Story time w/ Grape // LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS

Today, I'm talking about LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS, something I've had plenty of experience with!

Long distance relationships or LDR for short is a relationship that is obviously long distance. It could be that you're in the same country but some miles apart or in completely different countries to each other.

Most of my relationships have been long distance relationships, most likely because I'm a shy person so meeting people out in the real world isn't easy for me so that meant the internet was were my relationships started. 

THE FIRST LDR.

You might remember from my post about coming out that I developed feelings for a girl, that girl became my first girlfriend and my first long distance relationship. She lived in Wales, while I live two and a half hours away. We were together for about three years altogether, two of which were spent waiting to meet each other. Yup, you read that right. Two years of the relationship was based purely on us talking daily whether it was via text or online, waiting for the day that we could finally meet face to face.

When we finally meet, we were joined by our parents. My dad, who travelled on the train to Wales with me and she was with her mum.. I guess in situations like these and considering our ages, it was best to have some parents around to make sure everything was okay and everyone was who they said they were. Thankfully, that was the case.

Our first meeting led to more meetings, one of which was behind her mums back as she wasn't too happy about our relationship, until eventually we split up. 

THE ONES THAT FOLLOWED.

One lead to another, and another.

The relationships that followed were a combination of long distances similar to my first and shorter distances that made things easier. As I got older and was able to travel on my own with the money that I'd earnt, it became easier to visit whoever I was currently with.

MY OPINION ON LDRS.

I feel the most common question relating to LDRs is "do they work?" and depending on who you are and what your experience is, the answer will obviously vary. 

My opinion is that they can work but it isn't easy. It's not something that gets easier the longer you're together either. Similar with any other relationship, you grown closer together and your feelings become stronger so the distance becomes harder to deal with but future plans can be made, people move and distances cane become shorter. It can work if you truly want it to, but it isn't for everyone.

If you have any comments or questions, feel free to post them below and I'll reply. Also, check out the links below for guides and tips for LDRs!

MY ADVICE FOR LDRS.

There are somethings I've learnt through my time in long distance relationships and hopefully these little piece of advice will be helpful.

• MAKE TIME FOR EACH OTHER: This might seem like a silly piece of advice because obviously you will but spending time talking to each other via Skype or over the phone when you can have each others undivided attention is always good. 
• SEND EACH OTHER THINGS: This can be anything from photos of yourself, things that remind you of each other and you could even send things via snail mail especially if you live a big distance from each other. Care packages for each other might help get through the harder days.
• COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER: And I'm not talking about daily conversation. If you have any issues or you're having a hard time, talk about it. As previously stated, they can be hard so it's good to be there for each other if one of you is struggling with the distance more than usual. Any small issue can seem worse when you're further apart, so make sure you're open and honest and work through any issues or problems when they arise - don't leave them to get worse. 

If you have any comments or questions, leave them below and I'll happily respond. Also check out the links below for advice, tips and activities for long distance relationships!

WHAT EVERY PERSON IN A LDR SHOULD KNOW.

via HuffingtonPost.com

LOVINGFROMADISTANCE.com

A website with different activities, advice and inspiration for your LDR.

#13: The Bold Type // Grape Movie Marathon

Inspired by the life of "Cosmopolitan" editor in chief, Joanna Coles. The show is a glimpse into the outrageous lives and loves of those responsible for a global women's magazine. Their struggles are about finding your identity, managing friendships and getting your heart broken, all while wearing the perfect jeans to flatter any body type.

On the outside, this might seem like your typical chick show but it's so much more. It's a fantastic feminist show that explores different issues such as sexuality and abuse through the lives of three ladies. It's got all you want from a show, funny moments, dramatic moments and excitement! I found myself getting attached to the three main characters and watching their lives progress throughout the show and the different issues and situations they go through.

As well as being a great show, the soundtrack is also amazing and any show that has a soundtrack that I need is my life earns itself even more awesome points. If you're interested in checking out the soundtrack, it's on Spotify for your listening pleasure - find it here.

Overall, it's a fantastic show that I'd recommend to everyone looking for something new and exciting to watch. Seriously, go binge watch it in one day!

I rate it 4 out of 5 grapes.

