Friday, April 19, 2019

Kira Kosarin Off Brand album review



Off Brand is the debut album by singer and songwriter Kira Kosarin that was released on April 10, 2019, through AWAL. 

You may know Kira as Phoebe Thunderman from Nickelodeon's The Thundermans, but she would prefer that you forget that she was a teenage star on a kid's TV show and just simply listen.

Off Brand is an R&B album mixed with hip-hop music. This is where Kira finally lets loose and ready to show the world a different side of her.




Crazy's Your Type talks about a guy who always keeps picking the wrong girl every time. She opens up the track with the lyrics,

I see you out with her
Looking like some déjà vu
You always pick the girl
That’s always gonna play with you

On the chorus, she continues to remind him of his choice in crazy girls singing,

Don’t you act surprised
This happens to you every time
Don’t come asking why
We all know that crazy’s your type
 

 
Lyrically, 47 Hours is about an ex who is trying to win back Kira's heart, but she turns him down each chance that he gets.
 
On the pre-chorus, she sings,
 
Much, too much
Blame your insecurity
This isn’t gonna work for me
No, like no
I bet that you would disagree, ayy
 
Afterwards, she goes to the chorus with the lyrics,
 
Why you sending flowers?
It’s been 47 hours
It’s just too much
Much too soon
Don’t try to protect me
'Cause the pressure gets too heavy
It’s just too much
Much too soon
After 47 hours
 
 
Click here to listen to Area Code
 
 
Area Code finds Kira wanting to meet her love interest for the first time face to face as she sings,
 
So why you go askin for pics?
You know that you could come through
And be gettin your fix in person
But personally
I don’t think you live up to your name
I think you’re the best at runnin' games
Baby, won’t you say it to my face?
 
She continues on the chorus with,
 
Distance gives you confidence
But you can’t back up none of it
Showed up in your area code
And where did you go?
You can’t back it up
I came to your continent
What happened to your confidence?
Showed up in your area code
Now you can’t back it up
You can’t back it up
 
 
Click here to listen to Wandering Eyes
 
 
Wandering Eyes is about a guy that the singer sees as her guilt pleasure with the lyrics,
 
It's been two years since I fell into your arms
You picked me up with that perfect charm
You gave me everything that I ever wanted
So someone tell me why I'm still so haunted by him
And how he's built
Yes, you're my baby
But he's my guilty little pleasure and
I got no I reason I shouldn't wanna stay
But I can't help the things in my brain, so
Somebody tell me what's wrong with me and my
 
Kira continues on the chorus with,
 
My wandering eyes
Woah, woah
My wandering eyes
Woah, woah


 
 
 
Love Me Like You Hate Me is where the singer explores her sensual side with her man on the pre-chorus with.
 
Put your hands around my neck
And tell me what you dreamed about last night
Then do it right
'Cause I’m not lookin for forever, just tonight
 
 
She continues on the chorus with the lyrics,
 
Oh, don’t treat me like I’m fragile
I’m not a piece of glass, you’ll never break me if you tried, no
Don’t touch me like I’m fragile
You’ll only get me back if you can wake me up tonight
Know you don’t wanna make a wrong move
No, you don’t wanna lose me
I ain’t even mad if you bruise me
You ain’t even gotta say "Excuse me"
Don’t be scared, come pull my hair
Why you still standing there?
 
 
 
Click here to listen to Take This Outside
 
 
Take This Outside is a fun song tat lyrically talks about wanting to have a guy that you like all to yourself. On the chorus, Kira sings,
 
Meet me in the garden
Tell me if you’re about it
Forget all about the party and
Let’s get our own started
I’m over it inside, so let take this outside
 
 
Click here to listen to Poison
 
 
 
Poison is the final track on Off Brand. Kira talks about wanting to be a man no matter how toxic he is. She sings on the first verse,
 
You’re a bad decision that I wanna make
Oh, your chemicals, so incredible
Messin' up my vision, buzzin' in my brain
Unforgettable, might regret it, though
 
Then, the singer really turns up the heat with the lyrics,
 
You’re poison to the touch
I can’t get enough
I think I can take a little more
Venom in my blood
Dangerous and dumb
I just wanna take a sip of
Poison, poison
 
I just love Kira's album Off Brand. The lyrics, the production and the songs were all certified bops to me. The way that she makes R&B sound so good with her soulful voice is amazing.
 
