New Year

Just wanted to say happy new year and thank you for reading my blog. I've got a lot of blog of posts up my sleeve so watch this space over the next couple of weeks.


Hope you have a great night.

Christmas past, presents and future.

I always seem to do well at Christmas, I get quite spoilt but I appreciate what I receive and love it.




It all started when I was younger. Me, my mum and sisters used to stay at my Gran’s, along with my aunty and cousin. I think my mum felt as if she had to compete with my aunty who always bought my cousin loads, more often than not far too much for a young child to take in, so I think my mum felt as if she had to get me and my sisters loads as well. Obviously as the years have gone on we do get less presents than we used to, we stay at home now so there is no competition, also we are older and wiser, but we still get a lot more than most people. This year was no different, I got loads of cds, books and dvds.


If you had read this blog at all in December you will know that I love Christmas. Not because I get loads of presents, I love the whole day, I love giving presents, seeing people's faces when they receive that thing they have wanted since their birthday or a surprise gift that they go 'Oh my God! How did you know?'


I have spent six Christmases with my boyfriend and every year the presents he gets me are fantastic. In the past I have received a Swarovski necklace, Christian Louboutin shoes, a Thomas Sabo charm bracelet and a Marilyn Monroe framed poster.


This year I think he has surpassed all these with a gift which is well thought out and amazing. At first I was a little shocked, I may have seemed ungrateful, but when you really don't know what a present is and you open it and go..... 'eh?' it takes a little while for it to sink in but then it hits you: ‘this is a well thought out amazing present that pulls at the heart strings and is just amazing.’ So my main present this year from my fantastic boyfriend was a Imperial typewriter. It is one of those gifts that I will cherish forever.


I love the thought behind it; I am a trainee journalist, I love vintage especially the 40s and 50s. I am also a very inquisitive and love the story behind things; if I watch Antiques Road show I love the story behind the items.


So now I am looking for the story behind my typewriter. It says on it by appointment of the late King George V, which I googled and he died in 1936, so I know when abouts it is. I am going to see if it has a serial number on it, to trace its history. Now my search continues to see if this has come from a news room, something to do with the war or an office desk. How exciting even if there isn't a story I still love it.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

It's Christmas Movie Time

I love Christmas and I love movies so when the festive season comes around the corner, I can get the old favourites out of the cupboard and watch them repeatedly, as everyone knows a good Christmas film never gets old.


I hate to admit this being a movie fan but the other night was the first time I had watched It's a Wonderful Life, the Christmas classic that I have always wanted to watch but never got round to doing so. If you have not seen this film you have to, it is by far one of the best films I have seen, it has a feel good factor with the right amount of drama, comedy and romance to make it a perfect film, let alone a Christmas one.

It is true that a Christmas film never gets old, It's a Wonderful Life came out in 1946 and it is still as fresh and relevant now as it was then. Another great Christmas film is Elf, Will Ferrell and James Caan in a Christmas comedy, yes please!!! The way Buddy the Elf feels about Christmas is the same way I do!

Then of course you have both Home Alone 1 and 2, which can be watched throughout the year but the morals and message are clearly more relevant at Christmas. You also have your other classics such as a White Christmas with the legend that is Bing Crosby singing White Christmas, it’s enough to make you want to get a Santa style outfit and make snow angels!

There are newer Christmas films that I do love, Jingle All the Way is fantastic and so is Christmas with the Kranks. Another favourite is The Santa Clause with Tim Allen, BRILLIANT!! Disney + Christmas= a fantastic Christmas movie.

This blog post is very different from my other ones but its Christmas and if you can't do it now when can you!

Happy Christmas everyone!

The Bees, The Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth, 16th December 2010

For the last gig of the year you can't get any better than The Bees.

From the Isle of Wight, I hope this band will be big in 2011.

This is the third time this year I have seen the band, first at Summer Madness on the Isle of Wight, where the line up included Brand New Heavies, The Coral and Paul Weller. Then the second time the band was supporting Mr Weller again. This band can hold their own on stage and do not seem fazed by the bigger names playing after them. They can command a stage and get the audience singing and dancing.

I do love this band. They seem to play musical chairs, in which it seems every member can play every instrument; Tim Parkin who plays the trumpet, can play guitar or bass. The lead singer Paul Butler plays sax, drums and sings, it is refreshing to see a band that love what they do and are fantastic on stage. Other band members include Aaron Fletcher, Rom Gardner, Warren Hampshire, Kris Birkin and Michael Clevett.

The surprising thing is you have probably heard The Bees songs. They have four albums in total and their songs have been used in adverts, such as Magners and Citroën. The fantastic Chicken Payback (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq7ASMbOpmo) has been used in a Sure deodorant for men advert. And Wash in the Rain was used in a Sainsburys advert.

I would say there songs are a mix of The Coral and The Beatles with their own edge.

The latest single I Really Need Love (http://www.youtube.com/user/thebeesmusic), is an upbeat, happy tune and makes you feel warm inside. My favourite song is Who Cares What the Question Is? sung by Aaron Fletcher it is reminiscent of a Beatles track, I defy anyone not to dance when it comes on.

When you look back over the bands history it is very surprising that not more people know about them, but everyone should this band are fantastic and are amazing live!

Check them out if you can, hopefully even bigger things will come for this band next year.

I am a Football Widow

Most girls like to think they are their boyfriends one and only love, however, this maybe the case at the beginning of the relationship, but after a certain point another love will raise its head, and you will find yourself sitting there on some afternoons or nights right next to him with his attention elsewhere, thinking of someone else. Or in my case 11 men, running around a field kicking a ball or as most people know it football.

Don't get me wrong I know my boyfriend loves me very much and would do anything for me, I also know that I have strong competition from Manchester United, who has been in a relationship with him since birth.

I do enjoy football and I know a lot about it. My dad used to work at Portsmouth Football club, where I used to go to games. I love watching live football the adrenalin, the atmosphere, it is immense. I enjoy watching my boyfriend play football, although I do get a little tense especially if there are any dodgy tackles, I have to stop myself running on the pitch and hitting the offending player.

But alas I am a football widow. If United are playing I have to sit on the side-lines, watching my boyfriend getting more and more agitated and annoyed if Nani or Anderson are mucking up passes (by being too slow or not passing at all). I see his body tense up when the opposition gets too close to the goal or Fletcher seems to think if he kicks it really hard he might break a habit of a lifetime and score a Rooney-esque wonder goal. And then I see him jump around with his dad like an idiot when they score, when two seconds before, for example, they were demanding Giggs should be subbed as he is crap and does nothing for the team, for him to score and be the best player in the world.

I do understand that he has to watch every United game. However, I do tend to lose it when he also has to watch every Liverpool or Chelsea game, just to see how they get on, you don't have to watch the whole 90 minutes though do you?? THAT IS WHAT MATCH OF THE DAY IS FOR!!

I love the theatre of football and find it very funny. All those men paid hundreds of thousands of pounds a week and yet one person breathes a little too heavy near them and they drop like they have been shot. Grabbing their leg, no their chest, sorry groin... because the pain must be so severe that it shoots all over their body, but then a free kick is awarded and it's a miracle they are not only up but can now can take said free kick.

It's not just football that leaves girls boyfriend-less but practically any sport, I have friends who are rugby, hockey or even running widows.

I can't complain too much as he isn't too bad and could be a lot worse. Also some of the footballers aren't bad to look at which helps a lot. However, when we have to re-arrange a lot of things because of the football that will probably be when I throw my toys out my pram Tevez style.

Reality Bites

Our television screens are cluttered with reality shows. Be it the obvious such as the X-Factor, Strictly Come Dancing or The Apprentice, to the more obscure, Channel 4's Seven Days or The Family.

The face of television is ever changing and even soaps are getting in on the act. You could argue that screening a live episode, ala Coronation Street's 50th Anniversary episode tonight, is tapping into the reality style format of everything happening as you watch and unfolding on screen, with endless possibilities of what could happen.

Reality shows, love them or hate them, are everywhere and every other show seems to be one. 

There was a time when these shows were innovative and interesting, when Big Brother started in 2000 it signaled a change in television formats and was seen as more of a social experiment rather than a form of entertainment. However, as it had its 11th and final series this year,  it makes me wonder if this marks the end of reality shows as we know them? The idea of watching people's lives on a weekly basis and then voting for who we like or don't like to go home, could this be taken over by more docu-soap shows such as Seven Days? 

