Smile: Film review

You should know me by now… if there’s a horror film coming out. I am totally on that bandwagon. Last week was Jeepers Creepers: Reborn. But this week was Smile. I will try to write this review with no spoilers, but I can’t make any promises.

Firstly, I saw the trailer to this on multiple adverts for films, as well as YouTube and Facebook ads. I was intrigued by the premise of a smile, being used in a psychological horror. Though I felt like the trailer didn’t give much away. I also saw a variety of good reviews from press, and some people saying it’s not what you expect, coupled with an 18 age rating.

With nods to It Follows, this film is visually stunning. In my opinion one of the best horror films of 2022. Certainly a great depiction of mental health since Lights Out. A great cinematic production exploring, mental health, trauma, guilt and fear. Jump scares which rely on sound are placed perfectly throughout the film, with a few distressing scenes.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. And that’s a wrap on my short film review 🙂 If you enjoyed it, I will write another for the next film.

~RebeccaKLxo

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Film review: Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2022

A fresh take on a classic horror.

If you follow me on Instagram, then you will know that Texas chainsaw massacre is my favourite horror film. It is very special to me. From watching the 1974 classic, and every remake and special edition made. To add to my sentiment of these films, they always say that you remember the first 18 film you see in the cinema. Well mine was Texas Chainsaw 3D, in 2013. If this doesn’t convince you I am a fan, then check out my collaboration with Photowall Sweden, called A little Serial…

I must say Netflix is onto a winner with this sequel. It has truly made my day. Honestly it’s a little difficult to write a review, when I am this happy. Like there is so much consistent detailing, I am genuinely impressed. The iconic chainsaw, the story links, the face masks. Even the typical stupid mistakes teens in horror films makes. But it’s genius in 2022 to link it with social media.

To see the link with Sally Hardesty and the original, just warms my heart. It’s the clever details like that just makes me happy. Assuming the film is set in 2024, the details like 50 years later, is spot on. The overall gore as well, for it being on Netflix, did not hold back.

Without giving the full story away, the emotional rollercoaster I was taken on, I DID NOT expect. Even the ending was not expected.

I’d like to think Gunnar Hansen (Rest in Peace) would be proud.

What a lunchtime. I have had.

~RebeccaKLxo

The Invisible Man: Film Review

Nearly a month after its release date, I finally managed to get time to check out The Invisible Man in my local cinema. Accompanied with a cinema trip staple; the tango ice blast, mixed with the original 2 flavours.

Since viewing the trailer, I was intrigued. After all the synopsis was very compelling too me, from my past. Refer to mental health blog nov 2017. It’s a relatable story, and horror thrillers that could happen realistically in a future is always a big hit.

It’s a masterfully done portrayal of a domestic abuse survivor. The paranoia is very much real. It really brought back some bad memories. However I couldn’t get over how well made the film is. Certainly worth the wait, from trailer to viewing.

Elisabeth Moss really excels within this lead role. As do the others, but her work just resonated with me. Although the story is a bit confusing, and I’ll be sure to go for a second viewing to straighten out my thoughts on this.

However as science and technology evolves, I could totally see invisibility being possible in the future. If trypophobia affects you, like it affects me, you might find parts of the film a little uncomfortable to watch. This is only down to the suit technology.

It’s certainly up there with my recommended films portraying mental health. Along with Lights Out and Unfriended. Definitely worth the watch for sure.

~Rebeccaklxo

3 films in 3 days 🎥

This weekend I’ve had the most packed weekend ever. And as the title suggests, yes three trips to the cinema this weekend, to watch three very different films. Just this weekend, a horror, an action comedy and a children’s film.

Friday night, I met up with my friend, I made whilst I worked in a cinema. We often watch horror movies in the cinema together, as we both love horror films. We watched The Grudge. A classic story, remade again. I love the Japanese original, so this was interesting. I found it to be a lot of gore, the story was well written but predictable, and maybe one two many jump scares. However in my opinion, I got most the way through the film, and I found myself thinking, please end. It was a little drawn out, but any horror film, Sam Raimi is associated with, is worth a watch, at least once in my opinion.

Saturday night, I watched The Gentleman. I never saw much about this beforehand, so went in completely blinded. I only knew there’d be good eye candy in it. Charlie Hunnam of course. If a film has the before mentioned celebrity in, I will watch it. That being said, this film wasn’t what I thought it was, but it was an excellent example of storytelling. But it’s not a film for today’s snowflake society. It did contain a lot of slurs, but it fitted the gritty feel of the movie. If they removed them, the movie would not be a good film. However, Hugh Grant should probably stick to romcoms. I would watch this again.

Sunday morning, I took my son, Jackson to watch a film containing his two favourite things: Race Cars and Paw Patrol. We watched Paw Patrol: Ready, Race, Rescue. This is definitely a good day out, with children. It’s not too long a movie, just a slightly longer paw patrol episode really. It also comes with a sneak peak of a new series which will be starting on the Nick Jr channel.

Have you been watching any films this weekend? I’d love to hear about them, via social media. I’m always looking for Netflix movie recommendations also. Thank you for reading and supporting my blog.

~RebeccaKLxo

Product Review: Lavender Beauty Products.

