New Year, new me....? Probably not!

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Ah, it's coming to that time of of year when we all reflect on what went well and what didn't go so well in 2014. I can't actually believe we are here!  2014 has flown by, with lots of exciting changes, occasions, happy memories as well as a few hairier moments. 

As I look forward to 2015, I can't believe I am where I am! I'm not going to lie, I've worked really hard to get myself to this position and of course, there's a few things I'd like to change but I'm not going to be making any life changing resolutions this year. I know I'll never stick to them and we're always so hard on ourselves after Christmas, putting ourselves down, saying we've got to do this or stop doing that and I want to start next year as positively as I can. That being said, I am going to make a few "resolutions", here they are: 

1. Read/listen to more French and Spanish. 

I've recently started giving private tuition of French and Spanish and it's made me realise how much I miss being absorbed in the language. My aim is to read at least ten minutes a day of both languages. I received a copy of my favourite book, The Catcher In The Rye, in Spanish for Christmas so that should definitely help with this and I'm going to aim to read a couple of newspaper stories in French. It can only be beneficial for keeping my languages up and hopefully will be something I enjoy! 

2. Drink more water! 

This is pretty much an annual resolution and involves quite a lot of effort on my part. I know I don't drink enough and its started to affect my well being lately, I suffer from headaches, lethargy and stomach problems. Water might not be the answer but it will definitely help. It should help keep me at my Slimming World target weight too.

3.  Save, save, save!
Exactly what it says on the tin really.  Getting to the USA isn't cheap and I need to pay for medical insurance and what not, so I simply need to save money.  Unfortunately, my job isn't very well paid at all so I will need to cut back on any unnecessary extras.  It's all for a good cause though!

Fingers crossed I will be able to stick to these resolutions!

Here's to a happy and healthy 2015! 

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Florida Bucket List

Although I don't actually go to Florida for a while yet (another 232 days... not that I'm counting!), I'm already in my super-organised-planner mode.  I've started to compile my USA/Florida bucket list which I'm sure I will keep updating as we get closer to August and while I'm out there!  

1. Discovery Cove
2. Visit Diagon Alley
3. Drink ALL the Coca-Cola's in Universal Studios.
4. Afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian.
5. Stay in all the WDW resort hotels.
6. Visit the Kennedy Space Center
7. Dine at Be Our Guest
8. Meet Belle.
9. Buy a turkey leg at least once.
10. Drink margaritas in the Mexico Pavilion.
11. Listen to country music at House of Blues.
12. Listen to country music in Nashville.
13. Visit Middlebury in Vermont.
14. NYC, obvs.
15. New Orleans.
16. Watch Fantasmic!
17. Visit all four parks in one day.
18. Trade more pins!
19. Ride Prince Phillip's carousel.
20. See the Welcome show at Magic Kingdom.

Do you have any must-dos or must-sees for me to include?

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CRP Pre-screen interview.

Fancy working here?  You could!

You got through the written application process, so what's next?  Successful candidates will be invited to a pre-screen interview with the British agents for Disney Yummy Jobs.  My pre-screen interview was in London, conveniently on a Sunday, and I know there were also interviews in Northern Ireland but I think that's pretty much it for the UK (even Scottish candidates were asked to attend the London interviews.

I imagine the finer details change from year to year but to give you a general overview: there are two interview times on the day of the pre-screen, 9am and 2pm.  It's just luck of the draw which time they allot you to in your email, so you may want to consider staying overnight if you live a way away from London.  The dress code was business attire but you could wear anything you consider appropriate for an interview; some people wore suits others worse smart skirts or dresses.  I would advise making sure you feel comfortable in what you are wearing, if you hate wearing heels, don't wear them!  You'll feel on edge and it's far better to wear a smart pair of flats and feel confident than nervously tottering along in high heels.  

When you arrive at the interview location (again, this could change but we went to Brasserie Blanc on the Southbank) you find yourself amongst loads of people who you've never met and they all want the same job as you.  It's an odd situation; normally if you go for a job, you don't meet the other candidates!  I think it's important that you chat to the other candidates (no matter how nervous you feel) because you will feel a lot better in the group interview and to be honest, you never know who is watching you from Yummy Jobs!

After you've signed in with Yummy, you get taken into a conference room to watch a short presentation conducted by the staff from Yummy.  To get you 'warmed up', they do a little pop quiz on Disney trivia where you can win a little prize and show you a presentation about the program, what you'll do, what it'll be like, tell you about the pay, generally get you very excited about the program.  The staff from Yummy have always done a program with Disney so they are very knowledgable and happy to share their experiences.  Once you have watched the presentation, you're given your group interview time.  If you have a wait for your interview, most people tended to go grab a coffee or drink to kill the time.

