The Gilmore Girls Revival

27 November 2016

I used to watch Gilmore Girls years ago after school. When I saw it on Netflix around August I thought, why not watch it again? I thought I hadn't really seen much of it, just here and there when it was on TV, but watching it back made me realise how much I had actually seen! Then I found out that they were making four new episodes!

I finished watching the Gilmore Girls Revival around an hour ago and it's already KILLING ME not talking about it! I NEED SOMEBODY TO TALK TO ABOUT IT! I don't want to post on Twitter because I tried so hard to avoid spoilers when I hadn't seen it all, it was painful. So, I thought I'd post here what I thought.

SPOILER ALERT!

Firstly, I'm SO HAPPY that pretty much all the original cast came back. It made it feel so authentic. A lot the time when old shows are re-visited half of the case drop out and it's always disappointing. But not this! It was so great to see the whole cast again, like coming home!
How is Paul Anka still alive? I love Paul Anka, but I mean, how old is that dog now? About 20??? However, PAUL ANKA DRESSED AS LUKE WAS LITERALLY THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE SHOW!! HE EVEN HAD A TINY NOTE PAD!!!!!
LUKE AND LORELAI ARE STILL A THING!!! We all waited so long for them to get together (well, I did) and then when they did they were just up and down. I'm so happy that they actually made it work. And finallllllly they got married!
RORY. Where do I even begin??? Firstly, I thought she would have learnt her lesson about cheating after the whole Dean fiasco! So, why is she Logan's other woman? How has she found herself in this situation AGAIN? Obviously she isn't completely to blame. I don't understand why Logan doesn't break it off with his fiancé? I mean we don't know how long he and Rory have been seeing each other but I assume it's a while. We all know that they're meant to be! So why is he marrying somebody else? I feel like Rory's just chasing after something that will never happen.. Logan will clearly stay with his fiancé and Rory clearly isn't happy being his bit on the side. So why is she???????
Rory's boyfriend Paul. I'm sorry... but what exactly was the point of this storyline? Was it supposed to be funny? Because it wasn't particularly. And honestly it just made me think less of a lot of characters; the fact that they'd all met him countless times but still had no idea who he was? Rude! And RORY.. his supposed GIRLFRIEND kept forgetting him??? WHAT? It was just so pointless and, quite frankly, a waste of good time.
The thirty something club. How creepy was this! But, not as creepy as the thirty something club's parent's club! SO WEIRD! Also, Rory was quite rude to them too. Rory's got rude in her old age!
EMILY GILMORE. Obviously, I knew Richard would be gone. But it's so sad. I've always liked Emily and felt a certain empathy for her. To see her so heartbroken is heartbreaking. But it was so nice to see a different side to her. Grieving and then getting over her grief. I like that she moved on and changed. And I LOVE her relationship with her new maid! The fact that she's finally found one she likes and let her move in with her whole family! It's so heartwarming! I feel like Emily's found her own little family almost.
THE STARS HOLLOW MUSICAL. What even was this??????????????? And why wasn't Kirk the star of the show?
Paris Geller is, was, and always will be golden. I was upset that her and Doyle broke up but we can't expect all characters to be happy ever after. SO surprised she had kids, not surprised that they prefer the nanny! Paris was Paris.
Lorelai's hike. When the going gets tough... Lorelai runs away! Honestly, I've never really liked Lorelai all too much because I find her too immature and ... . .. . I don't know what it is exactly, I just can't relate to her really. But I have mixed feelings about the hike. Because I don't like that she thought she can just run away from her problems. But then in another way, I love that she does do this because it shows her strength and strong willed nature - Lorelai will do whatever Lorelai wants to do! And in the end, it did help her find herself and give her the answers she needed. Which is why Luke let her go.
The hilltop moment when Lorelai calls Emily. This was probably my favourite scene. I know Emily wasn't the best mother but god-knows Lorelai wasn't the best daughter! I just love when they bond and actually share fond family moments! SO MANY FEELS!
Rory's job at the Stars Hollow Gazette. We could all see this coming.. Rory needs a job and a purpose.. the local paper's closing.. whatever will happen! It's nice of her to take this on but what's going to happen when she goes back to New York or London or wherever. AND it's unpaid! Something better will come along and Rory will ditch the paper!
The giant painting of Richard. LOL. But why does Lorelai have to ruin it and make Emily feel even worse? She made a mistake, LEAVE IT! STOP PICKING ON EMILY WHILST SHE'S GRIEVING!! Just let her have her big painting!
Rory's book... I'm glad that she found her calling, and that Jess helped her. Jess always knew what was best for Rory. At first, I was really annoyed at Lorelai for dismissing Rory's book but it is her life. And if she doesn't want it written down then she doesn't, so, why should Rory betray that? Rory's spent her whole like getting her own way, especially when it comes to Lorelai, so maybe it's good that she said no for once.
Jess & Rory... it's clear that Jess will always have feelings for Rory but also realises how badly he treated her in the past so doesn't try to start anything up again. Part of me wants them to be together but I'm also mostly team Logan. He's clearly not a part of her life anymore really.
MR KIM. WE SAW MR KIM! WHO IS MR KIM? WHERE HAS MR KIM BEEN FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS? SO MANY QUESTIONS ABOUT MR KIM!!!!!! I NEED A MR KIM BACKSTORY!
Lane and Zack are still together! I love this and I love that they all hate that Zack has his boring job because they know they're meant to be famous rockers! But I also love that he does it to support Lane and the kids. SO CUTE!
Where was Sookie???? I know she appeared at the end but come on. She and Lorelai open The Dragonfly together and then Sookie moves to a farm! SOOKIE WHYYYYY!?
Michel trying to be good with kids. lol. I relate so much to Michel. I am English Michel.
THE END. HOLY MOLY. I did NOT see that one coming! It's obviously Logan's baby, OMG OR THE WOOKIEE'S? Oh God, I hope it isn't the wookiee's. What a horrible way to end.

