Cracking up...

If you're like me, you'll find yourself cracking up at this time of year. I am, of course, referring to the toll that wintry weather can take on the skin (not the exhaustion brought on by this never ending term - I don't have the solution to that just yet!). I find that the area around my knuckles and fingers is particularly partial to cracked and sore skin. Gloves and lashings of hand cream are no good so I've turned to these gems to combat the problem. The Calendula Cream is a winter must-have in my eyes. It is so rich and helps to restore my skin to it's natural texture. I apply it generously before bed and at other points in the day, when a top-up is needed. I use Elizabeth Arden's eight hour cream on my lips, though it can be used to combat minor skin irritations. It is a lightweight formula that supposedly protects the skin for eight hours. These two are my go-to products in a season where we need to take extra special care of our minds and bodies...

In solidarity...

Now, more than ever, I truly appreciate my job as an educator. Education drives out ignorance, bigotry and intolerance. Like many of you, I am struggling to make sense of the horrific events that unfolded in Paris yesterday. I am full of so many questions and I know my youngsters will be too, on Monday. It is our duty to present young people with the facts and the facts are simple: no religion encourages bloodshed in its name. However, that doesn't stop people from using their faith to push an agenda, even a destructive one. The way to stop them from succeeding, from creating a culture of distrust and conflict among different religions and races, is to stand in solidarity. It. Is. That. Simple.

I needed an outlet for the many emotions that were welling up inside, so I created this. Friends have asked if they can use it on various social media platforms. Feel free to use as you please...spread the message far and wide.

A boot to suit...

It's no secret that I love an ankle boot (or two). I saw this luscious pair on the Oasis website and had to snap them up. They arrived promptly and were even better in reality. They have a chunky heel, making them infinitely more comfortable when running around (something that is synonymous with teaching in the current climate). The exterior material is a two-tone suede and leather combination. They are easy on the feet and I can already tell that I'll be wearing these to death. Not a problem though, since they'll keep my tootsies warm and dry in the colder months ahead.

 

Fair is foul...

I'm sure English teachers everywhere did a little jig when they heard that a new interpretation of Macbeth was hitting the big screen. Would there be a fresh take on this centuries old tale? How would it differ from the well known adaptations that already exist? More importantly, would it pave the way for some very welcome 'DVD lessons'? I must say, it defied all of my expectations - from the awesome opening battle sequence to the fiery finale (and I'm not someone who is easily impressed). The landscapes were raw and unforgiving and the cinematography was simply stunning, but deeply affecting. Michael Fassbender was born to play the title character and Marion Cotillard's Lady Macbeth was captivating (though not as ruthless or darkly ambitious as previous incarnations). The director, Justin Kurzel, took a fair few liberties that paid off but I won't write too much in case you want to see for yourself. I will tell you what has been omitted though. Gone are the famous witchy incantations and the porter scene has been done away with completely. There's also a Donalbain-shaped hole in the story but these changes work in this adaptation. Furthermore, the couple's childlessness is a prominent vein that runs throughout  and gives the film splashes of humanity every so often. To conclude, this is a very, very dark reworking that mesmerizes and shocks in equal measure. I certainly can't show the whole film to my class but some carefully chosen clips would definitely hook them (especially the boys). 

All hail indeed!

Get shirty...

I think long shirts are fantastic; they can be dressed up with a pair of skinny jeans/trousers and killer heels or dressed down with leggings and flats/canvas shoes. I wear these floral beauties to work with smart, slim trousers and heeled ankle boots. They're so fun and my students can spot me a mile off (is that a good or bad thing?). Anyone who is a regular reader will know that if I really like something, I'll buy it in several colours.  These were purchased from Warehouse where you can find many timeless, well-made pieces that are good quality too. So join me and dare to wear these vibrant shirts that are popping up all over the place!