How to Improve Your Vocals i.e. My Top 10 Tips for improving your sound

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Hi Darlings,

I mentioned earlier that I'd started taking voice classes in order to improve my sound. I'm really glad I did because there are so many valuable things that I've learnt because of this training. This is valuable information that could interest anyone be you a closet rock star or seasoned opera singer. Enjoy

1. Do not clear your throat by doing that close-mouthed coughing thing. It scratches your vocal cords and can cause you to lose your voice. Instead drink water or swallow/ lightly cough in order to clear your throat.

2. Drink TONNES of Water. Try really hard to avoid singing with a dry throat. It is aweful for your voice and doesn't sound good.

3.Don't listen and critique yourself while singing. What you hear yourself sing is different from what others here from you.

4. When you have a cough or any sickness that harms your throat do not sing.

5. Always warm up your voice before singing . Sing a particular phrase with increasing pitch and decreasing pitches or you could sing through the scales (your do-re-mis).

6.If your voice tends to be dry, drinking milk or eating chocolate some time before practice can actually help.

7. If you have a vocal performance coming up, warming up and daily practice is really important, and even if you don't have one coming up, warming up your voice at the beginning of the day is usually good, especially if you tend to sing a lot randomly throughout the day like me.

8. When singing higher notes, breathe deeper and try to open all your airways as much as you can. This is important because the tendency is that the higher we go, the more we want to close up because of innate fear of the high notes.

9. When the air is really free and you are singing on or near the top of your range, a lovely thing called vibratto can happen in which your voice sort of vibrates (haha) on whatever pitch you are singing. It's beautiful when it's natural but you shouldn't force it because it can be really bad for your voice. Also it doesn't sound as nice.

10. Always sing from your diaphragm: Seriously. I didn't take this seriously until I lost my voice the day of my voice final, after practicing everywhere I could the week up to my final. I woke up and it was gone. Thankfully my professor was lenient and I still ended up doing well but honestly try to make a conscious effort to sing from your diaphragm by using deep breaths that fill your stomach to sing.

Love you all and Stay inspired,

P.S. So let me know what you think. What advice do you have for the singers out there? Any performance horror stories? Feel free to let me know in the comments below.

My Top 10: Little known quirks

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Dearest Devotees,

Since I had so much fun writing yesterday's post, I decided that I would write a similar one today. This post is about the random things I like to do/ or am interested in that you might never guess was apart of my personality if you didn't know me. I love finding out unusual things about people and I am hoping that sharing my quirks with you will help you find it easier to be quirky, and maybe even help me meet people with similar (random) interests. So without further ado, here are my top 10 quirks.

1. Greek and Roman Mythology: This is why I love books like Percy Jackson. I just love how ancient societies were able to create such amazing stories to explain things that they encountered daily.

2. The Sims, especially the Sims 3. I'm not a big video games person but I really love the Sims.

3. A really odd and wide taste in music ranging from classical, to hip hop, to metal, indie rock and country.

4. Youtube (This is more of an obsession) : particularly watching youtubers like Shane Dawson, Natalie Tran of Community Channel and Charlie McDonell.

5. Avatar -the last Airbender: The cartoon not the movie.

6. Magical beings in novels in general.

7. All types of dance, gymnastics, yoga and other similar activities that involve testing the limits of your flexibility (I have a pretty wide range of movement).

8. I absolutely love singing, am a songwriter and have been told I have a nice voice, but I have no desire to become a performer. Why? Stage fright.

9. Flying does really weird things to me (the air pressure causes splitting headaches akin to those Harry might have felt through his scar) yet I continue to adore flying.

10. Psychology and any study really that helps me understand why people act the way they do.I own so many non-fiction and self help books, its obscene.

Love you all and Stay inspired,

P.S. So let me know what you think. What are your quirks? How do you feel about them ? (I actually happen to like mine :) )Feel free to let me know in the comments below.

My Top 10: Amazing Places I would love to live

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Dearest Devotees,

Some of the following places are real. Some of them aren't. Most of them I will only ever live inhabit their confines in my dreams. Since I am unlikely to be forwarding my mail to any of these places any time soon, please indulge me as I list the top 10 places I would love to have the good fortune of calling home.

