My Netflix Favourites

One bonus of being unwell the past couple of weeks is that I have achieved little more than powering through Netflix. I have a fickle relationship with Netflix, sometimes loving it other times achieving more than spending hours flicking through what I want to watch without actually watching anything.

Today I thought I'd have a talk through what has kept my subscription renewed of late, and of course kept me company whilst I was confined to my sickbed. Get comfortable this is a long one and don't worry there are no spoilers here.

Once Upon A Time
This is the show that led me to renew my subscription a couple of months ago. I watched series one and two via Sky Boxsets and when I looked online to see when Series Three would return saw that it was cancelled in the UK. So much was my love for the show I actually brought the third series on DVD and just accepted I would have to wait patiently to do the same for Series Four. Then my mum mentioned she was watching the show on Netflix so I had a look and there was Series Four in all it's glory, appearing weekly as it was shown in the US. Now I'm waiting for the return of series four and 'Dark Swan'.

In short if you haven't watched the show it's based around well loved fairytales with a slight twist. All the residents of the modern day (fictional!) town of Storybrooke are under a curse from the Evil Queen. Without their memories they do not know they are our favourite characters from these well loved tales.

Enter Emma Swan, the only hope the characters have of regaining their memories and breaking the curse. Each episodes switches between 'modern day' and the characters past in the Enchanted Forest. Typically focusing on one character and their story and leading up to the day the curse was cast.

As the series has progressed we've seen the addition of some more modern day characters such as Anna and Elsa from Frozen and series four will see Merida from Brave making an appearance as well as favourites such as Snow White (who is very different from your typical image!).

Is it a little cheesy, at times yes but it's definitely worth a watch if you're a child at heart. Maybe you could even let your children watch with you!

Breaking Bad
If OUAT were the reason for my renewed subscription to Netflix then Breaking Bad was the reason I maintained it. I never watched the series on it's first airing and despite numerous failed attempts to watch in the past I was never able to get past the first couple of episodes.

After making an appearance on Sky scheduling I'd started watching more diligently and by the time I headed off to Ibiza I was on series three. I must confess at this point I wasn't exactly sure what everyone was raving about. Great story and acting it certainly had but I found that episodes could almost become repetitive.

One or two evenings alone in Ibiza I turned to Netflix and carried on with my Breaking Bad viewing so was able to catch up to what was being shown in the UK at the time. Towards the end of the series I found things picked up and overall I enjoyed watching but as with many tv series there is always one that falls a little lacklustre.

That said I am in the minority and overall everyone else thinks I'm crazy for not being completely blown away by the show.

Orange is the New Black
After abandoned Netflix briefly to catch up on my Sky Planner one weekend I found myself without anything recorded and once again turned to my Netflix package and thought I'd see what all the fuss was about with Orange is the New Black.

This show I really enjoyed and pretty much watched the two series in a week. Much like Breaking Bad it's always interesting to see how someones circumstances changes a person, or perhaps brings out the side of them they've kept hidden.

Some episodes actually made me jump or squirm as they can be violence and languages and subject matter can easily be described as salty but I liked that about it. I'm quite keen to read the original memoir the series is based on now.

Pretty Little Liars
Just to complete the stereotypical image of what bloggers watch on Netflix next I turned to Pretty Little Liars, the show I was able to watch all six series of in just over three weeks, due to my illness.

When PLL first aired in the UK I did watch series one or two but long ago I decided to start from the bottom just to familarise myself with it. Am I fanatic like some? No. Have I had a little nose online at theories of course but am I freaking out about tonight's reveal of 'A' I'm afraid not. Initially I really enjoyed the series but by the time I got to series five I was bored and just wished they'd get on with it. Odd episodes were pleasurable, the 'Dollhouse' ones peaked my poorly interest but generally it was just all seeming too far fetched or drawn out.

With the reveal of 'A' happening tonight in the US tomorrow I will be battling my own curiosity to see who 'A' is via Twitter and the like with waiting to get home and watch the episode for myself.

The Good Wife
Once I was up to date with PLL I moved on to The Good Wife. Another show I'm sure I watched sporadically when it was first shown on TV but not kept up with. Last night I finished series one and this evening I'm ready to move on to series two.

I love political dramas, other favourites being The West Wing and of course Scandal (two shows I highly recommend if you've never watched) and this is definitely one that keeps my interest. I like that it's shows are standalone in terms of their legals cases whilst in the background you have the personal side which continues throughout each episode.

