I'M GOING TO SEE MCBUSTED

That's right, every 90's girls dream of seeing your two favourite bands from your pre-teen days (minus Charlie and his unruley eyebrows of course) has come true. Boybands Mcfly and (two thirds of) Busted, now older and a lot more better looking, have joined together to create what they call a "supergroup" and are going on tour next year.

Obviously I jumped at the chance, even as far as to buy them on pre release. Who doesn't want to see Dougie Poytner in the flesh? or any of the other boys for that matter? maybe even on the off chance that Tom will give one of his famous speeches (if you have not seen Tom Fletchers wedding speech, watch it. Watch it now.) One thing I am loving is how James Bourne is still wearing the same clothes he was wearing back in the Busted days, very Blink 182.                                                                                                                                       
So boys, I will see you in April.

#stopFGM

Today whilst getting bored on endless university work, I thought I would take a break and watch a documentary, being the documentary geek I am, and I came across something that really shocked me.

Whilst browsing 4od I choose to watch "The Cruel Cut", a documentary where Leyla Hussein raises awareness of female genital mutilation, also known as FGM. I had briefly heard about kind of things like this happening in certain places in Africa and Asia but never really knew anything about it or more disappointingly in myself, never sought to find out. I was shocked to find that even in 2013 things like this are still happening in Britain and on a very large scale.

Leyla, who unfortunately underwent FGM as a child, is currently campaigning nationwide to create some kind of law that will eventually stop FGM happening in the UK. I was appalled to learn that this happens to such young girls and especially that is is their own families that forces this upon them.

This absolutely horrendous practice needs to be stopped. People believe that FGM needs to be carried out to make her "clean" and "pure" or nobody will want to marry her. I understand I do not share the same views as certain individuals from different cultures but it is plain to see that this is basically child abuse and as the documentary shows it can cause serious health issues and lots of pain for the girls involved.

A group of young men, from cultures where FGM is regularly put in to practice, were interview on the topic and I was amazed to see how pro-FGM they were. Well, until they were shown it happening. These young men were clearly uneducated on what was really happening to the females in their family. It was good see that after been shown what really happens, they themselves were shocked and horrified in this, with one vouching that if he has a daughter he will never let this happen to her. Maybe their is hope for girls in generations to come, however the problem is still happening now.

I was more disgusted that the government are not doing more even though they are aware of the problem. Leyla Hussein wrote to home secretary, Theresa May and even travelled to go see her, waiting outside for just five minutes with the MP who would not speak to them.

I urge everyone to sign the petition and try and make a difference and stop this horrific practice in Britain.
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/52740
I also urge you to watch the documentary on channel 4 on demand.
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-cruel-cut/4od

#STOPFGM

Zayn.. Im gunna getcha, getcha, getcha

So, I have something to admit, I am quite the One Direction fan. On the 15th I will be in Manchester seeing them play for the second time in my life. 

Liam, Louis, Zayn, Nial and Harry

After coming third in the X Factor a few years back the world has been taken over with one directioness and a new brand of "directioners" were born.

Since it is that time of the year again for Britain to come together, put their hands in their pockets and help those in need, the boys have released the official Red Nose Day single, a cover of a mix of Blondie's One Way or Another and The Undertone's Teenage Kicks. 

I, at first, had my reserves about this as I am a big fan of both songs, and felt they are not really the right style for the boy band. 

However, it's a fun single and as everyone may have guessed, shot right to number one. My favourite part is definitely the video though (below), I'm in love.

Not only is it for a good cause since it is Comic Relief after all, the boys have filmed the video themselves and donated the cost of what they would have spent to make a music video to charity. 

Personally I think more artists should take this route, a lot of music videos are very expensive to make and haven't had the same affect this one has. The video is fun, cute and really got people involved, even David Cameron joined in. You feel like your really there with them. 

From walking through New York, to a crowd of dancing fans in Asia and most importantly clips from the fivesome’s trip to Africa, the video real pulls at your heartstrings and shows us what Comic Relief's all about.

I would reccomend anyone to take a look, and I prepare you for Zayn 40 seconds in, nobody should look that good in a morning. 

Rhianna for River Island

It's been a long time coming and well anticipated but the wait is finally over and Rihanna For River Island is here at last.

The excitement for this collaboration has been all over the high street and fashion world for quite a while now and last night Rihanna launched her collection at River Islands flagship store in London.  

