Valentine's Planning

Image from paper4pc.com

Valentine's is just around the corner and whether you admit it or not, everyone loves the idea of having someone to share it with.

Whether you go out for drinks, a meal, to the cinema or away for the weekend, it's a weekend to celebrate.

But for girls, most importantly, it's deciding what to wear! The February chill definitely leaves me wanting to wear baggy sweatshirts and stay inside wrapped into a blanket. Finding the perfect outfit just to wear for one night doesn't seem ideal, so here's some ideas of outfits you can put with anything and still wear again on another night out:

Dress: Pretty Little Thing

Skirt: Missguided 

Shirt Dress: Urban Outfitters

Dress: River Island

And most importantly, lingerie! My top choices to make you not only look great, but feel great:

Bodice: Agent Provocateur

Bodice: ASOS

Stubbs has his sights set on success

DJing and house music have made their way into the commercial music scene and with more recognition for up-and-coming artists, there’s no time like the present to follow your ambitions. Callum Stubbs focuses on catchy beats and a slick style to his tracks, something that will continue with the launch of his EP. With success in sight, 2016 is definitely going to be the year for this musician… 

By Amie Rhone. 

Callum Stubbs started playing the guitar when he was 10, which sparked his interest in music. Along with growing up listening to a variety of music, his Dad also played both the guitar and the piano, something that inspired Callum to become the musician he is now. 

His passion and enthusiasm for music is evident, from his university work to attending gigs, clubbing and finding work experience. Studying Music Production at the Leeds College of Music has helped Callum with his ambitions: “I’ve really found my feet while being at uni, the opportunities I get while up in Leeds are brilliant. It’s such a great place for live music and the course has helped me learn so much about what I want to do. 

“In the future, I hope to become a successful music producer. I see myself with a solid job; travelling, touring, making money from music and just having fun!” 

The determination that this 20-year-old has not only shows in his music, but across all of his hobbies. His love of cycling and sport is also something he grew up with, from having a competitive relationship with his brother. “He’s 7 years older than me but as we got older, we became competitive with our interests. We both run, so we’re always trying to beat each other.” But how does he fit it all in? “Cycling is something that helps to motivate me. I tend to cycle more when I’m at home from uni, to keep me busy. My inspiration for music comes to me in the evening when I’m relaxing, so cycling in the day keeps my mind occupied and gives me something to do! 

"A couple of years ago, I might have taken cycling to the next level; more competitions, pushing myself to the max and looked at finding a career from it. Now, my sole focus for a career is music, it’s what I’ve always wanted to do.” 

A career in music is something that certainly looks promising for this young musician. His eagerness to get his name ‘out there’ recently found him work experience at Radio 1Xtra Live in Leeds, an event that was broadcasted across radio, television and social media. He spent his time backstage and met the likes of Trevor Nelson, Lethal Bizzle, Katy B and Charlie Sloth: “Speaking to people who are in the music business really boosts my confidence. I feel like I’m making progress when I receive feedback from my music, advice is definitely the most important tool I could be given.” As an artist himself, the main piece of advice from Callum is to be persistent: “Never ever give up. They’ll be times that you think you can’t do it but there is always a way. Have confidence in yourself, gain contacts but most importantly, say hi. Don’t be shy, there’s no time for that.” 

Gigs are an important part of Callum’s work and are a great chance for him to get noticed. Back at home in Ashton under Hill, he is involved with two bands, Second Line and Nick Brown and the Profile. Playing at fetes, festivals and parties leaves his schedule jam-packed for most of the summer, but is 2016 set to be even busier? “I love playing gigs everywhere and we’re already taking bookings for the start of next year. I would love to start DJing a bit more in 2016, maybe a few local clubs, then moving on to bigger venues in Leeds and Birmingham. That would be really cool.” 

With the launch of his EP set to drop in late spring, 2016 is definitely looking to be the biggest year yet for Callum. Although, he really isn’t giving too much away. “They’ll be around 4 tracks on the EP. I can’t wait to release it, it will have a summery vibe to it and I’m hoping for the songs to develop throughout.” But when it comes to finding inspiration for his tracks, he knows who to look up to. “Tom Misch and Salute are two up-and-coming artists who I follow on social media and SoundCloud, I love both of their styles and they have unique signature sounds – something which I really want to create with my EP. 

"Bonobo is probably my favourite artist. He has become huge as a DJ, musician and producer and he has such a solid fanbase. He has been around for so long but is always consistent and I thoroughly admire his work ethic.” 

Callum speaks so highly of the artists that he aspires to be like, but without realising that he has all of the same qualities as they do. With so 

much going on in the new year, I have a feeling a lot is going to be changing for this young artist.

https://soundcloud.com/callum-stubbs-music

Top 5 things to do in NYC

It's been a busy week this week; back to uni, more hours at work, non-stop assignments and meeting up with friends. Although, I just can't stop thinking I wish I was back in New York.

