Lostprophets | Gone without a trace?

Hey guys! So, been a while since I've posted due to coursework and such, but one is back to posting again - aren't you a lucky bunch?! I figured the more I'm on my laptop posting and doing coursework, the better I feel about myself and the less time I waste on other social networking sites - damn you, Facebook and Twitter!

Anyway, I thought I'd kickstart my writing again with another music-related post. As we all, or anyone who hasn't been hiding under a rock, will know, the band formerly known as Lostprophets were recently torn apart by the news of Ian Watkins having 'relations' with underage fans and other young individual linking to his drug taking and some insane and sick fans - you can read the court case here for full details.

 

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Obviously this news completely destroyed the band, their reputation and the spirit of their fans, knowing that someone who was supposedly a role model could be such a monster on the quiet. Personally, with all the accusations recently on other celebrities, I thought this was just another selection of fans wanting their 5 minutes in the spotlight for a bit of attention etc. Alas, I was wrong and it is devastating knowing that a band I have loved for years now has the reputation it has gained from him. Absolute madness.

I noticed how there was such an uproar about how much money he was still earning while he is behind bars - with music sales still going and publicity for him at its highest. However, I recently went into a few larger HMV stores and seeing a lack of their CD's on their shelves. This led me to venture online to see what their fanbase was looking like. Turns out everything even remotely relating to Lostprophets, in terms of their fans and music, has been removed from Facebook following a farewell message from the remaining members of the band. It's like they've simply disappeared without a trace of even existing in some places. However, sites such as Amazon still sell their music - but is it right?

Admittedly, it is right that sales of their music should stop as Ian Watkins shouldn't be earning money while doing time for what he did.. But should the other members really pay the price for his actions? I mean, their music was amazing and the other members but will forever have the Lostprophets reputation hanging over their shoulders while trying to move on with their lives.

Does it seem right that their success has been removed without a trace? 

2014 | What's the plan, Batman?

So, here's that time of year where everyone is making resolutions which, undoubtedly, they won't stick to and planning this year ahead of themselves. Instead of resolutions (except my 2014 bucket list, which I will complete), I figured it would be more beneficial for me to make a plan for this year. Seeing as this year is pretty big, I want to make the most of it and make the best decisions for me to benefit my future and help in the many years to come.

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As I finish college this year, I want to make the most of it. Where I let Sixth Form and my school years simply pass me by without even taking into consideration the memories that could've been. Admittedly, I do have memories and good ones too, but I could've done so much more. So, this year, I am making the most of it and so far so good! I want to leave this year not regretting the past two years because, after May/June, that is it. No more education, time to start finding my feet in the real world - scary stuff! This made me realise I need to think about what I want this year when I finish college and to plan out what I'm going to do with myself.

First, I need to look for a new job. Shockingly, I don't think my childcare qualification will get me very far in Sainsburys. Sigh. So, from February onwards, I need to look and see what is available on the job market that suits me for what I am capable of in terms of careers and my ideal future.

Second, I want to show my full potential and show everyone what I am capable of. I want to prove those who think I am a failure at life wrong - putting it bluntly. Truth is, I'm not a failure. I'm actually kind of bright and I do have the potential to do well and succeed in life. By the end of this year, I will be able to look back and feel proud of what I've achieved.

Third, I need to declutter my life. Has to be said, this may take a little more effort and a lot more time. So much I need to clear and get rid of in my life - you wouldn't believe how much I need to sort! Clothes, old school/sixth form/college work and supplies, music, films.. Turns out my boxes from IKEA will come into a lot of use, and my younger sister will love the amount of clothes coming her way!

Next, I want to be more organised. As the people who know me personally will know, I have my moments where I actually can be organised but, sadly, these are very rare occasions. This year, I want to up my game and be more on the ball than ever to keep on top of everything. Like my blogging, for example. My blogging is so scattered because of work and college etc. Priority takes over and the little things are forgotten about which really sucks. This year, I want to make time in my schedule for the little things. So my blogging will become a bit more consistent and regular compared to normal, keep your eyes peeled!

Finally, I want to be healthier. This year, I noticed I had lost weight and that was such a proud moment for me. Admittedly, a mixture of stress and trying to lose weight wasn't the best combination, but it made a difference. I notice in myself that I'm a lot thinner than I was and people have commented on the changes which is always good! Hopefully, fingers crossed oh so much, there won't be as many little stressors this year to impact on me so I can spend less time worrying and more time being more productive and concentrating on making myself the best I can be. This time last year, I was a 12/14 in clothes. By the end of this year, I aim to be a size 10/12 - already there depending on which brand I purchase from! Hopefully, this time next year, I can look back and see how much I've changed.

