An Update: Shadowing, Chocolate, Activites and Spring Break Already?!

Hello there everyone! First I must apologize for this overdue post. A few of my family and friends *coughcough* my lovely Auntie T's and Ellie *coughcough* have been asking for a post about what's been going on in the Steinbach world. Well, there is maybe, kinda just a little bit to tell you about so let's hope I remember all of our recent life events.

First off, several people have been wondering about my shadowing experience on Friday at Lincoln High. There isn't much to tell you except my experience was really awesome! I was paired with a 9th grader named Olivia who was extremely welcoming, kind and fun to be around.
Coincidentally, Olivia is a theatre kid so I was able to experience her Choir Class and said she would "drag me to the theatre," if I don't join next year. Olivia is also a soprano so I was able to sing along with many of their exercises and songs.
I also went to her French class which was fun because they were talking about French Style and media. The student teacher asked the small class, "Does anyone here know where Versailles is?" I was very tempted to shout out, "I've been there before!!" I didn't of course but you know...I really wanted to.
Olivia's 2nd Period class was Geometry where I was the 1st student to actually answer one of the problems correctly. The teacher seemed extremely surprised that I answered a question because I was a shadow. I was like, "Hi! My name is Bailey and I am an active student who may talk a lot and isn't afraid to show what she knows." *Smile* Even better I completely understood what was going on in the class even though I'm still in Algebra. Saying this, my current math teacher is recommending me for Geometry next year.
From there we went to PE Class where I pretty much could smell sweat and a LOT of testosterone. Olivia, her friends and I, played with this GIANT volleyball and spent a lot of it getting to know each other. We talked about movies, Lincoln High and how to avoid guys that are jerks. They were all so nice and their welcoming attitude made me forget I was a shadow. It also helped to enforce how glad I am choosing to go to Lincoln High.
At lunch we all ate in the library. One of Olivia's guy friends made me an origami swan/dog/T-Rex hybrid out of his hamburger wrapper. We discussed traveling and everything from classes to Instagram.
From there, Olivia and I rushed to her Social Studies Class where I met another shadower from my school named Jacob. I gave him some paper to doodle on and in return he gave me the papers back filled with his doodles and punk-rock song lyrics. In this class, the students were writing introductions for papers talking about "mammys" which I wasn't familiar with until that afternoon. It was interesting to hear the opinions of the class and the intelligent writing of the 9th graders.
For the last 2 periods Olivia and I went to Science-Honors and English. For the 2 classes I pretty much sat around because in both they were doing tests.
In total, I really, really enjoyed my shadowing experience. I think it was a GREAT opportunity and I am very thankful I took it. I was conversing with an old teacher through email the other day, and I said the only thing I will now fear is getting lost in the giant school.

The 2nd thing I would like to tell everyone about is my mom. You may or may not know, but recently as in the last 2 months, she has been avidly making chocolates. My personal favorites are her salted caramel and almond. They are to die for!
We got the news about a week ago that she will be getting the chance to use her chocolates as wedding gifts at a family-friends wedding. She was overjoyed and my Dad, Lauren and myself are all very proud of her hard work and determination towards this new and hopefully successful hobby.
She is currently thinking of a name, business card and more selections for flavors.

The next update are on Lauren and my activities. Both of us are participating in a beginning teen tennis class. We got one of the best coaches and so we are fully enjoying our experience.
Lauren is currently also doing Jazz Band playing the Alto Saxophone. She is also in volleyball where she is perfecting her serving and is the tallest one there!
I am doing voice and working hard at having my voice not crack while I sing.

Last but not least is our families plans for Spring Vacation. A little while ago we had the surprise that had our entire family jumping with joy. Especially my dad.
We are going to Disney World!
The weeks leading up to this announcement, Lauren and I were told we were going skiing. I was admittedly disappointed about not learning to ski even though I will have future opportunities. But, Disney World is something we were expecting to do this October so this was such a great and happy surprise!
 

I hope this filled you all in on our happenings!

Until later,

xxBaileyxx

Music Review: Sweet but Sour Grammy Awards, Being 'Invisible' and One Direction's More Wild Side.

Hey there!
I know I haven't posted for a while, though I hope this post makes up for the lost time. Ugh. It wasn't lost--I think I may have wasted it.

Okay, so as you may know the musical community has been in a buzz about some of the latest musical releases and shows. About 2 weeks ago were the Grammys where Daft Punk won some 10000 awards, that in my opinion, they didn't deserve, Hunter Hayes released his wonderful new song Invisible and One Direction released their questionable video for 'Midnight Memories'. In this blog post I will be talking about these things plus an end note on Sherlock.

