Echo's Blog

Supernatural Series 5

2010-05-09T00:58:00.000-07:00

Not having Sky for my TV meant I was sooo mortified when I heard that ITV2 had given up Supernatural to Sky, especially on it's last season. I felt betrayed and ready to actually kill someone. I've watched Supernatural from the get go, and I've never missed an episode yet.

Recently, I found a streaming blog website which has all the Season 5 episodes on, I squealed and started watching straight away because I simply couldn't wait to find out what had been going on for Sam and Dean.

My words for Season 5.... AMAZING!
I just love it, it's everything I thought it would be and it's really fitting all the pieces of the puzzle together, whilst havinig a whole mystery of it's own. It's clear to see that Jensen and Jared have really bonded as friends and it's helped the on-screen relationship SO much.

My favourite episode so far is "Changing Channels" - Who doesn't want to see Sam confessing to having Genital Herpes, or having felt the pain of the 'Nut Cracker'. It was such a funny episode to break from all the really sad previous episodes. Now when I say sad episodes, I mean I was sitting with tissues at the ready.

My favourite character this time around though, has to be Castiel. He's just got this adorable factor to him now and I really just want to give him a hug and ruffle his hair. Ohh, I'm such a dweeby fangirl - but I'm going to relish in that feeling because Supernatural just brings it out in all the girls. I'm not the only one, but I will say this now.... Dean Winchester is MINE. Thank you.

Today~!

2010-04-08T08:46:00.000-07:00

Ahh, today I went shopping at the Metro Centre and got myself a few things, I got a new fan brush and an eyeshadow brush, some mineral foundation, a few new tops from Primark, of all places haha.

I also picked up a copy of the Kick-Ass graphic novel and almost finished it on the way home it's brilliant, I know sooo many people like the main character. I haven't seen the film, but I certainly intend to after I've read the novel. I'll probably have it finished tonight. So, I have a few pictures to upload today as I tried to copy Jessica Alba's style today and I also did some beautiful summery eye makeup (which if I EVER get round to it, I'll do a tutorial to show you how to do it too!) I'm also going to do another film review soon! Soon I promise.

I must keep this blog up to date otherwise how will I ever hack it as a Journalist? (Well I suppose there is the money incentive...) That is all I have today, I never really intended this blog to be like a Diary as such, but I just wanted to keep you all updated on what I've been up to. Even if it is rather dull.

Film Review - Vanilla Sky

2010-03-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

Vanilla Sky is a film from 2001, directed by Cameron Crowe which stars Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz and Kurt Russel. I bought this film a few weeks ago, and it's been sitting on my shelf gathering dust, untill tonight when I had some free time to watch it.

It's a very confusing film, and has undertones of the New Wave genre streaked through it with frequent jump cuts, and use of fourth wall tricks, there are also a few references to French director, Jean Luc Godard in the form of posters and a direct reference to "A Bout de Souffle".

Tom Cruise plays David Aames, a successful publisher slash womaniser, who is having a 'friends with benefits' relationship with Julie (Cameron Diaz) which ends in tragedy and spirals into the surreal events that create the plot of the film.

The whole cast in this film are brilliant, but Penelope Cruz is just stunning and consistent. Portraying a believable and demure character, Sophia. Against the Monet skies, Cruz looks beautiful and commands you to feel heartbroken for her, and for Cruise. There are some fantastic shots in this film that are consistent and help to paint the story and breathe life, and to keep the audience transfixed to the screen.

There are some great philosophical references in this film, and as a philosophy student myself, I found them well placed and appropriate. I have to say though, this is not The Matrix. It has a similar idea of the 'blue pill, red pill' but this is not a Keanu Reeves film - and it's not The Matrix. Don't compare the two at all. They are as different as wind is from fire.