So there we have it, this years plan! Bring on 2014, I guess..  

Bucket list | 2014

 

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Hey guys! So, with it being a new year, I figured now would be a good chance to update and write down this years bucket list. I am so determined this year, it's unreal. This year will be an amazing year, and I will get everything crossed off!

• Get an A for my childcare course
• Get a car
• Go to Disneyland Florida
• Meet a minion
• Take part in a 5K/10K race
• Earn over £1000 in a month
• Save £1000
• Lose a stone in weight
• Get a new job
• Go to Paris
• Travel for New Years
• Go to a festival
• Get off my backside and make something of my life
• Give up chocolate for 3 months
• Give up fizzy drinks for 3 months
• Give up crisps for 3 months
• See 3 films a month
• Read 1 book a month
• Be a happier person and gain more confidence
• Do something beyond your comfort zone
• Camp under the stars
• Finalise a life plan 

Bands list | 2013

Hey guys! So, with the end of 2013 quickly approaching, I thought it would be a good opportunity to reflect back on this year. My last post, which you can read here, looks back on this year as a whole. However, for this post, I'm going to look back at the music I've seen and discovered this year, through gigs, recommendations etc..

Me being me, I absolutely love music. To be honest, it's what gets me through most days. I would listen to it all day given the chance. Music keeps you sane and can easily help your mood. Well, that's how I see it..Music has really helped me this year and being able to see certain bands live has made it just that little bit extra special. Admittedly, I didn't see many bands this year, but I saw the ones that mattered to me.

To begin with, I went to Slamdunk Festival in Wolverhampton. Big step for me, never thought I'd be able to survive a festival, not ever! However, with a group of friends, turns out I can surprise myself. My main aim for Slamdunk was to go and see All Time Low as they were headlining the main stage, but this festival was a great opportunity to listen to new bands and, over time, I have grown a great interest in these bands. 

To start, we saw The Summer Set. For those who have never listened to these guys, I would definitely recommend you give them a listen. Their music is just so upbeat and you can't help but just smile to their music, or that might just be me.. Probably something to do with the very attractive lead singer - sounds about right! Other bands we saw included: Sleeping With Sirens, We Are The Ocean and Kids In Glass Houses. Now, I had never heard KIGH's music before Slamdunk but, after seeing them live, I am in love with their music. I find myself getting so lost in their music. Definitely another one to listen to!

So that was Slamdunk.. My first festival, but not my last..

Next, I went to the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff to go and see You Me At Six and  30 Seconds To Mars. Two incredible bands which were insane live. Even though I'd already seen You Me At Six a couple of years ago (my first ever gig - scary!), it was amazing to see them live again. So full of energy and their music was simply perfect. Then we had 30 Seconds To Mars. Oh my god, these guys completely threw me with how amazing they are live. This was my first time seeing these guys and it definitely won't be my last! I just fell in love with their performance the moment they came on the stage, such energy and it shows they truly love their fans when they engage with them so much. Perfection. To see my review of the gig, you can read that here.  

Finally, I recently went to a gig in Bristol with a friend from college as she wanted someone to go with her and, apart from the lack of hearing the next day, I do not regret it one bit! We went to The Fleece to go and see Mindless Self Indulgence, a band I had only ever heard of before seeing them. Never listened to their music, so this was a new experience for me. They were supported by a couple of bands, including one called The Red Paintings which, if you like strange music, you should really consider checking out. Let's just say this gig completely shocked me in many ways. I've never been to such a crazy gig would I could never in any world imagine. Such an amazing atmosphere and such insane music - not one for delicate ears! We decided to hang around after and managed to meet 3/4 of the band which was awesome - only managed to miss the drummer, but the other three were so great to talk to. It only came to my attention after the gig that the bassist, Lynz, is married or whatever to Gerard Way.. THE GERARD WAY, I HUGGED SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN NEAR GERARD WAY!! *fangirl moment*

So yeah, that was it really for 2013. Not much, but I saw the bands which matter to me. Next year has even more instore for me which should be incredible..

2014 consists of: 

 Fall Out Boy, The Pretty Reckless and Reading Festival so far, with hopefully many more to add!

Happy new year, guys! ♥

5 Films You Should Be Watching This Christmas

Hey guys! With Christmas literally just around the corner, I figured now would be a great opportunity to plan my Christmas movies for this year. Y'know, just in case they're not on TV or if what they actually put on over Christmas is a load of twaddle.. So yeah, I thought I'd make a list of the Christmas films which you must watch over Christmas, regardless of whether the people who run TV channels view them or not! Let us begin..

