More Bands For You To Love (And Love Me For)

Sorry about not posting for the past few days! I've been sussing out some more bands to love (and that you should love too!)

• Heroes For Hire: They only have one full album so far, called Life of the Party. I'm actually a bit sad there's just the one; I wish there were more! But this album is so awesome, the energy makes up for it! I found out about them when I read a review on them in the magazine TV Hits.The review said they sounded like Short Stack and Fall Out Boy (two bands that I already loved) so I immediately searched the suggested song, 'Bright Lights In Paradise'. That was all I needed to hear to know that I needed to download their whole album, and I did. I don't regret not previewing the rest, and neither would you. PARAMORE LOVERS BONUS: If you looked up and loved Tonight Alive, you will love 'We're Just The Footnote In Someone Else's Love Story'- it features Jenna McDougall, Tonight Alive's lead singer!!
• The Never Ever: Any band who calls their album Dancefloors and Dinosaurs has got to be awesome, and these guys definitely are. I thank iTunes for introducing me to one of the best songs I've ever heard. Those who haven't activated Genius on their iTunes- I say do it. I wouldn't have found out about these guys if I hadn't. 'Hey Kt' came up on my suggestions and I pressed play. Soon as I finished listening to it, I searched them. All their songs are awesome and you should love them all. I can assure you you will if you adore Short Stack, like me.
• The Monster Goes Rawrr: The name says it all- these guys are just cool. The names of their songs are captivating- they made me want to listen!- and they don't disappoint, with tunes just as fun and catchy as their names. I particularly like the song 'I Have A Black Belt In Awesome.' It makes me think of ninjas and ninjas make me think of epicness and so on. Just like their second track, these guys are 'Hot As Hell'!
• Amy Meredith: Ok, I know I mentioned these guys before, but I've just fallen in love with Faded White Dress. Honestly, Lying has been one of my favourite songs since it came out, but they keep getting better and better! I'm really annoyed at myself that I didn't search this song earlier because it is brilliant. I missed out on the goodness for too long! I assure you. Faded White Dress is one of there best songs yet, and if they keep getting better, I'm going to need a bigger iPod! Look this one up, guys. One of the best things you'll ever do. Promise.
• Breathe Carolina: They're [my favourite] part of the line-up for Soundwave 2011. And I'm extremely jealous of two of my friends who get to go, because, unfortunately, I'm not. I heard their song 'The Dressing Room' first, and when I went and searched them, I found a ton more songs that I like! They're signed to Fearless Records, who bring out the awesome "Punk Goes Pop" compilations, and B.C. features pretty regularly on these, and their tracks just so happen to be my favourites. So, if you took my advice and checked out Let's Get It (also part of Fearless Records), you are sure to love these guys.

So, that's all folks! I gotta go suss out some more to share with you! (And it shouldn't be too long before that happens). Enjoy school and don't drink and drive (if you're old enough to legally do so, but particularly if you're not)!

Sayonara, fellow ninjas! xoxo

You Know You're Rebel When... (dedicated to Smiley)

First day back at school. I think we were all a bit tired. I know I was (anything that's not double-digit-am is considered early to me). But our sarcasm (mostly mine, I admit) made for a good discussion about how 'rebel' Smiley is.

Smiley is not rebel at all. Honestly, she is the last person you'd ever expect to break a rule. I think I've only been surprised once or twice- however, she claims, those times were accidental. This discussion about Smiley's rebel-ness is the inspiration for this list- You Know You're Rebel When:

• You swear- but only mild words and in code, of course. I swear, Smiley would be the only person who bothers to make up another language. Most people at our school either swear or don't.
• You share your enthusiasm towards pinecones with the younger students- who use them as weapons. Apparently the deputy principal got involved. Oops.
• You wear pink every day. No matter what. The most rebellious action of them all. If you wear pink and almost no other colour, you're a rebel of the highest level.
• You defend your pink wearing habits- and immediately admit you lied. Lemur: 'Wearing pink on days you should never wear pink. Rebel!' Smiley: 'I don't actually wear that much pink anymore.' Me: 'What?! No pink?! You kidding me?!?!' Smiley: 'Yes :).' Lemur: 'How about lying about not wearing pink?' That conversation really did take place, ladies and gentlemen.
• You say bad things about Justin Bieber- though never anyone else. And even Justin Bieber gets let off easy here. That's rebellious, dude.
• Your Christmas costume, while almost everyone else is wearing some slogan top, is an angel costume. The only non-rebel part of this would be when everyone rips the stars off the tinsel wings (or picks them up off the floor) and do highly questionable things with them. Yes, you know who you are.

