Doctor Who tag!

Hello, I know it's been a while. Life has been pretty hectic the past few months and is about to get even more so with exams and stuff but today as it is 10 years since the Doctor Who reboot began, a show which has had a wonderful impact on my life, I have decided to do the Doctor Who tag as a post today.

(As these tag posts are pretty easy to do and I love writing them I may start trying to do a few more until I can get back into proper blogger mode)

1. Who's your favorite Doctor?
My favourite Doctor has to be Matt Smith (I know slighly controversial). Don't get me wrong, I love David Tennant's Doctor also but for me, Matt Smith's episodes always put a smile on my face, his enthusiam is outstanding and I think his Doctor is just someone I'd get on with. The David Tennant Doctor has always been a little off with me as if I'm honest, I hated Rose as a companion with him, I never liked the fact they fell in love blah blah blah, it's just too overdone.
2. What’s your favorite Doctor Who story or episode?
My favourite story (one that spread over a few episodes) has to be the Harold Saxon/The Master story arc, I thought it was genius and just a really gripping story to watch. However, my favourite episode is The Curse of the Black Spot.... no idea why, I just really love that episode.
3. Who’s your favorite companion?
I honestly can't decide between Donna and Amy; I love them both for different reasons and I can't pick. They are also closely followed by Rory - he is wonderful and I will fight anyone who says otherwise.
4. What was the first Doctor Who story/episode you ever watched?
Rose - the very first one back with Christopher Eccelstone, I remember my dad being so excited it was back and he told me all about it being a show from when he was a kid. I just fell in love with it there and then!
5. What’s your favorite series or era?
I think it has to be Matt Smith's first series with Amy and Rory. I loved the stories, I loved the characters, that's what I think of when I think Doctor Who.
6. What is your favorite pre or post regeneration story?
I really like the David Tennant pre regeneration story where he goes back and visits his various companions to say goodbye. I think it's just so heart-breaking but lovely at the same time.
7. What is your favorite Tardis desktop theme?
Matt Smith's first one by far! So pretty.
8. What’s your favorite villain or monster?
I do like the Daleks but I also think the Slitheen are pretty good too!

So that's that!
Until next time, Laura. x

Review: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time; A play

Last week, I went to see 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time' at Hull New Theatre, produced by the National Theatre.

The book is written by Mark Haddon and it has one of my favourite books, reading it for the first time about five years ago. To give a brief summary with no spoilers, it is about a boy named Christopher who (although it is never said outright) is on the Autism spectrum who finds his neighbour's dog stabbed with a garden fork. Determined to find out who killed 'Wellington', he begins a journey that reveals secrets from his own past and forces him to overcome his own fears.

I was excited to hear the book had been turned into a play and I was not disappointed upon seeing it. Everything was just fantastic; the acting, particuarly the part of Christopher, was outstanding, the use of lighting and the set really brought the rest of the play to life, the adaption is done so well, transitioning from book to stage is hard but I could find little fault. I really would highly recommend you to go see this while it is still on tour for the next few weeks if you are inclined to do so.

I am a bit of a theatre baby, I've always loved the stage but never have I been to a play like this where every single audience member, of all ages I might add, are all giving it their full attention. It really did capture the whole theatre and that was wonderful to see. At the interval, there was a general chatter about the room of just how good it was.

I realise I sound like I'm raving about it but I just cannot find fault. I give it a solid 10/10!

Anyway that is all for now people, I hope to have some new blogs posted in the next week!
Thanks for reading, Laura x

2014 in review

Seeing as it is the last day of 2014, I thought I might just write a little reflection post on what this year was like for me/it just gives me a chance to post some pictures that I like ;)

All in all, it's been pretty damn good, however there have certainly been low points but I guess that is the same for everybody.

This was the year I've had to grow up considerably I think, what with university decisions, exams (which did not go to plan so I've again had to rethink that I'm doing with my life), health problems caused by stress, having to deal with being forced to quit by my place of work, friendships turning sour but new ones and some old ones being stronger than ever.

I turned 18 in November so I'm offically an adult now.....an adult who wore a Tigger onesie the majority of yesterday and hid in her sister's room for around half an hour in order to make her jump. So while I'm not fully grown up yet (and I'm not sure I ever want to be) I have had to deal with stuff this year that has matured me and hopefully made me a better person for it.

I guess I also want to write a note to my family and friends for this year. I may argue with my family at times but I think 2015 might be rather difficult for us given the health of a grandparent at the moment so I love you all and thank you for always, always having my back. My group of friends are all so wonderful and caring, and I am so grateful I have them in my life. I don't tell them enough because urgh soppiness but I have much love for them too. Thank you to everyone who has made my 2014 excellent or has been there through the awful bits.

To relieve some memories that happened this year, here are some pictures:

Visting Auschwitz, a very harrowing day

Meeting the wonderful and talented Carrie Hope Fletcher

MCBUSTED.

