What's Occurring?

The Pages

• I've read a couple of good'uns since the last 'What's Occurring?' post. Highlights include: The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion; Ten Girls To Watch by Charity Shumway; and #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso. Reviews to come for all. Some that were just okaaaay: The Vacationers by Emma Straub (I'm sure it would've been perfect for the pool but I read it during one of the most miserable weeks, weather wise, in London) and The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp, which I've wanted to read for so long. Spectacular is one of my favourite words after all. I probably hyped it up too much in my head. Oh, and I started Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins, another I've been looking forward to, but I just wasn't in the right mood. It seemed too twee. I'll try again later. 
• I've recently reviewed: Roomies by Sara Zarr & Tara Altebrando and These Days Are Ours by Michelle Haimhoff. 
• I'm currently reading: The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan and Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. 

What's Occurring?

So, anyone who pops by here on the regular (thank you!) will have noticed I haven't been around much lately. To cut a long story short, I was very ill but now I'm on the mend. I've done this 'What's Occurring?' post a few times before and thought it would be a good way to ease back into things.

The Pages

• I read sooooo much whilst I was ill (although for some reason I couldn't read anything whilst actually in hospital). I've also been doing the YA Buccaneers summer reading challenge but I'll have more of an update on that towards the end of the week. 

• Some highlights: The Outsiders by S.E Hinton (why did I put it off for so long?!); Blue by Lisa Glass; Wish You Were Italian by Kristin Rae; All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill; and Landline by Rainbow Rowell (meow). Oh and I have to mention Astonish Me by Maggie Shipstead. Whilst I wasn't blown away by the novel as whole, there was a chapter revolving around a performance of The Nutcracker and the descriptions were amazing. I LOVE The Nutcracker and Maggie Shipstead's writing made it feel like I was actually in the theatre. Brillaint. 
• I also realised I had read a lot of YA so went on a bit of a spending spree in the Kindle store getting all the adult books. I'm about 150 pages into I Am Pilgrim and just WOW. Have you read it?  

The Soundtrack

• I missed my concerts :( I was supposed to go to Wireless Festival but perhaps it's just as well I missed Kanye's ranting. I also missed Clean Bandit at Somerset House. Never mind, we have Pharrell in October and hopefully I'll be feeling better by then. 
• A lot of the time I couldn't sleep so I listened to Classic FM playlists. I've also had the Waltz from Coppellia stuck in my head for the longest while and developed a renewed love for Rhapsody In Blue.
• I've had The Suburbs by Arcade Fire whizzing around my head too. I can't describe why I love this song so much but there are those songs that on the first listen just bury themselves inside of you. As soon as I heard 'grab your mother's key we're leaving' I was in. Actually, I think Landline might have caused it to surface from the depths of my subconscious.
• Still listening to Paolo Nutini, particularly One Day and Iron Sky. I also went back to Back to Black. I was sad when Michael Jackson died but Amy Winehouse's death hit me hard! Such a talent...
• New stuff: Prettiest Ones Fly Highest by Fryars and New Drop, New York by Sbtrkt ft Ezra Koenig. What have you been listening to?

The Words

• None. Nil. Nada. Zilch. I haven't had the energy.

And The Rest...

• I haven't watched that much television surprisingly. I've pretty much left the TV on TLC and Lifetime, meaning I think I could now work for Cake Boss and can definitely Say Yes To The Dress. I tried to get into Orange Is The New Black and whilst I enjoyed the four episodes I watched I just couldn't make myself watch anymore. The same goes for The Honourable Woman - watched two episodes (which were EXCELLENT) but couldn't get through anymore. However, I have enjoyed Extant and I started watching Episodes, which is hilarious. My kind of comedy. 
• There is one show I have become addicted to though...Total Divas! Ok, I didn't go into it blind as I was a big WWE fan during my teen years and then kind of got back into it last year. Still, it's actually a really refreshing take on the reality shows because these ladies have proper jobs- rather than being filmed shopping and eating - and they are truly badass - rather than those wannabes who believe flipping tables and clicking fingers makes them boss ladies. Oh and I really think The Bellas need to guest star on New Girl as Jess's superbad cousins - they sound so much like her!
• I haven't seen any of the summer blockbusters but hopefully I'll catch Guardians of the Galaxy before it finishes. More importantly, what is this about it not being the right time for a female led Marvel movie? Ridiculous. Saying 'I very much believe in doing it but...' is the reason we are not progressing with regard to equality anywhere. Just get rid of the but and give us the movie! I'll happily wait a few more years for another Cap or Thor film if it means we can get a female superhero on the screens. Give Scarlett her movie, she deserves it. 
• Soooo Allure called L.C 'basic'? I'm sorry, I know people want to retire 'basic' but I love it. Having said that, I wouldn't describe L.C as 'basic' (and if she's basic then so am I). Kate Middleton (she of the infinite wardrobe of L.K Bennett wedges), Whitney Port, and Olivia Palermo circa The City on the other hand...
• Sport sport sport - there's been a lot of it this summer. The World Cup started off brilliantly but by the final I was a bit over it (and I love football). Wimbledon was great. The Commonwealth Games have also been a treat to watch.

So, what have you been up to?

Sunday Brunch: Pleasant Surprises

Brunch isn't really a big deal over here but I love the idea of it - and enjoy going to brunch whilst on holiday. Whenever I'm throwing together ideas for a new story, one of my favourite things to do is go Google Maps-ing for all the nice restaurants in the area. As I have dairy intolerance, I often have to watch what I eat at restaurants so it's not always a fun experience. However, the rise of all those Food Network shows and Pinterest and all the great reviews on Yelp and Chowhound allow me to live vicariously through all you gastronauts. 

