ANOTHER 3 TV SHOWS TO BINGE WATCH

So many amazing TV shows, so little time. This is the second list I’ve made of some of my favourite TV shows that are completely binge-worthy. So don’t get bored when the British summer deals us all too many rainy days and give some a try. This is less Netflix and chill, more Netflix and tea.

The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Out of the handful of Netflix Original Series’ that I’ve watched, Kimmy Schmidt stands firmly as my favourite. This comedy follows Kimmy after she is rescued from a doomsday cult and decides to start over in New York City. While Kimmy has spent 15 years underground and has a lot of catching up to do this is more than just a fish-out-of-water story. It's pop-culture references and supporting characters make this show full of laughs and heart. 

Penny Dreadful

Penny Dreadful is a gothic horror drama set in Victorian London. While following original characters including Vanessa Ives, Malcolm Murray and Ethan Chandler the show also includes some of the most beloved characters from gothic literature including Dorian Gray, Victor Frankenstein and Dracula.  Although it has now come to the end of its three season run, the show managed to get better with each season. Managing to be bizarre and spooky but never going for obvious shock factor, I wish there was plans for a fourth season. 

Orphan Black

The plot of Orphan Black is very complex so is probably the one on the list that I would most say is best binge-watched. Sarah Manning is pulled in to a dangerous conspiracy after witnessing the suicide of someone who looks identical to her. This sci-fi series is compelling and exciting and Tatiana Maslany is deservant of so much credit as she carries the show by playing multiple characters per episode. New episodes are available weekly on Netflix.

What is your favourite show to binge on?

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

CURRENT FAVOURITES #1

Avene Skin Recovery Cream

I’ve been on antibiotics for acne for just over three months now and I am finally noticing a reduction in the amount of break outs I get. However, as the spots heal I am left with some red marks and scarring. These will eventually heal with time but I recently started using Avene’s skin recovery cream as my daily moisturiser and I’ve noticed such a difference in the appearance of the scars. Avene is a French brand that focuses on sensitive skin so this cream contains only a few ingredients, no preservatives and no fragrance. This stuff is a 10/10 in my book. 

Sanctuary Spa 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask 

I love face masks, whether they actually improve my skin or not, I love doing them. Alas, I have found a face mask that feels great on my skin and visibly does it good. Charcoal is one of nature’s finest skin care ingredients. Whenever I see that a skincare product contains charcoal, it’s highly likely that my skin will love it. It may seem a little scary to be applying black goo to your face but charcoal is great for oily and spot prone skin. It cleans deep in to your pores, absorbing excess oil and dirt that can cause blackheads and blemishes.  This sanctuary mask is quick but effective, a perfect weekly skin pick-me-up. 

Orphan Black 

It was that time again; I was in need of a new TV show and Netflix had the answer. I’ve been meaning to watch orphan black for a while now but had always overlooked it. I will admit that it took me 2-3 episodes to be properly hooked as the plot is quite complicated. Now I absolutely love it. Its action packed and has such an amazing female protagonist. If you’re looking for a new show to binge on, I’d recommend giving Orphan Black a try.

Spotify 

This has been a favourite all year. When it comes to music I will admit that I am not the cool girl who knows all the new bands and albums. I’m usually the one who is jumping on to a singer’s band wagon three weeks after everyone else has. Spotify is one of the best ways to find new music, it constantly suggests new tracks and artists based on what you are listening to. My music taste goes from R ‘n’ B to Indie to Musical Theatre to whatever song I have stuck in my head so my play lists are pretty eclectic. When the mood strikes for ‘Defying Gravity’ followed by Kendrick Lamar, Spotify has got my back.

Empire Magazine

Reading film magazines may seem like an obvious thing to do for someone who nerds out over films as much as myself. Up until now it has never been something that I have gotten in to. I have previously bought Total Film magazine only to put it down after the first day to never pick it up again. I definitely prefer Empire. At £4.50 for around 150 pages it is at the pricier range of magazines but it is packed with reviews, on-set exclusives and cast interviews.

Lily Charmed Hummingbird Necklace

I received this necklace for my 20^th birthday a few weeks ago and it has barely left my neck since. A small necklace is the most effortless way to accessorise for the everyday. For someone who can get lazy when putting together outfits, this small silver pendant adds a delicate detail to any outfit.

Film Poster Art

I've mentioned before how much I want to start a collection of film posters. While I'm living away from home as a university student it just isn't practical. That doesn't stop me from admiring the lengthy wish list that I add to daily on Pinterest. You have no idea how much I am restraining myself from making an amazon order of multiple prints. My small collection of four will have to do for now. *sigh*

5 TV SHOWS TO BINGE WATCH THIS AUTUMN

Let’s face it, the summer is well and truly winding down and very soon it will be time for jumpers and shameless days in (yay).  Fellow students reading this will also know that, thanks to Netflix subscriptions over license fees, TV show marathons become as much a part of university life as all-nighters and overdrafts. Here are a handful of TV shows that I love and are sure to entertain you over cold and drizzly weekends. Get under a blanket with a cup of tea and take your pick.

Game of Thrones

It’s no secret that Game of Thrones is one of the greatest TV shows. I still had to include it because, not only is it amazing, but I think it is best watched all together. I came to Game of Thrones when three seasons had already aired. Over a few days where I barely saw sunlight I watched almost 30 hours of spectacular Westeros action and was thoroughly hooked. When I watched seasons 4 and 5 it wasn’t the same. The plot is so rich and there are so many characters that an hour a week just isn’t enough. If you’re yet to give in to the Game of Thrones hype, you should. Maybe not with less than a fortnight to any exam or deadline though, you’ve been warned.

Suits 

A drama that centres on a law firm didn’t exactly appeal to me at first but when I started watching it I knew why I’d heard so many rave reports. The show is incredibly smart and stylist but easy to follow if like me you know very little about Law. Obviously the plots of the episodes revolve around things like court cases and contracts but it is driven by the strong characters that reside at ‘Pearson-Hardman’ and is often very funny.  What better way to spend a rainy October day than in New York with Harvey Specter?

Gossip Girl

What do you get when you combine some of the best looking actors on the planet, cream-of-the-crop fashion and New York City?  The answer: the best guilty pleasure TV you could ask for. The documented exploits of upper-east side teens are so entertaining. While the show may have concluded in 2012 after its 121 episode run, it remains one of my favourite shows. xoxo

Outlander

More people should watch Outlander. Based on the popular book series by Diana Gabaldon, the show follows our titular outlander ‘Claire Randall’, a married combat nurse who is sent back in time from 1945 to 1743 Scotland. The plot encompasses history, romance, war and politics. The whole show is executed so brilliantly from the acting to scenery and costumes. 

Parks and Recreation

Parks and recreation is my favourite show. Created by one of the creators of the US Office, this comedy is set within the City Hall of the fictional Indiana city of ‘Pawnee’. Amy Poehler plays ‘Leslie Knope’ the overly enthusiastic leader of the parks and recreation department and its absurd antics as she strives to make Pawnee the best city ever. It is equal parts hilarious and warm hearted, due in part to the amazing chemistry between the cast and many improvised lines. I only discovered P&R this summer but its love. The fact that the ‘Dave’ TV channel now plays it makes me so happy. We should all be a little bit Leslie Knope.