Glee 100

I have just watched Glee's 100th episode. SQUEE, my heart feels numb.

So, if you care, read on about the things I quite liked and the things my fickle heart deliberated about. Please do not read on, however, if your eyes have yet to feast on the episode and you want all to be a surprise. In this circumstance, really, do something else.

Where do I begin, where do I begin…

Firstly - how do you tell your heart to stop leaping when you see Mike, Quinn, Puck, Rachel, Mercedes, Santana AND Brittany all back in the same room? They really brought out the stops for the milestone - Gwyneth Paltrow and Kristen Chenoweth too. CAN A GIRL CATCH A BREATH? Debating on writing a teeny tiny love letter to Ryan Murphy, his crew and the cast as I type. Seeing the interactions and most importantly the blend of the old and the new made my heart wanna twist and shout. So shake it on babEHH now.

And shake it they did! I'm still trying to figure out whether the whole 'recreation' of already performed songs were genius or a slipway to a Mufasa-like exit. I'm leaning on the genius… The familiar is great. You don't get the feeling of incompletion when you're greeted with the familiar. It was homely.

I did think that "Happy" was so refreshing in the midst of the re-sung, though! Maybe a balance would have been better… the cyclic effect that I seem to get the impression of is kinda tedious and I for one wanted to see how the characters took on new obstacles instead of running back to old ones - song wise and character wise. But you can't really complain when the songs were chosen by the fans, right?

I really liked how the story line developed just that arm stretch more to give us a little nugget of hope - Puck and Quinn are the cuteeeest (Chace Crawfy, how were we supposed to hate your obnoxious character with that gorgeous voice and luscious face?!?) And I'm an out and out Brittana shipper. But I hope that, despite my allegiance with Brittana, Ryan sticks true to Santana's character and doesn't have her running off to Brittany… I know my heart would never heal!

I loved how Finn was commemorated though. I couldn't stand to see Lea Michele cry.

I guess the running theme in 100 is nostalgia - whether that be in the form of the characters or the diva off or even the good old dumpster throw - it is definitely prominent. And y'know what, I found out I have very few bad words to say about it all. I guess that it's good that it was a toe-curling episode, because you can definitely feel the end of an era biting at your feet.

(Disclaimer: Image does not belong to me. Image can be found at http://www.rickey.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Glee-100.jpg)

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.

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/)

Skins Fire Part II - (Warning: Spoilers)

Part II definitely brought the heat. If you say that you weren't moved by the storyline, either you're an 'evil, emotionless, miserable, human being …or a robot.'
As I said before, I liked the contrast of surroundings and indeed characters that were introduced into the life of our dear Elizabeth Stonem. For example, Craig Roberts (also known for 'Rio Wellard' in Tracy Beaker and 'Simon Daldry' in The First Time) brings such a delicateness to Effy's wall.
His somewhat feminine features like his empathy toward Naomi, his kindness and his warmth somehow clash into Effy's headstrong, poker face facade: and by George don't I like this mix. This blending of gender roles is also something I praise, be it intentional or not.
I also like the awkwardness Dominic puts between them; it kind of brought back the element of 'where do I stand?', which is, to me, a definite connotation of the dreaded 'teen age'.
But this was all amidst a serious issue that we should know is prevalent in our modern day society: fraud, discrepancies in not just our society but our workforces too, and other issues that we so often get shunned from because of our age. But yet, we're expected to be thrust into the "working world" in a matter of years, and act as if we're comfortable in it.
We're supposed to act professional. WHICH, is why I fall in love with Skins Fire the more I talk about it. It's about transition, it's about merging, and it's about cooperation between two environments and even two sides of a person that are supposed to work in harmonious synchronisation from the word 'go'.
We're also taught to recognise and avoid cancer, but so very few are brave enough to confront a whole nation of adolescents with the consequences and outcomes.
It's hard hitting reality, but it's definitely doses of something imperative. It's dramatic. It's exercised entertainment. And yes, you're perfectly entitled to ask yourself, 'what are the chances?' but in the grand scheme of things, what aren't the chances?
So thank you, Jamie Brittain and Brian Elsley, for treating your audience as adults, and for allowing the demographic SKINS is aimed at to grow with the characters.

