2012 turns into 2013.

Image: Vanessa J. Photography 

Hey guys,

so 2012 is almost over and well .. I've tweeted about it quiet a lot but I just have to say it again - 2012 was the best year of my life so far. It's been a blessing in so many ways.

And since I did a "review" of my year in 2011 (on my tumblr - read here) I decided to do it again.

So 2012 made me realize in which way I want to go. I've known that I wanted to work in the journalism/online/music business for quiet a few years but this year was definitely proofing it.

This blog is probably my highlight.

 When I started this blog in February I could not imagine that something that was created because I was bored would turn into something I can't go a day without thinking about.

 I never thought that I could be so passionated about my house in the sand. And I never thought so many things would happen because I'm doing this. 

Even though there were times where I just wanted to delete it and pretend I never started it, I am so happy that on a boring day in February this thing got started - started to change my life.

Why did it change my life? Because of the opportunities I got, because of the doors that started to open, because of the support I got, because I got to express myself. 

The people I met ... goodness. There are so many people I met this year, so many people I got to know better, so many people I could work with and so many people I became friends with.

And there have been quiet a lot wonderful people who supported me. Of course everyone who decided to visit my blog more than once, everyone who ever left a comment, everyone who ever helped me to promote, everyone who send me feedback, everyone who hit the follow button. 

I wish I could name everyone and thank everyone personally .. but I definitely can't. 

I want to name a few people even though because of their support:

my Mum - she's the reason I get to write concert reviews (my favourite thing about this blog) because she always takes me there. She's the reason I get to do what I love.

Martin and James - you have definitely made 2012 verrry special for me and I'm sure you know why. 

Jim Kroft - your support and words helped me so much I can't even express it. You are such an inspiration and I am so happy I got to meet you in 2012.

Ryan McNeil - the man with the plan. The plan and the supportive words and acts. 

Dan Dietrich - you are definitely one of the nicest persons I met 2012, thank you for always comforting me with your words. 

The Arkanes - without you guys 2012 would have been less funny.

Firmoo.com - thank you for a wonderful collaboration! 

My readers - you guys are definitely the best! 

(note: thanks to Martin and James, The Arkanes and Ryan McNeil for the interviews!)

Thank you all for showing love, sticking with me through the ups and downs and enjoying what I do. I seriously would love to hug you all .. I that was only possible. :D

I can not wait to take chances, meet new people and enjoy life in 2013. I'm super curious what I will post in exactly one year. 

Wishing you all the best for 2013 - let's rock this year together! 

x Vanessa

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Little break.

Hey guys,

I am here to announce a little blogger break. The holidays just started and I think now it's the perfect time to step back and enjoy a little break to get creativity back and let the work settle a bit.

Being non-stop thinking about what to post next can be a bit tiring and it starts bothering you 24/7.
Since I'm already planning things for 2013 which consist of incredibly cool things as well as lots of work I think this little break will help a lot to get even more creative. 

If you want to keep in touch or get some updates then just follow me on Twitter (@Vanyhoney) and you'll be good. Feel free to talk to me, I always reply! ;)

This break won't be all too long because have already planned something really nice for the end of the year, so stay tuned for that. :)

I wish all of you happy holidays, a merry Christmas and wonderful times with whoever you spend them with! :) 

x Vanessa

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DIY: Statement notebook.

image: weheartit.com

Hey guys,

I finally have got another DIY for you! :) It's definitely been way to long since the last time. 

So this time I'm going to show you how create your own statement notebook. 

I've been a fan of those notebooks ever since I first saw one. Some of you already know that I'm kind of addicted to notebooks because I love writing so a notebook and a pen are my best friends and I always carry them with me. But just going to the store buying any blank, boring notebook isn't really what I want. 

They should be personalized or at least they should stand out.

My mind always works better when the material I work with looks nice.

That's why I decided to personalize my notebooks. 

As for the quote I wanted a song (lyrics) to be on my notebook and then decided to take the song "Don't act like you know me" by The Arkanes (listen to it here). But of course you can use whatever you want. (Lyrics, a quote from a movie, a saying by someone you like, your name, your pets names, ...)