Smiley, you are an absolute legend and an inspiration to me to become a 'rebel.' And to write about it. Even though I'm extremely tired while writing it and it may make little or no sense to you. So I'm going to go to bed. 

Sayonara, fellow ninjas! xoxo 

I Love My Family...

First off, I'd like to pay tribute to whoever reads my blog. Probably whoever I've directed to it by raving about it to my friends (or bribing with tacos, bestie) or the legends who read my Facebook wall posts. And of course, to the fabulous ones who rated my posts 'the best kind of awesome', who took the time to comment, and the rad ones who clicked the follow button: Tia, my fluffy blonde penguin, my crazy neighbour, and my thickshake-sharing girl. I'm not talking to myself, thanks to you guys.

This is going to be another music post. Because today my beloved family got onto iTunes. By family, I mean my dad and one of my sisters. And they have good taste. Here's the new additions to our iPods:

• The album, 'Savage Garden' by Savage Garden: When I was little, I used to hear the album 'Affirmation' all the time, so I've more or less liked it since then. Which is pretty much nearing forever. Last week I was browsing through iTunes and discovered an album we didn't have. I notified dad of its absence and now our collection is complete with their self titled album, Affirmation, and Darren Hayes' solo album, Spin, taking their well deserved places in our CD collection. Their best songs, as awarded by me, include Truly Madly Deeply, Affirmation, The Animal Song, Two Beds and a Coffee Machine, I Knew I Loved You, Crash And Burn, To The Moon & Back and I Want You. That's a lot. I suggest you search them. I wish they were still together.
• The Time (Dirty Bit)- The Black Eyed Peas: I think I was ice skating when I heard this song for the first time. I liked it, I got distracted by it, and I fell over. But even cutting my hand and not being able to get back up again can stop me liking this song. I was helping my little sister with iTunes today and she asked for music suggestions. I pointed out this one to, of course, a shout of "I love that song!" So you should look up this one too.
• Grenade and Just The Way You Are- Bruno Mars: I heard Just The Way You Are as a reciting by thecomputernerd01 on YouTube (you should search him, because everything there is really entertaining. My favourites would be the Baby parody and reciting. Pretty much any reciting.) and the lyrics sounded like something I'd listen to. So I looked it up and it was amazing, just the way it was. Grenade was listed below it and was even more popular than the first one- and I can see why. I love both songs, and you should check them out if you haven't already heard them on the radio.
• We R Who We R- Ke$ha: I think pretty much everyone has heard this song somewhere. It sparked a debate between me and my ex boyfriend as to whether or not it was a good song. I said yes, he said no. But of course, I won. I like to win, and I was right this time. It's typical Ke$ha- about partying and hitting on dudes (hard!) with the same catchy beat she showcased on her album, Animal. Always makes me dance and sing (badly) along with it.
• Raise Your Glass- P!nk: I have two of P!nk's albums, (which is not enough, of course) and I love them both. I nearly went to her concert with Blondie and our mums, but it sold out before our very eyes. Literally. And for a good reason. All her songs are good, and make some statement. Look at Dear Mr. President and Stupid Girls. I was so excited when her Greatest Hits... So Far came out. I'm sure she will have plenty more. Raise Your Glass is just one of them. It's the perfect grab-your-girls-and-let's-dance kinda song that me and my crew love.
• Dirty Talk- Wynter Gordon: She hasn't really had anything much yet other than Toyfriend with David Guetta (another song on my iPod that I listen to  regularly), but there could be no better way to kick your career than with a song like this! There is a reason it's at number one on the iTunes charts! It's a catchy, dancing song that refuses to let you lie down and listen to it. You have to be up, jumping and dancing and singing along with it! (Hairbrush optional).

So, there's my pop reviews. Most of you would've probably heard them or bought them already, but they're good songs and good songs deserve praise! Let me know how these rate as opposed to my other reviews.

Sayonara, fellow ninjas! xoxo

My Bookshelf

Last post, I detailed my summer music playlist. But listening to music isn't all I've done all holidays. I also did a lot of reading. Here's some of the best books on my shelf...