I know shows like the X-Factor are still proving popular and hitting the million plus mark for viewers, however, the backlash to contestants this year is probably the harshest it's ever been. When before have we seen so many column inches of poison aimed at contestants like there has been over Wagner, Katie Wassiel and Cher Lloyd. Even Jedward didn't get as much hatred as these people and to be fair they were far more annoying.

I think in many ways the hatred aimed at them, is that these contestants are given the chance of a lifetime (for fame or a job in the case of the Apprentice) and most of the public do not find them worthy of being able to receive that privilege. Who hasn't thought that Stuart Baggs should not still be in The Apprentice, when he comes across as arrogant, and immature. If you interviewed him for a job would you give it to him?
I think in the current climate of people losing their jobs left, right and centre, most people probably think they can do a better job than him with no business experience. Last night when he was touting outside the ticket office and trying to get customers from Joanna and Chris, his behavior was shameful!


In addition, with the X-Factor the audience does not decide who gets to the live finals, but we have a say in who stays each week, and sometimes it’s the best of a bad bunch, would we have chosen Wagner as our wild card over one of the other contestants in Louis' group?


I must admit I do watch reality shows, but feel the format is tired and boring. We need something else to entertain us, more dramas about either real people or fictional worlds, comedies or documentaries about interesting things. Please for the sanity (and phone bills) of the people of Britain can someone come up with something new and innovative that we can all enjoy.

The wheels on the bus....

Now I know that moaning about buses is not a new thing, but as someone who very rarely gets a bus I was really annoyed with the service.


Due to the frost and snow I decided to get the bus to college. Getting there was fine. It was a big, new bus that could fit a lot of people in, my only gripe was the fact that people wouldn't make room for others getting on and those who got off just barged through, almost as if the people in front of them were not there. Inconsiderate and rude people are just so frustrating!


Now getting home, the bus going from the town centre to near where I live comes just three times an hour, THREE TIMES!! When  I was younger and getting the bus to town it came every ten minutes, so this got my back up immediately as it meant I had to wait twenty minutes with a large queue forming. When the bus eventually came it was like something from the fifties and had hardly any seats, and the British queuing system went to pot with annoyed people pushing old ladies out of the way to get a seat. Common courtesy seems to have gone out of the window, to be honest I know that public transport is better for the environment but it was awful!


Given the choice I would chose my car over annoyed, frustrated people with no manners any day!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

As with my first ever post I'm having another snow day.




The snow is one of those things that you really want to happen but when it does you regret wanting it so much. It may look pretty but it causes loads of headaches.


Again, as with the beginning of the year the people and country can't cope. Public transport comes to a halt and everyone is surprised, it does annoy me a little though people moaning about the country going to pot. But then, ok, this is the second time this has happened but the country is not used to this weather. Unlike American and Russia, where this happens every winter, and I know the weather people were on the money with their forecasts, however, on the MET office website yesterday, we were be prepared not take action so I'm sorry if I don't always believe the weather.


I've just seen on the news that the army are helping the police in Portsmouth today, helping them get about. That is the nice thing about the snow; it brings out the community feel in people. Everyone is more willing to talk to neighbours to make sure they are ok, or if people are stuck on motorways in their cars everyone is more socialable.


As I look out the window the snow is still falling I must admit I am still in the happy mood, it is the 2nd December and it just makes me feel Christmassy!! Ask me again in a couple of days though when the cupboards are bare and I'm fed up of not being able to go anywhere.




The big question now is when do I go out, I'll probably take the dog out for a walk, well drag her as she refuses to walk.


Stay safe people and enjoy the snow!

Tripping the Christmas light fantastic!

I wrote this for a magazine but they couldn't fit it in so I thought I would post it here, I'll probably do another Christmas post as I love it! Here is my Christmas lights piece.....

There are many things that get people in the festive spirit: the change in menu and cups in coffee shops, the Christmas coke coca advert and, of course, people putting up decorations and Christmas lights.


From mid November shopping centres and high streets start to put up their Christmas decorations and lights, the more over the top the better. Christmas is the only time of the year when you can be over the top and tacky, everyone appreciates the effort, people will pull over their cars and stop and stare at the wonder.

Many houses in the region go all out, and in most cases in the name of charity. Christmas is a great excuse for men to get up the ladder and devise a plan on how to do it. It is usually the males of the house who take it as their duty to have the most amazing lights. Some people may even say they are ‘doing it for the kids’ even if themselves don’t have children, it pulls at the heartstrings but you can be sure it is just an excuse for them to go over the top and show the neighbourhood what they can do with loads of electricity.

For those on the hunt for fantastic lights one place to visit is Clanfield, off the motorway on the way to Petersfield, along East Meon Road where two of the houses go over the top in the name of charity. From Santa climbing a ladder to the roof to elves playing on a seesaw, it is a feast for the eyes, and also has loads of people outside looking at all the different lights. If you are lucky you may even stumble across a little cul-de-sac or road, where all the residents have got together, joined all the extension cords they have to create a winter wonderland of lights. Christmas lights cannot help but spread the Christmas cheer.

There is something comforting in the glow of people’s Christmas lights when you are walking home on a rainy, cold and dark winter night. Everyone knows it doesn’t help climate change but they do make a lot of people very happy and we only do it for four or five weeks out of the year, it’s not like they are on 24/7.

If you want to get on the Christmas lights bandwagon but are a novice then a visit to Keydell Nurseries, Havant Road, Horndean, Waterlooville is the place to go. The Christmas store is open now and offers a range of Christmas decorations including an array of lights. The lights they stock include loads of different fairy lights, reindeers, presents and Santas, ranging in prices for every pocket. This year at Keydells is the opportunity for kids to have tea with Santa on the 15th, 16th, 17, 20th and 21st December, children get to enjoy a sit down meal with Santa and choose a present from his special Christmas basket, it is £9.00 per child, for more information visit www.keydellnurseries.co.uk.

Stores such as B&Q and Homebase also stock a range of lights from silhouettes such as ‘Christmas’ and ‘Ho Ho Ho’ to reindeers and Christmas trees. These lights are not cheap though so be warned, prices range from £12.99 to £49.99. When it comes to the price just think of the look of people’s faces when they see all the lights surely it makes it all worth it, also Christmas is every year so you will get the use out of them.

Christmas is the time of year when most people feel a little bit happier. Be it the thought of giving or receiving presents, being able to eat a lot of food and chocolate guilt free or just having paid time off work, it is the perfect opportunity to over indulge in every way including lights and decorations so get in the mood and ignore the electricity bill when it drops on your doormat in January.

One of my boyfriend's lights, he is one of those men who feel they "have" to put lights up...

My recent so called life...

So, since the last September post, other than starting my course, not a lot has been happening really. I have been to a couple of gigs; I saw We Are Scientists, McFly (I went with my sister who is a big fan...), and I will be seeing Paul Weller tonight. Gigs next year so far are Beady Eye, Glee, Kylie, Katy Perry and Take That. Very excited for all of them, next year should be good for gigs.


I’ve seen some good films, The Runaways, which was fantastic. I really admire what Joan Jett and Cherie Currie achieved. I was a little freaked out that they were only 15 or 16 but what they did in the music world, being the first girl punk band, it was a man's world and they burst through it was really interesting. Saw Toy Story 3 as well, which was pretty immense, not as good as the other but still good.

I am still trying to get through my Jackie Kennedy biography; I’m not finding it difficult to read, it is just trying to find time to read that is the problem. It is a really interesting book though, te way her dad was a serial womanizer and put her mum through hell, and yet Jackie knew about J.F. Kennedy’s indiscretions and just let him get away with it. I am only up until to when John is voted in as President and he has already cheated on her loads. It’s funny what some women will put up with for love.

I have a lot of fiction books to read, most of which I have borrowed from friends. Then I need to read the biography on Queen Victoria, which I have had for ages, ever since I saw the Young Victoria and thought she was really influential and interesting.


As Christmas approaches I have noticed an array of Marilyn Monroe books hitting the shelves and they have all gone on my list. People have said that I already have too many, but can I help if new books come out with new things in them!

New article: http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?referral=other&refresh=Cg419Q0ai6N0&PBID=898dcbba-75b6-419a-989f-aa69bed7582e&skip=

I also will have my Weller gig review in the paper tomorrow.

That's all I think, I am going to try and post more often.

So in the words of one of my favourite films "thanks for stopping by."*





*Anchorman in case you were wondering.

The life and times of a trainee journalist

I started the course about a month and a half ago and it seems the longest month and a half of my life.

