ME #1

1. I live in Holbrook, Derbyshire (with 47 sheep)
2. Ruth Hannah Smith (hence the RHS, incase you were wondering) 
3. 14th December 1993
4. I have been to five schools since turning 4 (16 years ago, cray-zee)
5. I don't eat lamb (not because of the sheep, because it tastes like plastic)
6. My favourite fruit is banana (with lashings, I mean a tablespoon of peanut butter)
7. I love to run (a lot, occasionally, sometimes, in lycra)
8. I am unbelievably organised (you should see my desk right now and my calendar) 
9. I will only drink bottled water when at Uni (theres just something in the water in Stockotn) 
10. My favourite film of all time is Love Actually (and The Holliday, and Notting Hill etc etc) 
11. I am an only child (not a lonely child as Sarah once thought it was, she's one of three) 
12. My aim in life is to achieve a Masters degree, just to get the same qualifications as my father 
13. My obsession for Clinique is frankly unwordable (which isn't even a word... see) 
14. I can't drink caffeine 
15. I don't drink milk, it makes me rather ill, but I will always partake in chocolate 
16. I can rap the words to "Make me proud" by Drake (Don't ask me sober though)
17. I always try and have breakfast in bed (a new thing, I wake up 20 minutes earlier to relax!)
18. I wear glasses to read (+0.5 - is it even worth it?)
19. I am the area champion in Derbyshire for the 800m 4 years running 
20. I have never broken a bone (apart from my nose, but that is not a bone) 
21. Myself, my mother, my grandmother and my great-grandmother all went to all-girls schools 
22. I have never smoked, or taken drugs, you will find me with a bottle of rose occasionally however
23. I have never had anything pierced, ever, anywhere, never will. 
24. My day always begins with solid porridge, keep it in the microwave for 5 minutes, with half the normal amount of milk. Bon Apetit! 
25. My favourite animals are cats, British Blues to be certain, although I love my rabbit Lady Gaga lots
26. I was in New York for my 15th birthday 
27. My biggest fear is illness 
28. My favourite holiday is to the west coast of France, Cognac, La Rochelle area 
29. My lucky number is 4 as it is the only number where the number of letters are the same as the number itself 
30. Are oranges orange because of orange or is orange orange because of oranges? 
31. I love scars, in fact don't get me started
32. Most used nicknames are Ruthie and Rufus (and now Rutilda from my supervisor at work)
33. I support Derby County, have done since I was born, with my dad taking me to the Baseball ground, then the opening of Pride Park
34. Harry Potter over Twilight all the way 
35. I can play the piano (a bit, when I feel like it)
36. My favourite composer is Beethoven, then probably Einaudi
37. My favourite actress EVER is Kiera Knightly, how is anyone that gorgeous? 
38. My favourite actor is Hugh Grant 
39. My favourite boys names are Elliott and George, maybe Morgan too 
40. I love the name Felicity for a girl 
41. I'm not superstitious as I never know what it means when you see a Black Cat and after all my Uncle Stevie Wonder said "superstition aint the way" 
42. I once cycled from London to Derby for Sport Relief and fell off and got bursitis in my shoulder, of which I still have the scars on my elbow from, nearly two years later. 
43. I often sleep talk 
44. As a 5 year old I always wanted a red Porsche boxter - I had one for my Barbie dolls
45. I have never owned a horse 
46. I have driven through Luxembourg in an hour
47. I would rather have fingers for toes than toes for fingers 
48. I am pretty amazing at risottos - ask me to make you one sometime
49. I laugh at everything, or I see the funny/happy side of everything. Every cloud!



I tan like there is no tomorrow

50. My greatest weakness is worrying. I worry about everything. Hence no.49! 



the fam



Ahh Stephenson College, DU



I'm a cat

Another Soundcloud haul

It was a classic sleepless night on my behalf - I spent two hours, between 2am and 3am scouring Soundcloud - of which I had already spent an hour earlier in the evening. I am obsessed with Soundcloud and repost far too much, but it is all organised into little playlists to keep me happy. Add me on Soundcloud here or click on the cloud below my blog title.

So what did I find? A french DJ, A British singer/songwriter who has perfect lyrics and the guy who sings "Ready for your love" with Gorgon City - is it just me or does Gorgon City remind you of cheese? Cheese city, that would be my favourite place.

First the British beauty - Clare Maguire, she is on iTunes - but I recently found out anyone can be on iTunes, so nothing too special there, anyway she only has about 5,000 followers on Soundcloud and she certainly deserves more credit then that. She reminds me of a Laura Marling lyrics wise  and a Lana Del Rey deepness to her voice. This song is quite deep! 

