The Summer Set

Hey guys! As part of the music section of my blog, I thought I would do some reviews as such on bands and artists. Never know, I might help you find something new to listen to. Me being me, I do listen to a LOT of music so these posts will be varied in genre etc.

For today's post, I'm going to talk about The Summer Set. 


(source: www.cambio.com)

I haven't listened to these guys for long, but I think they're awesome. The first time I listened to their music was at Slam Dunk Festival back in May. They were the first act to perform on the main stage and their music was just so upbeat and catchy. I even found myself bobbing along to their music after a song or two. I also realised they follow me on twitter which is always a bonus from a band you like!

I've downloaded a few of their songs from iTunes recently and really started getting into their music. Their music has such a great vibe to it and you simply can't fault it. 

 The band members themselves are simply gorgeous and so talented! I absolutely love the lead singer's voice, I can't even describe it.. As for the rest of the band, they can just light up a stage. Watching them at Slam Dunk was just amazing, such an amazing band to open up on the main stage. 

If I were to recommend a song or two by them, it would definitely have to be 'Chelsea' and 'Lightning In A Bottle'. I fell in love with these songs so easily and so quickly, they are on every single playlist I use at the moment. So catchy and you can't help but sing along to their music. Their new single 'Boomerang' is also worth a listen too!

 

 (source: pop-your-life.blogspot.com)

Would definitely recommend you all to listen to these guys, you would be silly not to!

'You must go to university to succeed in life...'

Hey guys! For my first 'society dictates' post, I've decided to talk about university. Good timing too seeing as people will soon be returning to and starting university in a matter of weeks..

 
(source: www.nerdist.com)

In school and college, we get our heads filled with information about university and how important it is in life etc etc. Where I went to sixth form, we had days dedicated to looking at universities and days out to a couple of them. We would sign up for UCAS and look at courses which we thought would suit us. Of course, this wasn't for everyone so not everyone had to sign up for anything or go on these visits and so on.

Admittedly, I don't go to university. Chances are I never will for a number of reasons. For starters, for the occupation I want to go into, I don't need university. I want to be a nanny or a teaching assistant. If I wanted to be a teacher, I would need to go to university. But I don't. For what I need, I could do a Level 3 college course which is exactly what I do. Secondly, university doesn't appeal to me in the slightest. The idea of debt and leaving me loved ones behind at a young age just isn't something I'd like to consider. The fact I'm incredibly socially awkward probably wouldn't do me any justice either if I'm honest.. But hey ho, that's just me!

Although it's not for everyone, university does have its advantages and pros. Yes, for some jobs, you do need to go to university. For example, nursing and, as I've already mentioned, teaching. This would be a major reason why people go to university! It also gives people the independence they need. We all have to grow up and mature at some point and, for some people, university gives people a chance to live a very independent life. No more relying on the bank of mum and dad! 

People find themselves at university. In some cases, people take a gap year (or gap years) to find out who they are and what they want to do. Going to university, you meet a lot of new people who can help bring you out of your shell and help you develop a new and exciting lifestyle. Normally, this includes lots of drinking games and lots of going out! People say the friends you make at university are your friends for life, mainly because they're stuck living with you and learn to put up with you! If you live with the same people throughout your entire time at university, you know you can't be that bad. 

As I've already mentioned, I'm not the sort of person who would go to university. But I'm not the only one.. For some people, the idea of debt simply crosses out the idea of university altogether! Having to pay £9000 a year, plus accommodation, plus drinking, plus food and everything else is enough to put anyone who isn't sure what they want to do in life off university straight away.

For others, the idea of being in education from 4-21 years old is quite a daunting thought! It's scary to think you've been in education for about a fifth of your life. People want to go out and explore the world while they still can and explore different opportunities to better themselves as an individual. 

Personally, university isn't my choice and I'm sure people will agree with me that it's not for everyone. If you don't need it or want to go, what's the point? What bugs me is that people look down on those who don't go to university. You don't know their reasons for not going, so what's to look down on? People choose their own fate and have their own aspirations, it's down to them to succeed and achieve what they desire.