1. Hogwarts: After I read Harry Potter, I was hooked. After anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Hogwarts letter on my 10th birthday, I was devastated when, by the next morning, it had still not shown up. (I had to assume that this meant that the ability to hold things due to static cling was not, in fact, a sign of magical blood.)

2. Anthropologie: If you've never been in the store called Anthropologie I honestly cannot help you. The best way I could describe it is by saying is that it is as if they took all things indie, kitschy, craftsy, artsy and sweet and put them all in one store. I have sincerely considered moving there on separate occasions.

3. Libraries (especially large, old fashioned, public libraries): I once spent a whole summer reading books every day from 9-5 for about 3 months if memory serves. I would also take books home during those days, to read for as long as I was awake and not at the library. As you can see, I was a very odd child.

4. The world in which Percy Jackson lives: Granted it might extremely scary sometime, but how cool would it be see all the beings that Greek mythologies are made of walking and talking. Plus learning archery from a Centaur would be pretty awesome.

5. Genovia: Because with a ruler as cool and epic as Mia Thermopolis from Princess Diaries, I feel like life would be really interesting.

6. A wonderful imaginary land called Magical: A world that exists only within the confines of my mind and my novel and which you may all get to read about one day.

7. European Countryside: Be it French, Swiss or Northern Irish, I know I would be SO Happy if I could one day call such a place home. It's breathtakingly beautiful, and gives me dreams of horse back-riding with my kids in my private stables.

8. In the prairies of the Western U.S: Simply Google Colorado. One day I will have an artistic retreat here for at least 2 weeks. Until then I will have to satisfy myself with imagining myself through fields covered in yellow flowers.

9. New York: Fashion Institute of New York. The Museum of Modern Art. Broadway. The Energy. The Life. I could go on but I won't because I don't think I need to.

10. A Palace in a world in which Dr. Reid exists: The little girl in me has always wondered what it would be like to be a real princess and live in a palace...

Love you all and Stay inspired,

P.S. So let me know what you think. Where would you live (if there were absolutely no constraints with regards to time or reality)? What would you be your dream place to be? Feel free to let me know in the comments below.

Indie Appreciation Week: My Top 10 places to visit

Dearest Devotees,

Like I mentioned in my first indie appreciation week post, to me part of being independent means being free to travel and explore the world around me. I absolutely adore travelling, and I never feel more at ease with myself than when I am in the process of moving. Packing, unpacking and exploring new places are actions that are second nature to me. The way people have adventure lists of death defying/ extremely thrilling activities they want to do like bungee jumping and skydiving is the way I have a running list of places that I really want to go always at the ready. I see the world as an exciting mélange of people with different cultures, histories, and lifestyles and getting to live these experiences really thrills me. Below are the top 10 places I currently desire to see:

10.Cairo, Egypt: Oh the richness of culture with just a dash of danger that seeing the pyramids would give me! From what I've heard Cairo is a city that is just bursting with life in which the new and the old live peacefully side. I also long to have a camel ride along the desert to the sunrise.

9.Dublin, Democrat Republic of Ireland :I love Northern Ireland dearly. It is a place that is truly close to my heart and I've driven through Dublin before but I've never really seen it before. I love Gaelic. I think it’s a beautiful language and I feel it would be really nice to see it used more.

8.Dubai, United Arab Emirates- It's so exotically beautiful there and apparently they have a booming arts and crafts industry with lovely textiles and even more stunning jewelry. Add that to the enlarged beach city feel and you're looking at a lovely holiday.

7.Toronto, Canada: pure curiousity and lovely grade school friends to see.

6.Sydney, Australia: also sheer curiousity with the added possibility of running into Natalie Tran, one of my favorite youtubers.

5.Milan and Florence, Italy: Apparently they are the textile and art capitals of the world. I would love to see these assertations proved.

4.Barcelona, Spain: Been to Madrid and I liked it but something tells me I will probably fall in love with the regal elegance of Barcelona.

