Awesome Of The Week | Vans Warped Tour.

IT'S BACK!!!!!

Yes, after a year off Warped Tour is making it's grand return to the UK and I couldn't be more pleased! Back in 2012 the once all american pop-punk tour came to England for the first time in 13 years so me and a friend snapped up tickets. Compared to the US tour ours is somewhat smaller - rather than running the full length of the summer, traveling the country with the biggest names in the scene it's only for one weekend (in fact the 2012 come back was only one day) and perhaps the names aren't quite so big - but my god do they make an insane event!

We also went to the full weekend in 2013 which lived up to the expectations after the previous years (even if we didn't make the first day due to a sudden vomiting on the underground of one of our party!) so I was devastated when they announced there would not be a tour in 2014 and no sign of another in the foreseeable future.

Our fears were conquered though when the wonderful Kevin Lyman decided to do it all over again on 18th October 2015. Why not watch a bit of the last one to rev you up and prepare?

If you are in any way into pop punk/punk rock/alt rock then this is definitely the gig for you, there's multiple stages with varying styles including acoustic. The rooms are huge so whether you like getting into the middle of the mosh pits and action or whether you prefer to enjoy the music from a slight distance you can do both! Constant music pumping throughout the day, a huge merch market, signings and meetings with band members, alcohol and yummy food.

Will you be getting tickets?
Early bird available here: http://kililive.seetickets.com/event/vans-warped-tour-2015/alexandra-palace/879890/

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London Comic Con - MCM Expo.

This weekend I attended London's comic con which occurs twice a year and this was in fact my second time going. If you're unsure of what Comic Con is it's all in the name - comic convention! It all started in America where such things tend to begin, and is a big celebration/meet up for all things nerdy, culty and down right awesome.

Although originally aimed at comic and graphic novel fans (thank you Stan Lee) it has grown exponentially and now includes anything you could possibly think of, video games, anime, super hero films, collectibles, TV shows (such as GOT and SPN) and everything in between.

The first time I traveled to London for MCM we only did the one day so had to do the journey twice within that day - tip: do not do it all in one day if it means having to get up at 6am! This time around we thought it out more and planned to do the entire weekend and get a room in London. I went with a work colleague who gets just as fanatic about things as I do! We got on the train straight from work on the Friday and arrived at the hotel at about 6.30pm and then went for Wagamamas which of course was stunning.

The Saturday morning was chilled and so different to Octobers counter part! We started the con at about 10.30 and left by 3.30 although we really didn't manage to see an awful lot we knew we had the following day to take our time and make the most of it.

For me one of the best parts of the day are the cosplays, people are so talented and I just love when you can identify characters from your favourite shows, games or films. This time around I noticed a LOT of Disney princesses which made me very happy.... and very jealous! Speaking of cosplay me and my partner in crime went as genderbend Thor and Loki which went down really well!

Other than some fantastic creativity there is so much to take in, there are 100's of stalls selling the most incredible and clever merchandise. I managed to hold back a bit and not go crazy, but believe me it wasn't easy. I WANT ALL THE THINGS.

I have been trying to find a funko pop Gandalf for quite sometime now and sadly still am yet to purchase one however I found this beauty and there was no way I could resist and I think you can see why! 

I do have a feeling this may become a slight obsession which my bank account will not appreciate one little bit.

Sunday was spent inspecting each and every table in great detail, and yes I bought a few more bits....

We tasted Japanese sweets and drinks which turned out to be delicious and washed them down with noodles. If there's on thing this expo is not short of it's a variety of tasty food.

Other things to expect from the day/weekend are guests, which can be voice actors, actors (Shane Richie, Sylvester McCoy, Felicia Day, Iain de Caestecker), singers, writers, cosplayers (Jessica Nigri), panels (Jekyll and Hyde and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell) and even youtubers (Toms Ridgewell, Jack Howard, Dodie Clark). There's also stages where you can watch performances of other fans and also previews of up coming films and TV shows (E.g San Andreas, Jurassic World and Terminator).

We then ended the day with pizza and cake before passing out, exhausted but oh so happy!

