MAN IT'S WINTER ALREADY?

Well! Sorry I haven't posted in a while... I have had an extremely busy summer doing lots of fun stuff. Italy was soooo good and was really nice to have some time away scalding myself in the sun.

I'm back at university and have just started a new job at Waitrose. It's been really good so far and so happy I can finally earn money (yay) I'm hoping to buy a mac at some point so I'm doing lots of overtime. My house is quite far from my boyfriend's so I've been keeping fit walking everywhere. I have told myself (in true girl fashion) that the diet starts Monday for the past three weeks. Though I want to only tone up really..I love food and food is pleasure so why stop yourself? GIVE IN TO THE PLEASURE PEOPLE!!!

woooooo

ROAST!!

Well my boyfriend and I cooked a roast on Sunday as I am brushing up on my domestic skills. For my 21st mummy bear got me this lovely cook book so we decided to make a big roast from it. Tom made the potatoes while I made my first ever Yorkshire pud (or batters as we call them at home) and it turned out soooooo goood if I say so myself!

my first attempt at a massive batter!

Tom's tats

So the roast was really good! I also went to see Johnny English : Reborn at the cinema which was really funny. Rowan Atkinson is a pure hunk. I mean who can resist his talents which are of course showcased as the dashing Blackadder - so bloody erotic. The film I would say is about as good as the first with some really funny parts.

I have been working my way through my '1001 Movies to see before you die' book and have watched around another 30 films. I watch films all the time I HAVE NO LIFE. I am a film student however so it is acceptable to be a nerd. RIGHT? One film I have watched from the book and really enjoyed was 'Fish Tank' (2009) which basically follows the life of a teenage girl who lives on an Essex council estate. I can't say the representation of Essex is particularly positive but it's a really good film! Here's the trailer >>>>>> :)

Ahem anyways will keep you updated on my film watching quest. I think I'm on around 170/1000. Sounds like nothing but not many of the films in the book are really common blockbusters, and some are hard to get hold of but most I stream online, classic.

I have been so excited also as for my birthday I got loads of gorgeous MAC make up! I love MAC so much even though it is sooo expensive so I only really get it for birthdays! The white thing is oil control lotion which I would really recommend for a matt finish. I was worried as I don't really have oily skin more dry, however you just put it on beneath your foundation and concealer and it stops you getting that shiny look which looks just AWFUL! haha and then some sexy lipgloss, sure I'll have a few more things to add to the collection by christmas!! :)



ESSEX LADS


A few weeks ago my boyfriend arranged for my amazing Essex lads to come and visit. It was so good to see them all as I missed going out with them so much. Many things happened in the night, for example incidents with male genitalia and a toy crocodile. OHHH... You know what I'm talking about!!!! We also saw some tramp dancing/masturbating infront of a small child which is always jolly good fun. But seriously had such a fun time with the girls and can't wait for Christmas when we dress up in hideous outfits, e.g turkey legs (with gravy) and dance till dawn, engaging in drunken tom foolery round the back of V-bar (LadyB). Below is a cheeky video I put together of some of our fun filled weekend!

So I'm now off to watch yet another film, 'His Girl Friday' and pack my stuff as I'm going home for the weekend tomorrow! First I have to do a long shift at work 8 till 5 kill me now. But then I'm going home where I plan to have the longest bath ever then a trip to the spa on sunday and having my hair coloured.
Chow!!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx<3

21 BABY!

Well it was my 21st recently and it was soo nice to go home and have a break from University. I got the train back with Tom and when we got in we were so hungry/tired we ordered a massive Indian what a de-light. The next day I woke up and it was my birthday!!! I got loads of lovely presents including a lovely pandora bracelet from Tom and a signed 'Minnies' book from Laura. I am a massive TOWIE fan so I was so excited. Later that evening we all went for a big family meal at the seige house which was really nice. After a lot of cake and food some of us ventured out to enjoy the nightlife in Essex- namely girls and guys dressed in halloween costumes drenched in sick/drink and not at all deterred by this, continuing to sing and be merry. Ahhh essex!

After we returned home and the next day headed into London Westfield's where I could spend some of my birthday money, and went for a nice meal after :) Lovely weekend!

westfields!

my signed book! yay!

