Jurassic World Review

22 Years after the first film, Jurassic Park, we finally get a sequel worthy of the original. I remember when I heard that a script was being written for a sequel and I just squealed with delight. I've waited ever so patiently for Jurassic World to be released and finally today at 2:50pm I got my reward. 

Jurassic World follows directly on from Jurassic Park and ignores The Lost World and Jurassic Park 3. The Lost World missed the mark with forgettable characters and drawn out scenes. Jurassic Park 3 started to introduce new dinosaurs but it still couldn't leave a lasting effect on the viewers. Jurassic World has all the charm of the first with loveable characters, humour, brilliant special effects, new dinosaurs and lots of action.

Chris Pratt made a delicious leading man; who wouldn't love a man who can tame raptors? The kids aren't annoying, which was refreshing, and they have their own stories which give depth to their characters and brotherly bond. Keep your eyes peeled for a statue of John Hammond, the founder of Ingen genetics and Jurassic Park, which is in honour of Sir Richard Attenborough who played Hammond. He was hoping to return to the series but sadly passed away in 2014 aged 90.

It verges on a Godzilla style movie with creatures fighting each other but that's what makes this film so great, the huge dinosaurs! 

Cinema: Vue Norwich

Fav Quote: We need more teeth!

 

So...? Couture Rio Toilette*

The So...? body fragrances have been a staple in my handbag since I was a teenager. In the late nineties they were very popular and my friends and I would pass them round each other during classes. Best of all they were so cheap!

I recently had the chance to test one of the new So...? Couture Eau De Toilette, So...? Rio. I tested both the Eau De Toilette and body spray. The perfume bottle was very elegant and chic and small enough to take to work. The top notes of pineapple, melon and mango were subtle and sweet but didn't last long on my skin. I couldn't even smell the heart or base notes. It's a shame really but everyone's skin is different and this toilette just didn't want to work on my skin.  I wore it day in and day out for one week and not one person remarked on it, not even my boyfriend. I will be trying out the other scents when I next visit Boots to see if they are a better match for me.

If you are sampling perfumes in your local store try no more than three on your skin at any one time and smell them again after 30 minutes. This way you'll be able to smell the base notes and see if it works with you skin. Remember Eau De Toilette's don't last as long as perfumes and this is reflected in the price.

Body Fragrance 75ml £1.99 Available in Asda, Superdrug & Tesco

Eau De Toilette 50ml £9.99 Exclusive to Boots

Mad Max: Fury Road Review

One word - INTENSE! This movie has no low points, it starts revved up and stays fuelled until the very end. Having not seen the original Mad Max, despite being a Mel Gibson fan, I had no idea what to expect with this film. It pounded my senses and left me wanting several more hours of footage. I was excited to hear that Tom Hardy has already signed up to 3 more films.

Hardy as Max Rockatansky was the typical action hero but almost became a prop with the chase taking centre stage. Charlize Theron, Furiosa, was at her best with every look from her full of emotion. It always amazes me how she can show so much through emotion alone, an incredible actress. 

The lack of dialogue doesn't set this film back, it helps with the flow of the film and kept the action at the forefront. Director George Miller had a storyboard before the screenplay was even written because he envisioned one continuous race. This works well visually and makes a feast for the eyes while the score replaces the lack of conversations.

Amazingly over 80% of the effects seen in the film are real which is a nice break from the over-saturated CGI used nowadays. Mainly CGI was used for Theron's prosthetic arm and ofcourse the amazing weather formations. I'm so use to seeing drab colours on the screen when it comes to dystopian films but this was vivid and beautiful. This is a must see in the cinema and I really want to see it again!

I know everyone told me I should see this is 3D but I prefer my movies in 2D and the experience really wasn't any less, just cheaper. 

Fav Quote: Feels like hope.

Cinema: Odeon Norwich

 

The Library of Fragrance Reviewed*

Perfume scents from everyday life.

Before I tell you about this amazing cult brand I just want to say how much I appreciate my postman! Odd right? Actually I was out when he tried to deliver these perfumes and after asking for a redirection from the post office they still weren't delivered. Eight days later he turns up at 9pm on my doorstep. I was surprised to see him at such an hour but he explained that after his shift he went to our local post office in search of my package and had to deliver it personally to apologise. How great is he?! I need to find out how I can thank him better.

