Best TV Shows of 2012

The TV Show obsessive is back to share a few more of her beloved programmes with you. Yay.
Obviously I don't watch every show in the world, only the majority of them (no thank you Dexter and American Horror Story) but lots of new seasons started in 2012, and I am going to inform you of a few of my favourite ones that I have watched. This is solely my opinion and completely subject to criticism.

WARNING: Do not read if you do not want any of the following shows spoiled for you

1) Pretty Little Liars: Season 3
This started in January of 2012 and has been on mid-season hiatus since the beginning of the Summer after about 12 episodes. Way to keep us waiting ABC Family. However, it is totally worth the wait seeing as the episode it ended on and the Halloween episode were both amazingly gripping. This season has been just as good, if not better, than the previous 2 seasons and it's pretty safe to say that this is one of my favourite shows.
I will say now, though, that if Aria and Ezra break up in the second half of season 3 I will stop watching PLL until they get back together.

2) Gossip Girl: Season 6
I feel like I kind of have to put this one in, the show being finished now and all, but I did think it was a great season to end the show on. They concluded all of the story lines that had been left untied and had been annoying everyone (or maybe just me...). They brought back Jenny and Vanessa for about 10 seconds, which was just right (maybe a little too long) because no-one likes those 2 anyway.
Plus, even though a tiny part of me was hoping that Nate and Blair would get back together (yup, I am the only surviving Nair supporter in the world) Chuck and Blair getting married did bring a tear or two to my eye. Also, I am beyond glad that Dan and Serena ended up together, despite the weird parent relationship thing...

3) Glee: Season 4
I won't lie, I was a little apprehensive about this new season to begin with as they took out the best characters (Quinn, Santana) at the end of season 3 and threw in some fairly weak and annoying ones (pretty much just Marley) some of whom I still don't like (just Marley). However, since having a bit of  a rough patch with the last couple of seasons, Glee has really come back around and started its new season on a positive note (if you'll pardon the pun).
Their song choices are improving (though I would still appreciate less Katy Perry), they added more hot guys, and managed to make Rachel less irritating.
They have broken up Klaine, which saddened me greatly, but I have an inkling that it's not permanent and (please don't kill me for saying this) I really like Brittany and Sam together. Good one Fox.

4) How I Met Your Mother: Season 8
FINALLY ROBIN AND BARNEY ARE BACK TOGETHER!!
We've been waiting, what, 4 seasons for this? (Give or take). It did take them a whole 10 episodes for them to admit they love for each other (and get engaged...) but it happened!
Not going to lie, I did like Quinn, but Becki Newton was just born to play Amanda in Ugly Betty and I didn't quite see her as Barney's stripper girlfriend.
In this season, Lily also got increasingly funnier and Ted has been less... Ted.
Marshall is always brilliant so I have nothing to say on that matter.

5) The Great British Bake Off: Series 3
This cooking competition programme never disappoints me, but this season was especially pleasing because my favourite contestant won! Well, my second favourite. My favourite was Catherine, but when she went out it was John and he won.
They made some brilliant recipes, my favourite being the show stopper cakes, which was a cake that, when cut into, had some sort of design or something made out of the sponge on the inside.
The judges were as fabulous as ever, Mary Berry looking as spritely and youthful as ever and there weren't really any contestants that I strongly disliked (although I'll admit that Brendan started to get on my nerves towards the end...).

I don't want you to think that I have enjoyed every show that I have watched this year, because some of them were really not all that fab (...90210...), but the above shows really stood out as having improved or just been really great full stop.

Not only have we had some great shows on TV (/online) this year, but we've also got some exciting ones to look forward to in 2013, like Miranda Season 3 for instance.

Happy TV watching!

M x

Ten Reasons Why It Was Great To Be A Brit In 2012

Let's be honest, it's been a pretty banging year. In case you have been living under a rock for the past year and have only re-surfaced for the festive period (something I feel I partook in slightly. Except my rock had internet access), it's been like one non-stop party for the Brits this year. We waved our hands in the air and, boy, we waved them like we didn't care.

But as we say goodbye to another year and look forward to another one, I thought it would be nice to look back at a pretty fabaroonie year. Let's just forget about all the bad things that happened this year. Recession-schmession.

1) The Diamond Jubilee

Yes it rained that long weekend. It rained a lot. But that didn't stop us drinking all the Pimms we could lay our hands on and still having a jolly good time. We saw our incredible Queen and Prince Philip brave the elements to travel down the Thames in the Jubilee Pageant  which, whether you liked it or not, you cannot deny was pretty impressive. In a time like this when lots are struggling financially, it was a symbol of unity.
If you are already cringing at my cheesiness, do yourself a favour and stop reading now. It's only going to get worse as I get more patriotic.

2) The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics
Cor blimey, nobody thought we would do it. But we became rather secretly smug as soon as we saw Mr Beckham floating down the Thames, luscious wind-swept locks, holding the torch. And if you didn't cry during the opening/closing ceremony, you are a soulless person and therefore I will probably assume that you're ginger. I think it truly made people proud to be British (and it gave me an excuse to watch the television all summer).

I know everyone is saying it, but seriously, it couldn't have been done without all of us. The British public. If we hadn't had been behind it and backing it, which admittedly at first we weren't, then it would have failed. But we all helped in our own little way, some more than others. Now would be a really appropriate time to thank all the Gamesmakers and Ambassadors, because, hey, if a tourist had gone up to just anyone in Waterloo Station, someone would've got hurt. I say Waterloo because my fabulous mother was actually a London Ambassador situated in Waterloo. Yes, she still has her pink and purple uniform. No, she won't let me wear it.