After being out of education for three years, going back to college was always going to be hard, but going into an intensive journalism course was surely me with my hand over the self destruct button. However, with my aspirations of becoming a journalist in the forefront of my mind there was no other alternative.

The course itself is amazing, I am learning so much so quickly. Before I was snowed under with page budgets, corrections and author emails, now my life is filled with shorthand, articles, news stories, patch work and PA assignments.

I’m not moaning, even though it must come across that way, I really do love the course, especially when I think that in less than six months I will be a qualified journalist. It will be a good feeling to be able to introduce myself as a journalist, and then to quickly have to defend the profession I am going in to, saying I don’t want to write about sleaze or trip people up just to get a good story.

The title of the post is the life and times of a trainee journalist. To be honest the life aspect would be that my life on the whole has come to a standstill. They do warn you in the interview, but you think that they just do it to give you the worst case scenario, they aren’t it is the truth! Every waking moment (and some of my dreams) is filled with the various elements of the course, I’m starting to have dreams filled with shorthand, and this is no way good for my sanity.

I am in week eight and so far I have transformed in two ways. Firstly, I used to be a very together, organised person. However, with the course practically taking over my life and head, I am starting to slip, so much so that the other week I actually got on the wrong train to London, much to the confusion of my friend. I have bought a little whiteboard though to keep track of all my homework and help arrange my life.

Secondly, the course has given me a new found confidence. I have always been pretty confident. I have never minded talking to people, working in Superdrug from when I was 16 to 21 I had to talk to people and I loved that aspect of the job. The only hurdle I had was caring what people thought of me. I read a piece by Lorraine Candy (editor in chief of Elle) and one of the main points she said to being a journalist is to be fearless, as if you care what people think of you, you can’t walk into a room and interview Brad Pitt or Dolce and Gabbana. This course so far has helped me step tentatively over this. Ok, sometimes I do have the panic but on the whole I feel very confident asking people about stuff and not thinking that I look like an idiot.

Overall, the course is amazing and helping me achieve my dream of becoming a successful journalist. Here’s to the future... if I get through the course with my sanity that is.

Sorry seems to be the hardest word..

Sorry for not posting anything, everything is just a bit hectic at the moment so when I can I will write some new stuff and post it.

The new Solent Life is out and I have a couple of pieces in there so check out the website http://www.solentlife.co.uk/

And Cellardoor is still out check out my Alexa piece and Swishing article... http://www.cellardoormagazine.co.uk/index.htm

Finally, next issue of etc and The Guide 2 should have some of my work in so watch this space for updates.

Film Reviews......

I feel recently I have been on a film overload, I'm not complaining, I love films they are one of my passions so for those who may be unsure I thought I would share some views on the films I have seen recently.

Starting with Inception the latest film from Memento, Batman Begins and The Dark Knight director Christopher Nolan. Although visually you can see the Batman-esqe Gothic sets, on the whole the film is more Memento in subject matter. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Dom Cobb a highly skilled thief who extracts people's most inner most secrets from their dreams. When he is asked by a businessman to put an idea in someone’s head rather than taking it out (or as they term it Inception), Cobb has to put together his team (made up of Ellen Page, Juno; Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 500 Days of Summer, and Tom Hardy, Bronson), for this seemingly impossible task. Especially as his wife (Marion Cotillard, La vie en Rose) seems to keep turning up and making things difficult.

It may sound a little confusing but the film is explained perfectly and has lots of twists and turns to leave you on the edge of your seat. The visual effects are breathtaking as they take you into the world of dreams, it may even make you question your own reality. If you only see one film at the cinema then make sure it is Inception.


All About Steve

I love Sandra Bullock and I don't mind Bradley Cooper but this film is not great. Sandra Bullock plays Mary Horowitz, a crossword compiler who is convinced that her blind date CCN cameraman Steve (Bradley Cooper) is the love of her life. So she follows him around the country in a bid to start the rest of their lives.

I wasn't sure what this film was trying to do, it isn't a rom-com and it’s not quite funny enough to be a goof ball comedy. Sandra Bullock performance is good but not enough to make this film another Bullock classic. I would suggest if you like Bullock or like looking at Bradley Cooper then maybe rent it, or if it’s ever on TV watch it but don't buy it, please don't buy it unless you have already seen it.


Coraline

Firstly I have to say that this is a kid’s film, voiced by Dakota Fanning as Coraline and Teri Hatcher as her mum. Coraline and her family move to a new house, one night she finds a door that opens to another world which seems to be a nicer, happier version of the world she left behind. However, after a couple of visits she starts to see a sinister side to her other mother, not helped by the fact that everyone has buttons for eyes.

I loved this film but must admit it is quite eerie and creepy in a Tim Burton style. The film is a stop-start animation, which is a refreshing change from all the computer generated films that have been released recently. Coraline is a really great kid’s film, perfect weekend chill out film.


The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

I saw this a while ago but I can't do a film review without mentioning it somewhere. So... this film is amazing! Eclipse is my favourite book and I had high expectations, especially as 30 Days of Night director David Slade was behind the camera, and I wasn’t disappointed. The film is a lot darker than the first two, but there are also the heart touching moments in the meadow between Edward and Bella. The chemistry between Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson is enough to set the screen on fire, if they aren't dating in real life they must be amazing actors.

I think the film had to have Rosalie's and Jasper's back stories as they were integral to the plot, and the way they were done was really good, however, I would have liked to have seen more of Rosalies, more of the life she wanted as I feel it was a little glossed over. I do have one criticism in relation to this film Kristen's wig, it is bad, her hair line is awful! Let's hope her hair grows for the filming of Breaking Dawn. As I said I am biased, if you love the Twilight saga you will love this film, if not you may be surprised. Only one way to find out.

Third time's a charm in the Race for Life

Alot of people already know about the Race for Life, it is the chance for women to walk, run or jog 5 or 10k, whilst raising money for Cancer Research UK.

Most of the women taking part have in some way been affected by cancer, myself included, my Nan had cancer including breast cancer so I do it in memory of her. It is just unbelieveable  how many people have been affected by cancer, it is also quite upsetting when you see young girls who have lost their mums, older ladies who have lost their daughters and people who have lost their nans, sisters or friends. However, there are also the women who have beaten the disease, showing it can be done. At the same time though there is a great friendly feeling amongst the women, we are all there for the same purpose to beat this horrible disease. The atmosphere is great as you walk round you hear a multitude of conversations, about a range of subjects from shopping to housework, moaning about boyfriends, husbands or sons, I'm sure some women also see it as an oppotunity for a good old natter, and who can blame them especially when the sun is shining.

As I have said in the title this is the third time I have done the race for life, as yet though I have not run it maybe one day...

Whoa we're going to Menorca!!

This time last week I was sitting on a terrace by a beach in gorgeous hot and (sometimes) humid Menorca.

We stayed at the hotel Xuroy in Cala Alcaufar (http://www.thomson.co.uk/destinations/europe/spain/menorca/cala-alcaufar/hotels/hotel-xuroy.html), there isn't much around the hotel but you don't need it, if you want a relaxing holiday where you can get some sun, sea, and sangria, or have the chance to catch up all the books you want to read, it is the ideal place! Cala Alcaufar is so peaceful and as the hotel only has 40 odd rooms, it isn't too busy and 'touristy'.

The staff are amazing, there are about 6 or 7 bar staff, all are really friendly and as the hotel is quite small they remember your room number, the drinks you ordered the night before and if you are lucky may even teach you a little Spainish (my boyfriend taught waiter Andres English as he attempted to teach him Spainish).  Happy hour is 6-7, ideal to stock up for the evening, not that its expensive but it never hurts.

The holiday was so relaxing and the surroundings were beautiful, crystal clear, warm sea; sandy, golden sand; a cool, blue pool; and the food was delish! Dinner was a buffet with one seafood, one vegetable and one meat dish; salad and some sides and it was lovely! Most nights it was really difficult not going up again, again and again.

Some people in the hotel have been there 9/13 times and you can see why, the atmosphere was really relaxed and friendly with other guests wishing you good morning or good evening. Another great thing that can't be guaranteed but made the holiday extra special was the World Cup and Spain winning, no one was more happy than one of the bar staff who was praying and nearly crying that they would win, pure holiday gold.

To sum up Menorca was fantastic and I can see why people go again and again. So if you can go go go!!!

