The best of the Baftas

Only a quick post on Sunday night's spectacular British Academy Awards! As ever, the evening was full of glamour, happiness and equally disappointment in some cases. This is the social gathering of the year in Britain for the best stars in hollywood, although our national heartthrob David Beckham made an appearance on the red carpet aside the likes of Reese Witherspoon, Eddie Redmayne and Benedict Cumberbatch, he's just too rich, famous and damn good looking to miss out on the opportunity! His presentation of the award for 'Outstanding British Film' really did make my evening. He stole the show really.

Although another highlight of the evening was most certainly Eddie Redmayne winning the award for 'Best Actor' for 'The Theory of Everything' which I can say is a brilliant, moving and inspiring film. He was truly fantastic, so well deserved Eddie! To add to this delightful win, the man himself, Stephen Hawking was there to witness the triumph of the film based on his life which really was a great success at this years Baftas.

Stephen Fry put on a great show as usual, full of hilarity and quick wit. His introduction of Tom Cruise to present the award for 'Best Film' really did make me laugh. Talking of Cruise, he just does not age! If there is such a thing as looking fantastic at fifty, Tom Cruise is the perfect example.

And finally it was lovely to witness the display of glamorous actors on the Red Carpet, looking at the beautiful dresses and the gorgeous gents, I can't wait for the Oscars, bring it on!

Why travel?

Travelling. One of my main aspirations in life is to travel, to see the world. I'm sure many of you share this desire, especially those of you who are young, finishing uni and thinking what the hell do I do with myself now?! Your probably thinking, like me, I want to do something big, worthwhile, special, life-changing which will be full of memories and most importantly loads of fun!











I mean, these days its almost a right of passage, particularly heading off to Thailand and exploring the worlds sights whilst completing the stereotypical quest of 'finding yourself'. I think travelling should be something everyone participates in, unfortunately its an expensive business, however its possible by saving up!













Why not see the world that has been created for you to explore? The discovery of different cultures may put your life into perspective or encourage you to lead a life similar to theirs. Also, travelling allows to you make friends, possibly friends for life. Going it alone with a couple of mates will put your friendship to the test, having to direct yourself across different continents, jumping on a off trains, comforting someone when they are ill, all these trials and tribulations will bring you closer to those around you. So, top tip, pick to go travelling with friends you know you can rely on!

Now, I am sure you are envisaging going 'travelling' as you and a couple of mates with a few backpacks, hiking around Thailand, partying on the beach and absorbing the culture, however this is not always the case. Travelling can mean going anywhere for any amount of time, so don't let that image put you off. If your limited in funding but still want to get away, jet off on a European city break, there is so much to see in the cities of Europe! I think for me, going inter-railing around Europe, often the cheaper alternative to jumping straight into Aisa, is a great preliminary step to the big year out. And its on my bucket list!

As always, back to my best friend +BuzzFeed  here are a few inspirational videos to encourage you to take the plunge and do it, after all, YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE!

Where will you start?

Is that you Mr Darcy?

“You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you".

-Mr. Darcy”

Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen 

We are a few weeks into the New Year, and hows 2015 going of you? Have you stuck to those New Years resolutions or are they already a distant memory? Either way, the new year, new you theme continues, particularly in the department of relationships.

It is a known fact that January is the 'break up' month. People avoid heartbreak over the holiday season, and the welcoming of a new year provides them with the justification to end their relationship, even if they were unhappy back in November!

Whether you have recently broken up with a boyfriend or girlfriend in search for a new start, or have decided to seek out your soulmate, if there is such a thing, you might refer to one of the most classic romantic tales ever produced, Pride and Prejudice by the English treasure, Jane Austen. This is a tale about 'Mr. Right', the one made for you... Or is it? Can this chivalrous fairytale be applied to everyday life, especially in this modern age? I assure you it can. Although there will be no glamorous balls or Georgian dresses, we can take the principles of this relationship to our society. Only in 2001, which actually seems a long time ago now, Bridget Jones's Diary was released onto our screens, a modern day adaptation of our classic romantic tale. For those of you who never realised it, Daniel Clever (Hugh Grant) plays the notorious Mr Wickham and Mark Darcy- big hint there (Colin Firth) plays our hero Mr Darcy. In the end, the slightly clumsier and ungracious Bridget Jones sees through Clever's wicked ways and embraces her love for Mark Darcy.


So what does this classic novel teach us about love? (not to sound too cliche) And is there a Mr Darcy out there for us all?