OUT AND ABOUT

Well I have had a busy few weeks! The sun has finally decided to show its sorry face and about time! I mean who else is gonna burn my skin to the point of ultimate redness? Not the clouds thats for sure... Anyways I haven't done a new post for a while so decided to do this one for a little update on what's been going on :)...

LADDING IT UP 

Well 'ladding it up on the Manningtree Bus' is a very enjoyable pasttime. It basically involves drinking suitable amounts of alcohol to make ones self 'tipsy' or worse if you'd prefer, sitting on the back seats of the bus (lads) into town, and singing the Manningtree Bus theme tune, pissing off all other passengers on the bus.We even were complimented by the bus driver on our vocals, apart from one of us was out of tune (not me at all) ... me and the lads went to the ghetto of Colch for a night of drunken debauchery. It as usual was a good night, We made a B-line for Yates-Missoula is now full of underage girls/guys cringe, too much broken glass and dubstep - so we prefer the classy way of life in Yates (ahem) with one mate being kicked out for being too drunk, another being hit on by a lesbian (yates is the lesbian's breeding ground) and then subsequently us stealing the lesbians wine. Yes I know it is VILE! Anyways we all had a good night, a good dance (my fav) and we met THE WANTED! Will be out again soon!!

GREENWICH SUMMER SESSIONS

I recently went to the Greenwich summer sessions which was awesomeeeee! I went for two nights; the first we say Jose Gonzales... everyone was waiting for him to sing 'Heartbeats' as I'm pretty sure that's the only song people know, but he has some other good ones called 'Down the Line' and 'Crosses' check them out! Then Tom and I got sore feet standing so inbetween the next band we visited the old pieminister and had a really nice Steak and cheese pie YUMMERS! With mash and gravy, horrendously overpriced but hey there you go! (we went back later and had another pie and they had reduced the price down though) after we met Tom's dad who was watching ' The Divine Comedy' which were quite amusing!

The second night was the one I was looking forward to the most; the Noisettes followed by Mark Ronson! We were initially skeptical as to whether he would show up following the death of his ole' pal Winehouse however we were assured he was coming AND bringing some special guests wooo! We went for a yummy dinner at ZeroDegrees then met a couple of Tom's mate in olde wetherspoons and surrounded by fat old men we drank pitchers and pimms! Suitably tipsy we wandered into the arena to the sound of Noisettes! They were brilliant on stage and got the crowd going. We qued for some cider then got ready for the main event. We heard the opening chords of 'Valerie' and Mark Ronson was soon on stage. What a man! Even if I HATE the Valerie song with a passion. Soon after him came the business international who were also really good! He then did a bit of DJing and then 'Ooooooooooooooh Weeeeeeeeee' the crowd went wild who can resist a bit of hip hop - definitely not me! After this he introduced MIKE SNOW and did a few good tracks including 'Animal' classic then the lead singer of Phantom Planet too. It was a brillaint show and when it finished around 11 we  all went to a bar. We then decided to head back to Tom's mates for more drinks/heated pool. The boys went in his girlfriend Lauren and I just dangled our feet in, it was so warm - while we listened to classic tunes.. what an end to a great day!!

PARTY IN OXFORD

My boyfriend has recently got his house keys so decided to have a party. It was really nice to see everyone again and we had a good night with some classic drinking games. Then we went out to Camera where we met Bradley from Sclub 7! (or bradders as we like to call him, oh yeah we are on those terms). He was actually rather short and fat but we kept the dream alive but praising him and getting photos! What a lad. He then did some DJing and most people were too drunk so we went back to the house. On the way Beth tried to piggy back someone and stacked it it was so funny bahahah! On the way we stopped at a Kebab Van what a perfect end to the night. My friend was offered a 'Dennis special' which is ofcourse Denni's lovespike served in a pitta bread for Beth to indulge. Though I hate Kebabs but didn't hesistate to steal a few cheesey chips. We carried on the party, where there were a lot of disney tracks flowing and a few reenactions all I'm saying. Great night! 

 'BACK TO BRADLEYYYYYYYYYYYYY'

HOLIDAY PREPERATIONS! 