So yeah, I finally got my delivery of The Library of Fragrance perfumes I was hotly anticipating. This brand is now a cult figure among bloggers and had I not read about it on other blog posts it probably would have passed by me. What a huge disappointment that would have been! Why? Because they are divine, and that's putting it mildly. This brand has managed to bottle our everyday scents; scents which we often take for granted. If you love sipping on a Gin & Tonic during a heavy Thunderstorm while eating a succulent Pizza then you could smell them all day too. I swear some of the scents are crazy - Holy Water - where as others are more typical - Amber.

The two scents I requested where Paperback and Vanilla Cake Batter. I'm an avid reader and love walking into a bookstore and smelling that new book smell. Some may think me odd but it's like wearing a new pair of shoes and smelling the Leather. I was half expecting The Library of Fragrance to have made this scent more musky but then I'd be smelling old books not new books. It's light and evokes personal memories. It's something I will be wearing when I need a reminder of what great read is awaiting me back home. 

I use to bake cupcakes for family and friends a lot. These days I can never find the time and seriously miss it. The scent vanilla cake batter is spot on and it really is like sticking my head in a bowl off freshly made batter. This is also my boyfriends favourite on me as he's a big vanilla fan. 

The Library of Fragrance scents are clever, wearable and inexpensive. There is no top, heart and base notes just one scent which won't change over time on your skin. They are described as cologne sprays which makes them unisex and the elegant style of the perfumes will make them a classic. You can purchase them Online at The Library of Fragrance or at Boots and I hope you get a chance to smell all of them. My goal now is to collect as many as possible so I have something for every occasion.

From Brunette to Blonde with Bleach London

Another bleach, another ruined hair colour? Maybe not. I've gone and bought Total Bleach by Bleach London and despite being too scared to use it I did it anyway. It sat in my draw for some time before I plucked up the courage to use it but it was worth it.

I've been brunette for 2 years and it was getting kinda boring, I missed my blonde hair. I had some highlights already so I was worried bleaching might totally dry my hair out. I needn't have worried. 

So about the kit: The gloves were made for gorilla hands and the mixing tub for a child's. They need to have a look again at those. I found the mixture incredibly dry and although I have short hair one box wasn't enough. It was though very gentle on my scalp, I felt a slight tingle to start with but after 45 minutes I'd got used to it.

The bleach only lifts 7 shades so I expected to have some ginger bits. I kinda ended up looking like a flame, my roots were bright blonde! I did buy Bleach London White Toner so I tried that in the hope it would tone down the redness. It didn't. I wasn't totally unhappy about it as it did lift most of the brunette buildup from my hair and the generous conditioner turned my hair into a soft marshmallow. I wouldn't recommend doing this if your hair is already damaged. My hair has taken some beating in the past but it hasn't seen bleach in over 2 years so could handle this bleach bashing and come out strong.

 

 

Changes to my blogs URL and name

Welcome to Bumpkin, Broke and Reading! 

Yes, that's right, I did it! I committed a blog sin and changed my name and URL. It's something I've been needing to do for a long time. My originally address was WendyEnglandMua.blogspot.co.uk and my name Wendy England MUA. Since deciding to take my life in a different direction, as a career in makeup just didn't seem for me, my blog has been neglected. It took some time but thanks to a #bbloggers & #crazybloggers chat on Twitter I found my new identity and simplified my life.

My blog is still a lifestyle and beauty genre, that hasn't changed. I simply changed my name (not birth name obvs, I'm still Wendy England) and URL. Upon doing this I have found a few things which I think every blogger who's going through the same needs to know, and do, so their blog doesn't get lost on Google.

I use blogspot so the following will be tailored for that (sorry if you use another platform):

1. Sign in to blogger.com 
2. Under Settings on the left, click Basic.
3. Edit your URL in the Blog Address box & hit save
4. Write a post to say you have changed URL & name
5. Contact Bloglovin team on http://tinyurl.com/pkh3fr3 (quick link) and tell them about your change and ask to move your followers to new URL.
6. Update all your social networks with your new URL address

Have I missed anything? 

It is really scary changing a blogs address because there's always the worry that nobody will be able to find you. Naturally you have to grow all over again to be seen on Google. Until people start viewing your blog through its new URL then Google won't recognise you.

What do you think of the new name?

 

Jennifer Lawrence face of Dior Addict

Jennifer Lawrence has been announced as Dior's newest face of their Addict Makeup range. The fresh, youthful J-Law has extended her contract with Dior having already been the "body" for their fashions. The above photo is the first image from the campaign: a dewy, clear complexion, subtle smokey eyes and natural glossy lip, Jen looks stunning.

