August Favourites

Heyo!

Yet another month has passed, making me once again question where the year is going and what I've done in the last thirty days (give or take). This month saw me getting back into a routine, reading more books, making things, getting up early and getting shit done. I've been able to achieve so much in August, and I will be reaping the rewards of the hard work in these last few months of the year. I've been writing, experimenting with recipes, watching really insightful documentaries and spending some much-needed time with my dog and family (in that order, dogs have fur but people do not!)

I thought I would give you all a run-down of August in all its glory, with a brief mention of Reading festival because I think I've bored everyone to death talking about it by now!

Baking

It's really moist despite looking a tad burnt, it's un-iced here but with frosting it's cracking

I've moved into a house that actually has a working oven, and I have been abusing the right to bake ever since I moved in! I have been so happy about this new house, and being able to bake again has lifted my mood and also made me a very popular pal indeed! I made a carrot cake before I went home, adapting a recipe I used when not vegan and 'vegan-ifying' it, adding in little bits for my own personal preference. I must admit, it's one of the best recipes I have ever devised, and following some rough guidance online about frostings without using butter or butter substitutes I was able to make a frosting from cashews (is there nothing the cashew cannot do?) I was so thrilled with this I wanted to share it with you all, but I have decided to test it out a bit more before unleashing it into the world, I want to add a few more bits into it, so watch this space! This cake is moist, filling, more-ish and rustic in its appearance, but perfect with a cup of tea and good company.

Music

I thought July was a good time for new music, but in came August, and with it a shed-load of new tunes from many of my favourite bands and artists, much to my delight. I'm afraid I won't be discussing Swift's new material due to there already being over twenty BuzzFeed articles about it, and also the fact I don't really think it's that good (please don't hate me, I just don't like it, still a bit of a bop but it's not really my thing at all!)

Marmozets - 'Play'

Image credit: BBC
(https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/artists/a8397de0-fe98-42db-bf19-c26b99ead138)

Anyone who knows me knows that one of my favourite things to do is go to gigs, and I usually go with the lovely Matthew (dubbed 'Handsome Matt' by Shannon) and we love going to see Marmozets. They're a band that just subvert all expectations and produce great music fronted by the weird and wonderful (ten points if you get it) Becca Macintyre who is a huge inspiration to me, and who I actually met at Reading, and yes I did cry, rather a lot actually! Anyway, the band dropped their new single fresh from the upcoming second album it feels like I've been waiting for forever. I must admit, initially I wasn't a fan as Becca's voice and the overall sound of the band I love had been auto-tuned within an inch of its life, but this is a song that deserves to be heard live, multiple times! I heard it at Reading when they played and it's so much better live. I don't know why the single sounds the way it does, but it's so nice to have them producing new music and I am eagerly awaiting the new album and it's near the top of my birthday list!

RAT BOY - SCUM

Image credit: Mike Massaro for DIY Magazine
(http://diymag.com/2015/12/04/rat-boy-interview-class-of-2016)

There's something about RAT BOY that just makes me feel good, whether it's the catchy repetitive nature of the songs or his ability to make music about things like going to the coop down the road to get your cash out. RAT BOY is both relatable and likeable, making his debut album an instant success with fans new and old - featuring some of his older songs such as 'Sign on', 'Move' and 'Fake ID' as well as new favourites (mine is currently 'Revolution', it's a nice change to other stuff!) The new album was a nice surprise to see on my Spotify, and I listened to it before Reading (I saw RAT BOY there, very good but the crowd were mainly idiots that both concerned and scarred Alisha.) I really like the diversity on the album, mixing this angsty attitude and the understanding of current goings on to make an album that acts as a form of commentary on current societal norms and is something a younger generation can fully get behind. It's not the best debut album I've ever heard, but it's still very good and I would recommend checking it out, even if you look at the top hits on Spotify!

Queens of the Stone Age- Villains

Image Credit: Emma Swann from DIY Magazine
(http://diymag.com/2017/08/26/queens-of-the-stone-age-reading-festival-2017)

I couldn't not include this band, they need no introduction and even now after all these years I'm just as excited about them as I was the first time I heard 'No One Knows' on a compilation cd I found in a charity shop. Thinking about it, I found most of the bands I love on those compilation CDs from the likes of NME, Kerrang! and Q etc. This new album just re-confirms the already known fact that they are legendary rock-gods and deserve all the recognition in the world. The album makes me want to go for runs, and also gives me something to dance and sing along to whenever I am bored/mad/sad/angry, or when it's 2am and I need to feel good about something. Go and listen to this album in full, it's well worth your time and this should not be the first time you've heard them, or indeed the last!

Apart from this, August was a nice month for me and I got stuff done that I had been putting off for a while. I've not been as productive lately in the blog-sense, but I have been busy doing loads of other stuff and I'm excited to show you all next month! I'm sorry this post is up a bit later than anticipated but I've been a busy bee and life has been challenging but I'm motivated and will be creating and uploading more content besides crafty things!

Until next time,
B x