I can't say a lot about this film without having to add spoilers, but I think that most avid film lovers would enjoy this film just as much as I did, and I would go so far as to say that this is more of a work of art than anything I have seen in a long time. There are poignant moments, adventure, thrill and romance spun into the intricate web of Vanilla Sky, and it's easy to see why some people would hate this film. Long shots can be boring for some, it's not a typical Tom Cruise 'Mission Impossible' movie and it can be very hard to follow and it's a drawn out film - but in my opinion it's well worth sitting through to the end.

My Verdict
I think Vanilla Sky is a beautiful and demanding film, it is one for the academics as it is so stylish, but with enough filmatic and cultural references to keep you on your toes - as well as a cameo from Mr Steven Spielberg (I won't tell you where he is, I hope you'll now be playing 'Where's Stevie?') It is a film which has 'Marmite' stamped over it, but I loved every last second of it.

5/5

I'm Going Gaga!

2010-03-28T11:56:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's not my birthday untill June, but I'm already planning my party. I may not be inviting 246 people from facebook, and having it at the 'MOST WUNDERFUL PLACE EVVVAAAR!' but it'll be my nearest and dearest partying till they hit the floor.

I've thought long and hard about having a themed party, a fancy dress-do, or keeping it just your usual bash. - I went with the latter. Who can be bothered with asking everyone to get a fancy dress costume, or making sure they aren't going to be wearing the same thing as you. Or, alas. Making sure that they even know what can be classed as 'Sci-Fi' (I was considering having a Sci-fi party...)

However, that doesn't mean I can't go in fancy dress. I will be the birthday girl, of course. Who better to dress as for a party than Lady Gaga? I know. She's mental, but she's bloody brilliant. She may have covered herself in Kermit plushies, and wore a dress made entirely of plastic bubbles... but she quite often hits the money with fashion. For God's sake, Alexander McQueen was one of her close friends.

So, if I'm going to be Lady Gaga, I'm going to have to go BLONDE, BLONDE, BLONDE! Ahh, the thought alone makes me anxious. My hair is a terribly faded red at the moment, and I'm going to have to strip that right off before I even start thinking about dying it again. Sooo... from now on it's 'Hello Fairy Liquid!, Bye Bye Herbal Essences."

Now, I'm not going entirely Gaga for the party, I'm not going to copy one of her mad outfits piece for piece. Heck no, I still want to be me. It's just going to be taking different elements of her style and piecing them together into an outfit which suits me. I think if I turned up to my party in a lace bodysuit... I'd be chucked out by my own parents.

Even now, I'm dreading what this blonde transformation will be like... and considering just investing in a wig, it would be much cheaper...

But less fun ;)

Album Review - Leona Lewis - Echo

2010-03-25T12:16:00.000-07:00

It lacks a bit of the X-Factor.

As a big Leona Lewis fan, I was so excited about her second album titled 'Echo'. When I finally got my copy, I think the anticipation of how amazing it would be ruined the first listening experience. The album is quite dissapointing (not quite so bad as Miss Burke's debut...) At fist listen, it sounds like typical Leona. Big ballard, another big ballard, oooh something upbeat, big ballard. *Yawn*

Don't get me wrong, there are some beautiful songs on this album; "My Hands", "I Got You" and "Happy" are my three favourites, and we even get some Taylor Swift-esque sound (minus awful hormonal girl angst) in "Naked" and it seems like this album could have been really good but songs like "Brave" (for it's entirely different theme and direction) that knock this album down a peg or two.

I really like a lot of the songs on this album, but as a whole - the direction seems off, and seems like the producers were going more substance over style. I was expecting more from Leona, she has certainly matured but she still hasn't rooted herself into music with a style that can suit her voice, moves out of the cliche power ballard and has distinctive flavour and edge.

So Leona, for 'Echo' I give you;
3/5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALfjaHF2jYY&feature=related

Monorail Dog

2010-03-22T11:20:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know me, will know I'm always talking about the antics of my doggies, and last night, I was highly amused to find my puppy (well, he's technically not a puppy anymore...) asleep in this funny little position, which reminded me of the Monorail Cat.