New Publications

Back from my lovely holiday which I will post about later, but as this is new articles post it's fairly easy for my holiday brain :)

Cellardoor- Bag Envy and Swishing piece..
http://issuu.com/cellardoormagazine/docs/summerofloveissue

Solent Life - Eastern- Sunflowers, Breaks Away, Hampshire's Finest. Central- BBQ's
http://www.solentlife.co.uk/

The Guide 2 - Essential Gig guide:
http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=other&refresh=gG06T5j11kK8&PBID=898dcbba-75b6-419a-989f-aa69bed7582e&skip=

That's it for now, more when my head is less fuzzy and relaxed.

Another day...

So first things first new Guide 2 out....
http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=other&refresh=gG06T5j11kK8&PBID=898dcbba-75b6-419a-989f-aa69bed7582e&skip=
I have the essential gig guide in there.

New Solent Life is out soon, loads of good articles in the July issue, cupcakes, bbqs, growing sunflowers and breaks away.

Last column in The News today, so make sure you get yours.

So I am now at a bit of a loose end, as Wednesday was my last day at work very strange. I cried my eyes out as I have a lot of good friends there. The day was very good, pub garden, drink and sun, a great way to toast our time at work. However, I have found out I have been offered a place on a journalism course starting in October, so I will be a qualified journalist at the end! FINALLY!!! Means going back to school, which will be a little strange but all worth it in the end when I can say I am a fully fledged journalist.

Oh before I forget as well I am off to a Twilight marathon tonight all three films back to back, then the brand new Eclipse at 12, fantastic.

The R Word...

So tomorrow is my last day at work, the last ten months have flown by and I can't quite believe it will be my last day.


As you can probably gather from the title I was made redundant. It all started in August; I remember it like it was yesterday. Being told that my whole department was being off shored, in one word I was gutted, I felt as if my whole world had fallen apart around me. I loved my job, loved the people I worked with, the company and the place it was based, everything suited me perfectly, until they decided to off shore. It seems now that everyone knows someone who has been made redundant, a year or so ago my boyfriend was, you never really think it will happen to you, you think you are safe, however, that is not always the case.

Over the past ten months it has felt like an emotional rollercoaster; getting over the initial shock of the r-word, then getting back to normal. Then finding out when we were going, how much we were getting, then a sense of normality again with people leaving left, right and centre, then the whole handover process, then the end date. It all feels pretty surreal at the moment and I don't think it has quite sunk in that I am going yet; I am going to miss everyone loads; it’s going to be very strange. But I’m seeing it in the everything happens for a reason mantra, which I suppose is true as in October I am starting a journalism course, which means at the end I will be a qualified journalist. It's going to be tough but I cannot wait.

I suppose all that's left to say is: here's to the future! :)

The Clothes Show, Earls Court London, 27th June 2010

It was as if I had died and gone to fashion heaven. This was my first time at the Clothes Show and it was fantastic! When you enter a room and the first thing you see if a Paul's Boutique store you know you are in the right place.

We went straight to the fashion show. It was presented by Jeff Brazier and a guy named Melvyn, followed by a performance by a boy band named Wanted (ok, quite young), and then the show, which was a mix of dance performances and catwalk. This is the first show I have ever been to and I really hope it isn't the last, it was just amazing seeing the models strut their stuff in truly amazing clothes, there were so many items that I have on my lust list now.

Then the mix of goodie bags and shops. I picked up loads of cool goodie bags, mainly with magazines in and loads of freebies. The shops were great, they were the type of shops that you have probably seen in magazines and even visited the websites. I'm not sure if it was because it was the last day but everything was discounted! I picked up a gorgeous necklace and envelope with a swallow from 'And Mary' (http://www.andmary.com/), HALF PRICE!!

The atmosphere was amazing and everything about it was great, if you love fashion you will love it, and I will be going next year!

Stockholm Royal Wedding

This is not really an official 'me' post, but I love Stockholm and became slightly obsessed with the wedding of the Princess, so if anyone else if interested here are some links....
http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/lifestyle/lifestyle-galleries/28151/0/the_royal_wedding_of_crown_princess_victoria_of_sweden_and_daniel_westling_.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1287959/Swedens-fairytale-royal-wedding-Princess-Victoria-marries-Daniel-Westling.html

Holiday!

Everyone loves a holiday, luckily this year I am going away twice. A couple of weeks ago I went away with my boyfriend for a long weekend in Stockholm, one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited.

My boyfriend and his friends had the bright idea of doing the marathon there... again! Something I have no desire to do, but they are amazing to watch. The crowd really get behind the runners and I can’t explain the feeling of pride and excitement when you see the people you know running past you or crossing the finish line.

I have been to Stockholm twice and it is just amazing, the architecture, the people and the Swedish meatballs with lingon berry sauce are enough to make me want to go there again, however, there is one drawback it is so expensive. I think I heard someone say the tax is quite high, which is one of the reasons why it is so clean but as a tourist you can’t believe how much stuff is over there, and alcohol has a very high tax.

I would recommend that everyone visit Stockholm at some point and make sure you do the following:

• Fly to Stockholm Arlanda airport it is 20-35 minutes from the city centre, whereas the other airport is a hour and a half coach trip (on a good day)

• If you are not a veggie try the meatballs, with mash and lingon berries it is delicious! So much so I am no desperate to get some lingon berry jam, apparently you can get it from Ikea

• Visit the old town, lovely restaurants and modestly priced

• For beer drinkers they don’t serve pints the most they serve is 44cl, and if you ask for a small beer be careful my boyfriend asked for one and it was tiny, less than half a pint

• In June take your sun cream as it gets hot!

• If you can afford it stay at the Story Hotel (www.storyhotels.com), a gorgeous boutique hotel with a shabby chic feel to it

• Get the tube, if you are under 20 than you get it cheaper.

Not a definitive travel guide but some things I have picked up on and if it helps one person than I’m happy.

My second holiday is to Menorca, and is at the beginning of July. I cannot wait; our hotel is on the beach and away from the touristy hustle and bustle, pure bliss!

Film Column

All good things must come to an end and I thought I would post on here that my last film column will be in the paper on the 2nd July. I enjoyed writing about films and will try and write reviews for films I have seen on here, just in case people start getting withdrawal symptoms! :)

I just don't know what to do with myself...

Why is it when you were younger everything seemed so simple. Decisions were either straight forward or taken out of your hands. The most challenging decisions you had to make were what to have for your lunch, who your best friend was or what GCSEs to take.

At the moment I find myself at a cross roads. Last August I, along with my whole department, was told that our jobs were being off-shored and we were being made redundant. Now ten months later and D-day approaches, I have to decide/ figure out what I’m going to do next.

Throughout my life I have always pretty much known what my next step was going to be. When I was 13 I decided I wanted to be a writer/ journalist, so what GCSEs, A-Levels and Degree I needed to do followed suit (Media and Film Studies). I didn’t leave my first part time job until I had a full time one ready to start, and when I went for an interview at my current employer I knew I was going to work for them, just something in me knew that this was the company I was going to work for.

Now I have no clue what my next step will be. Do I stay with my current company? Or try and get paid for my writing? Security or the unknown? Do I follow my head or my heart? That’s the dilemma! I would love to be a professional writer but I know it won’t be easy, but then I think if not now when? I don’t have any real financial ties – I don’t own a house or have a mortgage, I don’t have any kids or anything, so isn’t now the ideal time to throw caution into the wind and do what I want? Or does the green eyed beast (money) raise its head, making my stomach lurch at the thought of having no money, but then would it pay off in the long run if I can get my big break?!

It makes me feel very frustrated, I’m usually very decisive if I want something I do it, but now I’m torn! The only thing I do know for certain is that interesting times are ahead!

Published Work

The new Solent Life it out now....
http://www.solentlife.co.uk/

In the central edition there is a piece on weekend breaks to give you some ideas, and in the eastern edition is a piece on a walk you can down around Old Portsmouth. Perfect for these sunny weekends.

In The Guide 2 is my hot 10 flavoured beer piece, if you fancy something a bit different.
http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=other&refresh=gG06T5j11kK8&PBID=898dcbba-75b6-419a-989f-aa69bed7582e&skip=

The column in the paper isn't by me this week, I was away in Stockholm and didn't have the chance to write it, but next week it will be business as usual. I'll try and get a post about Stockholm over the next couple of days so watch this space!!

Film Reviews......

The Hurt Locker (15)


The Hurt Locker is a powerful look at the United States Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by Mark Boal, a freelance journalist who spent time with a US bomb squad in Iraq in 2004. It won two Oscars this year, setting two firsts, it is the lowest-grossing film to win Best Picture and Bigelow is the first female to win Best Director.