Me, the grandparents, the sister and the cousins on Grandma's 80th

Friends <3

The father dearest

A kitten I wanted to take home with in Devon

Rome

Halloween

Halloween

Birthday hug from the sis

Christmas jumpers with momma and sis

School xmas party

1920's party

1920's party

I am going to apologise for the formatting but I don't have time to make it pretty today I'm afraid :P

Very quickly, my New Year's Resolutions are:

• Eat healthier
• STOP BITING MY NAILS
• Try and be less lazy
• Write down every book read
• Try and read at least 35 books!
• Do more things with my friends
• Blog more
• PASS MY DRIVING TEST!!!
• and you know get the grades to go to Uni and that.

That's it from me for 2014. I shall see you next year! Lots of love Laura x

Film Review: The Imitation Game

This week, I saw 'The Imitation Game' starring Benedict Cumberbatch and directed by Morten Tyldum; The film tells the true story of Alan Turing, a man who deserves far more credit than he gets I personally think. Long story short, WW2 would have been about three years longer if it weren't for him and his code-breaking team working secretly on a machine that would crack 'Enigma', the encryption machine the Germans used throughout the war. Anyone could pick up these messages sent but no-one knew what they meant without cracking the code that changed every day at midnight.

While the film follows the story of the machine Turing built to crack the code, it also gives a great insight into his life. He was secretive, quiet man, extremely clever, bullied at school and sadly due to the treatment of the British government and society at the time, forced to hide the fact he was gay. Ever since I first read about Turing a few years ago, I thought he was fascinating and the film (or Cumberbatch) portrays him excellently, how he deserves to be remembered. It can't really be classed as a spoiler as it's a true story that we know the ending of but; Turing died a criminal, suicide by cyanide because he had been forced to take hormonal therapy to "cure his homosexuality" by the police service. It was only in 2013, that the Queen gave Turing a royal pardon and was remembered for the astonishing work he did during the war that was kept a secret for fifty years. But I digress. (Seriously do some research into the man, he's amazing)

Back to the film. The way they told the story was gripping, there were parts that made you happy, sad, angry, essentially all of the emotions. Every actor was perfect in their portrayal of their character. I will always sing Benedict Cumberbatch's praises but he really is outstanding in this film, very different to anything we have seen him in before but still fantastic. Keira Knightley plays Joan Clarke, the only woman on the Enigma team, extremely intelligent but made to work elsewhere on the project very secretly as she was not allowed to work with the men. She fitted the role perfectly and portrayed her with class, just as she should have been. Other actors involved include Matthew Goode, Mark Strong and Charles Dance who also played their roles incredibly.

In terms of setting, cinematography etc, I could find no fault in the direction, costumes, lighting etc. The whole film just worked together really well to tell an important story that people certainly do not know enough about. The only problem I had was that in the middle, it wavers slightly and I would have thought some people would lose interest in what was going on.

Overall, this film was amazing and I highly recommend you go see it, particularly if you are interested in History!
10/10

Laura x

Things that I liked in Autumn

I know that is technically not Winter yet but it's close enough so I thought I would have a little round up of things of all varieties that I have enjoyed/would recommend/just have a ramble about to you kind folk

TV shows
As we all know I am a rather big TV addict which is kinda becoming a problem but so far, I've managed to stay on top my studies and life in general so here are my top (some old, some new) shows that I have been loving the past couple of months

• The Big Bang Theory - I know it's been around for about eight years now and I've always loved it but recently, I rediscovered my love for this show as I've been watching my boxset and just remembering why I love it. Funny, sweet and characters you can connect to, it's brilliant for when you just need a simple show to cheer you up
• How To Get Away With Murder- holy smokes this show is amazing. I'm always up for a crime drama and this is one of the best I've watched ever. A storyline that keeps you hooked, fantastically written characters portrayed by wonderful actors (Also Jack Falahee who plays Connor is possibly one of the most beautiful men I have ever seen. Ahem) and I honestly can't wait for more. I know the States are few episodes ahead and so far I have avoided spoilers as I'm watching in the UK but I just want to watch it all the damn time.
• Elementary, (Season 3) - Cannot speak highly enough of this show, been a fan of it since the beginning and season 3 is not disappointing thus far. Sherlock Holmes in New York with a female Watson played by the stunning and talented Lucy Liu, there isn't much more you could ask for. IT has plots that keep you guessing, the writing is almost flawless and my personal favourite thing about the show is that there isn't a perfect character, they all have flaws but they all embrace them and use them in their life to their advantage, which is something I think society needs to reminded of from time to time. Anyway yeah. WATCH IT.  (I mean obviously, if you haven't seen it, watch the first two seasons as well hehehe)
• Doctor Who - Given that I could talk about this show for hours, I think I might do a whole other post on this series (let me know if I should) but all I'm going to say is that I loved it despite some annoyances so I would say it's worth it. If not, just for Peter Capaldi who was fantastic as the new Doctor. 

Films
I won't lie; I'm normally a pretty big film buff but recently, I haven't had time to go to the cinema as much (Although I am seeing Mockingjay on Friday and I'm rather excited :D) or have a look through sky or netflix to find something to watch.

