Film Review: We bought a zoo

Certificate: PG

In our household, this film is a firm favourite. It's just such an uplifting story, and based on one that is true so it has so much more meaning.

The film is set around the Mee family who are still grieving after the loss of their mother/wife. They decide to move away from their neighbourhood and start again, ending up (as the title suggests) buying an old closed down zoo! The film revolves around the story of the family working towards their deadline of re-opening the zoo, whilst also learning how to value their happy memories instead of being taken over by grief.

I love the fact that, although the story's background is very sad, the film itself is so uplifting and triggers your positive emotions, sometimes even making you laugh. Although I have personally never dealt with a close loss, I feel that it might be encouraging for anybody who might be going through this because it teaches you that it is possible to be happy creating new memories whilst still valuing your old happy memories!

This film is genuinely my favourite ever. It has a brilliant cast and the story is so motivational and is brought together by the music which is stunningly beautiful. In all honesty I could sit down and watch this film every day and I would never find it any less enjoyable.

If anybody has seen this film, or want to watch it, let me know what you think of it! It's a different kind of film, but in my opinion its still amazing! What are your favourite films?

Love, Georgia xxx

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A day in the life: Relaxing walks and taking photos

This year my family and I aren't going on holiday for two weeks like we do most years, but thankfully both my parents have 2 weeks off work so we still can go for days out together! Today they decided that we would go to a National Trust property - Yes, I know what you're thinking: boring! But actually it was really fun!! As a family, we're National Trust members so we go to places like this often and quite regularly, my sister and I do find it boring, but today the sun was out and it was a beautiful place! The estate's house was closed so we just went for a walk through the gardens and woods. When we first arrived, the car park was completely full so obviously there were a lot of people there, but due to the vast size of the estate we were able to have a really calm and therapeutic walk, only meeting a few people on the way around. I'd really recommend going to a place like this if you want to de-stress or just relax!

Here are some of the photos I took:

The stately home from a distance
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Really unique plant - thought it was cool
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The view from the hide where you can see loads of wildlife.
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They even have an awesome 3 floored treehouse!!
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And finally, the beautiful stately home!
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 This post was a bit different, but I thought I'd let you know what I've been up to today. Sorry if it was a bit boring, my next post will be a different one - please stick around!! Please let me know what you thought of this post, I really value to hear your opinions!!

Thank you as always for reading

Love, Georgia xxx

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My skincare routine:

I often find myself reading about or watching videos of people's skincare routines because I'm always up for new ideas I could try. But usually once I click on the product's link and patiently wait for the page to load, I find that its way out of my price range! I find it astounding how people can sometimes spend like £30 on a small bottle of cleanser and then casually recommend it to us! I'm the type of person who prefers to spend under £5 on a product!

I thought I'd recommend the cheaper alternative skin products that I use, for those of you who might be interested. So, here's my routine, I'm trying to be more harsh on myself to enforce it every morning and night!

If I'm wearing eye make-up (e.g. mascara), the first thing I will do at night is remove that, using the "Simple Kind to eyes eye makeup remover". (Currently £3.39 in Boots stores, and at the moment there's a 3 for 2 offer on selected Simple products. )

Even if you don't wear make-up, you should always cleanse. I use the "Clean & Clear Advantage Clear & Soothe Foaming Wash". It's also on offer '2 for £6 on selected Clean and Clear' or one for £4.99. I've been using this face wash for quite some time now and I really like it, but even though it's still good value I like to buy them when they're reduced or on offer!! I also use the "Nivea sensitive cleansing milk". (£1.99)

Next, I tone using the "Nivea refreshing toner". (£1.25) I apply a bit of the toner to a cotton wool pad and then run it over my face *avoiding the eyes!* As the name suggests, it leaves your face feeling refreshed and clean!

After toning, I moisturise, once again using a Nivea product. I really like them okay haha!! "Nivea light daily moisturiser creme". This comes in several different skin types, but personally I use the oily combination one. (£1.95)

Sometimes, I'll use my "The Body Shop born lippy watermelon lip balm" (£2.00). I've only recently started using this as a proper part of my routine, but already loving it! *I was given this as a present quite a while ago, so the packaging has since changed from that in my picture*

Finally, I use eye cream, Its like a moisturiser but for the skin around your eyes which is a lot more delicate than the rest of your face. I have been using the "Boots essentials cucumber eye gel" (£1.50) which I've found is a great product! I recently ran out of it and went to buy it again but they were out of stock at the time so I bought the "Boots simply sensitive hydrating eye cream" (£2.00) instead. I've only been using it for a few days but I like it so far! Personally I prefer the feel of an eye gel on my skin to a cream, but the cream is just as beneficial!

