Film Review: Jurassic World

Image credit: www.empireonline.com

Hey friends!
So, I finally got the chance to see the new Jurassic World the other day, and it's safe to say I am more than impressed. I thought it was a really good take on the Jurassic Park films. I am seriously going to have to rethink my order of preference for all the films, I mean it was 1, 3 then 2... but now I am unsure!

As soon as the theme song came on in the opening credits I had a huge smile on my face because I was so excited to see dinosaurs. Using the idea of a Jurassic theme park again was a really good move, and the creation of a new dinosaur (the Indominus Rex) was excellent. I thought the storyline was really good and kept a good flow throughout the film with some nice little jumpy scenes with the dinosaurs (a trademark of these films).

Of course, the ending was going to be predictable. I mean, were they really going to end the film with the dinosaurs eating everyone and just taking over, no. But, I felt that it was strong and could easily lead onto another sequel (I really hope there is). The film had me giggling throughout with some good humour from Chris Pratt (leading actor) and the CGI of the dinosaurs was absolutely brilliant.

If you're a fan of dinosaurs and the Jurassic Park films, I guarantee you're going to love this film (and have probably already seen it). I would definitely recommend a watch to anyone!

University results are in!

Hello there!
At the beginning of this week I received my results for my final year at university and I am very happy with my outcome because I worked so hard to get where I am (it's been a long and bumpy ride), and it finally paid off. There were lots of happy tears and I am still a little shocked!
It's not easy, and I know some people make it look that way, but I definitely don't think it is and if I didn't work as hard as I did I don't think I would have felt the satisfaction that I do now.

My friends at university also did very well with their results and I am really proud of them too because we all helped each other out, and I am pretty sure I wouldn't have made it this far without them. So, a big congratulations to us all and here's to the future!

Right now, I am really pleased and proud of myself. It is a huge sense of relief and I feel happy knowing that there are many doors open for me and I can choose any pathway that I want. Of course, I have the initial stress of what am I actually going to do with my life now I have a degree, but I know that I can do anything. If you put your time and effort into things, you can do practically anything you want!

So, for now I am just writing down potential ideas on a piece of paper and doing my research without stressing. I find that this is going to help me sort out my head and create a positive route to my ultimate career. Even if that means trying out jobs and finding out I don't like it, then that's fine because there's always going to be more opportunities out there. I think we get lost in the idea that there's no job for you when you leave university, but the reality is, that it's true no one is going to hand you a job and you've got to go out there and get it. The world really is your oyster and you can do anything with your life if you put your mind to it. (Small pep talk going on here sorry).

If you're like me, and you've just finished your university course and feel a little lost, I would simply advise you not to worry (mostly because it won't get you anywhere), but because you will eventually find your true calling. I mean, you've just got yourself a degree, that was the hard part right? You've shown that you've got the skills and ambition so I guarantee you'll give yourself the drive to find your dream career. So, give yourself a little break, enjoy the freedom you have while you've got it, and do the things you couldn't do while you were studying because you've worked your butt off for it!

For me, I am excited to find out what the world has got to offer me, and I really cannot wait to graduate in front of my family and friends in September! Hip hip hooray!

How to: simple vanilla cheesecake in 4 easy steps!

My completed cheesecake.

Hello! I know I said I was trying to be healthy, but it is Father's Day soon (on Sunday) and my dad loves my cheesecakes so I thought I would make him one - this is totally for him, honest! I normally just make a simple vanilla cheesecake, and I thought I would share with you how I make it, because it only takes 4 easy-to-do steps. Albeit, it normally takes me two nights to make it because I like to leave my mixture in overnight to get it how my dad likes it, but you could do it in one night. And I really need to work on my smoothing skills, but you get the idea. So, here we go!

What you'll need:

• A baking tin (7/8")
• A bowl
• Wooden spoon/ rolling pin
• Electric mixer

Ingredients:

• 250g digestive biscuits
• 100g butter
• 1 vanilla pod/ or vanilla extract
• 600g soft cheese
• 100g icing sugar
• 284ml (a pot) of double cream

How to: 

1. Use a rolling pin or wooden spoon to bash up the digestive biscuits into small crumbs. Melt the butter and then add both the crumbs into a bowl, then mix until the crumbs are thoroughly coated.

2. Scoop the mixture into a round baking tin and press down the crumbs firmly and make sure the layer is even. Then pop into the fridge to chill for at least an hour. (I leave it in overnight).

