"Here We Go Again"

Angus & Julia Stone - Here We Go Again

I've been a bit all over the place recently. Not in the literal sense, more in terms of where my heads at (cue Basement Jaxx's Where's Your Head At); particularly with what I'm going to do with this blog. I started out as a music blogger on Tumblr, but felt it wasn't getting much coverage, so decided to switch to blogspot. This opened up other doors for me, as I got inspired (and probably distracted), to write a fashion blog. I felt like the underdog (mainly 'cos in the photos I looked like one), but more importantly, I veered off from what I'd originally sought out to achieve in the "bloggersphere." It's imperative to try other avenues, but I always knew I wanted to write about music. I guess I felt lost in my own blog for a little while... (Getting deep right?)
Well... it took a combination of rediscovering Cocteau Twins, weeping at The Perks of Being a Wallflower, the new Bombay Bicycle Club album, and the incredibly inspirational Almost Famous to set my record straight, (pun definitely intended).

Consider this a much needed re-vamp for Reflect & The City. It's going back to its musical roots, just with a different name.
I thought this post would just help put the "Reflect" back into Reflect & The City. I've recently added a "Portfolio" tab, where I drop links of tracks/albums I've reviewed. Please take a look!

I hope you've been enjoying my "SONG OF THE DAY" posts. It allows me to keep my blog active. If you want help getting your band, or a friend's band out there, just send me an email (address is on the right-hand side) and I'll get back to you!

Thanks for stopping by

Charlie XO  

Apple & Blackberry Jam Recipe

 I felt so Christmassy at the start of November. Perhaps a little too early for some... (definitely too early, happens to me every year), and now I can't believe it has crept up on us so quickly and we'll be tuckin' into our turkeys NEXT WEEK. I did begin to worry that I'd used up all my festive fever too early, when my excitement faded slightly last week, but I knew what would get me back in the mood: 

Apple and Blackberry Jam.

Blackberries are the fruit I link most with Winter (well those and cranberries of course!)and I've always wanted to make jam so thought little pots of these would make great presents. I've bought my family other gifts but thought something homemade would make the present giving a little more special.

For me, Apple and Blackberry is the perfect winter combination so couldn't wait to get stuck in when I came across a recipe from Delicious Magazine online.

First things first; The Ingredients:

500g Blackberries

500g Cooking Apples (peeled, cored & chopped)

1 Small Lemon (juice of)

1kg Jam Sugar

Now, let's begin! Preparation Method:

1.Put the blackberries and apples into a preserving or large pan with the lemon juice and 100ml of water. Place over a medium heat and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes.

2. Pop a couple of saucers into the freezer to chill. Add the sugar to the pan and cook, stirring to dissolve. *IMPORTANT* Bring to the boil and boil rapidly for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. (Make sure you use a stopwatch, timing is key!)

3. Put a teaspoon of jam onto a chilled saucer for 1 minute. Drag your finger lightly over the jam. If it wrinkles, it has reached setting point, if it doesn't, boil for a couple more minutes, then turn off the heat and try again with another chilled saucer. Set aside to cool for 1 hour.

4. Once cooled, stir the jam, then ladle into each jar, seal and label.

 

"I'm Late, I'm Late, For A Very Important Date!"

Indulging in a scrummy cream tea!

I felt like the luckiest girl last week when my boyfriend treated me to Afternoon Tea at The Randolph Hotel in Oxford during our mini UK getaway. Those who know me, know I love love LOVE most cakes and going for cream tea is what I love to do with my girlfriends. I love hosting friends and always make sure we have something sweet in the cupboards for them. 

When Aiden told me he was taking me for Afternoon Tea, I was so excited, especially when I realised it would be at The Randolph, a 5* hotel! The interior was beautiful and the tea room carried an Alice in Wonderland theme throughout, (One of my other favourite things and definitely my favourite Disney film!) Cream tea for one and coffee were the only items in our price range, but I could've just sipped tap water the whole time as it felt like we had entered another world. It definitely gave Harrods competition, as we sat next to the most beautiful Christmas tree. Still continuing its theme, large, gold watches were placed on various branches and large playing cards hidden intricately alongside them. "We're painting the roses red," came to mind when the centrepiece for each table had a red rose with miniature playing cards around them, all contained in an elegant glass ornament. 

