Stylist Live 2016

Stylist Live 2016 at The Business Design Centre, London was one of the highlights of the Autumn. With the chance for many to experience life changing advice and encourage to make business altering decisions, with talks, workshops.  As well as how to get that perfect hair, make-up, fashion look and pick up a gift or two for Christmas.

Talks with many aspiring and inspiring women, such as Liz Earle on how she got her business started, all experts in their chosen field, lots of motivational talks, how to write blogs on cooking and wine appreciation.  The list was never ending.  As well as general talks with guests such as Joanne Froggatt, Mel C.  There was something for everyone and one of the highlights was the Stylist Live Catwalk with Swarovski.

The Mel C talk was especially entertaining and also she had plenty to say on how platforms such as social media show how people can be cruel and it's cos they don't say it to your face, but think since it's over the Internet, they can be as mean as they like.

She'd love to work with Sia and a lot of her inspirations were Mo, a Danish artist.  Mel C covered two of Sia's songs. Covering one for the Jools Holland Radio 2 Show in November.  But she hasn't met Sia yet.

Both are on Twitter.  Mo is @MOMOMOYOUTH  
and Sia is @Sia
Her thoughts on fashion, especially from the '90's and those trackies she wore and how she's got lots of  memorabilia, which host Scarlett said she should put on eBay.

She even gave us a few lines from the chorus of her current single called Anymore. And spoke of how the Spice Girls were the inspiration and guide for many girls who are now older and how they're approached by them to tell them this.  How they grew up "to be really cool women, they've got great jobs, are mothers.  It's insane, and we don't feel responsible, we just feel that if we were a tiny part of helping them and this girl grow up and be the incredible woman that she is."

Her daughter Scarlett is 7 and is proud of her mother.  She's terrified of the world that she's growing up in but they're going to go through it together.  "When you become a mother everything changes and so do your priorities" and she makes time for her and can't be away from her so much!
"Kids are cool these days and they're brilliant, so savvy they can do anything."

This year's Autumn fashion trend includes navy coats, sporty wear (appropriate for Sporty Spice) and the Intergalactic trend.  Sparkly bling especially for this year's party season.  Some highlights.

A great time was had by all and already there's excitement for next year!

Victoria 1.8 "Young England" Review

                                        
You couldn't help but think you'd seen it all before in this episode.  What with Cumberland (Peter Firth) back again in the hopes Victoria (Jenna Coleman) would die in childbirth and being accused of setting an assassin upon her.  It was hard to see him as not being behind the attempt.  Also that Edward Oxford (Harry McEntire) of the 'Young England' movement was of unsound mind.  He kept a tight lip and perhaps he was only being used as a patsy by Cumberland, but it didn't appear he had written the letters to himself, putting aside the scene where the maid brought him a letter.

Cumberland vehemently denying he would even contemplate regicide.  However his past actions and record speaks for itself.  I love the Latin legal phrase, res ipsa locquitur (the thing speaks for itself!) He was a bit too eager to deny and was on the defensive.  When I say his past record speaks for itself well, he had been accused of such actions before and he even told Victoria how he's done away with the Constitution in Hanover.  Thus ruling as an iron king.  Especially as he also tells her perhaps next time she's out the violets will be much 'harder.'  Now if that wasn't a threat, disguised as a warning.
Even Leopold (Alex Jennings) suspected him.

However Victoria just wanted the birth to be over with, asked for a wet nurse and even went out driving, as she was fed up with being cooped up.  Another reason why it was so easy for Oxford to take a pot shot at her, whether or not the gun was loaded was beside the point.  Victoria almost getting harassed by Captain Childers (Andrew Scarborough) who had written her so many letters wanting to take her away from the "German tyrant."  He could provide everything for her, barring his sanity.  Oxford is questioned, refuses to speak and ends up being found non compos mentis (of unsound mind) by a jury of twelve men and at fist Victoria is shocked to hear of this.  He attempted to kill the queen of England and almost faints at the news.  Since she wants to be free and if Oxford were to be acquitted, then she and her baby won't be able to go out.  Albert (Tom Hughes) promising to keep her safe.  She loses her temper at Albert though it's no fault of his for the way she's feeling, he did want to see her safe.  That's why he went out with her, then he spotted Oxford in the crowd coming towards her.  but who makes a move like that pushing though the people if he's got assassination in mind!

