NASHVILLE | TV

*possible minor spoilers* 

Is it just me who's noticed this or are musical TV shows all the rage at the moment. This time ABC has jumped on the bandwagon with it's newest show Nashville, that stars Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere as a pair of country singers who find themselves pushed together by their record label.

Before the show aired it was deemed country music's version of Glee or Smash with the cast randomly bursting into song at any available moment. This however couldn't be further from what this show is about, instead it is very much drama centred giving you an insight into the industry with songs placed at appropriate times for an added entertainment factor. 

The first episode of the series focused heavily on Rayna Jaymes (Connie Britton) who is a mom, a wife and a very successful country singer who is now deemed as becoming 'irrelevant' by her record label. They feel the only way her time at the label can continue is if she joins onto the tour of Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) who is a extremely popular 20-something country pop singer. We discover that Rayna isn't happy about opening for Juliette and that she feels she sounds like 'ferel cats'; she is however the number one selling artist of the moment. 

Panettiere's character is very much the mean girl, passing out her orders and acting like a spoil brat; that is until she is around the male characters whom she seduces one after the other taken or not.  It is implied though that this behaviour stems from her childhood brought up with a drug addict for a mother. Britton's character however is that of a strong woman who knows what she wants but isn't the diva her younger rival is. We even see a scene in the episode where she puts hers and her fathers differences aside to support her husbands bid to be Mayor. She is very much certain that she is not becoming irrelevant and isn't afraid to tell the label that. 

The episode as a whole opened doors to various possible story lines - one being the inevitable love triangle involving Rayna's guitarist, Deacon (Charles Esten), who we learn could actually have been her soul mate before she chose her current husband. Another interesting storyline we see involves Deacon's niece, Scarlett (Clare Bowen), who works at the cities famous Bluebird Cafe and writes poetry in her spare time. It isn't until it is pointed out that her words could be lyrics and we see this in action during a duet between her and the cafes sound guy. This opening doors for an interesting story and one that I'm certain will be explored in great depth. 

I really enjoyed the first episode of Nashville and couldn't recommend it highly enough, even if you aren't a fan of country music, you will definitely enjoy the developing story lines and the brilliant relationships that are forming between the characters. If you do watch, or have already, let me know what you think!

Emma xo

follow me on TWITTER and instagram at iamemmawilde

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GOSSIP GIRL | THE FINAL SEASON

Exciting moment of the week! The promotional trailer for the sixth and final (sadness) season of Gossip Girl hard been realised and oh it's good!

Dan tells Serena; "I don't know who you are anymore", Serena appears to marry a totally random guy and Blair tells Chuck, "I'm all in..." with a reply; "...and my bets on us". The drama the drama! Exciting!

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Half of you reading this probably aren't nearly as excited as I am, but Gossip Girl is one of my all time favourite shows and after the last season being the best yet (my opinion!), I can just tell the final season will go out with a bang. 

Do you watch Gossip Girl? Are you looking forward to the final season?

follow me on TWITTER and instagram at iamemmawilde

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ABC'S SCANDAL

I have just finished watching the new ABC drama Scandal and I was a bit reluctant to write about it because it has caused quite a bit of upset due to it's time-slot and circumstance. Basically, Shonda Rhimes had two shows; Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice, which both centre around doctors (Private Practice being the spin-off to Grey's). She now has another show - Scandal - which has replaced Private Practice in the 10pm Thursday time-slot right after Grey's Anatomy. 

Now for all those avid Private Practice fans like myself, this is the worst possible situation; our favourite show is battling with dropping ratings and now a new (and less than great) time-slot. Now you see my reluctancy to write about Scandal? Many are boycotting it in the hopes this will make a stand for Private Practice and initially this is what I had planned on doing, but then I thought, that won't make the slightest bit of difference and so this evening I watched the pilot to Scandal. 

Scandal is basically about a non-law firm who deal with crisis management for I suppose you could say, 'scandalous' situations. The show centres around Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) who is a former White House operative turned crisis manager working with a team of 'gladiators in suits' as they put it to fix wealthy peoples situations. The thing that confused me though is, at the start of the episode Olivia is perceived as this almighty force of nature not to be questioned, but then in the second half of the episode she turns into a weeping, defenceless woman crying over her **SPOILER** affair with the married president. 

