Things that make me cry: Animated Movies

I feel like this needs no introduction and the title says enough. This blog is pretty self explanatory. If you didn't cry in at least half of these, you have a stone cold heart. NB. These are in no particular order.

1) Mufasa dying in the Lion King

The pain in his face is just too much to bear. His animated lion face shows more emotion than any real human face could.

And then Simbas cry of "NOO" while he watches his dad drop do his death. Heartbreaking.

Also, the dramatic music really increases the tear flow.

2) The beginning of Finding Nemo

After that, the tears keep on a-pouring until the very end when I have to spend some time alone to gather my thoughts.

I mean, the movie starts with Nemo's mum dying and all Nemo's potential siblings dying too. It doesn't get much more upsetting than that now does it? The tears may also be scared ones, that barracuda thing is actually terrifying.

3) The Lion King- when Simba is all grown up and sings "It means no worries for the rest of your days" in Hakunamatata

Not really sure why this gets me all choked up. It just does. Every time.

4) The Little Mermaid- Part of Your World

I think the main reason why I cry during this is because Ariel is so darn selfish. I mean, she has everything, she sings it herself- plenty of gadgets and gizmos, whoozits and whatsits galore and  twenty thingamabobs; what more could she want? Selfish selfish ginger. Also, she has a completely twisted idea of what land is like; it's not all sandy, sunny and great, Ariel, plus there are bitchy dads here too.

 

5) Mulan- I'll make a man out of you

Not only is this an extremely catchy tune, sung by a weirdly hot animated Asian sumo wrestler, but it's also got some deep emotion. The end is mainly when I roll out a few tears, when Mulan is climbing that pole and she makes it and then suddenly everyone can defeat the Huns and butch Jackie Chan is so proud; definitely happy tears.

 

6) The whole of The Incredibles

Solely because their life is exactly how I wish mine was. Tears of jealousy. And longing. And maybe a spot of admiration, because the ginger is by far the coolest.

7) Monsters Inc.- "Kitty has to go"

How can they make a line that a turquoise monster with purple spots that looks like a very hairy cow, walking on two legs, so sad? Maybe its because Boo is just so friggin' cute and if she is sad, you are sad. And then they have the most emotional hug, Boo is about half the size of Sully's thumb and her eyes are so big and he looks so so upset. Then it's all topped off by her running up and opening the doorthat he's just shut behind him and discovering that it's just a cupboard...

8) The whole of Up

If you don't cry during at least 60% of this movie, then you are obviously a direct descendant of Hitler. I think I probably missed most of this movie when I watched it as I couldn't see behind my curtains of tears. It is a combination of sad and happy tears throughout (sad at beginning slowly becoming happier) but they are definitely tears straight from the heart.

9) The very end of Toy Story 3

Now, all of the Toy Story movies are very emotional, but the creators managed to really tug on my heartstrings at the end of the last one. If, like me, you grew up with these movies, you will also have sobbed when you watched it. There was not a dry eye in the cinema by the end when I went to see that movie (and we were all over 13). The way that Andy was all grown up and he gave Woody away to such a good home, was just too much for my tear ducts to hold onto. And how that little girl makes Woody wave at Andy, we feel your pain Andy, we do. Oh and then, it's all topped off with those clouds that are the same clouds as in the beginning of the first Toy Story.

10) When Nani realises Lilo has gone in Lilo and Stitch

You see some real sisterly love here. Then when that creep alien pervs on her, she breaks down and cries and it makes you cry with her (even though her sobs are kind of annoying...)

11) Quasimodo being attacked in The Hunchback of Notredame

I don't really think I need to explain why this is sad, it's quite obvious. The way Quasi cries "Master, Master!". Heart wrenching.

12) Tangled- When Rapunzel cuts her hair off

I know she's doing it out of love for Flynn, which is sweet and all, but why does she do it so unattractively?! She could have just given it a neat trim, maybe chopped in a few layers- why did she just hack it all off so she is left looking like a boy? All that beautiful blonde hair- gone, so so sad.

13) Bambi's Mum being killed

This is another one of those self-explanatory ones. But then afterwards, when Bambi is walking through the snow and is going "Mother?" and his eyes are super huge, that is when the tears really start pouring.

14) Dumbo- the scene between him and his mum

Why are child and mother scenes so sad in Disney movies? When Dumbo's little trunk peeps up through the bars of his mum's cage, adorable. When she realises she can't move any closer to him, heartbreaking. When they have their little mummy trunk to baby trunk moment, heartwarming. Dumbo's tears start flooding, mine flood with his. Then I keep on crying until Dumbo leaves his mum and waves his trunk, then I have a full on, emotional breakdown.

