My Favourite Music, TV, Films and Sporting Moments of 2013

I always love a good round-up post, if not for you all to read and see what I have enjoyed throughout the year but also for me to look back on year after year. I have decided to my Top 3 in each category, so Music will be both singles and albums and then there is TV, Film and Sporting Moments.

Music 

Singles/Songs 

Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams - Get Lucky 

Probably the song of most people's year. It's a little earworm, be warned!

New Kids On The Block - Remix (I like the)

Another earworm. This also became my own signature tune... it always makes me feel happy when I hear it, motivates me when I'm exercising and generally makes me dance around like a loon.

One Republic - Counting Stars

All of my Top 3 are total earworms. This is another. As expected!

Wishing you a...

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The Friday File #54 - Jake Gyllenhaal

The first time I came across Jake was in the film Donnie Darko, woah did that film scare me - yikes! Other films that I have watched of his are; The Day After Tomorrow, Brokeback Mountain, Proof, Jarhead, Love and Other Drugs, Source Code and End of Watch. I haven't seen the film Prisoners that he starred in which was released this year but it is on my list. Also I am looking forward to his next film Nightcrawler.

Music Monday: Chris De Burgh - A Spaceman Came Travelling

The countdown to Christmas is on!

And it went La La...

 



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The Friday File #53 - Ian Somerhalder

 

Ah Ian Somerhalder, the guy everyone goes mad over in The Vampire Diaries TV series. Oh and the other one, plus some others. But I remember Somerhalder from his Lost days. I need to have another re-watch of that series, loved Lost.

Music Randomness

So... I kinda forgot to write a Music Monday for this week. Did you notice? If not, ignore that I have reminded you that something was missing and start from the next sentence.

With Christmas just around the corner, you know it is - don't even pretend! My musical side takes a more Christmas route in the run up so I thought I would do a group post as there are one or two songs that are currently locked into my brain that need to be shared. Aren't you all lucky? Yes. Yes you are.

These are in no particular order at all

Everyday by Slade

It's that song from the Google Nexus advert and I can't say I've ever heard the song before... but it gets stuck in my head. Arghhhhhhhhhhhh!

It doesn't make me want to buy a Google Nexus tablet though...

The Friday File #52 - Stuart Broad

Stuart Broad is the man of the moment over here, he has taken six wickets already in the opening Ashes test in Australia. In Australia he is just known as the 27yo medium pace bowler after a little decision that happened in the Ashes series over here in the Summer. Basically some Australian press have banned his name and fans are booing him. SIX WICKETS! That booing is really working so far... ;-)

So anyway, Stuart Broad is a English cricketer and he is the captain of the Twenty20 team. And I love him. Based on my size, 5ft 3" and his 6ft 5" frame... this just would never work. A girl can dream though, right?

For the love of F1

It is never wise to criticise a sport or those who have become successful because of that sport because you will always end up annoying someone. Still, here I am about to try to explain why F1 has left my heart this year and it is not Vettel's fault.

When I first started watching F1, it was Senna that caught my attention and as I have heard many times over the years "You started off seeing the best and now no one will compare". That could be true but there have been other times during the years since watching Senna that I have loved watching the sport. Mostly for the rivalries, I think one of my favourites was between Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher. I was a big Damon Hill fan and their rivalry was a really fierce one at times. But this was proper wheel-to-wheel racing, it had a real edge to it. It wasn't just that there wasn't things going on further down the grid, technology improvements had started but still cars would spin off and retire. There was definitely more excitement.

Music Monday: Elvis Presley - Always on my Mind

I watched the countdown to the best Elvis song on ITV a week or so ago (voted for by the public from a list selected) and I had already picked my three favourites. My brother had also picked his favourite very quickly too, so quickly that I had barely had time to think about mine! I'm not a big Elvis fan... hang on, I need to explain this better.

I love his music but I don't really know the order in which songs were released. I have an idea but I would fail to get the songs in the right years or even close I think. I didn't really know who wrote his songs or anything like that but I have seen many videos over the years of him performing to know I would have enjoyed watching him. So... not a fan but the man was a musical genius. Yes. Just don't quiz me on him, ok?

Anyway, 'Always on my Mind' was voted No 1 and I know it has been covered since and each time a new added level has been put on, Willie Nelson's version can make me cry and the Pet Shop Boys can make me sing a long with their earworm version. As I said I know only little bits of Elvis' history really, I had no idea that this song was released when he was separating from his wife Priscilla. It added a new dimension to the song for me, raw emotion. I had no clue about the timing.

Yep. Weepy again.







