As we come to the last few days of the summer holidays, it is our last chance to relax for a while. These are my favourite stripped back, calm songs for chilled out summer afternoons.
Wake Me Up - Ed Sheeran
Buzzcut Season - Lorde
Tenerife Sea - Ed Sheeran
Let It Go - James Bay
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
All Of The Stars - Ed Sheeran
Video Games - Lana Del Rey
Shout About It - The Vamps
Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
The Parting Glass- Ed Sheeran (the secret track on the end of Ed Sheeran's first album. Click here if you have never heard it.)
Tuesday 30 August 2016
Monday 29 August 2016
The Catalogue Of The Universe
Up until now, I have only ever read books written in the British Isles and USA. Recently, however, I decided it might be interesting to go for books written in other countries. Through reading stories, you get more of an idea of what it is like to actually live in a place than just by reading about people's travels to the area. You can know what it is like to be a part of that world.
These are some of the reasons why I read the award-winning Catalogue Of The Universe a few weeks ago. The story is set in a small city in 1980s New Zealand, which is where and when the book was written by Margaret Mahy. It is about the main character Angela May and her search for the father she never met, which is supported by her best friend Tycho. While Tycho lives an ordinary life with his parents and brother in the inner city, Angela's unusual home is far up on the hillside, in a world without flushing toilets or proper roads. It is interesting to see how varied the lives of these people are.
I think what I like most about this book is how the writer still finds time to discuss big philosophical ideas in a book that is quite fast paced. It can make the book quite hard to keep up with sometimes, but it makes it a much more interesting read. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read something a bit different.
These are some of the reasons why I read the award-winning Catalogue Of The Universe a few weeks ago. The story is set in a small city in 1980s New Zealand, which is where and when the book was written by Margaret Mahy. It is about the main character Angela May and her search for the father she never met, which is supported by her best friend Tycho. While Tycho lives an ordinary life with his parents and brother in the inner city, Angela's unusual home is far up on the hillside, in a world without flushing toilets or proper roads. It is interesting to see how varied the lives of these people are.
I think what I like most about this book is how the writer still finds time to discuss big philosophical ideas in a book that is quite fast paced. It can make the book quite hard to keep up with sometimes, but it makes it a much more interesting read. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read something a bit different.
Saturday 27 August 2016
Funny GCSE Answers
This year, I will be taking my GCSEs. I am panicking a little about this, but finding these on the internet has definitely cheered me up. These are my favourite funny GCSE answers. Hopefully you will find them as funny as I have, if not, at least you will know what not to write when your turn comes.
Thursday 25 August 2016
Ed's Feline Friend
Cats and Ed Sheeran are two of my favourite things in the world. So, as you can imagine, I have fallen in love with Ed's video for Drunk. There are cats everywhere, and one of then looks like my Bumble! See for yourself:
I like lots of Ed Sheeran music videos, but I think this is my favourite. I wish my cat could do all of that! Are you a cat person?
Wednesday 24 August 2016
The Best School Uniform Customiser
Although I hate to say this, the summer is nearly over. This September, I am going into year 11, which I am dreading. However, with a new school year approaching, at least we have a chance to get some cool new stuff for the year ahead. With school uniform stopping us expressing ourselves via our clothing, our schoolbags should make a statement. Here are some of my favourites from around the web.
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| I love brightly coloured bags like this! Perfect for customising boring school uniform. Animal, £26 |
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| I love the patterns on this across the body bag. The hints of light blue lifts the mostly grey colour pallet. Animal, £30 |
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| This bag features more bright colours and unusual patterns. H&M, £19.99 |
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| I like the contrast of the simple rose pattern against the black. Next, £40 |
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| This bag is definitely eye-catching. The colours on this bag are almost exploding towards you. Next, £22 |
Tuesday 23 August 2016
10 Things You Will Only Understand If You Live By The Beach
I have lived near the sea all my life and I am very used to the way of life in English sea side towns. If you live by the ocean too, you will probably relate to these 10 things. If not, it will show that the life of a teen who lives by the water isn't like a permenant holiday. Maybe that's our fault though for taking it all for granted. Anyway, these are 10 things you will only understand if you live by the beach.