What you need:

Any blank notebook  (colour of you choice), scissors, glue and  self-adhesive foil.

Step 1:

Decide the quote you want to put on your notebook and open  'word' to
type in any font you like. (I used ARIAL)

Step 2:

Print it out.

Step 3:

Cut out the letters and glue them on afterwards. (This is really the most  difficult part .)

Step 4: 

Cut the self-adhesive foil and put it all over the notebook.

Step 5: 

Enjoy your personalized notebook.
Get a pen and write down whatever you want to write down.

So, that's actually it. :) Really easy, right?

If you're wondering where I got these great glasses - they're from Firmoo.com and actually you can save 20$ if you check out this giveaway! 

Let me know how you would design your notebook. ;)

x Vanessa

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Firmoo.com glasses review + GIVEAWAY

Hey guys,

I am so excited about today's post. 

I started a collaboration with Firmoo.com and well - it's huge!

 Firmoo.com is one of the world's biggest online eyeglasses store. Please visit it here - firmoo.com

They sent me a free pair of glasses to start this collaboration. I was able to choose a pair from over 200 glasses. Here is the link to the one's I've choosen - my glasses.

Since I'm not in need of wearing glasses I took fashion glasses. And what can I say? I love them. They are super comfortable to wear, they look great and I feel super smart wearing them. Haha.

Here's a picture of me wearing my super cool glasses.

What do you think? 

What also is necessary to mention is the service that Firmoo.com offers is incredible! They answer every email in a blink of an eye, they have incredible offers and they are super kind!

But they did not only offer me glasses to keep for myself, but they are also sponsoring the giveaway I am now able to present you:

I am giving away 10 (!!!) vouchers. Each of the vouchers is worth 20$. 

So if you are in need of new glasses, need a christmas gift for a friend, need sunglasses for next summer or always wanted to have fashion glasses like me - this is your chance. 

The chance that YOU will win is huge since I'm giving away 10 vouchers. 

Notice: the voucher expiring on Dec.25th 23:59:59 can take $20 off any order but does not apply to shipping, discounted glasses and designer glasses.

How can you win? 

There are three ways to win:

1.) Follow my blog via GoogleFriendConnect

2.) Like my Facebook page 

3.) Follow me on Twitter

If you want to win, write a comment underneath THIS post. 

I will choose the 10 winners via random.org and contact you (either via GFC, Facebook or Twitter) and send you the voucher via email - so you don't even need to give me your address. 

Since the vouchers expiring on December 25th this GIVEAWAY ENDS DECEMBER 18th 8pm CET. 

Check out Firmoo:

Website

Twitter

Faceboook

I hope you are as excited as I am about this giveaway. :)

x Vanessa.

p.s.: a massive thank you to Firmoo.com for being so supportive to bloggers. 

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Jordan Pruitt.

image: Just Jared

Hey guys,

today I want to introduce you Jordan Pruitt. I'm pretty sure that some of you already know her. 

For those who don't:

Jordan Pruitt is an incredibly talented singer and songwriter from the United States. She performed a song on  the  "Jump In" Soundtrack which is called "Jump To The Rhythm".

 Another song you probably know is called "Outside Looking In" (I am in love with this song because it's meaning is so deep and probably a lot of us can relate to it.)

I discovered Jordan on YouTube while searching for covers of songs by my favourite artists. I still remember when I first saw one of her videos her voice totally gave me chills. Really, Jordan has a voice of an angel and she knows how to use it.

I've been watching her videos for about 4 years now and there was not one cover I didn't like. One of my favourites was her cover of  "Love Like This" by Natasha Bedingfield. Listen to it here. 

I also love one of her newest covers "Over You" by Miranda Lambert. Listen here.

I have never met Jordan but I feel like she is such a sweet person who probably doesn't even know who incredibly talented and wonderful she is. 

Maybe one day I'll get to interview via email. I think that would be wonderful and inspiring. :)

At the end of this blogpost I want to give you all the links to find her in the social media world.

Have a look on her website where you can get 7 free (!!!) songs. 

