Royal Wedding

As I'm sure you all know, tomorrow is the day of the Royal Wedding. My niece has been excited about it for ages now, so we decided we'd have a wedding party.

Shopping today was an absolute nightmare! None of the shops I went to had any Union Jack/Wedding plates or decorations, so we ended up with some floral design stuff and everywhere was manic so I didn't get everything on my shopping list.

I did, however, make these little beauties;




They are vanilla cupcakes with red buttercream frosting. I dusted them with some ruby red edible glitter too.

We're pretty excited for tomorrows events though.

Will you be tuning in?

Laura x

My friend Jodi is doing something I will never have the balls to do; a sponsored sky dive. She's going to be raising money for the Katie Piper Foundation.

For those of you who aren't aware of Katie Piper, she is the strong survivor of an acid attack which left her blind in one eye and in need of numerous painful surgeries.

Taken from wikipedia; In late 2009, Katie Piper established a charity, The Katie Piper Foundation, aimed at raising awareness of the plight of victims of burns and other disfigurement injuries: the charity also campaigns for the specialist treatment Piper received - such as the after-care scheme undertaken in France - to be more widely available to patients in Britain.Simon Cowell is a patron of the foundation, along with her surgeon Dr. Mohammad Ali Jawad.

I would be eternally grateful if you could donate to this charity by sponsoring Jodi here.

Thank you,
Laura x

Interview with Save Your Breath

 

Save Your Breath are Kris, Tom, Adam, Ben and Bobby, a 5-piece pop-punk band from Wales. Having toured with the likes of Kids In Glass Houses, The Rocket Summer and Fireworks, the band are finally releasing their debut album and I for one cannot wait to hear it! Tom was kind enough to answer a few questions for me to put up here.

How did the name 'Save Your Breath' come about?
Um, we were all jamming together for a while before we even considered that we would need a name. Then it came to the point where we gonna have to play a show and put our name on stuff so we all started just thinking of stuff that sounded cool. We came up with that and thought it was a good name so stuck with it. No massive story behind it i'm afraid!

Who or what inspires you to make music?
Everything really, where we grew up, the people we grew up with and the situations that we've gone through going up. As well as that obviously we all have massive influences musically. We all like a large variety of stuff. We've been influenced by bands like New Found Glory and Saves The Day, but then different members of the band listen to anything from The Cure to Pink Floyd.

If you could cover any song, what would it be and why?
Um, i'm not really sure. In the past we've covered Blink 182 - "Josie", The Movielife - Walking On Glass and New Found Glory - "Ballad For The Lost Romantics" as they were songs that really influenced us while we were growing up. I'd cover most songs by those bands if we had the chance to be honest!

Your debut album 'Vices' is set for release in June. If you had to choose one song that would turn any listener into a fan, which would it be?
Yeah we can't wait! It's been a long time coming and we're excited for everyone to hear it. As far as a song that I would pick......I think I would pick a track that we've named "Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy". I love it!

How has the band evolved since your EP 'Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy'?
Well we have a new singer in Kristian, and to be honest it's the first time we've felt completley comfortable as a band. We feel comfortable playing live together now and then songs we have written for this record we feel are the best we've ever done. It's a great feeling, we really feel like everything has finally come together.

What is next for Save Your Breath?
Well obviously the record comes out, and then we really we will just be touring as much as possible and playing these songs to as many people as we get the chance too. We want as many people as possible to hear this record as possible so we're making it our mission to try our hardest to get it into as many peoples hands as we can.

And finally, is there anything you'd like to say to SYB fans or anyone reading this interview?
Thanks for taking the time to read this and thanks so much for supporting our band and being good friends to us. It means the world and it really does allow us to carry on what we are doing. Other than that, if you have a spare moment and some spare change, if you could pick up "Vices" from http://www.saveyourbreath.bigcartel.com/ you would be helping us more than we could possibly explain, we put so much into this record, all off our own backs, so any support we receive from you guys helps out so much.

Cheers!
Tom

So there you have it. It is so refreshing to come across a band that are down to earth and genuinely grateful for every fan they have. Anyone who has read my blog before will know that I'm a huge fan, but without being biased, I strongly recommend pre-ordering their album....you won't be disappointed! Look out for new tour dates coming soon.

 

Picture take from www.myspace.com/saveyourbreathband

Videos taken from www.youtube.com/user/saveyourbreathtv

Follow them on Twitter

Become a fan on Facebook

Visit their site: www.saveyourbreath.net

Big River

This song has just changed my life.

I love you, dad.