• Dear John by Nicholas Sparks: I started reading it the day I got it and finished it the day after. I could not put it down. Then I saw the movie on sale for $13 so mum and I went halves. The movie is still good, but it couldn't compare to the book. Books are usually better than the movies, but this one was unanimous.
• The Notebook (also by Nicholas Sparks): The Notebook is one of my favourite movies. No, scratch that. It is my favourite movie. When I found out it was a book first, I immediately wanted to read it. And I wasn't disappointed. Books may usually be better than the movies, but this time, I almost couldn't decide. Very. Good. Book. I then discovered it had a sequel (The Wedding), so I bought that too, but I haven't read it yet. I will keep you posted!
• The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer: Don't get me wrong, The Twilight Saga are good books. I thought they were the best books ever when I read Twilight. Then mum introduced me to her stash of books and I realised that good ol' Twilight wasn't as good as some of the books there. But I decided to read Bree Tanner. It was only 168 pages or so, and I needed an easy read for once. It was good, but it couldn't compare with some of the others.
• Tomorrow, When The War Began by John Marsden: I read it for the first time when I was in Year Eight, and it is easily the best Aussie book I've ever read. I nearly fainted when it became a movie, and I went to see it for my birthday. That movie is now one of my favourites. Now I've seen the movie a few times, and I decided to go back and read the book again. Just as good and gripping as the first time.
• The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins: These three books are by far the best series I've ever read. Even mum adored them! For anyone who hasn't read them yet- do. You will not be disappointed. I can't wait until the movie comes out. And when it does, I can only hope it does these books justice.
• A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini: I admit. I didn't read this recently. But I had to add it. It's one of those books that hook you from the first sentence. When mum was telling me, I thought 'Yeah right. How can it?' But sadly- and I hate to say this- I was wrong. I was hooked. And I recommend you read it as soon as humanly possible.
• My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult: I don't usually cry in books. Movies, yes. Books- I don't know why, but I don't tend to do it much. This book, I did. But during the movie, I didn't. The movie couldn't possibly do the book justice in this case. The ending was completely different. Anyone who hasn't read the book- once again, I suggest you do.
• The Gone Series by Michael Grant: I picked up the first one, Gone, in the shops a couple of times, thinking it looked like an interesting read. It was, as I found out when I got it for my birthday a few years ago. What would you do if there was no one in your world past the age of fifteen? I got the third, Lies, for Christmas, and now I'm awaiting on the arrival of Plague (the fourth book, not disease!).

So that's my top eight (for now), but I can assure you there will be plenty more stories worth mentioning. Maybe they'll inspire you to write something, like they did me! Comment what your best reads are- I can always do with some more options!

Sayonara, fellow ninjas! xoxo

My Summer Playlist

Sadly, school holidays are coming to a close. Funny how the rain  only stops when they’re at their end. This summer has been pretty uneventful for me, but I had heaps of music to make it feel more like summer when the weather didn’t. Here’s some of the songs I had on high rotation:

• Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)- My Chemical Romance: I love their entire new album. Every song on it, and how they’ve made it like a radio show. And this song. The same two letters might be repeated 12 times in the title (and many more times throughout the song!) but  it’s so catchy!
• Do Not Disturb (Tell Me How Bad)- Let’s Get It: Years and years ago, my neighbour introduced me to the goodness that is Panic! At The Disco, and we were rather upset that two of them left. But recently, I found out about these guys. They sound like Panic!’s first album with a hint of Fall Out Boy. Two great bands in one- what could be better?!
• You And Me- Lifehouse: It’s different to the first two- it’s more acoustic sounding- but I love it. I’m learning to play it on piano. Lifehouse is an awesome band. Other songs I recommend by them are Halfway Gone, Hanging By A Moment and All In.
• Hey Soul Sister- Train: I’ve heard this song so many times on the radio it rivals the number of songs on my iPod. It’s just as well it’s a good song! I I also adore their song ‘If It’s Love.’
• Teenage Dream- Katy Perry: Katy Perry is awesome, and I’m jealous of my neighbour getting to go to her concert! This song is probably my new favourite since Waking Up In Vegas and Hot n Cold.
• Young At Heart- Amy Meredith: Amy Meredith are going to be the next band to dominate my iPod after Short Stack. The first song I heard was Lying, then I got this song. It basically describes me and my friends in a nice way, haha.
• Thank You and Goodnight- Tonight Alive: I believe I mentioned how spectacularly awesome Paramore just so happens to be in my first post, so you can imagine my great joy when I was directed to a band very similar called Tonight Alive! You should definitely check them out if you’re a Paramore fan.
• Hazardous- Vanessa Amorosi: Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve liked her music. Time went on and I forgot about it. It sat in my CD collection, unplayed for years. Then I heard Perfect and my love was rekindled. Then her album Hazardous came out and I fell in love with this song.
• Smile- Uncle Kracker: Packed to the Rafters is one of my favourite TV shows. And every song they’ve ever chosen to be the theme song is a song I’ve loved. This one is the latest and greatest, and never fails to make me smile.
• Planets- Short Stack: Of course I should pay tribute to this song, seeing as I have every copy of it available. The video, the EP, the album and one on the latest So Fresh. Being the die-hard Short Stack fan which I am, I pre-ordered and downloaded their new album, This Is Bat Country from iTunes the instant it was available. It sounds a little more mature than some of their earlier songs (ie, Sway Sway Baby! and Princess), but they’re all good songs.