3.Venice, Italy: 1. It’s VENICE! 2. It may be one of the most unusual cities ever (structurally). 3. I really, really want to sail in a gondola (sea sickness be damned).

2.San Francisco, California: The Academy of Art is there and it’s my current art grad school lust. Also, it’s rumored to be a ridiculously beautiful city what with the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. 3. I am in the United States after all; therefore I must seize the day.

1.Paris, France: Fashion Capital of the world. Home of incredibly stylish men and women and land of so much inspiration. Almost anywhere else on this list can be switched around but Paris is most definitely no.1 for me.

Love you all and Stay inspired,

P.S. So let me know what you think. What places in the world do you really want to see? Feel free to let me know in the comments below.

Photos from: We Heart It

Into My Fashion and Beauty Treasure Chest...My Top 10 Fashion and Beauty treasures

Photo from: Tumblr

Darling Devotees,

Lately I've been looking to shake up my style a bit. I'v been Boho-Whimsical quite steadily for almost two years now and I feel like a change. I was thinking something with more of an edge and I know that a more chic style has been appealing to me too. But I can't totally leave bright colors alone either. Oh decisions! Anyway, I don't know why but lately I keep getting asked that really odd question about what you would take with you on a deserted island if you could only take 3 things. I still haven't come up with an answer but it did make me what the key elements of my personal style are and this list is what I came up with.

1. Cocktail Rings: I love all rings and own quite a few but I especially love cocktail rings! When it comes to jewelry on me I've discovered that bigger is better. My favorite ring is a big and beautiful gold flower ring I got from So Good Jewelry.

2. All up in your face prints: Polka-dots, stripes, florals, plaid, separately or all together I love them all.

3. Scarves- I must own about 10 and although I don't mean to perpetuate the European style stereotype I'm pretty sure this is something I acquired from the Swiss.

4. Anything in Purple and the Aqua Blue- Teal Spectrum: My room and wardrobe are covered in these two (three?) colors.

5. Vests: I think its amazing how these tiny pieces of clothing can instantly change a whole outfit.

6. Boots: I love boots so much if I could I would wear them everyday.

7. Cleanser: Although, I don't wear make-up most days cleaning my face with an alcoholic cleanser before I go to bed helps me keep my skin smooth and pimple-free.

8. Black mascara, and eyeliner: It's the gypsy in me that makes me love this.

9. Glossy lip balm: What I wear to balance the effect of my lined eyes.

10. Red Lipstick- If you are going to do something, might as well do it right.I rarely wear lipstick because I prefer to do my eyes but I just can't resist the chicness of red lipstick. It just screams style.

Love you all and Stay inspired,

P.S. So let me know what you think. What are your key fashion and beauty elements? Feel free to let me know in the comments below.

My Top 10: Personal Style Rules

Photo from: hatehandles

Dearest Devotees,

I was talking to my roommate earlier and discovered that over the years, I have developed a lot of rules that help keep me within the realms of my personal style. Some of these rules are quite flexible and may vary according to my current style inspiration but others are rules that I anchor myself to, much like Sir Thomas More anchors himself to his principles :) . They include:

• A wardrobe full of cotton, or even just one fabric, is not a wardrobe. There is so much variety out there. It might just be me but I can't help but it reminds me strongly someone in a boarding school with a uniform.

• Patterns and prints can be mixed. I agree it is a challenge and does require a certain amount of confidence and joie de vivre to pull it off, but if fashion didn't challenge me I wouldn't care about it anymore.

• Comfort and style can go together. I will never understand why or how people can wear pajamas to class. I mean even sports clothes can be useful and at least semi-cute.

• Accessories can make or break an outfit. I have believed in this rule for years, even gave a talk about in English class when I was 11. The right accessories can take an outfit from plain to dazzling.

• You do not have to show skin to be sexy or stylish. Sexiness comes from self-confidence and knowledge of what looks good on you. Also, even if the trend is about showing off your limbs, there are several ways to indulge show them off without exposing them to the elements.