1. That the locals don't spend all summer on the beach.
2. Sea roads might have nice views in summer, but they are terrifying to drive down in winter storms.
3. That it can be nice and calm in the rest of the town, but the beach will still be unbelievably windy.
4. That whenever family come to visit, they always want to go to the beach, even if it is boxing day!
5. The sea is FREEZING for 80% of the year.
6. That beach houses are crazy expensive.
7. The amount of damage that can be done in one storm.
8. That lifeboat crews are amazing people.
9. How overpriced ice cream is.
10. That it is an awesome way to live!
1. That the locals don't spend all summer on the beach.
2. Sea roads might have nice views in summer, but they are terrifying to drive down in winter storms.
3. That it can be nice and calm in the rest of the town, but the beach will still be unbelievably windy.
4. That whenever family come to visit, they always want to go to the beach, even if it is boxing day!
5. The sea is FREEZING for 80% of the year.
6. That beach houses are crazy expensive.
7. The amount of damage that can be done in one storm.
8. That lifeboat crews are amazing people.
9. How overpriced ice cream is.
10. That it is an awesome way to live!
Sunday 21 August 2016
The Shellac Experience
While I was on holiday, I had a Shellac pedicure in the ship's spa. I have never had Shellac done before. It is painted on like normal nail vanish and then hardened under a UV lamp. It has 4 layers: base, 2 coats of colour and top coat. Each is hardened individually. The colour choice was limited, but then that probably varies depending on where you go. I chose bright yellow.
I am really pleased I had it done because it looks great and did not take as long as I was expecting. It is hard to paint your own toe nails! Also, it has been over a week now and they are still chip free, as promised. They are glossier than normal nail varnish too. However, what they don't tell you until after you have it done is that you have to soak your nails in acetone to get it off! I think I am going to have bright yellow toes for a while. I would definitely have it again, but probably only for a special occasion as it was quite expensive. Have you ever tried Shellac?
I am really pleased I had it done because it looks great and did not take as long as I was expecting. It is hard to paint your own toe nails! Also, it has been over a week now and they are still chip free, as promised. They are glossier than normal nail varnish too. However, what they don't tell you until after you have it done is that you have to soak your nails in acetone to get it off! I think I am going to have bright yellow toes for a while. I would definitely have it again, but probably only for a special occasion as it was quite expensive. Have you ever tried Shellac?
Saturday 20 August 2016
The Most Famous Hair In Politics
While Donald Trump continues to behave like an idiot campaign for president, it looks like his hair has finally left for a better life. If you don't believe me, watch the video below.
Still, I think this is my personal favourite:
Worryingly, the madman might actually become president one day. If he does, I am going to stay as far away from the USA as I can. Holiday to Antarctica, anyone?
Friday 19 August 2016
My Love For Lorde
I have always liked the Kiwi singer Lorde's biggest hit Royals. Lately I have been listening to some of her less well known tracks, and they are just as good, if not better. I love Team, and also really like Tennis Courts and Buzzcut Season. I am not so keen on the song she wrote for the hunger games though.
Her style is quite simple and stripped back, putting the focus on her singing and lyrics rather than the music in the background. Some of her songs are just her and a drum beat. I like her because she sings about the real world, normal teens and their everyday problems. She was still a teen when she got famous, and so I guess that is why her songs connect with people our age in a way other artists can't.
Have a listen to these by clicking on the links if you have never heard them:
Royals
Team
Tennis Courts
Buzzcut Season
White Teeth Teens
Her style is quite simple and stripped back, putting the focus on her singing and lyrics rather than the music in the background. Some of her songs are just her and a drum beat. I like her because she sings about the real world, normal teens and their everyday problems. She was still a teen when she got famous, and so I guess that is why her songs connect with people our age in a way other artists can't.
Have a listen to these by clicking on the links if you have never heard them:
Royals
Team
Tennis Courts
Buzzcut Season
White Teeth Teens
Wednesday 17 August 2016
More Stories From The Ventura
Day in Lisbon
Lisbon, was a much busier port, as it is the capital of Portugal. It had trams running through the streets everywhere. We walked through the city to the train station and travelled to the area of Belem. There we walked along the sea front in the hot sun to the Belem tower, which was originally built to protect the city. We walked all round the tower and up 93 narrow spiral steps to get to the top, where you could look out over the city. However, we then had to queue for ages to get back down out of the sun.
Once back on the ship, we had burgers from the poolside grill out on deck and then headed to the cocktail bar to escape the sun. After yet another amazing dinner, I hung out in the teen club for a bit before watching a hilarious comedian. He sung funny songs with his guitar as well as told jokes.
Day in Oporto
We took a tour to explore the city of Oporto. A coach drove us along the sea front, and then we boarded an old tram which took us further into the city. It was really interesting to travel on something that used to be an ordinary part of public transport many decades ago. The tram dropped us off near an old tavern where we ate local meats, cheeses and bread. I also tried some port, which I did not like much as it was very strong. Then we walked through the old narrow streets with their tall houses, all of which were covered in brightly coloured tiles to reflect the heat.
