The Fault In Our Stars a.k.a. How To Make A Beloved Book Into A Movie The 'Right' Way

The Fault In Our Stars is, without a doubt, the best transformation one of my favourite books has made from page to screen. 

I witnessed this incredible act of cinema on Monday at an unlimited Cineworld card screening and I left the cinema feeling both drained of all happiness and elated at the same time. Yes, this is possible. 

Anyone who has read the book or has been lucky enough, as I have, to see the film already, will understand why I was so upset. John Green's imagination concocted a beautifully heartbreaking tale in The Fault In Our Stars and I don't think I am alone when I say that anyone who does not shed a tear, or at least feel some form of sadness inside of them when watching/reading, cannot be human. It isn't filled with action or tension - qualities that I know many feel are crucial to a story - but the exquisite way that Green creates such an incredible relationship between the two main characters before his devastating ending is unmatched in anything I have read to date. 

However, the happiness I felt when returning home after the screening was due to the movie's perfect visualisation of this story. The cast and crew got everything right in this film, in my opinion. First of all, the casting was perfect. After watching the film, I don't think any other two actors could have done a better job of portraying Hazel Grace Lancaster, Augustus Waters and the poignant relationship between them. 

Secondly, the loyalty to the book. I don't think I'm exaggerating in saying that every favourite book of mine (I have many) that has been turned into a movie has disappointed me in some way, whether it be one scene or the entire production. For example, The Hunger Games - I read the trilogy in a matter of days, they really are the definition of "unputdownable". But, for me, the first movie - although it was still amazing and I was, overall, very happy with it - wasn't exactly right. There were quite a few things that were changed or taken out completely, things that I felt were prime parts of the book and should not have been touched. Furthermore, they tried too hard to make it a "family" movie by reducing the gore and violence, which are crucial to the story and its hard-hitting, shocking nature. Don't get me wrong, it was obviously still shocking - I think it would be impossible for the idea of children fighting to the death for the entertainment of adults not to be shocking. But there was definitely something missing. However, I do feel that in the second film, they increased the level of horror, which I was extremely happy about. Anyway, after that slight detour, my point is that there wasn't one thing about the The Fault In Our Stars movie that I felt was wrong. 

Finally, the music. Music is a very important part of any film or television programme for me. Especially when it comes to sad moments - the background music will either send shivers up my spine and push my brimming tears over the edge or ruin the moment for me. The music throughout the entire film was flawless, in my opinion, but the use of Birdy in the final scene really did top it all off. Birdy is one of my favourite musicians and the use of her voice in any film or television programme will always send my emotions over the edge.

Overall, The Fault In Our Stars has been one of my favourite books since I read it over a year ago but, as of Monday, it has also become one of my favourite films and I cannot wait to own it on DVD and watch it again and again...and again.

Sudocrem...Does it Work?

For a while now I've been trying to find a cheap spot treatment (being a student leads to cutting down in expenditure). Time and time again I've come across Sudocrem being suggested for the treatment of acne. However, after researching a little, I've seen very mixed attitudes towards the stuff, meaning I'm quite reluctant to try it. Has anybody tried using Sudocrem on spots or blemishes? Did you use it as part of your daily routine or just at certain times? What's the verdict? Please comment below, I'd really appreciate any advice!

Cheeky Slipper Purchase

My boyfriend and I got bored this morning so we decided to take a walk up to Asda, which is about a 15 minute walk from my house so not exactly a trek but, in my opinion, a bit of fresh air and a wander around Asda is always a good thing. But more importantly, I treated myself to these incredibly cute slippers, which I don't plan on taking off anytime soon! And at 5 pounds, do I hear bargain?

Summer Clear Out!

For a while now I've been saving up my moneys in order to go on a mass spending spree and buy a whole new wardrobe for myself. I've just finished my first year of university so the past 10 months or so haven't exactly been the type for spending. I haven't bought myself clothes in I don't even know how long! So this is going to be the first time in ages that I'm actually going to allow myself to spend and I'm very excited about it!