Skins Fire Part I - (Warning: Spoilers)

As 10 o'clock grew nearer and nearer, I fluctuated between a state of panic and anticipation as I was still at work. The clock hand clawed its way past half 9, which was to my relief, the time my Mum dismissed me (I am employed by my parents…)
I felt sick and dizzy from the cold that invaded my head and nose and throat, but I knew that those symptoms would have to be second priority for an hour.
And so, as 10 o'clock struck and the advert played, I found that the anxiousness took over my body. And there she was, the ever brilliant Effy Stonem.
The atmosphere was different because she was different. I couldn't help but think how her surroundings largely contrasted the Bristolian estate that she emerged into on the first episode of Skins (EVER). The business-y set up, in my opinion, reflected not only her change in profession and age, but her change in the way she carried herself, with a bit more of a careful confidence than what she once had. I say careful confidence, because although somewhat majestic in her character, Kaya plays a subtle version of Effy that portrays layers and a continuous barrier that we've all grown to love. A lot more subtle than the mute barrier we were first introduced to.
Skins Fire sees Effy in a stock-market environment, juggling the balance between her role as an assistant and her urge for something more. Her teenage days seem long gone, with only Naomi as her flatmate to remind her of the world we once peaked into.
We see sparks of her teenage character in her attitude though, so don't you worry your little minds, Effy fans, she's still here.
…And her thirst for a good party is still here too. WHICH I LOVED. I loved the contrast between her day job and her night life. She at first seemed more toned down, more monotonous in her daily structure, and for a moment I thought the Effy we 'knew' had disappeared. The Effy that lead Panda to Cassie's house to pick up drugs, and the Effy that hit Katie Fitch in the head in a nighttime brawl. But her love for strobe lights are ever present, hidden ever so discretely in the wee hours of the morning.
More and more complications happen as the story unfolds, and the snippet of next week's episode built just the right amount of tension and suspense to liven the seemingly mundane 'business' life up - the beginnings of an illegal scandal. OH MY. (A Wellard from Tracy Beaker is on it. Small world.)
A lot of people complained that they didn't want to see her job, or that they don't care for the business world. A lot of people complained that it seemed like she'd forgotten about Freddie or anybody else that was in the 2nd Generation. But I'm glad that the writers didn't succumb to our want of old characters. It would feel too familiar. It would feel like there was no progression, wouldn't it?
I so desperately wanted to hear a knock on the door and see Nicholas Hoult's gorgeous face on the other side, checking up on his baby sister, but that didn't happen. Good, I say. It's not their story. It's not "Skins - 2nd Generation catch up". It's Skins Fire. It's the burn from the pressure of the real world, and it's the flame that keeps you going.
I really enjoyed part one, and I'm so so excited for part two - NOAMILY. The sub-plot of Noamily might, in my opinion, override Effy's. But I also think the mash of the two should develop a decent mini storyline that everybody will be sad to see an end to.
I'm heartbroken already, and we've only just dipped our toes in.
Bring on Skins Fire Part II.
(You can catch Skins Fire Part II on Monday, 8th July at 10pm.)

Special Sunday Skincare!

Every Sunday, I have a special 'pampering' routine that I use to treat my skin, instead of the mundane skincare I use from day to day.

I thought I'd share what products I use, and I hope it gives you the encouragement to give your skin a little something extra once in a while :)

 Firstly, I use No7's 'Beautiful Skin, Purifying Exfoliator'. (£8, Boots)

 If you have normal to oily skin, I'd recommend using this cleanser, perhaps even on a three-times-a-week basis, despite the packaging saying once or twice a week. It also makes a great partner to No7 'Beautiful Skin Cleansing Brush' (£24.95, Boots)!

I like this product because you can feel the difference - the gel like consistency applies easily to your skin, whilst the embedded beads penetrate your pores to ensure a good scrub! It always provides a good start to my routine, and makes sure that my skin is ready for the other products.

The packaging is also travel-sized, which is perfect for bringing on trips! It still fits a hefty 75ml though, and is still lasting me after several weeks!

Moving on...

I recently purchased Soap & Glory's 'Scrub Your Nose In It'. (£7.50, Boots - I bought this along with 2 other S&G products as part of Boots' 3for2 offer/S&G website)

Soap & Glory receive an incredible hype when it comes to their skincare, but I've often found myself hesitant to fall into the crowd. However, I decided to buy this product for myself (the other 2 products were for a friend's present) and so far, I'm pleased with the results.

'Scrub Your Nose In It' is a toothpaste-like consistency, and doubles up as both a mask and scrub, which is a factor that definitely appealed to me.

The packaging boasts a 'Special Fruit-Acid Formula', which is sadly not so prominent in its smell - a rather subtle peppermint, with a teeny hint of lemon.

It's early days yet, but so far I am enjoying this product, and it does leave my skin that little bit cleaner.

After the first two cleanses, I use The Body Shop's 'Honey & Oat 3-In-1 Scrub Mask'. (£10, The Body Shop)

This, my friends, is DIVINE.

I use this as a special special treat, as it is quite time consuming and very messy!

I apply a generous layer to my clean, dry face and neck, and leave it for about 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, I usually wash my make-up brushes and clean my teeth! How productive!