Decades Special: The 80s // Weekly Playlist Update

It's time for 80s week of the Weekly Playlist Update Decades Special! So, get your Flock of Seagulls hairstyle and throw on your ruffled shirt and let's party like it's the 80s!

I'd like to say I'm a big fan of 80s music, with Depeche Mode being one of my all time favourite bands. They definitely don't make music like this anymore, so let's get into the classic hits I've picked for this week!

TRACK 1: Tainted Love / Soft Cell (1981)

A classic hit of the 80s that we have most likely danced to at a party when the DJ plays it, because what is a party without Tainted Love? Throw it on and dance like no-one is watching!

TRACK 2: But Not Tonight / Depeche Mode (1986)

I'll be honest, my favourite song of all time is Enjoy The Silence by Depeche Mode but this track is a very close second (and it was released in the 80s, unlike Enjoy The Silence..). While it may not be a classic, as far as I'm aware, it's still a fantastic track that I highly recommend!

TRACK 3: Mr. Blue / Yazoo (1983)

I wish I could say I've listened to Yazoo a lot but unfortunately, I know only a handfull of songs - Mr. Blue being one of them and easily my favourite. The chorus is what made me fall in love with the song, although I couldn't tell you exactly why other than maybe one or two of the lines I could relate to.

Happy Listening!

Story time w/ Grape // COMING OUT

Story time w/ Grape = me, talking to you, about a variety of different things. Got it? Good!

Today, I'm talking about COMING OUT and my experience with it.

FIGURING IT OUT.

I realised I was bisexual, which is what I first came out as, when I was 15. I was talking to a girl and the more we talked, the more my feelings for her grew and while for some, this may have been a big sign, it took me a few months after that for me to catch on. Although, having feelings for someone of the same sex doesn't necessarily mean that your sexuality is anything different to what your identify as - sexuality is fluid so just roll with it and identify with what you feel best suits you. 

When I realised, it was a light bulb moment - the light lit up and the realisation sunk in that I'm into girls. Sometime later, how much I can't remember now, I came out as lesbian. 

Looking back, I realised it was staring me in the face the whole time. Any interest in guys I had while at school was mostly based on my friends / other girls having interest in guys so that seemed like the normal thing to do. I'm not saying there wasn't some genuine interest there, I just knew that I'd rather put my effort into something other than chasing boys. I also had boyfriends while in school but again, it felt like things my friends made happen and I didn't have much interest in being couply with my new boyfriend. None of these relationship lasted long and never went further than a small kiss. 

Having feelings and relationships with other girls felt so normal as well, which is why I feel it took me sometime to realise my sexuality while it was happening because I never felt the need to question it. I also still find guys attractive, because much like every other person, I can appreciate when someone is attractive. 

COMING OUT TO MY FAMILY.

My mum was the first person I told. 

As random as it seems, it was during a MSN conversation we were in with someone she knew. They were talking about their dislike for homosexual people and how they were going to end up in ditches, which is when I chimed in that as a bisexual, I knew I wouldn't end up in any ditches. Later on that day, my parents asked me if I was bisexual and I said yes. When I realised I was lesbian, I told my mum again and that was that.

I've been fortunate that my parents, as well as my siblings, have been supportive. My dad will occasionally have conversations with me about how happy he is that I could tell them something like this, that he is supportive of me and he'd never have any issue with it. My mum did tell me that it took sometime getting used to, especially when it came to seeing me with my first girlfriend, but she is supportive and accepting of me. I've never experienced any negativity or discrimination from other family members, who found out from my parents either. 

I feel grateful to have the parents and family that I do because I know that not everyone will be meet with the same reaction when they come out to their families which I hate but unfortunately, the LGBTQIA community isn't something that is widely accepted in the world today - something I hope will one day change. 

COMING OUT TO OTHERS.

The coming out never stops because you're always meeting new people. Whether it be new friends, work colleagues or maybe in some situations, strangers. 

Unlike how I came out to my parents, I don't just straight up say "Hey, I'm a lesbian" because you don't see straight people telling others their straight, so I don't see the need to tell others I'm a lesbian. Instead, it's usually through conversations where I mention my partner, or something relating to my sexuality and it's done.

