Looking Back At My Stressful Year With Blog And Personal Goals For 2016

As I look back and try to review my year, I feel that 2015 has been one of the most stressful and emotional years I have had to date. Here are a few main things that have troubled me over the last year...

Review: The BIG FAT BOX from Cheerz

First of all, I won this prize from Cheerz after entering a giveaway over on Sophie's blog over a month ago now (a big thanks to Sophie), and have been really excited to blog about it since. I was a bit delayed in ordering my prints because I simply could not decide which photographs I wanted printed. But, they arrived last week, and it is safe to say I am more than impressed.

My Favourite Christmas Films!

What I love most of all about Christmas is getting to watch lots of Christmas films all snuggled under a blanket nice and cosy because they always have a happy ending. So, I thought I would create a list of my favourite Christmas films to share with you all, and so maybe you can watch them if you haven't already!

Film Review: Victor Frankenstein (2015)

Image credit: www.afrofresh.com

The new film Victor Frankenstein re-tells the story of an old classic about a radical scientist (Frankenstein) and his surgeon partner (Igor) who ultimately create a monster as a result of experimenting between life and death.
I thought the film followed the story of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein very well, but I feel as though every re-telling of the story will be the same for every film, because you can't dramatically change any events from a classic story book. So, I left the cinema feeling like this was just an average film and did not have a lot to say about it really because if you know the story of Frankenstein, then this film is pretty much going to be the same story line.

Also, I was not quite so sure about Daniel Radcliffe's acting as Igor Strausman, as I just found it strange to see him play this sort of character and could not make my mind up whether I liked it or not. However, I did think James McAvoy played Victor Frankenstein quite well, and he even had me giggling at some of his insane and radical moments that is typical of his character.

Next, the special effects of this film were really good, and even quite gruesome especially in regards to the experiments that the partners were performing in order to create their monster in the end. In my opinion, this film is a good modern day re-telling of the classic book with up-to-date special effects, but did not really have the 'wow' factor. However, my opinion cold be a little harsh as I have already mentioned you can't really do a lot more if you're re-telling the same story as others have done before.

I know that there are many mixed reviews about this film, but I do not think it was that bad so I will rate this film 6.5 out of 10.

Have you seen this film yet, and what did you think?

Film Review: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part Two

Image credit: http://zrockr.com

First of all, I haven't read the books to this series (although I really wish I did before I watched any of the films), but I have been a fan since The Hunger Games films franchise began.
I was so excited to watch 'part two' of Mockingjay, especially after how the first part ended. But, I must admit I was left a little disappointed when I left the cinema because I thought there was going to be more of a 'BANG' when it ended, but it seemed to reflect a fairy tale, as in it was too "happily ever after" for my liking, but I am aware that is entirely my opinion.

However, I am also glad that I could see how the rest of Mockingjay unfolded, and what was going to happen to the rest of the characters, and it answered some of my questions such as; was Peeta going to be alright? What will happen to Snow? What was Katniss going to do?

The special effects and graphics were great (I didn't expect any less) and I was given a fright by some awful looking monsters in the film - I was not expecting that. As I mentioned, normally I would have liked to have read the books first so I could also compare them to the film, so I am a little sorry I cannot do that in this case. Nevertheless, I liked the film and I thought it was pretty good, but I suppose my expectations got the better of me, and the year-long wait must have left me a little disappointed when I finally got to see it. Also, I could add that I was a little tired and watched it on a later showing, so that could also be my reasoning for how I felt when I left the cinema.

All in all, it was a good film, especially a good and happy ending to such a huge film franchise. I would rate this film 7 out of 10.

Have you seen Mockingjay Part Two yet, and what did you think?

What's on my Christmas list this year!

As I get older, I feel like there are less and less things that I genuinely want to put on my Christmas list. My parents ask me every year what I want, and it just gets harder to come up with something because I usually buy anything whenever I want it. However, there are a couple things I have had my eye on for a while now, so what better to put them on my Christmas wish list this year! So, here goes:

House of Fraser's Beauty Gala Evening 2015

On Wednesday 18th November, I attended House of Fraser's Beauty Gala Evening. It was my first time attending an event such as this, and I was more than pleasantly surprised when I walked through the doors. However, I think I may have to be a little more prepared when I go next year because I didn't really know what to expect when I went, and as a result of this I didn't actually buy anything. So, my plan for next year is to write my Christmas list earlier, and prepare to get my presents. It also didn't help that payday comes after the event too.

The Walking Dead: Season 6, Episode 5 Review

I was full of relief to see Rick running back through the gates into the community, but still left wondering how he escaped from the approaching walkers from the woods, so I suppose he may have just ran given how exhausted he was when finally got back. However, no one else has returned to the Alexandria yet, but I still have hope that Glenn is alive somewhere, and somehow.

Also, I thought it was brave of Aaron to tell the Alexandrians that the Wolves possibly found the community because of his lost backpack, as I was wondering whether or not he would tell them. But, during this episode I felt mostly for Maggie because Glenn has not yet returned and she hasn't received a sign to know if he is alive. I really do hope he is alive because I love his character, but mostly because Maggie has announced she is pregnant. I must admit that I was actually a bit frightened by the zombies that were lurking in the sewer, because they were fully decomposed, and just awful looking.

In this episode, I began to like Deana's character a lot more, and I really like that she told Rick the community needs him as their leader because I agree with this decision., and have been thinking it myself for a while. Deana did manage to snap out of her daze, as she proved when she killed the missing walker (a turned Wolf) with the help of Rick. However, I think her son Spencer is going to cause a lot more problems, because his recent reckless actions are already causing damage. So, I wonder what more is in store.

Finally, the end of the episode reached another climax, in which I am left more than excited for next week's episode once again. As Deana bangs back on the wall, and you see the blood dripping down a crack after she has walked away, you just know the community are going to encounter more drama pretty soon.
I think this week's episode was a lot more relaxed than the previous few, but it is building more anticipation for the future episodes.

Have you seen this week's episode yet, and what did you think?

Mascara dried up? A tip for you!

I have a little trick that I like to use every now and then, when my mascara has dried up and I want to get a few more uses out of it. So, if you have any mascaras lying around in your make up drawer and you want to get a bit more life out of them, I am going to share my quick tip with you.