Okay, so I admit I didn't actually watch the Grammys on the actual night that they were played. I did hear the outcomes and I was happy and disappointed with many of the results. I completely loved the fact that Macklemore won 4 Grammys including Best Rap Album. I did though, take the time to watch their performance of 'Same Love' which was absolutely OUTSTANDING.
'Royals' won Song of the Year, which it deserved but should've won, The Most Overplayed Song of the Year. Michael Buble won Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album which was the best judgment of the Grammy committee in the entire show. 2 robots, Daft Punk, won BIG even though the only lyrics 'Get Lucky' have are "We're up all night to get lucky." Darius Tucker won Best Country Solo Performance which I just ignored since Hunter Hayes was up for the award too and well,...you know how I love Hunter Hayes. 'Merry Go Round' won Best Country Song which I have to applaud because Kacey Musgraves is beyond amazing. She has such great songs with awesome messages that I can't help but agree with. Musgraves also went home with Best Country Album which she no doubt deserved after years of work and great music.

 

Macklemore's Grammy performance of 'Same Love' where 30 couples were wed.

Hunter Hayes was involved in this year's Grammys. He debuted his newest song 'Invisible' during the show and blew away faithful fans and listeners with the song's message. It reviews his past when he was bullied. "There were a lot of messages about fitting in with music and how purposeful music can be — this sense of having a place where you always fit in and music being that place," Hayes told USA Today. "There's a lot of soul-searching on this next record." 'Invisible' is extremely different from Hayes' past singles. It explores a darker side but not to the point where it kills off the young fans of his music. I am personally a fan of this new song, and I am eager to see where his new album will land him. Hayes was also named as Billboard's new artists to keep an eye on during one of their more recent podcasts.

On the talk of music to keep an eye on, One Direction's newest music video, their somewhat obnoxious song, 'Midnight Memories', was released on the 31st of January. Let me start this part of the post by saying that the song 'Midnight Memories' simply alarmed me. It not only has a very loud rock sound but it also has the lyrics like, "People talk shhh but we don't listen". Also after the reading the article, 9 Times One Direction Break the Law in Midnight Memories' Video it started my questioning the song in general. One Direction are at a turning point in their lives and we understand that, but is it really necessary to break, destruct and make a mess of everything they do in their video? It is quite annoying at this point, considering they also did this in 'Best Song Ever' their summer anthem. I am not a huge fan of the video for 'Midnight Memories' and let's hope they won't regret having a wonderful video for 'Story of My Life' released only months before this "bad-boy" tune.

To end this post, I'd just like to say the game is on--oh my gosh, the game is on.

Until later,

xxBaileyxx

Music Reviews: The Best Music of YouTube.

Hey there everyone!

Very happy Sunday evening to you all! I hope that everything is going well where you are, but on a different note...let's talk about music and YouTube.

Let's start this conversation of the somewhat influential Justin Bieber. As most everyone knows, Bieber got his start on YouTube. After him emerged people like The Vamps and other ambitious young people. Over the years that I've become more-then-obsessed with music, I have discovered numerous amazing artists through YouTube. Below are some of my favorite YouTube musicians that I currently, am a huge fan of. These are my opinion of the best of the best.

*****

Jon Cozart AKA Paint:
Paint is one of the most talented YouTube musicians out there. He makes parodies of things like the Disney Princess', Harry Potter and movie villains. In his videos, Paint demonstrates his vocal talents by having 4 screens where, on each one, there is a different him. All of the screens harmonize and make an awesome video with a satisfying sound. In terms of organization, hard work and views, Paint wins everything.

IM5:
IM5 is a band that I first discovered after watching their Disney Dudez video. I thought it was brilliant, and that they all had really great voices. I loved the fact that each member of the band somehow managed to look expertly like a Disney prince. IM5 has continued to make music, some of their latest including covers of Royals, Story of My Life, and Wake Me Up.

AVByte:
AVByte make extremely accurate videos of people's favorite shows, just some includin Sherlock and Dr. Who. One of my favorite things about AVByte is the fact that their channel features people from Broadway. Their Sherlock parody had 2 amazing Broadway singers, and I couldn't help but applaud the singers vocal talent and of course right-on looks of Dr. Watson and Sherlock.

Tobuscus:
Tobuscus is known best for his repetitive 'NUGGET in a BISCUIT!!' that has been viewed approximately 20,200,956 times on YouTube. He is one nerdy man, though he is brilliant when it comes to his strange but very humorous sense of lyric and song. Currently, my favorite song (no offense, but can you really even call it a song?), of Tobuscus' is his ' Dramatic Song' which may be considered "stupid and time-wasting" to parents.