So, I thought I'd try and start a new feature (although I'm not good at keeping up features so we'll see) where we go for brunch on a Sunday, anywhere in the world, and have a chat. This week we'll be:

[CHILTERN FIREHOUSE, LONDON, ENGLAND]

One of the best feelings is being pleasantly surprised. I plan a lot in terms of what I'm going to watch and read (but oddly enough not with music. I'll listen to things on a whim) so I'm not often very surprised by the output*. Chances are, if I've addded it to the list, I vaguely know the story and what to expect. However, these past few days I've been pleasantly surprised by a book, a few films, and a concert. 

Chasing Forever Down by Nikki Godwin 

I'm going to write a proper review for this in the week but it was SO not what I expected. There's a bit of a mystery to it, which was compelling but the main thing that had me hooked was the friendship element. This story had real heart and warmth to it. I was just looking for something light to read alongside Americanah but Chasing Forever Down got under my skin and I'm so glad to see the little #1 in the title suggesting a second one is around or on the way. 

What Maisie Knew 

I've known about this film for a while because I remember the candids of Alexander Skarsgård on set being discussed over at Lainey Gossip. So, I put it on yesterday and was completely blown away. In short, Maisie's parents get a divorce and she ends up going back and forth between them, although their respective partners seem to do more of the parenting. Meanwhile, Maisie is just trying to be a kid, getting on with school, trying to draw castles. It's very quiet. Maisie isn't bratty or precocious, she's just a thoughtful, quiet child. Onata Aprile plays Maisie brilliantly - she manages to disappear into the background in the way a quiet child can sometimes but still makes sure you're thinking about her. Very clever. The way Maisie is taken under the wings of her step-parents (who are barely adults themselves) in the face of her parents' selfishness and bitterness is a little bit overwhelming. I watched the whole thing with a lump in my throat. Just a really beautiful film. 

Stuck In Love 

I'd never heard of this film until it cropped up in the suggestions on Neflix. Again, in short the story follows a year in the life and loves of The Borgen family who are still dealing with Mama and Papa Borgen's spearation. Now that I think about it, the tone reminds me a little bit of Crazy, Stupid, Love but quieter and even sweeter. There are so many different types of love shown through this family of four. It helps that the dad and the kids are writers so they aren't afraid of using their words. The characters were all really well rounded and most importantly the actors were all on their game, especially the youngsters. I know people kind of lumped Lily Collins in the 'young starlets who aren't Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone' category but I really think she is talented. This is the second indie I've seen her in where she's acted very well (the other being The English Teacher, also with Julianne Moore). Overall, I was just surprised by how sweet and real this film was. 

Star Trek Live  

On Thursday I had the great pleasure of seeing Star Trek Live in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall. I love the film and the score (obviously or else I wouldn't have bought the tickets) however I was taken aback by a few things. Firstly, the number of people who also love the score and seeing them in the flesh as opposed to online. The level of excitement and enthusiasm was amazing and infectious. Secondly, I always forget the power of the orchestra. I couldn't stop the goosebumps from forming and the joining in with the raucous applause and cheering as the surviving members of the Kelvin flew to safety and the orchestra crescendoed into that title sequence! Thirdly, I assumed the concert was being put on independent of the franchise - like when I saw Fantasia Live last year. WRONG. Simon Pegg a.k.a Scotty was there to introduce the show, which was a lovely surprise. He also introduced MICHAEL GIACCHINO! I can't imagine what it would've felt like to be him on the receiving end of all those much deserved rock star worthy cheers. In a way, I guess it's like when Mozart was the Harry Styles of his day. Then Michael Giacchino introduced...J.J ABRAMS!!!!! I thought people were going to seriously pass out. It was a small taste of what it must be like to go to one of those comic conventions. Finally, to put the icing on the cake, Michael Giacchino gave us a taster of his upcoming score for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, which was great. 

So, have you had any pleasantly surprising experiences recently? 

Only Boring People Are Bored

Mad Men Wednesday means more of my favourite adverts.

As summer approaches, the fashion brands are putting their best foot forward ad wise.

Missguided - Born As A Unicorn 



Everyone's loving Sleigh Bells, aren't they? I think this song was used in the promos - and in the film? I only got through 20 minutes - for The Bling Ring. Fun advert. (It's called Kids if you want to know). Very Nasty Gal-esque.

Tesco F&F - Feel the Heat Summer 2014 

I really thought this was Missguided/BooHoo etc to begin with. Great advert - the music really helps. The Tesco creative department have been really on trend of late (even ahead at times).

French Connection did have one I think but I only saw it once and can't find a video. Well, there's a S/S 14 video on their Youtube page but I'm not sure if that's the same advert. I'm not so keen on that one, so I'll keep it on the backburner.


Vodafone - Spotify (RKCR/Y&R)

Not fashion related. Just makes me smile.

I'm Still Waiting For That Manhattan...

So, Don, Peggy, Joan, and I have all made up again - yay! I finally got around to finishing season 6 of Mad Men (a whole year later) and have caught up with the first three episodes of season 7 - part 1. In celebration, I thought I'd revive Mad Men Wednesday, which kind of started last year but fizzled out once I dropped the show. Obviously. So, let's cut the chit chat and get on with the ad's (both Wieden + Kennedy, sorry. I don't work for them, I swear). 

Cravendale - Barry The Biscuit Boy  (Wieden + Kennedy)

I laughed so hard the first time I saw this and still it never fails to produce a chuckle. If you can't view the video for whatever reason, I beg you to go and find it elsewhere. You won't be sorry. I would love to have a conversation with the person who came up with this - I'm sure it would be interesting to say the least.