Film Review: Man Up

Image credit: http://imuvia.com

Man Up was never on my list of films to watch, and to be honest I don't remember seeing any trailers for this film that was released back in April this year. However, after someone suggesting that I watch this film I thought to myself 'why not?' and began to watch it whilst snuggled under a blanket on Sunday afternoon.

As the film tagline suggests, it is a story about two people, Jack (Simon Pegg) and Nancy (Lake Bell) who meet for a blind date, but Jack mistakes Nancy for the girl he is actually suppose to meet called Jessica. Jack is a 40-year-old who is about to be divorced, and Nancy is a single 34-year-old just looking for love. The film follows their first date, and how they get along so well, but Nancy can't hide the fact that she isn't Jessica for much longer. After a series of hilarious shenanigans, Jack finally finds out the truth and not all goes to plan as Jack returns to meet Jessica because he is convinced she could be the love of his life, ignoring the fact how well himself and Nancy have gotten along. Finally, an emotional Nancy returns to her parents 40th anniversary party with more hilarious scenes to follow before the pair are finally reunited after Jack realises what mistake he has made letting Nancy go.

I didn't really know what I was expecting before I watched this film, but I am glad I did because it such a funny romantic comedy. Also, it is not usually my kind of film but I couldn't help but laugh at the series of hilarious goings-on and I completely fell in love with Nancy's character because of her cynical and sassy behaviour. I would certainly recommend a watch to anyone, and I know you'll be laughing your socks off at many points during the film, as I was too. I would rate this film 7.5 out of 10. A surprisingly good film in my opinion.

Have you seen this film, and what are your views?

The Walking Dead: Season 6, Episode 4 Review

Image credit: http://www.amc.com

When this episode started, I just knew it was going to tell Morgan's story and show us what he has been up to since before he reunited with Rick and the gang in the Alexandria community. I was really interested in learning how Morgan became so good at martial arts, and a lot less crazy than when Rick had seen him last. It was shocking to see Morgan kill everything and everyone in the beginning because he had to "clear" anything that got in his way. But when Morgan met Eastman, after hearing his goat Tabitha outside his cabin, I just knew that this was going to be the man who changes Morgan's point of view.

I found Eastman to be a very interesting character in the way he coped on his own in his cabin in the woods, but there was something about him I just couldn't put my finger on. Until the end that is. Upon hearing Eastman's story about losing his wife and children, you could see why he acted in the ways he did, but only until the end did I realise fully what he had been through. I think Eastman teaching Morgan the ways of Aikido (a form of martial arts), which it's goal is to "avoid killing, even the most evil person". And I must add that I have never before been so concerned about the welfare of a goat, so I was very happy to see Morgan save Tabitha from some walkers.

However, I knew something had to go wrong for Morgan to continue his journey, so was not so surprised when Eastman got bitten by a walker as he jumped in to save Morgan after he froze. Then when I saw Tabitha had too been eaten by a walker, I was a little more upset. Just before Eastman dies, he gives Morgan his rabbit foot, and I thought this was a great sentiment because you could see how Morgan had finally changed into the man he is now, with a lot more peace inside him.

At the end, we come back to the present where you see Morgan is telling the Wolf that he can be saved just like he was. But the Wolf doesn't seem so sure, as he says he may have to "kill everyone here". So, I wonder what will happen next, and I'm sure something exciting will happen when concerning the Wolf. Just before the credits, we see Morgan walk outside, and you can hear Rick screaming for the gates to be opened in the distance. I am so excited for the next episode because we finally get to see the aftermath of the Wolves raiding the Alexandria community, and who comes back from trying to lead the walkers away from the quarry. What another exciting episode, and once again I cannot wait to see what happens next.

So, have you seen this episode yet and what are your views?

My first MAC lipstick!

I know I am probably really late in purchasing a MAC lipstick, especially in the blogging community, since I have noticed everyone already owns at least one (or more if you're lucky). After purchasing the shade Ruby Woo I am fully converted and more than jealous of those of you who have many different shades of MAC to choose from on a daily basis. I don't even know why it has taken me so long to purchase a MAC lipstick, since I love lipsticks (and have too many to prove it). I suppose it would probably be the price, because I can buy at least 2 or 3 really good lipsticks for the price of this one MAC. However, it is just so good and I haven't stopped dreaming about buying some more. I do prefer to have darker reds and plum coloured lipstick, so I am keen to find some perfect darker MAC shades, if you have any suggestions I would be more than grateful.

The Halloween Edit: Nails, Make Up and Films

One thing I really love about Halloween is people's spirit, whether it's making an effort to dress up, buying/making Halloween inspired food, watching scary movies or carving pumpkins. It's a lot like Christmas nowadays, and I really love that so many people get involved, whether old or young, and in any small or big way possible.

First of all, I have seen some really great make up looks floating around various social media sites, and I am in absolute awe in some of the creativity of some bloggers. I wish I have some of the talent that so many of you have, but I have done a little experiment of my own, in trying to create some Halloween inspired nails. As shown in the image above, I think I did pretty well and have received some good responses from people and I am very pleased about them. I think with a little more practice I might try doing some more designs in the future. I'd recommend trying the pattern on my little finger because it is really simple to create, and you could even do it in red so it looks more like blood.

Next, in preparation for my Halloween plans, I have purchased some more of my favourite lashes the Eylure No. 83 volume lashes. Eylure create some amazing lashes, and they last absolutely ages, so there is no problem with them on a night out. They have a new limited edition princess collection out, that have sparkles on them, so I am quite keen to get my hands on some of them too. Also, I am a big fan of dark red and plum lipsticks, and they go perfectly with the spooky Autumn season. The two pictured above are Rimmel's Kate Moss lipstick #30 and Bourjois' Rouge Edition Velvet lipstick #14 which are both divine dark plum shades, and are very long lasting so also perfect for a night out. My only debate will be deciding which one to wear out!