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Music Monday: En Vogue - Don't Let Go (Love)

 

I'm a bit of a one trick pony when it comes to En Vogue and this is their only song that I really love and actually really know. I know of a few others but this one has always stood out. I think more because I remember the video but also because it is really good to sing a long to in the car. That's how it has ended up here, more car singing from me.

Sorry... wailing!

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The John Lewis Christmas Advert 2013

Everyone has their own 'I know it's Christmas when' moments and two of mine have happened this week. The first is firework night, I love all the "oohs" and "aahs" and all the pretty colours. Christmas is still a long way off for some but for me I am now on the countdown to Christmas. But I have to keep it on the down low until December...

But the second 'I know it's Christmas' was the new John Lewis advert. It will be played tonight at 8.10pm in the middle of X Factor but you can see it on their YouTube account and below.

The Friday File #51 - Harry Judd

You might have noticed but a lot of my recent Friday File entries have all had their first name start with the letter J. This was not done on purpose and I only realised when I was looking through some of my blog stats that it seemed a bit OCD. So I've stopped that and instead the J features in the surname instead...

Harry Judd is the drummer from the boy band McFly (no judgements) and it was always between him and Danny Jones I think... when Harry won Strictly Come Dancing in 2011 I was firmly #teamHarry. I was a bit slow on the uptake to the music but I do love the McFly boys!

Music Monday: OneRepublic - Counting Stars

If I'd have had this blog back when OneRepublic's Apologize was released, there is not even a doubt in my mind that it would have featured in one of my Music Monday posts. Not even a single doubt. I was obsessed with that song and mid-break up. Oh the joys!

When I first heard this song I didn't really like it that much but after a couple of listens, it is now stuck in my head. The great thing is that I still don't know all the words yet so I tend to hum through the bits I don't know and then sing aloud the bits I do know... totally not weird right?

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Music Monday: Ben Pearce - What I Might Do

I find myself switching genres of music at a very random rate, the albums I have been listening to recently have been The Arctic Monkeys, Kings of Leon and Miles Kane. So how did this dance track get in my head? I don't really know, except that it's got a really catchy tune with it. Also I love a song that has levels that continue to build through and through. Yep, music geek alert!

But I love this!

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The Friday File #50 - Jamie Dornan

It seems quite timely that this week is #50 in my Friday File blogs and the new Fifty Shades of Grey actor is to be Jamie Dornan. Swoon alert. You might know him from the film Marie Antoinette and also on TV in Once Upon a Time and the BBC's The Fall.

I had previously 'showcased' the other Fifty Shades man here (Charlie Hunnam) but I think everyone is more than happy with Jamie ;-)

Music Monday: James Arthur - You're Nobody Til' Somebody Loves You

I didn't really watch much of X Factor last year but as I have written before it was clear that James Arthur was the stand out talent from the bunch. I have been watching this X Factor this year as I do have a soft spot for Mrs O (Sharon Osbourne), I just think she brings a bit of fun back into the show. I do like the groups this year and also Tamera is good, the rest have passed me by so far...

Anyway James!

The single is out now and I am happy that they are letting him make the music he wants to, he's not your average X Factor winner and I like that.

Taken from the album James Arthur - out November 4th 2013

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The Friday File #49 - Jonathan Rhys Meyers

I have already featured the lovely Henry Cavill in my Friday File selections and here I am (finally!) with Jonathan Rhys Meyers. You will recognise him from the films, Velvet Goldmine, Mission Impossible III, Bend it like Beckham, Match Point and the TV mini-series Elvis. In The Tudors (with Henry Cavill) he played King Henry VIII. He will soon be on Sky Living in the NBC's Dracula. Can't wait!

Music Monday: Gary Barlow - Let Me Go

As it is suddenly colder in the UK I have found that my iPod had started to play a lot of music that wasn't exactly uplifting recently. Cheers iPod, way to improve my mood! Then I saw Gary Barlow's new song was out and I went over to YouTube and I love it (obviously). It's got a bit of quirky video mixed with emotional lyrics BUT it's got a good beat with it too. I love it. I said that already.

Taken from the upcoming album Since I Last Saw You - released November 25th 2013

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The Friday File #48 - Jack Davenport

With the new ITV programme Breathless starting this week, there are now TWO opportunities to see the lovely Jack Davenport on my TV screen. He is also on Sky 1 in Smash.

I loved the series, This Life and have recently purchased the boxset, he further went on to star in Coupling which I also loved. He has also made it to the big screen in the Pirates of the Caribbean series and The Talented Mr Ripley. He also starred in FlashForward which was disappointingly stopped after just one season. He also does voice over work and narrations too.

He was also the stand in singer in the Snow Patrol music video, Called out in the dark

Don't Tweet That!