There is always an incredible atmosphere at Comic Con and you can't help but feel at home, surrounded by 1000's of indiviuals all there for the same reason - to have fun, meet like minded people and show their love for whatever their chosen fandom may be. 

What ever your fandom you will be able to find someone that shares it and will enjoy everything that Comic Con is, The next one is in October at Excel London (there are others throughout the country) so please, please go and if you do let me know if you're cosplaying and have the best time!

x

 

Tunes For Tuesday | Red Hands - Walk Off The Earth.

This is a band I have only recently started listening to, my Dad played me a few of there covers before but I had never heard any of their original stuff.

With my limited knowledge of their discography this one struck a chord with me (pun intended). It's chilled out, folky melody paired with emotional lyrics makes it a joy to hear. I love how every single member plays an integral part and gets the spotlight, also the music video is simple but totally kick-ass!

I am genuinely excited about delving further into Walk Off The Earths collection!

Side note - I will be away from Thursday, I'm hoping to get the blog scheduled up so posts will appear but interaction will be at a minimum. I promise I'm not ignoring you I am in Italy! 

See you when I get back!

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Awesome Of The Week | Canva.

This weeks awesome was found in an amazing post by the adorable Belinda who decided to be helpful and list all the tools she uses for blogging.

I decided to try out this one as I have been wanting to find somewhere to make graphics etc FOREVER and this is perfect. It's called Canva and is completely user friendly even for a noob like me! You can upload your own pictures and they offer literally 1000's of text options that you can edit to suit anything you are creating - the options are infinite! It's free to sign up and you can keep editing and amending as often as you like until it's exactly how you'd envisioned.

The only negative I have (which isn't even a negative) is that there are pre-made sizes set out and you can't change them so if the exact size you want is not on there then you will have to change it on another programme. However this is also a ma-hoosive pro as these sizes have been specifically chosen to be used for most social medias e.g twitter headers and blog posts as well we as business cards and posters.

It's how I made my new blog title, if you would kindly draw your attention to the top of the screen. I think this site is so ideal for anyone doing social media or trying to set up a webpage.

Amateur Dramatics.

This week my friend, who is an amazing amateur actress, mentioned she was in her local production and I just I knew I had to go along.The play was a murder mystery set as a 1950's radio show and had me laughing out loud plus we got dinner which is always something that encourages me to go to events!

They changed the murderer each night so that no one could give away spoilers as half the fun came from voting for who you think was the killer. After the interval (and the murder!) each suspect came to the tables and you could ask questions and interact which really made you feel a part of the story. I have to give the actors their due as they all stayed in character under the heat of interrogation. I'm not sure I would have coped with the pressure and improvising the answers of the scrutinising audience - some of them got very into their job as detective!

Watching the show got me thinking about my own past in am dram which although not extensive I look back affectionately on.The first thing that comes to mind is feeling like a part of a community, everyone is there for the same reason to put on a show and have a good time - as it's amateur no one is worried if you cock up occasionally or if you aren't Shakespeare worthy (seriously they don't mind). I have so many fond memories even if I was only in about 4 shows so I wanted to share my love of shows because I think that others might get the same benefits from doing them.

It's an especially brilliant activity for kids to get involved in - the rehearsals keep them entertained at weekends, they'll improve their socialising skills being around other children they might not know as well as older people and will gain so much confidence which I think is one of (if not the) most important skill we can teach the younger generation.
They don't even have to be a major/speaking character - I never was.Yes it can be a little scary before you go on but as I was always a part of the chorus I never went on stage alone but with a small group of people I'd grown close to and we had a ball!

If you are young (or even if you're not they need all ages!) please look into getting involved in your local amateur dramatic society. If acting and singing isn't your thing why not support others by getting tickets? They are normally crazy cheap and okay the acting and stories aren't necessarily going to take your breath away but chances are you'll have a bit of a giggle and it's a nice evening out!

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Tunes For Tuesday | Ever Fallen In Love - The Buzzcocks.

If there's any song that can conjure images of yourself clad in a load of leather and denim, thrashing around in an underground venue with a whole crowd of sweaty punks it's this one.
Turn it up, whip your hair and go crazy.