Top: Rimmel, Bottom: Bourjois

I am not really a big fan of horror movies, because they're scary, but I can handle watching some especially if I am not alone. So I have decided to compose a small 'Halloween films to watch' list. I am going out in the evening, but will be sure to cram in some scary films during the day before I go out. Here are some of my film suggestions:

1. Any of the Saw films (pick any one, the first few are the better ones in my opinion)
2. Dawn of the Dead (a must if you love zombies)
3. Halloween (could possibly be an obvious one)
4. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974 - I always find older films scarier)
5. Sleepy Hollow (two words: Johnny Depp)
6. The Nightmare Before Christmas (you can watch this at Halloween and Christmas!)
7. Shaun of the Dead (actually one of my favourite films)

How are you going to be spending your Halloween this year? Do you have any further suggestions on make up looks, or films to watch?

P.S. A big thank you to my lovely friend who designed and created my Halloween themed post header. Just look at how cute the pumpkin Mickey Mouse is!

The Walking Dead: Season 6, Episode 3 Review

Image credit: http://www.amc.com

I was so excited to see the other perspective of last week's episode, and what the rest of the gang were going to do after they heard the truck horn blaring and leading half the zombie herd towards Alexandria. I found it even more exciting when the group decides to split up; Rick going back to the RV to lead the herd away from Alexandria, Michonne and others heading back to Alexandria through the woods, and finally when Glenn and Nicholas split up to further distract walkers by planning to set a building on fire.

The Alexandrians were always going to be weaker, and as Rick pointed out they "aren't all gonna make it" so it was inevitable that a few of them were going to be picked off by walkers. They slowed the group down, but I much agree with Rick telling Michonne to keep on moving because the priority was to get back to Alexandria. However, I was really angry when watching Nicholas freeze with fear because he was putting the others' lives at risk, and shooting himself near the end could potentially kill Glenn as well, so I was really annoyed about that. I am not sure if I think Glenn is dead just yet, I think the image we saw was more the walkers eating Nicholas' body on top of Glenn, at least I hope it was, so I am anxious to see what happens in the episode next week. What do you think?

And then to see the Wolves that Morgan let escape in the previous episode try to climb onto the RV and kill Rick was shocking. It just showed Morgan's potential mistake in letting them go, because they were using the guns they managed to pick up from the Alexandria community. However, Rick's immediate response by grabbing the machine gun and killing them all was fantastic, and I was shouting "yeah, come on, go Rick" (embarrassingly) at the TV. But as the breakaway herd of zombies emerges from the woods, and Rick can't get the RV's engine started I am literally on the edge of my seat. I know Rick's not going to sit there and let himself be a walker's feast, so I wonder what idea he will jump to next week. I hope the engine will start, or at least someone will come to help.

Also, I am glad to see Michonne, Heath and Scott arrive back outside the Alexandria community, but I wonder if they will face anything before they get back inside. And, I can't help but wonder what the rest of the community have to say when they get back. There are a lot of "what if" ideas going around inside my head, and I just cannot wait until next week's episode to see what everyone does. Mostly, I want to know if Glenn is actually alive, and if Rick can get away from the walkers emerging behind him.

In my opinion, this episode was just as exciting as the previous two, and already I feel a little impatient about having to wait a week to find out what happens next. Have you seen this episode yet and what did you think?

Make Up Review: Seventeen Stay Time Foundation

 

You know when you're happy with your current foundation, but feel like looking for a new one just because there are so many products out there? Well, that was my reasoning for purchasing Seventeen's Stay Time 25 Hour Foundation, and the Miracle Matte pressed powder. I had already read some great reviews about the stay time foundation, so was keen to try it out for myself and I must admit that I am quite impressed already even after only a few uses.

The Walking Dead: Season 6, Episode 2 Review

Image credit: http://www.amc.com

Now, before this episode started I had my own ideas on what might happen, and as to who was sounding the horn which made the zombies split off from their route at the end of the previous episode, but episode two was nothing that I expected (in a really good way). And, I know I asked where was Carl in the first episode, but was glad to see him looking after Judith which was probably going to be the only logical answer to my question.

First of all, I absolutely love Carol's character, and in my opinion the way she dealt with the Wolves as they came intruding inside the Alexandrian's community and killing everyone in sight, was so bad-ass. Carol's conflict with Morgan over killing the Wolves was seen clear at the end when they walked down the street past each other without acknowledgement. I must admit that I agree with Carol in having that mentality because it is very much a 'kill or be killed' situation, and you're not just going to let someone hack your friends to death with a machete and walk away, right? However, I think we have yet to see a darker side to Carol because the scene where she saved her neighbour from a Wolf, but then put a knife in her head, was quite surprising as she didn't need to kill her. So I wonder what Carol will do next.

Also, I really like Morgan's character too, but I am really unsure as to whether I agree with his methods of stopping the Wolves by harming them, but not killing them. They would come back after all, right? And one of them even managed to grab a gun as Morgan told them to get out, so this just aids their revenge even more if they were to come back. I would like to see what Rick thinks of this when he gets back to the Alexandria community. And, at the end when Aaron finds his backpack on one of the dead Wolves and sees his photographs inside which probably led the Wolves to the community, I wonder if he will try to hide this in the next episodes.

I just knew that Enid would leave, and wonder how this will affect Carl and Ron in the episodes to come as well. I am not quite sure what the significance of 'JSS' was in this episode, so if anyone could shed some light on this I would appreciate it. Anyway, this episode took a turn that I was not expecting but was non-stop exciting and the wait until next week's episode is going to feel like forever. I cannot wait to see what happens next!

Have you seen episode two yet, and what did you think?

Film Review: Maze Runner The Scorch Trials

Image credit: http://www.foxmovies.com

I finally got round to watching the second installment of the Maze Runner trilogy, and I must admit The Scorch Trials was far from disappointing, so it was well worth the wait for me. There is exciting non-stop action throughout the entire film, and it even made me jump quite a lot which I was not expecting. I much agree with the movie tagline 'the maze was just the beginning'.

As Thomas and the gang escaped from yet again another institution that turned out to be under control of the mysterious 'WICKD' organisation, they soon found themselves in danger from virus-infected beings called 'cranks' as well as running for their lives from WICKD . However, it was the cranks that mostly made me jump, as they would appear out of the darkness from nowhere and run crazily after the gang. I felt myself hold my breath on so many occasions when the cranks were chasing everyone in fear of what might happen, and I must add that they were pretty scary looking too.