WARNING! - Some of you may find these images extremely cute.

He noticed I had a camera and rolled over. "I'm not playing!"

My Latest Buys

2010-03-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

It's finally spring! thank goodness that winter is finally over! (I know we'll still get the odd cold day, but a girl can hope...)
Now I'm in no way a fashion guru, I'm just someone who is quite interested in the current trends and would like to share my own views.

In celebration of the new season, I bought these really cute nautical polka dot hot pants from Primark for £9 - BARGAIN!
I think the nautical look will really make it big this spring/summer - it seems to have been around for a while but has really just recently began to take off. I think I would wear these with a plain white t-shirt or vest with a light blue cardigan or maybe a red cardigan. It's definately a look for the warmer days, but as I've said... a girl can hope!

Another trend which I think will be followed through to spring is shoe boots! I think they're so cute to wear with leggings, jeans and skirts and you can get them in so many varieties and colours - there really is a pair for everyone. I recently bought these little heeled brogue shoe boots from New Look for £12
I love these boots but they took a while to break in, at first they were so uncomfortable and I could hardly walk in them, but they're fine now and were definately worth the pain!

It's not often I have an impulse buy, but the other day in Select, a friend pointed out to me a beautiful pewter-style mecha owl necklace which is stunning as it looks like a sculpture around my neck and compliments a lot of outfits. Best of all... it was only £3!

I think that pewter-style jewellery will make a comback, as it can be so beautiful with a range of outfits.

That's all folks! I'll be writing a make-up tutorial for my own spring make-up looks in the next few days! I'll also get round to reviewing Leona Lewis's album 'Echo' and I have a special blog on Final Fantasy XIII, so stay tuned!

Album Review - Rihanna - Rated R

2010-03-08T11:07:00.000-08:00

Now I wouldn't mind sharing an Umbrella with this lady.

Since the Chris Brown incident last year, Rihanna has seemed to be constantly in the media spotlight, and everyone was anticipating what was coming next from the Barbados singer. In the last couple of years, Rihanna has drastically changed her style, and I'm not just talking about her physical appearence, her music style has also changed. Back in her 'Pon de Replay' days the music was very reggae influenced, most likely due to her Carribean roots.

I've heard a lot of bad things about 'Rated R', and to be honest, I couldn't give a crap what they say - I love Rihanna as an artist and as a person, she's a beautiful woman with an edgy style and is forfronting a new sound for R'n'B, and she's still going strong, despite what's happened to her in the past.

'Russian Roulette', the albums first single is probably the most controversial track on 'Rated R' it is about suicide basically, yet there's something so raw in Rihanna's voice (which is really strange as it's probably been autotuned.. a lot) and it feels so honest, and sometimes I wonder if I should be listening to this song about suicide, and singing along to it.

I think this whole album is honest, but it's also a big 'f*ck you' to Chris Brown, 'Rude Boy' is another slightly controversial song, I believe it's an expression of changing feminity, and I'm glad Rihanna has done this, she sings "give it to me baby like boom boom boom" something heard often in a lot of male hip-hop. It's getting back at the objectifying of women in music. The message is powerful, playful and would certainly be uncomfortable for men to listen to. "Come here rude boy boy, can you get it up" I have male friends who think this song shouldn't be played on the radio as it's 'too much'. It's another push for feminism, and it's awesome.

'Cold Case Love' is definately describing the turbulant relationship between Rihanna and Brown. "What you did to me was a crime" again, it has that raw passion from 'Russian Roulette' and the song is coming straight from Rihanna's heart. It sounds somewhat acoustic, as there is very little background instrumental, it's a really beautiful song, and Rihanna's voice sounds so nice on it. I know she's not the best singer in the business right now, and she doesn't claim to be - she always sings live when I've seen her on TV, and sometimes she hits a bum note. I don't care, she gave it her best shot.

