HerUni's Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day will be upon us this Sunday. If you, like me, are a last minute present buyer when it comes to Mother’s Day, do not fear as the HerUni Gift Guide is here!

 

Your mum is the most special woman in the world: your best friend and a person to turn to when things get rough. Personally, I tell my mum practically everything and she’s always there with an ear to listen and a hand to hold. So, how about all us girls give a little bit back this Sunday. It doesn’t have to be the most spectacular present on the planet because, as poor students, we are all a little bit strapped for cash. Therefore,

HerUni has created an affordable gift guide for a last minute special something.

Here are the top ten things to buy/do with number one as the cheapest and number ten as the most expensive.

 

1. Make your mum her favourite meal.

 

This will cost you less than ten pounds at your local ASDA store. Simply buy all the ingredients of your mother’s favourite meal and cook away! Granted, this is not the easiest of tasks for many students who are used to cooking food via microwaves and takeout. However, you can do it! Follow the recipe and you will put a smile on your mum’s face this Sunday. Not only will she be eating her favourite meal, she will appreciate the effort you have gone to and a night off from cooking a family dinner.

 

 

 2. Spend the day together.

 

By spending the whole day together, you can have a mother/daughter bonding session. It doesn’t matter how old you are to have one of these, especially if you live away from home. You can do whatever you want, whether it is sitting in the living room and watching chick flicks all day, or going shopping together with a spot of lunch. It is completely up to you! Remember that it is Mother’s Day, so you should offer to pay for everything. Nevertheless, if your mum insists that she pays for something, simply agree. It is her day; therefore she has to be right. Plus, we are students!

 

 

3. Put a memorable photo in a frame.

 

This might be the most cliché present to give on Mother’s Day but it is a classic! Buy a frame of your choice. TK Maxx always has an excellent range for cheap prices. Or, look in Debenhams if you want to have a little extra cash. After (or before) the frame has been purchased, choose and print a photograph of your choice. A lovely idea would be to print off a picture of you and your mum when you were a baby as well as a recent photo to show how much you have both grown.

 

 

4. Buy her a candle of her favourite scent.

 

You might be thinking a candle? This is the easiest gift to buy. Go to Matalan (the cheaper option!) or Zara Home, or Debenhams and scour the shelves of candles to find the scent of your choice. Your mum will appreciate it after a long day of work, or housework, and whatever else it is that our busy mums do every day. With the candle, she can soak up her favourite smell whilst watching a bit of telly. This will put an instant smile on her face.

 

 

5. Buy her a Body Shop gift set.

 

The Body Shop is the classic woman’s shop. We all love to smell lovely and clean, and use products that are fruity, fresh and fabulous. An extra bonus is the fact that all The Body Shop products are made with love and care through the shop’s collaboration with Fair Trade. On the store’s website, you can find a tab specifically for Mother’s Day. Simply click on this and there, in front of your eyes, will be a great amount of gifts. There are even specific tabs of ‘Gifts for the home’, ‘Gifts for travellers’, ‘Gifts for garden lovers’ and if a younger sibling needs a bit of help, ‘Gifts for children to give’. Prices vary from £5 to £25. Visit the website at www.thebodyshop.co.uk.

 

 

6. Take her to the cinema.

 

Everybody loves a good old trip to the cinema. Nowadays, with ticket prices at around ten pound per person, it is a bit more expensive than what it used to be. This is the reason why I have put it as number six on our top ten. If you go on a Sunday afternoon, chances are that there won’t be many people in the screens. But, I could be wrong. For example, a film that is a must see this week – which both you and your mum will enjoy – is Oz The Great And Powerful. It is released this Friday so beware of the queues. Or, if you still haven’t seen it yet (where have you been?!), go and watch Les Miserables, one to watch for both you and your mum. TOP TIP: Take your own munchies. We can’t afford paying more than £3 for a bottle of water.

 

 

7. Buy her favourite flowers from ASDA.

 

The website (www.asda-flowers.co.uk) is something that I stumbled across during my first year of university. I sent my mum a bouquet of lilies (her favourite) on her birthday when I couldn’t go home. Now, it is a recurring thing. Plus, the lilies last for a long time so I would recommend that you buy them if your mum likes them. There are tabs which let you choose the occasion and price range for a quick find. Right now, there is also a collection of flowers especially for Mother’s Day. Prices range from £10 to £52. There is also Sunday delivery available especially for Mother’s Day!

 

 

8. Buy her a Gift Owl card.

 

Gift Owl works in three simple steps. First, you give a gift owl card to your mum, who will fill in the questionnaire in order to find out what she likes and what she doesn’t like. Second, Gift Owl does all the work for you as they hunt for hidden gems to suit their wants, whether it is accessories, crafts or books. Last, your mum will receive a brown paper package, full of lovely surprises! This is a great idea if you are stumped for ideas, or it is ‘too last minute’. Prices range from £12.99 for a Mini Gift Owl, £24.99 for a ‘Classic Gift Owl’, and £49.99 for a ‘Jumbo Gift Owl’. For more information, head to their website www.gift-owl.com.

