Someone said that they can see my novel Jewel Of The Sea as a series on Netflix. That really would be a dream come true. I have so many ideas for the world I have created, I am sure I could come up with more stories.
On that note, I thought I would share with you my favourite TV Series that are about mermaids.
Mako Mermaids (2013)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhSHwuEKDwU
This is the story of three mermaids that are banished due to an incident with a human boy. They have to adapt to life on land whilst tracking the dangerous merman before he discovers the trident.
The Australian shows off the beauitful country with a funny and entertaining show that you can watch with a little one around.
H20: Just Add Water (2006)
https://youtu.be/wqHED34TcwU
Three girls are transformed into mermaids when they visit the mysterious Mako Island. I like that they each have powers as well as the ability to shift.
When I was pregant I got emotional seeing Phoebe Tonkin and Claire Holt as young actresses in a series together because I am a fan of the Originals and they are in there together. It was sweet to think they have been friends from childhood to the present day.
Siren (2018)
https://youtu.be/sExa3DGy7N4
If you want somethings a lot more edgier, check out Siren. The story is about the fishermen over fishing and causing the Sirens to have to venture further to get food. It results in one getting caught. Her sister then comes to land to find her but although she may appear human, she is anything but.
Tidelands (2018)
https://youtu.be/MhsjoQLKaiY
The main character is shrouded in mystery. She returns to her hometown where her family (especially her mum) don’t really welcome her back. She then gets involved with a group that are half-sire, half-human and starts to uncover the secrets around her life.
Bubble Guppies (2011)
https://youtu.be/UVFA1k7K5rY
This is a sweet cartoon about the guppies which are mermaids and mermen going to school under the sea. It is for young children so you can enjoy it with the kids.
Any more…
I really do love mermaids. If you know of any more shows that I might love please let me know and I would love to hear your thoughts on the above shows if you have watched them too.
This has been one of the hottest summers in a long time and sun safety is important to me.
What I love about this product is the twisty caps to open and close meaning you never worry about loosing the lid. Being able to spray makes application quick and I can reach everywhere easily. It is clear, so I don’t get white streaks and it doesn’t stain my clothes.
The Kids bottle is my 4y old son’s but when my sensitive one runs out, I have used his. The kids one smells great with a fruity scent – an added bonus. We have reordered both more than once this summer!
The product is free of nasty chemicals, has a broad spectrum protection and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, it’s non-sticky and biodegradable. Plus, it’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes!
The frangipani flower on the front of the bottle is my wedding flower and first attracted me to the product.
What I love is that this summer scent is designed to stay fresh in the heat with ingredients that are photosensitive. It has a beautiful light fruity scent that isn’t overpowering. All the ingredients are natural and will leave skin soft and not sticky.
This lip product is moisturising and protective in the sun. The zinc oxide in it, is a natural sun protection and I think it does lighten my lip slightly but I like the look. It is meant to have a flavour but I can’t smell or taste it so it’s very light. All the ingredients and organic.
Flash Defence Anti-Pollution Mist (mine is a sample/travel size. The full 60ml RRP £24.00)
I have been loving facial mists this summer to keep myself cool but this one was my favourite.
In addition to refreshing my skin and being free of harmful chemicals, this product protects your skin from pollution and boosts your defences. I don’t live in a high pollution area but it made my skin feel great and I noticed a difference.
Salt of the Earth
Natural Deodeant (RRP £5.99)
I have been using the pink Lavender and Vanilla one for a while now and love the scent. Sometimes, I think lavender can smell a bit old fashioned but this is a gentle clean smell.
I decided to give the melon and cucumber one a go. The cucumber smell is stronger than the melon, it gives off a refreshing unisex scent.
At first, I found it strange that it felt like I was spraying my underarm with water as it feels wet. My old deodorant coated my pit in a dry powder. I gave it a go and I am so glad I did. It is gentle on the skin under there which is often forgotten and doesn’t make me feel itchy whereas my old deodeant did.
Smelling fresh all day in the heat without irritated skin makes summer so much better so it made my list.
This month, I thought I would share with you some of the best TV series and movies to watch if you love witches.
Movies
Practical Magic
Genre: Fantasy Romance
This film is based on a novel by Alice Hoffman, a best selling author. If you haven’t checked out her novels, I recommend them.
The film is about the sisters overcoming a curse to find true love and keep their man. It is just as much about the bond of sisters as it is about magic, curse and romance.
The Craft
Genre: Fantasy/Teen Drama
The main characters are the girls that don’t fit in and I think we have all felt like that which makes them instantly likeable. They become ‘sisters’ and unlock the secrets of witch craft enabling them to make their biggest wish come true.
This is the sort of story I would love to write. Maybe, one day…
Hocus Pocus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UUMsInka2s
Genre: Childrens
This film is by Disney so you know it is going to be good. The three sisters are absolutely hilarious and today you can find memes online from the film. “Sisters!”