We were there for 4 great days and it felt like time had stopped while we were there, but in reality, it flew by and there is so much more I'd have loved to see and do! 

What we did do though was amazing and so I've put together a short list of my top 5 things to do when in New York:

1. Horse and Carriage ride

As cheesy as it sounds, the Central Park horse and carriage ride was definitely one of my highlights from the trip.

The 30 minute ride took us around the lower part of Central Park between 5th and 6th avenues and there were so many iconic locations that the driver pointed out to us. It was so relaxing just to take in the business of the city while riding peacefully through the park and the Christmas spirit seemed to capture the beauty of the holiday in just one ride.

2. Top of the Rock

Heading up to the top of the Rockefeller Centre on a sunny winter's day, I'm not too sure what I was expecting. But as soon as you walk out onto the 67th floor, the views hit you and they really are breathtaking. We could see absolutely everything from up there, from the Chrysler Building to the Statue of Liberty, and it was the moment for me that I realised exactly where I was.

3. Ice Skating

Ice skating at Wollman Rink was such a funny experience. I'd never actually been ice skating before and was pretty nervous as I'm so clumsy but it was definitely better than I thought. I sort of hated it but loved it at the same time and by the end, seemed to be getting a lot better, but I really did just want to come off the ice and look at the beautiful views which surround the rink and Central Park.

4. Shopping

There is honestly no point in going to New York if you dislike shopping, but fortunately, we were in our element.

The shops are absolutely huge and it's quite overwhelming (especially at Christmas when you're trying to find a gift) but once you get stuck in, you really can't stop. I was so surprised by the sales in the shops: 40% off everything, half-price sale items, even 90% off in one of the shops! We both bought so much stuff and even now, wish we'd have picked up a few more gifts and treats while we were there.

5. Central Park

I absolutely loved Central Park and it's ability to make you think you're in a completely different place.

It was especially lovely going just before Christmas with orange leaves fallen and the skyline evident through the bare trees. We saw so many iconic spots including the lake and boathouse, the Alice in Wonderland statue and the zoo. 

I'd love to go back in the summer time and cycle around Central Park, making our way further up to explore Strawberry Fields and much more of the park.

Christmas in New York

We're back!!! What an incredible experience! I find it difficult to actually put into words what New York was like - magical, wonderful, exciting, amazing and fascinating all cross my mind but in order to even begin to grasp the feeling of NYC, you'll have to go there.

The pictures don't do it justice, I honestly have never been anywhere like it. Huge, iconic buildings and incredible architecture leave you wanting to see everything, and we definitely gave that our best shot. I'm going to break it down day by day to tell you all about what we got up to!

Saturday

After a long and tiring flight, we seemed to feel more awake than ever heading into New York. Driving through this huge, intimidating city seemed unreal. We were dropped at our hotel, The Roosevelt, quickly checked in and headed straight back out to have a wander around the city. 

Our hotel was situated right next to Grand Central Station, so we thought we'd have a quick look there before heading to Times Square. Grand Central is a must if you're in New York - the construction and decoration of the building is something I've never come across and leaves you totally taken aback.

Times Square is one of the most amazing places I've been to. Whether it be in the morning or at midnight, it is buzzing and flowing with music, attractions, people and lights. The hub of New York, it really doesn't ever stop.

After taking a look around, we headed down to Macy's where we spend the remainder of the night. We decided to have an earlier night after being awake for over 24 hours, so walked back to the hotel where we grabbed something quick to eat.

Sunday

We woke early on Sunday and planned our day out, starting with breakfast before our bus tour. We decided to do the Downtown tour first, heading through Chinatown and Little Italy, to reach Ground Zero and take a look around. The fountain at Ground Zero is extraordinary - much bigger than we expected and it really does make you think about what happened on that day and how it changed the lives of so many people. Travelling back around the coast, we could clearly see the Statue of Liberty but decided against the ferry to the island!

After a couple of hours on the tour, we went back to Midtown and used our passes for Top of the Rock. Reaching the 70th floor, the views of New York are absolutely incredible and we definitely picked a good, sunny day for it. We could see everything so clearly - Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Chrysler Building and the Empire State.

After doing our 'tourist bits' of the day, we spent the rest of the afternoon shopping! After a lot of walking, we decided to go to Planet Hollywood for dinner. The meals are absolutely huge and the atmosphere was really good but we couldn't wait to get back out. We ended up back at Macy's and stayed in there until close, getting some good Christmas purchases in before heading back to bed.

Monday

We had a bit more of a lie-in on Monday! I'd been pretty ill since we arrived in New York and our bus tour for Monday began a bit later so we had a bit longer in bed before starting a new day in the Big Apple.