Also, this show very much revolves around Olivia's gut. Whatever her gut says, goes as far as she is concerned and the other characters simply act without any real personality in the background to her ever increasing gut instincts. Okay so I'm going to stop dissing Olivia now and go onto last nights episode more. The main guest star was Wes Brown (also a guest star on Private Practice; Shonda Rhimes never lets us down with her continued re-use of guest stars; also including Jeff Perry!), who was a military soldier accused of killing his wife. Now we do find out if he did it or not but we never actually see the ending result of the case. It's although once their work is done that's it, they just pass it onto the authorities to deal with. We all want to know what happens! 

These are my initial thoughts and are solely my own opinion, I have only watched one episode and I would like to continue watching to see if the show gets better. I just found that I didn't like Olivia as a character and with her being the main star, I then found it difficult to enjoy the show. It might get better, it might not, I'm just finding it hard to understand the real purpose of the show...Remember, those are only my opinions so all you Scandal fans out there...don't hate me! haha

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FEBRUARY FAVOURITES

This is a bit of a late post but can you believe it's March already? February didn't really hold many new products as I'm pretty content with the ones I'm already using but I thought I'd just include more things like television shows etc which I have found myself loving this month. So on with the favourites we go...

TRESemme Serum with Argan Oil - I only used this in the last week or so of February but I just had to include it! I've wanted to try Argan/Moroccan oil on my hair for a while now after hearing how great it s but I refuse to pay the extreme prices from the likes of Lee Stafford etc and when I found out TRESemme did it in a hair serum I was sold. Serum is really great and it makes my hair so much less 'frizzy' but combined it with Argan oil and it makes my hair less frizzy and soft...win win I say.

Soap & Glory Hand Food - I have been using this for a couple of months now and everything people say about it is true. The smell is amazing and it makes your hands feel so soft and moisturised without leaving that sticky 'wet' feel for ages afterwards. This creme lives in my handbag now and I use it all the time; definite favourite.

Nivea 'Pearly Shine' Lipbalm - I honestly got this because I liked the pink packaging (not a good reason to buy something!) but after using it for about a month now I can honestly say it was a well worthwhile purchase. For starters I love things that have a good smell and this smells like those love heart candies you can get which is sooooo good and the product itself really does work to sooth and moisturise your lips at the same time as adding a slight 'pearly' pink tint to them. I'd totally recommend this!

Rimmel 'Hide the Blemish' Concealer - I always end up going back to this concealer; even after using the allusive Collection 2000 one! This is the perfect shade for me (golden beige) and it does exactly what I want it too so what more can I ask for really.

Marie Claire US - This is a random favourites but during February I found myself picking up Marie Claire US twice after previously reading it never! I got both of these issues last month (we have to wait ages in the UK to get US versions) and I mainly picked them up because of the covers - Angeline Jolie's cover is like one of my all time favourites. I have found that these magazines have good content though and I thoroughly enjoyed reading them so yeh, that's why they made it into my favourites haha.

Ringer - This show has been on air now since September but I only found myself watching it last month and I quickly became a fan. Quick expansion: it's basically about a set of twins (Sarah Michelle Geller) who meet after years of being estranged and then a huge twist happens and their lives are forever entwined. That was a terrible explanation but any more information and I'd give away the whole story; honestly though it's a really awesome show that you should all just go and watch!

Country Strong - I have wanted to see this movie since it came out at the cinema but sadly I didn't ever end up watching it; but when I saw it on Sky Anytime a few weeks ago I made sure to watch it. I love this movie! I don't think Gwyneth Paltrow is the best singer in the world but her final song is so so good that my mind was changed. Also it has Tim McGraw in it who is a great actor and singer (although he doesn't actually sing in this) and Leighton Meester who personally I don't feel meshed with the theme of the movie because she has that whole pop princess thing going on but I still enjoyed it and I'm definitely going to buy it on dvd asap.

Sara Ramirez - The Story Sara Ramirez is such an amazing singer and I first heard about this song when I watch the above video but then later it was included in the Grey's Anatomy musical episode (go and watch that!) which showed her singing it as her character 'Callie'. Both versions are great and last month I found myself listening to it again more and more. It's a great song and Sara is a great singer!

Cornish Pasties - This is the most random favourite ever but last month I honestly found myself venturing into Greggs more than usual to pick up a cornish pasty. Ooo as I'm writing this I'm craving one actually haha....

