The Lo Down - My Top 5 Taylor Swift songs that weren't released as Singles

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I'm a huge Taylor Swift fan if you don't know already. Before she was even mainstream I was listening to her music on My Space back in the day, so that wasn't today or yesterday as you can probably imagine. I've been to see her twice in concert in Manchester and Dublin. Both concerts were amazing but Manchester was probably my favourite as I met Taylor's Mom and she gave me a guitar pick. I actually don't have it anymore but the whole experience was indeed magical.

Here is my favourite Taylor Swift songs that weren't released as singles. It's in no particular order.

Enchanted

I've always loved this song it's beautiful. Taylor Swift wrote it after meeting Owl City's lead singer as she was so infatuated by him. It's one of those songs I could keep playing over and over again. I'm actually listening to it as I'm writing this post. Wonderstruck a word in the lyrics of the song is actually the name of Taylor Swift's perfume which I love alot. I guess we all have a guy like the one mentioned in this song in our lives that give us butterflies and that we hope we run into again.

Innocent

Okay we all know who this song is about, Mr. K.West we're looking right at you. After the MTV awards debacle it was obvious T. Swift was going reciprocate so what a better way than to do it in a song. This is one of my fave songs on the album Speak Now. It's alot different to any of her other songs and it's all about growing up.

I Know Places

I love, love, love this song. I always play it with the volume turned up in the car with my Dad. I'm sure he knows all the lyrics by now too. This song is off Taylor Swift's latest album 1989. I think it's about when your first in  relationship and everyone wants a piece of it and how you want to get away from all the drama.

I'd Lie

This is an unreleased song by Taylor Swift but definitely worth a listen to. It's one of the first songs she ever wrote but didn't make it on to her first album. It's another one of my favourite songs cause lets be honest there's always a guy that doesn't want a relationship that your crazy about and head over heels for.

Long Live

Another great song, can this woman actually do wrong? For me this is a song about having the time of your life with the people you care about the most. It's a really feel good song and I love it!

What's your favourite Taylor Swift song?

Laura<3

Summer Must Haves/Essentials #4 - Fragrances

For me, Summer is the best time of the year to experiment with new fragrances. I've welcomed a couple of new ones into my collection this year. Along with one old favourite, I have four fragrances in all that I've been loving over the last few months. I'm big into my scents and love discovering new ones but downright useless at explaining what there like so bare with me on that.

I thought I'd start off with my old favourite, YSL Elle Summer Edition (2011), I've had this fragrance for a year now and I'm in love with it. The brand releases Summer Editions every year I'm pretty sure the scent stays the same, the packaging itself is the only thing that changes. I've tried YSL's original Elle fragrance before and to be quite honest I much prefer this. It has a lighter scent which can be worn anytime of year especially during the Summer months. At 90ml, the bottle is huge, no wonder it took me over a year to finish. I still have a decent amount left but I never tend to bring the bottle out in my bag, it would take up far too much space. For problems like this I use my handy Travalo, which has been a lifesaver when I'm going on holidays or when I don't want to be carting around enormous fragrances. Not that it's a bad thing when you get a 90ml fragrance for such a good price, I think this was around the €50 mark. One of my favourites from the bunch I have chosen is Roger & Gallet's Sublime Or Fresh Fragrant Water*. I've given this alot of love over the Summer, as you all know I adore citrus scents so this is certainly a winner there. Besides that it also have a lovely subtle gold shimmer which looks amazing over tan. The bottle design is beautiful which is another must for me, I'm like a magpie I'm attracted to pretty things. Unless they smell amazing then I don't really care all too much. This also comes in a body creme if that's more your thing, they both have the same gorgeous scent so you won't be missing out.

