tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10075041922730465872024-03-05T17:58:51.629+00:00KukadoodlesChristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-29788205345166790472017-11-02T13:28:00.001+00:002017-11-02T13:28:36.910+00:00This Blog is Currently on HiatusNew website coming soonChristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-33372867466786336752016-10-02T20:48:00.001+01:002016-10-02T20:48:55.477+01:00Writing Update #19Remember when I said in the last writing update that everything's settled down?<br />
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lol no.</div>
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<b><u>Writing</u></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>I've been working with TenEighty a lot - I've been with them for nine months now and I finally met the team in real life in August at Summer in the City (they're really lovely people!). I was a panel reporter at the YouTube convention and had such a good time. I talked more about it here. I was moved from news to Pulse, which produces lighthearted and fun articles. Soon, I'll be off to features which involves writing longer, more investigative think pieces - really looking forward to that.</li>
<li>My short story for the Dragonfly Tea competition got shortlisted! We've been invited to the Henley Literary Festival where they'll announce the winners there. Super happy about that, really looking forward to the day!</li>
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<b><u>Real Life and Other Nonsense</u></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>I was part of a 72-hour gaming livestream for charity, helping to live-tweet the event and assist with the publicity side of things. We were raising money for Special Effect, a charity that aims to help people with physical disabilities play video games by providing technology ranging from modified joypads to eye-control, bringing families and friends together. We ended up raising £2700 which is incredible - big well done to the team and thank you to everyone who donated, watched and shared the livestream!</li>
<li>I have been job hunting, or trying to, and it's not easy. Urgh. </li>
</ul>
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<b><u>Music</u></b></div>
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A few months ago at a BedBoat magazine evening, Sam aka Samantics got on stage and began to perform. He uses a loop pedal, and made a track live with his voice, beatboxing, guitar and ukulele. Then, he sung and rapped over the top.</div>
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HE IS INCREDIBLE. </div>
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Check out my video for a little snippet - he's so good, definitely check him out!</div>
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I'm going to try and make these updates at the end of every month, rather than fortnightly as I think that's more manageable and I'll have more to talk about. Hope you're all well, have a good day!</div>
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-31086081031111674952016-07-26T12:00:00.000+01:002016-07-26T12:00:21.023+01:00Garnier's Fresh Refining Toner "Shine Be Gone" ReviewI've been using this toner for around three months now and it's one of my favourites beauty products.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQK7VmNQQtWcIDge0rwn_HR4TK6iV3c1zLHoOiuFWXX8HVoO_feeMOc2d7LN1PJJtHk_LU55VhkYjDetfvVrnb2g8VOx6iB2T7SJo_9ZHoS8wXiW02IoYUXRqA84_OS2R6SSeK4m7EcUt/s1600/DSCF1600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQK7VmNQQtWcIDge0rwn_HR4TK6iV3c1zLHoOiuFWXX8HVoO_feeMOc2d7LN1PJJtHk_LU55VhkYjDetfvVrnb2g8VOx6iB2T7SJo_9ZHoS8wXiW02IoYUXRqA84_OS2R6SSeK4m7EcUt/s320/DSCF1600.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm generally skeptical about toner - I prefer to just cleanse and moisturise. Toner is used after cleansing to tighten pores, further clean your skin and add extra beneficial ingredients to your skin. I never believe anything that says it'll tighten your pores - that's not how skin works. Pore size is genetic, all you can do is keep them clean as when they're clogged they'll look bigger than they actually are. However, you can't actually reduce their natural size.<br />
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Anyway, this toner by Garnier is for combination to oily skin (still okay for sensitive skin) and claims to be enriched with green tea and moringa extracts to cleanse and purify your skin. It does contain alcohol, so if your skin is super sensitive I would avoid this.<br />
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However, I've been needing something stronger to help clean out my skin, especially around my nose where the pores get clogged up easily. It doesn't sting but leaves a gentle tingle and feels very light and refreshing. I add a little onto a cotton pad and swipe it over my t-zone - when I look at the pad afterwards, it's picked up the oil and you can see the discolouration on the cotton. When I don't use it, my skin breaks out more easily so I've been using this at least once a day, everyday.<br />
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Anyone else tried this toner? Got any other recommendations for me? Let me know in the comments!<br />
<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-22058665311070205562016-07-24T18:09:00.000+01:002016-07-24T18:09:12.371+01:00Lush Bath Bomb 'Honey Bee' ReviewI went up to London recently and of course I had to pop into the Oxford street store - it is the world's largest Lush store after all. I've never had a bath bomb before but I'd been walking around London all day and wanted to a nice way to unwind when I got home.<br />
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I found the 'Honey Bee' bath bomb and took a sniff - this is the bath bomb version of the <a href="http://kukadoodles.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/lush-honey-i-washed-my-hair-shampoo-bar.html" target="_blank">'<span style="color: blue;">Honey I Washed My Hair' shampoo</span></a>, which is my favourite scent from Lush.<br />
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Throwing it into the bath at home, it doesn't have an overpowering scent but still smells so gorgeous. It's got a wonderful sweet caramel smell without getting sickly. The bath bomb contains honey, aloe vera and a special type of clay called rhassoul mud. The mud is supposed to be cleansing but it felt quite grainy as it's hard for it to break up properly and it left little flakes at the bottom of my bath when I drained it. Also, the water turns into this very unattractive yellow colour.<br />
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Still, I really enjoyed this bath bomb and I'd love to get another one!<br />
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<b>Price: </b>£3.50<br />
<b>Cruelty free? </b>YesChristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-43142441171342705402016-07-22T12:00:00.000+01:002016-07-22T12:00:19.115+01:00Webcomic Recommendations!I've been creating <a href="http://mymindandmecomics.tumblr.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">my own webcomics</span></a> for over a month now. It's called 'My Mind and Me' and it follows those two characters - the mind is the darker shaded character who pops up at inopportune moments and me is the blue character.<br />
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It's a little comic that illustrates what goes on in my head, little scenarios in my life, and I occasionally discuss mental health issues with this comic. It's been super fun and I'm really enjoying creating these comics.<br />
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I made a video recently about my favourite webcomics, so if you want some recommendations, you're in the right place!<br />
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<b><u>Recommendation Roundup</u></b></div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://sarahcandersen.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Sarah Andersen</span></a>: very funny, relatable comics.</li>
<li><a href="http://wirrowportfolio.tumblr.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Wirrow</span></a>: beautiful, dreamy, wonderful artwork.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.tunecomic.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Tune</span></a>: immensely funny and fantastic comic.</li>
<li><a href="http://abominable.cc/post/44164796353/episode-one" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">The Abominable Charles Christopher</span></a>: heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure.</li>
<li><a href="http://grieferbeltcomic.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Griefer Belt</span></a>: queer criminals in a dark underworld.</li>
<li><a href="http://theycantalk.tumblr.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">They Can Talk</span></a>: there's animals. They can talk.</li>
<li><a href="http://lizclimo.tumblr.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Liz Climo</span></a>: more adorable animal comics.</li>
<li><a href="http://sheldonthetinydinosaur.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Sheldon the Tiny Dinosaur Who Thinks He's a Turtle</span></a>: no further explanation is needed. </li>
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Hope you enjoy these recommendations, and let me know if you have any suggestions!</div>
<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-80913402655325271122016-07-17T20:48:00.000+01:002016-07-17T20:48:05.772+01:00Lush 'Soak and Float' Shampoo Bar ReviewThis is the second shampoo bar I've used, the first one being the '<a href="http://kukadoodles.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/lush-honey-i-washed-my-hair-shampoo-bar.html" target="_blank">Honey I Washed My Hair</a>'. If you're not familiar with shampoo bars, check out my review as I explain it there or click <a href="https://uk.lush.com/article/mighty-shampoo-bar" target="_blank">here for explanation on Lush's page</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__92oA1rZOAMa5k4IhZsQP4Dy6zkyj7dcHnbuL482qd2rrTTb2u6TmSQUNxKdowQ1Ka3W2Ldy18KsdQNOVHvbqStEiOZkMj4rnEePhrmG0q0CX_S8q3GrYuyMvjY_vIjU0zYsPu5AWWa4/s1600/DSCF4343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__92oA1rZOAMa5k4IhZsQP4Dy6zkyj7dcHnbuL482qd2rrTTb2u6TmSQUNxKdowQ1Ka3W2Ldy18KsdQNOVHvbqStEiOZkMj4rnEePhrmG0q0CX_S8q3GrYuyMvjY_vIjU0zYsPu5AWWa4/s320/DSCF4343.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I got the 'Soak and Float' because my scalp goes through periods of feeling itchy and I occasionally have get dandruff, so I wanted something that would help soothe and clear my scalp. I didn't want to get another bottle of Head and Shoulders as that stuff makes me lose a lot of hair - a surprisingly common thing for a lot of people, although there's no scientific evidence linking the product and hair loss.<br />
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Anyway, this is much gentler. It contains rose oil and cade oil that helps sooth the skin and so far, it works fairly well. It hasn't completely solved the issue but it's toned it town.<br />