The Oscar-winner is the perfect choice for this brand and will bring in a younger audience. I prefer Jen when she looks more natural and this first image appeals to that Hunger Games Katniss style we know her best for.

Following in the footsteps of Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman as Dior's brand ambassador in 2012 she has wowed us in Dior's couture gowns on the red carpet and advertisements in glossy magazines. She is a role model for strong, ambitious young women today and has made a smart decision with Dior as they have always styled for her personality. Here's hoping this partnership will continue. 

Images from Google

 

 

My love of Charity Shops

Everyone loves a bargain right? It saddens me to see the swarms of young people in Primark hunting for a bargain when there are thousands of charity shops that need your money. As an ankle biter I spent much time in and out of these Aladdin's caves. Growing up in a single parent family with three siblings meant we rarely had spare cash for clothes and our mum would buy our clothes from charity shops, often those in Great Yarmouth and North Walsham. I always loved rummaging through the rails and never coughed at the things that were bought for me. Now I'm older I still get excited about charity shops and the treasures that can be found; it's a bit like an indoor carboot, which I also adore but that's another post for another time.

I came home with four gorgeous hardbacks on my last visit which totalled a small £4.25. Fellow bibliophiles will scream at me for what I'm about to say, and for this I am very sorry, but I plan on using them for the craft of book folding. I will be reading a couple of them first mind, I'm not a complete monster.

In Norwich, which has a impressive vintage scene, there are many vintage/retro stores and markets scattered about from The Lanes to Anglia Square. Still you can't beat the Charity shops. Vintage stores are just charity shops in disguise with a higher price tag, but the money doesn't go to a good cause. The next time you want something new but don't want to spend a fortune, I challenge you to head to your nearest charity shop instead of Primark, the clothes will probably last much longer too.

Help out a good cause and find a bargain in the process.

 

Book, Real Techniques & gift card Giveaway

Bookish

Bookworm

Bibliophile

Call me want you like, I just love books. Since my blog has transformed from a beauty blog to a lifestyle blog I feel I need to get this word out. Many of my followers have probably forgotten about my blog or simply prefer just beauty blogs, so I need to find a new community of bloggers and hopefully some new blogs to follow in the process.

Why did my blog change? I stopped doing makeup actually. I use to be a small makeup artist locally trying to break into the industry. It was a career change and I was blogging my way through it. However hard times saw me having to put it to one side and now I've decided it just isn't something I want to do anymore. I do however want to keep blogging, so now I'm a lifestyle blogger instead with a few beauty posts thrown in.

Blogging is therapeutic and helps me stay in touch with friends online, I don't want to lose that sense of community. I'm moving over to the bookish side but it's not all that I am. So to say hi again and find my new footing, here is a gorgeous giveaway for everyone.

I wasn't sure what book to buy so I bought two, and have decided to let the winner choose which one they would like to receive rather than give no option.

Choose between:

The Vintage Guide to Love and Romance by Kirsty Greenwood

Or

It's not me it's you by Mhairi McFarlane

Plus receive a £10 Debenhams giftcard and a Real Techniques Core Collection set. Enter by the Rafflecopter widget below. You can find my Bloglovin and G+ links on the side bar.

p.s. I will check that the winner has entered all the mandatory elements on Rafflecopter. If they haven't I will pick another winner.

 

COMPETITION NOW CLOSED

The Notebook

I'm going old school right now and reading this classic published back in 1996, The Notebook. It kinda passed me by and I wasn't even interested in watching the movie until my boyfriend forced it upon me one evening.

I remember sitting there grimacing at the screen, not really understanding why the film had received so much recognition, I was about to give up on it entirely until the ending caught me by surprise. The flood gates opened and I was sobbing like I'd just lost a beloved pet. I was a harrowing sight and my poor man looked at me in horror before giving me the biggest of hugs.

That was a few years ago now and when searching for a good read recently on Amazon I found my fingers typing The Notebook into search. Well I found the book for just 2p - yes you read that correctly - amazing right? 

What struck me first about the book was how short it was, just 189 pages. The average length for most of my reads is 400 pages. After reading the first chapter I was hooked. Nicholas Sparks words just flow seamlessly off the page and was almost impossible to put down. I found the depth to the characters which the film was lacking, the descriptive language and emotion. I'm only half way through but I have to agree it is an amazing love story and beautifully written. This will be forever in my most loved books section on my shelf.