Cheesecake biscuit base.

3. Remove the vanilla seeds from the vanilla pod (or use extract) and add them into a bowl with the soft cheese and icing sugar. Beat with an electric mixer and slowly pour in the double cream until mixture is thick. Then spoon this mixture onto the biscuit base, making sure there are no air bubbles and the mixture is even (use the back of a spoon or a spatula).

Cheesecake mixture ready to apply to base.

4. Leave the mixture to set in the fridge overnight before un-moulding from the baking tin. Useful tip: place the base on top of a can and slowly pull the sides of the tin down. Then place the cheesecake onto a serving plate, et voila!

The can trick!

Have you tried this or do you have any tips or ideas on other cheesecake recipes?

Teen Wolf: New Season

Photo credit: http://www.breathecast.com

I have just finished season four of Teen Wolf after practically binge-watching the last four seasons over the past few weeks. And now can you imagine my excitement after finding out that there's going to be a season five and it's first episode will be airing on MTV on 29th June!! It's part of a two-part premiere on the 29th and 30th June. That's less than a couple weeks away, and I won't have that 'lost' feeling you get after finishing a series, I am so over the moon about this (excuse the moon pun).

Now, if you have seen Teen Wolf you will probably understand why I have been addicted to it for the past few weeks. As usual, after each episode it leaves you longing to know what happens next. There are quite a few plot twists that I did not expect, which kept me gripped and as the seasons continue I think Teen Wolf gets a little darker. And by darker I mean there are more scary monsters and lots more action (including blood of course).

So, if you're into the supernatural sort of series, that involves werewolves and other beings, then I would recommend giving this a watch. And prepare to be gripped and wanting to know more after each episode! Also, for any fans of Teen Wolf already, are you excited for the new season?

Have you seen the trailer for season five yet? If not you can watch it here.

Mini make up haul

This is only a small make up haul and I got all my products from Boots, because they have actually got some really good offers on at the moment on both the make up and skincare range. I am actually surprised that I only came out with these five products, but I was determined to only get what I went in for (concealer and eyebrow pencil)... and a couple more.

Firstly, the Collection Lasting Perfection concealer is my all time favourite concealer, and believe me I have tried quite a few of the high street concealers since I started using it, and always end up coming back to this one. It says it lasts up to 16 hours and I would agree that it does. Also, I think it is one of the few concealers that actually match my skin tone because I have found many light concealers are not actually that light at all. But this one is nice and creamy, perfect for dry skin and to use on those dark under eye areas.

Next, the Maybelline Brow Satin eyebrow pencil is what I need to restock on. I have it in the shade 'Mahogany Red' and as a redhead I have found it quite difficult to find eyebrow pencils that match my hair colour. But, since finding this one a couple months ago it is my make up must have and I really hope that they never discontinue it because it is basically perfect for me and only costs £5.99. It has a twist up pencil at one end which you use to fill in the brow between the hairs and a brow powder at the other end. I would recommend this to any redhead out there still looking for their perfect eyebrow pencil!

The next product I purchased is Boots' own Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Peel Off Face Mask, which was £1.49 instead of £2.99. I have recently been after skincare products that will help soothe my skin and keep it clear and healthy at the same time. Tea tree oil and witch hazel are both known for their cleansing and calming properties on problem skin. So, I thought I would give this a try and hopefully notice a difference. Have you tried this product?

Lastly, there is a '3 for 2' offer on all Maybelline products at the moment at Boots (and Superdrug too) so I couldn't resist purchasing two more lipsticks from their Color Sensational range. Originally I wanted to try out their Color Drama lip pencils but they seem to have flew off the shelves, but there is always next time! I chose number 342 'Mauve Mania' from their plum range and also number 630 'Velvet Beige' from their nude range. Their lipsticks smell wonderful and I chose both of these because I am recently more interested in more neutral lipstick colours for everyday wear, and I hope these are long lasting (I will get back to you on that). Also, the cases they came in are so cute and stylish, who wouldn't want these to be seen in their handbag?

Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick no. 342 'Mauve Mania'

Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick no. 630 'Velvet Beige'

Soap and Glory review

My all time favourite Soap and Glory body products.

Whenever I get the chance I always recommend Soap and Glory's products to anyone and everyone. Personally, I have never had a single complaint to make about any of the products I have tried, and that's quite a hard thing to accomplish in the present day because not every product suits everyone, and especially me with my sensitive skin. But, I actually think S&G manage this!