Granted the first time I heard this song was in the film Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging but once I heard the original I couldn't go back or hear it in the same way.

Lets face it English punk can't be beaten!

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Pit Stop | Dr Organic argan oil conditioner.

I could have waited and made this an awesome of the week but I want to save that for things other than reviews of products, plus I got overly enthusiastic and just had to talk about this so I'm making a quick pit stop on the blog.

For the longest time I have been trying to find a conditioner with argan oil without the insanely expensive price tag - I have some seriously out of control frizz and argan oil is the current craze to aid dry hair.

I was originally recommended Lee Stafford by my lovely cousin who has similar hair to me and so shares the same struggles. It worked okay for me although I didn't notice a huge difference from the conditioner I had been using previously plus I used it all in just over a week and at £10.99 a pop it wasn't a sustainable choice. (I do use the curl creme still though because it's amazing and lasts a super long time)

I for the life of me could not find any vegan conditioners with argan oil in them and believe me when I say I have tried a lot of products over the past couple of months and they all fell short of my expectations.

But my wishes were granted when I, on a whim, walked into a Holland and Barrett to pick up some snacks on a shopping trip and as we queued I looked to my left and saw it! This wonderful, shimmering, orange jewel - a completely cruelty free, vegan hair conditioner with argan oil.

Can I get a hallelujah?

My first experience with it was nothing short of magnificent! I only needed to use a small amount which is amazing compared to the 34 bottles I got through each time I used the other products I've tried (okay maybe that's an exaggeration). It went through my hair so easily, detangled it and it felt delicate and soft afterwards, not dry at all.

The best bit about this find? It costs £5.99 a bottle...... I am one very happy camper.

What are your beauty must haves?

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Awesome Of The Week | Graze Box.

This always seems to come back to food doesn't it?

I had Graze boxes a few years ago but quickly realised that students probably shouldn't have that extra expense! However I got a voucher in an Amazon package for a free box and decided to sign back up again - well I am working now!

Here's what was in my first box:

This was my favourite in the box as the 3 components had such differing tastes and textures. You can distinguish all the ingredients that are supposed to be there and the breadsticks tasted like little poles of pizza and how can you not like the idea of that!?

Cashews for me are the boss of all nuts and when you sprinkle them with rosemary and garlic you can't go far wrong.

The greatest compliment I could pay to this little snack is that I not only ate but enjoyed all of the olive croutons and I HATE olives. Like seriously they so gross. But the croutons? Delicious.

I'm new to the realms of pistachios and I don't know where they've been all my life but I have been missing out!!

When I saw the words "black pepper" I was a tad nervous as it can be such a powerful seasoning - there was no need to worry at all, they were freaking delicious.

The pepper complimented the natural sweetness of the pistachios and I would be lying if I said I didn't eat them all within about 3 minutes.

There's not much I can tell you about dried cranberries and raisins as I'm 87% sure you've had at least one of them before. These ones are infused with blueberry and cherry though!

Never before have I come across dried pineapple and I am terribly upset about it because I wish to kiss whoever decided to create it - sweet, chewy and an amazing afternoon pick me up in the office,

Time to come clean - I may or may not have consumed all of mine before taking a picture.....

I find when at work all day that towards the end I am in need of something small and savoury and now I would suggest this to anyone.

The crackers are crazy light and crispy with a chutney that has a kick but doesn't leave you in agony!

The first box did not disspoint at all, I enjoyed all the little treats that Graze chose for me! The best part of Graze is that you can go on the site and choose which items you definitely want in your boxes and which ones you don't (but it's still a surprise as to which ones you will get each week!).

They even have a section for those that have requirements such as vegetarian/vegan which as I am a new veggie and aspiring vegan it was made a whole lot easier as I could just bin anything that isn't vegan!

I don't know if it's just me but I've found vegan meals to be pretty easy to create but have seriously struggled when it comes to snacks. A lot of snacks are processed and contain all sorts of animal derived ingredients and milk powder for flavour! Having these boxes sent to me means I don't have to worry about whether I should eat this delicious looking food in front of me, I know it's vegan and healthy as their products are natural and can just dig in.