I love most of the tracks on this album 'Firebomb', 'Cold Case Love', 'Rude Boy' and 'Hard' are the standout tracks for me, and the weakest track would probably be 'G4L' it feels seperated from the overall theme of the album.

One thing 'Rated R' has been criticised for, is that it opens a door into too much of Rihanna's personal life - I think this is very hypocritical of the critics, because they often slate the R'n'B genre for not being honest enough, and 'indie' music is always praised on it's truth and meaningful lyrics. Well personally, I think that's bollocks, and I love this album - I can't get enough of it. I know fine well Rihanna has a great career ahead of her, and she'll continue to be a style icon for many women.

9/10

My Style Icon

2010-03-07T13:14:00.000-08:00

My style icon is Jessica Alba, I think the girl would look amazing in a potato sack. She's stunning, and just the epitome of beauty.

She has this great style which is both casual yet sexy and it's so effortless. It looks like she just threw on the outfit, and didn't plan it. That's what I like about Alba, she has a look that everyday women can emulate, and we don't have to pull on the purse-strings either. She mixes worn denims with cute pumps, shirts and scarves with chunky bangles.

She proves that being a celebrity doesn't mean you have to be kitted out in designer gear all the time to look great, because she looks great in all of her outfits. It helps that she's really down to earth and intelligent too, I think she's a much better role model for young girls than other women in the spotlight.

And that's why I love her!

Product Review - Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Scrub

2010-03-07T12:47:00.000-08:00

Now personally, I don't have what you would call 'bad skin' I get the odd spot but I don't get breakouts very often, although I do have some stubborn blackheads, and I noticed this being advertised in a few magazines so I thought I'd give it a try.

I'm not a person with a religious skin care routine. I just wash it with water and a bit of tea tree cleanser. None of this cleanse, tone and moisturise. I don't have the time or the patience for that. So when I saw this product, I thought that it could realistically give me good looking skin conviently.

It was under £3 and you get 150ml, and since you're only using it on your face you only need a little more than a pea sized amount. I use this twice a day, and use an facial exfoliating brush.

Smell - The smell isn't too horrible, it has a chemical-like scent but it's not offputting, it just smells really clean, and has some mint smell in there too.

How easy to use - The product is really easy and nice to use. You only need a small amount as it spreads easily over the skin and the microbeads can be scrubbed over most of the face. It foams up a little bit after a while, it's not too much that it gets into your eyes.

Value for money - Since this product has lasted me a few weeks now, and it's doing a great job at keeping my skin clean, I say it's great value for money.

Quality - When I first used this product, it actually stung my face (it wasn't a nasty sting though, it didn't hurt) and as I scrubbed it in it was like I could feel it really cleaning down into my pores. Since using this product, my face has been really nice, it's not as oily and my blackheads are gradually going. The best way to describe using this product is to compare it to chewing Airwaves gum, when it really opens out your sinusses and lets you breathe - imagine that on your FACE! It's amazing!

Verdict
I really like this, and I'll continue to buy it in the future as it's a quick and easy way to keep my skin clean, fresh and clear. I'd recomend it for people like me, who want nice looking skin but not the hassle of cleansing, toning and moisturising.

Beauty and the Blogger Giveaway!

2010-03-04T08:48:00.000-08:00

http://beauty-and-the-blogger.blogspot.com/

This blog is having a giveaway including a Barry M Lipstick and some nail varnishes. She's doing this because she's just reached 50 followers, and if you'd like to enter the giveaway then go and follow her blog (it's lovely!). I'm thinking of doing something similar! So to anyone who's been browsing this blog then follow me!!

Just to update my followers, here are some things you can look forward to this month!

Schwarzkopf Gliss Review
Neautrogena Deep Clean Review
Forgetting Sarah Marshall Review
Leona Lewis - Echo Album Review
Rihanna - Rated R Review
And more..

Stay tuned!!