I really felt like we had escaped reality for a little while as the whole atmosphere was so relaxing and comfortable, and quite magical! I always think its important to collect some of those hard-earned pennies and take yourself away for a little while to experience something out of the ordinary, your very own Wonderland. 

Walking in a "Wimbledon Wonderland"

My first festive post:

Day one of Christmas shopping commenced this afternoon!

Might be too early for some and when my boyfriend and I trudged through Starbucks with our shopping bags for a quick pick-me-up, someone said "You know Christmas isn't till next month?" But what's wrong with being organised eh! Anyway, I came and met my boyfriend in Wimbledon after he finished work and brought my faux fur out for the first time. That Christmas chill is definitely in the air.

I'm so pleased to say that I've nearly finished my Christmas shopping now which I hope will mean that December will stay relatively stress-free! I've decided to make my family some home-made jam as one of their presents so had to buy all the necessary products for it and Lakeland took care of all my needs! I was one very satisfied customer.

 As you can see, I'm pretty kitted out! I love the little, cute labels and the gorgeous gingham covers for the lids. It will hopefully make my Christmas present vision a reality. (now all I need to do is make the jam, fingers crossed!) 

After taking this little excursion, me and Aiden got lost in a world of toys at The Entertainer, searching for presents for my little nephews and his little sisters, tempted by chocolates in Thorntons and spoilt for choice in Paperchase searching for Christmas cards. Overall, I'd say its been a productive and successful day! 

Have you guys started your Christmas shopping yet?

Thanks for stopping by!

XO

My Top Three Tracks of the Week!

I'D been fleeting between my music blog and fashion for ages, until I decided it would be best to combine both and condense them into one! Here's my NEW music post! What I'm listening to at the moment...

1) Metronomy - I'm Aquarius

2) Bombay Bicycle Club - Carry Me

3) Dum Dum Girls - Lost Boys & Girls Club

1)

I remember the first time I saw Metronomy. It was accidental. I was at Brighton Dome to see CSS and Metronomy were the support act. Just three guys, who me and my friend initially thought were the technicians tuning Lovefoxxx's microphone. How wrong we were. It was the first time I heard 'Heartbreaker' 'Radio Ladio' 'Black Eye, Burnt Thumb' and I was spellbound. Their sound was so different and they were definitely the soundtrack to my years at 6th form. Over the last couple of years, the band has evolved and grown (literally as well as musically) and their new track 'I'm Aquarius'shows they are still creating their distinctive, minimalist but magnificent sounds. 

2)

Firstly, I've got to announce that I will be seeing Bombay Bicycle Club next year in Brixton! Far too excited! I've waited far too long to see them. My advice would be if you like a new band, and can sense a huge tidal wave of hype and fans about to bombard them, trust your instincts and buy a ticket! I liked Bombay Bicycle Club way-back-when, before their first album was even released and stupidly never did anything about it. Luckily, my sister got two for their 2014 tour on the pre-sale so that's my Christmas present sorted! 'Carry Me' is their new track and I really love how they continue to produce more and more spine-tingling melodies. The chorus is infectious with its quick pace and high energy, it'll have crowds jumping, shuffling and I Can't wait to be in and amongst it.

3)

As soon as I heard the first few chords of this track, I know it was going to be special. I'm such a big fan of the garage rock/pop sounds of Frankie Rose and Dum Dum Girls so I'm always excited to hear what these artists come with next. Their music allows me to believe I'm apart of the 80's (for those of you who don't know, I think I was meant for the 80s) and 'Lost Boys and Girls Club' doesn't shy away from this at all. Losing its rockier edge, this latest release embarks on enchanting echoes and smouldering strums. It's a dream.

Hope you guys enjoy! Let me know your thoughts!

XO

Let Go...

I took a pretty big risk last week. I handed in my notice at a secure, part-time job for temping work in various different media and magazine environments in the hope to find myself “THE” career. I’ve only just moved up to London and found my current job highly unsatisfying and instead of doing what I usually do (MOAN), I decided to DO something about it. I was lucky to have a connection, a branch to which I’m hoping I can use to climb up to my dream industry. After having a meeting, I finally decided to go for it. Let go of my fears and take the plunge into unknown territory. I’m not falling into a safe, full-time job, I’m jumping into something a little less secure, but I don’t feel afraid. 

