Top Ten Festival Tips

Festival season in the UK is officially upon us! Isle of Wight has been and gone and Glasto is this weekend so here are my top ten tips for first time festival goers.

1. Be prepared. The week before your festival keep checking online for the stage set times and print yourself off a copy for all stages and days. This way you can pre-plan your favourite acts, ensuring that you don't miss any of the key artists and make the most of every minute! Highlight your day plan for each day, which avoids any band clashes or last minute arguments with your friends; enabling you to just move with the spirit of the festival as opposed to running around like a headless chicken. Also, this stops you having to buy the expensive landyards.  

2. Toiletries. This is lame but vital. Face the facts you are probably not going to be washing for 3 days but, don't worry it's defiantly not as bad as it seems. Remember everyone is in the same boat as you and girls if you're worried about greasy hair then don't fret. I went with girls with all hair colours, lengths and washing routines ie. normally wash every day, every other day, twice a week and surprisingly all our hair provided and got into the festival spirit! I honestly believe that the sweat from gigs and dry shampoo being our best friends actually meant pretty fresh hair. Also, girlies make sure you pack femfresh- you may have never heard of this but I swear to god it will revolutionise your life and keep your lady garden as fresh as a daisy. 

3. Florescent paint is the way forward in fixing your face. If you're looking a bit tired after a couple nights of partying and sleeping in a tent this will brighten your face up a treat. And let's be honest who doesn't enjoy ultimately slapping paint on your face and a festival is the only time you can walk around with bright weird patterns without anyone giving you a second glance. 

4. Be Spontaneous. Go and see artists that you have never heard of because those can honestly be some of the funniest times. Pick a name that sounds interesting or just stay at a stage after an act you've actually planned to see. Listening to an artist live is one of the best ways to find new music you love. Alternatively if you hate the sound of the act you're listening to whether it's pop or heavy metal either simply leave the tent or go mad dancing or mucking about but, 9 times out of 10 you will probably find some new music that you love. 

5. Take a bum bag, fanny pack, whatever you want to call it, these are a necessity! In normal society and the fashion world these may be as frowned upon as socks and sandals but, it is the epitome of festival fashion; with it a hundred percent being the norm. You cannot be carrying round a heavy rucksack because by the end of the day you will have a broken back, have been unable to bust out some dance moves and also sadly more than likely have your stuff stolen. And as hard as it is for me to say this, being a girl who carries around the kitchen sink in her hand bag, in the arena you can fit everything you need in a bum bag- a little bit of money, a camera and maybe a little lip gloss 

6. Stay hydrated! This was one of my worries before going to a festival as I guzzle water like it's going out of fashion but, never fear these festival organisers know what they're doing! Don't keep splurging on water as there are taps all around the arena where you can fill up your bottles up for free. Simple and easy! 

7. 'Embrace' festival fashion! Don't be nervous with what you're going to wear, it's defiantly different to normal. Obviously make sure it's comfy and weather appropriate (always take wellies and a rain mac) but don't be scared to be flamboyant or show a little more skin than usual- I wore shorts and a crop top which I would never dream of doing in everyday life! Get in the crazy sunglasses and headbands to wear and don't fear if you cannot find any on the high street as there are plenty of stalls inside the gates to cater for your every needs 

8. Take a camera, whether it’s a digital or disposable and snap away like there is no tomorrow. You will want to remember your festival experience for the rest of your life. Pictures are the best way to keep these moments in your mind so take them in camp, in crowds, with strangers or even inside the First Aid tent as I found out; because you will defiantly laugh when you look back on them.

9. Plan. If you’re worried or anxious about going to a festival because you don’t know the ins and outs then don’t fret. Firstly, remember that the majority of the people attending are also newbies and generally the festival scene is one of the friendliest environments around. You will find your feet pretty fast once you arrive, with there being plenty of staff and volunteers to help you out if you have any questions. Before leaving home check out the ‘Info’ section which can be found on festival websites. It will defiantly put your mind at ease as well as, giving you all the do’s and don’ts.

10.Embrace it!! This is the most important and simplest tip but, just get involved. A festival is the same as everyday life and is going to be as good as you make it! Obviously stay safe but, go wild and have fun. Make festival friends that you will probably never see again, dance like no one is watching and sing until you lose your voice.

I hope these are helpful to you guys! Attending Reading Festival last year was honestly one of the best experiences of my life and I am so gutted that I cannot go this year when the line-up is so unbelievable. I shed a little tear every time someone mentions Blink-182, Arctic Monkeys, Paramore and You Me At Six all playing over the same weekend.  Ask any other questions you have in the comments and I’ll see if I can answer them and let me know your favourite concert or festival memories as I love hearing about other people’s experiences.

