Film Review: Monsters University

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Ah, so I may be 20, so why am I going to see a what may ultimately be deemed as a child's film? Well for one, this is one for all ages. But as Monsters Inc came out when I was still a kid, it was only right that I went to see the follow up.

This film appealed to me quite quickly as I myself am embarking on a similar journey very soon, starting off to uni (albiet a non-monsters one) and I have the whole university experience to look forward too, just as we Mike too does in the film. That coinsided with the fact that this Disney-Pixar picture has easily lovable animations and provides a story with depth while still keeping within the lines of a child-friendly screening.

In a nutshell, the plot is about Mike Wasoski and his journey as he leaves high school to embark on his much anticipated university/college experience. From here we see how Mike's predictions play into the actual reality of university life and how he infact comes to meet his best-friend in the first film, James. P. Sullivan (aka. Sully). This part of the story builds gradually throughout the film and makes for both interesting and of-course entertaining viewing.

As before, this film stars all your favourites from the first film, Mike, Sully, Randal and several others too, see if you can spot them, as well as giving way to a whole host of new introductions which prove to be equally delighful, or not so much as the case may be, in their roles.

This edition not only boasts the efforts of Billy Crystal and John Goodman but also sees Helen Mirren in the cast list. I must add here that I found it quite refreshing to have a recognisable English voice amongst the American swong, not that I reckon the kids'll be that all that bothered about this haha, but it adds a nice bit of diversity.

I don't want to give too much away if you're yet to see the film, but if you're hesitating about whether to give it visit or a miss, I thoroughly encourage you to give it a view. Especially if you're along my age-group and are soon to embark on the uni experience too, I think it only adds to the film as you anticipate what your own experience will be like. Children are bound to love it as they did the first incarnation, as I say, those kids who grew up with the original should really enjoy it and of-course I'd encourage the adults to watch too, I reckon even they will secretly find the fun in it too.

So what are you waiting for, go down to your local screen and see it! It's guaranteed to be Monster-ific!

Beauty Blog Post (Freebies!)

As you may or may not know from having read my travel blog, I recently had work experience at KISS Magazine in Dublin. I was there for a week and at the end was lucky enough to receive a lovely little tote bag full of goodies as a thank you gift. How lovely!

Experimenting with this blog I thought I'd have a go at a beauty blog post based around this..

... List of Goodies ...

Kylie Minogue - Music box (perfume)

Impulse - Into Glamour (body spray)

Just Lashes "Looking for Love" (false lashes)

Make Up Store "Perfect Match" (coral pink) |(lipstick)

Essence 1 <3 Punk (eye liner pen)

NYC Foil Explosion (metallic mauve) (nail polish)

Let's start with the Kylie Minogue perfume, 'music box'. I have actually bought several lines of Miss Minogue's perfume in the past and so I was delighted to find an unknown of her's in the bag. I've tried this sense out several times now and I really love it. It has quite a sensual scent that I find sweetly inticing. Sadly at the moment this is my only perfume, so it's been doubling up as my day/night perfume. However, if I had to pick I would make this one a treat for the evening. Of course I would love other perfumes, Coco Mademoiselle has been on my wishlist for a while now. One day I will afford it! Anyhow, in the meantime I'm delighted with my little Kylie perfume, very pleased with the reward.

.. Dress Fetish .. (#1)

Okay, so as I seemed to have acquired a certain fetish for dresses, I have decided to embark on what I hope will be a fun little exercise. You may have heard of a film entitled 27 dresses. So, inspired, I have decided to in turn model each of my dresses and showcase the results on here as a little collection. A bit like the 360 photo challenge except with clothing. This in hindsight probably isn't the best ides, since I'm not incredibly photogenic, now am I normally comfortable with how I look in the eyes of a camera, however I';m going to give it a go. Who knows, I might even miraculously gain some confidence out of this. Anyhow, I present to you, Dress numero uno..    Dress Number 1.. The Maxi Dress.

The Maxi Dress

Dress: River Island

Shrug: New Look

Sunhat: Accessorize by Monsoon

Satchel: Scaramanga

I bought this dress during a birthday shopping trip in Belfast a couple of years back, may have been my 16th, still fits 4 years later! Anyhow it was the first ever maxi dress I purchased and I just love the bright exotic colours of it and the the paisley style print, the combination of which just made it the perfect summer buy!