 

 

9. Take her out for dinner.

 

If you want to go out to celebrate Mother’s Day, or if you can’t cook, head out to a restaurant and let the chef take care of it. Goodvalueformoney.com shared offers for three top restaurants which are all over Britain: Ask Italian, Nando’s and La Tasca. Ask Italian has a special Mother’s Day menu of two courses for £14 and three courses for only £16. You mum will also receive a free glass of Prosecco too! Nando’s are giving a free dessert away for their Mother’s Day special. La Tasca have a Mother’s Day Menu for just £12.95. Head over to the restaurant’s websites now so you don’t miss out!

 

 

 

10. Go on a trip to the West End.

 

This is for people who have a lot of money to spare and want to pull out all the stops for their mums! If your mum loves the west end, and you live relatively close to London, why not see if you can find a deal for a night watching some theatre. There is a massive variety of different shows in the West End where you and your mum can laugh, cry, scream or giggle. Head over to the London Box Office (www.londonboxoffice.co.uk) for amazing offers on all the shows, including up to 70% discounts.

 

 

Whatever you do or buy, I am sure your mum will appreciate it. Don’t forget to buy a card, too!

 

 

HerUni: The Return Of Captain Jack Sparrow

It has been announced that Johnny Depp will be returning to our screens as our favourite pirate (Captain!) Jack Sparrow.

 

 

The IMDb status claims that the film is ’announced’ with comments of ‘scripting’. This was updated on August 5th of last year. Terry Rossio, who has written all Pirate’s of the Caribbean scripts, has once again took his place as scriptwriter of this instalment. Undoubtedly, Jack Sparrow’s speeches will be classic comedy with funny one-liners and a splash of witty stupidity in a clever way.

 

The question is: When will it be time to say goodbye to the pirates?

 

Obviously, there are many tales of the sea that can be retold through the eyes of Captain Jack Sparrow and his friends, enemies and frenemies, but just how many times can Disney, or Johnny and the rest of the crew, return to the seven seas?

 

Another question is: Will Penélope Cruz be returning as Jack’s other half?

 

She was stranded on the island after all with only a voodoo doll of Jack to keep her company. It would be great if she came back for this film, and perhaps another in order to make the franchise an even six. The first three would have had the epic love of Elizabeth Swan and Will Turner. This half of the franchise could focus on Jack and his wacky ways of showing, or not showing, love to the Spanish Enchantress. But that is just contemplation.

 

IMDb states that the year that this anticipated film is unknown at this point. However, the Facebook page of the Pirate’s of the Caribbean franchise states it will be out in theatres Summer 2015. Sadly, that’s another two years to wait.

 

FB page: http://www.facebook.com/PiratesoftheCaribbean?fref=ts

 

You can read this article and many others at HerUni.com here.

 

HerUni: Beauty Trends For Party Season

Is it true to say that you, like me, don’t really think about the makeup as much as the dress and the hair for the night out you plan on having? Or, are you a true beauty fanatic who is already up to date with all the trends? Either way, the following beauty trends will give you what you are looking for in the makeup department during the winter period, and more importantly, the party season, especially Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

 

 

All

 

 

Fresh Faced
There is one look on trend right now for all those out there who like to keep a fresh face over the Christmas season. It may not be a look you would choose for a night out, but for working and earning, or a wintery walk through the park. It is a very simple look to create. The trick with this is aiming for a dewy glow by exfoliating, hydrating and moisturising your skin. All that is before putting on your foundation. One foundation to go for would be BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector Sensitive Skin by Garnier. To complete the look, wear brown or brown/black mascara instead of jet black. Avoid the extra volume mascara too; leave that for the crazy nights out. A good brand on budget would be Collection 2000 Lash Lengthening Mascara (W/P) Brown/Black. With this look, it is also about eating healthier, sleeping more and stressing less which will all show on your face. Balmain, Chloe and Calvin Klein Collection among many others showcased this look at the Autumn/Winter fashion shows.

 

 

Be Ethereal
Take some inspiration from other-worldly creatures, maybe not from the film Avatar. Nobody wants to be painted in blue from top to toe during winter season as we’re already blue from the cold at this time of year. Pearly shades, clear, pale skin tones and pink lip colours are the beautiful colours that create the ethereal look. Costello Tagliapietra, Giles and Giambattista Valli have all taken on the ethereal look for their models this season. Silver and blue tones alongside bronzed eyes and silver liner are all part of this other-worldly look. Adding a peony lip will make the look more classic. To go all out, and very over-the-top, mix orange, black and purple to recreate Prada’s fantastical take on the ethereal look. A dewy base is best; use BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector Sensitive Skin just like in Fresh Faced. For the eyes, glitter eyeliners are great such as 2true Eyeliner Dazzler No.2/3/4 in Silver, Green and Purple. Top it off by rimming the water line with a light blue such as Barry M Kohl Pen Kingfisher Blue. For the lips, a simple pale pink will do, and what better than Nivea Lip Care Soft Rose 4.8g for that extra protection against the cold night.

 

 

 

 

Eyes

 

 

Normally, for a big Christmas or NYE party, the eyes are the focal point on your face. Whether you go all out, or you create a more subtle look, there are plenty of trends to choose from.

