Film Review: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

Guess who's back? Just me, don't get too excited...
Anti-climax...
Um, anyway.
Hey guys!

Last week, some friends and I went to see the third Hunger Games movie, which we've been excited about pretty much all year! So, I thought it was only appropriate to give you all a review and tell you what I thought of it!

So, for those of you who aren't familiar with the story, or haven't read/seen the first two, I'll give you a quick summary of what's gone on. The story basically follows Katniss Everdeen on her journey through the Hunger Games, a brutal and unfair competition set up by a corrupt government in order to, supposedly, serve justice for the uprising of the citizens of Panem against the Capitol that happened many years before. Without going into too much detail, the Hunger Games aren't exactly the nicest of tournaments, with only one of the twenty four tributes surviving.

In Mockingjay, however, Katniss (played by Jennifer Lawrence) faces her biggest battle yet. After President Snow (played by Donald Sutherland), the sinister and controlling leader of the Capitol and creator of the Hunger Games, destroys Katniss' district, leaving it in complete ruins, she must lead the rest of the districts on the route to freedom against the corrupt government that is swiftly on the rise. However, this is not her only battle. Katniss must also tackle her past, and recover from the twisted, provocative events of the Hunger Games which haunt her to this day. And, as if things weren't complicated enough, Peeta Mellark (played by Josh Hutcherson), her companion through the games and 'star-crossed lover', is in the hands of the enemy, leaving Katniss the responsibility of rescuing him, which could potentially lead her into the hands of the Capitol. Pretty crazy, right?

The thing I love about the this movie is how it's one of the rare films that actually live up to the book. The entire cast do a fantastic job of playing such complex characters, portraying them in a way that completely reflects the book. Also, there are some amazing classic moments from Effie Trinket (played by Elizabeth Banks) that honestly had me laughing so hard! This film was just such a great combination of action, romance, comedy and suspense; a must-see, for sure!

Well, there you go! Let me know what you think of the movie!

Five Top Tips for Revision

Hey there, crazy people of the internet. You made it again!
It's always this time of the year when mock exams are beginning, and it seems like EVERYONE's talking about exams! So, I thought I'd give you all my five top tips for revision, which will hopefully help you out!

1) Start early
I know what it's like to put off revision to a point where it's just too late...trust me! So, make sure you start early to avoid rushed, last-minute revision!

2) Make a revision timetable
This is so helpful to get you on track of what you're revising and when. Allocate yourself time in the week to sit down and, well...revise! How long you spend revising is up to you.
You can make your timetable as bright and colourful as you want; it's part of the fun! Although, it's easy to just write yourself a timetable but not really stick to it (trust me, I know...). So, make sure you commit to your timetable. Perhaps set yourself a reminder on your phone, or ask someone you know, like your parents, to remind you so that you can't get out of it!

3) Have an allocated revision place
This will help you to get in the mind set of revision, so that your brain knows that it's time to revise. Where it is is up to you; it could be as peaceful and quiet or loud and busy as you want- whatever helps you revise best! It's different for everyone, for example I prefer a relaxed atmosphere, maybe with music in the background, so coffee shops are ideal for me (and plus it's a great excuse to drink coffee!). However, for some people it could be a library, in the garden (although that's probably not the best shout in winter), or just a desk in your bedroom. Wherever it is, try and make sure you always revise in the same place, so that your brain knows that it's time to get down and revise.

4) Find a revision method that's right for you
There are so many revision methods, but it's worth trying out different things so that you find one that's right for you and that you can stick with.
You could try out some of these:

• Flashcards- they're easy to make and super useful.
• Making up a song/rhyme- this could help you to remember equations, definitions and key facts. You could even try recording it and listening back to it.
• Around-the-house revision- try sticking up questions around your house, on things like doors and cupboards, and try and answer them before opening the door/cupboard. If you can't, go and find out the answer on the internet or in a textbook, and then come back.
• Highlighting and note taking- this is a great way to remind yourself of definitions and key facts.
• Mind maps- a fab visual revision method. Go colour crazy!
• Get together with friends- try testing each other, or maybe even organise a quiz night!

5) Make time to have fun
It's important not to overwork yourself. Revision should be a priority, but your wellbeing is even more important. Make sure you give yourself time to relax, and do things to take your mind off of revision!

I hope this helped. Happy revising!