Again, I've never been met with any negativity or discrimination, although there has been a few instances when I've received comments like "How do you know you're gay if you've never been with a guy?" or "You're too pretty to be a lesbian". As well as other situations where despite knowing my sexuality, guys think they still have some sort of chance and that there will be just one kiss, or just one chance. I'd consider this, on some level, discrimination because it dismisses my sexuality in order to get what they want, with little or no respect to my lack of interest or desire to want to. 

There has also been times while out in public holding hands with my partner at the time, where people have given us dirty looks but in situations like that, I simply brush it off. A dirty look isn't going to stop me being who I am. 

SO..

That is my coming out experience, which compared to others is probably a walk in the park. As I previously said, I'm grateful to have very little negative experiences compared to others and I hope that one day, equality and equal rights for all of the LGBTQIA community is a reality and not something we have to fight for, the way we do today.

If you have any questions or comments, then make sure to leave them below and I'll happily respond. You can also check out the websites I listed below, if you're interested in more information on LGBTQIA and coming out, below!

AUTOSTRADDLE.com

News, entertainment and more for the ladies of the LGBTQIA.

STONEWALL.org.uk

A great site for help and advice, dedicated to making change happen.

ADVICE ON COMING OUT

Advice for all ages on coming out, via the Stonewall Website. 

#12: The Carmilla Movie // Grape Movie Marathon

It has been five years since Laura and Carmilla vanquished the apocalypse and Carmilla became a mortal human. Their domestic bliss is suddenly ruptured when Carmilla begins to show signs of "re-vamping" - from a fondness for bloody treats to accidental biting - while Laura has started having bizarre, ghostly dreams. The couple must now enlist their old friends from Silas University to uncover the unknown supernatural threat and save humanity - including Carmilla's.

If you didn't know already, Carmilla is a LGBT web series on youtube (series one, two and three to make it easier for you..) and I highly recommend you go and binge watch all three series of it now before going and buying the movie, which is available on Fullscreen. 

Now, onto the review! I am absolutely in love with both the series and movie, which I have seen twice since it's released which is a rarity, usually I'll watch a movie once and be done with it for a while. As a lesbian, finding a good, watchable LGBT movie isn't the easiest of tasks and yet this movie is perfect. Yes, it maybe about a vampire and her girlfriend who is having weird dreams linked to their past but still, it's perfect.

It has a little bit of everything, comedic moments mixed in with action and suspense and romance - something that I feel some lesbian movies struggle with yet this movie has pulled it off and put together a sex scene that I can enjoy knowing it's actually realistic compared to other films that seem to be filmed by someone simply guessing how it all goes down.

If you're into supernatural LGBT themed movies then this is for you, but I do recommend watching the Carmilla series prior as you might be left a little confused about what's going down in the movie. The movie is available via Fullscreen, as previously stated and this is currently the only way you'll be able to watch it but it is so worth it, trust me!

I rate it 5 out of 5 grapes.

Week 10 // Weekly Playlist Update

P L A Y L I S T / L I N K

TRACK 1: A Different Love (w/ Lauv) / DJ Snake

DJ Snake & Lauv are both artists that I love and when two artists I love come together to create a great track, you know I'm gonna really love it. 

TRACK 2: Your Mind (feat. Kristen Marie) / HEDIA

A great mixture of vocals and beat, sampling the classic house track "She's A Gypsy" by Crystal Waters, you can't help but love this track. 

TRACK 3: Would You Ever (feat. Poo Bear) / Skrillex

I'm not a big Skrillex fan but this is different to the usual music he creates and I love it, it's been on repeat since I discovered it and there is even a remix that's just as good as the original. I've also featured that below!

Would You Ever (4B Remix) / Skrillex (feat. Poo Bear)

Happy Listening!

#11: Gerald's Game // Grape Movie Marathon.

While trying to spice up their marriage in their remote lake house, Jessie must fight to survive when her husband dies unexpectedly, leaving her handcuffed to their bed frame. 

Yet another Netflix Original, this one is an adaption of a Stephen King novel by the same name. I knew of the novel and was recommended it by my dad but never actually got around to reading it, so I was glad to see that Netflix had decided to make a film out of it.

Maybe I'm slightly bias, without having read the novel to compare the two, but I think it's a great film although I can imagine the book can delve more into the main characters fight for survival and hold on her sanity better than this film can. There was one scene in particular that was hard for me to watch and it also stayed with me a little after the film was over but my weak stomach and inability to handle anything too bloody and gory might be to blame for that. Despite that, I still think it makes a great movie that even after it's ending, it's staying on my mind.