Buy, listen or stream Off Brand on all music services:
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Ariana Grande 7 Rings review


7 rings (stylized in all lowercase) is the second single from Ariana Grande fifth studio album, Thank U, Next. It was released on January 18, 2019, through Republic Records. 

The song is described by the singer as a "friendship anthem" and that it was inspired by a trip to Tiffany's where Grande bought seven matching rings for her and her friends.

The track also includes an interpolation of My Favorite Things by Julie Andrews as Ariana sings,

Yeah, breakfast at Tiffany's and bottles of bubbles
Girls with tattoos who like getting in trouble
Lashes and diamonds, ATM machines
Buy myself all of my favorite things (Yeah)

Then on the pre-chorus, she boasts about money with the lyrics,

My wrist, stop watchin', my neck is flossy
Make big deposits, my gloss is poppin'
You like my hair? Gee, thanks, just bought it
I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it (Yeah)


She also uses another interpolation in 7 rings, but this time with a song titled Gimme The Loot by The Notorious B.I.G. 

On the third verse, she raps,

Shoot, go from the store to the booth

Make it all back in one loop, gimme the loot

Never mind, I got the juice

Nothing but net when we shoot


Here is my take on 7 rings. I thought Grande did a good job in showing off her rapping skills for this single. I love the fact that she challenged herself into taking on hip-hop and trap music for the track. I also recommend that you watch the music video for 7 rings because it had been described as "colorful" and "super fun".

Listen to 7 rings on all music-streaming platforms available:


Also, check out the remixed version of 7 rings featuring rapper 2 Chainz



Don't forget to check out some of my other blog posts of Ariana's songs from the Thank U, Next era:


Monday, April 8, 2019

Cait Fairbanks Clear My Mind review


Clear My Mind is a song by Cait Fairbanks that was released on April 7, 2019 through CatBeach Music. It was written by Fairbanks, Daena Wienand & Robert Hartry. 

Lyrically, the song is about Cait reliving all of her past mistakes. But then, she realizes that her lover is the only person who can help her "clear her mind". 

She opens up the first verse with the lyrics,

Hold my hands 'cause I can't feel them
Hold on to what you believed in 
If I can't figure it out
If I can't turn it around
If I can't change

Then, she continues on the chorus with,

Smoke on my mirror
Clouds in my head 
How did I get caught up in 
Words that I shouldn't say
I know I hurt you and I don't know why
When you're the one to clear my mind


I absolutely love the emotion of Cait's voice in this song. And the meaning behind it all is so beautiful and touching at the same time.

Please, go and listen Cait's new single Clear My Mind on all music-streaming platforms available:

Friday, April 5, 2019

4 DIY Air Fresheners That You Can Make At Home




Did you know that some air fresheners contain harmful chemicals? Seriously, it's true. When you spray any air fresheners in your home, the harmful chemicals from it can actually enter into your body when you go to breathe.

That's not good. Luckily, I've found 4 Natural Chemical-Free DIY Air Fresheners on FabHow.com that you can make for yourself.

Here they are:


1. Room Air Fresheners Using Herbs and Essential Oils

You'll need:

1/4 cup of Baking soda

2 teaspoons of sandalwood powder

15 drops of sandalwood essential oil

2 Cinnamon Sticks


1. Add all of the ingredients in a glass jar


Put 1/4 cup of Baking soda into a glass jar

Add two teaspoons of sandalwood powder 

Add 15 drops of sandalwood essential oil 

Mix all of the ingredients together

Put 2 medium-sized cinnamon sticks into the jar



Step 2. Cover the mouth of the jar with breathable fabric or mesh


Begin to cover the mouth of the jar with a mesh or breathable fabric

Secure it in place by tying a bright colored ribbon around it

Tip: You can make multiple jars and put one in every room to keep your home smelling fresh, fragrant and inviting. This DIY air freshener will last about 1 month, just shake it up after 10 to 15 days if the aroma is fading.