• Elizabeth Bennet was intelligent and was able to challenge Darcy in conversation, something for women out there to remember, not to be repressed or plainly, don't date someone who you can't talk to for hours or doesn't see you as their equal! 
• Mr Darcy is rich and profitable, I'm not saying go after a rich boy, not at all, but understand if you are ambitious in your goals, find someone who shares this ambition with you. You won't feel comfortable dating someone who only wants to watch the football on a saturday night with a takeaway when your ideal saturday night is a trip to see the latest release followed by a pizza at an Italian restaurant. 
• Don't date someone who you feel you cannot share things with, the thing with Mr Darcy, although he can be abrupt, he does divulge his feelings. 
• Fundamentally, Mr Darcy is a gentleman. Its the little things such as opening doors, giving up their seat for you that all add to that gentlemanly manner. However, those bigger things such as listening to what you have to say, being considerate and thoughtful, and expressing concern about your welfare are all equally important traits of a gentleman. 
• Most importantly, Mr Darcy appreciates Elizabeth Bennet for who she is and this is famously  echoed in Bridget Jones's Diary with Mark Darcy claiming he liked Bridget 'Just as she is'. Don't change for the sake of someone else, because in the long run you will regret it. 

Although these traits may be recognised as 'ideal', they are out there! Who's to say they are not embedded in a friend of yours? Remember, don't reject everyone because these traits don't appear on the surface, dig a little deeper and you never know, you may find your Mr Darcy. 

End of Pride and Prejudice (2005)- starring Keira Knightly and Matthew Macfadyen

'Just as you are' scene from Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)- starring Renee Zellweger and Colin Firth

It's time for the twenties...

On Monday 12th January I will be turning 20! Now for me, a mere 19 year old that seems old! Although Im sure many of you would argue I have my whole life ahead of me still, which I know is true, its still fairly daunting! But thats also what makes this birthday all the more exciting! Although I'm reluctant to leave my teens behind, which have been full of some great memories, embracing the big 20 means the beginning of adulthood. I know I'm not turning 21, which is the key transitional point into adulthood, I'm leaving one decade of my life and entering another, which seems possibly even more scary!

At this stage of your life people are asking me: what are you going to do once you've finished your degree? Have you got a boyfriend? What career path are you wanting to follow? Do you have a job currently?

This bombardment is a constant reminder I haven't exactly got my life planned out, I know the answers to those questions, but its just reaching what I really want out of life. For me, this birthday is not only about getting drunk with some mates to celebrate, although that will be happening I'm sure, but about trying to take the small steps to reaching the larger goals.

Not only this, but I have lived for twenty years, isn't that also cause for celebration? I have survived 20 years of life, with whatever it has thrown at me, I've continued to surpass it. I've witnessed many changes, events and disasters since 1995 and have continued to watch and be part of the development of the society and the world around me. Over these teenage years and particularly recently with moving out and studying at University, I have begun to find myself, what I want, who I am.

So what can I look forward to in my twenties? Here is the top advice about life in your twenties:

• Friends will soon be about quality not quantity. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh and make you feel good about yourself. Cherish them, your are in this journey together.
• You'll begin to love people for their soul, not whats on the outside. 
• You'll experience greater equality with people around you. Its not longer about if they are popular, nerdy or sporty, its about who they are. 
• Do things that make you happy. 
• Take chances (to an extent), you'll regret it later on if you don't. 
• Enjoy the moment. Although you may be worrying about the future, don't ignore what is going on in your life at that current moment. 

'I thought I knew everything about love and relationships in my 20s, the ignorance of youth is bliss. As you get older, you start to realise that you don't really know anything and life is a great traveling journey. Life is unexpected…you just never know whats going to happen'. Reese Witherspoon

Check out Buzzfeed for other articles about entering your twenties! Heres a few of my favourites: 

• Every Year Of Your Twenties, Ranked from Worst to Best http://www.buzzfeed.com/summeranne/every-year-of-your-20s-ranked-from-worst-to-best#.lxB9pVOddP 
• 18 Ways To Make The Best Of Your Twenties http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinlarosa/tips-to-make-sure-you-enjoy-your-twenties#.yl9knWP88d
• 23 Times Rachel From "Friends" Perfectly Summarised What It's Like To Be In Your Twenties http://www.buzzfeed.com/briangalindo/23-times-rachel-from-friends-perfectly-summarized-what-its-l#.vr9xbqNAAX
• 14 Important Ways To Survive Your Twenties, As Told By Grace Helbig http://www.buzzfeed.com/samimain/graces-guide#.ixgenBa88p
• Your Relationship With Your Mum In Your Teens VS. Your Twenties http://www.buzzfeed.com/jenniferschaffer/mama-really-does-know-best#.eqqKRayOOl
• 17 Signs Your Actually Becoming An Adult http://www.buzzfeed.com/krystieyandoli/signs-youre-actually-becoming-an-adult#.xbJOZQoggB      

So, another decade of my life begins! Happy Birthday Me! 

New Year, New You?