Film Review - Forgetting Sarah Marshall

2010-03-03T12:28:00.000-08:00

When I bought 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' on DVD, I had no idea what this film was about, nor had I heard of it. It's not the kind of film I usually pick up, and from the cover I assumed it was going to be something that would be worse than Zooey Deschanel's acting. How wrong was I.

The film was directed by Nicholas Stoller, and stars Jason Segal (How I Met Your Mother), Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars), Mila Kunis (Yes, Meg is hot in real life!), Russel Brand and the fat one from Superbad.

So, Jason Segal plays Peter, who has been in a long term relationship with Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell). A famous actress, and he happens to be completely obsessed with her. So, she breaks up with him, and to help 'forget' her, he takes a holiday to Hawaii. However, Sarah is there with her new boyfriend Aldous (Russel Brand).

First of all, I have to say that this film is genuinely hilarious. It's not like one of those films that is full of slapstick and horrific references to everything ever. (Kind of like Epic Movie...). The humour is sick, dry and crude but always laugh at loud and brilliantly timed.

Segal was perfectly cast as Peter. He looks like the kind of dork who we all love and he plays that dork really well. He has great comic timing and his delivery of jokes is right on the mark.

Bell was also great, she plays the whiny ex-girlfriend to a 'T' and I really enjoyed all the scenes with her in. To me, Kristen Bell is one of the best young stars in Hollywood right now. I hope she takes on some more serious roles in the future, because she was fabulous in 'Veronica Mars'. She has the makings to be the next Jennifer Aniston, and hopefully we'll see more of her in the future.

Mila Kunis, you'll recognise the voice but not the face. Kunis is the voice for Meg Griffin of 'Family Guy' and she delivers a pretty good performance, although the character is quite cliche. The 'not so ordinary' girl, who can look after herself. I really liked her in this film, and she added some spice to the movie, and the chemistry between Segal and herself was believable.

I have to admit though, as much as I hate the guy, Russel Brand really did steal the show. He was incredibly hilarious, and has a great moment with Paul Rudd. "You sound like you're from LAANDAAN!" - "Yeah, I'm from London".

I was creased anyway.

As mentioned, the film has so many laugh out loud moments, "I'm doing a handstand, motherf*cker". But I have to warn you, it's not one to watch with the parents, as we do get an eyeful of Segal's nether regions several times. (Which is also hilarious)

There's so much more I can say about this film, heck I haven't even written about the Dracula musical yet. I really urge you to get this movie and watch it. It is honestly one of the funniest films I've seen in a long time, and these comedies don't usually appeal to me.

5/5 (I really can't fault it. Honestly.)

Film Review - Nine

2010-03-03T12:09:00.000-08:00

9 is an animated film set in a post-apocolyptic world, and has all the potential to be great, yet falls at each hurdle.

The film was directed by Shane Acker, and produced by Tim Burton. His influence is very clear in the designs of the landscape and of the characters. The characters are small rag-dolls that have been brought to life by a scientist, the designs of the rag dolls are definitely Burton-esque and very 'Nightmare before Christmas'.

My first problem with this film is it's storyline. The character '9' wakes up in an empty house and walks out into the world, meets '2'. Meets a cat beast. Cat beast eats '2'. I could go on...

The plot kicks in immediately, and we see the backstory - which is far more interesting than the film itself. I wanted to see the big robots attacking the people, not the rag dolls running away and hiding beneath a helmet.

Basically, I found the story to be dull, dull, dull. The characters weren't likeable (9 was really annoying... and that's not because of Elijah Wood), and I kept on forgetting who was who. The backstory would have made a much better film, but we've seen that done millions of times. It was like the Matrix crossed with War of the Worlds - with annoying rag dolls.

So. I was rather indifferent to this film, I wouldn't watch it again and I'm glad I didn't see it at the cinema. It was visually great on Blu-Ray but even that couldn't make up for the plot.