Just to add to the health benefits I opted for the Graze Light Box which means I can eat my box safe in the knowledge that it is fairly low in calories and fat. Bonus!

I definitely recommend this to anyone as you can cancel you subscription at anytime, opt out of any boxes if you're on holiday or just don't fancy a box that week and you can customise your boxes once you've tasted them by rating them and choose to get a box twice weekly, weekly or twice monthly.

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Getting Personal.

I don't mention personal stuff very often on this blog which means you don't know much about me and I want that to change

I still consider myself a newbie to this blogging malarky, but I see lots of people in the blogosphere getting to know each other and forming relationships so my way of doing this and getting involved is by opening up to you a little.

1. Do you have a middle name?
Yes, it's Louise - possibly one of the most common English middle names.

2. What was your favorite subject in school?
Oooooh that’s tricky, I liked most of them really..... I was rubbish at maths though! 

If I had to pick one it would probably be either Science or English but that’s likely more a judgment on the teachers I had than the actual subject!

3. What’s your favorite drink?

I very rarely actually drink it but perhaps iced tea! Although I am English so love a good warm cuppa too.

4. What’s your favorite song at the moment?
Right now probably Get Over It by McBusted. I’m on a bit of a positivity kick and nothing makes me feel more empowered at this moment than belting out a cheesey tune!!

I could listen to most Del Amitri songs over and over BUT it is utterly inconceivable to expect me to choose one song as a favourite!

5. What would you name your children?
I haven’t given kids names any thought, I think I’m too fickle and change my mind all the time. The only thing I am certain of is if I have children and one is a boy his middle name will be Barry. Yeah I know he’ll hate it but it’s the name of both my granddads so he can suck it up.

6. Do you participate in any sports?
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahaha.

I did pole dancing a little while back and adored it so I am hoping to get back to that but that's really the only sport I have ever actually enjoyed doing.

7. What’s your favorite book? 
Right now it’s All I Know Now by Carrie Hope Fletcher but that’s only because I’ve literally just finished it. I can’t really choose just one favourite.

I am a little way through "Traitors Blade" by sebastian De Castell (which is an awesome name by the way!) and really digging it so far.

I would recommend anything by Nora Roberts or Darren Shan as well.

8. What’s your favorite colour?
YELLOW. It just always makes me smile, it’s sunshiney and happy and sometimes we need that in our lives!

9. What’s your favorite animal?
Nope I refuse to make this decision there are so many animals and they are all pretty incredible.

I do have a bit of a soft spot for otters, elephants and Komodo Dragons though. 

10. What’s your favorite perfume?
I don’t wear any. I so stinky.

11. What’s your favorite holiday?
Christmas by FAR. 

I’m not religious so for me Christmas is a family holiday and I cherish spending the day with them all, eating a somewhat disgusting amount of food that would never be acceptable at any other time of the year and everyone being so jolly as it just seems to bring it out in people.

12. Have you graduated from High School?
I have a degree in Biology!

13. Have you been out of the country?
Yeah a number of times in my life and I consider myself very lucky to have had those opportunities and have some incredible memories with my family.

14. Do you speak any other languages?
I studied Spanish at school, got a B at GCSE and can’t remember a damned thing now.

15. Do you have any siblings?
One older sister and she’s rather amazing. Amy and she's 25 - I imagine I will tell you about her more at another time.

16. What’s your favorite store?
I’m not a massive shopper  but right now I suppose maybe Whole Foods. I ventured there on a visit to London with my friend and it was full of delicious health foods – perfect for anyone wanting to eat a wholesome diet or with dietary requirements.

Oh but Forbidden Planet is geeky and eclectic and all kinds of perfect. If you’re a fan of any cult fandoms or want to explore a library of graphic novels please go to this shop.

17. What’s your favorite restaurant?

 I like food far too much to make one single choice but take me to Wagamamas and I will be extremely happy.

18. Do you like school? 
When I was there yeah I liked it, there were moments which I’m sure you’ve encountered that aren’t so fun but over all I look back fondly on school.

