Gilmore Girls is FINALLY back!

You may know from my other blog posts how much I love Gilmore Girls, and with that I knew I had to write about it coming back. Due to the move, I've not managed to binge on the latest episodes (I've only seen the first episode of  A Year in the Life: Winter). Gutted! That being said, on the run-up I've been watching a lot of the old episodes and fell in love all over again. My Mum jokes that she thought it was finished. Oh how wrong she was!

I've also watched lots of clips on YouTube and know about the ending. The cliffhanger. The four words that leave you with more questions and wanting more. I was so upset to know the ending before seeing, so will not spill like I've seen some bloggers, Youtubers and fans already have. I was thinking of further reviewing the new episodes, but will see about that...I'm not good at keeping quiet!

This post will be my hopes for the upcoming episodes and my predictions:

Team Logan

When I left it originally, I was Team Jesse all the way. I disliked Dean a lot. He made her feel bad about herself. The way he dumped her when she didn't say "I love you" right away, the way she messed with her head after he said he still loved her despite being married and of course how he never challenged her. I also find it unrealistic to have someone falling for their first love; he live and move on. He has no ambition and has little in common with Rory.

Rory had been instantly attracted to Jesse; there is obvious chemistry and they share a love of books. They have grown a lot since they first started dating. They got on at an intellicental level, and made each other better in some way. Rory trusted Jesse, and became more interesting with him. I think he might have done as well without Rory's influence.

Initially, I found Logan spoilt, entitled and very different to Rory, but upon watching it again I have found that out of the three he is the most perfect for her. He was hard-working to make his own way in the world outside of his family riches, loved Rory and she loved him back. They met during university, and out of the three she was with him longest and from that I noticed they went through the most. He was instantly there when her grandfather had a heart attack, he saw her during her graduation, he supported her through falling out with her mother and quitting Yale (although brief) and most of all they made it through the brief long-distance. Therefore I hope they do make it back together. I feel Rory was right to refuse his proposal as she had more to achieve than just becoming Logan's wife. That being said, he has supported her through any decisions and I hope they make it.

Obama Campaign

I hope to hear how Rory got on during the following of the Obama elections, and the relationship there. I loved the clip with her and Michelle. Typical Rory with the books! It would have also been entertaining if it had been filmed after finding out that Trump is president. I know she was a big fan of Hilary Clinton after all. Remember, how she wanted to say she'd be the person she'd most like to eat with, when applying for university (or college).

As someone who wanted to go into journalism, I will adore hearing all the opportunities that came her way. Will she make it to New York Times?

Rory & Lorelai's lives

I've seen hints that Rory is out of work, and even starts working at Chilton. This would be an interesting one as this is where it all began. Stars Hollow is where we fell in love with the mother-daughter relationship, and it brings it all back now that Rory is coming back to the small town. I can't wait to see their antics, witty comebacks and fast-talking! Will Lorelai still be running the Dragonfly inn or does she have more ambitions in the eccentric town?

Lorelai & Luke

I always wanted the other Lorelai to marry Luke and have his babies. However I feel since we don't see this in the trailers and she's likely to be 48, the likelihood of children might be off. I'm still hopeful for the right wedding this time. Christopher was always unsure, immature and too spontaneous for Lorelai. Luke was always right for her. He argued, challenged her funny ways, loved her, appreciated her and always wanted what was best for her. He supported her where she needed, but never told her what to do. He helped with her crazy ways - when her car broke down, he made sure she got the same exact model (helping get it fixed), and organised the entire party for Rory leaving in the final episode. What more can be said? He's perfect! Who doesn't love a happy ending?

Sookie

Sookie is one of my favourite characters despite Lorelai and Rory of course. I can't wait to see how the kids have grown 7 years on (I can't remember how old the first one, Davy was, so wonder whether there will be a teen?) Anything with Sookie is always funny though. Especially her and Jackson arguing. I also hope she's still showing her passion for cooking, and can't wait to see what they named the youngest. Yes, I'm that sad!

