Round Up #11

It's been a quiet week this week so there's not much to report about. I'm thinking about changing my set up on a Friday because my life is so boring that week to week nothing much really happens. I'd appreciate any suggestions! Looking forward, next week is a very exciting week because I'm turning it into University Week. "But what's university week" I hear you cry. Well, I'll be doing four posts, each with a different topic of university from applying to what to do when you actually get there. Hopefully it'll be useful and a nice little change from the normal scheduling on this blog.

A spot of shopping

The other day I found a double points Boots coupon in my purse that was close to expiring. Oh no what a shame, it means that I'm going to have to use it! To be fair I was in desperate need of the things I bought. There should be a mini haul coming in a few weeks which will feature my thoughts on what I bought. On this trip I just picked up two things the first being another Soap and Glory Solar Powder IN THE NEW PACKAGING! I was never overly bothered about the cardboard packaging but as soon as I held that plastic in my hand my old one seems scratty and wrong. The mirror inside the new compact is also amazing! Unfortunately a few weeks ago my Rimmel Stay Matte Powder smashed into teeny tiny pieces *wipes away tears*. I've been repurchasing it for around two years now but fancied a bit of a change. I've heard many good things about the Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder so I thought I'd give it a go. I shall report back on my thoughts!

A spot of baking

This week I had a go at making some jam biscuits and although they taste very nice they 1.were really awkward to make and 2. they are so hard they could break your teeth. The dough was so sticky that it would roll or cut out and I couldn't tell when they were done so if you want to make these biscuits don't use the recipe on the Good Food website. Normally that's where I go for all of my cooking and baking needs but this time it just didn't work out. Sad times! They still taste nice if you nibble them though so it's all good!

Round Up #10

Scarecrow Festival

Every year at around this time a village close to where I live holds a scarecrow festival. So, as the cool people we are we spent last Sunday morning wandering around, walking up and down hills to look at some very well made and creative scarecrows. The theme this year was songs and there were some good efforts but my favourite was Miley Cyrus on a wrecking ball hanging off a telegraph pole. There were some naughty donkey's who stole the show and one especially loved having his picture taken. So cute!

Winter Times

Winter is coming and I can seriously feel it (that wasn't a Game of Thrones reference by the way just a giant coincidence). There's a little chill in the air the coats are coming out and I'm loving it. I bought this year's pair of winter boats, some new cuddly pyjamas and me snuggling up in a blanket at night has become socially acceptable again! Back to the pyjamas, they are amazing. IT'S SO FLUFFY! They're from Primark (as are most of my pyjamas) and I have my eye on a fox onesie which is the cutest thing I've ever seen!

Bread

I've seriously been getting into bread making over the past few weeks (as you'll know if you read yesterday's post). On Wednesday of this week I made really tasty tear and share loaf with stilton and bacon. I'm not that big of a cheese fan but this was so delicious! We had it with soup and it was a great combo. The recipe was good old Paul Hollywood and I find his bread book explains how to make things so simply that even a newbie like me can turn out a decent loaf!

Round Up #8

Ribby Hall

This year my mum is celebrating a big birthday so 13 family members rented a house for a long weekend at Ribby Hall just outside of Blackpool. We all had such a great time and although we seemed to be there a while, time also flew by. The house was huge and had a sauna and a hot tub so there wasn't much need to venture out into the main part of Ribby Hall. The garden was huge (and didn't get enough use) with a mini playground which was good fun. I had such a good weekend and wish we could do it all over again.

Pretty Little Liars

I know it was last week but OMG I still can't get over the big reveal. I'm still not sure how I feel about it. Someone on Twitter perfectly summed it up by saying "Why do I feel like we still haven't met big A" and I totally get it! The episode was really good and the whole 'why is A being A thing' could not be faulted and I felt completely sorry for A which was something I thought that I would never say. Now to watch the entire show from the beginning again and see if you can work things out!

Final Florida Round Up

I'm home, *cry cry*, from the best holiday ever! I had the best time and to commemorate the fun I'm going to look back at all of my favourite times from the trip! Let's get started!

Favourite Disney Park // It's a toss up between the cuteness of Magic Kingdom and the world showcase at Epcot.

Favourite Restaurant // More on food coming in the next few Tuesday's but I think when it comes down to it Texas Roadhouse had great food and really good service. A good all round package!

Favourite Ride // After long consideration I think that it has to be the People Mover in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom. We went on it three times and I don't know what it is about it but I wish that they made it to go all around the park!

Favourite Experience // Swimming with dolphins. Without a doubt. It was amazing and something that I will never forget.

Favourite Cuddly Meeting // We didn't meet many but Chip and Dale were just too cute not too put at the top. They're chipmunks for goodness sakes! But all of the ones that were met were super cute!

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Florida Round Up #3

Animal Kingdom

Arrived bright and early. Had second thoughts about going on expedition everest. Decided against it. Was told it was very good. Skipped to the lion king show. Was insanely good. Fast passed to the rapids ride, which was a good job as it was very busy. Would have been a disaster without the ponchos but it was all fine. Good fun. Waited for the flights of wonder show. Became one of the highlights of the day. Very funny and cute. Then it was time for the safari trek. Elephants on the trail meant the ride was closed. We found out after a 30 minute wait. Great. Torrential downpour meant we headed home early.