Fans of Tim Burton will most likely enjoy this, because it does have gothic elements and that signature style of his. But if you're looking for an exciting sci-fi flick, Star Trek or District Nine do it so much better.

2/5

Product Review - Coconut & Sweet Almond Intensive Conditioner

2010-02-28T03:00:00.000-08:00

I got this product as part of my attempt at making my hair more healthy looking, and to restore moisture and nutrients.

As a Superdrug own brand, I was quite skeptical that it would be that effective, although I do use some of their skincare products and really like them.

The conditioner cost £1.85 for a 375ml bottle.

Smell- First of all, I must say this conditioner smells absolutley gorgeous! It smells of coconut and almond, and there is no trace of any chemical smell in there, it really is a lovely natural smell. This smell is then washed into the hair, and after washing my hair still smelt of coconut and almond.

How easy to use- One problem with this conditioner is that it has a big twist off lid, which can be really awkward to get off if your hands are wet from showering. With this conditioner, you can leave it on for up to 20 minutes depending on how much of an intensive treatment you want. I used the conditioner 2-3 times a week for 10 minutes at a time.

Value for money- I think £1.85 is a really good price for this product, as you do get a lot for your money in comparison to what other brands have to offer.

Quality- I don't think this product is a good conditioner, I didn't notice a big difference in my hair after using it, it really only left a nice smell on my hair and it felt a little softer.

Verdict
This product is really good value for money, but it isn't the best intensive conditioner I have tried in the past. Maybe using the Intensive shampoo of the same range will make more of a difference. I would only reccomend this product for the fact it leaves your hair smelling really beautiful.

Products to be reviewed

Schwarzkopf Gliss Hair Repair - Liquid Silk Gloss Express Repair Conditioner

Product Review - Herbal Essences - Hello Hydration

2010-02-17T08:55:00.000-08:00

I've been using this product for two weeks now after I found that it was on offer in Superdrug at £1.49 for a 400ml bottle (the offer is still going). Despite that the picture says it is a 2 in 1, I am reviewing only the shampoo as I am testing another conditioner currently.

Before I started using this shampoo, I was using shampoos from the Alberto Balsam range which I have been a fan of for a few years now. Prior to using this shampoo, my hair was very dry due to using straighteners and a hairdryer.

So, here's my review of this product!

Smell - The smell of the shampoo is really nice, it's more has more of a fruit smell than a coconut smell, and it's really pleasent and not too overpowering at all and you can't smell any of the chemicals. Very sweet, lovely smell.

How easy to use - I hate it when shampoos have a twist off lid, as if you're in the shower it can get slippy, however this product has a cap which you just push down at one side and it pops up at the other, very easy and convinient.

Value for money - I've seen these shampoos and conditioners sell for up to about £2.50, and I'd say for the 400ml bottle it's good value for money, as it lathers up really well so you only need a small amount each time you wash, so it lasts a long time. I wash my hair almost every day and I've only used less than a quarter of the bottle in a two week period.

Quality - I really think this product has helped my hair to retain moisture and get back to a healthier condition than it was before I used this product. It definetely does what it says it does. My hair is visibly healthier, shinier and also easier to manage.

Verdict
I love this product! and will continue to buy it in the future, and also experiment with other shampoos and conditioners in the range as they smell so lovely and leave hair feeling luxurious without burning a hole in the pocket! If you have dry hair and want a quick remedy then I certainly reccomend this product!

Products to be reviewed

Superdrug Coconut and Sweet Almond Intensive Conditioner
Schwarzkopf Gliss Hair Repair - Liquid Silk Gloss Express Repair Conditioner

Chinese New Year

2010-02-14T13:32:00.000-08:00

2010 is the year of the Tiger, and to celebrate this event, a friend and I visited Newcastle's "Chinatown". There were a lot of things going on, there was the traditional dragon dance and firecracker display but there was also chinese cuisine available and chinese dancing exhibitions.