Well that's it for my February Favourites...sorry it was a bit random but I thought rather than missing a month I just talk about other things too! xoxo

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Switched at Birth

I get I'm a lot behind on this one but, I started watching Switched at Birth the other day after seeing it advertised and already I have found myself hooked. It is basically about two teenage girls who find out that they were switched at birth. One of the girls, Bay Kennish (Vanessa Marano), grew up in a wealthy family with two parents and a brother and the other girl, Daphne Vasquez (Katie Leclerc) grew up in a bad neighbourhood with just her mother - her father left after she lost her hearing due to meningitis when she was two. The Kennish's - John (D.W Moffett) and Kathryn (Lea Thompson) - invite Daphne and her mother Regina (Constance Marie) to live in their guest house in the hopes that both families can get to know each other better. 

After reading up on this show I honestly didn't know what it was going to be like. It seemed like such a predictable storyline with a very 'unknown' cast so I wasn't sure whether to watch it or not. After watching ten episodes I can now say that I was wrong to judge it by what I read and I actually think it's a great, low-cost show. The acting is good, not the best but still good and the stories within the main storyline really are quite deep at times - and then other times quite predictable again. 

The show focuses a lot on Daphne and her being deaf. The Kennish's must learn how to communicate with her in a way that is easy for both them and her and they are also introduced to other people in her life such as her best friend Emmett (Sean Berdy) and his mother Melody (Marlee Matlin) who are also both deaf. When I saw that Marlee Matlin was in the show I was so happy because I think she is a really great actress - especially in The L Word - and I don't think they could have chosen anyone better to play Emmett's mother. Also, having not seen many of the other actors in the show before I was unsure what they would be like but I have to say that they aren't all that bad; Constance Marie and Lea Thompson have to be my favourites though because I think they are both really great in the show; their characters are so likable and their interactions with each other are priceless at times. 

Those of you who have continued to read this long are now probably wondering; what happens now the families know and where is Daphne's father? Well, I'm not going to tell you what happens next because I think it's only fair that you find out for yourself but I will however tell you who will play the allusive missing father - Gilles Marini (yes the guy in the beach house next to Samantha in Sex and the City!!)

Other cast in the show are; Lucas Grabeel (I know you all immediately thought of High School Musical then haha) as Bay's brother Toby, Austin Butler as Toby's best friend Wilke and Blair Redford as Ty.

That's it, I really would recommend this show to anyone, it is quite predictable and the acting isn't the best but I really like it and I think it is worth the time. Also I just found out now that it got picked up for 22 more episodes in January - but not as a 'season two' but as an extended season one....

trailer:

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January Favourites

This is my first ever monthly favourites post and I'm definitely not an expert so just bear with me. Here are some of my favourite things from the month of January; I'll warn you now, there is a lot! 


Hair

Tangle Teezer (bright pink) - This has been a part of my life since Christmas and all I can say is that it has saved me from many painful brushing experiences. Read my full review here. 

Batiste Dry Shampoo 'Tropical' - I have a love hate relationship with this dry shampoo. I'll admit, it does refresh my hair like it claims and the smell is just amazing and lasts all day, BUT, and this is a big but, it leaves that typical dry shampoo grey tone to my hair which takes forever to brush out. I do still use this though because it does work, I just wish it didn't take so long to brush away.

Aussie Mega Shampoo and Conditioner - This shampoo and conditioner combo is amazing. I have never been able to find a shampoo and conditioner that I like until I found Aussie. Since using these, my hair has been so soft and has felt so thick and clean (not that my hair isn't usually clean haha). Also can I just mention the smell, I mean seriously, whoever thought to make a shampoo that smells like Calpol medicine is a genius! One thing I would say is the prices of these seem to fluctuate loads; one week they will be cheap and the next the price will have shot up - I saw in one store they were £6.99 each!! 

Got2B 'Guardian Angel' Heat Protection Spray - After hearing so many good things about this product, I finally bit the bullet and end out and got some. After using it throughout the month I've actually noticed that my hair is looking in better condition and not so damaged from my hair straighteners. This has now definitely become a staple piece in my hair care products and at £3.09 from Wilkinsons it's quite inexpensive too!



Makeup

Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish Lipstick #03 - This is a real everyday lipstick. It's matte, nude/pink and very very moisturising I've found. The wear is quite good and it lasts quite a while before reapplication is in order. This has been my everyday lipstick and I just love it! I think the packaging is very sleek and sturdy and Kate Moss' signature on the lid just adds to the sleek look. 

