5, 4, 3, 2, 1! - Happy New Year! - 2014...

Hi!!!

In exactly 5 minutes, it won't be 2013 any more. It will be 2014. A fresh start, a new year. 12 whole new months are ahead. 12 whole new months to fill with life, and time and adventures. 

2013 has been a good year. I started reading blogs, I started my blog. I went on so many cool days out, with family and with friends. I tried new things, and while I have up on some, I have also found some things that I love, and hope to continue. I have learned things, I have enjoyed myself, and discovered things. There's been up's and down's as there are every year, but when I look back, the up's stand out the most.

 

I hope 2013 was good to you all and that 2014 is a great year, that you find everything you search for, need. I hope that you find happiness this year.

Happy New Year to you and all of your families and friends.

 

So, lets see how the 2014 archive fills up on this here blog, and thank you for supporting and reading throughout the year. I'll speak to you all next year then...

 

Happy New Year, have fun!

 

GingerSnaps xxx

And That's A Wrap! - Boxing Day 2013

Hi!!!

With any luck, you'll have had a fabulous Christmas - but it's not over yet. We still have today, Boxing Day, and longer after that. 

Christmas isn't, as cheesy and silly as this sounds, just one day, or when you open your advent calendar or first get excited for it. It doesn't end when December does. Christmas is a spirit inside us all, and it lasts past December 25th of every year. 

So I hope your Christmases were merry and bright, and that you had lots and lots of fun. I hope you enjoyed yourselves. I hope that you keep your Christmas spirit going, just a little while longer. 

Have a great day! 

GingerSnaps xxx

We Wish You A Merry Christmas! - Merry Christmas 2013

Hi!!!

Today is Christmas Day. The biggun, the one we've all been waiting for. I, for one, am supremely excited! Christmas is my favourite. I think you already knew that, considering I talk about it so much.

Christmas Day is a day for giving, receiving and being kind to everyone. It's a day of joy and celebration, of friendship and love.

 

I hope that you're all enjoying yourselves, that you're stuffing your faces, that if you bought people presents, they like them, that if you are lucky enough to receive presents, you like them, and that you like the Christmas specials on the tellybox.

 

And, while you are enjoying yourself, I hope that you take a thought to remember what Christmas is truly all about, and I hope you spare a little consideration for those who won't be enjoying what we are.

 

Merry Christmas to you all, and to all you families and friends. I hope that your day is wonderful. Thank you for all your support with my blog, and have a great day!

 

That's all for today, everybody. I hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy yourself.

 

Have an absolutely amazing day!

 

GingerSnaps xxx

 

 

It Was Christmas Eve, Babe... - Christmas Eve 2013.

Hi!!!

Today, it's Christmas Eve. I'm going to give you credit for the fact you probably know that already. I always enjoy Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve is spent relaxing. Today, I'll be baking with my mom. We'll be making some gingerbread and some muffins for tomorrow morning's breakfast. I'll also be delivering some of my bakes to my family, so that they can enjoy a festive breakfast tomorrow too, before we all meet up for lunch.

 

A bit of a no picture "Outfit Of The Day".
 I've bought a new jumper for Chrisymas Eve, it's a black jumper from New Look with a Gingerbread Man in a Father Christmas hat, and I bought some Gingerbread Man earrings from Claire's. I don't have pierced ears, so mine are clip on's. If you do, however, have pierced ears, they do have a lovely selection of festive earrings for you, too.
Link to the jumper (HERE), and link to the earrings (HERE) - sadly, I could only find the version for pierced ears on the site, but check in store if you're interested.

I will be also be taking some time out for myself. I will be enjoying some pampering, to see the kind of products I will be using see (THIS) post. I might also use something from Lush, but will definitely use something from The Body Shop. Every year, as is tradition for me, I have a pamper evening, and I always look forward to it.

Then there's the traditional Christmas Eve film. We watch The Snowman (with or without the Snowdog - that's Channel 4's decision), and then I select a film to watch. This year, I'm considering Miracle On 34th Street - the 90's version with Mara Wilson - or Nativity! - because I love that film so much, it's so funny and Mr Poppy is an absolute legend! From there, it's goodnights and off to sleep, in my Christmas Eve pyjamas. They are red silk pyjamas with dainty silver hearts on them and I only wear them on Christmas Eve and Day. 

