Hollywood created a superstar and pain was the price you paid

The blog title is lyrics from the song "Candle in the wind" by Elton John.

I have been fascinated by Marilyn Monroe and the life she led and recently finished "Marilyn Monroe: a life in pictures" which was insightful and inspiring.


I think there is so much more to Marilyn than meets the eye, she had strong emotion and wasn't just the sex icon the media made her out to be. Her childhood was truly horrific - she grew up without a father, her mother suffered from mental illness, so she had to live in various foster homes and orphanages, where she was often abused. This left her with low self esteem, which is why I think she wanted fame so badly - to have that validation and acceptance.


"I knew I belonged to the public and to the world, not because I was talented or even beautiful, but because I had never belonged to anything or anyone else."
-Marilyn Monroe


She was an eternal beauty and offered something unique to the world that could never be replicated. Unfortunately, I think she was very misunderstood within the media and by many people. I admire her bravery and persistence, for somebody with such a horrible upbringing, to continue to pursue her dreams is truly remarkable.

"your candle burned out long before your legend ever did"

marley & me

I absolutely adored the movie "Marley and me" when I saw it on new years day. It was a fantastic movie to start the year off with. It is a great story that takes it's viewers on an amazing journey. I have never been so emotional during a movie! I think anybody who has ever had a pet that has died before can relate to this film.

Owen Wilson is one of my favourite actors and I adore watching his comedies, but I was impressed at the amount of expression he depicted. It was so moving and great to see the soft, thoughtful side he was able to express through his character, John Grogan.

One quote touched me in particular, about how a pet will love you no matter what you look like or what you do - you can't say the same about many people. They are not judgemental like so many people tend to be, they will love you unconditionally, without boundaries. I am dying to read the book now - if anyone else has read it, let me know your thoughts...

exercise tips anyone?

I recently joined the gym as I am trying to lose some weight and have started eating healthier - as one of my many new year's resolutions. I would really like to get into a good routine of exercising regularly and eating healthy, so that I have more energy as well as more confidence in myself. I was wondering whether anybody has any tips for exercising at the gym? the best way to exercise to lose weight, etc. I would really like to hear your opinions! I hope everybody had an amazing nye! I am very excited about 2009 and all it's possibilities. I plan on squeezing as much into the year as I possibly can and living life to the fullest :) If you would like to share your resolutions or your hopes for the year, I'd love to hear them also.

HAVE A FUN WEEKEND!

I want a crop/bob/pob...

First of all, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!!

I would like to go back to my natural colour of medium brown as I'm sick of always having dry, damaged hair as well as all the maintenance (and money) my hair requires. I was thinking the easiest - and quickest - way to do this would be to cut my hair shorter.

I love all the funky modern crops but I'm worried they won't suit me. At the moment my hair is about 11 inches long...I was planning on growing it longer but if I want to have my natural colour back it might be better to cut it.

What do you think? Has anybody been through this before? Here are some hairstyles I like...

Inspiring photos

I love these photos, they remind me so much of my childhood & growing up in the country. I was a real little country bumpkin when I was a kid, always asking for more animals and I remember begging my mum for a horse. I still have a love of animals and even though I live in the city now, I miss the country lifestyle.

I am really interested in photography and would love to do a photography course. If you have done any courses or are passionate about photography I would love to hear from you :)

Hope everyone had a great weekend! Tonight I went to carols by candlelight in the city, so I'm feeling very festive right now...

credit: mechtaniya @ deviant art

Sex and the City

When I was out Christmas shopping today, I saw a Sex and the City movie coffee table book and I want it! It's definitely something I'm adding to my wish list. Its probably been out for quite a while but it's the first time I've seen it!



I have a complete fascination with this show, its so unique and portrays the characters so accurately. I hope I'm as fashionable as these ladies when I reach my thirties!




here are some of my favourite clips...

Gemma Ward

I love these photos of Gemma Ward, they look so natural and summery.
I'm interested in seeing her in the movie, The Black Balloon, which also stars Toni Collette, one of my favourite actors. Has anybody seen it?