Nike - Winner Stays (Wieden + Kennedy)

The World Cup is almost upon us. Need I say more?

What's Occurring?

As I've said before, I've never really gotten into the habit of doing a Friday links type post but I often have little topics that I want to talk about or come across things in the week that warrant sharing, so I'll try and do this at least once a month. 

The Pages

• I think I'm heading into a reading slump. I've got two more that I have to read and then I'm not sure what I'll do. Maybe try and get through some non-fiction? I've been meaning to get Misty Copeland's Life In Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina. Also, Elaine Lui - author of my favourite gossip blog Lainey Gossip - has her book out this month, Listen To The Squawking Chicken.  I've also been inspired by Natalie's (Natflix&Books) chick-lit post. I might go back to some old favourites or try some new ones. I don't know. I also think I need to just stick to one book at a time.
• Anyway, at the moment I'm reading Past The Shallows (which is actually really good) and All The Things You Are (which I think I will like once I can sit down and get into it). 

The Soundtrack

• I was in Boots the other day (our most popular national drugstore chain) and was pleasantly surprised to hear The Thrills' Santa Cruz (ETA: Actually it was Big Sur but both are great songs) being piped through the sound system. Then I heard Beating Heart Baby by Head Automatica and Bandages by Hot Hot Heat on the same day and got all nostalgic. Also, I watched A Lot Like Love and Breathe by Anna Nalick is featured at some point. That song always makes me think of Grey's Anatomy. So, I've been revisiting those types of mid-aughties songs/artists. 
• Also been listening to my Camp NaNoWriMo playlist (here if you want to listen too).
• New music - LOVE Paolo Nutini's new album Caustic Love, especially One Day. I like Shakira's new album too - ever since seeing her live in 2010 (I think) I've been a big fan. She better be releasing a new World Cup song. As much as I love Waka Waka, I think we need something with more of a Latin flavour to get us in the mood. Not long now, eh?!

The Words

• As I said above, I'm doing Camp NaNo and so far...it hasn't been too bad. I still don't really love what I'm writing but I've had this one, mainly the main character, rattling about in my head since about 2009. So, it's cathartic to let her speak even if I'm not keen on what she's saying. Anyway, so far I've written 15,499/20,000. I like that you can give yourself such a low goal for Camp. Takes the pressure off. 

And The Rest...Links And All

• I finished my Coursera course - yay! It was quite interesting and I find myself spurting off stuff about EU policies and whatnot every now and then. 
• Still no luck on the job front - in fact it has been a fortnight of back to back to back rejections. 
• I booked my ticket to see Rainbow Rowell at Waterstones Piccadilly. So excited!
• I've got a new reality show addiction - Eric and Jessie: Game On. 
• Game of Thrones is back with a bang. Are you watching? 
• I've watched a lot of these Lauren Mechelle Youtube videos. Over the last two years, I've gotten really into haircare and skincare routines - trying different products, researching, Into The Gloss-ing. Unemployment will do that to ya. Anyway, her videos have been the most helpful. 
• Finally, did you see Captain America 2? It was probably my favourite Marvel film to date. Also, I will now only refer to Chris Evans by Bedhead at Celebitchy's special name for him. 

Remember My Name

So, I couldn't sleep last night and I got to thinking about names. It's not that weird, I promise. Before I went to bed I read that Tamara Ecclestone (like the Paris Hilton of the UK) welcomed a daughter and named her Sophia. I also read about Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky's new twins, Tristan and Sasha - adorable choices. So, let's talk about names for a while.

WHAT A CHARACTER

How do you come up with your character names? My main culprits are featured above. I use Nameberry a lot. Usually I type in one name and then drop into a Nameberry hole. Sometimes I use Mumsnet too, especially if I want something current. The Baby Name Wizard is useful too, as people can add comments about people they know with that name - or if they have it themselves, can comment on living life as a Shakira or Padma. I also have a Word document that I update if I come across a name I like and I've had this since I was about...fifteen. So almost ten years! Actually, the same goes for my 'Potential Faces' document but that's a topic for another day. 

I'm not sure why but I find it fairly easy to come up with girls names but not so much for guys. I think there's a Connor or a Tom in at least three of my pieces. As for specific reasons and meanings, well, I don't generally look at the meanings in relation to my characters but sometimes there's a happy coincidence though. I tend to steer clear of using family names and close friends because everything can just get a bid too muddled but there are rare exceptions like Natalie. I have relatives and friends called Natalie but I just knew one of my characters had to be called Natalie. More often than not I'll stick to one name but there have been some problematic characters who just don't seem to want to work with the name I've given them. 

What are your naming habits?

POPULAR

When I was younger, I never really came across many girls my age called Sophia. A couple of Sophie's but not many Sophia's. Nowadays, I'll be walking in the shopping centre and hear someone screech 'SOPHIA', turn around and see a little toddler tottering away from her mother. Or there will be a tweenaged Sophia in front of me at Starbucks - cue awkward smiles when we collect our orders.  Sometimes it's mildly irritating when someone makes a comment about the current popularity of my name TO ME because it has nothing to do with me or my mum following trends. I can't find the top 10 list for the UK for 1989 but judging by my friends names and whatnot, Sophia was not popular. However, I love my name, so the more Sophia's there are the better. Besides, looking at the picture, I think we're in good company.

Do you have a popular name? What are your favourites? 

It Is Decided: Take Two

I never get to do What's Up Wednesday. This is mainly because I never have anything to contribute to the writing section but that might change soon - hurrah - so I might give it a go next week. Keep a look out. In the meantime, here's a roundup of everything that's been happening of late.