Laura x

Song of the day

Loving this song at the moment, hope you will to :)




Laura x

Happy Easter

Happy Easter everyone.

Whether you're religious or not, I hope you enjoy your day. I'll be spending mine in the kitchen cooking a roast dinner for my family (but I can't wait to tuck into the chocolate fudge cake me and Bethany made for pudding!)




Laura x

Good Friday

I'm pretty OCD when it comes to my routine and planning my day, so when people change my plans at the last minute, it kind of annoys me. I need to realise that sometimes it can be a good thing, though.

I wasn't really looking forward to today because my 'plans' for this morning weren't exactly something I wanted to do, but they got changed at the last minute and my day ended up being pretty good!

After an unscheduled nap, I went out into the garden and finished weeding the rockery before putting up the fairy lights and butterfly solar powered lights, then I planted seeds and rearranged the ornaments. The ornaments look a bit crowded and the rest of the rockery looks a bit bare, but once the flowers start to grow I think it will look beautiful.







Me and my dad started the garden this time last year but we never got a chance to finish it because he passed away. I finished it on my own, mostly for my dad, but I also found it quite therapeutic...it gave me something to focus on and helped me get through my grief.
Easter Sunday was the last time I saw my dad, so I'm feeling a bit sad at the moment and I think having something to throw myself into is helping again.

After that, I made cornflake cakes with Bethany and Chloe. We put mini eggs and a fluffy chick in the middle of each one so they look like nests. We're growing some cress too. I love doing activities and art & craft stuff with them, I never did anything like that when I was a kid.

Now me and Chloe are snuggling up on the sofa to watch some Doctor Who! We have episodes 7-13 to watch in preparation for the new series kicking off tomorrow! Then we're all off to my nanna's for dinner, which brings me to the question; why do we eat fish on Good Friday?

Laura x

WANT.

I found this little fella in the pet shop & I really want to keep him! Someone buy him for me?

Laura x

Say Hi to Joel!

Laura x

chilling at the beach

Blink-182 reschedule European tour dates

(taken from blink182.com)

FROM MARK, TOM AND TRAVIS: It is with heavy hearts that we have to announce our planned 2011 European Summer tour has been rescheduled. When we booked the tour last year, we were confident that we would have the new album out before the summer. Turns out we were mistaken as the album is taking longer than we thought and won't be out till later this year. We hoped we would have some new songs to play rather than do another 'greatest hits tour' which you all saw last summer. As much as we know our fans would be cool with that, we feel that we owe you guys something new when you spend your money to come see us. Frankly, it's what needs to continue for us to remain vital. The three of us are working very hard to do what we set out to do when we re-formed... get a new blink-182 album recorded. Apologies to all of our fans who have bought tickets and were looking forward to the Summer shows but we'll be back soon with the rescheduled dates in summer 2012, have a new album out and be able to play new songs for you all. Thanks for all of the continued support and understanding. The rescheduled dates are on our website (www.blink182.com) and are listed below.

NEW UK/IRISH DATES ADDED: Onsale date is Thursday 21st April 2011

For those of you whohoped to see the us at Oxegen and T In The Park festivals this year, we're very sorry that we won’t be there as we were looking forward to playing them so much. However, we’ve added Dublin,Belfast and Glasgow arena dates listed below onto next summer’s tour so we can see our Irish and Scottish fans.

Tuesday 12 June, 2012 - Dublin, o20818 719300 www.ticketmaster.ie

Wednesday 13 June 2012 - Belfast Odyssey Arena - 028 9073 9074/084427774455 www.ticketmaster.ie

Wednesday 20 June 2012 -Glasgow SECC - 0844 4999 990 / gigsinscotland.com

RESCHEDULED DATES –June/July 2012

UK Dates

Thursday 07 June 2012 -Birmingham NIA - 0844 338 8000 - Tickets still valid from Friday 01 July 2011
Friday 08 June 2012 -London The O2 - Tickets still valid from Monday 18 July 2011
Saturday 09 June 2012 -London The O2 - Tickets still valid from Tuesday 19 July 2011
Friday 15 June 2012 -Manchester MEN Arena - 0844 847 2000 - Tickets still valid from Friday 8 July2011
Saturday 16 June 2012 -Birmingham LG Arena - 0844 338 8000 - Tickets still valid from Friday 15 July2011
Sunday 17 June 2012 -Sheffield Motorpoint Arena - 0114 256 5656 - Tickets still valid from Thursday7 July 2011
Tuesday 19 June 2012 -Newcastle Metro Radio Arena - 0844 493 6666 - Tickets still valid from Tuesday12 July 2011
Tuesday 10 July 2012 -Cardiff Motorpoint Arena - 029 2022 4488 - Tickets still valid from Saturday 16July 2011
Wednesday 11 July 2012 -Nottingham Capital FM Arena - 0844 412 4624 - Tickets still valid fromWednesday 13 July 2011
Thursday 12 July 2012 -Liverpool Echo Arena - 0844 8000 400 - Tickets still valid from Monday 04 July2011

Original tickets will be valid for the rescheduled dates. For further information or queries regarding the re-scheduled dates please contact the ticket agent where you purchased your tickets.


