Review - Union J Hits Nottingham

Photo by Kevin Cooper (more at facebook.com/EGNottingham)

AS one might expect from fans of an X Factor boy band with over a million Twitter followers, it was teenage screams throughout Union J’s set at the Royal Concert Hall on Sunday night, part of their first headline tour, Magazines and TV Screens.

The quartet – consisting of George Shelley, Josh Cuthbert, JJ Hamblett and Jaymi Hensley - have gone a long way since getting together on last year’s ITV talent machine, with three hit singles, a No. 6 album, two books and this 20-date headline tour that runs in to the New Year.

Turning out to see them in Nottingham was this year’s X Factor winner Sam Bailey, who had a busy time on the balcony having photos taken with fans.

Before the main event at 9pm, there were four support acts; Eylar Fox, Ollie Marland, Room 94 and Five Angels, who all had the crowd on their feet dancing along.

While the former two suited the Union J sound, Room 94 had an edgier rock sound, closer to that of Lawson and lyrics about teen romance sat well with the audience.

But they saved the hysteria for the Union J, who opened with Where Are You Now, the quartet making full use of the stage, bouncing around it and encouraging their fans to join in.

Any group with just one album to their name, needs a few extras to fill a set and in Union J’s case they were covers of Katy Perry’s Roar and One Republic’s Counting Stars.

Debut single, Carry You, the video for which was filmed in Nottingham earlier this year, sent the crowd into overdrive and even the parents were out of their seats, dancing along.

The light from a thousand phones lit up the venue as they ran through their second hit single, It’s A Beautiful Life, while latest single, Loving You Is Easy, closed the set.

The fans clearly enjoyed it but what of the group? Yesterday, Josh described it as “my favourite show of the tour so far!” on Twitter, adding: “NOTTINGHAM......you were insaneeeeeeeeeeeee.”

Union J have slipped right in to those pop shoes left behind by JLS and are racing after One Direction for the title of Britain’s biggest boy band.

Interview: Little Mix's Perrie Edwards

You've just announced your second headline tour, so are you excited about getting back on the road?

We are so excited; it's going to be amazing. We're very much buzzing for this.

You came to Nottingham earlier this year on your first tour. What did you think of the city?

We loved it! We just loved it. The crowd were very loud and really up for a party. Everywhere we go our fan base is amazing; we're very lucky to have the fans we do. We just know it's going to be an amazing show and we can't wait.

Your latest album, Salute, reached number four in the chart. You must be pleased with that?

We are really proud of how it's doing. Obviously the last album (DNA) did really well in America as well as here so that was quite a big deal. Hopefully we will have the same success with Salute, or it may do even better.

What is your favourite song on the album?

(Laughs) I don't know – it changes every day. I definitely love the title track. I think that's an anthem and is going to be amazing to perform on the tour. I love Boy because of the acapella and the harmonies. I love Mr Loverboy because of its old skool feel... basically, I love all of them!

You've come a long way since the X Factor in 2011 and there has been a lot in the press about your relationship with One Direction's Zayn Malik. How do you deal with that?

Well, we have each other. We keep each other grounded. We've all got amazing families and an amazing team around – we are very lucky. We do our best to just enjoy everything. It can get tiring at times but what we live for is touring – that's what we love the most. It's the best part about this job.

You'll be playing at the Capital FM Jingle Bell Ball this weekend. Are you excited about that?

Yeah, I wasn't able to perform there last year so I'm very excited. I missed it because of getting my tonsils taken out and I was very poorly.

Anything you would like to say to your fans here in Nottingham?

Just a massive thank you to all our amazing fans for getting us where we are today, for helping us make another album, for getting (recent single) Move so high in the charts and hopefully I will see them all on tour very soon.

10 Ways: Embrace the ways

Hello Beautiful!

I don't think I would be the only one to say that I hate paying full price for the luxuries I love to buy. I mean, there is nothing more satisfactory than finding a good bargain or a little designer gem in the corner of the charity shop.

With Christmas coming round the corner, I don't think there would be a better time to find the inner bargainista in you. The festive period is such a hard time on our pockets, and I think if you can save to a few pounds this year - it would totally be worth it.