3) Team GB

4) #royalbaby
One of the reasons we already know that 2013 will be totes ah-mazing, daahling. The nation's sweetheart (not you Chezza) got her hair cut, and we already knew it. I told you all, physic alert.

5) UK Cinema
We had the latest Bond film, Skyfall, hitting our screens in October as well as other films like The Woman In Black, Wrath Of The Titans and The Hobbit released as British films. Ok, maybe they haven't been our greatest ever. But, hey Hollywood, we have 007. And Harry Potter. So yeah.

6) UK Music
So Emile Sande seemed to be absolutely everywhere this year and it became a leeeetle bit of a joke by the end, but you can't deny she has a great voice. It's also been a great year for other British artists like Mumford & Sons, Ed Sheeran and Adele. And One Direction. Like them or not, they've had a stonking year.
It was also the year that Girls Aloud confirmed their reunion, so we'll be expecting great things from this sassy bunch in 2013.

7) It was THE year for British fashion
One of the most memorable part of the Olympic closing ceremony (apart from the countless appearances from Sir Paul McCartney and Emile Sande, pipe down you two) was the fashion segment, when some gorgeous British household name models strutted their stuff in gold, what else? Lily Donaldson, Naomi Campbell, Stella Tennant, Kate Moss, Karen Elson, Georgia May Jagger, Jourdan Dunn, Lily Cole and, who could forget, David Gandy, dressed head to toe in British designers. So it wasn't as fabulous as the Spice Girls reunion, but it was pretty damn close.

Another, more light-hearted nod to British fashion was The Mayor of London's collaboration with Grazia magazine, named 'Hatwalk' where we saw all the famous historical faces we know so well accessorised with a hat. Hey Nelson, nice Union patterned thingamajig you got going on.

8) The world didn't end!
So this isn't strictly British-related, but hey, I know you breathed a sigh of relief and switched the kettle on when you knew we hadn't been stuck by a zombie apocalypse.
I mean, I never really believed it, but hey, you can never be TOO cautious.

9) We had some GREAT anniversaries!
The Jubilee wasn't the only anniversary worth celebrating this year. Other notable ones include:

• 50 years since the first Beatles single was released
• The sandwich is 250 years old!
• Shakespeare is 400
• Charles Dickens is 200
• 50 years of Bond films. All together now da da da da daaa da da da daa da da da da da da daaa

10) Hey, we're fabulous every year

We're such a quirky country with our traditions, and, honestly, it makes me proud as an iPhone 5 owner. We drink around 165 million cups of tea EVERY DAY and we do love our Christmas traditions. We have the pantomime, Christmas crackers and mince pies. Apparently not many other countries do that. News to me.

Also, we have our royal family who, like them or not, make us unique and lovable as a free National Health Service. You can't complain with that.

Oh. And cool accents.

I tried to come up with 12. Trust me, I tried my hardest. But I feel this isn't quite the audience to be talking about Innovation and Inventions in Britain. Maybe next year.

So there you go. The best bits of 2012 in a nut shell. 2013 is going to be a real game-changer for me, let's bring it on.

L x

Revision

I have only just realised that it has been a whole four days since either of us last posted something, our last post being a joint Christmas wishes one and Christmas is long gone now.

The reason for our recent silence in the blogasphere is that we both have these wonderful things called "exams" coming up, to be more specific "GCSE mocks". They are not optional and they will not be fun. Rather than spend our days writing brilliant blog posts we are spending them (or a couple of minutes of them at least in my case) revising for said exams.

I'm assuming that everyone reading this will have, at some point in their lives, partaken in some sort of revision; whether for school exams or otherwise. Ergo, you will know that revision is no walk in the park. Far from it. However, it has been fairly insightful, but not in a good way. I shall now share with you some of the things that revision has made me realise about myself and hopefully you fellow revisers shall agree with me (hopefully).

1) I Remember Nothing Useful

The whole point of learning for exams is that you technically already know the stuff, you're just going through it and reminding yourself. "Reinforcing it" as my teachers were fond of saying. This is not the case for me, I am not really revising here, I am actually teaching myself everything. Every time I look at my school work to make some notes from it, it is like I am reading completely new stuff, even the work that we covered in the last term.

You may be thinking that it sounds like I just have a very poor memory, but this is also not the case for me- I have quite a good memory. For useless facts; like, what happened in last week's episode of 90210 or the date on which I got my braces off, but useful things like historical dates and the nitrogen cycle just won't stick.

2) I am the Best Procrastinator Ever

My sister's Twitter bio informs the world that she puts the pro in procrastination, but right now I vehemently disagree with her. I am the queen of procrastinating.

I am even procrastinating right now. I logged onto the blog to check a few things while taking a break from learning about stupid acids and bases and suddenly I am writing a whole post!

If procrastinating were an olympic sport I would have so many gold medals.

Every time I sit down to revise I think to myself 'I am not going to procrastinate today' but I always end up doing so anyway. I have a problem and I should probably seek help. But I won't because colouring in my hair with Sharpie is so much more enjoyable.

3) I Can't Write in a Straight Line

This is quite a strange one, but it is so  annoying! I write all my notes on plain paper (don't tell me I should write on lined paper, I can't draw pictures with lines) in loads of pretty colours and I think each page will turn out so nicely but when I lift up a completed sheet to look at it, it is pretty unattractive because every word is pointing towards the bottom right hand corner. There is nothing I can do to force myself to write in a horizontal line.

