Time

Our lives are dominated by the concept of time. We don't often remember that it is a man made construction of illusion, designed to tie us to the conformist mindset.

This might be a completely random blog post to you, so let me give some context: I'm sat in my room at 7:29am. I've been awake for a little over an hour. I don't have lectures today. My body clock and I haven't had the best relationship. I treated him bad, he reciprocated and now we're in a toxic feud over how much sleep we need and when we need it! This is unhealthy, and I most definitely would not recommend it.

It's still dark outside and that is why I'm not so fond of winter. It's dark at 4pm and it's dark at 8am and I  feel like my days are an Alice in Wonderland door that I have to squeeze all my plans through (on the days that I do, actually, have plans.)

I've also watched 'About Time': a movie I've been sceptical to watch since learning that Rachel McAdams decided to play basically the same role of the time traveller's wife. …We know what a certain someone looks for in Tinder bios… An interesting story, owed more credit than received I'm sure. But it makes us think, doesn't it?

Sometimes it's a good idea to step back from the constraint of time keeping and relax. When people say 'I don't have time to waste', let them know that they can't waste what they haven't been give yet. The reality is that you collect time, not give it away.

What you do with your minutes is up to you - watch copious amounts of TV shows or learn to cook or write a blog post or get really, really good at whistling. 

That's the beauty of time, I guess. It's a burdening guessing game where we never really find out the answer. But it's fun to play.

So shout out to the Aztecs and all the religions and philosophers that intertwined ideas to create time. Thank you for the convenience of being able to pin point the exact moment when McDonald's is open. It kinda makes me feel like an amateur psychic.

Her

I'd like to think we were friends by now. So, in all honesty, this isn't a review. I'm reluctant to point out flaws in this movie. I'm merely sharing my discovery of a great film I watched at 2am. And so, with a prologue written, I'd like to introduce you to Her.

I've fallen in love with Her.

If you haven't heard of this movie, a) I'm surprised and b) you should definitely check the trailer out (which you can do right here).

It's a completely bizarre concept - set in a sci-fi future, where our techno-culture has expanded into unbelievable reaches, we're introduced to a man named Theodore (played brilliantly by Joaquin Phoenix. I might have a crush on him. Definite silver fox) His love life, like so many of us can relate to, hasn't been the smoothest.

His quirky yet fickle character finds a company that produces software beyond anything you could ever dream of - OS is an operating system that amplifies the already existing Siri by leaps and bounds. It organises your shit, it reads your emails out and it can even act as a personal companion, growing by learning. Theodore's OS is called Samantha (played fantastically by the gorgeous Scarlett Johansson) and they develop this unlikely relationship.

Anyways - the plot from there on shall be left a mystery as incentive to go see the film! It's so thought provoking in so many ways…

a) how we as a species are reliant on technology
b) the difficulty in unrequited love
c) the fear of the unknown
d) the prejudice we feel and even emit when we are faced with the unfamiliar

… are just a couple of things that crossed my mind when I watched it. It's so honest and raw and such a great piece of cinematic writing. It's an unlikely love story. And I'm a sucker for love stories. Kudos to Spike Jonze and the whole cast and crew.

Image source: http://cdn3.pitchfork.com/news/51817/3bf2e981.jpg
This is not my image.

L.

Mini LUSH Haul

I'm a person that likes (emphasis on the likes and the absence of is early for things…) to be early for things, but this can have its downsides. On the occasion that I am early, I am too early, and often find myself with more than an hour to waste. I'm sure I'll figure out the secret to time-keeping one day…

Anyways, whilst waiting for a lecture to begin, I found myself in a small LUSH store at Waterloo Station. I didn't go there with the intention of buying anything, but, being an impulse buyer, I left with 3 products.

