The Music of 2017

I have had a great Christmas! Have you? I got a camera for my photography, as well as clothes, concert tickets for the Vamps and other bits and pieces.

This year has been a great year for music, from Ed's new album to summer hits like Despacito As it is the last day of 2017, I thought I would share what I think are the best 10 songs released this year, compared to the top 10 from the sales charts.

2017s best songs according to record sales:

1) Shape Of You - Ed Sheeran

2) Despacito - Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, Bieber

3) Castle On The Hill - Ed Sheeran

4) Galway Girl - Ed Sheeran

5) Unforgettable - French Montana Ft Swae Lee

6) Symphoney - Clean Bandit Ft Zara Larsson

7) Human - Rag'n'bone Man

8) You Don't Know Me - Jax Jones Ft Raye

9) Something Just Like This - Chainsmokers and Coldplay

10) I'm The One - Dj Khaled/Bieber/Quavo/Chance

My top 10 from 2017:

1) Castle On The Hill - Ed Sheeran

2) Shape Of You - Ed Sheeran

3) Perfect Places - Lorde

4) Galway Girl - Ed Sheeran

5) Power - Little Mix
6) Skin - Rag'n'bone Man
7) Something Just Like This - Chainsmokers and Coldplay
8) What About Us - P!nk
9) Sign Of The Times - Harry Styles
10) Your Song - Rita Ora

Christmas Eve

For once, I am scarily organised this Christmas Eve, with cards written and most of my presents wrapped.  My Christmas nails are done and I even know what I am wearing tomorrow. The only slight disappointment is I have no party to go to on New Years Eve.

Still, the rest of my Christmas plans are pretty exciting. For the first time ever, we are having Christmas lunch with my Gran and Grandad, which means we will all be given more food than we can possibly eat. Then we have boxing day at my Grandma's house, bubble and squeak here we come! On the 27th, we have a family tradition called Pyjama day, were we stay home and play all the games we have received that year. A few days later, we will go up to Somerset to visit my cousins and aunty. How are you spending Christmas?

Disorganised this Christmas!

I am so disorganised this Christmas! At my old school, I would have finished for the term last week, so would have plenty of time to do present wrapping and other preparations, but at this college, I don't break up until Thursday! And to make it worse, I have mocks to revise for in January. Luckily, where I only do one academic subject, I have less than some people, but I still have to learn 5 case studies and research methods.

On top of that, I have plenty of Graphics and Photography to do. However, I am happy to do that kind of homework, as it is just sketching ideas and a photoshoot. But still, it is more things to do! So you can imagine how much I panicked when they told us that if we did not pass our mocks we would not be allowed to progress to the next year of study! However, passing just means scoring grade E or above! Although that does still mean getting 40%, but as I have got Bs and Cs in everything so far for psychology, I am ok with it.

I am still far less worried than when we had our year 11 mocks! Do you have mocks after this Christmas?

Plenty Of Perfume

This year, I have been celebrating December with an unusual advent calendar and it is lovely. So far I have had perfumes in a variety of fragrances, from fruity ones such as pink grapefruit, to flowery citrus blossom and even chocolate!!! And for when summer finally comes, I have a tropical coconut and peach so I can pretend I am on holiday in the Caribbean, even if I am quite clearly not.

However, I do have a festive disappointment. At my previous school, we had nice long Christmas holidays, but this year my last day is on the 21st! I only have 3 days off before Christmas! No longer can I leave all my Christmas shopping and think, "oh, I'll do that when school is over." I need to get organised!

Even worse, here in the south we are the only part of the county to not have any snow! Apart from a little sleet yesterday, we have had no sign of the white stuff. Such a shame, I could do with a few days off college! Have you had any snow?

My Christmas T-Shirt

Firstly, I would just like to say I am very shocked that Becky left the camp the other  night in the Jungle. I really liked her and thought everyone else did too. Why are they getting rid of all the girls!? I want Amir to go, the more I find out about him, the less I like him. As for the Winner, I would like to see Toff of Jennie get it. Who do you want to win?

