Hello, its me. Current favourites.

Hi, its me potentially back from the longest hiatus ever. I really fell out of love with my blog at the beginning of last year. I had just completed Blogmas in 2017 and I kind of felt I had nothing left to say. At the time of writing this, I am trying to brainstorm some ideas, so that March has some posts up and we will see where we go from there. For now I will stick to an absolute classic post on this here blog, as you can see in the title a current favourites.

Films:
These are perhaps my favourite films from the end of last year.
Mary Poppins Returns

Never before have I been so nervous for a sequel to be released, that is seriously saying something as I was terrified they were going to ruin Mamma Mia with Mamma Mia here we go again. ANYWHO back to Mary Poppins, possibly my favourite disney film (and stage show). There were nods to the original film whether that was little bit of music in the underscore, Mary Poppins 'we are still not a cod fish' to Michael and a cameo appearance from Karen Dotrice (the original Jane Banks!). Highlights for me were the scenes on the Royal Doulton bowl and Turning Turtle - that's just naming two. I really bloody loved this film.

Bohemian Rhapsody
This film has unlocked some kind of underlying Queen obsession. Queen's music is definitely part of the British psyche especially their anthem songs. Both my parents are fans, my Dad in particular reminding me he saw them back in 1986. Bo Rhap predominantly focuses on Freddie's life as the front man of the band, and whilst there are some chronological inaccuracies, it gave something you can't necessarily get from interviews/performances, a deeper idea of the person.
I also feel this film has made my generation closer with my parents generation when there is definite friction between the two in these times.

Theatre:
Company
I have SO much to say about Company, in particular the 2018/19 London production. I am hoping to get all my thoughts out in a post entirely dedicated to it. Which no one will find interesting but me. This production is my new benchmark for musical theatre productions. It's extremely honest, funny and intelligent.

Waitress

I first mentioned Waitress back in spring 2017 on the blog, talking through my favourite soundtracks I was listening to. 2019 comes around and the show transfers to the West End, which I was lucky enough to grab some tickets in previews. We walked into the theatre and it smelt of freshly cooked baked goods - which is dreamy. I was already somewhat familiar with the music, due to my prior dedication to the soundtrack, but I hadn't listened to it for a while. The music as expected was beaut, however this was a more grown up and sophisticated musical than I expected. (that makes it sound boring - trust me it was not) If you are looking to see something in London this is probably second to Company on my what you should see list.

RSC's Romeo and Juliet
A Shakespeare that I have come away somewhat enthused by. This was fast moving and kept me gripped throughout. This was super engaging and I did not feel intimidated by this production. I also watched the signed performance, the signing which was integrated with the rest of the performance which really added to the performance for all members of the audience. This was a very important well executed step forwards for accessible performances.

Instagram accounts/Influencers:
dianachamomile, pipjolley, geehawkestattoo, meganellaby
Since taking a step back from my blog and to an extent blogs in general, Instagram is where I have headed to for fashion inspiration. 3/4 of the insta accounts here are fashion. I like people who have fun with colour and encourage me to step outside of the easiness of monochrome. Also shout out to Geehawkes whose tattoos are just so beaut, and making me seriously tempted to get inked myself.

Favourite Films and TV ATM

Queer Eye

Quite frankly if you haven't heard about Queer Eye, has your internet been disabled for the last week or so? The makeover show we have been waiting for is here, it's not superficial and its building bridges. The Fab Five (Bobby, Karamo, Antoni, Tan and Jonathan) are challenging the perception of gay people in the deep south of the USA, men on the show admitting they simply had not mixed with LGBT people in their lives. Whilst this is in essence a makeover show it is so much more, and I challenge you not to cry during an episode.

Ladybird

Relatable AF. Is my short review of Lady Bird. 

The narrative here isn’t the important part of the film, we follow Lady Bird in her last year of high school. It’s an exploration of that relationship between teenage daughter and Mum. I don’t feel like the trailer, really tells you what the film is going to be about, and the film surprised me so much. 