When your interview slot arrives, your group will be taken into a room, chairs in a semi-circle with the interviewers sat at a table.  Perhaps the most unnerving thing about the whole group interview is the fact your interview will be taking notes!  You'll have given them your Yummy passport with your photo on so I assume they are making notes on what you say/do etc.  Try to relax and be yourself; they want to see your personality and how you interact with the other interviewees so try not to be too pushy or talk over other people.  Listen, be engaged and supportive.   Don't worry about getting your answer in, everyone gets their turn and will be asked the question.  Don't be afraid to fill any awkward silences either though!

I've compiled a little list of the questions that were asked at mine and my best friend's interview - it's by no means exhaustive though and there are loads of blogs out there with massive lists.

• Introduce the person sat next to you (name, age, job, interesting fact)
• Why do you want to do the program? 
• What's your motivation for doing the program?
• Which object have you brought to represent your culture/country and why?
• The UK Pavilion doesn't have any attractions; what would you add to it?
• How would you deal with a difficult guest?
• How would you cope with living with lots of people from all over the world?
• What will you do after the program?
• What skills/qualities can you  bring? 
• What brand/company do you admire?  

I would suggest preparing the questions the interviewers could potential ask you as some of the questions require quite a lot of thought!  My group interview also had to give a one minute 'sales pitch' on why we were the best candidate.  This was quite nerve-wracking as I'd never read about this happening in a pre-screen before.  Prepare but try not to over prepare, as a new question could throw you completely! 

The group interview lasts around 45 minutes and it really does fly by.  It's easy to say but try not to stew on what other have said or you haven't said once the interview is over.  You will be with excellent candidates but you wouldn't be in the interview if you weren't good enough! It's often hard to tell how you have 'performed' and you don't know exactly what they are looking for!  Be proud of yourself for doing your best!

After this, you have the wait.  You can be waiting a while but if you get through to the next stage, it'll all be worth it!

  

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Festive afternoon tea at The Ritz

If you have read any of my posts before, you may know that afternoon tea is one of my favourite meals.  When Dena and I came across The Ritz's festive afternoon tea menu way back in May this year, we decided to try and get a table.  It's incredibly hard to get a table for afternoon tea at The Ritz - hence our booking way back when we were still in Mexico ! 

To be honest, I'd half forgotten about the reservation until recently but when I did remember, my excitement levels went through the roof! I'd never been to The Ritz before but the decadent opulence is something that has always appealed to me and visiting London is always something I enjoy doing. 

The Ritz, of course, welcomed us with twinkling lights and beautifully festive decoration inside and outside. I love the classic look of their decorations, rich reds and golds, for me, a truly timeless Christmas time look. We were a little bit early for our reservation so we took a quick stroll through a very winters and chilly Green Park to Buckingham Palace, made a wish in the fountain, and walked back. To be honest, being in central London at this time of year really does bring out the most festive in me! 

We had a quick drink in the bar before our afternoon tea, and I definitely want to go back for a cocktail or two. As soon as you step into the bar, you're transported to the 1920s, jazz music in the background, and I imagined myself sitting there with a cocktail in a sequinned flapper dress. I love that era! Unfortunately for us, we had a round of soft drinks and nibbles before heading through to Palm Court for our tea, 

The Palm Court was also beautifully decked out and we were shown to our table.  I felt a little overwhelmed by the formality of it all (maybe I'm more of a spit and sawdust kinda girl) but it's quite easy to relax when you're seated. We were served out glass of champagne and our tea order was taken (Ritz Royal English for me and the Christmas blend for Dena). 

When the pastries and sandwiches arrived, I was in heaven! An endless supply of delicious cakes and sandwiches, what more could a girl want? We had macarons, chocolate sponge, a caramelly chocolate dome and a fruit custard tart (I'm sure they had fancier names). All were heavenly! Of course, there were fruit and plain scones, served with lashings of clotted cream and strawberry jam. If that wasn't enough cake, a waiter brought round slices of Christmas cake, Bakewell slice and warm mince pies! 

I cannot explain how much I enjoyed the whole experience.  My only disappointment was that I couldn't eat more. The Ritz provides an excellent and luxurious five star hospitality - staying on our of their rooms will definitely be on my bucket list! 

What made it so special for me was the festive atmosphere, I think our afternoon there was what really got me into the Christmas spirit! 

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Magical Orlando tag

Although I've only been to Orlando once before (in April for the most amazing birthday trip), I fell in love the minute I stepped onto the sunny Floridian tarmac at the airport.  The next time I visit Orlando will be when I begin my year as a Disney World cast member and until then, I'll be using any excuse to talk about the Sunshine State and in particular, Orlando!  When I saw that FloridaTix were running a blogging competition related to the Orlando theme parks, I had to enter!  What better excuse to reminisce on some amazing memories and think about everything Florida related!  I also tag my partner-in-crime, Dena (also, check out her answers when she does this... bound to be amazing!).

Magical Orlando Tag Questions:

1. Which Hogwarts house would you be sorted into?

I'm definitely a Gryffindor, a weird mixture between Neville Longbottom and Hermione Granger!  I'm a total book and learning nerd but not afraid to stand up for what I believe in either.  Go, go, Gryffindor! 