I realised when walking around London Victoria station while I waited for a train, that this was going to be the most selfish thing I have ever done in my whole life. But it was probably the most empowered I’ve ever felt. It wasn’t just me I had to consider. I had my boyfriend to think of who I am currently living with. The pressure is on but life is too short to constantly worry and fret about the “what ifs” of everything. (all those who know me will be thinking, “Ha, rich coming from her!”) I am a worrier. But I refuse to let it control my life and stay in a job which makes me miserable, just because I have bills to pay. I’m extremely lucky that I have the support of those around me who I love who at times gave their cautious opinions but in the end realised this was the best option for me. 

Michael Parkinson was the ambassador of my University and I always remember the last line of his speech at my graduation ceremony. 

"You’re at the threshold of life. Make the most of it."

So this is what I’m trying to do. 

The song choice for this particular blog post is taken from one of my favourite movies, Garden State. The final scene where Zach Braff’s character Andrew Largeman takes a risk himself and leaves his current responsibilities which made him sad and depressed for a new and enriching life with his love Sam (played by Natalie Portman). The lyrics which illuminate this moment are so poignant and what I use to remind myself that I’m making the right choice… A little reassurance never hurt anybody. In fact, I could do with some more of that from myself.

Imogen Heap really does have a point here:

"Drink up baby doll
Are you in or are you out?
Leave your things behind
'Cause it's all going off without you
Excuse me too busy you’re writing your tragedy
These mishaps
You bubble-wrap
When you’ve no idea what you’re like.

So, let go, let go

Jump in
Oh well, what you waiting for?
It’s all right
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown.”

Cause there’s beauty in the breakdown.

Here’s An Update On My Life So Far…

The PR Couture Guide to Breaking into Fashion PR
Crosby Noricks

…After all, this blog is called ‘Reflect and the City.’ 

Moving  to London and working on one of the busiest, most fashion forward streets, in an internationally acclaimed store is proving to inspire me as a part-time fashion blogger beginner &aspiring fashion PR/Marketing assistant. (Wow, that was a mouthful!) This is down to the different fashionistas I serve and advise 4 days a week. It is so refreshing to see all the different ‘looks’ and faces of fashion. Those who want to make a fashion statement on their weekends off, those who are keeping it fashionable and smart in their work attire, those who dress in timeless vintage pieces, designer, PVC, leather, woollen capes… you name it, I’ve probably seen it. 

I’m currently working part-time as a sales assistant for a concession in Topshop whilst I progress as a fashion PR intern working from home and occasionally in the studio of the designers. From this internship, I’ve recently been given a mini-assignment and feel like I can finally begin to really dive in and learn about the fashion industry, especially as I am now living in the country’s capital, taking it all in. It’s something you’ve got to know your way around first before considering a job in it. I admit, I probably don’t know as much as I should but that doesn’t mean I’m not as passionate and certainly doesn’t mean I don’t want to learn… So, I’m going to, and I can’t wait to see what I find. 

I bought a book/guide a while back (see pic below) and did a bit of research to see whether you can read up on PR or whether it is all just about what you experience. Turns out, there aren’t a lot of books out there but I found this little gem on Amazon. It had great reviews so I thought ‘Why not?!’ There may be some aspects which don’t apply to your current situation but I guarantee you’ll find something which does and you’ll be getting out your highlighters and writing  quotes in your diaries. I’ve still not finished it but will need this as a staple item in my satchel from now on. 

I do believe it is all about experience and gaining the knowledge yourself but there’s nothing better than someone who has done it all before, sharing what they have learnt. Have a read for yourself.

Until next time… XO

Home, Sweet Home.

Homewares never normally excite me. I guarantee I’d choose a vintage blouse over a vintage cushion cover any day. Well, that was until I realised I was successful in getting a job in Topshop Oxford Circus and will be moving up there imminently! My mindset has now transformed and all I can think about is wooden dressing tables, Cath Kidston floral kitchen essentials and the layout of my room. Sharing with my boyfriend might prove difficult as I may have to cut down on the floral but I’ll buy as much as I can get away with! Last night, sleepy and tired, I decided to staple two vintage scarves onto a plain white wicker basket. Productive Saturday evening? Well, it’s definitely going to save me money on buying a ready-made one and will certainly get used! 