I'm going to end this blog here, because currently I have enough tears to fill a glass and I don't want to dehydrate myself any further.

I hope I am not the only one who tears up at the above movies and scenes, otherwise I look like a bit of a freak right now.

M x

I'll Never Be Ashamed Of Watching Downton Abbey

It's Sunday. But it's been renamed Funday (Manic Monday, get out of my brain. Damn you The Bangles).
But, on a more serious note, nowadays Sunday is so much more than doing homework, reading the Sunday Times Style Section and occasionally (VERY occasionally) leaving the house. Because it's Downton Sundays!!
Now, a picture of me may be starting to piece itself together in your mind. You're probably thinking I look/act a little bit like this:

But I think I look like this:

But yes, I actually look like this:

But, I digress. Let me indulge why I love Downton so much.

The dog's bottom

I mean, what a way to start the show!

And Dan Stevens (for all you non-hardcore fans, that's Matthew Crawley) tweets EVERY.SINGLE.WEEK about the dog's bottom on the opening credits. Always got my eye out.

Maggie Smith
Can we all just take a silent moment to appreciate Maggie Smith's joint best role to date (let's not forget Hazza-P, guys).

Some of her one-liners are so amazingly under-rated, there may have to be a whole separate post on my appreciation for Maggie Smith. Mainly because she can shapeshift into a cat.

Matthew Crawley
Dear Dan Stevens,
We met once. In a rib restaurant in Soho. And I take the term 'met' rather loosely. I saw you eating with your friends across the room and proceeded to stare at you for thirty minutes until you left.
It was magical.
Signed,
A major fan (and future wife)


The Crawley sisters
Everyone has their favourite. Personally, I'm undecided. I love Mary (mainly to do with her luscious locks and her relationship with Matthew Crawley), I love Sybil because she's totally rebellious (and Tom is, although a chauffeur, super hot). And Edith, how do I get started on Edith? Sorry babe, I used to have a problem with you, I found you irritatingly annoying. But that was before I saw the true you. The real you. The one I should have spotted all along. You're so damn funny Edith!!

Sorry, this was rather a rushed post. But it's Downton in 10 minutes, and I need to get the kettle boiling and secure the best place on the sofa. Oh, and refresh Dan Steven's twitter page every 15 seconds for the dog's bottom tweet.

L x (the period drama fanatic)

Questions That I Have For Celebrities

I have often fantasised about meeting the following celebrities (which is highly unlikely; wasn't Shaggy arrested for paedophilia or something?) and asking them questions that are linked with various things they have said or done in songs, obviously I would never actually say these things if I met them and obviously there are more than one for each singer, but still...

(Relevant links in name)

Shania Twain- What does it take to impress you?

Jay-Z- So wait, how many problems do you have?

Taylor Swift- Why are you so sure that you're never ever going to get back together?

Carly Simon- If your song isn't about that vain guy, who is it about?

Adele- Girl, why you so sad all the time?

Britney Spears- Have you found Amy yet?

Demi Lovato- Who says you can't wear your converse with your dress? ME.

Carly Rae Jepsen- If you dropped your phone in the pool whilst having a good time, how are you going to call anyone, maybe?

JLS- How exactly does one sleep with their eyes wide shut?

Justin Bieber- What would life be if we didn't believe? ...oh wait, you asked that already...

Cher Lloyd- Am I the only person that is able to stop youtubing, tweeting and clicking at you?

Owl City- Why are you having such a hard time believing that Earth turns slowly?

R Kelly- What happens after around about 4 when you've taken it to your room and... somebody?

Kelly Rowland- How's your little dilemma?

Shaggy- Really need your help, what do you say when you've done something bad?

Black Eyed Peas- Genuinely, where is the love and the truth?

Jamie Foxx- Shaggy was no use, what should I blame everything on? (Also, randomest bunch of people in that video)

Justin Timberlake- Can you really see us holding hands, walking on the beach, our toes in the sand? ME TOO

T.I.- Where are you now? Dead and gone?

Soulja Boy- When are you going to release an English version of Turn My Swag On?

Keri Hilson- Once you've hopped out of bed, do you turn the lights or your swag on first?

Peter Andre- Could you show any more of your abs in the Mysterious Girl video?


Also, if you meet any of the above people, I give you permission to ask them those questions. Let me know what they say.

M x

Getting Dressed: Some Life Rules

I apologise if I offend anyone with the following suggestions for what you should never ever wear. Actually, these aren't suggestions for what not to do, they are commands.