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I was a little freaked out about how it contains dried rose and marigold petals in it - I was worried they'd stick in my hair but these washed right out, even out of my mane of hair without a problem. It has a strong rose scent which I find quite pleasant and soothing.<br />
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Overall, a really nice product and I would recommend it to anyone with scalp or dandruff issues!<br />
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<b>Cost: </b>£5.95<br />
<b>Cruelty free?</b> Oh yes. Lush is known for producing cruelty free, environmentally friendly, vegetarian friendly and occasionally vegan products.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-25936453685840338952016-07-13T13:51:00.001+01:002016-07-13T13:51:07.690+01:00Writing Update #18Everything's settled down a little bit, so I'll try and get back into the swing of blogging! I've started making these writing updates in a video format - I'll still make a blog post but the written format will be more of a summary whilst the video will go into more detail about everything.<br />
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<b><u>Writing Update</u></b><br />
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<li>One of poems has been published! I'm in BedBoat magazine, a gorgeous new indie lifestyle publications. It's a gorgeous magazine run by lovely people, I'm so happy I get to be part of it!</li>
<li>I've also got a short story in Exetera magazine - it's about virtual reality. It follows a court case where a woman has destroyed several avatars and is on trial for mass digital murder - cheery stuff, I know! I'm on page 30.</li>
<li>I reviewed American Idiot the Musical recently - fantastic show! If you love Green Day, go go go. </li>
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<b><u>Music</u></b><br />
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<li>I met the lovely Sadie Horler who has a new EP out! She's a singer-song writer who does folk music, super talented - check out her music here. </li>
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<b><u>Real Life and Other Nonsense</u></b><br />
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<li>I've moved out of uni, and have graduated which is weird and scary stuff.</li>
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That's enough about me, how are you all?</div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-24766119161141973242016-04-16T15:37:00.001+01:002016-04-16T15:37:21.176+01:00Writing Update #17VERY quick post as I haven't written in ages. End of degree is coming. There is a lot of fear in our souls. I'm working on my dissertation and a big essay - they're like big brick walls I have to break through because I hear there's light on the other side. So here's some stuff I've been up to since the last post:<br />
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<b>Writing</b><br />
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<li>A poem and short story has been accepted for <a href="http://www.bedboatmag.co.uk/" target="_blank">BedBoat magazine</a>, either they'll both be in the upcoming issue or split between Issue 3 and 4.</li>
<li>I wrote a poem title 'The Sky People' and I want to make a video to go along with the video and have animation but all my friends are in the same boat as me and finishing up our degrees. Will keep you all posted.</li>
<li>New radio play I was working on has unfortunately been cancelled due to being too busy with everything. </li>
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<b>Other Projects</b><br />
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<li>I won the Paddon Award again (second year running) - which was uber amazing. I made a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZBEPXkP4VE" target="_blank">short film this year</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/kukadoodles?&ab_channel=Kukadoodles" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> is going well but sadly I can't spend much time making videos right now.</li>
<li>Started a podcast with my younger sister. We've called it <a href="https://soundcloud.com/thelemonwaterpodcast" target="_blank">'The Lemon Water Podcast'</a>. It's still very rough as we're starting out but it's fun.</li>
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Ok that's all I have time for! Bye!<br />
<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-56980940265287819982016-02-03T12:00:00.000+00:002016-02-03T12:00:10.983+00:00Garnier toner review<i>Cleanse, tone, moisturise.</i><br />
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All beauty guides chant this like some sort of creepy mantra. I understood the cleansing and the moisturising, but what's the point of toner?<br />
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I <strike>read a Wikipedia page</strike> did a little research - toner cleanses the face and apparently minimises the size of pores. I talked to a doctor (messaged a family member who's a GP) and it's not possible to actually change the size of your pores, it's just part of your face. When pores are clogged they dilate, so keeping them clean can make them less noticeable.<br />
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I started using toner a few years ago to see what it's all about. I've used a few in my time and so far I like this one the best.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2B8tQZ1zHLcAr15iGCDHYLcTYQyLV3IUQY_BLdS1mP_jrybkhrgYvOsD58XwygAOtp8Z0nWgQQ3qFdeEMyDUwcNAQaH0sb-fCJ7yxiTMHmlGaTme6MjfwmhmiOM41eibyYrVQZ7Fb6ZTS/s1600/DSCF1600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2B8tQZ1zHLcAr15iGCDHYLcTYQyLV3IUQY_BLdS1mP_jrybkhrgYvOsD58XwygAOtp8Z0nWgQQ3qFdeEMyDUwcNAQaH0sb-fCJ7yxiTMHmlGaTme6MjfwmhmiOM41eibyYrVQZ7Fb6ZTS/s320/DSCF1600.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garnier Fresh Refining Toner Shine Be Gone!</td></tr>
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This is a high street brand and is very affordable. I used to avoid toner that contained alcohol as I was worried that it would be too harsh on my sensitive skin. However, I suffer from blackheads so I fancied trying something stronger.<br />
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It's quite gentle and leaves a tingly feeling on the skin. I've used this daily for about a year now* and my blackheads aren't as bad as they used to be. I put a little on a cotton pad and sweep it over my nose and forehead. It seems to help clear the oil that builds up in the pores and manage the oil on my skin. This hasn't banished all blackheads, but it's helping me manage them.<br />
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Overall - very nice product.<br />
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<b>Price? </b>£3.29<br />
<b>Where can I get some? </b><a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Garnier-Start-Afresh-Refreshing-Toner-200ml_868680/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Boots</span></a> or <a href="http://www.superdrug.com/Garnier/Garnier-Fresh-Refining-Toner-Shine-Be-Gone!-200ml/p/891857" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Superdrug</span></a><br />
<b>Size? </b>200ml<br />
<b>Cruelty free? </b>No<br />
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*the bottle looks full because I photographed this a while agoChristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-16763417026985029532016-01-27T23:02:00.003+00:002016-01-27T23:02:36.420+00:00Readathon Wrap Up - Seasons of Reading 'Winter's Respite'<span style="font-family: inherit;">I did the <a href="http://seasonsreading.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Seasons of Reading</span></a> readathon - this one was the Winter's Respite which runs from 18 - 24 Jan. Actually managed to make another video, so this is my wrap up - you can see what I read and how I did!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>My links:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><span style="color: #333333;">-</span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/Kukadoodles" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Goodreads</span></a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><span style="color: #333333;">-</span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR7F6oWhEecYyl03B7Au0bA?&ab_channel=Kukadoodles" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Youtube</span></a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><span style="color: #333333;">-</span><a href="https://twitter.com/kukadoodles" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Twitter</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">-</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kukadoodles/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Instagram</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">Seasons of Reading Links:</span></b><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">-<a href="http://seasonsreading.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Blog</span></a></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">-<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/16180..." target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Facebook group</span></a></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">-<a href="https://twitter.com/seasonsofread" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Twitter</span></a></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><b>Books mentioned:</b></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">'The Road' - Cormac McCarthy</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">'On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft' - Stephen King</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">'Wuthering Heights' - Emily Bronte</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">'The Bone Clocks' - David Mitchell</span></span><br />
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<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-76426115354888659742016-01-17T17:17:00.000+00:002016-01-17T17:36:58.090+00:00My Reading List - Seasons of Reading Readathon 'WintersRespite'I'm trying to do the 50 book challenge this year, so I'm taking part in several readathons throughout the year. I didn't manage to complete the January AYearAThon as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7iLLN1zv1E&ab_channel=Kukadoodles" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">I started so late</span></a>. But, I managed to blast through <i>The Road</i> by Cormac McCarthy - which may not be such a good thing as it's pretty depressing to say the least.<br />
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<a href="http://seasonsreading.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Seasons of Reading</span></a> hold four readathons throughout the year (one for each season) and I believe they do an extra one at Christmas. I'm taking part in the Winter's Respite which runs from 18 - 24 Jan. If you want to see how your fellow participants are doing, the hastag on twitter is <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WintersRespite&src=typd" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">#WintersRespite</span></a>.<br />