Having bought these two whilst on holiday, they are the latest additions to my fragrance collection. I'm in love with them both so they had to be included in this post. First up is Taylor Swift's Wonderstruck, I've wanted this ever since it was released in the States. I'm such a big fan of hers, I've seen her twice in concert already. Both times Paddy was dragged along with me but he enjoyed the concert, Taylor Swift puts on the most amazing stage productions that your left enchanted by. We are so far behind in Ireland, Wonderstruck was only released in stores in July which is a bit of a joke. I was lucky because the lovely Chie (MakeupLand2011) sent me the rollerball of this in one of our recent swaps. I fell in love with Wonderstruck instantly, it's such a nice sweet floral scent, how could anyone not like it. Another thing I adore is the pretty purple bottle, it's like nothing in my collection. I saw online recently that Taylor Swift is bringing out a new fragrance, Wonderstruck Enchanted. I know I will be waiting a while to get my hands on this, but it will definitely be worth it. My first ever Jo Malone fragrance was my biggest splurge back when I went to Manchester. I bought this fragrance before I even left Dublin, Jo Malone have a standalone store in Terminal 2. Taking a visit there was on my list of things to do in Terminal 2, their fragrances can be pretty expensive here, the 30ml handbag size can set you back €50. I've wanted one for a while so when I seen they were €37 in Dublin Airport, I couldn't say no. I chose their Nectarine Blossom & Honey Cologne which is also the scent I've been lusting after for ages. The lady was so nice at the counter, she knew it was for me and she still wrapped it up perfectly. A nice surprise for myself! The fragrance itself is a nice mix of sweet and fruity notes, everytime I use this I smell something different, now I get a peachy scent. That's probably why I was drawn to this in the first place, I love peaches. This fragrance does last pretty much all day long so I can't fault it at all. I would probably use this everyday if I could, but seeing as it's a bit on the pricier side of things, I'll be using this on special occasions. My Mom is going away in September and I already know what one I'd like her to pick up for me, English Pear & Freesia. It's my second choice out of their  vast range of scents. I need to stop this love affair with expensive fragrances or I will be broke much sooner than I think.

What has been your favourite fragrances this Summer?

Laura

Another Lovely Makeup Swap!

As you can tell from the title (and the big box above), I've taken part in another makeup swap, my first of 2012. This is the third swap I've done with Chie (MakeupLand2011), she's such an incredibly nice person, if you haven't checked out her Youtube beauty channel, you should you'll love it. I requested some of the products as they aren't available in Ireland, while Chie sent me a couple of extras too! I got a bit delayed sending her swap box, some of the stuff I bought broke in transit (I blame the postman!). I hope you get your goodies soon Chie, thanks for all the lovely goodies you got me:)

Lots of Revlon goodies, I haven't gotten around to trying them much yet, as I've been working non stop. I'm using the Revlon Photo Ready Sculpting Blush Palette quite a bit, I love how it's the perfect size for my makeup bag. I've heard so much good reviews on both of these mascaras, I haven't opened them yet but I'll let you know my thoughts when I do.

I've never tried Wet n Wild Megalast Salon Nail Colors. I love both of these polishes. Wet Cement (polish on the right) is a great everyday shade for work. While I Need a Refresh-Mint is perfect for Spring, I'm wearing it on my nails at the moment and I love it! The brush on these polishes are identical to the Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure one. Now on to the much talked about Maybelline Dreamy Bouncy Blushes, these weren't what I was expecting at all. They feel very funny altogether, I don't know what to think of them. There different to any blush I own, I don't think I've found the perfect way to apply them yet.

Having heard so much about Maybelline's Color Tatoo 24hr Eyeshadows, I had such high expectations and they certainly delivered. Chie sent me the shades, Bad to the Bronze and Audacious Asphalt. I've been using Bad to the Bronze everyday, it's such a beautiful shade. I'm going to use Audacious Asphalt the next time I go on a night out, I think it will look really nice. I don't know about their claim to last 24 hours though, I doubt anyone would wear them that long! I know I wouldn't anyway.

I was so excited to get this. I love Taylor Swift, I've seen her in concert twice (Dublin & Manchester) and she's such an amazing singer. When I saw she released a perfume I knew I had to have it, but then I heard it wasn't being launched in Ireland. I'm so happy Chie could get her hands on this for me, it was definitely worth the wait, it smells gorgeous.

Here are the rest of the goodies Chie sent me. Diane von Furstenberg's fragrance smells beautiful and is quite different to any perfume I have in my collection. I couldn't leave out the Disneyland postcard, isn't it so cute?

I can't wait to start using these products a bit more. I'm going to have some reviews up soon. If there is any product in particular you'd like to see a review on let me know!

Laura<3

Lovely Gifts I got for my 22nd Birthday

As you all know I recently celebrated my 22nd birthday. I wanted to share with you the lovely gifts I received this year. In my opinion 22 isn't a biggie birthday so I was completely surprised with some of the presents I got.

