Geeking Out Loud: The Evolution of Sci-Fi Movies

I’ve always loved Sci-Fi but I never feel like I have seen enough! I wanted to explore as much as possible, from the first Sci-Fi Movie “Le Voyage Dans Le Lune” (1902), right through to the latest releases and sub-genres that have expanded throughout the years. Because, Sci-Fi always makes us question;

Where will science take us? What’s going to happen to us? What’s NEXT?

I’ve already considered what makes a good Sci-Fi story, and so I started doing a little research into the release dates of movies (and some extra reading). I realised that there is a pattern in what’s happening in society and science, and the types of movies that became popular at the time.

Where to start with Anime Part 1: The Dark and Dramatic

I can’t pretend that I am a connoisseur of anime, but I feel like I’ve at least watched enough (about 30 or so) different anime movies and shows to give you an insight into where to start with anime.

Anime is a style rather than a genre and so many people seem to mistake anime as a genre of movie rather than just a form. Just like other styles, it all depends on your mood as to what you can cope with or feel like watching – whether it be action, romance or something entirely different. Part 1 below is all about the dramatic or the dark anime, for those in the mood for action!

Last Week Princess Bubblegum met TomSka

So last weekend, I dressed as Princess Bubblegum from Adventure Time for MCM Comic Con. This day was pretty significant to me in lots of ways. First, I wore a costume to a convention for the first time. Second, I met one of the YouTubers I admire. And third, I had some kinda weird exhaustion breakdown. All fun!

Being Princess Bubblegum

Onto the good stuff! Being Princess Bubblegum was exciting and a bit of a rush. I have dressed up for so many parties with friends in the past, but never played a character at a place like MCM Comic Con. I felt like I wanted to impress people and that also added some pressure!

A Geek’s Guide: 7 Ultimate Science Gifts for the Nerdy Lady in your Life

This is a shout out to those who dare to be smart. For those who are intrigued by the world around them. For those who want to learn, explore, and constantly push boundaries. What Science gifts to do you get a nerdy girl?

If you’re lucky enough to know one of these people and have the HONOUR of presenting said person with a gift, then I hope you’ll consider these recommendations… and if you are the Science lover then… Treat yo’self!

So here are some of the best Science gifts, hand-picked by me!

90s Fads: What came back, should come back and should NEVER RETURN.

So as I was born at the dawn of the 90’s and remember all the craziness and general colourfulness! I thought I’d take a journey and look into this awesome era of 90s fads and figure out… What should have come back. what DID come back or live on, and what should NEVER EVER return.

The 90 was all about mass production, and a lot of the toys were really hard-sold to kids. Due to the kind of kid I was though, you’re not likely to see any Barbies on here but hopefully, you’ll see something you remember!

POGs Collection 30 Goals Nostalgia

Harry Potter 20th Anniversary Part 1 – Harry Potter Party Invites and Decor!

Homemade Hogwarts Letters Harry Potter Party Invites Hogwarts Quill Harry Potter Party Inspiration

For most of my twenties, I’ve been hosting themed parties (Disney, Video Game Characters etc…) and so this year for my birthday I hosted a Harry Potter themed party!

Harry Potter is one of my favourite things ever and next week is the 20th anniversary of the publication of the first book! So in conjunction with this and my birthday party, I thought I’d do two posts about my Harry Potter Party Inspiration! Part one below is my Harry Potter Party Decorations and Invitations, followed by part 2 next week (June 24th) for food/drinks and games!

Hogwarts Invites

 Homemade Hogwarts Letters Harry Potter Party Inspiration Invites
 Homemade Hogwarts Letters Harry Potter Party Inspiration Invites Hogwarts Wax Seal

13 Out-of-this-World Space themed gifts on my Birthday wish list!

SpaceShip Skinny Dip London Bag

As it’s my birthday soon I thought I’d post a Space themed gifts wish-list of mine… Just some tiny hints in case anyone (or a certain someone) need some ideas! I hope it also inspires you and gives you an insight into the kind of things you can find if you’re looking for space themed stuff!

Space Themed Gift Guide MoodBoard Galaxy Constellations Astronomy

1. Starry Night Dress by Cakes with Faces

This is such a cute little dress! I am not into astrology but the science of stars, and constellation themed items I adore! It’s amazing just how much stuff is out there (in the material and the metaphysical sense).