I'm so excited for tomorrow, I can hardly contain myself! There is nothing better than Christmas! 

I love my Christmas Eve activities, and I find it such a relaxing day. I hope you all have lovely days and I will speak to you all tomorrow. 

Have a wonderful day, everybody! 

GingerSnaps xxx

Are You Hanging Up Your Stocking On The Wall? - Christmas Traditions.

Hi!!!

Today, I wanted to talk to you about the traditions that I have at Christmas time, personally and within my family. I'll tell you about Christmas Eve and Day and Boxing Day later on. I was going to add pictures, but can't be bothered right now, to be honest. To stay fair to you lovely lot, however, if you want, I'll do a post dedicated to pictures and link back to this.

Advent Calendars.

Every year, I have an advent calendar. This year I have 2. I have a normal, Me To You cardboard "box" type one, with all the little jumbled up doors you have to find. I also, however, have a 3D cardboard reindeer from Marks and Spencer. You hang bags filled with chocolates from his antlers. They are both very sweet, and I love them. Plus, it's double the amounts of chocolate for me!

The Christmas Cake of Destiny!

 

I make the family Christmas cake. I've done it for about 3 or 4 years now and I really enjoy getting stuck in and making a cake for everyone to enjoy. This year, I've used a different recipe than in previous year, but I think it has gone well. If this is the case, and it better be, then I'll share the recipe with you next year. Not everyone is a fan of Christmas Cake, but if you aren't, I still think it's nice to contribute to the festive feasting.

  

Christmas Shopping with All the Trimmings.

 

  I do my Christmas shopping in, what I call, sweeps. It usually takes me 2 or 3 trips, but I did mine in one day, and picked up some extras along the way.

Whenever I go Christmas shopping, I stop for lunch. I sometimes go to Pret... I love Pret... At Christmas time they have sandwiches which donate 5p to the homeless on purchase. I think that's great because I can have my lunch, and help someone at the same time. During the festive period, I always go and grab a festive Costa. The cups are really cute this year. My favourites are the White Chocolate Hot Chocolate, the Black Forest Hot Chocolate, and I also like the Spiced Apple Punch type thing. Snazzy.

 Christmas Decorations.

The decorations are one of my favourite bits of Christmas. We have a big Christmas tree in the window of the living room. It is a fake tree, but I think it has character, and isn't sparse or anything like that. We decorate it with 3 boxes of decorations, and I love the way it looks when its all finished. Its very lovely. We have garlands on the mirror, and I have a little Christmas tree in my bedroom. It's very pale pink, and very fluffy - it's made of feathers. My Dad got it for me for Christmas when I was very small, and I love it. Over the years, the original decorations got lost and this year I bought a load of new ones from John Lewis, and some from some Christmas markets. I like it a lot.

Festive Trip to London.

Every year, me and my Mom go to London to see the Christmas lights, do some shopping and spend some time in one of my favourite places ever. This year, we stayed in Travelodge Covent Garden, and got the First Class Virgin Pendolino train, which means snack boxes and peace and quiet. We went to the theatre but also spent lots of time soaking up the festive atmosphere, and looking at all the pretty lights. We went to our favourite department stores in London (Liberty, Selfridges etc), and picked up some decorations and had a look round. We had a great time, and I really enjoyed myself. T'was lovely.

Pantomime Time!

My Auntie, my Nan, my Mom and me go to see a pantomime together every year. This year, we went to see Sleeping Beauty at the Wolverhampton Grand - it was good, and we had a nice time. I'm also going to see a pantomime with my friends tomorrow, and we're going to have a bit of a shop and eat some food and stuff. Good times ahead.
Pantomime is one of the highlights of my year because even if it sucks, its still funny.

So, that's it for today. I'd love to know in the comments what your Christmas traditions are, and if you have any similar to mine. If you have any ideas for any more festive posts, let me know while there's still time. And don't forget to tell me if you want to see some pictures in a separate post. Alrighty then...

 

Have a fabulous day.

 

GingerSnaps xxx

 

 

 

Extra, Extra, Read All About It! - Events in the News - The Apollo Theatre

Hi!!!

I know its very late, but I just got home and I found out that the ceiling at the Apollo Theatre, London collapsed.