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Genre: Childrens/Anime
This is from Studio Ghibli famous for their brilliant Japanese animation films. This film is about a young witch finding work at a small seaside town. She makes friends becomes part of the community and improves her broomstick flying skills. It’s a sweet story about believing in your self and trying your hardest.
The Witches
Genre: Childrens This is based on a Roald Dahl novel. As a child the book was terrifying and I found the film scary in parts too. The child hating witches are from children’s nightmare but do not fear, as it is a children’s film, the brave little boy (or mouse) and his grandma, will stop their wicked plan!
Televison
Witches of East End
Genre: Fantasy/Drama
The mother has kept the truth from her daughters that they are witches but it is about to come out. This series follows the daughters discovering and learning their powers and all the trouble that comes with it. Family secrets are uncovered and deadly truths.
American Horror Story (Season 3)
Genre: Horror
Of all the American Horror Story seasons I have watched, this one of my favorite as I loved the magic of the witches. Each season is a new story so you don’t need to watch the previous seasons to watch this one. It is a horror series aimed at adults so you can’t watch this with the kids.
The Secret Circle
Genre: Fantasy/Teen Drama
This series was great. The main character doesn’t know she is a witch as her mother has tried to keep her away from it all. When her mum dies, she goes to live with her grandmother and discovers she is a witch. With her return the circle is complete and the local teen population’s powers are fully awoken and now, others are coming for them.
Salem (series)
Genre: Historical/Horror
This period drama is about witches hiding in plain sight. It is gory, nasty and twisted. These are not your sweet love potion witches, these are the ones that manipulate and have the power. It’s gory in places but has a lot of the traditional nastiness of witches like demon worship and familiars like reptiles (toads, snakes, etc).
Bewitched
I loved this show. It is a little dated as it’s set in a time when the dutiful housewife runs around after their husband but there is a very wholesome sweetness about this show. There’s the meddling mother, the nosy neighbour and crazy aunt Clara.
A few years later, a film with the same name based was created based on the TV show starting Nicole Kidman.
Just add magic
I started watching this when I had Amazon Prime but never finished it. First impressions, it is a great series for young girls (and those that enjoy kids shows). The main character discovers a ’cookery’ book. It turns out to be a spell book. The friends start using the ’recipes’ to help although often something goes wrong. Magic is so unpredictable.
Many more…
There are many more TV series and films with witches in and I’ll probably kick myself later when I remember those I should have included.
My all time favourite witch has to be Willow from Buffy but that isn’t until towards the end of the series. At the start she is just the nerdy best friend of the slayer. She’s also a redhead so she gets extra points for that.
There is also Charmed but although I watched it I wouldn’t say it made my favourite list.
Quite a few films based on fairy tales like Hansel & Gretel or The Huntsman (Winter’s War) that all feature witches are films I love but my list was getting long so I may make a fairytale list another day.
Do you love any of the above? Can you think of any witch films that I’ve forgotten or you think I’d love, please do recommend.
This month, I’ve got so many seasons on the go that I haven’t managed to finish watching any of them! Most are new out so I’m waiting for episodes to be released – Aghh!
So, instead, I thought I would share with you some of my favourites TV shows with superpowers.
Misfits – Series
https://youtu.be/VsBYXLYNZlE
Genre: Comedy
This TV series follows a group of young adults that are completing their community service as punishment for crimes. They are hit by a storm that alters their bodies to have super abilities. This leads to some funny moments and an original story line.
It’s a similar crude humour to Imbetweeners. If you enjoyed that, you’ll also love those. One of the main characters is played by Robert Sheehan who has a gorgeous head of dark curls.
Heroes – series
https://youtu.be/9AX6aXFdTkc
Genre: Fantasy/Sci-Fi Drama
You must have heard of this one! There are a range of diverse characters and abilities and I love how they have integrated the powers into everyday life. The main story follows cheerleader, Claire Bennet, bringing all the characters together through various storylines.
One of my favourite powers is the main villian, Skylar. I loved how his ability was linked to his profession as a clock maker but they didn’t give him an obvious power connected to his trade like time manipulation. I also loved when Tracy Straus turns someone to ice and then they shatter. Ali Larter is one of my favourite actresses and she got to play a few characters in this series.
Gifted – series (Marvel)
https://youtu.be/B949SbPXGyw
Genre: Fantasy/Sci-Fi Drama
This show is set in a world where superpowers are feared. Anyone with a power needs to be monitored and often find themselves punished for their abilities. Naturally, power groups get together to protect each other and hide from the authorities.
The show follows a family where the dad is employed to capture ‘gifted’ people who go to trial and then prison. His children discover they have powers and now they are wanted. The dad turns against the law and seeks the help from a rebel group to escape, in return he offers them inside information.
To me the show explores how we are all unique and people fear what they don’t understand. It’s told as a fantasy story but in some parts of the world people are really ostracised for being different.