Victoria accepts the verdict at the end since she is queen (how many times has she said that now?) and she swore to uphold the laws of England at her coronation and no matter their personal feelings that is what she will do.  Albert also intercepts her letters instead of Lehzen (Daniela Holtz) reading them, especially since Penge (Adrian Schiller) sees her throw away the one from Captain Childers, who 'attacked' Victoria with a bunch of violets.  Ernst (David Oakes) is back awaiting the birth of his nephew and returns the Duchess of Sutherland's (Margaret Clunie) hanky to her.  Telling her how he dreamed of the curls on her neck.  She is enamoured with him of course, but won't jeopardize her marriage.  Although he tells Albert is was nothing but harmless flirtation and he's over it.  Their conversation is about love and how they thought they could not find the real thing, but they have with each other.

He gets Brodie (Tommy Knight) to deliver a note to her and meets her in her boudoir, where they do kiss and he sees her with her hair on her neck and she gives him a lock of her hair, which he shows Albert, disproving his disapproval (ha) of him from Albert in that he did nothing wrong.  The staff also speculating about the queen's health.  Mrs Jenkins (Evie Myles) refuses to believe anything will happen to her and lets her feelings known.  As Penge says childbirth is a nasty business.  Everyone telling Victoria again how she should rest, including her mother (Catherine Flemming) who's been telling Victoria stories of her carriage ride across Europe so that Victoria could be born in England. As well as her uncle Leopold reminding her of Charlotte.  How he didn't let her eat sweets cos her doctors advised against it and Victoria loves her sweet cherries.

Francatelli (Ferdinand Kingsley) asks Skerrett (Nell Hudson) to go with him as he's been offered a position at an establishment but she prefers her employment here. As well as Eliza (Samantha Colley) telling her not to go cos of her situation.  She fell for a man and ended up with children.  Yeah she wasn't too put out accepting his help when she needed it with the fever going round and eating his food now as well!

Skerrett changes her mind but Francatelli has already left.  She was accosting the new chef! Ha. Skerrett also tells Victoria that her friend who had a baby was so glad she did and loves them.   The moment finally arrives and well, no privacy for the queen during childbirth it seems, as she gives birth, at least close the damn door and finally calls out to her mother.  She has a baby girl and Albert is proud of her, wanting to call her mother.  She promises the next one will be a boy.  With a despondent Cumberland who realizes he's missed his chance of being king.

Seems for many Ernst is the new Melbourne, ha, and it's a toss up between the two brothers between the fans!

However the real Queen Victoria was fired at on 10th June 1840 in her carriage with Albert. Her would be assassin was an unemployed 18 year old, Edward Oxford.  However he was only the first of a number of assassins who who attempt to take her life.  Why was she that unpopular.  Or was it just to make a name for themselves, as Oxford says in this ep how he will be remembered by Young England and others.  Victoria even wrote about the incident in her diary.  Mentioning how Lord Melbourne paid her a visit after the attempt.  (No such luck here it seems for fans of Lord M!) Oxford's family wanted him declared of unsound mind, as the guns did not contain anything other than gunpowder and Victoria herself didn't think Cumberland was behind the plot.  Oxford was finally released in 1867 and travelled to Australia where he changed his name to John Freeman and died a year before Victoria.  Some fascinating history here, which not many know of.

Victoria will return in 2017 - as we knew it would.  Before that there will be a Christmas Special.

Victoria 1.7 "Engine of Change"

                                                  
As Victoria (Jenna Coleman) and Albert (Tom Hughes) listen to music she becomes nauseous and has to walk off, with there being speculation.  Lohlein (Basil Eidenbenz) says their queen is sick and Brodie (Tommy Knight) tells him he must say, "the queen is indisposed."  Everyone especially Victoria's mother (Catherine Flemming) knows what she should be doing for the baby and gives her brandy with cream for the sickness, of course Victoria doesn't want to listen to anyone.  She sends for a doctor who confirms her pregnancy and Albert is pleased as they announce the news to the politicians and court.  She also says that in the event of her death, as her mother doesn't stop reminding her about Charlotte, she will need someone to rule and she appoints Albert as Regent.  Of course there is an uproar especially amongst the Tories, led by the Duke of Wellington (Peter Bowles) who is adamant he can't have a German ruling the country.  Compounded by the fact they already are running the country.