Overall, I'd recommend this movie as something that is definitely worth the watch, especially for horror/thriller fans looking for something slightly different to what's already out there. 

Netflix have also released another adaption of a Stephen King story, 1922, so keep an eye out for my review of that!

I rate it 4 out of 5 grapes.

Decades Special: The 70s // Weekly Playlist Update

P L A Y L I S T / L I N K

It's the 70's in this weeks Decade Special of the Weekly Playlist Update. Now, the 70s isn't a decade of music I really listen to so picking three tracks wasn't easy but I did it, so here they are..

TRACK 1: T.N.T / AC/DC (1975)
This isn't a track that I'd listen to out of choice but it is a track I did hear quite a bit in my childhood, thanks to Tony Hawks Pro Skater 4. Nothing beats a bit of nostalgia!

TRACK 2: I Want You to Want Me / Cheap Trick (1978)

Again, not a track I'd listen to out of choice but a track that reminds me of something I love a lot. In 10 Things I Hate About You, a band called Letters to Cleo cover this track so naturally, the original is awesome as well!

TRACK 3: Teenage Kicks / The Undertones (1978)

Unlike the others, this is a track that I actually really love and would happily listen to. Thanks to my dad, for bringing it into my life!

Happy Listening!

#10: The Babysitter // Grape Movie Marathon

The events of one evening take an unexpected turn for the worst for a young boy trying to spy on his babysitter.

A brand new Netflix Original film that was released on Friday the 13th for our viewing pleasure. I saw the trailer, thought it looked good and was looking forward to it being released and..

It was okay. It's your typical, teenage horror movie with some comedy thrown into it. You've got a group of teenagers, you've got them doing something they shouldn't be and then you've got a whole bunch of murders but it turns out that the killer is the young boy after he spots the teenagers sacrificing a human.

So, maybe it isn't completely your typical teenager horror movie as the roles are reversed, the deaths are some what creative and it's gore galore if that's your cup of tea, or in this case cup of blood as there is plenty to go around in this flick. The cast isn't all that bad either, although it's pretty clear they've picked an attractive bunch to play the popular high school kids, they each deliver their roles well. 

Overall, if you're after a basic teenage horror movie then this is it, it's worth a watch if you've got the time to spare but it's not something I'd highly recommend to anyone.

I rate it 3 out of 5 grapes.

Week 9 // Weekly Playlist Update

P L A Y L I S T / L I N K

TRACK 1: What About Us / Shoffy.
An artist I recently discovered and while making my way through their self-titled album, I found this amazing track (the others I've heard so far are also amazing so make sure you check those out too).

TRACK 2: Electric Touch / A R I Z O N A

A R I Z O N A  have managed to combine a soft voice with the perfect beats to create this beautiful track. I'd consider this the perfect soundtrack for a chilled out day of daydreaming.

TRACK 3: Recognise (feat. Ashe) / Win and Woo.

Another great track for a night of dancing! 

Happy Listening!

#9: King Cobra // Grape Movie Marathon

Veteran gay pornography producer Stephen battles two rival producers over the rights to his underage porn star creation, Brent Corrigan, with deadly results.

Based on a true story, of which a book has also been written, it follows Sean aka Brent Corrigan who becomes a popular gay pornstar with Cobra Videos. Upon realising he is being unpaid for the movies he makes, he decides to pursue other options which takes a deadly turn.

While an enjoyable watch, I don't feel like this movie gripped my attention as much as I'd have liked. I didn't feel the need to devote my complete attention to it which I always find disappointing but fortunately, this movie doesn't require your full attention anyway. It's an easy watch so you don't have to worry about losing track of what's going on.

With it being 92 minutes long, I just don't feel that was enough time to properly tell this story. It focused more on telling Brent's story then it did giving us details about the tragic event that happened or those involved and while Brent may be the reason for why it happened, I'd have liked more information about the others involved but instead it's crammed into the last half an hour.

Overall, I'd recommend it if you're looking for something easy to watch and the story behind it appeals to you
but I wouldn't expect too much from it.

I rate it 3 out of 5 grapes.

