Motivational Monday Quote #4

Morning guys! I’ve had to read several bloggers “Motivational Mondays” to get me motivated this morning!

I can’t really describe my weekend, it was fairly strange? I did a few things but it feels like I didn’t?? I’m not sure if it was an enjoyable weekend or not!

This weekend we celebrated my Nan’s birthday, myself and my mother took her to Côte Brasserie one of my fave places to eat in Brighton! It was great fun and the weather was a perfect spring sunshine! 

We went for lunch on Friday, however her birthday was on Saturday, due to my mother being at a spa this weekend we celebrated on the Friday! But Saturday morning came and I realised my nan would be sitting at home alone on her birthday, not great! So I decided to purchase some flowers and pop in to see her which I knew brightened up her day!

This is why I have chosen this as todays quote from Voile Corine –

 “Count Your Good Deeds Every Morning And Fill Your Mind With Positive Thoughts. That Is Secret To Being Happy And Inspired All Day Long”

Motivational Monday Quote #3

This is the first March Monday for 2014, I’ve had a great weekend on some levels but this weekend we found out my 11 year old dog isn’t too well which isn’t great news but he’s on the mend for the moment!

On a brighter note this morning I have woken revitalised and ready for the week ahead!

I have Friday off work so I have that to look forward too, as I said in a previous Motivational Monday its good to have your mind focused on a day off or something you’re going to be doing exciting at the weekend to get you through the week!

My week will consist of several meetings, and a day in Surrey on Thursday for user groups! I wouldn’t normally mind but I haven’t got a car at the moment so I’m having to use dreaded public transport!

This week’s quote is from Mahatma Gandhi –

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

Non – Stop MOVIE REVIEW

I had been looking forward to seeing this film ever since I saw the 1st trailer for it a few months ago!! 

I’m quite funny with trailers as I don’t like to see a lot of the film before going to the actual feature!!

Quick synopsis of the film for you - Liam Neeson’s character Bill plays an American air marshal who springs into action during a transatlantic flight! After receiving text messages that put all passengers including Downton Abbeys Michelle Dockery who plays flight attendant Nancy at risk unless the airline transfers $150 million into an off-shore account.

A few other familiar faces appear in this smash hit of a movie including “10 Years a Slave” star Lupita Nyong'o as cabin crew and Julianne Moore as a passenger.

Please be warned if you are not a fan of flying, please do NOT go and see this film as it may put you off for life! Luckily enough I don’t mind the turbulence on board a flight so I rather enjoyed the superb special effects and horror.

I think as long as Neeson is in a film, you know it’s going to be superb! I mean come on he’s been in some of my favourite films! Taken, Taken 2, Unknown, Schindlers List, Love Actually, Star Wars! The list goes on!!

The whole 1 hour 46 minute film minus around 10 minutes is set in on the plane which I thought to begin with would get boring but let me assure it, it really doesn’t! I highly recommend you see this film!

Let me know what you think! Also if you can I suggest you see with movie in D-Box.

Jonathan Creek

Not sure I have told you of my obsession for Jonathan Creek? Is it just me or does anyone else love the show!

I have been watching it for years, and it never gets old! I can watch them 1 after another and they never get old.

Jonathan who is played by Alan Davies is an illusionist creator with a keen eye for mystery and investigation! 

The show originally started in 1997 with Alan Davies as Jonathan Creek and Caroline Quentin as investigative journalist Maddie Magellen which was Creeks sidekick! Quentin left in 2000 and was replaced by Julia Sawalha as theatrical agent Carla Borrego until 2004.

Sheridan Smith then took on the role as Creeks sidekick playing Joey Ross from 2009-2012. And most recently Jonathan Creek has returned to our screens this year with Sarah Alexander as his wife and sidekick Polly Creek.

My favourite pairing has to be Davies and Quentin, they have done the most episodes and the relationship on screen was hysterically funny and awkward which was great to watch. The old episodes are still available on Netlix here in the UK so its really worth the £5.99 a month subscription!

I have every episode released to DVD, and there is nothing more I enjoy than sitting at home and having a Creek day/evening! Easy watching and really does test your mind.

Jonathan Creek is shown on BBC1 and you can catch the most recent brand new episode on the BBCi player CLICK HERE to watch it.

