Making Music at the NEC

What an exciting weekend it has been! 

On Saturday morning I was travelling up to Birmingham with two close friends and my boyfriend as he got ready to perform in the Open Mic UK Final at the NEC. The journey was good, no real traffic and a stop off for a healthy double sausage and egg mcmuffin Mcdonalds breakfast- A must on long car journeys!

We arrived at the NEC with enough time to grab a Subway before James went off for a sound check. Myself and friends then went and checked in to our £27 room at Hotel Ramada. Slightly worried due to the cheap booking, it turned out we just got a bargain because our rooms were lovely and we were just a short walk from all the action. It also had a bar/restaurant which was a bonus! We freshened up and walked back into the NEC where we met the rest of our crowd to cheer on and support James.

The competition for the Open Mic Final was insane; 25 talented people aged between 16-20 years old performed in a bid to win and I honestly couldn't call it. Before the results were revealed smaller prizes were given to acts and not once was James' name read out. Third and second place were congratulated and we were all on our feet by the time they went to read out the big one...

"And the winner of the Open Mic UK Final 2014 is....

JAMES BURRAGE." 

I couldn't stand or see because I cried so much but what an abolsutely amazing feeling. We were all so happy, one that James won it, but also we knew we would all be out celebrating that night! It was a slap dash trip back to the hotel, a few drinks and a bite to eat before getting ready to go out and celebrate. In the mist of excitement two friends booked up a hotel to stay the night before realising it was miles away and non refundable... By the end of it they had two hotels to choose from and not much money left over! Well, there had to be a little bit of drama!

Photo taken from Open Mic Uk Facebook Page > http://on.fb.me/1H0s8em

We caught a train into central Birmingham and headed for anywhere with a good atmosphere and alcohol! A perfect end to an incredible evening with the best people. Congrats James you have made us all proud.

Although James won his age category final, he finds out who has won the Open Mic Uk Final overal on Tuesday the 27th January. If you want to hear his original songs, covers or want to know when his next gig is to see him live, check out his soundcloud and youtube channels and his facebook page listed below.

Soundcloud: http://bit.ly/1CIQ01X

YouTube: http://bit.ly/1z2AETn
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/18kZchN

See you on my next adventure.

Jadeene x

Bonjour 2015!

So after procrastinating for too long, I am finally composing my first blog to you all! I'm guessing if you're reading this then you would have read my bio, (unless you've stumbled across this blog procrastinating against your own lives!) but either way, reading my blogs will give you a little insight into my hobbies, passions and hopefully some travelling experiences! Speaking of travelling, I have my first little adventure to tell you about, and it's based in the beautiful city of Paris.

On the 30th December my boyfriend and I travelled by coach with the fabulous Newmarket Holiday team (if you're looking for a short break away I highly recommend them-http://www.newmarketholidays.co.uk/NMP11290.htm) We reached the 4* Hilton hotel at the Charles de Gaulle Airport and was blown away by the modern interior with a glass roof and elevator. Although this style did come at a price when we ordered drinks from the bar... If you're visiting Paris I would make sure you bring your credit card... Or sneak a bottle of the cheap fizz in your bag!

After one of the most comfy nights sleep I have had, we headed into central Paris on the morning of New Years Eve. On arrival we were dropped at the Place de la Concorde. It was busy, very busy. Bustling through the crowds we made our way up the Champs Elysee, and at the bottom beautiful Christmas stalls stood either side selling everything and anything.

After you get past the markets the mood changes, leaving behind the €12 jewellery and hot dog stands your suddenly in another world, only suited to those who don't have to look at a price tag before they decide if they like it or not. With Tiffany & Co on my left and Louis Vuitton on my right I couldn't help but wish I was a high flying success that could afford to just walk into one of those stores let alone buy anything! Instead I just stood outside and photographed the architecture.

After getting to the top and admiring the incredible Arch de Triomphe we headed back to catch the coach for our boat ride on the River Siene, catching the sights of the Notre Dame Cathedral and the spectacular Eiffel Tower. We were lucky enough to catch it being surrounded by one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen.

When the boat trip was over, my boyfriend and I headed to lock bridge where we put on our lock and threw the keys into the river. A corny romantic tradition for all couples that visit Paris.

After a long day we set off on foot to find somewhere to eat, and we came across the cutest corner restaurant. It was compact and busy, with tables so close you could hear what the people next to you were talking about, but it made it even better. It had a cosy atmosphere and the staff were exceptional- similar to the food standard!

There is something so satisfying in exploring a city at night, it comes alive, especially on New Years Eve! Street sellers are out in their full offering champagne and roses, families and couples wander the embankment and crowds start to form as the build up to the new year gets closer. The Champs Elysee was shut off and filled with people looking up at the Arch de Triomphe lit up in glory ready for fireworks.

At midnight the tower sparkled and people united in cheers as we said hello to 2015. Firecrackers were being let off on the walkways and children could be seen holding sparklers. It was an amazing atmosphere. We head back to our coach at Place de la Concorde but got stuck on the roundabout, people were blasting their music, sticking on the hazards and getting out of their cars to dance with one another in a mist of madness. It was great to watch.

I hope that whatever you lovely people were doing, you saw the new year in, in the best way possible! If you haven't started thinking about what your plans are for seeing in 2016 (probably unlikely, I haven't even planned what I'm having for dinner tonight!) then Paris should always be considered.

See you on my next adventure.

Jadeene x