Decades Special: The 60s // Weekly Playlist Update

P L A Y L I S T / L I N K

Get ready for a decades special of the Weekly Playlist Update. Every other week will focus on a new decade and three great tracks from that time. Starting with the 60s!

TRACK 1: Runaround Sue / Dion (1961)

This is a track that is easily in my top favourite tracks, and I have Sleeping With The Enemy to thank for reminding me of it's existence. Similar to the other tracks I've recommended, it's one you can get up and dance to!

TRACK 2: Stay / Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs. (1964).

If you've seen Dirty Dancing, then you'll definitely know this track! There isn't much I can say about it other than you should listen to it and then add it to your own playlist because it's an amazing track.

TRACK 3: Will You Love Me Tomorrow / The Shirelles. (1961).

Again, I feel this is a track that quite a few people might already know but it's definitely a great one. One thing I do love about these tracks is that old sound that they have, as if they're being played on a vinyl from when it was released.

Happy Listening!

A Day in Birmingham! // Shopping, food & a haul!

#8: The Good Place // Grape Movie Marathon

The Good Place is a town where those who have been good throughout their lives go once they have passed away. Eleanor arrives at the Good Place and realises she doesn't deserve to be there. With the help of Chidi, Eleanor tries to right her wrongs seeking to finally earn her spot in the Good Place. 

The Good Place is the newest Netflix Original to be added and after Buzzfeed recommending it as a show to watch, I thought I'd give it ago and you should to! 

It centres round Eleanor, a terrible person, who arrives at The Good Place and soon realises that they've got her mixed up with another Eleanor. She is assigned with a soulmate who she trusts with her secret, in hopes that they'll teach her how to be good so she can continue to remain in The Good Bad and avoid going to The Bad Place, where she belongs.

While I feel the show started off good, towards the end I felt my interest starting to slip as I felt that despite the characters contain efforts, nothing was going to change. I didn't want to be watching a tv show that centred about the main character constantly failing every episode in someway. That is until, the show took an unexpected turn that completely pulled me back in. Without giving too much away, it's a clever show that surprises you in a way that you might not expect. 

As well as showing Eleanor's attempts to be a Good person, you also see flashbacks of the person she was back on earth which all centre around the times she was a bad and most likely the reason she doesn't deserve to be in the bad place. 

With Kristen Bell playing the role of Eleanor, she does a great job and so do the rest of the cast, each playing their role in the show perfectly and in some ways, portraying them the way Eleanor sees them making it easier to see why she might feel that way about said character.

Overall, it's a great show to watch if you're searching for something new and funny to watch, that also might not require your full attention - something I sometimes admire in tv shows. It's currently in it's 2nd season with Netflix updating it weekly so you can stay up to date with the latest episode.

I rate it 4 out of 5 grapes.

Week 8 // Weekly Playlist Update

P L A Y L I S T / L I N K

This week focuses on tracks that are slightly heavier than those featured previously!

TRACK 1: Follow You / Bring Me The Horizon

I feel in comparison to other Bring Me The Horizon songs, this is a slower, more calmer song which I actually enjoy, I'm also a big fan of the lyrics and the two together make this one of my favourite songs on their album, "That's The Spirit".

TRACK 2: Hated / Beartooth

Again, the lyrics to this song are part of the reason I love it as much as I do, especially when it comes to the chorus as it's something that I feel I, as well as many others, can relate to. As a bonus track, I've also included the acoustic version which is just as good and perfect for those who might not like something this heavy.

TRACK 3: Wisteria / Hands Like Houses

I'm pretty sure that this is the track that first got me into Hands Like Houses and it still remains one of my favourites by this band and I've even been lucky enough to see them perform this track live, which was just as good as I thought it would be.

BONUS TRACK: Oceandust / Hands Like Houses

I've decided to throw in another Hands Like Houses track as a bonus. Having not listened to them in a few months, it was nice to listen to them, as well as the other bands posted above. This is a track that I'd forgotten about that I absolutely loved.

Happy listening!

#7: Away We Go // Grape Movie Marathon.

A couple who is expecting their first child travel around the U.S. in order to find a perfect place to start their family. Along the way, they have misadventures and find fresh connections with an assortment of relatives and old friends who just might help them discover "home" on their own terms for the first time. 