Tension filled and poignant this film shows one units tour of duty and the threats they have to encounter everyday, from defusing bombs to insurgency. At times it feels as if you are watching a documentary as everything in the film is so organic, it was filmed in Jordan as close to the Iraqi border as they could get, and the actors are relatively unknown bringing a new dimension to their powerful performances. All three of the soldiers show a different side to the soldier persona, Sergeant First William James (Jeremy Renner) loves what he does and cannot see himself anywhere else, Sergeant J. T. Sanborn (Anthony Mackie) insists on doing everything by the book and Specialist Owen Eldridge (Brian Geraghty) is the youngest and suffers mental anguish, always in fear that he might be next to die. A fantastic insight in to a world many of us will never see.

 
Waltz with Bashir (18)


Written and directed by Ari Folman, Waltz with Bashir is an Israeli animated documentary film. The story depicts Folman’s search for his lost memories from the 1982 Lebanon War, providing a fasinating look at one mans view of the war and the Sabra and Shatila massacre. The animation format makes the film more engaging, than the usual question and answer documentary style, this style also lets the director show more than if it was a live action film. In 2008 it won the Golden Globe for best Foreign Lanuage Film, the first animation to do so. Like most Israeli films, it was banned in most Arab countries and received harsh criticsim in Lebanon, as it depicts a vague and violent time in Lebanon’s history. A thought provoking film about a war we don’t know much about.


Sex & Drugs &Rock & Roll (15)


Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll is a biopic follows Ian Dury’s rise to fame and documents his battle with polio. The film shows how his debilitating disease, contracted during his child hood, affected his relationships and his rock and roll lifestyle. Starring Andy Serkis as Ian Dury, Serkis was nominated for a BAFTA for his portrayal of Dury. He prepared for the role over several years, nearly crippling himself by wearing the type of leg calliper Dury was forced to wear. Dury was seen as the founder of the punk-rock scene in Britian in the 1970s, entitled after one of Ian Dury and the Blockheads songs Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll is set to become one of the defining examples of rock bio-pics.


Exit through the Gift Shop (15)


Born out of an obsession with street art, Thierry Guetta; a French immigrant living in Los Angeles, tries to uncover the infamous British street artist Banksy. Well known for being unknown, Banksy fiercely guards his anonymity to avoid prosecution. The film looks at street art in LA and the artists behind it. Half way through the film changes focus, with Banksy becoming film-maker, and Guetta becoming a street artist. Banksy is featured on camera, however you never see his face and his voice is distorted, further adding to the mystery of who he really is. The film premiered at the Sundance Film festival, and media speculation is that the film is a ‘prankumentary’ (think Borat) rather than a documentary.


Nowhere boy (15)


Written by Matthew Greenhalgh (who wrote Ian Curtis biopic Control) and based on Jili Baird’s Imagine This: Growing up with my brother John Lennon, this bio-pic covers five years of Lennon’s (Aaron Johnson) teenage years and the start of his journey to become a successful musician. Starring alongside Johnson is Kristin Scott-Thomas and Anne-Marie Duff, who play the warring women in his life, the prim aunt who he lives with and his free spirited mother who gave him up. Yearning for a normal family, Lennon finds solitude in art and rock music, which leads to him forming his band The Quarrymen with kindred spirit; Paul McCartney.

Sex and the City

Sex and the City, women love it, and most men just put up with it for an easy life. The second movie is out on Friday and I cannot contain my excitement, so much so when I saw the trailer in the cinema I let out a squeal.

I remember watching the series with my Mum, which is a little strange when I think the first series came out in 1998 and I was 12. I own the box sets now and the last three series are by far my favourite, which I put down to two things, one: I was about 15/16 when it was first aired and two: a lot less sex! I'm not a prude but at times some of it was a little cringey.

I am a massive die hard Sex and the City fan, and I do wonder if the fact that I want to be a writer is due to some deep down desire to be Carrie Bradshaw, she gets paid to write, gets to write for Vogue and has a closet to die for, her shoes alone are enough. I must quickly point out here that I love writing and I'm not that shallow........ :)

There is also the fifth character, New York City, a city that when you visit it you fall in love with it. It is glamorous and like walking on a movie set.

I also love that all four of the women are successful in what they do and to a large degree independent. They show that women can be who they want and (in the case of Samantha) have who they want. You seem to forget also that the series dealt with serious issues; Samantha got breast cancer, Charlotte was told she couldn't have children, we saw deaths, marriages and births. At its core it has four women who are great friends and always there for each other, something I think every girl needs.

The first Sex and the City film surpassed all my expectations, it showed Carrie and Big getting married, my Mum hated that she loves Aidan and is very excited about the fact that he is in the new film. And Charlotte had a baby, I nearly cried. It's sad but you feel as if you have gone through a journey with these girls, you've seen their highs and lows, relationship make ups and break ups. You feel they are a part of your life as you may have turned to certain episodes to help you through your relationship problems.

I read the book by Candace Bushell and to be honest it was ok, if you enjoyed the pilot episode you will probably like it, but if you like the format of the subsequent episodes give it a miss. I didn't really get a feel for the characters and there are a lot more than the central four that feature. I would suggest reading it but don't expect the series.

So Friday I am going to see SATC 2 and I cannot wait, I'm then going to see it again with my Mum for old times’ sake and I know if she misses out on seeing Aidan on the big screen she will kill me! Let’s get the killer heels and cosmopolitans out and raise a toast to the girls!!

June The Guide 2 Out Now!!

New Guide 2 issue out....
http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=other&refresh=gG06T5j11kK8&PBID=898dcbba-75b6-419a-989f-aa69bed7582e&skip=

Check out my Hot 10 Flavoured beer article, for something a bit different.

New Solent Life out this week more information when I get it, and of course my column on Friday.

These Shoes were made for Walking............?

If you have read my blog before you probably already know that I love shoes. I even have a shoe calendar that shows a different pair of shoes every day. I just love them, flat, sandals, platforms, heels all shoes, as long as they are pretty.

I am a very lucky girl as I have a pair of beautiful black, patent, Christian Louboutin's bought for me as a Christmas present from my amazing boyfriend. The heel is about 5 inches and they are pointy toed, their name is Pigalle, this is what they are called I didn't name them that:

(http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/48417).

I love them they are my pride and joy, however with most loves there is one snag the title for this post may be these shoes were made for walking, but my Louboutin's I fear are not. Not for long distances anyway, as beautiful as they are, they are very high and cripple my feet. I know celebs are seen wearing them out and about, however, how far do they actually walk? From front door to awaiting car, a waiting car down red carpet, then sit down. Whereas, on the other hand the last time I wore them out for my birthday, I went to the Ritz for Afternoon tea, so I walked from our hotel to the Ritz, then from there to Her Majesty's Theatre to see Phantom (I know I sound spoilt but it was a Christmas and birthday treat, planned to take place on the same day) by which point I was close to tears, but luckily I had a pair of flats on me before my ankles caved in. They still look beautiful and make my legs look slimmer and longer. Sitting down I look elegant, walking I look like Bambi on ice.

I think I can pinpoint the beginning of my fascination with shoes, I am a massive fan of The Wizard of Oz, I watched it a lot when I was a child and still love it to this day. I marvelled at Dorothy's ruby slippers, they were everything I loved (and still love) sparkly, red, and very, very pretty! If I was Dorothy I would not have given them back. The obsession with the ruby slippers means I have a few pairs of shoes emulating the actual ones; I have a pair of red sparkly pumps and a pair of red satin ballerina shoes. I even tried to buy a pair of replicas from Harrods when they were celebrating the films 70th birthday. They were only £29.99 but when I went there I was greeted by shelf after shelf of nothing! I asked the 'nice' girl through gritted teeth when they would get them in, to be told they didn't know, it took all my strength not to push her over nick her ruby slippers off her feet and run off! I have since looked on eBay and they are going for almost ten times as much as the RRP. :(

This obsession with shoes is not helped by one of my favourite shows lead character being equally obsessed with shoes Sex and the City's Carrie, the thought of having an engagement shoe is very tempting to me. Her shoe closet makes me want to cry and the Vogue episode when she found the Mary Jane's makes my heart leap. Sad but true!!