• Do not care about what anyone else might or might not say. As long as what I'm wearing is appropriate for the occasion, and makes me look and feel good I should not and cannot go out worrying about little details like if I will look like everyone else. The first time I was criticised for my style was in 4th grade. Some girl said my wearing blue and black was tacky. I was a little upset at first but later I thought "who died and made her queen of all things fashion" and since then I wear whatever I like with total disregard for people's desire for me to blend in and look like everyone else.

• Strive to represent who I am and what I like in all that I wear. I am told I have a very energetic, vivacious and bubbly personality. I am generally very outgoing and like to claim that my life motto is " I don't do unhappy" . It makes sense that I am attracted to bright colours, and patterns and prints, and unafraid to take fashion and style risks because of who I am.

• Unless it is a matter of wearing a ball gown to a baseball park (or some other similarly ridiculous circumstance) I can not understand the concept of having clothes you can only wear to one place i.e. that lovely sapphire top with the beading in your wardrobe apparently only sees the light of day, when you are eating out at your favorite restaurant, every once in a blue moon. It's too dressy, to wear to work or to class, you say. Months later you give it away. Why? You never tried to dress it down. This is a sad but true story.

• Scarves can be worn anytime of the year, not just in winter. This is coming from a girl who spent six years of a secondary school in a country where 40 degrees celsius (104 fahrenheit) is an absolutely normal temperature for half of the year. Trust me, all you have to do is find the right one.

• Personal style is about emphasizing your beauty, both internal and external beauty. It is all about playing up the best parts of you. It's supposed to make you feel good and look good. If it doesn't do that its just not personal style.

Love you all and Stay inspired,

P.S. So let me know what you think. What are your personal style rules? What is your personal style? Feel free to let me know in the comments below.

Dear Devotee:My Top 10 Spring 2010 Must-Haves

Photo from: strawberryblueberry

A while ago, I put up a post asking you all to feel free to contact me with suggestions, questions and advice and ellie commented:

...So have you found anything out there that is a must have this spring? I did see some scarves that might brighten what I have, but then I thought..I'll get hot in that or spill something on it...

A while ago, I did a post highlighting the major trends for Spring 2010 here, but that was just giving you a general idea of what to expect ( and what I thought was lovely). But as the weather gets warmer (barely) and the time for intense spring shopping nears I realise we will all need a more definitive of what would be good to get, so I've put together this spring 2010 must-have list below:

Key outfit pieces

1. A Chambray shirt: The Americana take on the classic white men's shirt, this piece is a definite spring 2010 favorite. Through it over your cute floral dress or digital printed playsuit (see below) to reinvent your outfit.

2. Brown cargo pants.

3. 80s pop slouchy tees

4.White jeans with blue wash: I tend to favor dark washes because they are easier to dress up and down, but I must say that lighter washes have definitely stolen the show for this spring. Styles to look out for are the ripped and patched jeans.

5. Lace, lace and more lace: Lace details are definitely a must have for this spring, and they are a big enough trend you should shop around for a major clothing item that is part lace. Go for lighter shades for a dreamy day look and darker tones (like black) for a rocker chic/boudoir reminiscent night look.

So those were 5 of my spring major item favorites but since spring is mostly a period of transitioning I sometimes feel that the key to creating an on trend spring look that still reflects you is through your accessories, which is why it was so difficult for me to narrow it down to five. That being said, here are 5 spring 2010 accessories that no style maven should be without:

1. Floral print fringe scarf

2.Navy blue military style jacket or vest with gold details.

3.Patchwork print and light blue tote.

4. Spring leather jacket: This jacket has a warmer tone and is lighter in weight than the its autumn/winter version. Think carefree indie girl at woodstock festival instead of hard-rock chic.

