November Favourites

Happy Saturday, everybody! Is it just me or is anybody else exhausted recently? The cold, miserable weather and dark nights have me swapping Saturday nights out in Belfast for a night in beside the fire watching Netflix.

I have had such a busy few weeks, that I've completely missed the opportunity to share an 'October Favourites' post with you, so here is a late October/early November favourites post!

Cinemagic's 'A Christmas Star' World Premiere

Just last year I had wrapped filming on my first feature film, 'A Christmas Star.' Myself and 40 other young trainees were chosen amongst hundreds of applicants to spend a number of weeks working on production and we were each divided into our desired departments. Three of the trainees, including myself, were working in the costume department. We worked long and hard hours and bared with the typical Irish weather, but above it all, it's an experience I will never forget and I am extremely grateful for the opportunities it has given me and the friendships I have created over this past year. Obviously I couldn't wait to reunite with my set family and see the finish product on the big screen, and the big night had finally arrived!

On November 4th 2015, over 2,400 guests arrived at the SSE Arena to watch 'A Christmas Star.' Cast, crew and VIP guests walked the red carpet and enjoyed the pre-show entertainment. It was nice to see the crew out of their waterproofs and in their best attire! I opted for a black gown with glitter star print (sticking with the theme!) that I purchased from ASOS and paired it with suede lace-up heels I ordered for Public Desire. 

McElhinney's Bridal Rooms - Exclusive Blogger's Event

Less than two weeks ago, a huge box was delivered to my front door. Inside was a heart-shaped balloon and a beautiful invitation to the 'Exclusive Blogger's Event at McElhinney's Bridal Rooms.' I couldn't contain my excitement - my first real exclusive blogger's event! This would be the perfect opportunity to network, meet like-minded people and check out the re-opening of the bridal rooms!

Anyone who knows me will know I am obsessed with weddings, dresses in particular! I'm guilty of spending hours upon hours pinning wedding inspiration to my Pinterest board and watching endless repeats of 'Say Yes to the Dress' or 'I Found the Gown.' This event sounded like a magical fairytale!

I arrived at the 'Villa Rose Hotel' in Ballybofey where I was greeted with many delicious gifts, including a box of chocolates, champagne and lots of beauty related treats! My complementary treatments awaited, including an up-do and a session in the thermal suite spa (but we'll get to that later!) I chose a simple side-braid and loose waves, which complemented my 'First & I' outfit perfectly. 

Everything You Need to Host a Movie Night

The air has got colder and there is a high chance you are probably suffering from the flu - that is how you know it is officially Autumn! It's a Sunday night, the fire is roaring and you're drinking some Earl Grey tea. Maybe you decide to catch up on 'Mad Men,' or perhaps you're in the mood for a scary horror. Whatever it is, I'm here to help you with everything you need to host the perfect movie night!

Anyone who knows me will know I am obsessed with movie nights. I find them much more enjoyable than a night out in town, so I promise, if there is anybody to trust with this, it's me!


The Perfect Screen
If you are a lover of the movies, then I highly suggest you invest on a spectacular television screen. What you watch your films on can totally enhance your viewing experience. It's like having a cinema in your own living room! I have always used Panasonic, and I have just recently discovered the new Panasonic Viera. Have you heard of 4k TV? Basically, 4k TV is better than HD (high definition). The image is crisper, clearer and sharper, allowing for more details to be seen. You can also connect your phone, iPad, or tablet to the TV, meaning you can view the screen on a larger scale. 4k is the future of television. Your living room will become the hotspot for movie nights!

If you would like to take a look at the difference between 4k and HD (or maybe want to learn more about the Panasonic Viera), click here!

A Beginner's Guide to Los Angeles

Hello, strangers! Okay, so you're probably wondering where the hell I have been for the past few months, and truth is, I have been ridiculously busy. I know what you're thinking, 'excuses, excuses,' but I promise it won't happen again! Finishing high school, studying for final exams and then finding time to celebrate the summer holidays has just taken up so much of my time!

I don't want to bore you with exam stories so let's just skip to the exciting part - travelling! I spent the first two weeks of July in Los Angeles (where I'll also be spending my 19th!). This was my fourth time visiting the city and honestly now it just feels like a second home. I have friends out there and I know a lot of cool places, so I feel very relaxed when I'm visiting. I've done the touristy attractions and I've visited LA's best kept secrets, so here is my ultimate beginner's guide to sunny Los Angeles!