And secondly, in the spirit of getting in the mood for Christmas, here is my new Christmas T-shirt I wore to college! It features Pusheen, the cat who has a collection of stickers on Facebook of him in various different moods and positions. Here is he saying that he wants a place to sleep, a proper Christmas dinner and a box as presents rather than a Christmas jumper, cat treats and a scratching post. It is a shame it is so cold my hoodie covered it for most of the day!

Have you worn anything Christmassy to college yet?

10 Things To Get You In The Christmas Spirit

It's December today! Woohoo! I have opened my new advent calendar! I had no idea what was in it because my mum covered the back over with Christmas wrapping paper. Today's treat was a mini bottle of perfume. I am not sure if they are all perfume or a mix of things. I will tell you when I open some more doors and find out.

By this time of year, many people will be getting really excited about Christmas. But not all of us will be feeling Christmassy. If you are struggling to get in the mood, try these 10 ways to get in the Christmas Spirit.

1. Put up your decorations - apparently this has been proven to make you happier!
2. Do some Christmas baking. Last year I got particularly ambitious and attempted a gingerbread house, but simple gingerbread biscuits could be an easier option.
3. Write your Christmas cards, or make them if you really want to feel festive.
4. Go Christmas jumper shopping. If you are now at college, you could wear one every day!
5. Listen to some Christmas music. Or, if you are musical, you can learn to play some Christmas music.
6. Light a Christmas Candle. I love the Yankee gingerbread fragrance. Perhaps to simulate the baking if that is not something you are good at!
7. Watch a Christmas film. My favourite is the Polar Express, but there is always Love Actually if you want to be grown up.
8. Watch some old Christmas specials. You'll find everything from Doctor Who to Call The Midwife.
9. Wrap your presents - it has to be done at some point.
10. And finally, as we have some chance of snow this week (YAAAAYYYYYYY), build a snowman!!!

Do you have any ideas? Post them below in the comments.

I'm A Celebrity is Back

I have been watching I'm A Celebrity for several years now, but this year I am loving it more than ever! Toff is definitely my favourite, any Chelsea Princess that can out tough a boxer and eats genitalia definitely gets respect from me. But I have also been impressed by Stanley, who seems really genuine, which is slightly shocking for a politician. I think he is a real gentlemen.

I also thought the walking the plank challenge looked terrifying! The height was bad enough, but the wobbly section was awful. I still think I would be better at that than anything with giant spiders though! And although it would not have been fun to do, it was brilliant to watch!

Tonight, the new camp mates Iain Lee (Radio Presenter) and Kezia Dugdale (Politician) are going to be introduced, and they will be completing a bush tucker trial. I can't wait to see how these new characters get on, especially as this means we will now have two politicians in the camp, although I can't see Stanley as the type to cause trouble.

Learning Guitar

Whether it is keyboard, singing solo or choir, I have always loved music. And I did not want that to stop with the end of school performances.

Since starting at college in September, I have started learning guitar. I have mostly been teaching myself, but have had some resources and help from the music department to help me get started. At first I could only play at college, but my uncle has learnt me a guitar so now I can play at home.

I have playing a mixture of songs with basic chords, from pop songs like Riptide, Budapest, and Royals to more unusual songs like Pumped Up Kicks and Little Talks. I love the freedom that comes with finding chords online, as it means I can play anything I want, whereas for keyboard arrangements I have to buy sheet music.

But what I love most is that I am able to sing along with my playing, as singing is what I like best really. I definitely recommend guitar to anyone who loves to sing, or wants an instrument that is easy to teach yourself.

My Kind Of News Show

Lots of adults like to watch the news in the morning to see what is going on in the world. But when I have a free period first thing and want to catch up on the issues of the day, I get The Last Leg up on All4. Their form of News is far more interesting!

The Last Leg is brilliant because it gets the balance right between fun/jokes/entertainment and actual news/politics. Although they can be quite biased when it comes to Brexit, they are generally fair and honest, far more so than many online sources. And I love Josh, Adam and Alex, they are just hilarious. The fact that two of them are living with disabilities also means the show gives this minority some representation.

The show also has special guests, a mix of other comedians and politicians, including Jeremy Corbin himself on one occasion, although I am not sure these politicians always know what they are getting themselves in for!