It's a great comedy-drama, for a quiet night in. With a great story line that's easy to follow along and just as easy to absolutely love. You follow a couple, who have recently found out their pregnant and are searching for somewhere to live and raise their child. Trusting that their friends who have child and are situated around the country, they visit them to get an idea of what the area is like, and catch up with old friends.

What follows is a mixture of funny moments, as well as a few sad moments as they seemingly come to realise that maybe their friends aren't the greatest people to go to when it comes to their future home for them and their unborn child. 

The characters are also well played, with a great selection of actors chosen for the parts. With the main two characters being John Krasinki, most likely known for playing Jim in The Office and Maya Rudolph, who I know from Bridemaids, it's hard not to love them and want to support them on their adventure.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend this movie and it falls into the category of movies I could easily rewatch. 

I rate it 4 out of 5 grapes.

Week 7 // Weekly Playlist Update

P L A Y L I S T / L I N K

TRACK 1: You / LINES

I've heard this track more times than I can count since I discovered it. It's indie mixed with great beats making a great track for getting up and dancing like no-one is watching.

TRACK 2: Wise Up / Huntar

This features on the new album, Your Favourite Worst Mistake, which also happens to be the first Huntar album. It's definitely the first track that jumped out at me during my first listen and remained my favourite (mainly because I haven't given the rest of the album a chance yet..)

TRACK 3: Phases ft. French Montana / ALMA

Another great track from Finnish star, ALMA. As always, a great track for getting up and dancing to, maybe even a good break up track to help you move on from your latest phase..

#6: Gypsy // Grape Movie Marathon.

Jean Holloway, a psychotherapist secretly infiltrates the private lives of her patients.

I'm sure we've all noticed the badly chosen name for this show with their use of a word considered to be an ethnic slur. Something that first put me off watching this show because it doesn't seem like the best choice. At all. 

Name aside, this show is great (which seems bad to say considering again, their poor choice of name for it). It took a couple of episodes to grow on me, especially as the plot seems like a recipe for disaster but I'll be honest, I'm a sucker for anything that involves girl/girl relationships because I feel like there isn't enough on our screens today so I like to give everything that has that a chance.

Jean, who also goes by Diane, isn't the most likeable character. As mentioned in the plot, she delves a little too deeply into her patients lives by meeting up and becoming friends with the people her patients talk about, then using that information in her sessions. This leads her to meet Sidney, who appears to be everything her ex-boyfriend said she was. As she becomes more and more involved, she begins to lie more to both her and her husband and eventually taking it to the point of cheating. 

It leaves me feeling sorry for those she drags into, what I imagine is her life crisis about where her life is and what she wishes it would be, as it's not only her romantic interest, Sidney and her husband that are affected, as those close to her start to notice the change and not in a good way. It still makes for a great show, with tension over whether the lies will catch up to her and it's a shame that we will only be left with one season of the show as the 2nd season was unfortunately cancelled due to negative response - you can't please everyone.

Overall, I'd say it's a great watch if you're into steamy dramas with romance and tension. 

I'd rate it 4 out of 5 grapes.

Week 6 // Weekly Playlist Update

P L A Y L I S T / L I N K

Who runs the world? Girls! So, let's rock out with our fellow world rulers in this female fronted special!

TRACK 1: Blow The Bass / Lowell
I'd describe this as moody number perfect to have a little slow dance to, whether it's on the dance floor or between the sheets. I'm sure we all have songs we think are perfect to have sex to, right?

TRACK 2: Hold On / Angus & Julia Stone
As well as songs to have sex to, I also have a mental list of songs that are perfect for gloomy evenings spent snuggled up in bed, when you just want some easy listening music to daydream about what could have been to. This track is perfect for that.

TRACK 3: Colour Me / VALERAS
With only one EP under their belts, they are definitely one to watch out for. I can see them as the band to break out onto the scene and possibly be the next big thing - I'm that in love with them. After listening to the track below, check out their EP "Knives & Flowers".

Happy Listening!

#5: Disjointed // Grape Movie Marathon.

Cannabis legend Ruth Whitefeather Feldman employs her newly graduated son and a team of young "budtenders" to help run her Los Angeles marijuana dispensary.

I watched the trailer and was slightly put off by the laughter in the background and the fact it was by the same creator as Two and a Half Men and Big Bang Theory - both shows I used to love but grew bored of. I didn't let it put me off though and I'm glad I didn't because this show is great.