 

 

Golden Eye
Want to be star of the show? Gold is a festive colour, and it can brighten up your eye immediately. Hitting the catwalk with the golden eye is Emilio Pucci. For the best outcome, use a variety of gold’s to illuminate some parts and accentuate others of your eye. Don’t forget to draw a golden line underneath your eye to add that extra pop. Use a mixture of Accessorize Merged Eyeshadow Golden Caramel and Golden Brown for the ultra smoky golden eye look. Make sure you add extra black Rimmel Scandel Eye Mascara to complete the look. Or, for the simple golden eye look, wear L’Oréal Colour Appeal Mono Eye Shadow Pure Gold, or for a golden line, Sleek MakeUP Eye Liner Liquid Dip It Gold. All these variations can be found in Superdrug stores nationwide or online. This look is definitely one for the New Year’s celebrations.

 

 

Sultry Smoke
The smoky eye is always in season despite the sun or snow. During the party season, the smokiness has a darker effect with silvers, greys, blacks, and even dark blues just like Diane Von Furstenburg and Valentino. For the classic smoky eye, think of the model in Armani Code by Giorgio Armani. Her eyes look beautiful surrounded in black. You can achieve that look too without the assistance of a makeup artist. You can either achieve this with a simple black liner surrounding the eye with pencil, Rimmel Special Eyes Eyeliner Pencil Black, or with liquid: Rimmel Exaggerate Liquid Eye Liner Black. A different way to achieve the simple black smoky eye look would be to use to likes of single shadow GOSH Eye Shadow Mono 006 Black. On the other hand, if you want to achieve the ultimate smoky eye, buy a combination palette of shadow like the Rimmel Union Jack Eye Palette Black Cab. Start with the lightest colour as the base of the look, working it all over the base of your eye up to the brow. Then, with the middle colour, brush that on the entire eye lid, and line it underneath too. Finally, with the darkest shade, blend it from the outer half of the lid, the same underneath the eye. Girls, you are ready to find someone for the mistletoe with this sultry look.

 

 

The New Smoke
Instead of the classic smoke, why not go for smoke with a little bit of an edge: a change in colour. Donna Karen New York opts for deep red smoky eyes on her models for Autumn/Winter whereas Jason Wu goes for a metallic green smoke. You can achieve the smoky look with any blend of colours: greens, reds, purples, blues, which are all right on trend right now. Use colour palettes such as Rimmel Glam’Eyes Trio Eyeshadows – Sumptuous Tourmaline for a purple smoke or for a dark green look, use Rimmel Glam’Eyes Quad Eyeshadows – Green Sapphire. For a bright blue look, use Make Up Academy Professional Trio Eyeshadow Blue Babe or Max Factor Max Effect Trio Eye Shadow 7 Over The Ocean. Rim the waterline with Rimmel Special Eyes Eyeliner Pencil Black and complete the look with Rimmel Scandel Eye Mascara. This look is one to use for a night out on the town.

 

 

Grunge Look
The trick to this look is to make it look like you’ve slept in your makeup. Usually, any of us girls would be like “No way! That only happens after a big night out.” This look has hit the catwalks like a 90s flashback, and it could very well be the daring option to go to over the smoky eye. All the big names in fashion, Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, and Rag & Bone, have ordered a grunge look for their models, especially Jean Paul Gaultier. Use Rimmel Special Eyes Eyeliner Pencil Black to create a cat eye look. A good thing to do would be to dip the pencil in water beforehand. Not only would the pencil go onto the skin easier, but it would make it smudgier. Another tip for a lived in look would be to put bronze eyeshadow underneath the lower lashes, using your fingers. A good one would be Max Factor Earth Spirits Eyeshadow 108 Inca Bronze. If there is a rock gig to go to, this would be the look to go for. Or, even if you wanted a change in style, a grunge look would be the one to use. I wouldn’t use it for the day time in case anybody actually thought you hadn’t taken your makeup off the night before.

 

 

 

 

Cheeks

 

 

Blushed Cheeks
Pink cheeks will make sure that you don’t have that washed out look. Think typical English Rose, and buy products such as NYC Colour Wheel Face Mosaic Cheek Glow or 2true Blusher True Colour 1 Pink Blush to create a fresh wintery face as if your Granddad has just pinched your cheeks like he used to do (or still does) when you’re a little girl. This ultra feminine look has come from shows such as Dolce & Gabbana and Michael Kors.

 

 

 

 

Lips

 

 

If you don’t want to make your eyes the focal point of your makeup, the other option is the lips which you can spruce up with two options: the classic red lip, or the daring stained lip.

 

 

Red Lips
Ruby red lips have always been on the catwalk, and they will never be taken off it either. This is a look that you should master today to make sure that you are set for a life of red lips for years to come. This season’s shades include deep velvet berries and intense pops of scarlet. Gucci and Rochas have chosen the deeper shade of red with colours of berries to add glamour. Coral red is a playful look compiled by Rick Owens and it will suit every skin tone. A top tip is to blot the lipstick to make sure that this look lasts from dawn til dusk, meaning from your long day of studying for January exams, until those drinks after dark with your nearest and dearest. Accessorize Lip Stick Really Red is the one you want for the pop of lip colour to brighten any occasion, whereas if you prefer a deeper shade of red this season, buy Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick Diva Red or Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick Hollywood Red.

