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.

Family Guy's biggest mistake - RIP Brian Griffin

Hey guys! Well tonight, my Facebook and Twitter feeds have been overflowing with the latest news from the animated universe - the death of Family Guy's Brian Griffin. For those who are unaware, here is what all the fuss is about!

WARNING: SPOILER ALERT

(source: YouTube)

The question the creators need to ask themselves, why would you kill off one of the main as well as favourite characters?! Are you trying to lose fans...? Ridiculous. I mean, what adventures will Stewie have now he's gone?! All those episodes dedicated to those two while the other characters had a break (or that's how I imagine it) - there's just no logic from the creators here.

Admittedly, I've only really grown an interest in Family Guy over the past couple of years and Brian is, well was, one of my favourite characters. Just the character brings out the randomness of the show. Like, he's the family pet but with human characteristics - what many people would love! Well, with some exceptions, but still. I just love the kind of character he brings to the show, the sarcasm and wit, as well as the sheer entertainment, from his experiences of being high to his adventures with Stewie..

Honestly, I just find this madness completely ridiculous. Unless they plan on bringing him back in a later episode (which I doubt), they better have a good reason for killing off such a well loved and well known character. Seriously, creators of Family Guy.. You've been banned once, soon you'll have no fans left to even watch your show. This is by far your biggest mistake.

For all those who have been affected by this outrageous storyline, feel free to tweet the creators your opinions! I'm sure you wouldn't be the only ones..

'Easy come, easy go..'

Hey guys! Hope you've all had an awesome week and are looking forward to the weekend - unless you're working like me.. Anyway, after having a long think lately, I've come to realise a lot of things. In particular, people. Safe to say people really irritate me most of the time.

The one thing I've learnt about people is that they will up and leave at any time. Sometimes without warning.. Sucks really. Like, the friends you have in school, people who were really close to at one point, people you could confide in and spend time with, just gone. With the obvious exception of university, it's amazing how many people can just walk away. People moan when no one makes an effort with them, but why don't you make the effort for a change and stop relying on other people for a change? You'd be amazed at how much of an impact it has..

I was talking about this to my friend the other day when we were heading to the cinema. In my life, I have had the same best friend for over 10 years who has stood by me through so much (god knows why) and has always had a place in my life. I also have two other close friends who have been in my life for the same amount of time, but never been as close with. Like, I spend more time with my best friend than with them as we live closer etc. They've been in my life since primary school, shows a lot really.

Then, I have the friends from secondary school. Now, I changed groups a lot throughout school and had friends in different groups too which was nice. Year 11 was probably the best year in seeing who my true friends actually were, spending that last summer together having camp outs, prom, days out... I could happily spend time with these guys and just have a laugh. But now, I barely talk to any of them. Obviously, if we bump into each other, we'll chat and catch up sometimes, but most of the time I don't really hear much from them unless I see them on my twitter feed or facebook..

Next, I have my sixth form friends. This is the real surprise if I'm honest. A lot of things happened in sixth form which resulted in a large mixture and changing friendship groups. I think my social group probably changed more than 5 times over the course of  two years. Met a whole variety of people in sixth form who I thought would never leave if I'm honest. Yet, since finishing, I only talk to a handful of people. Like, the people who said they'd never lose contact etc etc, have just left. Not even bothered. Once or twice I've seen them since sixth form, but not much. And it's sad really, for someone to just drop you like that without a warning or anything. Makes you really consider what the word 'friendship' means to some people.

Then, I have my college girls. Now, I haven't known these girls long but they have already had such a positive impact on my life. College is a lot easier with friends and they give me more of a reason to get up and go to college. Knowing I can go to college and have a laugh and a bit of fun makes it so much better. They are just awesome and all so different, it's amazing how well we all click as a group! 

Finally, I have my work friends. This is a more recent selection of friends so they haven't had much time to adjust to my madness just yet, bar a couple of people. But they are amazing, and I'm meeting more people as my time there goes on! Like, some people I haven't always seen eye to eye with, but things are going well at the moment. I've made some amazing friends at work and made some great connections with people, some stronger than others..

Despite the people who have left, I'm so grateful for the friends that I actually have. They have been there for me through a lot and put up with me through the worst of times. Makes me feel incredibly lucky to have the people I do in my life :-)

Cardiff '13 - 30 Seconds To Mars and You Me At Six

Hey guys! So, I went to see two very amazing bands this week as they entered back into the UK on their European tour. 30 Seconds To Mars recently returned back to the UK after travelling all over Europe for the Love Lust Faith + Dreams tour, which was supported by You Me At Six. With both bands recently releasing new material, it was a great opportunity for them to share this with their fans. We waited outside the Cardiff Motorpoint for 2 hours, only to be second row to the left of the stage right next to the barrier - result!

 To begin with, we had You Me At Six perform. Now, the last time I saw these guys was back in 2011 when they were performing their recent material from 'Sinners Never Sleep' - a pretty decent album to be fair! We heard the likes of 'Loverboy' and 'Bite My Tongue' which really get the crowd going. We also heard some songs off their older albums, such as 'Liquid Confidence' and 'Stay With Me', as well as their latest song 'Lived A Lied' which you can listen to here. From where we were standing, we couldn't see any mosh pits but apparently there were quite a few throughout the performances! Compared to the last time I saw YMAS, I found this gig a lot less violent (considering the last time I saw them was in Brixton) and just generally an all round better experience.  

For 30 Seconds To Mars, this was their chance to perform some of the new songs off of their recent album 'Love Lust Faith + Dreams'. We heard a mixture of their new and old material which was simply amazing. I've never seen these guys live so it was a real experience to see them actually playing live. I mean, you watch their music videos of them performing at gigs and I was just in shock and awe when watching them, so it was an amazing surprise to actually see them and experience that kind of atmosphere - and they didn't disappoint! Their setlist was beyond incredible too. With their new stuff, they played 'Do Or Die', 'City of Angels' and a couple of others. Then, they played a few songs off of their album 'This is War', such as 'Closer To The Edge' (of course!!) and 'Kings And Queens', and a few songs off their older albums. Even better, Jared did a few acoustic songs which literally killed me. My heart practically melted as he played 'From Yesterday' as an acoustic, perfection. To top off their performance, they had some acts in between which really got the crowd going! From acrobats and people from the crowd to confetti and balloons, they had us engaged throughout the entire performance - they know how to put on a show! Let's just saw I felt incredibly sorry for the guys who had to clean up the arena..

 

I've never been so mind blown by a gig, let alone sing my heart out along to all the acts that performed.. Let's just say I would recommend anyone to go and see these bands play live together, especially with You Me At Six releasing their new album and headlining their own tour next year - definitely one to consider!