Last Saturday night, I jumped out of a taxi on Shaftsbury Avenue, and I went in to go and see The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

It is just so strange to think that had I have booked the theatre for, what, 5 days later, that could have been me. One of the many people, one of the screaming, terrified people. Its something nobody thinks could ever happen. 

 

My thoughts are with everybody who has been affected by this, and I cannot believe this - it seems so unreal. I'm so stunned.

 

Have a good day, everyone.

 

GingerSnaps xxx

All Things Bright and Beauty-ful! - Beauty Product Review - The Body Shop Ginger Sparkle Range.

Hi!!!

Christmas time is a special time. The time off from day to day life and hard work is a great time to relax and soak up the festivities. I know one way of relaxing that always works is a spot of pampering. I tend to dedicate an evening to it, and indulge myself in stunning bath and body products, skincare and hair care. I don't know about you guys, but my favourite stops for pamper essentials are The Body Shop, Lush and Soap and Glory. So, it only feels right that I talk about some of the bath and body products that I like to use at Christmas time.

(I do not work in partnership with any brands, and have no interest in doing so. I just wanted to share some products with you that I enjoy and have no motives other than sharing my favourite kinds of things with you. This post is not sponsored by anybody or any company. It's just not how I roll.)

I want to tell you about some of the Limited Edition products for Christmas from The Body Shop.

 

My favourite one of their Limited Edition ranges is Ginger Sparkle.

 

Last year, I tried and tested some Ginger Sparkle products on Christmas Eve and fell in love with them.

One of my favourite scents in the world is ginger, and so when this range was first introduced last year, I was very happy. This year, it is back and better than ever.

 

The products I have used are the Shower Gel, the Body Butter, the Lip Balm, and the Hand Cream.

 

First things first, lets start with the Ginger Sparkle Shower Gel, found (HERE).

This Shower Gel smells utterly amazing. It is very fresh and "zingy" (is "zingy" a word?), but still has a deep and festive scent. It smells like actual ginger, as opposed to a gingerbread kind of smell, but I feel like this is a nicer scent for a Bath and Body range. I found that this lathered nicely, but it does take a while to get it going.

The packaging is practical and sturdy, but the little gingerbread man on the front is really cute.
I like this product lots.

 

Second up is the Ginger Sparkle Body Butter (HERE).

Again, this has the unique scent. I often find that when you venture into the Limited Edition ranges, the product lacks. This is not the case here. This product is just as moisturising as the other Body Shop Body Butters. They do wonders for many people, and this will carry out those wonders very well, if you are one of those people. Even if they don't work said wonders, the Body Butters do still provide moisture to the skin and are very effective. The Ginger Sparkle Body Butter has a rich consistency, providing a sense of pampering.

Also, the packaging is sweet and festive, which appeals to the Christmas bug that I am.

This product is an effective moisturiser to keep dry skin at bay this Christmas.

 

Next up is a handbag essential for me at Christmas time. I'm talking about the Ginger Sparkle Lip Balm, which you can find over (HERE).

Rather unsurprisingly, this lip balm tastes/smells like the other products in this range... oooh yum...

It is very compact, so great for your handbag, but is not so compact you have to use it sparingly. You get a lot of bang for you buck with this one. The balm has a slight tint and gentle shimmer to it, which gives an added boost and also spreads a bit of festive sparkle. It moisturises my lips really well, and locks it in. It works very well.

The packaging is very unique, a dome in which the raised balm sits. You can apply with your finger, but I prefer to push the dome onto my lips, as this is effective for on the go use.

I love this product.

 

Finally, the Ginger Sparkle Hand Cream (HERE).

Big shocker now - it smells like the other products in this range... Oh, how I love that smell... Be still my beating heart. This hand cream is very luxurious, more so than it's price tag would suggest. It is very rich, but is not oily whatsoever. It is the perfect size to keep in your bag, and is really effective. You only need a small amount to moisturise both of your hands nicely. This really does beat it's price tag.

Ginger Sparkle Hand Cream comes in an easy to use squeezy tube and has that cheeky little gingerbread man on the front.

This product is great.

 

To see the rest of the products in the range, mosey on over (HERE).