Ruby Cup Menstrual Cup (Tried and Tested)

Last month I received my 'Ruby Cup' in the post and I have been counting down the days til I got to test it out. Yeah, it's a little weird waiting patiently for my period to start, but I've wanted to test a menstrual cup out for quite a while now. I've heard so much about them and I honestly believe that they are the future.

Why I Live by Coconut Oil (and why you should too)

I have just had the most incredible coconut oil bath and it has inspired me to write this particular post. Ever since I bought my first jar of coconut oil about a year ago, I have researched and experimented with every technique I could possibly find on Pinterest. Here, I will tell you my favourites hints and tips and hopefully persuade you to go out and buy your own jar of coconut oil.

Disposable vs. Digital

(Sprinkles Cupcake ATM - Beverly Hills)

I am an absolute sucker for disposable cameras. The obsession started a couple of years back when I started experimenting with different cameras. I asked for a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex camera) for Christmas a few years back and I am still using the same camera to this day! It is a pretty basic Olympus SP-600UZ, but I don't have any faults with it. It was the perfect camera for a beginner, but now that I've gained more skill with photography and filmography, I hope to purchase a new Nikon by the end of the month!

The White Rabbit

It's official, I'm off school for study leave! I only have to wear my uniform three more times before I'm out of it for good! Most sixth form cried at our leavers assembly, but honestly I was just counting down the seconds until the bell went. Heck, I didn't even go to the leaver's party last Saturday. Netflix in bed sounds a lot more enjoyable than pretending to like everyone around me.

Personal Hair Evolution

The other day, a friend told me I have had the same hairstyle for years. I was a little surprised at this, a little annoyed, actually. This made me sound so boring and plain - two words I certainly do not like to associate myself with. I went home that night and immediately logged onto Facebook. I searched through all my 'private' photo albums and cringed at some of the memories. I couldn't help but laugh at some of the hairstyles. The cuts and the colours, they definitely were not boring.

Here I will take look back (at some very cringe-worthy pictures) of all my past hairstyles. Prepare yourself!

How to Survive High School in the Modern Day (Part 1)

(Image courtesy of Petra Collins)

Don't Worry, Be Happy

                   Everyone experiences good days, bad days, sad days, angry days and usually, for me, tiresome days. We're all sick of something, whether that be school, work or drama occurring in our lives. We wake up every morning, we go to school or get ready for work, come home and by the time we've had our dinner, it's time for bed. Many of us are living for the weekend, personally I'm living for the summer. Two entire months of freedom - no coursework to stress over and no unnecessary drama to avoid. I think, some way or another, everyone can relate to this.

We're getting older by the second, and I don't think that should sound as scary as it actually does! We focus too much on the negative vibes that surround us, and completely ignore the positivity we truly should be grateful for. I've came up with a list of 3 reasons to be happy. They will, without a doubt, relate to everybody some way or another. 

1. You are loved. Family, friends and strangers. 

Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Blondies

Apologies for the delayed post! I have been so busy with filming and coursework I haven't had a second to update. I thought I would treat you lot with a tasty recipe for peanut butter and white chocolate blondies - like brownies, but using white chocolate instead! This recipe is super quick and easy to bake and goes perfectly with home-made honeycomb ice-cream.

Room Tour

Bleach London - 'Total Bleach' Review

Boots - £7.00

The colour of my hair has been annoying me for a couple of months. Just last December, I spent £70 tidying the colour up. I was going for a sombre (subtle ombre) look, and don't get me wrong, my hairdresser did a fantastic job and I was more than pleased with the results, but unfortunately my hair just doesn't hold colour well. No matter if I lighten or darken it, it always goes back to a dull blonde, even when using silver shampoo?! I can't afford to spend money every month on touch-ups, it's just too costly. I needed a solution that would be cheap and effective.

I've followed Lou Teasdale (@louteasdale) and Bleach London (@bleachlondon) on Instagram for over a year now and I've always been meaning to check out their products. I've heard much hype about them and I couldn't wait to get stuck in. I purchased the bleach at my local Boots store for £7.00. 

Top 5 Netflix Choices (UK)

Firstly, I would like to apologise for my lack of blogging. My last post was probably over two weeks ago, and I'm a little bummed with myself for the lack of dedication. If you're wondering where I've been hiding this past while, the truth is, my bedroom. I've been flat out with coursework (boo), I'm currently working on a new feature length script (which I'm very excited about), and the not-so-lovely Irish weather has brought us some snow, so Olly and I spent a good 6 hours perfecting Olaf the snowman last Saturday.

So now most of my coursework is done and dusted, I can get back to my blog - yay!