Reading

• I'm currently reading You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz. It's quite slow and it probably doesn't help that I've been reading it at night but I'm persevering because the story is quite interesting and I enjoyed Admission. 
• I received my first ever Netgalley copies - yay - and reviewed them here - The Summer I Found You and Tease. 
• I reviewed Winger, which I LOVED LOVED LOVED. 

Writing

I'm doing Camp NaNoWriMo in April. What I'm writing is in no way groundbreaking or even that interesting but it will be an exercise in endurance and commitment. I've been trying to write this particular one for years, so I just want to get a draft done for peace of mind.

Find me here if you're doing it too. I haven't requested specific cabin buddies or anything as I was actually considering going lone wolf but I think it would be nice to have some people to talk to about it. 

Choons

I've been cultivating a Camp NaNoWriMo playlist, which has been fun. I've also been listening to Vic Mensa and Chance the Rapper, Tame Impala, Little Dragon, and Childish Gambino. I've also rekindled my love with Metric. 

The Somerset House Summer Series tickets were released so my sis and I are going to Clean Bandit. I wanted to go to Little Dragon too but couldn't find a gig buddy. If you know anyone in London who loves music, send them my way - seriously. I'm fed up of missing out on gigs and festivals - I'm far too young to be losing my edge!

Everything Else

• Karl Largefeld said some nice things about Queen Elizabeth (Celebitchy)
• Divergent isn't out over here until next month, and I'm not Hunger Games style excited to watch it, but Shailene Woodley has been giving some funny, endearing interviews during the press tour (Lainey Gossip)
• Sarah Harian perfectly described the way I feel about New Adult (YA Highway)
• Did you enjoy the Veronica Mars movie? I was just glad it was available on iTunes so I could watch it from the comfort of my own home. They should do this for more films. Obviously not your Captain America or Divergent but the smaller films might benefit from this. The cinema just isn't the same anymore, so this option would be a bonus for film lovers like myself. I'd quite happily pay 13.99 to watch The Grand Budapest Hotel in my house. (TIME) 
• IT'S FUG MADNESS TIME! (Go Fug Yourself)

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

For Your Consideration

I've never really gotten into the habit of doing a Friday links type post but I often have little topics that I want to talk about or come across things in the week that warrant sharing, so I'll try and do this at least once a month. 

Reading

• I've been quite good this year with the reading. I haven't had too many false starts or tricky reads. Plus, I'm not really doing the Goodreads challenge properly this year so I feel like the pressure is off. I can focus on quality not quantity. Plus, I really want to read more non-fiction and I'm a lot slower reading it. Please, take a gander at my bookish posts this month.
• Currently reading:
  
• As for what's next, well my current, physical to-be-read immediately pile looks like this (below) but I buy a lot of Kindle books on a whim at 1am in the morning, so I try not to pick my next book until I finish my current book

CHOONS

I've been listening to: Bombay Bicycle Club, Clean Bandit, Bastille, Jhene Aiko, and Arctic Monkeys. I was also listening to Red Hot Chili Peppers in the car the other day and forgot how much their songs have been part of my life! It's like muscle memory, a song will come one and I'll start singing the lyrics (and I'm terrible with lyrics) automatically, whilst thinking 'I never knew I knew this song'. What are your muscle memory songs/bands?

I've also been listening to a lot of classical music, particularly the Russian composers such as Rimsky-Korsokov, Borodin, and Rachmaninov thanks to the Winter Olympics and the BEAUTIFUL figure skating, which brought me near to tears far too many times. Oh, and the Russian national anthem - how many times did they play it during the breaks?! Or was that just British TV? Are the BBC in cahoots with the Russians? Somebody call Olivia Pope!

That's Entertainment

• If you've read anything on this blog before, you'll know I enjoy a good television advert. Recently, I've enjoyed (along with half the country) Three mobile's 'Sing it Kitty'. If you can't watch it through that link, try and find it - it'll make you smile, I promise. McVities has also launched a fun campaign featuring all sorts of cute creatures. 
• I finished watching House of Cards. Overall, it was good but not as intriguing as the first season. Nashville is back on UK screens, thank goodness. However, other than those shows, I've been finding it difficult to get into anything else. Most of what I want to watch either isn't available in the UK (New Girl/The Voice USA) or hasn't come back yet (Game of Thrones, Mad Men, Suits). Usually, I don't get in a telly watching slump until the summer hiatus but alas, here I am, marathon watching Four Weddings. Help me out, what are you all watching? 
• The Oscars are - finally- on Sunday (well, Monday morning for me). Does anyone know exactly why they were pushed back? I know it's to do with the winter olympics but...nobody nominated was competing, right? Just saying...Anyway, I don't stay up for the actual ceremony but I'll watch the red carpet stuff. However, I hope we can watch the ABC Red Carpet Live again over here. Last year, E's coverage was pretty dire. I gather from UK listings that Sky are doing their own red carpet show but I don't know who this correspondent is and I take my red carpet seriously. Plus, where will they be positioned? Lainey says her etalk is second in line behind ABC and ahead of E!, so I'll probably try and check out one of their streams. The Oscars red carpet is no place for amateurs and you only get one chance to watch it live, so I need to know I'm in good hands. As for the actual awards...meh, I'm a bit over it to be honest. I didn't see many of the films, so, may the best player win!
• 
  

