rae Joel
Sugar, This is Gospel by Fall Out Boy vs. Panic at the Disco
Finding Something to Do by Hellogoodbye
Oh Cecelia (Breaking my Heart) by The Vamps feat. Shawn Mendes
Honey I’m Good by Andy Grammer
Honorable Mention
Yes, this song gets it’s own category. It is that. Good.
This is a cover of Take Me To Church–a song that was dead to me. I heard it, loved it, watched the music video, got goosebumps, learned it on the piano, belted it when I was home alone. It was on playlists of mine for months, and then I was over it.
But This. Cover. Not only did The Melodores revive this song, they straight up killed it again. In a good way. These metaphors aren’t really working, are they?
Anyway, LISTEN TO THIS COVER. Watch Dan pour his heart and soul into this song and I dare you to listen to the original without enunciating “sharpen your knife” in your head like they do.
Yep, it was a good week in music for me, and it ended up being a good week all around.
Sometimes someone else just does it better. And lately I’ve been discovering all of these great covers that prove that. So, I thought I’d share:
Hey Ya! by OutKast, covered by Troy Ritchie: this is from the battle rounds of The Voice, and Troy lost. I still can’t believe it. I would buy anything that Troy sings. (Also check out his cover of Out of My League)
You’re the One That I Want from Greece, covered by Lo-Fang: I discovered this song yesterday, and it’s been on constant repeat. Chilling.
Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears, covered by Lorde: I put this one next because the same word comes to mind: chilling.
1989 album by Taylor Swift, covered by Superfruit: Ugh, my favorite people on YouTube, from my favorite a cappella group: Pentatonix. They did a quick mash up of the entire album and it’s so good. Also check out when they did it to Beyonce’s album and their evolution of Miley Cyrus.
I’m Gonna Be (500 Years) by the proclaimers, covered by Sleeping at Last: Forever a song on my “sleep” playlist.
XO by Beyonce, covered by John Mayer: I mean, it’s John Mayer covering Beyonce. Does any more really need to be said?
Super Bass by Nicki Minaj, covered by Drew Tabor: this is the song that introduced me to Drew Tabor a few years back and I’m still listening to it today. Love it. And the introduction is adorable.
Once Upon a Dream from Sleeping Beauty, covered by Lana Del Rey: I honestly don’t know where you’ve been if you haven’t heard this cover yet.
Ignition (Remix) by R Kelly, covered by Dartmouth Aires: The perfect cover that makes you dance around your room in your underwear and sing into your hairbrush.
What, people don’t do that?
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper, covered by Cory Monteith: This song made me cry when I first saw the episode years ago, and it still gets to me now. RIP Cory.
Well, I hope you enjoyed. There are so many more that I could’ve included, so it’s basically inevitable that a part two will be coming soon.
Happy December! I’ve been listening to Christmas music for about a month now, but I’m so excited that it’s finally acceptable to be festive! So to show how excited I am, I was going to list my top 10 Christmas songs. But as I was creating this list, I realized that it was all songs from about five different artists. So, here are the artists that I’m listening to on repeat this holiday season.
The Barenaked Ladies
My family is in love with The Barenaked Ladies. Kind of a weird sentence for those who’ve never heard of the musical group before, but their album, Barenaked for the Holidays is always the first album playing throughout our household come December. My personal favorites would have to be Jingle Bells, God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman/We Three Kings (with Sarah McLachlan), Snowmen, and Do They Know it’s Christmas. The whole album is great, though.
Michael Buble
Another favorite at my house is Michael Buble. He was actually the first person I saw in concert–fun fact–and he was amazing, as always. His whole album, Christmas, is awesome, but my favorites would have to be Jingle Bells (feat. The Puppini Sisters) and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.My absolute, all-time favorite Christmas song, though, is actually with The Barenaked Ladies and Michael Buble: Elf’s Lament. If nothing else, do yourself a favor and listen to this song; it’s hilarious and wonderful.