I have uploaded a picture of my all time favourite body products that I use almost on a daily basis. The Mist You Madly body spray is perfectly handbag-sized and smells absolutely yummy. The body butter makes your skin silky smooth, I use it after my shower, and it also scented with the 'Mist You Madly' smell, which is another reason why it is one of my faves. I use the bath float for a luxurious smelling bubble bath, and I only need to use the smallest amount and swish it under running water for it to create lots of bubbles, a big plus. Lastly, the Pulp Friction body scrub is another famously nice smelling scrub from Soap and Glory, and I use it weekly for a good old scrub, or I swap it up with the Foam Call body wash, because they both leave me smelling like a pretty flower.

Also, I never walk past a '3 for 2' offer in my local Boots... I just physically can't even if it means restocking the products I already have because I know and love them. Of course, I want to try all the products and I have only recently started to purchase their make up products, and it's safe to say I am ultimately impressed by their quality.

The Supercat black eyeliner pen has a fine point and a thick edge to create two different looks, and lasts for a very long time. I used to use another brand that was a '24 hour' eyeliner and I think this is exactly on par. Being a pen shape it is easy enough to put in your handbag and I have had mine over 6 months already and it hasn't dried out a single bit. A bargain at only £6 (stocked in Boots or online at www.soapandglory.com). Also, I own the Hocus Focus Illuminator which I use very sparingly when I go out for that extra glam feel. It is the perfect cheek highlighter, for only £11, and last a long time because you only need the tiniest amount. Soap and Glory also recommend that you mix it with your moisturiser for a gorgeous skin glow, which I will also be trying.

I really want to try out Soap and Glory's skincare products, as I have noticed they are always growing their collection, and I have also seen some really good reviews on them. Their website is also really useful because it allows you to select products based on your skin type (so oily, dry, and combination) which I always find to be a lifesaver when you quickly want to pick products knowing they will be kind to your skin. So, that will be my next adventure regarding the Soap and Glory products which I hope I will be able to share with you soon.

Nip+Fab review

Photo courtesy of www.nipandfab.com

I became a little bit addicted with the Nip and Fab products after reading many great reviews (especially the glycolic pads) on various blogs and websites. After reading these reviews I noticed in my local Boots they had a 1/3 off all Nip and Fab products, fantastic! They are more well-known now thanks to ambassadors such as Kylie Jenner and Lindsay Lohan, who also swear by the products. I have tried a tested most of the glycolic range for quite a while now, so I thought I would share my views like many others already have, instead of posting after only one use (which doesn't always say much).

My first purchases were the glycolic pads, overnight serum, and the glycolic scrub. The pads last me a month using one a night after I have removed all my make up, they get rid of the excess and leave my skin feeling super clean. Also, the glycolic overnight serum works wonder overnight, and dramatically decreases the sizes of spots by the next morning, however I have found it to be a little drying of my skin and a bit sticky if I put on just before I go to bed. Usually I put it on and wait for it to soak in then use a moisturiser, or the Nip+Fab Deep Cleansing Fix for a deep cleanse overnight (this also works wonders) and I wake up with super soft skin, just try not to smother too much on or your face will feel a little greasy.

The glycolic scrub is one that I have purchased again and again because of how kind the scrub is to my skin. It has little tiny scrubbing microbeads that exfoliate and leaves you with a fresh face feeling and doesn't scratch my skin like I have found with other scrubs. Similarly, the glycolic foaming cleanser is another that I use on alternate mornings because the foaming technique really gets into my pores and leaves my skin smooth and clean. Next, the glycolic mask, which you apply to dry skin and leave on for around ten minutes, helps to clear up my skin. However, at first I was a bit uncomfortable with it because it burned my skin slightly and left me with a red face, but it did help cleanse and dry up my oily skin. Usually, I'd put it on in the evening then wash off with a cloth, and apply the deep cleansing fix on my face before I go to bed, and I'd wake up with smooth skin and no redness.

My all time favourite products

I think I got a little bit addicted to the Nip+Fab glycolic range especially, and I as using all the products at once on my face throughout the day then found my skin was not improving it was actually getting worse. Since then, I only use a couple products at most in a day, such as the scrub or cleanser in the morning and the deep cleanse in the evening and found my skin has calmed down a lot more. I would recommend anyone to use this range, especially when there's a '3 for 2' or '1/3 off' offer on (most likely in Boots or online), but just don't go too overboard like I did!