Jordan on Twitter.

Jordan on Facebook.

Jordan on Youtube.

Jordan's website. 

I hope you enjoyed this post and I also hope you're going to check out Jordan's amazing music. :)
If you do, let me know. ;)

x Vanessa.

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2013 concert wishlist

Hey guys,

those of you who follow me on Twitter already know about this post because when I saw the "2013ConcertWishlist" hashtag I immediately decided to write a blogpost about it instead of just tweeting it.

So let's get into who I want to see 2013.

1.) We The Kings - they actually already announced tourdates but I'm not sure if I'm able to go. But I'd love to see them, so yeah - they are on my concert list.

2.) Demi Lovato - I became a "Lovatic" in 2007 and wanted to see her ever since. Demi, please come over to Germany!!!

3.) Taylor Swift - I loved seeing her "Speak Now" show in 2011 and I would love love love to see her "Red" tour as well. 

4.) The Jonas Brothers - aaaah they are back. I had an incredible time when I saw them 2009 and I can't wait for them to come back to Germany again. 

5.) The Arkanes - I've seen those four gentlemen when they supported Jim Kroft this year and was paralized by their stage show. Can't wait to see them next year. They promised me to come over so ... if they don't ...

6.) Jim Kroft - I love seeing Jim on stage. It's hard to describe why .. but I just do.

7.) Martin and James - yes I've seen them 7 times so far. And no - I can't get enough of them. If you've ever seen them live you know why. 

8.) Dan meets Portland - this band should win awards for being so entertaining and talented. Can't wait to see them again.

9.) Rooney - because this band is awesome and so are their fans. 

10.) John Mayer - I love his music and I think seeing him in concert would be such a wonderful relaxing thing.

11.) Ed Sheeran - I just recently started liking his music and I think he is super talented.

12.) Livingston - saw them this year, sadly did not get to see the whole set so I would love to see them again. 

Alright guys, that should be it... 12 acts is actually a lot .. but the year has 365 days so that's totally do-able. ;P

Who is on your 2013 concert wishlist? Let me know in the comments.

x Vanessa.

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My favourite lyrics - Part 3.

Hey guys,

it's been a pretty long while since I last did a "favourite lyrics" post and I was so excited to share it with you. So I thought - why not do another one? 

If you're curious what songs were featured in my last post - click here.

Let's get right into the music. (to listen to the songs click on the titles)

Taylor Swift - "All Too Well"

"You call me up again just to break me like a promise. So casually cruel in the name of being honest."

Martin and James - "Cynical Skin"

"Half the glass is full and half is empty. No prizes here for guessing which one I see."

Jim Kroft - "Through My Weakness"

"Through my weakness I became strong. The time for weakness is now gone."

Jonas Brothers - "Take A Breath"

"People change and promises are broken. Clouds can move and skies will be wide open."

Demi Lovato - "For The Love Of A Daughter"

"How could you push me out of your world? Lie to your flesh and your blood? Put you're hands on the ones that you swore you loved?"

The Script - "Hall Of Fame"

"Never gonna know if you never even try." 

John Mayer - "Daughters"

"Fathers be good to your daughters, daughters will love like you do."

There are lots of songs by Taylor Swift, Jim Kroft and Martin and James which I love endlessly for their lyrics but listing them all would've taken ages to post and ages to read. I might post a seperate post for them. :)

What are your favourite lyrics? Who's your lyrical hero?

x Vanessa.

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Being happy.

Hey guys,

first of all: I'm so sorry for not posting for a while now. But guess what? I'm back.

Yesterday I watched a video on youtube about being happy. It was made by Louise from Sprinkleofglitter. It inspired me a lot to write a blogpost about how I stay happy or get happy.

The reason why I want to post this so bad is because lately I've seen / read  / heard things that made me really sad. A lot of young people seem to be very unhappy and be in a situation that makes them feel like it won't get better.

And it makes me sad to see how people just hate their lives.

So with those few things I'm about to mention I really want to help them. Even if only one person is going to change something, I'd be totally happy.