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<a href="http://seasonsreading.blogspot.co.uk/p/guidelines.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">The rules are very relaxed</span></a> and there isn't a theme for this season. They have a big giveaway at the end of the readathons but you have to sign up on the site and link your wrap-up at the end, as winners are chosen from that.<br />
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I'm still busy getting back into university, finding motivation in this miserably cold month and I'm travelling across the country this week to visit friends, so it's hectic but train journeys are perfect for reading. Also, this is why I'm writing a blog post rather than trying to plan, film, edit and upload a book video. I might do a wrap up video, but we'll see.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYIRfk3XMT1kS0x6iOBaYQfI-xqTBkzg5yOyqDoPFfGCrQTuvKrp7mAKhprdpYSDYchGDU4ChvdkkeIw3yCmXraRaLDbGvYB2DYHD1ZCVjqVhdU1bQ8rklvYM5WhsCtPGRO_EWFPbh5jh/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYIRfk3XMT1kS0x6iOBaYQfI-xqTBkzg5yOyqDoPFfGCrQTuvKrp7mAKhprdpYSDYchGDU4ChvdkkeIw3yCmXraRaLDbGvYB2DYHD1ZCVjqVhdU1bQ8rklvYM5WhsCtPGRO_EWFPbh5jh/s400/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My list consists of:<br />
-<i> On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft</i> by Stephen King. This is a rollover from the AYearAThon, as I could only get halfway through.<br />
<i>- Wuthering Heights</i> by Emily Bronte. It's a classic that my friends are obsessed with, and it's been so cold and windy recently that it's perfect.<br />
<i>- The Bone Clocks</i> by David Mitchell. I only got halfway through when I first read it, so this is a great excuse to finish it.<br />
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If you want to follow my progress, I'm <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/Kukadoodles" target="_blank">here on GoodReads</a>.</span><br />
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Anyone else taking part? Let me know what you're reading!</div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-69093410786356345612016-01-13T12:00:00.000+00:002016-07-14T20:39:14.230+01:00Lush 'Honey I Washed My Hair' Shampoo Bar ReviewThis is amazing.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcyxjNF5B9lzPBvX3t0n_UEtMlSO7qBKU5icSsTb9nbbM1_1d2NTcG1Szplt6hhNO7UZvfSOfW3NxzsiljjJOKR_YiU8sXM_6yLAufQIGULMqIcnhsyOxlv_i7ELDtaA9RNrChzezQo3_/s1600/DSCF3462.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcyxjNF5B9lzPBvX3t0n_UEtMlSO7qBKU5icSsTb9nbbM1_1d2NTcG1Szplt6hhNO7UZvfSOfW3NxzsiljjJOKR_YiU8sXM_6yLAufQIGULMqIcnhsyOxlv_i7ELDtaA9RNrChzezQo3_/s320/DSCF3462.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The<span style="color: blue;"> '<a href="https://uk.lush.com/products/honey-i-washed-my-hair-0" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Honey I Washed My Hair' shampoo bar</span></a>'</span> is a little round bar and looks tiny (mine's 55g) but it's fantastic. I can't get over how good this smells - it's like caramel and sweet without being overpowering. Before I used it, it gently filled the room with the amazing scent and now my bathroom smells great.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>I'd never heard of a shampoo bar before, I'm used to liquid in bottles, so I was intrigued by this. I was concerned it wouldn't lather much as it's a solid bar, but it did (I was in a sweet scented lathery cloud). You can lather it up in your hands and apply to hair, or rub it directly onto your head. I have a LOT of hair, so applying it right to my hair was better, but I'd say if you have short hair put it on your hands first.<br />
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It's very light, easy to wash out and my hair is noticeable softer. My hair can get sleeker/smoother depending on the product but because my hair type is coarse, I've never thought that it could be soft. Also, my hair smells gorgeous afterwards.<br />
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Lush is known for using natural ingredients, and the shampoo bar is full of them. The main ingredients are honey (good for taming hair - mine is very thick and a little wild), sweet wild orange oil (adds to the scent) and bergamot oil (for cleansing).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-EUnCgxmls9yKX6QoUdNNcHO_cKSCAEO_RXZPEmlIpvErCz8l6WAIRzN5o-se6agH3H0pfJKvjHq3iFTJHoN000xis2MroXndg-wAaZY_nJd5GjmrgutkkMlqPllL5SFaqatoW99Yhfu/s1600/DSCF3464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-EUnCgxmls9yKX6QoUdNNcHO_cKSCAEO_RXZPEmlIpvErCz8l6WAIRzN5o-se6agH3H0pfJKvjHq3iFTJHoN000xis2MroXndg-wAaZY_nJd5GjmrgutkkMlqPllL5SFaqatoW99Yhfu/s320/DSCF3464.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apologies to my foot scrub</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I was worried that it'll do what soap does after use and become a soggy mess but it holds its shape. You can buy a shampoo tin from Lush, but I've heard they tend to get stuck in them when they're wet (I may have to get one for travelling anyway). I just rested it on a flat surface and it glued itself to said flat surface, so I'll need to find a better way of storing it.<br />
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The only real downside is that it can dry out your hair and you have to use conditioner, if you don't already. However, I used a regular conditioner and my hair was fine.<br />
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I bought it for £5.95 which is more than my usual shampoos. But, apparently, it'll last 2-3 times longer than liquid shampoo so if that's true it's very good value for money. Also, did did i mention how good this smells?<br />
<br />
I loved that it doesn't come with excessive packaging - just bought it in the store, they put it in a paper bag (which is biodegradable). I'm trying to move into cruelty free makeup and beauty products, and Lush is known for producing cruelty free, environmentally friendly, vegetarian friendly and occasionally vegan products.<br />
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Really really love this shampoo bar and I genuinely don't want to use anything else ever again!Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-83862806641615973992016-01-10T15:08:00.001+00:002016-01-17T17:21:50.922+00:00AYearAThon #1 & New On BooktubeYouTubing has begun. No more am I just a viewer, I make things now. I've been on YouTube as a viewer for five years now and want to feel like I'm actually part of it, rather than just taking it other people's work.<br />
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The booktube community is very small which I like. People say they miss the old YouTube, how it was back in 2009-2011 when it felt like a shared secret. I like how the smallness of it means we all have to work together because we need each other, and it's interesting to engage with that.<br />
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Also none of my friends are that into YouTube culture so I'm hoping to find other people who are.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/m7iLLN1zv1E/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m7iLLN1zv1E?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>My links:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><span style="color: #333333;">-</span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/Kukadoodles" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Goodreads</span></a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><span style="color: #333333;">-</span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR7F6oWhEecYyl03B7Au0bA?&ab_channel=Kukadoodles" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Youtube</span></a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><span style="color: #333333;">-</span><a href="https://twitter.com/kukadoodles" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Twitter</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">-</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kukadoodles/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Instagram</span></a></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>AYearAThon Links</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><span style="color: #333333;">-</span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/..." target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Goodreads</span></a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><span style="color: #333333;">-</span><a href="https://twitter.com/AYearAThon" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Twitter</span></a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><span style="color: #333333;">-</span><a href="http://instagram.com/ayearathon/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Instagram</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><b>Hosts:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">-Ke-sha @ theforsaken707 (</span><a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/theforsaken707" rel="nofollow" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #167ac6; cursor: pointer; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="https://www.youtube.com/user/theforsaken707">https://www.youtube.com/user/theforsa...</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">-Alyssa @ ACReads (</span><a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/acreadsblog" rel="nofollow" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #167ac6; cursor: pointer; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="https://www.youtube.com/user/acreadsblog">https://www.youtube.com/user/acreadsblog</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">-Kristina @ ThePrincessGummyBear</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">(</span><a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAa_QrJ687pvviI8gl8XRKQ" rel="nofollow" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #167ac6; cursor: pointer; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAa_QrJ687pvviI8gl8XRKQ">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAa_...</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">.)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">-Kerri @ KerriForLife </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">(</span><a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0d1OFJ0NzKbMoTyE1ghBHA" rel="nofollow" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #167ac6; cursor: pointer; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0d1OFJ0NzKbMoTyE1ghBHA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0d1...</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">-Katie @ Kitkatscanread</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">(</span><a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Kitkatscanread/videos" rel="nofollow" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #167ac6; cursor: pointer; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="https://www.youtube.com/user/Kitkatscanread/videos">https://www.youtube.com/user/Kitkatsc...</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">)</span>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-25366457205841616712016-01-08T20:27:00.001+00:002016-02-21T12:56:40.555+00:00New Years Resolutions 2016Let's make some goals! And yes, this is published late so it wouldn't get lost in the flood of other bloggers's lists. <a href="http://kukadoodles.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/reviewing-old-resolutions.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">I previously looked over some random old goals</span></a> I made in the past and here are my new ones.<br />
