This week I’ve been suffering with a cold and have been feeling pretty fed up so this post is to help cheer myself and hopefully you lot up too. You’re welcome.
Victoria
xoxo
All posts in category Celebrity
Cute boys. Just because.
Posted by Victoria-writes on November 30, 2012
http://victoria-writes.com/2012/11/30/cute-boys-just-because/
A girl with a dream
This is the part of me that you’re never gonna ever take away from me
Throw your sticks and stones
Throw your bombs and your blows
But you’re not gonna break my soul
This is the part of me that you’re never gonna ever take away from me
- Katy Perry
When I was writing the draft of my MS (I don’t like to call it a novel until it’s published) Sticks & Stones, Katy Perry released her single Part of Me. I immediately heard the title of my MS in the song and realised the message of the song fit the theme of my story. In fact, it could have be an anthem for my main character. It was the first of several songs I heard while I was writing that had the lyric “sticks and stones” in it. At the time, I noted on Facebook that I hoped this was a good sign. We shall wait and see whether it was 
At the weekend, I watched Katy’s film Part of Me – part documentary and part concert DVD. I would have called myself a mild fan of Ms Perry but actually I have both her albums so I may have been deluding myself. After watching the film, I’m fully on board with her. I found it hugely inspiring to watch her journey. When she started out, she struggled to be heard in the music industry – record labels wanted her to sing what they wanted her to sing but she stuck to her vision, she wanted to be herself and five years of hard work paid off when her first single was finally released and went huge.
For anyone who has a dream in life then listening to her story will definitely help you. Her manager notes that when things were hard, when she had no money and no record deal, he didn’t give up because Katy didn’t give up. There have been moments I’m sure for anyone working to make it when you consider giving up. When you face rejection you want to crawl away and hide. I’ve sat in front of my computer and thought wow my writing sucks, why am I doing this? But I knew I loved what I was doing and wanted to carry on doing it. I don’t know if my writing dream will come true but I’m glad I didn’t give up when I wanted to because I’ve already come further on my journey than I thought I ever could.
Even if you’re not a fan of Katy Perry, her success has been amazing. And when she started out she was just a girl with a dream.
Do stories like this help you to follow your dreams?
Victoria
xoxo
Posted by Victoria-writes on November 12, 2012
http://victoria-writes.com/2012/11/12/a-girl-with-a-dream/
I’ll have what she’s having
I think I naturally gravitate to female writers because I’m inspired by their voice and their ability to reap success in an often male dominated field. Nora Ephron was a talented writer who knocked doors open for female screenwriters and wrote films that are firmly embedded in our culture. She also produced and directed films, no mean feet! After her recent death from cancer, I felt the need to acknowledge the inspiring legacy she leaves us with.
For those who have never seen When Harry met Sally, the title of this post comes from that film and that scene when Meg Ryan acts out having an organism for Billy Crystal in a diner. That moment sealed Ms Ephron’s legacy in cinema forever.
Nora Ephron has written, produced and directed some of the most watched and loved romantic comedies that have come out of Hollywood. They are truly iconic – When Harry met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve got Mail are all brilliant examples of the genre and some of my favourite films. And they are all her vision. She brought Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks into our romantic lives and produced films that are warm and witty and have made me long for my own happily ever after.
You’ve got Mail is one of my favourite ever films. It’s hard to explain why. It can be corny and predictable and isn’t really laugh out loud funny but it’s warm and romantic and the perfect film to curl up with when you’re feeling down or sick. I love the setting of New York, the fact that the heroine works in a book shop and her favourite book is Pride and Prejudice and the fact you know who she’s meant to be with from the opening scene.
These quotes are just a sample of her genius wit and show what a character and talent she really was. She wasn’t afraid of having her own voice.
So thank you Ms Ephron for creating films that will remain on my shelves forever. You were truly inspiring.
Are you a fan of Nora Ephron’s films?
Victoria
xoxo
Posted by Victoria-writes on June 28, 2012
http://victoria-writes.com/2012/06/28/ill-have-what-shes-having/
Glamour puss
I went Xmas shopping at the weekend and my eye caught the girls on the Benefit make-up counter dressed up in forties style. One of them ended up defining my eyebrows, putting mascara on my mum and selling us £100 worth of products as pressies for us!
I love the idea of having a retro style and admire people with the confidence to wear it everyday. On the occasion I wear red lipstick, I instantly feel more glamorous and I’d love to experiment more with vintage. I was eyeing up the Benefit girl’s pin curls, which I might have to try at Xmas.
