We Wish You A Commercial Christmas

Every year we predict when the Christmas stock will be available on the shop shelves. Will they wait until after Hallowe'en this year? Will it go in the aisle with the reduced BBQ's and summer stock (after another disastrous summer when no one could use any of it)? This year the shops couldn't wait until after Hallowe'en or even until October. On the 1st of September 2012, my local chain supermarket was selling Christmas Cards. Yes, I will name and shame them, that would be you Morrisons. When I made a joke about the offence, a member of staff assured me that all of the Christmas stock would be out after the weekend. I couldn't quite believe it...

This was, of course, before I moved to Alicante. I didn't see a single Christmas'sy thing here until the middle of November. The local 'Feliz Navidad' lights were put up in the local Spanish town where I live at the beginning of this month. Yes, in December, the month of Christmas. Having festive lights is no rare occurance here, they often have the streets decorated for all sorts of holidays and fiestas. However, the Spanish would possibly collapse at the thought of putting them up 3 and a half months before the event.

Christmas adverts are shown in the UK very early too, while we do all love getting in the seasonal mood with the Coca-Cola advert, we don't need to see it in months of anticipation. I've also heard people complaining about radio stations playing Christmas songs too early, which can also be frustrating. The radio stations here in Spain tend not to play Christmas songs, as it's not in their culture. For that reason, I must confess I have been listening to Radio 1 online for some festive tunes, you can't beat a bit of Wham! and Mariah Carey. While, of course, I have also been playing my Michael Bublé Christmas album on a loop (which I may have stolen from my mum).

I asked one of my Spanish friends if we could go shopping for Christmas presents for our parents at some point last week as it was getting a bit close to the date. He said not to worry and that we would go at the weekend or on Monday (Christmas Eve!) One thing I have noticed about the Spanish is that they don't prepare for anything too far in advance, even making plans. I did go shopping this weekend and it was lovely to see all of the lights and decorations, I got a real sense of celebration and cheer without it being thrown in my face.

Maybe somebody, somewhere, got confused along the line, perhaps we're all trying to be ready in time for Thanksgiving - a holiday which fortunately the British don't seem to have jumped all over yet, let's not hold our breath though. The 25th of December seems to be a mythical day away for those out late night shopping every week from the beginning of October. Why do people feel so smug because they have wrapped all of their gifts before November?

The saddest thing is people forgetting the real reason we celebrate Christmas. Leave rushing around for a moment and have a think about why you're doing it. Are you just another commercial target falling right into the trap? Why don't we just take time to breathe and celebrate and enjoy Christmas for what it actually is? There is no need for everyone to work up until Christmas Eve so that when Christmas Day actually comes, they are all miserable and sleep-deprived, wishing the day to be over and dreading work the next.

As I write this now there are articles in the papers about Amazon's sale starting on Christmas Day. Must anyone stoop to that level? I don't think it's right to blame Amazon, after all, they don't even need to have any staff working. We need to take a look at the sort of people we've become, if we can't even go one day without the sense that we are missing a bargain. Be more than another Christmas statistic, love and cherish your family, the shops will still be there tomorrow.
                                                                                                                                                      

I would also like to take this moment to wish all of my blog readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  I hope you all keep reading throughout 2013 while enjoying everything that comes your way. This blog has now reached over 5,000 views and my only wish is that it continues to grow throughout next year. (It will be a sad day when I have to let my Christmas theme and falling snow go!)

Lots of love,
Lauren Marion
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Va Va Voom - Lovin' The Vintage Vibe

"Ooh I adore that vintage style dress!" I say while flicking through a magazine, my mum rolls her eyes. Of course vintage style clothes are never quite as cool as the real thing. You also miss the fun of rummaging through to see what wicked bargains you can find. Awkwardly, everything I ever pick out my mother seems to have owned twenty years ago. As for the word "vintage", it was simply "second-hand" to them back in the day.

It's hard not to notice trends repeating themselves over and over these days. Leggings were supposedly a thing of the 90's, yet you can't go anywhere without seeing somewhere wearing a pair. I guess 2012 saw the return of high-waisted denim and tucked-in shirts. My friends and I adore high-waisted shorts, they are the "it" item of clothing, anyone who is anyone owns a pair, while frayed edges ticks another style box. 