As my list suggests I'm more prone to watch TV shows via Netflix than but I've also watched the films Rewrite, starring Hugh Grant and Obsessed with Beyonce (much cringing at times but still worth a watch) and the more interesting 'The Oscar Goes To' documentary.

So there you have my fairly cliched Netflix viewing. Anything you'd recommend I should be watching?

The Single Girls Date Night #1

Two of my favourite things to do are eating and visiting the cinema. Just because I'm a single girl who can often be left with only herself for company it doesn't stop my enjoying both of these things and actually I'd encourage anyone who is looking for some time out to take themselves to the cinema as if it's something that can be a rather relaxing and enjoyable few hours alone.

I've always been rather comfortable in my own company and remember telling a friend I'd been out for lunch by myself on a shopping trip and she claimed she could never do that and had recently eaten a sandwich in her car rather than sit at a table alone! I find it even stranger when people won't visit the cinema alone, firstly you'll be surprised how many other lone people you'll find dotted around the screening room and secondly, it's not like you can talk to any friends you take with you.

My cinema of choice is Vue in Westfield Stratford. Typically I'll stop off en route home and potter about doing some shopping, often visiting the Massage Angels, grabbing a bite to eat and then snuggling down to watch the latest film release. I'm not one for relaxing, always on the internet, flicking through a magazine or generally completing odd jobs around the house and this is the one time I will actually sit back and do nothing but watch the action on screen. It drives my brother crazy that even at home I'll never watch a film without scrolling through my Twitter timeline or drafting the latest blog post.

As you can see from the photos the recent film of choice was X-Men Days of Future Past and I bloody loved it. I love all the X-Men films and am really enjoying the rebooted versions as I love to learn a little about the backstory. I won't say too much about the film because I won't spoil it for anyone especially as there is a cracking ending which I didn't see coming but if you love the type of film that is complete entertainment, a good dose of action and a rather eye pleasing cast (you may spot a certain characters bottom) then it's one I'd highly recommend.

Of course you can't sit through a movie whilst your stomach is rumbling so I made a pit stop via Gourmet Burger Kitchen. For a change I went for the Cajun Blue chicken burger complete with blue cheese slaw accompanied by sweet potato fries and the rather odd but delicious baconnaise.

Would you visit the cinema alone or never dream of it?

Week 47 // Bruno, Burgers and Butlers

The past week has been one full of non stop activities with friends and family which I thought I thought I'd go into a little more detail on beyond the instagram snaps you'll have seen popping up as I've gone along.

Captain Phillips

Tuesday evening a friend and I had plans to go to the cinema. She asked if I'd like to see Captain Phillips and despite not being too enthusiastic I was happy enough to see what Tom Hanks had to offer. I'm so glad I did, the film was fantastic. The first 5 minutes I thought to myself this is boring and then suddenly I was gripped in a story that saw me shouting at the screen and literally sitting on the edge of my seat. To summarise the film centres around Captain Phillips and his ship's hijacking my Somalian pirates; the first time this had happened to an American ship in over 200 years. Of course as with any film based on true events there are conflicting stories as to whether Captain Phillips version of events is realistic but nonetheless as a film it was one I enjoyed and would recommend to everyone

Bruno Mars

Many months ago a friend at work was booking tickets to see Bruno Mars and invited me along after I expressed my interest in the concert. I haven't been to a concert in ages and if I'm honest I'm not what I'd describe in any way as a music lover. Of course I enjoy listening to music but I'm unlikely to put the radio on at any other time than when I'm driving but Bruno Mars is one of those artists whose every song I enjoy.  

We had standing tickets at the O2 which suited us perfectly. We were quite happy to enjoy the music and took our positions at the back of the area so we could watch the whole stage whilst drinking beer and dancing around. It was a fantastic concert and Bruno and his band reminded me of a trendy modern day Jackson Five as they danced and sung around the stage. I was worried that there would be the odd song I wasn't familiar with having failed at my homework of listening to his album but I surprised myself with knowing more than I expected. Such a good night and if you ever have an opportunity to see Bruno live I'd grab the chance.

Birthday Shopping

Tomorrow is my nephews birthday so as he was staying at my parents last week I decided to take him up to Westfield so he could pick some presents from the Disney and Lego stores. Our first stop was The Disney Store so he could get the dolls from the forthcoming cartoon Frozen. We had spent Friday evening with him showing me trailers for the film on You Tube that even I can't wait to watch it. He loves the Prince dolls from Disney so he went straight for Kristoff and was quite adorable and insisted we had to get the Anna princess doll for my niece. Unfortunately the other 2 characters were sold out but I managed to pick up Elsa yesterday during a second trip to Westfield and now it's just hunting down Hans this week - check me out knowing all the character names!

