5 University Life Hacks

After graduating this summer, I thought I would share with you five hacks I wish I would have known before I started university.

1. Notebooks are lighter in the long run than lots of folders? There are a lot less chaos than folders because there isn't an excessive amount of filing and you can leave the modules you aren't doing at home. 

2. Keep everything as electronic as possible if not to save on the astronomical printing cost but to keep you organised. It is easier to organise folders on your computer than with paper. 

3. Planners are your life savers. They allow you to plan when to plan, research, write and edit your assignments and online learning and lecture preparation. I didn't realise how important they are until my third year. My planner never leaves my side now. 

4. Clarify don't guess. It is better to try and clarify something with your lecturer if you are in a muddle than guess, because that guess could cost you hours of work. 

5. Learn the art of re drafting assignments - because it will benefit you in the long run. 

What are your hacks to survive university life? I would love to know what they are, comment down below. 

The SWORE Limerick for Motivation - 5 ways I have motivated myself

I thought I would share with you in a fun way how I motivated myself to achieve my goals after a bit of a nose dive

Structure - a structure with a direction creates focus for me to achieve my goals, because my mind is not stressing over what is coming next or the unchangeable. My Erin Condren life planner helps me do this.

Write - I write all negativity down in an app called Mood Kit to work out whether I need to let it go or to change it into something positive or even to just simply deal with it.

Open - Change is inevitable be open to all possibilities because they may open up a light that you have not thought about or even consider if you had a straight forward plan. 

Reflect - Life is a journey to be learned from  and it is reflecting on this journey and improving who you are which makes you a better person. It is some I try to do everyday. It helps me ditch those mistakes and move forward with my life. 

Enjoy - it is important to enjoy what you do, because it will help your morale because your motivation will automatically be boosted.

What are your ways at helping boost your motivation and confidence? Let me know down below. 

YouTuber of the Month | October 2015

I have literally been trying to write this post since last Tuesday but this YouTuber has been keeping me busy and evolving and thinking. I know some of you are going to say it is dangerous to have a thought Kathryn. Her YouTube videos and Periscope and her website have been giving me a lot of creativity, motivation and focus. I won't hold out any longer,

The Youtuber of the Month for October 2015 

is 

Sheila Jane Teaching 

I first started watching Sheila at the start of the year when I first discovered the world of teacher bloggers. I have not looked back. Sheila is very passionate about reducing teacher burnout. I know some of you are probably wondering she's American - isn't she irrelevant in the UK education system. I am telling you she is SO RELEVANT because she looks at education as a whole not just. I love it. It is from her original blog that Sprinkle Teaching Magic that she developed Sheila Jane Teaching which is a professional learning network FOR ALL teachers ACROSS the WORLD, which has a lot of extra goodies to help teachers and all for a small amount. Please do and go check out Sheila's goodies on www.sheilajaneteaching.com.  

Lifestyle Favourites Chat | September 2015

I haven't got many lifestyle favourites this month, because it has been a bit of a weird month. The big favourite is my iPhone 6 in gold and white. I have been wanting to upgrade for a while but it hasn't been time on my contract to upgrade. I'm loving having an updated phone for all my flogging and blogging needs. My new contract is excellent too for when I'm on the go.

I have also been loving my Yankee candle which was given to me by my parents for my graduation I love the summery flowery smell.

I have also been loving a new website www.sheilajaneteaching.com. It was founded by an American teacher called Sheila Jane. She is passionate about eliminating teacher burnout and teachers developing their #EDUempire. It is fllled with resources, videos and everything you seem to need in relation to social media, education and teaching. 

I have also  been loving my handbags again. I have been particularly using my Steve Madeen bag and my new look bag which is very simliar to a Mulberry bag from a couple of years ago. 

What have been your favourites this month? 

YouTuber of the Month September 2015

This month's YouTuber of the month is TalkBeckyTalk. I think that she seems to be a really honest person on screen. I found her video called A Message to the Haters was really pivotal in showing that a screen does not make people invincible and they are just like you or me. I also think that she is really a great personality on screen. I love to watch her videos. I can't wait to see what she does next.

Who has been your favourite YouTuber of the Month this month? I would love to hear who you have been loving, tweet me @MissKathrynAB. 

August Lifestyle Favourites

It is that time of the month again - monthly favourites times. I thought I would share with you everything social and lifestyle I have been loving this month.

First up in the favourites is music. These two songs were rediscovery from my teen years and they are starships by Nicky Minaj and Mambo No 5. They are two great dance songs to cheer me up in the rainy summer days 

My next lifestyle favourite is a TV show I'm steadily becoming obsessed with and it is NCIS. I love this show. I love the characters, the story arcs and the action and the relationships. I just simply love it all. 

Next on my lifestyle favourites is an organisational method bizarrely for me. It is the KonMari method for tidying. My mum was reading her book and kept telling me her methods work. I was a major skeptic until I tried it for myself. It has revolutionised my life. The way I look at my possessions. It has actually changed my life for the better.

Next up is a good old chick flick films that I have never seen but I have fallen in love with them and they are Legally Blonde and Legally Blonde 2. I love these films. I hope one day to see Legally Blonde The Musical at some point in the future. 

What are your lifestyle favourites from this month? I would love to hear them you can comment down below or tweet me @MissKathrynAB or Instagram me @misskathrynab or even snapchat me @misskathrynab. 

