Thought provoking question for today:

If I take a photo of a photo of you, am I taking a photo of you or a photo of a photo of you?

Don't tell the...groom!

Along with so many other people, I'm a bit obsessed with BBC3's 'Don't Tell the Bride'  at the moment. It provides me with so much entertainment and I can't believe how brave some of these women are, and how clueless the men can be. One of my favourite episodes was the one in which the groom decided to spend the whole budget on a Vegas wedding and cut some of the brides family members out of the wedding. Of course, there was a happy ending but it was very touch and go!


So, would you ever let your partner arrange your wedding? I don't think I could! As a currently very single girl, one can only fantasize over their dream wedding, so I thought I'd post my own version of Don't Tell the Bride, just in case my dream man ever reads this. So, let's start with the dress.


Dress:
I'm not a huge fan of wedding dresses and I couldn't tell you exactly what I'd want. Only what I wouldn't want (fairytale, princess, Jordan style a definite no-no) So once I'd combined all my wedding dress dislikes, I was left with few options. Here's what I came up with (be imaginative here, I'm basing this on the pipe dream that I'll be 5'10" and size 8 by the time I get married)

Although I could never pull this off, I love the Audrey Hepburn, vintage feel to this dress. The asymmetric skirt is also very flattering on this model. And I'd definitely go for ivory rather than white. This dress is by Hollywood Dreams and is a very, erm, reasonable £1400...bargain!

This dress is a little more plain and realistic! Although I'm not a fan of the bead detail, again I like the asymmetric skirt and the general shape. I'd definitely want a bit of poof to my dress and a reasonable sized train. It's from an American website at a very cheap $142.99 - around £90.00! 

Venue: 

I've been lucky enough to have dined at some fantastic venues for various occasions and events. My sister celebrated her twenty-first birthday at Hartwell House, in the Aylesbury Vale. I remember being overwhelmed by the grounds and even more impressed by the menu.

I grew up in Buckinghamshire and have always loved the countryside around the Chiltern hills so it would be sentimental to get married somewhere so beautiful and close to my home comforts. 

"Hartwell house is one of the Stately Homes of England, just one hour from central London and Heathrow and Luton Airports, and two miles west of Aylesbury.   Its most famous resident was Louis XVIII, exiled King of France, who lived there with is Court for five years.  Situated in 90 acres of landscaped parkland, Hartwell House provides a country house setting, adding lustre to every social occasion"

My other choice in venue is the place I was lucky enough to have been taken to celebrate my own twenty-first birthday. Danesfield House  is a typically English Hotel/home situated near Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Again, this venue has some breathtaking views over the Chilterns.

Bridesmaids:

I quite like the idea of an aubergine theme throughout. That way it's quite classy and neutral and would suit whoever I choose to be my bridemaids. Something like this perhaps (I like the one shouldered dress on the far left):

Transport:

I've always loved the idea of driving a vintage car. Now, obviously I'd be in no state to drive for my own wedding, but being driven in one would still be amazing. Here's my ideal mode of wedding transportation:

1926 Austin Seven box saloon photographed by Malcolm Asquith 

If that one's not available, here are some alternatives:

I'll leave it there, for now. Obviously I know there is far more to organise and I haven't done my research thoroughly enough to know if this is all within the £12,000 DTTB price range but until I come close to even being in a relationship, I don't have to worry about that.

What are your thoughts? How would you do it?

Joseph Kony: Two sides to every story

A very informative and interesting read about today's KONY 2012 hysteria:

Behind These Hazel Eyes: Two sides to every story: I woke up this morning to see the words "KONY 2012" plastered all over Facebook. I was intrigued as to why people wanted to "Make Kony famou...

Innumerate Britain

As a teacher, I like to keep up to date with the latest educational issues and debates. Last week, the BBC published this article stating that a large proportion of adults today have limited numerical skills and have (as usual) put the blame on schools.


Along with the article was this video entitled 'Could you do this calculation?' It shows a number of adults being approached to solve a simple calculation. Only one could.