Over my 4 and a half year stint on Twitter I have seen many things (some I definitely did not want or need to see) and others that were downright barmy. I have selected five things that I see on twitter that make me shake my head. Although I probably need to get out more ;-)

Toilet Tweets

No one needs to read about your toilet behaviours. We all 'go' but you don't need to tell us when. Thanks!

Putting your location on and going on holiday

I have to say I'm not sure why people want to let the internet know where they are all the time. The location info on some tweets is a little too accurate for me and with my iPhone a wrong press and I have the details of how to get to your house. Yes, really! It makes me panic as I don't want this information but some are so ready to give it out. Also beware when you leave your location on and then say you're off on holiday and write the dates. You probably wouldn't think people would be so silly but it happens.

Music Monday: Fleetwood Mac - Big Love

I have had a terrible musical ear worm problem recently, although I don't mind really but I have had several days of certain songs being stuck in my head! One of these involved the annoying new Lotto song, shut up!

I digress...

So Big Love was in my head last Monday through the day but not like a permanent ear worm. More like a random burst of lyrics type of ear worm. Yes I do that :-) So after watching the Everton v Newcastle game the song came back into my head and then Sky picked it for the end credits of the game. I swear my house is bugged ;-)



Taken from the album Tango in the Night

I mentioned the new Lotto song earlier and have you noticed that it doesn't really mention that it is going up to £2 from £1. Not a great increase but I think I might switch to doing the Thunderball or maybe I should just save my pounds. Hmm. Still undecided.






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The Friday File #47 - Jenson Button

So after I posted my Friday File on Mark Webber I had better get to Jenson hadn't I? Beautiful Jenson.  It always makes me laugh to read that Jenson failed his first driving test for parking too close to another car - but I guess you don't really need parking in F1 do you? ;-)

He's having quite a rocky time with his car for McLaren but he's a good driver and seems to be getting the best from the car that he can. But I'm biased.

So here is lovely Jenson...

The Shark Problem

I am playing this down as it's not so much of a problem than a full blown phobia. I do not like sharks, they give me a very irrational fear that if I was to ever see one up close without glass between us I would probably faint. Or worse, be eaten. I don't know when this all started but I could blame the Jaws films or the theme tune from the films.

I cannot watch the films, although I have done but I find hiding under a blanket with my book is far more enjoyable. You know, when you want to say "Yes I watched it with you" with 'watched' being used in a very loose term... I avoid the shark displays at Aquarium's and I have been known to walk quickly but quietly over the bridges above their displays in certain Sea Life Centres and shouted back that I will meet everyone else in the next display area. I prefer little Nemo's and Dory's.

If you hum the Jaws theme at me I will be likely to give you the mean eyes or friendly punch you in the stomach until you stop. I have also had countless nightmares about being eaten by a shark, I still get them now. Horrible! The most stupid thing really is that the chance of me being eaten by a shark are incredibly slim. I don't live by the sea and when I do go into the sea I don't go in shark infested waters so this fear isn't to me as bad as those who are afraid of heights for example. Some people have to encounter their fears every day and mine is one that comes back every now and then...

Music Monday: Kings of Leon - Beautiful War

It was obvious that another song from the new Kings of Leon album would feature here right? Of course it was, don't you know me at all? I always find it hard when a new album comes out from one of your favourite bands as you do inevitably start putting them in order. I still don't know where this one sits, I still have Aha Shake Heartbreak in 1st place. I will have to keep on listening...

This video is from their Live Lounge performance on Radio 1 recently

 

Taken from their album Mechanical Bull







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The Friday File #46 - Idris Elba

For most he is well known as playing Luther in the BBC One drama of the same name, for me he will always be Stringer Bell. Idris Elba played Stringer in the hit TV series The Wire. He has also been in The Big C and films Prometheus, Pacific Rim, Thor and more. Soon he will be in Thor: The Dark World in the role of Heimdall from the first film. He is also a hip hop artist! Betcha didn't know that ;-)

Music Monday: NKOTB - Remix (I like the)

Did you know New Kids on the Block were back?

Anyway as there is no music snobbery on my blog, here's a catchy tune that has been in my head now for about a week. I hope it gets in your head now too ;-)

P.S. If you watch Blue Bloods, isn't it weird now to see Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) singing? 

This is from their album 10








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The Friday File #45 - Mark Webber

I actually thought that the first Formula 1 man to feature in my Friday File would be Jenson Button. Apparently not. Mark Webber will be leaving F1 at the end of this season and he will be driving for Porsche in the FIA World Endurance Championship, DON'T LEAVE ME MARK! Seriously not happy at all. I only blame one person. Sort of. He knows who he is!

Anyway we all love a bit of Mark yes? YES!

Music Monday: Lissie - Further Away (Romance Police)

I have featured Lissie before on my Music Monday selections and she's back again! I absolutely love this song and I am really looking forward to her album that is out next month.