Pandora

Hey guys! First 'likes and dislikes' post, woo... About time we get the ball rolling if I'm honest. After a long and hard think, as well as a shopping trip to Cardiff today,I decided to focus my first post on the brand Pandora. 

 
(source: periwinkleboutique.com)

For those who have no idea what Pandora is, you are missing out, my friends! Pandora does some of the most gorgeous jewellery, known for their charm bracelets, charms and rings etc. For a better look at their stuff, follow the link to their site here.

Admittedly, I absolutely love the Pandora range. I got my bracelet for my 18th birthday from my family with a '18' charm and a red charms with pink hearts on it. Since I got it, I haven't added any charms on it, until today. 

We went to the Pandora store in Cardiff and I was amazed at how gorgeous some of the charms were! I've been in the Swindon store once or twice but never really had a proper look at the ranges. For example, their fairytale range is absolutely stunning. You can get little castle and carriages on charms and they are so sweet. I've had a couple in mind I've wanted for a while after seeing them on other peoples bracelets or in the store itself, but never considered getting one myself. 

My auntie showed me her turtle charm this week and I absolutely loved it. I went in the store and looked everywhere to find that charm or a turtle charm like it (those who know me know I LOVE turtles/tortoises). We must've looked for about 10-15 minutes before I found the one I wanted. Looking around, I found soooo many I wanted because each charm is so different and unique!

We also had a look at the other bracelet designs they do and there is so many to choose from. Obviously, everyone has their differences in taste. For example, some people might not like the feel of the bangle style bracelet they do, so they have a leather alternative etc. In my mind, there is definitely something for every girl in that shop!

The only downside of Pandora is the price. My charm came to a total of £25 in the end. Admittedly, it doesn't sound that much to start with and the charms are definitely worth their value, but to think each bracelet can hold a fair few charms you could be spending a lot of money. Personally, I think they're worth the money and the brand speaks for itself so much.

I would recommend Pandora 100%, as a gift for someone or a treat for yourself. Definitely on the like list!

Song of the week - 27.8.13

Hey guys! As this is my first music post, I better make it a good one. I’m going to start with my personal recommended song of the week, and that song is Nickelback – If Today Were Your Last Day.

(source: www.youtube.com)

I loved this song from the moment it was released a few years ago. I remember watching the video for it on Kerrang and just listened to it endlessly for days. Such a good song! I recently bought their Dark Horse album from HMV and fell in love with it all over again.

Listening to it really got me thinking though. If you had one day left to live, what would you do? Patch things up with people? Do something completely spontaneous and insane? Tick that last box off your bucket list you’ve been dying to do for years but never had the guts or chance?

After having a long think about it, I realised I’d have so much to do on my last day. Admittedly, there’s a few things I’d love to do but if it was at the wrong time etc, I wouldn’t be able to do things. Like, I’d love to go to Reading Festival. I could’ve gone this year if I wanted to! Had the money, people to go with, enough bands I’d love to have seen… To be honest, as long as a festival has any bands I like, I wouldn’t mind going. But Reading is an iconic festival and definitely one hell of an experience to have! People come from so many places just for Reading Festival. Their line ups are insane each year and everyone who goes has such an amazing time. Definitely something I’d look into doing, another thing on my bucket list!

However, if I couldn’t do that for my last day, there would be a few other things I’d definitely make sure I did.

First, I would patch things up with people. There are a few people whose paths I’ve crossed and obviously not done too well with them for personal reasons. If I had one last day, I would make amends with certain people and make my feelings well known to others who have been in my life for some time, make them know just how much they mean to me. Family, friends.. Memories last a life time and it’s so important to let those in your life know just how important they are to you.

Secondly, I would either skydive, bungee jump or hopefully both! A couple of items on my bucket list which I would never have the guts to do unless I had a purpose or opportunity to do so, not really something you could do every day unless you were  completely insane! I would just love the adrenaline rush of it and just a chance to do something completely out of the ordinary and insane.

So that’s what I’d do: go to a festival (if I could), bungee jump, skydive, patch things up with people and let those who are important know just how important they are.

What would you do?