2. Name a Disney character you’d like to have dinner with.

Belle.  We could easily wile away the hours chatting about books over a delicious plate of grey stuff.  We both come from small 'provincial' towns, and like me, she's an opinionated and outspoken young lady at times and in between book recommendations, I reckon we could put the world to rights.

3. Which Marvel superhero power would you choose?

Oh a toughie!  I'd want to be like the Black Widow; she doesn't have traditional superpower but she has the mind of a secret agent, the sass of a powerful, independent woman, she's practically a ninja, and she has the strength of mind to keep Capt America, Iron Man and co in line.  You go girl!

4. If you could bring back one dinosaur breed from Jurassic Park, which would it be?

Triceratops, if only for the fact they're vegetarians.  The T-Rex and velociraptors are truly terrifying and make a Hungarian Horntail look like a fluffy puppy.   

5. You can ride a dragon at the Triwizard Tournament and visit the Owlery at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but where else would you go on a school trip to Hogsmeade?

I think I'd visit the Shrieking Shack; this is where my inner Gryffindor reveals itself.  I would indeed visit the Shrieking Shack and see for myself what actually causes that spooky sound.  Hopefully I'd make it back for a Butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks!

6. A scene in any Disney, Harry Potter or Marvel movie you wish you could experience?

I would love to experience Christmas at Hogwarts;  the wizards seem to go all out with the decorations during the festive season!  The school is so much quieter and I too could go and root around in the Restricted Section in the library and wander the corridors while it was snowing outside.  Or cosy up in front of the fire in the Gryffindor common room.  

7. Name one item from any Harry Potter, Disney or Marvel movie would you want for Christmas.

Olaf!  Who wouldn't want a talking snowman for Christmas?  Olaf is keen to make you laugh, cheer you up and generally be sunshine during a dreary winters day!  And he loves warm hugs!

8. Name one unforgettable experience/moment you’ve had at the Orlando Parks.

My birthday breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table was the perfect start to the most magical day.  I was presented with a beautiful tiara, birthday balloons, birthday cake and said hello to four different Disney princesses, all while overlooking Prince Phillip's Carousel.  Such a special moment that could only have been created in a Disney park. 

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I'm going to reveal a secret...

I'm going to work at Walt Disney World in Florida next year! 

The adventure continues! I first applied for the role of cultural representative in the UK Pavilion in Epcot way back in August, without any hope that I'd get past the initial application stage; being that it's an incredibly competitive application process with few vacancies.  I mean, who wouldn't want to work at Disney World for a year?!

But then I got an e-mail saying I'd been invited to the first pre-screen interview... and then, another e-mail asking me to the final interview, and lastly, a few nerve-wracking weeks later, a lovely e-mail congratulating me on landing the role.  

To be honest, my excitement hasn't really subsided since I received the e-mail last week; if anything, I'm even more excited!  It's a fantastic opportunity to work for a well-respected and successful company in the Happiest Place on Earth in sunny Florida!

I already have my arrival date (this year in Disney is already so much more organised than my year in Mexico) and I go in August 2015. So here begins my countdown: many months of planning and saving.  

I'm hoping to document my journey to WDW and of course, throughout my time there.  I'm sure I'll have lot of tales to tell!  

Until then, I CANNOT WAIT!  

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Etsy Wishlist #1

I love Etsy, there are so many beautiful things created by extremely talented people.  It's one of my go-to places for gifts and I could spend ages trawling through the pages looking at all the different goodies that I want!  I've started to make a wish list, y'know, just in case... 

Sylvia Plath Quote Bracelets CynicalRedhead £29.35 | 2015 Toodles Noodles Planner ToodlesNoodles £28.71 |  Beauty and the Beast inspired Red Rose in Cloche pendant VintageLightJewelry £22.33 | Peace Love Mickey T-Shirt LostBayTrader £9.57 | Back To The Future Movie Poster AWayWithWordsPrints £10 |  The Perks of Being A Wallflower Typography Print TheWrittenWordPrints £10


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Reaching my Goodreads target

In June (ages ago, I know!), I reached my very modest Goodreads target of twenty five books. It's a very small target to a lot of readers and to a certain extent, for me, but working in Mexico left me with a lot less free, reading time. Needless to say, I was very pleased when I hit my target half way through the year and have managed to get through a few more books since then. I thought I would share which books I have read so far, and highlight my favourites! 

1. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell 

I loved this book, I wish I had written a review on it. A beautiful, lovely story about an unlikely couple of teenagers in love. It was funny, sad, smart, observant, and I couldn't put it down! 

2. Forgive me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

Reminded me a lot of The Catcher In The Rye - check out my review.

3. The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbreith

A fine detective novel under JK Rowling's pseudonym. Despite a lot of disappointing reviews, I really enjoyed this novel. I love the detectives a la Harry Hole and Cormoran Strike was a fulfilling British equivalent.  The Silkworm was an enjoyable read too and I hope the series continues.  