Lane and Zac 

Oh how I loved that rock star couple so much! I hope they're settling into parenthood, and Lane hasn't given up on drumming. Are they still working in Luke's? I was gutted to see so many fans who disliked Zac for Lane; I thought he was perfect. He adored her and was always there, quirky and managed to find ways to relate her scary mother.

There is one mystery that eludes me though. Where is Lane's father? Did he die? They always mention it in the plural - parents, but never has he appeared. They have had many Korean family occasions, even her wedding and still to see him...

Taylor madness

Are Taylor's town meetings still crazy? No doubt. The comebacks of Taylor and Lorelai were well-worth it. I also love how he managed to encourage the townspeople to do things they totally disagreed with. Remember, when Jackson did his job for a while? Yeah, it didn't last long...

Kirk

What jobs is Kirk doing now? Has he married Lulu? I've seen him attend the traditional Friday night dinner, so can't wait to see the comedy at that one! I also like the hints of his advice column which have circled around on facebook pages. See below:

The "Gilmore Girls" 

So many good pictures for these 3!

Richard passes away like the actor did unfortunately. I loved him! The fiercely loyal and protective father, mentoring and supporting nature to Rory and the way he proved to be Emily's solemate. It will be interesting to see how Emily copes. I saw a clip where she gets a wall-sized picture of him, which made me chuckle. It sums up Emily's quirky character. Friday family dinners are still on too!

Stars Hollow

It's exciting to see what all the townspeople of Stars Hollow are up to, and what unusual events will be on! I honestly can't wait to get back to it.

To finish this post, here are a few screenshots of Gilmore Girls quizzes I've done (sad I know):

Always get different ones - had Sookie before!

Hope you enjoyed the post, and love to hear your comments especially if you like the show as much as me!

Still unsure whether to review the new episodes, when I've finished watching.

Moving & Updates

I can officially announce that I'm moving to Ipswich in 6 days! This is my last week on the island.

My life at the moment...

Excitement doesn't really sum-it up. There is so much to look forward to about it. I will be glad to live on the mainland and feel closer to easy transport links, more job opportunities and look forward to exploring somewhere new. I don't know much about the southern part of the country, and feel this year has expanded my knowledge of places including Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Southampton, London and now Suffolk!

Here are just a few things I've learnt from about Suffolk as an area:

1. It has a place called Bury St Edmunds,which has a hotel which was frequented by Charles Dickens; it is now a boutique inn with a trendy underground bar. I hope to visit there!
2. The Suffolk coast is a 50 mile stretch of heritage coastline, and situated just 2 hours from Central London. I am sad I've not seen more concerts this year, so hopefully being close to even London will mean I see more in 2017!
3. They say it is the best place to visit if you love food, seaside life and world-class culture. I can't wait!
4. There is a fairytale style village called Thorpeness. It is famed for its Peter Pan inspired boating lake. Sounds interesting!
5. Ipswich itself is known for the maritime festival with lots of things that happen during it. Hopefully go and find out more about this to write for the blog!
6. Ipswich is one of the oldest towns in the country and has a fascinating history, with a cutting-edge arts and culture scene. I really hope to find it all!
7. Ipswich is a prime trading port with Europe for hundreds of years
8. Many things to do including performance art, theatre, museums (oh how I love to visit museums), fab restaurants for foodies and galleries
9. It boast the Suffolk Food Hall, which includes a market and restaurants which is described as the Best Local Food Venue in the UK & Ireland. 
10. Ipswich's most famous historic figure is Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. They even have an art gallery in his name - Wolsey Art Gallery. I WILL visit

This is where I'd use pictures, but I don't like including photos I've not used (unless it's related to a film or TV series).

This year has been a year of moving and learning about myself, which has been tough, but something I've needed to do. I refuse to be negative! Despite starting off the year living in Dundee, and due to difficult circumstances moving to Isle of Wight. Then about two months later, moving to another part of the island, which had more to it. Then of course we are moving again. I don't think Isle of Wight was for me. I'd recommend it for a holiday as there is lots to do, but if you asked me to move back - I'd kick, scream and fight against it!