To give you a taste of the madness, here is a clip where they encourage people to vote in the last election:

Overall, I think the show is a great way for teens to get an introduction to politics that is enjoyable and not too complex. Do you watch The Last Leg?

I Have Joined Pottermore!

Pottermore is the official website for the world of Harry Potter, and although I only signed up a few hours ago I am already hooked. I know, most of you probably joined Pottermore ages ago, but  although I watched the films quite a long time ago, I only really started to love Harry Potter when I read the books more recently.

To those of you who haven't yet discovered Pottermore yet, it is brilliant. Without signing up, you can view information about the books, including profiles on all the other characters and locations in the stories. But when you create an account, it allows you to find out who you would be if you lived in the world of Wizards by discovering your House, Patronus and Wand.

Today I have discovered that I am a Gryffindor, that I would have a 11 inch flexible elm and unicorn hair wand, and that my Patronus would be an Elephant. My mum says this is because I get in a large amount of trouble and would therefore need a large Patronus to get me out of it!

Members can also explore the castle with animated virtual reality, and find extra information hidden around the school.

I think anyone who likes Harry Potter would like Pottermore.
To visit the website and sign up for free, click on the link below:
https://www.pottermore.com/

Yet More Funny Test Answers

As my funny exam answers are among my most popular posts, I have decided to create another instalment. This time, I am focusing on answers that include hilarious works of art. Some are impressively detailed, others are simple but brilliant.

I never knew there was a Kung Fu Gland! And their version of Testes is just disturbing.



I am amazed, I never thought a reproductive system could look so much like a Lion!



Words fail me! Although to be fair, it does look quite a lot like something you would see on Doctor Who!



And some students resort to death threats to try and pass...



Whilst others are more concerned with saving the environment!

Know any more? Post them in the comments!

Hooked On A Classic

A few weeks ago, I said that I had got really into the classic computer game Pac Man. Now, I have become hooked on Tetris! At least I am actually quite good at this one though, as I was rubbish at Pac Man.

Although the game appears to be really simple, it is actually quite hard, as the rows only disappear when they are completely full, and I often end up with one annoying little gap in each one. This gets even worse as it gets faster the more rows you manage to delete. I have got to level 8, which is just too quick!

I find I always play more computer games in the winter, as where it gets dark early, you can't go out and do things in the evening so I end up on my laptop. That does mean more blog posts though (hopefully).

To have a go yourself, click on the link below:
http://www.friv2online.com/tetris.html

Post the level you get to in the comments.

Not More Maths!

When I finished school, I was so happy that I would never have to study maths again. Sadly, that is not the case. The psychology A level I am doing is 20% Statistics, and this weekend my homework consisted purely of maths. And there was me thinking I would only have to do the subjects I liked now! It does mean that for the first time, I am actually very pleased I did GCSE stats! At least that wasn't wasted!

However, I suppose I can't really complain when the rest of my homework is just taking photos of stuff! I am loving that side of things! Especially as on our school trips now, we are free to wander wherever we want by ourselves on the condition we are back at the correct time!

Are your subjects what you expected them to be?

The Chrome Nail Trend

Chrome nails are the latest nail art look. They have mirror reflection and shine in a range of colours. This eye catching look is appearing everywhere.

The look can be created with fake nails, chrome nail polish, or by brushing a very fine chrome powder over normal nail varnish.

Essie do a range of chrome nail polishes called Galaxy in Superdrug. They are only £7.99 each and come in gold, silver, lilac, pink, and blue.  I think I am going to have to try these!

Have you tried the trend?

Unusual Advent Calenders

This is my 501st post! I did not realise I had done so many. Thanks for reading them!

As we are coming up to November, it is time to think about advent calendars. If you don't fancy one of the standard chocolate ones this year, there are plenty of other more unusual calendars to help you count down to Christmas, many of which are perfect for teens. Ranging from affordable to luxury, here are my favourite advent calendars with a twist.

Primark, £10

This advent calendar has 12 different nail vanishes in

different colours. It is one of the most affordable beauty advent calendars.

Body Shop, £45, with products worth £88

This advent calendar is filled with products such as lip balms, shower gels and creams.

There are other more expensive ones with more luxury products,

but this one has products that are most appropriate for teens. 