And the rest of it

• I'm addicted to the scarily accurate Buzzfeed quizzes. Take these and tell me your results (mine are in brackets): Which Scandal Character Are You? (Jake); Which Friends Character Are You? (Mike!); Which Girls Character Are You? (Marnie); What State Do You Actually Belong In? (Virginia)
• The war on celebrity baby pap pics started by Kristen Bell and her husband. Ummm, I'm kind of a fan of Kristen Bell in that I like Veronica Mars but...I never really wanted to see her baby and I'm guessing the majority of people feel this way, so I don't really get why they came out on the defensive. Anyway, my stance, as a casual gossip blog reader: Like most, I love babies but...I never wanted to see pictures of your kids in my magazines in the first place. I don't want to see pictures of you with your kids outside a supermarket. I don't want to see pictures of YOU outside a supermarket. I want to see you in your latest project. I quite like when you tell me about your favourite films and shows and beauty products but I don't HAVE to know. Basically, just tell me about your project and move on. If you share photos of your kids on social media that's fine - that's your choice and you're sharing not pimping. However, I think the best course of action is let your talent do the talking. What do you think? What will happen to those 'celebrities' whose whole brand is built around their kids such as Jessica Simpson and Jessica Alba. Hmm, I've written about this before, haven't I? 
• A great link about the figure skating from last week's Go Fug Yourself Fugs and Pieces.
• Pippa Biddle rethinks and makes good points about volunteering abroad. 
• My new favourite stationery brand - Sugar Paper LA! 

New York You're Perfect, Don't Please Don't Change A Thing

A few things I learnt from my recent trip to New York. 

The Importance of Good Skincare Products

Everyone seems to be experiencing a seriously messed up winter right now and as I'm sure you all know, New York is bloody freezing! Don't get me wrong, England isn't exactly Bermuda so cold weather isn't new to me but I was not one hundred percent prepared for Manhattan masquerading as the Fortress of Solitude. Luckily, these products helped out a little bit.

Sephora Is My Kryptonite

I love this shop so, so much. We have nothing like it in the UK. We used to have Sephora, which makes sense being French and all, buddies across the waters (ahem), but for some reason it didn't do very well over here and so the stores closed. We have to make-do with traipsing round to beauty halls in department stores or visiting Boots (like CVS). All well and good if you live in London but for those of us in the suburbs, it can be hard to find products for people with different skin tones. Sephora was a breath of fresh air and I spent way too much money in there. Oh and the staff, particularly at Union Square, were extremely helpful and kind. Luckily, little sis is off to Paris soon so I'll send her a list. 

Motown The Musical

AMAZING! We were lucky enough to get front row seats, so it was like being at our very own personal Motown concert. The actors were all brilliant and their voices were sensational. If you're looking for a Broadway show, please go and see this. 

Friendliness, Service with a Smile and Good Cheer

The last time I went to NYC was during the summer, so it was mainly filled with tourists like myself. This time I got to see working NYC and was expecting the grim, coldness of London on a week day in terms of attitude. Au contraire, mon frere. Everyone was SO NICE. People smiled at us. If I smiled at someone on the tube, they'd probably pull the passenger emergency alarm. My family are Yankophiles, so we cross the Atlantic on a regular basis and are familiar with your happy, helpful salespeople. However, with the cold weather and everything, it just made that bit of a difference to have someone seemingly go out of their way to help you. Yes, it's their job but it still felt nice. Also, we regularly stopped people for directions and they were all very helpful - most noticeably this older lady helping us and some Chinese tourists on the subway, like a tour guide! 

Coats Galore

I suppose the good thing about the cold weather was that it meant people could rock some pretty cool outerwear. From city slickers in Canada Goose, Moncler and Mackage parkas, to cool mum's in full length North Face down jackets, to old ladies in full on fur coats, to hipster Brooklynites in their floor length camel coats. Great stuff. I personally opted for the Tommy Hilfiger Maine down jacket, which was surprisingly warm. 

Obligatory Book Haul

As I was with my friend rather than my family, I didn't do my usual book store tour (also, that meant I didn't have anyone else's suitcase to bear the brunt) but I still came away with a decent stack of books (including The List by Siobhan Vivian FINALLY) from Barnes & Noble Union Square. 

Tube > Subway

However, I must say, the London Underground is organised much better than the subway. How can one have an underground system without proper signage?! Most of the time it was a gamble as to whether we were heading onto the right platform. I understand it's something you learn in time but. like London, NYC is one of the most visited cities on the planet. They could at least put up a few more signs. 

Top of the Rock > Empire State Building

I don't know if it's because I did the Empire State Building in the summer and spent half a day queuing but I much preferred the views from Top of the Rock. The elevator is pretty cool and I couldn't stop hearing the 30 Rock theme in my head (which incidentally is my alarm tone). Next time, I'll definitely do the NBC tour.

OnLocation Tours

We did the Movie & TV tour, which was brilliant because it was in a heated bus and we got to see most of the city. They do let you out at various stops though, such as the firehouse from Ghostbusters and the Friends apartment facade. Oh and they show clips of the relevant shows and movies. They had me at Chuck & Blair at the Empire State Building. 

There's much more I could talk about (like our little trip to Williamsburg) but that will do for now. Have you been to NYC? Do you live there? What are your favourite things? 