This year I learnt some body confidence which I plan to write about (and link here).

I've learnt how much fundraising means to me, and how much I've missed the third sector to work in. Break ups are hard and upsetting, but losing a career you adore and means so much to you is heartbreaking. Maybe that changes due to who you date though! Fundraising was what I breathed; it made me confident, taught me to promote, was something I was regularly praised on and something I loved to do as a hobby. What is that quote? "Find a job you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life." (I don't think this is the correct way to say it, but feel free to correct me!)

I've learnt who my friends are. Sometimes we don't talk everyday, but it means so much when we do. To know that my friends are the opposite end of the country hurts me as I deeply miss them, but love how they still play a strong part in my life. They come up with ideas to meet up and make a roadtrip of it; involve me in their weddings, and are there whenever I need them - to cry, moan or talk to. Thank you so much guys! Not sure if a dedication would make you feel awkward, but will do it anyway - Hannah, Lisa, Jools and Fi I love you so much!

I've learnt how much volunteering can build my confidence, and teach me more about the world of fundraising. Another post idea - the power of volunteering. Watch out!

I've learnt the joy of writing again with this blog. Not sure that many people actually enjoy it, but it's a good outlet for my creativity. So far since starting in July, I'm proud that while writing this I've seen over 6000 visits the blog site. As I learn more, I hope to start selling advertising, work with different brands and get my own website. However this is just a hobby so I am in rush and am taking it all very slowly.

Finally I've learnt the things I like to do for my hobbies. Almost a year ago I split up with someone who told me I have no interests, which really stuck in my head. I do, but stopped doing some things and am determined to do more. Take up yoga classes again, go to gigs (aim to see at least 3 acts in 2017), learn something crafty, watch more films I like, keep going with the blog and expand ways to write. Most importantly, I hope to take up fundraising again (if no jobs, at least as a hobby until something comes up).

2017 is fast approaching, and I have so many hopes for it, which I will save for some of my Blogmas posts! Doubt you want to hear my entire life story or every blog idea though... I would love to see links of others taking part in Blogmas though! I will be sure to promote them at the same time I'm doing my posts.

Picture credit to: Typoweblog

Hope you enjoyed reading! I'd be interested to hear from you. What have you learnt from this year? Have you visited Suffolk and have any recommendations for my visit?

The Film List

This is where you really start to think I'm from my own planet, otherwise known as Planet Jodie.

I have a spreadsheet of films to watch - this consists of films suggested from various forms known as "best ever", or "films to see before you die". It also included best films that were banned, best silent films and the worst films, and of course films I have heard of and wish to see for whatever reason.

I was relatively young when this list started; perhaps 15 or 16. Not entirely sure. I thought it would be fun to list the films I'm still to see, and will edit and score them out as I see them. I've just got 280 left to see out of a list of 742 - sometimes this grows due to new releases I want to see:

1.The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser (1974)
2. Duck Soup (1933)
3. Elizabeth (1998)
4. Flesh (1968)
5. The Cruel Sea (1953)
6. Au Hasard Balthazar (1966)
7. Das Boot (1981) - UPDATE: watched this as wrote this post
8. Darling (1965)
9. Dangerous Moves (1984)
10. The Black Cat (1934)
11. Being there (1979)
12. The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
13. Burnt by the Sun (1994)
14. Crazy Beautiful (2001)
15. Chariots of Fire (1981)
16. Ben-Hur (1959)
17. Frenzy (1972)
18. Fracture (2007)
19. A Woman Under The Influence (1974)
20. Belle Epoque (1992)
21. The Departed (2006)
22. Enough Said (2013)
23. Days of Heaven (1978)
24. The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970)
25. Day of the Jackal (1973)
26. Evil Dead II (1987)
27. Do the Right Thing (1989)
28. Come & See (1985)
29. Army of Shadows (1969)
30. The Cat Concerto (1947)

Wow I'm so surprised you're still reading this - have you seen any of these films if so, what do you think of them?

