Urban Perk #4: Ryoji Ikeda's "Spectra"

Afternoon Everyone,

First of all I would just like to say that the

winner of the Pixies' Doolittle poster is:

ALEX CABRE

Thank you to everyone else who entered, there are some

more competitions on the way!

Secondly I would like to talk about something I found

yesterday...

So my Dad and I were leaving the cinema

after seeing Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes (which

I highly recommend!) when we saw a beam of light

shining up from the ground and onto the low clouds.

We decided to find out what it was and so we spent

the next 20 minutes or so tracking it down in our

clunky old VW. 

At first we thought it was coming from the Imperial

War Museum because as many of you know, yesterday was the

centenary of the First World War.

But driving towards the light we worked out that it was

in the wrong part of London. When we got closer we saw that

this was not one small light, but about 50 of them

beaming towards the heavens.

Upon entering (for free) the Victoria Tower 

Gardens you see these beautiful lights shining bright

and with purpose. On closer inspection people are walking in

and out the columns of light or lying on the floor and 

gazing up at the spectacular sight. A stunning atmosphere 

is created through an ambient soundtrack that swirls from the speakers and into your mind.

Inspired by the declaration "the lamps are going out all over Europe, 

we shall not see them lit again in our life-time",

said by Sir Edward Grey*, spectra is a stunning piece 

of art that unites the people across London and reminds

them of the hardships and sacrifices of the 

First World War.

spectra can be seen from 12 miles away (on a clear day).

The exhibition is on from dusk till dawn 

and will permanently fade out in the early hours of

 Monday 11th August.

Lest we forget,

Poppy x

*Sir Edward Grey was the Foreign Secretary during the 

outbreak of WWI

Win a Pixies Screen Print!

Hey Everyone,

So, I was recently given a screen print of 

The Pixies' Doolittle album and thought that I 

would make a competition out of it! 

I have created the competition through 'Rafflecopter'
so there's no spam or dodgy stuff (:

Here is a picture of the poster:

The background is an olive-blue colour and

has been printed with matte gold paint.

A brilliant poster that will look good in any office or

home - if you don't like it your parents might? 

About Doolittle

Doolittle was The Pixies' second album and was released in

1989 on 4AD. It went on to chart at #8 in the UK album 

charts and received brilliant reviews from 

critics and magazines. 'Debaser', 'Here Comes Your

Man' and 'Mokey Gone to Heaven' were all released as singles-

 it was The Pixies' first album that had a major impact 

on the charts and the music industry. 

The competition will start at 6pm tomorrow so if you'd 

like to enter follow this link to my facebook page 

where you can enter:

Click here to enter!

Good Luck,

Poppy x

My top 5 Film Soundtracks

Hi Everyone,

I'm sorry I haven't been posting for

a while, I've been doing my exams!

But today I am returning with one of my 

favorite posts so far:

"My Top 5 Film Soundtracks"

Whilst listening to Karen O & the Kids,

I was inspired by the wonderful soundtrack that

she created for Where The Wild Things Are.

One of my all-time favorite films! 

And here I am now, writing up my idea 

for you.

(Counting down)

5) Moonrise Kingdom

Soundtrack by Alexandre Desplat
A quirky and wistful collection of scores
to match the bittersweet directing by
Wes Anderson. Percussion and brass dominate the
delightful tracks creating a sense of innocence
and child-like imagination. Also included in the 
album is 'Le temps de l'amour' by Francoise Hardy
adding even more magic to the film and 
soundtrack! 

Try: 'Le temps de l'amour' by Francoise Hardy, The Heroic
weather conditions of the Universe Part 1: A veiled mist
by Alexandre Desplat


4)(500) Days of Summer
Soundtrack by Various Artists
A unique mix of indie, electronic and
alternative songs including covers of The Smiths
and Pixies by beautiful small time bands.
Song include 'Sweet Disposition' by Temper Trap,
'Mushaboom' by Feist and 'There Goes the Fear' by
Doves. The songs match ongoing themes throughout the
film and tells the story of a happy-go-lucky
couple.

Try: 'She's got you high' by Mumm-ra, 'Here Comes your
Man' by Meaghan Smith


3) The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Soundtrack by Various Artists
The first song to blast through the speakers is 
'Wake Up' by Arcade Fire, probably my most favorite
song ever! Soon more uplifting songs are headed your
way; 'Dirty Paws' by Of Monsters and Men, 'Lake
Michigan' by Rogue Wave and a handful by Jose Gonzales.
The songs are insightful, inspiring and earnest yet slightly
melancholy. If you need a bit of fuel to get you through
the day then this soundtrack is for you!

Try: 'Escape' by Jack Johnson, 'Dirty Paws' by Of
Monsters and Men, 'Far Away' by Junip


2) Where the Wild Things Are
Soundtrack by Karen O and the Kids

Karen O, lead singer of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, leads
the band with her raw and touching vocals. Shouts of
"Let the wild rumpus start!" and whispers of story telling
play throughout many of the songs. Harmonies, strange
lyrics and soaring legatos feature in this incredible
masterpiece that fills the room with child-like wonder.
I could listen to this all day long!