1) Crocs and socks-

I don't even need to explain this. You age about 40 years if you do this. Its not okay, never has been, never will be.

2) Flip flops and socks-

See above.

3) VPL- (Visible Pants Line)

Humans are meant to have 2 bum cheeks, not 4.

[I won't mentally scar you with a picture]

4) Chokers-

I'm so sorry; there was a time for these but, unfortunately for a few people, that time has long passed. Unless you're a goth, these are just socially unacceptable.

5) Navy blue and black-

I'll admit, I have been known to commit this crime on more than one occasion, but I, like everyone else who I see wearing blue and black, just look like a human bruise. (and Rebecca Black has been seen wearing these two colours together, doesn't that tell you something?)

6) Excessive amounts of jewellery-

People don't want to be blinded when they look at you. You don't need to wear 12 rings, 2 necklaces, giant earrings, stacks of bracelets to complete your outfit.

7) Shorts that show your bum-

No, just no. This is never okay. No-one wants to see that much when they are walking behind you. You may as well just ditch the shorts altogether if you want to achieve that sort of look...

(once again, no picture for obvious reasons)

8) Socks over jeans-

Why, society, why? For some reason, people think this is fashionable or indie or something. I am so confused why they think this; it just looks accidental. The only time when it is fine to do this is when your socks are thick and you are going to put wellies on top. If you're just going to put converse on to complete you're gorgeous look then be prepared receive some judgemental looks from the headstrong members of society.

If you heed this advice then you will be sure to make millions of friends when you go out. And, if you are looking at yourself now and realising you commit these crimes daily then it is not too late to stop, move to a new city and change your name.
Once again, if any of these hurt your feelings, I am so so sorry but I hope you understand...

M x

American High School by a British teenager

Sometimes, just sometimes, I wish I didn't go to my posh all-girls school. Exams have taken over my life and if someone ever mentions 'one-strapping' again, I'll push myself over a cliff. Admittedly, sometimes it's quite nice discussing British boys, British boys and whether we've managed to watch the new episode of New Girl online (dear E4, please just show it over here), but I just want an eeeeeeeeeescape.
Here's the time that I should let you in to a little secret of mine. I have a second life that will totally never happen, but I like to imagine it will. In this life, Schmidt is my older brother with Cher Horowitz as my sister and Morgan Freeman as my loving grandfather (PLEASE). Oh, and I go to American High School. And here's why:


Slushies!
This is the first of many, and possibly the most important, reason why I want to go to high school. I hope all high schools aren't like McKinley High (personally, I think singing around the school would be a pretty awesome thing, but my form teacher will not agree to said idea), but THEY SELL SLUSHIES.

Dear bullies of McKinley High, why are you throwing these perfectly drinkable slushies at the disabled kid? They're so berrylicious and tasty!

Jocks and Letterman jackets
SO HOT. I'm yet to find these 'amazing, gorgeous British boys' that everyone talks of, but all you American jocks are hot as. And your Letterman jackets improve your hot-inosity (made up word of the day)

Not you, Zac and Corbin. You're basketball players. That doesn't count as being a jock.

Not having public exams

^^

This is what I look like right about now. GCSEs are right around the corner and the impending Sixth Form choices will probably cause me to cry myself to sleep every night. Because there is always something going on. 

Now, I don't want to speak for the Americans because, honestly, I have no idea what you get up to in your big house of education. But I'm vaguely aware of something called a GPA and finals, but no public exams, correctamundo?

LUCKY YOU, AMERICANS.

Prom

Any attempts at a British version of Prom fail miserably, so absolutely cringe-worthy.  But I've seen so many American high school proms (admittedly in films) and yes, it's a little bit cringey. But oh, the dresses. The dates. The corsages. The end of school. The cheesy limo. IT ALL SOUNDS SO GREAT.
But I'd be so worried of not getting a date. And wearing a horrible dress.
And having spinach in my teeth (just me?)

But for now, until Morgan Freeman knocks on the door with the adoption papers, I'll cry myself to sleep over exams and suffer (through gritted teeth) through our 'senior formal dance'.

L x

FOOD: Best Restaurants in London

Being a human, food is quite an important part of my life. If the food is good then that is just a wonderful bonus.

I really enjoy going to restaurants and trying new foods. So, because I feel that I have the authority to share this, I am going to talk about a few of the best restaurants that I have been to in London. Bare in mind that I love all foods ergo loving all restaurants so this was hard.

1) Wahaca- http://www.wahaca.co.uk/

There are a few of these in London. They serve "Mexican market food". The idea is that you order about 2-3 of their "street foods" (quesadillas, tostadas etc.) and love them all. It won't make too much of a dent in your purse either (or whatever that saying is...) The one annoying thing about Wahaca is that you can't book tables and it is very popular and often packed, but the service is very fast and all the food is delicious.