 

 

 

Could I be a Film Reviewer?

Cinderella is back on our screens and I was one of the lucky 25 to review this enchanting film for Vue Cinemas. I am part of a competition called The Vue People's Pundit and if I get the most votes for my review I'll win the opportunity to be the Family Film Reviewer for a year for Vue Cinemas! It will be like a dream come true, my personal fairytale.

Please take a moment to VOTE by visiting this link http://campaigns.socialvoteapp.com/peoples-pundit-family 

If everyone I know just votes once I might stand a chance of winning. Voting is open until 21/4/15.

Below is my review of this beautiful film...

Ella and the Giant Ballgown 

Our most beloved fairytale gets an enchanting reboot this year; a new generation can experience the captivating magic of Cinderella. Although primarily a love story, family is really at the core of this story.

Sweet Ella (Lily James) has her world turned upside down when her father dies unexpectedly leaving her in the hands of her jealous, yet seriously glamorous, stepmother Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett). You'll meet Prince Charming aka Kit (Richard Madden) who's eyes will have you entranced and truly believing in love at first sight. More depth and background has gone into all the characters, which makes them more believable, and the casting was spot on.

You'll be dazzled by the jaw-dropping costumes which make a gypsy brides wedding gown look understated in comparison. The arrival of The Fairy Godmother sees Helena Bonham Carter wielding a wand once again and spraying the film in a haze of glitter and hope. 

The grand ball is a sensory overload, a beautiful set and vibrant colours. Brides-to-be will be incorporating the first dance scene into their future weddings for years to come - move over Dirty Dancing there's a new cringe viewing dance in town.

The message of the film is to 'have courage and be kind', a refreshing addition to this classic tale and a sweet message for all. Take your mum, your sisters, your daughters, all your Disney loving friends to see the magic unfold on the big screen at Vue Cinemas this spring.  

Burberry Kisses Lipstick

Burberry, the iconic brand which I associate with beige and the well to-do. It's not a brand I would jump right over to in the department store. 

The hashtag #burberrykisses was trending on Twitter recently and me being the nosey person I am had to find out why. Turns out the company were giving away free sample sized versions from their Kisses range to beauty bloggers. Now I haven't blogged about a beauty product in some time and if it's free, I don't care what brand it is, I want to try it.

Burberry Kisses

Available in 28 buildable shades. 

Luminous colour and supreme comfort 

with six hours of continuous hydration.

There are 28 shades in the Burberry Kisses lipstick range but the samples only came in two shades, I chose No. 1 Nude Beige. Since this landed on my doormat this morning I have been lavishing my lips with it all day. I must say it is very moisturising and wears well but buildable colour is debatable. I have tried blotting and then reapplying to no avail. It might be because this colour is so light that I'm not seeing a stronger colour.

At £25 it's not the cheapest but if you like your chic brands such as Chanel and Dior you're going to like this. Me? I'm going to stick to Rimmel.

 

 

 

50 Shades of Grey Movie review

    

The hotly anticipated Fifty Shades of Grey hit cinemas this 14th February and broke box office records scoring over a quarter of a billion dollars internationally. It received mixed reviews from critics but this film lover loved it! The haunting score from Danny Elfman coupled with newly released tracks from Beyoncé, Ellie Goulding and Sia were perfect.

 

Fifty Shades storyline for those living under a rock:

 

Anastasia Steele, a literature student, goes to interview the wealthy Christian Grey and falls for his charm despite his enigmatic reserve and advice to stay away. Not able to resist Ana's beauty and independent spirit, Christian Grey admits he wants her too, but on his own terms. Terms which require a contract.

 

Based on the Fifty Shades trilogy written by E L James, a woman writing for other women, the film stayed true to the book. Having read the trilogy myself I couldn't help but make comparisons - there were a few scenes which slightly deviated from the book. There were sex scenes left out which I feel wouldn't have added to the film had they been put in. I dragged my poor boyfriend along, one of very few men in packed cinema of groups of females all whooping and chatting throughout.  His view on it was interesting - it made him angry. Angry because such a character is what appeals to women. I tried to explain that women fantasise about trying to change a man like that and that's the appeal plus a man like him can only exist in fantasy. In real life an independent woman would tell him to take a hike.