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I love setting out targets - it gives me a focus for the year and it's interesting to look back and see what past you wanted. This year I'm not setting any exercise goals because I just won't do them. I'm healthy and I always walk to wherever I need to be. There's a tiny child inside me throwing a tantrum every time I tell myself to exercise, so I guess I'll do it when I want to, not when I'm told.<br />
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<b><i>Writing</i></b><br />
There are a lot of project ideas that have been lying around for YEARS but no more! Currently I want to work on:<br />
<ul>
<li>Two theatre script ideas</li>
<li>A short story</li>
<li>Six poems ideas</li>
<li>Finish off three poems</li>
<li>A novel - outline the plot, characters and world</li>
<li>Finish going through and editing a novella I wrote four years ago. </li>
<li>Work on a radio play series to hopefully be released later this term</li>
</ul>
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I know I won't complete all of them and you can't force creativity, but I've ignored them for so long it's ridiculous. Also, I tend to just forget these ideas exist until I find some scrap of paper with notes on it. I've discovered the <a href="https://www.google.com/keep/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Google Keep app</span></a> and now all my lists are in one place (I can now have a list of lists and it's very satisfying).<br />
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I'm going to surround myself with creativity - read more (especially poetry), go to poetry slams, watch and listen to movies and plays and maybe even leave my room to write outside. Writing is intensely private, I can't even mention what my ideas are about when they're developing, let alone write properly in public. But I've been in cafes and thought this would be a lovely atmosphere to make up short stories about strangers so that's a challenge.<br />
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<b><i>Other Creative</i></b><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/kukadoodles?&ab_channel=Kukadoodles" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Making videos</span></a> and blogging more are two big targets, along with a few others.<br />
<ul>
<li>Work on my seven video ideas. <i>I have all the footage, I just need to sit and edit them.</i></li>
<li>Make two readathon videos. </li>
<li>Write and upload all my drafts on the blog. <i>I have a lot. A. LOT. I don't want to set follower/view count numbers as that's mostly out of my hands, all I can do is make good stuff I would want to read. Plus, it's dangerous and demoralizing to get caught up in statistics. I'd like to work with a brand/company this year so I'll feel like a 'proper' blogger' so we'll see how that goes.</i></li>
<li>Do a self-portrait. <i>I'm really worried that if I try to get back into art I'll find that I'm not very good and I've lost all my abilities. But, the only way to improve is to do it. </i></li>
<li>Develop a cartoon style for humans. <i>I can do animals and objects, but not people yet. </i></li>
<li>Make a magazine. <i>I love magazines, I own A LOT. I've had to impose a ban on myself from buying any more. I know how to make one, how to go about it, I just need to do it. </i></li>
</ul>
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<b><i>Learning</i></b><br />
I am a big big nerd and love learning new things independently.<br />
<ul>
<li>Actually finish the courses I've signed up to on <a href="https://www.futurelearn.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">FutureLearn</span></a> (it's a site that offers a huge variety of free online courses). </li>
<li>Have a basic grasp of HTML. <i>I've always wanted to learn coding and it's an employable skill (yay job hunting help me).</i></li>
<li>Have a basic grasp of Microsoft Excel. <i>I just want to know how to use formulas etc.</i></li>
<li>Reach 50% on <a href="https://www.duolingo.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Duolingo</span></a>. <i>This is another free educational website. I love the French language - some people who are interested in French are so because they like all things to do with France. I just really like the language for the language. </i></li>
</ul>
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<b><i>General</i></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Use up 3 notebooks. <i>I own approximately 50. This is not an exaggeration. I have a problem (this number includes old exercise books from school that never got filled up and refill notepads). This is not an exaggeration. I have a problem. </i></li>
<li>Get a job after uni. <i>*Internal screaming*</i></li>
<li>Get a place to live after uni. <i>*Internal screaming intensifies*</i></li>
<li>Complete the 50 book challenge (not including academic texts).<i> I'm keeping track on my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/Kukadoodles" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Goodreads</span></a>.</i></li>
<li>Complete the 50 movie challenge (all films I've never seen before). <i>Is there a site like Goodreads for film? Let me know.</i></li>
<li>Finish this <a href="http://kukadoodles.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/100-things-to-do.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">100 things to do list</span></a>.</li>
<li>Stop paying for things on card, use cash only. <i>It'll be easier to keep track of how much I'm spending.</i></li>
<li>Every time I don't use up change on sweets, chips etc I put it in a jar. At the end of the month, cash it in and put it into my savings account. <i>Good for my health and my finances. </i></li>
</ul>
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<div>
Hopefully I'll be able to tick these off as time passes, I'll probably make a follow up post halfway through the year. Wishing you all a lovely January!</div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-38609210909042958552016-01-06T19:59:00.000+00:002016-04-16T15:18:01.686+01:00Steak 'n Sushi, Exeter ReviewIs there a better way to end the term than having a nice meal with good friends? I think not.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.steaknsushi-exeter.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Steak 'n Sushi</span></a> is one of Valentina's favourite places (I mentioned her in my Tea on the Green post - we're totally cafe/restaurant buddies now <strike>and I no longer have to eat alone</strike>). It opened in 2010 and apparently is Exeter's first Japanese restaurant. It claims that all the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced - judging by the food, I have no reason to doubt this.<br />
<br />
The food was SO. GOOD. I can see why Valentina loves it, we <i>have </i>to go again.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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We visited in early December. The restaurant has a lovely atmosphere, nice decor with a peaceful atmosphere. Our waitress was really nice; she gave us enough time to look at the menu, chatted to us and made sure we were ok. We ordered neither steak nor sushi (I don't eat beef and we just weren't in the mood for sushi).<br />
<br />
Valentina ordered her usual; grilled chicken donburi and a seaweed salad. Donburi is a rice dish with teriyaki sauce, vegetables and egg. She also had jasmine tea in a cute pot (I tried the tea since I'm a tea person - pretty good). She let me try some of her dish as well* and it was delicious.<br />
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Apologies for the low quality of these photos, I neglected to take my proper camera (again).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jasmine tea, seaweed salad, donburi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I had grilled salmon and miso soup. The soup was really good, though slightly too salty for my taste.<br />
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The grilled salmon was amazing. Tender, full of flavour - beautiful. 'Twas a beautiful fish.<br />
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My dish was on the small side and little bit expensive (for student budgets) but I had a lunchtime deal which brought the price down.<br />
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Ultimately a really lovely restaurant and I can't wait to have an excuse to visit again!<br />
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<br />
*My friends and I always share food when we eat out. This is very normal for me and most people from my culture (East Asia) do this, but apparently it's abnormal for some. I always believe sharing is caring!</div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-36816523064803127282016-01-02T19:18:00.000+00:002016-04-16T15:18:21.809+01:00Commentating on 'Out of the Woods' by Taylor SwiftThis came out on New Year's Eve and it's quite a visually impressive music video to be fair. But I'm still going to provide some sarcastic commentary.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JcDrG3ecxVI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JcDrG3ecxVI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<i>All images are screenshots from Vevo</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
0.00 <i>"She lost him."</i><br />
There is more to life than finding/breaking up with romantic partners and I'm really bored of the same romance storylines. It's 2016. You can't keep telling the same story with different characters.<br />
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0.08 <i>Trees start sprouting</i><br />
What the.<br />
Is this a Sleeping Beauty reference? You know, with the rose forest growing around the castle as she sleeps?<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
0.20<br />
It looks beautiful so far - this will either be beautifully shot 'Style' or end up being some strange storyline like 'Bad Blood' (another video I commentated on, <a href="http://kukadoodles.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/taylor-swift-ft-kendrick-lamar-bad.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">check it out</span></a>).<br />
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0.27 <i>Snarling wolf appears</i><br />
Oh hello doggy.<br />
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0.32 <i>"We were lying on your couch"</i><br />
Well, you're definitely not there now.<br />
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0.43<br />
More doggies!<br />
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0.44<br />
That's a lovely transition from light to dark as she turns her head.<br />