German Dates

Saturday 23 June 2012 – Neuhausen ob Eck - SouthsideFestival
Sunday 24 June 2012 – Scheessel - Hurricane Festival
Monday 25 June 2012 - Essen – Grugahalle – Ticketsstill valid from Friday 24th June 2011
Tuesday 26 June 2012 – Frankfurt – Festhalle –Tickets still vaild from Monday 20th June 2011
Saturday 30 June 2012 -Berlin – Zitadelle – Ticketsstill valid from Wednesday 22nd June 2011
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE IN BERLIN
The tickets for the three headline shows above are valid for the rescheduled dates in 2012 but you may also return your tickets to the box offices for a full refund.

Czech Republic Date

We will no longer be performing at the Prague City Festival 2011 but tickets will remain valid. However, those fans who wish to only see us and are not interested in seeing the rest of the bands are able to to change their current tickets for a ticket for the Prague City Festival 2012 at which we will appear.

Friday 29th June 2012 - PragueCity Festival in Prague-Holesovice, Vystaviste venue
This will be the only chance to see us in the Czech Republic.

It will be possible to change the tickets from 2nd of May 2011 till 2nd of July2011. The offer of an exchange is valid for all tickets sold after the Blink 182 2011 show announcement (ie for alltickets more expensive than 590czk /or Euro equivalent). The exchange appliesonly to www.ticketportal.cz (email: help@ticketportal.cz) and www.tickets.de chains.


Italian Dates

Vivo Concerti andD’Alessandro Galli regret to inform Italian fans that the Blink 182 concerts scheduled for 27th June 2011 at Mediolanum Forum in Assago(Milan) and Lucca festival scheduled for 28th June 2011 have been postponed. The new dates are as follows:

Tuesday 3rdJuly 2012 – Mediolanum Forum – Assago (Milan)
Wednesday 4thJuly 2012 – Lucca Summer Festival

All tickets already purchased for the shows on 27th June and 28th June 2011 will not be valid for the rescheduled dates in 2012. The tickets must be replaced with new ones. When applying for a reimbursement, it will bepossible to buy tickets for the new dates. The deadline for replacing or reimbursing tickets is 12th July 2011.
People who bought tickets on line on www.ticketone.it will receive an e mail from the e-commerce divisionwith all the details for the reimbursement.

Luxembourg Dates

Unfortunately we won’t be able to perform at the Rock a Field Festival on 26th June 2011. We are currently working on our options and will get news about a date for Summer 2012 to our fans as soon as possible.

Wilton

It's amazing what you can do with the right equipment! My Wilton nozzles arrived this morning and I created these beauties!

So wish this was my job.

Laura x

Check Me Out!

I finally finished making the cake I was asked to do and I'm really impressed with it!

Its for an 80th birthday, so this is what I came up with;

Its a lemon sponge with lemon buttercream and strawberry jam filling, absolutely delicious! I'm more impressed that the icing is completely smooth, its the best i've ever managed to get it.

Laura x

Cupcakes!

I made some chocolate cupcakes last night and they were amazing!
The frosting didn't turn out quite how I expected but it tasted lovely.
Now I just need to concentrate on the lemon sponge I'm making for an 80th birthday!

Cake appreciation below;

Happy Record Store Day!!

Did anyone get anything cool?
I need to get a new needle for my record player, but I'm pretty gutted I missed out today. I'm hoping I can go charity/thrift shopping next weekend to pick up some records. Saying that though, I still have Adele - '21', Ricky Valance - 'Tell Laura I Love Her' and Everly Brothers - 'All I Have To Do' waiting to be listened to.
If you did manage to get something awesome today, leave a comment or let me know via Twitter.

Laura x

Hmm.

Does not getting mad about things make me more patient/understanding/stronger or just a push over?

Laura x

It's the little things...

Laura x

"Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering."


Laura x

OMG!

I found these in my local Asda today and can't recommend them enough!