How To Choose a Camera that's Right for You

Yes, it's Wednesday! We all know what that means, and no, not just one step closer to the weekend...a new blog post! So, as a lot of you might know, I'm a huge photography fanatic, and I love, love, love talking about anything photography! Today, I thought I'd go through the different types of cameras that are out there so that you can find one that's right for you. You don't have to be an avid photographer to get something out of this post; even if you're not that into photography, hopefully this post will still be helpful for you!

Compact Digital Cameras
These cameras are light, easy to use and perfect for everyday use. They're generally fully automatic, which means you don't have to worry about manual settings such as aperture and shutter speed. However, this does mean that these cameras are better for capturing everyday memories and informative photographs rather than going ultra creative. However, a lot of digital compact cameras have settings such as 'action' and 'portrait', which gives you a way to get the best photograph possible. Generally, they have a decent zoom and, depending on the camera you choose, a reasonable number of megapixels.
If you're looking for a simple, everyday camera, compact digital cameras are perfect for you.

Bridge Cameras
These are slightly more complex than compact digital cameras, and produce better quality photos. However, they're still easy to use once you find your way around them! Bridge cameras have the ability to shoot on aperture priority, shutter speed priority, manual and automatic mode. This gives you much more freedom when taking photos, and lets you get a little more creative. However, a disadvantage is that, like compact digital cameras, you can't change your lens. This limits you slightly in the way of close-ups and macro photography, but gives you the benefit of not having to carry round extra lenses. Also, most bridge cameras have a fairly decent zoom anyway, and can also record videos, though not always at a fantastic quality.
If you're looking for a camera that allows you to shoot manually, but is still easy to use, a bridge camera would be great for you!

Digital Single-Lens Reflex Cameras (DSLRs)
DSLRs are the most expensive type of camera, but definitely the most professional and top quality. There are loads of models to choose from, ranging from amateur to professional, which means you can find one that's right for you. The main advantage of DSLRs is the fact that you can change your lens when desired, which means that you can take some fantastic photos. As well as this, the settings are very complex, which means you have even more freedom in your photography. As well as this, most DSLRs can film great quality videos, what is a huge advantage. However, they're pretty heavy!
If you're looking to take your photography to the next level, I'd definitely recommend a DSLR!

I hope this was useful for you all! Have a fab week!

A Weekend of Fun at Center Parcs, Woburn

Hey, guys!

I thought I'd start by saying a huge thanks to you all! On Monday I reached 500 page views, which I'm really excited about! Thanks so much to you guys who have been reading my posts; I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them! Really though, it means so much, so a huge thanks to you all!
 

Last weekend, my family and I went away to Center Parcs in Woburn, which opened earlier on this year. We've been away to a few of the others before, but Woburn Forest definitely had to be our favourite out of them all!

 The forest is just so, so beautiful, especially in the Autumn! From the serene lake to the wonderful wildlife, there's plenty to photograph! Plus, this time of the year, the leaves are such a gorgeous colour; take some photos while they're still there!

Center Parcs offers tons of fab activities to suite absolutely everyone! There's such a huge variety, from intense, action-packed challenges like water sports and the high ropes, to more relaxed options such as crafts and a trip to the spa. My family and I did Indoor Climbing, Pottery, Table Tennis and Laser Combat, which was super fun!

There's also a HUGE swimming pool with tons of crazy slides; I could pretty much spend all day there! There're also more chilled out options at the pool, like the Lazy River, or just hanging out in a cabana which are available to hire.

The village square is packed with loads of shops and restaurants, and is really easy to get to. I just loved the relaxed atmosphere and quirky layout that gave the square so much character!

They have pretty much all you need in the way of restaurants, from tasty American diners to classy Italian food. It's all so, so yummy, and plus there are coffee shops everywhere, which of course is a bonus...

 The best way to get around has to be by bike. Everything is easily within cycling distance, and there are bike racks pretty much everywhere! You can bring your own bike, or just hire one there.

The lake is just gorgeous! It's surrounded by forest, and there's a path by the side of it leading to the Pancake House (which is AMAZING, might I add...).

Be sure to take a camera everywhere; there's so much to photograph! The whole park has so much character, and I just loved every bit of it!

Anyway, it's time for me to leaf now...see what I did there...never mind...
I Hope you guys enjoyed seeing some of my holiday snaps! Have a fab week!