Lemon Room Air Freshener 


Things You'll Need:

1/4 cup of Baking soda

Lemon zest - 1 to 2 medium-sized lemons

15 drops of lemon essential oil



1. Combine all ingredients in a small, glass jar

Put 1/4 cup of Baking soda in a small, glass jar. It should fill the jar, leaving just 1/2 inch from the neck

Add lemon zest from 1 to 2 medium-sized lemons

Add 15 drops of lemon essential oil

Mix well using a wooden stick

Cover the mouth of the jar with a small piece of mesh or breathable cloth

Secure it with a brightly colored ribbon


Tip: Place it in any room of your choice to give it a tangy, tropical scent. This DIY air freshener will last about 1 month, just shake it up after 10 to 15 days when its intensity fades.

2. Air Freshener Spray




Things You'll Need:

10 to 15 drops of lavender essential oil

1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol 

1/2 cup of distilled water



Single-Step Method: Combine all of the ingredients in a clear spray bottle & spray it when needed

Pour 1/2 cup of distilled water into a empty spray bottle. Using a medium-sized bottle, fill it about halfway.

Add 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol. If you don't have rubbing alcohol, you can use vodka instead.

Add 10 to 15 drops of lavender essential oil

Shake well to mix all of the ingredients thoroughly before spraying it

Tip: You can spritz this air-freshener spray where needed to banish foul or musty odors from your home.

3. Air Freshener Gel


Items You'll Need:

1 tablespoon of salt

1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin 

15 drops of rose essential oil

1 or 2 drops of food coloring (optional)

Artificial flowers (optional)




Step 1. Dissolve the salt in hot water

Heat 1 cup of water in a pan

Add 1 tablespoon of salt, and mix well until it dissolves completely



Step 2. Mix in unflavored gelatin & pour the mixture into a glass jar

Remove the pan from the heat and let the water cool down a bit

Add 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin crystals

Stir well with a wooden stick or spoon, until the gelatin crystals dissolve completely

Let it cool down, then pour the mixture into a glass jar


Step 3. Add food coloring, rose oil and artificial flowers

After pouring the gelatin solution into the glass jar, add 1 to 2 drops of food coloring, You can use any color of your choice, just start with a small amount and add more if you want a deeper shade.

Add 10 to 15 drops of rose essential oil and mix well

Let it solidify a little before adding any decorative items to prevent them from sinking all the way to the bottom

You can then add artificial flowers or any other adornments that you desire

Now, let the gel further solidify. You can put in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours to speed up the process


Step 4. Prepare a perforated lid to finish off your gel air freshener

Last but not least, prepare a perforated lid for the gel air freshener to diffuse the fragrance and prevent the gel from drying up too quickly

Just take a jar lid with its center removed and cut out a lid top from a thick piece of colored paper

Screw the lid with the paper center onto the jar

Use a toothpick or any sharp object to pierce holes in the paper lid

Your DIY gel-based air freshener is ready for use. It will last you an entire month.



4. DIY Potpourri

Things You'll Need:

Dried flowers and leaves – enough to fill a jar

Rose essential oil – 10 drops

Lavender essential oil – 10 drops

Whole cloves (optional) – 10 to 15

Marbles – as needed



Step 1. Combine dried flowers and essential oils in a jar and seal it shut


Dry the flowers of your choice for at least 1 week to eliminate all moisture.

Fill an airtight jar with the dried leaves, flowers, and petals.

Add 10 drops each of rose and lavender essential oils.

