Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials Review

Sunday, 13 September 2015



I should probably start by saying that I am a huge Maze Runner fan. I read the first book before I had even heard that they were turning it into a movie. It's also one of the only book trilogies where I enjoyed each one as much as the original. I absolutely loved the first movie and completely understood the changes that had to be made. I will forever thank Wes Ball for making Gally a much more likable character!

After enjoying the book and getting really hyped by the trailer I had high hopes for the second film. I was absolutely NOT disappointed at all! This new movie raised the bar high from the first one, and even my entire family walked away saying "Yeah, that was better than the first!."


It's action-packed and suspenseful from the very first minute of the film, which for me just added to the whole experience. I felt just as anxious to get across the scorch as the characters were! This reflects the book perfectly too, as each chapter would end on some sort of cliff hanger so you had no choice but to keep reading (well played, James Dashner!).

I won't bore you with the plot line, but basically this film sets the characters against the world outside of the maze. They're running from bad guys, battling the elements, and facing their own zombie apocalypse. I usually don't like it when movies get really gritty, but I found that this one was perfectly balanced. The environment of the scorch sets such an epic and dangerous scene, without overwhelming you. Just as a warning, the cranks (zombies) made for quite a few jump scares, which I personally love.

If you have read the book as well, just be warned that they did make some plot changes. Nothing too bad, but I feel safe to say that you can put your trust in director Wes Ball. This guy knows how to perfectly adapt a book to a movie in a way that it will make sense whether you have read the books or not. For me, the changes were so well thought out, and I think if some scenes had been kept in the movie it would have dragged too much or made things complicated. The guy is a genius.

Reasons you should go see the Scorch Trials:
  • It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time
  • Jorge was MVP and all kinds of awesome 
  • Epic setting and action scenes to match
  • Great character moments to make you all kinds of emotional
  • If you enjoy zombies movies, this one's for you!  
  • Newt finally calls him Tommy
Watch the trailer here!


Photo Credit: EW

Until next time x.

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Twitter - @MarvelSteph91
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Fashion: Spring Style Inspiration

Wednesday, 9 September 2015



Hello, Everyone!
I've been seeing a lot of awesome styles lately that I'm excited to try out. The weather is finally heating up so what better time to have a bit of fun with my style, right? 
Naturally, I took to Pinterest for some inspiration and settled on seven styles I'm excited about most:

Denim Skirts

These were popular when I was younger, and I have to admit that I'm loving them again! So simple and fun; just in time for Spring!

Overalls

Another childhood favorite, although I initially hesitated on this trend. Now I think they are perfect for any season, and look so fun to experiment with different patterns.

Off the Shoulder Tops

How cute is this? I'm excited to try this look since it's so fresh and fun. I've also seen so many amazing dresses in this style as well. This would make a great date night outfit!

Strappy Ballet Flats
I've seen these a lot lately and I have absolutely fallen in love! I'm also someone who loves statement pieces so these would be perfect. If you're not a fan of wearing heels (like me) these are a great alternative for nights out or special events. 

Casual in all-black
You know those days where you feel the need to be a bit edgy? Nothing over the top of course, but there's a lot of fun and something slightly epic in wearing all-black. Give me some ripped jeans and a black tee and I am ready to take on anything! 

Hats

I purchased a hat similar to this one at Forever 21 during a recent vacation, and it was something I should have done a long time ago! I suit hats quite well and absolutely love wearing them. Although hat-hair is an ever-present evil I battle with.

White on Denim

This is possibly the look I am looking forward to trying most. I do love a classic style, and this matches perfectly with the warmer weather.

So that's my inspiration for Spring fashion! What do you guys think?
Are there any other trends I should try? Let me know in the comments.
Don't forget to leave your blog links for me to check out too!


Until next time x.




 
Photo Credit:
Denim Skirts: afamily
Overalls:  mlovesmblog
Off the Shoulder: LivvyLand
Strappy Ballet Flats: Slufoot
Casual in all-black: Pinterest
Hats: refinery29 
White on Denim: remainsimple , brooklynblonde

Photography Spotlight: Hawaii

Thursday, 3 September 2015







Hello, Everyone!
 For my Mum's birthday this year my family all decided to save our pennies and go to Hawaii for a holiday. We rented an apartment in Waikiki, as well as a car (as Kiwi's we felt so cool in our Dodge Charger; you can't find them at home!) so we ended up doing a lot of exploring around Oahu. 