Superdrug, Was £120, now £75

This advent calendar by make-up revolution contains a wide range

of make-up products from brushes and applicators to eye shadow pallets and lip glosses.

I have one of the eye pallets in the calendar and it is really good quality. 

Not On the High Street, £32

For those of you who want an edible calendar

but are just fed up with chocolate, you can count down with biscuits instead. 

Each biscuit is hand decorated with a Christmas design and a number.

The Best Personality Test

I have always quite liked taking personality tests, as they are often surprisingly truthful. However, some are better than others. Many of the more in depth ones have too many questions, and some of the shorter ones are less accurate. This time though, I have found a brilliant one. Here is the web address:

https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test

This personality test reveals you as one of 16 types that are divided into 4 categories. It then gives you a character image, a summary of that personality and a lengthy explanation.

I identified with the Campaigner personality, who is part of the Diplomat group. They are enthusiastic, creative and sociable free spirits, who can always find a reason to smile. This sounds like me!

I think everyone should have a go at this personality test. It might just be a bit of fun, but you could find out something interesting about yourself.

Halloween Fun

Although most of you reading this will be a bit grown up for trick or treating, that does not mean you can't celebrate Halloween. Whether you prefer a spooky sleepover or a full on house party, here are some ideas for Halloween fun.

Costumes:
For more grown up costumes, try a simple black dress with a witches hat, cloak and dark make-up for a sexy witch or fake blood and ripped clothes for a scary zombie look.

Movies:
If you haven't seen IT yet, Halloween is the perfect night. If not, there are plenty of others to choose from. The Visit is one of the milder ones, if you want to make sure you can sleep that night! For a classic that is more scary, try A Nightmare on Elm Street.

Decorations:
For an all out Halloween party, decorations are a must. The Range has some amazing larger feature pieces, including life size zombies and skeletons, as well as giant clown faces. For smaller items, pound land has many cheap decorations such as themed plates, lights, window stickers and small accessories.


What are you doing for Halloween?

The End Of The F***ing World

Coming soon to Channel 4 is a new comic thriller about two misfit teens James and Alyssa and the disastrous road trip of a lifetime called The End Of The F***ing World. It is based on the graphic novel by Charles Forsman, and is going to be shown in 8 episodes. The first will be shown on E4 on Tuesday (24.10.17) and the rest of the episodes will be available on All 4 as a boxset as soon as it has been aired. 

James is pretty sure he is a psychopath after killing many animals and deciding he is ready to kill a person. Alyssa befriends him and becomes so blinded by her love for him she doesn't spot the signs. The two embark on a road trip to find Alyssa's absent father, but end up being hunted by the police. 

The End Of The F***ing World has dark themes, but also covers more general teen issues and has funny scenes. I recommend it to all older teens, maybe 15+, as it is probably not suitable for some of my younger readers. 

Here is the trailer. I think my favourite bit is the dancing! 

Cat Week!

This week Ellen is having an Annual Cat Week on her show! All this week, she is featuring cats on her show. As a cat lover, owner and fan of Ellen, I am very excited about this idea.

Here is Ellen introducing Cat Week.

My cat Bumble also does funny things like the cats in Ellen's videos.

Sitting how the humans do.

Give that to me now!

Can I get in the bath with you?

Christmas Party Decorations

I have recently received a request in the comments for a blog on Christmas party decorations, and I like to respond to requests if possible. Although it is still a couple of months until Christmas, those of you who are planning a party will want to start planning early, so here are my ideas for those looking for inspiration!

As well as the traditional red green and gold, these more unusual themes can also create a traditional feel.

Theme One: Winter Wonderland

Silver, ice blue and white can create the feeling of a magical snow palace. Snowflakes, icicles, fairy lights and glitter are perfect for this theme.
 

Theme Two: Gingerbread Candyland

Baking treats, sweet jars, and reds, pinks and light browns can create a warm and sweat party atmosphere. Ginger bread houses make perfect centrepieces for this theme, but in my experience they can be very difficult to make!



Theme Three: Base It Around A Christmas Film

Pick your favourite Christmas film and base the party decorations around that. Have a Polar Express theme with golden tickets and magic bells, or a creepy Nightmare before Christmas celebration.