Runaways (Marvel)
https://youtu.be/plyJQG-nRN0
Genre: Fantasy/Sci-Fi Drama
This show is about a group of teens that hang out because their parents are friends. Whilst hanging out, they uncover a sinister dark side to their parent’s relationships that suggest they are in a cult that sacrifices people! During the series the teens not only discover more about their parent’s secrets but also about their own hidden super abilities.
This TV series has a real comic book feel – there is even a dinosaur!
Alphas – series
https://youtu.be/ig_LfnyN7Es
Genre: Fantasy/Sci-Fi Drama
This series is about a group of colleagues that have super abilities. They work together to capture criminals that have used their powers to break the law, that a regular human officer would be unable to handle without being in danger.
One of the delightful things about this series is how ordinary some of the characters are. For example, Gary Bell is an agent but has autism. It is great to see an employer (although fictional), showing how the work environment is adaptable to enable this young man to be part of the work force and bring his valuable assets to the team. If this was seen in more TV shows, I think it would enable more employers to realise the possibilities.
Many more…
There are many more TV series with superpowers in and I’ll probably kick myself later when I remember one I should have included.
I had wanted to include a TV Show from when I was a kid (decades ago). I think it was called Ali Mac but I can’t remember. It was about a school girl that during a road accident with a truck got coated in a toxic chemical that then granted her the ability to turn into liquid. If you know the show, please let me know what it is called?
The main contributor to this collection is Marvel – they love super powers. Here are more shows by Marvel:
Jessica Jones
Daredevil
Luke Cage
Iron Fist
Agents of Shields
If there’s a show you think I’d love, please do recommend.
My smartphone is always with me and as a result it gets used a lot for my writing process. Today, I shall share with you the most useful apps for writers.
These recommendations are for for both iOS and Android operating systems.
Productivity apps
Simplenote
This app is used the most. I jot down ideas I have during the day for my stories or potential stories. It can include character development, research or even ideas for blog articles.
Wunderlist
I use this app for creating to-do lists but also found it useful for developing plots because it is so easy to move the items in the list up or down.
The above are quick easy apps you can use all the time, however, if you are collecting research, then you will appreciate apps like Evernote, Google Keep and OneNote.
These apps enable you to take snips/clips of information you have found on the internet. You can then sort this information into an order that works for you and include your own notes.
Writing apps
Wattpad
If you need feedback from readers on your works, this is a great app to use. You can write and edit within the app too. You can save works as drafts or private.
Similar apps are: Movella, Radish and Opuss (iOS only).
Microsoft Word
You can use MS Word on the go. However, I don’t tend to use this app very often as I get frustrated by the limits placed on the mobile version and would rather use Wattpad.
Google Doc
You can write using Google Docs apps. It is a simple word processor with the same features you’d expect from Word. The docs save automatically to the Google Drive – you need a google account to use this.
Blogging apps
Blogger
I used the blogger app for a while I liked how it linked to my Google+ account. I stopped using Blogger early this year when I converted to WordPress: https://allyaldridge.blogspot.co.uk/
WordPress
This is my current blogging app. I usually blog at my PC/laptop. However, when I am out and about I enjoy how easily it is to read other blogs and share them.
Social apps
As mentioned above at ‘Writing apps’, you have Wattpad, Movella, Raddis and Opuss. These are great sites to connect with your readers and get their feedback and create a fan base of followers. It is also a great opportunity to meet other writers and support each others development.
You can also connect using any popular social media app. I share my writers life via Twitter, Instagram and Google+ and LinkedIn. You can also use Facebook, Snapchat and YouTube.
Don’t forget that blogging can be social too as you can meet other bloggers through comments and follows and discover their content too.
Storage apps
You upload your document to OneDrive or Google Drive and then can access them anywhere online with your login. You can also invite others to view your documents by email and manage permissions. These drives also have a few apps built in to enable you to create basic documents like word processing, spreadsheet or presentation.
OneDrive
Needs a Live, Outlook or Hotmail account.
Google Drive
Needs a google mail account.
Resource apps
Dictionary.com
This is my top dictionary/thesaurus app – yes, its a thesaurus too! I like how it is easy to search for a definition. You can save words and they have a word of the day to boost your vocabulary.
Browser (with search engine)
Your smart phone will likely come with a browser built in and a default search engine. You can go to the app store and choose a browser that suits your needs. There are browsers that block adverts or keep your privacy.
I enjoy using the Safari browser on my iPhone and searching using google. I use chrome on my Samsung with google for searches.
Downloading apps to your Smart Phone
To download iOS apps to your apple device you need to access the iTunes store. To download apps to your android device you will need access to the Google Play store.
Please let me know if there are any apps you find useful that I haven’t included as I am always keen to add more to my smart phone to make life easier.
To discover more ways to connect with me, click my link tree.
Simplenote
Wunderlist
Wattpad
Microsoft Word
Blogger
WordPress
OneDrive
Dictionary.com