4) Working with Food is Easier

This is probably just me as I do love a good snack anyway, but I find that I am able to work for a longer amount of time and better if I have some sort of food with me to nibble on. Whether it is a Digestive biscuit or a gourmet meal for 10, my work pattern improves greatly when I eat. 

I wonder if this would also be the case during school if I were able to snack during lessons, but I will never find out because we aren't allowed to eat anything during class. Brilliant excuse for my lack of concentration.

5) Everything Distracts Me

This is quite similar to the procrastinating point, but in this case it is not me deliberately wasting time instead of revising. This is completely not my fault but I get distracted by anything. 

Everyone gets distracted to a certain extent, by things like their phones, the internet etc. but I think I actually have a problem, my concentration can be so easily broken for the stupidest things.

For instance, if I hear a bird chirping in my garden, I must get up and look out the window to see which bird is making this noise and where it is situated. I don't even care about birds that much.

Also, I enjoy working with a snack (see above), but even this can distract, I get preoccupied reading packaging and thinking about the texture and taste of my food. 

I bet there would be stuff to distract me even if I worked in a completely empty, soundproof room.

Combine all of the above 5 points and you have me, sitting at a laptop, writing this, with a hot chocolate to my left and assorted sweets to my right, being distracted by the fact that my nail polish is chipping and forgetting everything that I have "revised" so far today, which is written in note-form in diagonal lines on A4 paper behind the laptop. 

I'm really not cut out for work.

I really hope I'm not the only one whose revision for upcoming tests is not going too well otherwise I sound pretty dumb right now.

I promise I will try to blog more in the next few weeks, but if Lucy or I don't, hopefully you now understand why.

Good Luck to anyone who has some sort of examination in the upcoming term, I hope your recision is going swimmingly. 

M x

Merry Christmas from Lackadaisical in London!

We both just wanted to take this opportunity to wish all of our wonderful readers and followers a fantastic Christmas and a happy New Year! Bring on 2013, it's going to be a BIG one!

And now, after our message is done, to waste some blog space, let's post some pictures of our less-than-average Gingerbread attempts.

Hmm... Everything's in order and it has a colour scheme... I wonder who made this one?

And before it collapsed... this is Mindy's

So, once again, stuff yourselves silly with Christmas dinner and have a really enjoyable day
(I will readily accept any unwanted red Quality Street. You can thank me later)

L and M x

Nativity Plays

As you have probably clocked if you have read any of my posts in the last couple of weeks, I adore the holiday season. There are hundreds of reasons for this but one of the strongest contenders is Nativity Plays; there is something incredibly endearing about little children dressing up in their fathers' shirts, putting tea towels on their heads and re-enacting the birth story of Jesus Christ.
I, being a church-goer and having once been a child myself, have been in my fair share of Nativities, my proudest moment being when I was about 7 and played the nay saying, very important role of "Figgy Pudding" in my primary school. Don't say you've never heard about the massive part a Christmas dessert played in the birth of Jesus, Mary Shmary.
I also was part of the organising team of my church's Nativity this year; I actually had to be on the stage physically steering the children around. FUN. No, seriously, I loved it.
Without sounding too creepy, I will now explain why I love Nativity Plays so much.

1) The Spiteful Child
There is always that one girl or boy who did not get the part they want- they wanted to be Mary, but they ended up being a lowly sheep for instance.
My dad was telling me a story the other day (not sure whether it is true or not) about a Nativity play where a little boy wanted to play the part of Mary's wonderful boyfy Joseph but instead received the part of the mere inkeeper so, on the night of the performance, he decided to ruin the play and when Mary and Joseph were knocking on doors looking for a place for Mary to have Jesus, the little boy just opened the door of his inn and said that he had plenty of room, so Mary and Joseph went in and the Nativity story ended there.

2) Joseph
At neither my church or my primary school did anyone ever want to play Joseph. My primary school was all-girl so no surprises there, but apparantely no-one wants to be Joseph at my church because then they have to pretend to be in love with one of the girls.
For this reason, whoever ends up as the resentful Joseph looks particularly unhappy and not at all like the father of Jesus should appear throughout the whole performance.

3) Parents
I cannot wait to be a mum and enrol my son/daughter into as many Nativity plays as I possibly can because I want to look and feel as proud as all of the parents I have witnessed watching their children in the play.
At my primary school parents used to literally be lining the aisles so that they could get the best picture of their darling angel playing... an angel.

4) Things that go Wrong
This may sound a little mean, but the mistakes that children make in Nativity plays are hilarious. Kids bumping into eachother, Shepherds dropping stuffed sheep, skirts getting rucked up, anything- all cracks me up. I know I am not the only one because I heard mulitple laughs last Sunday when they wise man threw his francincense onto Jesus and Jesus fell out of the manger.

And to top all of the above off- kids' cuteness is maximised when they are dressed up as shepherds/wise men (or wise woman, as were often featured in my school)/sheep/angels.

It is not too late to run to your nearest church to find out when their Nativity Play is and watch it. They are hilarious and adorable.

I am not a child creeper, I promise.