What do you think?

XO

“All You Need Is Luck.”

[Would just like to point out The Beatles mis-quote is 100% intentional]

The Verve - Lucky Man

‘I think I’m having a mid-mid life crisis,’ is what I tell most friends and family now that I’ve graduated and, it seems, accepting adult life is all I have to look forward to. Yes, I’m aware that there is no such thing as a “mid-mid life crisis” but what else do you call it when a twenty-something year old is struggling to come to terms with life and finding a job which correlates with the reason you went to University in the first bloody place?

*… AND BREATHE*

My topic for discussion this week is Luck which Richard Ashcroft in The Vervediscusses so well in the above video. The lyrics are what inspired me for this piece:

But I’m a lucky man

With fire in my hands

It made me question a few things. For instance; who can honestly define themselves as lucky? I’ve never really considered myself to be a fortunate person, especially because I don’t know anyone who works in journalism, or even know someone, who knows someone, who knows someone… [see where I’m going with this?]

I applied to a BBC Radio 6 placement, poured my heart into an application I deemed worthy for the internship but alas, received a rejection email. My first big rejection email of this whole process and this wasn’t even for paid work. I took the news pretty well considering I didn’t really expect to be chosen but seeing the ‘NO’ in its computerised flesh via email, hit me pretty hard.

Deflated

At this current point in my life, I track parcels for a living, put aside £100 a week for a life in London, and pester music magazines and websites in the hope I get a chance to work for them. I’m often certain that this industry builds its workforce on who you know and those who’re in the right place at the right time…

Saying that… I didn’t find myself in the right place when I was given a chance. I was at work; on my lunch break, taking the plunge and emailing a local newspaper my blog along with my aspirations to become a journalist. After not hearing from anyone for more than a few weeks, I decided that instead of crumbling and accepting defeat, I should email them AGAIN and AGAIN until I did… And I can finally say…

IT WORKED.

Unfortunately this local paper’s budget doesn’t allow me to write for them with a freelance wage but the response was even better than I could’ve imagined:

The editor complimented my work = BONUS

She showed enthusiasm in me writing for them to expand my portfolio = WIN:WIN

They asked me to pitch some ideas for their ‘Lifestyle Section!’ 

So what did I pitch?

Music is what I want to write about, however, it’s important when trying to get a career in journalism to not overly specialise in one area straight away… So I chose fashion. Vintage Fashion specifically, and before I knew it I had arranged with the editor to write a piece on the vintage retailers in my local area, meet up with a photographer, so in the next few weeks it can become a feature.

 I will be in print again!

This is exactly the kind of opportunity I had been hoping for; yearning for; something to get my name further out there. I’m not saying that this one article is going to see my name in shining lights, but it’ll sure get itself in a frame at home and put me on a running, leaping start in the right direction, off of the crossroads and onto the career ladder. 

Who knows, this might mean I’m quite lucky after all…

Nothing Ever Lasts Forever...

Echo & The Bunnymen - Nothing Lasts Forever

I still remember my first day of Primary school. The journey there appeared to be the most traumatising for me; for my parents, as they practically had to drag me along the street as I screamed, and threw up out of sheer determination not to go. I did, of course and loved it, as we all do…

I’ve been feeling very nostalgic recently after moving out from my home of twenty-one years. I had already left three years ago to go to University, however, my parents have decided to embrace the next chapter in their lives as well so there will no longer be that home that I’ve known and loved, my safety net, that same street where I strained and struggled to get myself out of going to school…

I have never experienced such a grief before in my life. I have lost loved ones before but never would I have believed that there is such a thing as bereavement for a house, an inanimate object. After the initial tear shedding, conjuring up plans of which household item to tie myself to, I began to realise why my parents and I had to go through such a heart wrenching experience. It was to move forward, to move away from habit, from fear, and towards uncertainty which brings excitement and a new lease of life. I’m also not planning to live with my parents forever, but graduating has led me back into their lives again. I felt selfish for being so distraught as it can only mean a much more fruitful future for us all.