Being a student (and a bit of a social networking addict) I came across a Facebook page called 10 ways to have more money as a student, without working. or, more commonly known as 10 ways. Now, before I explain this site, I would like to clarify that it can be used by everyone - so take full advantage.

Now, to get to the point, this site will everyday show its views top bargains, glitches and freebies to make life a little easier. A few weeks ago as I was having a gander on Facebook and I noticed that 10 ways was showing a glitch for Body Shop, stating that I could get £60 worth of items for £10. Unbelievable right? wrong.

Me, being a sucker for a bargain actually went through & purchased 2 Body Shop gifts and 2 'Love your Body' cards - which allow the customer to get a free gift on their birthday. There was a lot of dispute to whether this would work or not.

However, I can happily confirm that it did!

Cherry blossom & Vanilla Musk gift sets

As you can see, I picked to gift sets worth £25 each. I think both of these will make great Christmas presents - each costing less than £5 each! How handy is that!

The link for the page is here &, even as we speak, they are running a very good deal on a phone contract. I strongly recommend you go and check this out!

What are your thoughts on 10 ways? Good or bad?

Is it Christmas yet?

I'm afraid I am one of those annoying people who loves nothing more than a good Christmas. The smell of spiced apple around the house, glistening lights around the city & in the streets, the taste of candy canes! I absolutely adore it!

With it being the beginning of November (Ok, so I'm a little keen!) and me already being in the festive spirit, I would like to give you a helping hand on what's on offer this year for Christmas Jumpers.

Ok, Christmas jumpers - you either love them or hate them. It could end up being the cheesiest item of clothing you know or one of your forgotten presents that Great Aunt Ruth got you. Like it or not, Xmas jumpers are hot this season & I am a firm lover of the festive pieces.

Dorothy Perkins
£28

For those who do not want a great big in-your-face piece, I recommend this stag jumper from Dorothy Perkins. Not only does it fit in with the monochrome theme we have been seeing all year, it is easily wearable and can be matched up with your favourite jeans & ankle boots. I love how it discretely shows your love for the festive season (Come on! Don't be a Scrooge!)

New Look
£17.99

I absolutely love this piece! Who can resist a super-cute robin hoodie?! Again, not in your face but still shows your love for the festive period. So if your more of a hoodie kinda chick then I would totally recommend this!

Topshop
£44

I'm a sucker for fluffy things when the weather starts to drop, and I find this jumper from Topshop an absolutely adorable piece. Although I find £44 quite steep for a jumper, I actually wouldn't mind paying out for this piece. I love how fluffy it looks - and the cute snowflake print is absolutely adorable!

BooHoo.com
£15

If you are looking for a cheap alternative, I always recommend Boohoo. They have their own collection of Christmas items at the moment, and I found this little cutie! Simple but to the point - a little gingerbread jumper available in red, black and green. I may have to purchase this! And with the store allowing student discount, I can use this to my advantage.

What are your thoughts on Christmas jumpers? Hit or miss?

Review - Bastille

The original review can be found here: http://www.nottinghampost.com/Review-Bastille-Rock-City/story-20027369-detail/story.html

With another sold-out tour under their belt, Bastille returned to Nottingham for a third time this year.

The quartet from London made another stop at Rock City last night after huge demand from their second tour earlier this year.

Supporting act Clean Bandit made a great job of warming the crowd – with their pop/dance songs, leading to an outbreak of boogieing from the audience. The unique use of cellos and violins was refreshing to see.

However, as soon as Daniel Smith jumped onto stage (literally) the crowd came alive with excitement and the band processed to open with their second single ‘Bad Blood’.

Even Daniel seemed to be enjoying himself – as he processed to jump around the whole stage whilst encouraging the crowd to head bang to the beat.

Usually, I am not blown away by the lighting of a set – however, this is a very different case for tonight.

The lights were set in perfect timing with the hits of the drum and the beat of the song, and I really found it added to the crowd’s experience.

The set list had a good mixture of singles from their album ‘Bad Blood’ album – including Things We Lost in the Fire and one of their oldest songs Daniel in the Den, which they admitted that they’ve been neglecting on the tour.

Bastille even performed City High’s ‘What would you do?’ and the audience embraced this, dancing away to the beat.