There is not really any dull or slow moments during this film, it is quite fast-paced and full of action, as Thomas and the gang head towards the mountains to find the 'Right Hand', a group of resistance fighters who could possible help them fight WICKD. Of course, along the way they are met with many obstacles, until they finally join forces with the Right Hand, but all is not that smooth in a twist of events at the end. It is safe to say I was not expecting what Theresa did at the end, and I was even a little shocked, but it only excites me further to see what happens in the final installment of the trilogy. If you enjoyed the first film, then I have no doubt that you will enjoy The Scorch Trials and would recommend a watch to anyone.
I would rate this film 4 out of 5.

Have you seen this film, and what do you think?

The Walking Dead: Season 6, Episode 1 Review

Image credit: http://www.amc.com

The premiere of season six really did come back with a bang, and will certainly leave you wanting to know what Rick Grimes and the gang are going to face next. The first episode entitled 'First Time Again' certainly lived up to its title as it provided black and white flashbacks throughout the episode to correlate between what was happening in the present. I thought this was a brilliant idea and really helped you understand what the gang has endured in the run up to this episode.

What I found to be really spectacular was the quarry full of zombies, and thought it was one of the most full-scale sights that we have seen yet in The Walking Dead, which was very exciting to see. Of course, following Rick's plan to lead the zombies away from the quarry, and thus away from their new home in Alexandria, was also thrilling to watch and I was left on the edge of my seat at the end because something had to go wrong, didn't it? I cannot wait for next week's episode to follow on and show us what happens next.

Also, this episode was particularly good because we got to see Rick and Morgan building their relationship again since the series actually began. I must admit that I have been waiting for Morgan to catch up with the group for a while, and I cannot wait to see what is in store for these two. Plus, I am happy that Morgan is no longer a grieving maniac, but pretty skilled with his weapon so I am sure there are more exciting zombie fighting scenes to come.

Although, we did not get to see much of the others, as this episode mostly focused on the affects of Rick and Morgan, it only excites me further to see what is next. I do have one tiny question though: where was Carl for most of this episode? I would have thought he would be a lot more involved considering the past, and obviously being Rick's son. Maybe this is something to be revealed in further episodes, we shall see.

Have you seen the premiere of season six yet, and what do you think?

Make Up Revolution Review: Cover and Conceal Palette

I bought this Make Up Revolution Cover & Conceal Palette (£5.99 from Superdrug) a few weeks ago, and have been using it nearly everyday to try and make my mind up as to what I actually think of it, so I can write a better review for you.

My October Goals 2015

I had a quick look back over my goals that I had set for myself in September, and I must admit that my goals for October are probably going to be along the same lines. Although I feel as I have made some headway towards my previous goals, I still have not fully completed any but don't worry I am well on my way. So here are my new and improved goals for October this year.

1. Get a job
Still the most important thing on my list is getting myself a job. I am very proud of myself in the fact that I spent the entire previous month applying for various jobs and graduate schemes. Now, this may sound like a total failure to some of you because I have not exactly landed myself a job yet, but I cannot stress enough how long application processes are. However, I have got onto the next stages of a few interview processes which I am more than pleased about, and it is basically a waiting game for now. I have also got myself a temporary Christmas position, which doesn't sound a lot either, but it will keep me going and give me the money I more than need for Christmas this year. I will be sure to keep you updated on the particular goal since it is my top priority right now.

2. Relax more 
Okay, this goal is partly related to my job hunting, because I find myself becoming a lot more stressed since I graduated at the end of September. As the days pass by, I feel as though it becomes a lot more crucial for me to find employment because the next thing you know Christmas will be on the doorstep, and I'll need money for that. But, among all the madness of looking for job I have realised how important it is for me to just relax once in a while. I wake up everyday, get myself organised and apply for different job positions or schemes, so when it gets to the evening I can just sit back and watch TV or a film, and write on my blog because there is not much more I can do until the next day. So, I am going to try to make myself relax a lot more, and try not to stress myself out so much.

3. Enhance my blog
I feel a lot more comfortable in the blogging world now, even after only four months of being a blogger. I want to enhance my blog by making it a little bit more organised, instead of it looking at bit random and out of place at times. So, I definitely need to start planning my posts a lot more by writing stuff down, and maybe even try to come up with a better theme. I really enjoy writing blog posts about beauty, and I am thoroughly enjoying writing film reviews at the moment too, so these a probably going to be my main priority. However, I have thought more about advertising my blog. I would really like to reach a wider audience and make some blogging friends, but I am always a bit apprehensive when it comes to advertising my blog on social media sites. Don't worry though, I am working on this and slowly building myself up to start enhancing my blog.

I have tried to keep my October goals shorter and a little bit more attainable, and mostly because these are my top priorities at the moment. I think that once I earn some income I will be able to all the other things I want to do, such as socialising and shopping sprees. It is hard at the moment to not do the things I want, but at the end of the day they all involve money, and I am focusing all my energy in trying to get my foot on the career ladder.

What do you think of my goals, and what are yours?

Film Review: Cinderella

Image source: www.followingthenerd.com

Wow! What a spectacular adaption of one of the best-known and loved fairy tales. At first I was not quite sure what I was expecting, as I thought maybe they would significantly change or enhance certain aspects of the fairy tale. But, I could not have been more wrong since the director (Kenneth Branagh) brilliantly captured the magic of Cinderella from the beginning.

Ella (Lily James) is a pure beauty, even when dressed to suit her nickname 'cinders' or 'cinderella'. The nickname, as given to her by her horrible step-sisters Drisella and Anastasia, also played their role brilliantly because I actually found myself beginning to feel hate towards them whilst watching the film. Particularly, Ella's step-mother Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett) was superb in her role, and so very cruel that you could almost feel her intentions for Ella. I found that the story line matched that of the earlier animated Disney Cinderella just with real life actors, but sadly the animals (Jaq, Gus and Lucifer) did not talk.

Also, the graphics were spectacular in that they really brought to life the fairy tale aspect of the film. From the fairy godmother (Helena Bonham Carter) creating the glass slippers to turning the pumpkin into Ella's carriage for the ball it was truly magically to watch. Now, I could be a little biased because I am a fan of Disney fairy tales in particular, but I would certainly recommend a watch if this is your sort of thing because I guarantee you will adore this version just as much as the animated original. Not to mention that the Prince (Richard Madden) was a joy to watch during the film, so there's an added bonus for you! It is truly an enchanting take on Cinderella, full of excitement, ups and downs, and of course a happily ever after.
I would rate this film 4 out of 5.