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Yes. Awards season is well and truly upon us, are you enjoying yourselves? The last few weeks have been tiring for the casual spectator, such as myself, so I can only imagine how the nominees and their teams feel. Then again, can you really complain when your job involves attending parties and receiving awards? Probably not but we'll discuss that in a minute. Let's take a moment to digest the past few weeks and take stock of what we've learnt:

• Everybody loves Lupita Nyong'o - she's a fashion GODDESS and seems like a really humble, eloquent, and extremely talented woman. She deserves all the good things being lavished upon her, no doubt. Yay Lupita!
• American Hustle is the favourite? I thought it was good but I wasn't blown away. Amy Adams, Christian Bale and Jeremy Renner were amazing and the soundtrack was excellent. Anyway, I suppose it gives us a good excuse to get our J-Law fix. 
• Speaking of...Jennifer Lawrence is being her usual charming, TMI-ing self on the red carpet in some questionable Dior dresses. It's not her fault. Dior just ain't what it used to be. 
• Alright, alright, alright, Matthew McConnoghey means business and just might take Best Actor at the Oscars. Just keep livin'. 
• I've been a fan of E! Live from the Red Carpet for a loooong time but I think it's time to hand over the microphone to someone else. Ryan and G just look so tired and over it. The questions are terrible and they need to get rid of that 'mani-cam'. Kudos to Elisabeth Moss for doing what we've all been doing at home to the mani-cam. I think last year for The Oscars one of our UK channels showed another network doing the red carpet - maybe ABC? - with Kristin Chenoweth co-hosting and Hugh Jackman picked her up. Anyway, yes, time for some freshness on the other side of the red carpet. 
• Continuing with the fashion - it has been a bit blaaah. I haven't seen much that's been original or daring. Emma Watson came to play in her dress/trousers ensemble, which was bold but not too many others have followed suit. Margot Robbie has consistently 'turnt up' also. 
• Emma Thompson is a hoot! She should be invited to all awards shows regardless of nominations and whatnot. 
• People have mixed feelings about Jonah Hill. I haven't seen Wolf of Wall Street yet (don't scream at me, it has only just been released over here!) but in general I teeter towards liking him. He name drops a lot but then again if Leo was my friend, I might mention it a few times here and there too. 
• Returning to the American Hustle cast - do you think they were too rude in this interview? I do. I know they probably had a long night and were two or three sheets to the wind but still...answering press questions, regardless of how awful they are, is part of your job. Thank goodness for Amy Adams and Mr De Niro who managed to appear obliging and pleasant. 
• Speaking of Amy Adams - yay! So glad she's winning. I hope she gets the big one. I read her Vanity Fair interview (the issue where she's on the cover) and she comes across wonderfully. I love the part where she talks about working with Idina Menzel and trying to bait her into singing 'For Good' in the corridors! 
• Finally, hasn't it been nice seeing some of the big guns out and about? Meryl, Julia, Tom, Brad, Leo and co. 

Well, we've got a ways to go before Oscar night. I'm sure there will be lots of high jinks and drama along the way. The Academy Awards Luncheon is on February 10 - always produces some nice pictures. Then it's my town's turn to host the stars with the BAFTAs on February 16. We'll talk again after that. 

The Fallback

I was watching one of those Hollywood Reporter roundtables with comedy actresses (which was styled wonderfully) and towards the end, they were asked the usual "What would you do if you were not acting?" question. Three of the actresses pretty much said they could not imagine doing anything else. Acting was, is, and always will be the dream job. Kristen Bell said she never had a fallback plan because she knew she would use it if given the option. Zosia Mamet also claimed her dad said the same thing and she also wondered why anyone would give just 70 per cent of themselves to an endeavour.  It got me thinking...should we encourage fallback plans?

Firstly, I suppose it is easier to say you shouldn't have a plan b if you're already successful. When you're already living the dream, surely it's difficult to remember what it was really like when you were just starting out - we all wear those rose coloured glasses. Even I do it and I've barely started. However,  judging by their ages, I'm guessing most of those actresses - and most of the people dishing out this kind of advice - were lucky enough to escape this ruthless and exploitative internship culture. Except maybe Zosia but her circumstances aren't exactly typical. If you're 28 and one day realise you've never held down a 'proper' job with a real salary and *gasp* benefits, surely you need to consider a fallback plan? Or should you just keep on keeping on? When does 'life' win? You know, getting a house, starting a family and all that jazz. Will we, the forever intern/temp/freelancer generation, have to forego these things in the name of The Dream? I should've prefaced this by saying I'm really only addressing creative careers. You lawyers and doctors and teachers are alright - you have the blueprint, you just need to follow it. And you get a decent salary. And you're actually helping the world in some way - good gracious, I'm jealous of you! 

Then again, for someone like Zosia Mamet who grew up in a creative environment with artistic parents...well, of course she wouldn't need a fallback plan. If we all had a renowned playwright for a father and an actress for a mother, we'd probably assume we could make it in The Arts too. I'm not talking about nepotism (which I'm all for by the way. If you can't help your own family and friends, who can you help?!) but rather the fact that she's seen that it's achievable - artistic success would have always been tangible for her. In the same way that if you're from a family of teachers, you too wouldn't think it would be impossible to become a teacher.

However, in spite of all that, I kind of agree with Zosia in that you should give 100 per cent of yourself if you want to achieve success in some way, shape, or form. So, ladies and gentleman, we're stuck between a rock and a hard place. A back up plan is sometimes, oftentimes, necessary for regular Jane's and Joe's but you also need to give all of yourself. How do you give all of yourself to your second choice? Or third or fourth? Well, the truth is, I don't know. I'm currently trying to do this myself and it's not easy. In fact, I skipped the follow your dream part and fell into plan B because in all honesty, I don't have a passion. Not yet anyway - I'm sure I'll find it at some point, so put those tissues away. After all, look at these guys. So, I guess the main thing to take away from all of this is, you might need to activate plan B but you should try and find happiness in the small things that come with plan B and perhaps try and get back to The Dream. 

What do you think? Fallback plans, yay or nay?  

When I Grow Up I Want To Be...