Summer Wishlist Update

I don't know if you remember but back in April I wrote a post about what I hoped I would do over the summer. I spent a lot of time with family from shopping trips with my grandma, a trip away with just my Mum and Dad to Walsingham, which was the most relaxing trip ever. I have also been to Norfolk on a quiet forest holiday with the little brother, Mum and Dad. I have also had two meals out with my family one for my graduation and my Dad's birthday. I also did a lot of singing with Pendle Youth Choir as I finished up my time in the youth choir. I think of my next performing step. I have also read a hell of a lot including James Rhodes autobiography and the book by Sprinkle of Glitter (aka Louise Pentland). I haven't got as far as I want on the fitness front but I plan to continue trying with my new goal of try something new each month, which is going fantastically well. 

My blogs are also going from strength to strength with my fashion and beauty blog has grown to 500 views last month. I have started posting on a weekly schedule and I have a lot of content planned for my amazing readers across the next few months. My writing projects are going across at full steam ahead. I hope to be able to tell you at some point in the future. 

Have you accomplished any new goals this summer? Please comment and share below your achievements or memories of this summer. 

Three Life Lessons from Dadda Pops

So, here is the second post about life lessons, unlike previously when I wrote to my Mum. This time I am going to write to my Dadda Pops.

Dear Dadda Pops,
You teach me so much even though occasionally you lack finesse in how you say it, but I promise you these are some of the most valuable lessons. I think the first and probably the most important lesson is about hard work. You have shown me that hard work can pay off and get you recognition, but it is a long road to get there. I think the last part of that is the most poignant part in recent months.

The second lesson is that it is better to not stew on the past but keep in the present and look to the future regardless of the negativity which could be thrust upon us. If you make a mistake we must learn from that mistake in order to improve who we are than it eating our soul.

The third lesson is that love is a precious treasure which needs to be cherished. If a person doesn't deserve your love, it is easy to switch off that love if necessary in order for our own sanity to be protected.

Thanks for the lessons. You are constantly learning from others and I know will learn things way into the future.

Love,
Kathryn xxx

My Favourite Things August 2015

I thought I would share with you a few of my favourite things and I thought I would do this on a seasonal basis.

Favourite TV Show - NCIS
Favourite Actors - Benedict Cumberbatch and Mark Harmon
Favourite Actress - Pauley Perrette
Favourite Film - Legally Blonde. I have only just seen this film but I love it.
Favourite Song - Beautiful Child by Pauley Perrette

Favourite Memory - My graduation from Liverpool Hope

Favourite Album - 1989 by Taylor Swift 

Favourite Musical - Jersey Boys, but after seeing Legally Blonde I would love to see it in the West End 

Favourite Hobby - Writing and Blogging (but singing and performing come a close second)

Favourite Youtuber - Tati (@GlamLifeGuru) 

So I hope you enjoyed some of my favourite thing this summer. What have been some of your favourite things? 

YouTuber of The Month August 2015

I thought I would a new series of blog posts on my blog called YouTuber of the Month. Literally, because I am kind of obsessed with YouTube especially beauty and lifestyle videos but many other videos too. I thought would share with you those YouTubers I am loving and see where it goes from there.

The first ever YouTuber of The Month goes to

Kristina at Pretty Shiny Sparkly.  

Here is the link to her Welcome video and you can access her channel too. 

I choose Kristina partly because she is living the life I hope to one day have which is a successful full time career alongside her blogging career. I find it quite interesting how she has built her channel up alongside her career, and how she manages to keep it so successful at the same time. I hope I can take everything associated with www.kathrynbracewell.com to the next level. 

See you guys next time. If you have any new suggestions for any new subscriptions please do comment below. 

My Travel Wish List

I thought that with summer in full swing and the start of my career commencing I thought I would write a post about places where I want to go and visit - my travel wish list.

1. Los Angeles, USA
This has been on my list for years. I want to go for the shopping.

2. Abu Dhabi/Dubai
Just for glamour and the fast cars at night at Abu Dhabi F1.

3. Cardiff, Wales
Home of Doctor Who and Sherlock. So of course a must for both a Sherlockian and Whovian.

4. Edinburgh, Scotland
Home of writing, literature and some of the best of British culture. I would love the opportunity for a week or two writing, reading and exploring the Scottish capital,

5. New York
Technically, this should not be on a wish list but I want to go back to do more of the culture and museums.

6. Key West
Sun, glamour and cocktails - the perfect place for a beach holiday according to my Mum and Dad. Shame my baby memories are no longer in tact.

7. Monaco
Men, fast cars and millionaires. I need to see if Monaco is as glamorous as it looks. It may happen sooner than I think. In the words of River Song spoilers.

8. Las Vegas
I think everyone should do Vegas, just once. So that you can say you played poker in Vegas.

9. Hawaii
Beach, sun, relaxation - the perfect writing conditions in my opinion.

Where do you want to travel to? Post down below your travel wish lists I may feature them in a future blog.

July Lifestyle Favourites

My first ever lifestyle favourites on my blog. So, here is what I have been loving in the month of July.

Erin Condren Life Planner.

I have always been a planner girl whether it be a diary or a to do list, but nothing has never helped me feel so relaxed and such a creative outlet. I don't spend money on stickers like some of the other planners I have seen on social media, but a little decoration has made organization seem interesting. If you do want to see how I use my planner check my post scheduled to be posted this weekend on The Chronicles of Reality.