Burgers 

Sunday morning I woke up to a text from my hungover friend Lisa simply saying 'I need burgers". I'd spent the evening with friends drinking French Martini's (vodka, chambord and pineapple juice - try it people it's amazing) myself so I was feeling a little jaded too so off to GBK we went. I chose the Camemburger filled with camembert, truffle mayo, onion jam AND a hash brown. A fantastic combination that I suggested any burger lovers try immediately.

The Butler

The final activity of my week was another trip to the cinema with another friend to see The Butler. Ben is a huge fan of politics (he introduced me to The West Wing; have you seen it? If not watch it immediately) so it was a must see for him and we're both uber fans of Oprah Winfrey and when she is in her first film for 15 years you have to go and see it. 

The film is simply amazing with the finest acting I have ever seen. The issues tackled and language are difficult to watch at times and you can't believe that these things happened as recently as they did and what people went through but there are also lighthearted and comedy moments which make this a truly fascinating story.

Like Captain Phillips this is 'inspired by' rather than a documentary on the life of the butler who saw eight presidents during his time at The White House and one of the saddest part of the real story is that his wife died on the eve of voting for Barack Obama and seeing his victory. This is another must see for everyone.

So that brings Week 47 to a close and here begins Week 48 - exactly one month till Christmas Day. This week is even more exciting for me as I'm off work for 5 days. I have lot's planned that I'm sure I'll share with you along the way so don't forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

And don't forget if you'd like an extra gift from me under the tree next month you'll have to enter my US drugstore beauty giveaway here 

How have you spent your week?

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In Flight Entertainment // Movies

Before any flight as soon as the month of travel arrives I'm on the airlines website to see what the current months movies are and start planning my time onboard. My flight experiences vary depending on general mood, who I'm travelling with, seat etc (for example during last years flight to Florida I spent an hour staring at the back of my nephew's head as he sat on my lap watching a film!).

Despite little sleep, an early start and the knowledge that when I arrived in Las Vegas it would be very late UK time I didn't manage to sleep much on the plane only gaining a few hours but this did mean I was able to work my way through 3 films all of which I thoroughly enjoyed.

World War Z was the film I started with. I wasn't sure what to expect and when the action started during the first few minutes I was impressed and then slightly concerned when zombies appeared but it managed to retain credibility and not turn into some farcical horror movie. I recommended it to my mum but she wasn't impressed so let me know if you've seen it and what you thought.

White House Down was only ever going to impress when Channing Tatum was running around in nothing but a white vest but again this was another film I enjoyed. It reminded me of the original Die Hard style films, action with humour and yes far fetched on occasion, the type of film my dad would roll his eyes at but just the sort of film to lose yourself in.

Hangover 3 didn't receive the best reviews and admittedly I wasn't as impressed with the second film but when you're on a flight to Vegas you have to watch the film featuring Caesars Palace the hotel you're staying in. Was it great, not really but worth killing a couple of hours during the final restless leg of my flight.

On the return flight I chose to watch The Way Way Back. This was a film that I'd seen a trailer of some weeks before and as a fan of Alison Janney wanted to watch and wasn't disappointed. Not my usual film but one of those wildcard films you watch just because and end up enjoying.

As I was on a night flight and in a seat which enabled me to put my feet up I was able to sleep much of the way home. I did put on The Intern with Vince Vaughan & Owen Wilson in the final hours but unfortunately didn't get to see the end. The film was ok so I'll wait for it to appear on Sky to catch the end rather than rush out to rent or buy a copy.

Have you seen any of the films, let me know what you thought of them and I promise I will be back to normal blogging next week once I can get some photos taken over the weekend of all my goodies.

A Girls Night In

According to a recent survey 50% of us girls just don't think nights out are what they used to be and 69% of us would rather have a night in with our friends; pampering, watching films and ordering a takeaway.

I can't deny I love a night out but as the years go on and my friends start to settle down and have children the crazy weekend benders of the past are few and far between. I find these days my nights on the town follow a day at work and come the weekend I'm happy to invite friends round for a comfy evening spent on the sofa or visit their homes so we can enjoy a glass of wine (the girls drink of choice in the poll) whilst babies sleep in comfort upstairs.