Straight No Chaser
This group would also go under the hilarious and wonderful category. They actually have a few Christmas albums: Holiday Spirits, Christmas Cheers, and Under the Influence: Holiday Edition. My favorite songs for the pure entertainment of the lyrics would probably be The Christmas Can-Can, The 12 Days of Christmas, Who Spiked the Eggnog, and, of course, Nutcracker. Their new song with Kristen Bell, Text Me Merry Christmas, is great, too, but my absolute favorite is definitely You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch. I’m a sucker for those low notes.
Pentatonix
Pentatonix is like Straight No Chaser because they’re both acapella groups, but they’re definitely unique. They came out with “PTXmas” first and they’re now out with “That’s Christmas To Me.” It was so hard to come up with a favorite for them, but I’d have to say Carol of the Bells, Mary, Did You Know?, and their original, That’s Christmas To Me. While you’re checking them out, though, definitely look at their other stuff. They’re fantastic.
The Piano Guys
Last but not least I had to include The Piano Guys. Sometimes I opt for the instrumental Christmas tunes over the overplayed All I Want For Christmas is You-type tunes for the holidays. Their version of Carol of the Bells is amazing, of course, but their cover of Angels We Have Heard on High is spectacular.
Well there’s my list! Let me know if there are any other artists or albums I should look out for this holiday season.
Have you ever been in one of those moods where all you want to do is listen to music but nothing you have is working? It’s all the same old sounds. It’s all much too familiar. You’re in desperate need for new music but everything you listen to is unsatisfying.
Well, that’s how I’ve been feeling lately.
So I’ve been looking into my “one-hit wonders.” You know, the artists that you listen to but only know one of their songs? It may not even be their most popular. I remember back when I was introduced by Flaws by Bastille. I LOVED the song. I would listen to it on repeat and sing it in the shower. Then, I decided to look into some more of their work. I found Pompeii and Daniel in the Den and Weight of Living. And now they’re one of my favorite groups.
Not all groups are like that, though. Some have a hit single for a reason. But it still doesn’t hurt to look into in the hopes that you’ll find a new favorite.
So I know I haven’t written in a while, but why make a post full of excuses when I could, instead, share some good music?
Here’s what I’ve been loving in June regarding everything from music to fashion to books to makeup and more (in no particular order). Also, if you click on any of the pictures (for the most part), you’ll be directed to a website where you can purchase the item, if you so choose.
Beauty:
They’re Real! Mascara (Benefit): When it comes to makeup, the one thing I care about is my eyelashes. I curl them and am almost always wearing mascara (except I am more lenient in the summer). Normally I opt for the Maybelline or Covergirl options from Rite Aid or Target, but this month my sister gave her half-used tube or Benefit’s “They’re Real!” Mascara to me and I. Love. It. It’s pretty pricey in comparison, but I believe it is definitely worth the purchase.
NIVEA Lip Butter Vanilla & Macadamia Kiss: I’m not really one for lip sticks and lip glosses, but this vanilla scented lip butter is my absolute favorite. And it lasts a long time.
Music
The Fault In Our Stars Album: The book was fantastic. The movie was fantastic. And I’m so relieved to announce that the album is fantastic as well. It has fun songs like Boom Clap by Charli XCX and Let Me In by Grouplove, but they also have slower songs that truly relate to the movie with lyrics that are perfect and music that is dramatic in all the right places, like All I Want by Kodaline and Wait by M83. It also featured one of my favorite artists, Birdy, three times. This song, Tee Shirt, is one of my favorites from the album.
Jasmine Thompson – Not About Angels Cover: Not About Angels is originally sung by Birdy on TFIOS album, but Jasmine Thompson’s version is just as good. She’s definitely an artist worth checking out.
Ed Sheeran’s “X” (Deluxe): After “Sing” came out and blew up, Ed Sheeran’s sophomore album became highly anticipated. And it did not disappoint. The whole album is awesome. He has such a unique rhythm and style and this album offers a good variety from him. Some favorites are Don’t, Photograph, The Man, and Bloodstream.
