A Must Watch List For Disney +

A huge saving grace for many during the current climate, has got to be the release of Disney+, as well as Animal Crossing on the Nintendo Switch.. I have been seeing posts about both of these, all over social media at the moment. Although I don't have a Nintendo Switch or Animal Crossing, I thought I would share with you my favs from the Disney + line up. We have been pretty much watching a film from their collection, everyday and I have been loving it. Disney has been a fav of mine since I was little, and it's so nice to be able to share the magic of the films with the family too. 

The Simpsons

Particularly the earlier series. They're just brilliant. The humour and the randomness of the episodes is much better in the earlier series, in my opinion. Watching The Simpsons takes me back to my childhood, when Dad would cook tea for 6pm and we would sit in front of the telly and watch Channel 4 which always showed The Simpsons at 6. A good, easy watch thats for sure, and for all different ages. 

Finding Nemo 

A standout favourite of mine. Definitely my favourite Disney Pixar film. It follows the story of Marlin, a new father, who doesn't have the best start of parenthood. Nemo, Marlin's son is taken unexpectedly one day, and Marlin with the help of his new friend, Dory, set out venturing across the sea to hopefully find his young son. (But of course, I am hoping that you all have seen this film and don't need me to set the scene haha!). Again, another nostalgic one for me, I remember watching this film for the first time in the cinema, with my Dad, who had taken me as a treat. Picked me up from my childminders and let me pick my sweets. A close to heart film which at the time had many parallels to my own life. 

Beauty and The Beast Live Action Version

To be honest, I have loved watching the live action versions of the old classics, and in particular the live action version of Beauty and The Beast is my favourite. (The Lady and the Tramp live action version is amazing too. I would definitely recommend you all watching that also). I love how Emma Watson plays Belle, and the songs sound even better than I remember as a child. The story follows Belle, a young girl who lives with her Dad. Unfortunately Belle's Dad becomes entrapped by a beast after finding the castle, whilst being lost in the woods and hopes whoever lives there will be able to provide shelter, but to his horror, that isn't the case. The beast locks him up. However, the beast, who is actually a handsome, but arrogant prince has been put under a spell by a witch to make someone love him for who he is, not just for his looks. He has until the last petal on the enchanted rose drops to do so. Will Belle free her Dad? 

The Lizzie Maguire Movie

After visiting Rome last year with Sam, I told him then that we had to watch this film to see what parts of Rome were shown. I'm so glad that nearly a year later we have been able to watch this one! I have the most recollection of the film more than the show itself, and I have throughly loved rewatching them both. This film is up there with Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, for me in terms of those great but really cheesy chick flicks. I mean who doesn't love this film?

What have you been watching on Disney +?

Amber X

What You Need To Watch This Spring

I know it’s still not here, but the weather we have been having recently, has me thinking of the new season.. Spring may be the time to get out and explore all of the changes happening in our surroundings, but that doesn't mean that my love for staying in and binging a good Netflix series vanishes. If you, like me, will be doing so, here are some of my Netflix recommendations, if you haven't watched them already.

The Witcher
Something that I wasn't really excited about when I saw the trailers or knew that it was coming out. I just didn't think it was going to be a series that I enjoyed. Growing up, I never played the games or read the books, so I didn't really 100% know what to except. That being said, after having watched the first episode with Sam, who had played the games when he was younger, I was hooked! I needed to know all the ins and outs of the characters and what was going to happen. The way the series is set out can be quite confusing at first, but you soon realise that the timeline isn't the same for each story and that there are other stories wound into the main story. It typically follows Geralt of Rivia, played by Henry Cavill, who is a witcher. A person created for the sole purpose of killing monsters. It mainly follows his journey throughout the world where individuals he meets, seem more monstrous than the beasts he is hired to kill.

You Season 2
Sam and I rewatched You season 1 before boxing day, knowing that the second one was due out. Not only was the second series even more creepy and disturbing than the first, I think it was so much better. Joe Goldberg moves out of New York to LA, in the hope of a fresh start, away from the bad happenings that took place in New York. Little does he know, he's back to his usual tricks of stalking and initiating 'bumping' into people. Will it all catch up with him again? You'll have to watch it to find out. Couldn't recommend this one enough - it'll keep you at the edge of your seat and wanting to find out what weird plans Joe is conjuring up this time.