Epcot

Great day. Went to world showcase. Didn't open until 11. Test track. Really good, one of the best rides of the holiday. Time for the showcase. Boat ride in Mexico. Wander around Norway. Visit the sights of China. Get festive in Germany. Watch a gondola man in Italy. Get patriotic in America. Peek at Aladdin in Morocco. Have a browse of the shops in Japan. Eat a crepe in France. Meet Pooh and Tigger in the UK. Buy an ice hockey shirt in Canada. Overall it was one of my favourite days!

Seaworld

Woke to rain (spoiler alert, it rained pretty much all day). Went on the Atlantis log flume. It was great because getting wet wasn't a problem. Lots of fun was had. Shows were the name of the game. The dolphin show was followed by sea lions, pets doing tricks and Shamu. The sea lion show was my fave because it was funny and didn't have depressing music about being 'one ocean' (sorry Shamu).

Hollywood Studios

Returned once again to finish everything off. I'd defs recommend One mans dream which is Walt Disney's life and is a gallery with a film at the end. It was interesting and lovely I loved it. Lights, motors, action show next and that wasn't really my thing. I did appreciate the appearance of Lightening McQueen however. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. It was okay (he he he). It was seriously good and I'd love to see it again.

Magic Kingdom

This time it was a night time visit and it was really busy. So busy that they kept the park open for an extra hour. We beat the 115 minute queue for splash mountain with our fast passes. I loved it so much that I would defs go on it again. Haunted Mansion time and I was not looking forward to it. The queue was awful as everyone was squashed together and it was such a hot day. The ride was okay and different. Parade time! We couldn't really see the parade but I loved the fireworks and especially the disney music.

Florida Round Up #2

Week two over here in sunny sunny Florida. We've had a mix of good and bad weather but let's just say it hasn't spoilt the fun.

Magic Kingdom

Best day. I loved every second. Got there just as the gates opened. Headed straight for the dwarf mine train. Loved it. Winnie the Pooh ride, carousel, it's a small world, Peter Pan and Dumbo were all amazing. After that we went to Tomorrowland. Went on the speedway, people mover and buzz lightyear which were fun. Then it was a case of waiting for the parade. It was great and I definitely held back some tears. Off to the shops and I bought some furry friends. Thumper and Doug from Up. Love those guys. Will defs becoming back!

Hollywood Studios

Arrived on another really hot day. Great! When we got there we had to wait for the gates were open. Once we were through we went straight for the tower of terror. Terrifying but really good. Then the Rockin' rollercoaster (I think that's what it's called). Insane and amazing I loved it. More sedate then with wandering and a few shows. The Great Movie Ride was fun and then the Indiana Jones show. Great and nice to do something different. Final thing of the day was the Muppet 3D spectacular which was cute. Really enjoyed it.

Discovery Cove

Amazing day. First stop, otters. Waited for half an hour. Finally they were in the water. So cute. They came right up to the glass. Exciting moment. Went down the lazy river. Relaxing. Giant thunderstorm hit. Fingers crossed dolphin was still on. It was and the sun came out. Best time ever. Dolphins were called Thelma and Luna and they were both adorable. After 9 months of practising I kissed the dolphin and got the photo and I rode in on Thelma, not very majestically.

Baseball

Not much more to say other than we went out for something to eat. Drove one and a half hours to Tampa. Watched Tampa Bay Rays. Came home. Fun times had by all.

Universal (again)

Went back to go on the Hulk rollercoaster. Insane. Went on the red Dragon Challenge rollercoaster. Also insane and very fast. Hogwarts Express over to the other park for another ride on Men in Black. Really good. Love that ride. Cheeky trip to Downtown Disney for a delicious ice cream! Yum!

Mini Golf

Winter Summerland mini golf. Cute courses. Fun golf. Loved it! 'Nough said.

Florida Round Up #1

Welcome to the first Florida round up! We've only been here for a few days and it's been amazing so far! This week was a Universal week because we're not starting Disney parks until tomorrow. So, I'm going to do a run down of the days and a bit of what happened each day. Let's go!

Monday- Downtown Disney

Wandering around. Taking in all the disney. Trying a mango black iced tea lemonade from Starbucks. Loved it. Made our way to the 'disney hub' Had mini breakdown. Too much disney merchandise. Reined self in. Only bought some Minnie Mouse ears. More shopping and browsing. Home time.

Tuesday- Universal Studios

First stop Harry Potter. Escape from Gringotts ride was amazing and a little terrifying. Wander around Diagon Alley. Simpsons world and Simpsons ride. Waste of space and came off feeling sick. Lard Lad Doughnuts tasted very good. Animal show was great and cute. ET to shelter from the rain which was also cute. Waited around for Woody Woodpecker rollercoaster which was okay. Disaster next which was long and drawn out but good in the end. Home time.