Try:'All is Love', 'Capsize', 'Rumpus Reprise' all by
Karen O and the Kids


1) The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Soundtrack by Various Artists
My first choice was probably very obvious but
inevitable. Classic songs of rebirth and joy plaster
a smile across any listeners' face. They may not be
underground artists but that doesn't change a thing;
David Bowie, Dexy's Midnight Runners and The Cocteau
Twins all have brilliant tracks included. 
I love how Dexy's Midnight Runners' 'Come on
Eileen' plays during Charlie's awkward (and adorable)
dancing scene - if you haven't seen the film go and 
watch it! A fantastic collection.

Try: 'Asleep' By The Smiths, 'Heroes' by David Bowie, 
'Pearly Dew-Drops' Drop' by The Cocteau Twins

 

Let me know what your favorite Film Soundtrack is
in the comment box below! 

Coming Soon: An interview with band My Sad Captains,
singer Ezra Furman and a competition.

See you soon,
Poppy x

Part II of Interview with The Majority Says

Hey All,

I hope you had a nice weekend.

I wanted you all to hear this song that I

recently discovered (although it is

from a few years back):

"Wake Up" by Arcade Fire

From the album 'Funeral'

It's this really beautiful song that reminds me

of camping in the summertime (idk why!), it was 

also used on the trailer for Where The Wild

Things Are which might help you to understand the

style of the song if you haven't heard it before.

It starts off as this strong rock sound but with soft, angelic melodies. And just when you think it's

going to do one thing it changes into a joyful, 

upbeat rhythm.

It's totally crazy but amazing!!

Next, is Part II of my interview with Swedish 

band The Majority Says! 

6. In 5 words describe your music.

 I’ll write six words here, since we’re 6 ;) (Whoops!)

Youthful, Playful, Mixed, Melancholy, Ploj, Epic.

7. What is the weirdest thing that has happened whilst performing or before/after a gig? 

Emil locked himself in the tour bus once by accident, we looked for him everywhere and he had 

no cell phone so we could not call him, he showed up just a minute before we should enter 

the stage, that was kinda weird actually. 

8. Have any of you got any strange hobbies or habits?I think we’re all kinda normal, myself (Axel), I’m into computers and programming and such, 

don’t know if that’s so strange though. We all try to do things we like, you know, it may 

vary from day to day.

9. Cinnamon Rolls or Princess Cake? 

Princess cake ofc.

10. Lastly, what are your plans for the future? Are you playing any gigs in Europe soon? 

 We’re releasing a new album in June, we hope to play the songs off it as much as possible of course. 

We’re going to Europe this summer to play, we’ll be doing shows from late May to November (both in 

Sweden and Europe), we hope to meet as many new people as possible and have as 

much fun as possible!

If you would like to see a sneak-peek of their album

material, follow this link to hear some of their new

song "Calling Your Name" 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCavTgNsp7U

This weekend, I'm going to Brixham with my

two friends so I won't be able to post but

I'll try and schedule one in for you ;)

Song recommendations, reviews and interviews

coming soon! 

Love,

Poppy x

My Top 5 Books to Read for All Ages

Hi there, 

In the spirit of World Book Day I thought that I would 

give you a list of my top 5 books to read

this weekend, which is what I usually do if

I have some extra time.

The books I have chosen are suitable from 

13-100+ (although it is a matter of being 

interested in the topic of the book)

Let us begin.....

1.The Book Thief

This book is absolutely

amazing! It is narrated by death and although this 

may sound very daunting it is as light as

a marshmallow! Death follows a girl called Liesel

who lives in Germany at the brink of WWII, who 

is obsessed with books. A beautifully written book

that you'll never forget. On the plus side, the film 

has just been released! 

2.The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

At first, I struggled to connect with this book,

I felt that it wasn't headed anywhere and I didn't

like it very much. But then the plot became clear 

and the message too! Harold Fry is a retired man

who becomes bored with his routine, so when he 

receives a letter from an old friend he sees it as an

opportunity to do something new (and maybe even slightly

heroic!).

3.Paper Towns

Another quoted-filled and quirky story from best 

seller John Green. Everyone may be reading 

The Fault In Our Stars but this is well-worth

the read. Q is a high school student on the verge of 

graduating and after a night of fun-filled pranks

with his next door neighbour (Margo), he finds himself

searching for clues to her disappearance. But the

Margo he is searching for is not the one 

he expected. 

4. On The Road

A story of two men who travel across America

in search of knowledge and experience. Together

they experience the ups and downs of life and

freedom. The wonderful passages show Kerouac's 

love and passion for America. If you want a taste of 

freedom and self understanding, then this is one for you.

5. Birdsong

It 1910 and Stephen Wraysford has arrived in Amiens to 

stay with the extravagant Azaire family. Unexpectedly he falls for Isabelle, the unhappily married wife of Mr. Azaire but

WWI arises and causes their relationship to end. 

The story follows their separate lives throughout and after

the war. But will they ever find each other? 