 

 

Stained Lips
Mixing the darker shades of red into this Autumn/Winter trend of stained lips, you can go for an edgier look of dark stained lips. Colours range from red-wine and deep berry. On the catwalk, Gucci, Etro, Bottega Veneta and Nicole Farhi have all put stained lips in their shows this season. Start with a lip liner to create a precise look and blot away excess oil and gloss for the matte look. Minimise the eccentricity around the eyes with this look for a classy look. Dark lipped examples are L’Oreal Colour Riche Made for Me Lip Blush Silk, Maybelline Superstay 24 Dual Ended Lipstick Rasberry and Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick 685 Mulberry. Be warned, this look is only for the brave, and prepare make sure you take your lipstick out with you because you’re going to have to top up throughout the long night of partying ahead.

 

 

 

 

Head to Boots or Superdrug for all the makeup mentioned at low prices.

Whichever makeup trend you choose to follow this Christmas and New Year, don’t forget to take it all off after a night out so that you don’t clog up your pores and make a mess of your clean pillow. Your skin will thank your dirty cleansing wipe in the morning.

 

 

Latest Writing

I haven't been writing as much as I would have wanted to recently. That can be one of my many new years resolutions for 2013. I always write more during the holidays as I have nothing much to do - apart from see my friends, family, buy presents, wrap things, go out etc.

 

I have just finished putting together my latest HerUni article which I started a month ago! I have no excuse, it could have been finished a lot sooner.

 

 

Another one of my articles for Pillow has been published. A couple of months ago, I wrote three pieces including one about a new competition for ORGNL.TV. I then wrote an article about the winners of said competition. I love writing for Pillow because it's different to writing for HerUni or for myself. I have a deadline and a stipulated criteria of what the editor wants.

 

 

A bit of a random post, and I've just realised I posted earlier today also, so double dosage from me instead of nothing for weeks today.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

HerUni: Hair Trends For The Party Season

Autumn has come and winter is most definitely near, if not here already. This means brand new fashion all around, and more importantly, new beauty ideas for hair and makeup. During the cold months, your hair can become brittle which is why you need to keep it nourished. More importantly, party season is sweeping the nation very soon, and for all the university Christmas parties as well as the one’s you will be embracing when you go home, you will need new hairstyles that are quick and easy to do! This winter, the hair from the catwalks is so simple to create in your own bedroom mirror. All you need is great music to get ready to, a gorgeous dress, flawless makeup and friends gossiping away. There is little need for hairspray this winter ladies, so make the most of it!

 

1.Bun
The bun is a classic look for all year round. It is the most sophisticated ‘do’ for those long days at work or slugging away in the library. It can also become messed up a little for the night time when you go for cocktails at the local Slug ‘n Lettuce. This year on the AW catwalks, it is Diane Von Furstenburg that has been teaming her fashionable clothes with the bun along with other designers such as Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors and Stella McCartney.

 

2.Centre Parting
During high school, were there were some girls who could pull off a centre parting without it looking too much like drawn curtains? Centre partings are simple and easy to pull off with the correct texture of the hair, and an added bounce through a simple wave. Gucci has it all figured out with his models by adding twists around the sides. Whereas, Roberto Cavalli has his thick-haired models illustrate this look with either a natural wave or slicked back for the grunge look. This hairstyle can be dressed up or down this winter, whether you’re going shopping on the weekend with your Mum, or going on a wintery first date

 

3.Twists, braids, plaits
Everyone loves a good braid or plait. If it is just to keep the hair off your face after washing it, or to keep it off the back of your neck on a night out, dancing away. Whichever it is, there are hundreds of ways to twist your hair into a completely different style without needing the level of a hair stylist. Gucci keeps it simple by twisting two parts of the hair and pinning them together at the back to create the classic up-down look. Marc Jacobs is recreating the look made famous by Star Wars’ Princess Leia with two plaited buns and a centre parting. On the other hand, Emilio Pucci has stuck to creating halos out of plaits and wrapping it twice across the middle of the head. The rest of the hair is straight and loose. Valentino is sticking to the twists by twisting both sides of the hair without creating a parting and wrapping it up neatly in a bun to finish.

 

 

4. Ponytails
Ponytails are never out of season! They are the easiest thing to do with a bobble – not so much without – and nowadays, women are more prone to styling them for a night out on the town with added height, volume or accessories. This is a style that emphasises the length of your hair, whilst keeping it off your face which can really show off your make-up. Ponytails, like Chanel, can be worn slick back with straight hair. This look is can always be a good one (despite the grease) for between washes, which is a lot more than we anticipate due to long nights at the library, followed by 9am lectures just before a deadline. Christian Dior and Jil Sander have gone for the extra low ponies for the catwalk, whereas Jason Wu opted for scraped back ponytails almost on top of the head for his models. Look to Ralph Lauren for the more laidback style with a small lift to the root.