4. The Color Purple by Alice Walker

I don't know why I hadn't read this book before. A moving novel set in rural Georgia that deals with racism, sexism and traditional gender roles. I love a book that makes you think and this book certain does that. 

5. The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp 

Another great coming of age novel; the movie is pretty good too!

6. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

I adored this book, I think it is one of my favourites. It's beautifully written and almost unique in it's narration. The second book to ever have made me cry! I can't recommend it highly enough. 

7. Horns by Joe Hill

I read this book because it was on a book to movie adaptation list and I was very pleasantly surprised. It was witty and made so many spot on remarks about life and religion. It had me laughing out loud on several occasions. 

8. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee 

Like The Color Purple, this book is on many English Literature syllabuses and I can't believe I hadn't read it before.  I loved this book; it addresses so many issues and themes that fascinate and sadden me.  Atticus Finch is literary hero and I can understand why. 

You can see which 40 books I have read so far on Goodreads and my other reviews here.

Have you read any stand out books this year?

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Winter Disney Style Inspiration | Cinderella

The window shopping continues!  This time, the inspiration was Cinderella, with her timeless and elegant style.

Tapered tailored trousers - £170 | Topshop // Lace panel jumper - £25.20 | Dorothy Perkins // Velvet headband - £2.69 | Gorgeous shop //  Nude pointed heels - £22 | ASOS

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Five things I'm looking forward to

As the days get shorter and the nights draw in, it can sometimes be difficult to stay in a positive frame of mind.  During the summer, you have days of sunshine and time to relax outside after a day at work.  During the winter, it's almost as if everyone holes themselves up after 6pm, and understandably so as the temperature drops and the days shorten.

Although I do like our contrasting seasons, I sometimes fall into the autumnal or wintery cycle of go to work - sleep - go to work.  I like to give myself little things to look forward to during these colder times of the year (I'm going to try and leave out the big December C word... for now!).

#1 Bonfire Night.  What's not to love about Bonfire Night?  A great British tradition that's steeped in history.  For me, Bonfire Night is a great opportunity to get together, wrap up in your scarf, hat, gloves, don those welly boots and watch a mediocre fire work display in a school playing field.  Everyone is in good spirits and is a perfect excuse to start eating wintery comfort food... Stews, sausages, root vegetables... Yum!  

#2 Jumpers.  A simple pleasure but for me, it's extremely satisfying to snuggle in an oversized jumper and a comfy pair of jeans.  No more goose pimply arms or not knowing whether to take a cardigan or jacket, from now on, I will have as much skin as possible covered up!

#3 Satsumas.  I know we can pretty much get any fruit or vegetable all year round now but I love it when wintery fruits and vegetables come into season (minus swede, parsnips and sprouts.. eurgh.) and satsumas really make me feel wintery, and they are so cheap at the moment.  A great way to stave off all those winter illnesses too!

#4 Autumnal sunsets (and the chance to see a sunrise that's not at 5am!).  Autumnal sunsets are beautiful, the past couple of evenings, the sky seemed to be full of burnt oranges, blood reds and the night draws in an intense black.  The colours seem more vivid and intense and the light throws spectacular shadows and fascinating silhouettes,  Beautiful!

#5 The weather.  This may seem like an odd one:  I haven't experienced a British winter in a while now and I still haven't forgotten the relentless heat of Mexico so I'm looking forward to being tucked away inside the house when it's windy and rainy outside, curling up with a hot drink and a good book.  Fingers crossed the snow holds off for a while longer...

What are you looking forward to?  

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Winter Disney style inspiration | Pocahontas

I don't really class myself as being any kind of fashion guru, I tend to just throw outfits together haphazardly, so these posts are just for fun really. Putting together outfits based on the Disney princesses is a great way of window shopping and imaginary retail therapy!

Here we have a wintery look based on Pocahontas:

Shift dress - £38 | Topshop // Arrow head long pendant - £7 | Accessorize // Spiral arm cuff bracelet - £8 | Accessorize // Fringe suede brown boots - £35 | Office // Wool blend cape coat - £775 | Net-a-porter

For me, Pocahontas is all about the earthy colours and textures!  

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Blogger Missing In Action...

Hello?  Is there anybody out there....?  It would seem that I have taken a bit of a "blogger break" recently and it really wasn't intentional!  Life has done what life generally tends to do and kept me busy and tired every day; time also has done what it tends to do, runs away with itself and I look back and say where has the past month gone?! 

I'm still managing to keep up reading my favourite blogs but I've neither been commenting nor writing my own posts.  The more time passed, the less I wanted to write anything but since it's something that I do enjoy doing, I've decided to try and get back into it and try and do one post a week, about something, anything.  

So here I am. My life is slowly settling into a routine during the week and weekends have been crazy busy the past few weeks doing different projects and catching up on errands etc, but here is what I've been up to over the past (two) months!