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0.50 <i>"Then discovered/The rest of the world was black and white/But we were in screaming colour"</i><br />
Those are beautiful lyrics - this is a nice song.<br />
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1.00 <i>Wolves chase her</i><br />
Bad doggies.<br />
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1.15 <i>Taylor trips</i><br />
WHY CAN NO ONE RUN THROUGH WOODS WITHOUT TRIPPING UP LIKE IS IT REALLY THAT HARD.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor be trippin'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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1.22 <i>Wolf makes a lunge</i><br />
Fact for you all - wolves will attack by biting the hamstrings of their prey because they know that'll stop you running. Can't say I don't teach you anything.<br />
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1.26 <i>Falls down and transitions into winter wonderland before the wolves catch her</i><br />
Close escape.<br />
Ok we're in the snowy mountain tops and Taylor is channelling her inner Elsa.<br />
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1.35<br />
OH SH- THE WOLVES ARE BACK.<br />
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1.43<br />
Good grief Ms Swift has <i>beautiful</i> eyes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BLUE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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1.45 <i>Wolves are lurking behind her</i><br />
Why isn't she running away from the wolves.<br />
Run.<br />
Why aren't you running this is giving me anxiety.<br />
God gave you gorgeous long legs please use them to run.<br />
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<br />
2.04<br />
Amazing cinematography, but seriously the wolves are right behind you.<br />
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2.11 <i>Taylor leaps off a cliff into the sea</i><br />
Oh she escaped the wolves thank goodness<br />
She's in the ocean now, guess it's time for the Little Mermaid stop on this Disney ride.<br />
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2.16 <i>Lands in the desert</i><br />
How is she teleporting so much? She's saving loads of money and carbon emissions instead of flying.<br />
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2.23 <i>Change to frozen forest</i><br />
After that short desert interlude we're back to Elsa.<br />
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2.53 <i>Taylor crawls through mud a lot</i><br />
Why is the mud scene getting so much time? Is this an allusion to that Shakira music video 'Whenever, Wherever'?<br />
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3.00 <i>Tree limbs sprout and surround her</i><br />
Taylor Swift is Groot.<br />
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3.10<br />
Seriously we've even got the fireflies.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I AM GROOT</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
3.19 <i>Taylor falls down a lot</i><br />
So much falling.<br />
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3.27 <i>Taylor stands up a lot</i><br />
Symbolism.<br />
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3.37 <i>Wolves are behind her, not eating her face.</i><br />
Oh, the wolves are friends now.<br />
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3.52 <i>Two Taylor Swifts are on a beach. This sounds like the beginning of a joke. </i><br />
Are they going to merge into one? Is the universe going to implode if they touch?<br />
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End <i>"She lost him but found herself and somehow that was everything"</i><br />
URGH NO THAT'S SO CRINGEY. Genuinely covered my face and crumpled up in my chair. That's a lovely message but that was so clichéd - reaching out to touch herself, literally finding herself and then spelling it out in that message.<br />
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<br />
<b>What does the music video mean?</b><br />
<b>Reading 1: </b><br />
It's about the trails of finding oneself after falling out of love. The woods represent the darkness and being lost, whilst the wolves are your inner demons. No matter where you are, the struggle remains with you. You fall down repeatedly until you learn to stand and you're at peace with your demons, which make you strong (hence the powerful pose with the wolves surrounding her). At the end, you find yourself.<br />
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<b>Reading 2:</b><br />
Taylor Swift is the Doctor, the blue dress is her TARDIS hence the transportation through space and time as she eventually meets her past self. When they touch this will cause the <a href="http://tardis.wikia.com/wiki/Blinovitch_Limitation_Effect" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Blinovitch Limitation Effect</span></a> (basically creatures will come to eat everyone and everything).<br />
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<br />
Analysis aside, I quite enjoyed that video and it's a pleasant song - will be replaying it for a while. This was fun to write - let me know what you think!Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-69439196535598214902015-12-30T17:51:00.000+00:002016-01-17T17:23:15.542+00:00Reviewing Old ResolutionsI found a list that I made two years ago, thought it would be fun to review it and see what I've accomplished, what I haven't and what no longer interests me. It wasn't a New Year's resolution list, I <i>think</i> it was just a list of targets for the summer holidays.<br />
<br />
What really helps is to make specific targets rather than vague goals so they're more achievable and you can tick them off e.g. instead of 'take up running', I wrote 'got for a run every fortnight' (that habit never stuck).<br />
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<b><u>Art</u></b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Learn a song on guitar</i> </li>
</ul>
I learnt several songs on guitar - just chords and how to strum. I've since forgotten everything I've learnt and the guitar is gathering dust.<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Learn 3 songs on ukulele </i></li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKq9QzNi-UVVtTxiFfe-k2UnGLS0lnUYUNKTbw9irzZ-x5aTRaNZQO7GCMXPQd723GVnnKNXRWIHg_zfNynuqm7_Up3okgAvjOiH4y7SJVZI3m-QZ-eaA9tYJbryQq0KunC9NKgecp-fO/s1600/18+Feb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKq9QzNi-UVVtTxiFfe-k2UnGLS0lnUYUNKTbw9irzZ-x5aTRaNZQO7GCMXPQd723GVnnKNXRWIHg_zfNynuqm7_Up3okgAvjOiH4y7SJVZI3m-QZ-eaA9tYJbryQq0KunC9NKgecp-fO/s320/18+Feb.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daisy the ukulele</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is now the only instrument I play. It's so easy to just pick up and strum as a break.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Experiment with watercolours </i></li>
</ul>
Did a lot of that, played around with them and learnt what all the colours look like on paper e.g. sap green and ultramarine blue.<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Experiment with acrylics</i> </li>
</ul>
Nope.<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Work on three painting ideas </i></li>
</ul>
This is rather a sore point for me. I <i>really want</i> to get back into drawing and learn to paint but with university, work, my other pursuits and work applications, there is NO. TIME.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soon. Maybe. One day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Listen to at least five new albums.</i> </li>
</ul>
Done, although now I tend to listen to playlists on <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://8tracks.com/" target="_blank">8tracks</a> </span>rather than finding albums.<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Practice flute three times a week </i></li>
</ul>
Oh good grief I haven't touched that instrument in years. I played flute fairly consistently for eight years, taking lessons and joining flute choirs. Unfortunately, I never learnt to love flute music so I have very little motivation to play except for sheer guilt.<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Writing</u></b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Adapt [certain book] into a script</i></li>
</ul>
I'm no longer very interested in this - the plot is too coincidentally convenient, everything is too lucky and I'm not sure how to make it less so. Maybe I'll return to this one day but for now I've got other projects<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Enter three writing competitions </i></li>
</ul>
Yup! I haven't entered any in a long while, but I'll try to. But dissertations and job applications. GAHHH-<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Write five short stories</i> </li>
</ul>
Haven't done so - I tend to write them for competitions. However, I recently read <i>Will You Please Be Quiet Please? </i>by Ramond Carver and also got <i>Smoke and Mirrors</i> by Neil Gaiman and <i>Stone Mattress </i>by Margaret Atwood for Christmas - all short story collections. They're really inspiring me to get back into writing them, so I'll keep you updated.<br />
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<ul>
<li><i>Write five poems</i> </li>
</ul>
I have since written eight, so yay for going over the target but nay because it's eight completed poems in two years...<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Make an online portfolio</i> </li>
</ul>
Well hey guys check out <a href="http://kukadoodles.blogspot.com/2014/06/a-collection-of-things-i-have-written.html" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">this post</a>!<br />
<ul>
</ul>
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<b><u>General Self-improvements</u></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Make a cleaning/tidying schedule </i></li>
</ul>
Made one, lost it in the mess.<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Read ten books that aren't for class</i> </li>
</ul>
Yup! You can follow my progress on <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/43402082-christy" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> </span>- starting from the new year, I'll be updating that with texts that I'm not reading academically.<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Read five scripts</i> </li>
</ul>
Complete fail. I've read two in the last six months, but not during that summer. I wanted to get into writing scripts and I've been writing them now.<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Watch five movies/TV episodes </i></li>
</ul>
Yes! I wish there was a Goodreads for films/TV - let me know if you know one.<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Listen to 10 podcasts</i> </li>
</ul>
I am now a podcast addict - I LOVE them. My regulars are <i><a href="https://soundcloud.com/dearhankandjohn" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Dear Hank and John</span></a></i>, <i><a href="https://soundcloud.com/adventuresinroommating" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Adventures in Roommating</span></a></i> and <a href="http://www.hellointernet.fm/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Hello Internet</i></span></a>, and I use some educational ones as well. I'll make a full post about this in the future.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dear Hank and John, Adventures in Roommating and Hello Internet</td></tr>