It's no secret I'm a total movie-buff. Seriously though, I could spent hours upon hours watching Juno Temple movies and you're most likely to find me at my local cinema on a Friday night (whilst most of my friends are getting drunk at the local club.)

I think I've watched almost every good film on Sky and I was running out of DVD storage space. As much as I didn't want to, only because I knew I'd fall for it's social-ruining ways, I bought Netflix, and, well, I haven't had much sleep since.

There are way too many movies to choose from -some good, some terrible. I'm here to share with you my top 5 Netflix picks!

Warning - If you're expecting action-packed, zombie invested Brad Pitt films, you may as well stop reading now. The following are most likely quirky, indie, kinda-romantic, Sundance Film Festival choices. Maybe.

Prince Avalanche (2013)
Starring; Paul Rudd, Emile Hirsch
Director; David Gordon Green

Rudd and Hirsch play bickering road workers in a bitter-sweet study of male companionship. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that two of my favourite actors were teaming-up. For me, this film is visually stunning. Filmed in Texas, the setting is perfect. The use of natural sunlight really creates a peaceful environment. A comedy with a hidden, empowering message - watch and listen carefully to understand the true meaning of Prince Avalanche. Thought provoking and totally underrated, Prince Avalanche is a favourite of mine.

Fun fact - the movie was shot in only 16 days!

Liebster Award Nomination

I am thrilled to be nominated for a Liebster Award by the beautiful blogger that is Bex! Thank you very, very much for the nomination. 

I promised myself, on January 1st 2015, I would commit to my new blog, and 20 days later, I'm still here. I've already met so many amazing people online, and I look forward to future blogging! This nomination means a lot to me because I know people are actually reading and finding an interest in my blog, so for that, I thank you all!

Rules

Link the person who nominated you

Answer the questions given by the nominator

Nominate 11 other blogs who have less than 200 followers

Create 11 questions for the nominees to answer

Notify all nominees via social media/blogs

7 Problems Only Blondes Understand

'Blondes Have More Fun' - we're all familiar with this saying, right?! Despite, possibly, having 'more fun,' I'm here to tell you the truth about being a blonde. Trust me, it's hard work! Only about 2% of the world's population is naturally blonde, so if, like me, you're an 'unnatural blonde,' you can possibly, almost certainly, relate to the following problems;

1) Long, blonde hair = BIMBO - Think about this. Four girls are lined up against a wall. One of them has long brunette hair. Another has long blonde hair. One of them has short brown hair, the other, short blonde hair. Now, if somebody was asked to pick the 'bimbo' out of the four, it's almost sure they'll go straight for the girl with the long, blonde hair. I've encountered this problem many times and truthfully, it sucks. I blame the likes of 'Playboy' and 'dumb celebrities' for giving us this reputation. I can't tell you how many times people have said 'oh, you're so blonde sometimes.' Not everybody will agree with this, but I'm certain most can relate.

2) Being blonde is not cheap! - You're probably visiting the salon every four to six weeks to keep on top of your roots. You probably have a piggy bank dedicated to salon money. And let's face it, you've probably tried to save a few pounds attempting a DIY colour-kit (but let's not mention that.)

Sia's "Elastic Heart" Music Video - My Interpretation

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past day or two, you simply cannot avoid the hype that is surrounding Sia's new music video for her latest song off the '1000 Forms of Fear' album - "Elastic Heart."

The video features familiar face Maddie Ziegler, (Chandelier, anybody?), and a personal favourite of mine, Shia LaBeouf. Directed by the Aussie pop singer and Daniel Askill, the video features Ziegler and LaBeouf performing an intense and emotional interpretive dance sequence inside what appears to be a giant birdcage. 

However, the music video, which premiered just over 24 hours ago, has already received much criticism and negativity, with many online users calling it 'disturbing' and even suggesting pedophelia. 

Unfortunately, art isn't for everybody. Some people would much prefer to watch Ariana Grande shoot missiles out of her breasts against a horrific, fail of a green-screen (watch her video "Break Free"). It is a shame because  this really is a stunning visual with a real thought provoking power. Users see a middle-aged man and a younger girl and automatically assume it is inappropriate. Not having a artistic mind-set is inappropriate in my eyes.

In my opinion, both Ziegler and LaBeouf are playing characters that are representing Sia. Ziegler represents her harsh past and bad habits, and I believe this is clear when looking back and analysing the 'Chandelier' video and lyrics. LaBeouf represents the 'new' Sia, strong and powerful, yet trying ever so hard to let go of the past. Let me break the video down for you.