It's hit stores nationwide this morning and I can guess many girls would have been rushing out to their nearest River Island.

So how did she do? I have to say it is a bit of a anti-climax, I'm a tad disappointed  Most of it is what RiRi would wear herself, which I suppose you would expect, she's not going to create something she wouldn't herself wear I guess. However Rihanna's got a brave style that not many people can pull off.

There are certain items that I would thinking about buying, but a lot I am either not a fan of or for items such as a baggy style tank tops, it's really not worth paying the extra for the Rihanna tag. 

I am, however, loving the colour scheme. It's simple with not too many colours but I think small collections and collaborations should stick to certain colour schemes and patterns. Rihanna has gone for blacks, greys and whites with a splash of bright yellow, colours we can certainly imagine her in.

Things I'm not too keen on are firstly the double top jeans, whilst I like the idea, it's definitely something different, I personally don't think it would be something I would go out of my way to buy. I can't usually pull off baggy style jeans either so it would be a definite no no. I don't think a lot of people would be feeling this one either.

DARK WASH RIHANNA DOUBLE TOP STRAIGHT JEANS

Another is the thigh split skirt, I actually surprised myself my liking the whole split effect maxi skirt as it is not something I would usually go for. However, I am really not feeling the zip effect, it has just put me off the whole skirt. Take the zip of and I would definitely think about it.

GREY RIHANNA THIGH SPLIT SWEAT MAXI SKIRT

I am so in two minds about the tied denim shirt skirt, I like the style and think it gives a very different spin on the normal black skirt. Although, it is very much something only someone daring like Rihanna could pull off and I can imagine lots of girls out there very wary to buy it in fear that they wont be able to wear it with the same ease as Rihanna. 

NAVY RIHANNA TIED DENIM SHIRT ZIP FRONT SKIRT

Now on to the good things. This is a favourite, crop tops are big at the moment and this denim dungaree style one puts a different spin on everything else out there. The 90's had the right idea with dungarees and this  crop top version is to die for.

MID WASH RIHANNA DENIM DUNGAREE CROP TOP

I love this bright yellow colour and I think it would look amazing as a statement item to add a dash of colour to a drab outfit. However much I like it, I do think this colour isn't for everyone and I would suggest you'd need a bit of a tan to escape looking totally washed out, it would probably clash with my blonde hair too. So maybe not for me but still a amazing colour choice on Rihanna's part.

YELLOW RIHANNA KNOT FRONT CROPPED CAMI TOP

I've mentioned it before but I'm a big shirt and blouse fan and this one is pretty amazing. Not only are stripes very on trend, I love the dipped hem at the back. It adds something else to your outfit rather than the normal blouse and jeans combo. If I was to buy anything out of the collection this would definitely be it.

BLACK AND WHITE RIHANNA PAINTED STRIPE SHIRT

Backpacks (or as I call them, rucksacks) have come back with a bang over the last year and they are no longer for your little sister on her first day of primary school. I like a lot of black, so I definitely like this bag. The gold pendant adds a nice touch also, however I can imagine lots of die hard Rihanna fans swarming around this bag as she based the pendant on one of her tattoos, which is certainly something fans go for these days.

BLACK LEATHER RIHANNA TATTOO PENDANT BACKPACK

What do you think?
View Rihanna's collection here.

Bucket List!

I feel like I haven't done enough in my life so I have made it my own task to complete a bucket list before I'm at least 30. So far there are just a few things and most are general and very cliché, which really makes me hate myself for being so uninspired.

1. Travel Australia or America, or both. To be honest anywhere would be nice, I haven't been on holiday a lot and never left Europe so going further afar is like a dream come through. America fascinates me and I would love to hire a car and drive from state to state exploring, cliché I know. 

2. Realise what I want to do with my life. I have never known, and feel like I really need to find some sort of career goal before I leave university. Just hoping that one day it will hit me, fingers crossed.

3. Earn money. This may sound so materialistic but for the last year I have literally just been able to afford food (student loan problems) and I feel I should treat myself and my family and friends too. I want to be able to get my mum and dad a new house or something they've always wanted.

4. Have kids. I'm not a biggest "children person" but I know I want them at some point, not now - definitely not now (or any time soon for that matter). However, I would like to be a reasonably young mum, I don't want to be turning 50 when my child's only 10.