19. Who are some of your favorite YouTubers?
Dan and Phil, Pewdipie, Tyler Oakley, Mamrie Hart, SMOSH, Bunny, Daniel J Layton, WOTO (I miss you Liam), Hannah Witton, Carrie Fletcher oh gosh there are so many! 

Also one of my ultimate faves is a guy called Ant and I have no doubt you will love his videos as much as I do - https://www.youtube.com/user/heavyhandedvlogs

20. What’s your favorite movie? 
I dislike this question!

Lord of The Rings/ The Hobbit but really anything Disney, Marvel, action, comedy, supernatural and occasional romance. I'm easy going when it comes to films, I want to watch every trailer I see and I become a little obsessed so end up watching the same ones over and over again.

21. What are some of your favorite TV shows?
Game of Thrones, The Big Bang Theory, Masterchef, Coach Trip, The Mentalist (Patrick Jane if you please!), Firefly, American Horror Story, Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries, Ouran High School Host Club – in the same way as films I get a tad crazy over characters and living vicariously through shows.

22. PC or Mac?
As long as it works I’m good to go!

23. What phone do you have?
Samsung Galaxy S2 but I am in dire need of my upgrade right now.

24. How tall are you?
4”11

No that’s not a typo I am genuinely teeny tiny!

25. Any pets?
A dog - Jack, 3 cats – Toby, Harry and Maggie (Maggie is actually the niece of Harry) and 3 rats – D’artagnan, Tyrion and Samwise.

It would be AMAZING if you wanted to answer these questions too so we can all really listen to and learn about each other. Also if there's anything you think I've missed feel free to ask. I want my blog to be a way of expressing myself but mostly finding like minded people and the only way to do that is to let you into my mind! I hope this isn't considered a cop out but it seemed like a nice idea!

X 

Tunes For Tuesday | We The Kings - Say You Like Me.

This past week although it's been warm the mornings have still been a little grey and gloomy and that doesn't make it easy to get up early for work.

This song is on my playlist for work because it always makes me smile. There is something so warm and inviting about Travis Clarks voice and the happy-go-lucky lyrics - I can't help but be reminded of hot days, BBQs and being outside.

Not only is a little reminder of the sunniest season sometimes required if the weather isn't great but for me it's also kind of nostalgic for when I had school holidays and the summer meant doing whatever we fancied, just waking up and going where our hearts desired! Why can't we still do that? Who else votes for summer holidays to remain a thing even when working?

I hope this song conjures similar images and feelings for you.
Here is your little piece if sunshine for today - now lets go on a road trip!



x

Awesome Of The Week | FCK H8 jumper.

I ordered this and it may have taken an AGE to arrive (due to that fact it was coming from the states) but it was so worth the wait, let me tell you!

When I looked around the site I wanted to buy everything they have but luckily managed to reserve myself somewhat and just buy the one jumper. It is unbelievably comfy and soft inside, it is possibly my new favourite piece of clothing - plus who doesn't love a good feminist pun?

FCKH8 is a clothing line committed to spreading all sorts of supportive, positive messages - to name a few feminism, LGBTQ and racism so all round good things.
"A company with an activist heart and a passionate social change mission"




They have so many options and styles you are bound to find something to suit you and the message you want to share.


So if you are pro-people and supportive of all ways of life then this might be the company for you!

If you want to purchase your own - http://fckh8.com/


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I Think I Might Be An Adult.

Have you ever had that moment when you stop, look at your life and realise you might, possibly, be a little bit of a grownup? Well recently I've experienced a lot of these moments and let me tell you I don't think I like it!

Here are a few things that have left me feeling like I need to watch a Disney film, surrounded by my cats and cuddly toys while stuffing my face with all manner of unhealthy, sugar filled sweets, cake and/or popcorn then afterwards blow a big ol' raspberry at the world and shout "NO. I REFUSE TO BE THIS MATURE ADULTY THING YOU THINK I AM"


Getting called lady/miss or any derivative of these words.
Now before the negative side there actually is a bonus to this one because at first it makes me feel a little regal and princessy. However when it's a parent referring to you as one of these to their child it's not so fun. It makes me think that this actual grown up considers me to be on their level and that is not a responsibility I signed up for!