No one is ready to endorse Albert and she says she'll abdicate if no one accepts her decision.  He says he will leave the country and she says she'll kill herself.  Albert wants to do more and has been learning about the British industry, as Victoria mentions engines and trains.  He wants to visit and find out more so she plans a trip for them to the Gifford's.  Peel (Nigel Lindsay) has an estate, Drayton, which is practically next door.  Leaving behind her mother as she doesn't want her to come and Harriet (Margaret Clunie) to look after her.  She takes only Mrs Jenkins (Eve Myles) and Albert takes Lohlein. The Gifford's aren't too happy to see her and especially not Albert as they have nothing but snide things to say about them both.  Such as Victoria was only so high when he saw her and she replies, "she still is."

At dinner Sir Piers Gifford (James Wilby) has organized a hunt for them the next day and Albert says he doesn't hunt, he shoots.  Victoria will accompany them and Lady Beatrice (Annabel Mullion) thinks it will be too taxing on her, telling her to stay and relax.  However Victoria will go.  The Gifford's butler tells Lohlein that he needs to have a "kit" for shooting and he will give him one.  Mrs Jenkins spots Lohlein with it the next day, white breeches, and tells him they only wear dark colours and he is only looking to embarrass Albert.  Albert of course shoots two birds whilst Gifford can only stand by and snigger, saying he won't let the sausage get the better of him, however he fails.  He accuses Peel of siding with Albert, whereas he has been sent there by Wellington to ensure Albert doesn't become regent.

At lunch once again Beatrice thinks Victoria should rest, but she goes off for a walk.  As Albert stresses his interest in locomotives.  Peel says he has one on his land and he should see this.  Gifford hates the thought of his land being overrun by such monstrosities and later tells Peel he should not encourage Albert.  Victoria is fed up and Lehzen (Daniela Holtz) calls Peel a "stuffed frog," she saw one once at a museum, which amuses Victoria.  She thinks Albert needs to learn to talk properly and keep his mouth shut more as people laugh at him.  Next day she wakes to find him gone.

He meets Peel for a ride on the locomotive and knows how it works.  He wants to ride at the front and not sit on the seat.  He tells Peel he likes him and hopes he's not here to make sure he doesn't become regent.  Peel hopes he's not here to convince him into approving Victoria's choice and they get on. Victoria is mad at Albert since he went off and did his own thing.  She doesn't approve of engines and she will only do what she wants to take the country forward and hates the use of the word, 'future'; and approve what she wants, as queen.  It isn't up to him.  She was rather hypocritical, she doesn't want anyone ridiculing him or telling him what to do unless it's her.  Albert replies he didn't want to wake her.  As she's out for a walk she too rides on the locomotive and Albert runs up beside it and asks if she likes it.  Which she does.  The butler tells Lohlein that he should have the prince singing whilst getting dressed and Mrs Jenkins tells him they're all trying to make fools of Albert and him and she won't accept that happening to Albert. They don't like people who are different.

Peel tells Gifford and the Tories he will be supporting her choice of Albert as regent since she is his queen and when he leaves, Wellington tells them that if no one's going to oppose his choice, then he too will support Peel in his decision.  As Peel tells Victoria of this, she tells him it's not really relevant anymore since she is well and doing her job.  That was after a pep talk from Albert on their way home when she told him she's afraid of the pain and he told her it will be painful, but she is strong and has fortitude.  She allows Albert to sit beside her and help with the papers she must sign, handing him over the ones involving the cotton trade and other industrial matters.

Her mother tells Harriet she doesn't like being left behind and also as Harriet keeps looking at the photo of Albert with Ernest, she tells her that he's a liar.  Harriet telling her she's a married woman. Especially as at their game of cards, she asks if Harriet has a knave?  When Victoria returns home, she asks for bacon and peas and doesn't want to stick to any diet.

Francatelli (Ferdinand Kingsley) impresses Skerrett (Nell Hudson) with his cooking and hot chocolate, which he prepares for the queen and she thinks he should give her his wafers along with it too.  He also sets up  a dinner table in the queen's quarters for her and treats her to some more chocolate, which she tells him he must name a "bomb surprise" as it resembles a bomb.  "Francatelli's bomb de surprise."  Didn't anyone tell him the way to a woman's heart is not through sweet treats, she'll bomb herself soon eating so much, or should that be balloon!