The way I've discovered some of the products I use is purely by trying out the cheap or reduced products. I think that if you try out a cheap product but you don't like it, then you have't wasted much money at all, whereas if you do like it, then you've found a brilliant way of saving money! I don't see the point in assuming that more expensive products are always going to be the most beneficial; everybody's skin is different, so if it works for you then great!!

If you have any products you love, then recommend them below!!

Thank you as always for reading!

Love, Georgia xxx

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*DISCLAIMER: The post above is purely to inform you of the skincare products I use and enjoy. I wanted to let you know in case anybody finds it in any way helpful. You do not have to try any of the products, if you just like to read my posts, then by all means carry on - I love having you here!! The products are available from more places than the links provided. These links are the places that I have happened to purchase them from. Prices may change from those listed*

A little bit about me...

Okay, I know that there aren't many (if any!) of you reading this, but for anybody who does happen to stumble across my blog, I would like to informally introduce myself...

So, my name is Georgia, I'm 16 years old and I live in the UK. In September I'm going to be starting Sixth Form.

I'm quite shy, so I'm planning on keeping this blog photo-free for now. I'm just proud of myself for even having the confidence to start up this blog!

I'm not really sure what to write, so I'm just going to put this out there: I'm a Harry Potter fan. No, correction - I'm Harry Potter obsessed! I've grown up knowing the story so well, and even now, 4 years on from the final film's release, I still love it just as much. 

I'm really into room designs. I love home ware and find DIY projects a really interesting and fun way to add a bit more to my room. (Maybe I could post about this in the future? Would you like that?)

When I was younger, clothes shopping was a trip I really hated. I just couldn't see the enjoyment in shopping for clothes! Now, I go regularly but I don't always have the budget for my dream outfit and I genuinely think a lot of the clothes out there are over-priced! I like to find a bargain when I can, for example, not long ago I'd been desperate for a pair of white high-waisted jeans, but wasn't willing to pay much for them. I ended up buying my pair (which I wear all the time) for £7.99 and they weren't even on sale!!!

My best friend says that she associates me with the colour blue, which I don't know why, but I think is really cool, so I'm including that!

In my free time, I love to sit down and watch films. I watch a lot of them! If you'd like, I could post film reviews? Or book reviews? Let me know!

When I'm older I'd love to have a business in house renovation and design. I know actually owning my own business is a bit ambitious, but it's something I've always wanted to do so I suppose unless I aim for it then it's not going to happen, right? 

The 3 places I really want to visit are: New York, Florida and Rio de Janeiro. I love busy places with lots going on, so I'd love to do some travelling and visit these places if I ever get the chance!

My favourite place I've ever been to is definitely Italy, specifically Lake Garda. We've stayed there twice before and it is such a beautiful place. The views from the mountains are breathtaking; you look down and see the bright blue lake and the colourful buildings, it's just...wow...

I'm not sure what else to say about myself so I'm going to leave this here. If you would like to get to know me a bit more, then please ask in the comments! 

Thank you as always for reading,

Love, Georgia xxx 

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I Have a Sweet Tooth...

So, yeah... I have a sweet tooth. No, I really mean it. Seriously. 

If you give me a packet of sweets (and I mean one of those full sized ones) I will eat the whole thing straight away. Me leaving sweets til the next day is practically unheard of. If you gave me several packs in a day, I would eat them. I like to eat anything containing sugar, and a lot of them. I could represent Great Britain if a competition like this existed!



Some of my favourite sweets:

1. Percy Pigs: These. are. my. weakness. Honestly, these sweets are the best sweets I've ever tasted.
2. Skittles: I love these too. They have a much higher sugar content.
3. Chewits: These are less than 50% sugar! (I know right, still a lot, but as sweets go this is a reasonably low!)


As much as I love sweets, I'm starting to realise some problems with them. For example: I'm constantly feeling tired, and this is quite problematic for a 16 year old who's just gone through GCSEs and is about to start A-Levels.... Sweets contain a ridiculous amount of sugar! Sugar gives you a lot of energy in the short term, but a couple of hours later you'll be feeling really tired.

I think I'm addicted. Actually addicted.

I find it too hard to cut down how much sugar I eat because I'm constantly craving it! But recently, I have been trying hard not to give in to my cravings. And even though it's only been a few weeks since I started to eat more healthily, I'm already feeling so much better! I'm not tired as much so I'm in a better mood. Also, my skin's appearance has improved. Less sugar means fewer spots, yay!!



Here are some of my tips how to cut down on sugar!