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<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Pass driving test</i> </li>
</ul>
I failed that summer BUT I PASSED (eventually).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'll be making a real New Year's Resolution list - I never keep my New Year's list in a safe spot and always lose them, so I'll post it on the blog. I don't take them super-seriously, it's just a way of seeing what kind of person you want to become and it's interesting to look back on in the future. I do like using them as a checklist of goals in order to keep me focused.<br />
<br />
Let me know if you have any resolutions or want to talk about any of the goals listed above!Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-30877379415761628692015-12-23T21:17:00.002+00:002015-12-23T21:17:39.502+00:00A Lil' Bookish ChristmasI'm finally starting to feel festive - went food shopping with the family today. I volunteered to help cook and then realised I have no idea how to roast a chicken (but that's what the internet's for).<br />
<br />
Anyway, it's cold and grey outside and everyone's tired because it's the end of the year. So, it's perfect to sit and read whilst fighting off food comas and "do you have a job yet" lectures from relatives.<br />
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<b><i>'Dash and Lily's Book of Dares' - Rachel Cohn and David Levithan</i></b><br />
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This is my all-time favourite Christmassy book. I've started reading it every year since my younger sibling got it for me as a gift. Sixteen-year-old Lily <i>adores</i> Christmas - but this year her family have left her alone. Encouraged by her brother, she hides a red notebook full of dares in her favourite bookshop, waiting for the right guy to accept. Cynical and uber-snarky Dash isn't one to step down from a challenge and they send each other on a scavenger hunt across Manhattan.<br />
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It's a very funny and cute YA novel. Their personalties are polar opposites which helps balance out each other. Lily can be annoyingly enthusiastic and Dash gets irritatingly sarcastic (I think I'm Dash rather than Lily). It's a wonderful light read for dark days.<br />
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The only downside is that I feel it ends rather abruptly/I was not emotionally ready to let these characters go. And that I really want to write the screen adaptation for this but a company has already bought it and apparently it's in production - although it's been a few years.<br />
<br />
Please hire me (<a href="http://kukadoodles.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/a-collection-of-things-i-have-written.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">online portfolio is here</span></a>).<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>'A Christmas Carol'</i> - <i>Charles Dickens</i></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neil Gaiman looking dapper</td></tr>
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Almost everyone knows the story, whether or not they've actually read it. An absolute timeless classic, it's <i>the</i> Christmas tale. It's been adapted countless times and I reviewed a <a href="http://kukadoodles.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/the-reviews-hub-christmas-carol-exeter.html" style="color: blue;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">stage adaptation recently</span></a>.<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
I've just discovered Neil Gaiman did a dramatic reading of this book last year for the New York Public Library - it's up on Soundcloud <a href="https://soundcloud.com/nypl/neil-gaiman-reads-a-christmas-carol" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>. A champion of libraries, he read from NYPL's copy of <i>A Christmas Carol</i> which includes edits and prompts written by Dickens himself for his own readings. I love Neil Gaiman and apparently he did the reading in full costume. This story, like most of Dicken's work is ideal to for reading aloud and this will be my bedtime story in the final days before Christmas.<br />
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<br />
<b><i>'Little Women' - Louis May Alcott</i></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit: Usborne</td></tr>
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It begins at Christmas time as the March children are gathered around the fireplace, saddened that they cannot buy presents for themselves for Christmas.<br />
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Me too girls, me too.<br />
<br />
This is another classic, I read and loved this as a child. I kinda hate it now but I still reread it. It's a book of its time - some read it as progressive, I still think it's problematic with a lot of messages that women should work towards being a good wife in the future and relinquish all ambitions. Also, I discovered there was a second part to the story a few years ago. I read it, got VERY ANGRY at certain events and now refuse to acknowledge the second part's existence.<br />
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Apparently, Alcott herself didn't think highly of it - she found it quite boring to write but it did well so she continued. Ultimately, it's a charming little book and sets an old-fashioned Christmassy mood.<br />
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<br />
Hope you're all well, let me know what you're reading this winter time and I hope you have a very bookish Christmas!<br />
<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-23528498691698480282015-12-21T15:00:00.000+00:002015-12-21T15:27:12.216+00:00Tea on the Green Cafe, Exeter<a href="http://www.teaonthegreen.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Tea on the Green</span></a> is one of my favourite cafes in Exeter, a place my friend Valentina and I love meeting up at for a catch up.<br />
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It's right next to Exeter Cathedral so it's beautiful to sit outside on a sunny day. They serve a range of English dishes, pastries, cream teas, coffees and, something I always look for, loose leaf teas.<br />
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The cafe's in a Grade II listed building and dates back to around 1530, so it recreates the atmosphere of an old fashioned tea room. The building was bought and the cafe opened in 2009, started by Ben Mangan, one of the founders of the Boston Tea Party chain (something I didn't know until I did some research for this post). It recently got featured on a <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/ailbhemalone/scones-on-scones-on-scones#.gt8edewDG" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Buzzfeed list</span></a> as one of the places in the UK all tea lovers should visit.<br />
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Valentina and I went last week or so before the Christmas holidays. They have a very wide range of black, green, white, herbal and flowering teas. I got Japanese Genmaicha tea (one of my absolute favourite blends) and Valentina got Tea Burst - it blooms in hot water and it's one of her usuals. The Genmaicha is Japanese green tea with toasted rice, a warm and almost-nutty tasting tea and it was wonderful here.<br />
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They have a glass tea set and there's this fun pot which never fails to amuse me:<br />
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The staff explain it to you when they bring you the tea (also, they'll top up the pot with hot water whenever you want). You let it brew for as long as you want/follow the suggestion on the menu, then place the pot on the cup and push down slightly. The tea comes out through the filter and when you pull it up it stops.<br />
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A downside to the cafe is that there's a lack of pastries Valentina can eat - she's allergic to eggs and lactose, so she can only order the treacle tart (without custard or cream). She did the last time we went and didn't like it much.<br />
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I indulged in a brownie as I wanted something to eat with my drink. It's a normal portion size but it was quite strongly sweet - I'd advise sharing it with someone (who isn't allergic) if you just want to nibble on something whilst having your tea.<br />
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The prices are reasonable, a little pricey for students but a good treat. The staff are really friendly, it's a beautiful building in a great location. There's a wonderful cosy old fashioned atmosphere and it's a lovely place. Definitely pop in if you're ever in Exeter!</div>
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(Apologies for the photos being a lower quality than usual, this was a spontaneous trip and I didn't bring my proper camera)</div>
<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-21750274022485132432015-12-19T12:00:00.000+00:002015-12-19T12:00:08.630+00:00'The Bosch Deception' - Alex Connor (Book Review)<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In 1473, a brotherhood hides a secret within the work
of the visionary Hieronymus Bosch. In modern day England Nicholas Laverne, a
disgraced priest, returns with an artefact that could destroy the Church and
the art world. However, secrets like that could kill.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Art, murder and the Catholic Church. No,
it isn’t the <i>Da Vinci Code</i>. <i>The Bosch Deception</i> by Alex Connor has a
lot of potential to be interesting; however I wished I didn’t have to read
through to the end of this book. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Bosch Deception</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">
spends the first third explaining the back story prior to the book’s events and
the next third catching other characters up with what’s happened so far. The
final sliver of the book stumbles towards the ending like a runner who
remembered they were in a race and bolts for the finishing line. It is so stuck
in explaining and re-explaining the past that at times it becomes unclear if
the story is talking about the past or if the present is just passing by very
quickly.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The book is overwritten, borderlining
melodramatic. It continuously points out the obvious without allowing the
reader to make their own deductions as to how this character is feeling or what
the atmosphere is. Points are laboured over; for this character, this action
might be worth it, but it might not, <i>BUT</i>
it might. Adverbs are overused, along with clumsy description. For example; "as
comfortable as an onion in its skin, Philip Preston strode into the gallery".