Not much to say on this ep as slowly Albert begins to find his place by her side and she gives him more responsibilities.  She was afraid of losing him when he went off gallivanting on the locomotive, as she wouldv'e called it.  As she wants him by her side all the time.  Finally Lord M is forgotten as here was absolutely no mention of him this ep either.  Of course the title refers not only to the industrial revolution but Victoria and Peel accepting Albert and that he is capable of having more responsibilities than just being her husband.  As well as allowing him to feel the baby, as their relationship grows even more.  Which was a touching moment as she earlier told him, "you are going to look at my body and be revolted."  Whereupon thousands would've said, he's already seen your body!  As Victoria earlier claims he looks like a peasant when he returns all dirty and he exclaims, "at least I'm not eating beetroot - the food of peasants!"  Ahh the poor beetroot!

Cos 140 Characters Ain't Enuff: Patrick Muldoon

                                                 
Cos there aren't enough characters to tweet how Patrick Muldoon truly is the object of my affection on Twitter (and off!) and always will be!

 An all round great guy, brilliant actor and just as wonderful a singer/musician.  Although there's no way to decide between the singing or the acting.  Luckily don't have to!  Only wish his films got more screen time here, aside from the ones where he just has a bit part in them! Oh how that leaves me reeling!

This appreciation's more about Patty's songs (with the band, The Sleeping Masses and without) and if you haven't heard them yet, there's some on SoundCloud, the haunting Glowing Like Gold, the desirable Red Dress. Cumin Over, Changed.  Sadly Grey Again disappeared from there; another one of my faves.  All of his songs/tunes are so catchy and unforgettable.
On youtube you'll find the equally impressive The Woman Is The Way and what I particularly rave on about quite a bit!  (Sorry friends!)  As well as Patty's enjoyable Concerts From My Living Room series.  Albeit short!  So when we getting the Concerts from My Kitchen, Pool, Beach...?  Or Surfboard!! ha.

Patty rocks and his songs definitely "kick it like lightning!!"

http://mila255h.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/patrick-muldoon.htm

Victoria 1.6 "The Queen's Husband" Review

                                           
Albert (Tom Hughes) finds it increasingly difficult to fit in and is frustrated.  Even when Victoria (Jenna Coleman) has documents to sign he wants to help her but she tells him to play the piano or he'll get bored, she can hear him play. Of course when he does help she just wants him to be chief blotter as she's already read them all.  Did she really read them.  Also it appears Melbourne has 'retired' to Brockett Hall as Peel (Nigel Lindsay) and Wellington (Peter Bowles) mention it in passing, that he can't run the nation from there forever.  As Victoria also comments on how she wishes "Lord M were here."

Victoria is approached by Buxton (Terence Beesley) and Anson (Robert MacPherson) who are from the abolitionists of slavery society and wish her to open their proceedings, which she thinks is a most noble cause as she's been backing them since she was a child, but as their sovereign she can't do so. Giving the opportunity for Albert to come up with doing something good and what he believes in and addressing the society.  As he tells his secretary, Peeler (Scott Arthur) he's fed up of being nothing more than a figurehead, not even that, and being seen as the queen's husband, as well as his portrayals as a sausage in cartoons.  Everyone hating the way he dresses too.  He writes a speech in German and asks Peeler to translate it into English and he offers to abridge it too.  Quoting Shakespeare's Julius Caesar about men not being cowards.  He meets with Buxton and Anson and tells them he will be opening the proceedings and Victoria will accompany him and watch him from the side.

Albert also notices that Ernest's (David Oakes) flirting is more than that with the Duchess of Sutherland (Margaret Clunie) and he wants him to return t o Coburg.  Ernest tells him he's not like their father and he actually is in love.  However she's married and she too thought this was just some harmless flirting and wishes him "bon voyage" when she finds out it's not.  Obviously she didn't really want him to go, as she drops her handkerchief for Ernest to keep.  Victoria also wants Albert to accompany her to dinner and this is usually done by her uncle. the Duke of Sussex (David Bamber) and is traditional.  However he refuses for this to take place or to change.  Even though he's a staunch supporter of hers, he will not depart from tradition.  Until Victoria finds out his wife is not of royal blood and is not permitted at court.  She offers her a title, Duchess of Inverness (Daisy Goodwin) as it is a discretionary sovereign title, she wants to meet her.  But also to show him that she wants Albert to be treated with respect too.  Peel and Wellington of course comment on her catipns as Wellington thinks she's won a battle.  Which she wasn't really fighting.

