FUN FACT: I don't scare easily. Obviously I do get scared now and then, but my tolerance seems to be higher than most peoples. I hate spiders, snakes and talking on the phone. But outside of that it takes a lot to get beejebies thrown out of me.

But I'll let you into a secret, some films have managed to scare me witless. I like to pretend it was because I was 15 and watched them at midnight instead of recording them to watch during the afternoon. But if like me, you have a high tolerance and need something with some more hide-behind-the-cushion moments then these films might be for you.

Silence of the Lambs

This may need no introduction, but it is creeptastic. Well acted, well edited and just creepy as fuck. I watched this when I was about 15 when it came on at 11pm, alone. I didn't sleep that night and had insomnia for about a week. This was the film that won Anthony Hopkins an Oscar despite having been on screen for less than 20 minutes, because Hannibal Lector really is that creepy and  keeps you up at night. 

The Exorcist

Again, a film we've all seen, or at least heard the soundtrack. I watched this when I was 15 during the day because I found it in my dad's collection. Was content watching it (may have even laughed at that crucifix scene) but afterwards I was creeping round my parents' house, and then didn't watch another horror film until five weeks later (it was Scream, which was more funny than scary). 
 
I watched the Exorcist again for the second time another year later. 

1408 

You wouldn't think this was scary given that it is rated 15 and the entire movie is John Cusak sitting in a room (occasionally the ventilation system) with the odd appearance from Samuel.L.Jackson. But there was no escape route that Cusack (well, his character) didn't try, so I pretty much I knew I'd die too in that posh hotel suite.

Seven

I watched this as part of the Abertay Psychology Society's movie night whilst at university (alongside the slightly cheerier Little Miss Sunshine) and you might have guessed they picked it because it was of a psychological nature. This film is Class A Fucked Up With Capital Letters. A serial killer you can find no understanding with (Kevin Spacey) and two cops (Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman) who still have their own dark little minds.

The Amityville Horror re-make

I know this got slated, but it had many jump moments and times when you really worried about the family (and their dog). I don't believe the real story and it was a bit predictable but I was scared watching it by myself in student halls.

What scary movies have managed to scare you witless? Or is your tolerance really high? 

Glasgow may have been named the UK's most vegetarian-friendly city in the UK, but I personally scratch my head at that one. One shop in Dundee I always make an effort to swing in by whilst I'm through is The Health Store aka plant-base dieters personal Havana.

I actually never spotted this place until my final few months in the city, despite it's size and being located on one of the main streets. I mean, I think I registered something was there but it didn't look like much and when I did begin my veggie/vegan journey I kept complaining that I would have order food online (I also used to live on the same street...you can see how uninspiring it look from the outside).

But alas, I stepped in and it was God's gift to veggies. I found non-dairy milks which weren't soya, I found soya ice-cream, I found egg replacer, I found bars of vegan chocolate, I found ranges of fake meats which weren't the non-vegan Quorn brand.

Basically its's awesome. I haven't found anywhere in Glasgow as good (am I missing somewhere?) or in Aberdeen (when I am up it's the small health store off the side of Tesco Extra in Bridge of Don I frequent) and if you are ever in Dundee for some random odd reason (it's not really the sort of place people day trip to...hah) and you're into this kind of thing, then I'd completely recommend a visit.

Top Ten Community Arts Projects

I'm getting more and more tempted to add Minneapolis to my wonderlust list. 

How do you find the people that are right for you? Hint: it’s all about energy.

I love the sound of the plans for the DNA Glasgow.

Butternut Squash and hazelnut lasagna.

It's only a few days away: Halloween dessert ideas.

It's also only 16 days until I turn 23, and apparently it's not as crap as it appears.

I stayed up past midnight this week researching Christmas dinner ideas: this is one thing I found.

As someone who has moved a lot I appreciated this post.

Amy wrote an amazing post on living with both a physical disability and a mental illness.