Let's start off with the easiest thing you could do to lift your mood up: blast your favourite song, sing the lyrics as loud as you can and dance around in your room like there's no tomorrow. Really - this is such an easy thing to do because I bet you all have a favourite song which can get you dancing. For me it's "We are never ever getting back together" by Taylor Swift right now. I just get crazy whenever I hear it.

The second thing which comes to my mind is: compliment someone. It sounds super cheesy but it works. It will not only make the person happy you compliment, but you will feel great as well.

I remember a woman walking by saying "I love your shoes." - I was so surprised and guess what - my day was made.

So it doesn't matter if you go tell someone they have pretty hair or a great smile when they walk by you or if anyone posts a picture on Twitter and you just comment. The reaction will make you so happy.

Another thing: help someone. This might sound a bit harder to do - but it isn't. Really. Helping someone does not mean you have to give someone thousands of dollars, no. You could simply carry some old woman's shopping bags, you could give clothes you don't wear anymore to the homeless or maybe just smile at a stranger. Maybe they are going through a tough time and your smile would light up their day. So just do it. It feels great.

Look at the great things in your life. I'm 100% sure that you've done lots of great things so far. So think about them, keep them in mind and let your self be proud of them. 

Believe in yourself and your dreams. I think out of all the things I just mentioned this is the most important one. You can only be competely happy if you believe in yourself. You've come so far in this life, so why would you want to give up? There are people who would love to be in your position. 

Show the world that you have the spirit to do anything you want. Believe in your dreams, work on them and you'll shine. 

Ok, that's it for now. I hope you enjoyed it.
Be happy!

There are a few more days left until my giveaway ends - so check it out here.

Also, if there's anything you'd like to know about me - click here.

x Vanessa.

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Question and answer.

Hey guys,

first of all - thank you for all the new followers and viewers. You guys are great! :)

Now I thought about a way you could get to know me a bit better. 

And I think a question and answer would be the coolest way to do that. 

So if there is anything you want to know about me, leave a question either as a comment on this post or tweet me or facebook me. Do whatever you want. :)

Keep in mind - you don't need a google account or blog to leave a comment. ;)

I'm really curious what you're going to ask me. :) Let me know if you're doing an Q&A as well - because I'd love to ask you something. 

Also - here's something verrrrrry important: check out my giveaway where EVERYONE will get something. I really want you all to participate.. :)

That's it for today.

Stay strong!

x Vanessa.

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Song introduction: Skeletons.

Hey guys,

I just realized it's been a while since I last introduced a song to you. I think the last song was "Tell Me (where to begin)" by Jim Kroft.

So it's time for another one and it's by the lovely Arkanes. (I once called them lovely in this post so that's why I keep doing that. :D)

The song is called "Skeletons" and well .. it's great. That's why I want to tell you about it. 

Listening to a song by the Arkanes is a bit like a drug:
 you first hear it, 
you start to dance like you're high (but you're not!),
 you listen to it over and over again because you can't stop. 

"Skeletons" is a song Chris talked about in the interview. It is one of the songs he is most proud of and I really understand it. 
Since I'm that type of listener who would rather listen to a song with a horrible melody than one with horrible lyrics the first thing I notice/love about a song are the words being sung. 

And the words being sung in "Skeletons" are ... how would I say? Lovely! Haha, well - the song is just a masterpiece. 

My favourite piece of lyrics are the very first words:

"Oh it's quiet strange how someone's life turn upside down."

But all of my regular blog readers know that I'm honest. So I have to tell you the one thing about that song that really sucks: 

I only can listen to it on the computer because it's not on iTunes.
ARGH!!!!!

Ok but that's really the only bad thing about the song ;)

Now it's time for you to listen to "Skeletons" right here.

After listening you will be addicted, so let's heal you with putting links to find The Arkanes:

The Arkanes on Twitter.

The Arkanes on Facebook.

The Arkanes on MySpace.

The Arkanes website.

I bet you enjoyed this post ;)

P.s.: Those guys are cool kids! I'm really happy they sometimes read the blog. :))

x Vanessa.

Remember my giveaway and maybe like my facebook page.

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