Clare Maquire - Whenever You Want It

Second, the French DJ, gorgeous faced Monsieur Adi - he's mainly known for incredible remixes, including Laura Mvula, Bastille, Beyonce etc etc. But he has recently released (Actually it is being released sometime over the next few days I do believe) with A*M*E "What's Going On" - I love the violins at the start of this track, very French and musical, as opposed to electric keyboards that sound like an electrocuted piano score (if that has a sound). This one, we need to go back to 1989 - yes really, when we were all potential specks of sparkle in our parents' eyes. Back To Life (However Do You Want Me) was released by Soul II Soul - What's Going On - is a kind of "danced up" remix, very cleaver. Bravo Monsieur! 

Monsieur Adi Feat A*M*E - What's Going On

Look him up on Soundcloud above for free downloads!

Last but not least, is MNEK, played a lot on Radio 1 espesh with Zane Lowe. As I said above he is famous for his collaboration with Gorgan City, but everyone knows that one so I thought i'd spice it up with this one. If we can remember 11 years ago to 2003, Lumidee released "Never Leave You" - yes it really was that long ago, I was nearly 10 - aww. Well MNEK has "refix"-ed this song, and its certainly different!

MNEK - Never Leave You Lumidee Refix 

Hope you've enjoyed listening to the tracks! - Don't forget to follow me on Soundcloud!

Love,
RHS x 

My favourite Soundcloud finds so far

I've been on Soundcloud for just over a year now (click on the little cloud under my blog title) and I love the way you are introduced to new artists that no one has heard of and then you hear them on Radio 1 Introducing four months later and feel like you could compete with Dr Dre. in the music production industry... maybe. Then there is the trap-y remixes that have you tripping out and the chilled covers by Mary-Jane Jones in Alabama U.S. - take a look, you'll understand what I mean (NB: I made Mary-Jane up - but she might be on there somewhere!) 

Here are my favourite finds so far:

Lana Del Rey - Summertime Sadness Cedric Gervais RMS - Trapped it! Remix - what isn't to like about a remix of a remix?

A$AP Rocky - Fashion Killa [E] - not a remix but Soundcloud is how I came across this beaut of a song; "her pistol go" is still a confusing lyrics but when it's A$AP Rocky, who cares?

Cameron Mitchell - Skinny Love (cover) - slowing things down with this beautiful voice. Love the video on YouTube to this too tres Indie. 

Rihanna feat. Kanye West - Diamonds (Remix) - great lyrics from Kanye (first name terms) then a sneak preview from Rihanna (nice of her to turn up)

Daughter - Medicine (Sound Remedy Remix) - I was first introduced to this by the lovely Natalie when I told her I liked Daughter but they (She?) needed to add a bit more of a beat for me to listen to in the gym and the Angel came up with this - Thanks Nat! - now, where not talking Skrillex or Ministry of Sound Pump It Up but were talking a beat better than the usual Daughter delivery...

Luke Sital-Singh - Nothing Stays the Same - What a good one to finish on, he starts very subdued but later in the track you can feel his passion and fantastic lyrics. Very impressed he has his own Vevo channel too! 

Join Soundcloud! You might discover something no one else has ever heard of and that's a great feeling. 

Happy listening

RHS x 

The in-between post

I have been writing a post for three days now, Its taking me ages to complete. So I thought whilst I finish it and as I try to restore my iPhone to actually hold my iTunes library (not going to happen is it?) this song came onto my iTunes and I had to share it. I used to hate it, I was never a big fan of the raps in it. But its grown on me. Beautiful song, from an artist with an incredible voice. 

Jessie Ware 'Wildest Moments' Feat A$AP Rocky (pronounced A-SAP, just clear up any confusion. He will always be A-S-A-P Rocky to me) 

RHS x

The late night post

This is the icon. 

Its 23:30 and after two hours of the famous Kit Kat Chit Chat, a 25 minute run (which, just as a sidetrack I am not happy about because I went for a long, slow run and set RunKeeper on start and  I was hopping along singing merrily away to Lorde when I forget to press stop when I had finished - only to find out 2 hours later when it apparently takes me over two and a half hours to run nearly 3 miles - I said I was running slow but not turtle speed - this is another thing, can you say "turtle speed" because aside from a dodgy-sounding drug, turtles don't real "speed" anywhere do they? - we'll stick with pace. So basically the reason for that rant was to remind people to stop their RunKeeper or forever be seen as a turtle-paced runner. end.) and a lecture on what IS (information systems) actually is, its much clearer now, just, and a lecture about sampling with Santa Claus I am about to catch up on the daily news - on Vine. I've had Vine now for sometime (like 5 months?) and have posted potentially 2 videos? And have found Instagram to be much better for videos. But I have recently stumbled across some very comical videos. Now I have got to this point in the post and have only just realised that Vine don't have a website - of course they don't! so er, I can't link you to my profile or funny videos because the Vine-ers are still clearly working on their website issues. But if you don't have Vine and you are in the 21st century with an iPhone or an Android then get the app and watch some hilarious videos from these people (I can't describe the videos, you have to watch them to understand): Brandon Calvillo, MAX JR, Klarity, DeStorm, Jerry Purpdrank and then add me "Ruth Smith" - very imaginative - then you won't have to add everyone else because I always revine - thats like retweeting - or just follow me on Twitter where I usually share the Vines to. 