I love to grab my latest new find from the likes of Republic and H&M, team with my favourite pair of denim shorts and then dig around in my mum's wardrobe to steal an old beaten up denim jacket (which was probably pre-owned before she bought it). DIY Vintage can be fabulous too, I made my own 80's style gilet by cutting off the sleeves of my boring, and frankly plain, denim jacket and sticking on a retro pin. I also cut up old jeans, tie-dyed them and frayed the edges. Perfect if you don't want to let go of an item just yet and in these times of "recession", even though I like to convince myself you cannot punish fashion for the governments' mistakes, it's a little lighter on the purse too.

So why has cast off clothing become such a stylish must-have for young fashionistas? I personally love the concept of recycling fashion, the thought of my clothes coming with a story is really cool. The happy memories someone shared with their shirt, all of the places it's been and what the previous owners were really like are now passed on to me, so I can continue the story. Maybe to some, Vintage is overrated but I suppose not everyone can see the beauty in something that's not shiny and new.

People spend hundreds of pounds on items of clothing from different eras as originally vintage was about buying one-off pieces of retro couture. However, it has now evolved into accessible fashion for young people wanting to stand out and wear something a little bit more original. Perhaps we have Primark to thank for that, I have often stood in their store considering purchasing one of their garments but worried that every girl in my school would own it.

It's not just clothes either, shoes and hairstyles have all come back in too. Converse have become a timeless iconic item for all generations and the length of your hair will never be seen as "so last year". Retro everything is huge just now; cars, clocks, telephones and even packaging on food and drink. The Jean Paul Gautier Coca-Cola bottles are very similar to the original Coca-Cola design. Old-fashioned cameras are a must have too, there's something precious about their design and how the photos come out. This is why the Apple and Android app Instagram is so popular, it makes your average picture look like an old polaroid image (my snapshots are displayed in the sidebar of my blog).

Lana Del Rey and Paloma Faith are the picture of old-style glamour, their latest albums proving that nostalgic music is everlasting too. Their hair and wardrobe choices also reflecting those of sultry singers in the late 20th century. These ladies may seem like they're from a different era but they represent 2012 far better than teeny-bop boybands and auto-tune. Vintage music comes with a certain amount of respect and flare, and I know which feels more authentic to me.

High Street shops are all scouring their back-catalogues to find pieces for their new collections, trying to recreate real vintage. Although others may argue fashion is supposed to be about creating new ideas and showcasing something that's never been seen before, I'll never tire of stealing my mum's old clothes.

Could you live without your iPod?

It's hard to imagine that about ten years ago none of it really existed. Having a personal laptop and mobile phone with unlimited internet access wasn't actually a key part of being a teenager. The lack of Wi-Fi access was hardly a priority for everyday living. Technology has advanced so rapidly since I was born, it's impossible for me to know what it must have been like for my parents growing up.

Originally in 2001 the iPod was created as a device to listen to music, I'm told to replace the rather popular Sony walkman, and that was all. Yet the latest generation of iPods, which are now touch screen, connect to Wi-Fi and have a huge range of apps from social networks such as Twitter and Facebook to Pedometers, Magazines and instant translators. You can FaceTime anyone with an Apple device anywhere in the world, making miles between loved ones completely immaterial. Costing around £170 from Apple, it may be a little more expensive than previous personal music devices but it is more of a personal hand held computer.

For my 14th birthday this year, I was given my very own 8GB iPod touch. I had wanted one for ages and now, 6 months later, I can't remember what I did without it. I can barely leave the house without it in my handbag or slipped into the pocket of my jeans. The wide range of accessories solely available for the iPod shows just how popular they are. Most of my Scottish friends have one, if not an iPhone or often both.

We're all so impatient and the notion of waiting just isn't an option nowadays. Tram stations in cities actually have free Wi-fi, to make your ten minute wait a little less of a chore. It's quite rare to find a bar or restaurant without a free Wi-Fi connection and most shopping centres have it too. A quick flick through the latest magazine that's just been sent to your iPod or checking out your favourite artists' brand new music video makes time pass a little faster for our overstimulated generation.