Soo, we are in the final days of 2014! How exciting! But this is also very scary?! Where has this year gone? It is certainly true that with age the years go quicker. So with that Christmas chaos over, everyone is turning their thoughts to the new year. How are you going to celebrate it? Is 2015 going to be a new start for you? I have listed some new years resolutions for those of you struggling out there! Now, as everyone promises at the beginning of each year that they will stick by their resolution and by March they can't even remember what it was in the first place, this year I am actually going to abide by it! Remember its small steps that help you achieve your overall goal.

My new years resolution: Take more advantage of the opportunities presented to me in all aspects of life.

Here are five resolutions to think about:

1. Get Fit- probably the most popular new years resolution that almost everyone promises to themselves, and possibly the one most commonly broken! Getting fit is not just about hitting the gym for two hours a day, its the small things. If you can, choose to walk or cycle to work/ uni/ school, walking is one of the best ways to get fit. Replace toast for breakfast with muesli or porridge, both of which slowing release energy throughout the day. Don't snack past 9pm, a late night nibble is always tempting I know but try and hold off until the morning! Exercising can increase your serotonin levels by releasing endorphins which make you a generally happier person! Start slow with a walk/jog and then increase your milage or alternatively join the gym and build up your fitness level. Also, there are so many sports clubs out there go along, you never know you may love it!

2. Travel- This is really reliant on time and money, but if you can experience somewhere new! This isn't just about holidays either. I know in my head I'm desperate to go to New York as soon as I can, however I'm rather restricted in the financial department being a student, so I'm gonna start saving in the new year! However, even spending those Sundays with family or friends in different cities in the UK or at places you've always wanted to visit makes such as difference to your life in 2015, making you feel good about yourself for visiting somewhere new out of the monotonous routine.

3. Learn Something New- Now this may be the easiest and possibly cheapest resolution you can take on. Learning little things from baking different cakes, or knitting some socks to learning to play a new sport or gaining a qualification can make a difference to your life with that great feeling of achievement. Achieving something instigates that sense of pride, and its always nice to feel proud of yourself once in a while.

4. Be More Positive- With every problem, or everything that hasn't quite gone your way try and think of one positive outcome, even if it is to learn from your mistake. That way, those day to day things won't feel so bad, and you'll become more of a positive person.

5. Take Care of Yourself- Maybe once per week treat yourself to some 'me time'. If you have time, take a relaxing bath with some amazing smelling bubble bath, a bit of music, I recommend a bit of Norah Jones, its so relaxing! Take care of your skin by using moisturiser and cleansers and if you have ten minutes, a face mask does the world of good. You will notice a change in your skin, and this will help you build confidence, you will feel better about yourself and it is worthwhile!

To see other recommended resolutions, check out Buzzfeed- http://www.buzzfeed.com/maggyvaneijk/candy-crush-invites-are-a-no-go#.cwL2WbRddV

What have I done this year?

So 2014 is coming to a close and its around this time we all begin to reflect on the year. There is currently a trend circulating on Facebook naming seven things you have done this year, so I thought I would share them on here first... here goes!

1. I kicked off my year with my 19th birthday (12th January) and went to see Les Mis on the West End. It was absolutely fantastic and I may have to say the best musical I have seen ever?

2. In March I visited one of my good friends at her uni in Cheltenham, unfortunately our other friend became very ill very rapidly, and no it was not due to alcohol! The weekend was spent caring for our mate, with a trip to hospital thrown in, whilst trying to avoid catching his illness. I spent a rather large section of the weekend on the phone to NHS direct, although it was all very hilarious constructing some sort of sleeping area in the corridor to avoid catching said illness which the doctors suggested was 'highly contagious'. Maybe 2015 will be my year to explore Cheltenham? (bar the hospital of course!)

3. I went punting in my university city of Oxford with a group of friends and luckily no one fell in! It is such a great way to see the city, and yes I did have a go although I was better at taking photos.

4. I passed my first year of university with a solid 2:1, kinda wish that year counted now...

5. I had the best cinematic experience of my life in May. On a whim, my mum and I went to see 'The Other Woman' in the directors lounge. With the choice of a drink from the bar and free popcorn, not to mention the sofa type loungers you sat on. Although I had already seen the film, it is so hilarious  which obviously made the experience so much better! I recommend it for a treat.

6. I went on my first holiday abroad without my parents. In August I jetted off to Malia with a bunch of friends and no, its not exactly how they make out in the Inbertweeners movie! Despite waking up feeling very rough each morning, I had one of the best weeks ever, filled with sunshine, fun and great company.

7. Finally I began to pursue my passion for writing. Back in May I decided I wanted to join the blogging craze and divulge my opinions over matters that are often interesting topics of debate, hence the name 'Those giant questions'. I have also recently submitted an article to the student newspaper here at uni and I'm looking forward to it being printed (fingers crossed!)

That was rather difficult trying to narrow it down! I recommend everyone should give this a go, even if its brief. Its always nice to reflect on the year you've had and what you've achieved.