Police quiz immigrant family on parentage of ‘confused ginger man’ HAHA - probably shouldn't read if you're a royalist ;) 

The Purity Myth - Jessica Valenti
Some of my 'geek'/non-mainstream interests are feminism, sociology as a whole, sexual health and American culture, thus this was a book I had been meaning to read forever. However, I was a bit disappointed. I agree with everything that was written but it didn't bring-up anything I didn't already know. I certainly have a few more examples of sexism when it comes to 'virginity', but for a book that was only written three years ago I expected something a bit more groundbreaking. Maybe good if you're just getting started with feminism, but if you've been identifying with the label for a good while then I would say find something that takes social constructs apart some more.

Who Moved My Cheese? - Dr Spencer Johnson
This is one of the best selling business and self-development books of all time, but I had to admit I was very cynical given that it was a story about mice and cheese. Written to help people deal with their attitude to change; it tells the story of two mice and two humans who need to look for more cheese, and how they deal with it. Change isn't something I've ever struggled with but I still - in the end - did find this quite eye-opening. Because the author applies humans' general attitude/excuses/fear mongering of change to freaking cheese, it put change into perspective, in a somewhat humorous way. I really do think this is worth a read.


The Vampire Diaries (Volume 1 and 2) - L.J.Smith
I am an absolute fan-girl of the television series, and like most TV programmes and films that were once books I did it in the reverse order. From my regular reading of The Vampire Diaries Wiki (erm, yes?) I did realise the books were different and a fair bit had been changed, which you always have to expect. However I was very surprised by just how much had been changed to for a television screen. These two volumes came as one book so explains why I've read them both with an unfavourable opinion, but I reckon I'll just keep to the television series in the future. 

Two weeks ago I was kindly invited along to the Wagamamas* to sample their new dishes coming out for autumn and winter.

I headed along to the Glasgow branch with Hayley and her Gran, which was nice as me and my wee Hayley met in real life for the first time in that Wagamamas almost a year ago.

New on their drinks menu is root juice and iki beer. I am a big fan of throwing almost anything in a blender so whilst a beetroot, carrot and orange juice smoothie might not be everyone's cup of tea juice I drank mine down. I'm truthfully not much of a beer drinker (unless it's a Millers, in which case pass me a bottle) so the new beer wasn't really up my street but drinkers around the table who were accustomed to beer were nodding their heads.

There was also wine on the table, which the waitresses kept topping up...


Obviously these three dishes were not to my taste, but I took some photos anyway. I did cheekily take a teaspoon of the sauce to try and as far as the sauces go the one surrounding the mahi mahi curry gets the thumbs up. There was also a side dish of pulled pork gyoza which I didn't get a picture of but it was definitely the dish sending the meat-lovers into a frenzy.

Whilst the meat-eaters were devouring the chicken et al, Wagamamas offered to get me something off the normal menu (on the house) to pass the time. I opted for the yasai chilli men which was delicious, albeit very spicey. Full of tofu, courgettes, red onions, peppers, magetout and some very flavourful mushrooms (my exact response to putting it in my mouth was "now that was no Tesco value mushroom") along side white rice, sesame seeds and lime.

And then we had the new veggie dish. Probably not up your street if you don't like mushrooms (thankfully I love them!) as it contained seven types of mushroom (I didn't know there were more than three...) alongside aspagarus and silken tofu with a sauce of chilli garlic, sesame and soy sauce.


New on the side dish front was wok-fried greens. The marinade was garlic and soy sauce which are two of my fav things ever so this was well and truly up my street. Apparently quite a lot of the population have a vendetta against broccoli, personally I love it and in this sauce everyone should!



And despite all that food I obviously still had room for dessert (because there is always room for dessert). This may look like just a blob of ice-cream and some pancakes but these pancakes have a date and orange sauce within the fold which make them a level above your average pancake! And the ice-cream is cinnamon, which adds some jolly festive cheer.

The new food for the Chritmas menu will be available nationwide from the 22nd of October (so tomorrow) and all my photos of the event can be found on the mo'adore Facebook page. 