Sex Education Season 2
Sex education was a series that I tried to get into when the first season was released. I put it on, and after the first minute or so, I had to turn it off (if you know, then you know). I wasn't about to sit through a whole season after watching that first scene. I assumed it would all be like that, and it was a straight up no from me. That being said, when the second one was released and I had seen so many positive reviews online, I decided to give it another go. I absolutely loved it. Yes it is cheesey, cringey and some what uncomfortable in places, but that's what makes it so funny. The series follows Otis, whose mum is a sex therapist. Otis takes after his mum, giving out sex advice at school for money. Otis has never had a girlfriend, but is more than happy to solve other's sex issues. This is definitely a good one to put on, when you fancy a feel good series.

The Stranger
Out of all the above, the stranger is the one that I have watched most recently. It gave me Broadchurch vibes. If you're a fan of crime drama's, then you'll definitely enjoy this Netflix original. Again, it's another one the main characters in the story are unaware of little significant happenings to other characters, but all of the stories intertwine into one at the end. A stranger first appears at the local football club, telling Adam Price a secret about his wife. After confronting his wife, she goes missing. The same stranger turns up around town, telling others secrets that belong to their loved ones. Does Adam ever find out what has happened to his wife?

To All The Boys PS: I Still Love You
One that I adored the first time round. If you want a bit of cheese, a bit of cringe, and a little sprinkling of a chick flick/teen drama then this is 100% one for you. It follows Lara Jean, who in the first film, wrote 5 letters to boys she loved at the time, to get her feelings out. Little did she know, someone had sent the letters that she has no true intention of doing, and things get a little strange. 4 of those boys replied. She was left worrying about whether the last letter, had reached its recipient. Now things are going well for her and her true love Peter, does receiving a reply from the 5th boy, turn her head? It's such a good, cosy watch.

What's your favourite Netflix watch at the moment?

Amber X 

What To Do In NYC

Whether you have any future plans or intentions to visit New York, or you're genuinely intrigued on what sort of activities you can do whilst visiting, I thought to write a list of things that I would personally recommend doing. These travel posts are going to keep on coming..

Go to the top of one of the famous buildings
Whether it be the Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock, or the World Trade Observatory, paying to experience the city from a different perspective is incredible. Seeing the city from the top of a building is one way to truly appreciate the architecture and how built up it is. On a clear day, you will see everything. It's such a great way to experience and see all of New York.

Visit a rooftop bar 
Following on from the first recommendation, there is nothing better than admiring the view with a nice drink or two (if you're of age of course). But even if you're not, it's still something to put on your to-do list.

Be a proper tourist 
Visit and experience all of the touristy parts of the city, such as the museums, or Broadway by seeing a show, or ponder in Times Square, or Central Park.. Just be aware that you won't be the only ones doing these things, so expect to wait in queues! If there is something specific that you know you want to do before going, I would highly suggest booking in advance! You can skip queuing for some attractions, and you may even save some money.

Look up
I know this one may sound a little silly, but as the city is so built up and the buildings are so tall, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit to weave in and out of all the people crossing the roads and pavements. Take a look towards the sky. You'll see what I mean.

What place would you love to travel too?

Amber X

Where To Go at Christmas Time

There are always plenty of things to go out and do or see in the run up to Christmas. So much so that it can be slightly overwhelming and stressful to try and fit in everything that you want to do. I'm sure there are events that may stick out to some of you, but if you're still unsure on how to spend your free time as Christmas approaches, here are some ideas of things that you could be doing...

Visiting Garden Centres
I can tell what you're probably thinking... Amber, really? But garden centres are the best places to go to feel all kinds of festive. They are filled to the brim with Christmas decorations, lights, ornaments, foliage, and even things like craft kits, or cute little cafes.  Whether you wanted to pop in just for a look, or you are looking for something specific, try your local garden centre - I'm sure you'll be completely surprised!

Christmas Markets
Nothing beats walking around with a bobble hat, a knitted scarf, and a hot chocolate whilst browsing all of the little wooden huts, filled with yummy treats, and hand made goods. Christmas markets bring all of the Christmas festive-ness, and are a great place to go with friends or loved ones.

Visiting Christmas Lights
If you live in an estate, or live close to one, there will most definitely be houses covered in Christmas lights. Going for a walk and spotting all of the houses that look like Christmas has thrown up on them, is another thing that you could do to feel festive. Where some houses like to keep it subtle and others like to go a bit further and raise as much as they can for charity - go and see which lights are your favourite.

Starbucks and Costa
Treat yourself to a once a year, Christmas menu drink. If you get a coffee, tea, hot chocolate etc, on a daily basis, then why not switch it up and have something Christmas inspired! Not only that, but the Christmas cups are adorable.

Where's your favourite place to visit around Christmas time?

Amber X