Comment and let me know what your favourite Creek episode is!

Top 5 February Favourites

I still can't believe February is nearly over! Its been a good month and I've got a lot of favourites!

Here they are - 

1. Côte Brighton - I love love love loveee this restaurant! I took my mum here for her Birthday a few Fridays ago on a day we had torrential rain, so made a bad day a lot better!

Whenever I visit Côte I always go for the Minute Steak with frites as its to die for! The meat is cooked to perfection and the staff there are great! If you have one in your area, please visit and let me know what you think.

115-116 Church Street, Brighton, BN1 1UD (Opposite The Dome)

2. Vivienne Westwood Black Saffiano Bag - I haven't actually purchased this but I really want it! I'm trying to find an excuse to buy it, and keep hoping my current work bag is going to break or a pen will explode in it!

I really like Vivienne Westwood accessories but I'm really not too keen on the clothing, its so out there and I don't think I would feel comfortable wearing the clothes.

Every so often I treat myself to something nice, so this maybe on my list next! I see it as an investment and the quality of VW items are great!



3. Sam Smith - As you can see from my most recent post, I went to see a Sam Smith gig and it was absolutely amazing! His album does not come out until May so I have a long wait but I have been downloading everything he's released on iTunes so far! Take a look at a few videos on YouTube and see what you think.



4. Valentino Uomo - I was shopping in Debenhams last week and was approached by a sales assistant who sprayed an aftershave on me, normally I tell them not to bother as I end up being sprayed by 10 different products but I saw she had a great looking bottle! Which after further investigation was Valentino! The scent is Uomo and it smells amazingly good!

Its very smokey and woody which is what I wear in this cold weather, the more cool and fruity smells I wear in the summer! Its around £55-£65 for 100ml which is a lot but very worth it! Go into your local fragrance shop and ask for a tester!



5. Bioré® UltraDeep Cleansing Pore Strips - Ive been wanting to try these pore strips for ages so decided this week I would! Ive seen a few reviews on YouTube and was very sceptical to try as I didn't know how they would work.

They do work and you can see the dirt actually on the strip from your pores but OMG there so painful! I left it on for the recommend 10-15 minutes and it literally killed taking it off! But that's vanity for you, no pain no gain!



See you in March!!

Sam Smith + Josh Record @ The Old Market, Hove

Absolutely incredible! That’s the only way to describe the gig I went to last night! I’m aching this morning and have dry mouth which I can only presume is from the standing and alcohol but my god it was worth it!

I saw none other than the UKs current No1 SAM SMITH! Recently awarded the Critics' Choice award at the Brits and set for big big things if I don’t say so myself!

Smith was supported by Josh Record, who I’ve been listening too since the end of 2012 when his song “For Your Love” was used on a Sam Pepper YouTube video, I remember downloading the song at the time but he’s actually re-releasing this as his new single in March!

The gig was at The Old Market “TOM” in Hove, East Sussex so nice and close to home for me! The venue is so small and intimate which makes the experience even better, I much prefer small events to the huge commercial events like the O2.

As it was in Brighton/Hove I was expecting to see people I knew, which I didn’t which is something I also like! It’s nice to be out and to not see the same old faces! The 1 person I did notice was Alfie Deyes “PointlessBlog” from YouTube! There with his Mum & Dad! Alfie later tweeted about the gig and urged people to see Smith & Record if they ever get the chance so he must of enjoyed it! I was hoping Alfie would have been Vlogging and I would have 100% tried to be in it haha.

The UK No1 announcement was made at 7PM last night, and Sam was due on stage at 8:15! After a few songs you could hear the “Money on My Mind” intro and Sam took to the stage to announce he had made the No1 spot! Must have been such a good feeling for him! And for us in the audience to experience that was a one off and the crown went wild while he sang his No1 hit!

My favourite tracks from the night were, Lay Me Down, Nirvana, Money on My Mind & Make It To Me by Sam Smith also Bones & For Your Love by Josh Record.

Motivational Monday Quote #2

I am so unmotivated today its untrue, all I wanted to do when I woke up this morning was GO BACK TO SLEEP.