Eating : I'm still following the Slimming World diet and because it's such a well rounded, positive way of eating, I've discovered that I now have a much more positive and healthy relationship with food.  I've currently lost 1 stone 8 pounds and to be honest, I don't feel that I have deprived myself of anything.  I'm feeling good and eating well!

Drinking : Tea and Pepsi Max Cherry.  Since starting work at the Primary School, my tea  intake has increased dramatically!  I'm not sure if it's because of the early mornings or it's comforting warmth but I religiously take a flask to work with me.  Pepsi Max Cherry is my favourite 'treat' drink; it's replaced full fat coke!  I'm a sucker for fizzy drinks but since I'm dieting, full sugar drinks are off the menu and Pepsi Max Cherry tastes just as good!

Reading : I am pleased to say that I have been able to read a few books since I last posted, not as many as I would have liked, but I'm getting through them.  My recent favourite has probably  been Alice Bliss by Laura Harrington.  Has anyone else read it?

Watching : I'll admit it:  X Factor is one of my guilty pleasure.  It just entertains me so I was pleased when it began again!  I wasn't so pleased when it was on for three different nights (that's too much of a commitment in my eyes) but now we're back to two, I look forward to snuggling down in front of the TV.  I also saw Pride at the cinema - fantastic, simply amazing and I would highly recommend.  

Planning : Next year!  Things are still up in the air for my future plans but I'm looking into the different routes into teaching.  The application process seems pretty intense; literacy, numeracy tests, UCAS, personal statements are all super stressful!  

Anticipating : The next big 'thing' I'm waiting for is probably reaching my goal weight at Slimming World.  It's less than a stone away and I still have wobbly days but the beauty of the plan means you can adapt it to your life; it's for real life and people.  I'd love to be at target for Christmas but we will see!

Buying : Pennies are a bit tight at the moment so I'm trying not to splurge.  I did buy a new moisturiser for my skin - extremely dry cheeks, oily forehead and blemish prone - I'm trying Kiehl's Blue Herbal Moisturiser.  I've only been using it for a week but finger's crossed it helps.  

That's it what I have been up to... how about you?  

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Couch to 5K : week 6 ... Finally!

So it's been a long time coming.... But I finally completed week six of the Couch to 5K programme! I don't have any real excuse why it's taken me so long but life just happened and interfered with my plans (hence the lack of general blogging too)! I have been travelling the length and breadth of Britain, camping in Cornwall, and starting a new job since week 5, but I did try to do some variation of moderate exercise during my C25K hiatus. We hiked for 6 miles in Cornwall, body balanced, and ran on a treadmill at the spa which all, I think, helped with the return to running.

Starting again this week, I was a little apprehensive that my body would have forgotten how to run. The first session I had already completed straight after week 5, but I wanted to re do the whole week in preparation for the longer run in the third session. The first and second sessions this week were the normal interval run/walks, and to be honest, were completed reasonably easily. Such a relief!  It gave me a little bit more confidence for the 25 minute run which seemed like a massive mountain to overcome. 

But we did it! I still need to massively work on my pace; I want to use all of my energy in the first five minutes, and obviously that's not great when you're running for distance (albeit fairly short for this novice) or for an extended length of time. The inclines are also fairly hard work but I hope that patience and pereservance will pay off and only add to my stamina. The podcast says we can officially call ourselves runners now... I might wait until I've got a few more twenty five minutes under my belt before I proclaim myself a runner! 

I know I've said it before, but I never imagined I'd be able to run for twenty five minutes completely and enjoy it! I would recommend this programme to anyone who wants to become a little more active! I enjoy my runs and it's encouraged me to try other activities - I'm currently looking to add Zumba and swimming to my weekly agenda, along with running and body balance! It really has had such a positive impact on me! I'm hoping that all of this will become a habit for a long time to come! 

Life lately #5

L-R : First Nando's in a year // Teacher's pet // Summer in the UK // Best socks ever!

Wow!  Where has the summer gone?  Since getting back from Mexico, my life has been pretty much non-stop.  I was home for around five days and then started working at a summer camp, which was fun but pretty intense and I finished last week.  It's only now that I've been able to finally catch up on everything.  I've been sad that I've not been able to blog as much recently, hopefully when I get into a routine again I'll be able to devote more time to writing.  

Here's what I have been up to: 

Eating : As I've embarked upon a new healthy lifestyle, I'm eating a lot of delicious low-fat, healthy meals.  I've also enjoyed a lot of fruit since being back home, I've re-discovered my love for blueberries.  I'd probably eat those all day if I could! 

Drinking : As boring as it sounds... water!  Again, in order to complement my new found healthy lifestyle, I'm trying to up my water intake.  This is always one of my new years resolution's and I'm really trying to focus on drinking an extra one or two glasses a day.  