I think nowadays most people are pretty casual and that’s probably why I adore old school glamour as it’s so different to how we are now. I’m not sure I’m ready to go full out forties style but I shall try to channel some retro style when I can.
If in doubt, I shall look to the ultimate glamour puss style icon, the always inspirational Marilyn Monroe!
“I don’t mind being burdened with being glamorous and sexual. Beauty and femininity are ageless and can’t be contrived, and glamour, although the manufacturers won’t like this, cannot be manufactured. Not real glamour; it’s based on femininity.”
― Marilyn Monroe
Do you have a glamourous alter-ego you wish you could let out?!
Vix
xx
Posted by Victoria-writes on November 29, 2011
http://victoria-writes.com/2011/11/29/glamour-puss/
My dream guy
My lovely blogging friend Jules has set up a new blog called Wordshaker – a magazine for the modern woman. She asked me to take part in this week’s theme – crushes – so I have submitted a post all about my dream guy.
I’ll give you a hint as I’m so good to you – he’s made up of 3 celebrity men
Please head over and let me know what you think about my crushes and who your dream guy would be!
Vix
xx
Posted by Victoria-writes on November 25, 2011
http://victoria-writes.com/2011/11/25/my-dream-guy/
Fake photos
As you know I do like the Kardashians and I looked at their photo shoot for their new clothing line with interest, especially as the photos were taken by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz. However, I was startled to see this pose of all three sisters all looking the exact same height.
This photo has totally been airbrushed. Khloe is 5 foot 9 where as Kim is 5 foot 2 and Kourtney just 5 foot. I think it’s sad that someone felt it needed to be photoshopped to make them all an identical height. I like the fact Khloe is different, she stands out and should be proud to be tall.
Air brushing just sends out a completely wrong message about body image. We all see these photos in magazines and even pretty celebs or models are air brushed into an unattainable person – smooth skin, a tiny waist and absolutely no flaws. We should celebrate how different people are not trying to make everyone look the same.
It makes me laugh when I see adverts for mascara on TV. Every advert has small print below it – lash inserts used and lashes enhanced in post production. I want to see what the mascara will actually make my lashes look like not see a fake advert as it make me less likely to buy the product!
I wish there wasn’t a fixation with airbrushing or Photoshop and we could see people how they really are and accept them for that. We should be proud of how we look!
What do you think about airbrushing?
Vix
Posted by Victoria-writes on September 8, 2011
http://victoria-writes.com/2011/09/08/fake-photos/
Forever 27
The sad news came in on Saturday that Amy Winehouse had passed away. Although not shocking due to her well documented long battle with drink and drugs it was a tragic end to a talented singer who just couldn’t seem to shake her demons.
It also means that Amy joins the group of big talents who met tragic ends – the Forever 27 club. Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain and Brian Jones all met similar tragic ends at the age of 27. Amy was born in the same year as me 1983 but whilst I’ve celebrated my 28 birthday she and the others in this group never will.
I don’t think we’ll ever understand why so many lives have been cut so short or why people so blessed with talent seem to throw it all away on drugs and a life of reckless abandon. Sure we can blame the hangers on who encourage their party lifestyles or the drug dealers who supply their habits or the media who make sure they publicize every stumble but ultimately they made the choice to go down the path and refuse to get the help they needed.
Reports are coming in that Amy just gave up caring about herself and whether she would live or die. She even reportedly mentioned the Forever 27 club to those around her, feeling sure she would join it and actually thinking it would be better to go out at the height of her fame. She has ensured she will be remembered for her outstanding album “Back to Black” – which is already back up at no.1 over here – and maybe she will now finally find her peace.
Vix
xx
***New playlist added on the Playlist page – work out mix***
Posted by Victoria-writes on July 25, 2011
http://victoria-writes.com/2011/07/25/forever-27/
Swapping work for love
Jennifer Aniston has apparently decided to take a year off from her film career to focus on new love Justin Theroux. Whilst this seems silly to us mere mortals who always have to juggle personal life with work, I actually applaud her for it. Her job involves visiting film sets in far off places as does Justin’s whilst both are surrounded by others actors and actresses who tend to be a promiscuous lot. I think if she’s found someone she cares about she should give it the best chance possible and leaving him for 3 months isn’t doing that. By staying in the same place they can actually get to know each other and build something solid enough for when they do go back to work.