I don't know about you, but I'm not aware of any educated adult who could not solve this calculation or would struggle to understand a payslip or a train timetable.Maybe that's the key word here- educated, which leads nicely to the crucial question: why are teachers always to blame?


The fact that most of the adults I know would have no problems with this calculation has got me thinking. I consider myself a well educated individual with a good background. Although the social demographics of my home town vary, it's generally a 'good area' within the country. So just who did the BBC ask? Have they exaggerated the fact that the more 'socially deprived' may struggle with mathematical concepts? (Which is no secret, nor a revelation)


The article explores the fact that it is due to a problem with engagement in numeracy. It claims that both children and adults struggle to enjoy Maths, referring to this as a 'British Disease'. In my opinion, this is not the case. I have taught plenty of children who enjoy Maths and excel in this area. From what I've seen in schools, these children tend to be the more competitive children, the children who will do well anyway. So what do the children who 'don't get it' do? Sit in silence, reluctant to ask for help. Also, nothing new. 


According to the DFES, it is 'undertaking a root-and-branch review of how maths is taught in schools, attracting the best maths graduates into the profession'. My problem here is, even if their subject knowledge is strong, how will their pedagogical knowledge support this? Teachers know how to do the calculations themselves. It's not hard. The teaching strategies are where challenges arise, along with behaviour issues and differentiation. So is an academic with a first class honors degree in Mathematics from Oxford really going solve this issue?


Maths teaching is changing all the time. To engage a child, they first need to feel comfortable and respected. Respect given is respect gained, and that applies in a teacher-child relationship just like any other. 


I guess what I'm saying is, stop scrutinizing every aspect of the education system today. Although it is flawed, it is also very effective for those who want to and can succeed. Maybe we need to examine the support the government is giving to less educated parents? It may be too late for them, but not for their children.


I'm wondering if anybody can shed some light here? If you can then comment below, feedback is appreciated! 


I realise this sounds like a massive rant, so I'll leave you with a totally un-related question to reignite your brains: 
If Pinnochio stated 'my nose will now grow', but he was lying, would it grow?

Insani-cure

Evening everyone,


I've decided to share some more of my nail designs as I'm building up a small archive and need somewhere to store them.

 One of the easier creations. Simple swirl pattern with glitter tips.

Found some false nails, had to practice!

Loving gold and red at the moment. Very simple to do- gold base, red stripe and black lines/dots.

 

One of my more ambitious designs. This one was quite tricky and time consuming. On the other hand, (pun intended) it's very therapeutic and a great way to kill some time (if you have it!)

Covers that are better than the originals

Quite often, we come across videos that people have posted on Facebook or Twitter of fairly average covers, to a karaoke backing track a lot of the time. But rarely, some of these will stand out as being completely different, either due to strong vocals or brilliant instrumental arrangements, sometimes both. I've picked out a few of my favourites that I've stumbled upon over the last few years and that I believe have overtaken the original song. Do take the time to watch and appreciate.


1. Vela- Earthquake (Labrinth cover)

I wasn't a huge fan of the original, but I love this. I would've preferred it on an acoustic piano rather than a keyboard but this still sounds good. There's something about playing a song on a piano, with such detail, that makes it a whole lot more appealing. 

2. Jessie J- We Found Love (Rihanna Cover)

A very talented performer. If you've seen some of her early youtube videos you'll know that she can sing almost anything. Again, the original version of this song is pretty boring but Jessie's voice on this has won me over.

3. Birdy- The A Team (Ed Sheeran Cover)

At 15, this girls voice is way beyond anyone I've ever heard her age. Teamed with the fact that she's a pianist, she ticks all the right boxes for me. I'm a huge Ed Sheeran fan and 'The A Team' was one of my favourite songs of last year. In my opinion, all his songs are incredible, however, Birdy's version just about wins it for me and I can't really explain why. Just listen, it's beautiful.