Reading : I haven't had much time to read recently but I have enjoyed Wintergirls (which I will post a review for soon) and I'm currently reading Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird, which I am loving.  It's such a well known, well loved classic, and to be honest, I can't believe I've never read it before. 

Watching : The Great British Bake Off!  Masterchef!  I love the summer months when all my favourite cookery programmes begin.  I love Bake Off and Masterchef so much, I enjoy cookery and always look to them for inspiration... although, they tend to make me so hungry (especially the dessert/cakes).  As for the cinema, I've enjoyed The Dawn of The Planet of The Apes and Jersey Boys.  

Planning : I'm planning my post-summer life.  From September, I'll be working in a primary school and looking to apply for a PGCE if I do not get my very much wanted next job (it's very competitive so I'm not holding out too much hope).  It's going to be a fulfilling year! 

Anticipating : Visiting friends and new parts of the country.  I'm camping in Cornwall at the end of the month and in Cornwall, we are going to watch a Shakespeare play on the cliffs, star gazing, amongst other very exciting things!  It's my first time camping so I'm a little apprehensive but I'm sure I will enjoy it.  

Buying : I didn't actually buy it but received it as a gift, but I have currently started using the famous Liz Earle's cleanse and polish.  My skin already feels softer and clearer but I have to be patient and allow my skin to settle down and get used to a new product.  My skin is so incredibly sensitive that any little change results in a horrible break out but I'm hoping I'll get used it to, because I adore it!

How's your August been?

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Wordless Wednesday : Retro

It's been so long since I've done a Wordless Wednesday that I don't think I can be very wordless!  This week's theme is retro! I've decided to go as retro as possible with my photos this week and they actually come from a family trip to Euro Disney in 1994.  This trip was one of my first to Euro Disney, now Disneyland Paris.  I can't believe it was 20 years ago!

A climb on Big Thunder Mountain.

Mini-me!

A parade in front of the Castle.

I guess this means I'm technically classed as vintage!

°o° 

Come join in the fun!  Click on the button below! 

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Couch to 5K : Week 5

This week, I realised how seriously impressed I am with this programme.  At the end of this week, I ran for a whole, uninterrupted twenty minutes.  To be honest, even now, I can't believe I managed to do it and the run was fairly comfortable.  It seems almost crazy to think that five weeks ago, I struggled for the minute runs!

We knew that this week, we'd be in for some serious runs as there were three different podcasts, one for each session, instead of repeating the same sequence three times in a week.  The walking to running ratio jumped up quite quickly too this week and when Laura announces you'll be running for how ever many minutes, it can be a bit daunting.  However, this week seemed to be more of a mental challenge than a fitness one, and this was reiterated during the podcast.

I think for beginners who run this is a huge part of the battle, it is for me anyhow.  I am so used to be extremely unfit and not used to doing any exercise that I assume I won't be able to do it, before I've even given it a try. However, when I actually start with the runs, I find it easier to continually run instead of stop/starting.  I'm not sure if it helps me focus or I slow down too much during the walking parts that I find it difficult to start again, but I found the twenty minutes more comfortable than the earlier session of two eight minute runs with 5 minutes walking sandwiched in the middle.

I still haven't decided if I want to sign up for the mile run.  I'm at a precarious stage at the moment and I'm concerned that if I don't do it, it will knock my confidence and I will consider myself a failure.  This week, I have committed myself to making the decision; I'm going to measure the distance I cover during this week's session and if it's more than a mile and I complete it with reasonable ease, I will sign up.  I'm still working on the whole mental battle thing and telling myself I can do it, but after the 20 minute run, I'm feeling more confident that I'll be able to push myself to complete the whole 30 minutes or 5K in the final week.  Woohoo!

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Red Rose Chain's Wuthering Heights

Red Rose Company theatre company has been around for many years now and I have always wanted to see one of their productions.  I knew that they put on Shakespeare plays in Rendlesham Forest during the summer and pretty much every year, I have hummed and harred about getting tickets and then before I knew it, it had whizzed through July and August and I had missed the productions.

But not this year, I'm pleased to say!  I managed to pick up tickets from Groupon to see their production of Wuthering Heights at Jimmy's Farm in Ipswich, and I was thoroughly impressed.

I will be honest and say that I have never read the Emily Bronte classic but I was aware that it is a dark, brooding, Gothic tale that centres around one of literature's most famous couples, Heathcliff and Cathy, a story that seems perfect to be reenacted with the sun setting over a forest.

It seems that Red Rose Chain's productions have moved from Rendlesham Forest to Jimmy's Farm and upon arrival at the farm, we knew that we were in for a very special evening.  We arrived at around 6.30pm; parking was effortless and we walked along side the animals to the edge of the forest, all the way guided by extremely helpful, friendly, and polite staff.  The pathway into the 'theatre' snaked through the woodland which was to be lit up with twinkling fairy lights, setting the mood.  You already felt as if you were miles away from the usual humdrum of daily life.  We were told we could sit where ever we liked; there were three stands, and an area for you to bring your own seats in front of the stage.  There was a bar on site and many people were enjoying picnics (such a great idea - wish we had thought of that!).  The cast members were already in costume and character, chatting to audience members, which gave the production a lovely intimate, familiar feel.