Life with a Sprinkle of Glitter - By Louise Pentland 
A book I keep coming back to again and again. Life filled with honesty and laughter. Love it - full review to come.

I know there is only two but I have had more beauty favourites this month. Check them out on my fashion and beauty blog Loving your Beautiful Identity.

My Singing Life

I was just 8 years old when I started singing in Pendle Youth Choir. I never knew how much of an impact music and singing would have on my life interests and goals. it gave me time away from work and family. It was ALL MINE. Singing soon turned from just a hobby but to a life. It has provided me with opportunities that I never thought I would have. The first and foremost being travel. I have travelled and sung in places some people could only dream of from Liverpool Anglican Cathedral to Montserrat Cathedral in Barcelona to St Mark's Basilica in Venice to an aeroplane and outside the MEN arena. These experiences will be in my memories for a lifetime. However, it wasn't just about the places we sung in but the funny little adventures we had when we weren't doing concerts

It also educated me on culture that I would never get in a classroom. It taught about different countries and the hidden gems within each country or area of music. My singing life has led me to develop musical tastes in music from around the world from Africa to the United States to New Zealand. It has also developed my love of film and theatre, because I have sung songs from shows and films I never thought I would see from West Side Story to Sister Act. The ultimate bonus though is that it goes hand in with my love of Disney.

It has also allowed me to develop a few contacts along the way for my career in teaching and education. People who have answered all my questions about the profession but also offered their thoughts and advice on any issues that have ever arose. I can't thank them enough.

Have you ever had a hobby that overtook your life? Did it turn into a career?

Lessons I learned from the Graduation Ceremony

Well, a couple of weeks ago, I had my graduation ceremony at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral (the Catholic one). It was quite surreal to be honest and better than ever I could imagine. I went with my mum and dad. There were aspects that I was glad I did after advice from others or things my gut told me to do.

1. Don't forget hair pins or safety pins and don't forget to use them. 
I forgot my hair pins and so wish I hadn't because every time I tilted my head forward the hat fell off it made the day very interesting to say the

2. Wear flats. Flats can be look good and sexy without pain.
Honestly, this was the day that I was grateful for being different. I have to wear flats all the time because I physically can't walk in heels. It was the best thing I ever did. When girls were saying 'can I borrow your shoes?' I thought being me actually pays off but if you want to hear heels put dolly pumps or sandals in a bag or in the car, because it is an EXTREMELY LONG day you could be on your feet 10 hours or more.

3. Don't forget the snacks. You will need a lot of boost. 
Hunger. 5pm rush hour traffic. Not a good mix. Good job for crisps and water in the car.

4. Hard seats. Sore legs, back, thighs. Take a cushion. 
I think this is very important for relatives because they are the ones who are sat down for most of the ceremony. It can be very cramped too so they may not be able to move to stop cramping.

But a wonderful day was had by all.

My Top Blogs and Vlogs To Watch or Read

Aside from writing blogs and producing content for my soon to be developed youtube channel, I love to watch others. I thought I would share with you my favourite ones to watch and read.

One of my favourites has to be Fleur De Force, first and foremost her blog reviews are really detailed and insightful to read. I have tried products she has reviewed and loved them. Her youtube channel is fun with a lot of varied content. I find them very interesting to watch.

Fleur's blog - http://fleurdeforce.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Fleur's youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1-szPBG7Oh4icM1FcQakQg 

The next one is Becky from TalkBeckyTalk I find her videos really interesting. She has made me want to try new flavoured teas from her love of tea.

Becky's youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKeiIEA7bn9a2qerO6Db8A

Holly is a rather new addition to my watch and read list, partly because she is Becky's sister. I love her videos because she is quirky and really quite comical to watch. I have never really come across anyone quite like her really on youtube.

Holly's youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/twinklelashes

My last one is called Teen CP I really like this one, because it has a community feel to the way it is written and produced by people with Cerebral Palsy. I really love the experiences shared because it shows both sides of the reality - the medical combined with the fun. It is one that I have found to really relate to personally.

TeenCP link - http://teencerebralpalsy.com/

So here are my favourite blogs or vlogs to read and watch at the moment. I would love to hear what yours are? Share in the comment section below.

My favorite apps for social media and blogging

I recently wrote a post about my Everyday Survival Kit. I thought I would extend the post and write about my favourite apps for social media and blogging that I use on my iPad and iPhone on a daily basis.

1. Facebook
It is one of the simplest social media apps to use, I use this to check my news feed and post my photos and immediate statuses. I think it is also a really good app to start with as a beginner.

2. Twitter
I use this to check the news feed on the go.

3. Instagram
Easy to use and a great way to edit photos. It also allows me to post to my Twitter and Facebook (and Tumblr but that's more for personal use).

4. Blogger
I love this app as this allows me to quickly upload my photos of my blogs quickly and when I am really busy write my posts on the go.

5. Hootsuite and Buffer
My schedule app for my facebook personal account, facebook page and Twitter feeds and Google+ and Linkedin.

6. Pages
This app I access the messages for my page.

What are your favourite apps?

