Thursday, December 29, 2011

2011 Overview

With the year 2011 almost at an end it should be safe to make an overview. I will also start thinking about my New Year's Resolutions for 2012!

LOVED ITS in 2011


So, what entertainment did we have this year? Oh, lots and lots! We had some great new shows.

TV Series:

Game of Thrones. My favourite by far. Great storytelling, exciting characters and good acting.
Downton Abbey. Very rich history and some unexpected turns.
Once Upon a Time. Fairytales and pretty costumes. A chick favourite.
Suburgatory. Silly, short and humorous.
Supernatural. Still a fantastic show. A perfect blend of fantasy, comedy and a dollop of horror.
Terra Nova: Dinosaurs and sci-fi in one. Every episode feels like an experience. Spielberg was involved.
The Secret Circle: A great show about witches for teens and grown-ups alike.
True Blood: Another favourite of mine. Great season. We saw a new side to our resident evil vamp.

FILMS:

Sherlock Holmes: Games of Shadows. Just saw it and loved it. Very cleverly done.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2: Great ending to a franchise. Exciting and satisfying.
The King's Speech: Period drama doesn't have to be dull. Top-notch acting.
Never Let Me Go: I cried. A lot. A film that's complex, multi-layered and very dramatic.
Senna: Not just a documentary. A thrilling look into the dangerous world of Formula 1.
X-Men First Class: Interesting back story and great action scenes.
Black Swan: Frankly, it's very creepy but still well worth a watch. Not sure I can sit through it again though.

MUSIC:

LMFAO: Quirky, fun and catchy pop. Sexy and you know it.
Katy Perry: Many cute, catchy tracks from Miss Perry this year.
Maroon 5: They made everyone want to Move like Jagger.
Cee Lo Green: Most inappropriately titled hit of the last decade? And no, ''forget you'' doesn't flow at all.
Rihanna: Some good songs but don't like her slutty stage outfits.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Christmas Silliness in Shops

I made a similar post about Easter items in Dublin shops. Well, another holiday, another hometown.

This time, I noticed some mental Christmas stuff cluttering our stores in Bournemouth. Do we need any of it? Doubtful.

Will we buy any of it? Probably. The bra looks pretty good but itchy. For this first edition, we're going tot take a look at Primark and Accessorize.



Primark crimes against Christmas


A Santa suit, really? Because that is obviously a flattering look. 


Accessorize tells you what to put in your Christmas tree this year. A squirrel wearing a hat.


Friday, November 18, 2011

Squirrel Nutkin

It's no secret I'm mad about squirrels. I have stuffed animals, pictures, bookmarks and mugs.

Of course, nothing beats the real deal.

I just love it when I'm strolling through the park minding my own business when suddenly grey tail sweeps past. The sight of those black, beady eyes and fluffy ears melts my heart.

Yes, the two male gangsta wannabes ruined the moment when one of them exclaimed: ''I f*cking hate squirrels!''

I had to suppress the inclination to dump a barrel of nuts over his head. How can anyone hate them? They're so innocent and adorable - the way they dive into the leaves to powder their nose with dirt. Awwwr!

So I spent some time following various squirrels around with my camera. I tried to disguise myself as a tree but somehow, they saw right through me and made their escape.

Nevertheless, I managed to get some good shots in the end.








Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Perusing the Pet Store

Most animals are adorable. Especially the young ones. Which is why they are typically surrounded by child and adult alike who subject them to a waterfall of baby sounds.

Now, I'm not sure why we believe this babying business to be necessary. Like infants, animals cannot comprehend our incessant prattling. They merely register the tone of voice that is employed.

We could just as well inform them about our plans to put them on a stick for our next Sunday barbecue and they'd purr and spin. As long as we sounded friendly.

Not that that's what I told these little ones. ;)


Like a prayer. 

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Autumn in England: The Colours of the Wind

Last weekend I spent the most glorious day at the Stourhead Gardens. It was a real autumn day. Sun peeked tentatively through the treetops and the colours shifted from spring green to more playful red and yellow. Water lapped in the breeze and swans floated past us as we walked.

Many professional photographers were there. I employed many Italian gestures that day. Bloody tripods! Bloody people blocking our shot! But there was a real sense of tranquillity in the air.

Pleasant in the last rays of sun. Summer's final cry. And then it was no more.








Monday, October 10, 2011

Weymouth

I spent the day at Weymouth to apply for my National Insurance Number.

While I was there, I took some photographs of the lovely architecture, snacked on chocolates and saw Crazy, Stupid, Love at the cinema.

Had some laughs and ate some dubious Italian that my friend ended up sending back, apologising profusely.







Thursday, October 6, 2011

National Poetry Day

Why did no one tell me it was National Poetry Day?

I could've written something truly inspiring. Well, perhaps. I could've given it a go at least.

Still could, but it's getting late and my brain is half-way to Neverland. Not sure it could still produce coherent sentences.

Never mind masterful poetry and to make a half-hearted attempt would be an insult to National Poetry Day, would it not?

It is. Or so I tell myself. Perfect excuse.

As the Spanish would say: "Mañana, mañana!"

Because tomorrow... is another day! Better make it count then.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Autumnal Splendour

Seasons of mist... oh wait, it's been sunny almost all week. :D

I thought it was supposed to be autumn? Either way, I'm awfully glad we've been enjoying this Indian Summer.

It's perfect for a photography trip.



















Friday, September 30, 2011

Bournemouth Beauty

Been a bit busy lately with my new job and most importantly, my new boyfriend.

But as evidenced below, I'm still photographing (even bought a new fancy camera). Also been getting tickled by the writing bug. But the bug has been swatted for now.

Maybe next week when I'm working the late shift I can churn out a few chapters for one of my WIPs. In the meantime, let's enjoy our Indian Summer.

Sitting in the late September sun reminds me of the summers from yesteryears. Climbing trees and other such mischief and not wanting to go back to school. But the days are getting shorter and darkness trickles down in the early evenings.

The trees are slowly dusting off their summery colours and preparing for their palette of autumnal splendour. It will provide me with an excuse to get out and about and admire our lovely planet.