Wednesday- Islands of Adventure

Back to Harry Potter world but this time for the Hogwarts Express. Amazing. Went on one of the two HP coasters and it was insanely good! Went on the actual HP ride and I've never been so terrified. Hated it, never again. Wandered around. Jurassic Park ride. Good but shut eyes at the scary part. Dr Seuss land led to a torrential downpour. Got the Hogwarts Express back to Universal and went on the Men in Black ride. That was surprisingly very good. Home time.

Thursday- Shopping

Florida Mall. Sephora trip. Upcoming haul. Very warm day. Hurting feet.

Round Up #7

Another week, another round up and it hasn't been the most exciting week in the world because it's all been about the holiday prep. I've been bulk writing blog posts and taking what seems like hundreds of pictures so that I can have some chill time. Although starting from next Friday there will be a Florida Round Up where I will be rounding up (obviously) everything that I've done that week!

Summer is here!

We may have had that heatwave but the good weather seems to be here to stay and I am loving it. Winter may be my favourite season of the year but I when the sun shines I am a summer fan and event more so when there's ice cream around. Ice cream normally isn't my sweet treat of choice but when the sun comes out I'm all about the mint choc chip or a 99. Yum!

Holiday prep

If you read my post yesterday then you'll know all of the things I'll be doing before going on holiday and my week has just been consumed with getting everything done before I get on that plane. As I'm writing this blog post I've still not packed but I've written a list of all the things I need and packing will probably come tomorrow. I find that if I pack too soon then I forget what's gone in so it's just easier to do it a couple of days before.

Exciting foods

You'll find out more about this next Tuesday but I had the chance to try a delicious lunch snack called a Naanster. But more about that on Tuesday, I just wanted to mention it as it has been part of my week.

Round Up #6

Another great week, so let me share with you!

L'Oreal lip gloss

I'd been eyeing this up nearly everyday for about four weeks before I finally look the plunge and made the purchase. I think that I was hesitant to get it was 1. my slight lack of funds and 2. the fact that it's a lip gloss and we've never really got on that well. But with L'Oreal being on 2 for £12 and my need for another L'Oreal Superliner I felt that it was a sign. It's in the shade Miami Vice, a slight red-y pink in the tube but much pinky pink-er on the lips. What drew me to this was the neon like colour and the fact that when I swatched it, it left a stain on my hands, and I do like a good stain. For me it lasts really well on the lips considering I eat up lip products like they're a delicious cake and I love that after a few hours it leaves a stain on your lips that doesn't budge for the rest of the day and doesn't need much touching up. I think that for my holiday this is going to be a great 'slap on and go' kind of product that I won't need to carry around with me. I may have to try some more out from the range.

Afternoon Tea

Last weekend was my mum's birthday party and she decided that she wanted afternoon tea for all of her family and friends. I think in the end there was just under 60 people that came and we catered for them all. Yep, we made ALL of the food. We had; onion tartlets, salmon blinis, sandwiches, scones, eclairs, mini lemon meringue pies, chocolate meringues, shortbread biscuits, mini Victoria sponges and coffee and mini walnut cakes. Phew, I think that's it. We should have started the production earlier than we did but hey ho, Friday and Saturday were a frenzy of flour, ovens and let's face it panic. But it was all worth it because everything was delicious and it was such a nice day! The weather really helped as well. If the rain had made an appearence, let's just day we'd have been slightly screwed space wise!

Work Experience

Well you'll be glad to know that you won't be hearing about my work experience exploits anymore seeing as though I seem to mention it in every single post I've written since I started. I went with the intention of doing a week and here I am five weeks later and a truck load of articles under my belt. Wooo! Just call me pro journo. I've had such a good time and I think that it's made me realise that this is what I want to do when I finish uni, which is great because I was getting worried for a while that I'd just come out with an alcohol addition, debt and more fancy dress than you could shake a stick at!

Round Up #1

George's Fish and Chip Restaurant

This was amazing! It opened in Nottingham earlier this year and I've wanted to go SO much so when the opportunity arrived I seised it. You'll be finding out details in a couple of weeks on the Tuesday food section of my blog but as a little taster the doughnuts were insane! Everything is seaside themed and the inside was like a really upmarket version of a normal fish and chip shop. Everything had a special little touch so if you ever get the chance to go jump at the chance, you won't regret it!

Cream Eyeshadows

I've always had a special place in my heart but this week they've been my life saver. I've had a few early mornings (and by early I mean 10am) and I really couldn't be bothered to do much face wise so I just put these all across the lid, put on lashings of mascara and at least then I looked half presentable. Sometimes if I'm feeling particularly adventurous I'll even put an eyeshadow on top, I know, crazy!

Chav-tastic

This week's fancy dress Wednesday theme was chavs and after doing it last year it still remains as one of the best themes! I love the way that I can literally paint my face with foundation and it doesn't matter if my eyeliner is wonky because it adds to the whole effect. I also quite like my chavy hat. Overall it was a successful night which ended in a delicious McDonalds!