5. Find a new hobby. I never have hobbies and I personally think everyone should have one, so I'm in search of something new. 

6. Don’t lose contact with friends. The word “don’t” makes this a weird one, but I have a amazing set of friends from my home town which I don’t see that often any more  but I still hope in years to come that we can still make time for each other. Not to mention my uni friends as well, of course.

7. Do something crazy. I want to say sky dive but I am so scared of heights its ridiculous so maybe not that. Just something I would never normally do.

8. See all the bands I love live. This will be a bit impossible since I have a tendency to like older bands that never tour or have split up, especially Nirvana that’s very impossible, it just wouldn't be the same without Kurt. If Oasis 2015 actually happens, I WILL be there.

My first year at university

I made the scary transition to university last September and it was very scary. Moving to a different city, with different people, having to live on your own is a daunting prospect to anyone.

So my university experience started off pretty badly (apart from freshers week of course), I had my reserves about my course beforehand and toyed with the idea of referring a year but in the end I decided to start and within three weeks realised I wasn't enjoying my course, as I had expected. Luckily it wasn't late to change, and I would advise anyone in the same situation to take this opportunity. Doing a course you don’t want to do, isn't going to work out in the long run because as I found out that when my heart wasn't totally in it, I found I just didn't do the work, which is never a good sign at the start of a degree.

So every fresher knows that the legendary "freshers week" is the biggest week of the year, meeting flat mates and new friends, getting used to your new home and city (and lot's and lot's of alcohol). I spent the majority of my freshers week in the Engine Shed and various other clubs around Lincoln, then spent the day after reminiscing and getting myself ready for the night ahead, but what else do you expect of freshers week? I could go on and on about the drunken memories of freshers but I don't want to set a bad example for myself on my third blog post, and there were a lot. It doesn't just end at freshers either; my shot roulette game has become the centre piece of our kitchen table.

I choose to live in the university halls, mainly because I wanted to be with first years who were in the same situation as I was. My accommodation is pretty basic, but most university halls are so it's really not worth complaining about. I was not too impressed at first leaving my big double bed and a bath (I miss baths so much) especially since my breeze blocked room has a massive resemblance of a prison cell. However, with the help of many NME magazines, lots of blue tack and some photographs, I have made it look kind of presentable and less prison cell-like and sometimes it can be quite cosy.

Living with people you didn't know had to be the scariest part of the situation for me. Luckily there’s lot's of Facebook pages set up to help you find your future flat mates, unluckily for me I couldn't find mine. This meant, as I was sat in a packed car en route to Lincoln to start my new life, I couldn't help but worry about the fact that I could be living with five other people I didn't get on with. Luckily I've met a lot of friends and had some pretty amazing memories. 

So apart from writing news stories and essays and dragging myself out of bed to go to lectures, you know the obvious things you expect to do on a Journalism & PR course, I have become so lazy. I would like to warn any university newcomers to spend their time a lot more wisely than I have. The hours your actually in university seem to be rather sparse and you have a lot of free time on your hand, so if you’re a bit of a TV addict like me it's definitely not a good situation. I ended up re-watching the whole of Prison Break in an amount of time that is far too short for a normal person, becoming obsessed with Dexter not to mention the amount of awful 90's rom-coms floating around Netflix that I watched. Then again, this could just be me.

I would speak about the financial situation of university, but I have been one the unlucky people in the student loan department and am currently at the end of my overdraft with no money left, but this topic definitely gets me riled up and I think it deserves a blog post of its own.

All in all my first years been amazing, different but amazing. I can’t deny that I miss my family, my friends and boyfriend a lot, but I am lucky enough to live about an hour away and be able to go home and see them often. After nearly a year of alcohol, meeting new people, making new memories, lots of TV watching, more alcohol and a bit of work of course, I can not believe how fast its gone, and in only eight months ill be on to my second year, and moving in to a house (yes, I have a house, how grown up?) and starting new memories all over again. 

Topshop Wishlist

Nobody can deny that Sir Phillip Green is on to something here. Topshop is probably one of the most popular stores on the high street, I don't think I know a girl who doesn't shop there.

So, whilst browsing my local store, I walked around wishing I could instantly add a few 00's to my bank balance and treat myself. However, we don't all get what we wish for so instead I came home, shopping bag-less and went to straight to the website to torture myself that little bit more staring at my most wanted items.