The audience was in for a treat, as Daniel announced that he would be playing three new songs for the Nottingham crowd.

‘Campus’, ‘Blame’ and ‘The Draw’ were all a hit with a crowd, even if they didn’t know any words to the song.

After returning for an encore, the crowd were treated to their third single ‘Flaws’ where Dan processed to walk across the balcony which the crowd loved.

Finishing the set is their most-well known single ‘Pompeii’ and even after the song was finished, the crowd was still chanting the familiar beat.

I was absolutely blown away with Bastille’s performance and his dedication for making the crowd having a good time; something of a rarity these days.

The day I met Lawson ..

You know those days that don't seem real? Well, I experience a very surreal day on Thursday. Working along side The Nottingham Post, I not only got to see my favourite boy band Lawson - but I also got to interview them. This has, by far been my favourite moment of my journalistic career - so far!

The Boys were performing on the charity radio show Dino & Pete: Exposed, in association with 'Help a Capital child,' a brilliant charity sponsored by Capital Fm. They were absolutely fantastic - and, I can say as good as they look! And my god, they were so easy to interview! the most laid back celebrities I've ever had to deal with.

As you can see by the image below, I was grinning like a Cheshire cat when I met them. So beautiful. 

Here is the article below that feature in the next days edition of the Nottingham Post, Enjoy!

FANS queued outside the Albert Hall from 5am this morning to see pop-rock band Lawson play a ‘secret’ gig live on East Midlands radio station Capital FM.

The quartet, featuring Ravenshead guitarist Joel Peat, played songs from their Top 10 album, Chapman Square and chatted to Capital Breakfast presenters Dino and Pete from 8am to 10am for an event billed as Dino and Pete: Exposed.

The 450 fans, who had bought tickets through the radio station, were the only ones to know where the gig was to take place and got there early to make sure they got a good view of the stage.

It was to help support the Help a Capital Child, set up to support local children's charities.

“This is an amazing charity,” said Joel after the show, which included acoustic performances of Learn to Love Again, Broken Hearted, Standing in the Dark and Juliet.

The band, also including singer Andy Brown, drummer Adam Pitts bassist Ryan Fletcher, chatted about everything from Jessie J to their hair and telling jokes about Miley Cyrus and Jay-Z.

While Joel helped out with the travel news, Andy took over a news bulletin.

Lawson will be supporting Jessie J at the Capital FM Arena tonight and tomorrow.

All four band members will be at HMV in the Victoria Centre from 5pm tomorrow to sign copies of their new single, Juliet.

“I feel like we’ve taken a slight change in direction with this single,” said Andy of the single.

“We’ve really upped the ante with it.”

It’s taken from Chapman Square: Chapter II, the deluxe version of their debut album that includes six new songs, seven acoustic versions and a DVD.

The debut reached No. 4 in the UK and topped the chart in Asia. It produced chart-toppers When She Was Mine, Taking Over Me, Standing In The Dark and Learn To Love Again.

After the show and a meet and greet with fans, Joel told me that he’d not been home much over the past year.

“It’s great to be back because I absolutely love the city,” he said.

“I could live here in a heartbeat. It’s wicked.”

Original Article: http://www.nottinghampost.com/Lawson-play-secret-gig-Nottingham/story-19984109-detail/story.html#ixzz2j3KjToDm

You're gonna hear me roar!

Hello Beautiful!

As fitting as the latest single by Katy Perry - the big cat prints are making a return to the high street. Leopard and tiger prints are hot this Autumn and I seriously cannot get enough of this trend! (although I am still very faithful to the Tartan trend)

I find this trend very easy to wear - whether it be an oversize blazer or a sultry-but-sexy dress, anyone can pull off this trend. So here are a few of my favourite pieces that not only look great but have a nice looking price tag!

For those who are thinking of those cold winter days and are opting for a more reserved look, these smart looking trousers are perfect! Not only will you be bang on trend, these trousers are smart enough to pull off in the office. I have two set of these 'smart joggers' and I am totally in love with them, combining fashion with comfort.

Mango
£34.99

A classic. Leopard print is always timeless on a dress. The thing I like about this dress is that it combines sophistication with sexy - which makes this dress very easy to wear. I also love the fact that it's from BooHoo.com as I have noticed recently how the site is slowly showing more high qulaity products at an affordable price. I absolutely adore it!