Nick Pitera:

Nick Pitera is somewhat like an older version of Paint. Pitera is absolutely amazing, and I became familiar with him after my friend, Erin, posted one of his videos on her blog. He is great and extremely entertaining since he always has dramatic expressions on his face while he blurts out the wonderful lyrics of Disney, Broadway and several others.

Colton Haynes: 

Colton Haynes is legitimately one of the best-looking guys I have ever seen. Other than the fact that Haynes, is an actor and model, people has said that he is almost a "flawless" human being. I don't know that I can say he is "flawless", though when it comes to singing, he almost is. I never thought of him as the country type of guy, though I was proven wrong when I found the video of him singing, '19 You + Me' originally done by Dan and Shay. Haynes truly is a very talented person.

The Vamps:

Ah, The Vamps. I have mentioned these guys NUMEROUS times before so I wouldn't be surprised if you're tired of seeing their name come up. Still, I think these guys are awesome and they have a major career in front of them. Their newest single, 'Wild Heart', has a bit of a "Mumford and Sons feel to it." It's so catchy I find myself humming the chorus constantly throughout the day. I especially love The Vamps for the fact that they formed themselves. They play their own instruments, write their songs and like to call themselves a "proper band."

Elyar Fox:

Elyar Fox is one of my newest favorites. I have just started to listen to some of his music, and I have become a little bit obsessed with the podcasts' that he has been interviewed in. Fox seems so genuine, and his music is catchy and very pop influenced.  

The Sam Chase:

The Sam Chase is a band that I discovered through the amazing Jacksgap. I don't believe that they got their start through YouTube, though they are a band I just couldn't leave out. Their song, 'In a Perfect World' has a great message, and their tune and voice reminds me of Passenger's 'Let Her Go'. 'In a Perfect World' is super quirky and it's one of my new favorite songs.

Anthem Lights:

Anthem Lights is just plain cool. They have fantastic covers of songs like, 'What About Love', 'Mirrors' and mash-ups from 2012 and 2013. I enjoy Anthem Lights so much I plan to buy their album when I remember. Ugh. So much music. Anthem Lights is a mutual favorite between all of my friends, so I highly recommend them.

Pentatonix:

Pentatonix is one of the best a capella groups that I have across while browsing music on YouTube. They are a very talented group of singers that have members from all different backgrounds and many different vocal levels. The entire group in one is somewhat mind-blowing when it comes to organization and vocal talent.

The George Twins:

The George Twins are like the Jack and Finn of singing. They are a set of identical twins with good looks, and well, even greater voices. They've only released 1 song, though they alreay have a good following of 1,816 followers on their channel. I am very excited to see where these twins will go.

Until later,

 xxBaileyxx 

YouTube Review: What Do You Love About Yourself?

Hey everyone,
This is somewhat weird for me considering the fact that I try not to blog on weekdays because everyone, including myself, are busy doing things for school and/or work.
But. I just had to bring loving yourself to everyone's attention.
As you may know, Connor Franta has just posted a video that is called, What Do You Love About Yourself? It was one of the most genuine and calm videos that he has ever done, and I just thought I would share it with you because Connor says things that everyone should keep in their mind.

I honestly just wanted to share this video with you because I think everyone should find something about themselves that they love. Connor mentions staying positive, and he presents a really deep video--which is weird coming from this bubbly and excited YouTuber.

Anyways, when you find the time, please do take the time to watch this video and think about some things that you love about yourself!

Until later,

Bailey

Themed Post: The Perks of Being a Nerd-- Sherlock.

Hey there,

The title of my blog post says a lot about what this post may be about. The funny thing is, it's about one thing is particular. Sherlock. 

For those of you who aren't into BBC and their annoyingly suspenseful cliff-hangers and tragic endings, Sherlock, along with Downton Abbey, are currently my favorite BBC Dramas. Sherlock, is a 21st century version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyles epic tales of Sherlock Holmes, and the show features the cheek-bone famous, Benedict Cumberbatch and Hobbit-y Martin Freeman. It started in 2010 and had a 2 year break that held avid watchers in a painful suspense. For. 2. Years. Crazy. Sherlock will be starting again in the States on the 19th of January and will, let's just say, have Sher-locked fans weeping with joy.