Three Life Lessons from Mum

I have recently finished university and I find myself reflecting on my life so far, to see what I can learn as I head into the world of full time work. I find myself seeing how much I have learned and grown in particular during my degree and the ones I learned the most from are my parents.
I thought I would write it each in a letter to the said person and make it into a series about life lessons.

Dear Mum,
I have always known that you are my best friend in this world, but I think we never realised how much you have taught about life. I think the first and most important lesson is to never ever give up, because there is always a way to muddle through the madness of life. I don't know whether this stems from the fact that you and Pops did not give up on me as a child when you were told I had tough times ahead. Or the fact that I can be a cow some of the time and take it all on the chin. This is the greatest lesson you have ever taught me because it has developed ambition to go into this job search with a mind full of ideas looking for the right opportunity.

I think the second one I think I am still learning to not take criticism or what people think to heart. It is a tough one that I hope will be more consistent as I grow older and meet more people, but every time I do it reminds me that as corny as sounds that friends come and go but family is always there regardless. I think that it has made me more willing in admitting I occasionally need help to get back on top, regardless of the amount of times I refuse help from you sorting through my possessions. I t has made realise criticism can be turned into a strength.

The third is becoming easiest and that is trust to my gut and my instinct, especially when yours is almost always right. If yours can, why can't mine?

Thank you for all the life pointers or lessons so far and those to come.

Love Kat xx

My Every Day Survival Kit

I thought it would be interesting to show you what I use on a regular basis and never really leaves my side throughout the day. My survival kit is mainly the stuff I use for my blogging and writing.

iPad 
I don't really watch TV on an actual television, it tends to be on my ipad, because it is portable and I can watch it from anywhere I am working or relaxing. I also use a variety of apps to post and schedule my social media posts. It is also the main place I access my emails. I also edit my videos on this with iMovie

iPhone 
This is a lifeline. I tend to use it to take photos for my blog and create my youtube videos until I save up for a new camera. It also my social media scheduler and checker on the go.

Pens 
A staple for every writer. I always carry at least one.

Notebooks
It is the best way to get everything in my brain down and draft some earlydrafts dependent on my mood.

Laptop 
I use this to do the bulk of my final drafts of writing projects and blog posts

Blogging Diary Folder
A recent saviour I am using this to schedule and improve my posts.

Diary
All appointments, meetings and interviews safe in one place but also to my iPhone and iPad.  

Juice 
My big bottle of juice to keep me hydrated.

What is your day to day survival kit? 

12 facts about Colne - My Home Town

I thought I would let you in on 20 facts about the place I call home - Colne.

1. It has some fantastic views and walks. 

One of the photos taken on my walk with my baby girls and my mamma. 

2. It has some of the best choirs in the area, even if I am bias because I am in one of them - Pendle Youth Choir
3. The famous Olympic cyclist Steven Burke is from Colne
4. Wallace Hartley, band leader on board the RMS Titanic was brought up and lived in Colne. He has a memorial near the Library and is buried in the town's cemetery.
5. It is about the only town I know that has a Sainsbury's, ASDA, Tesco's, Aldi and soon to be built Lidl. We will never run out of food in the apocalypse.
6. There are several famous actors from the town including Natalie Gumede (Strictly Come Dancing, Coronation Street) Jessica Forrest (Hollyoaks) and Hannah Hobley (Benidorm).
7.  It has even been visited by Pasha Kovalev when he danced at the Muni.
8.  It has a fountain of good coffee shops.
9.  It has plenty of pubs
10. It has a theatre called the Municipal Hall where I have performed several times.
11. Colne is approximately 5 miles east of Pendle Hill, arguably the most well-known local landmark. It is because of this that Colne is associated with the Pendle witches, many local people walk up the hill, but particularly at Halloween. 
12.  It is my home where my family is - the most important place in my life. 

My Summer Wish List

As most of you know I am finalising my dissertation. I have been thinking about things I would like to do over the summer.
I thought I would share them with my lovely readers.

1. Read, read and read all the books I have been meaning to read for so long.
2. Spend time with family - t is how memories are created
3. Get super healthy and fit because I want my energy back
4. Plenty of shopping - find me a girl who does not love a bit of shopping
5. A lot of singing as I finish my time with Pendle Youth Choir
6. CCDS - a little work always does the heart and mind good
7. Write, Write and more writing
8. Start my YouTube channel properly.
9. Blogging as always
10. Sleep Sleep - the thing that has been lacking in the last few weeks

What are you planning to do this summer? I would love to know what you are going to be up to in your summer.

A Musical Message

It is dissertation week this week. So, I thought I would share one of my favourite songs this month. It is called Beautiful Child by Pauley Perrette best known for her role in NCIS as forensic scientist Abby Sciuto. She wrote this song in support of the LGBT community. I like this song not only because of the fact that it supports equality. It also has a community spirit which I love in music, because of my belief that music can bring us together.

Have a listen as I go back to my dissertation.

Motivation - The Student's Demon.

As you read in my last post I am currently finishing up my degree. I thought I would share how I stay motivated in this pressured time.

1. This is the most important one. TALK! - whether it is to yourself, your mum, your dad, your room mate. If you are worried about something, share the problem because if you don't share it. I t will consume you and you won't want to do anything especially assignments. 

2. EAT! - I suppose it is the most important one instead of Number 1 but everyone needs the fuel to produce the kick ass masterpiece. So don't forget to eat and it will help you keep your eyeballs on the task. 