Well on Sunday I'm off to Italy! I'm so excited!! I pratically live on Italian food! Plus I cannot wait to get out in the sun. I've brought plently of bargain dresses in the sales and a few sexy bikinis ofc (to seduce the old men). I've also been working out and have lost 2 pounds yay! I am trying to banish some of the fat in prep for holiday, just incase I get papped I mean you just don't know who is following you nowerdays and who wants a pic. ANYWAYS I have also been drinking plenty of water and I haven't had a glass of coke in like a week! Man I am so proud of myself  anyways enough ranting! But hopefully I will keep the diet up in preperation for putting it all back on abroad! Yay!

FILM REVIEW : BRIDESMAIDS

Cupcakes. A wedding. Romance. Friendship.Labrador puppies. Throw them all together, sprinkle with a few sexy scenes and broken hearts, and what have you got? A generic chick flick, no different from the hundreds of sickeningly sweet ones made before. Let's just say from the trailer of Judd Apatow's new movie I wasn't left with very high hopes. I sat in the cinema, sat next to my mother (could be awkward during the juicy bits) and my sister (not so awkward) surrounded by giggling groups of middled aged woman and begrudging boyfriends who had been dragged along, and were going to be watching through gritted teeth. Ironically, I was sided more with these begruding boyfriends. Branded as a comedy, and 'the female version of Hangover' this film had a lot to live up to. And with such a predictable plot (or so I thought) I would be satisfied when I left the cinema,  even if I didn't laugh at hardly any of the jokes.
The result was quite the opposite. Through the duration of the film there was rarely a point where I didn't have a smile on my face, if not laughing out loud. Apatow takes the predicatable female protagonist stereotype and turns it on it's head; we see her breakdown (though not with tissues and a box of chocolates, instead ripping and breaking everything at a party in fits of anger and trying, and failing, to push over the oh so desirable chocolate fountain) we see her fall in love (not through walks in the park but rather sharing carrots with Mr Right at 4am outside a service station).

Megan

  Kristen Wiig plays Annie, a singleton who's bakery 'Cook baby' (helpfully refaced COCK baby by youths - very thoughtufl) has recently gone under. She lives with two oddballs in a flat and her life is turned upsidedown when she is asked to be Maid of Honour at her best friends wedding. Unfortunatly, this means being in charge of a rather..interesting group of Bridesmaids - one of whom is desperate to be Maid of Honour herself. This competition was the source of a lot of laughs within the audience however the best and most funniest character (aside from Annie herself) was the groom's sister Megan, who I was most certain was a lesbian at first - 'Here's an idea for the hen party. Female fight club. We grease eachother up then pounce on Lillain and beat the shit outta her' - but her sexuality soon became clear at the engangement party - 'I'm glad he's single because I'm going to climb that like a tree' .

Chris O'dowd, the lovable man that he is is perfect in his role as Rhodes the policeman. His caring, funny and charming nature combines well with Annie's sometimes neurotic although loving one. Though not the conventional 'Mr Right' - he isn't a businessman, he doesn't sport a six pack, or play golf on the weekends- he is arguably more attractive for these reasons. It's refreshing too see our protagonist fall in love with someone who isn't smooth or rich but still cares for her just the same.
On the whole, Bridesmaids is a really good film, funny, moving at times (as moving as a chick flick can be) and just the right amount of sweetness to make you go 'awwww' not 'ergghh' (the sound of retching).. Those begrudging boyfriends left the cinema with smiles on their faces, as did I. As for being the female counterpart of The Hangover I personally think this is alot funnier. Yes, it does contain cupcakes,a wedding, romance and Labrador puppies, but combine this with explicit swearing, drunken aeroplane antics, a horrendous case of food poisioning and unorthodox methods of seduction *cough megan cough* all those sweet elements are balanced out to create a good laugh. This is a film your boyfriend should not complain about going to see - although why not take all your girls mates who will go happily!

ALTON TOWERS

  Thursday

I yawned and stretched sleepily, pressing 'Snooze' on my alarm. It was 4.30am after all.. I mean come on!!!! A few more minutes wouldn't hurt. Five minutes later and the harsh ring tone coaxed me awake again.This time I climbed out of bed with enthusiasm. I was going to ALTON TOWERS! WOOOOOO!!