M x

CONCERT REVIEW: Mumford & Sons

So, earlier in the week, Tuesday 18th to be precise, I got invited to the final date of Mumford & Son's 'Tour of Two Halves' at the O2. Yes, the freakin' O2. These are the four boys that went to local schools, and are now playing at great ol' arenas like the O2.
Feeling very privileged, I arrived at the arena, only to be escorted to the VIP entrance and headed to a box. Yes, I was to watch the boys perform from a box. No more moshpit-ing for me.
Honestly, I'd never heard of the first support act, Bear's Den, but I managed to get there in time for the second support, Mystery Jets with a belly full of Mexican food. Mexican, Mystery Jets and Mumford. Sounds like a good combo to me.
I LOVE THE MYSTERY JETS. So my evening was already off to a good start. I just remember turning to my sister as soon as we heard the opening to 'Two Doors Down', both our favourite Jets song. The only awkward thing about being in a box, above all the 'moshpitting commoners' as they came to be known, was that it became very hard to dance. Bopping in your seat doesn't have quite the same effect. And the friends that invited us to their box also invited a bunch of artsy fartsy types. Imagine the looks when our family turned up, me and my sister almost ready to cry and my dad in a tweed jacket. TWEED JACKET. Of all the nights...
And then the moment came...

As the lights of the O2 went down, the buzz of excitement rised. The beginning of the first track on their second album, and also the song it was named after, Babel, rings out across the whole stadium. You see four silhouettes appear appear the blood red curtain, and suddenly the curtain falls and the screaming begins. And that's just me.
The great thing about Mumford & Sons is that they all actually play their instrument. And more than one at that. We are so used to electronic music, and artists like Katy Perry who view their concerts as 'shows'. Mumford & Sons manage to combine the two effortlessly. The music is flawless, lively and upbeat and you can't take your eyes of them either.
Between songs, they pick up different instruments before belting out another catchy yet different song that you just have to sing along to, regardless of the stylish dressed 20-something standing next to you.
For me, bopping still proved a difficulty and part of me wanted to be down in the standing area, closer to the slightly messy-looking beardy folk on stage, but I loved being able to take it all in from a distance. I could appreciate the music without being soaked in someone elses sweat (this will reappear later, watch out) and rubbing up against some strangers body. Hmm, happy holidays.
They play out every song on their new album, and some of the bigger ones on their first album flawlessly, barely pausing for oxygen. It was so admirable, these men are so talented at what they do and genuinely seem as if they enjoy. I, and many others, never took them for the sort of band to play stadiums and big arenas, and I don't think they did either. But that's just how it played out. However, the lights draped above the heads of those standing made it feel a intimate occasion. Or however intimate you can get you and 23,000 others.

And just when you thought it was other, the thank you's said and done, they reappeared in the centre of stadium to sing an acapella song before rushing back to the stage to sing their last song, and perhaps their most well known 'The Cave', before wearily leaving the stage, back pats a plenty. I imagine it must have been quite sentimental, with it being their last show of 2012. And what a year it has been for them.

For me, this is when the night became rather dream like. I got given an Access All Areas pass. Technically, this is the end of the concert review, which in case you couldn't decipher, I enjoyed. But read on if you fancy potentially boiling over with jealousy.

And five minutes later, there I was, backstage at the O2 arena, Marcus Mumford all up in my face, shaking my hand with his sweaty palms and informing me that he is called Marcus. Like I didn't freaking know. If you care to image how close we were, probably as close as you are to your computer monitor phone/device right now. Maybe closer.

After meeting the other boys (for all non-fans, they're not his sons), I didn't think my life could ever reach this point of ecstasy again. Enter Carey Mulligan and Colin Firth. Now, I like to consider me and Colin to be quite good friends. He doesn't know it, but I believe this because we happen to live in the same area and I know what he is eating Christmas Day. Please don't tell the police.

But Carey Mulligan may or may not be my idol. If she knew how much I was obsessed with The Great Gatbsy, she would steer clear of me. But not that night. I kept it cool, I think the leather jacket was admitting some kind of 'cool hormone' into my skin. I'll ask my Biology teacher. I'm sure it's a real thing.

Can I just take a moment to digress? Pretty sure Carey Mulligan is officially 'The Coolest 20-Something In The World'. She started off playing Kitty in the incredibly Keira Knightley version of 'Pride and Prejudice', and I'm a true Austen girl at heart, before starring in one of my all time favourite films 'An Education'. Now she's married to Marcus Mumford, the man whose sweat I am currently soaking in and is best friends with Colin Firth. Oh, and she's Daisy in Baz Luhrmann's version of 'The Great Gatsby' due out next year. Yes, that does mean she has pulled Leonardo DiCaprio. Cue screams.

We ended up talking for about five minutes about babies, ping-pong and, of course, the wonderful Marcus. I don't think she sussed how obsessed with her I was, kudos to me.

I still can't believe how fab the evening was and, after all of that, my highlight still has to be the first few notes of Babel and the sheer excitement ringing around the stadium. Absolutely unforgettable.

L x

The End of The World

Lucy wrote about how to survive a zombie apocalypse earlier so I thought I would stick with that cheerful theme and name a few of the (non-scientific or religious) (completely rubbish) reasons why the forthcoming end of the world is likely to happen this Friday.

1) End of Gossip Girl
Many people of twitter are saying that it may as well be the end of the world as tonight the very last episode of Gossip Girl ever will be aired. After that- no more Chuck and Blair, no more stunning Serena Van Der Woodsen and no more beautiful Nate Archibald. That definitely signifies that the end is nigh. (I really hope Jenny and Vanessa don't make any appearances...)

2) No good TV to watch
Not only is Gossip Girl over, but pretty much every single TV show is currently on their mid-season hiatus. I don't really know what I'm supposed to do with myself until January 8th 2013 when Pretty Little Liars returns.
Revise? Gosh no.
Clearly television producers are all direct Mayan descendants and know that the time is right to put their programme on halt so they don't lose any money when the zombies take over broadcasting.

3) 2013
13 is a well known unlucky number, who wants to live in a year where you would constantly have to write it at the end of your date? Enough said.