Honestly, although it was really nice seeing all the old characters back together these four episodes were mostly disappointing. Not because things didn't go how I wanted. But because nothing notable really happened. 10 years on and nothings changed? Except Sookie moving away.

How did you feel about it?????

23 November 2016

As you are probably aware by now I'm a HUGE fan of Harry Potter and everything Potter related. So, of course, as soon as Fantastic Beasts came out I was at the Cinema watching it. I actually considered going to a midnight showing before coming to the realisation that I'm old now and would just fall asleep.

If you don't already know, Newt Scamander was featured in the Harry Potter series; in Care of Magical Creatures the students are given a book to study: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. JK Rowling then released this book along with The Tales of Beedle the Bard and Quidditch Through the Ages. They're only short books and are basically as you would imagine them to be: school books. So, from this tiny school book comes the film - and four to follow.

I've never really given much thought into Scamander, his life, his history; but through this film series we're sure to find out! And I can honestly say that the first installment was AMAZING. I'm not going to lie and say I wasn't sceptical, because I was. I'm generally quite a cynic about anything new Potter related. Because although I'm excited, I'm also totally worried that it will be ruined - nobody wants that! Thankfully this wasn't the case.

It's great to see parts of the wizarding world that we've never even thought about before. A time before Harry Potter. A backstory that we never even dreamed existed! Honestly, I think any fan of the Potter universe will love this film as it provides more insight into the world that we all love! It isn't rushed or tacky or just plain stupid; and I think a lot that has to do with the fact that it was written by JK Rowling herself. If anyone else got their hand on it, it would've been ruined!

A lot people working on the film actually worked on the Potter series (David Yates and David Heyman) which is great because they have the same Potter feel without actually being Harry Potter!

I can't recommend it enough!

SPOILER ALERT!!

The film follows the author of Fantastic Beasts, Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), across 1920's New York City. Scamander heads to New York not in search of magical creatures, but to release one back to the wild in Arizona. However, as you can imagine, he got himself into a little bit of trouble soon upon arrival.

There are anti-witch groups across the city so keeping the wizarding world secret is pivotal for wizards and muggles alike. Unless you want to start a war. After just 5 minutes of being in the city one of Scamander's creatures gets loose, thankfully it's a harmless niffler, but a magical creature nonetheless. He clumsily chases the niffler around a muggle bank, and in doing so, meets Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler). Kowalski is a muggle, or no-maj as they're called in the film (weird - I know). Scamander's secret is out and before he can oblivate Kowalski he's gone. But not without accidentally switching Scamander's magical case for his muggle one... which are conveniently identical!

Little does Scamander know that witch Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston) has been watching him and arrests soon arrests him for not only bringing magical creatures to the city but also letting them loose. Lucky for Scamander, having made one too many mistakes nobody cares what Goldstein has to say. So in the end, she ends up helping Scamander in his quest to rescue his creatures back from Kowalski, along with her sister Queenie (Alison Sodul). We soon learn that Kowalski is harmless enough and the four strike an unlikely friendship.