Have you seen this film yet, and what do you think?

Film Review: Inside Out

Image source: www.movieposter.com

This Pixar film follows all the complex emotions that the human species normally endures during their lifetime through its host character Riley. In the film, we follow the emotions as different characters inside her head and see how they affect her everyday thoughts throughout her childhood whilst she is growing up. The main characters; joy, sadness, fear, anger and disgust, are brilliantly calculated in this film and portray perfectly how we can feel different emotions, sometimes more than one at once. Of course, being a Pixar film, I felt that it engaged with the audience to help us to actually feel the emotions throughout the film.

During the length of the film I found myself laughing and giggling away at the humorous aspects, such as how negative 'sadness' actually was and how I found myself agreeing with the character. Whenever sadness would just face plant the floor it made me laugh because I know all too well I feel like this myself sometimes. The more of the film I watched I could see how well that it was portraying the painful truth of growing up. It is genuinely a roller-coaster of a film that perfectly depicts the bumpy road of growing older without the rose-tinted glasses you would find in most children's films. I think that Inside Out has done really well in approaching this particular subject in a truly heart touching way.

Not to mention that the graphics are spectacular, as they always are with a Pixar animation. I can see why this film has become such a success and would recommend a watch to anyone. It truly is the type of Pixar film that we all know and love, about leaving our childhood behind, but in such a genius way that is guaranteed to leave you laughing or crying. Overall, Inside Out is a terrific concept, both funny and smart, about the trials and tribulations of growing up and losing our so-called innocence. So, why not give it a watch and come up with your own opinion? I would rate this film 4/5.

Have you seen this film and what did you think?

LUSH Product Review

A while ago, I purchased the Dragon's Egg bath bomb and the Mint Julips lip scrub when I popped into the Birmingham Lush store. I was very excited to use both of these products and to share my review with you.

First off, is the Dragon's Egg bath bomb (£3.50) that I was eagerly waiting to use for a while after I bought it, but I thought I would save it for an occasion when I really needed a bath bomb in my life. This was my first experience in using a bath bomb from Lush, and I must admit that I was not entirely impressed with this specific product. As soon as I put it in my hot bath, it immediately started fizzing and spinning around releasing white foam, and then eventually the orange-y egg colour in the middle began to spill. Next came the crackling sounds near the end, and then that was that.

It left my bath a nice bright orange colour, but I feel like that was all it did. I mean it did smell nice, but nothing out of the ordinary... I think the shower gels and soaps I use seem to smell better and last a lot longer. Overall, I felt like I was just sitting in orange-coloured water and that was it. So, safe to say that I perhaps won't be buying this bath bomb again, but I am still very much interested in trying other bath bombs from Lush because I have seen some really great reviews. So, if you could recommend any to me then I would really appreciate it.

Lastly, the lip scrub that is literally saving my lips as the colder weather is approaching. I chose the Mint Julips scrub because I absolutely love the taste and smell of mint (why I love mojitos so much). I am exceptionally impressed with this product because it really has become a holy grail product in my bag. When my lips are becoming quite dry (all the time with this weather), I simply rub a small amount onto my lips with a tiny scrubbing motion and then lick it off (yes it is edible) et voila, smooth skin is revealed on my lips. Then, I simply put on some lip balm to keep my lips nice and soft. I definitely would recommend this product, and it comes in two more flavours as well; bubblegum and popcorn. Priced at £5.50 and a little really does go a long way, so definitely worth the money!

What are your Lush product must-haves?

Graduation - I did it!

I had my graduation on 23rd September, a week has flown by already! It was such a surreal and busy day, and I haven't really had chance to reflect on it since. I was really nervous on the build-up to graduation, including on the day, but as soon as I walked off the stage with my degree certificate in my hand I felt a huge weight lifted and began to breathe normally again. I had finally done it, I had my certificate and was now an official History graduate. Phew!
I am extremely proud of myself and I could see that all my family were too, it was such a happy day and I could not stop smiling. Of course, I could not stop smiling since my mother was very "snap happy" with the camera, but I couldn't blame her it was an event you'd want to document. I think some of the pictures my mother took were better than the professional photo I had taken... nevertheless you need that official photograph holding the scroll, don't you?

Also, I organised a small graduation meal with my friends to celebrate us all finally graduating. We went for a meal at Miller and Carter, it is an amazing steakhouse that does delicious steak if you have never heard of it and I would certainly recommend a visit if steak is your thing. It was a lovely meal, and was just really nice to catch up with everyone because we hadn't really seen each other since we finished university near the end of May. I wish my friends all the best for the future, and I certainly look forward to when we meet up again and can talk about all the exciting things that we have been up to!

Now, this is the part where it finally hits me that I have graduated (and no longer a student) and need to figure out my next step in life. I need to get a move on and start my career, which is proving to be a little difficult because I cannot decide what it is I want to do exactly. I am sure something will come my way eventually, but until then I will probably be frantically applying for every job possible as the pressure seems to be cracking down. Hopefully I will have some good news to share with you soon regarding this. Wish me luck!

Thank you for reading!

Film Review: Terminator Genisys

Photo credit: www.theterminatorfans.com

It took me a while, but I finally got around to watching the new Terminator: Genisys film, and it is safe to say that I was actually impressed. When I heard they were adding another film onto the Terminator franchise I was a little skeptical at first because this would be the fifth film in the franchise, and sometimes this can go either way in terms of good and bad. Although, when I found out that Emilia Clarke would be playing as Sarah Connor in this film I was actually a little more excited to see it because I am a massive fan of Game of Thrones, a series in which she stars.

First of all, I thought the graphics were incredible, and the special effects were a lot better than the first Terminator films (as you would imagine). This film is full of explosive action with guns and brutal fight scenes, a real signature with the Terminator franchise. At the beginning of the film I was a little confused as I was lost trying to get my head around what was actually going on. But once I figured out that this Terminator was based along a fractured timeline everything fell into place, and I began to enjoy the film even more.