I waited a week to write this blog post so that I could try out my new purchases enough to give a sufficient review. Drumroll please…

 Clockwise: Peace Massage Bar, Ocean Salt Body Scrub,
Charity Pot Moisturising Lotion

The first product I'd like to introduce is the LUSH Peace Massage Bar. Now, there were many massage bars on display and the variation was overwhelming! If you are in search for a massage bar, do not be afraid to tell the store assistants what exactly it is that you're looking for in a product. I specified that I preferred one that was moisturising, and was pointed towards the Peace bar. The scent of this bar isn't my favourite. I'm more partial to sweet scents, and this one gives off a musky aroma. However, it is definitely moisturising. I was advised not to use it too often, as the natural oils will definitely take its toll on my skin - understandable, you can have too much of a good thing! I have opted to use this massage bar after I shower after my workout. I feel like your muscles need a little TLC after some hard cardio. You simply rub it along your skin and massage the remnants left in like a regular moisturiser - the natural heat of your body cooperates with the bar to create a gentle moisturiser. You could even cut a bit off, place it in the microwave for a couple of seconds and apply it on like a lotion!

Added bonus' are that it's definitely therapeutic AND it looks like it'll last forever!

                                     

(The PEACE Massage Bar [50g] is available in LUSH stores for £6.95. You can also purchase it online here)

Whilst wandering about in the pint-sized store, I stumbled upon the Ocean Salt Scrub. Now, this product definitely caught my eye as I am a skin-care fanatic. I'm obsessed with the idea of flawless skin and tiny, impossible-to-see pores. Scrubs are therefore my go to. Say the words 'jojoba beads' or 'deep cleansing' and I'm all ears. I've only used the salt scrub twice (you don't want to expose your skin to too much salt. Like I said, too much of a good thing!!) but both times I've definitely felt a difference. This scrub is not only for your face, but your body too! Your arms and neck and chest and all the other parts of you get a good cleanse - it ticks all the boxes. Because salt erodes in water, you aren't left with salt granules all over your body. Also, the crystal blue salt layer is only about half an inch deep - the rest is a much more subtle concoction with less aggressive-sized fragments. I definitely look forward to the days (Sunday and Thursday!) when I use this product. 

                                             

(The Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub [120g pot] is available in LUSH stores for £7.25. You can also purchase it online here)

And finally I'd like to introduce the Charity Pot; a little modest product whose earnings go directly to charity! This was a definite added perk to the purchase and in my opinion, sets LUSH far ahead of other cosmetic companies; there is an emphasis on no animal testing, a sustainable and eco-friendly attitude and generous charity support. And on top of that, they do f*cking fantastic products.

BACK TO THE POINT…

I decided to pick up the Charity Pot just in case the massage bar did not appeal to me. I've been a previous owner of Celestial (which worked divinely) so I had an inbuilt trust towards the pots. This hand and body lotion definitely gives off the aroma of almonds and cocoa butter in a pleasingly discrete manner. And boy oh boy can it moisturise! I use it religiously, especially as winter has worked its business on my skin. It easily blends into your skin with no added oiliness and leaves it refreshed and looking hydrated! As the cheapest out of all the products I've reviewed, I might just class it as my favourite.

                                             

(The Charity Pot [95g] is available in LUSH stores for £6.75. You can also purchase it online here)

L.

***Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with LUSH cosmetics - I have not been sent these products but have bought them myself. These views are entirely my own.

OOTD

Today was an exploration day in London: I wanted an outfit that folded in the allure of smart-chic but that was comfortable enough to be able to spend the whole day in. I’d planned to walk around for hours.

…this outfit was predominantly inspired by the styling of Anne Hathaway in the movie, Love and Other Drugs. Set in the mid-to-late 90s, the outfit choices are carefully thought out to portray the eradication of gender-fuelled fashion choices, bringing in the androgynous quality in fashion that we see repeatedly today.

My two staple pieces in this outfit are my (ludicrously named) ‘Boyfriend’ coat (£58) and ‘Mom’ jeans (£40).

Although not a fan of their titles, I adore both these pieces as both perfectly adapt to a range of outfits.