Scamander's magical creatures being loose around the city is just the beginning of trouble! A dark force is wreaking havoc across New York; and this force is an Obscurus. This is a dark entity that manifests itself inside a young witch or wizard who has been suppressing their magical abilities. Those who have an obscurus inside them usually don't live long as the weight of carrying the obscurus becomes too strong to bear. Scamander soon comes in the firing line for brining this to the city when we discover he's keeping one inside his suitcase; but there's another lurking nearby. And it's extremely powerful. More than you can imagine.

IMAGES FROM GOOGLE IMAGES

I honestly loved the film and it exceeded ALL expectations. If you're unsure of whether to go watch it - GO WATCH IT! That's me telling you, now, what are you still doing here? You should be at the cinema!

21 November 2016

If you don't already know, the Christmas Market in Birmingham is the biggest authentic Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria. So it's pretty cool to have down the road, it's the one good thing about Birmingham! I've been going every year since I was about 15. Usually, I visit in December when it's SUPER packed out and you can barely move. However, this year I managed to go a little earlier and it was SO nice to look around the stalls properly. Not that I haven't already seen everything there a million times! It's the same every year... but I still go every year!

Is it really Christmas if you don't go to The Christmas Market?

TOP TIPS:

1. AVOID THE CROWDS! Try to go in the day or a weeknight. I know this might not sound appealing as you have to get up for work the next day BUT it's a whole lot better than being stuck in the mass crowds on a friday night!

2. EAT ALL THE FOOD AND DRINKS! I had literally the best cheesy salami garlic bread the other day. But you can get everything from crepes, pretzels, gingerbread, bratwurst, currywurst, marshmallows, fudge... the list goes on! And then there's the drinks: beer, mulled wine, hot chocolate infused with baileys or jager or god-knows what else! For £3 you can even keep the glass a keepsake!

3. TAKE CASH! I literally make this mistake every time I go. Thankfully, it's in the middle of the city centre so cash machines aren't hard to find. But it's a little embarrassing when you've ordered your pancake and realised you don't have any money!

4. WALK AROUND IT ALL! Honestly, it can be a little daunting because it stretches all the way from the Bullring, through Victoria square, and ends near the ICC. A lot of the stalls are similar but if you miss part of it out you're sure to regret it!

5. DRESS FOR THE OCCASION! This probably sounds like a stupid tip, because it's obvious, right? But there's a lot of walking involved in the middle of winter. So wrap up warm and wear comfy shoes! Whatever you do, don't wear heels!

And just so you know, that horse on the carousel is called Claudia. I can't find a keyring with my name on but I find a horse!

If you've been to the market let me know what you think! Or do you have any other tips?

20 November 2016

Let's be real here. Because although I always ask for make-up or jewellery for Christmas, the things that actually make up the majority of my presents are probably related to TV or movies. They're such easy things to buy people as most people love one movie or another, and you can probably get something cool that relates to that! You can guarantee that half of my presents will be Harry Potter related in one way or another! So I thought I would share so cool things you could get fellow film and TV lovers!

from top left clockwise on the first picture

Toy Story Vans - Varies

These aren't released until November 29th. But they're so cool! The Buzz Lightyear ones are my favourite! A necessity for any Toy Story fan (which is everybody, of course)

Game of Thrones Wine Stoppers - £39.99

A little pricey, but if you know a wine lover who is also addicted to Game of Thrones then these would make the perfect gift!

Hulk Fist Mug - £12

Probably not the easiest mug to drink from, but definitely one of the best!

Lord of the Rings Keyring - £10.50

This is only the coolest keyring you could give any Lord of the Rings fan!

Yoda Hat - £12.99, and Yoda Slippers - £14.99

Know any Star Wars fans that also like woolly hats? Or fluffy slippers? Well, you're in luck! Because these Yoda style hat and slippers ss awesome!

Pop Funko - Varies

These little guys are all the hype lately, and I can see why. I have a quite a few myself (obviously all from the Harry Potter range) but they have SO many to choose from! You're more than likely to find one for the shows you love!

Friends PJs - £29

These are a definite must for any Friends fan! The bottoms remind me of series 1 or 2 Rachel, and who wouldn't want to look like Rachel Green?

Lazy Oaf x 101 Dalmatian Coat - £160

This has a pretty steep price tag, but on the scale of awesomeness it tops it! The inside even has prints of the dalmatians. I think I need this!

TNBC Calendar - £8.99

Probably not the most instagram-able calendar, but who doesn't love The Nightmare Before Christmas?!

15 November 2016

Christmas is fast approaching and so are all the limited edition beauty sets! I tried to make this a range of high end and drug but it did turn out more high end. Although, I generally think people prefer to splurge a little more at Christmas and buy nicer, more expensive, items!

THE GOODS!

Tanya Burr Manicure - This 'Mrs Claus' manicure set is so cute! The varnish is so sparkly and Christmassy, and it also comes with a miniature emery board!