As everyone is aware, in the UK we currently have horrendous winds and flooding! Which meant Friday & Saturday night I could barely sleep due to the sound and not knowing whether my roof was going to be ripped off!

Last night was the 1st night I’ve actually had a nice sleep so this morning waking up was tough, made worse by the fact I woke up late, which meant I was stuck in traffic! And couldn’t find anywhere to park at work! NIGHTMARE!

Anyway on a better note, I am now at work and in the comfort of my warm and dry office, currently creating a “To Do List” which I think is very important for people to do, and the satisfaction of ticking actions which have been completed is absolute heaven! I often add things to my list I’ve already done just so I can tick them! But ssshhhhhh don’t tell anyone.

Today’s quote is from C.S Lewis and one I very much believe in, no matter how old you are or what situation you’re in.

“You are never too old to set another goal, or dream a new dream.”

Dallas Buyers Club Review

This film is due for release on the 7th February 2014 in the UK, but I was lucky enough to watch a special screening yesterday.

The movie revolves around the character Ron Woodroof played by Matthew McConaughey (Magic Mike, How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, The Wedding Planner) who is told he has 30 days to live due to his positive diagnosis for H.I.V, the movie is set in 1985 and due to the lack of approved medications in the U.S, Ron decides to take his health into his own hands and travel the world looking for treatment.

The film Is loosely based on a true story, and shows the struggle of H.I.V/Aids patients in the 1980's and the challenges they had with the government and pharmaceutical companies.

Throughout the film you see the transformation of Ron Woodroof, the homophobic womanising cowboy to the man helping hundreds of people who are suffering from H.I.V/Aids, and see the blossoming friendship between Ron and self-destructive transsexual Rayon portrayed by Jared Leto (Lord Of War, Fight Club, Requiem For A Dream).

The film also stars Jennifer Garner (Juno, Daredevil, 13 Going On 30) as Dr. Eve Saks who is one of the doctors to break the devastating news to Woodroof that he only has 30 days to live, which also becomes a close friend to Ron and supports the find for H.I.V/Aids treatment.

The thing that shocked me about the film was the attitudes people had towards gay people and people with H.I.V/Aids in the 80's and also Matthew McConaughey's performance! He lost a reported 4 stone for the movie and the acting was tremendous.

This isn’t a film to see if your wanting fun and happy, it’s a well-structured film which I'm sure will win a lot of awards and I would highly recommend.

Motivational Monday Quote #1

Monday, a day a lot of people dread as its the start of a brand new week! Which means 5 days until the weekend, until you can unwind and chill out again.

I sometimes ask myself, "Why do i dread going to work on Mondays?" surely if you hate it so much get a new job, but I think no one in the world can honestly say they enjoy Mondays! No matter how much you enjoy your job.

This week at work is going to be extremely busy for me, so the days should fly by and we shouldn't complain about our work, as not all people are able to find work in the current work climate so I am very fortunate.

I seem to pick 1 thing I wish to achieve in the week, and strive to achieve it! Whether your a student at school, college or university or in full time work, you must have goals so pick a few things you want to learn or achieve and go for it.

Also when work is getting a little stressful I just think about things I have coming up which are exciting, birthdays, holidays and days off etc.

Happy Monday people, and enjoy your week :) remember work is only work and don't take yourself to seriously.

That Awkward Moment Review

I have just got back from the cinema where I saw That Awkward Moment which is about 3 friends who find themselves in that confusing moment in every relationship when you have to decide "where is this going?"

The films main cast are Zac Efron (High School Musical, 17 Again, The Lucky One) Miles Teller (21 & Over, Project X, Rabbit Hole) and Michael B. Jordan (Hard Ball, Chronicle, Fruitvale Station)

Its your typical feel good film and really easy to watch, but does make you think about your own personal life and you can really relate to some things that go on in the film.

Miles Teller who plays the character Daniel in the movie falls for his close friend and pulling wing girl Chelsea who is played by Mackenzie Davis, and I think everything has been in that position? 

You meet someone, become friends, then sometimes there is that moment you realise you like that friend in a different way and would like to take things further, but you only have a short space of time to decide this, if you carry on being friends with that person and do not let your feelings known, your relationship with that friend becomes stuck and its too late to tell the truth!!