Every now and then I'm going to write about some people who inspire me and are going places. This week I'd like to talk about:

Christmas is here, bringing good cheer

I saw this article on Hellogiggles about the best Christmas songs and I also heard Leona Lewis's new Christmas song which is brilliant, so I just had to put in my two pence. Here are my favourite Christmas songs and Christmas carols. What are your favourites?

• Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney - This song always reminds me of being a child and the Christmas decorations that looked like this
• Happy Xmas (War is Over) by John Lennon - Again, reminds me of my childhood. It's a sad one  but I can't imagine Christmas without it.
• Do They Know It's Christmas? by Band Aid (1984 version) - Again, I cannot imagine Christmas without this. I lost count of the number of times we had to sing it at school!
• Millenium Prayer by Cliff Richard - Good old Cliff reminding us what Christmas is about. We sang this at school.
• Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano - A new entry really. Last Christmas Eve eve we were in Amsterdam and this was playing in a rather dodgy, unironicaly retro diner we visited for breakfast. It was the kind of scene where had it been a movie there would've been a shoot out or something halfway through the song. 
• Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams - Reminds me of the Christmases we spent in the States, which were brilliant (except for the lack of roast potatoes at Christmas dinner. American friends, why do you not like roast potatoes?) Oh and of course - Ellen's Twelve Days of Giveaways!
• Last Christmas by Wham! - This should be on everybody's list. You just have to do the little shoulder shuffle dance whilst it's on. 
• Carol of the Bells - I love this when it is done properly (like in Home Alone) but sometimes it can be too frenetic verging on hysterical. I like the Bird and the Bee version too.
• Winter Wonderland by Various - Obviously. 
• Little Drummer Boy - For the "rum pa pa pum" bits. I loved singing this. 
• Stop the Cavalry by Jona Lewie - Another childhood one with a "da da dum dum" bit. 
• O Holy Night - My favourite carol ever. Also in Home Alone - can you guess my favourite Christmas film?

NaNoWriMo 2013 : It Is Decided

Ladies and gentlemen, fellow NaNoers, good writerly folk, those who just stumbled across this by accident...I hereby announce my early retirement from the 2013 race. 

I prepped hard this year. Maybe too hard and it has just become too much. Last year, I had no plan, no ideas, nothing (click here if you would like to remind yourselves). This year, I had it all mapped out like TFL but alas, I just cannot do it. I cannot deal with the anxiety of writing 1,667 words per day on top of everything else. Instead, I will attempt to at least make a start on what I had so meticulously planned and let it grow organically. Plus, look what happened last year - here - I missed FOUR episodes of The Good Wife. Those of you in the know will know that cannot happen this year. Not with all that is going on with Lockhart Gardner/ Florrick Agos. 

Anyhoo, I wish everyone taking part the best of luck. I will cheer you on with mucho gusto from the sidelines and whoop extra loud when you cross the finish line! 

For now, Soph L over and out. 

Let the rain fall down

I've not been well these past few weeks so once again I'll just say everything I've wanted to say in short form.

Reading, 'riting, and absolutely no 'rithmetic

I've been stopping and starting so many different books these past few weeks. I'll put it down to the illness but I just couldn't get into The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. I thought I'd get out of my reading funk by re-reading something, so I picked up Under the Rose (the second in the Secret Society Girl series, which I absolutely love) but couldn't get into that either. Not even with my casting re-jig with Amy now being played by Katie Cassidy rather than (a younger) Joanna Garcia in my head. Anyway, I've settled down and I'm slowly but surely pushing through The Giver and This Song Will Save Your Life, which are both excellent so far.

I finally read Where the Stars Still Shine and loved it. I will probably review it but then again everyone else’s reviews say what I want to say so who knows. Whilst I have your attention, there's one thing I would like to ask those of you who have read it because I'm having a bit of a moment (shall we put it down to the illness again? Yes, let's do that). At some point, Alex tells Callie the combination to the lock on his boat is the numerical version of his name - 1356. Callie works it out in a beat and he is impressed. Well, either she is a genius or I should hand back my degree. How does that make sense?! Answers on a postcard to the usual address.

In terms of writing, I've had a lot of fun planning my NaNoWriMo 2013 project. Whether or not I actually write it hangs in the balance but I've enjoyed the building process. These characters have been in my head for years, perhaps they're ready now? 

That's Entertainment

• It’s been (American) football central in our house of late. I've been watching The League, The NFL Show on Saturday morning’s, and I caught some of the UNC/Miami game yesterday even though my adopted CFB team is Alabama because I like to say 'Roll Tide' whenever possible, just like these people.  
• Also on the tellybox this week - Wins for Survivor, Good Wife (team Diane), and Mindy (ahem, or so I heard). MTV are reshowing all of Laguna Beach (yay, congratulations LC!) and it's still addictive.We are also still highly addicted to Gogglebox in our house. So simple, so funny. 
• It’s ben a week of Hiddleston/Cumberbatch (and to a lesser extent Fassbender) mania. Aren’t those last names great? I can’t say I'm as obsessed with these fellows as some of you ladies but they all give good interview. However, the highlight has to be Tom Hiddleston throwing shapes in Korea.
• You guys, we have to pace ourselves. The Oscars aren't until MARCH 2014 thanks to the Winter Olympics, so do we really need to start predicting nominees already? Good news though, Tina and Amy (yes, we’re on first name basis) are back for the Golden Globes 2014.
• Say what now? Kenan Thompson thinks there aren’t enough funny black women out there. Why do we always throw each other under the bus? Dear Kenan, ever heard the phrase united we stand, divided we fall? 
• Aww, poor Donald Glover. Seriously though, do you think we have a problem with oversharing these days?
• US Elle covers have caused a stir. I don’t see the problem with Melissa McCarthy’s cover but some people do. For me, Penelope and her wonderful eyebrows wins everything, everywhere anyway.
• Dario Marianelli, one of my favourite film composers, is doing a BAFTA talk at the Royal Albert Hall and I want to go so badly but a) it’s on a Monday and b) I don’t fancy going alone.
• Avicii has grown on me a lot this week. I've also been listening to White Walls by Macklemore and Lorde (like everyone else). 
• Kacey Musgraves was on Jools Holland. I love her album and this song (Merry Go Round if you get country blocked).