Monday's bus tours were Uptown and Harlem - seeing all of Central Park, the Yankee Stadium, Grant  Tomb, museums and the Brooklyn Bridge. We stayed on the bus for the whole journey - jumping off at Central Park Zoo. Central Park is one of my favourite places in New York, it's calm and feels like you're in a completely different place - even though the sky scrapers are evident through the trees.

We had tickets for ice skating at Wollman Rink and couldn't wait to jump on the ice. Being both of our first times we weren't too great at it but by the end, we had managed a good few laps and seemed to be getting a bit better.

Ollie surprised me after ice skating with a horse and carriage trip around Central Park. It was one of my favourite things about our trip to New York and was a great way of seeing a few sights at night time.

We went for dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe and then, unsurprisingly, decided to spend the rest of the night shopping. We stuck to Bloomingdales and Macy's, shopping again until they closed, before realising we had to get back to the hotel to pack...

Tuesday

We saved Tuesday for shopping. Checking out as early as we could, we decided to go for breakfast at Grand Central before heading to 5th Avenue for a full day of Christmas shopping. The stores in New York are huge and the offers they had on were so good. We obviously ended up back at Macy's where we spent the last of our money, before racing back to the hotel to pack our new purchases into our already bursting suitcases. Sales, 40% off, daily reductions and free gifts - it's fair to say we bought A LOT of stuff!

We had to be at the airport really early and the hotel said that they'd sort out our lift to JFK. We were pretty surprised to see a limo sitting outside for us when we made our way outside - with a cheaper rate to the airport than most cabs.

We had dinner at the airport and spent the remainder of our dollars at duty free - chocolate, perfume and Jack Daniels... obviously.

It was the most amazing holiday I have ever been on and probably the best Christmas I will ever, ever have. I feel incredibly lucky to say that I've been to New York and without a doubt, I will be going back!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

I am having the busiest week ever! 

I didn't think they'd be quite so much to do, but it turns out that going on holiday, getting assignments written and working is enough for anyone... let alone when it's just over a week until Christmas!

I'm taking it all in my stride.

The festive atmosphere is my favourite thing about Christmas and this year, I'm feeling it more than ever. Students boasting their Christmas jumpers, my gifts wrapped and delivered, decorations lighting up the house and for me, counting up my dollars ready for a Christmas trip away!

This week, staying late at uni most days in order to get my assignments done before Christmas has left me with not too much time for anything else! 

Today I wrote a list of everything I need to take on holiday with me, with the hope that when it comes to last minute packing, I won't be forgetting anything!

I've already got a few things ready; clothes, thermals, winter warmers and a new pair of UGG Australia boots. But until Friday night, I can't see much more being added to the suitcase!

So, only 3 days to go!!! 

I'll see you on the other side with, hopefully, some wonderful pictures and a lot of NYC purchases!

My Christmas wish list

It's beginning to feel a bit like Christmas and nothing says Christmas more than a few presents under the tree! Although the festive season is all about spending time with friends+family and eating and drinking too much, it's a wonderful feeling to exchange presents and cards with those who mean the most to us.

I started my Christmas shopping pretty early this year and already have a few people sorted (although I'm sure I'll buy way too much in New York for everyone as well).. But I can't help but find things I'd love to buy for myself!

Here's my Christmas wish-list:

1. Loafers - Kurt Geiger

2. Sweater - Topshop

3. Ring - Pandora

4. Bag - Net a Porter

5. Chelsea Boots - Kurt Geiger

18th Birthday Celebrations

Unfortunately, holiday preparations seem to have taken over the last week so I'm a bit behind on blogging, but the good news is... LESS THAN 2 WEEKS TO GO!!!

I had an extremely busy week anyway, holiday prep or not, celebrating this one's 18th!

Charlotte's BIG birthday has been so fun, starting with a family party that we had last weekend. Cake, balloons, loads of food and a bit too much alcohol made for a brilliant night and definitely made a good start to Char's birthday.
She received so many cards, messages and gifts and they were all so lovely, I love watching someone else's reaction to the gift you've spent so long deliberating over.

Her big day on Friday meant not only a nice day off uni for me, but a lovely, girly lunch out with a few cheeky cocktails. We shopped for the rest of the afternoon and then headed back home for a chilled evening, which me and Ollie spent late night shopping in Broadway. 

A perfect winters' night out!

Char went to Birmingham for her birthday night out on Friday and didn't make it back to the hotel until 4.30am (what are birthday's for, eh?!) so Saturday was a bit of a write off!!

For the final birthday celebrations, we all headed to Cheltenham for bowling and pool which was a lot of fun - although I managed to be the ONLY ONE not to get a strike! The evening was spent, again, eating. A lovely day to end the perfect 18th birthday!