Its a happy film which I would say is aimed at teenage girls due to the fact it stars Zac Efron, but it really did make me think about my own experiences and the "Friend Zone"

If you meet someone you like, tell them before its too late and make sure you don't get stuck in the friends zone!

Top 5 January Favourites

January is probably one of my least favourite months, it means Christmas is well and truly over and your starting a whole new year, so I'm welcoming February with open arms and looking forward to the year.

Here are my January favourites - 

1. Simple Skin Care Range - I normally use Nivea for all my skin care needs, but in January I decided to change to an alternative brand, this is when I saw the Simple range. They were on a multi-buy offer so I ended up getting 3 products for £6.00 which is great value.

At first I was not overly impressed, as the texture was really runny but after using the moisturising cream in the evening and awakening to soft juicy skin, I take back the negatives in regards to the texture.

I have the wipes, day moisturiser, night moisturiser and eye lotion all of which i am loving and would highly recommended due to the value and quality of the product.

2. Dexter - TV Series - I know I'm 8 years late, but OMG Dexter is bloody brilliant! After finishing Prison Break last year I was looking for a new series and Dexter was recommended to me by my cousin which I'm so thankful for!

Its just utter brilliance, Michael C. Hall who plays Dexter is excellent is his portrayal of a mass murderer / forensic blood splatter analyst and makes the series funny, intense and exciting.

Dexter ran for 8 seasons, and I'm currently on season 2! So I still have a long way to go but it really is great so if you haven't seen it watch a few episodes and see what you think!

Dexter is currently on Netflix in the UK.

3. Bicester Village - Bicester Village is one of the Chic Outlet Shopping villages in the UK, there are Chic Outlet Shopping villages all over the world which provide luxury outlet shopping.

I went in January for my friends birthday, its absolutely great! It had all my favourite brands and the prices are slashed! Gucci, Todds, Burberry, Prada are just a few of the great outlet shops in Bicester.

I am planning to go again in July for my birthday as they have a great "Shopping Day Experience at Bicester Village" package which includes a VIP savings card, dinner, valet parking and money to spend in stores!

4. The Wolf of Wall Street (Movie) - This was my favourite film for January 2014! Take a look at my full review here.

5. Clean Bandit - Rather Be (Song) - This song was released on the 17th January in the UK, and is currently No.1 in the iTunes chart its fast, catchy and such an easy song to listen to.

Click here to download Rather Be on iTunes.

See you in February for my Feb favourites.

The Wolf of Wall Street Review

This film was EPIC! The best film I’ve seen this year, and come to think about it the best film I’ve seen for many many years!

Leonardo DiCaprio was phenomenal in his portrayal of Jordan Belfort the former stockbroker and American motivational speaker.

In my eyes it was DiCaprio’s most gritty film yet, however saying that I have only ever seen him in a few films, Titanic, The Beach, Romeo & Juliet & The Great Gatsby.

Within the first 5 minutes you see naked women, drug taking and disgusting language all of which I think make a magnificent film! So thank you Martin Scorsese who directed this masterpiece.

The story covers the life of notorious fraudster Jordan Belfort in his early and most successful years, you see the rise and fall of Stratton Oakmon Brokerage House and follow Belfort’s playboy lifestyle, which can I add I would love to have!

Do not be put off by the length of this film, as every minute is worth the watch, the 3 hours literally flew by and as soon as I got home I started looking into Jordan Belfort and became fascinated with his life, achievements and fall.

The cast were perfect so hats off to the casting team on this film, Jonah Hill had the whole audience laughing and Margot Robbie had the men including myself drawling with our mouths open.

I cannot find any way of criticising this film, its utter brilliance I will 100% be going to the cinema again to see this, and will certainly buy the life story of Jordan Belfort.
This film was a big fat 10 out of 10!!

My Weekend West Day 2

The 2nd day of our Midlands trip started rather hazy! I woke up with my Mac Book on my chest and the worlds worst dry mouth from the alcohol the night before.

We had to check out of the hotel by 11, so we gathered our stuff and started to get to ready to leave! Before this we obviously had a big cooked breakfast at the hotel and I filled myself with Pro Plus!!