5. Brown cow girl boots: Channeling your inner Americana.

Finally here is my hodge-podge mix of Spring 2010 hits for those who are in search of concepts to work with:

1. Polka dots

2. Chambray (shirts most especially)

3. Bows of all sizes

4. Pastels and blush colours

5. naval strips and military details

6. warm-toned spring leather

7. lace

8.spots of bright colours

9. light blue denim

10. Florals and digital prints

Ellie don't be afraid to get those cute scarves. I know that this season seems to be all about the pastels but if you are worried about taking care of them, this season's floral and leopard prints as well its "spots of bright colour" are definitely the way to go. Hope this helps.

Don't forget to enter my Abazias Diamonds giveaway by leaving a comment under the post darlings.

Love you all and Stay inspired,

P.S. So let me know what you think. What are your spring 2010 must-haves? How will you transition your wardrobe into spring? Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments below.

Beauty Basics: My Top 10 Beauty Tips

Beauty tips, much like gorgeous antique jewelry, get passed on from generation to generation, sometimes tweaked, sometimes updated but somehow always present. I have no idea how many times in my life I've picked up a new one along the way but these 10 tips are the ones that have stayed with me through thick and thin and have even become a part of my daily routine. They are:

1. Cleanse every night without fail: I know its hard. Trust me, I would be the first person to admit that their have been times that I've just been too exhausted to bother washing/cleansing my face before bed. But every time I do, I always end up regretting it. If you can't bring yourself to wash your face (at least) every night before bed, then invest in wipes, or a good cleanser and some cotton (whether you use make-up or not). I love everything Clearasil but my favorite cleanser would have to be Clearasil Ultra Cleanser.

2. Foundation before concealer: Now I admit, I am a Style Network addict, so I can really can't say where I first heard this tip from. But what I can tell you is that it works. Basically, if you put foundation all over your face and neck before you put concealer under eyes, you will be able to use less concealer (and less time) to create a more natural effect. Perfect for the stylish college girl on the run.

3.Lip balm (or even Vaseline) on your lips before bed: Something else that has become a part of my nightly routine. It ensures that your lips are naturally soft and smooth on a regular basis.

4. Drinking fruity and carbonated drinks with a straw: Now, I'm not really sure if it's a beauty tip but it is important to keep your teeth healthy and your smile gorgeous. This is because carbonated drinks like soda and acidic fruit drinks like orange juice weaken the enamel and leave your teeth defenceless and more transparent.

5. Having a manicure, pedicure and facial regularly: I'm not even saying that you should have an expensive one. If you're low on cash or time and can only be able to do it at the end of the day on a holiday weekend, go for it! You can even make a party of it by inviting friends over and doing it together. You'll feel much better for it.

6. The Eyes/Mouth Balancing act: True style is all about balance: balancing the top with the bottom, the earrings with necklace and the eye make-up with the mouth. Always remember to emphasize one or the other, never both. So if your making up your eyes, keep the mouth make-up to minimum usually, a light, or colourless gloss depending on your look.

7. If you have acne, foundation/concealer is not going to help: I know it's highly tempting to just cover up every spot with concealer or foundation, but just think about it. The reason you have the spots is because your pores are blocked, more make-up is only going to block it more. If you must cover it up when you go out, make sure you cleanse as soon as you return.

8. Find your own scent and rock it: Your personal scent is apart of your personal style. It does not have to be come from expensive cream or perfume. It can come from anything and as long as you love it and it makes you feel good about yourself then its perfect.

9. Use Sunblock/Sunscreen: This goes for everyone, regardless of your age, sex or skin colour. Using SPF 15 sunblock goes a long way in preventing the effects of aging caused by sun damage and skin cancer.

10. Drink loads of water: It had to be said. I mean, even my mother would swear by it. The truth is water is a wonderful natural agent because of its many health and beauty benefits. Basically, it purges your system and apparently decreases the occurence of pimples leading to smoother skin and a healthier complexion. What's not to love?

These are my favorite beauty tips in no particular order. Some of them , I've only recently acquired and some of them I've used almost forever. There are other tips, like brushing every night before bed, that are important to me and my routine too but, that's for another day.

Love you all and Stay Inspired,

P.S. So let me know what you think. Are any of these tips among your top 10? What are your favorite beauty tips? Feel free to tell me in the Comments below.

(Image thanks to Sashamd)