Something about.. Dear John

A beautiful love story about a young soldier torn between the love he has for his new girlfriend, Savannah (Amanda Seyfried), his troubled father and his job – which takes him away for years at a time.

I am going to start by being entirely honest and admitting that I am biased towards any film which stars Channing Tatum.

But this film had a lot to live up to. An adaptation of the novel by Nicholas Sparks, the critically acclaimed novelist of ‘The Notebook’ and ‘A Walk to Remember’ which were both made into successful films. But ‘Chocolat’ director Lasse Hallstrom does well to create a moving and touching love story between two young, likeable characters.

The plot, which pulled on the heartstrings of so many who have husbands, sons and fathers fighting in the Middle East, was well written but was not executed on screen as well as it could have been. The chemistry between the lead characters is not totally convincing and some of the dialogue is corny and weak.

The tragedy does seem overdone, with – what I felt – was the unnecessary death and funeral of Tatum’s father. But the development of the characters leave the audience truly caring about the outcome of the story.

Although weak in some areas, the movie does deliver a satisfying dose of love, romance and emotion.

Something about.. Legally Blonde the Musical

My dear friend Kirsty purchased discount tickets for ‘Legally Blonde the Musical’ – so off we set on the train for a big-city adventure. The weather forecast predicted sleet and rain for the day, so naturally Lauren wore a cardigan and no coat. But we were pleasantly surprised when we arrived at Liverpool Street to a clear blue sky. Obviously the first stop in the big smoke was KFC, standard – and then it was off to Selfridges for some extreme window shopping.

We stocked up on sweets in Boots and then took our seats at the Savoy Theatre, in the second row. Right in the spitting vicinity, but it was well worth it.

 

I must admit I was dubious about a staged version of the camp, pink and very American Hollywood movie, but I was pleasantly surprised.

 

Sheridan Smith wasn’t there – but her understudy did a great job as ‘legally blonde’ law student, Elle Woods, offering a likeable, charming and sharp portrayal of Reece Witherspoon’s much-loved character. She had flawless comic timing and a beautiful and powerful voice, hitting every note in all of her (many) songs.

Luckily, Duncan James (from Blue) had the role of Warner, a cocky and vain character, so little acting was needed and he carried it off well. Although he sung well, his voice was lost on the theatre stage and his many years spent in the studio were apparent. But he suited the role and was well cast in the ensemble.

Alex Gaumond was instantly likeable as Emmett, and his onstage chemistry with Elle was convincing. He produced a successful portrayal of the guy-everyone-wants-her-to-end-up-with, good job well done I’d say. (During a later appearance at Wagamamas we also decided he is very pleasing to the eye. Good casting? I think so.)

The supporting chorus were brilliant – offering strong singing, athletic dancing and adding all-round enthusiasm and excitement to all of the numbers and scenes.

 

Highlights of the show included the entertaining addition of an amusing skit featuring a UPS delivery man named Kyle wearing very tight shorts, culminating in an Irish jig alongside Jill Halfpenny’s hilarious depiction of Paulette.

But the brilliant performance by the show’s four-legged friends, an English bulldog and Elle’s beloved Chihuahua, Bruiser, won the hearts of the audience and received the biggest applause.

 

Some of the songs were bland and instantly forgettable, but others were really catchy and actually pretty good. ‘Gay or European’ and ‘OMIGOD YOU GUYS’ standing out from the rest.

The set was fun and interesting, the cast were strong and convincing, supported by an upbeat and enthusiastic chorus, and the show was entertaining and good wholesome fun. What more could you want from ‘Legally Blonde the Musical’?

We left the Savoy cheery and upbeat – feeling satisfied with our £20 investment in the tickets. Following an early dinner in Wagamamas – to avoid the aforementioned rain – a few tube changes later, and a hunt for the latest Dr Who magazine, we were on our train home. But still those fateful words ring through our heads more than a week on – ‘OMIGOD, OMIGOD YOU GUYS..’

Something about.. The art of tattoos

In some cultures it is considered a skilled and timeless art. In others, it is seen to symbolize gang culture and criminality. And in many cultures, it is just a trend. But in countries around the world tattooing has boomed in popularity, causing controversy and speculation as many young people decide to get permanent body art. As skin becomes canvas, ink and needle replace paint and brush, we ask the question- is tattooing even art at all?

So I set out on a journey of discovery, to determine whether tattooing really is art. The challenge: learn how to tattoo in one week. How hard can it really be? After coaching from tattoo apprentice Josh Hurrell, and sketching practice of the chosen design, a Japenese style cherry blossom flower, it was time to put needle to pig skin (yes, pig skin).

Can I master the equipment and create a piece of tattoo art, or will I fail and prove that tattooing is a true art which requires skill and talent?

Click play below and find out for yourself.

Something about.. XOXO

My life officially has meaning again - and my Wednesday nights are now the highlight of my week. Yes, Gossip Girl is back.

And I am very happy to say that my beloved Chuck Bass - and his beloved, Blair Waldorf are still living their happy ever after. This certainly leaves me smiling, after two series spent on the edge of my seat waiting for Mr. Bass to say those three words, eight letters..

And at the end of Series two comes the moment where he finally says it, one of my favourite moments in TV history.

"You were right, I was a coward running away again.. And everywhere I went, you caught up with me – I love you too.."

Something about.. Harry Harris

So you've heard his name before on my blog.. and here's a little more about the one, the only; Harry Harris.

He has applied to become this year's STA World Traveller Intern, and we are campaigning for him to win.

So PLEASE follow the link: http://www.worldtravellerintern.co.uk/member/harry-harris/, watch his brilliantly hilarious video and VOTE FOR HARRY HARRIS!

Thank you. That's all folks.