3. SLEEP! - Students are suppose to have Phds in this topic. It help you find interest and motivation in your day. 

4. FIND YOUR ZONE! - Seriously whichever place sets your creative juices going. Set up camp and don't move. It can be anywhere from your bed to your desk to your home so your mum can sort the meltdowns out. It needs to be perfect, if it isn't right find another. I still haven't find mine. I work wherever I drop. 

5. FIND YOUR NICHE! - whether it is many drafts for your coursework or practising question after question, mind maps. Find your best way to study and stick to it. You study however you want. 

These are my motivators to get me to the end of my degree. 

The Final Month - The Final Goals before I graduate university.

I bet you have noticed that I have not been blogging for the last month or so, I have not quit it is just I have been busy with my university studies and other projects which I promise I will share with you when I am ready too. I promise you they will be worth the wait.

I thought I would write a post about my goals in this final month. It might help you in learning a little about prioritisation of tasks, because the balancing act isn't easy.

1. Finish my sociology assignment  - which will be done by the time some of you see this post as it is due on 21st. 
2. Finish my dissertation - the beast I have been working on for the last year. I a nearly there I have really enjoyed writing this, I hope to share it with you one day. 
3. Write the history exam question - history, economics and education not as boring as it sounds. It is not I promise 
4. Write the sociology exam question - comparative yawn 
5. Read SEN Exam prep - ethics; time to question life. To be or not to be? 
6. Do the SEN Exam 
7. Celebrate finishing uni 
8. Keep on top of my blogs and other projects 
9. Get a job. 
10. Try to not eat my body weight in junk food. 

10 facts about ME - My readers don't know.

I thought it was time to share a little more about myself. So, I decided I would give you the chance to get to know me a little better by sharing 10 facts about myself.

1. When I was a kid I used to be a tomboy. I loved football and even played the sport with the boys.
2. I love to perform, I am currently in the Pendle Youth Choir, but if I ever got a chance to perform professionally I would do it in a heartbeat, because it is so liberating.
3. Being different has been my greatest strength, because it has allowed me to achieve new things and gain new opportunities such as this blog and flying to Germany to meet my family for the German Grand Prix last year. It was the perfect family memory.
4. I nearly went to live in America, but I said NO. My life could have been a very different one right now.
5. My favourite film of all time is The Brooke Ellison Story (click the title to see a summary and discussion of this film), because it is a story about liberation - any women can achieve anything regardless of the circumstance. It also represents the strength of mothers across the world. I love my mamma.
6. I was told that I would not walk and now I walk and I am two months from completing my degree in Education (Special Educational Needs). I have to say I am proud each and every day I wake up and achieve something new.
7. Writing is my adrenaline, it helps me deal with all the challenges life has thrown at me. If I am sad, happy, angry or upset, I write my way through it.
8. When I was a kid, I had a crush on Chandler Bing,  played by Matthew Perry in Friends.
9. When I was a young kid, I wanted to be just like my Pops - an accountant. (I call my Dad, Pops always have done, always will).
10. I used to have a phobia to dogs, even though I now have 2 dogs, Ruby and Bella, they are pugs.

Do you know any of these facts previously? Would you like to share a fact about yourself?

The Right to Love

It has taken me a while to write this post but here goes. I was recently watching The Imitation Game I was enchanted by this brilliant portrayal of a man who lived a life of shadows. Alan Turing was the World War Two Codebreaker who was persecuted for being gay. To not be able to love someone because it was illegal must have created paradigm shifting levels of heartbreak inside, but to find your true love at 14 for it to be taken away from you, must go beyond any imagination conceivable. I am glad that I now know his story, because everyone deserves love in their lives from whomever they choose.

Sign the petition below to honour Alan's legacy and lets take the burden away from the other 49000 men who were prosecuted for being gay.


https://www.change.org/p/british-government-pardon-all-of-the-estimated-49-000-men-who-like-alan-turing-were-convicted-of-consenting-same-sex-relations-under-the-british-gross-indecency-law-only-repealed-in-2003-and-also-all-the-other-men-convicted-under-other-uk-anti-gay 

Brit Awards 2015 Winners

Here is a list of the winners from Wednesday's Brit Awards 2015

Best British Solo Male:

Ed Sheeran

British Solo Female:

Paloma Faith

British Group:

Royal Blood

British Breakthrough Act:

Sam Smith

British Single:

Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk

Mastercard British Album Of The Year:

Ed Sheeran - X

British Producer Of The Year:

Paul Epworth

British Artist Video Of The Year:

One Direction - You & I

International Solo Male:

Pharrell Williams

International Solo Female:

Taylor Swift

International Group:

Foo Fighters

Critics' Choice winner (already announced):

James Bay

Global Success award, for international sales:

Sam Smith

Academy Awards Winners

A list of the Academy Awards Winners from the ceremony last Sunday

Best picture

Winner: Birdman

Best director

Winner: Alejandro G Inarritu, Birdman

Best actor

Winner: Eddie Redmayne, The Theory of Everything

Best actress

Winner: Julianne Moore, Still Alice

Best supporting actor

Winner: JK Simmons, Whiplash

Best supporting actress

Winner: Patricia Arquette, Boyhood

Best adapted screenplay

Winner: The Imitation Game

Best original screenplay

Winner: Birdman

Best animated feature

Winner: Big Hero 6

Best animated short

Winner: Feast

Best cinematography

Winner: Birdman

Best costume design

Winner: The Grand Budapest Hotel

Best documentary feature

Winner: CitizenFour

Best documentary short

Winner: Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1

Best film editing

Winner: Whiplash

Best foreign language film

Winner: Ida (Poland)

Best live action short

Winner: The Phone Call

Best make-up & hairstyling

Winner: The Grand Budapest Hotel

Best original score

Winner: The Grand Budapest Hotel

Best production design

Winner: The Grand Budapest Hotel

Best song

Winner: Glory, Selma

Best sound editing

Winner: American Sniper

Best sound mixing

Winner: Whiplash

Best visual effects

Winner: Interstellar

Source: BBC News

Happy Valentines Day My Lovelies.