Screw on the lid and leave the jar alone for 7 days. This will allow the dried flowers and leaves time to absorb and infuse the scent of rose and lavender with their own.



Step 2. Arrange your potpourri to keep your home smelling nice

After 7 days, remove the scented dried flowers from the jar.

Depending on the size of bowl you’re using, you can put marbles at the bottom so that the potpourri sits nicely on top.

Arrange your potpourri to create a beautiful display.

Optionally, add 10 to 15 whole cloves to add a sharp, spicy edge to the floral potpourri.

Place it in the room of your choice to keep it smelling fresh, floral and fragrant. This DIY homemade potpourri will last at least 2 to 3 weeks. You can keep adding the fragrant essential oils to make it last longer.

Additional Tips: 

Another simple way to keep your home smelling great is by burning fragrant incense sticks. Just be sure to keep them away from flammable materials.

You can eliminate musty odor from an unused room by opening up all the windows and doors to let fresh air and sunlight in.

Apart from making DIY air fresheners, you can also use baking soda to get rid of odor from your refrigerator.

Sabrina Carpenter Pushing 20 review


Pushing 20 is a song by singer Sabrina Carpenter that was released on March 8, 2019. It serves as the lead single from Carpenter's upcoming album titled Singular: Act II. It was written by Paul Shelton Oak and Sabrina Carpenter.

Singular: Act II is the second act of a two-part album with the first act being released in November 2018. 

The song was first played at the opening night of the Singular Tour in Orlando in 2019 before shortly releasing it as a single.

Lyrically, Pushing 20 is about how Sabrina doesn't care about other people's opinions and how she would rather spend her time dealing with her own responsibilities. 

On the pre-chorus, she sings the lyrics,

You got a way, you're messing with my faith
You're tryna paint a picture but you're running out of paint
You had your say 'til I took it away
Out of yours in my controlla

Then, she moves on to the chorus with,

I'm pushing 20, got no time for others (Pushing, pushing)
I'm pushing 20, got no time for others (Pushing, pushing)
Who ain't on the same wave, yeah, on the same page
Tryna tell me what to be, yeah, tell me what to think


I was introduced to Sabrina Carpenter by a friend of mine. I kinda already knew who Sabrina was because I would always see her perform some of her hit songs on the Radio Disney Music Awards. But I never really got the chance to listen to her songs until I listened to Pushing 20 on Spotify one night.

I love the meaning behind the track, the lyrics and how Carpenter is experimenting with trap music for this single.

If you're a Sabrina Carpenter fan, then I recommend that you and go support her music. And make sure that you be on the lookout when she drops Singular Act: II later this year.

Buy, listen or stream Pushing 20 everywhere:






You can also watch the lyric video for Pushing 20 below:




10 Inspirational Books That You Need to Read!



Today, I will be listing 10 inspirational books that you need to start reading right now. I think that reading is a good way to relax your mind from all of the chaos that is going on in the world that we live in.

Here are the top ten books that you should consider:


1. Staying Strong: 365 Days a Year by Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato is a many of things. Singer, actress, and an outspoken advocate. But she is also a young woman who is trying to find out her way in the world just like me. In her book titled Staying Strong: 365 Days a Year, you will read different quotes from the singer herself that holds a personal reflection and a goal.

 Demi's words are really something that we should all live by.

Where to buy:






2. Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer

Author and minister Joyce Meyer is showing readers on how they can change their lives by changing their minds and the way that they think. In her most popular bestseller to date, Joyce explains on how you can deal all of thoughts that you think every day and learn to focus your mind on the way that God thinks. She also shares the trials, tragedies and victories in her marriage, family and ministry that lead her to a life-changing transformation.

Where to buy:






3. I Don't Belong To You: Quiet the Noise and Find Your Voice by Keke Palmer

Singer and actress Keke Palmer has always used her social media platform to talk about real issues that matter to us, but in her book titled I Don't Belong To You, she tackles on subjects that we all deal with in the 21st century. From race and sexuality to bullying, success and body image just to name a few. As you read Keke's book, you will feel empowered by her words and learn to accept yourself for who you really are.

