The achievements jar

So here it is, 2016! The questions which are flowing through are heads are the same as every year- what will this year bring? Will I be in a relationship or single by the end of the year? And most importantly, what will I achieve in one year?

One year is plenty of time, 365 days, all of which can be used effectively. However we are restricted by money, work and other commitments.

The idea of the achievements jar is to write down something you have achieved, even if its something as simple as 'went for a country walk' to something as wild as 'went diving in the great barrier reef'. Once the year is up, empty the jar and read all your accomplishments. You can also make something you do every week, so in total you will be able to reflect on 52 achievements or as and when you feel proud of something.

I think this idea is truly fantastic and will allow you to reflect on the amount of goals you can reach in a year.

So good luck, and lets make this year one to feel proud of.

Favourites of 2015

So thats it. Another year over! Tomorrow evening we shall welcome in the new year as we do every year with plenty of champagne and linking arms to sing auld lang sang syne, which many of us still don't know the words too! Once again 2015 will become another year of filled with memories and another year in the grand scale of your life. 

So as we do as we approach every new year, lets reflect on the best bits of 2015. So here at my top moments of 2015, I hope many of you will also attempt this and give it a post on your blog.

Favourite month of 2015

Starting with a biggie, what was my favourite month of 2015? Cast your minds back across the last 12 months. Think about all you have witnessed and what you have achieved. As a lover of summer, my favourite month came in June. It was the beginning of my very long summer, knowing I had weeks off from studying and look forward. I kicked off June with a holiday to Greece which ultimately began my summer holiday and involved plenty of partying, kickstarting my tan and swimming in the med.

Favourite summer moment

This follows on from my last point really, in summertime, whilst we continue to work, more things seem to happen. This is due to sunny skies, beer gardens and often a holiday. My favourite moment of the summer came when I sat and watched the sunrise in Greece, not just once but several times and it was beautiful and made me appreciate the Earth we inhabit. Cheesy I know!

Favourite film release of 2015

It has to be Spectre. James Bond is brilliant. Daniel Craig made his last and another epic appearance in this film as Mr Bond and will be sadly missed. I think this was his best bond film yet, full of British humour, a strong storyline and for me as a romantic, a bit of romance. I will miss you Daniel Craig but will wait in anticipation for the next Bond to be announced.

Favourite song release of 2015 

I love Adele. Her album 21 was genius and was played over and over in my house. When knowing she was to release another in late 2015, I was so excited. Therefore my song has to be 'Hello'. It was instantly brilliant accompanied by an awesome video. Well done Adele, you still have me singing every word.


Favourite book

Love, Rosie. Firstly its a rom-com, secondly its set in Dublin (unlike the film) and thirdly its hilarious. The humour and quick wit in this book make it a great read. There are also so many 'aw but they were so close' moments and surprises it makes a thrilling book to pick up.

Favourite TV series

I had never really watched Game of Thrones before 2015. Yes of course I had heard of it, both the wonderful and gruesome stories, however I was put off by the the many episodes I had to catch up with. It was the best decision to begin watching it, its epic; confusing yet amazing. Despite the ridiculously hot Kit Harrington and gorgeous co star Richard Madden, the series is really addictive with many shocking moments which clings you to the television.

Favourite colour

This is more of a question of which colour I felt summed up the year for me. I would have to say 2015 has been the colour of orange. The summer was brilliant and is associated with sunrises. The Autumn this year has also been great, as achieved some more goals towards my journalistic career.

Favourite food 

Tapas. Ive been to many restaurants this year all over the country. From London to Norfolk and Ive found a new love for tapas. It gives you whatever you fancy, lots of little pieces and many flavours. You can have it as a snack, its also perfect lunch food and in turn evening food if you fancy a light meal. With tapas come paella, and so you can also order it on the side to bulk up your meal if you feel like going all out. Hopefully I will be eating much more of it in 2016.