I hope I’ve directed some of you to your future music loves. Please comment if I have, and feel free to share yours with me below!

Sayonara, fellow ninjas! xoxo

Because Tacos Are Cool.

Any ninjas I can convince to follow me are awesome. And not just kinda awesome. They are the best kind of awesome. Which is why I promised my first follower that I would dedicate a post entirely to tacos. I couldn't break it, because I pinkie promised. And that stuff is legit.

I really like tacos, so it shouldn't be too hard to write about them, right? Well, we'll have to wait and see.

Firstly, I think they're like oversized, round, folded in half Doritos with DIY flavouring. Technically, they are, I guess. Doritos are made out of the same stuff, just with added flavouring which is in powder form. And they both taste amazing.

Tacos bring back memories. We took a taco kit to Fraser Island, once upon a time several years ago. And another one, not quite as long ago, when my good mate Blondie and I had the Great Taco Debate.

It was a dark night, as most nights tend to be. Blondie was sleeping over at my place, and it was hard taco night. As you can tell, I like hard tacos. And, as you could probably guess, she likes soft tacos. It was a showdown, in the style of the ads for Old El Paso.

"Hard taco!"

"Soft taco!" 

Well, not really. But anyway. In the end, there was no little Mexican kid coming out of the crowd and suggesting we have both. There was no crowd and no Mexicans. Instead mum presented Blondie with a bowl of risotto while I continued to enjoy my hard taco, and we all lived happily ever after.

I haven't actually heard any songs about tacos, which I find kinda disappointing. I mean, the Wiggles sang about fruit salad, and in another song, hot potatoes, mashed banana, and cold spaghetti. But no tacos? If any of you ninjas ever write a song about tacos or hear one- let me know, cuz it's gotta be legendary.

Anyway, I can't think of a lot more about tacos, and I think that's a long enough post.

Sayonara, fellow ninjas! (Or, as they say in Mexico, Adios!) xoxo

The Beginning

In the beginning, a teenage girl decided she wanted to share with the world, so she decided to start a blog. She dreams of being a ninja, being editor of a teen magazine and having a full iPod.

Of course, she is me. Music loving, reading, writing, hopeless romantic me. Hopefully it’ll interest you! So, here’s some stuff that makes me tick...

·         Romance- I’m a complete sucker for a good love story. Nicholas Sparks is a genius!

·         Like I said, writing. I want to be editor of a teen  magazine like Dolly or Girlfriend and write stories to rival my favourite novels, like The Hunger Games, Harry Potter and The Notebook. Well, of course I’m going to finish high school first!

·         Music of any kind, especially Paramore, Short Stack (Aussie Gods, honestly), The Never Ever, Tonight Alive, Heroes For Hire, Let’s Get It... yeah, if I don’t stop now, I won’t stop. The only exceptions (love that song!) to that are Justin Bieber (but some of his songs are OK), Cody Simpson and Willow Smith’s “Whip My Hair Back and Forth”. Just not a fan.

I wanted to start writing something somewhere other than my undiscovered notebooks, and I want to get the word out about some crazy awesome bands!

Anyway, for now that’s all I’ve got to say. I’d really appreciate it if you could comment- good, bad or ugly!- and pretty please follow?

Sayonara, fellow ninjas! xoxo