 

Overall, I highly recommend this range and hope that you will go out and try one or two pieces from this range. As far as I'm concerned, it is completely worth it. If you do become obsessed like I am, I suggest you stock up while you can, since it is only around at Christmas time.

This range would also make a great gift. Just check out this Ginger Sparkle Shower, Scrub & Moisture Collection (HERE). Isn't that tin just the cutest?

 

 

That's that for today then, everybody. I hope that you've enjoyed this post and that it has inspired you to take out some time to relax during the buzz of the festive season. If you have any questions about the products, any ideas for festive posts you'd like to see, let me know in the comments. Also, if you have any ideas for other festive bath and body products that might be of interest, let me know and I'll check them out.

 

Have a day filled with (ginger) sparkle!

 

GingerSnaps xxx

Holiday's Are Comin, Holidays Are Comin - The Excitment for Christmas!!!

Hi!!!

I hope you are all well. Christmas time is well and truly happening, right now. I love Christmas time, and am very excited to burn festive candles, to give people their cards, their presents, and spend more time sat by the Christmas tree watching lovely festive films and eat all the chocolates in my advent calendars (yep, two, because I couldn't choose!).

Here are just a few of my recent festive activities...

• I wrapped all my presents, but suffered some minor technical difficulties. The tags fell off the presents and I didn't know what was for who, and just... Oh dear... I have a long way to go...
•  I made paper chains the other night, which I love. That is, however, the extent of my crafting talents...
• I've watched quite a lot of Christmas films so far, like Elf a few nights ago - brilliant film, which I love! - and Arthur Christmas tonight - lovely little Christmas film, very sweet.
• We've decorated the house, and I am going to write my Christmas cards very soon.
• I've got through many a festive Costa coffees and hot chocolate - nom. And also, how cute are the take out cups this festive season? I think they are soooo cute! 
• Also, while in Leeds at the weekend (post coming soon), I bought a new Christmas jumper and some festive earrings. It's Christmas shopping, but for me! What isn't to love?

I am really looking forward to Christmas and doing all sorts of festive things. I do love Christmas, but I would really love some ideas for Christmassy posts, because I am stumped. Maybe festive outfit posts, or a traditions post, or some festive recipe ideas? Decoration ideas? Let me know in the comments. Alrighty then, I think that's it for today, and I will see you back here soon.

 

I hope your day is epic!

 

GingerSnaps xxx

 

Makeup Your Mind - Makeup and Beauty Inspiration and Tips - Festive Day Makeup

Hi!!!

How are we all today, guys? It's December now, which means it's Christmas time now. Christmas time is my favourite time of the year. I like to try and make everything special, and that includes my makeup. I want to share some of my tips and tricks for festive daytime makeup.

(These ideas are just that - ideas. If these ideas don't suit you, I do apologise, but at the same time, they are just things I like to do. Please be nice about what I say. I am very passionate about makeup.)

If I feel like it, I pop on some primer and foundation. I don't do this everyday, but I do always use concealer. I use Nars Pore Refining Primer (HERE), either Nars Sheer Glow Foundation (HERE)- find my review (HERE) - or No7 Instant Radiance Foundation (HERE), which I had match made. At the moment, I'm still using Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer (HERE), but want to switch to something more moisturising, as its becoming too dry now its Winter.

Obviously, red lipstick is an item of makeup most people associate with the festive season. I, however, don't have the energy to keep up lip liner, lipstick etc. unless I'm going out, out (Mickey Flanagan fans?). Therefore, I like to choose something which has more of a balm texture, as it is more comfortable for the day, and is easier to maintain.

 I recently bought a Rimmel Lasting Finish Colour Rush Balm, in the colour The Redder, The Better (HERE). So far, I like this product but when I've used it some more, I'll review it. It does work as a balm nicely, smells like vanilla and, considering it's a balm texture, it lasts well.

 

I find that a brown eye goes nicely with a red lip, but I like to keep it soft and pretty during the day, rather than packing it on to a highly intense pigment.

One of my favourite palettes is the Sleek iDivine Ultra Mattes V2 "Darks" Palette, (HERE). When you get these palettes, the cellophane sheet over the shadows has the names of the colours on it. If you keep this, I use "Paperbag" or the brown shade, all over the lid, blending it loads into a very soft brown, yet still layering it for staying power (does that make sense? - apply, blend, repeat, repeat, repeat. Yeah?). Then I use either "Pillow Talk" or "Dune", to highlight the inner corner and under the brown bone.