Peace Out My Lovelies xxx

Track of the Week: Ed Sheeran’s Album ‘X’ 

Where We Are Tour

Friday night was so wrong yet so very right! I went and watched the biggest boy band in the world, One Direction and to be honest with you it was bloody brilliant. 

I have always had an interest in 1D, I think I'm fascinated by the phenomenon! The boys, fandom and evolution intrigues me. I would love to find out what Niall, Harry, Liam, Louis and Zayn actually feel about their success and now that I'm part of a 'teenage fandom' under 5 Seconds of Summer, I now realise the community created by a common interest in music (when the fandom is being nice) and the pure joy it can bring! 

As you know if you're returning to my blog, I love a live gig! My friends are fans of 1D and I always thought that the atmosphere at their concert would be pretty epic. This combined with the fact that my loves, 5 Seconds of Summer, are the supporting act during the Where We Are Tour meant that on a revision break whim a couple of weeks ago we cracked and bought tickets. 

So let's get crack a lacking on talking about this concert! 5sos get better and better every time I see them, I may be a little biased but I cannot wait until they release their debut self-titled album. In my green standing zone I was the only one going mental for their set, but don't worry guys I did not give up! I danced and sang like there was nobody watching, with it making me so happy that this is the third time I've seen them live since November; especially before they become major, major rock stars! 

The main act, One Direction you cannot fault as performers in my opinion. They know how to work that crowd, hit those notes and make it feel like they are singing those world famous hits directly to you.  For their first stadium tour they did not hold back on the fireworks and confetti cannons, with great staging for the whole crowd to get involved. Their much loved banter between each other and the fans was ever present; to make a pretty fulfilling show on all accounts. 

I'd heard a lot about directioners at concerts but, with a couple of exceptions I was really impressed. The girls around me where calm and respectful, with unnecessary screaming kept to a minimum with them being complete absorbed by the chaps singing.

However, I have to say that the energy of the crowd has been far better at Reading festival and You Me At Six concerts for example. There was dancing and jumping on a couple of tracks but generally everyone seemed to be very focused on videoing the performance or being transfixed by, those lads undeniably beautiful faces. I can completely understand that after paying so much for a ticket that you want to have all the memories to reminisce but, I'm a firm believer in embracing the moment and to fully enjoy a concert you have to party!! 

I am hundred percent pleased that I went Friday night though! It was a brilliant stress relieve and One Direction I think deserve more credit than they get from the outside world! Since the X-Factor they have ultimately conquered the world and worked continuously to get where they are; with their voices improving drastically and their desire to be song writers ever increasing! I'm also stoked that 'when I'm old and grey' I can say that I went to see the biggest boy band of my generation! What's the best concert you've been to and what's your view on 1D? 

Peace Out My Lovelies x 

Track of the week: Friends- Eliza and the Bear 

The end of an era

Hey guys, did you miss me? Didn't notice I was gone? Thought so, don't worry I'll forgive you 

It's been a busy and transformative couple of weeks in my life. I have officially left school. Writing that sentence actually terrifies me, it makes it way to official. After 7 years of education in the same school it's finally all over. Yes, I have to go in for my last couple of exams but, there shall be no more bus journeys, form time banter, lunch songs or lessons. It's an end of an era in every sense, I'll see my friends a lot still but, it's sad to know that I won't see most people  who I've spent everyday with again. Y'know those people who you just chat to because they're in your lessons or you see them in the lunch queue and sometimes that was the best bit of school! Chatting to people outside your friendship group who had different personalities and attitudes but, who you could connect with about something for those couple of minutes.

And for some reason I think everyone realised that leaving school meant that the end of our little community. In the last week of school we bonded and became closer all over again. The separate groups and cliques came together to celebrate, whether we like it or not, the institution and people that have nurtured us from children into young adults. (whoo that sounds deep) We had pranks, BBQ's, pub crawls and parties to start of the celebrations that will continue long after exams have finished. 

Prank 1: People bought a real life living chicken and put it in our head of years office.* 

Prank 3: Over 2000 post-it notes stuck to the whole sixth form corridor and the movement of furniture.

I think I'll miss the safety net of going to school everyday; the constant routine, everyone knowing you, everyone understanding you- yes there are times when it was god awful but overall I loved school! I ignore when people tell you that school is the best time of your life because if you grow up with that attitude you never aim to be better but, to be honest I don't mind if this was the best time of my life because I had a blast doing it! 

Peace out my lovelies xxx

Song of the week: Lonely Girl- Tonight Alive 
 * No chickens were harmed during the prank, she had food and water the whole time and has actually gone to a nicer home than were she was from. 

Londonnn

I only live about thirty minutes away from the big city by train but, it's ridiculous how rarely I actually make use of one of the best cities in the world!

