Three quotes and living in the moment.

What I don't understand are people who belittle others for posting selfies, messages to loved ones or pictures of their food on the Internet.

First things first; what people do with their time is up to them and if they are happy uploading selfies to the Internet and they're not harming anyone there is no problem.

The way I see it is if you're happy, tell people why you're happy. It's surely better than in five years time being sad and telling people of a time when you were happy.

Once the moment is gone, you will have wished you lived in the moment of happiness more.

Uploading selfies or pictures of food is not a bad thing. It's happiness. If it makes you happy, then there is nothing better.
 
If you love someone tell them. Never be ashamed of texting/calling/talking to someone first. Why should you have to hide the way you feel if they make you happy?

Once the moment is over, you can no longer celebrate it in the same way. So live in the moment. Celebrate the moment while you can.

If you love someone tell them. If you enjoyed your meal at dinner, tell people. If you want to take selfie then do it.

Here are three lovely, beautiful and romantic quotes I found on the Internet which describe how I feel in this blog post more poetically.

“When I’m on Instagram and I see that somebody took a picture of themselves, I’m like, ‘Thank you.’ I don’t need to see a picture of the sky, the trees, plants. There’s only one you.” — Ezra Koenig.

"Food doesn’t taste better or worse when documented by Instagram. Laughter is as genuine over Skype as it would be sharing a sofa. Pay attention. Take in nature, hold someone’s hand, read a book. But don’t ever apologize for snapping a photo of a sunrise after a hike, or blogging about the excitement of having a crush, or updating your goodreads account. All of these things are good and should be celebrated. Smile at strangers on the sidewalk and like your friends’ selfies. It’s all good for the human spirit.” — @cogitoergoblog

“I’ve stopped being sorry for all my soft. I won’t apologize because I miss you, or because I said it, or because I text you first, or again. I think everyone spends too much time trying to close themselves off. I don’t want to be cool or indifferent, I want to be honest. If I love you at 5AM, I’d damn well rather that you know I felt it. If I love you two hours later, I’ll tell you then too. Listen, I won’t wait double the time it takes for you to text me back because I don’t want to. I don’t care enough to be patient with you. I’m happy, you made me feel that way, don’t you want to know? So that’s how it’s going to be. I’m going to leave myself as open as a church door. And I’m going to wake you up before the crack of dawn to tell you that I’m fucking joyful, no pretending, not from me, not ever. Would you like some coffee, would you please kiss me? Here, these are my hands, this is my mouth, it is all yours.” — Azra.T “Don’t Wait Three Days to Text First.

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A little uni advice...

The last ten months have completely changed my life, and now I can say I've passed my first year of uni. It's been great, as you'd expect.

My little sis is off to uni in September and I thought I'd write her a little list to prepare her (not that she'll read it or listen to my 'advice')

Dearest lil sis,

I know you'll have the best time at university because you'll grab every opportunity that comes your way. But a little advice from your not so socially confident older sister...

• You'll still find people in lectures or seminars that annoy you, that sadly doesn't change from school. However you'll also find people who make you laugh, happy and challenge you mentally. These are the people to make friends with.

• Don't get into arguments with housemates who don't wash up. Don't leave notes, because it creates a tension that won't ever go away.

• Any free food is good food. If your SU offers a free pizza night, you go to that free pizza night and make it a night out. 

• Read the books before the seminar, but if you accidentally don't make enough time for one - sparknotes it.

• As much as it might be a chore, try to clean your bathroom once a month, it can get pretty yucky without mum around.

• If in doubt about what to eat...pasta is the way forward.

• Be yourself. There is no point making friends with people who think you're something you're not.

• Get someone to proof read your essays. You don't realise your own mistakes. (As a thank you for reading mine, I'll do yours)

• Make a note of all your assignments early so you remember them. Don't do the mistake of an essay in a day. Some people can do it, but it won't reflect how intelligent and amazing you really are.

• There is nothing wrong with going to a lecture at 9am, then having a nap between 11-2.

• Do not blow your loan in the first month, it hits the cold months very quickly and you'll want comfort food.

• Start Game of Thrones with your housemates. PLEASE!

• Ring Mum once in a while. She will miss you. 

• Please stay in a group when you go out, it's just a pain having to find each other and can make the night very boring.  

• Take absolutely everything in. I can't believe how quickly my first year went and I only have two left, so it'll fly past for you too.