Anastasia Glow Kit - I'm kind of obsessed with the Anastasia Glow Kits lately. The 'Sweets' edition has such a perfect combinations of colours; nudes and pinks. Personally, I prefer pink tones to some of the more nude tones of the other glow palettes - but they're all amazing!

Charlotte Tilbury Mini Matte Charms - How adorable are these mini mattes from Charlotte Tilbury? Obviously they aren't very big but they're a perfect gift for any make-up lover as you get 3 lipsticks for just £29!

Morphe Palette - SO many people own the Morphe 350 palette, but their Fall into Frost is just on another level! The colours are all so pretty and offers a lot more than your basic nude shades.

Guerlaine Météorites - This loose powder compressed into tiny multicoloured pearls is so perfect. But at over £40 it generally isn't an everyday item that you'd buy yourself, so it's a perfect beauty gift if you want to spend that little bit more!

MAC Nutcracker - The MAC Christmas range is all so pretty; the pink and purple packaging is just amazing and so are the products. Anything from this range is a must for all beauty lovers - but especially these pigments!

Urban Decay Liquid Liner - Everybody loves liquid liner! But sometimes it's nice to ditch the black and opt for something a little more out-there. And these UD liners are perfect for just that!

Barry M Nail Varnish - I don't know about you but I absolutely LOVE Barry M nail varnishes. They come in the most amazing range of colours and they're so affordable. They make great stocking fillers!

Jouer Lip Crème - After seeing a post on Cult Beauty about the Jouer lip crème in the shade Snapdragon I knew I had to have it. It's a beautifully winter shade of pink, perfect for this time of year!

ZOEVA Strobe Gel - The Zoeva strobe gels are the perfect illuminators! Just layer them for a natural glow or intense strobe effect; great for any occasion!

Spectrum Brushes - Spectrum have so many amazing ranges of brushes. The colours are incredible and they're actually great quality. The Glam Clam is probably one of my favourite sets but there are so many to choose from!

Too Faced Melted Matte - The Too Faced 'Melted' range are all the rage! And their new Christmas edition shade Candy Cane is perfect for the season! It even smells like peppermint mocha!!

Milani Powder Blush - At £9 each this blush is a steal! They have an amazing range of colours and the flower design gives it that extra touch!

If you have any more fab beauty finds that you're loving this Christmas let me know!

12 November 2016

I don't know about you but I'm SO excited for Christmas this year! I've been in the Christmas spirit since about August and I've already started buying and wrapping presents! I thought it'd be fun to do a personalised gift guide as I love to get gifts that are a little more on the personal side to your generic presents (but don't get me wrong, I love those too!).

Clockwise from top left:

Alphabet Mugs - There isn't a Christmas that goes by that I haven't bought somebody a mug! And alphabet mugs are the perfect way to personalise a gift. These from Bombay Duck, M&S, and Anthropologie are probably my favourite, although there are a lot of different options out there!

Engraving at Boots - I don't think this is something that's in every Boots store, but in my local they now have an engraving station. This means you can buy a product and get it engraved; from perfume to make up brushes! It's such a nice way to personalise a gift you were probably getting anyway!

Baubles - Ok, so these may be more of a Christmas eve present because they need to be hung on the Christmas tree, but they're so cute! You can get quite a range of styles and colours to personalise as you wish! They'd look great on the tree!

Photobox Calendars - I don't know about you but literally every year my mom asks for a calendar! I got fed up buying Bon Jovi calendars year after year so took to Photobox. It's amazing! You can personalise them as much as you want and it gives a really personal touch to something the could be so mundane!

Photo and Frame - One of my favourite presents to buy somebody is a photo frame with a photo in. It can be a photo of anything: a pet, a holiday snap, a childhood photo, etc etc. If I get somebody something like this I usually buy a frame from Paperchase as they're so pretty!

Disney - I don't know about you but I love Disney! And you can personalise loads of items in the Disney store; like this Christmas sack! I usually buy somebody something from Disney so it's a nice way to add an extra special touch!

Thorntons - Everybody loves chocolate! But instead of buying a boring selection box, how about you get one of Throntons personalised options? You just take it to the counter and they can write whatever you want on the chocolate!

For more personalised gifts you should always try Etsy or Not on the Highstreet; they both have amazing selections of items that can be personalised in one way or another!

If you know any other places to get cute personalised gifts, let me know in the comments!

6 November 2016

Now that winter is officially here I'm dreaming of a holiday! So, I thought I'd share some of my snaps from Egypt last year. It was such an amazing holiday and I'd recommend it to anyone.