Favourite quote

As I went back to university I spotted this quote on Instagram. 'Work hard and be nice to people' became my motto for my final year. Working hard because its my third year was a given, but more importantly being nice to people gains you so much in return. Just being friendly, smiley or kind, makes such a difference, not only to your general appearance but to your personality and mind. I will continue to strive by this quote.

Suffragette: 'Never Give Up The Fight'

I never thought of myself as a feminist, and furthermore a campaigner for women's rights. Therefore I had not anticipated the immense feeling that came over once I left the cinema after watching this fantastic drama. As I strolled out, the world seemed somewhat questionable, even today, and I reflected on the times I had felt I was dismissed to participate in certain activities for simply being a girl. I don't want to seem like I'm preaching, but I really did, with the main question lingering in mind: Are men and women truly equal in the 21st century?

This is an argument that could lead to an endless debate, but a few points struck me that evening. For example, men are still paid a higher wage in some jobs. Women are expected to be replaced when they go on maternity leave and do not return to their original post on occasions when they return. In some countries, women are still heavily exploited in terms of labour.

Although, aside from this, women do have equal opportunities and in Britain at any rate. They have the same chance to go to university, they can please themselves just as men do and are not bound by social constrictions, although some jobs still retain a man or woman stereotype. Back in the early 1900s, women had little for to claim their own and the film certainly emphasises this. They had rights over their children. Only in 1925 was a law established to secure women's right to see their children. This issue is particularly addressed in the film and certainly saddened me.

As for the film itself, I thought it was an in-genuis piece of drama, with Carey Mulligan offering an exceptional leading performance. The film offers a great perspective on how working class women got in involved with the suffragette cause, contesting previous conceptions which suggest that this was an exclusive middle and upper class movement. The extent to which women went to declare their message was shown to a great, with rather harrowing scenes that shocked me and left me in ore of their selflessness and bravery.

I know we have had an election rather recently but seeing what these women endured to gain us the right to vote, encourages the idea that all women should use their vote even in ode to those women, even if you take no interest in politics. Seeing this masterpiece will influence you to exercise this right, or will provide you with admiration for women of the early twentieth century.

What can we learn from 'The Breakfast Club?

I only recently managed to watch this masterpiece after many people either quoted it or urged me to watch it, claiming it to be a 'classic' of the later 20th century. I was not disappointed. The film is truly a gem of the industry and this year celebrates thirty years from its release in 1985. Written and directed by John Hughes, the film focuses on a group of five high school students who are thrown together in a detention session held on a Saturday. Each student represents a stereotype of the conventional American high school. You have the jock or athlete (Andrew Clark), the princess or prom queen (Claire Standish), the criminal or bad boy (John Bender), the brain or the geek (Brian Ralph Johnson) and finally the outcast or basket case, (Allison Reynolds).

At first the film seems to have little content, just showing kids messing around in a library. However as the film progresses each character begins to emerge and it seems that they have more in common than they previously thought. After destroying parts of the library, making trips about the school in secret and smoking cannabis, the students begin to open up about their lives behind closed doors and reveal their inner demons. Although from the outset you understand that all the students are to do a day in detention, you are never told why. The creativity of Hughes's script allows the viewer to continue to be gripped to the screen, longing to find out why the students, some of which have unsuspected behavioural problems, find themselves in detention.

As each student shares their problems with the rest of the group, the narrative begins to finally piece together. We learn that Andrew is easily influenced by others and is constantly concerned with his image and is hammered by pressure from his father to excel as a wrestler. Claire is worried over her status as a virgin and hates the fact she frequently finds herself in the middle of arguments between her divorced parents. Allison is a compulsive liar who is ignored by her parents and therefore struggles to fit in. Brain attempted suicide due to a bad grade he received and from the building pressure of his parents to achieve a high GPA. Finally, John is often subject to abuse from his father and watches his mother being beaten by him.