I accessorised this with a belt from Topshop (£18) and  Ray-Ban Clubmasters (Christmas present). The plain, white t-shirt is from Brandy Melville ('Sheron top, about £10.)

The scarf is from a charity shop, and only cost £2!

I love the look of the Boyfriend coat as it creates such a great silhouette, and is perfect for day and night.

Its transformable quality makes it worth the money spent!

This clutch satchel is also a shoulder bag (Topshop, £28)

My trusty Dr. Martens

L.

Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery

Trafalgar Square is one that boasts dignified buildings stood proud and historical as far as the eye can see. It boasts an electric feel of first timers and tradition-goers that are attracted to its turquoise fountain and noble lions. It's also home to the National Gallery.

London is such an encouraging city to live in, particularly for the youth of the population (though you can never be too old to learn). We are reminded about people and places on almost every street: whether that be on plaques that cling onto houses or by the paths that meander through the parks. Our eyes are exposed to both history and the present day in one harmonious setting.

Nothing is more accurate of this description than the museums and galleries alike that are scattered throughout London. I decided, as it was but a stone's throw, to visit the National Gallery.

The National Gallery

Nelson's Column and Hahn/Cock

Exploring the streets in the area (cheeky photobomb by St. Paul's Cathedral)

I wonder if Nelson was afraid of heights

People watching in Trafalgar Square

Charing Cross: the closest tube station

The National Gallery is exquisite. Don't let the bustling pockets of tourists put you off visiting - the crowd is bound to disperse as each person is drawn to different works of art. You walk into rooms that display works of Guardi and Canaletto and others that whisper the story of Lady Jane Grey and her unfortunate fate.

I faintly remember first visiting the National Gallery at the fresh age of 5. My dad had made a tradition of visiting museums as a pair whilst my mum and sister made plans with relatives. We visited The Science Museum and The Natural History Museum - I even remember filling out a form for a year's subscription to the going's on and events!

But the National Gallery was a different story for a 5 year old - it didn't have pieces you could touch and dinosaurs you could bend your neck back in a struggle to see. It seemed quiet and serene and I actually really hated it.

I remember my dad picking me up and trying to point to 'interesting' features of paintings like the sour-faced gent in the corner on one knee, or the baby that was completely naked. I remember pretending to be interested, but I also remember becoming increasingly fed up and agitated at all this information that my father thought was fun. I recently asked my dad about the trip and although it felt like hours, apparently I didn't even last 50 minutes.

Shame, I thought, as I studied The Stone Mason's Yard and squinted to see the expression in the labourer's faces.

Shame, I thought, as I stood opposite Philip IV of Spain, suddenly becoming aware of my poor posture.

Shame, I thought, as I struggled to think what my dad would have thought of the crowd of people in Pablo Panini's work that waited on the lottery draw.

I wish that as a 5 year old I could understand what he was talking about and question him about his feelings instead of him trying to keep me interested when I'd float towards the chairs in the middle of the room.

I'm glad I took the time to re-visit, and maybe even see it as my dad did back in 2000. 13 years have passed since and the generations continue to repeat - I saw a child drawing on the paper map of the museum whilst the adults waltzed around and thought, 'that would have been me had my dad given me some paper!'

I hope she visits again a decade or two from now, and I hope she realises what I have. Although it's a peculiar setting to be in, it's almost too quiet and you are bound to have an awkward 'where do I even stand' situation, the percentage of interesting is almost incomparable to anything we teens today can vouch for.

But maybe it's not for you, and that's okay - maybe you're into robots or stuff that moves or music or food, even. And I'm sure there's a museum for that too.

L.

(Here are a couple of links to museums that are completely free - I hope someday you too are able to enjoy them: The V&A, The Natural History, The Science Museum, The British)

American Hustle Review

 I came back to university earlier than my Christmas holidays ended to spend the New Year’s in London. Although this was fun, I found myself slumming around in my room not knowing what to do with myself with the abundance of days. Thus, I made a plan to actually go out and explore the city.