I know you'll have the best time, I don't have any worries. Just give me a ring every so often please, I can't wait to hear all of your stories!

Nadine xx

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Update on things I'm liking...

I haven't blogged in months. My life seems quite different now I'm at university, I'm not doing the same things I was doing in the Summer. I'm home for the weekend, so I thought it was about time I updated with thingsssssss.


20/20 Experience part 2

Entire album = Love.

The Office

Since finishing It's Always Sunny, The Office is my latest Netflix addiction. I cry sometimes.

Jean-Ralphio

Argo (score)

I finally watched Argo.Yes it's amazing blah blah. I really like this track from the score:

Great Costumes

I wish I came up with this costume. You don't understand how much I love it.

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka's family aced it, again:

I went to a superhero party with uni pals dressed as The Incredibles.

Lastly,

IT'S NOVEMBER?!

When did that happen?

Soon it will be:

Christmas.

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I like these things at the moment.

• The Way, Way Back

I was sold on this from the trailer, having an odd feeling I would like it. But I liked it even more than I thought I would and so it's jumped to the top of my favourite films of the year (Yes I've gone there.) Sam Rockwell is A++++++++++ and Steve Carell playing a horrible, awful step-father is a genius move. It's got such a wonderful script and the cast are delightful. Even though the story has pretty much been done a million times before, the film feels so fresh. If you're worried the funniest and most touching moments are in the trailer- trust me there is much more to be seen in full.

I laughed, I cried and I can't wait to see it again. (gifs)

• This quote:

Your body is made of the same elements that lionesses are built from. Three quarters of you is the same kind of water that beats rocks to rubble, wears stones away. Your DNA translates into the same twenty amino acids that wolf genes code for. When you look in the mirror and feel weak, remember, the air you breathe in fuels forest fires capable of destroying everything they touch. On the days you feel ugly, remember: diamonds are only carbon. You are so much more. (x)

• Real Techniques

I don't know how I've lived without a Real Techniques makeup brush. I'm no expert on make-up, but these things seem to be the best I've ever used (professional term). I only have the face brush which I use for my concealer or BB cream (because I like my freckles and foundtation hides them), so I'm most probably using it wrong but it still leaves me skin feeling really dewy and the product is properly worked into the skin.

Image

• Mindy Kaling (still)

The Mindy Project is still running in the UK (the highlight of my Tuesdays), but at the moment I'm just really loving her tweets and Instagram. She's inspiring and I really, really want to be her.

This Timberlake medley is too much for me for me to handle, too much stimulation
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) August 26, 2013

“@bjnovak: @rainnwilson you and me are the new me and mindy” GREAT TAKE HIM OFF MY HANDS, RAINN
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) September 1, 2013

Salinger documentary, get in my belly! Is the only concise way I know how to express it.
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) September 2, 2013

• This photograph of James Dean:

• Yours Truly - Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande has the voice of an angel, making me so glad I bought her album. Her music has a very late 90s/early 00s vibe, which for me is quite nostalgic to the music I first started listening to, as well as being a good blend of pop and RnB. I can't stop listening to it.

• Learning that Scarlett Johansson chose not to wear make-up when filming We Bought A Zoo:

Johansson was so determined to avoid looking like a movie star pretending to be a zookeeper running on empty and fueled only by her devotion to her motley assortment of big cats, zebras, and kangaroos that she refused to wear makeup for the film. A big deal for a female movie star, but it works, helping to anchor her performance in the details of actual manual labor—shoveling shit, feeding slabs of red meat to the lion and tigers—that we don’t see much of in American movies.


I still have yet to see We Bought A Zoo, but I like to be reminded just how wonderful a person Scarlett Johansson is. (gifs and link)

• Denim Chicken

I'm known for randomly bursting out with laughter when I think about a funny moment in a show. The one I can't stop laughing at when I randomly think of it is Denim Chicken. If you don't watch It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia then I don't think seeing the clip will help you to understand how much I love it.

That pretty much sums up my life recently. Other than the fact I'm getting excited  and nervous about heading off to uni soon!

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About Time (2013) - review

Running Time: 123 mins
Directed by: Richard Curtis
Starring: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Tom Hollander, Margot Robbie, Joshua McGuire, Lydia Wilson
UK release date: 4th September 2013.

It's been a while since Richard Curtis directed a feature film. In the time he's taken off, he hasn't lost the sweet romanticised, everyday life narrative he's famous for. In fact, this time round he's gone just ever so slightly sci-fi with it.