The story lines seem short and sweet but they're still great. The characters are all lovable in their own way even when they're meant to be annoying. The visuals that feature, specifically for one character, are also so amazing.

It's a good, easy show to watch which I really enjoy when I don't have the time to put into a tv show that requires you to pay full attention. As a non smoker myself, I still found it to be enjoyable and didn't feel like they were trying to shove the whole marijuana is awesome in my face, which is something I feel some users tend to do. 

Overall, my only complaint would be that I finished it way too fast and now I've got to wait around for the next season I'm hoping will come. 

I rate it 5 out of 5 grapes. 

Week 5 // Weekly Playlist Update

P L A Y L I S T / L I N K

TRACK 1: 1-800-273-8255 / Logic (feat. Alessia Cara, Khalid)

It's a fantastic track, simple as. I love when artists use their platform to get a message across, especially when it's one that hits home with so many people.

"Who can relate?"

TRACK 2: I Kinda Like It / Julie Bergan

I found this track through a TV show and I'm so glad I did. It's what I'd describe as a great "getting ready for a night out" track. The perfect song to throw on to get yourself ready for the night.

TRACK 3: Waiting on the Summer / VHS Collection

Summer may be over, especially with the rain we've had recently in the UK but while we're waiting for it to come back around, this track will make it feel like it never left. 

Happy Listening!

Leicester Pride 2017!

#4: Death Note // Grape Move Marathon.

Week 4 // Weekly Playlist Update

P L A Y L I S T / L I N K

With the release of their new album, All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell, it's been hard to listen to anything else this week so this weeks tracks are all tracks that come from this album. 

TRACK 1: Walk Alone / Pvris.

Walk Alone is the first track on the album that I feel in love with. I love the way they've created this track, with the drums standing out through the chorus, the orchestral parts throughout the song which remind me a little of a Florence and the Machine track that fit in so well. It's a fantastic track and the first one I put on when listening to this album.

TRACK 2: Separate / Pvris

Another fantastic track which again, I love how they've created. Once more, the drums stand out throughout the track and the way the vocals come across fits perfectly. It's hard to put down why exactly I love this track, so give it a listen and find out for yourself.

TRACK 3: Same Soul / Pvris

Yet another fantastic track that stood out to me while listening to this album, the chorus being what got me hooked. Again, go give it a listen and see for yourself just how great this track is.

If you're a Pvris fan, this playlist update is perfect for you and if not or you've never listened to them then now is the time to give them ago and see what you think! 

#3: Atypical // Grape Movie Marathon.

Sam, an 18-year-old on the autism spectrum, decides it's time to find a girlfriend, a journey that sets Sam's mom on her own life-changing path as her son seeks more independence.

Atypical is a new Netflix Original show, with a total of eight episodes. I managed to watch this over two days and it left me with mixed feelings. From what I've been told, Autism Speaks, an autism charity that possibly isn't the best charity to involve, had in someway helped with the creation of the show which is something you can definitely tell.

Although the show is about Sam, you also get story lines from the other family members that are both related and separate to Sam and out of them all, the mum is the worst. Whenever the mum speaks about Sam and his autism, it is treated as if it's a burden to her life and a struggle that she deals with which I feel isn't something you want to put across in a show about that topic and something that relates to the charity that helped. 

In one scene, when Sam wants to go to the mall to shop for himself, his mum mentions the last time they went and how the environment wasn't good for him. During the trip, although Sam is handling it really well, the mum feels the need to mention the things that upset Sam in the previous visit and start an argument with a sales assistant for not accommodating him even though he was fine. Maybe this scene tied in with the fact that the mum wanted to go alone to do something else and Sam coming along threw that off, it still didn't feel right that she was almost trying to push Sam to have a meltdown rather than acknowledging how he was handling the trip. Maybe this scene was also to show how the mum was struggling with how independent he was becoming. Either way, it's one of the scenes that didn't sit right with me.

The other characters, their story lines and interaction with Sam aren't as bad and seem almost normal and acceptable. His sister treats him like you'd treat your brother. His friend treats him like any other friend. His dad, despite a slightly strained relationship, builds it back up by helping him as if you would any other child and that's how it should be. It's only the mum in that situation that doesn't seem to grasp how to do it, but maybe that's the point and the plot.