My near future involves a call centre job, blogging and continual saving to succeed my life plan which includes the permanent removal from “the nest.” Well, the new “nest.” This time next year, I will have one (notice I’m not saying ‘I would like to have?’ Positivity is the key. Or is it arrogance? I’m never too sure… Maybe that’s where I go wrong…), if not a couple of internships safely tucked away in my Curriculum Vitae and a new lavish pad (maybe remove the “lavish” part, ‘cos that’s a bit unrealistic), a roof over my head in the country’s capital.

It suddenly hit me the other day that this is normally the time that I return to Nottingham to continue my under-graduate studies and drown myself in the student life, drown myself in the prolonging of “real life.” Now, “real life” is all I have to look forward to, or to endure. I can no longer hide myself away from the inevitable.

Secondary school gave me a complex, good GCSE’s and a sheltered view that up to University was as far as I had to plan ‘cos it would see me through for a while and then I wouldn’t have to worry about it. Now, having been on the other side of that thought, panic is surely to ensue. Nothing does last forever, and as much as I would have liked my student life to continue, it couldn’t. It can’t and now I’m left with brainstorming my new and (hopefully) improved life plans. There will be no more eating out of Baked Bean tins, no frequent visits to Dominos and certainly no weekly (3-4) nights out…

All I can do now is concentrate on my next chapter, just like my parents are, and now even my two year old nephew, who is now starting Nursery. Life is constantly rushing us towards the ‘career’ part of our lives; my childhood seems to have flickered past me. It was so easy back then (now I know why my Papa used to say that to me, he does have a point ya know); I wanted to be a vet one week, a fashion designer the next and now its music journalist.

Music journalist… Yeah, I’ll stick with that for now I think.

"You're the one that I want!"

Those six magic words…

 It’s what every aspiring music journalist wants to hear after emailing, ringing or writing to music websites or magazines when asking to be a part of their team.

Granted, only a few get back to you, but it only takes one…

Angus & Julia Stone - You're The One That I Want (Cover)

When I graduated University, I realised that I didn’t have enough experience, but it was only an e-mail away if I really wanted it. And I do, so that’s what I’ve been doing for the last few hours.

Selling yourself via e-mail is surprisingly easier than you’d think. It’s that old and trusty “cyber confidence” which creeps back in, what we all used to have back in the “MSN” days. You can sound impressive even when sitting in your jammies… BRILLIANT!

I spent the whole day biggin’ myself up, to the point where I felt nauseous and had to stop. I was reminded of my younger (much geekier) self; the one who would always have her hand up in class thinking ‘PICK ME! PICK ME!’ ‘Cos in actual fact, it’s the same sort of thing. You want to be picked from the millions of emails and phone calls. But after a while, it gets tiring so I decided to take a break…

The most demoralizing part of this whole process is the gut wrenching wait for the replies which might not ever come. It’s easy to say ‘Oh, don’t take it personally,’ but it’s certainly not easy to not take it to heart. Well, especially if you’re like me and wear your heart on your sleeve.

To stop myself from being in this slum, I have decided to take an alternative route… I shall become a pest. The pest who companies can’t avoid any longer as their inbox will be filled with all my ‘PICK ME’, ‘PICK ME’s. It’s not something I’d normally do if it involved me going up to their doors in person, but as it involves a bit of cyber confidence, I might be persuaded.

But, does that really work though? Or does it make you appear crazy and unable to take rejection? Once a week wouldn’t hurt…. Right? It surely just shows your enthusiasm… Hmmm, clearly I’m undecided myself.

I’ll give it a few days, No… I’ll give ‘em a week, ‘cos if you don’t pester, then it looks like you weren’t that bothered anyway, doesn’t it?

It appears I’m in a Catch-22 situation. Oh, boy… 

'The Best Things in Life are Free.'

Well, that’s what Janet Jackson says, but after being unemployed for nearly a month, hearing from none of the potential employers, I’ve got to say, I’m now a non-believer of this statement.

I’ve recently decided to take half a year/year out of searching for internships in music journalism as I’m still not entirely sure what the best angle is to get myself securely on that career ladder.  I realised I wasn’t ready and my CV was rather amateur when my Uncle came to stay and asked me what seemed to be a simple question: ‘So, what are your favourite music journalists then?’ I admit, I was embarrassed at my inability to answer sufficiently, or at all for that matter. Instead, I just stared blankly at him and came out with a mediocre response of ‘I just read the stuff, I don’t really know who they are.’ So… what if I had stepped into an interview and was asked that question? It’s pretty obvious I’m not the best “blagger” in the world, so I would have fallen flat on my face. Excellent work Charlie. Good job.