My theory is we need to have loads of shoes, well I do, and I have loads of outfits and need shoes to match them, or at least match my bag. I'm also a firm believer in Party Feet, they are miracle workers! I was sceptical at first but buy a pair every time I buy new shoes, the gel cushion means I can go longer without the soles of my feet killing, now if only I could get something to stop the dull ache caused in other pairs. I may love shoes but most of the shoes I own do not love me.

Hairspray, The Mayflower, Southampton, 12th May 2010

Welcome to the 60’s! Hairspray is a feel good musical with a serious theme at its heart. Set in 1962 in Baltimore, it tells the story of Tracy Turnbland; a big girl with big hair and even bigger dreams, to dance on the prime time Corny Collins Show. After a fantastic run at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London, Hairspray has now hit the road and visited the Mayflower in Southampton, where it stays until the 29th May.


When Tracy wins a spot on the local TV dance programme 'The Corny Collins Show', she is transformed overnight from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the programme's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her 'do? Only in Hairspray!

The atmosphere in the theatre was just electric, with laughs, singing and dancing you can’t help but dance down the aisles when you leave. The songs are sing-a-long treats, favourites include Welcome to the 60’s, Run and tell that and the brilliant You Can’t Stop the Beat. The humour is suitable for kids and adults alike, with all the jokes getting a laugh from at least one group.

At the heart of the musical is quite a serious theme of racial segregation in 60’s America. For example the television station only allows Negro day once a month, much to the dismay of Tracy. The so called race music is also seen as a bad influence on the teenagers, the film is set at a time when teenagers were coming into their own and causing trouble for their parents.

If you are a fan of the 1988 John Waters film than you will love the musical, as it is based on the film but with added songs. The core story is exactly the same for the two films and the stage musicals. If you are still unsure check out the 2007 film starring John Travolta, Zac Efron, Michelle Pfeiffer and Queen Latifah. It features most of the songs although The New Girl in Town does not feature in the on stage most of the others do. However, the stage version does have extra songs including Big Dollhouse and Mama I’m a Big Girl Now.

The cast included Michael Ball as Tracy’s mother Edna and Les Dennis as her husband Wilbur. The pair is a fantastic match and have tremendous chemistry. However, this did mean that they couldn’t hold it together for their duet Timeless to Me, which ended in a fit of giggles from the pair. Ball commented that he couldn’t continue with Dennis jiggling behind, to which Dennis replied ‘you never complained before’, the crowd loved it and the laughter raised the roof. Michael Ball is fantastic as Edna, a role he played on the West End and won countless awards for.

A special mention has to go to Sandra Marvin who plays Motormouth Maybelle, her glass breaking voice was simply breathtaking during I Know Where I’ve Been, so much so the cast even looked at her with admiration in their eyes. The young cast comprised of Amber (Clare Halse), Tracy (Laurie Scarth), Seaweed (Wayne Robinson), Inez (Seliza Sebastian), Link (Liam Doyle) and Penny (Emma Dukes), all of which are amazing performers who are bound to go on to even greater things. Liam Doyle who plays Link won a GMTV competition to play Troy in High School Musical; I think a few fans were in the crowd as he was met with a host of screams.

I love Hairspray it is one of my favourite musicals, it is a feel good and happy musical. I saw the tour in London with the original West End cast and thought that the tour cast was just as good as the originals. Hairspray is the type of musical I can watch again, and again. I defy you to leave the theatre without a massive smile on your face. Just remember ‘you can’t stop the beat’.

For more information on the tour visit the website at: http://www.hairspraythetour.com/

Rihanna, O2 Arena London, 10/05/2010

Firstly, let me say that I love the O2, I think as big venues go it is one of the best, unless you are sat up in the Gods (the 400 blocks, are a little bit scary), but apart from that there isn't a bad view in the house. This is my third or fourth visit to the O2 in the past year and at the moment the last as I don't have any more gigs planned.

Right Rihanna, I have seen her before years ago just after the A Girl Like Me album came out, she was supporting the Pussycat Dolls and to be honest she wasn't the best singer live. SOS was amazing but Unfaithful was pretty bad, also seeing her on television over the years her vocals have always been a bit hit or miss. However, when I heard she was touring with the Rated R album I decided to put all my fears aside and get some tickets.

The support came in the form of Tinchy Strider, who only performed three songs; he was really good but didn't have a spotlight on him so most of the time I was trying to figure out where on the stage he was. The second support was Pixie Lott, who was fantastic. She has an amazing voice live and really got the crowd jumping, she played all her hit singles and played for about half an hour.

My first criticism of the gig is that I received an e-mail from the O2 with the show times on and it stated that Rihanna was due on at 9:10. However, Rihanna didn't make it on to the stage until half nine, now I know times are subject to change but if I had to get the train home I would not have been happy, as I would of missed a large chunk of the gig to make it back to Waterloo in time.

When she did come on, she opened with Russian Roulette, a bit of a strange choice I think as the opener is the one to get the crowd going. When I saw Beyonce she opened with Crazy in Love, which set the tone for the whole evening. The set list included all the songs you love from Rihanna; SOS, Shut Up and Drive, Take a Bow and Please Don't Stop the Music. Her vocals were good especially for the slower songs, but for some of the up tempo ones she didn't always sing the whole verse, the music was too loud or she seemed to be singing over a track. I have seen Britney who mimed for most of the gig so I am not criticising Rihanna, as I know dancing and singing would mean the vocal wasn't great, but she didn't always dance and with the music being so loud it drowned out all the vocals.

She also took a tumble during the opening of Te Amo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlVZutmJWwQ) but carried on like a true professional and started singing and dancing.

The sets and graphics on the screen were really good, especially the montage of her videos with the accompaniment of Pon de replay. Her set included a pink tank, which she sung some slow songs on, probably never been done before and had acrobatics hanging down from guns. I am surprised she hasn't had criticism for having so many items associated with war on her set, although the name of the tour was 'Last Girl on Earth' and put Rihanna as the humans only hope after a large apocalyptic war, although unlike some other gigs there was no narrative, although I feel there was meant to be.

Overall it was an amazing gig, I forgot how many amazing songs she did and everything about it was a show. The only thing is that compared to other gigs I have been to I didn't feel the need to get a ticket for the same tour (I did with Kylie Minogue, Beyonce and Lady Gaga). It was good but I think I will wait and see what the next album is like before I see her again.

Rihanna's set list...


Russian Roulette
Hard
Shut Up And Drive
Fire Bomb
Disturbia
Wonderwall
Rockstar 101
Rude Boy
Hate That I Love You
Rehab
Unfaithful
Stupid In Love
Te Amo
Please Don't Stop The Music
Breaking Dishes/The Glamorous Life
Let Me
SOS
Take A Bow
Wait Your Turn
Live Your Life
Run This Town
Umbrella

Going to the chapel and my friend got married….

So on Saturday I was bridesmaid for one of my oldest and closest friends. It was an amazing day and my friend looked beautiful. I have only been to about three other weddings but I have never been a part of the actual wedding party, so being bridesmaid for my friend was an honour and I felt so proud seeing her up there.

I must admit that I did cry, not, however, when I saw my friend as I had already seen her in the dress, but when I got to the bottom of the altar and saw her husband to be. His face was a mixture of excitement, nerves, happiness and fear, but in with that I could see that he loved my friend and that got me, this wasn’t helped that she had decided to walk down the aisle to Kiss Me from Romeo and Juliet, which is enough to make you cry anyway.

Even though it rained on and off throughout the day, it was still great. All the bridesmaids looked amazing and even though my head hurt due to the amount of Kirby grips keeping my hair in place, it looked fantastic. My make up wasn’t half bad as well, I even got comments on how good it was and people asking who did it, to which I replied the honest answer, myself!

The dress my friend wore was fit for a Princess and the bridesmaid dresses were really gorgeous. Although I did suffer one problem, my shoes. Silver, glittery, 4 inch, peep toes, they looked amazing but didn’t last after the photos, having to stand waiting for photos to be taken meant that my feet were swollen and I was in a lot of pain. As soon as I got into the car the shoes were off, with my feet breathing a sigh of relief, when we got the reception my feet were happy in a pair of leopard print pumps, the dress was floor length so all good.

It was a long day but an amazing one, I’m still beaming now.

PXE4QQ2T9947

Girls Night Out

Now this is something I have been pondering for a while, but came more to light on recent night out. The issueI have is in relation to getting ready to go out, I must admit I am quite good., I take about an hour, in which I have a bath, get lotioned up, hair sorted, make up and outfit on (which I have usually decided before, saves a lot of time). I know some girls who can spend hours getting ready for a night out, fake tans, layers of carefully placed make up, but to be honest I think I look good after my hour and it also means when I have to take it all off after a night out it doesn’t hours and I can get my well earned beauty sleep.