Boohoo.com
£25

I'll be honest. I am not a huge fan of Topshop due to it's ridiculous price tag (I'm a bargain girl, what can I say?!) but I really do love this oversized coat! Although the print is very cartoonish, I love the vintage feel about the coat. If however, you would like something a little more realistic, I would recommend trying out your local vintage shop or in a charity shop as I have known of some beautiful pieces.

Topshop
 £89

I know leopard print is not everyone's cup of tea and many people relate leopard print coats to Pat Butcher, but I think that the print is very in the now and is always a timeless investment.

Will you be releasing your inner feline?

Notonthehighstreet.com - My Review

Hello Gorgeous!

OK Guys, don't hate me - but the dreaded 'C' word is coming. I know, where has this year gone?! And this means it's time to tactically find the perfect present for that loved one.

This year, I decided to start my Christmas shopping a little early - browsing the high street and Internet for gifts that will suit my eccentric family. In doing this, I discovered a little bit of heaven. I am not even kidding.

Notonthehighstreet.com - like Etsy - helps promote small, unique businesses and their beautiful items. Founded in 2006, the company has grown from helping a handful of items to hundreds. Unlike Etsy however, I have found it more affordable and easier to use. How can you resist originality and with a brilliant price tag?

My gorgeous delivery

 Because some of the items came from different sellers, the items arrived over two days. Before I've even opened the items, I have totally feel in love with the packaging - how cute does it look?!. My order consisted of a personalised make up bag, 2 rings and a personalised necklace. I am impressed with every item so far.

Personalised Make Up bag
Lucy Lilybet
£10.50

I love love love this! (did I mention I love this?!) now if there is one thing you need to know about me, it is the fact that I adore make up and all things pretty. This bag pretty much combines these two things. The make up bag is decorated with a vintage, floral print - which I love, a very Cath Kidston feel. And what makes it a great gift? the label is totally customisable! perfect for a make-up mad sibling (like my sister!) your beautiful girlfriend or your nearest and dearest best friend. With a price tag of just £10.50, you cannot complain! Check out the rest of her personalised items here.


 My next items were two beautiful rings from seller Lisa Angel who specialises in creating vintage-style jewellery. I'm not going to lie, I could have brought the whole shops contents and I'm currently browsing through her collection now, deciding what I'm buying next.

The rings
Lisa Angel
(Ignore scabby fingers - ew)

'Everything happens for a reason'
Lisa Angel
£6

As you all know, I have been going through a tough time - and a little inspiration never hurt nobody. I find the quote 'Everything happens for a reason' perfect to describe how I feel & when I saw this ring - I knew I had to have it. The band ring is engraved with this inspirational quote, and you have the option of having it in Gold, Silver or Rose Gold - which I think would be great for a group gift i.e.. friendship bracelets (OK, I still have the heart of a child). Its simple, it's relatively inexpensive and Lisa also has other sayings to surmise your needs. 

The Daisy Ring
Lisa Angel
£9

Another perfect yet simple gift, this elegant ring is perfect for any lover of vintage-style or cute rings. I don't often wear jewellery, but I have already wore this ring twice as I find it very easy to team up with outfits that I wear. The ring comes in both gold and silver, so if you are more of a cool toned gal you can still pull off this ring. Browsing through Lisa's collection, she also has matching bangles and earrings to complete the look. Bonus, ey?

Last, but most definitely not least - for me the crème-de-la-crème of my order. The Vintage Orb necklace from Madison Honey Vintage.

Vintage Orb Necklace
Madison Honey Vintage
£18

Where do I start about this item? This was the first thing I added to my basket when I discovered the site - and I think pretty much sums up the site. Unique, there is definitely nothing like this on my local high street - probably the reason I fell in love with the necklace. This necklace is completely customiseable - with chain length to colour, it is made especially to your taste. Pretty cool, huh?

A hidden treasure - inside the locket.

The vintage orb has a hidden secret, it is not just a standard pendant. It also happens to be a locket in which it hides a secret message for that special person. The note is totally customiseable, so if you want to show your appreciation for someone or finally tell that person exactly how you feel - this is the perfect gift idea for you. For me, I wanted something to inspire me (yes, I do love my inspirational quotes) and my little quite gives me that little nudge more me to carry on.