Domhnall Gleeson is Tim, a 21 year old guy who can't wait to fall in love. On his birthday, he learns from his father (Bill Nighy) that all the men in his family are time travellers, so what better way for Tim to use his new found gift than to help his love life. Falling head over heels in love for Mary (Rachel McAdams), Tim begins to use his time travel simply to improve tiny mistakes he has made so that their moments feel perfect, however as life continues Tim’s caring nature takes control as he tries to change the way life has gone for others by travelling in time.

Curtis also wrote the screenplay for About Time, so there’s no surprise that the character dialogue is exceptionally delightful and plausible at the same time. Not only that, but the character development and story progression is engaging, making it no trouble to follow along because it’s so easy to be captivated by the story. An extra feel good element about About Time is that it is very funny both in the sweet, everyday dialogue scenes and when Tim uses his time travelling for specific reasons. Bill Nighy is especially a joy in every one of his scenes.

Tim is an extremely likable, relatable leading man with an ever so charming allure about him and Gleeson is simply superb portraying him. Similarly, Rachel McAdams is charming and delightful, like always, and her chemistry and comedic timing with Gleeson is so matched that their relationship reflects the most adorable moments on screen. However, the winners of the film for best chemistry goes to Nighy and Gleeson as father and son, while it might not be the selling point for About Time, their relationship is undoubtedly the highlight.

Some of the secondary characters, Tim’s younger sister Kit-Kat in particular, are crafted as likable or at least interesting characters, so it’s a shame when their input to the darker points of the narrative feel wrapped up too quickly. But despite it being two hours long, About Time isn’t a long, draining drama and if it were to be any longer, or to explore more characters, it would lose its likability.

The heart touching messages of love, being a parent and spending time with family are poignant and will stay with you after watching About Time. These emotional themes are enough to get your heart aching as well as jumping for the love that’s on the screen. Richard Curtis has smashed the expectations people will have about this film; a likable leading man, charming love interest and lots of romance and meanings.

The word lovely seems a lazy way to describe About Time, but it really is the definition of lovely. It’s exquisitely beautiful in theme, a wonderful screenplay and characters that are so lovable, Richard Curtis’ story about a man who can travel in time feels very relatable.

4/5

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Planes (2013) review

This review first appeared on A113 Animation.

Planes is DisneyToon Studios’ first US theatrical release since Bambi II in 2006. The film follows crop duster, tractor plane Dusty, who dreams of being a racing plane in the high-flying air competition.

Within the clouds, Planes opens 'in the world of Cars' - as if to gently remind viewers 'this is not Cars' and the films are only connected by existing in the same universe - but it feels like the message is saying ‘if you thought this was a Cars sequel, you’re right to feel confused but you are wrong.’ This problematic detail will affect the older viewers, but, for little ones, it will be the sole reason for wanting to see Planes: it looks just like Cars. Furthermore, Brent Mustangburger, the race commentator from Cars 2, reprises his role, as well as a cameo appearance from a beloved Pixar name.

Maybe it's some sort of psychological effect, knowing Planes wasn't first intended for a theatrical release, but the film feels very much like a direct-to-DVD film. The story is actually very basic: an underdog farm plane, who dreams of racing in the big league, gets the chance and, well... so on. It's an average-length family film, which isn't a negative in any sense, if anything the film rarely feels slow. But the actual main event of the race begins within the first ten or fifteen minutes, and then the rest of the story is that race. The characters don't have a build-up or a history because they don't need one for the uncomplicated story; it’s simply about Dusty going from being a plane that isn’t built to compete in races, to living his dream.

The voice talent is quite a delight - considering this is one of Disney's lesser-known films of 2013, there are still some big-name stars there. The great Brad Garrett is Chug, Dusty’s buddy; and John Cleese as British Bulldog, though underused, is superb (a few British stereotypes are highlighted as a funny gag). The best character, and the one children will adore, is Mexican plane El Chupacabra, a passionate lover and flyer who Dusty becomes good pals with. Despite the characters not having any real characterization - in some cases being very 2D - they're not a fault with Planes.

The progression of the race engages the audience well; it’s not a little 10 lap race, but a race across the globe with nightly check-in points, so the entire race is Dusty’s story. Dusty slowly becomes more confident, El Chupacabra gets determined to woo Rochelle, and the film’s bad guy, Ripslinger, feels worried that Dusty may get in the way of his winning streak. It's pretty standard storytelling, but the development of the story is still entertaining for a while.