 

5.Quiff/Bouffant
A quiff or bouffant is a great way to update any look for a night out. This is a look that I always ask my friend to style for me when the girls go out. A bouffant with curly hair is the ultimate hair ‘do’ for me. Alexander McQueen had his hairdressers in the ultimate bouffant zone. All of the hair was backcombed and pulled back. Anna Sui took bouffants to another level with the bouffant starting halfway back from the hairline. Big bouffants are in with a side parting at the front to create a completely different look. This added with a low ponytail creates an ultra modern look. Derek Lam is one of my favourite versions of the bouffant because it has a crazy, messy vibe, and isn’t ultra sophisticated like the other two. This is the type of bouffant to go for if you are a bit more edgy with your hair or, simply, you need a new look for that exciting gig that you are attending this winter. Vera Wang also has a variation of the grunge look. This look is a bit less height but says just as much.

 

6.Waves
Waves are the most natural look any girl could pull off. Simply leave your hair to dry naturally for a bit less of straight-up, straight-down hair. Or, if you need a little help, braid your hair when it is wet and sleep on it. In the morning, or even the next day (depending on how wavy you want it), let your hair loose. Waves are a good look to go for, without the stress of getting it perfect, for any occasion, be it a family dinner or a theatre trip. You can accessorize to suit the occasion with your clothes, makeup, or headwear. This fashion season, Balmain created the ultimate beach wave: the one that every girl wants to have during the summer months. Now, it has crossed over to winter. Many designers such as Gucci, Chloe and Robert Cavalli have teamed the centre parting with the wavy hair to create that ultra-natural look. Wavy hair can go from day to night with a simple change of lipstick colour.

 

 

7.Accessories
For the season that everybody looks forward to, the festive and party season, glam and glitzy accessories are definitely the way forward to update a look for the late nights on the dance floor. Using accessories is quick and easy too, only taking seconds to create a whole new look for the top of your head. When you think of Christmas, what is the first thing that pops into your head aside from the presents, the food, and of course the religion annotations? It is the gold star. Rodarte includes golden star slides in his collection, so get a few lookalikes with backcombed hair to sort yourself out for a hint of sparkle. Or, Rochas proves that you don’t need a bobble for a ponytail. Instead, find a wide clip to bring together the hair at the nape of your neck for a thicker pony with a bit of a difference. Dolce & Gabbana show that all you need for the modern princess look is a jewelled headband – perhaps with some pearls attached – and super straight locks to go from day to night.

 

8.Crazy Colour
Are you getting bored with your natural hair colour? Or, like some of my university friends, do you love to die your hair a different colour every few months? If so, this AW hair trend is for you. Dye your hair bright blue or bright red; or maybe even dye it candy pink for a bubblegum sweet look. Jean Paul Gaultier made his models have various bright colours at the roots of their hair with their natural colour for the rest of the length. Whether your hair is short or long, if you are on the wacky side when it comes to hair, you could pull this off too. At Prada, there is a new type of dip-dye in town. Models with uber-long hair have dip-dyes with colours from opposite ends of the colour spectrum. For example, platinum blond to ruby red. Or, for a look that is not as extreme as that, natural brown to black.

 

9.Side Parting
Sometimes to update a look, all your hair needs is a new parting. As well as the centre parting being on trend, so is the side parting. What is great about the side parting is that it can be just off the centre, or it can be a deep side parting. Whatever your decision, it will be in fashion. Another thing about this versatile look is that it can be a soft messy change or ultra straight. Bottega Veneta and Christian Dior have opted for the tight, shiny look with a side parting whereas Dries Van Noten has gone for the messier, laidback look. Both these designers have teamed side parting with a ponytail which is great for the wintery days. Add a scarf to keep your neck warm and this will do for any pub lunch or last minute Christmas shop. Lanvin, on the other hand, has added a touch of luxury to the side parting with waves that are inspired by the women of the late 1930s. This is one of your many evening looks for that glamorous party this season.

 

 

Images: glamourmagazine.co.uk

 

 

HerUni: Geordie Shore Is Back!

BANG! And they’re back.

 

 

Geordie Shore has returned with great anticipation from its millions of fans worldwide. And, why wouldn’t you love these sick, twisted, amazing, group of friends-turned-family of who has sex with each other, throws up all over each other’s things, screams in each other’s faces, then makes up soon after.

 

I have never seen Jersey Shore but when I watched the first season of the Geordies, I fell in love with all the characters. I have loved and hated almost all of them at one point, apart from Charlotte because she is absolutely crazy and just amazing really.

 

This season, they are back on home ground which means only one thing: trouble. No matter what they say, bad things tend to follow them, which is great for us as viewers because we lap up on all the drama.