Albert wants children as soon as  possible and Victoria doesn't.  Even her mother (Catherine Flemming) tells him once he has a male heir everyone will accept him.  Victoria asks Lehzen (Daniela Holtz) for help on how not to get pregnant and after her night with Albert, she jumps up and down on the sofa.  What can you say, no comment!  Ha. Ernest also wants him to have children already so he can be a godfather.  Albert doesn't want to see him go as he's been with him for twenty years and Ernest is protective of him since their mother left as he tells the Duchess of Sutherland.  Of course Victoria and Albert can't their hands off each other, so having children won't be a problem, for him, as he catches her jumping and informs her Lehzen was wrong in her advice. The only way not to have children is if she abstains.  Which she can't and kisses him some more!

Elsewhere there is Indian cholera as Mrs Jenkins (Eve Myles) calls it, abounds and especially in Seven Dials where Skerrett's sister, Eliza (Samantha Colley) lives and she tries to see her but is stopped by the 'Peeler', she can go in but can't come out.  Francatelli (Ferdinand Kingsley) gets her to tell him what's wrong and he has ways of getting in there.  He sees her sister and she writes a letter informing Skerrett (Nell Hudson) of being rehoused where hopefully the baby will recover too. Skerrett is impressed with this and thought she knew men but didn't know anyone who would do this. Nah he's in it for himself!  He leaves her a sugar 'N' on her pillow (sweet nothings! ha) after she tells him her name is Nancy.

Albert rehearses hi speech and is introduced to Jonas Barratt (Cornell John) a runaway slave, who is told how to address royalty.  Victoria tells Albert to speak up so he will be heard and she does turn up to support him, but not incognito enough so she feigns feeling faint and returns to the palace.  Albert eventually speaks and is a resounding success.  Even Peel acknowledges this and they shake hands as Albert tells him they finally agree on one thing.  Although Victoria doesn't still like him.  So the sausage can speak after all and hold is own in public.  Ha.  Me thinks a baby soon, judging from next week's clip, or is Victoria really ill?  Only a mention of Melbourne now in passing twice which was frustrating for his fans!  Thought he would've turned up at least to hear Albert's speech, but that wasn't to be.

The writer and executive producer of Victoria, Daisy Goodwin, makes an appearance as the Duchess of Inverness.  No wonder Victoria was anxious to meet her!

Dream Home: The Property Brothers' Ultimate Guide to Finding & Fixing Your Perfect House Review

There have been property shows and designing shows and all creativity shows under the sun, but only one or two come along that actually impress and give you the lowdown on what's what.  One of them being Property Brothers, Property Brothers At Home, presented by the mighty fine Scott Bros, Drew and Jonathan (in no order of preference! ha) hotly followed by Buying & Selling and Brother Vs Brother.  Dream Home provides so many hints, tips and actual facts that will help you improve your house if you're in the market to sell or what to look out for if you're looking to buy, but also to improve it in general if you're not.  The best thing is you don't need a large budget to do some 'cosmetic' make-overs which can provide the wow factor!  Yes I fancy myself as a bit of a creative person, which has nothing to do with being 'arty farty' or taking up Art at school (that was just to get out of doing another subject which involved hard work!  Funny should've taken a leaf out of my own thinking and not taken up the profession I did!  Cos that involves mountains of work and studying - still!)

Okay back on topic, Dream Home: the book by Jonathan and Drew Scott (what took you so long?) provides you some fresh insights and refreshing ideas on how to spruce up your home, or maybe some of the rooms in your home, so you too can end up with your 'Dream Home.'  I enjoyed the format and how both Drew and Jonathan give you their insights on every aspect of home decor you could ever think of or need.  There are other designers out there, but none of them caught my eye or particularly interested me, some of their ideas were just plain.  Yes that's the best word for it, but Jonathan and Drew have oodles of talent, luckily twice over!

It's not just about designing though, but features insight and their wealth of experience on renovating, how to get the best deal and more importantly negotiating the best deal for you, cos let's face it, that's where many people slip up.  They're so into wanting to buy or sell their house they just go for the easiest and quickest out and sometimes it's not the best price being asked for.  (I was going to say touted! ha)

What made Dream Home stand out is the brothers 'tell it like it is.'  It's honest and no holes barred, as well as bringing their fun personalities into the pages.  It reflects what you've seen on TV but more so as each page is like actually getting personal advice from them and more importantly you can ponder over the features inside to your heart's content, without rushing.  They are sooo down to earth, it's more like giving you friendly advice.  Beauty, brawn and brains all in one, well in two here!  You get double the fun, double the trouble and double the real deal in Drew and Jonathan!   Also choc full of photos to bring those creations to life.