2) Ping Pong- http://www.pingpongdimsum.com/ 

If you don't know what dim sum is then you need to sort out your priorities (basically, it is these oriental steamed buns stuffed with vegetables/prawns/other amazingness). Again, there are a few of these around London and they are all exactly the same on the inside (creepy...) The service here is nice and speedy but it is very easy to over-order. However, everything is very yummy so usually it all gets consumed. If you go here, be brave, some of the food they serve looks a little weird but most of the time it is completely fab.

3) Sketch- http://sketch.uk.com/ (the website is very confusing, mind)

This is probably the most weird and wonderful place that I have ever been to. I have only ever been here once but I had an amazing meal and general experience. It is a restaurant and art gallery combined, so you are sitting, eating, surrounded by all this very modern art- light displays, weird patches of grass, things growing out of the wall etc. I think one of my favourite things about Sketch is that no piece of cutlery is the same, nor are the glasses or the chairs; everyone is sitting in completely different seats. The man behind me was literally eating in a throne. It is quite expensive though but the food is really great. Oh, and, be sure to check out the toilets, they are the coolest place you will ever experience.

4) Polpo- http://polpo.co.uk/
There are 3 of these in London- Soho, Covent Garden and Smithfield. I have only been to the one in Soho but I absolutely adored it. This is what they describe as "Venetian" cuisine; it is basically really really good Italian food. The restaurant itself is quite simple but it's a nice setting with a bar and lots of helpful Italian waiters and waitresses. They serve all the classic pizza and meat dishes etc. but all the food is just a cut above other Italian restaurants'. Also, their sides are amazing so order loads of those.

5) Yo! Sushi- http://www.yosushi.com/
I know this is very unoriginal of me and there are tonnes of these all over London (and the rest of the world) but I love this place. Sushi is one of the greatest foods ever, in my eyes (well done Japan) and Yo! Sushi makes it really well and it is such a fun environment. The fact that you take your food off a conveyor belt and you can pick whatever you want and there are endless supplies of fizzy water, on tap is just too much excitement. It is also completely acceptable for you to eat in Yo! Sushi by yourself (not that I've ever done this) especially if you are nonchalantly reading stuff on your iPad as you do so. The only thing I would criticise is that I always end up paying quite a lot here because the conveyor belt keeps producing and I just keep taking. This is entirely my fault.

These are, like I said, just a few of my faves and I could list millions (thankfully I won't). I also hope my descriptions gave you an idea of what these places are actually like and that they are as good as I make them out to be.

M x

Autumn Playlist

Don't hate me for saying this but honestly, I don't really like summer. I hate obese people thinking it's OK to flash their flesh. It's not, put it away. I don't really like hot weather and I HATE short-shorts. Didn't ask to see that much of your leg, don't want to.
But winter, and the endless supply of Quality Street that comes with it, seems like such an age away. I've got to stick out the cold weather until the end of November, when the Christmas Starbucks once again make an appearance. And when this happens, life regains its purpose.

So I thought I'd share with you my Autumn playlist, the songs I'm listening to at the moment, to keep me going through the mountains of work and the wait until the first Gingerbread Latte of the year. Enjoy!

I Need - Maverick Sabre
Toothpaste Kisses - The Maccabees
She's Always A Woman - Fyfe Dangerfield
Black Heart - Stooshe
Awake My Soul - Mumford & Sons
Banana Pancakes - Jack Johnson
Undiscovered - James Morrison
The Girl - City and Colour
I Won't Give Up - Jason Mraz
Wilde Love - King Charles
Traveller's Chant - Rizzle Kicks
Timshel - Mumford & Sons
Your Song - Kate Walsh
Angels - The xx
Tokyo (Vampires and Wolves) - The Wombats
Lions in Cages - Wolf Gang
First Love - The Maccabees
Atlas Hands - Benjamin Francis Leftwich
Paris - Pegasus Bridge
Cough Syrup - Young the Giant
Tricks Of The Trade - Paolo Nutini
Shine On - The Kooks
Dust On The Ground - Bombay Bicycle Club
I Will Wait - Mumford & Sons
Little Numbers - Boy
One And Only - Adele
Take Me Out - Franz Ferdinand
Shoot The Poets - The Cribs
Never Be Lonely - The Feeling

(my favourites are in bold)

But Starbucks, I tried your Pumpkin Spice Latte today, from your range of new autumnal drinks. So not impressed.. Just give me my Christmas drink.

L x