2. Glitter Star Hair Clips  by Crown and Glory

I feel like these in gunmetal or silver would look great now my hair’s gone purple. I just want to adorn it with sparkle! Short of covering myself in glitter, Crown and Glory have some amazing starry accessories… including a STUNNING dip-dyed veil that I MUST have for when I get married. Not that I’m even engaged yet…

3. Women In Science by Rachel Ignotofsky

Full title, Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World, looks absolutely stunning and really interesting! I went ahead and bought this one (this is the problem with making wishlists of affordable, beautiful items!) It is incredibly illustrated and I love the writing style.

4. Atom & Planet Necklace by Eclectic Eccentricity

As some may know, I wear the hell out of the necklace from my previous Space Princess gift guide. EE’s whole range is stunning and space-based and I look at them longingly every lunch break in the office! These colours are just perfect.
Space Themed Bag Constellation Earrings Fun Science

5. SpaceShip Bag by SkinnyDip

I added this bag to my wishlist after seeing it in Brighton… until I realised it was from LAST SEASON! *shock horror* Rather than miss out my friend got it for me and sent it in the post. (PaperBag Blog- thank you!) It helps to know lovely people! So… this is on here to show it off really (Sorry, not sorry) and give a shout-out to SkinnyDip for designing something so cool.

6. Fun Science by Charlie McDonnell

Full title “Fun Science: A Guide to Life, the Universe and why Science is so Awesome” by Charlie McDonnell has sparked my interest as it discusses everything from the largest things comprehensible to humans right down to the smallest atoms. Charlie (Charlieissocoollike) began producing science related videos on YouTube and I followed him for many years – I really want to support his venture as an author!

7. 3D Star Globe by Luckies

A 3D map of the night sky would both informative and beautiful hanging from my ceiling. Alternatively, an actual constellation globe with a transparent base would also be awesome on my office desk… but a little out of my budget!

8. Star Stud Earrings by Stray Jewellery

I am always on the outlook for earrings that can tie in with my outfits. I’ve been going for a lot of galaxy-inspired and space themed stuff recently. Even if I have to dress like your average person (boo) for work or an event, I still like to set it off with something astronomical!

Space Themed Dress Planetarium Space Pencils NASA Space Cat Mug CyberDog

9. Planetarium Paperweight by Present Indicative

I know what you’re probably thinking, it’s a bit odd… But it’s REALLY cool and I feel like I could look at it for ages. I first saw it in the Stedelijk Museum Shop in Amsterdam but it was closing and they rushed me out of the shop. I am kinda glad I did though because it’s now introduced me to a whole new website that has cool nerdy gifts! Their whole astronomy section is AWESOME.

10. Cat in Space Mug by CyberDog

I thought to myself that if I never saw another “themed” mug ever again, it would be too soon! But then, I saw this one. Space AND cats? Yeah, go on then.

11. Galaxy Skater Dress by Glitterbomb

This has been on my wish list for aaaages. I’m absolutely in love with it – the colours are amazing (and I already have the necklace!)

12. Space themed Swirl Coloured Pencils

I added these in even though I bought them for myself. I’ve been told I don’t need any more stationery items BUT the leads are coloured to match the nebulas primary colours SO… had to be done. The pencils came from a little boutique in Amsterdam but you could get them here.

And to round it all off, what would an astronomy lover be without an awesome telescope?

Sky-Watcher Explorer-130P 130mm Parabolic Newtonian Reflector Telescope

Until Next Time,

Amy

 

Shops and Pop Socks: A Geek’s Guide to Visiting Brighton

Visiting Brighton Beach

As I spent last weekend visiting Brighton, I decided to do a quick review of what I’ve learnt about it over my many trips there! Brighton is like my home from home – I feel like I really belong there and if I could, I’d happily live there. I have visited at all times of the year, doing “the tourist thing” and also exploring with friends that live nearby, which helps when you’re trying to find out the places where the locals go!

So here is a very brief guide to visiting Brighton – where to go, what to see and sometimes where to give a miss (despite the hype). Every time I visit I am exploring more and more, so I am sure there will be updates as I go! As always, my completely biased and unsponsored opinion -please feel free to completely disagree!

Sights to See

Street art

Street artists in Brighton are extremely talented. You won’t find just scribbled tags here – every alleyway (and sometimes the frontages) are covered with artwork. Every time I visit the walls have changed and new artwork has appeared. It just makes everything just that little more interesting and vibrant.

Visiting Brighton Street Art
Colour overload!