Valentines Day - the day of love. The day when 'we tell each other that we love each other. Businesses design it to be the holiday about partners, boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands and wives, but I think it is not just for this small demographic but for everybody. I know I sound like a cynical single but I promise you I am not. I know my prince, my best friend is still out there and we are waiting for each other. This does not mean I am not loved. I am loved by family and close friends and that's all that matters to me alongside my love for myself. I am loved will be by those important. Why does it take this holiday for people to say I love you in an affectionate public manner? I don't need a holiday to tell my loved ones I love them especially when I don't know what each day will bring.
So on this Valentines Day start the continuous wave of love.

On that note Happy Valentines Day to all those who are near and dear to me.

BAFTA 2015 predictions

Here are my BAFTA 2015 predictions as my previous prediction posts for the Oscars and the BRITs predicted in bold and fangirl ones in italics and underlined.

Best film

Birdman

Boyhood

The Grand Budapest Hotel

The Imitation Game

The Theory of Everything

Outstanding British film

'71

The Imitation Game

Paddington

Pride

The Theory of Everything

Under The Skin

Actor

Benedict Cumberbatch - The Imitation Game

Ralph Fiennes - The Grand Budapest Hotel

Jake Gyllenhaal - Nightcrawler

Michael Keaton - Birdman

Eddie Redmayne - The Theory of Everything

Actress

Amy Adams - Big Eyes

Felicity Jones - The Theory of Everything

Julianne Moore - Still Alice

Rosamund Pike - Gone Girl

Reese Witherspoon - Wild

Supporting actor

Steve Carell - Foxcatcher

Ethan Hawke - Boyhood

Edward Norton - Birdman

Mark Ruffalo - Foxcatcher

JK Simmons - Whiplash

Supporting actress

Patricia Arquette - Boyhood

Rene Russo - Nightcrawler

Keira Knightley - The Imitation Game

Imelda Staunton - Pride

Emma Stone - Birdman

Director

Wes Anderson - Grand Budapest Hotel

Damian Chazelle - Whiplash

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu - Birdman

Richard Linklater - Boyhood

James Marsh - The Theory of Everything

Adapted screenplay

American Sniper - Jason Hall

Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn

The Imitation Game - Graham Moore

Paddington - Paul King

The Theory of Everything - Anthony McCarten

Original screenplay

Birdman - Alejandro G. Inarritu, Nicolas Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris Jr, Armando Bo

Boyhood - Richard Linklater

The Grand Budapest Hotel - Wes Anderson

Nightcrawler - Dan Gilroy

Whiplash - Damien Chazelle

Animated film

Big Hero 6

The Boxtrolls

The Lego Movie

Documentary

20 Feet from Stardom

20,000 Days on Earth

Citizenfour

Finding Vivian Maier

Virunga

Foreign film

Ida

Leviathan

The Lunchbox

Trash

Two Days, One Night

Please note I cant predict with films I struggle to understand

Cinematography

Birdman - Emmanuel Lubezki

The Grand Budapest Hotel - Robert Yeoman

Ida - Lukasz Zal, Ryszard Lenczewski

Interstellar - Hoyte van Hoytema

Mr Turner - Dick Pope

Costume design

The Grand Budapest Hotel

The Imitation Game

Into the Woods

Mr Turner

The Theory of Everything

Editing

Birdman - Douglas Crise, Stephen Mirrione

The Grand Budapest Hotel - Barney Pilling

The Imitation Game - William Goldenberg

Nightcrawler - John Gilroy

The Theory of Everything - Jinx Godfrey

Whiplash - Tom Cross

Make-up and hair

The Grand Budapest Hotel - Frances Hannon

Guardians of the Galaxy - Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou, David White

Into the Woods - Peter Swords King, J Roy Helland

Mr Turner - Christine Blundell, Lesa Warrener

The Theory of Everything - Jan Sewell

Music

Birdman - Antonio Sanchez

The Grand Budapest Hotel - Alexandre Desplat

Interstellar - Hans Zimmer

The Theory of Everything - Johann Johannsson

Under the Skin - Mica Levi

Production design

Big Eyes - Rick Heinrichs, Shane Vieau

The Grand Budapest Hotel - Adam Stockhausen, Anna Pinnock

The Imitation Game - Maria Djurkovic, Tatiana MacDonald

Interstellar - Nathan Crowley, Gary Fettis

Mr Turner - Suzie Davies, Charlotte Watts

Sound

American Sniper - Walt Martin, John Reitz, Gregg Rudloff, Alan Robert Murray, Bub Asman