I must say I was thoroughly enjoying myself, apart from all the people who had brought screaming children to the event, not to enjoy the culture but to waste time on a Sunday, for me this spoilt the day and got on my nerves when I saw people sitting in the chinese restaurants eating plates of chips!

If I worked in that restaurant I'd be so insulted! Anyway, it was a really fun day regardless of the chavs, and it is certainly something I will do again in the future.

Here are a few pictures, including a picture of my special Tiger make-up that I would like to share! I got the idea for this make-up from a Michelle Phan tutorial available on YouTube.

On a seperate note, it's also Valentines Day, so if you're reading this, how did you celebrate it?
What would be your dream Valentines Day?

Album Review: Marie Digby - Breathing Underwater

2010-02-08T12:10:00.001-08:00

For those of you unfamiliar with Marie Digby, she is a singer/songwriter who used YouTube as her way of promoting herself as an artist.

Now I've been a fan of Marie since she was uploading videos of her singing along to backing tracks in her bathroom. She has some fantastic acoustic covers of songs such as the catchy "Gimme More" (Britney Spears) and "What I've Done" (Linkin Park). She has a stunning voice, which is distinctive from most of the YouTube starlets (Esmee Denters, Mia Rose etc...) and probably more underrated than them.

Her second album "Breathing Underwater" is not only a more mature sound for her, but the lyrics of the songs convey her growth as an artist from writing cheesier pop songs such as "Say It Again" (which is a brilliant track by the way). The songs are much deeper and profound, and the lyrics in "Love With a Stranger" show a much darker and vulnerable side to Marie.

"Don’t act like you’re surprised I’ll disappear into the night I’ll vanish like a ghost"

The backing track to "Love With a Stranger" adds to the haunting atmosphere, and is reflected in "Overboard" which features up and coming RnB star Livvi Franc. The lyrics of "Overboard" are equally dark.

The album isn't all doom and gloom, there are a lot of classic cheery Marie songs on here, although each have slight undertones of something darker than the initial message. The title track, "Breathing Underwater" is about falling in love, into an unbelievable love which is addictive, passionate and beautiful (like I said, classic Marie).

Overall, the album shows Marie's growth as both an artist and a young woman. Although the album has a fresh, contempary sound, Marie is clearly not ready to lose her folk routes yet. Her choice to move from her usual acoustic sound to the contempary sound was brave, and has paid off, the sincerity and beauty is still there in her lyrics and the album is fantastic chill-out music and a must have for fans of this genre of music.

Standout tracks;
Feel, Overboard, Love With a Stranger, Crazier Things, Sanctuary (Japanese Version)

Rating: 8/10
http://www.myspace.com/mariedigby

http://www.youtube.com/user/MarieDigby

If You're Dying Extensions...

2010-02-06T09:02:00.000-08:00

Hair extensions are getting so popular these days, and those of us who can't afford to have the fixed extensions can have the clip in ones.

I've been a fan of these for a few years now, they can really change your look instantly and there are so many available everywhere nowadays.

So, this week I faced a dilemma with some hair dye. I was trying to go only 1 shade darker, but ended up going several. And the problem is, my extensions were a very light brown, so I had to either dye them, or buy a new set.

Obviously the former is a much cheaper alternative. But I didn't want to buy a hair colourant which was going to really damage my extensions.

*Light Bulb Moment!*

I knew that Superdrug have these wash in/wash out colours that are really inexpensive (97p!) so I thought they would be a much better way of darkening my extensions.

The great thing about this product was that it was so easy to use, quick to apply and quick to set into the hair. (They reccomend 5 minutes but I did two 5 minute applications to get the desired colour)

The great thing about this is, it will last a long time as I rarely wash my extensions. You don't need to unless you lather on the hairspray and wax. Washing your extensions regurlarly will really only dry them out.

So, my beauty tip today is, if you need to dye your hair extensions, try a wash in and wash out product like Superdrug Colour Effects.

Echo...