Oh and I liked how as many style, lifestyle books etc were featured in the display photos on the shelves and tables!  And how when you read it, you can hear their voices, like they're reading to you! Very sublime!  As well as some general background on their early years.  Dream Home isn't just a must for fans, but also the seasoned designers in us all and yes there is creativity in us all, we just need the right approach and help to bring it out the best way possible! As well as the excellent Brother Vs Brother section where Jonathan and Drew give their own personal advice and views.

You can perfectly display your copy on the rustic coffee table you just whipped up!

Now guys when you coming down to London cos I need my copy personally signed and personalized to me??!!

@mila255h

Available at https://www.amazon.com/Dream-Home-Property-Brothers%E2%80%99-Ultimate/dp/0544715675/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474248217&sr=1-1&keywords=dream+home+property+brothers

Or you can get signed copies from  https://scottshop.thescottbrothers.com/products/dream-home-book

Victoria 1.5 "An Ordinary Woman" Review

                                                    
The one about the wedding and Albert's title. Continued from last week . There is animosity between Parliament and Albert (Tom Hughes) being German especially amongst the Tories which was evident this ep. Albert wants £50,000 a year and a title and his uncle Leopold (Alex Jennings) is instrumental in stressing he should be given this as he got nothing less when he married Charlotte.  However he has a mistress in the form of an actress and he still continues to draw on that money, which is why Albert will get next to nothing.  Victoria (Jenna Coleman) is adamant he should be able to get what he wants.  However there's more of a stressful time for her as she announces her engagement to Albert, as said, many aren't too pleased.  Victoria stealing moments with Albert whenever they can, being accompanied by Ernest (David Oakes) and the Duchess of Sutherland (Margaret Clunie).

She will miss Albert when he returns to Saxe-coburg to set his affairs in order, ha, not those sorts of affairs and hides from her mother, Duchess of Kent (Catherine Flemming) behind the tree as she doesn't want her to see them and say that she had arranged the entire marriage between them when it's Victoria's choice.  She later tells her as Albert says he'll do it if she doesn't and her mother is of the mind that she knew all along and did indeed arrange it.  Victoria disagreeing of course.  In the House Melbourne (Rufus Sewell) argues for what he wants but Peel (Nigel Lindsay) won't budge from £20,000 a year.  All this when Victoria says she will basically be looking after him.  Albert prefers to refer to himself as her 'subject' every chance he gets rather than her husband and an equal in some respects.  Victoria wants to be an "ordinary woman" and wants to marry him as an ordinary woman.

Albert tells her to remember him kissing her neck when he leaves and how he shall do the same when he returns.  Arriving at Schloss Saxe-Coburg his father, Duke of Coburg (Andrew Bicknall) congratulates Albert on his choice as England is one of the richest countries in the world and Victoria will be able to throw "some crumbs" towards their way for the rundown castle.  Making it appear that's all this union was for them, a marriage of convenience and  more particularly a marriage to being wealthy.

Ernest wants Albert to be well grounded, prepared for his future nuptials and the wedding night with Victoria and takes him to a brothel to help him.  However he doesn't want to be with Gretchen (Carolin Stoltz) and would prefer to take notes instead in her "proficiency" which she will teach him.  Ernest however has no qualms as we know!  Ernest tells him about seeing their mother once when he was playing in the park and she saw him, putting her finger to her lips and he could see her face was wet.  He didn't tell Albert as he knew they only had each other now.

Plans are underway for the wedding and her ladies in waiting talk of dresses and cakes.  Victoria wants a white dress.  Francatelli (Ferdinand Kingsley) can't get the cake ready in six weeks.  He also wants Skerrett (Nell Hudson) to start afresh but she has responsibilities here and can't do that.  Still not getting the message.  As the party returns, some of Albert's servants are brought to the kitchen and the Baroness (Daniela Holtz) asks them to be treated properly also adding that Penge (Adrian Schiller) knows some German.  As we find out why, he was in love with one of the servants, Hilde (Gertrude Thoma) and said he sent her letters.  They always meet at weddings.  So it must've been Hilda who taught him German.  She replies she didn't get his letters but would like to read them.