Now, let's get to my original point. What are the perks of being a nerd? When it comes to shows like Sherlock, the perks of being a nerd can be endless. Here are some of my reasons why:

• There is a HUGE fandom around this show. It may be as big as Harry Potter for all we know, but one thing is for certain. These fans are as dedicated as can be, and are always on Sherlock's side.
• In order for you to watch Sherlock, you have to have a good mind. A good thinking process. Nerds normally are pretty smart, and so watching Sherlock can be intriguing and at times, hilarious.
• Only nerds would be fascinated with the mumblings of Sherlock and his awesome side-kick Watson. For people with normal brains who aren't interested in this type of nerdism-- how sad. What a loss.
• As my dad nonchalantly mentioned he, "likes the show."

There are other reasons why though I thought it would be important to name those 4 at the least.

Since Sherlock will be premiering in approximately 7 days, I was thinking, how can we prepare for this journey? How can we be the ultimate Sherlock Holmes fan for 7 days? Here are some of my ideas:

• Wear a Sherlock hat. We all know how much Cumberbatch's character seems to ironically hate this expected part of his publicity in the show. But honestly, this hat shows the true Sherlock in his most universal form.
  
  
  
  
  • Wear a pea coat. If only for a few days, you may never look as epic as Cumberbatch manages, though you can feel epically smart (in knowledge and dress) for the day.

  
  

  

  
  

  • Go up to random people and make blunt and observatory assumptions about them from their facial features, clothes and accessories. In the series, Sherlock does this to almost everyone who he meets. At times, he is rude and extremely oblivious to their reactions of his perfect observations. If you do this, please, make sure to be kinder than Sherlock. 

    

• Go to your sitting room, shoot the space above the couch with a nerf gun and shout, "BORED!" Then stand up and smile at the gun shots that have efficiently made a smiley face.

 

•  If you can't play the violin, listen to instrumental music-- most preferably the theme to Sherlock. This can be found on YouTube as "Pursuit". If you do played the violin, or any stringed instrument that is, make sure to play it the most dramatically as possible. And don't forget that smirk.

• Insult people by mentioning how petty, simple and boring their minds must be. You may have to tread very lightly when it comes to this task-- unless the person knows what you're trying to do, they will most likely be insulted.

As an after note, be careful of who you say your words to, otherwise you may end up like Sherlock.

• Talk in a sing-song-voice the entire day so that you can feel like, no not Sherlock, but Moriarty. You may also want to speak in an Irish accent and use exaggerated expressions to add to the mix. Every good fairy tale needs a good old fashioned villain.

• If you don't like any of these ideas, you can always be the Dr. Watson and act humble through the entire week. You can say witty lines, act cool and of course be hobbit-y. Oh, wait. Wrong show.

My last thoughts is that Sherlock is a great show with a exciting plot line, awesome actors who deliver their characters perfectly and a wonderful series that everyone, especially nerds, can appreciate.

Until later!

Bailey

Personal: What is my New Year's Resolution?

Hey there!
Since 2014 is just around the corner, I thought I would tell you my new year's resolution.
This year, I will be doing something called my JAR OF POSITIVITY. I got the idea off of a Facebook post that I found while helping my Mom sell our old toys on her account.

Taken from Facebook.

As you can tell, my new year's resolution is to fill my jar with something positive every single day of 2014. I think it will be a great way to reflect on how lucky I really am. 

I thought I would start my Jar of Positivity today with a quote I found while searching Google. It truly is the perfect note of happiness to start a new year!

So, what is your new year's resolution? Is it to be healthier? Find the joy in the journey? Maybe, love life a little more? Please comment below, because I would love to hear what you want to achieve this upcoming new year!

Thank you for the love and happiness I received from all of you in 2013! I appreciate each and every one of you readers, and I love you all so much!

 2014, Here We Come!

Album Review: Salute by Little Mix. How do Little Mix convey "girl power"? Also, the reasons behind why I love Salute...

Girl power:  "(Informal) an assertiveness and self-confidence shown by girls and young women". - Collins English Dictionary.

What is the first image that comes to mind when you read the definition for "girl power"? Is it possibly your mother, grandmother, best friend or maybe even yourself? Did you imagine a certain celebrity or song? Personally, the first image that came to my mind, is the girl-band who are known for their empowering songs and ballads, their colorful and wild hair and smart English accents. Little Mix. 

For those of you who are unaware of this bubbly group, Little Mix is a girl-group made up of 4 English girls, their ages ranging from youthful 20 to a little less youthful, 22. They joined as a group during the 2011 version of the popular competition show, The X Factor UK. They were the first girl-group to ever win the show, and with their triumph came love from teen girls (Little Mixers), spunky-ness and some doubt from the haters.

Their first album, DNA, was released in November of 2012. Their second album, Salute, was released in November 2013, and is an ultimate show of great pop, R&B and hip-hop influenced sounds. It also includes a heavy load of catchy beats and well, LOTS of girl power. The members of Little Mix are confident, smart, pretty and extremely unique. They aren't the type to sing about broken hearts and betraying boys. Just you wait.