My little brother, Ger got me two of my favourite magazines, Stellar and Company. He also bought me Ed Sheeran's album which I've been wanting for so long. I've been listening to this cd constantly since yesterday I love it!!!!

Off my Nanna and Grandad I got a Dundrum Town Centre Gift Card to treat myself with. I'm thinking of getting some new clothes and bits.

YAY my Mom and Dad got me a Kindle! I've wanted one of these since my Dad got one for Christmas. If you have any book recommendations let me know? I don't know which ones to put on it yet, so I would love to know your favourite reads. Also from Mom and Dad I received this Chocomania hamper which I'm in love with. They know me too well. I haven't tried any of the products yet but when I do expect some reviews on the products I like from the range.

As my birthday is the day after Valentines Day I did get alot of lovely presents off Paddy. He really did spoil me rotten. I can't wait to watch the DVDS they all look great especially Waiting For Forever. I'm also a huge Taylor Swift fan, Paddy went to see her in concert with me twice. The Speak Now Tour is one of the tours we went to see together so I'm delighted with this cd. I think he was also listening to me going on about The Body Shop's Chocomania range as he got me the shower gel and body lotion from the range. Another thing I can't wait to try are the Real Technique brushes, after hearing such great reviews I have high expectations.

My Aunty Val got me this beautiful storage trunk. I fell in love with this the minute I saw it. Isn't it so pretty?  I have a habit of buying alot of storage boxes for all my stuff so this was such a great gift. At least four boxes fit in this one box, it's massive (way bigger in person).

Chie (Makeupland2011) sent me all these lovely goodies. I wasn't expecting this at all so it was such a big surprise when it came in the post. I'd never heard of the brand True Blue before but I'm now a fan of their products. Thanks Chie!!

I'm so happy with the lovely gifts I received for my birthday. As always if there is anything you want to see a review on let me know!

Laura<3

Songs I'm Lovin' Right Now

I've wanted to do a post like this for a while now. I think you can learn alot about a person from what they listen to on their Ipod. I have such a mixture of genres on my Ipod, I'd seriously listen to just about anything. Here are some songs I've been listening to alot lately.

Aloe Bacc's I Need A Dollar

This is one of those songs that I heard everywhere and had no clue who sang it! One of Most Played Songs on the aul Ipod.

Nicki Minaj's Superbass

I love this song, it's just such a good song to dance to in my opinion. I know alot of people who don't like it including my boyfriend but yeah I really can't help it if I really like it. I love her makeup in the music video, it's so out there and only she could pull it off so well.

Coldplay's  Every Teardrop is a Waterfall & Paradise.

Both of these songs are from Coldplay's latest album, Mylo Xyloto. Firstly what a wicked name for an album, love it. I've always been a big fan of this band, I've seen them twice live in Manchester and Dublin. The two songs I mentioned are probably my favourite songs off the album I can see why they are the singles off it.

Regina Spektor's Hero

I love the film 500 Days Of Summer and this song always reminds me of this movie. If you haven't seen it if definitely one to watch. That and Adventureland!!:)

Taylor Swift's Ours

I adore Taylor Swift's songs. I think any girl could relate to her. This song makes me think of relationships in general. If you like Taylor Swift's music you have to go and see her in concert, she's amazing live. I've been to see her twice in concert in Manchester and Dublin. Both times with my lovely boyfriend Paddy,(doubt he will want anyone to know that) he may say he didn't enjoy it but we all know that's not true. Out of the two gigs, Manchester was the best. She was only playing two concerts in Europe, London and Manchester so I was so lucky to have gone.

Adele's Set Fire To The Rain

I love this song. To be honest I didn't know who sang it for a while. In work they have a cd that they play on repeat and Set Fire To The Rain was on it. For ages I was in work singing it, before I turned around and asked who it was. All my work buddies looked at me like I was crazy cause I didn't know that it was Adele. So yeah this song reminds me of work but I still love it.

Badly Drawn Boy's Once Around The Block and All Possibilties

My boyfriend made me a Mix Cd when we first started going out and both songs were on it. These songs stand out for me, the instrumentals are great and I enjoy listening to them.

 I really enjoyed writing this post, if you'd like to see more like this in the future let me know!

Laura <3