At home my iPod is always near me, whether I'm listening to music via my docking station or using it to chat to friends, it always prevents any form of boredom. Is this because I don't know how to entertain myself without it? From my point of view: No. I think I could easily live without it, but I'm hoping that's not something I'll ever have to experience.

When Babygros Go Bad

Recently, I read the most awful article about Onesies. Not only was it terribly written, the basis of the entire article was flawed with the reality that they were never created to be worn in public. Though I do not own one and am not writing this while wearing one as an experiment, it does not mean I don't have quite an opinion.

The older members of my family have often told me how they used to joke about the need for someone to design babygros for adults in reference to pictures of me as a toddler zipped into my fleece "onesie". You may guess how shocked they were when the day actually came. I think they were made on a whim but then what was supposed to be light humour has escalated into a nation of people who own several and never take them off.

I cannot stress enough how wrong they are on so many levels. Not only do they look like the attire of a institutionalised person, but clearly they were not meant to substitute clothing on a day to day basis. Primark actually has a family section of the offending articles, Dad should never be wearing the same clothing item as his 5 year old daughter. You can also imagine what your average 15 year old boys' Onesie might smell like after three days of wear. Maybe I'm coming across a little harsh, after all they're supposed to be worn in the comfort of your own home, I just can't help but wonder what on earth would posses you to do so, unless you live in a caravan with no source of heat.

Apparently girls are supposed to find it attractive when members of boy bands wear them to be cute, while I can assure you, we don't.  Cheryl Cole may have been spotted in one, but hers probably cost more than your average onesie-wearers rent. There is no such thing as a classy Onesie. Expensive? Yes. Acceptable? No. Classy? Never.

A Melodious Hug From Lewis Watson

The best way to sum up Lewis Watsons' latest EP 'Another Four Sad Songs' would be fourteen minutes of pure loveliness. I'm pretty sure the man could make Gangnam Style deep and beautiful, fortunately, he doesn't have to as not only does he have the wonderful voice, but writing talent too. Within only hours of its release 'Another Four Sad Songs' reached #2 in the Singer/Songwriter iTunes chart and #18 in the main top 100, also charting in Australia and USA.

The EP opens with the beautifully written 'Once Before', illustrating Lewis' effortless vocals. A simple love song with a real meaning anyone can relate too.

Following that is the first single from the EP. Straight into the lyrics "sink or swim, hold your breath and just dive right in, ride the wave, just ride the wave far from where we came". It's one of those songs that puts into words what every girl wants to hear from her boyfriend. You probably won't be able to stop yourself trying to harmonise in with the chorus, we all that need someone to will hold onto us for dear life. (This one is a Mummy Lauren favourite too).

'Lamplight' is next, a haunting Bombay Bicycle Club acoustic cover. Highlighting the poetic lyrics "these scattered flashes of delight, they can't help but sway your mind". 

The last track on 'Another Four Sad Songs' is 'Even If', an incredible song you could imagine being as massive as a Coldplay hit and Chris Martin performing it to thousands. Although I'm sure it won't be long before Lewis is singing it to his very own hoards of fans. The message being 'I can't run away from a big mistake', explaining that apologies aren't always enough. 

Having had the pleasure of interviewing Lewis back in July, I admire him for being so genuine and remaining humble and loyal to his fans as his music career continues to snowball. When it's cold and raining outside, snuggle up with a blanket and a mug of hot chocolate and lose yourself in his soulful heart melting music.

Another Four Sad Songs and the prequel It's Got Four Sad Songs On It BTW are out now on iTunes

A One Way Ticket and Seven Suitcases...

My family and I recently decided to pack up our lives into seven suitcases and move to Spain. Hence the lack of articles, on my behalf, I can only apologise. I'm now living in a little Spanish town, just North of Alicante, the beach is on my doorstop and I go to a local high school. This should maybe be the time I mention that I am fluent in Spanish as I lived in Spain for a year and a half when I was 8 years old.