Another Cars similarity is the calm rock anthem style music played during races and over the credits, making it constantly feel like a feel-good movie- the good feeling just won’t last too long for the mind. The animation itself, though more or less exactly like Cars, is pretty and colourful, making it another Disney treat for the eyes. There are no experiments with the animation, but Planes plays it safe.

Planes isn’t something that is going to be a highlight of 2013 - neither is it going to be a memorable Disney film - but it works. There are likable characters, some very Disney-cutesty lines and jokes, and the 3D (mostly in the sky scenes) is bold, so it’s not something you should dismiss right away.

Of course, being Disney, Planes has a lot of heart but it doesn't elevate to the heights Dusty aims to go to. It’s worth getting around to watch, but it doesn't make for a must-see theatrical release but rather something you’d pick up cheap in a shop for a lazy afternoon.

2/5

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This just can't be summer love...

I'm high on summer right now.

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As all us Brits know, the weather is absolutely glorious and sunshine always makes everyone happier. I'm possibly the happiest I've been in a while and there are many reasons why.

At the moment I am interning, doing something I adore and waking up every morning looking forward to going to work. I'm commuting 2 hours each day and working for another 8 and I couldn't enjoy it more. I only have 2 and a half weeks left and I'm going to be so sad to leave, but feel so lucky to have spent some of my summer doing something I love at a company who are ever so kind to me.

One of my dreams of seeing Justin Timerlake perform live has come true, and I still feel like I'm in a dream-like state, after attending Wireless last Friday. He sang, performed and made my heart melt. I haven't ever thought about having favourite singers before, but if I had to choose it would always be JT. Justin Timberlake & Jay-Z owning Suit and Tie will be something I hope to never, ever forget.

(I didn't take pictures or videos, but Youtube is good for that)

This weather feels nice. I don't know if it's the fact I've finished college, but I don't dread choosing outfits to wear because I don't care how other people see me in them. I feel confident. I think the work experience at my internship is a big part of that. I wouldn't say I'm at a place with my body image that I want to be, but I'm content with it for now. I won't ever be stick thin skinny, I won't have longer legs, but I'm ok with this.

I have a new favourite TV show. Every time I finish something I adore (Arrested Development season 4 in this case). I was on the hunt for a new TV obsession and I've found it. Albeit, I'm late like always, but I'm onto the It's Always Sunny In Phillidelphia hype. I haven't watched a comedy TV show where I cry actual tears in a long while. As much as I liked the return of Arrested Development, the only times I laughed out loud were the Gob episodes. It's Always Sunny has me cracking up every single episode. Of course my favourites are Charlie Day (I laughed so much at the video below. It will be hard to see the funny side if you don't watch Sunny), but I actually have a soft spot for all the characters. They're arrogant, loud and a bit unpleasant but, trust me, it's fab.

Reading is always on my list of things to do in the summer because college seems to take away any free time I have to do any reading, especially when studying English and having to read books for the course. On my commutes, I have plenty of time to read and I take full advantage of this even if I'm having to stand up and read. Within my first week I got through 'Billy and Me' (by Giovanna Fletcher) and 'Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?' by my inspirational woman of the moment, Miss Mindy Kaling. I must have looked like a bit of a crazy book lady on the train, laughing away to myself at Kaling's fabulous, hilarious life. I've just finished Tess of D'Urbervilles, which I had been meaning to get round to for years and I'm glad I finally did it. It's heartbreaking, completely devastating and kind of depressing, but marvellous at the same time. I'm almost finished my fourth book of my commute, 'Before I Go To Sleep' by S. J. Watson. At first I found it kind of predictable and some things were a little unrealistic as a book written in first person, but I'm nearing the end and I've never read such a heart racing thriller novel before. I love twists!

I could write more about the little things that make me happy right now, but I know they'd get boring. My summer was going to be me sleeping in late, reading all of the books I wanted, watching everything on Netflix, blogging more and every now and then popping out for some sunshine, but my internship came around pretty quick after my final exams. It's meant I'm constantly busy, but I love it. I haven't felt this grown up or this happy in a while.

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* The gorgeous Before Sunrise gif and image have nothing to do with this post, it's just nice to look. I still haven't seen Before Midnight yet, so don't get me started. My heart longs for it.

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