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remembering most of the characters is
difficult as they are dull and serve little to no purpose. For example, Honor
does nothing except tell the reader about what it was like to grow up with
Nicholas. A fairly simple expository role, yet she stays throughout the story
and offers little to the actual plot. Also, the pun that a woman who practises
law and is the good girl in the Laverne family has the name Honor is immensely
cringeworthy. Some of the characters are interesting – a personal favourite is
Sabine Monette. She is older than the
rest with a past and motivation that had the potential to create a fascinating
character. Sadly, she is underused.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the story’s main hooks is that this
secret would destroy the Catholic Church’s reputation. However, it is difficult
to imagine anything is more shocking than the child abuse cases that made the
news. The cases are briefly mentioned in the latter half of the story, but it
feels like a clumsy acknowledgement. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Bosch Deception </span></span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">explores
the theme of religion well, comparing its purpose in the old world to a modern
day business corporation. However, despite being a murder-mystery with plenty
of dead bodies and an unknown threat, little tension is created. Ultimately, a
frustrating and disappointing reading, not something I would buy, recommend or
reread in my own time. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-75528093130888996392015-12-16T17:52:00.003+00:002015-12-16T20:40:34.223+00:00The Christmas Tag By Someone Who Doesn't Really Do ChristmasI haven't done a tag here for about three years, but I saw Amber from <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.themilelongbookshelf.com/2015/12/the-christmas-tag.html#.VnGZnUqLTDc" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">The Mile Long Bookshelf do this</span></a> </span>(great blog, do check it out), so thought I'd have a go. I didn't realise how mellow I am about the festive season until writing this - it's never been a big deal for me but I'm slowly getting more into it over the years. Also I write the word Christmas here about a hundred times so enjoy.<br />
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<b>1) What's your favourite Christmas movie?</b></div>
<i> Die Hard</i>.<br />
I saw something online that said there are two types of people in the world - those who think <i>Die Hard</i> is a Christmas movie, and those who are wrong. Truer words have never been spoken.<br />
I don't like most Christmas movies as they're too soppy and force the jingle bell gooeyness on you. However, <i>Elf</i> is a close second because we would always watch it in school before the Christmas break and we would quote/scream at each other "SANTA'S COMING!!! OMG!!"<br />
Ah, good times.<br />
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<b>2) Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?</b></div>
...Christmas morning.<br />
I'm not a big Christmas person but there are just some things - what kind of monster opens them the night before??? Father Christmas hasn't delivered all the presents yet!<br />
I open them when I wake up on the day, sitting in my bed (would like to take the opportunity to thank all my <strike>irritating as fu- </strike>wonderful friends who put loads of glitter under the wrapping paper/in Christmas cards to spill all over me.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8O3AnUj8717TMIr7ZMiCuzIKuv4zahDUeu4F4pVcWuuAQh8JVhr7i0eUl2bamhq1aPm7ta_bF8dETf3MoMyi4VoHKYhyphenhyphenGNQgZcfGxikynA09aUqXDfg_zqq8eBw3H53OQylAUlXzjW7L/s1600/20151206_182909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8O3AnUj8717TMIr7ZMiCuzIKuv4zahDUeu4F4pVcWuuAQh8JVhr7i0eUl2bamhq1aPm7ta_bF8dETf3MoMyi4VoHKYhyphenhyphenGNQgZcfGxikynA09aUqXDfg_zqq8eBw3H53OQylAUlXzjW7L/s400/20151206_182909.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My silhouette interrupting a festive projection</td></tr>
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<b>3) Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?</b></div>
Unfortunately not - we don't tend to celebrate Christmas and the day is like any other, so there aren't many wonderful idyllic Christmas advert-esque memories. But, I remember when my aunt spent the holidays with us and we cooked a traditional English Christmas roast - we even had pigs in blankets and wore paper crowns from crackers.<br />
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<b>4) Favourite festive food?</b></div>
Roast potatoes. I love me some potatoes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me from a few years ago. I am very good at crackers</td></tr>
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<b>5) Favourite Christmas gift?</b></div>
My camera - it's a FujiFilm Finepix S8200, which I got last year. Since my birthday is so close to Christmas, I can ask for slightly bigger presents (plus I rarely ever ask for anything from family so I can feel less guilty). I've been putting it to good use as you can see on this blog. The photos have been much better across this year, I've made a beautiful <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kukadoodles/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">online portfolio of my work</span></a> and I've started getting commissioned for my photography.<br />
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<b>6) Favourite Christmas scent?</b></div>
The smell of fresh gingerbread as it's baking is the best - homely, cosy and tasty.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8c0layl8B7Dr1FJsKo4-aiwu1HNvYWao54vaX33JXw9Iw_17tsd45JBN_BGvMT_75nesx4ZmGqyvXdpm_xM76iJIAbrgRVCHTJ1to8c55SO_OjJZz1kvR7xcniCe3joHhzjp3OjOYgTP/s1600/20151212_170404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8c0layl8B7Dr1FJsKo4-aiwu1HNvYWao54vaX33JXw9Iw_17tsd45JBN_BGvMT_75nesx4ZmGqyvXdpm_xM76iJIAbrgRVCHTJ1to8c55SO_OjJZz1kvR7xcniCe3joHhzjp3OjOYgTP/s400/20151212_170404.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>7) Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?</b></div>
I text my close friends at midnight, but that's about it.<br />
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<b>8) What tops your tree?</b></div>
Before we got rid of our tree we would put a star on top. I'm not sure what we're using this year (if we have a tree). I told you we didn't celebrate Christmas much. We used to use this artificial tree every year - when it got dumped that was a sad day for me.<br />
Recently, I saw some students make their own 'tree'.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Student life</td></tr>
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<b><br /></b><b>9) As a kid what was the one (crazy, wild, extravagant) gift you always asked for but never received?</b></div>
I wanted friends.<br />
I'm kidding - I don't think I asked for anything until last year. I first heard about Christmas lists when I was about 15 and the concept boggled me - you ...request gifts from your parents?<br />
Also, did anyone else think it was really weird how some kids buy their parents gifts <i>with</i> their parents' money?<br />
Fun fact - I didn't think stockings were a real part of Christmas celebrations until I was 17 - I thought they were just decorations hung up on the fireplace in TV shows. I didn't know parents filled them with trinkets and gave them to their kids.<br />
I'm really not joking.<br />
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<b>10) What's the best part about Christmas for you?</b></div>
Giving presents to people, especially when I know I've got them something they LOVE. It's also great getting meaningful and thoughtful presents from people, especially if it refers to an in-joke/something I mentioned offhand ages ago.<br />
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Y'all are tagged to do this post, especially my friends who blog. Hope you all have a wonderful winter!<br />
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-38793211655628493282015-12-15T12:00:00.000+00:002015-12-15T12:00:06.644+00:00The Body Shop Lip and Cheek Stain Review <a href="http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/make-up/lips/lip-and-cheek-stain.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">This is one of their best-sellers</span></a> but I'm not a huge fan.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3ZtxaM_kOJ7a_BiJBgC9HY5JpSTSWG6MmMng0z59lRXa9Bu-ffRKbD3uE8CQ_S_jFr36p0aKSah5cZMRTmeq6nXs6VO_k0huxdKoOdt8FzeZN4ZA2fXDaSreqhcgNHoCrQrryZNpv1ki/s1600/DSCF3315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3ZtxaM_kOJ7a_BiJBgC9HY5JpSTSWG6MmMng0z59lRXa9Bu-ffRKbD3uE8CQ_S_jFr36p0aKSah5cZMRTmeq6nXs6VO_k0huxdKoOdt8FzeZN4ZA2fXDaSreqhcgNHoCrQrryZNpv1ki/s320/DSCF3315.JPG" width="203" /></a></div>
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This product has been around for a long time - my big sister used to have this when I was little and I LOVED it. It was the first ever lip and cheek stain I ever tried.<br />
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So when I started to have my own money, I bought one to make me feel grown up but it's pretty disappointing. I have the rose pink and my friend got the bronze glimmer shade - she feels the same way. The product is like a lip gloss, except the liquid is much lighter. It's fairly watery and therefore difficult to apply evenly, giving me patchy stains on my lips (and dries them out). The colour intensity builds as it dries, but you have to apply quite a lot and keep touching it up.<br />
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It does stay on for around three or four hours, so you can eat and it can withstand a couple of drinks (no marks are left on cups and glasses). It's easy to wash off with water which is both good and bad - simple to rinse off at the end of the night but if you wanted it to be waterproof then it's no good. As a cheek stain, it's ok. Again, you have to slowly build up the colour but it's easy to apply.<br />
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The tint should be something easily transportable but if you don't screw it back together tightly then it can leak and cause a crimson disaster.<br />
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Overall a disappointing purchase and I won't be buying another in the future.<br />
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<b>Price:</b> £10 (as of Dec 2015)<br />
<b>Cruelty free?</b> Kinda? The Body Shop's parent company L'Oreal. It's widely disputed in the cruelty-free blogging community whether or not The Body Shop and L'Oreal are cruelty free, so - I'll leave it to you to make up your mind. .<br />
<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-56689253822069619862015-12-13T12:00:00.000+00:002016-06-13T17:15:22.381+01:00Writing Update #16The Christmas holidays are here and I am free to blog a little bit more!<br />
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<b><u>Writing</u></b><br />
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<ul>
<li>I'm writing this on Saturday night and I have a BIG list of posts to write - some of them I've been meaning to write for months. Also, I'm going through all my drafts and figuring out what I want to write and what to delete. There's a few that are two years old...</li>