4) Starbucks shutting down
Starbucks Coffee is slowly collapsing because of some tax thing (don't ask me for details, Lucy is the news expert here), meaning no more over-priced but wonderful chai tea lattes and whatever sweet item tempts you when you feel like it. So far 5% of their US shops have shut and it's only going to get worse.
I don't think anyone could live without Starbucks- think of all the half-asleep, grumpy commuters that need their morning coffee; where are they supposed to get it from? Cafe Nero? I don't think so, they don't write your name on your cup.

However, so that I end on a positive note here's one piece of solid proof why the world is definitely not going to end:

Justin Bieber once said that the end of the world would be the day when his "Beliebers" forgot about him, and as far as the whole world is aware they are still going strong, ergo, the world shan't be ending yet. Fear not. Biebs knows best.

If the world does end, I hope everyone has enjoyed their lives and tweeted everything that they needed to say in their lives.

M x

End Of The World Survival Guide

If you are into that kind of thing, the world is due to end on Friday. So all of your December allowance that you spent on that Christmas gift for your parents that probably won't be appreciated? Yeah, they won't ever receive it.

But if you have serious plans about surviving in the world post-apocalypse, then follow some of these tips. Some require more forward planning than others, but of course, as I'm probably the most organised teenager on the planet (pre end of the world AND post), I have been preparing for months.

In the event of a zombie outbreak...
Strangely enough, the English local authority suggests keeping a stun gun near you at all times, as well as handcuffs and a protective suit.
If a zombie comes near you, don't freak out. Easier said than done. But seriously, freaking out will only make them angry, or so I'm told. And, according to various survival posters, do not place your neck in the zombie's teeth. Hmm. However, if said zombie does bite you, apply pressure and prepare to die.

Just joking.
Not.

Interesting fact. Don't burn zombies. Because burning zombies will release toxic fumes that could affect other people. You have been warned.

Assuming you escape the wrath of the zombie attack you will need to sprint. And sprint fast. Seriously, get your Usain Bolt on. From all the hundreds of zombie-related movies I have watched (just Shaun Of The Dead), zombies cannot run, or indeed walk very fast at all. It seems to be because they are all dragged down by their obscene amounts of fat, or even the hideous hoards of facial hair (see above). I don't know, just a thought.
Anyway, this is some end of the world preparation that I have found surprisingly difficult. I mean, the effort it takes to haul myself onto a treadmill or indeed, god forbid, actually leave the house, isn't really worth it. And anyway, I've always fancied becoming a zombie.
Okay, maybe not. Still can't be bothered to practice my running.

So, imagine this. You're all alone. By now, you've escaped the zombie attack and proved that you're as unfit as anything. Surely there's got to be some other survivors? When you run into them, don't let them leave your side. You need to assemble an army! Don't be picky, because Bear Grylls and Jonah Hill are probably already 'on the other side' (Bear Grylls would actually be useful. Jonah Hill would just provide some light entertainment). Everyone has some kind of skill, whether big or small. And hey, you will always need someone who can make sounds with their armpits.

Don't expect your army to look anything like this:

Set your expectations a little bit lower...

Being like the Rugrats doesn't have to be a bad thing. Quite the contrary, post-apocalyptic pal. Bagsy the ginger one. Trendy glasses bro.

You've got your crew, you're feeling pretty big and strong. But I warn you, don't attack the zombie. You'll always be outnumbered, and you're no David Hayes. Unless you are. Hi David.

Finally, hope you run into Leonardo DiCaprio soon. He's probably out there, searching for a like-minded attractive human being to repopulate the Earth. I'm right here, Leo.

Good luck and be safe out there.
See you on the other side

L x

A Dummy's Guide To This Week's News: 9/12/12 - 16/12/12

Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting

It was the news that shook the world this week and made us all just a little bit more grateful this festive season. 20 year old Adam Lanza got into the elementary school, although reports state different things. Some suggest that he was buzzed in, others that he forced his way in, and a more recent one suggests that he shot his way in. Once in, he proceeded to shoot 20 children, 12 girls and 8 boys and seven members of staff, all female, including his own mother Nancy Lanza.

One of the women shot was Victoria Soto, a hero, who shielded her students before taking the bullet herself.
In the immediate aftermath, our thoughts are with the families who will go without a child this Christmas and with the loved ones of the victims and witnesses alike. However, once some sense of 'normality' has returned, if that's possible, changes to America's gun-laws will no doubt be demanded.


Feeling compelled to help? Here are several ways you can:

• Sign this petition to demand a conversation about gun laws in the US. Even if you're not from the US, it's only a signiture and could save lives in the future
• Send your condolences to the loved ones of the victims
• Donate to one of the several relief funds to pay for funeral expenses, counselling for students etc. Here is one link of many

Suicide after 'Kate Hoax'
Jacintha Saldanha, who was fooled by a hoax call by two Australian DJs, Mel Greig and Michael Christian (picture below), was found hanged in her nurse's quarters three days after the two presenters called pretending to be The Queen and Prince Phillip.

The nurse, who worked at King Edward VII hospital where Kate Middleton was being treated for morning sickness, apparently left three suicide notes. One detailed her funeral requests, one refers to the hoax call and the last critics the hospital and staff at King Edward's.
The two presenters are said to be 'gutted and heartbroken' over the death, and an Australian inquest has opened.
The body of Jacintha Saldanha arrived in Mangalore, India on Sunday 16th, where she will be laid to rest.


And on a lighter note...

Harry Styles and Taylor Swift got together!