As a single gal I struggle to find a personal life. I commute to work so am out of the house 12 hours a day from 7am to 7pm, which doesn’t leave a lot of time for a social life to even find someone to date let alone actually fitting in the dates to begin with. The weekend rolls around and I’m tired, want to see friends and family, write etc which also means I don’t feel like pursuing my future husband
I can really relate to Jennifer’s struggle even though she is a millionaire A list star because it’s so hard to get the right work / life balance nowadays and one areas usually ends up suffering. If you have the money like she does to take work out of the equation then why not try it. It may be that their relationship ends up fading anyway because it’s not right but at least she’ll know she gave it the best shot and won’t walk away wondering if her career cost her love.
But I’m not an A list movie star and will remain wondering whether my work life is costing me happiness in my personal life or whether fate just hasn’t got around to sorting out my love life. And I suppose that’s the key to the whole debate – none of us know what is around the corner, we can focus on work or love but they both could fall apart anyway or something could change when we least expect it. Sometimes that’s of little comfort when I see people around me with their diamond rings and wedding plans but sometimes that’s all that does comfort me.
Would you give up work for love or vice versa?
Vix
xx
Posted by Victoria-writes on July 8, 2011
http://victoria-writes.com/2011/07/08/swapping-work-for-love/
Cut throat
Cheryl Cole has been dropped from the judging panel of US X Factor after just two weeks. Her boss and mentor and supposed friend Simon Cowell reportedly didn’t even tell her in person and is blaming executives at Fox TV for the decision. Cheryl is currently keeping quiet but I imagine she feels angry, humiliated and let down by Simon who took her out to LA with the promise of American stardom and then cast aside when it went wrong. what I find laughable is the reason given is US audiences can’t understand her Geordie accent – um didn’t they realise she had an accent before they hired her? Didn’t they test audiences? So it is just a publicity stunt or did other judge Paula Abdul stick her claws in? We’ll never really know probably and although I’m not CC’s biggest fan it got me thinking about how work is cut throat now.
A couple of generations ago you took a job and you stayed for life. Even my mum has done the same profession since she was 15 (hair dressing). Nowadays, You compete for the best jobs, you’re constantly on the look out for new opportunities and you expect your employer to develop you and give you career progression or you’re out of the door. Promotions and pay increases are fought for. You have colleagues at work and rarely friends. And you need to watch who you trust. Cheryl learnt a valuable lesson over the X Factor, just because Simon seemed like a friend he was actually her boss and he had to make the right decision for the show, the company in that case. But sometimes the cut throat atmosphere of the work place is exhausting. Are we better off now that we have more job opportunities and aren’t just stuck at one company forever or are we missing out on loyalty, long term benefits and a better work / life balance?
I used to think I’d never be a stay at home mum, that I’d always work for a good career but lately I’ve wondered whether I will actually stick by that when I settle down. There’s something to be said for buliding a solid family life and avoiding the stresses of work life where the house always wins.
What do you guys think?
Vix
xx
Posted by Victoria-writes on May 27, 2011
http://victoria-writes.com/2011/05/27/cut-throat/
Superinjunctions are a super waste of time
Currently the news over here is alight with the story of super injunctions – male celebrities getting the courts to place an injunction on the media reporting their affairs. A famous footballer recently got one taken out to save his affair with a Big Brother contestant from coming out but Twitter revealed his name anyway and now an MP has named him in Parliament so all the press are naming and shaming Mr Ryan Giggs.
I am disgusted that you can pay thousands to a judge to cover the fact you are a cheater but the women involved have their names dragged through the mud. Whatever you think of Imogen Thomas sleeping with a married man, she wasn’t cheating he was the one with the family yet the law protects him. The law should protect victims not footballers who can’t keep their trousers on!
Why do these men always cheat? It seems like there isn’t even one footballer who can’t help himself despite having a wife and kids. They seem to be praised for being “men” not blasted for being bad role models to all the young football fans out there. But it’s not just footballers, there are apparently quite a few injunctions in place by various celebs too scared to face the music over their indiscretions.
If you don’t want the world to find out you cheated, don’t do it in the first place! If I was their wife I’d name and shame them myself and get the hell out but I suspect Mrs Giggs will stick by her husband and his millions.
Do you think the court should allow these injunctions?
Vix
xx
Posted by Victoria-writes on May 24, 2011
http://victoria-writes.com/2011/05/24/superinjunctions-are-a-super-waste-of-time/
I heart awards