* All the food shown here - including the dish from their regular menu - was paid for by Wagamamas, however I haven't been paid to write this feature.

I had always ignored the Vitamin C range from The Body Shop. Despite my break-outs and maybe some dry patches in the winter dull skin was never anything I was plagued with. However last payday I fancied trying some new Body Shop goodies and it was a 3 for 2 weekend but when it came to picking up my third purchase I hit a standstill. None of my current make-up was close to running out and I had just stopped by Lush to pick up a new solid shampoo plus my classic favourites Herbalism and Cupcake. So I was stalled.

The shop assistant was helpful and went through most of the range. I knew I wanted make-up but wasn't sure which. That is when she directed me towards this product, which despite not being a traditional make-up product actually is used for priming the skin (at London Fashion Week). I thought it sounded odd enough to try.

She put it on the back of my hand and yes it did have the same smoothing effect that a traditional primer would have. The smell (citrusy) did put me off as we all know I hate a strong smelling product. But thankfully the smell did fade from my hand within the next 20 minutes.

I have been using this product for most of the last fortnight and have been impressed. When it comes to primers I have only ever been impressed by products that are over £20; the high street ones have just never ticked any boxes for me. This isn't however going to give Too Faced, or Arbonne (review here), or Mac (boo!) a run for their money anytime soon as these products are still better, but Skin Reviver does pack a fair punch for its £14 price tag.

I found that my foundation did last longer on my skin wearing this underneath when compared to a bare face - not all day but the bulk of my make-up would still be on by midday (after having applied it at 8am) and by the time I got to bed some of it would have slid off but I certainly didn't have a bare face either.

If you can afford one of the more expensive primers I would still say go for it. But if you are on a budget and still really want a primer but a £20 primer really isn't within your paycheck, then this is one hell of a little fella for your make-up collection.

This 100 times over: 5 Myths of Recovery After Your Break Up

Sexual assault in the male-dominated tech industry

A trade union is something I've been thinking about looking into and I loved Charlotte's post on why young people should be a member of one

I'm all about busting mental health myths and I think Amy's story of OCD is great post on why "I'm so OCD about my shoe closet" and similar statements need to stop

The Urban Garden Guide is a great guide for city girls like me who still have the green finger

7 ways to be a decent, more evolved & just overall better person
 
How to make cheetos from scratch

Pumpkin Chocolate Cups

A look at how Dundee go some of its street names

The Indie Chicks is a new favourite online magazine.

Yes, I have a checklist. What do you think I am? An amateur?

I put what might be a little too much thought into my fancy dress ideas, but each year it turns out to be worth it as I get complimented on my choices. I usually sit down to brainstorm months in advanced and normally an idea comes into my head and I know that it is the costume I want to be that year (like a bride looking for her dress, if you will).

1. Be scary
Aside from that time in my first year of university when I borrowed my flatmate's ladybird costume I have always nearly been something that might make a few people shit themselves. I was also an Indian when I was 10 which I won a jewellery box for at the local youth club, but I'm not going to be donning a butterfly costume anytime soon.

2. I'm always a character or person
In the past few years I have always been a scary fictional character, and not a generic witch, vampire, werewolf etc. Last year I was Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty, the year before that I was Samara from The Ring and the year before that I was the puppet from Saw. When I sit down to brainstorm, I look through scary movie lists and television series to see what I might like to do.

3. Will people get it?
I've always wanted to dress up as Bellatrix Lastrange but don't feel as though there are enough features to her outfit that people would definitely get it (unless it was a Harry Potter party, in which case, people might get it). There may always be someone who doesn't get my costume (last year I was asked if I was the witch from Wizard of Oz, and the year before that people thought I was from The Grudge) and the idea I'm running with this year will need a lot of details to make sure people don't think I'm a generic goth.

A tip: when putting it together ask what details of the costume need to be present in order for people to get it, and which can be overlooked (shoes, for example).