Have anymore ideas? Tell me in the comments.

Yet Again, The Book Was Better

Sorry it has been a while since I posted, I have been busy. Hopefully I can keep posting more frequently over the next few weeks!

Part of my lack of posting is that I have been completely absorbed in the forth Harry Potter book, "The Goblet Of Fire". I have watched all the Harry Potter films, but up until a few days ago had only read the first 3 books. So, I stupidly started the 4th, not realising how much of my week it would consume. Every spare minute I had my head in that book!

What surprised me most was how much I liked the book better than the film. Although I did find that I preferred the book with the other Harry Potters, this time the difference was even more noticeable. Because the forth book is far longer than the first 3, more was cut out when it was made into a film. This means that when I read the book, there was more extra detail and action than usual. I definitely recommend you read the series if you like the films.

To be honest, books are almost always better than the films, because you get extra little details as they show you the inner thoughts and feelings of the characters. The one exception is when the film or TV show contains Benedict Cumberbatch, because he is so handsome he just makes everything better!

Starting My Christmas Shopping

There is now only 12 weeks until Christmas! Ahhhhh.

Some of my super organised family members have already nearly finished their Christmas shopping. I however haven't even started. I have only been at college a few weeks, I haven't thought about Christmas yet! Still, starting early means you have more time to find bargains, so I am going to have to get organised soon!

I often look in the Avon Book for Christmas presents, as they have nice gifts that are fairly cheap. They often have presents perfect for school friends and siblings. Here are some of the things they have online at the moment. They should be in the next brochure, along with lots of other Christmas gifts.

Toni Novelty Earring Gift Set, Was £6, now £4.50

mark. Gift Set, £7

Ava & Friends Cat Hot Water Bottle, Was £14, now £10

Have fun with your Christmas shopping! Have you started yet?

Overshadowed- An Online Gem.

I have been watching a new series on BBC iPlayer called Overshadowed. It is an unusual series, because it is filmed entirely in the form of vlog entries. It focuses on the girl making the vlogs, sixth former Imogen, and her eating disorder. At first, you don't notice there is anything unusual about Imo, but then as the series goes on you realise how extreme her diet and exercise routine is becoming.

By filming it as a series of vlogs, you get a really personal view into that individual's life, and see their world through their eyes. The show gives a really close up look at what it is like to have an eating disorder, as well as dealing with everyday teen issues. The show does deals with some fairly adult stuff though, so I am going to recommend it to older teens. I have seen 4 episodes so far and am looking forward to watching the next one.

The series is on BBC 3, so it is only available online, although that does mean the whole series has been released at once, so you don't have to wait a whole week to see the next episode. As the episodes are only 10 minutes long, they are really quick and convenient to watch whenever you have a bit of spare time, although I find myself thinking "just one more" and watching several in a row!

How Short Is Too Short

One of the things I am loving about college is that we get to wear our own clothes. However, It does mean I spent lots of time faffing about in the morning trying to decide what to wear! I have free periods first thing most days, so I often have time to play about deciding on an outfit. As much as I love that I am allowed to wear jeans (we were only allowed skirts at my old school) I have liked wearing my denim skirt as well.

Sometimes though, I have dilemmas. This morning, I put on one of my favourite skirts only to find it was shorter than I remembered. It did cover what is should, but only just. And as I was the only one in the house, I had no one to confer with, so I took it off. But then later that day at college I saw girls in much skimpier outfits and wished I hadn't! I especially laughed at my concerns when I saw a girl with a longish shirt on and no skirt on at all!

It's difficult, because if other people are going to college in very little clothing then the college must not mind it. On the other hand, just because there are others that don't wear much, it doesn't mean I want to!

Phil's Psychology Test

I have had a go at Phil's Psychology test and it is shockingly truthful. I am studying psychology, as I have a real interest in the subject, and love doing these kinds of tests.

 According to the test, my best friend from senior school is the most important person in my life, but our relationship is fairly fragile. My problems in life are medium sized, but I am passive about dealing with them. I have little ambition, an open personality and am happy. I am relatively keen on having a romantic relationship, am an willing to partly immerse myself in it.  