Thankfully, I have saved myself this future embarrassment and have chosen to expand my portfolio and email various music websites to see if I can write for them, whilst working in a less desired job to save for a move to the city where it all happens, London.  

But, what I really want to ask is: How many articles, must the aspiring journalists write for free before it starts getting de-motivating? We all want rewards (preferably money) when we succeed or produce a good piece of work. My reward this year was a degree. Can’t say fairer than that, but now what? I’ve got to slog it out for a year doing more and more unpaid work?

I know I sound like I’m whining… I guess I am, but can you blame me?

I’m more than willing to get myself out there to websites and write for them and others in order to increase my knowledge and ability, so I’ll just have to suck it up and hope that this will allow me to eventually be successful in my “dream job.” But I can’t say that I’m going to be doing it with a smile on my face throughout, ha…

I think confidence is something I need to work on as well before I really step into the real world. Those who get the paid jobs, carry that self-belief which is vital in success. If you ask yourself ‘Am I great at what I do?’ and more importantly, ‘Am I great?’ and are unable to answer positively, then there lies the problem… It’s all about trying to stand out from the crowd, but when you’re one in amongst millions of power grabbing graduates, it isn’t easy.

Maybe this blog just sounds like I’m making excuses, prolonging the inevitable, complaining about minor things which are only going to go in my favour in the end. That might be the case… But for now, I will listen to The Martinis and carry these lyrics around with me, in the hope to turn this negative mind set around…

            Talk to y’all later.

Ps. Here’s hoping that I even get a few opportunities in unpaid work… Let’s hope this blog doesn’t tempt fate…

See You at the Crossroads…

I graduated on Thursday and I’ve got to say, I don’t think I have ever been so scared in my life. I turned 21 the previous week and it was suddenly becoming more apparent that my childhood was waning and adulthood was waiting there to grab me by my metaphoric balls and throw me into a world of uncertainty. To be completely honest, I don’t think I’m ready… But then again, will I ever be? Is this just my old pal fear creeping up again, ready to stunt my aspirations? 

When I handed in my last assignment at University, I remembered receiving an array of ‘Congratulations’ messages and one in particular stuck in my mind. It was from my brother. It read: ‘Congrats Chix. So, when you getting a job then?’ My heart dropped. Job? Oh right yeah, that really important thing I need to get now I’ve left the bubble wrapped life of University for good. I was just planning on getting drunk for the next week to be honest… I realised, however, these questions were going to haunt me for the next few months and it seemed I may as well have recited a pre-made script as my only answers were ‘Not sure really,’ or ‘I just need money for now, so will work where I can and do writing on the side for free.’ ‘Writing on the side’ was my favourite response and then it hit me… Music journalism wasn’t going to be a realistic career choice for a long while.

I’ve sat, on numerous occasions, reading my printed article in ‘Lick’ magazine, feeling so proud of myself but now I’m in stalemate. I’m reliving my recent successes but I‘ve not allowed myself to have anymore.

The truth is, for the first time in my life, I’m at a crossroads. The road to University has been closed and I’ve now reached the next chapter of my life. My inability to use my initiative has cost me a variety of internships to various magazines, so I’m unable to be handed experience straight after graduating; which admittedly, I was expecting. I’m sure I’m not the only graduate who expects great job prospects in the exact field you want straight after full-time education, just because you have ‘BA Hons’ at the end of your name. In today’s world, it’s not necessarily the qualifications you earn, it is the experience. How, I wonder can graduates, like myself, be experienced, if companies are not willing to dish out any?

A song ‘Youth’ by Daughter struck me as quite appropriate to how I am feeling at the moment – at the brink off adulthood but still considering myself as a part of the ‘Wild youth.’

She says. “We are the reckless, we are the wild youth,” and she is correct. I feel reckless in terms of having no real direction in life at the moment and not sure when I’ll ever have something stable, like three years of University again…

A pre-recorded message from Michael Parkinson at my graduation brought an emotional wave over me as he declared: ‘You are at the threshold of life. Make the most of it.’ I found myself in that split second, teary eyed and riddled with self belief. So, here’s to the next 21 years.