This film really does capture our hearts and minds as I'm sure we can emphasise with at least one of the characters and their daily struggles. But what message is Hughes's attempting to portray in this film? Ultimately these five students act as a microcosm of western society. Each individual is a stereotype and placed into a certain clique, which is consequently echoed in society when people are placed in to a group due to their distinctive traits, talents or wealth.

What can we learn from 'The Breakfast Club'? We learn that it is incorrect to judge anyone on their appearance. By the end of the film Brian completes the task set by the principal to write an essay on 'who they think they are'. Brian adequately answers this question in simple terms that no matter who he thinks he is, he will still be judged in the eyes of others as a stereotypical geek. This certainly made me reflect on these words, and led me to believe this is entirely true. People who do not know definitely judge you on your appearances, which is now elevated through social media. Additionally, this film teaches us that everyone deserves a second chance. When Andrew first meets Allison he, as we all do, judges her on her appearances and social behaviour. The last thing he does is consider her as a romantic interest. By the end of the film, once barriers between the characters are dissolved, Allison allows Claire to give her a make over. Struck by her revealed beauty, Andrew totally changes his mind and ends up kissing Allison at the end of the film.

This film is ingenious in many ways but particularly as it is set in one day and in one room. Hughes's exceptional script has helped it develop in to one of the best films ever made which is still relevant today. Some people believe that brilliant films are defined by amazing graphics, famous actors or packed with plenty of action. Although these types of films are often great, its the films that offer a didactic message and connect emotionally with the viewer that are my favourite. For me, 'The Breakfast Club' is one of the best realist films of the 20th century, along with When Harry Met Sally of course.

Far From the Madding Crowd- a moral message?

Since watching the new release starring Carey Mulligan, I believe Hardy's tale has a well known truth woven within his narrative. Although this book was released in 1874, approximately 150 years ago, we can still apply the moral message it showcases to our society today. It is timeless.

The three candidates for Miss Bathsheba Everdene, the lead role in this tale, sum up stereotypes we come across each day. They may already inhabit a place in your life at this current moment.

Firstly we encounter Mr Oak, with the forename Gabriel he is automatically depicted as the 'angel' or hero of the story. Gabriel is fiercely loyal to Miss Bathsheba Everdene and falls in love with her almost immediately on her arrival at her aunts farm. He proposes to her shortly afterwards but she declines as they were little acquainted.  He is six years her senior and a quiet man who lives a frugal and simple life. However he is kind, and caring and most importantly a gentleman. Played by Belgian actor Matthias Schoenaerts in the film, he is quietly handsome and rather rugged as a shepherd which has its own charm. In the modern day, Gabriel represents the friend or the guy that is always there for whenever you need him most.

Secondly we have William Boldwood, an older and wiser man with plenty of money who inhabits a nearby successful farm. Boldwood becomes obsessed with Miss Everdene after she sends him a valentine card, but she does not accept his proposal as she does not love him, although she thinks over the offer as he is the most eligible bachelor in the district. Michael Sheen portrays the character very well in the recent film. Today Mr Boldwood I'm sure is equalled by people similar to his situation, a wealthy man is always attractive although as the saying goes, money cannot buy you happiness.


Thirdly we meet Sergeant Troy, an obviously attractive man and a deadly charmer. Tempted by his alluring character and his dangerous profession, Bathsheba finds her infatuated with Troy and marries him through jealously as he explains of the woman he once loved. After all, women love a man in a uniform. His formidable character however becomes too much and Bathsheba simply falls out of what was a hasty attachment with him. He is eventually killed off by Mr Boldwood who shoots Troy when he grabs Miss Everdene in a rather violent manner. The classic tall, dark an handsome stereotype played perfectly by Tom Sturridge remains supreme in this tale. These traits are still pursued by women in society today; not much has changed. Although we may deny it, its true, women love the bad boys, that element of unexpected and the daring behaviour still impresses women. The lesson we learn however is looks are not everything and being risky or unstable is certainly not the best either. Despite Troy's charm he finds himself in binary opposition to our hero Gabriel; he is most definitely not a gentleman. 