It's worth a watch and I'm looking forward to the next season, if there is one but make sure you enter it with the knowledge that this isn't the most accurate representation. 

I rate it 3.5 grapes out of 5. 

Week 3 // Weekly Playlist Update

P L A Y L I S T / L I N K

TRACK 1: Sugar / Fickle Friends.
I discovered these beauts supporting some band that my dad wanted to see and I've been in love with them ever since. Sugar is a track that features on the EP for their latest single "Glue" (featured in last weeks update) and I LOVE it. It's a lovely little upbeat number that is perfect for summer, even if we're reaching the end of it - the sun is still shining so throw this track on and get dancing!

TRACK 2: Winter / Pvris

Pvris have just dropped their new album which I highly recommend you check out, so it only seemed right that one of their tracks featured this week. This track was released as a single before the albums released and was by far, my favourite of the singles. 

TRACK 3: Stupid For You / Waterparks

I've heard of this band a few times but hadn't heard any of their music until I saw a bit of their set at Slam Dunk 2017 but even then, it wasn't until listening to a pop punk playlist that they were featured on that I actually realised just how good they are. They are your typical pop punk boy band, but they are still worth a listen if that's your cup of tea.

Week 2 // Weekly Playlist Update

P L A Y L I S T / L I N K

TRACK 1: Young Blood / Noah Kahan.
I randomly discovered this track through Spotify and I'm really glad that I did. While it does feel like this is the thousandth track that sounds similar in ways, I absolutely love it regardless and could happily stick it on repeat.

TRACK 2: One More Night (Lemonade) / XY&O.

Again, another band I found via Spotify and feel in love with. Currently, they only have a hand full of tracks on Spotify but I promise you, that's enough to make you love them as much as I do. They've also done their own version of One Dance by Drake which you can find on their Youtube page, again it's definitely worth the listen.

This is their latest track, bringing you some great 90s vibes which I love. I will say that the only downside is there seems to be only one verse, the other verse seemingly dropped in favour of a verse of guitar but it's still a great track.

TRACK 3: She's Casual / The Hunna.

When I first heard this band, I wasn't all that interested but now I'm converted - I am a fan. This is my favourite track so far off their first album, 100. I love everything about it, the way it starts out, the lyrics, how it carries on - it's all so, so good and I recommend this track and the rest of their album for your listening pleasure.

TRACK 4: Glue (Acoustic) / Fickle Friends.

My love for acoustic tracks comes and goes, it has to be a track that I really love for me to enjoy the acoustic version and even then, it's a little hit & miss but as it's being featured on this playlist, you know it's so good. Don't forget to also check out the original, and all of their other tracks. Definitely a great band that I believe will win the hearts of many.

The Struggle with Friendships.

As far back as I can remember, I've always been the shy kid so making friendships has always been something I struggle with. Even today, with the confidence I've gained over the last few years, it's something I struggle with.

Week 1 // Weekly Playlist Update

Music is my number one love so naturally, I wanna share great tracks with people so they too can enjoy the awesomeness. That's where the Weekly Playlist Update comes in! Great tracks added every week to a Spotify playlist for your listening pleasure. It'll be a mixture of genres, a mixture of bands and artists and a lot of great tunes. So, let's get this thing started.

P L A Y L I S T / L I N K

TRACK 1: Waking Up / Pvris.
With the release of the new album coming up this month, Pvris have been dropping new tracks for us to enjoy and they've all been as amazing as the last. This track though, isn't actually from the new album and instead comes from an Acoustic EP that they did. It's one of my favourite featured on the EP, that until recently I forgot existed (I'm a bad fan, I know..) and I'm now obsessed with it once again.

Track 2: Fetish / Selena Gomez (ft. Gucci Mane).

It's the latest track released by Selena Gomez and let's be honest, it's hot. I'm not her biggest fan, although I do enjoy a few tracks from her last album, Revival. I love everything about it, the lyrics, the beat and also the video which has caused some questioning within the Selena fandom but screw it, it's different and I think it fits the song.

Track 3: Vicodin / CVBZ

I didn't even need to hear this track all the way through to know I'd have it on repeat. It's a great track, that'll have you dancing by the time the chorus kicks in. This song could be like Vicodin for the bad days, as you dance away all the negativity.