Larger Than Life – Pinkzebra: I can’t find this song anywhere! It’s not on iTunes or Spotify, so the only place I can listen to it is YouTube but I adore this song. Please just do yourself a favor and click play.
Entertainment
22 Jump Street: I was nervous for this movie to come out because 21 Jump Street was so funny, but the sequel is great! As always, Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill are hilarious, but Ice Cube was hysterical! And it was nice to see Jimmy Tatro on the big screen after watching him for so long on YouTube.
Just My Luck: I took a journey to the past this month and fell back in love with Just My Luck. For those of you who don’t know, this movie stars Lindsay Lohan and Chris Pine circa 2006. And it features one of my favorite bands from my childhood: McFly. It’s wonderful.
Undateable: Chris D’Elia came out with a new show on NBC this month called “Undateable” and I like it! I think it’s hilarious and I love the cast and variety of characters. It reminds me of SNL too, because sometimes they scenes are so funny, it’s hard for all of them to keep a straight face. I find that somewhat refreshing, though. Because it’s new, I’m scared it’ll get cancelled, but I’m loving it for now.
Young & Hungry: This TV show is a late addition to the list because the pilot episode came out this past Wednesday, but I have high hopes. It stars Emily Osment, which is enough for me to continue tuning in, and it’s on ABC Family. I find Gabby, her character, so funny and quirky, but not in the too-forced-out-of-the-box kind of way. Anyway, I look forward to watching more.
Orange is the New Black: I’m so mad I don’t have Netflix because I am loving this show. I’m only on episode 3, but with all the hype, I know the rest of the series will be just as good. Still, three episodes in and I’m already hooked.
Fashion
Black Dresses: I graduated on June 1st and every weekend since, I’ve had dozens on grad parties to go to. And, for multiple reasons, I always opt for dresses. Normally black dresses. This is because I can easily throw on colorful scarves, sneakers, jewelry, cardigans, or whatever else I want to dress it up or down. The one I’ve been wearing the most is from Target and is still on sale for $20.
Rings: I’ve also been getting into rings more, for some reason. I think I just like wearing more jewelry in the summer. Anyway, the rings I’ve been wearing are from Forever 21, but I don’t think they’re available on the website anymore. Still, they offer plenty of stackable rings like these to choose from, along with statement, cocktail, multi finger, and midi rings as well.
Books
I have two book recommendations from the month of June and they’re both written by Rainbow Rowell. Eleanor & Park and Fangirl are now two of my all time favorite stand-alone novels. You can check out my Goodreads account if you want a more in-depth review.
Miscellaneous
Jump Rope: One random thing I’ve been loving this month is jumping rope. I’ve been trying to get in shape for my trip to Texas, and just for the summer in general, and jump-roping is so easy! Mine is from TJ Maxx and it has removable weights in the handles, which I like for an added challenge. I try to jump 100 times every day, but lately I’ve been pushing 150.
Blogging: It just wouldn’t seem right if I didn’t add WordPress, Sincerely Sammy, blogging, or anything for that matter to my list of June favorites, because I really have been loving it! I really like sharing random thoughts or favorites or pictures with possible viewers on the internet, and I also like exploring the website and other people’s blogs. One of my favorites so far is A Note From Sophie. She was the first person to comment on my first post, so I immediately replied and followed her back, and her post “Pointless trip to Ireland” is my favorite. It has a really good message and I seriously “aww’d” out loud when I read that three years later this best friend is now her boyfriend. I don’t know, stuff like that just gets me. I love it. Anyway, that post is seriously less than 500 words, so just take a second and check it out.
I mean, not really. I was just listening to some songs and these lines would jump out at me and be so relatable that I would just pause what I’m doing and stare into space for a minute, letting the words sink in.
SINCERELY, SAMMY 