After lunch on the ship, I went to another rock school workshop. This time we were learning Justin Beiber's song "Love Yourself". That night was another fab gala dinner. We then saw a show in the theatre based on songs from the movies and later listened to a duet sing in the cocktail bar.
Day at Sea
I spent most of the day at rock school rehearsals. We learnt "Beat It" by Michael Jackson as a group and one of the girls learnt to sing "Valerie" by herself. I played piano for her. I spent the rest of the afternoon playing table tennis up on deck with my dad. That evening we watched Badness in the theatre. They are a Ska band that play lots of Madness and Bad Manners songs. They were brilliant, they had everyone singing and dancing along. Then we listened to a singer in the Tamerind lounge before heading back up to the cocktail bar.
Day in Guernsey
Guernsey was our last day on the ship. The port at Guernsey is too small for the Ventura, so they used lifeboats to take us ashore. When we got on the lifeboat, it was moving lots and kept crashing into the side of the ship, making it difficult to get on. Once we were in the sheltered area of the port, the sea was much calmer and we could get off much easier.
We walked along the harbour to Castle Cornet, an old castle built to protect the island from French invasion. After exploring there, we walked along a pier to a lighthouse where we were quite far out to sea. Then we wandered back along the harbour and though a local market selling jewellery and trinkets. Once we had crossed the water and got back on the ship, I went to our Rock school sound check ready for the performance in the evening.
Our last dinner was as tasty as ever. Then it was time for me to go and get ready for my performance. First my friend and I performed Valerie. It was scary going first but it all went well. Then the others joined us on stage for the main 3 songs. I was singing too then, which I prefer to playing. I loved every minute. Finally, a few of the older ones finished with their own composition. After our performance, the girl band who had been teaching us performed their own set. They sung all the classics and were really good. We then saw a theatre show based around a rock band and finished our night by heading to the late night buffet.
Overall, my holiday was brilliant. Cruise ships are great for teens because you can explore new places with your family but still escape your parents and hang out with teens if you want to. I loved it!
Lisbon, was a much busier port, as it is the capital of Portugal. It had trams running through the streets everywhere. We walked through the city to the train station and travelled to the area of Belem. There we walked along the sea front in the hot sun to the Belem tower, which was originally built to protect the city. We walked all round the tower and up 93 narrow spiral steps to get to the top, where you could look out over the city. However, we then had to queue for ages to get back down out of the sun.
Once back on the ship, we had burgers from the poolside grill out on deck and then headed to the cocktail bar to escape the sun. After yet another amazing dinner, I hung out in the teen club for a bit before watching a hilarious comedian. He sung funny songs with his guitar as well as told jokes.
Day in Oporto
We took a tour to explore the city of Oporto. A coach drove us along the sea front, and then we boarded an old tram which took us further into the city. It was really interesting to travel on something that used to be an ordinary part of public transport many decades ago. The tram dropped us off near an old tavern where we ate local meats, cheeses and bread. I also tried some port, which I did not like much as it was very strong. Then we walked through the old narrow streets with their tall houses, all of which were covered in brightly coloured tiles to reflect the heat.
After lunch on the ship, I went to another rock school workshop. This time we were learning Justin Beiber's song "Love Yourself". That night was another fab gala dinner. We then saw a show in the theatre based on songs from the movies and later listened to a duet sing in the cocktail bar.
Day at Sea
I spent most of the day at rock school rehearsals. We learnt "Beat It" by Michael Jackson as a group and one of the girls learnt to sing "Valerie" by herself. I played piano for her. I spent the rest of the afternoon playing table tennis up on deck with my dad. That evening we watched Badness in the theatre. They are a Ska band that play lots of Madness and Bad Manners songs. They were brilliant, they had everyone singing and dancing along. Then we listened to a singer in the Tamerind lounge before heading back up to the cocktail bar.
Day in Guernsey
Guernsey was our last day on the ship. The port at Guernsey is too small for the Ventura, so they used lifeboats to take us ashore. When we got on the lifeboat, it was moving lots and kept crashing into the side of the ship, making it difficult to get on. Once we were in the sheltered area of the port, the sea was much calmer and we could get off much easier.
We walked along the harbour to Castle Cornet, an old castle built to protect the island from French invasion. After exploring there, we walked along a pier to a lighthouse where we were quite far out to sea. Then we wandered back along the harbour and though a local market selling jewellery and trinkets. Once we had crossed the water and got back on the ship, I went to our Rock school sound check ready for the performance in the evening.