My tastes have changed.
I like dark chocolate now people (... and nuts)! I'm not sure exactly when it happened or why but I actually quite enjoy the taste... especially if it's dispersed with raspberries.This might seem like a fairly insubstantial change but I never even considered liking it as a kid, it was one of those things that I definitely saw as "adult".

I work every day.
Now this isn't too much of a shock to the system as we are used to being at school every day but the difference is if you're tired or just not feeling it you still have to do it... and do it properly.
No resting heads on arms and making it look like you're completely engrossed in the text book that happens to be in front of you. No slyly using your phone under the desk because your attention span just can't cope with the lesson (which by the way teachers know 100% what you're doing because no one looks at their crotch and smiles for no reason.... or if you do then you might want to talk to someone).
You're getting paid to not only be there but complete everything asked of you so you kinda have to put in the effort now and if that's not maturity then I don't know what is!

Tax.
So I'm finally working and earning money, that's great right? Then along comes that little bugger that takes a ma-hoosive chunk of my pay every month. Clearly I knew about this prior to my employment from the muffled moans of older people around me already suffering the pain. But like so many before me I was unprepared for just how much it would hurt and now I am one of those "old" people that shakes my fist getting irate about the government taking liberties! (which in reality we appreciate because it means health care and retirement and all that boring stuff that's actually super important and useful).


I am not afraid to answer the phone.
Okay so it should probably be I am less afraid, as the sound of a phone ringing still turns my brain to mush so when I have to speak I become a bit of an incoherent babble-goblin.
I have to answer the phone at work every day and the prospect of not knowing what I will be asked is something that would have terrified the hell out of me a few years ago but now I deal with it and afterwards realise that hey it wasn't so bad and I managed to help that person! Growing in confidence is a prominent sign of getting older - but a nice one!



I might be in my twenties and seen as a fully grown human BUT I vow to remain the person that holds her pen like a moustache because it's more interesting plus leaves both hands free for typing, laughs at the surname Shakeshaft (yes I met someone with this name.. sorry but it's a little funny), has stuffed toys, super hero notepads along with pictures of strong female Disney characters around her work desk and loves nothing more than her unicorn onesie and a chocolate milkshake.

Some of these points might seem a little detrimental to the general enjoyment of life so before you have a break down and spend the rest of your life searching for pixie dust to get to Neverland I will hastily add that being considered an adult does have many, many benefits - which I'm sure we'll chat about at another time!

x

Tunes For Tuesday | Marianas Tench - Good To You.

First the excuse for lateness.....

I'm evidently a very simple person as I've been left thoroughly confused by the bank holiday - having a day off on Monday has thrown my entire week into mayhem! Sorry 'bout that.

This is another band that I was lucky to land upon (not literally obviously, mind out the gutter please) during my time at Uni. This occurred through my liking of a previous #TFT band (All Time Low) as another fan told me about them. Thanks Chey!

Their music has such a unique quality and each song is completely different which is a talent in itself and that's not to mention Josh Ramseys voice - which fyi is so hypnotic you can't help but be sucked in to every note he produces.

This song is a more recent discovery, I don't know why I hadn't noticed it earlier but of course I adored it (it also features Kate Voegele who is stunning in her own right).





Marianas Trench have new music coming out soon so keep your eyes and ears peeled.

x

Awesome Of The Week | 30 day photo challenge.

I've been meaning to try harder with my photography for a long time now in the hopes that I might gain some sort of skills in taking, understanding and editing photos!

Let's be honest we all know the only effective way to genuinely get better at something is by, well, doing it. I researched some ideas to enforce taking photos on a regular basis and my favourite was definitely the challenges that people come up with.

I came across a 30 day challenge which fits so perfectly into this month (after missing the first day.....) and knew I had to try my hand at it.
I'll be uploading each day to my Instagram but will also do weekly updates on here so you don't even need to go over to a different site if you don't want to. Look at me being all thoughtful for you.

My Instagram - https://instagram.com/colourmyworld10/

Original challenge - http://expertphotography.com/30-day-photography-challenge/

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