I'll be taking you through Little Mix's Salute, and going through the album track-by-track.

1. Salute

Girl anthem to the max! For those of you who are prepared to swing your hair and let it all out, this dance song will no doubt get you out of your chair and dancing. Salute shows the hip-hop influence that Little Mix's album is aimed towards. Watch out world, Little Mix is here!

2. Move
Move has a strong beat and is the album's true party anthem. This song is extremely repetitive, though, if you're interested in a Christina Aguilera influenced vocal arrangement, and a good excersize jam, Move is the perfect song.

3. Little Me
Little Me is a MUST LISTEN! Its message is beautiful, and all woman of all ages can relate to this song in some way. It tells of speaking up and standing up for yourself; a reflection of a song, and not  slow enough so that it is considered a ballad.

4. Nothing Feels Like You
Nothing Feels Like You is another dance song filled with harmonious melodies and is a true example of Little Mix's sound and confidence. If you're looking for a traditional girl group sound, Nothing Feels Like You is the bee's knees. And if you aren't dancing by now...well, that's just wrong.

5. Towers
After 4 songs of dancing and sweat, slow down the beat and listen to Towers. This ballad is one of the songs that Little Mix have on their album that is worth a slow-dance. Ironically, if you listen to the lyrics, Towers proves to be quite a depressing song. Even though this stands, it is still one of my favorite tracks. I guess that's just how I roll.

6. Competition
Competition shows Little Mix's more competitive side. You can't tell by the name. This song is another dance-worthy melody but wait! There are MANY more to come.

7. These Four Walls
These Four Walls is the most graceful and intimate song in all of Salute. It's the kind of song that blows the entire album to #1, and makes you want to lock yourself in your room and cry. This song is a definite representation of the 4 girl's amazing vocals. Listening to this song, you will, if not already, understand why they won The X Factor.

Little Mix receives the happy news that they won the X Factor.

8. About the Boy
With a catchy beginning and a disco kick-off, About the Boy get you onto your feet and ready to do the Dougie. Pierre also demonstrates her kick-butt vocals and ends it with a content "ah."

9. Boy
The start of Boy is a capella and to my disappointment, adds music and mouth beat-boxing as it continues. Regardless of this, Boy is plenty catchy and the a capella beginning is worth the entire listen.

10. Good Enough
When listening to this song full of pained vocals and a piano accompaniment, it makes me think of the poor children of tiger-mothers. Good Enough asks the depressing question of "Am I still not good enough?" Little Mix's powerful ballads are consistently good and balance out their other songs that feature club-worthy beats.

11. Mr Loverboy
Ignoring the fact that the title of this song is Mr Loverboy, the chorus vocals vaguely remind me of older music. Does anyone else hear, The Jackson 5, too?

12. A Different Beat
Little Mix is visibly going back to its first album, DNA. Fans of the first album can be reassured that this group hasn't changed their sound too much after listening to A Different Beat. With flowing vocals, parade sounds and a chipper beat, this song reflects their beginning vision.

Little Mix's first album, DNA.

13. See Me Now
In another song of reflection, Little Mix sing about where they are now, their haters and their doubts about Little Mix's music. With the classical lyrics of, "They said I couldn't, told me I wouldn't! But if they could see me now!..." this group rejoices about their luck and happiness of their own success.

Little Mix at the Brit Awards.

14. They Don't Know You
Little Mix demonstrate rebellion and ignore the doubt about their love.

Little Mix's Pierre Edwards and her fiance, otherwise known as One Direction's Zayn Malik.

15. Stand Down
The second-to-last song of the album, Stand Down, is the perfect end song. It has a strong message of confidence and empowerment, because of course, you have to love the party anthems that end great albums.

16.  Little Me (Unplugged)
Little Me is the final song of Little Mix's second album is undoubtedly, the best song on the entire album. The wait is long though enjoyable, and this acoustic version of Little Me is even more delicate than the original, and is completely worth the listening power of the 15 previous songs. Topping off the album, Little Me is only available of the deluxe version of Salute and so if I were you, I'd spend the few extra bucks.

OVERALL THOUGHTS:

Salute is a fully enjoyable album full of anthems, ballads and songs that should find their place on your 2013 playlist. Little Mix is a group made of EXTREMELY talented young ladies, and the album was not only worth the wait, but also very consistent and it truly demonstrates the 4 girls' powerful and astounding vocals.

OVERALL RATING: 

4 and a half stars.

*All pictures courtesy of Google.