I hope you find one to your liking! 

Love,

Poppy Valentine x

Awesome Idea #5

Hi Everyone,

I know Sundays can be depressing, so I 

thought I would sprinkle a little bit of 

awesomeness into your day. 

It's like the 80s!

I know it's only one little idea but I hope

it brightens your day just a teensey bit!?

Oh and just a quick question - if you have

any advice or ideas on upcycling old furniture

please comment in the box below, I'd love to 

have a chat! 

Have a Happy Monday,

Poppy x

Redecorating (again!)

Hey Everyone, 

Just wanted to show you some pictures of my room.

I was redecorating yesterday (my version of therapy)

by adding some pictures and rearranging my stuff.

I bought some lovely mini prayer flags and stuck them

between to adjacent walls to create a cosy little atmosphere

in the corner where my desk is.

I also stuck some 7" vinyl in a 3x3 group on the

wall to add some colour and texture - it looks so cool!

Finally, the quote I created from pages of Q music

magazine. The quote is from a song that I posted 

on my blog a few days ago ("Don't ask me Why"

by Great Caesar). 

If you have any cool ideas or pictures of your

DIY decorating - feel free to comment below :)

Have a happy thursday,

Poppy Valentine xx

The BRIT awards :D

Yay!!

Poppy x

Free Barry M Nail Varnishes!

Evening,

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a little while,

I have been away from home for the past few

days.

However, I'm sure I'm about to make it up

to you:

I am giving away 2 free Barry M nail varnishes

on my facebook page! 

All you need to do is go to my facebook page

(click here!) and select the blue icon

named "Giveaways" and follow the instructions there! 

(Terms & Conditions can be found at the bottom

of the entry box)

Good Luck,

Poppy Valentine x

If I could pick any song......

It would be......

"Don't ask me why" by Great Caesar

This song will make you feel amazing by the end. 

It's uplifting, moving and powerful.

So please click Play (please!).

Poppy Valentine x

In My Make-Up Bag...

Hello Everyone!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

I trust you're having a love and chocolate 

filled day?? 

Here is a video of my review about 5 items in my

Make-Up Bag, feel free to comment!

Have a wonderful weekend - I'm finally on

Half Term so you might be seeing some more

interesting posts than usual. 

Sincerely yours,

Poppy Valentine x

Minimalism

 Morning Everyone,

I know I haven't posted in eons but this is going to be a fresh start!

This Autumn, I'm looking at Minimalism; making basic and bright pieces of 

clothing into something spectacular! 

Here is a collection of my favourite Autumn items:

A gorgeous statement  Eagle necklace -  €5.00 

Burgundy Brown Workman Sole Boots - £100 Office

Red Heavy Knit Jumper - €8.00 Sale Zara 

My Autumn Makeup Selection 

For a trendy little Autumn outfit: try a heavy knit jumper + denim shorts + black over the knee socks 

+ a black beanie = Basic Beautiful!

Autumn is one of my favourite fashion seasons, it's full of splashes of colour, elegant dresses, glamorous jackets and coats and incredibly daring makeup! Speaking of which, this Autumn's biggest trend is going to be pencilled eyebrows and plum lipstick.

Next Week, I'll be telling you all about the new Tartan Trend! 

Love, 

Poppy Valentine x

Music to my ears.....

Hia Peeps,

As you may have noticed, one of my previous posts had a 

slightly different layout ot all the other ones - this 

means that I've posted from my mobile (for some reason 

it doesn't let you edit font, etc?!) 

Moving on, I have started to create Songlists; once a week I'll scan a list of 5 or 6 songs to a post - these songs will

 be my pick of the week!Let me know if you 

find something new?!

Here are two: 

Week 1 ^

This Week ^

(TIP: Click to enlarge if font is too small!)

Hope you're all wonderful! 

Poppy Valentine x 

Summer is here!

Hi Peeps, 

Wow, some serious blog neglect has gone down 

but I promise to make it 

up to you! 

So much has happened to me since my last post, I've spoken

 to a blogging  legend; Ophelia Horton,  been to New York AND had a  rather big shopping spree. I've been on 

a bit of a lucky streak at the moment 

but it's due to run out 

anytime soon! 

My latest obsession is with White. Anything white will put a smile on my face, although people say it's not a very 

flattering colour I think you'd be surprised! 

One of my latest purchases was a white lace dress 

from Forever 21 - which is absolutely fantastic! 

I would recommend Forever 21 to anyone who is

looking for quality clothing at a purse - nursing price. 

So go on - dare yourself! 

Here are some photos taken by Desire Ageymang: 

Summer is the perfect time for fashion, the days look fabulous and so should you! So why not try something new? A bright red maxi skirt or a pretty little peplum top?! 

You'd be surprised at what you find! 

On to Cosmetics.....

I recently bought some new cosmetics which are perfect for a quick refresh in the summer heat, try Batiste for a quick hair wash and Barry M nail varnish in Lemon

 Ice Cream to awaken any outfit! 

Well, I hope you get some inspiration! 

We'll speak soon! 

Poppy Valentine x