I think Clarke did a really good job of the portrayal of Sarah Connor's character and really got behind the emotional side of her character, but she was also kick-ass when it came to the action scenes. I think Arnold Schwarzenegger fit straight back into his role as the Terminator brilliantly, and I even found some scenes very humorous, particularly at the beginning when he was trying to smile. Most of all, I loved that the director explored the deeper connection between Sarah Connor and the Terminator, and I thought the fact that Connor had nicknamed him "pops" was the sweetest thing. Because of this connection, the scene near the end had me holding my breath as it was very emotional (trying not to spoil it here). Also, I think Jai Courtney's portrayal of John Connor was brilliant, and he brought a great masculine energy towards the character. Of course, he looked pretty good in all the fight scenes too (I may be a little biased here).

I would definitely recommend a watch to anyone, especially if you are a fan of the Terminator franchise. Of course, I still prefer the first film and Judgement Day, but this comes a close third and is still a very enjoyable watch. I think I will be watching this film again in the near future, and I hope I enjoy it just as much as the first time I saw it.

I would rate this film 3 out of 5.
Have you seen this film and what are your views?

Film Review: Maggie

Photo credit: thingstodo.austin360.com

First of all, quite a few people had told me how great they thought this film was, and how they had seen it multiple times which was what made me inclined to watch this film in the first place. So, the other night I decided to watch Maggie, but I hate to inform you that I actually fell asleep, and I had to finish this film in two sittings. Now this might tell you something about I felt about the film because I tend to love watching films and if they have my attention I don't normally fall asleep.

I thought the concept behind the film was pretty good, but I think it lacked a certain "umpf" because it was not that exciting to watch. It was a very dull film, shot with grey skies and no happy emotions. Arnold Schwarzenegger's character did not seem to speak much, although I did think his portrayal of his connection with his daughter (played by Abigail Breslin) was very good. Next, Breslin's character was infected with a virus that would eventually turn her into a zombie, and she acted some very good scenes where the virus had begun to take effect, and I was certainly left wide-eyed during the scene with the fox (if you know, you know).

So, generally I have no specific complaints with the actors in the film, as I think they portrayed the story line brilliantly, and definitely made you feel the connection between the characters. I thought the special effects in Maggie were brilliant as well because I found Breslin's wound to be particularly gruesome, and her change looked very realistic. However, I stick by the fact that I just found it to be a little bit too boring, without any fiercely exciting scenes as you would expect in a zombie-related film. Also, the film was little too slow-moving which is probably why I fell asleep halfway through. I am not sure that I would be in a rush to watch Maggie again in the near future, but I would definitely recommend you to watch it and come up with your own opinion. I don't think you will be let down by the graphics and the story line, so that's a plus!

I would rate this film 2.5 out of 5.
Have you seen this film and what you do think of it?

L'Oreal make-up review

The other day I popped into my local boots because my current mascara was close to running out and I needed to replace my foundation. I have been using the L'Oreal True Match foundation for a few months now, and have been very happy with it, so naturally I thought to replace it. It is a great foundation that smooths and evens out my skin tone whilst being very light with medium coverage, but it is also very buildable without looking cakey whatsoever. At the moment there is £2 off the original price, so it cost only £7.99 which is a very reasonable high street price! And I love the new packaging style, it's very sleek and chic, making it look even more expensive than it actually is.

Currently, there is a 3 for 2 offer on all L'Oreal products, so I jumped at the chance to get a new mascara in with this offer (you know you would as well). I picked up the L'Oreal Voluminous Extra-Black which claims to build volume by 5 times and adds no clumping. I am very much impressed with this mascara, I think it gives pretty much the same effect as the YSL Faux-Cils mascara that I have been using. It does have quite a strong smell which can be a little bit off-putting at first, but who sniffs their mascara anyway?! This cost £8.49 and I would certainly purchase it again.

Next, I have putting off purchasing a primer for absolutely ages! But, I noticed my face becoming quite oily recently and my make-up was literally sliding off every time I touched it (not a good look). I decided that since my graduation is coming up, I really could not afford to let my make-up slide off because I need to look great in all the photos. So, I picked up the L'Oreal Infallable Mattifying Base Primer because I have seen it advertised in store and on a few blogs recently too. The 'mattifying' effect is really what had drawn me to this product because I really need my make-up to have some staying power. And guess what? It works! Honestly, I am so impressed with this primer (I add that I have never used a primer before) and I did not realise how essential a primer should be in your make-up routine. Only after smoothing a small amount over my face, my foundation glided on smoothly and whenever I touched my face throughout the day my make-up wasn't sliding off on my fingers, as what was happening previously. So a big thumbs up from me, and at only £7.99 you cannot go wrong!

What are your make-up essentials?

Michael McIntyre Show!

If you know me, then you will know that I am a very big fan of Michael McIntyre! I bought my tickets for the Happy and Glorious 2015 tour back at the beginning of June 2014 (fan pre-sale), which also shows how much of a fan I am. So, on Saturday evening, the night was finally here for me and my mom to go and see Michael McIntyre in Birmingham, and I was so so excited.

I think we had pretty good seats, and a good view of the stage, although Michael looked really tiny in the distance so I mostly watched him on the large screens above the stage. Both me and my mom laughed all the way through the show and our cheeks hurts afterwards. The highlight of the show for me definitely had to be when Michael pulled up his trousers to show us his large calves as part of his act, but he couldn't get his trousers down back over his calves again and he was laughing at himself which only made you laugh even more!

We also saw Michael McIntyre on his last tour (Live and laughing) in 2012, so I was super happy that we got to see him again. Of course, I will be looking forward to his next tour! So for now, I'll leave you of selfie of me and my mom whilst we were laughing at ourselves trying to take a 'beer selfie'.

Are you a fan of Michael McIntyre too or have you seen his shows?

Budget Haulin'

Hey guys!

It is shopping haul time again (woohoo) and since I have been on a very tight budget lately, I have been a lot more picky with what I am going to spend my money on. And I have to admit, a lot of my shopping has been done in Primark, but they have so many great clothes coming out for A/W '15 so being on a budget is being made so much more difficult! But, I did manage to pick up a couple of sneaky treats from Lush as well, which I will share with you, of course.

