My Week with Marilyn

I hadn't heard much about My Week With Marilyn prior to today. Somehow it had flown under my movie-watching radar, and if it wasn't for my on-the-ball mum, I probably would have missed it completely. However, as a big Marilyn Monroe fan (as well as being named after the Hollywood icon), my mum was quick to suggest we take a trip to the cinema.

When the opening credits began, I was ecstatic to see that the film was, in part, a BBC production. I always love proper British films. They have a unique quality that Hollywood movies could never replicate (The Kings Speech being another example of this).

The film begins as it ends, with Marilyn doing what she did best: being in the spotlight. The story, although I'm not sure if entirely true, is soft and insightful. The cinematography throughout the film is beautiful, and the performances are tremendous. Kenneth Branagh is brilliant as the revered Olivier. However, as in the story, he is surpassed by Michelle Williams, who captures the vulnerable and childlike Marilyn almost to perfection.

I would definitely recommend this film. Those interested in the old-school Hollywood glamour will enjoy it, as will those who love a British period piece. It is incredibly light-hearted at times, but like Marilyn herself, under the facade there is a sense of sadness that makes the film that much more poignant and real.

A new favourite?

After my rant regarding the disappearance of my beloved Pollo Verdure salad from the Pizza Express menu, I have found a possible new favourite. Having being forced to lunch at the pizza chain one Saturday afternoon (due to circumstances out of my control), I was obliged to choose a new dish to try.

I went for the Padana pizza. Usually, I wouldn't go for pizza as they are far too big for me. However, I was taken by the goats' cheese and red and caramelised onion topping on offer. Unsurprisingly, due to my obsession with cheese and onion, it was absolutely delicious. The sweet golden onion chutney contrasts beautifully with the subtle sharpness of the cheese (I'm drooling just thinking about it).

I will admit, if given the choice I would opt for the Pool Verdure in a heartbeat. However, the Padana is now a front runner for dish of choice on my next visit to my favourite pizza restaurant.

NB. The Padana pizza is now in the Pizza Express range available in supermarkets. I know what I'm having for lunch this weekend.

Stop it Claudia

I just did it again. I purchased another Claudia Winkleman dress. I had been bowled over by the gorgeous red and black lace number Ms. Winkleman wore during the Strictly Come Dancing Halloween special. However, despite spending too many hours searching on the web, I was unable to find the dress. That is, until today.

Whilst browsing (as I often do) on the Topshop website, I stumbled across the burnt velvet beauty. The Dolly Dress by Goldie is, at £68, a tad on the expensive side, but I think it is well worth the price. However, for the sake of my steadily depleting bank balance, I sincerely hope that the Strictly style queen wears something cheap and/or ugly next week. It's possible, but highly unlikely.

Rent-a-Cat

I am the definition of a cat person. They are amazing creatures, and I love everything about them. In fact, I don't think I would be too upset if I ended up being one of those crazy cat lady-spinster types (although I'd better not tell my boyfriend that).

Unfortunately, my family haven't had the pleasure of permanent feline company for a few years. We live on a busy road and it's just not worth the risk or the stress. However, we have started up a new veture: Rent-a-Cat.

When my aunt jets off on her tri-annual holidays, we take on the responsibility of looking after her cat. It's a win-win situation. She doesn't have to worry about her beloved furball, we get to have a cat around the house without the long-term burden, and Mitt gets a little spa vacation of her own away from the rough fingers of my aunt's tearaway toddler.

Mitt enjoyed her holiday with us so much that she didn't want to go home, and my dad had to get her out from under my bed with a broom.

Alice's Shop

One of the more obscure tourist attractions I came across during my road trip to Oxford was Alice's Shop. Located on a busy main road opposite Christ Church Cathedral, the shop is an Aladdin's cave full to the brim with Alice in Wonderland gifts and memorabilia.

Apparently, Oxford is the birth place of Lewis Carrol's masterpiece, with many inspirations for the stories originating from the city. In fact, Alice's Shop is featured in the story Through the Looking Glass.

When I first set eyes upon the shop, I was disappointed. It is much smaller than one would expect, and the outside is surprisingly understated for a fantasy novel. However, once you step inside, you are transported into the Victorian world of Alice. It is so quaint, with nick-nacks everywhere you look. I was actually overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff on display in the deceptively small space.

I couldn't help myself though, and I treated myself to my own little piece of Wonderland in the form of an apron decorated with all the magical characters from the story.