The worst thing about photography missions in places like Hawaii is just trying to perfectly capture how beautiful it is in a single shot. Not to mention being in complete awe of everything around you; I personally couldn't stop staring at the mountains and how the natural history has formed them. 

I will be writing my Hawaii tips and things you probably didn't know about vacationing there in a post soon, so stay tuned! 

Where would your dream vacation be? Italy is still at the top of my list.
'Till next time x. 

Bloglovin' - MarvelSteph
Twitter - @MarvelSteph91
Instagram - @marvelsteph
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Defining My Personal Style #LoveMyself

Tuesday, 1 September 2015



 Hello, everyone!
After coming across a few blog posts and spending far too long pinning outfit inspiration on Pinterest, I decided to do some thinking about what actually defines my own personal style. Also after having an off-week with my self-confidence, this was just the boost I needed!

I am generally quite a confident person, although still very introverted. But we all have our bad days, right? I've also never been one for trends or going out and buying something everyone has. Something else that inspired me to write this post is the song Love Myself  by Hailee Steinfeld, which I am currently obsessed with. It's such an uplifting and fun song that can't help but make you feel good about yourself.
With that in mind, here are the things that celebrate my own personal style and what I love most about it: 

Blue Nails
It's just one of those colors that I'm immediately attracted too, and since my skin is olive-toned blue suits me well. Plus, I feel more like myself when I have my nails painted. Electric blue, Caribbean blue, pastel blue, no matter what tone I pretty much wear them all!


Photo Credit: omghow.com
Stripes
I know I'm not the only one who enters a clothing store and your eyes are immediately drawn to whatever striped top they're selling? Every time! I find it so classic and elegant and I love pairing striped tops or skirts with other colors or other patterns. 

Zara Perfume
 I picked this up in Washington D.C last year when my Mum and Me had a girls shopping day. I found this in Zara for $30 and it has since become my favorite perfume that I wear all the time. It's a gorgeous vanilla scent, which is a nice change from fruity and floral ones that I usually go for. Plus, it's the only perfume I've ever been complimented on. Need I say more?

High Tops
I think my obsession for these started with the movie A Cinderella Story that came out when I was about twelve. Hilary Duff wore a pink pair of converse, so of course I begged my parents for a pair. Even at 23 they're still my go-to style of shoes. 

 Snow Flake Necklace
It's a tradition in my family to receive a piece of jewellery when you turn 18, and I picked this one since I love snow and everything winter. Unfortunately this is actually my second one as the first broke. I don't actually wear a lot of jewellery, but this is one is a staple for me.

My Glasses
I've had to wear glasses since I was about fifteen, and as I've grown older they have become my best accessory. I have to have quite thick lenses so my frames are always quite bold and thick, which I love! I call these my "Superman" glasses, and the best part is the electric blue on the inside.

 Pandora Bracelet
This is another special item for me. It was a birthday gift from my family and I've collected different charms over the years. I went for leather instead of the usual silver Pandora bracelet since it's a lot more understated and something a little different. I'm quite a sentimental person too, so I love wearing things like this!

Photo Credit: Pinterest
Printed Tees
Another favorite of mine from my early years. Although nowadays I usually pair them with denim shorts or a leather jacket. Don't ask me how many Marvel shirts I own.


Tattoos 
I've loved tattoos since I was a kid and I think I was always going to end up with a bunch of them. I used to get bored in Maths class and would draw lyrics and cartoons on my arms. I've always been quite artistic too, so I love the design part of tattoos as well.

Who else loves having fun with their style? This about sums me up, but what about you guys? What defines your personal style and what do you love about it?  
Let me know in the comments!
Don't forget your blog links for me to check out too. 
'Till next time x.

#LoveMyself 


Bloglovin' - MarvelSteph
Twitter - @MarvelSteph91
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YouTuber(s) of the Month: The Sacconejolys!

Sunday, 30 August 2015


Photo Credit: Pinterest
Anna Saccone Instagram
Anna Saccone Blog
I have been watching this amazing family for over a year now and I haven't missed a single day! Jonathon and Anna are daily-vlogger's who document their everyday lives with their two children, Emilia and Eduardo. They have been on YouTube for over five years now, which means they have shared some of the most precious moments of their lives with us. Get your tissues ready before you watch their proposal, wedding, the birth of their two children and their first birthdays. And trust me, there are some seriously teary moments!