Victoria spends some of her last moments as a free woman and queen and of course Melbourne is despondent that she'll rely on him even less now.   But tells her she must still see the Privy Council for their approval of Albert.  She also asks Melbourne if her father had a mistress as her mother told her he did before they were married.  As they all think, assume, Albert will follow in the footsteps of his philandering relatives and also keep a mistress later in life.  He says her father did have a mistress and also the same thing that he won't keep one yet.  But then Melbourne's marriage was a failure. If she wants to be certain she should ask  the truth, which Melbourne told her once was overrated.  Nevertheless she does so and he wonders how she could ask him if he wants the extra money so he too can keep a mistress like Leopold.  As she's aware he wants only her.  Melbourne watches from the window knowing his heart will forever be broken (okay I added that in for those who wanted to rewrite history and have Victoria ride off into the sunset with Melbourne.  Only in your dreams!)  The Baroness tells him they are no longer needed.

The big day arrives and Victoria wears her white dress and a garland of gardenias on her head, instead of diamonds.  Yet the people still talk, especially Wellington (Peter Bowles) who says Alert even walks like a Papist.  Victoria takes her vows and promises to "obey" Albert as she told him she would, even though he reiterated how he's "only your subject."  No, you're her husband!  As well as the politicians wanting her to drop the 'obey' part.  The cake cut, the posy thrown, she can only go on her honeymoon for two days and not a week.  As she has her farewell with Lord Melbourne, bringing up the scene where he told her when she gives her heart it will be without reservation and says he was almost right.  He ask if he can kiss the bride and is the only peck he can give her, on the cheek.  As she walks away and then runs, yes we know he had to turn around and watch her since they don't normally do that, even if you want them to.  Victoria: "Goodbye Lord M." As he utters his,
"goodbye Ma'am."  Then it's off for some bedroom play!  ha.  Sorry but it's what they were both waiting for all this time.

There you have it, the wedding and now the babies to follow and Albert's acceptance by the subjects and Parliament.  Considering what he actually wanted was a seat in the House and a chance to do some good.  As he told Melbourne he isn't a knight but he can sit in the House of Lords.  His knighthood being Victoria's gift to Albert.

Supernatural Season 12 Some Thoughts

                                           
For season 12 of Supernatural as Jensen said should  return to monster of the week story, actually, he said he'd love for it to return there and I think they have a golden opportunity to do it, what with Mom (Samantha Smith) arriving back into their lives.  Not only can we get great dialogue and family, mother/son/brother moments here and a chance for Sam (Jared Padalecki) to catch up with her, especially since he never knew her.  But also for Dean (Jensen Ackles) to get so many answers he wants.  I thought immediately here of Sam and Dean in the angel ep Houses of the Holy, when Dean found out Sam prays and Mom did too.  About angels watching over them and then lo and behold angels turned up.  Like foreshadowing in her knowing that might happen.  But more so she could and can see for herself what her sons selflessly and so dangerously do, in carrying on the family business and that family business was an extension from her side of the family more so than that of Dad's. Which they didn't know for a long time.  It was essentially carrying on the legacy which ultimately became the Winchester legacy.

Another aspect to this was how Mom appeared when Sam was shot in the season 11 finale and she generally made an appearance to help them out as in Home, Sam needed her then in some ways and he needs her now in other ways.  Will Mom even remember them, tell them where she's been and plenty of questions which can incorporate an element of not only mystery but also returning to the episodes from earlier seasons, even if a new arc needs to be developed, it doesn't need to be as full-on as the angels/demons/Chuck/Amara storyline now.

Also with Chuck (Rob Benedict) and Amara (Emily Swallow) bonding again and the angels finding some sort of closure in their feuding with each other, it's an ample time for the show in season 12 to return to how it used to be. Monster of the week and maybe finding new arcs which involves new areas and not just forever harping (no pun! ha) on about angels and demons, even though they'll still be around in the background, especially Crowley (Mark A Sheppard) and the demons.  Make it more of a family show and a return to the Winchester values.  I know they have the bunker still and the appearance of her from the London Chapter but if they could deal with her quicksmart, leaving room for exploration of perhaps more of the Winchester family history, delving a little more in maybe Dad's (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) side of the family too.  Perhaps not in any kind of supernatural way, just as a background.

Crowley and Rowena (Ruth Connell) need some bonding time too and it's not as if they truly hate each other.  Here's another family that could do with some more exploration of their family background.  You know wouldn't it be great to them in a spin-off, I thought of a half hour comedy show.  Maybe thinking long the lines of Bewitched, but more Fergus of Hell!

Jensen would love to see other themes from the show explored further, such as "purgatory, I thought was a really cool, cool part of the story...I'd also like to see more of a hunter network.  I'm a big fan of the original format of the show the monster-of-the-week kind of thing...I don't know how we necessarily get back to that with everything's that's happened."  As I said Mom would be a good way to start getting back into the process of just hunting and then take it from there.