Oh and after typing into our good brother "Google" I manage to find MAX JR's profile - MAX JR Vine Profile

He's funny. 

Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite 

RHS x 

p.s. I know I'm great at typos - please tell me, I usually wear reading glasses but for some reason don't when I write a blog post so I apologise for the spelling mistakes!x

Warm Fuzzy

Its Monday evening, I think half of the University are having their picture taken for the Marrow calendar - involves partial nudity (hence why I'm here, not there) and I'm currently organising Birthday plans - gonna be a good one! Just be in Derby City on my bday and you'll find us somewhere! 

So I've had 5 hours of lectures and seminars today and there is no better way to chill out then to listen to a bit of the Queen of pop - Bey. The lyrics are beautiful and the remixes are perfect for the gym. But for now enjoy the original from 10 years ago this month (yes really, yes we are all very old, but Beyonce looks younger...) - head bouncing and booty shaking are acceptable (if you can do it slow!) 

"All the ladies if you feel me help me sing it out..."

Be your own best friend!
RHS x 

Music Review #1 - Lady Gaga and Iggy Azalea

  Approximately 30 seconds after I posted about my holiday prep I decided it was time to complete and potentially review my summer playlist. I tend to go for two playlists - depending on my mood - one which is more Daughter and Jessie Ware and one which is more David Guetta and Beyoncé.

  So I merrily log onto iTunes and something catched my eye. The white background, the oddly painted face, the easy to recognise nose and eyes of Lady Gaga - you're not telling me she's back? Oh yes my children, she is back and which avngence by the sound of the single "Applause".

  The album is "ARTPOP" and the release date isn't until 11th November, remembrance day, interesting Gaga. But the single is available to download now.

  Its stil Gaga but there is something different about it - as the Adams family intro makes you think and with the opening line of "I stand here waiting for you to bang he gong" you know its different.

  She then shows her true colours (if you will excuse the terrible pun) when the chorus beings with "I live for the applause" - being repeated over and over. Overall the YouTube likes say it all at over 129,000 likes and only 14,000 dislikes (still a lot of dislikes!) - but I am very much a like.
  She's been having some good and bad press recently but shes headlining at iTunes festival on September 1st in London - normal. Now this (only just in from MTV) she's doing a DUET WITH CHER, you heard me right - any "Believe" fans will LOVE this and I have to say I am loving it - there aren't really any official audios so  have a search on YouTube to have a listen to some previews but its looking more Cher ft. Gaga rather than Gaga ft. Cher - YES CHER!

Anyway, after a bumpy ride for Gaga including a naked V magazine shoot, buying MJ's clothes, doing a "non-promo" here (basically telling people not to buy her single - very odd indeed, but a very good technique), and feuds with Katy Perry as her release date and "Applause" release date now clash (Applause was leaked so the release date is earlier than expected)... It doesn't take the shine away from the fact that GAGA IS BACK! 

I give it 3.5/5 bravo Gargs.

Now onto Miss Azalea - the lyrics to "Work" are absolutely amazing.

  My favourite line to be exact is "Valley girls giving blow jobs for Louboutins, whatcha call that? - head over heels?" - another bravo is in order.

  I had seen the official video on MTV and liked it, kind of, but then when I saw her perform on BINTM on a table infront of Elle McPherson I was like "I need this in my life - and my workout" it is such a good motivator to workout to and the varying tempos and dynamics make it a great club tune, I am definitely requesting it next time I am out.
  She has recently released "Bounce" but I am definitely not sure if I like that - its quite Nicki Minaj and Ke$ha - but a fail and I can see that hitting clubs too.

  But by far "Work" is my favourite - the video is pretty amazing too - as she struts across a desert (sorry, walks a mile in her Louboutins) in Empire State heels. 

4/5 go Iggy iggy iggy! oi oi.... ohhhhh dear.

Hope you enjoy them as much as me!