 

The thing I love most about Geordie Shore is the love-hate relationship between Gaz and Charlotte. I do not care what she says about having a boyfriend (who she hasn’t been with for a couple of months now since filming), Charlotte still has a thing for Gaz. She will always have those feelings for him and as much as I hate it, because Gaz is a d**khead about the situation, I love it aswell because it is kind of a Romeo and Juliet thing in a weird way .They both admitted in an earlier season by the way! You can tell from the end of the first episode that she’s still in love with him despite having a boyfriend, Scott(?), because she makes a fuss when he is about to have a foursome with two random blonds and his new ‘Dream Team’ partner Scott. More on the newbies later… I also don’t care what Gaz says about not having feelings for her either. Point 1) He repeats the fact that she has a boyfriend about three times when speaking to the camera. We know she has a boyfriend. I reckon he was trying to convince himself that she has a boyfriend, meaning she won’t always be there just in case. Point 2) When other newbie Dan gets in the hot tub with a mortal Charlotte, he sits there and watches them with a proper face on as if he is about to punch something. He later pushes Dan because of that scenario. God, I love the drama!

 

 

All this build up about the two new Geordie boys coming to join the GS crew, and for what? Yeah, they’re both alright to look at if you’re into the typical Geordie style (ahem, spice boys) but I don’t see the massive appeal. When Scott walked in wearing the same t-shirt as Gaz, this was either going to tear them apart, or send them on a massive bromance. It was the latter hence the new ‘Dream Team’. Scott is a nice enough lad although you don’t see much of him until later when he’s having that foursome. Oh, and he also has sex with Holly. He’s already top boy in the house. Dan, on the other hand, is a bit of a drip. First of all, he’s the youngest in the house, at the tender age of 19. He bigs himself up far too much, saying that he’ll be getting all the girls, and then provoking Gaz even more with regards to Charlotte. He doesn’t even talk to girls when he’s out! I’m hoping he comes out of his shell a little bit more with the weeks to come because Geordie Shore has no room for bores.

 

Onto loved-up, engaged couple, Vicky and Ricci, mainly Vicky because let’s face it; she’s the dominant character in that relationship. You either love Vicky, or you hate her. I love her. She’s one of my favourites, the other two being Charlotte and Sophie. She speaks her mind and doesn’t give a shit about what people think of her. However, she did admit in last night’s episode that she was going to slag off everyone behind their backs which was a bit extreme. Then, she asked – in her words – ‘Dopey’, ‘Slutty’, and ‘Vulgar’ as her bridesmaids. Those are not very nice names to call your bridesmaids. Then again, I’d probably call some of my friends those names as a friendly joke. Although, I’m not sure whether she said it in a friendly way or not. Ricci, on the other hand, didn’t really do much in this episode. He just floated around in the background, behind Vicky most of the time. It is a fantastic idea, nevertheless, that they are in separate bedrooms! Let’s get them to have boy time and girl time instead of being glued together 24/7.

 

 

Sophie is just mother hen as she always will be. She and Charlotte have an amazing friendship, and when they cry, I cry. Her pinnacle moment in the first episode of Season 4 was when she had to massage that old man! He wasn’t that old, but I would never do what she had to do. I didn’t even know that you could massage people’s bums! I don’t even want to know how that bum looked because I can imagine. Her reaction was hilarious! She felt ‘violated’ whereas James looked like he was having the time of his life massaging the wife! I want to see Sophie getting very mortal this season because she’s always looking after the younger girls. I’m wondering how ‘great’ her and Joel really are, because every time he’s on this show, he makes her look like a fool, and I want to punch him in the face for it! Sophie is such a lovely girl who would never hurt a fly, and she’s hilarious too!

 

 

I haven’t figured out the situation between James and Holly yet. Maybe because there isn’t one on James’ part although there definitely is on Holly’s as her heart flutters and she gets butterflies. I don’t know whether that relationship would ever work, but it’s more drama nonetheless, especially as seen as Holly has already gone and had sex with new boy Scott in the bathroom, which she doesn’t remember. Amazing!

 

 

Something that I have never understood with the Geordie boys is that they’re always on the lookout for ‘worldies’ and when they find them, I just think ‘Really?’ They are never that great, but that’s just my opinion.

 

I really wish they did hour long episodes. I just never want Geordie Shore to end!

 

Images: Geordie Shore Facebook page.

Cosmo

During August, I received a special package from Cosmopolitan.co.uk containing a load of bright eye makeup that I had to photograph and review. I loved trying different looks with the variety of colours and then writing up a review!

 

The article is finally live on the site, and I could not be prouder of myself and happier!

 

 

 

http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/campus/cheap-fashion/trend-on-trial-applying-bright-eye-shadow-beauty-test

 

I hope to write more for Cosmo. Although, at the moment, I'm not writing as much as I should for HerUni at all! I need to pull my act together for them. I've just sent a film review to a different writers blog that I am hoping to start writing for too. At this rate, I need to keep on thinking of more ideas to spread around the world of onling writing!

 

 



HerUni: The Halloween Special - Watch And Listen

If you are all partied out for Halloween this year, why not gather your friends and have a scary night in on Wednesday? Grab the popcorn, spooky sweets, crisps and chocolate and prepare yourselves for a night of fright. You can still dress up in blood and gore if you want to in order to make the night even freakier, and follow this guide to the films, music, and TV shows to make sure you don’t get a wink of sleep this Halloween.

 

Film

 

Rasha Touqan has a more in-depth guide of films to watch here. However, I am still going to share with you some of the classics (which I actually had to study during A Level Film Studies).

