A Wonderful World

                                                     'A POWERFUL TALE OF A MOTHER'S SURVIVAL' Netflix have returned with another hit series ‘ Maid ’, which follows young mother Alex as she fights to care for her daughter Maddie while experiencing abuse, lack of support and income. Although it’s extremely hard hitting, covers some sensitive topics and has some very raw moments, it’s a beautiful and very honest portrayal of the reality of the circumstances for many and provides light and hope for those who may have been affected by similar situations.   It’s inspired by Stephanie Land’s 2019 Memoir, Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive , in which she shares about working as a maid while raising her daughter. It’s ‘inspired’ by rather than ‘based’ on, as many of the characters, happenings and storylines have been created for t...

SOME NEWLY RELEASED ENTERTAINMENT NEWS IN THE WORLD OF TELEVISION, FILM AND THEATRE.                                                     NETFLIX'S 'WEDNESDAY: Tim Burton is set to make his TV directing debut with a new series for Netflix, titled 'Wednesday.'  B ased on the iconic gothic   Addams Family   character, the dark comedy spin-off series will run for a total of 8 episodes.  Each episode has an expected run time of approximately 60 minutes. Known for his quirky and slightly gothic films including ' Edward Scissorhands', 'Sweeney Todd', 'Alice In Wonderland' and ' Corpse Bride', it's likely he will bring his unique style to the upcoming television series. In a recent announcement, Netflix described the series as a “sleuthing, supernaturally infused mystery charting Wednesday Addams’ years as a student at nevermore academy.” The char...

      After shedding light on the impact of Suranne Jones’ performance and the harrowing storyline shared in Episode 1 ‘I am Victoria’, I wanted to touch upon the other two episodes in the series. ‘I am’ is a mini-series on Channel 4, made up of three episodes with different casts tackling challenges and taboo topics faced throughout womanhood that are all emotionally raw, thought-provoking and personal. As addressed in a previous blog, episode one takes us through Victoria’s journey as she’s pushed towards a breakdown. The powerful performances, Dominic Savage’s detailed direction and step to bring such a sensitive subject matter to screen has been praised across the nation. It’s proven to be a success, Episode 2 and 3 haven’t been a disappointment either, they’ve continued to have a huge impact on viewers and the conversations had around women, wellbeing and taboo topics. Episode 2 ‘I am Danielle’, delves into consent, relationships and boundaries. Danielle is playe...

                                                   ‘CHANNEL 4's POWERFUL NEW MINI SERIES’ ‘I am…’ is a new three part series on Channel 4 of searingly truthful dramas. Each one hour episode follows a different protagonist and shares their story, each focusing on an important subject matter, supporting raising awareness and increasing conversation around such topics. ‘I am Victoria’ is the first of the three. Suranne Jones takes on the role of Victoria and does so phenomenally, her performance is extremely raw, honest and at times difficult to watch. Sharing Victoria’s story, a mother trying to do it all and hurtling towards a breakdown. We see her juggle multiple aspects of her life, finding it difficult to manage until it reaches a point of extremity. It’s a very moving and harrowing piece, equally important in raising awareness and discussion around m...

"OUR BODIES ARE INCREDIBLE, AND THE POWER OF ART MEANS WE CAN CELEBRATE THIS THROUGH A DIFFERENT MEDIUM." With time at home, jobs on the line and a yearning to combat boredom and anxiety throughout Lockdown, many of us have turned to pastimes to keep us entertained and busy. Sophia Gabrielides has done just that and taken a leap by creating her own small business for her paintings.  But these paintings are more than just an opportunity to express and experiment with her love of art, they are empowering and liberating others. Social media continues to have a huge influence in our lives and it can often be the first thing we turn to when filling time. Despite the positives that come out of these platforms including building connections, they can also cause us to dive head first into unnecessary behaviours and thought patterns. Whether it be comparing to others or spending our time looking at others lives rather than living our own, we can find ourselves being overly critical of...

                                                       “Let’s talk Skincare” Since the pandemic began, the importance of hygiene continues to be emphasised. Over lockdown, with more time at home many have taken the time to research and develop a skincare routine as part of establishing adequate hygiene and self-care. A recent study reported by Mintel, found that usage rates have risen across the board for skincare products including moisturiser, toner and face wash. Face masks and night creams have also seen a growth in purchase, to help improve overall skin health and boost consumer wellbeing. It was also found that 76% of women who invested in skincare products shared that price is a key purchase driver. With that being the case, I have collated my favourite four high quality, effective brands that are of a reasonable and affordable price. 1. ...

'Starting a new calendar or diary with so little routine and plans to fill it with.'                                         2021 has begun and we're all hopeful that this year will be better than the last, as the vaccine is distributed and Tier 4 guidelines are followed, we're all holding on for cases of Coronavirus to fall and allow restrictions to eventually reduce, resulting in reunions with families and friends and having our freedom restored. For many January is a difficult month anyway, let alone with a global pandemic continuing to influence our choices and daily lives. It's usually a month of challenges regarding starting up work after the celebrations and time off over Christmas, cold, dark and getting ourselves back into routine, perhaps with new goals and new year resolutions. So despite the difficulties that usually come with January and the post holiday blues, there is ...