Then it's lashing of mascara on my top and bottom lashes.

 

From there, I tend to add some blusher - usually a peachy/pale coral shade, as I find some pink blusher worn with red lipstick can be a bit much.

I don't really have too much of a preference. I will recommend Sleek Blushers to you though - they have a great formula and colour range.

 

I also powder over my skin with my Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder (HERE) - best thing ever!

 

I use Real Techniques brushes for application. They are utterly amazing! Find their Boots page  (HERE).

 

So, I hope you enjoyed that. It's a different kind of post for me, and pictures probably would have helped, but hey ho! Anyway, I hope that's been helpful or has inspired you to get a bit festive with yo faces!

 

Have a glamorous day! 

GingerSnaps xxx



So, To Sum It All Up - November Summary.

Hi!!!

Another month over already and now its December. You know what that means. It's CHRISTMAS BABY!
So much has happened this past month, and I've written so many posts. Some are still in draft form, waiting to go, so I will send those off into cyberspace as soon as I can, but I can assure you, this month has been fun. I remember when I did my October Summary, I said that I was unsure if I'd do these every month, and I still don't know, but for November, I will. I might go on a bit here, so make sure you're sitting comfortably.

Bonfire Night and all the Fireworks.

 

I love Bonfire Night. One of my favourite things in the world is fireworks; they're glitter for the sky. My Mom and I went to our favourite display, about half an hour away from us. We had chips and a good old brew in a paper cup, and bopped about to really rather rubbish music. The bonfire was on a very windy night, and so all the sparks and ashes blew to one side. That happened to be the side I was on, and fire scares me a little, so that was a bit of a panic. But then it settled, and the fireworks started, and everything looked magic. Gold twirls, and silver swirls, green glimmers and blue shimmers - that got a bit odd... But, yes, I had a fabulous time. I wore my Primark Super Cosy Tights - the best things in the world - and so I was nice and toasty, so keep them in mind for the future. I had a great evening.

 

You can find a post I did about Bonfire Night (HERE).

 

Supporting others.

 

November, for me, is a great time for helping others. With Remembrance Day and Children in Need going on, there is plenty of reason to support people who help us and who need help. It's a lovely feeling knowing that you are showing that you care about what people do for you and that you care about people who need your help.

 

You can find my Remembrance posts (HERE) and (HERE). You can find my Children in Need post (HERE).

 

Days Out and About.

 

I've been busy this month, going out and about all over the place.

I went on a day out with my Auntie, my Mom, and my Auntie's best friend. We went to Chatsworth House for some festive shenanigans, and I had a lovely time. It was a great day, and it got me feeling incredibly Christmassy. 

Then, I was off to see the Nutcracker Ballet, which was spectacular. I can tell you right now that I had a brilliant time. I want to be a ballerina!!!

And, after all that, I was off to MCM Comic Con in Birmingham with Elf Girl, which was just... oh my glob. Myself and Elf Girl are complete and utter geeks, so we were in our element entirely and... just wow.

 

I have blog posts coming up on everything I just talked about. You can find a post about being busy right (HERE). You can find Elf Girl's blog (HERE).

 

My Mom's Birthday.

This section will be short and sweet, but I loved spending some quality time with my Mom and doing my best to make sure she had a lovely day. I even wrote her a blog post.

 

You can find that post (HERE).

 

Whovian Times.

 

The Day of the Doctor/the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary. I am a Whovian; sorry, not sorry. I found this whole thing very exciting, though I still haven't seen it, because I've been a bit too busy. Must watch soon. I hope I don't bore you lot with my weird fangirling.

 

You can find my Whovian ramblings (HERE).

My favourite YouTube video from November.

 

For a change, I haven't actually been on YouTube a lot this month, because I've had other things to keep me busy. I did, however, make some time to watch this 25 FACTS ABOUT ME! video, by Jim Chapman, (HERE). Jim is one of my favourite YouTubers and I do love a good 25 Facts About Me. Brilliant.

 

My favourite Blog post from November.