The orange shrug was bought on the the thought that I could wear it with another dress I'd been eyeing up, which sadly was never purchases, however I kept the shrug and luckily it appears to go quite well with the maxi.

As for the sunhat, I was browsing round my local Accessorize not so long ago and I had two hats eyed up, one was a little pink fedora and this was the other. Of-course, ideally I'd have liked both, but at the time it was an either or situation, and as it shows, this one won out. I was totally besotted with it. It was just so gorgeous and like something well-to-do ladies of bygone eras would have worn out on the riviera.

The satchel was something I'd been searching for a good while and then eventually I feel quite in love with one from Scaramanga. Sadly I did sis not receive it as a Christmas gift as per hoped and they were sold old permenantly by the time my birthday came round. A lost cause I began a new search and funnily enough, eventually was led back to another lovely satchel which came on offer at Scaramanga. Needless to say I'm pleased with it, more than and I tend to take it most places with me.

Bring The Outside In with Funky Interiors..

In a world that is ever-more populated, houses are getting smaller and further and further from having view. I mean a proper view like the sea, or fields of green outside the kitchen window. For a lucky few, this is a reality, but for those not so fortunate don't fret! for there is a solution.. Interiors.

Using interior decor you can bring the outside in, meaning that you can be cramped in a small inner city apartment but still feel just at home as if you were in the country or at the sea..

Why not experiment with some of the themes below, or even one of your own. With the right touches, your house is sure to transform form an empty shell, to a magical boudoir in which to retreat in.

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside..

  

Shabby Chic

Bright & Beautiful

 

.. Soundtrack of My Life ..

Alright, it was late, I needed something to do and so this came about, you've seen it done before, so I've decided to have a stab at it. If my life had a soundtrack, this is what it would sound like..

Note: I hold no apologies for my fantastic, cheesy and possibly down right crazy taste in music..

Enjoy..

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Primary School - The whole Steps back collection

Iconic Song of Childhood - Avril Lavigne _ Sk8ter Boi   [which 90s kid didn't go through an Avril phase]

Childhood Throwback - Whitfield _ Saturday Night, DJ Sammy _ Heaven

First Boyband Crush - Busted

Last Year of Primary - Fountains Of Wayne _ Stacey's Mom

Tweenage Years - Kelly Clarkson _ The Breakaway Album   [best talent show winner, ever]

High School - Pink _ Trouble   [don't ask]

Teen Years - Scouting For Girls, The Wombats, Waiting Room, Rogue Traders, The Script

First Relationship - The Maine _ Right Girl

During Illness - Demi Lovato _ Skyscraper

College Trip To London - Avicii _ Levels

On Leaving College - Matchbox 20 _ How Far We've Come

Festival Memories - Macklemore ft.Ryan Lewis _ Can't Hold Us [this was one crazy gig, crowd-surfing]

Song of Summer 2013 - Icona Pop ft.Charli XCX _ I Love It

Movie Soundtracks/Guilty Pleasures - Myra _ Miracles Happen (Princess Diaries), Carrie Underwood _ Ever Ever After (Enchanted), Lindsay Lohan _ Ultimate (Freaky Friday), Rusted Root _ Send Me On My Way (Matilda)   [cheesy it may be, but your opinion on this is invalid]

TV Theme Tune: Neighbours, McLeods Daughters, Gilmore Girls, CSI Miami   [it was a phase okay]

Favourite Irish Song - Kirsty McColl _ Belle of Belfast City, The Heathers _ Remember When

A Song Which Used To Get On Your Nerves - Crazy Frog   [I shouldn't have to explain this one]

Song You Liked Which You Know You Really Shouldn't Have - Scooter_Jumping All Over The World

Fav Band Of The Moment - The 1975

Favourite Singer/Songstress of The Moment - Gabrielle Aplin / Nina Nesbitt

Current Song To Describe Self - Demi Lovato - This Is Me

10 Things I've Learnt from Writing A Novel..

Okay so since November I've embarked on writing my first full flung novel.. It's been an adventure! As I near what finally seems like completion, I mean properly this time, for a bit of fun I thought I'd share 10 things I've learnt along the journey.. so here they are.