Note: all images have been sourced from IMDB.com

Elf (2003)

  Let's be honest, everyone loves Buddy - best elf ever!

The Holiday (2006)

Absolutely love this film, can't go wrong with a good RomCom - especially when they blast out Mr Brightside ♥

Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

Whoever says Santa isn't real has no trust in the big man. A lump of coal for you, nonbelievers!

Love Actually (2003)

Now, this year will be the first time I will actually watch this film all the way through.. But I'll trust my best friend's judgement when she says it's amazing

The Muppett Christmas Carol (1992)

My childhood Christmas' all summed up! I remember having this recorded on a video - that shows how old it is..

However, if you fancy hitting the big screens anytime soon, I would definitely recommend you go and watch Disney's latest release, Frozen (2013)

Such an amazing film and fun for all the family. I saw this a few days after it was released and instantly fell in love with it.In particular, the loveable snowman called Olaf. I love him so much, my brother and his girlfriend got me a huuuuge Olaf for Christmas.. Cheers, bro!

Enjoy your Christmas movie selection, guys! :-)

2013 | The Review

Hey guys! So, another year is coming to an end as we get closer to the New Year and even closer to Christmas. Amazing how quickly this month has passed, yet I still haven't finished my Christmas shopping - not my most organised month!

With the new year in sight, I started thinking. So much has happened this year and I have learnt so many life lessons. But it's safe to say 2013 has been a very successful and, in a way, proud year for me. I've accomplished so much more than I thought I would and gone above and beyond my own expectations of myself which has been a real shock to me. Normally I'm kind of a negative nelly and figure that someone is always better. Well, this year I've proven otherwise for myself and proven I am capable of what I want to do!

What I've accomplished this year:

• Got an A for my first year of Childcare
• Passed my driving test first time
• Went to my first festival
• Chosen my career path
• Discovered myself as a person

 

So, as well as accomplishments, I've learnt so many life lessons this year. Admittedly, I've learnt some of these lessons in a much harder way than others. Wish I hadn't, but hey ho - that's life. So here we go!

This years life lessons:

• People will try and ruin your happiness, it's your job to prove them wrong
• Money magically disappears - mine normally disappears in New Look!
• Make yourself known and people will remember you
• Some people will leave without a trace
• It's your life, you make the rules and choose the paths
• You can do anything you put your mind to 
• I can only trust a handful of people
• Some so-called 'friends' aren't going to be there forever - it's your job to find people who are willing to stand by you
• Friendships can be recovered, no matter how damaged

So yeah, I think this year has been insightful to say the least. Some events have been less appreciated which we won't go into, but I have learnt so much about me, myself and my life this year. Personally, I feel like my life is just beginning. Soon, I'll be out there in the real world. Working, living. Damn, that's scary.

Merry Christmas, guys! Have an amazing week and an epic New Year - see you on the other side :)

Bunnies for fashion?

Hey guys! Not blogged for a while thanks to a mass overload of college work so I do apologise. However, I am now back and ready to write and, hate to say, my first comeback post is one hell of a rant..

It recently came to my attention, thanks to my facebook and twitter feed, that some companies in the fashion industry have been linked into animal cruelty. In particular, the angora rabbits. For those who are unaware, brands, such as Topshop, have been selling angora products created in China which were manufactured through abuse rabbits and literally tearing the fur off of the animals. 

 

(source: www.ign.com)

The company PETA secretly recorded Chinese workers as they pluck the poor animals while they scream in pain. How on earth can ANY human even do such a thing. Animals are living things too y'know, how would they like it if they had all of their hair plucked out while no one gave them any sympathy?! Outrageous. 

Thinking about it, the amount of videos that have come out of China demonstrating animal and human abuse is so disturbing. How can these people lack such empathy in other beings is beyond me. Sick, totally sick.

What irritated me the most was that brands, such as Topshop, for whatever vile reason refused to stop selling these products. Erm, I'm sorry. Coming from the brand who has size 0 models in the window and already has a bad enough image, you want to bring animal cruelty into the works..? Anyone would think the company doesn't want to sell their products. However, due to a mass overload of outrage, Topshop were one of the latest companies to say no to the product, whereas, companies such as H&M were one of the first to stop these products being sold in their stores. 

For more information on this topic, click here to view the site and sign the petition. Don't let animal cruelty be the face of fashion. This abuse needs to be stopped now.