After a few drinks and hobbling in agony because my beautiful shoes were practically ripping my feet to shreds, I went on a little rant to my friend about how easy boys have it. Not only do they get to wear flat shoes on a night out, they also to a degree (unless they are metrosexuals) take no time at all to get dressed up.

The top and jeans combo can’t be that hard to put together, whereas us girls have a range of different outfit options – dresses, skirts, trousers, shorts, strappy tops, glittery tops? Then there is the underwear options, can’t wear a white bra under a black top and vice versa, unless you are making a Carrie SATC fashion statement. Then shoes and what make up to wear, then trying to fit everything you need in to a bag the size of a small envelope, you also have the debate on whether to take a coat or not, as you will either be holding it all night or having to queue for it at the end of the night. A lot of texts go between me and my friends before a night out, what you wearing? You taking a coat? What kind of shoes are you wearing? Usually so you can plan, if they take a coat you will, if they are wearing their ridiculous shoes they can’t walk in so will you as you will be able to keep each other up for support.

I know I don’t have to wear heels out, but I don’t wear them through the week, they make me feel glamorous and make me feel taller than my 5ft 2 natural height. However, I do regret wearing heels quite frequently on a night out, when I stumble through my front door, not because I am drunk but because my feet hurt so much they decide they aren’t going to walk anymore. I know I can wear flats but I love shoes and have a load of beautiful heels I just need to numb my feet in future, and anyway I have my granny days to wear comfortable flats.

Although men don’t want to believe it women do dress for other women, they want to be complimented in the toilets or asked where a certain item is from, not ridiculed because they look as if they got dressed in the dark.

Now I have my friends wedding this weekend, where I am a very proud bridesmaid, but for some reason I have got 4 inch, peep toe glittery heels to wear, now I regret it already as I know I will be crippled for the whole day, when will I learn! I think I will be smuggling flats or kitten heels in to help my feet, vanity over comfort! I’m just glad the dress is floor length so no-one will be none the wiser – here’s hoping anyway.

New article

New article in The Guide 2...
http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=other&refresh=gG06T5j11kK8&PBID=898dcbba-75b6-419a-989f-aa69bed7582e&skip=

I have done the parts about the music festivals :)

Column as normal on Friday.

A new blog post is on its way.

Frankie Boyle, Portsmouth Guildhall, 15-04-2010

The controversial comedian Frankie Boyle played a second night at Portsmouth Guildhall last night. I have to admit I was a little apprehensive about this gig, due to the press a story in the press last week, highlighting how he had offended a mother who had a downs syndrome daughter. About three of his jokes are about downs syndrome; however, Boyle did make a good point in that the jokes about downs syndrome are probably the least offensive of his whole act!

No one and no thing is safe from the comedian’s dark humour, from religion to politics, Jade Goody to Christine Bleakley. There were a lot of his jokes when I wondered if it was right to laugh and some jokes were very close to the knuckle. But then you know what you are getting when you see Frankie Boyle, the things that used to be left in when he was on Mock the Week was shocking enough, so imagine him uncensored, if you didn’t like him then, you would hate him live.

He is probably one of the most un-PC comedians around, talking about Baby P and Jack Tweed’s recent rape case. Saying that he did make some valid points about Ashley Cole using an unregistered phone so he could send anonymous texts to women and then used said phone to take photos of his face! A true definition of a moron as Frankie put it himself.

I knew that he was probably one of those comedians who talks to the crowd, so I made sure all toilet breaks were taken before he came on. He tried to give career advice to some lad in the front row as well as trying to convince a social worker for young offenders to turn into a modern day Fagin.

One thing I found increasingly annoying wasn’t Boyle’s crude jokes but the people in the crowd taking photos. Particularly two girls in the second row who throughout seemed to be either filming, taking photos or texting, seemingly totally disinterested, why pay £20 to come to a show and then not pay attention! They did however, catch the attention of Boyle who asked the woman to turn her phone off and even threatened to chuck her out of the auditorium.

One mention has to go to Craig Campbell, the support act, a Canadian who has lived in this country for 10 years gave a brilliant and hilarious insight into England, he is visiting the south on tour, make sure you check him out.

Frankie Boyle was funnier than I was expecting but just as outrageous.

New article in The Guide 2

New article in The Guide 2..... Band Profile on page 14.....

http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=other&refresh=gG06T5j11kK8&PBID=898dcbba-75b6-419a-989f-aa69bed7582e&skip=

Column in The News on Friday

A nice day for a white wedding...

Your wedding day is meant to be the best day of your life. The day where you show the world that you are committed to this person forever and that until death do you part you will be by each other’s side. For women it is the chance to wear a princess style dress and feel a little superior over your single friends (you may deny it but you know there is an element of gloating to it), and blokes you get to show off the most beautiful woman in the room and get blind drunk without any repercussions as most of the people there will be drunk.

However, the politics of weddings goes applies to everything, from the bridesmaid dresses to the cake. I recently was introduced to the world of weddings, a close friend is getting married and so it seems are all the people she knows. I just thought you planned your dream wedding and hoped people turned up and didn’t get too drunk. I thought the most stressful thing was making sure you didn’t put on or lose too much weight between dress fittings, or hope none of your bridesmaids gets pregnant.

One evening the discussion got on to the amount of weddings over the up and coming months and the decision took an interesting turn. I found out that if weddings are weeks apart you have to make sure that any hymns you have are a different order or completely different from the two weddings before, especially if the weddings have the same guests. Menus, first songs, and bridesmaid dresses cannot be the same style, or colour. It’s just a logistical nightmare, no wonder many women turn into Bridezilla and many men reconsider the person they are marrying.

I knew how difficult it must be to organise a wedding, however, I just didn’t realise you had to plan and arrange everyone else’s weddings. It seems you can’t have your own perfect wedding you have to make sure you don’t plan someone else’s. Especially if the weddings are close together and have the same people attending, who wants their wedding compared as if it is on Livings ‘Four Weddings’ programme? Who knew organising a wedding had as many politics as a general election, I knew there was the code that none of the guests should wear white (unless there is a theme) and no one, absolutely no one should try and up stage the bride in any way shape or form.

My idealistic nature says that when I get married I just want me and my fiancée, our family and some close friends, nothing big and showy for the ceremony and maybe a big party for everyone after. On the other hand the 5 year old wannabe Princess wants the lot; let’s just hope no one else I know is getting married at the same time as me because you never know there could be a Bride Wars 2 in the making.

New Articles

New Article out today for Solent Life:
http://www.solentlife.co.uk/

Competition featured in Ice Skating article.

New Guide 2 out soon!!

Also should have a piece in the June edition of Cellar door magazine
(http://cellardoor-magazine.blogspot.com/)

And my Independent Cinema column in The News tomorrow.

New blog post should be up soon.........

Gaga for Gaga

Lady Gaga, love her or hate her you have to admit there is something about her which is intriguing and fascinating.


I am a massive fan of the singer; I first heard her debut song Just Dance on Fearne and Reggie’s request show on a Saturday as part of the new music generator. I was then lucky enough to see her support the Pussycat Dolls just after Just Dance went to number one. At that point she was still fairly normal, however, for a forty five minute set she had three costumes changes, and her avant garde style videos may have been a little out there for a room of teenage Pussycat Doll fans, but I loved it.

She is the type of person you could imagine being part of Andy Warhol’s factory, someone with a story and a different way of expressing herself. Her costumes, videos and songs are a extension of her persona. Recently the video for Telephone has reached over a billion hits, but then after watching it you can see why. Lady Gaga is a cultural icon, drawing on different mediums and tapping into a generation’s culture. The video is very reminiscent of a Quentin Taratino film (it also features the car from Kill Bill), and the ending plays homage to Thelma and Louise. Featuring Beyonce, just adds to the video, the second song from the R’n’B and Pop Queens. I wouldn’t be surprised now if I see loads of girls using diet coke cans as rollers.

She also has a passion for her fans or her little monsters; she even has a tattoo on her arm dedicated to them. In February I saw her live at the O2 and the passion for performing and her fans is contagious. The feeling of everyone being connected is something I have only ever experienced one other time at a Kylie Minogue gig; the fans love her just as much as she loves them.
Her show was ….. Indescribable! Where some performers claim to have a story, Gaga narrated a lot, so the audience knew what was going on. The sets and costumes were massive and if rumours are to be believed not only did she change the whole show in two weeks after finishing in the US leg but she also put her own money into the production. It's no wonder than that the second leg of the tour the price of tickets have almost tripled, I bought my ticket for £30 whereas now the price ranges from £50-£75, but I’m sure this hike in the price is down to the promoter and not Gaga, who said that she doesn’t really care much for money.