The set was very simple, but the backdrop of the forest meant it was stunning and eerie enough for this brooding story.  The actors and actresses were simply phenomenal, it was a very small cast and they were simply outstanding.  I was worried that I would struggle with the dialogue but the story and production was so involving that I could not take my eyes off the stage.  The first act was very, very dark but interestingly, the second act managed to lighten the atmosphere amongst many deaths and other despair (no spoilers!).  As the sun set, the stage and play became even more haunting and this added to making this an unforgettable experience.

Red Rose Chain seriously impressed me with this production.  I am very disappointed that I won't be able to make it to their other production, Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors this summer.  They are an independent company based here in Suffolk and I feel that by setting plays in such unique environments, they are making theatre accessible to all.  Sitting in the forest, surrounded by woodland and the sounds of nature is a million miles away from the sometimes stuffy and very regal theatres that Bronte and Shakespeare would usually be set in.

A wonderful way indeed to spend a summer's evening!  Check out Red Rose Chain's website.

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Couch to 5K : Week 4

Woohoo! Week four done! I felt such a feeling of satisfaction after finishing the last session early Sunday morning. Week four was quite a substantial jump from week three, we went from running 9 minutes a session to 16 minutes. I still maintain that although six minutes doesn't sound like very long, when you are a novice runner, sometimes dragging my lead legs along, those 6 minutes or 360 seconds, really feels like a very long time.

Something that I have also been struggling with a little bit is technique. Our podcast trainer Laura has mentioned one or two tips to help our technique but I really struggle with it all. I can't seem to get my breathing inline with my left foot hitting the ground every four steps, to be honest, I'm more focused on getting through each run within the session.  I was hoping that my technique would just fall into

place as running became more often but nope, I'm still running like Phoebe from Friends. I'm also trying to work on my pace; I'm definitely not hitting any sprinting times but I'd like to develope a steady, even pace throughout the whole session, instead of jogging at a quicker pace for the first couple of minutes and then struggling for the last minute. Any tips? 

Week five is looking like it will get very serious, we have three different podcasts for each day we run. I also spoke to someone else doing the programme who is on week seven... And she told me how long she is running for... I'm panicking! However, I'm actually quite enjoying this plan and how it is benefiting my lifestyle. Here's to week five!

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Couch to 5K : Week three

Another three sessions brings us to the end of week three. This weeks sessions were noticeably a lot harder for me and the last run of each session really required me to focus and push through my desire to give up and walk! I did it though and am quite proud of myself. Two of the three runs this session were double the length of last weeks and it did feel like a pretty big jump, but you really do feel a massive sense of achievement when you get through each one and the shorter runs feel like a breeze! 

The second session this week was probably the hardest one I have done so far; we decided to do a body balance exercise class to compliment our running the night before our second run. As it turned out, the class was pretty intense and difficult for beginners and left us with lots of sore muscles which made it harder to keep on going through the tougher bits. Luckily, we had a couple of days before the final session and had just about recovered before it was time to put on the trainers again. We are planning to carry on the body balance class (exercising four times a week... Unheard of for me!) in the hope it will tone up and strengthen our muscles. 

This week, I've noticed a change in my body too. As well as doing the Couch to 5K plan, I've joined a Slimming World to shift some extra weight after my Mum and Auntie joined and did so well there. They have both inspired me so much that I really want to become healthier. I've lost weight steadily so far and with my exercising, I've also lost inches around my waist and hips. I've got a long way to go, but I feel like I've come so far in just three weeks that I'm feeling quite positive (and very nervous) about next weeks sessions!

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A review : Prime Deception by Carys Jones

I received a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review. 

I'm a big fan of crime thrillers, especially those with strong story lines and twists and turns that keep me guessing every step of the way. I would never have thought that crime thriller would blend very well with a romantic story line, but Prime Deception manages to mix the two quite nicely. 

We learn that the Deputy Prime Ministers' lover has supposedly committed suicide, but her twin sister and the Minister himself find that difficult to swallow. We follow the characters trying to unravel the truth, which in turn, slowly reveals each characters intimate thoughts as well as their flaws and shortcomings. 

Jones' writing drives the story along and takes us from one situation to another fluidly and with great ease. I love the way Jones' moves smoothly from one character to another, linked by a thought or an idea. To me, it's almost like a stream of thought on the page; the move from one character or setting flows seamlessly, it doesn't feel forced and still allows the reader an omniscient-like view of the situation. 

The characters were pretty well developed: I felt the main characters were multi-faceted and there seemed to be a sinister side to Charles, the Deputy Prime Minister, which was hinted at but not really developed, and I think it could have been unearthed or maybe built upon a little more. I also had a few issues with some of the minor characters: there seemed to be lots of little characters introduced who then just disappeared. A journalist, for example, who seemed poised to be a major and influential character, but who just turned into a dead end. 