<li>I went to an event held by <a href="http://www.bedboatmag.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">BedBoat Magazine</span></a>. They're a small independent magazine and quite new - their first issue came out in September 2015. It was a night full of music to raise money for their second issue. I met the editors (who are really lovely), met some people and hung out with friends - just a great night with excellent music! The line-up consisted of <a href="https://soundcloud.com/samuel-wulf" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Samuel Wulf</a><span style="color: blue;">, </span><a href="http://velvetstonemusic.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Velvet & Stone</a>, and <a href="https://soundcloud.com/atlashandsofficial" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Atlas Hands</span></a>.<span style="color: blue;"> </span>The magazine is really lovely and well made, especially for a first issue - I'll be submitting some poetry and/or article ideas.</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Bike Shed Theatre with BedBoat Magazine</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li>The playwriting group I joined two months ago has disbanded as the founder moved away! Oh well, I'm going to persevere with this script anyway. </li>
<li>Working on a new radio play series, need to get the idea ok-ed before work can begin.</li>
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<b><u>Music</u></b></div>
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I am utterly obsessed with <a href="http://www.owlcitymusic.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Owl City</span></a>. As winter progresses and days get darker, I've been looking for something to brighten my day. Owl City is so bright and cheery it's like liquid sunshine is being poured into my ears. </div>
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I've loved his music for about 6 years now. Like most people, I discovered him from his track 'Fireflies' which was HUGE in 2009. I wish I knew about him before, as his earlier experimental music is really gorgeous, especially the Sky Sailing project. His music has beautiful story-telling lyrics and he's got a day-dreamy boyish singing voice. </div>
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<b><u>Real Life and Other Nonsense</u></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>I got my essays back - received a first on both of them!!! Very very happy, had pizza to celebrate. </li>
<li>Term has ended, and it'll be my final Christmas break filled with studying and essay writing which is an odd thought.</li>
<li>I've been getting back in doing little comics/doodles and leaving them where I go - my friend <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://emilymcindoe.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Emily</span></a> </span>suggested I take sticky notes with me, which is a much better idea than constantly ripping out pages from my little sketchpad.</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favourite doodles</td></tr>
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Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas break!</div>
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-38052684846796877202015-12-12T14:06:00.002+00:002015-12-12T18:41:14.296+00:00The Reviews Hub: 'A Christmas Carol' - Exeter Northcott (8 Dec 2015)<i>This review was originally written for </i><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.thereviewshub.com/a-christmas-carol-exeter-northcott-theatre-exeter/" target="_blank">The Review Hub</a></span><br />
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<strong style="border: 0px none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Writer: Charles Dickens</strong></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Director: Amanda Knott</strong></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Reviewer: Christy Ku</strong></div>
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Exeter Northcott and Creative Cow collaborate to adapt Charles Dickens’ festive classic, <em style="border: 0px none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">A Christmas Carol</em>. Ebenezer Scrooge, literature’s most famous miser, despises Christmas and those who celebrate it. However, on Christmas Eve he is visited by supernatural beings who seek to show him the true festive spirit and the error of his ways.<br />
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A much-adapted piece of work by one of the most renowned English writers, the story requires a unique retelling, which this play, unfortunately, does not offer. Relying on heavy use of narration as the prose is lifted from the original book, the story is <em style="border: 0px none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">transferred </em>to the stage, rather than <em style="border: 0px none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">translated</em>.</div>
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<em style="border: 0px none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">A Christmas Carol</em> is an enjoyable and charming play, although messy and clumsy at times. At one point, The Ghost of Christmas Present (Darren Lake) breaks into a random musical number. While it displays Lake’s impressive vocal skills, it’s unexpected and doesn’t belong in the play. The script mentions a boy singing at Scrooge’s door, yet the audience sees the boy sing into his face. The second act is much stronger; the comic timing is better and the storytelling flows more easily.</div>
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The cast is strong, with all but Derek Frood playing a range of roles. Lake brings a unique touch to each character’s voice and Séan Aydon disappears and reappears as someone completely different. Frood plays Scrooge almost perfectly, embodying Scrooge’s distinctive grumpiness without overdoing the character. However, a major problem is that the same actor plays almost every female role. Katherine Senior plays Fan the sister, Mrs Fezziwig, Mrs Cratchit, Belle, the niece and numerous smaller roles – including younger characters for which she adopts a higher voice, which breaks the immersion. Senior is a strong actor, but it becomes ridiculous to see her constantly on stage, in scene after scene, in slightly different costumes.</div>
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The play’s use of live music is wonderful as the singing and violin playing creates a traditional Christmas feel. Also, the child performers are delightful, impressively comfortable and confident on stage. They bring the energy and childish joy surrounding the festive season.</div>
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There’s nothing like a ghost story to make one feel cosy and the play reproduces the chilly spookiness well, although the ominous music that accompanies the spirits’ appearances becomes overpowering and overdone. A highlight is the looming puppet for the Ghost of Christmas Future – constructed from gauzy black fabric, it’s eerily human.</div>
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Despite its flaws, <em style="border: 0px none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">A Christmas Carol</em> has a charming atmosphere and is a pleasant play to watch with the family to get into the Christmas spirit.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Runs until 3 January 2016</strong><strong style="border: 0px none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">| Image: Farrows Creative</strong></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px none; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">3.5 stars</strong></div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1007504192273046587.post-66702873272983867222015-11-29T15:00:00.000+00:002015-12-12T18:49:34.128+00:00Writing Update #15Uni work piled up and my writing has been slow but here we go:<br />
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<b><u>Writing</u></b><br />
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<li>I've been going to quite a lot of theatre shows to review them for <i><a href="http://www.thereviewshub.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">The Reviews Hub</span></a></i>. I went to see <i><a href="http://kukadoodles.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/the-reviews-hub-ensuite-bike-shed-4-nov.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Ensuite</span></a></i> (a coming of age one man show), an opera <i><a href="http://kukadoodles.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/the-reviews-hub-tales-of-hoffmann.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">The Tales of Hoffmann</span></a></i>, and Simon Armitage's new play <i><a href="http://kukadoodles.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/the-reviews-hub-odyssey-missing.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Odyssey: Missing Presumed Dead</span></a>. </i>All really good shows, writing reviews is a tough challenge especially when it gets to about 1am but it's worth it!</li>
<li>Going to write a play script for the first time - I'm trying to write as many formats as possible. So far I've done poetry, short stories, had a go at a novel, scripts for screen and radio - now it's theatre. Starting was scary as I have no experience with playwriting and since I review shows, it would be really hypocritical if I wrote something abysmal. After some flapping about with nerves, I just dived in and started. The best way to learn is to do it. </li>
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<b><u>Music</u></b><br />
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<li>I went to see Frank Turner at Bristol and it was one of the greatest gigs I have ever been to. Frank Turner is folk-punk and he writes the most beautifully honest songs with incredible storytelling lyrics. Also, this was show 1791 for him - the man REALLY knows how to play a gig. </li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapZCAna9mTjQEbmJ2WKGJF4Y3KXrxVB95Fjp_eCWfYuW9uEfyUTbM2iOqdUMccUgefh9Lz8ouuRrnrXYVpiSSsFQMavGv54F68b4i12kSEobUF8R7KQW4HM3AOyTnHYMDNN631x7ak2wb/s1600/20151122_221448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapZCAna9mTjQEbmJ2WKGJF4Y3KXrxVB95Fjp_eCWfYuW9uEfyUTbM2iOqdUMccUgefh9Lz8ouuRrnrXYVpiSSsFQMavGv54F68b4i12kSEobUF8R7KQW4HM3AOyTnHYMDNN631x7ak2wb/s320/20151122_221448.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most beautiful man in folk-punk</td></tr>
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At one point over a thousand of us did star jumps to a song, we danced with strangers, he did a bit of crowdsurfing I managed to get right to the front and it was such an amazing atmosphere. Some gigs will just stay with you for life. </div>
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This is the first song I heard from him:<br />
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<b><u>Real Life and Other Nonsense</u></b></div>
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<li>Dissertation proposal has been approved - now to actually do it...</li>
<li>A friend and I went to Cakeadoodledo which is a lovely cafe, <a href="http://kukadoodles.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/kukadoodles-visiting-cakeadoodledo.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">check out the post here</span></a>.</li>
<li>Been applying for jobs to prepare for the real world after uni. Send me luck!</li>
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That's about it - hope you all have a lovely week!</div>
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314196881993232137noreply@blogger.com0