I believe that Lady Gaga will be someone that in ten, twenty years will be heralded as a cultural icon and the inspiration to future dancers, singers and actors. I’m just glad that I got to experience it live and hope to again…. if she lowers the price of her tickets of course.

The Courteeners, Bournemouth O2 Academy, 15/03/2010

The Courteeners are one of those bands that their CDs do not give them the justice they deserve. Live their music is rich and energetic, something which is sometimes lost in the post production of the album.

Last night at the Bournemouth O2 Academy, The Courteeners performance did not disappoint. This is the third time I have seen the band live and each time I do they just get better and better. This time it felt as if the lead singer Liam projected a more confident, individual persona rather than an incarnation of another well know Liam from Manchester.

Unlike some bands you get the feeling that the Courteeners love what they do, they love playing music and they love performing to a room of fans. Liam even got one of the crowd’s camera and filmed the crowd as he performed Cross my Heart and Hope to Fly.

Other band front men could learn a lot from Liam Fray, he is the right type of arrogant and has a commanding stage presence, however, he also in some ways gives the impression that he feels lucky to be doing what he’s doing and appreciates the support of the fans.

The set list was a nice mix of the first album St Jude, and the new album Falcon. Songs such as You Overdid it Doll, Cavorting and Not Nineteen Forever, all of which sent the crowd in a frenzy. At times it was difficult to hear the singer as the crowds vocals boomed around the O2 Academy. There was also a beautiful solo performance of The Rest of the World Has Gone Home, just him and a guitar.

The band ended the gig on a high with What Took you So Long, which had the crowd singing and dancing at a frantic pace.

The Courteeners are an amazing band and are playing loads of festivals so if you haven’t already caught them live make sure you check them out. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

http://www.thecourteeners.com/

Total Eclipse of the heart.....

I'm not proud of the fact that I am a Twilight fan, I understand the stigma some twi-hards have, the fact that the majority of them at only 14 years old does deter me from openly claiming to the world that I am a massive twilight fan. But I am.

The books are ok, not the best literary works but the story drags you in and hooks you. You feel involved in the characters and the love they share; however, if you had a boyfriend as obsessive as Edward you probably would have taken a restraining order out on him ages ago.

I didn't think I would get into it as much as I have, at first I just watched the film to see what the fuss was all about and immediately got hooked, it may also be linked to the fact I was a massive Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan so the vampire obsession is deeply rooted in my adolescence.

The books may be quite good but the films are amazing!! Both Twilight and New Moon have a fantastic cast, and brilliant directors. By the looks of the new trailer released for Eclipse it just seems to be getting better and better! I have never been so impatient to see a film in my life but knowing that the US will get it on the 30th June, whereas here in the UK we have to wait until the 9th July makes me want to re-locate for a couple of months at least.

However, I'm not looking forward to Breaking Dawn; the book wasn't great and the ending a total disappointment. I don't think I can handle it over two films, let’s just hope they cut out the rubbish and put it all in one easy film.

It does amaze me the hold the films and books have on people (mainly women) of all ages, there just seems to be something about them, I'm not entirely sure what it could be though? **Edward or Robert Pattinson. **

All I know is that when Eclipse comes out I'll be going to the midnight showing to see it in all its glory!

They think it's all over, it is now!

Football may be the beautiful game on the pitch, but off the pitch the lives of the footballers is anything but beautiful.

It seems now a day’s footballers occupy as much of the front pages of the papers as they do the sports pages at the back.

The world of celebrity has always seemed separate from sport, people may have known who Bobby Moore and Kevin Keegan were but his private life was just that private. The influx of famous, celebrity footballers probably started with the union of David Beckham and Victoria Adams, a power couple to beat all power couples who successfully married the lives of pop music and football. They opened their lives to the OK! generation and showed the private life of a footballer, even what Victoria’s nickname was for David (Golden balls in case you didn’t know). However, the details of David’s indiscretion with a certain Rebecca Loos was made private, this did not tarnish his family man image.

Footballers seem to think they are invincible, that because they are good on the pitch means they can do whatever they want off the pitch. If the papers are to be believed one England player was so annoyed a DJ didn’t play his favourite song, he had a misunderstanding with him which resulted in a court case.

More recently it’s not footballers getting caught speeding or getting into fights but their love life that has got everyone talking. John Terry seemed to think that because he is a Chelsea footballer and Captain of the England team, he could get a gagging order on the release of his indiscretion with a team mate’s ex-girlfriend. A judge overruled it, which meant it was on the first page of every Sunday paper and he had to face up to the consequences. The consequences of which were him losing his England captaincy, and the respect of many players, Wayne Bridge quit the England team as he couldn’t face playing alongside the man who had an affair with his ex. The fact that he had an affair with a team mate’s partner was deemed worse to many than him cheating on his wife, who took him back.

Cheryl Cole on the other hand, seems to have had enough of her husband’s wondering eye (and hands), and has released a statement claiming they are separating. The nations sweetheart’s statement seems to be about time, especially as the first time he cheated on her it wasn’t with just one woman but four, surely the phrase ‘once a cheater always a cheater’ rings true, and many would have kicked him to the kerb. However, Cheryl gave him benefit of the doubt and staying true to her vows gave him another chance, only for him to blow it. This recent breach of trust has the potential to ruin Cheryl’s hard work, we all love her but if she goes back to him the public could turn on her and no-one wants that. So for now they think it’s all over, it is now.....for the time being anyway.

Great remixes on you tube

http://www.youtube.com/user/djearworm#p/f/6/PCsMnF34wns

Dj ear worm's remixes are really good! especially the 2009 billboard round up and the no more gas remix. Fantastic!

There's something about the alexa bag

The new mulberry Alexa bag, I just have the undeniable urge to buy it, yes it is £695 but in my head I paid £500 for a vintage Chanel bag so paying the extra £195 for a brand new bag seems justifiable.

I’m looking for a satchel or messenger bag at the moment, none of the shops have what the style I want and e-bay has turned up dud after dud of overpriced, not particularly nice bags, so when I initially saw the new mulberry Alexa bag my heart had a little flutter, all I saw was the photo of the gorgeous tan, leather satchel and then felt a stab in my stomach of dread when I saw how much it was.

I’m also a firm believer in cost per wear, my Chanel bag for instance cost me £500, I have used loads of times, at least 50 times, and therefore the cost of the bag is £10 per use!
However, at the moment the good shop angel is whispering in my ear and as of yet I’m going to resist the urge of buying the bag and be a good girl.......... this is helped by the fact it’s sold out everywhere :)

Dating the minefield that plagues your life

Dating….. the minefield that litters your life until you meet ‘the one’, or at least ‘the one’ of the moment. Before, dating and relationship advice used to be confined to sleepovers and wine bar meetings with girl friends, now they have films laying out relationship woes for the world to see.

Romantic comedies of old were about boy meets girl, they fall in love, something happens that separates them, but they end up together in the end. Now, romantic comedies consist of boy meets girl, they hate each other or have to put up with each other, however they end up falling in love (Ugly Truth, What Happens in Vegas and The Proposal). Or they are the romantic comedies that show the pitfalls of relationships or the neuroses of women, films such as He’s Just Not That into You and How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days.

The beginning of a relationship is meant to be exciting and about getting to know each other. However, because of our preconception with romantic comedies the paranoia of why he hasn’t called gets in the way of your everyday life. You spend your days watching your phone and only be disappointed when it rings and it’s your friends wanting a catch up, this should not be the case, waiting for a loser could mean you miss your Mr. Right.

Some girls may even feel as if it will never happen, especially when celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston can’t get a date.

In times of relationship advice, the friends you need to talk to are the ones who are going to be honest, not the ones that say if he hasn’t called, he may have lost your number, something may have happened etc. These types of friends aren’t helpful if it’s meant to happen he’ll call and if he doesn’t his loss. You will more likely find someone when you least expect it, I know it’s a cliché but I know many people this has happened to as you are just yourself. It’s nice when he does but if it gets serious great is not it was a life experience and something you can look back on with fond memories.

Dating is a something that will forever plague you, mainly because women will never understand men and men will never understand women!