 

For those who are going in the hope of seeing a full frontal of Jamie Dornan's *cough* portrayal of Mr Grey you will be disappointed, there's more for male viewers to feast their eyes. It's a modern romance for those with an open mind. The sex scenes played a major part due to the tastes of Christian Grey. After seeing two sex scenes they started to become monotonous, time which could have been better spent adding to the love story. I hope that for Fifty Shades Darker they will use less direct dialogue from the book as some lines really made me cringe. Some things are easier to read than hear. 

 

Cinema: Vue Norwich

Favourite Quote: I'd like to bite that lip.

Upcoming Films 2015

From top to bottom..

Furious 7

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Mad Max Fury Road

Tomorrowland 

Star Wars Episode 7

Jurassic World

The Walk

2015 is going be an epic year for movies not to mention the hoverboard I'm hoping to receive for my birthday. We have two releases of the seventh film in a series - Star Wars and Furious. Will they hold up to their fans expectations? If you had to choose just one to watch which would it be? I'm a Furious fan.

It's been 22 years since dinosaurs plagued our cinemas and our hearts. I was too young then only 8 and didn't get to enjoy the thrill of T-Rex on the big screen. I have high expectations from Chris Pratt.

The second instalment of Avengers hits our screens in the summer. As a big Marvel fan I am waiting for this with baited breath. Rumour has it that Spider-Man might be making an appearance in 2016s Civil War. Sony are supposedly giving Marvel the use of this enigmatic character as long as they hold the creative rights. It will make a huge difference to the franchise if Spidey can finally join on screen but at what cost?

There are several new standalone films being released too, fresh blood in amongst all these old dogs. Firstly Tomorrowland which is based on a theme park at Disney World. After the success of Pirates which was based on a ride at Disney I don't doubt Tomorrowland will be just as amazing. Then there is The Walk - a story of French high-wire artist Philippe Petit's attempt to cross between the Twin Towers in 1974. A film by Robert Zemeckis based on the novel To Reach the Clouds and a remake of Man on Wire from 2008. I love edgy movies and this will be a seat-grabbing one.

So what will you be seeing this year? There are many more I haven't mentioned yet like the final instalment of The Hunger Games and Cinderella. What won't you be seeing and why?

How to Age with Makeup

I filmed myself the other day turning myself into an old person. I didn't really intend to make it for YouTube, I was just going to screenshot parts for Instagram but thought I might as well make a quick video to upload. So I cut down 16 minutes into just 2 minutes and added some funky details and music. What do you think?

http://youtu.be/RW6ALhbyDCc

It was my first attempt at an ageing makeup. I think for my next video which I'll be uploading tomorrow I'll do something a little prettier. My poor boyfriend got a glimpse into the future bless. I tried to reassure him that I doubt I'll look this old, EVER! I plan to use a shit ton of anti-wrinkle cream from now on haha.

Products Used

> Illamasqua Skin base foundation 

> Crownbrush Eyebrow powder palette 

> YSL Touche Éclat highlighter

> Drugstore Blusher

Wig is from eBay :)

 

Endings and New Beginnings

Has it really been over 4 months since I last blogged?! Let me start by apologising for my absence but life sometimes takes over. So where have I been?

Firstly my Pappa died. My Nanna died 5 years ago so losing my last remaining grandparent hit me hard. His death made me raw, I literally cried at everything from adverts on TV to dishes in the sink. I still well up thinking about him. He never wanted to get old, in fact he hated it. He was always full of life, always joking and loved us grandchildren. That's the way I will remember him, not that in his last year of life he didn't know who I was or the way old age had taken its toll on his body and mind. In a way his death has helped us as a family because we had all become so distant. I rarely saw my siblings or mum but now all I want to do is spend time with them.

As well as grieving I have been working at Maccy Ds. I work there full-time now so have had little time to focus on my art. My makeup kit dwindled as the products slowly went out of date and I couldn't afford to replace them. Friends would ask what's happened to my makeup business and I didn't have the heart to tell them that due to grieving for my Pappa I had no motivation to do anything creative. The grieving process is a funny thing. All my energy went on working at McDonalds and trying to pay off debts long overdue.

I announced last week to those that know me that I wouldn't be doing makeup on others for the time being. Firstly I don't have the kit but secondly I'm no longer insured. Now that my creative juices are coming back I will continue to create art on myself through my social media channels, blogging/YouTube/Instagram. I want to keep practicing but also it just simply makes me happy.

I hope that by being away so long I haven't been forgotten. I will try to be more social on Twitter and Instagram so my old followers know I'm still around. I'll blog about my latest YouTube video later today.

Thanks for reading my bubbly friends xxx