#1. It's harder than it seems.
#2. The word count is increasingly important as the time wears on.
#3. If you can't get inside your character's head, then it's hard to make their story seem believable.
#4. If your characters aren't ready to sleep, then neither are you.
#5. Your characters are your friends, not your enemies, treat them with respect and they'll reward you.
#6. No matter how much you write, it never seems to be enough.
#7. At some point you will come to an impossible decision about which way your plot should go.
#8. Your hands are prone to ache at times due to sudden bouts of inspiration.
#9. If you're writing it out first, you will need many notebooks and a couple of pens. (They will run out.)
#10. You'll find some places easier to write than others, with me it was alone in the classroom or a spot in my now favourite coffee shop.

Note to any/all future/budding writers: If you're thinking about writing a novel or have ever had an inkling to do so but are always finding excuses, my advice? Do it! Simple as. I started writing mine with the premature thought I could attempt to write it in a month. Well, you can figure how that worked out, but that's beside the point. The point I'm trying to make is that it is in every way worth it! Most of my novel was written whilst I was still in full time education, I simply wrote in any spare time I got, mostly in the classroom and in coffee shops! Although I didn't make it in a month, it didn't detour me any, infact if anything it only spurred me on! I was, am, determined to see it to the end, and I will. Where it goes after that who know, if it's any good at all, I may consider trying for publication, who knows, but for now I'm still enjoying it regardless. I really do urge you to give it a go, it's also a great form of escape from your everyday stresses!

So go on, write a book..I dare you.

xx

Fairytale Interiors

It is inevitable that we all have to grow up sometime, however that doesn't mean we have to let go of those innocent child-like fantasies. Infact, dreams and goals can be quite healthy and can help us to keep a calming state of mind. Ultimately these child-like dreams act as an escape in a sometimes all too grown up world.

Whether it's the building of a house, decorating the interior, added a few special touches or just simply dreaming about it, there's no doubt that creating your own fairytale-esque interior is not only fun, but good for the soul.

The Quaint Country Cottage







The Castle Gardens

The Castle In The Sky

Flickr Introducing..

Okay, so we all know it's common to have a Twitter or a Facebook account, but Flickr is the photo networking site which has opened my eyes to a whole new world over the past few years..

I've had a growing fettish for photography since I was a little girl, but the world has never looked so magical in my eyes, as I've seen it captured through a lens and shared upon this site. There are so many wonderful photographers out there, who all have there own unique style. However, I'd like to introduce you to one of my all-time favourites and the artist who has personally inspired me so much in my latest style of photography.. her name is Katie Lionheart.

For me there's just a certain dream-like essence in a lot of her works, something desirable.. A favourable combination of the setting, the style, the lighting/colouring and the emotion..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/katieoak/
http://www.katielionheart.com/

I should be so lucky...

From a young age I've always had a growing fascination of travel, going on a big boat or a plane is the skies to discover far off places in the sun. However in recent years I also found a growing fondness for my home country which is quite frankly I feel undervalued. When you think of the most beautiful places to visit in Britain, you might say the Lake District, the Highlands, Cornwall, Yorkshire or the Cotswolds. While it mightn't be attached to the mainland, Ireland too is a place of splendid natural beauty, and while it may be regarded a a hot spot for foreign tourists, I personally feel that sometimes the South receives more hype than the North, but believe me, Northern Ireland holds paths which contain just as much beauty as its sister in the South. Take it from a girl who grew up there, there really are some spectacular spots on this little island, and I love nothing more than going out and exploring them. So below I have posted about a few of my favourites to share with you... Who knows, maybe one day you could visit them too!

Ballintoy, Co.Antrim

 

 

 

 

Ballintoy is a truly magical place at any given time of the year, but proves particulary stunning in the summer months. Ballintoy is a small harbour inlet along the acclaimed 'Causeway Coast', which runs right from the northern most tip of the country, down as far as the bright lights of the country's capital Belfast.

In recent years I have visited Ballintoy many times, and is a particular favourite of my mine. Consisting of a small picturesque harbour, shingled cove, green covered hills and magnificant rock faces, it is a place that holds much beauty and out of tourist season is a very tranquil spot.

In recent times Ballintoy has gained a name for itself, as one of the main filming locations for award winning HBO drama series Game of Thrones.