   I was suitably nervous having not driven such a long distance before, so with the satnav fixed firmly on the dashboard and my other navigator, (boyfriend) sitting nervously in his seat we set off! The motorways were practically bare as it was so early and after a somewhat stressful drive ('This way'.. 'No THIS WAY!') we arrived in UTTOXETER! We couldn't check in till around 2 so we decided to explore the town.

 Me showing off my ballet skills.

Finally we could check in the to the bnb. We were greeted by the cleaner who gave us our room and we also met the cutest dog ever, a golden retriever called Milly!! We settled down as we were not going in the park that day and both ended up falling asleep for like 3 hours! When we awoke we were both starving so ventured back into the town centre (free parking) and went to an Indian the bnb had recommended. It was yummy if a little empty as we went so early! As usual we ordered way too much food. But not poppadoms you can never have enough. Afterwards we went back and got a good nights sleep!

Millie!

Our lovely bnb room! 'oh hi tom!'

Good morning! Enjoying a lovely fry up! 

<3

Friday

I awoke around 7.30 (I know!!) on Friday morning buzzing with excitement! Even though I have been to Alton Towers many times before I just love it! I was so excited to get on the rides especially as Tom hadn't been before, so I could get to watch him squirm mwahahah! I had had a good nights sleep and jumped in the shower and was dressed before I managed to haul my boyfriend out of bed - aka jumping ontop of him like a hyperactive child shouting 'get up get up!!!' - and we both went to the breakfast hall for a well needed fry up!
  The fry up was lovely and we could have as much toast as we like! There were plenty of cereals on offer and yoghurt's too! What a bargain for £55 pounds a night it is well worth a visit!

We were soon on the way to the park and after parking up (£6.00!!!) we went on the monorail into the park. As we had arrived early we had a few minutes to wait around so we took this time to buy our tickets for the next day, only £5 as we had got a sun ticket so our whole entry cost us £5 for two days in the park - bargain!

Hmmm where to?

The crowds were gathering at the ropes waiting to run to their favourite rides. My boyfriend and I were shocked at the volume of chavs - I have never seen so many trakkies in one place. This made us very angry hahaha! Sooo annoying! When the gates open our anger was forgotten and we sprinted to the first ride, Spinball Whizzer! woooo!!! When we got off my boyfriend was a little pale.. maybe not the best ride to go on straight after a fry up! I was certain he would like the next ride and we ran - well me running like an over eager child and my boyfriend self consciously power walking not wanting to look like an over eager child - over to the 'Dark Forest' which has my favourite ride RITA, and TH13TEEN. We decided to ride TH13TEEN first as last time I came it had the longest queue all day!! I was so excited as we got on! We got cranked up the hill and were sat at the back - the best seats in my opinion! Infront of us sat a man who lets just say was having a bit of an overload of fragrance. What a old dog. As we went down a drop I practically choked on the whiff of aftershave and shouted (I believed subtly) to my boyfriend ' woahhhhhhhhhh too much aftershave' to which the man turned round and gave a cheesy smile haha cringe.My boyfriend really enjoyed the ride and I think its really good fun if you take it for what it is - a spooky family fun ride!!

We got off and then went on Oblivion ( RITA had a massive queue) . It was here my boyfriend started to shit himself. I was also very nervous in the queue arghhh!! Ridiculous as I had been on this ride many times before. But still the sound of the carriage crashing down into darkness made me shiver! Arghh!!! We were strapped into our seats finally, after shoving Tom on the end of the carriage (poor boy) I began the routine exercise that involves me slamming my restraint down on myself as hard as I can to ensure that I cannot breathe. That is the safest way right???! I have a massive fear of my overhead restraint pinging off on this ride when I'm hanging over the drop.

Oblivion!