If you want to take the test yourself, just watch the video below.

What did you find out about yourself? Tell me your results in the comments.

Hermione For The Day

I have been Hermione Granger today! Some of my friends are doing film studies and they are making a short version of Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone so they wanted some actors. As I have a love for the performing arts, I volunteered. This morning, I found myself walking through college in school uniform getting plenty of stares, including some from the principle!

Once we started filming it was lots of fun. We filmed the sorting hat scene in the Refectory, and have to do the rest tomorrow. I am looking forward to it!

I do like Harry Potter, although I am no where near as obsessed as some of my friends. I tend to like darker books like the Hunger Games, or books with just a hint of fantasy rather than being set in a whole made up world. Maybe that is because I discovered it at an older age than some of the others, or maybe because although I have seen the films I haven't read all of the books. Perhaps if I read all the books I would realise what the fuss is about!

An Unusual Love Story

Soulmates. Finding them is supposed to be the best thing that can happen to you right? In this story, it is the worst thing that can happen.

17 year old Poppy is fed up with her suburban life. She is sceptical of love and hates clichés. This all changes when she meets the mixed up Noah, and feels an instant connection.

However, their young love is going to cause far more chaos than anyone would guess, as thousands of miles away in America, they are being monitored. Because they are one of the few perfect matches that if allowed to stay together, could destroy the world.

One of the things that makes this book unique is the fact it is written by someone who is only 27. As an aspiring author myself, I love the fact this book shows that young women can write books too. It isn't just older people any more!

I recommend this book to anyone who loves stories with a twist of fantasy. Do you have any book recommendations for teens? Write them in the comments below.

iPhone X - Just Why?

Apple have made an announcement that unveiled the new iPhone X. Now I have had a look at this phone, and not only does the screen reach the very edge of the phone, but the back is glass too. As if iPhones were not already easy enough to break! And to make it worse, they cost £1149, which is very expensive for an item that will probably be smashed in a few weeks. A ploy so Apple make more money from screen replacements, perhaps?

Ok, so I will admit the face recognition is pretty cool, but judging by how different I look when crawling out of bed in the morning compared to when I am all made up for a night out, I am not sure how that will work.

Although it does look pretty cool, I am going to be 17 next year, and I think I would rather spend £1000 on a second hand car for me to crash than a fancy phone that will go out of date in 5 minutes. What about you?

 

Greenpeace Get Creative

As a photography student, Greenpeace's latest campaign has caught my eye. To try and stop BP drilling in the Amazon Reef, Sponge Bob has been doing some campaigning. Greenpeace have been sending supporters nets of mini sponge bobs that they can make and add a message explaining why they think BP should stay away from the Amazon Reef.

People have then been taking photos of their Sponge Bob in different locations around the country. Some of them are creative like this one below, which is my personal favourite. If you want to see more or create your own Sponge Bob campaign photos, go to https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/spongebob-protests-bp-uk/.

The Launch Of Strictly 2017

I have spent this evening watching the Strictly Come Dancing launch show and I am hooked already. My favourite eye candy AJ is back, and I am very jealous of his partner Molly. If only I could spend that much time trapped in a room with him! I loved her yellow dress too, which as well as being my favourite colour was covered in tassels and glitter.

JLS's Aston is also very cute. I hope he stays in for a nice long time! Between him, AJ and Giovanni, there is no shortage of stunners. Also, for those of you who will be actually watching the dancing, this year has the first ever Paralympian contestant. His sporting background will make him very competitive, but I think he will find the kicks and flicks in the Jive difficult.

Who is your favourite?

New Autumn Looks

Now we are well into September, the shops have their new Autumn ranges in store. There is lots of burgundy, as well as pale pink and bright blue. Here are my favourite items from Autumn collections around the web. Perfect for stocking up for college!

I love the positive message on this jumper.

New Look, £19.99

The lace on this cardi makes it perfect for evenings out.

New Look, £19.99

This sheer jumper has unusual tie up details at the back.

New Look, £24.99

I love the bright colour of this umbrella.

Peacocks, £6

The zip and turned up sleeves make this

T-shirt more interesting.

Peacocks, £8

I love the cross-over design of this jumper.