31. Dr No (1962)
32. Character (1997)
33. Cold Weather (2010)
34. The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
35. Freeway (1996)
36. Children of the Corn (1984)
37. The Dam Busters (1955)
38. Death to Smoochy (2002)
39. Blow Up (1966)
40. Belles of St Trinians (1954)
41. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
42. A Man and A Woman (1966)
43. Andrei Rublev (1966)
44. Cheap Thrills (2013)
45. Clash of the Titans (1981)
46. Choke (2008)
47. The Big Red One (1980)
48. After Hours (1985)
49. How to Steal A Million (1966)
50. Bringing Up a Baby (1938)

Glad you're still reading! To keep this fun, which year had 4 films from my list released?

51. Black Narcissus (1947)
52. The Black Hole (1979)
53. Bloodline (1979)
54. Greed (1924)
55. Family Plot (1976)
56. The Fifth Element (1997)
57. First Blood (1982)
58. Brown Sugar (2002)
59. The Fountain (2006)
60. Field of Dreams (1989)
61. Far from Heaven (2002)
62. The General (1926)
63. Fanny and Alexander (1982)
64. In Bruges (2008)
65. Goldfinger (1964)
66. Fatal Attraction (1987)
67. I confess (1953)
68. Ikiru (1952)
69. Hairspray (1988)
70. Kolya (1996)
71. Harvey (1950)
72. The Hustler (1961)
73. Hope and Glory (1987)
74. The Innocents (1961)
75. Hamlet (1996)
76. Le Million (1931)
77. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
78. Inside Man (2006)
79. In the Company of Men (1997)
80. Jules et Jim (1962)
81. Jurrassic Park (1993)
82. Le Doulos (1962)
83. Jailhouse Rock (1957)
84. Lifeboat (1944)
85. Gladiator (2000)
86. The Killer (1989)
87. Just like the Son (2006)
88. Journey of Hope (1990)
89. Killer of Sheep (1978)
90. Love and Death (1975)
91. Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)
92. Lone Star (1996)
93. L'Homme Du Train (2002) - also known as Man on The Train
94. High and Low (1963)
95.Garden State (2004)
96. Heimat (1985)
97. Hidden (2005) - also known as Cache
98. The Gold Rush (1925)
99. Interview with the Vampire (1994)
100. The Go-Between (1970)

Have I repeated any films in this list? If so, please comment below! 

101. Husbands and Wives (1992)
102. The Searchers (1956)
103. Slums of Beverly Hills (1998)
104. Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971)
104. Ten (1979)
105. Unfaithfully Yours (1948)
106. The Verdict (1982)
107. Yojimbo (1961)
108. X-Men 2 (2003)
109. The Thing (1982)
110. They all laughed (1981)
111. The Terminator (1984)
112. Terminator 2 (1991)
113. The Zodiac Killer (1971)
114. Sweet Smell of Success (1957)
115. Un Chien Andalou (1928)
116. Tokyo Story (1953)
117. Valley of the Dolls (1967)
118. Godfather Part 3 (1990) - I watched the Godfather trilogy all together, but don't remember this one! Strange as it was last to see...
119. Tootsie (1982)
120. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (1963)
121. The Year of Living Dangerously (1982)
122. Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken (1999)
123. Viridiana (1961)
124. The Wages of Fear (1953)
125. Topsy Turvy (1999)
126. The White Ribbon (2009)
127. The Third Man (1949)
128. Volver a empezar (1982) - Also known as To Begin Again
129. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
130. Very Bad Things (1998)
131. The Tin Drum (1979)
132. Zelig (1983)
133. The Tree of Wooden Clogs (1978)
134. Whisky Galore! (1949)
135. While you were sleeping (1995)
136. To Have and Have Not (1944)
137. Welcome to the Dollhouse (1995)
138. La Strada (1954)
139. Imagine Me And You (2005)
140. Green Mansions (1959)
141. The Last Waltz (1978)
142. La Dolce Vita (1960)
143. The Long Goodbye (1973)
144. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
145. Lethal Weapon (1987)
146. The Last Seduction (1994)
147. The Leopard (1963)
148. Hellzapoppin (1941)
149. The Lady Eve (1941)
150. Love, Honour and Obey (2000)

Just a few more to go! Which number did I repeat twice?