LETTER PRINT SWEAT TOP

As much as I love fashion I love being comfy, and this top gives me the best of both worlds. The print is definitely one of my new favourites as it's different from the aztec and floral types around at the minute, and you can never beat a good print to jazz up a pair of jeans.

MELLY SHIRT MY MOTEL

Shirts and blouses are favourites of mine at the minute, especially a good sheer blouse or denim shirt so this Motel one is definitely my ideal item. I'm in shirt heaven.

KNITTED TEXTURED STITCH JUMPER 

This is one of my favourite colours and pretty much the reason I love this jumper. I wear jumpers nearly everyday in winter, and this would be perfect to add a bit of colour to a winter wardrobe.

BLACK AND WHITE BOYFRIEND COAT

I tried this on a few weeks a go a fell in love. Personally, I think it is a amazing day to night coat, dressed down with a pair of jeans or thrown over your dress and heels, anything goes. Probably my most wanted item.

CHECK DENIM LEGGINGS

Tartan. Tartan. Tartan. These excite me way more than they should. Teamed with a black crop top and some chunky heels; my perfect night out outfit.

MOTO BLACK ACID DENIM HOTPANTS

I always say nobody can have too many pairs of denim shorts, there definitely a staple item if there were one. Team the black acid wash with a bright neon style top in the summer and you've got a stand out effect.

LOVE TUBE SKIRT

Midi skirts and dresses are a massive favourite of mine right now, there hasn't been many nights out recently where I haven't wore one. I just think it gives you a classier version to the short body-con's and is very on trend at the moment. This one in particular is pretty special, I love how the writing of the word "love" makes it a real statement piece. 

DIP DYE TANK MIDI DRESS

Another midi- its a obsession I cant help it. Cannot get the image of this with my converse out of my head. Want. Want. WANT.

LACE COLLAR TWEED PRINT DRESS

How cute is this? I'm not really into "girly" clothing so it's a irregular occurrence for me to like something "cute" but I LOVE this, a lot.

WHITNEY TAN MEGA WEDGES

Most of the heels I own are black so these would be a refreshing change. I like the colour block effect, and I love the style of them. Total heel envy.

ASHAYA PLATFORM CHELSEA BOOT

Chunky heels are the best type of heels, and anyone who knows me knows I don't take heels in small measures. Literally all my pairs of heels are at least 6". These boots would be wearable with pretty much anything, jeans, leggings, dresses. The chunky full boot also gives a more rock-ish look to a pretty dress.

MINI SATCHEL - ORANGE

I wear a lot of black and dark colours, especially in winter and this bag is perfect to add a pop of bright colour with out going over the top. Satchel styles are BIG at the minute too.

Inspiration

The scary moment holding of your iPhone above a rowdy crowd. (Via Instagram)

Standing in a packed  crowd at Sheffield’s o2 academy, helplessly trying to find a peep-hole between the two six foot boys stood in front, you cant help to feel small (literally). Hundreds have people have flocked in there masses to stand in a crowded space and watch someone the same age as you. 

Recently, I went to see Jake Bugg, a boy that only last year, whilst I was finishing college and making the big university decision, was touring with Noel Gallagher. That being a massive achievement in its self for a boy from a Nottingham council estate, now he’s heading his own UK tour.

It left me leaving the arena after being wow’d, thinking about what I'm doing with my life. Having no specific career ambitions (as of yet), the thought of dropping everything, picking up a guitar and microphone and becoming the next Laura Marling did cross my mind. 

Although after a few moments I remembered I cant sing, nor can I play a guitar, so that one can stay in the back of head with the idea that I could also be Jessica Ennis (that idea also vanished long ago when I realised I am the least sporty person you will ever meet, ever.)

So now, here I am at 18 years of age wishing I had a really good talent myself. Being the lazy person I am, I never did much when I was younger, sports is not a strong point of mine, I gave up dance and gymnastics at a very young age  and never learnt to play an instrument, apart from that quick stint at the recorder everyone goes through in primary school.

So why don't I pick up some form of talent now? That is a very good question. Everyone can do it, what I've realised is my lack of talent lies directly with my lack of motivation. Something which I am still yet to find. I am the type of person who finds it physically impossible to do something I don't want to do.

So I guess until the day I find my secret calling, I can sit in my university room listening to Jake Bugg and being jealous of everyone else's, which weirdly doesn't bother me that much.