Soon, we were approaching 'Oblivion'. Everyone was screaming, cheering, some, like me, had their eyes shut and were wishing that we would not die. 'Harriet, open your eyes!' demanded my boyfriend who was clearly doing all he could to not close his own. I opened my eyes and glanced down, promptly shutting them again after realising how high up I was. 'OH FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU....' I screamed as we plummeted down. My breathe was cut short as my stomach felt a million miles above. As we tore through the tunnel at great pace everyone caught their breath and then came screams of relief. I love this ride!!! The fear turns to adrenaline once you drop and the feeling of being weightless is one I both love and hate at the same time!

After this we made our way to the Katanga Canyon and went on the runaway mine train where my boyfriend narrowly avoided being smacked in the head by multiple wooden beams haha. Then we went for lunch and got some wrap thing which was overpriced and just not that good!

Little shrimp things!

After lunch we headed to Air which had a pretty big queue but we passed the time by playing a few 21 question games. Finally we got on Air, I do like this ride however I hate being strapped in at the start, as I find it very claustrophobic. We went around screaming aand laughing woooo. We pulled back into the station and that was when disaster struck! If you have been on Air before you will know that when you 'prepare for Air' your seats are pulled up backwards so you are facing the floor. Well we were stuck in this position! We were only in the station but I started to panic. I felt really restrained and like I could not breathe. The staff assured us that a technician would be round soon. Luckily my boyfriend helped me and we played a game to calm me down! What a babe! Finally we were out and I was a bit shaken up but then we went on to more rides!! We visited Duel which was hilarious as Tom shat himself many times when the zombies jumped out, and we also went to the aquarium where some little shrimp things cleaned my fingers for me! How cute! We then looked at the castle as it had been restored, it was good but so high up! I am terrified of heights and my hands were getting clammy even though we were surrounded by walls. Tom took the opportunity to jump out on me many times (bastard).

Veiws from up the towers

After a long day (we didnt get on RITA :( or NEMESIS as queues were too long so planned to do them the next day) we returned to the bnb for a rest before going out for dinner.We went to Frankie and Bennies which wasn't far. I was starving! The skyride at the park had broken so we had literally probably walked around 5 or 6 miles! I was crippled!!

We had a nice meal at Frankie and Bennies then returned home to get a good nights rest before another busy day!

Saturday

'Happy Anniversary!' my boyfriend kissed me on the cheek! We had been together 6 months! :) and what a way to celebrate.. trapsing around a bloody park queuing for ages surrounded by chavs. Hhaha joking it was THE way to celebrate!! We again had another fry up which was just as yummy as the previous day and checked out of the bnb. We were both sad to leave as it was really lovely and will definitely be returning to it when we next come Alton Towers!

woo hoo my favourite ride!

In the park by the opening gates we met a group of friends Lydia and her boyfriend Luke, Luke's sister Roxy and her 'lover' Jack hehe. They ran to go on Oblivion first and instead as Tom and I had been on it yesterday we went over to RITA! What a ride!! I love it!!! We screamed the whole way. We then met the rest of the group who wanted to go on RITA so we queued up again. Ha. This time I sat next to Lydia and we deafened our boyfriends by our constant screams and laughs. Our eyes were watering as we got off from laughing and so much wind hitting our faces haha. We then went on TH13TEEN where we all attempted a group pose - I must say the boys pouting on this ride really was up to scratch whilst I was just a mess off blond hair with no face - we all laughed at the on ride photos and went off to ride Nemesis!

Nervous?

I like Nemesis but because I am too small for the carriages it always makes my head bash around and makes me incredibly dizzy. Therefore I adopted the brace position, head back into seat as far as it would go and teeth out grimacing, HOT right?? Everyone screamed and we got off and looked at our photos; me looking suitably awful but not much better could be said for the others, WANKERS!

We then went to the Pirate bay which had loads of rip off games where you could win toys. Here Tom won me Edgar the owl haha who was shoved into the rucksack after winning him.

We went on some more rides untill we were all tired out.PHEW it had been another long day in the park. We all said our goodbyes and Tom and I made our way to the Premiere Inn where we were spending our third night (as the bnb had been booked up waaaa) This place is okay but horrendously overpriced £72 for one night alone and breakfast another £8 ontop of that - needless to say we passed on breakfast. We ordered Pizza Hut takeaway and stuffed pizza and relaxed.