After the allotted time, I wash my face thoroughly, making sure not to get any in my hair (although this NEVER works out!)

I've had this product for well over a year now, and the 100ml is lasting me brilliantly! I have just under half of it left, which is surprising as when I do use it, I make sure to USE it... the picture is not representative of how much I use: it's easily 4 times more than that.

As well as making my skin feel smooth and fresh, the scrub surrounds me in a heavenly porridge-like scent! It's gorgeous, and not a bad smell for Sunday night. The smell, for those of you worried you'll have a porridge face, does not linger on your skin after you wash it off, which is definitely a plus for me.

To finish the routine off, I use Soap & Glory's 'Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser'. (£10, Boots/S&G website)

This is a perfect end to my skincare, as it leaves my skin well polished and fresh!

My pores are cleansed by this cream-like product, by a 60 second massage followed by a 60 second leave. This 2 minute spectacle is well worth it, as when I finally wash off the product (with the wash cloth/flannel/face towel provided!) I can feel a definite freshness and smoothness to my skin, and a reduction in pores and oiliness, especially around my t-zone area.

After that, I moisturise using Nivea and I call it a day!

I think that all skin is deserving of that special treat every once in a while, as a continuous day-routine may make your skin susceptible to the products that are used. Changing and switching it up a bit every now and then really make your skin feel luxurious, and it's always fun to play around a little with some new products

Remember, water is your skin's best friend, whether you're drinking it or splashing it on your face! Keep hydrated, especially through these upcoming summer months.

I hope you enjoyed this post.

L.

(Disclaimer: I am no way affiliated with the brands that I have mentioned: these views are entirely my own. I am also not sponsored, nor sent any of the products shown above.)

The Great Gatsby Review

Hi,

Today I finally watched the latest adaptation of The Great Gatsby, directed by Baz Luhrmann.
I watched it in 3D, and it was spectacular! The movie didn't rely on the 3D effects to carry it - it all fell upon the tragically beautiful novel that F. Scott Fitzgerald concocted so many moons ago.  ...The sprinkles of water, the green light beams and the screen protruding typewriter letters that flew your way were simply bonuses that added an extra 'oomph' to the movie. (Don't get me wrong - the visual effects were utterly discerning!)

What intrigued me first and foremost was the mixture of the periodic authenticity and the inclusion of elements of today, most noticeably in the soundtrack, including the likes of Kanye West, Emeli Sandé, and Jay Z to add to Jay G's story... highly influenced by one of the executive producers, none other than Shawn 'Jay Z' Carter, no doubt. And it worked. It most definitely worked. I couldn't help but think that an older generation would feel slightly betrayed by the use of mainstream music to counteract the 'Jazz Age', but it didn't counteract at all: if anything, it complemented.

The casting of the movie was nothing short of impeccable in my opinion.
True to the book, opening the story was our trusty, "judgement free" Nick Carraway, portrayed so eloquently by Tobey Maguire.

Without wanting to reveal too much, the interpretation of the "audience" that Nick addresses is clever. It's believable. It's fulfilling. It's another level to the story that Fitzgerald didn't ever specify, but I'm assuming the screen writers sculpted to perfection to execute.
Maguire portrays all the elements of Nick so well - he grasps his anger, his judgement and his content so deeply just by movement of his eyebrows or a simple intonation of his voice.

Leonardo DiCaprio deserves an Oscar already! He takes on the role of Gatsby with such believable confidence that the image I first had of Gatsby when I read the book might forever be replaced with Leo's face.

The first meeting between the two characters is electrifying - 'I'm afraid I haven't been a very good host, old sport. You see, I'm Gatsby'. Cue the fireworks... Quite literally. The extravaganza that is Gatsby is captured in a single screen, with bursts of colour in the backdrop and nothing but Leo's chiseled face. Goosebumps.

Carey Mulligan's acting was full of money (a quote that was missed out), creating a newly sculpted version that could probably give Mia Farrow a run for HER money. Joel Edgerton was the perfect brute for Daisy as Tom, Elizabeth Debicki created the most mysterious and intriguing Jordan, and Isla Fisher was a heart wrenching, pity-pulling Myrtle that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The downside for me, was the lack of reference to the Nick/Jordan relationship: a couple, I felt, paralleled Daisy and Tom in the fact that both were very much real and not careless... 'Angry, and half in love with her, and tremendously sorry, I turned away.'

I also wanted so much for the characters to say more quotes -

'So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.'
'It takes two to make an accident,'
'If personality is an unbroken series of successful gestures, then there was something gorgeous about him.'

But, to conclude, just like Gatsby, the movie was clinquant.

L.