So what is the message Far From the Madding Crowd leaves us to reflect on? Ultimately the good guy wins over the girl after her dismissal of him originally. The moral of the story is, don't be fooled by the flashy guy. The guy who gets all the attention, and possibly loves himself more than he loves you. Bathsheba was right not to agree to the marriage with Mr Boldwood who she knew would not make her happy, even with his copious amounts of money. Finally we turn to our hero Gabriel. His loyalty, gentlemanly manner and his kind and humble approach to life is after all what we all desire. Once he decides to leave, it dawns on Bathsheba that she cannot be without him and is ardently in love with him. Whilst this story is a didactic tale, it also embodies the perfect and realistic fairytale but rather than the 'prince' being a man of wealth, he is our simple farmer, a 'prince' I'm sure we all have or will have in our lives. 

August- Jess Glynne

Jess Glynne. A name that we have heard many a time this year and what a summer she has had. After having a tough start breaking into the music industry, Glynne has made 2015 her year with 'Hold My Hand', 'Not Letting Go' with Tinie Tempah (my favourite of Glynne's hits) and the most recent addition 'Don't Be So Hard On Yourself' which is also incredibly catchy. Prior to this her collaborations with Gorgon City for 'Right Here, Route 94 for 'My Love' and Clean Bandit for 'Rather Be' have all hit the charts. Since hitting the music scene Glynne has enjoyed 5 UK number ones making her the second female artist to do this after Cheryl Cole, although Jess has achieved this in 18 months rather than Cheryl's 5 years.

However, as with any mounts of success Jess has overcome some hurdles this year when she under went surgery on her vocal chords. She has however bounced back in style and is still owning the charts, especially with her release of her album 'I Cry When I Laugh' which has shot to the number one spot on the UK album chart. Miss Glynne I hope still has plenty to give, and I'm sure both you and I are looking forward to more of those feel good hits.

The vid for Not Letting Go- if you've not seen it check it out, its brilliant.

Summer favourites

We are in mid August, the peak of the summer. With many people now jetting off on holiday what are those best picks to have with you in your suitcase? These picks are largely based on the prospect of you holidaying somewhere abroad, however if you are staying in the UK don't worry, still pack them but just throw the odd jumper in here and there!

1. High waisted shorts- An obvious choice, high waisted shorts are a must and go with virtually anything, particularly blue or black denim ones. They are sold anywhere and go perfectly with a patterned crop top which are also littering the shops. Not only this but high waisted shorts are also perfect for a night out, allowing you to show off that summer glow. Taylor Swift, who you know is a huge style icon of mine has worn high waisted shorts frequently on her current tour 1989.   

2. The 90's crop top- As I mentioned above, high waisted shorts and the crop top make a perfect pair. I am heading off to Greece in 10 days and my suitcase will be filled with both these items. This is also a popular item to go into the summer sale which started recently in the UK and therefore if you are jetting off in the next couple of weeks, get down to your local hughstreet and buy some! The crop top varies in style but I particularly like the 90's high necked crop which has reentered the high street this season. 

3. Anything white!- White is perfectly coupled with a summer tan, and therefore whenever summer stock hits the shops, many white products are in the collections. From trousers to crop tops, to blouses anything white will compliment your tan perfectly. I highly recommend wearing white nearing the end of your holiday as it will enhance your glow rather than wash you out. 

4. Skorts- Skorts, what might look like a skirt is actually shorts. Its the most practical creation for a summer holiday and many come in a variety of patterns which go with anything, but particularly camis. Many skorts are also affordable and therefore are perfect for a holiday where they might get ruined.

5. The playsuit- One of the easiest things to wear in intense summer heat, the playsuit is perfect for your holiday. They come in a range of styles with some for more upmarket occasions or some which are suited for messing around on the beach. I especially like the playsuit with the slit across the midriff as they show off your summer tan whilst keeping it classy.