I’ve spent the past few weeks trailing two beauty products.  Which I’m writing about together, due to their incorporation into my routine and beautiful scented with essence of Lavender.   Being a first time mum to a 5 month old, I need to take the 10 minute me time routine I try to incorporate everyday., making sure my skin has recovered.  Not only my face from the countless sleepless nights lost to a teething baby. But also my hands. I never really noticed how much work my hands do in one day. So I’m now looking after them, as they really do deserve a break too.

Amphora Aromatics Skincare: Essentials Collection.

I’ve been using a Lavender and Tea Tree  moisturising face lotion by Amphora Aromatics. I’ve already reviewed an essential oil blend by Amphora Aromatics, so my expectations were already pretty high for the brand.  I find that a lot of facial creams and lotions are left with a not so pretty smell. That is not the case with this lotion. It’s lavender and tea tree smell, is a pleasant scent in a facial lotion. This product perfectly fits into my nighttime routine, with the relaxing scent.

The Somerset Toiletry Company Ltd: Naturally European.

I’ve also been using the Lavender luxury hand cream by The Somerset Toiletry Company Ltd. It’s a definite must have in hand care.  I’ve used this every evening before bedtime, so my hands can recover from a days work. It’s again an extremely pleasant scent. Using this at the night time, means the lavender scent is relaxing and calming. It’s also left my hands soft and smooth.

Both products leave you feeling well cared for and takes no time to apply or fit into any existing skincare or hand care routine. I highly recommend these two products. So please do check them out for yourselves. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

~Rebecca Watts

Amphora Aromatics: Product Review

I’ve had the pleasure of testing out an essential oil product from Amphora Aromatics. I saw this brand at a health and beauty blogger event I attended a few weeks back. After talking with the lovely representative, about my blog, my life as a new first time mum, and interest in essential oils, but never knew where to start. She suggested that I try one from their new range; aromatherapy blends.

After my old diffuser breaking, (I accidentally knocked it off a shelf) I bought a cute oil diffuser from Wilkos; Formerly Wilkinsons. It’s white, with heart shapes cut out of it, a quaint little cube shaped one. I love it. With a plain tea light, I used this blend every night,  after I set my son down for bed. I used it for that nice relaxing, time before I went down to bed. Until the tea light is burnt out.

They’ve launched their newest aromatherapy blend range. This range includes Focus, Revive, Energise and Sleep. There’s something for everyone. These come in the cutest little bottles, packaged in the cutest little boxes.

I had the honour of testing out the Relax blend. After it was matched to me. It perfectly fitted into my lifestyle as a first time mother. I must say it’s really amazing. I will certainly be getting more! I look after my son all day, while his father is at work, which I have to admit is stressful, and doesn’t give me a lot of time to relax. This oil is made up of a blend, formulated to compliment each other well, so no unpleasant scents. Not that I expected this, but sometimes when you mix smells together they don’t work. This product is the complete opposite. The nice smell, is pretty addictive. It certainly does what it says on the tin.

Here’s a link to their online store, so you can check out Amphora Aromatics, for yourself. I recommend them, to fellow essential oils enthusiasts. They also have a range of products to suit everyone, from aromatherapy products, skincare, creams, gels, balms and wipes, to name a few. All made from natural organic ingredients. The quality of their products are high quality and reasonably priced.

Let me see your products via Instagram, by using #rebeccaklxoAAEO or directly tag me: @RebeccaKLxo and Amphora: @amphoraaromatics.

~RebeccaKLxo

PhotoWall 📸

I received a lovely email from PhotoWall requesting a collaboration. After a brief lookover their site, I fell in love. So I knew I had to share with my readers and accept their very kind request. PhotoWall is a Swedish design company, passionate about high quality wall murals and canvases. Designed by many quality designers or you can upload your own images. Every design on the site are selected with care. Products from this site, are friendly for the environment, they will not fade in in the sunlight and are fire retardant in line with Swedish standards.  Here’s a couple of my favourite prints in pictures.

All the designs on the site, are beyond beautiful. You’ll be sure to find something that’ll fit the style your looking for. It will make any interior space enviable and Instagram worthy. If your an individual who likes looking at interior goals photos for design ideas. You should definitely check out this site. See for yourself, with the below images.

I really couldn’t pick a favourite from the site. I loved them all. For an honest product review, I had my choice of one of their products, gifted to me. As a new parent I thought a canvas would be the best fit. Because I loved every design. I chose to upload a picture of my son, Jackson.

After unboxing my canvas print, I was absolutely in awe of my picture. I chose personally to get it without a frame, as I like having every picture protected in a picture frame. But you can choose with or without a self assembly frame. The printing is a good quality, and came beautifully wrapped and protected in it’s package. They did a great job, taking my original photo and increasing it’s size to print. You’ll be surprised yourself of the quality of the canvas.  After trying this out myself, I will certainly use them again in the future and I highly recommend them.

As a treat for my readers, PhotoWall are giving my readers 20% discount on their site. All you have to do is enter the code (RebeccaKLxoCampaign2017) in the voucher/discount section when at the check out. This code is available for 30 days only. If you require shipping to the UK, then use this site linked here. If your shipping to any other country worldwide, then use this link to the right site.

PhotoWall’s Instagram account (photowall_sweden) is pure interior design goals. I’d recommend following them for interior design inspiration. As well as staying up to date with new arrivals to their site.

If you use my code to buy any products then I’d love to see. Share your product images with me via twitter: @ RebeccaKLxo

I had so much fun, working on this collaboration.

-RebeccaKLxo