Have a great weekend one and all! Hopefully the weather where you are is a lot brighter than here!

Blake's Got A New Face

So, last week Blake Lively talked about her forthcoming lifestyle brand. This seemed to be met with responses ranging from 'bleh' to 'girl please'. Not too many people seemed enthusiastic about it, which wasn't terribly surprising as we've spoken about the Mocktress before and in the wake of talents such as Jennifer Lawrence taking Hollywood by force, people are getting a little tired of those who seem to be faking it. However, I'm quite excited to see what she puts out there! Yeah, I agree with Lainey, her quote was a bit wishy washy. A one-of-a-kind life is no longer one-of-a-kind if everyone's living it, so she might want to tighten up on her spiel for when she launches the brand. Nevertheless, I want to know more. 

As I mentioned on here before, I'm not really the target market for Oprah and Martha, I don't have a child so Alba is out, and I'm not exactly rolling in it like Goop ($800 for a jumper, are you serious lady?!) However, twenty-somethings are a great market. We're just starting out on our own but like to look to the left and right for reassurance from our peers. This is why I enjoyed Candidly Nicole (even though she is in her early thirties, her content was accessible to my age group) and I also like to browse Lauren Conrad's website.

Blake has great style - ok, it might be hit and miss but isn't that the case for all of us who dress ourselves? - and regularly discusses her penchant for baking and homemaking. She did a little thing for Vogue where she cooked for Elettra Wiedermann (below) and there's no denying her charm, so I'm definitely going to check out her brand - so long as she's not promoting $800 jumpers. Ugh. Aspirational but accessible please Blake. 

Stop making the eyes at me, I'll stop making the eyes at you

I've wanted to talk about these things all week but never got round to writing full length blog posts about them. So, without further ado, here are the things that have caught my eye this week:

ADVERTS

Very - Everyday Stylish (St Luke's)                      

I don't really like the clothes on Very but this is a brilliant advert. If you're interested, the song is  Fine Shrine by Purity Ring. 

Tesco F+F - A/W 2013 (WARL)                  

Again, I don't really shop the F+F range but this advert is pretty cool. The song is What I Might Do by Ben Pearce. 

Bonus: I'm sure you've seen it by now but if not, head on over to Gawker and take a look at the latest Chipotle advert. I've never been to Chiptole, even though I worked opposite one of the only restaurants in the UK, and I don't know how it's received in the US but I'm sure they're getting a lot of new customers this week.

MUSIC

This was one of my favourite songs of the year anyway but it has gained new life with the added rap bit. If you haven't heard Overgrown by James Blake, which was quite rightly nominated for the Mercury Prize, go and have a listen now!

Also, Robin Thicke's new video has been getting more airplay. I know a lot of people think his videos are misogynistic, and 2 Chainz's verse is very weak (how many times is he going to 'get this thing in action'?) but I really like the dance routine by the Albany State Golden Passionettes and Alabama State Stingettes. Plus, the ending is very disco-y - pirouettes and high kicks galore. 

SHOWBIZ

~ Jennifer Aniston is (not) pregnant? 

~Loki and Superman visit Sesame Street. 

~The Grace Kelly film doesn't look so good. 

~Emily Ratajkowski is Andie in Gone Girl, which is great for her but I still don't see Ben Affleck as Nick. 

~Do you, like, have vocal fry too? I've been watching a lot of the Kardashian's lately and have started to pick up their speech patterns, which is more than a little concerning considering I live in ENGLAND.

~Did you enjoy your Mindy/Jess double? 1-0 to Mindy so far...

~Zac Efron went to rehab. Hopefully he's on the road to recovery. 

~Kerry Washington was voted The World's Best Dressed Woman. Too right- you go girl!

I Like Your Style

As usual, this weekend I spent some time going through the forums of the FashionSpot checking out the usual suspects (Kerry, Blake, Mila) and revisiting some those I only catch up with now and then (Elizabeth, Felicity, Scarlett). Finally, I looked at Alicia Vikander's thread and OMG - her style is amazing. Mother and I only managed to sit through 1/4 of Anna Karenina this weekend but Alicia was quite charming as Kitty. Anyway, Alicia has been promoted to the usual suspects list (Blake might have to be demoted).

I LOVE this outfit. I very much want that jumper but cannot find it anywhere at this moment in time- the internet is a big place when you don't know where to start. The bag is Miu Miu and the jeans are probably J Brand (although that slanted, zippered pocket style can be found almost everywhere these days, don't you think?) but I have no idea about the jumper! So, guesses on a postcard to the usual address please.  

Lupita Nyong'o is also having a good run at TIFF after wearing this beautiful Prada dress to her premiere of 12 Years A Slave (which I'm sure we'll all be talking about for the next six months, especially as the Oscars are later than usual, so I'll refrain from saying anything about the film just yet). I'm so glad she went neutral. I'm glad she didn't stick to stereotype and go with a print because yes, print usually works wonderfully on darker skin but sometimes we ethnic girls just want to wear a Gwyneth/Annie/Jennifer moment too, in a pale, 'it's my moment, I'm a star' gown. Just as long as it's not by Marchesa (Naomi Watts - what were you thinking?)