The Christmas Tag

Im getting in the Christmas mood so I thought I would have a go at the 'Christmas tag' post recommended to me by my friend and fellow blogger Lauren. Have a go at answering these yourself and feel free to disagree with any of my answers! Merry Christmas! 

What is your favourite Christmas film?

Oo this is a rather tricky one! But as I'm quite a hopeless romantic at heart I will have to go for Love Actually, which I pick not only for its many story lines and clever plot, but also its humour! We all love the scene with Rowan Atkinson in Selfridges! Not to mention its array of brilliant famous faces. Any film starring Colin Firth and Hugh Grant is bound to be good right? However, I am quite a fan of The Holiday, the one where Winslet and Diaz swap houses for Christmas, it again is very funny with a great story line and stars the lovely Jude Law!

Have you ever had a White Christmas?

Sadly no, not that I recall. I think the closest I have come to it is having a very thin layer of snow on the ground but I am sure that doesn't count!

Where do you usually spend your holiday? 

I have spent Christmas in various houses however it is often spent in either one of two places, at home or down in Surrey with my Auntie. The usual crowd of relatives gathers which is nice because with being away at university I see them even less than I did before so Im looking forward to it! 

What is your favourite Christmas song?

I think it may have to be Last Christmas, if I had to pick from the classics we hear each year, mainly because I like the video where they all spend Christmas in that ski lodge in the mountains, how cool would that be?! However, I am a big fan of Michael Buble and his Christmas album is the best! Its always on in our household when decorating the tree, well actually its on throughout most of December!

Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve?  

No! I can wait until the morning! Do people do this?

Can you name all of Santa's Reindeer? 

There is definitely a song to remember this with...

Erm, Comet, Donnor, Vixen, Blitzen, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Rudolph? 

What holiday traditions are you looking forward to most this year? 

I love buying people gifts, especially when you find something which you know they will love, but my favourite bit is giving it to them and seeing their smile, aww how cheesy! Oh, and not forgetting the Christmas food! That excess of chocolate, turkey and those Boxing Day leftovers! 

Is your Christmas tree real or fake? 

Real! I love the smell and picking the tree is always hilarious as there are often arguments over which tree to buy. We also put up a fake tree in the dining room to keep up the Christmas spirit over dinner.

What is your all time favourite holiday food/ sweet treat?

Hmm, a tradition in our house is to have Turkish Delight on side for helpings, and this is the only time of year its in our house! Im also a fan of cheese at Christmas, which may sound odd, but we always have a wide selection of cheese in stock for the Christmas day cheeseboard. Yum!

Be honest: do you like giving gifts or receiving gifts better? 

As I mentioned earlier, it has to be giving. I love seeing that smile on peoples faces!

What is the best Christmas gift you've ever received? 

I think as a kid, it has to be the Nintendo DS, that very first edition! I remember looking at them in a shop a month or so before and being fascinated with the game Nintendogs, and as a big lover of dogs I thought as I don't have a dog, this game may the closest I will ever get! Luckily a couple of years later we visited my mums friend, who owned a Norfolk Terrier who had just had puppies, it was literally love at first sight, and Tilly came home with us a few weeks later. 

What would be your dream place to visit for the holiday season? 

Somewhere snowy so I can experience that 'White Christmas', maybe Canada? Another obvious choice would be New York, ice skating in Central Park, Christmas shopping in Bloomingdales, New Year in Times Square! That is something for my bucket list.

Are you a pro present wrapper or do you fail miserably? 

I would like to think my present wrapping is not too shabby, but I am a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to things like that. I can do that clever trick though of not cutting the wrapping paper but slicing it in one smooth motion. 

Most memorable holiday moment? 

Hmm this is a hard question, as Ive experienced a fair few Christmases now! I think dressing up as Rudolph and Santa with my brother and decorating the tree when we were little, and probably not doing a great job! Also when my cousin was born on December 3rd and her arriving at the house still so tiny, dressed in a Rudolph baby grow, adorable!

What made you realise the truth about Santa? 

I think I began to work it out when I noticed the writing on the labels on presents addressed from Santa was very similar to the handwriting of mum and dad... Although I didn't want to admit he wasn't real just in case he was, plus I wanted to keep it alive for my younger brother.

Do you make New Resolutions? Do you stick to them? 

Yes, I try to make resolutions, this year is to take advantage of the opportunities that come my way and try not to let them pass me by. Do I stick to them, well I think in the first month I will try, as everyone does, new year, new me thing, but I'm sure as time goes on I might forget... But I am really going to try this year!

What makes the holidays special for you? 

I think the whole Christmas spirit, and the attitude of 'c'mon its Christmas'. I think that people become more optimistic, and generally happier, despite those who hate this time of year. The whole idea of being brought together, whether it be friends or family is great fun, and its always nice to treat people who are great to you all year round!