I, Tonya

Margot Robbie, I did not realise quite how great an actress you are, entirely transformed within this film.
I, Tonya follows the life and career of Tonya Harding US Olympic Ice Skater up until the 1994 including the infamous attack on Nancy Harrigan. I knew I had to see this film as soon as I saw the first trailer and was instantly curious about Tonya Harding, a little bit of modern history I was entirely unaware of.
Truth was the theme of this film, there were key scenes played with the different versions of events given by the people in Tonya's life. I feel as an audience that it left me feeling a bit agitated at times not being an easy watch, replicating how the characters were feeling on screen.
Since watching the film I have been watching the original footage of the skating and some interviews doing some of my own research.

Call Me By Your Name

A film I was sure I'd be waiting for the DVD release to watch. My friend Grace has been singing it's praises for a number of months, and I was gutted to have missed it in cinemas.
Call Me By Your Name is such a gorgeously shot film telling the story of Elio spending the summer of 1983 in his parent's summer residence in Italy. When Oliver working with Elio's father as an intern meet and after a slow start a summer romance ensues.
A stunning coming of age story, and there are many positives for LGBT people. Firstly neither Elio or Oliver die, or has a terminal illness. Secondly the scene between Elio and his father, whilst Elio is suffering with heartbreak, is every kid's ideal coming out conversation with a parent.

2017 Favourites

HAPPY 2018!

Hello, how is this post coming to you from 2018 - wtf. Last year I really got back on the blogging train, ending the year with blogmas which was a little bit crazy juggling that with work and rehearsals. It's now time to chat through some of my favourite things from last year.

TV

Easily my TV show of the year, in the UK we're about a season behind the US, but fear not seasons 1-3 are now on Netflix. This an intense show, with many twists and turns, and great acting. Headed by the one and only Viola Davis. The cast is diverse and its extremely refreshing to see.

Never have I been so excited for a second season of a show before. Season 1 knocked my socks off, then once the trailers started to be put out in the middle of the year I was very pumped indeed. October arrived and anticipation was at an all new level. There might have been a slow start, but season 2 was bigger and better than the previous. Before I knew it, the wait for the next season began again.

Film

Beauty and the Beast

This was everything I hoped it would be. I was nervous that it wouldn't meet expectations but as soon as the opening number began my heart was happy. I laughed, I welled up, I cried. 

Wonder Woman

This is such a girl power film, finally giving young girls a fierce and independent superhero to look up to. I'm not a super hero film fan, but this blew me away.

Youtubers

My favourite discovery on the YouTube front has to be Megan Ellaby, her style has been an absolute huge inspiration, reintroducing colour to my wardrobe and just a bit of fun. Until this year I felt my style was a bit wishy washy and didn't necessarily reflect myself as a person.

Other shout outs this year go to InTheFrow, Helen Anderson and Rose and Rosie.

Music

Taylor Swift - Reputation

This is an album I was extremely dubious about, but there is not one song on this album I dislike or won't listen to. Favourite songs at the time of writing this post Don't Blame Me and Dancing With Our Hands Tied.

Other music favourites I've had on repeat all year are the Dear Evan Hansen and Waitress Cast Recordings.

Clothing

Dungarees

All Saints Leather Jacket

Gingham Dress

The Yellow Jumper 

And I think that's everything I wanted to mention! Thank you for taking the time to read my blog last year it means a lot. Let's find out what 2018 has in store for us.

December Favourites 🎄

Hello, I cannot believe how we are speeding through December in the run up to Christmas. Its been quite a full on month, so I've had a few firm favourites, these are my highlights!

You Make It Feel Like Christmas

On principle I don't normally like new Christmas songs and stick to the classics sung by Michael Buble. However I have had this song on repeat throughout the month, annoying my family to the max. This song just makes me so happy and quite frankly you can't not dance when you listen to this.

Gold Blazer

I bought this at the start of the month, and I am obsessed! Its such a statement piece, but its so easy to style with many different things. You can put it on with a monochrome outfit, or you can go all out and style it with glitter, sequins and colours.

The Velvet Jumpsuit

Another piece of sassy velvet clothing, I really can't help myself!! This has definite 70's vibes it can be dressed up or dressed down. It looked weird on the website, I took a risk and I am extremely glad I did.