'Never give up on your dreams'

What the great thing about this necklace is no two necklaces will be the same; you can add a letter pendant, make it rose gold, have no note if you want! It is totally up to you. With prices starting from £16, it is very afforable and totally worth investing in if you are after the wow factor!

All in all, I really recommend this site. They sell everything you could think of; from pin up travel cards to a bourbon phone case, the possibilities are endless! I will be purchasing from this site in the future as I have seen some gorgeous and ideal Christmas presents from my loving family. Take a look now!

Geordie Shore's back!

Hello my Gorgeous!

Last night saw the much anticipated return of Geordie Shore - Ok, it's only been off our screen for a few weeks but I am completely obsessed with the show!

The Geordies have arrived back in Newcastle after a roller-coaster of a time Down under, and with a new girl Marnie thrown in to the mix - this season promises to be one full of alcohol, banter & pulling.

Before I go into my thoughts, I would like to highlight that these are my Personal thoughts & I know not everyone will agree with them. I'm not saying that my thoughts are right or wrong, they are literally my personal view.



Ok, so last nights episode actually played on my mind a lot! and the trailer showing the next episode has put me on edge so I'm going to tell you a few thoughts I've had on the show.

1. The New Girl 



I'm not going to lie, I'm not a huge fan of Marnie at the moment - her attitude and the way she has responded to the girls has not done her any favours. It may just be the way that MTV have presented her & I know it'll take a few more episodes to get a true representation of her but I really do not like her. To me, she seems to be another Rebecca - The boys will want her & the girls will loathe her (Sophie being except, ofcourse!) I just hope this one makes effort with the girls & doesn't add to an already tense atmosphere!

2. Gary getting all Emotional?!



Yes, you read correctly. Gary actually showed some emotion last night - and I wanted to bash his head into the wall. After a deep conversation with Vicky, he has revealed that one of his reasons for pulling is basically because he wants someone to hold at night? Was I the only one to think 'You had Charlotte!!' ? Although it is lovely to see him show this emotion, it has annoyed me slightly because months ago,
 he could have had Charlotte & now she has a boyfriend, he's revealing his emotions. Bloody men!

But I'll be honest, I still really want those two to get together! they seem perfect for each other - the way they 'bounce' off each other is so cute! It's just a shame it has took him this long to realise this.

                     

3. I love Vicky, sorry Charlotte.



When I first started to watch Geordie Shore, way back in series 3 I loved Charlotte. Her amazing, quirky personality, her honesty & down right stupidity made me chuckle! But now, as Single Vicky begins to make an appearance, I cannot help but admire her! Her boldness, her feisty attitude - I actually adore her! She just makes me chuckle with her sarcasm & the bravery she has shown after her public split with Ricci is admirable. Outside the house, she has become a successful business woman! Keep it up Vick and let the tash on commense!

If you haven't caught up with the series yet, then get your cuppa at the ready because you are missing out!

What are your thoughts on Geordie Shore? Love it or Loathe it?

Tartan? Don't mind if I do!

Hello Beautiful!

Ok, I'm not going to lie. I think this is going to be my favourite trend this winter. Since watching Lorraine the other day, I have been obsessed with buying Tartan!

One of the hottest trends for winter, Tartan is all over the high street at the moment. I mean, I've already gone out and managed to buy myself a gorgeous tartan skirt!

Skirt - £10, Primark

From Primark, this is a shortish red skirt with the tartan print. It also has a patent leather waist, which I think also goes hand in hand with the punk/'grunge trend that's instore for winter.

This skirt was styled with black tights & a plain grey long-sleeved top, although a black long-sleeved top would work perfectly. I would accessories the outfit with either a gold cross or match up a Tartan scarf & black ankle boots.

Primark are also doing a few nice tartan items, such as a beautiful old school dress - which I'm completely in love with!

If you want a more laidback look, I would totally recommend this bomber jacket from BooHoo. It can be teamed up with a black high neck crop top, a black beanie hat & acid wash jeans (or shorts, if you're feeling brave!).

Bomber Jacket - £20, BooHoo.com

What are your thoughts on Tartan?