Deciding what you can live without is hard, not referring to solely physical belongings. My life was in Glasgow, my family and friends, school, the music scene and the base of my blog. You have to realise what's the most important to you in life and that's truly difficult. Your own happiness has to come first, then you have the chance to consider other people's. The thought of packing my life into a few suitcases was scary, but I learned to appreciate that all I needed was my family (and the internet, of course), the rest is all just materialistic.

At first it was all a bit daunting. Then the realisation of what a great opportunity it could be soon took over. It's coming up to six weeks that I have now been living my new "life in the sun" and I can't put into words how much I love it. Trying not to refer to my book of clichés too much, but I do feel like I belong here and this is where I'm supposed to be. People are so much friendlier and I've already made some really special friends. For the first time in my life, everything feels perfect and I keep catching myself smiling subconsciously.

This blog was never supposed to be an insight into my personal life, instead a place for me to voice my opinions, post interviews and show a little bit of me. I definitely don't want to change that either, I just felt as my lovely readers you deserved a personal update. Nevertheless, you can expect to read about what it's like being emerged into the Spanish lifestyle, the culture differences - first hand - feeling a teeny bit homesick and the usual lot of strong opinions from me.

Thank you,
Lauren Marion
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London 2012 Sees the Return of Cool Britannia

Perhaps you were like me in thinking this years’ Olympics was going to be a bit “London 2012, will I even watch it? It’s all in London anyway…I don’t even really like sport”. There was so much secrecy surrounding what was going to happen at the opening ceremony and in the end it’s become a bit marmite, people either loved it or hated it. I personally found the whole thing confusing and stereotypical but I also have friends who absolutely loved it and stuck with it for the entire three and a half hours. Yet now half way through the games, I’m jumping and screaming as Sir Chris Hoy wins Great Britain our 22nd Gold Medal. I, like every other female in the country, was keen to watch Tom Daley dive (in his mini-swimmie) and from then on I was hooked. Now, no matter what I’m doing, if I’m home the Olympics are on my TV. With the red button the viewer can choose what sport to watch, I have to admit I find the weightlifting too nerve-racking but who knew slalom canoeing could be so thrilling?

It’s impossible to leave the house without a sense of pride as I see another positive Olympic headline or telling someone how proud I am of our athletes! The whole nation has pulled together to support them and we’ve truly captured that one of a kind British spirit. It’s phenomenal to see the Royal family in the crowd at so many events too, The Duchess always looking gorgeous and Harry and Will smiling away as they cheer our very own on!

The Olympic competitors have been preparing for the London 2012 for years, their whole lives are scheduled around training and I bet they never have a ‘day off’ the diet. The amount of hours they spend devoted to their sport should surely inspire us to do even a little. A few friends of mine have even joined the gym purely feeling motivated by this years’ games.

It is incredibly refreshing to see, not only talented, but beautiful young women representing our nation. Their hard work and dedication is truly inspirational, they are the perfect role model for young girls to look up to. Completely different than the likes of TOWIE convincing anyone they can be a success story with a bottle of fake tan and a pair of eyelashes. Jessica Ennis is set to make over £5m in sponsorship deals after taking gold in the heptathlon, well-earned and rightly deserved.

Some of the Olympians are only 15 or 16 years old, it makes you question what you’ve been doing your whole life, doesn’t it? Teenage girls in schools across Scotland refuse to take part in PE in case it “ruins their hair or make-up”. Having seen the likes of Olympic athletes, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Beth Tweddle and Vitoria Pendleton in action still looking gorgeous, it might inspire them to even take part and be fit and healthy.

After winning his gold medal in tennis, our very own Scot Andy Murray said he was inspired by Mohammad Farah’s immense time when he won his gold medal in the 10,000m run. It’s unbelievable how one Olympians’ hard work and commitment can encourage another’s, regardless of their sport. Speaking of Moh Farah, I absolutely loved the footage of the BBC presenters jumping up and down as he was first to cross the finish line!