A few people have told me that American chocolate is disgusting, but these Extra Creamy Milk Chocolate Hershey's Kisses are heavenly! They're somewhere in between Lindt and Galaxy. If you can find them, definitely treat yourself!

Laura x

Never be ashamed of what you feel.

“I have come to realize that just making yourself happy is most important. Never be ashamed of what you feel. You have the right to feel any emotion that you want, and to do what makes you happy. That’s my life motto.” - Demi Lovato.



Laura x

"Remember it's only in the black of night that you can see the stars and those stars will lead you back home." - Whitey Durham (One Tree Hill)

Start being that person.

“At a certain point, you gotta stop talking about wanting to be a different person and start being that person.” - Lucas Scott (One Tree Hill)

BBQ Playlist

Save Your Breath - Sink Or Swim
Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
The Maine - Fuel To The Fire
Mayday Parade - Kids In Love
Dizzee Rascal - Bonkers
AJ Rafael - Soldier
McFLY - Nowhere Left To Run
N-Dubz - Girls

Sitting in the garden, surrounded by my family, enjoying some yummy food (if i do say so myself!). It's perfect BBQ weather today!











I've been reading my Recognise magazine (follow them here) which has a rather refreshing interview with Jessie J. I think she's a breath of fresh air to the music industry. An artist who refuses to be labeled, wether in relation to her music or her sexuality, constantly telling people they can be whoever they want to be. She's a pretty inspirational character.
There is also an interview with McFLY which made me laugh quite a bit! I saw them on their Above The Noise tour a few weeks ago and their performance was so strong, I can't wait to see what they do next.

Laura x

I had the best day with you today.

This song is one of my favourites at the moment. It makes me think a lot about my relationship with my mum, but also my sister, who has pretty much looked after me since I was 13.

I wish my relationship with my mum was more like the one Taylor has with hers, but its not and I can't see it happening, no matter how much I try. This is why I will be eternally grateful for my sister. Not only is she the best sister I could ask for, but she's the best substitute mother and my best friend too.

Sometimes we just need a little help

"It's hard to fight the things we are afraid of. Sometimes we just need a little help." - Karen Rose (One Tree Hill)

Laura x

Hey, you!

Laura x

Success is the best revenge.

I've had a lot on my mind lately and I've spent some time talking to my sister. She's a big influence in my life and I always look to her in times of trouble. Musing over my current problems has lead me to this thought;

Being the bigger person isn't always the easiest thing to do and sometimes it hurts, but it will be worth it in the long run. Success is the best revenge.

Laura x

My niece made this for me at nursery today. She's the cutest <3.

Laura x

Today I saw a White butterfly for the first time this year. For those of you who know me, you'll understand why they are so significant and for those of you who don't know me, well maybe I'll explain one day.

Just a thought for the day; life is too short. Don't hold grudges, you will regret it. Spend more time with your family, you'll miss them when they're gone. Do something that makes you happy because your time on earth is limited, but know that you're making a difference to someone's life every day.

Laura x

I want to do something amazing. I want to change the world. I want to make a difference, not just to my life and yours, but to people all around the world. I want to inspire people, the way I have been inspired…I just don’t know where to start.

Laura x

Music Recommendations - April

So, here we go with my suggestions for April. Hope you like them!

Save Your Breath - Stay Young
The Guns - No No Know
McFLY - That's The Truth
Nicki Minaj - Right Thru Me
Aggro Santos - Candy
Enrique Iglesias - I Like It
The Maine - Everything I Ask For
The Maine - Girls Do What They Want
Jessie J - Who You Are
Rebecca Black - Friday

Yes, I'm serious! I do actually like the song, but at the moment it hasn't been overplayed and making it my alarm on Friday mornings puts a smile on my face :)

If you're looking for new music to listen to, then I suggest you pre-order this!

I love summer!

I just got home from beach :)
One of my favourite things about summer is living near the beach. It's a 5 minute drive from my house and some of the views are stunning!
I befriended some ladybirds at the park before we went for ice cream (sadly there are no pictures of the ice cream because I practically inhaled it!)

Happiness

“Happiness is not a destination. It is a mood, it is not permanent. It comes and goes and if people thought that way then maybe people would find happiness more often.” - Julian Baker (One Tree Hill)

Guess who's back!?

Well hello there :)
I haven't updated this blog for a while and I'm starting to miss it to be honest. I've never really had a 'criteria' that my posts must fulfil, but I know that I want to move slightly in a different direction. I want it to be a happier, more inspirational blog about real things, not just celebrities and make up.
If you have anything you'd like me to post about, just leave a comment :)
Laura x