 

Halloween (1978)

 

 

It seems an obvious choice with the name of the film having the same name of the holiday and all, but it is a classic horror movie. Michael Myers is sent to a mental home at the tender age of six after slaughtering his own sister on Halloween 1963 in Haddonfield, IL. Fifteen years later, he escapes and makes his way back home. His psychiatrist, Dr Loomis, rushes ahead to Haddonfield to warn the police of his return, whilst Myers comes across a teenage studious girl, Laurie Strode. He starts following her and her two friends around the town. As her two best friends make Halloween party plans, Laurie takes on two babysitting jobs for All Hallows Eve – one of them being her friends – and attempts to study. It is obvious who will survive in this story, but be prepared for some old school frights with a twisted ending that will raise the hairs on the back of your neck.

 

Scream (1996)

 

 

With the unlikely kill of a famous actress (Drew Barrymore) at the beginning of the film, you know you are in for a roller-coaster ride with this one. It is the start of a new sub-genre for horror: the slasher. A new killer is on the loose in Woodsboro with the nickname ‘Ghost Face’ due to that iconic mask and black cloak for an outfit. The media circulates throughout the town, and everybody is a suspect, especially in the local high school. A teenager girl, Sidney Prescott is at the centre of this story with the back story of having experienced somebody murdering her mother. This story is also intertwined in the ongoings of the ‘Ghost Face’ murders. With comic scenes combined with a lot of blood, it is a game of Guess Who? along with that familiar gruesome question: “What’s your favourite scary movie?” This film also brings in the conventions of the horror genre, as the teenagers try to beat the outcome of this murder spree.

 

The Exorcist (1973)

 

 

Everybody has heard of this film. My cousin first watched it when she was nine. Safe to say, she had nightmares for weeks. I’d always avoided watching this one, until Year 13 when, in Film class, I had to study it. I was horrified. I didn’t think I could watch it. It turned out, it was more the suspense part, and not actually seeing the little girl twisting her head in a full 360 degree circle, that was the worst. Some of the actual exorcism parts were quite funny. When the film first came out, it was banned, for obvious reasons. A little girl becomes possessed by a demonic force, and her mother tries everything to get rid of this demon. Regan, the young girl, suffers a lot of horrific injuries because of the demon living inside of her, and the priest does too. Prepare yourselves for a series of creepy scenes with a demonic voice coming out of Regan’s mouth swearing profusely, It still gives me the shivers, and I will never be watching it again.

 

Antichrist (2009)

 

 

This film is not the conventional horror, but the horror of what humans are capable of. The story opens with a husband and wife having sex in the bathroom (very visual!) whilst their young son climbs out of his crib and falls out of his bedroom window. The woman is beside herself with grief, and after spending a substantial amount of time in the hospital, her husband, a psychiatrist (like her) decides they should take a trip to their cabin in the woods named ‘Eden’. Here is where the darkness of nature is unleashed. This is a psychological horror with plenty of bloodshed. Some parts you will not want to watch as things turn sour between the couple.

 

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

 

 

This is a classic Tim Burton film, one which combines two of the best times of the year: Halloween and Christmas. In this film there are towns for different times of the year. Jack Skellington is the king of Halloweentown, where everything is gruesome and scary. He has all he ever wanted, or so he thought. Unlike his people, Jack wishes for more than just darkness, witches and pumpkins. He wants to celebrate something else for a change. This is when he stumbles across Santa and Christmastown. He doesn’t understand the concept of snow, elves, constant happy faces and a fat man dressed in red. He tries to become Santa himself. Enjoy the ride with musical classics such as ‘This Is Halloween’ and ‘Kidnap Mr Sandy Claws’.

 

The Corpse Bride (2005)

 

 

Starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, this Tim Burton classic tells the tale of a shy groom who messes up his vows during the practise of his wedding to a woman who he immediately falls in love with. Full of shame, he runs out into the woods to try and practice. He says everything perfectly but, by accident, puts the wedding ring on the finger of a corpse bride who was robbed and left for dead. All she ever wanted was the perfect wedding, and to be a perfect bride. Victor (Depp) tries to explain that it was all a mistake, but the bride does not listen and drags him to the land of the dead. Victor agrees to marry the bride as he sees no other option after his true love has been told to marry another. The dead come to the land of the living for the biggest wedding ever. Funny, heartfelt, loving moments make up this film, and one not to be missed.

 

The last two are for those of you out there who are wimps when it comes to horror movies like me!

 

Television

 

Vampires

 

The Vampire Diaries (2009 – present)

 

 

Based on the books by L.J. Smith, this American show is about Elena, a human girl, torn between two vampire brothers, Stefan and Damon Salvitore. Mystic Falls attracts all kinds of supernatural attention including vampires, werewolves, witches, doppelgangers, hybrids and slayers of all kinds. At some point, all the human protagonist turn into something more, whether it’s a hybrid, or a human blood bank. If you loved Twilight, you’ll love this even more! If I am honest, it was a lot scarier during the first season when Damon was a threat. The fright factor has died down a bit now, but I still love it, and it has all the ingredients for the perfect recipe for Halloween television.

