27

About 10 hours ago, Amy Winehouse has joined the ranks of Cobain, Morrison, Hendrix and Janis Joplin not just as a music icon and legend but as a music icon and legend dead at 27. Personally, I could not believe my eyes as my Twitter and Facebook feeds were both filling up with posts that all contained the words "RIP Amy Winehouse" in different versions. At that moment in time, it was just so surreal-even more surreal than when I had found out that Michael Jackson had passed away two years ago. As a HUGE fan of her music, it was just so sad to see her life end in such a tragic way especially since I we were all just waiting for her comeback album (if she even got started on one past all the drama and the vices). In a way, you could probably say that Wino had this one coming, and I'm sure her other fans were just waiting for the day her alcohol and drug addictions would get the best of her. So in retrospect, her death wasn't really that surprising. But despite the lack of shock that accompanied her death, I guess deep down, a little part of us was just rooting for her to get better and to continue making beautiful music.

They say it is "Better To Burn Out Rather Than Fade Away." Hey, they left helluva legacy at 27!

Today, as Amy Winehouse joins the 27 Club in their own nirvanas, and as we mourn the loss of another great artist...not surprisingly gone at this age but gone too soon nonetheless, let's just keep in mind the great music and the legacy she, along with the others have left sans all the drugs and alcohol. If you must, do it in moderation at least.

Stay off the drugs children!

xx,

Ri.

Music that isn't bad

Leave this city for an open highway. Now that's a line from a song that I am not going to take lightly. Was it by chance or by random circumstance that I stumbled upon this track and new band? Maybe. Nonetheless, despite the song's "hit me where it hurts" lyrics, it's always a thrill to discover (well, for me at least) new bands and new music as I am a self-confessed music "maven" LOL.

I can't wait to see what they can do with a full album!

So let me share with you the Aussie band's more popular track Zimbabwe, off their debut EP Uluwatu. I know, exotic right? But if you're a fan of Two Door Cinema Club, you may find a couple of similarities between the two. If you fancy more rhythmically inclined music and riffs (and African drums), then you might be leaning towards NEW NAVY considering their songs have that certain island feel to it if you listen closely enough.

xx,

Ri.

Too young

I need something new to look forward to.

In the span of 11 months, I have gone from wide-eyed novice Staff Writer (supposedly) living the dream, to a tired, jaded and nearly burnt out 20 something looking for extra income. I really don't know why this is all coming up so soon. Shouldn't I be happy considering that where I am now is where I said I wanted to be straight out of college? Maybe it's because I'm under paid? Or maybe I'm just in denial for deciding to take the more "comfortable" route into employment? Whatever it is, I need to fix it and find that one thing I want to wake up in the morning for and that one job that won't require me to over extend myself half of all the time. I need something that will inspire me to create something big, something memorable, and something worth telling the world about. Okay, so that last declaration may be a tad bit too grand, but really, I just need something to bring back the excitement in my life. As much as it pains me to admit it, I feel that now is the time for me to cut my losses and start anew.

It may be the aggressive nature of my generation, but at 21, I really don't think I should be quite as unhappy to be where I am today. I guess some things really do change.

xx,

Ri.

Superwoman

As I was surfing the net for some new songs to add to my playlist, I came across a new release from one of my all time favorite artists ever!!...ALICIA KEYS. Apparently the singer/songwriter is celebrating her debut album's 10th freaking anniversary! I know what you're thinking..."10 years already??" That same exact thought entered my head as well. Indeed, time flies by so fast and since releasing Songs In A Minor, Alicia Keys' career has soared to unthinkable heights, which really was no surprise if you took the time to really hear this woman's talent.

Happy 10th Anniversary! I'm sure grabbing myself a copy! ;)

Currently, I am revisiting my younger years and re-living my life as a pre-teen vicariously through Alicia Keys' music. I may not have been able to relate with what she was singing about way back when, but now I totally do. It's quite fun, really, going back to old school favorites and seeing just how much more applicable things are these days.

First it was Harry Potter, now Alicia Keys. 2011 really is the year of endings and new beginnings :)

xx,

Ri.

Get over yourself.

Thank God you blew it
Thank God I dodged the bullet
I'm so over you
Baby good lookin' out.
- Beyonce

And with the announcement of his official departure from single-hood, two things hit me...HARD: a) F*ck, I did fall for Charlie, and b) Mom is ALWAYS right.

Beyonce couldn't have put my feelings into words any better. This song just hit me where it hurts.

xx,

Ri.

Just a constant reminder.

xx,
Ri.

Harry Potter

It's the LAST premiere and as I'm streaming live video footage of the premiere in London, I am steadily composing myself and fighting back the tears.

I wish I had a some floo powder with me right now or have a port key nearby because there is no other place in the world I'd rather be than in London, at Trafalgar Square, celebrating the end of the series that shaped my childhood. After ten good years, we're finally saying good bye. Well at least for now :)

As per tradition, I will see you on opening night!

xx,

Ri.

Baby, I'm yours

I just felt that with the events of this week and today's gloomy weather, this blog needed a little good vibes just to counteract all the negativity.

Ladies and gents, BreakBot, my current obsession ♥

xx,

Ri.

P.S.

Plus, this video is just wicked! It makes you wish you were a tad bit more creative LOL

No regrets

So I've finally encountered that "life moment" that has helped me decide exactly what I should get inked: NO REGRETS. Plain and simple. To everyone out there who refuse to believe, this doesn't just refer to that aspect of my life, mind you. It's just a universal reminder for me to live the way I want to. But of course that doesn't mean I'm going to go all out crazy...most of the time :)

Straight, no chaser

Told to me by a good friend of mine. Wise wise words

It's funny how this photo in its entirety is just so Charlie. But I like what it has to say

xx,
Ri.

Me, Myself and I

The timing is funny really, how all of a sudden Beyonce's Me, Myself and I started playing on my iTunes as I was going through Facebook yesterday morning. Of all the songs that could have possibly played in that morning's shuffle, this one could not have been better suited for what I was about to chance upon.

Let me just get to the point here. Apparently Charlie is as big a douche bag as well, Charlie (yes, that's a bit cryptic, but it's much safer not to drop bombs online). For all his WINNING comments and smooth moves, he really is just a player who seems to want to take advantage of everyone he sees fit to be taken advantage of.

What am I trying to say? Charlie is taken. I know I shouldn't be affected, really, considering whatever we were doing wasn't exactly dating. But I still have the right to feel used right? Nonetheless, there is no use crying over spilled milk because nothing I say or do, and not even the time I spend throwing insults his way will reverse whatever happened. I can't take back what I did and what I lost and neither can he, so I guess we both just have to live with it. NO REGRETS.

Personally, I'm so over this BS. Although I still want to punch him in the face, gut, and of course balls, I can't help but wonder if he even feels the slightest bit of guilt or if that kind of emotion just seems to evade him all together. The girl (who I also know) looks happy, and I feel she is. I just hope one day Charlie gets a dose of his own medicine because I know I'm not the one who's going to have to suffer the repercussions of his wanton actions.

GOOD MORNING WORLD! And hello July!

xx,

Ri. 

Kylie on my mind

Just because I truly TRULY wish I were in Kylie Minogue's presence right now :( Oh the things we give up to live a more frugal existence.

So for now, I am indulging in all things Kylie via YouTube (LOL). Plus, who doesn't LOVE this track??

xx,
Ri.