I decided to spend my Thursday morning (yesterday) in Trafalgar Square (link to post here) and my afternoon in Islington at their Vue cinema to watch American Hustle…

            …it attracted an unexpected plethora of ages, from what I perceived as pushing 70 to 15. Some came in groups, some with their partners, and some, like I, alone. It was an interesting thing to see – a film had pieced together a jigsaw of ages that didn’t quite seem to fit, but surprisingly did.

 The film began mid-story, right on a cliff-hanger; the audience are oblivious to this until we start playing catch up. It catapults back into the past, into the months coming up to ‘present day’, and then hurtles through into the unfolding aftermath. The smidge of narrative by Rosenfeld definitely cements the story.

The character of Irving Rosenfeld (played by Christian Bale) is the first to be introduced: David O. Russell (director) plays on the grip that is comedy and uses this to coax the audience into the story. We’re thrown immediately into the story plot with gaps in our knowledge, desperate to fill in the blanks. Genius.

The fantastic duo that is Bradley Cooper and Amy Adams are then introduced. Both have magnificent characters that draw you in and push you away in the space of a second – this mental roller-coaster that you have to ride is exhausting but well worth the time. They play key to Bale’s arguably protagonist role: each character clashes and daggers into the others. There is no harmonious relationship between them, and this amplifies the wackiness and the fun…

            …and that, I feel, is the perfect way to introduce Jennifer Lawrence’s role: Rosalyn Rosenfeld. It’s not hard to argue that there was definitely more anticipation for Jennifer’s debut in this film – the character was written specifically for her.  And oh is it wonderful. I know it may be a little bit biased (I’m a fangirl, who isn’t???)  but she genuinely is a treat in this film. She brings comedy and captivates desperation and this terrific spectrum of emotions and comebacks that tilt the scene in one direction when it is speeding off in another. It’s hard to believe that Lawrence is only 23, but obvious as to why O. Russell wanted her to return – not unlike his hit, Silver Lining’s Playbook, Cooper, Lawrence and De Niro (who brings such suave and intensity) make a fabulous trio, despite their abundance of scene-sharing (Cooper and De Niro come face to face in one scene and one scene only).

            The unravelling of this exhilarating movie is one you should definitely be present for – you’ll be surprised.

            I think that is the fundamental thing that I felt when I left: how this movie does not conform to the staple drama, and how many things are unexpected. But I guess that is the case with David O. Russell: one promising director I’m excited to see more work from.

L.

**There are many things that I've missed out such as the supporting actors and the actual plot but the film was just packed with too much goodness to share! Think of this as my bite-sized morsel. If you want to know more, go see it! :)

(image credit to: http://www.pickywallpapers.com/1280x1024/movies-tvshows/american-hustle/american-hustle-poster-wallpaper/download/)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I hope this post finds you well and healthy and an urge to begin (and sustain) 2014 with a positive attitude.

I wish I could say that I drank so much that I saw stars and drunk-texted every guy in my contact's list (I so badly wanted to say phone book… how retro) but it was a very dry night for me. This, however, meant I enjoyed my New Year's day in complete relaxation and not writhing in pain at the ache embedded deep into my skull (it wouldn't have been my first rodeo). 

Instead of forking out double-digit figures on a last minute ticket to a club, I accompanied a friend who so badly wanted to see the fireworks for the first time.

We arrived at Westminster station (yay for free/all-night tubes) and spent 4 hours in the cold and wet for the grand countdown. Although we experienced chaotic crowd-pushing, we managed to find a spot under shelter but right in front of the London eye… The display turned out to be worth the wait with the sea of umbrellas and cameras and the people under and behind them emanating such a exhilarating buzz that could only come of the prospect of a fresh start.

I shan't babble on, but instead, will let the pictures do the talking. 

Enjoy!

L.

(I forgot to mention that on the walk to Green Park tube station, we passed The Ritz. Schmancy.)

(I also have a video on my Instagram if you want to check it out @ http://instagram.com/p/im_fChjigm/)