Birdman - Thomas Varga, Martin Hernandez, Aaron Glascock, Jon Taylor, Frank A Montaño

The Grand Budapest Hotel - Wayne Lemmer, Christopher Scarabosio, Pawel Wdowczak

The Imitation Game - John Midgley, Lee Walpole, Stuart Hilliker, Martin Jensen

Whiplash - Thomas Curley, Ben Wilkins, Craig Mann

Visual effects

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, Erik Winquist, Daniel Barrett

Guardians of the Galaxy - Stephane Ceretti, Paul Corbould, Jonathan Fawkner, Nicolas

Aithadi

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies - Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton, R Christopher White

Interstellar - Paul Franklin, Scott Fisher, Andrew Lockley

X-Men: Days of Future Past - Richard Stammers, Anders Langlands, Tim Crosbie, Cameron Waldbauer

British short animation

The Bigger Picture - Chris Hees, Daisy Jacobs, Jennifer Majka

Monkey Love Experiments - Ainslie Henderson, Cam Fraser, Will Anderson

My Dad - Marcus Armitage

British short film

Boogaloo and Graham - Brian J Falconer, Michael Lennox, Ronan Blaney

Emotional Fusebox - Michael Berliner, Rachel Tunnard

The Karman Line - Campbell Beaton, Dawn King, Tiernan Hanby, Oscar Sharp

Slap - Islay Bell-Webb, Michelangelo Fano, Nick Rowland

Three Brothers -S Aleem Khan, Matthieu de Braconier, Stephanie Paeplow

Outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer

Elaine Constantine (writer/director Northern Soul)

Gregory Burke, Yann Demange (writer and director '71)

Hong Khaou (writer/director Lilting)

Paul Katis, Andrew De Lotbiniere (director/producer and producer Kajaki: The True Story)

Stephen Beresford, David Livingstone (writer and producer Pride)

Rising Star award

Gugu Mbatha-Raw - voted for Gugu

Jack O'Connell

Margot Robbie

Miles Teller

Shailene Woodley

The Cumberbomb Unleashed

Benedict Cumberbatch photobombing Meryl Streep. 

When I was sifting through the tweets regarding the Golden Globes looking for the ultimate juice to go into this years awards season of legendary legend post at the end of the awards season. The first person is of course, 'The Cumberbatch' doing the famous 'Cumberbomb' to Meryl Streep. I think it should go into the legendary legend post at the end, because no one can photobomb like Benedict Cumberbatch. of course this is not his first Cumberbomb because he also did the Cumberbomb to U2 at The Academy Awards in 2014. 

Benedict photobombing U2.

I just think it shows humanity and normality in a society when celebrities are seen to be God like, when in actual fact they are like you or me but with this important job to do. It is something I would do if I was at The Academy Awards because it creates a memory at the end of the day. So why wouldn't you have fun and a laugh. I think this is a guy who can't believe where his career has got him to even though he is a spectacularly phenomenal actor and jousts wants to embrace his life to the max. So there you go, my reasoning for the Cumberbomb going into the finale pice of Legendary legend post.

Brit Awards Nominations

Here is the full list of Brit Award nominations with my predictions for the winners in bold.

BRITISH MALE SOLO
Damon Albarn
Ed Sheeran
Geroge Ezra
Paolo Nutini
Sam Smith

BRITISH FEMALE SOLO
Ella Henderson
FKA Twigs
Jessie Ware
Lily Allen
Paloma Faith 

BRITISH GROUP 
Alt-J
Clean Bandit
Coldplay
One Direction
Royal Blood

BEST BRITISH ALBUM
Alt-J – This Is All Yours
Ed Sheeran – X
George Ezra – Wanted On Voyage
Royal Blood – Royal Blood
Sam Smith – In The Lonely Hour

BRITISH BREAKTHROUGH
Chvrches
FKA Twigs
George Ezra
Royal Blood
Sam Smith

BEST BRITISH SINGLE WITH CAPITAL FM
Calvin Harris – 'Summer'
Clean Bandit ft Jess Glynne – 'Rather Be'
Duke Dumont ft Jax Jones – 'I Got U'
Ed Sheeran – 'Thinking Out Loud'
Ella Henderson – 'Ghost'
George Ezra – 'Budapest'
Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars – 'Uptown Funk'
Route 94 ft Jess Glynne – 'My Love'
Sam Smith – 'Stay With Me'
Sigma – 'Nobody to Love'

BRITISH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Calvin Harris – 'Summer'
Charli XCX – 'Boom Clap'
Duke Dumont ft Jax Jones – 'I Got U'
Ed Sheeran – 'Thinking Out Loud'
Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars – 'Uptown Funk'
One Direction – 'You And I'
Rita Ora – 'I Will Never Let You Down'
Route 94 ft Jess Glynne – 'My Love'
Sam Smith – 'Stay With Me'
Sigma – 'Nobody To Love'

INTERNATIONAL GROUP
5 Seconds of Summer but only because the young ones at choir would kill me if I didn't pick them. I have never really heard of the other groups 
The Black Keys
First Aid Kit
Foo Fighters
The War On Drugs

INTERNATIONAL FEMALE
Beyonce
Lana Del Ray
Sia
St Vincent
Taylor Swift - love her album 1989 

INTERNATIONAL MALE
Beck
Hozier
Jack White
John Legend
Pharrell Williams - my favourite song of all time - so uplifting 