The suspense didn't really build until the very end of the book, but honestly I was okay with that. I'm happy to guess the culprit without big flashing, neon signs pointing to the clues. It isn't a traditional thriller book, but an almost 'softer' thriller; there is more development in the characters feelings and emotions, as opposed to unravelling the mystery bit by bit. 

My major gripe with this book is that my copy was very, very poorly edited. I can forgive one or two mistakes, but the book seemed to be littered with typos. I find books with that many mistakes difficult to read as I become fixated on the errors instead and struggle to see past them. 

Overall, it is a fairly solid book. Jones' writing style is interesting, likeable, and for me, the asset to the novel. The story line is good, not as many twists and turns as my favourite crime books and I did predict the killer, but a fine book to dip in and out of when you fancy an easy read.

You can buy Carys Jones' Prime Deception from Amazon.

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Maleficent (2014) : a mini review.

It's Disney Wednesday again, hurray! The movie of the moment, Maleficent, has been released with mixed reviews. It's proven to be a box office hit; overtaking X-Men for the number one spot in the UK a couple of weekends back.  The critics however, haven't been so kind.

As for little ol' me, I enjoyed it. It's a Disney movie, full of Disney magic and the Disney fan in me was pleased. However, the more critical side of me was left with an overwhelming feeling of "is that it?"

The highlight of the film was Angelina Jolie: she plays Maleficent with the perfect, devastating beauty and evil that I would expect from her. She lifted Maleficent from the animated movie into live action effortlessly. I enjoyed seeing the tale of Sleeping Beauty from her point of view; we were able to understand her motives a little better and the lead up to the curse itself. The scene where she realises she has lost her wings is heartbreakingly sad, Jolie acted beautifully. I also liked seeing the development of her relationship with Diaval the raven/man, he acted as the conscious to Maleficent's evil schemes. 

Aurora herself is played by one of my favourite young actresses, Elle Fanning. Aurora is likeable enough but slightly annoying (was that just me?), Fanning plays the role as the usual wide eyed affability of a Disney princess and the character is given a little more depth than in the animated version. She holds up well against Angelina Jolie's scene stealing performance. 

As for the whole matter of True Love's Kiss, I like the route that newer films and TV shows (Once Upon A Time, Frozen) have taken towards this very important fairy tale tradition. The newer "twist" presents a much more realistic view of true love; it comes from a deeper bond than just the initial attraction of the fairy tale favourite, love at first sight. Some people have argued that it has been overdone recently, but I'm all for shaking up the somewhat antiquated views of real, true love. 

My main problem with this film is that it wasn't sure what it wanted to be. At times, it was dark, but then this darkness wasn't consistent and wimped out of what could have been some disturbing scenes. Sleeping Beauty is a dark story and I would have liked to have seen a return to that in this live action interpretation. 

As I suspected, the film was visually beautiful. Some amazing, sweeping shots of the Fair creatures Moores and impressive, shadowy portraits of Maleficent with her wings in all their glory. However, like with Oz, at times it just wasn't satisfying enough, wasn't dark enough, wasn't impressive enough. 

Have you seen Maleficent? What did you think? 

Four Seasons Mexico DF : a review.

Every now and again you stay in a hotel that can blow you away. The Four Seasons in Mexico City did that to me. The Four Seasons is a luxury hotel chain that commands brilliant locations and often hefty price tags, and sometimes, with other hotels of similar reputation, you can be disappointed. However, not with this hotel located on the central Paseo de la Reforma on the edge of Chapultepec forest in Mexico City.

 

From the moment we arrived, we received five star service. Welcomed with a delicious agua fresca (cold water flavoured with mint tea and lemon) and impeccable service from the bellboy and reception staff, we knew that we would have a fantastic stay. 

The room was spacious and lovely, with all the necessities and more. The beds are incredible, the toiletries L'Occitane, and luxurious extras such as bath robes and interactive televisions come as standard in this hotel. The housekeeping was also flawless; with a turn down service as well as the standard housekeeping.

The other areas of the hotel are also kept immaculately clean and tidy and every member of staff goes out of their way to make you feel welcome and assured that every need is catered to, without being overbearing or interfering. 

The food was also very good and reasonably priced for a hotel of this calibre, for example, the breakfast buffet served in the bar was $300 (around £15) and the extensive menu during the day and evening offer a wide range of food and drinks.

We enjoyed the hotel's outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool, it was so lovely to be in an outside swimming pool during the rain and we were provided with towels and bottled water upon going in the deliciously warm whirlpool with water jets. It's small touches like these that make this hotel stand out.  The spa also looked very inviting with a range of massage and other beauty treatments. 

This hotel was an oasis of calm and tranquility in the huge metropolis of Mexico City and gave us the perfect opportunity to wind down and contemplate over the past year in my second home, Mexico.