River Island, £22

This denim skirt is simple but classic.

Primark, £8

This shirt has 3/4 length sleeves for cooler days.

Dorothy Perkins

Student Life

I have been at college 2 days now and I love it! We spent most of the first day in various talks about how to succeed academically and what is expected of us at the college, but we had fun in our tutor bases as well. I made a few new friends to hang out with at lunch, and met up with a few of my friends from my previous schools.

Today, we had our first ever lessons. I had a session of photography first, which was brilliant. We had a go at creating abstract photos with darkroom chemicals, light sensitive paper and objects such as leaves, masking tape, string and lace. Then, we had a session telling us about the mentoring and study periods at the college.

In the afternoon, we got to try out one of the college's enrichment sessions. I chose music, and had a go at learning the guitar. I could have also sung or played in a pop or rock band. I definitely want to continue with music sessions.

Songs I Probably Shouldn't Have Been Listening Too

I am quite a big music fan, and love writing blogs about the music I have recently discovered. I like a mix of different artists, from Ed Sheeran and Seafret to My Chemical Romance and Little Mix.

I have become more into music as I have got older, but I have been buying CDs from quite a young age, and at my junior school we all loved to listen to music on the computers in ICT lessons. But not all of the songs we liked were age appropriate. At 7, my favourite was "I Kissed A girl" by Katy Perry. At 9, I used to sing "It's Not Fair" by Lily Allen with my best friend and by 10 I was singing "Whistle" by Flo Rider with the boys in my class!

At that age, I had little idea what it all meant. Now I do know, I find it slightly disturbing that I sung that stuff in Junior School! Did you like any rude songs when you were a kid?

How I Fell In Love With Pacman

When my mum was a kid, the main computer game she played was Pacman. The other day, I realised I had never actually tried this classic. So I found a free version online and had a go. As it is an old game and unlike my mum I am of the technological generation, I thought I would find it easy. IT IS NOT.

I have played it quite a bit over the last couple of days and I have not even been able to complete level 2 yet! Unless I devote the last two days of my summer holiday to practising, I don't think I will ever get very far. And I have too many things I want to do in those two days for that to happen!

If you want to try Pacman, this is the best website I found. Click here to have a go, and tell me your best high score in the comments. Mine is 4400. We can have a competition to see who can get the highest!

College Ready Nail Art

With college comes the freedom to wear make up and nail varnish. I have given myself a new nail art look for the occasion!

For more inspiration, here are some nail art ideas that are perfect for college. Tell me your favourite in the comments.

     

Why I Am Studying Local

Next week I am starting college and I am very excited. I have been doing some clothes shopping in readiness, as many shops already have their Autumn collections in. So far, I have a new shirt, a jumper and some jeans as well as some new T-shirts I bought throughout the summer.

One of the great things about my college is that it is so near to me. I will be able to walk there in 15 minutes every day. I could have gone to a more prestigious college further away like some of my friends, but I chose not too. This is why.

If I had chosen to travel a long way, I would lose up to 2 hours a day of time for studying and socialising. Many of my new friends would live miles away, and I would spend a small fortune on bus and train fares. True, the college might be slightly better, but there was not enough difference to make it worth the journey.

So instead, I chose to stay local and go to the same college as my mum and cousin went to. I can go home to study in free periods, walk to friends houses and save time. The walking should help me stay slim too. And hopefully this time next week I will be pleased with this decision.

How did you choose your college?

Bumble The Music Critic

As many of you already know, I have a beautiful cat called Bumble. He is very clever and has very good taste in music!

I like playing keyboard, and often when I am playing Bumble is in the room. Today he was sitting in his favourite chair when I started playing. The first song I played was Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars, and he laid down and listened to it happily. The next song, Price Tag by Jessie Jay made him sit up and look very grumpy, even slapping me with his paw when I tried to stroke him. But when I played Lily Allen's version of Somewhere Only We Know, he laid down, shut his eyes and looked very happy. He always does, I think that is his favourite song. However, Budapest had him sitting back up and scowling at me!

Bumble reacting to the music I play is a regular thing. Once when I sung along whilst I played Frozen's Let It Go he meowed like he was in pain, and when I rushed to see what the matter was, he gave me a look of "Thank God That Is Over", before asking to go out. He loves Lily Allen but can't stand Frozen - this cat has taste!