When my friends and I get together and there's nothing on the tv we fancy watching, the film we always reach for is Bridesmaids. Never has a film repeatedly made me cry with laughter no matter how many times I watch it. If you haven't seen it, where have you been for a start, get the girls together right now and arrange a viewing with some bottles of wine. I guarantee you'll be singing along to Wilson Phillips at the end of the night!

I'm not against inviting friends round for the odd dinner party as you can see here but sometimes only takeaway will do. My favourite is a chicken kebab and chips and somehow I even talk myself into believe that's a healthier choice but if I'm feeling extra naughty or the night in is a result of a raging hangover only pizza or a spicy curry will do.

Surprisingly only 35% of us girls favour some pampering on our nights in but of course that's because we already have such strict pampering routines I'm sure! Thankfully us beauty bloggers will have a collection of masks like this one from Origins to hand should we fancy giving our faces a little treatment and yes my friend and I have sat on my sofas with our clay masks on sipping a glass of wine keeping our fingers crossed that a neighbour doesn't knock on the door asking to borrow a cup of sugar.

So there are a few ingredients that I bring to a girls a night. I'd love to know what you and your friends think makes the perfect night or maybe you prefer a night on the tiles and watching X Factor with a bowl of popcorn is your worst nightmare.

BEDM: Bank Holiday Fun



Unfortunately the most of the Bank Holiday has been spent ill and in bed athough all was was not completely lost as I was able to watch back to back episodes of the final series of Brothers & Sisters. Brothers & Sisters is a TV show which originally aired in 2011. I have rented a series each week from the local library and thoroughly enjoyed joining the Walker family on their journey through lives and loves. I had watched sporadically throughout it's British tv airing but it was great to actually watch each season consistently.

It’s a fantastic TV series and if you’ve never watched I highly recommend you do so. It will make you laugh and cry in equal measure and if you like a glass of wine like I do, you’ll be comforted at the acceptable amount they consume per episode!

Movie Review: Pitch Perfect

I recently picked up Pitch Perfect from the library (where I rent all my movies from - post coming soon!) and it was the perfect Saturday night film. Most often when watching tv I'll still be browsing on the ipad or flicking through a magazine, but every so often there's a film that manages to keep my attention from beginning to end and Pitch Perfect was it.

If you're a fan of Glee I'd suggest this is a must but if you're not (and neither am I) do give it a try. Anna Kendrick of Twilight fame arrives at college and despite her reservations joins underdog a cappella singing group featuring the very funny Rebel Wilson who you must remember from Bridesmaids.

Yes it's fluff, yes its predictable and Bring it On with microphones familiar but it's good fun and well worth gathering your friends and/or family together to watch. 

The only criticism my friend had whilst watching was "there's no good looking men" but I'll leave you to judge the "Treble Makers" looks for yourself.

The return of the Mad Men Season 6

Are you a fan of Mad Men? Were you hotly anticipating the arrival of Season 6 last night? What did you think of the two hour premiere? I have to confess I’m not sure where I stand with Mad Men. I found the show later than others, trying to watch on many occasions and giving up as I was bored. I view it now as more of a visual feast, admiring the décor and fashions more than the storylines. Yes there have been one or two episodes I’ve watched intently, others have been glanced at over the top of a magazine or my iPad whilst sitting in bed but I was enthusiastic about its return yesterday evening – even sacrificing my favourite show Greys Anatomy but to be honest, again I was bored. When I realised that it was in fact a 2 hour premiere I gave up and went to bed and will continue watching another day. The only thing that initially caught my attention and stands out was Don’s vacation in Hawaii but that’s only because we’re currently discussing a girl’s trip there for my mum’s 60th next year.

I’m sure I’m in the minority and the critics reviews seem to be mixed, I’d love to know what you thought - are you all about the fashions or the storylines?



The Impossible

Last night my friend and I went to see The Impossible, a film based on a real life families survival of the 2004  tsunami in Thailand and oh my was it traumatic!

I am not one for crying in films but I think tears flowed from beginning to end - my friend said she cried all the way home too.

Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed (which seems the wrong word!) it I'm not sure I could put myself through watching it again - not without thoroughly preparing myself first

Pushing Daisies

I didn’t watch Pushing Daisies when it was on tv but a few friends recommended I should so I have borrowed it from the library to watch over the weekend

I’m not completely sold on the storylines so far but visually I’m loving it!

Especially Olive Snook’s apartment!

Isn’t it fabulous!

What are you watching this weekend?