My eye look using the NYC quartet

NYC 'The Best of Broadway' Metro Quartet Eyeshadow - I'm not a makeup expert and I certainly don't have all the top brands and what not, but for my everyday look through January I've found myself reaching for this little palette which has four warm brownish tones that I find look natural but still noticeable. 

Collection 200 Lasting Perfection Concealer Shade Deep 4 - Pretty much every beauty blogger and YouTube guru raves about this concealer so I thought; why not give it a try. Well, all I can say is, why didn't I try this sooner! This concealer is thick and creamy in its consistency and it blends really well so it isn't even noticeable. It lasts all day usually, so no annoying touch-ups or anything. This has now taken over from my Rimmel Corrector Stick Concealer! 

MISC.

Rimmel Pro 'Aqua Cool' and NYC 'Gramercy Glitz' - I love both of these nail polishes separately but together they just look so good! In all honestly the glitter polish looks good worn this way with any colour underneath but this is the colour I've loved most in January. 

I'm also loving Rimmel Pro Super Wear top coat because it is just amazing! My mum gave it to me when I ran out of my old one and now I'm just shocked that I hadn't discovered it before. It makes your nails so shiny and it lasts for agessssss. 

Sarah Jessica Parker 'NYC' Perfume - This perfume has a very floral scent and has been my go-to perfume for a few months now. The scent is just so wearable and it's by far my all-time favourite everyday fragrance - I say that because I have two which are also favourites but I try to limit my use (Chanel No5 and Boyfriend) because of the price and availability. 

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Burlesque - Both these movies have been favourites of mine both throughout December and January so I thought it only fair that I included them in my first ever favourites post. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is my favourite of the whole series of movies and I think Jack Sparrow is my all time favourite movie character! Burlesque is a current obsession of mine because I love Cher and I love musical movies (read my full Burlesque review here).

Body of Proof and Once Upon a Time - Body of Proof is on its second season now and I'll admit, at first, I wasn't really that much of a fan. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed watching it but it didn't really come high in my priorities but lately I have started being way more excited for each new episode and Dana Delany is a brilliant actress! Once Upon a Time however is a new show and immediately I knew I loved it! My favourite character is Rumplestiltskin (hence why I chose that poster) but I do think the whole cast rate brilliant (read a full review here).

Tess Gerritsen's The Apprentice - I finished this book on the 1st of January so that counts right? Anyway, Tess Gerritsen is an amazing writer and this book just had me hooked from the very beginning. These books are where the television series Rizzoli and Isles came from and if you love them you will love these books - even if you don't, these books are brilliant!


Well that's all for my January Favourites; sorry it was such a long post but this month I've found so many things I love, and I felt the start of the year needed a long post!


xoxo

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Slightly Obsessed?

So as some of you may or may not know, I love watching American television shows and movies and when we moved into our  new house last year, the first thing I did was sort out my movie/television corner. in my bedroom. I add to it all the time but today I stood and looked at it and thought it was pretty much up-to-date and finish as of this day so I thought why not show it to you lovely people...

My movie/television corner is just off my bedroom where my wardrobes are and it is not for the faint hearted! So here we go!

All of my movies are in alphabetical order - except for the smaller of the three stands because they are my most recent buys and it's sooooo much effort to take every DVD out and re-order them...I will do it eventually haha. My blu-rays and television series are in no order whatsoever, but they are stood so I can see them all clearly.

No on to the scary part of the corner which is the posters; there is a lot! I try to switch out my posters every so often to keep up with new shows I watch and to take down posters of the shows I don't watch anymore due to them being cancelled - which happens all the time! I have a few movie posters but generally most are television shows which I watch weekly. As you can probably see I have more than a few Private Practice, The Vampire diaries and Kate Walsh posters because well I love these two shows and Kate is awesome so why not?!

This post has actually inspired me to go and alphabetise the rest of the movies so I think I'll leave this here and go and get on with that. I hope you enjoyed seeing a big part of me and what I love and I'd love to hear your favourite television show, movie, actor and actress.

xoxo

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New TV Shows of 2011

This year certainly hasn't been disappointing in the TV department. From a family travelling 85 million years into the past to fairytale characters being trapped in our world, we have seen action, romance, sadness and excitement on our screens in a whole new way this year which have emoted tears, laughter and even anger...

These are just the most common/popular/known series of this year; my favourites are Terra Nova, Necessary Roughness and Once Upon a Time, which are yours?

Which is your favourite new TV show of 2011?

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