Over the last month or so, I've actually hit the city a couple of times and it's rejuvenated my love for the hussle and bustle as well as, made me notice the opportunities and adventures I'm missing out on! It's great to explore alone or with a group of friends. You can literally sit in a restaurant all day and watch the world tick by or get involved in all the activities the capital has to offer!

I realise if you don't live in London or know what you're looking out for it can often be hard to find gold mines outside the traditional attractions. As I'm edging towards my summer break, I'm super excited to make every day count and have memories to look back on! Here's some events and links that I found:

1. It gives a comprehensive guide to all the shopping that London has to offer from major retail parks such as Oxford Street and Westfield Stratford to Camden or Greenwich Market www.londontown.com/London/Top_Street_Markets

2. There is a range of outdoor cinema screenings around London and you’ll probably be surprised that there might even be some in your local areas. There is a range of venues holding them this year in London, the most famous being Somerset House, showing both old and new films. http://londontheinside.com/2014/05/13/film4-summer-screenings-at-somerset-house/

3. In essence, I basically like the name and design of this site, I’m easily pleased what can I say. But, it also has great content on weekend adventures from every single angle that you could think of http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/category/this-week-end-in-london/

4. This site has every Vintage store, restaurant and style that you could need in London; being able to find events based on region, decade or date you can defiantly fulfil your hipster dream. http://www.thevintageguidetolondon.com/

If you guys have any ideas or knowledge of some great hideouts please let me know, I'm a so ready to live life to the full, even if it is near home and on a budget!

Peace Out My Lovelies xxx

Track of the week: Biffy Clyro- Sounds like Balloons

Exam Season

Guys, it’s happened. Exams are upon us, we can no longer pretend they’re not happening; instead it’s a very real reality that I’m afraid that we’re all going to have to live with. Though, instead of revising I am fully evoked in the age old mission that is procrastination! This week I have hidden in my room- so my parents think I am revising- and instead done some extensive online shopping, scrolled through blogs, watched every single YouTube video in and outside my extensive subscription box and somehow ordered One Direction tickets? Yes, I realise I have problem and we need to deal with it, urgently!

For everyone at my school and from excessive stalking of the whole entire planet on every social media platform I realise that perhaps nearly every student between the ages of 16 and 21 are drowning in fear, stress, procrastination and revision. Although, I find this significantly reassuring that everyone from the UK to France to Australia are all struggling with their studies and that it’s not just me praying that the markers are overly generous this year; it does make me wonder the real point of exams. At the end of the day 14 years of education finishes with some letters to mark your GCSE’s- in my case some very good letters- 8A’s, 4B’s- I think you’ll find, me? boasting? Neverrrr. But, then when I finish my A-levels and pray to the man in the sky that I come out with the grades I need, nobody is going to care about my GCSE’s and this will be continually circle when I finish my degree and gain a big grown up job. So why are we all stressing so much? Because unfortunately in our society grades matter and 16 years of education are going to come down to 6 exams for me to prove that I have the intellectual ability to be a superstar *cries a little bit inside*

This pressure clearly effects everyone in different ways. Personally I love to pretend that I don’t care (I care a lot) and go into denial. This often leads me to cry extensively about anything slightly emotional or stressful such as, dementia TV programmes and driving lessons. I also seem to spend money, for what I hope to be the bright sunny future I see after exams. I have bought clothes online for my future summer adventures and have started planning events 2 months in advance. Lord! I booked One Direction tickets for Wembley Stadium on Friday night, due to sheer peer pressure and for the need to have something to look forward too. I don’t even like One Direction! Translation: Actually I do quiet like good old 1D, shown in the fact that I know all the words to all the songs, they seem like nice lads, but I try to pretend to be musically superior to the majority of my friends who like them. So, although I’m going to pretend I hate every single moment of being there, I know I will dance and sing until my lungs hurt and am actually super looking forward to it, especially as it’s in the middle of my exams and it’ll be a great stress release! Also, slightly more excited by the fact that my 5 Seconds of Summer are supporting them y’know, olay!!

I sometimes fear that I am going a little bit mad, I know I defiantly do sound so in this blog post, but then I see my friends watching every single episode of Games of Thrones (I’m being good and waiting till after exams haahaa) or getting paralytically drunk, I realise that I’m perhaps doing ok. Maybe me writing a blog post about exams and my fear of failing is actually far better than revising in the first place? You don’t agree? You think I should go work? I pinkie promise I will after this and maybe a snack break as well ok?