4. Not something everyone else would do
Slightly contradictory to the point above, but the outfit needs to well enough know that people will get it but not well known enough that everyone will do it. At most Halloween parties there is a cute insect, a Harry Potter, a Disney Princess or someone from Alice in Wonderland. It could even just be something so outrageous no one else would try it - my Maleficent costume was store-bought but not many people would be willing to paint themselves green. Or it could just be something expensive.

5. My rule on copying ideas
Dressing as the puppet from Saw in 2010 wasn't my original idea, but the person I copied was a friend of someone I went to school with who I just happened to have on Facebook. Like she'd ever know.

About a fortnight ago my parents came down for a weekend escapade to Glasgow. As usual my mum offered up her pennies for us to go and work ourselves into a food coma at somewhere of my choosing. This was when I was still at the height of coughing and spluttering and even though I maybe should have been in bed with soup I wasn't going to pass up the chance to discover a new food joint whilst the bank of mum was in town (discovering new restaurants is one of my favourite things, but my graduate salary doesn't quite agree).

I had walked past The Village Curry House on occasion, but honestly hadn't taken much notice of it. From the outside it had never looked like anything special and just looked like a typical Tradestone building, but I wanted somewhere close to my flat and Indian is always a winner within my family.

The inside was beautiful and the food was delicious. Everything seemed authentically Indian (I say seemed, I've never been to India) which was to be confirmed by the Indian customers who had chosen to eat there the same night.



Me and my mum shared the vegetarian platter for starters whilst my dad had the chicken pakora. The massive vegetable you see right down the middle is a chili, which was a lot more subtle than the the usual chilies that have me gushing down a jug of water.


Then for my main I chose the mushroom baji. I did take some time to decide which option to get as the menu uses the Indian names which I wasn't familiar with so I spent some time Googling the dishes on my phone. When ordering I was asked if I wanted it medium or hot, of which I picked medium and even though my tolerance has went up recently I'm still a korma girl are heart. But because this was authentic their definition of spicy certainly wasn't mine ;) Just a warning...

The drinks you see are the traditional lassi, which is the only thing I order when I go to an Indian.

We also had some naans, because no food is better than a good naan and the village curry house and several variations.



Top marks to The Village Curry House for authentic Indian food, top decor (they had sparkly floors in the toilets) and really helpful staff. I'd still say Mama Rosais is my favourite Indian in Glasgow, but The Village Curry House is still a great Indian for those of us on the Southside!

A prime example of what is wrong with some people: stupid complaints made to Thomas Cook.

The i before e except after c rule is a farce.

I wouldn't say getting fired is a good career move but your next recruiter might love you for it.

Charlotte wrote a lovely piece on first university experiences and feeling homesick after moving away.

The 16 customers that bar staff should be allowed to legally stab in the kidneys.

46 times Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson proved they belong together

10 unusual jobs that pay surprisingly well

Waitrose mark out their vegetarian wines

I am either an INTJ or ISTJ, depending on which quiz I take, the first of which is very rare for a female.

What the cast of Lizzie McGuire are doing now

I found this by accident but it is about a base in my old high school that offers support to autistic youngsters and how one persons life has changed because of it.

A breakfast themed pizza

Playing with someones preferred name is one of my social pet hates and I love that this etiquette response to someone having trouble making people use her full name is just to correct them

Ugandan Minister of Ethics and Integrity says men raping girls is natural. Obviously.

An honest look at how motherhood changes womens' bodies

Anyone seen The Saturdays newest video? Anyone notice that they are badly hiding Frankie's pregnancy bump? This is pretty much how I reacted to it. 

Brides Throwing Cats is a hilarious Tumblr blog doing the rounds. 

A brief explanation on the difference between PR and marketing. I work in marketing and when someone tells me they are strictly a PR professional I wonder what they must do with half their time...

I'm a proud introvert but this week I've been studying quite a lot about ambiverts.

A father reprimands his homophobic child in this beautiful letter.

A band I've been loving this week: The Honorary Title.

Ikea to sell solar panels in the UK.

Chvrches' Lauren Mayberry: 'I will not accept online misogyny'