Paddington 2

I was dubious about a Paddington sequel as I felt this first one was perfect. However this one was all I hoped and more. It had that cosy British film feel, Hugh Grant was absolutely spot on, and the narrative was great.

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

March Favourites

Hello we've reached an end of another month, so crazy. We had a tease of what spring will be like on Good Friday and I'm now looking forward to warmer times. In April I'm going to my first Hen Do (I'm not the one getting married for obvious reasons) which is very exciting, and I have two jobs once more so my bank account is going to be a lot happier!

Food

All this month I have been loving overnight oats. Either chocolate overnight oats (which I think of as healthy cocopops) with chopped up banana or almond milk oats with chopped up banana anblueberries. I know it seems lots of effort to prepare the night before, but there is nothing better than having to make 0 effort in the morning!

Fashion

This month I've either been in work clothes or the pyjamas I've immediately climbed into once getting home. My favourite outfit detail has been these absolutely adorable bunny socks from topshop which I wore on Easter Sunday.

TV and Film

Heading Out - Sue Perkins

I have been having a right Sue Perkins moment!! This is a great sitcom, about a vet who is too nervous to come out to her parents as she turns 40, so her friends decide she needs some psychological treatment to help her get over her fears. Full of awkward moments, laughs and guest stars such as Dawn French and Mel Giedroyc. This is a perfect British sitcom and its truly a shame there are only 6 episodes. Well worth a watch.

Man Up

Continuing with the British theme, (despite the fact Lake Bell is indeed American shh) we move to the romantic comedy. Nancy is a mid thirties singleton and Jack is 40 recently divorced. Due to a case of mistaken identity, Nancy accidentally becomes Jack's blind date who is supposed to be 24 year old Jessica. I mean this sounds like a great storyline, doesn't it?!  This film is up there with Love Actually in my books. You can buy this BUT you can watch it on Amazon Prime video.

The Good Lie

I feel like the trailer sets this film up to mediocre at best, so don't watch that, this really is a strong and emotive film. It begins as civil war is breaking out in Sudan, innocent villagers inner stuck in the crossfire and mass killings. Survivors have to walk 1000 miles to Kenya before reaching a refugee camp. Years pass as the characters in the film arrive as children to the camp, are transported to America. After being displaced from their sister they have to adjust to their new lives in the west supported by Carrie played by Reese Witherspoon.

YouTuber

Image credit - Helen Anderson

Helen Anderson/Anderz

I don't know why but I've only just started watching Helen. It started when she announced she was doing daily vlogs as they are my absolute favourites to watch. I like her style and content, and I'm glad she's not the typical monochrome, nude lipstick loving youtuber because I'm bored of that.

Music

Spotify playlists -

Acoustic Covers

My favourite songs include You've Got Time, Out of the Woods and Pompeii.

The Great British Breakfast

My favourite songs include Suddenly I See, Rolling in the Deep and Put Your Records On.

Finally I just wanted to let you know what videos I have uploaded this month.

Things That Annoy #5 The Gym Edition

Boots Haul 2016

Thanks for popping by!

xxx

2015 Favourites

Hello! I know I'm late on this one... So I thought I'd make this into a super quick post both to do and read! All these have been written about in more detail in my monthly favourites.

Soundtrack of 2015
Taylor Swift 1989
The Theory of Everything

Film of 2015
Into The Woods

TV Series of 2015
Pretty Little Liars
Downton Abbey

Books of 2015
How to fall in love by Cecelia Ahern

My Animals and Other Family by Clare Balding

Favourite Blogpost of 2015
'What Fashion Bloggers Really Wear'

Favourite Photo of 2015

Brighton Sunset

Bake of 2015
Sweet Potato Brownies

Bath Product of 2015
Pink Flamingo Bubble Bar

Make Up Item of 2015

Lip Combination Mac Soar and Mehr

Nail Polish of 2015
Barry M Red Black

Clothing Item of 2015

Pink Cat Sweater

I hope you enjoyed this super quick post!

xxx