Our last dinner was as tasty as ever. Then it was time for me to go and get ready for my performance. First my friend and I performed Valerie. It was scary going first but it all went well. Then the others joined us on stage for the main 3 songs. I was singing too then, which I prefer to playing. I loved every minute. Finally, a few of the older ones finished with their own composition. After our performance, the girl band who had been teaching us performed their own set. They sung all the classics and were really good. We then saw a theatre show based around a rock band and finished our night by heading to the late night buffet.
Overall, my holiday was brilliant. Cruise ships are great for teens because you can explore new places with your family but still escape your parents and hang out with teens if you want to. I loved it!
Tuesday 16 August 2016
No Longer At Sea
I am back from my cruise and it was brilliant! I promised to tell you all about it, so here is the first half of the story.
First Day On Ventura
We got on the beautiful ship around lunchtime and ate in the buffet. The ship it's self is amazing. It has bars, restaurants, shops and a theatre on the lower decks, pools, sunbeds and more bars on the top decks and cabins in between the two. We were up on deck as the ship sailed out of Southampton. You can lean right over the railings and look down onto the sea and coastline below. Meanwhile, a band played live music. We sailed out of port and along the Solent before heading out to the ocean. By that time though, we were at dinner. The first night was only smart casual, but it still felt special going down into the posh restaurant to dinner. The food was amazing. After that, we saw a brilliant show of songs from 40s and 50s musicals in the theatre. Then I went up to the teen club for chatting and dancing.
Day At Sea
The next day I went to my first rock school session. An all girl rock band were on the ship as they were playing a set later on, and they were running workshops for 9 to 17 year olds. We learnt "We Will Rock You". I was one of the singers. I even got a bit of a solo. After a Costa, we had lunch in the buffet again with my grandma, who was also on the ship. We then walked round the prom deck. All you could see was the ocean in every direction. We also had a look round the art gallery which was very interesting. The art was all very different but all very good.
That evening was our first Gala night. I like getting dressed up, and I really enjoyed it. The dinner was even fancier than usual. It is very surreal getting all dressed up for posh evenings out in the middle of the ocean. You could forget you were on a ship if the floor did not constantly move beneath your feet. We listened to a band in a bar, then I went up to the teen club for more dancing.
Day in Vigo
Apparently, the night before, I slept through 55 mile per hour winds! It was a force 10 gale and my parents were woken up by crashes in the night, but I did not feel or hear a thing! That morning, I got up early with my mum to go to the spa. While we were having breakfast, we watched out the window while we sailed into port. Seagulls flew right by the window and turned their heads to look at us! In the spa, we both had pedicures. I had my toenails Shellacked bright yellow!
We then met up with my Dad and Grandma and disembarked to explore Vigo. After wandering through the fishing harbour and the old streets, we found an area with cafes and restaurants. We sat outside eating seafood tapas and drinking sangria. They had the best prawns I have ever eaten. Once we were back on the ship, we walked round the promenade, where we could see Vigo from afar.
Dinner was amazing again, although this time it was just smart casual. We went to see another theatre show, this time about modern musicals. It was fab, especially the songs from Wicked. Then we headed to the ship's pub for a music quiz, which of course led to singing.
I will write about the second half of the trip in tomorrow's post.
First Day On Ventura
We got on the beautiful ship around lunchtime and ate in the buffet. The ship it's self is amazing. It has bars, restaurants, shops and a theatre on the lower decks, pools, sunbeds and more bars on the top decks and cabins in between the two. We were up on deck as the ship sailed out of Southampton. You can lean right over the railings and look down onto the sea and coastline below. Meanwhile, a band played live music. We sailed out of port and along the Solent before heading out to the ocean. By that time though, we were at dinner. The first night was only smart casual, but it still felt special going down into the posh restaurant to dinner. The food was amazing. After that, we saw a brilliant show of songs from 40s and 50s musicals in the theatre. Then I went up to the teen club for chatting and dancing.
Day At Sea
The next day I went to my first rock school session. An all girl rock band were on the ship as they were playing a set later on, and they were running workshops for 9 to 17 year olds. We learnt "We Will Rock You". I was one of the singers. I even got a bit of a solo. After a Costa, we had lunch in the buffet again with my grandma, who was also on the ship. We then walked round the prom deck. All you could see was the ocean in every direction. We also had a look round the art gallery which was very interesting. The art was all very different but all very good.
That evening was our first Gala night. I like getting dressed up, and I really enjoyed it. The dinner was even fancier than usual. It is very surreal getting all dressed up for posh evenings out in the middle of the ocean. You could forget you were on a ship if the floor did not constantly move beneath your feet. We listened to a band in a bar, then I went up to the teen club for more dancing.