First, here is my casual outfit that I picked out from Primark last week. I though I would mix it up a bit and show you a picture of me wearing the clothes instead. I got this outfit for under £15 which I am very impressed at. I have been after new jeans that actually fit me, and these supersoft skinny jeans are a good fit, and only £12. Due to my 'most of my jeans not fitting' problem, I thought it was time to invest in a belt, and this black one is perfect at only £2. Lastly, the basic V-neck grey t-shirt was a winner at only £2.80. So there, you have it a great casual outfit for just under £15.

Next, I purchased a new bed-shirt because I saw this pink Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles hanging up in store and I simply could not walk past it. Being a fan of TMNT, this is perfect for me to wear to bed and only cost £5, so it is a winner in every way possible. Also, I think it looks really cute on (not being biased at all). And, I practically live in fluffy socks when I am at home, so I bought this two-pack of bright pink fluffy socks to go with my new bed-shirt because they matched and it was the best excuse I had to buy even more fluffy socks (and they were only £2). They're so fluffy I'm gonna die!

Lastly, on a trip to Birmingham the other day I decided to pop into Lush because I felt like treating myself to a super cool bath bomb. But, one does not simply pop into Lush without wanting every product you lay your eyes on (if you know, you know), so I quickly had to calm myself down and remind myself reluctantly that I am on a budget... key word here is BUDGET remember? So, a very nice and helpful member of staff politely demonstrated the Dragon's Egg bath bomb, and I was completely sold as soon as I saw the glitter (I'm such a girl at times). I will do a review of this bath bomb when I use it. Also, I have been wanting to purchase a lip scrub for a while, and my friend reminded me that cold weather is on its way, so it would be very useful to have in my bag and it lasts for ages! I decided on the 'Mint Julips' lip scrub because I am a big fan of mint (I love mojitos and after eights), and felt like it would feel a lot more fresh on my lips. What are your fave Lush products?

Have you done any budget shopping lately and what have you purchased?
Thank you for reading!

September Goals

Hey guys!
I have seen quite a few people posting their goals for the start of September, and thought I would contribute to this theme. I graduate from university nearer the end of the month, and I think it has finally hit me that I won't be going back studying at university this year, like I have for the past three years and I will no longer be a student. It is a bit of a lifestyle change that I am not sure I am ready for. I mean I absolutely love learning, and although it was very stressful, I am going to miss studying. But, this means actually growing up and moving on to the next chapter in my life, which is actually quite exciting (although I have no idea what I am doing). So, there's the basis for my goals in September...

1. Be more organised
Since finishing university I feel like I have been at a loose end for the past few months, and I don't like it because I am used to organising my time around work and deadlines (I am definitely a list person). So, I really feel like I need to organise my time better so I can be more productive, and feel like I have actually done something worthwhile each day. Although, this would probably prove to be much easier once I actually get a job... which leads on to my next goal.

2. Get a job
Okay, it is not really a job I want, but a career. I cannot even begin to tell you how difficult these past few months have been for me in deciding which career path I actually want to go down and actually finding a job. Some days it gets so tedious when applying for plenty of jobs each day, and sometimes it's harder to keep positive when you have no luck for a while, especially when everyone else around you is making money. So, my goal is to work out what I actually want, and find some income along the way. It is really one of my most important and much needed goals in life right now.

3. Continue blogging/ revamp my blog
I have only been blogging since the beginning of June, and I have found myself to really enjoy it for many reasons. It has become the perfect outlet for me and has helped me to keep my mind proactive, which I never thought the blogging community could be so useful for (I am thankful for this). So, I hope to continue blogging and hopefully make my blog a little more interesting (I need to do a bigger variety of things). As for revamping my blog, I just want to make it prettier and attractive to those who may visit!

4. Get my happy back
Again, since finishing university a lot of the stressful weights that were pressed on me were lifted, and I finally felt like I could breathe for the first time. I had a very stressful last few months during my studies for a variety of reasons, where eventually I lost my sparkle and all motivation to do anything in life. Which is such a sad thing. Anyway, I feel like I'm at the stage in my life where I can make a fresh start and finally begin to get my happy back, and all I want is to be genuinely happy in life. So, more positive vibes heading my way please!

5. Start writing
Ever since I can remember I have always wanted to write a book because I love the world of books and how they can make you feel. I have been writing down a few ideas for stories for a while, but I keep putting off writing anything solid down. So, one of my goals is to write things down when I get an idea (even if they are pants), and hopefully begin turning my ideas into a real life project.

So, there you have it, my goals for September! I am hoping to make some serious headway on my goals and I am feeling very positive about them right now.
What are your September goals or just goals in life right now?

Bank holiday dullness

So, on Friday my mom went on holiday with her friends to Benidorm in Spain for a long girly weekend away and I was left very jealous. We didn't have the best of weather over the bank holiday weekend (rainy and dull as usual) and my mom was messaging me to let me know she was melting by a pool, how unfair does it get?

But, my mom did bring back some lovely gifts for me; a cute key ring (I love sugar skulls), koala bear car fresheners, and a little Eeyore (I love Eeyore!). They are such cute little gifts so I thought I would share them with you.

My bank holiday weekend was a little dull thanks to the weather, but I did get to be very lazy and lie around watching films, so it was not all too bad. I know a lot of people did some more exciting things for their bank holiday, so maybe I will have to think of something to do next time. However, I did cook a pork joint yesterday and my family and I had some of the tastiest hot pork sandwiches for our tea. Food would probably have to be the highlight of my bank holiday! You have to love those simple things in life :)

How did you spend your bank holiday?

Lunch And Shopping!

On Friday, myself and my friend decided to go for food (this being my main concern of the day), and for a bit of shopping at the Merry Hill Shopping Centre in Brierly Hill, near Dudley.
We actually ordered so much food, and eventually came to the conclusion that our eyes were in fact bigger than our bellies. This left us with questions such as, why did we order our nacho starter to come with our main meal? And, why did I order that extra bowl of chips? Nevertheless, it was a yummy meal and exactly what I was waiting the entire week for!