 

True Blood (2008 – present)

 

 

I would say this is probably the vampire TV show for grown ups. The fright factor, blood gushing and the like with sex. I have never seen this programme myself (or read the books!) but both are highly recommended by friends. In this series – unlike others – it is a time where vampires have been integrated into the land of the living. The story centres on waitress, Stookie Stackhouse, who knows what is like to be an outcast as she has been gifted (or cursed?) with the ability of listening to people’s thoughts. She is open-minded when it comes to this new integration, especially when that involves a 173 year old vampire named Bill Compton. This, surely, will be the scarier edition of The Vampire Diaries.

 

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997 – 2003)

 

 

Take a trip back in time to your childhood. Do you remember watching mini Sarah Michelle Gellar kick ass of roaming vampires? I never did. I dipped in and out of watching this show, never really ‘getting it’. Buffy is the ‘Chosen One’, forced to slay vampires and other demonic creatures instead of living the normal American high school life of homework, boys, and cheer-leading. Buffy’s close friends become powerful in some way or another and are able to aid Buffy in killing each seasons ‘Big Baddy’. There is even a musical episode. What other television show about vampires is offering that?

 

The Walking Dead (2010 – present)

 

 

This centres on Rick Grimes, a former police officer who has been in a coma for several months after being shot whilst on duty. When he wakes, he finds a world that has been taken over by zombies. This is not only the typical ‘must kill all the zombies’ telly; his wife and son are missing, and the only thing he wants to do, is find them, and somehow save them. He finds various humans on the way. They help each other, and try to fight off the zombies as best as they can. Prepare for jumpy scenes, horrific faces and stomach-clenching moments right from the first episode.

 

Supernatural (2005 – present)

 

 

A hit TV show starring two very sexy men. Girls, surely this is a good enough reason to watch it! Sam and Dean are brothers whose father raised them to hunt and banish every demon they come across. When the brothers were young, their mother was killed by a demon; something Sam and Dean’s father never got over. After 22 years, the brothers set out on a journey, ultimately to find their lost father, and get rid of all things demonic. A show about ghosts, demons, ghosts of demons, and in later seasons, things become even more twisted.

 

Dexter (2006 – present)

 

 

This centres on a man named Dexter, who is seemingly a normal criminalist for the police: a blood spatter pattern expert for the Miami Metropolitan Police. He should be an expert on blood considering that after hours, he is a serial killer. This is an excellent example of leading a double life. However, Dexter doesn’t just kill anybody because that would go against moral code. Instead, he kills specific people who live in certain ways aka, in his eyes, they do not deserve to live at all. This is something for people who love a good murder, and solving it.

 

CSI (2000 – present)

 

 

CSI is one of my favourite shows. It always has been since I started watching it with my Mum some years ago. I love the way all the CSI’s intricately tear apart the evidence and put it all together to point at one person. It is always interesting to know the reason why somebody murders the victim in cold blood. That is the great thing about CSI; every episode, there is an explanation as to why ‘x’ person was killed. There are three CSI programmes; the original, Las Vegas, and two others: Miami and New York. Solving murders is not only these persons job, but their passion in life. They crave the knowledge of knowing how and why. An easy watch and, if you’re like me, you’ll be guessing the murderer from the beginning.

 

Pretty Little Liars (2010 – present)

 

 

I have become obsessed with this programme! Centered in the small, manicured town of Roosevelt, don’t believe a girl with a pretty face: they all lie. There was a ring of five best friends with Alison DeLaurentis as the ring leader aka biggest bitch ever at the age of fifteen. Alison liked to know everyone’s dirty little secrets, especially those of her friends: Aria, Hanna, Emily and Spencer. Alison goes missing and a year later she turns up dead, murdered. After a year apart, the four girls are thrown back together by ‘A’, a mysterious person who keeps messaging the four girls. ‘A’ knows all their dirty secrets and promises to out them unless they do everything A says. The girls need to know who ‘A’ is, and they need to know who Alison’s killer is. It is nail biting, and it certainly keeps you at the edge of your seat.

 

Music

 

Michael Jackson: Thriller. This classic from the King of Pop himself must be at the top of your playlist!

 

 

Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack. Especially the song ‘This is Halloween’.

 

Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack is enough to put good feeling shivers down the back of your spine. It is one of those films that you love even though you don’t know why. The wacky song ‘Time Warp’ will be played at some point during the day.

 

 

Ray Parker, Jr: Ghostbusters. A song that every adult and child knows by heart. This gives the fun factor at your Halloween party.

 

 

Screamin’ Jay Hawkins: I Put A Spell On You. I prefer the Hocus Pocus soundtrack myself.

 

 

AC/DC: Highway To Hell. A classic rock anthem to get the air guitars going later on during the night.

 

The Rolling Stones: Sympathy for the Devil. Another rock classic.

 

Bobby ‘Boris’ Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers: Monster Mash. I don’t really know what to say about this one.

 

Metallica: Enter Sandman. Keep the air guitars out for this one too.

 

Warren Zevon: Werewolves of London. A song about werewolves is enough to put on your Halloween playlist.

 

Rihanna: Disturbia. A wacky song by the pop star herself. She’s in a mental prison of some kind in the video, and it has spooky noises in the background.