Either way as long as we get some great stories and dialogue from the cast then Supernatural will continue to go from even greater strength to strength!

The Musketeers 2.10 "Trial and Punishment" Review

                                            
Constance (Tamla Kari) is led to the gallows and all Treville (Hugo Speer) can do is stand by and watch next to Rochefort (Marc Warren).  However she refuses the blindfold so she can see as much as she can of the world.  Then she sees D'Artagnan (Luke Pasqualino) below who shoots the executioner, as all hell breaks loose and Treville manages to overpower Rochefort and his men are shot too.  As they ride away and decide the time is right to present Vargas (Peter Sullivan) to court and to Louis (Ryan Gage) in the hopes of unmasking Rochefort's treachery.  Aramis (Santiago Cabrera) is put on trial, with Louis hearing everything he has to say from above. Yes Louis presiding over the farce of a trial as if he's god from high on up and yet is in despair when he hears Rochefort say he is the dauphin's father as Marguerite (Charlotte Salt) testifies she only began the affair with Aramis after the dauphin was born and not before.  As if that makes any difference, maybe he didn't really notice her before then, for our purposes we know it was only so Aramis could be close to his son, but for their purposes it could've been for any number of reasons, including Aramis being a well-known womanizer.
Rochefort; "Do you swear to give us the truth of this sordid encounter."  The sordidness that was going through his own head with thoughts of Anne (Alexandra Dowling) and for him to be there instead of Aramis.
Aramis: "I understand that God is with us now in this room.  We will all be judged for what is in our hearts."

Rochefort wants Aramis to confess he slept with the queen and Aramis replies by saying the only thing he will confess to is Rochefort being a liar and plotting against them.  However he will be executed.  Louis wants to be left alone cos not only has he lost Anne but also his son.  As Aramis is chained he makes a promise to God that if by some miracle he is saved, he will give over his life to him and he is rescued by Milady (Maimie McCoy).  Who tells Athos (Tom Burke) that she is leaving for England and if he wants to be with her, she'll wait in her carriage until sundown.

Marguerite is disgusted with what she's done and takes her own life, leaving the dauphin crying and to be found by Rochefort of course and also tearing up her letter.  As he talks Louis into signing her death sentence, Rochefort now turns executioner and gets out a fave weapon of his no doubt and will take pleasure in strangling her.  Only moments before Aramis arrives to save her and also fights with Rochefort, who still stands even getting a dagger to his back, which is what he deserved and more for his backstabbing.  Of course all of the Musketeers get to fight him and it is left to D'Artagnan to finally kill him, as he said he wants Rochefort for himself.  As he finally dies, Aramis heads over to close his eyes and Anne tells him he doesn't deserve that.  Even with Vargas whispering in his ear before he passes that Spain got the better of him.

Treville accepts Louis's offer of his Minister of War as France is at war with Spain for its complicity as Louis calls it, as well as Louis being content with his son.  Aramis keeps his word and heads to the monastery, with everyone having a farewall.  Constance and D'Artagnan marry and would've thought Aramis would've been present at their wedding, but no, they sent him off already!  Athos wants to meet Milady and as he tries to leave, Treville tells him all leave is cancelled and they are at war.
                                           
Milady waits for him and he finally leaves the garrison and rides out, but he's too late, finding only her glove in the grass.
Milady"I'm not free.  I'm bound to you as you are to me.  I have become this foul and ugly thing, this creature who cheats and lies and kill  without conscience.  I don't want to be that creature anymore, I want to be as I once was with you.  To feel hope instead of this deadness in my heart."  But as we know that's not to be and she will continue to be the creature who kills without remorse and feeling.

Anne: "you understand nothing about love."  As Rochefort describes what will happen to Aramis's body on the wheel,
Rochefort: "It is pain, suffering."  What Grimaud echoes in series 3, however his woe is more on life and its injustices instead of love, although he's never known any.  A suitable finish to series 2 and plenty to look forward to series 3.  Of course Athos and Milady wouldn't get their happy ending, they've come too far for that, she can't really change who she is now, even if Athos went with her to England, think he was thinking more from his heart than his head.  Could he really fully trust her?  D'Artagnan gets the woman of his dreams, but I missed Aramis not being at his wedding, like they just shunted him off to the monastery already!  He deserved better than that, it seemed more as though he was being punished.