4. Ed Sheeran- Skinny Love (Birdy/Bon Iver Cover)

Incidentally, Ed has covered Birdy/Bon Iver in this hauntingly beautiful interpretation. His voice is so pure. Need I say more?

5. Boyce Avenue- What Makes You Beautiful (One Direction cover)

Now, I have to be careful what I say here due to fear of possibly being violently slaughtered by pre-pubescent One Direction fans. I have to admit, I have a huge soft spot for One Direction (just call me Caroline Flack!) and I think their songs are pretty catchy, but let's be honest; they're average singers and are only successful because of their looks. So when I came across this cover by Boyce Avenue I was pleasantly surprised. Not what I was expecting but I love their twist on it. That being said, I still like One Direction. So please don't kill me- thanks.

6. Collin McLoughlin- Titanium (David Guetta Cover)

Hate David Guetta. Love this song. I've not heard of Collin before but I think I will be following him closely after this. He has a very unique voice and the acoustic arrangement is very original. Although I'm not a fan, fair play to Davey G for writing some amazing lyrics too.

7. Pandora's Box- Changed the Way you Kissed me (Example cover)

This is very 'Gleeful' but enjoyable all the same. I love the vocal harmonies and the use of beatboxing. It's completely different to the original and unlike any other cover of this song. 

That's all for now. Enjoy. X

Nom nom is an epic fail...

Something to discuss: am I the only one that can't stand people using words like 'nom', 'epic', 'awesome', 'win', 'fail', 'amazeballs', 'hilare', 'totes amaze'?

Tips for your tips!

On my latest shopping trip, I purchased this nail art pen, by Model's Own at Urban Outfitters. Since then, I have been experimenting with various patterns and have developed quite a passion so I thought I'd shed some light on how to achieve some cool and colourful effects.


I'm really fond of all the Aztec prints around at the moment and was inspired by this ring I purchased before Christmas (I think it's from Primark?) I love chunky, statement jewellery so this ring was perfect for me:

The nails were relatively easy to paint, although you will need to develop a slight ambidexterity, or get somebody kind to do your right hand.


Step 1: Prepare your nails: clip, file, shape, buff. You want a nice, smooth surface to achieve the best look. 


Step 2: Use Barry M gold foil effect nail varnish to create your base coat. Leave to dry completely, I'd suggest at least 15-20 minutes.


Step 3: Listen to the following Beatles covers to pass some time:


1. Rufus Wainwright- Across the Universe

2. Eddie Vedder- You've got to hide your love away

3. Ben Folds- Golden Slumbers

4. Ben Harper- Strawberry Fields

Step 4: Time to use the new pen! To ensure smooth flow, first dip the nib into nail varnish remover, squeeze it a little and do a few doodles on some paper. Now for the fun bit! To create the Aztec patterns, I drew the outline M shape a few times over and added a few triangles here and there, but you can be as creative as you want. Take it slowly, and repeat this on both hands so you have the full outline. You can then fill in some of the black spaces so some of the lines are bolder than others.

Step 5: This is the tricky bit. Filling in the blocks of colour can be difficult with a nail varnish brush so I used a small paintbrush. I diluted my red nail varnish with a little nail varnish remover so it would paint on more freely. Be careful here, you don't want to use too much. It's better to come back and add another layer after it's dry.

Step 6:Watch this video and wait for your nails to partially dry:

Step 7: This is where I 'neaten up' a bit. Use your pen again to go over some of the black lines, make sure they're neat. As the red will still be a bit tacky you can use the pen to remove it 'push' it in the right direction if it's being difficult.

Step 8: Leave your nails to dry for a few hours now. Maybe watch a film. I'd suggest a chick flick, you don't want anything too lively that could involve sitting on and/or biting your nails. That would be a disaster. 

Step 9: Apply a top coat. I use Maybelline Salon Manicure 3-in-1, but any will do. Again wait for this to dry whilst doing an activity of your choice.

Step 10: Finally, tidy them up a little. Remove excess from the awkward finger bit around the nail etc.