People are very dismissive saying, “oh Stella McCartney designed Britain’s outfits for the Olympics” but do they actually realise how much attention to detail was paid? From Tom Daley’s “little thing”, as Stella referred to it, to Sir Chris Hoy looking like a real life Superhero in his cycling jersey, Team GB look first-class in their designer attire!

It’s not just us caught up in the Olympic excitement, our heroes are too. Twitter has been over flowing on a daily basis with tweets from celebrities congratulating the British Olympic medallists! Andy Murray’s girlfriend tweeted the cutest picture of their two border-terriers wearing his gold and silver medals. While Piers Morgan is donating £1,000 to Great Ormond Street every time a British winner sings the national
anthem.

Of course it’s not just Team GB that has me glued to my seat, who wasn’t excited to see the fastest man on earth, Usain Bolt, set a new Olympic record and win gold? Or feel moved because Michael Phelps has swam his last Olympic length after his incredible achievement of 17 Gold medals?

The Commonwealth Games will be hosted in Glasgow in 2014, how exciting for Scotland! We should strive to keep the Olympic vibe going as in only two years’ time we will all be part of sporting history, once again, and the setting of new world records. I don’t know about you, but I definitely want to be there cheering for Team GB!

No Hiding From High Definition

It's hard to pick up a newspaper or magazine without reading something derogatory about a certain celebrities' appearance. Whether they've stepped out to the local shop in their jogging bottoms or haven't got round to touching up their roots, the press are obsessed with pointing it out. Fame doesn't make people superhuman; they're still normal and have the same problems as the rest of us. If we were papped 24/7 we wouldn't look perfect in every single photo.


Pixie Lott recently attended the Dark Knight Rises premiere and was absolutely hounded for having "hairy armpits". The way headlines made out I thought she must have 11" of hair tumbling beneath her arm. When I actually saw the picture of her armpit, there was virtually nothing there. She apparently "drew attention" to her "hairy underarms" by posing with her hand on her on her waist. Forget the fact Pixie looks beautiful in her stunning blue floor length dress, instead let's focus our attention to the fact she had a tiny bit of stubble on her armpit. It was refreshing to see her taking to twitter to laugh it off, rather than dwelling on it, she moved on like the rest of us should have.

You'd have thought after Pixie explaining herself (which she shouldn't have felt compelled to do anyway) it would all go away but no. The following day at The Art of Rap premiere Pixie wore a gorgeous lace dress with short sleeves and was picked on once again for "covering up to avoid embarrassment once again". This meant reminding the nation, once again, of her "faux pas" from the day before. In amongst all of the drama, columnists felt it necessary to bring to our attention other stars that have been caught out in the past, Beyoncé, Britney Spears and Sharon Stone all on the shame list.

Why can't we just leave them alone? Shouldn't their talent matter more, I think we should go back to talking about the reasons as to why they're actually famous. It all comes back to the world caring more about appearances than ability, Kate Middleton's £35 dress is more important than the sports project she's attending with Prince William and Prince Harry and an A-listers weight is more front-page than their charity work. The media is so desperate to feed the public's lust for celebrity imperfection, it would be nice to go back to celebrating their talent instead.

Lewis Watsons' Mini Encore

Who were your favourite celebrities when you were younger?
I loved the Back Street Boys, but Hear Say was the first ever single I bought. Peter Schmiechel was my favourite footballer, if that counts?


What genre of music can't you stand?

Dubstep, definitely.

If your house was on fire and you could save one thing, what would it be? (Excluding living things, of course!)

It would either be my guitar or my macbook because my life is on my macbook. I could always get another guitar I guess... so I'll save my macbook.

If you could play a venue anywhere in the world, where would it be?

It would probably have to be Australia, if somebody told me right now "you're going to die in two days, where do you want to go?" it would be Australia. I was never a huge fan of Home and Away but I used to watch and think 'wow, I want to be there'.

If today was your last, how would you spend it?

One day...hmm...I would probably eat a lot of Chinese food, I love Chinese food.

If you were a biscuit, which would you be?

Custard cream 100% or a malted milk, I just love them. I'd like people to enjoy me as much as I enjoy them.