Now, onto the shopping experience! What we really went shopping for was to look for graduation outfit ideas, but we did get a little sidetracked... However, my friend did manage to order a very pretty dress which could be her potential graduation outfit, so not all was lost during this trip. But for myself, I got distracted by all the autumnal clothes that are in stores. In my head summer is basically over and I am so ready for fluffy socks and jumpers. But, I have to be very budget friendly at the moment whilst I am still looking for work so I could not possibly purchase all the pretty things I really liked. Of course, I did buy a couple items that I will make full use of (this is the reasoning I used when buying them), and so I shall share them with you.

First off, are these two lovely fine-knitted jumpers from H&M. My eyes first found the grey knitted jumper, because the majority of the clothes I seem to wear are black and grey. However, this red number also called out to me as I browsed through the rails, and I simply could not decide between either of them so I just bought them both, as you do. They are perfect fine-knits for the autumn transitional weather! And, I just cannot wait to wear them. Also, there are more colours available in store which are tempting to purchase as well.

My final purchase of the day was this camel toggle coat from Primark. It was just one of those items that I simply couldn't walk past, and I did find myself again in great difficulty in deciding whether to buy the camel coloured coat or the black one. I eventually picked the camel one because I already have black coats, and this one will fit in nicely when autumn rolls along. It is very nice and warm with a lovely sheepskin-lined hood, but I am still on the fence as to whether or not I should keep it. What do you think?

What clothes are you purchasing in preparation for autumn?
Thanks for reading!

Hot Cloth Cleanser Review: Liz Earle vs. No7

I did a review of the Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser (here) a while ago after I got my first bottle of the stuff. After using it for a good month or so I wanted to write a more thorough review. But, my bottle ran out and I soon found myself looking to replace it. However, after shopping in Boots I noticed the No7 Hot Cloth Cleanser and after doing a little research I decided to purchase it the next time I went in. So, after using this new cleanser for a while, I thought what could be better than doing a comparison post on two the hottest Hot Cloth Cleansers on the market.

The No7 cleanser costs only £9.95, whereas the Liz Earle cleanser is £14. But, I was quite surprised to find that the size of the No7 bottle is larger (200ml) than Liz Earle's (100ml), yeah it's double the size! So at this point, the No7 cleanser is winning because it is not only cheaper but has a bigger bottle with more product. Another thing I like more about the No7 cleanser is that the bottle is see-through so you can see how much product you've used/ have left. When my Liz Earle cleanser ended I had no idea it was coming to an end, so I had no idea to buy a replacement until it had finished. Usually I tend to buy more of a product when I know it will be running out soon.

Both cleansers will come with a muslin cloth to aid the cleansing routine. By far, Liz Earle offers the best muslin cloth and in my opinion it is 100% better quality than the cloth that comes with the No7 cleanser. I am not quite sure that you can tell in the photo (maybe if you click and zoom in) but the No7 cloth is a lot more loose-knit than Liz Earle's. And, I think Liz Earle's just feels a lot smoother and kinder to the skin, so hands down Liz Earle wins here, but I just use Liz Earle's cloth when I am using the No7 Cleanser at the moment because I have three of them, so why not.

When it comes to the product itself, there is a clear different between each cleanser, but they both do the same job really well. No7 is a lot more creamier with a nice clean smell, and removes all of your facial makeup with ease (including stubborn mascara). Also, the perfect-sized amount of product comes out with just one pump that easily covers your face and neck. Liz Earle has a really thick texture with a divine fragrance that no one can fault or even forget, and it too removes all makeup with ease. And a decent sized amount of product comes out with just one pump as well, that I manage to cover all of my face and neck. Liz Earle is packed with naturally active ingredients; rosemary, chamomile, cocoa butter, and eucalyptus essential oil. Whereas, No7 prides itself being hypo-allergenic and being created to provide tailored skin nutrition for healthy looking, bright and beautiful skin.

Honestly, I would say that both of these products are just as good as each other, and would use either of these in a heartbeat. But, I would personally purchase the No7 again after it has run out purely because it is a lot cheaper and offers more product (and due to personal funds). And, when it comes to the muslin cloth issue, I just use my Liz Earle cloths with the No7 cleanser because it is clearly of much better quality. If you are worried about this you can purchase the Liz Earle pure muslin cloths separately on their website (here). You can get 2 cloths for only £4.50 and then use the No7 cleanser, which still works out just as cheap as buying the Liz Earle cleanser on its own, and then you have the cloths for future usage.

So, there you have it. What are your views on either or both of these cleansers?

Film Review: Ant-Man

"I'm Ant-Man... What, you haven't heard of me?" - Scott Lang/Ant-Man

Before going to see Ant-Man I was aware that there have been very mixed reviews of this film, as there are with most films, but I knew it was going to be a film I would like because, in my opinion, Marvel have yet to make a tragic film.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but for me this film was great and I would recommend a watch to anyone. It has lots of little quirks and jokes that kept me giggling throughout the film, such as Michael Pena's character Luis, who had a lot of idiotic stunts and phrases. Surprisingly, a superhero who can shrink to the size of an ant is actually a pretty cool superhero, and Paul Rudd was well suited to pull off being Ant-Man.

Scott Lang is a thief who has been in and out of jail, but wants to set himself on the straight and narrow so he can have a relationship with this young daughter, Cassie. But, he finds it increasingly difficult to find a job with criminal record. Dr Hank Pym, the original Ant-Man, watches Scott over a period of time because he is interested in his ability to break into places, and thus puts him forward as the best candidate for the next man to wear the Ant-Man suit. Hank Pym and his daughter Hope, are both trying to stop Darren Cross (who is taking over Pym's company) from recreating the Ant-Man suit because his intentions are not good. Cross gets very close to succeeding with his Yellowjacket suit and hosts an unveiling ceremony, which angers Pym and thus where Scott comes in, to take down Cross and the Yellowjacket. And here follows all the great fighting scenes. In between all this, there are the jokes and fantastic graphics to look forward to.

Maybe it is not a typical Marvel film in some sense, when comparing it to the likes of The Avengers. But you've got to remember it is a separate film with a different pace to the other Marvel films. Of course, there are many easter eggs to look out for whilst watching the film, as there always is (I love finding them). Lastly, I would just recommend having an open mind if you're a Marvel fan already, and I think it is a film anyone would enjoy - it is especially a great one for families.

So there you have it, are you going to watch Ant-Man or have you already seen it?
I would love to hear your views too!