Downhill, Co.Londonderry

Downhill Forest & Estate is a National Trust owned property, which sits facing the sea from a height, along another stretch of coastline further round in the opposite direction to the previous. It is famed for for its castle ruins and temple, which sits precariously on a cliff edge. between the sandy shore of Castlerock and Benone, situated on either side of the property. Again has been somewhat of a regular haunt and is a glorious space when outside of pay to view visiting hours! One thing I would be careful of is the sheep poo scattered regularly about the grass, this is because their are sheep free to roam ion this property in the warmer months, however provided you're wearing old shoes/wellies I personally feel this adds adventure to the experience. 

Portstewart, Co.Antrim

Portstewart is a coastal town situated along the beginnings of the 'causeway coast' and its claim to fame is it's award winning ice-cream parlour Morellis', situated in a central position along the town's promenade. Sea views, a castle for a school, award winning beaches and a view to the far off temple at Downhill, Portstewart is just a generally nice seaside town to visit.

Portrush, Co. Antrim

Again it is a coastal town ,but one which I just happen to a lot about, as it's where I grew up. Portrush has always been considered the jewel in the crown of the seaside towns, due to its history of providing many a family with happy holidays memories, from the modern age to bygone days. The town boasts all the amenities you could need: two white sand stretches of beach, a clifftop walk, a local fairground as well as the famed favourite Barry's Amusements. There are also many top quality restaurants in which to wine and dine, along with a variety of shops, cafes, family amusements and an indoor bowling alley. Portrush just seems to have that pleasant vibe about it, which is proven by the many visitors and locals alike, that it welcomes back year after year.

So you see, there really is beauty in every part of the country, sometimes it's harder to find than others, some parts more advertised than others, but that doesn't mean that there's not beauty hidden out of sight. And it alerts me to the fact that, despite my desperate desire to spread my wings and travel the world, I really am very lucky to have grown up in a place that boasts so much natural and endurable delight.

Quiescent Magazine .. Worth Checking out!

Alright, so I don't want to be seen to be blowing my own trumpet here, but this year I managed to land myself an awesome role at a very cool new magazine called Quiescent. My current role is to interview various artists on their work and sometimes general life, which in turn helps to give them exposure where they may not have gotten otherwise. Although I'm a relatively new member of the team, it is obvious that the people behind it are passionate what they do and the magazine proves a great platform to uncover otherwise unknown artists, which harvest scrumpious but unseen talent.

The latest Summer issue can be found online now at the link provided >> Quiescent Magazine (Latest 'inspiration' issue..)

Photography 'Daydreams' ...

Over the past couple of years I have had an expanding love toward photography. Before now I really have only ever homed in on landscape and nature pictures, but now I'm braving the idea of portrait photography and representation through the use of models. There are several web based magazines which I follow, I;ll give a list of them below, however in this instance Atwood Magazine were looking submissions for their 'daydream' themed issue, and so I saw this as a perfect opportunity for me a have a go and see what I could come up with..

I've included several of the final array of images I took below...

            

As promised, the list of magazines which I can't get enough of right now..    (in alphabetical order..)

- Atwood Magazine

- Frecked Magazine

- Golden Age Magazine

- Lost Freedom Magazine

- Quiescent Magazine

- Unicorn/Dream Magazine

Here Comes The Summer ... 'Festival Fever'!

So June is upon us, Summer has officially begun and of course for many of us it means 'festival fever'!

This year I was luckily enough to land tickets, to not one, but two days of BBC Radio One's Big Weekend. The three day festival of free musical delight, was held in Derry/Londonderry in Northern Ireland and was definitely not a date to be missed in my diary! I was present on the Friday, which was dance anthems & floorfillers and with Calvin Harris headlining, the light show spectacular meant it was a show not to be missed. Meanwhile the Sunday was mainstream pop/rock and gave way to an electric closing set by Mr Bruno Mars. All in all it was a great experience and that'll go down as my festival experience for this year.

Undoubtedly one of the biggest decisions involved in attending such an event, is the age old dilemma of 'whatever should I wear'. I must admit that despite some initial stressing, I ended up having a lot of fun with my dress sense that weekend, and got the opportunity to wear two completely different outfits to suit the feel of each day. Sadly I've had trouble sourcing pics of my Friday outfit on the web, but Sunday was a little easier, so below I thought I'd share what I was wearing this summer festival season... 

Where Can I find this outfit? ...

~ The floral top £19.99, dungarees £24.99 and pumps £10 roughly (sale price) were all from high street retailer New Look, with my peace ring (actually part of a 3-set) coming from fave celeb-haunt Topshop, whilst my straw hat was purchased for £5 at the event. ~