Some are over the moon, some are already sending her death threats, and some are readily awaiting the release of her next album, filled to the brim with songs about their break up.
The 18 year old has supposedly 'fallen for her in a big way'. Yes, her. The 23 year old Taylor Swift. Yes, the Taylor Swift that gets around a little bit.
It was also the lady in questions birthday this week, and Harry treated her to 23 cupcakes and, err, a trip to his local Chinese restaurant in Holmes Chapel, Chesire.
Congrats, Harry. It's only a five year gap. We're so proud of you!

Gangnam Style Can Kill You!

If you're middle-aged and heading to a Christmas party this week, then be warned. Firstly, yes, Gangnam Style will definitely be on the questionable, tacky playlist and secondly, it may kill you.

46 year old Eamonn Kilbride from Lancashire  started suffering chest pains after performing an energetic version of the Psy song, before dying at Royal Blackburn Hospital.
However, fear not. According to doctors, there isn't some part of K-pop that makes you more prone to death, but doing erratic physical exercise that you are not used to can be damaging.
Hey, even Psy himself claims to have developed blood clots from his horse-like dancing in Gangnam Style. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Under-rated TV Shows

I'll be the first to admit that I watch a lot of television programs. A lot.
I probably spend more time catching up on TV shows every week than I spend doing my homework... Most of the shows that I watch are very popular and widely known, like How I Met Your Mother and 90210, but I also watch some shows that, when mentioned, receive either a befuddled look or an eye-roll (the latter is very mean and not appreciated).
I am going to name some of my favourite underrated TV shows in a (very consolidated) list now so that if someone mentions them to you, you will be able to feign interest and your friend will love you forever.
Please try to keep all eye-rolling to a minimum.

1) The Middle

This is my new obsession, some might say I have a problem but I think it will pass.

I think the main reason for my infatuation with this show is that all the characters are so likeable, it is funny but in a really endearing way. I can't describe why I love this show, you just need to watch it.

Another reason I love The Middle is that they continue storylines, even though it is just a Sitcom- episodes are connected, for example in this week's episode there was a plotline that was actually a continuation of something that happened a whole season ago.

It is currently midway through its 4th season and I don't think you need to watch every episode to enjoy it (even though I have... in 5 days...), pick one, watch it, love it, join the club!

2) New Girl

Zooey Deschanel once said, on Jimmy Kimmel, that she was under-rated. I feel like her show is too.
All my friends that watch it love it and so do I. It is laugh-out-loud funny, which is hard to find in shows sometimes.
All of her room-mates are brilliant (my favourite is Winston FYI) and there is a character that loves to take his shirt off! What more could you want from a television program?
Warning: Once you watch this, you will be quoting the witty one-liners for the rest of your life.

3) Teen Wolf

You probably just closed your Internet window as soon as you read that title but, if you are nice and persevered, I am going to try and explain to you why I adore this show as much as I do.
This show isn't unknown per say as it is a recreation of an 80s movie, it's just not as popular as some other shows. No, "friends", it is not lame, it is great.
Not only are most of the characters super hot but they all have great storylines and substance. For me it is very important for characters to have credible lives (let's ignore the whole were-wolf thing for now...) and these guys do. There is also a brilliant amount of bromances in this show, plus the hot girl that all the guys want is ginger, what's not to like?
The show will start its 3rd season in the Summer, better start catching up now!

4) Call the Midwife

I have the season 1 boxset of this show and am yet to finish it, not for lack of enjoyment, just that I watch it with my mum and she's always busy (got to get in my mother-daughter bonding time).
This show was greatly anticipated in the Britain that is Great because it has the ever-wonderful Miranda Hart in it, however she didn't actually make an appearance until the second episode so I don't think people continued watching it after the first episode cause Miranda wasn't in it. This is a massive shame because it's actually a really great show, I find it really interesting as it is a period drama set in East London in the 1950s; I enjoy seeing how all the parents just casually left their kids out in the streets and how the midwives cycled to the houses of the mothers in labour like it's not a pressing matter.
I believe that there is a second season coming in 2013 (if we're all alive by then...) but for now, there's the Christmas episode coming! See Lucy's post from yesterday for details.


I should re-mention that the above list is an very shortened version of the list I compiled on my phone. Extremely shortened.

I highly recommend watching the above shows, unless you care about your education, in which case, just pick one (Call the Midwife has taught me a lot of Biological facts, Teen Wolf is often talking about Historical stuff).

M x

The Rookie's Guide To Christmas Television 2012

So it's the time of year that you walk into a shopping centre and it is absolutely filled to the brim with stores advertising their 'great party dress deals' and far too many strapless dresses to make you wish shoulders had never been invented. Don't they know that everyone just stays in over the Christmas period because:
a) it's too cold
b) we have no friends
c) Christmas TV is too fabulous to consider going out
d)we really should be revising

Of course, I'm generalising by calling myself 'normal'. Error. But, on a serious note, if you've stocked up on enough Quality Street to see you through the season (I'd recommend about one large tin per evening), then you're pretty much set. And, hey, use this guide as your Ultimate Christmas 2012 TV Bible. We're here to help.


Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

When: 22nd December, E! 9:00pm
What: One runway, most of my favourite human beings on the earth. Miranda Kerr, Jourdan Dunn, Lily Aldridge, Cara Delevigne, Lily Donaldson and Erin Heatheron on the same runway, plus more? Sign me up!
Why: So it's not technically related to Christmas but it will probably inspire you to lay off the Pringles and hit the gym on Boxing Day. Actually, maybe it's best avoided...