On ripsaw.. I can't stomach the spinny ones..

What a brilliant two days! I love Alton Towers and can't wait to go back!!!!

xxxxx

1001...

MOVIES YOU MUST SEE BEFORE YOU DIE 

(2010 Edition)  

After a painful wait for this book, I peeled open the amazon packaging, revealing a giant Na'vi's face staring back at me. 'YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY' I exclaimed..could this be the best present ever?  

........Yes

Rocket in another compromising situation.. standard

I have the 2010 edition, which ends with 'Inglorious Basterds' (2009). The newest edition will be out in October so I am hoping to get that too.. BUT for now I am pretty occupied with 1001 films to watch. Well actually less than that but HEY! 

Suave as ever

Not only does the book give you factual information such as cast, Oscar awards and nominations, it also is a very relevant and helpful book for me as a film student, drawing on the film's aesthetic, reception and focusing on their most memorable moments : 'I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse...'  Brando you old dog. But regards to whether film is your passion (like moi) or a mere flicker of interest, this book is thoroughly enjoyable, although I have to say those with wider knowledge or interest in film will find this book more readable. I would perhaps go as far as to say it is not aimed at the typical block buster audience. Thats not to say don't buy it though.. even if your not interested in most of the films the pictures are interesting to look at and some are pretty scary/shocking!

Poor old rosemary 

One complaint that may arise is the selection of films taken from any year, e.g 'What is ''Traffic'' doing in the 2000's section and ''Mission Impossible II'' not?!' Well despite the fact the latter made tons at the box office, it is not considered, by Schneider at least, a film that's going to have any lasting impact on you, it wasn't a film that set a bench mark of style or plot, or dealed with controversial issues relating to its context. Its notable that these factors have been seriously considered when the films in this book are selected, and that's what makes it so good; it isn't full of your generic block busters (although some rightly do get a mention and reasons are explained ofcourse) but rather films that are beautiful, controversial, powerful and moving. 

Soooo I have started on my quest to watch all these films. Some of the films I am certain I will hate  (bloody Star wars) however.. I have to give them a chance otherwise that doesn't make me a very good film student does it... 

THE ONLY WAY IS..

                                                              ..VEGAS!  

...Glittering gowns and suave suits filled the marquee. Free champagne was being guzzled by students. Canapés were circulating around on trays, quickly snatched off by those hungry ones who had skipped dinner in order to maximize drunkenness (classic). In the background, an acoustic band played and a few people were starting to dance. Inside the SU casino tables filled the room and people were queuing up to buy chips. It could only be....

THE BROOKES SUMMER BALL!

On Saturday the 21st May, I made my way along with friends up to the SU bar, which I admittedly had never visited before (shocking!). The drink I had consumed in the standard pre-drinks had not hit me yet so I was able to walk up quite gracefully in my platform heels wooo! With my arm linked through my boyfriends I was excited! The main source of this excitement was the thought that later.. I was going to meet JAMES ARGENT (ultimate lad) from TOWIE! I LOVE TOWIE! Ahem so anyways we went in had lots of fun, got drunk, smoked shisha, drank cocktails, and danced to an acoustic band. They also had some dodgems there which I went on, my boyfriend and I absolutely smashed our opponents haha.. 

Some of the girls and I

The lovely Robyn and I 

Later on in the night we moved into the main area of the SU. This was where all the acts were performing. I was very impressed with the size of the SU - I was imagining a teeny room with not much decor but the organisers had done well! By this time my feet were aching so much from my heels and I was suitably drunk, yet I desperately wanted to meet the TOWIE cast. After waiting a while Wagner came on stage and played some racket on bongo drums classic. By this point I was so upset but realised I had wanted to leave. I couldn't handle my feet aching anymore and I was so drunk/tired. I tried everything from taking off my shoes to sitting down but nothing worked! I was gutted! It was only like 1am! But we had arrived too early at the ball at half 7. I wish we had arrived later so we could see more acts :( 5 hours of drinking is not so good. So my lovely boyfriend took me home and we collapsed into bed after a good night!! x x 

Wagner 

Me and Tom messing around 

The famous towie lads

Sclub3