RHS x

The calm before the storm

I'm sat in bed - Don't be too shocked, I was at work till 12:30am 

Listening to 'Blue Velvet' by Lana Del Rey.

Thinking - what next? 

I'm not talking the deep "what am I?" "where am I heading in life?" kind of thinking - get real. 

I'm thinking what do I blog about. 

I feel I'm having a lul. 

I'm going to Durham on friday (hometown 2) and I can feel things brewing up there. 

I'm going to France in 9 days (oh how I love love love going to France - await lots of pictures of chateaus and me drinking samples of wine) 

I'm going to Marbella in just under a month (with two friends and I am so excited, just to go to Surrey to be honest - expect where to go and where not to go I'm picturing)


But I thought to end this random blog I would share one of my greatest loves... 

Yes, the piano. 

Horrible to hear (again) but I have broken yet another violin string, this time the D, first it was the A, then they wanted to change the E too (don't make them so damn thin then!)

But my piano is still perfectly in tune - of course it is because it loves me. 

I have my lovely concert grand Steinway and Son 

but I dream of having an upright Kemble. 

I may have got that the wrong way round. 

Anyway, getting lost in classical music isn't something to shout about I can imagine but its definitely what got be through A levels, GCSE's and my first year at Uni, 

If you can't play the piano - I highly advise you listen to it (Einaudi has released several albums on iTunes - he's one of the ones that are still alive - most of the pieces I play are from pianists who were around in the 1700's. 

And I also think if I can pass my grade eight piano after 3 months at Uni with no piano teacher - anyone can do anything if you put your mind to it


RHS x

Wednesday 31st July: complete and nutter honesty

Its August tomorrow, 

my new, short hair, in Pizza Express

AUGUST. A month away from starting University, 2 months will Hallowe'en, 3 months till bonfire night and 4 months till my birthday, who cares about Christmas? 

Tonight, I did something crazy, 
I must have been having a young-life crisis (although those that know me know that I am far too organised to have a crisis!) because I (my hairdresser) cut about 4 inches off my long hair. 

Don't cry for me Argentina, 

Its ok, it needed it. But, nevertheless, its gone. 
I just got home and I look like Ollie Locke's twin. That wasn't something I'm allowing you to laugh at. 
But its that perfect length! 
Its ok though, the sun will make it grow, like a plant. 

To make the situation better I had my haircut paid for me, thanks mum. 
BUT then I took HER to Pizza Express (sacrilege!) 

Its gone up a league (Pizza Express), there's a new menu, loads more starters including a mushroom Bruschetta, but of course, to nurse my lul I had dough balls. 

We had a glass of wine each (I had a Merlot Rosé, of course, not cheap at £4.50 though!) 

Toffee Glory

I had an Four Seasons pizza - it had Anchovies on it. 
mm. Now if you haven't had them, you need to! they're smaller than sardines and are very salty but taste so good - they're not fishy at all. 

Then, 
I can barely say it, 
THEN we had a "Toffee Glory" 
It was huge. Like, massive - Ice cream (sorry - Gelato), toffee pieces, wafer, toffee sauce, ice cream, wafer, toffee pieces, toffee sauce, toffee sauce, ice cream, toffee sauce and then chocolate dusting. 
Its my 'bad' day.

Moving on... 

There was a couple in there that had me thinking. 

She was undoubtedly gorgeous, he was rough around the edges had a ridiculous amount of festival bands on his wrist - show off - she had salad. 

Salad - who has salad at Pizza Express?!

thats like going to a brothel for a hug - bless her, she clearly wanted to make a good impression, she definitely salivated when our dessert came. 

They were very cute though, they had to eat using only a fork because they were too busy holding each other's hands - and playing footsie (theres no table cloths silly!) 

I don't know if I could be affectionate in public - everyone looks and then try to show they weren't looking, just creeps me out. 

More madness

Theres this boy, I call him Panda (he'll kill me just for saying that), he's a very close friend of the family and he's on a date (gwarn son!), whist his sister sends me Snapchats of her and her mum sat at home. 

So I was thinking, I'm sure he's like 15?! No, he's 18 and has suddenly become a cross between a made in chelsea actor (looks wise) and a Jack Wills model and he used to be a chunky monkey. How they grow up.

Tomorrow is a new day 

Tomorrow, I'm planning a post on fitness, because I'm a fitness instructor and have concrete abs. (Ha, ahhh I'm hilarious) 

No but really, I have some great tips! 

I'm going to reduce my calorie intake, as today's food could have kept an African child going for a month. 

I'm going to practise my piano and somehow find a way to tell mum I've broken a string on my violin. 

Mozart, 

aka

RHS x