Day in Vigo
Apparently, the night before, I slept through 55 mile per hour winds! It was a force 10 gale and my parents were woken up by crashes in the night, but I did not feel or hear a thing! That morning, I got up early with my mum to go to the spa. While we were having breakfast, we watched out the window while we sailed into port. Seagulls flew right by the window and turned their heads to look at us! In the spa, we both had pedicures. I had my toenails Shellacked bright yellow!
We then met up with my Dad and Grandma and disembarked to explore Vigo. After wandering through the fishing harbour and the old streets, we found an area with cafes and restaurants. We sat outside eating seafood tapas and drinking sangria. They had the best prawns I have ever eaten. Once we were back on the ship, we walked round the promenade, where we could see Vigo from afar.
Dinner was amazing again, although this time it was just smart casual. We went to see another theatre show, this time about modern musicals. It was fab, especially the songs from Wicked. Then we headed to the ship's pub for a music quiz, which of course led to singing.
I will write about the second half of the trip in tomorrow's post.
Sunday 7 August 2016
Setting Sail Tomorrow!
Tomorrow, I am going on my cruise! We set sail in the afternoon for Vigo. After that we visit Lisbon and Oporto in Portugal, then Guernsey on the way back. I haven't really had much time to be excited as I have only been back from Wales a couple of days, and now I am leaving again. It's a very different sort of holiday though!
I won't be able to blog while I am away as it costs too much to use the internet abroad, but when I get back I will tell you all about it. I am away for a whole week this time, so you probably won't hear from me for a while. Hopefully, I will have lots of interesting stories for you. I can't wait!
I won't be able to blog while I am away as it costs too much to use the internet abroad, but when I get back I will tell you all about it. I am away for a whole week this time, so you probably won't hear from me for a while. Hopefully, I will have lots of interesting stories for you. I can't wait!
Saturday 6 August 2016
Birthday In Wales
Yesterday was my last day in Wales. It was also my birthday, and I had a really great day. The campfire the previous night was great fun, we toasted marshmallows and made smores. We also made mini pizzas out of tortilla wraps and cooked them in the pizza oven. They were fab! I think I need to try that at home.
The next day, everybody sung happy birthday to me at breakfast and I was given a cool T-shirt with a picture of 3 sheep caving on it. That morning, we completed a mountain rescue exercise where we had to locate 2 casualties and give them basic first aid. One of them had to be carried back down on a stretcher, which was hard work. I think I now have a new respect for real rescue teams.
After a long bus journey home, I was able to spend the rest of my birthday with my family. We had a huge chocolate cake and I opened my presents, which were mostly jewellery, books and art materials. I had a great birthday, and although it is not the sort of day I normally have, it was still really good fun.
The next day, everybody sung happy birthday to me at breakfast and I was given a cool T-shirt with a picture of 3 sheep caving on it. That morning, we completed a mountain rescue exercise where we had to locate 2 casualties and give them basic first aid. One of them had to be carried back down on a stretcher, which was hard work. I think I now have a new respect for real rescue teams.
After a long bus journey home, I was able to spend the rest of my birthday with my family. We had a huge chocolate cake and I opened my presents, which were mostly jewellery, books and art materials. I had a great birthday, and although it is not the sort of day I normally have, it was still really good fun.
Thursday 4 August 2016
Further Adventures In Wales
Tonight is my last night in the Brecon Beacons. In the last 3 days we have done so much cool stuff. On the first full day, we went gorge walking. This was great fun, although I avoided some of the deeper pools because I don't like going out of my depth. That night, we slept out in home made shelters. Ours was a really cool, but unfortunately not that wind proof.
Yesterday, we went caving. After a really long walk across mountain paths, we reached the cave. At first, the cave was wide and open, so I was ok. However, as we walked through, it got narrower and it really freaked me out. I managed to get out ok though, even though it involved a really tight passage.
Today we went Canoeing on the river. It was so much fun, although a couple of the faster rapids were a bit scary. Tonight we are having a campfire and then we are going home. It has been a great trip and I am really pleased I came.
Yesterday, we went caving. After a really long walk across mountain paths, we reached the cave. At first, the cave was wide and open, so I was ok. However, as we walked through, it got narrower and it really freaked me out. I managed to get out ok though, even though it involved a really tight passage.
Today we went Canoeing on the river. It was so much fun, although a couple of the faster rapids were a bit scary. Tonight we are having a campfire and then we are going home. It has been a great trip and I am really pleased I came.
Monday 1 August 2016
First Day In Wales
Today was my first day in the Brecon Beacons. We arrived at lunch time then did an afternoon of activities. So far, I have been successful at archery, less successful at BMX bikes, and had disasters on a rope swing over muddy water. We also did some rock climbing after our fab 3 course dinner.
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