Mr Stink

When: 23rd December, BBC1 6:30pm
What: 12 year old Chloe befriends a pungent tramp called Mr Stink and they become friends. Charming. However, it is adapted from the book by David Walliams, who happens to play the Prime Minister. So it'll probably be a good 'un
Why: Because Hugh Bonneville (Lord Grantham, you twits) is in it as well as some other girls I know, so I know I'll be watching. And considering I have a really large army of people who copy my every move, I'm pretty sure they'll be doing the same.




Downton Abbey

When:  Christmas Day, ITV1 8:45pm
What: Supposedly, the episode features the Crawley family visiting Duneagle Castle in Scotland to see Lady Rose and her parents and Mr Carson desperately tries to keep the servants in check back at Downton Abbey. The ITV Director of Drama Laura Mackie says 'best have the tissues ready!'
Don't say you haven't been warned
Why: Because it's Downton Abbey, fool

Top Of The Tops: Christmas Special

When: Christmas Day, BBC1, 2pm
What: Hosted my Reggie Yates (my fave) and Fearne Cotton (ok, maybe not my fave), but expect performanes from Little Mix, One Direction, Robbie Williams, Ollie Murs, Rihanna, Katy Perry and Cheryl Cole...
Why: I didn't even realise Top Of The Tops was still running! Isn't that reason enough?

Doctor Who

When: Christmas Day, BBC1, 5:20pm
What: Set in Victorian London, where new assistant Clara is looking after the children of wealthy widower Captain Latimer, the Doctor arrives to confront crazy-ass snowpeople.
Why: The theme music. 'Nuff said.



Call The Midwife

When: Christmas Day, 7:30pm, BBC1
What: Chummy organises a nativity play and bonds with young girl in need of a guardian angel, while Jenny Lee helps an old lady put her past to rest. Apparently it's meant to be upbeat...
Why: It's their first Christmas special, so we should all try and be nice to them. Although I've never actually watched the show, I have been assured that it's absolutely fantabadoosie.


Miranda

When: Boxing Day, BBC1, 9:00pm
What: Penny is threatening to cancel Miranda's Christmas if she doesn't sort her life out...
Why: Let's be honest, whether it is good or not, it will be SUCH FUN!



And what I won't be watching...

A Very JLS Christmas

When: 23rd December, Sky1, 6pm
What: They will basically be singing some songs and giving out some presents. And yes, they will probably be wearing white vests and flexing. You have been warned.
Why not: I don't have the emotional capability to deal with this right now.

So there you have it. Let me know how it all turns out. Because of course, I'll have my head in the books. Hopefully.

L x

Bad Christmas Presents

Christmas is a wonderful time for bonding with your family, eating delicious meals and receiving brilliant presents... and sometimes some not-so-brilliant presents. Yes, not to sound selfish, but there is always one or two presents that you open on Christmas day that you really wish you hadn't been given.

I am in the fortunate position of having two older sisters so my parents are pretty good at knowing what teenage girls do and don't like now, so I am unlikely to receive any greatly unwanted gifts in the near future, but if you have world-renowned rubbish present buyers for godparents/aunts/uncles/parents/any other relatives, then I am here to forewarn you of some of the wonderful things you should be feeling for under your tree this year. You could also use this as a guide for what not to buy as Christmas presents this year:

1) Socks
This mainly applies to you if you are a father (which is probably only one person reading this, hi dad). I don't know why this is, but it is a well known fact that the inferior (youngest) child in the family gives dad socks for Christmas; I grew out of this painful duty about 4 years ago, but I still have the mental scars from seeing my father's disappointed face so many times.
I'm telling you now, if you are roped in to giving your male parent socks- break your piggy bank and buy him something yourself. ANYTHING. Just not anything in the rest of this list.

2) Bath Bombs
Yes, I mean bath bombs plural. The number of bath bombs my family has hoarded over the years, in all shapes, colours and sizes, is ridiculous. I know that shopping for teenage girls is hard, but I don't know why society has this idea that bath salts/bombs/oils etc. is something we love to receive by the dozen.
Sure, a relaxing rose scented bath bomb can be a nice luxury to chuck in your bath every once in a while, but I have so many that I could use one everyday for a good few months. Unless it's some sort of  subtle way of telling a friend/relative that they smell, just don't do it.

3) Self Knitted Jumpers
We are not all Molly Weasley and we can't just go around giving everyone your knitted jumpers with their initial on as gifts. Unless you are the number 1 knitter in the whole world (and even then, give it a long, hard think) I highly advise against knitting jumpers for every member of the family. They won't be thankful, trust me.

4) Vouchers
Especially from immediate family, these just say "I don't really know or care about you", even if you do. The worst voucher to get someone is an iTunes voucher, I understand that it is hard to buy clothes for other people, but music? Just look at their iPod if you are unsure what music they like.
Unless they have specifically asked for this voucher, they are a big no-no.

5) Any Sort of Room Decor
Unless you know this is exactly what she wants and she has actually pointed it out to you in a shop previously, never buy your mother (or anyone else for that matter) some sort of ornament for the house. She will feel obliged to put it on display and guests will be blinded by the ugliness of the Canada Goose bust, the life model painting or the china Beagle doorstop when they visit (trust me, their visits will be far less frequent after seeing it). Plus, once they've stepped on your dead polar bear rug, they will throw up and your beautiful gift will be ruined.
Unless it is an epically hilarious joke present or you actually have a recurring visitor that you'd like to deter, don't buy a mini statue or something similar for your family, no matter how much of a bargain it is in the car boot sale down the road.

(I apologise if that picture made you gag)

If you were reading any of the above crappy gift items and thinking "actually, Auntie Mary-Sue would love that", then unthink it and if you've actually bought any of the above things for any unfortunate family/relative, take it back now!