You can pre-order her album Back to Forever from Amazon

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Music Monday: Kings of Leon - Wait For Me

So, you will all know by now that I am slightly obsessed with these boys and it has been a very long three years since their last album. Mechanical Bull is their sixth album and I am really loving the leaked tracks (shhh google it) and will be officially available to buy on the 23rd of September. I really love this song as the summer has gone *cries* but it's perfect for late night chill out times. 

Love these boys so much!

 

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The Friday File #44 - Charlie Hunnam

It's been a bad few weeks for supposed bad film castings, we had Ben Affleck as Batman and now Charlie Hunnam has been announced as Christian Grey in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey. Neither of these is at all bad, stupid internet. I first saw Hunnam in Channel 4's Queer as Folk and then again in the movie Green Street. He's also been in Sons of Anarchy and very recently he was in the film Pacific Rim.

Can Hunnam be Christian Grey? Why yes, of course he can!

Music Monday: Oasis - Live Forever

On the 29th of August 1994 Definitely Maybe was released. Don't you feel old? 

I do. 

With more and more rumours that Oasis might possibly reunite for the 20th anniversary since this album came out and also the fact that I haven't listened to Oasis in ages. Yes I know, bad Sarah! 

Here is Live Forever. Get your best Liam impression on guys and girls

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The Friday File #43 - Sam Rockwell

Sam Rockwell has never really played the most likeable characters at times but I think it shows his ability and desire to not be typecast into one type of role. Of his films my favourites are Lawn Dogs, The Green Mile, Galaxy Quest (no judgement!), Confessions of a Dangerous Mind and Matchstick Men. But it is Moon that goes straight to the top for his favourite films for me, I knew I would like it from the trailer and if you like your science fiction movies, you will enjoy this one.

Music Monday: Alanis Morissette - You Learn

Another remininisce back and I found myself listening to Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill album, the album that helped me get through those anxious teenage years. This is one of my faves.

 


 


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I am a Tastemaker!

I have been accepted on the Tastemaker Programme for Red Hot World Buffet.... I am SO excited! Basically this means lots of reviews from me on my visits to my nearest Red Hot World Buffet but also giving you some great offers and insider news on upcoming events and menus!

Also if you follow me on instagram you'll know I love food. So it's a no brainer to how excited I am!

Red Hot World Buffet have a fantastic offer on this Summer. Kids aged 16 and under can eat for half price; that’s from as little as £3.99 for limitless pizza, pasta, curry, salads, desserts and ice cream (prices vary according to restaurant, day and time). This amazing offer is only redeemable via redhot-worldbuffet.com/summer.

If you want to find out more about Red Hot World Buffet then click here 
Click here if you want to book a table

I haven't booked my first visit yet, but it will be soon!


 

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The Friday File #42 - Robin van Persie

He really should have been my #20 but I didn't want the list to become too obvious ;-) Robin van Persie joined Manchester United last August and swiftly became one of United's most important players. I still cannot believe that he plays for us and I keep thinking that he will be back at Arsenal again... he won't be, he's ours. He gets on my list for so many football reasons but also because he's HOT. I'll let you be the judge.

But you know he is ;-)

Music Monday: Sheryl Crow - My Favourite Mistake

Sometimes I need a bit of a oomph when I'm blogging, normally music. Sometimes haribo. Sometimes both. I don't often listen to Sheryl Crow much any more which is actually quite sad as I do love her albums. I walked into a store last week (New Look I think...) and this song was on. I quickly wrote it down in my notes app in my iPhone to remind me. Yes, my brain needs these notes! So in my recent blogging session I listened to Sheryl Crow. I have never seen her in concert. Hopefully there is still time!

 






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Extrovert or Introvert?

At a recent family 'do' my Dad asked me if I thought I was extrovert or introvert. A bit of an odd thing to ask maybe but I answered "Sort of both". It's quite clear that I am extrovert but I do mix into parts of being introverted at times.

Both my parents are introverts and so is my brother. They do not like big social situations, they feel awkward but I love them. I love meeting new people, I love talking (stop laughing at me!) and I do often act first, think later! Oops.

I do however enjoy my own company. I enjoy being around people but I also like it when it's quiet and just me. I do have a tendency to overthink things and whilst being alone could make people get into an overthinking mode, it doesn't for me. Well, not ALL the time. I can still find it awkward in some social occasions when you don't share anything in common with someone or they are so shy that everything you say just gets a nod of their head back. I feed off of the people I spend time with, my friends are probably a mix of extroverts and introverts but I think we all feel comfortable to just be ourselves now.

So yes, I'm extroverted and proud (and loud about it) ;-)


 


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