Whooo that blank page filled up a little quicker than anticipated, sorry that my ramblings seem to get longer by the week! How’s all your exams going? Or are some of you the lucky buggers without exams? What’s your top tip to motivate yourself to revise, apart from the need to get the grades? Please let me know, I need all the help I can get! Hope you have a good week,

Peace Out My Lovelies xxx

Song of the week: Lifening- Snow Patrol 

April Favourites

The fact that we’re in the month of May astonishes me but, I can safety say that April has been a month of fulfilment and I have loved spending time with the people I love, check out my Instagram: amygill_96 for some pictures of my fun-filled affairs! As always my favourites are wide and ranging so let’s get crack-a-lacking…

We shall start with the most important thing in mine and hopefully all your lives, food. The Apple and Mango Innocent Juice has literally changed my life. I drink the whole bottle the day my mum buys it and then wait longingly for her to go food shopping again! Also, I have been loving Sweet and Salt popcorn, any brand, I’m not fussy. Before this discovery I wasn’t a huge lover of popcorn but this has changed my opinion entirely! Also, generally this seems to be pretty low in calories; even if you eat the whole bag as well as, low in price- so let’s be honest everyone is winning.

Obviously I have a couple of film favourites and this month they’re all films which truly demonstrate how behind the times I really am. I watched all three Batman films with my Dad and I was so shocked by how much I loved all of them- the ending in The Dark Knight Rises just blew me away. After watching half of the first film, I was hooked and couldn’t wait to watch the whole box set. I didn’t think I would be a fan of this sort of action film but, I’m now excited to watch similar films such as Spiderman! Any suggestions?

After constant demands from my friends I finally got round to watching Tangled and it was fabulous. I loved the twist on the traditional story of Rapunzel and there was some great songs and moments but, obviously it had nothing on Frozen.

I discovered The Cab this month. I don’t know how and when but, I knew one of their old singles ‘Angel with a Shotgun’ off by heart and decided it was finally time to listen to albums and dam were they good! The music is super easy and catchy to listen to again and again! When I like a band’s music I love to know a little bit about them and it appears that the The Cab’s line-up has changed more times than my nail colour, so if anyone’s a fan and knows the ins and outs of this band please help a girl out!

For the first time in my life I had the ability to splurge on make-up, leading me to buy a MAC lipstick and blusher. Although, they are little more expensive I think it’s defiantly worth it, especially with the lipstick! It stays on so much longer than say your high-street Rimmel lipstick as well as, being a lot smoother to re-apply and blend.

What have been your favourite’s this month? I would love to hear your recommendations!

Peace Out My Lovelies xxx

Song of the week: Blink 182- I Miss You 

Is the world all fluffy clouds and rainbows?

You know when you get into the shower, loving life, nothing on your mind, singing like you have the voice of Whitney Houston and suddenly boom! Your mind begins racing at 1000 miles per/hour and you can actually picture the thoughts swirling round your head while you try to snatch at each one but, obviously because you’re in the shower these aren’t any normal thoughts. Instead you begin to contemplate the meaning of life, is everyone actually evil? ….

It starts of on a small personal scale and by the time your onto conditioning you are beginning to assess the whole world. Like it’s evident on both a small and large scale that not everyone’s nice. People have different opinions, likes and dislikes- that’s cool, that what makes the world as exciting and vibrant as it is but, sometimes people should just shush. On a simple teenage scale, I do not understand for the life of me why people create hate hashtags or nasty rumours on Twitter. These are usually aimed at specific subcultures, fandoms or celebrities. But, it’s so easy to forget on the internet that these are all real people, who will see and read peoples comments. If you have a justified reason for disliking a person, song, video, book, policy, world view- then go for it, everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. But, I think everyone has to be careful about aimlessly throwing around mean comments. Why would be create trends such as #killbieber or #dieharrystyles, there is no reason or behind such abuse. Yes, they may have made mistakes but, at the end of the day their human beings who have made mistakes and I cannot imagine what it would be like to read comments such as that about yourself. Also the rumours we hear about them in the media is probably less than half of the story and also generally none of our business so why care?

But, then in the shower I realise that the people who perhaps get caught up in these, I have no better way of putting it, rude hashtags, can also be a part of something beautiful online. Over the last week Twitter has helped to raise over £3 million for Teenage Cancer Trust, with people spreading the message about Stephen Sutton. But, also that I have no right to judge people’s online opinion either because I have no understanding of their life, similar to that lack of knowledge around a ‘celebrity.’ There may be a reason behind their anger or in reality they could be exactly the same as me, bursting full of rainbows and unicorns ;) So perhaps as Sirius Black most kindly put it, "We've all got both light and dark inside of us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are."

So I emerge from the shower and this blog post exactly as I started, back to square one because every time I have a debate with myself I end up creating a complete circle in my opinion, which in my view demonstrates what a great debater I truly am. Now I did have a lot more serious and earth shattering thoughts this evening but, for some reason this blog post took me down this pointless avenue; so we shall save my other revolutionary comments for another time.

Peace Out My Lovelies xxx  

Track of the week: we're still riding the love of The Cab, most specifically LaLa