Also, if you're stuck for ideas for what to actually buy for your friends and family, read Lucy's post about it and get some inspiration.

M x

'Great' Gift Ideas From A Hopeless Shopper

It's that time of year, folks. Yes, the time of year that you can't say that you like anything at all without finding it wrapped under your tree on December 25th... Joked about liking that novelty Pom Pom scarf? Oh well, it's too late to return it now.
But we're all guilty of it. Having to buy gifts can be so tricky, we clutch straws trying to think of something, anything that the recipient might get an ounce of joy from...

Still stuck for ideas? Here's another (probably useless) gift guide from someone who is trying to gather inspiration (for next year, obviously) as much as the next person.

MUM
I would usually tend to discourage buying mothers kitchen-related goodies/equipment (until December 20th when you get desperate and all rational thinking goes out of the window) because that's not really a gift for her; it's a gift for the kitchen. And, lets be honest, our mums deserve a bit of love of Christmas. A special gift, because if they're anything like my mum, they've spent months preparing every last detail and planned every single situation until its flawless. Mum, you rock.
Of course, your mum might love kitchen related gifts. If that's the case, why are you still reading?!? You should be at Lakeland!

• Bath oils
• Cookbooks
• Magazine subscription - something like Woman & Home or Homes and Garden should suffice. Alternatively, I'm sure food magazines are always appreciated.
• Spa voucher - Let's be honest, she's going to need a de-stress after the madness that is Christmas

DAD
I'm pretty sure my dad isn't your typical dad. Is your dad obsessed with a small, tiny furball (the dog) and play computer games for 6 hours non-stop at the age of 48? Genuinely, I don't know if this is the norm. Please let me know.

Dads are always the most difficult to buy for, especially when you're no longer seven or eight when it was acceptable to buy him a pack of cards with bird species on. Merry Christmas Dad, have a completely mundane gift that we both know you will never open. Love, your brainless daughter.

But, I've planned every situation here. Whether your dad is the stylish one, the nerdy one or the one who is obsessed with stamp collecting, I've got it covered:

• Some useless invention - a self stirring mug would be perfect
• Coffee machine - I'm pretty sure every dad could do with one of these, especially if he has two argumentative teenage daughters. Lusm dad
• Books. Something coffee table-ish

TEENAGE BOY
Basically, the teenage male population all need a good kick up the backside, because they all smell so horrifically awful. And that is an understatement. Imagine the abuse I had absent-mindedly subjected my nostrils to when I visited a boys school this week. Awful. Anyway, they basically need deodorant. You can either do this in a subtle way or... a not so subtle way.

Dear (insert name),
You smell, let's make next year less offensive to my sense of smell
Love,
(insert name)

• Lynx (that's Axe for all you non-UK readers) - it always becomes so cheap at Christmas time, and although I have no brother, I always stock up
• Cologne
• Some man perfume. Does this mean that they will look like those models on the adverts? Probably not, but we can all dream

And for other, non-stench related gifts:

• Christmas Jumper!! (Probably only for those 1nd13 bo111z)
• Video Games

TEENAGE GIRL
Teenagers are difficult enough to shop for, but teenage girls?! Wow. You have fun there. And let me know how it goes. LOL-COPTER.

• Greys Anatomy Box Set
• Make-Up
• Gift Cards
• Stationary - I don't think parent's fully appreciate how expensive stationary is. Please just buy me felt tip pens and cuddle me
• A Starbucks voucher - especially if they're a UK teen. GCSEs are not fun for anyway. This is a must-have if you fancy your teenage girl surviving this tough time (stop me now before I go on a rant about my life, eek)

LITTLE KIDS
Children these days just don't appreciate the finer things in life. And by finer things, I mean Busted, Tracy Beaker and Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. So this Christmas, as the doting older sibling, why not give them a taste of the early noughties?

• Teletubbies (is this show still running?)
• Jacqueline Wilson Books
• Playmobil
• Sylvanian Families!

OLD RELATIVES
This is a ridiculously tough one. The thing is, lets be honest, they've had so many Christmases and Birthday's that they no longer want/need anything (no offence). So this year, I'll be looking at getting my grandparents:

• A tea cosy, mainly for my benefit. Except for you Nana. Don't go anywhere near my kettle, you don't let it brew for long enough!! (grumpy tea-addict)
• Tins of biscuits
• Scarves and gloves
• Slippers
• Box Sets - no, perhaps not Little Britain. But I'm pretty sure there is a Masterchef or Downton Abbey fan in every 70-something year old person.

SECRET SANTA

This is a really tough one. It depends if there are any 'rules' applicable. For example, at school, there is absolute mayhem. Everyone gives a little something each day, you will be verbally abused if you don't. and get something bigger at the end. But others only have one gift at the end with a budget cap.
So. Ideas for all occasions.

• Starbucks Tumbler (who doesn't want 25p off every Starbucks?)
• Metre long box of Jaffa Cakes. Nom.
• DVDs
• Let's be honest, you'll never go wrong with chocolate. Any stressy, tired teenager will truly appreciate the gift of a quick sugar hit more than a cruddy, half-hearted gift.

You have been warned. Be wary of the chocolate deficient teenage. Symptoms include mood swings, panda eyes and greasy hair.

I hope you found my not-so comprehensive guide to gift ideas for all groups vaguely useful. And if you didn't, I hope you found at least some humour in it.

Of course, I finished my Christmas shopping weeks ago. Is my award for most organised teenager in the post or?

L x