So in order to get ready for this mass shopping experience, I decided to clear out my wardrobe and drawers of old clothes to make room for the new! It's shocking how much I realised I never wear - I managed to make £12.50 at the clothes bank and also kept back a whole bag-for-life more to try and sell on eBay! 

So here's the result:

before

after

The photos aren't very good but I think you can still see the difference. It's actually my drawers where there's a massive change but for some reason taking pictures of my drawers seemed a little odd to me, not sure how it's different from the wardrobe but there you go. Very happy to have taken the time to do this though, clearer mind and all that jazz.

Dealing with Acne and My Current Skincare Regime

Oh how I wish I could return to being a small child. Looking back at old pictures, I'm envious of my former self...how weird is that? When I was younger I had natural bleach blonde hair, a beautiful tan that never seemed to fade since we used to go abroad once a year and it would always be topped up, and, of course, clear, soft skin. That's what I miss the most. 

I must have been around the 14 years mark when I started to develop acne and it's been there ever since, to varying degrees. Like most people, I think, I go up and down like a yo-yo concerning how I feel about it. One day I'll decide I don't care, people should love me for who I am, etc., etc. Then, the next day, I'll be really upset and spend the entire day googling, hoping to find quick and easy solutions. 

I know I don't have it anywhere near as bad as some people but I think it's silly to say you can't be upset because others have it worse. I'd say I'm somewhere in the middle in terms of severity and that's enough to make me feel really self-conscious and ugly. People can tell you you're being stupid but that's not going to change how you feel and you should be allowed to feel however you want to feel. If someone really cares about you, they'll support you and help you through whatever you're dealing with it. 

So, like I said, over the last few years my attitude to my acne has been all over the place, but that ends now. I'm 19 and I want to be able to go out bare faced and still feel like I look okay or wear make up and see smooth skin in the mirror, void of blemishes. Is that too much to ask? No, I think not. Time to crack down on a good skincare regime and stick to it until I can see results. I think that's always been my problem, if I don't see results after a week or so I get annoyed and change my routine. Even though I've read a thousand times that it can take over 3 months before a new routine will work. So this time, I'm going to persevere.

First of all, I'm completely cutting dairy out of my diet. I've read about this tonnes online and every article says that there is no conclusive research to say that dairy causes acne. However, I've lost count of how many blogs I've read and videos I've watched on youtube where people swear by the no-dairy diet and have seen dramatic improvement in their skin. Surely that's evidence in itself? Well, that's what I'm taking from it for now, I'm on day 4 of the no-dairy diet and so far it's proving surprisingly easy. I thought it'd be much more difficult but there's a crazy amount of alternatives out there and raspberry flavoured sorbet is my new favourite thing!

Secondly, I've read lots about hygiene being a major culprit in the accumulation of nasty zits. Ergo, I am now going to change my bedsheets once a week, my pillowcase once every two days, properly clean my room (dusting, sweeping, etc.) once a week and wipe down all my gadgets once a week (e.g. kindle, phone, laptop). 

Finally, as for my actual skincare routine, I wash my face every morning and night. Twice a week with an exfoliating scrub (at the moment I've got into the routine of doing this Thursday morning and Sunday night...not sure why but yeah) and a regular cleanser the rest of the days of the week. After each wash I splash my face with cold water (apparently closing your pores is good) and then pat dry. Next I use a refreshing toner and then, if it's morning, I'll use a light moisturiser. I've only been using a moisturiser once a day because I have extremely oily skin and moisturising only seems to make it worse. However, I don't know if this is the way to go about it. I really need some good advice from a former acne sufferer or skincare expert! I've also started using a face mask once a week to try and get rid of any residue or impurities but I'm yet to find a really good one. (Suggestions?) 

Anyway, that's the plan for now! I know it's not full proof, I might never have completely clear skin and I'm probably doing nowhere near enough to try and gain it but hey! It's a start! If anybody reading this has gone through the same things and has some good advice, please tell me! I need all the hints and tips I can get! 

Thanks!