CRITIC'S CHOICE 
James Bay - WINNER
George The Poet
Years & Years

Information courtesy of Cosmopolitan UK

Oscars 2015 nominations list

The Oscars 2015 nominations list in full. The logical predictions will be in bold but the fan girl ones will be underlined and in italics

Best Picture

"American Sniper"
"Birdman"
"Boyhood"
"The Grand Budapest Hotel"
"The Imitation Game"
"Selma"
"The Theory of Everything"
"Whiplash"

Best Director
Wes Anderson, "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Alejandro González Iñárritu, "Birdman"
Richard Linklater, "Boyhood"
Bennett Miller, “Foxcatcher”
Morten Tyldum, "The Imitation Game"

Best Actress
Marion Cotillard, “Two Days, One Night”
Felicity Jones, "The Theory of Everything"
Julianne Moore, "Still Alice"
Rosamund Pike, "Gone Girl"
Reese Witherspoon, "Wild"

Best Actor
Steve Carell, "Foxcatcher" 
Bradley Cooper, “American Sniper”
Benedict Cumberbatch, "The Imitation Game"  I would love for to get an Oscar I admire his work and I hope to work with him one day
Michael Keaton, "Birdman"
Eddie Redmayne, "The Theory of Everything"

Best Supporting Actress
Patricia Arquette, "Boyhood"
Laura Dern, “Wild”
Keira Knightley, "The Imitation Game"
Emma Stone, "Birdman"
Meryl Streep, "Into the Woods"

Best Supporting Actor
Robert Duvall, "The Judge"
Ethan Hawke, "Boyhood"
Edward Norton, "Birdman"
Mark Ruffalo, "Foxcatcher"
J.K. Simmons, "Whiplash"

Best Adapted Screenplay
Paul Thomas Anderson, “Inherent Vice”
Damien Chazelle, "Whiplash"
Jason Hall, “American Sniper”
Anthony McCarten, "The Theory of Everything"
Graham Moore, "The Imitation Game"

Best Original Screenplay
Wes Anderson and Hugo Guinness, "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Dan Futterman and E. Max Frye, "Foxcatcher" 
Dan Gilroy, "Nightcrawler"
Alejandro González Iñárritu, Nicolás Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris and Armando Bo, "Birdman"
Richard Linklater, "Boyhood"

Best Foreign Language Film
"Leviathan"
"Ida"
"Tangerines"
“Timbuktu”
"Wild Tales"

I don't know with this category 

Best Documentary Feature
"CITIZENFOUR"
“Finding Vivian Maier”
"Last Days in Vietnam"
“The Salt in the Earth”
"Virunga”

Best Animated Feature
"Big Hero 6"
"The Boxtrolls"
"How to Train Your Dragon 2"
“Song of the Sea”
"The Tale of The Princess Kaguya"

Best Film Editing
"American Sniper"
"Boyhood"
“The Grand Budapest Hotel”
"The Imitation Game"
"Whiplash"

Best Original Song
"Everything is Awesome" from "The LEGO Movie" (written by Shawn Patterson)
"Glory" from "Selma" (written by Common and John Legend)
"Grateful" from "Beyond the Lights" (written by Diane Warren)
"I’m Not Gonna Miss You" from "Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me" (written by Glen Campbell)
"Lost Stars" from "Begin Again" (written by Gregg Alexander, Danielle Brisebois, Nick Lashley and Nick Southwood)

Best Original Score
Alexandre Desplat, "The Grand Budapest Hotel" 
Alexandre Desplat, "The Imitation Game"
Johann Johannsson, "The Theory of Everything"
Gary Yershon, “Mr. Turner”
Hans Zimmer, "Interstellar"

Best Cinematography
Roger Deakins, "Unbroken"
Emmanuel Lubezki, "Birdman" 
Dick Pope, "Mr. Turner"
Robert Yeoman, "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Lukasz Zal and Ryszard Lenczewski, “Ida”

Best Costume Design
"The Grand Budapest Hotel"
“Inherent Vice”
"Into the Woods"
Maleficiant 
"Mr. Turner"

Best Makeup and Hairstyling
"Foxcatcher"
"The Grand Budapest Hotel"
"Guardians of the Galaxy"

Best Production Design
"The Grand Budapest Hotel"
“The Imitation Game”
“Interstellar”
"Into the Woods"
"Mr. Turner"

Best Sound Editing
"American Sniper"
“Birdman”
"The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies"
"Interstellar"
"Unbroken"

Best Sound Mixing
"American Sniper"
"Birdman"
“Interstellar”
"Unbroken"
“Whiplash”

Best Visual Effects
"Captain America: The Winter Soldier"
"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes"
"Guardians of the Galaxy"
"Interstellar"
"X-Men: Days of Future Past"

Best Short Film, Live Action
"Aya"
“Boogaloo and Graham”
“Butter Lamp”
“Parvaneh”
"The Phone Call"

Best Short Film, Animated
"The Bigger Picture"
"The Dam Keeper"
"Feast"
"Me and My Moulton"
“A Single Life”

Best Documentary, Short Subject
“Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1”
"Joanna"
"Our Curse"
“The Reaper”
"White Earth"

I have not really seen the short films so I don't feel objective enough to comment.

Information courtesy of The Huffington Past