They are also incredibly inspirational people who push their viewers (well, they call us friendliest friends!) to work hard and follow our dreams no matter what. What I love most about the Sacconejolys is how they teach you to cherish the little moments in life. As Jonathon says, the big moments come in time themselves, but it's the small things that make you smile and that are important. Believe me, their videos will give you so many reasons to smile! I'm warning you now that they will melt your heart, make you smile for at least 15 minutes a day, and teach you to be a kinder friend. Also if you needed another reason to tune in, Eduardo is talking a lot now so you don't want to miss out on his cuteness!
Check out their channel here.

My Personal Favorite Videos:
Surprising Anna's Mom on her birthday
 Emilia's second birthday ft. Zoe and Alfie   
 First Christmas with Emilia and Eduardo
Emilia learns to walk
Emilia worrying about Dad

Watch their channel trailer below!

Who are some of your favorite YouTuber's? I'd love some recommendations!
Until next time x.


Bloglovin' - MarvelSteph
Twitter - @MarvelSteph91
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 Pinterest - marvelsteph

10 Things II Week 4

Thursday, 27 August 2015


Hello, Everyone!
Time for another weekly favorites. I had a bit of a tough week as I transitioned from holiday-mode back into work and thinking about future plans. Nevertheless I still had a good week, and I hope you guys did too! 

Here are my Top Ten Favorites from the past week:

1. Current Anthem. You all know I love a good pop song. Hailee was awesome in Pitch Perfect 2 so I'm looking forward to seeing what she does next. Love Myself  is about being proud of yourself and putting you first, and all that good stuff.

2. Welcome Home Gift to Myself. I made the brilliant decision to order the next Raven Boys book, The Dream Thieves, before I left for Hawaii. After ten hours of the most uncomfortable sleep and my body not reacting well to air travel, a new book was much needed to lift my spirits.

3. Blog to Follow. I stumbled upon this lovely blog by Rebecca called FromRoses on Bloglovin', and I couldn't stop reading! She gives amazing blogging advice and great life-style posts. Go show her some love here. 

4. One Direction Drag Me Down Music Video. I mean, they filmed it at NASA! How cool is that? Watch it here.

5. Fandom Life is the Coolest. Can we just take a moment to thank the internet for being able to let like-minded people come together to support something? I have next to no friends who share my passions, so I am forever grateful for our internet community.

6. Currently Reading. I took Matched by Ally Codie on vacation with me and it's so good! Dystopian novels are my greatest weakness. Read about it on Goodreads.

7. Back to the Gym. I know, I'm nuts right? BUT since getting back from my vacation, in which I ate too many delicious yet bad foods, I am more determined than ever to get back into shape and keep up my fitness.

8. Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes Contour Kit. One of my favorite beauty purchases and a must for me every morning now. It gives my eyes amazing definition, which is great for someone like me when wears glasses!

9. Mango Berry Protein Smoothie. My current favorite post-work out treat. Just add mango, frozen berries, lemon juice, berry protein powder (I use this one) and coconut water, yum!

10. First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser. You know what the most dangerous part of Sephora is? All the minis they sell as you walk through the check out. I couldn't ignore this and I've heard so much about First Aid Beauty that I just had to give it a go and I love it!

I hope you guys had a great week! Can you believe it's almost September?! 
Let me know what you've been loving lately in the comments.
Don't forget to leave you blog links for me to check out too. 
Until next time x. 

Bloglovin' - MarvelSteph
Twitter - @MarvelSteph91
Instagram - @marvelsteph
Pinterest - marvelsteph

Sephora Haul + More!

Monday, 24 August 2015

 

  
Hello, Everyone! 
As some of you will know, I recently went on vacation to Hawaii and seeing as New Zealand doesn't stock a lot of beauty brands, I was quite keen to deplete my savings account. I hit the drug stores and spent WAY too long in Sephora, and I'm pretty happy with my purchases. 
Here's what I bought:

Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer

Milani Powder Blush - #08 Tea Rose

Benefit They're Real Mascara - Black

 Benefit They're Real Push up Liner - Brown and Purple

Rimmel 60sec Nail Polish - #503 "Mind the Gap Victoria"

Benefit Hello Flawless Powder - Honey

Benefit Gimme Brow

Benefit Brow Zings - Light

Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment - Tulip 

Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer - Light/Medium

Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation - Biege

Milani Lipstick - #20 Uptown Mauve #43 Pretty Natural 

Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes Contour Kit

Sephora Powder Brush - #43


Let me know in the comments what brands you love and also if you have any recommendations please send them my way too! 
Don't forget to leave your blog links for me to check out as well
Talk to you guys next time! x. 

 (P.S I'm sorry my photos are coming out blurry! I'm currently trying to fix it)
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