The South Lanes (at night and in the day)

The reason I’ve put the lanes in the sights category is that they can be very busy – too busy to even get a look-in at the shops! If you’re going there in the day I’d recommend a weekday, and I’d also say, bring lots of money… It’s home to the famous ChoccyWoccyDooDah and other awesome establishments.
In the evening, it’s really atmospheric – walking through on a warm Saturday night I came across glowing little restaurants, iconic pubs and bars and really talented buskers setting the scene for us.

Snooper’s Paradise

Another place I’ve put in the sights category rather than the “buy” – it’s great if you are out to buy some awesome curiosities but, I never have enough money to spend! I think one reason for the pricing is its commercialism, but it is the ultimate bric-a-brac store. It’s a treasure trove of quirky stuff! If you’re there for the unusual then definitely worth a purchase, but if not then do shop around first!

The Seafront

I will forego the cliché pictures of the burned down pier… But seriously there are some cool things to see on the sea-front. The pier, the permanent carousel, the pub that looks like a ship, the kissing picture, the big… doughnut thing? Awesome.

Visiting Brighton SeaFront Brighton Doughnut

Places to Buy All the Things

Churchill Square (and the surrounding area) 

The main shopping centre for Brighton, which has all of the core shops you’d expect on the high street – plus some extras! The Lego Store, Pylones and Scribbler (to name but a few they don’t have in my city)… I even enjoy high-street shopping more when visiting Brighton than at home!

North Laine

Coming from a city deprived of any real ‘alternative’ shops, when I visit the North Laine I tend to spend ALL of my money! Everything is so colourful and different to anywhere else I’ve seen! Camden eat your heart out! There are no cheap crappy remakes and big chains here – each shop is unique and wonderful. Another place to visit on a weekday.

This is Not a Butchers (etc.)

The name, the weird and funny stuff to buy – just a great little shop filled with quirky gifts. I told myself I wouldn’t name any specific shop to go and buy things in but, this one is just really cool. To make it a bit fairer, I will also mention I love to shop in Tuff Tarts, LUST! and Pussy too. (Yes, they’re the actual names.)

Eateries and Drinking Establishments

Burgers and Cocktails

I find it difficult to put the label “the best burger I’ve ever had” onto any burger, but Burgers and Cocktails has to be one of the most memorably awesome burger joint experiences EVER. Their nachos are to die for, their fries – sublime, and don’t get me started on the cocktails. They were half price for happy hour so my friend and I tried four as a matter of course. No regrets!

Visiting Brighton Burgers and Cocktails

The Mesmerist

This place is just the best! It’s got an amazing atmosphere, and even more amazing mixologists. They play old school jazz, rock and roll and blues music. I am yet to go when they’re hosting an event / live band but it’s on the list! I didn’t take any pictures here because I was too busy dancing my pop socks off!

La Choza

As soon as you hit the Lanes coming from the train station, you come across La Choza. The amazing smell of burritos hit you as soon as you pass it and on more than one occasion it’s drawn me in! I’ve heard there’s also a La Choza kitchen at the Hare and Hound pub should the restaurant itself be too busy.

 Visiting Brighton La Choza Mexican Restaurant Brighton
 La Choza Brighton Mexican Restaurant Visiting Brighton

The North/South Lanes

I cannot name these few places above without giving a bit of a catch-all header for all the other amazing independent restaurants and cafes. There is such a vast choice available that I couldn’t write down all the places I’ve been to/have yet to go to! My advice to you is; get off the high-street, go to the lanes and just follow your nose!

Places to do Nothing at all

Das ist OK fur mich Brighton Pier

Brighton Pavillion

The gardens surrounding the Pavillion are great to visit in the summer – just to chill and not do a lot. I’ve not been inside yet, but the outside is just stunning! There are always (super talented) buskers playing soft/jazzy music as you relax in the sun – Bliss!

The Beach

Rent a deck-chair, have some fish and chips and do absolutely nothing at all! Visiting Brighton’s stony beach means no sand between your toes (yuck); you can just enjoy the sea. Coming from a landlocked city I definitely appreciate it!

Visiting Brighton…

…is a new experience every time. Over the last 4 years, I’ve been countless times and loved every moment. I never felt like I was doing the same old thing or felt out of place!

I could continue but I feel like you need to explore for yourselves if you haven’t been already!
If you have been I’d love to know your thoughts and recommendations on some good places to visit!

Until next time,

Amy