That being said, I did recently see 'Horns' which is Daniel Radcliffe's new film. I would definitely recommend this if you are looking for something to mess with your head a little bit; Good storyline, good acting, a little predictable and a little bit long (it could certainly have been half an hour shorter) but all in all, a pretty good film which is worth a watch when you have the time or inclination :)

Books
Some books I've recently read and enjoyed

• Perfect by Rachel Joyce - Having read Joyce's previous book 'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry', I had pretty high expectations for Perfect and I was not disappointed. In fact, I liked it better. This was just one of those stories that was heart-warming and heart-breaking at the same time. It had a moving story that made you think about not only those in the story but yourself as well. It was just very sweet but also rather sad so if you need a bit of a weep, I would recommend this book!
• Grace's Guide: The Art of Pretending to be a Grown-Up - Written by the lovely Grace Helbig who will be known to most as ItsGrace on YouTube, this book was funny yet actually a very useful guide on how to be a grown-up. Given that I just turned 18, I find myself relating to scenarios that Grace describes and relying on her hilarious yet helpful advice on how to get through awkward new situations. Very funny and one of those books I can see myself just dipping into throughout the rest of my life if I'm honest!

Miscellaneous things
Here is a strange assortment of other random things I have enjoyed this past couple of months

• Sou&Co Orange and Pomelo hand and body cream-  This has to be one of the most amazing things I have ever smelled/put on my hands. It can be used as a body butter as well but I tend to use just as hand cream.  I often get dry hands for some unknown reason but this has been a lifesaver in keeping them soft and supple, which is brillant just as it starts to get colder as well. So if you fancy a little indulgence (go on, you deserve it), You can see their website here 
• Apple Tango - I'm not sure why but I recently discovered a love for Apple Tango so I thought I'd write it here. Do with that what you will. (If you don't know what it is, it is essentially a fizzy apple flavoured drink)
• Noel Fielding - I saw comedian Noel Fielding on his stand-up tour a couple of weeks ago and he was absoultely brillant so if you are up for a laugh and certainly a bit of weirdness, I would recommned seeing his tour if you can while it is still on. He was hilarious and commanded the whole stage and city hall perfectly - you can look for tickets here

That is about all for now folks, so I hope you've enjoyed reading :) Let me know what you've liked these past months.
Laura xo

Fangirl Challenge (kinda)

Hello lovely people of the internet!
Basically, I saw this going around tumblr (you can follow me here if you like) and I am awful at gifsets or anything technical so I thought I would edit it down so I could do it on my blog! This way, you all get to see the fangirl that I really am, get to know me a bit better and hopefully join in my nerdiness.
(PSA: I do not know who originally created this tag but all credit goes to them, I am just editing and using it for here. I do not take credit for making it)

• [10] movies - //Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban// Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat//Jurassic Park//Struck by Lightning//Bend it like Beckham//How to train your Dragon//Aladdin//Monty Python and the Holy Grail//Miss Congeniality//Bridesmaids
• [10] tv shows- //Game of Thrones//Agents of SHIELD//Orphan Black//Doctor Who//Sherlock//Elementary//Modern Family//The Big Bang Theory//FRIENDS//Scrubs
• [7] actors- Chris Colfer//Russell Tovey//Matt Smith//Robert Downey Jr//Daniel Radcliffe//Peter Dinklage//Zachary Quinto
• [7] actresses- Emma Watson//Jennifer Lawrence//Emma Thompson//Helena Bonham Carter//Rosario Dawson//Zoe Saldana//Natalie Dormer

Read into this what you will about the things I am a fan of. 
Soon enough, I think I will do a follow up post using other things from the full fangirl challenge such as favourite characters but include why etc. Those listed above are fairly self-explanatory I should think!

I have written myself a list of blog posts to do now so hopefully I should have more of structure soon enough!
Thanks for reading and let me know your favourites of the categories above!
Love Laura x

Book review: Kill Your Boss by Shane Kuhn

The latest book I have read (apart from school ones bleurgh) is this lovely little one - okay lovely is a word we will use loosely- by Shane Kuhn. I've always liked stories of assassins and such like as creepy as that makes me sound but I find them exciting and intriguing.

This story is written partly as an FBI investigation into John Lago, the anti-hero of the book and partly as John's own perspective - an experienced hitman and killer writing to the new recruits for the company he works for HR Inc.
In summary, the story is that this is John's last assignment - he is 25 now so too old to be an intern anymore (how HR Inc get their killers into where they want to be) so he wants to go out with a bang. However, when he finds himself falling for a undercover FBI agent named Alice who just so happens to investigating the man he has been sent to kill; things get interesting. (Of course, there are huge plot twists in this but I'm not going to tell you so go read it for yourself)

I really enjoyed this book; it was funny, it was just the right amount of blood, guts and gore and there was a rather sweet little love story at the centre of it and despite me hating fully romantic novels, I do like a good love story when it's surrounded by an interesting plot line. I liked the character of John's narrative; he was rather self-deprecating at times but I can forgive him that; he hadn't had the best start in life! I also thought Alice was particularly bad ass and would have liked a back story on her!

Criticism of this book is I found myself slightly confused towards the end; everything gets a little blurry and distorted as to who is where, who is dead etc etc.

All in all, I would highly recommend to anyone who is up for a quick, easy read and who enjoys murder mysteries from the murderer's perspective. 8/10 :)

Laura x