And now...ta-daaaa! There you have it. Easy as pie, your very own Aztec-inspired nails.

Now you're free to do what you want. 

If anyone attempts this- I'd love to see your creations, so reply below with a picture.

Which is worse, Jack Wills or Paul's Boutique?

I've recently developed a hatred towards typical 'rah', studenty type people. Specifically those who wear Jack Wills. In my opinion, the Jack Wills look is not original. It's over priced and takes little creativity to put together two or more items just so one can feel accepted in their certain place in social hierarchy. For example, the creatures that wear this sort of thing fall into the category of wanting to be 'individual' but also put themselves above others both demographically and academically. But what's individual about looking the same? It is, as expressed below, merely a 'uniform' for this particular social group.

I stumbled across this picture which I had to share:

It came from one of the University meme pages on Facebook which, admittedly, I find irritating however, this one tickled me (because it's true)

This train of thought brings me onto my next topic; Paul's Boutique.

Below, is a prime example of why I dislike Paul's Boutique:

Cher Lloyd: The new generation of 'chav'?

I'm not entirely sure why young girls feel the need to walk around dressed like this. It seems to be a huge part of the new generation of chavs. Gone are the Reebok Classics, shellsuits and trackies. This decade has welcomed an abundance of chinos, toms, quilted jackets, PB bags etc.

The Woman in Black

"What she wants is unknown, 
She always comes back 
The spectra of darkness 
The woman in black."

The Woman in Black tells the story of young lawyer who travels to a remote village to settle the estate of a deceased woman. Little does he know the spirits surrounding the aptly name 'Eel Marsh House' have a different agenda. Legend has it that once a woman, who happens to be dressed in black (no way!) is sighted, a child dies.

This film sets out to reveal the story behind the house and the family that lived there.

I saw this film two nights ago with a friend of mine. I have also seen the play, however being fifteen years old back then, I don't think I took in too much. The film met- and exceeded- my expectations. I'm not one who is easily scared but this film admittedly made me jump a few times and my friend scream horrifically! The horror is quite simple, not too many special effects, just apparent due to the eery scenary; the foggy marsh, the old house, the creaky rocking chair, the thunder storms. All cheap and simple dramatic techniques but extremely effective. 

The story is a little slow to begin with, but stick with it, it gets better and it's creepy from the word go! I do have to agree with a lot of the critics though, it's so hard to shake the Harry Potter image. Daniel Radcliffe's character is widowed with a five year old son. He is a successful lawyer. A far cry from the young wizard we all know and love. Dan-Rad did well considering, but he's not entirely convincing as an adult.

Nevertheless, go and see it and I guarantee you a thrill or two! If you don't believe me, watch the trailer below:

  

"Have hummingbirds forgotten the lyrics?"

Let's get acquainted...

 

If I could greet you in every language possible, I would. For now I'll just stick with 'welcome', 'bonjour' and 'wilkommen'.

So I finally decided to join the blog bandwagon. Not because I'm individual or worldly or a fantastic writer. And not because I want to show off my average tastes in fashion (although I might feel the need to touch on that one, if you don't mind) and quirky photography. I'm not arty or creative, I just enjoy writing. Not necessarily for an audience.

In fact, my  real stimulus for this blog came from my ability to develop obscure ways of putting off writing a dissertation. Procrastination is something I'll probably talk about a lot. If I were you I'd set my google text search toolbar to highlight the word procrastination so you know to avoid those areas.

I intend to share with you my random musings, maybe even some questions I like to ponder instead of sleeping, my thoughts on everything from current affairs to the versatility of potatoes. Expect lots of opinions on good food, travel, education, music, illiterate Britain, sushi, The Beatles, the north, the south and the magnificence of the entertainment world.

If you're reading, please continue. You might learn something. You might not. Either way you'll have managed to waste a few minutes of precious procrastinating time. Enjoy!

Can blind people hallucinate?

Ponder if you will...