Where to buy:




4. The Power of Love: Sermons, reflections, and wisdom to uplift and inspire by Michael Curry

Two billion people watched Bishop Michael deliver his most popular sermon on the redemptive power of love at last year's royal wedding for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex). 

In The Power of Love book, he shares the full text of his sermon, plus an introduction and four of his favorite sermons on the themes of love and social justice.

Where to buy:






5. 1000 Inspirational Quotes: Daily Motivation For Your Best Year Ever by Albert Goodman

Do you need some motivation and inspiration in your daily life? If you've answered yes, then look no further. 1000 Inspirational Quotes is the perfect book for yourself, student, friends, employees and even your boss.

It features 1,000 famous quotes from people like Oprah Winfrey, Steve Jobs, Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Diana, Will Smith, Cher, Helen Keller and so many more. 

Read this book every morning to gain motivation enthusiasm as you begin to start your day.

Where to buy:




6. Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: Stories of Life, Love and Learning by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen & Kimberly Kirberger

Being a teenager is so hard, but you are not alone. This book is filled with stories that talk about life, love and learning as you begin to read it. Some of them will make you cry and others will make you laugh. 

I remember reading this book way back in 2011. Eight years later, I still love Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul and would definitely recommend this to any teen who needs it.

Where to buy:





7. This Is The Day: Reclaim Your Dream. Ignite Your Passion. Live Your Purpose. by Tim Tebow

New York Times best-selling sports star and media icon Tim Tebow teaches readers to stop postponing your dreams and start to make them happen right now because this is the day.

In the book, you will read about Tim's stories from his personal life and also receive both advice and encouragement to daily move from "pause" to "play" in finding a deeper meaning and success. 

Where to buy:






8. Find Rest: A Women's Devotional For Lasting Peace In A Busy Life by Shaunti Feldhahn

Do you often find yourself worn out or overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list? It can be Multitasking, taking care of family and friends, running errands, filling out paperwork and so on. 

Author Shaunti Feldhahn will show you the path to having rest and abundance peace in your life through her 60-day devotional, Find Rest. 

Each day of the journey includes:

Scripture to orient yourself around

A devotional passage

A question to reflect on from that day

Space for personal notes, impressions or prayer

Where to buy:




You can also get the Find Rest: Journal (Deluxe Signature Journal) on Amazon as well:




9. Live in Light: 5-Minute Devotions For Teen Girls by Melanie Reed

Find the light to the path of growing up with 5-minute devotional written by the author herself Melanie Reed. Crushes, girl squad drama, stress and figuring out who you are and what you want to be when you grow up are just some of the topics that will be covered in this book. Inside these teen devotionals for girls, you find:

5-minute devotionals —Bring the Bible into your day at any moment with quick and practical readings.

Relatable Scripture —Unpack lessons from the Bible with anecdotes you can apply to your daily life.

A spiritual tool kit —Relate God’s words to challenges and topics like social media, body image, self-worth and more.

Even though Live in Light is not available until April 9th, you can still pre-order the book on websites like Amazon and more.

Where to pre-order:





10. Live Original Devotional by Sadie Robertson 

You know Sadie Robertson as the star of the A&E's show Duck Dynasty or maybe you've seen her competing as one of the contestants on Dancing with the Stars. Well, now she is a devotional book for both young women and teen girls to help them navigate their complicated, fun and stressful lives by applying powerful biblical principles to their everyday lives. 

This book features a variety of topics like self-confidence, social media, bullying, dating, peer pressure, and so much more.


Where to buy:







                                                   https://www.ebay.com/itm/273660187811

Lana Del Rey - Text Book Review

Text Book is a song by singer Lana Del Rey that was released on May 20, 2021. This is the third and final of the surprise release singles fr...