Do your pets react when you play music?

Raised By Wolves

This summer, I have become hooked on Channel 4's Raised By Wolves. The Sit-Com is about the life of a large and chaotic family living on a Wolverhampton council estate. It is written by 2 sisters who actually had a similar upbringing, which is what makes it so believable as well as hilarious.

The 6 children are all named after celebrities and all have very different characters. Aretha, is clever, sarcastic and driven mad by Jermaine, her dramatic, sex mad sister. The next youngest is Yoko, who is shy, kind and psychic. Then there are 3 young children: Wyatt, Mariah and the baby Cher. They all live with mum Della and their Grandad.

Whilst the story lines are unique and hilarious, it is these characters that really make the program brilliant. I recommend it to anyone who wants a good laugh. It is available on All 4.

Do you love Raised By Wolves?

A Peculiar Read

I have just finished reading the Book Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs and I have loved it! The book is a fantasy one, but is set in the real world and is therefore quite realistic. As the story is told by a 16 year old, it has a mature, young adult feel, despite many of the characters being children. Like John Greens writing, but with a fantasy twist!

The book is about a 16 year old who travels to the abandoned orphanage where his Grandad grew up to discover the truth about his childhood. He realises the stories his Grandad told him about monsters and children with peculiar talents are true, and that he has a big decision to make.

What makes it unusual though is that the story is told through vintage photographs as well as writing. The photos are all original vintage snapshots and they make the mystery even more intriguing. They are one of the main things that makes the book stand out and makes it worth a read.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy stories or mysteries.

I Am Officially A Student!

A couple of days ago, I collected my exam results. I was mostly pleased, as although some of my results were not as good as I had hoped, there were some nice surprises as well. After celebrating that evening with pizza, I enrolled at my college the next day.

When I first arrived, they gave me a test! I thought I had done all the tests I needed to do for a while! Now spelling is not my strong point, so this did make me panic a little, but I was fine with the reading and comprehension parts, so it was ok overall. They were just trying to find out if I needed any specialist support whilst I was at the college.

Then I had another interview to check I could still do my courses with my results and sort out my paperwork. As I am part of the college's Aspire program, I got to meet the Principle who is in charge of the scheme too. This was a little scary, but he was very friendly. Finally, I got my college ID and officially became part of the college. Now I am very excited for September!

Are you excited to be going to college!

Results Day Nerves

In two days time, I will be receiving my GCSE results. As it has been two months since my exams, I can't wait to find out. I am a little nervous though. Although the exams seemed to go ok and my mock results were good, that doesn't stop me being unsure as sometimes results can be unexpected. The one I am particularly concerned about is English Lit, as I need a 6 in it to be allowed to do it at A level, and with the new exams that could be difficult.

Some of my friends are really panicking, but I am trying not to think about it too much, as I can't change what is in that envelope. By Thursday morning though, I think I will be in major freak out mode.

Are you about to receive exam results? Good luck if you are!

End Of Summer Sales

As we get closer to Autumn, the shops are full of end of summer sales. Whether it is to stock up for next year or get some cool stuff for the first few weeks of college, the end of summer sales are not to be missed. Here is the best of the end of season summer sales from around the web.

I love the bright colour of this unusual asymmetric top.
New Look, Was £12.99, Now £9

This summer beach dress is perfect if you are
going on a tropical holiday this Winter.
New Look, Was £22.99, Now £10

This top is perfect for Autumn nights out.
New Look, Was £17.99, Now £11

These sparkly sandals are simple but pretty.
Peacocks, Was £12, Now £6

This cool top is perfect for college.
Peacocks, Was £10, Now £7

These jeans have some ripped areas, but are not too extreme.
H&M, Was £19.99, Now £7.99

This denim skirt is perfect for a college girl.
It could be worn with thick tights for the Autumn.
H&M, Was £24.99, Now £16.99

I love the patterned pocket on this T-shirt.
Animal, Was £30, Now £15

This cool dress is also perfect for the start of college,
or for spending the last of summer on the beach.
Animal,  Was £40, Now £28