151. The Lost Boys (1987)
152. Happiness (1998)
153. God Bless America (2011)
154. The Goodbye Girl (1977)
155. Holiday (1938)
156. La Maman et la Putain (1973)
157. The House of Yes (1997)
158. The Loved Ones (2009)
159. Le Cercle Rouge (1970)
160. The Long Good Friday (1980)
161. Love in the  Afternoon (1957)
162. The Mask (1994)
163. The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
164. My Left Foot (1989)
165. Nights of Cabiria (1957)
166. The Return (2006)
167. Z (1969)
168. On the Town (1949)
169. Mother & Son (1997)
170. Official Story (1985)
171. Night & Fog (1955)
172. Made in Dagenham (2010)
173. The Maltese Falcon (1941)
174. Out of Sight (1998)
175. Ordinary People (1980)
176. My Neighbour Totoro (1988)
177. Paris When It Sizzles (1964)
178. Russian Ark (2002)
179. Suspicion (1941)
180. Robin & Marian (1976)

Keep going, you're near the end!

181. Pandora's Box (1929)
182. The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
183. The Red Desert (1964)
184. Rocco & His Brothers (1960)
185. Princess Mononoke (1997)
186. The Red Balloon (1956)
187. The Princess Bride (1987)
188. The Remains of the Day (1993)
189. Ran (1985)
190. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
191. The Palm Beach Story (1942)
192. Moscow Does Not Believe In Tears (1980)
193. My Beautiful Laundrette (1985)
194. Sunrise (1927)
195. The Philadelphia Story (1940)
196. Murder By Numbers (2002)
197. Paris, Texas (1984)
198. Me, You & Everyone We Know (2005)
199. Napoleon (1927)
200. Pelle the Conqueror (1989)
201. The Outsiders (1983)
202. Passport to Pimlico (1949)
203. Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid (1973)
205. Solaris (1972)
206. Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985)
207. Partie De Campagne (1936) - also known as A Day in the Country
208. Roxanne (1987)
209. Mona Lisa (1986)
210. My Uncle (1958)
211. Mephisto (1981)
212. Predator 2 (1990)
213. Predators (2010)
214. The Predator (2018)
215. Mr Hulot's Holiday (1953)
216. Piggy Banks (2005) - also known as Born Killers
217. Madame Rosa (1977)
218. The Man who would be king (1975)
219. McCabe & Mrs Miller (1971)
220. Midnight Run (1988)
221. Moonstruck (1987)
222. My Name is Joe (1998)
223. Port of Shadows (1938) - also known as Quai Des Brumes
224. Men In Black (1997)
225. Men In Black 2 (2002)
226. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
227. Midnight Express (1978)
228. The Sea Inside (2004)
229. Santa Sangre (1989)
230. Springtime in a Small Town (2002)

Did you spot something out of place? A missing number perhaps? Only 20 more to go!

231. The Spirit of the Beehive (1973)
232. Stage Fright (1950)
233. Secrets & Lies (1996)
234. The September Issue (2009)
235. Spartacus (1960)
236. Songs from the Second Floor (2000)
237. Spirited Away (2001)
238. Seven Samurai (1954)
239. Sawdust & Tinsel (1953)
240. The Seventh Seal (1957)
241. Sense & Sensibility (1995)
242. The Son's Room (2001)
243. Shakespeare In Love (1998)
244. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)
245. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
246. Scenes from a Marriage (1973)
247. The Sting (1973)
248. Serial Mom (1994)
249. Sixteen Candles (1984)

Ok, counting is not my strong point! 19 is less though...at least I didn't give you more to read.

Thank you for reading - especially those that read from 1 to 249! I was going to give descriptions of each films but thought that might be too much. Besides I will review some along the way. I hope you enjoyed looking at my film bucket list - how many of these have you seen? If you've seen any of these, what are your thoughts?