Something about.. Man U's new fitness regime

If fitness sessions with James Corden were available it would be so easy to get me down the gym.

And I can tell you one thing, I'd certainly be burning off a lot of calories not only from the working out - but also from the hysterical laughter.

Something about.. Luna the whale

It was just another Wednesday evening. Stuck in for the night due to huge amounts of work and lacking amounts of money, we spent the evening - as many others have been spent - flicking aimlessly through our hundreds of Sky channels.

But this evening we came across something special, just by chance. Resting the remote control briefly on a documentary series entitled 'Natural World', we were initially repelled by the voice of the narrator. But, then we caught site of the subject, Luna the whale.

The documentary followed the story of Luna - a lone killer whale separated from his pod off Vancouver Island in British Columbia - who sought friendship from people and boats. 

Luna caused much controversy between those who believed they should give him friendship and attention to keep him out of trouble, and those who believed he should be ignored to encourage him to stay away from people and potentially dangerous boat rudders.

But the determined little whale continued to follow boats and crave the attention of local people - and even dogs! Eventually the documentary maker moved down to the lake to keep Luna company and to keep him away from danger.

However, the touching story had only one outcome - and as my housemates and I became genuine fans of Luna the friendly whale, we were heartbroken when it was announced that he had been killed by a boats rudder.

Literally heart-wrenching. RIP Luna.

Something about.. tattooing a dead pig

I usually have fun and random days when I see my best friend, Josh. And today was no different.

A resident tattoo apprentice, he is hugely helpful when I fancy a new bit of ink, or when I'm looking to do a feature on the art of tattoos. Yes, the aim was to investigate whether tattooing is really art. And to discover this, my aim - as a hugely unskilled and unartistic person - was to learn how to tattoo in a week.

So after practicing my sketching of cherry blossoms - my intended tattoo design which would provide the answer to my question - I turned my kitchen into a temporary tattoo studio.

And unsurprisingly as no right-minded person would want me tattooing my debut design on their body, we got out the best practice material and next best thing to human skin: pig skin.

After a quick shave (yes, we had to shave the pig skin!), I got to grips with the tattoo machine, drew on my design and started to ink.

Needless to say, the lines were shaky, uneven and quite frankly, crap. Josh's were neat and tidy and perfect. Reassuring as he's the paid tattoo artist.

And when side by side it was clear - even to the untrained eye - which tattoo was by which tattooist.

So, in answer to my question: yes, tattooing is an art. And although anyone could learn how to use a tattooing machine, putting it to good use with ink and a design, is quite another story.

Something about.. the day of 'love'

It's here, again. The one day of the year that all singletons dread. And that some in relationships dread.

February 14th. Valentines Day. The day of love, because - according to Geoffrey Chaucer - it is the day when the birds choose their partners. But all that aside, and without sounding like too much of a Valentine's Scrooge, what is the point in February 14th, the day of 'love'?

Don't get me wrong, I'm the typical hopeless romantic, who dreams of the day when my Prince Charming will ride off into the sunset with me. And unlike many who hate the Valentines Day traditions, I am, in fact, in a long term relationship. But I just struggle to understand one simple fact - why do we only show our love and affection on this one day.

If your decision as a couple is to ignore the consumerist hype that is Valentines Day, then you'll certainly be saving yourself a lot of money. Dinner at a restaurant will be double the price, just because of the date. And a dozen roses will require re-mortgaging your house.

So, why not tell your partner every day that you love them? And if you want to surprise them with dinner or chocolates, do it when it's actually a surprise, as opposed to an expectation.

This Valentines was set to be different for me. With my boyfriend going to rather drastic steps to avoid the stress of February 14th (he's travelling in Central America), I decided to make the 200 mile/five hour train journey home from university - in Bournemouth - to Suffolk.

And in stead of Valentines Day, myself and the girls would be celebrating Palentines Day. 

So after dinner at a Chinese and the spontaneous decision to hit the town, we were necking shots at the bar in a local club. And surrounded by desperate singletons hoping to snag a midnight Valentines kiss, we proceeded to have a brilliant night on the dance floor.

And then in true Palentines Day style - as couples all over the country sat down for their romantic candlelight dinners and soppy romantic nights in - us girls sat down for a home-cooked meal with some rather delicious dauphinoise potatoes and rather messy Banoffee Pie.

The point to all of this? If you - like so many others - find Valentines Day depressing/annoying/a waste of time, then find another constructive way of spending this day - because who else do you want to show your love for in this world? Your friends.

Of course, I did enjoy the fact that even after spending 48 hours climbing volcanoes, my boyfriend did call me from across the pond to wish me a happy Valentines Day. Well, something along the line of: 'I thought I should call you because of today and all that crap!'

It's the thought that counts!

Something about.. the end of the beginning

So following in the ever wise and entertaining steps of my housemate and fellow journalism student, Harry Harris, I have decided to begin writing a blog. Although admitting that I am a) not as witty or b) lead as entertaining or interesting life as Mr. Hazza Harris, I would like to share with you all the trials and tribulations of my life as I make the large leap from student to adult. 

> (Read Mr. Harris's blog)

Yes, it's time to grow up.

I'll admit that I thought I was making the biggest move and becoming an adult on the day I waved my parents away standing in a house in Bournemouth with three stangers. It seemed that moving to university was indeed the most grown-up thing I could ever do. But I was, in fact, wrong.

As university draws to a close, dissertation hand-ins creep up and the whisper of graduation grows louder and louder it seems that the big wide world is suddenly right at my feet.

So this is set to be my blog on my experiences as my life as I know it draws to a close, and the world of jobs, mortgages, tax, marriage and all other 'grown up' things lies waiting at my door step.

Here goes..