1. Set some goals and be realistic: If I tried to suddenly cut out all sugar from my diet for a whole month, I wouldn't achieve anything, because my cravings would be too strong haha!! So it's more realistic for me to try not eat sweets for just a week. I'll see how that goes and then try something harder later on! *But remember, if you manage not to eat sweets for a week, it doesn't mean you can eat loads the next week. Treat yourself for achieving your goals but stick to your overall goals of being healthier!*

 2. Find an alternative that you really like: I like fruit but I don't ever find myself craving the normal apples, or oranges etc. Whereas in the summer, when fruits like strawberries and raspberries are available, I eat A LOT more fruit! I love strawberries, but not just any old ones - some can taste purely of water and be crunchy instead of sweet. If I find the perfect strawberry, I would choose it over sweets. I recommend the 'Marks and Spencer' strawberries. Honestly, I would die for these. Now, whenever I go into town, I always buy some! Find something that you prefer to sugar. Okay, often sweets are much cheaper than anything else, but put away an extra £1 a week and then buy your 'healthier alternative'. 

3. Finally, be tough on yourself: Now, this is something I need to work on. Don't give in to your cravings easily. You'll feel so much prouder of yourself for sticking to your goal, and also you'll feel healthier! Let others around you know what your goals are, so they know not to tempt you! (I often forget to tell my friends and this is where I go wrong!)

Good luck to anyone trying this out! Comment any suggestions you might have so that this post is as useful as it can be!! 

And thank you again for reading,

Georgia xx

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Starting with Make-Up

There is no set age for someone to start wearing make-up, nor is there anything that says you have to wear make-up. I remember for my 7th birthday, I had some friends round for a sleepover and my mum had bought me a cheap kids make-up set. It was purely for fun, including nothing more than basic lip glosses and some brightly coloured eyeshadows. I didn't start wearing proper make up until less than a year ago, and even now I only wear it when I can be bothered!

Before you start wearing make up, ask yourself the following question:

Why do you want to wear make-up?

There are so many people out there who use make-up as something to hide behind. They want to cover up their face that they think is "ugly". I'm very passionate that people should feel happy with the person they are. Be proud of yourself; there is only one of you in a world of 7 billion people! Embrace your differences! Sometimes I wear make-up just to cover up a couple of spots which in turn, makes me feel more confident, as I'm sure is the case with many others. There is nothing wrong with wearing make-up, but do so for the right reasons; If it makes you feel more confident, then go ahead, just don't hide behind it!!

My Starter Make-up Kit:

Foundation: Foundation is the base layer of make-up. It's commonly used by people to give their skin an even skin tone of one colour. I would recommend one of the following: 

'Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation'

'Rimmel London Match Perfection Foundation'

'Rimmel London Wake Me Up Foundation'

 *When buying foundation, make sure you use the tester to ensure you buy the right shade!*

Concealer: I prefer concealer to foundation. It's used under the eyes, to cover spots etc. Concealer is thicker than foundation so it's only meant to be used on certain areas (e.g. under the eyes) and not over the whole face. It can be worn as well as, or instead of foundation. The ones I use are:

'Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer'

'Rimmel London Wake Me Up Concealer'

*As with the Foundation, you should test the concealers to ensure you buy the right shade.*

Powder: I use this because I have oily skin, and the powder tends to keep my makeup in place and stops it running throughout the day. Also, I personally find that if I touch my face with make-up on, it will rub of onto my hand, whereas the powder prevents this! The one I use is:

'Rimmel London Clear Complexion Clarifying Powder' (I couldn't find the online link, so this one is similar) 

*Powders are often clear so you don't need to worry about testing for the right shade.*

Mascara: It enhances your eye-lashes to make them look darker, thicker, longer etc. There are many different types of Mascara for different purposes and different price ranges, but my one is very cheap and I haven't had any problems with it and I really like it!

'Barry M Extra Lengthening Black Mascara Showgirl'

*You can get different coloured Mascaras but I prefer to use a plain black one.*

There are more kinds of make-up that you can wear as well as the above: Eyeshadow, Lipsticks, Blusher, Bronzer, Highlighter, but this is what I like to wear when I wear make-up. 

I would recommend that if you're just starting out with makeup to just start off with a concealer and powder, then maybe try out a foundation, and if you want to buy a nice lipstick or mascara. But remember, you can wear as little or as much make-up as you want! Enjoy!

I hope this post was helpful! Thank you so much for reading!

Georgia xxx

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My first blog post!

Hellooo everyone! Right, so I've decided to start a blog. Yep - I'm a bit surprised about that. I've always liked the idea of blogging but never actually considered it, but here I am, finally building up the confidence to write! I'm not expecting anyone to read this so if you are then I would just like to say thank you!

I'm currently thinking that I'd like to post about general lifestyle things. Yanno; school, beauty, fashion - all of that. But let me say this: I'm not going to go out and spend thousands of pounds for a haul, or anything like that! I'd like this blog to be realistic and for any of my recommendations to be achievable! So I'm going to stick to a reasonable budget for anything that I show. Maybe we could help each other out?! We could suggest new things for each other?! 

Anyways, thank you so much for reading! Please stick around - I'll be posting more soon! Let me know if there's anything you'd like me to post about!

Love, Georgia xxx

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