Festive Gift Ideas - for her *

How exciting! This is my first festive post. Working in retail for approximately 4 years; listening to christmas songs on repeat for two months and listening to moody shoppers in the festive period slowly sucked the christmas spirit out of me. That being said, I feel like it might be coming back! This year I look forward to drinking a snowball, eating, opening presents, more eating, dressing up, more eating and obviously giving something.

This year, I've realised I don't have too many to buy for - my mum, dad, a few friends and my grandparents. I can't complain at that! That is not to say that I find christmas shopping to be plain sailing. This year, I plan on getting most things online. So far, I've bought a small personalised gift for my friends from a local seller on the island, who I might discuss in a future post.

Discovering Ezebee was a fun one, it has unique things that you don't find often around with lots of handmade gifts similar to things you might find on sites like Etsy. It's not something you find in your usual shops or typical to marketplaces like Amazon. It's so lovely to find gifts with that personal, handmade touch. This posts show 10 gift ideas for her (whether that is a friend, family member or even girlfriend/fiancée/wife):

1. Personalised Cushion, £35

This is a wonderful present for an older relative who you struggle to buy for, and feel has everything. Get personal family pictures on and it will mean the world to them!

2. Flirty Berry Soap Gift Set, £5.36

I sometimes find it so hard to find something decent for under £10, sometimes even under £20. It might even serve as a fab secret santa gift at work! This amazing gift set includes: bath salt, a strawberry cupcake soap, oats & honey cupcake soap, 2 strawberry hearts and a loofah. Perfect for those friends who loves beauty products or a nice bath!

3. Liberty Make-up Bag, £12

Crafted Chic design a few lovely print designed makeup bags. This was one of my favourite ones! Lovely for friends, mums and any woman in your life!

4. Personalised Hanging Heart Duo, £8

Similar to gift number 1, it is a lovely personalised gift for older family members. It would also be lovely for mums to have with cute pictures of their little ones, engaged or newly married couples.

5. Ring Made Con Austrian Crystal, £6.08

I find it so rare to find beautiful jewellery at reasonable prices. I noticed a lot of lovely Austrian crystal jewellery items to choose from. This was one of them! Only problem is this one I'd rather have for myself...

6. Contentment Jars (Spa day in a jar), £9.57

Similar to number 2, I believe this would make a great secret santa gift. It is perfect for those that love beauty items.

7. Elegant Tree Pendant, £17.36

This gorgeous pendant comes in many different colours; this was just one of my favourite. The tree connotation reminds me of family, and the family tree.

8. Silver Leaf Filigree Statement Necklace, £12.72

Again, this might be more of one that I'd like to receive. That being said, no girl can be without a statement necklace to brighten up an all-black outfit or make a day outfit into night! I firmly believe that jewellery makes an outfit so much better and more fun.

9. Trinket Heart Box, £5.21

Another low-cost gift that can have many uses. You can pop other gifts in, and it would make a lovely ornament, keepsake or trinket box. I also love that it reminds me of asian art. I've always loved items from China and something about it has that vibe.

10. Be your own hero frames, £7.14

I love this picture frame and with so many friends moving into a new home recently, I love it as a gift. I don't think you can go wrong with a home-related gift. This is so quirky too!

This concludes my list. In summary, I think the best gifts are those that are personal and make the person feel like you've really shopped for them. Buy them something they asked for, talked about or something that shows you take interest in the things they care about. If that fails, get those women close to you, some lovely jewellery, something personalised or something beauty-related.

What do you like to buy for gifts? I'm keen to get started properly buying for christmas once November starts! This year I've already got started for my friends. How are you doing with your purchases? Are you more last minute?

*For full disclosure this is my first sponsored post, which I hope will increase my visibility online. I was asked to pick out gift ideas for Ezebee.com. However I hope you can tell that I found this fun to write, and helped me find another great online marketplace, which I can honestly say I will buy from this christmas!