Ive been fascinated with Channel 4's recent programme Benefits Street, its a documentary set in Birmingham, so i thought what the hell lets visit one of the most talked about streets in Birmingham!!

From the show I was expecting beds in the road, people outside there houses and dogs terrorising passer byes, but it was not like that at all! It was clean and I didn't see a single sole, I did however manage to have a picture with the road sign haha.

Our next stop was The Bullring Shopping and leisure complex, which I must say I was really looking forward to! But it really let me down. . . 

Its absolutely huge and covers so much area its untrue but the shops are just boring! I went in a few shops but nothing was jumping out at me, it was like shopping in Brighton on a Saturday afternoon.

The buildings were amazing, but in general I was a little disappointed with the town! As we were leaving the centre I noticed a shop called Forever 21 and thought to myself I have heard this name but never actually been into a store! So I did and found some really nice bits! I will 100% be ordering from there online store as I don't think there is a store near Brighton! 

After the Bullring we then went to Stow-On-The-Wold which is a small market town in the Cotswolds, the town was beautiful and somewhere I would really love to live.

It reminds me of the towns they used in the film The Holiday which starred Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, & Cameron Diaz. Every shop was individual and the buildings looked as if they were falling, it really was a postcard picture town.

We left Stow-On-The-Wold when the heavens opened and we got soaking wet! Oh how I love the great British weather :)

Our 2nd night we booked into The Ettington Chase hotel which was in Stratford-Upon-Avon, literally in the middle of nowhere which I absolutely love, no towns for miles and just the odd country pub.

We chose not to eat dinner at the hotel, as we wanted to explore the very few local pubs, so we went a few miles down the road to a pub called The White Horse, which was small, rustic, warm and very welcoming.

I love the way your treated in small family run pubs, its so much more personal compared to a large franchise where all they care about it getting you in, out and taking your money.

I had the most amazing meal it was called the Chicken New Yorker which consisted of chicken topped with bacon, cheese & BBQ sauce, chips and rocket salad, washed down with a refreshing fruit cider.

I had such a nice weekend and will defiantly be going back to Stratford-Upon-Avon for a relaxing weekend! Hope you enjoyed this post and it makes you think about travelling in your own country as its 1 of my new years resolutions!

I live in the UK which has some of the most amazing cities in, but I've never bothered to travel! 2014 I'm going to see how many city breaks I can go on, so look out for more posts like this.

My Weekend West Day 1

I have just come home from a great weekend in the West Midlands!! Travelling around the Midlands doesn’t sound great when you think about it but trust me it really was.

We set off Friday morning on the 3 hour car journey to Birmingham which was our first stop, thankfully my cousin Sam was driving!

We had booked ourselves onto a Murder Mystery evening at the Menzies Birmingham City Strathallan Hotel, which was very exciting and intriguing as we didn’t know what to expect!

From the outside the hotel didn’t look great 2 things passed my mind, Prison/Car Park looking building but as we entered that all changed! It was a 4* Hotel which in my opinion was correct as the rooms were great and finally a hotel where the Wi-Fi was free and actually worked!

I literally spent my whole afternoon/early evening in the bath watching The Great Gatsby and drinking Prosecco.

Finally once the bath water had turned cold, Gatsby had finished and my Prosecco bottle was empty I started to get ready for the nights shenanigans!!

As the Murder Mystery theme was a wedding reception, I wanted to look smart yes casual so I went for Shoes, Skinny Jeans, Shirt and Jumper.

Jeans & Jumper by H&M | Shoes by Next & Shirt by Ralph Lauren.

This look was great, as I was comfortable and looked smart sitting at the dinner table.

The evening was great, and the actors were so realistic! It really did feel like I was just at another family wedding minus the murders, also the 3 course set dinner was so tasty!

Starter; Sweet potato & Chilli soup, with chive crème fraîche.

Main; Breast of chicken, tomato & basil sauce with mozzarella glaze.

Dessert; Blueberry cheesecake with fruit coulis.

Here is a video I took of the final scene at the Murder Mystery evening, sorry it’s not great but I had drank a whole bottle of Prosecco, beers, wine and Green Frog beforehand.

If you ever get chance to go on a Murder Mystery evening, GO FOR IT! They are always on GroupOn.