 

I love a Mundane Midweek post, and Charlotte's most recent instalment didn't disappoint. It's on the blog Charlotte's Web, and it's called Mundane Midweek - you can find it (HERE). Charlotte's version of mundane is very different to mine. If that's her day to day, then, wow. And I know I included a post from A Rosie Outlook last time, but Rosie really is a kindred spirit. Going Back to the Sea (HERE), was a nice read.

 

Alrighty then. I think after all that reading, you'll be ready to wave goodbye to November and crack on with December; a time of red lippy, Christmas trees and lighter wallets.

 

Have a completely brilliant day!

GingerSnaps xxx

 

Fan-Girl-ing - Doctor Who 50th Anniversary

Hi!!!

I am a Whovian. OK? I may not be as dedicated to the cause as some people but I basically just bloomin love Doctor Who. And, in case you didn't know, today is

 

THE DAY OF THE DOCTOR!!!

I am very, very excited for this. I do have a soft spot for the Doctor, but I think everyone does really. I cannot believe that Doctor Who has been going for 50 whole years. Yep, 50th Anniversary happening here, guys.

 

I can't wait to see all the Doctors and Companions back together - especially looking forward to David Tennant - best Doctor ever! - and Billie Piper - best Companion ever! - during this episode. I'm also looking forward to all the monsters returning to my screen.  

 

I'm out and about tonight so I'm taping it - thank goodness for Sky+ - so I'll have to watch it when I get back from my super busy Sunday. I'm still excited - in case you didn't pick up on that from what I've said before.

 

Have a great day (of the doctor!) hehe...

 

GingerSnaps xxx

 



Celebrate Good Times! - Happy Birthday to You... - Happy Birthday Mom

Hi!!!

Today is my Mom's Birthday. You probably don't care, but I do and she does, so, well, shut up.

This is just a quick post, because as I said, I don't think anyone else will find this very interesting.

 I just wanted to wish my lovely mother a very, very happy birthday. She really is wonderful and I don't know what I'd do without her. I do love her very much.

 

Happy Birthday Mommy, I love you very, very much. Thank you for everything you do. I hope this day is as wonderful as you deserve it to be. You always have a solution for every problem and despite having to make you countless cups of tea, it's the least I can do to say thank you. Love you muchly. x

Thank you for reading this post. I just felt like I should be a good little human and do a post.

 

Have a lovely day (especially you, Mommy...),

 

GingerSnaps xxx

 

I've Been Thinking... - Busy, Busy, Busy.

Hi!!!

It's really hit me today how busy I actually am.
 My all my weekdays are like everybody's booked up until tea time and fairly mundane. My weekends are typically quite relaxed, but from now until Christmas Day I am all booked up. I know that I am very, insanely lucky to be doing so many things; going to the theatre, going to see a ballet, going on a day out with Elf Girl (HERE), decorating the house, multiple trips up and down the country, Pantomimes with family and with all my muckers, countless blog posts about all these things, Christmas shopping, wrapping presents, writing cards, festive baking as well as getting any work I have to bring home done.

 

And breathe.

I can't quite process any of this. I don't want to sound at all ungrateful or spoilt, but the thing about it is, I feel a bit overwhelmed. When am I going to get chance to Christmas shop for everyone? When can I get bits and pieces done around the house? When am I going to blog? When am I going to breathe?

 

I know, I know, it sounds stupid. I know that of course it will all be insanely fun and crazy and it'll all be brilliant. and I'll look back when everything calms down and I'll think, "I'm so glad I did all those amazing things, it was so much fun", and I'll miss having exciting weekends when it all slows down.

But right now, I'm just a bit stressed about being able to get things done. And I know, that of course I will get those things done.
 I don't know. Once I get used to it, I'll be fine. But, yeah.

That's it for today then. It might have sounded bratty, I know it probably did, but this blog is an extension of my mind and if I need to clear my head I will, and you can take it or leave it.

Have a very lovely day!

GingerSnaps xxx

Say Cheese!!! - Photography - Yellow Skirts at Christmas in London

Hi!!!

As far as I'm concerned, Christmas is underway. I've done my big Christmas clean-up/blitz, I've bought all my wrapping paper, ribbons, cards and one or two presents and tried a festive Costa.

Time to start sharing my festiveness!!!

 

 Last year, on December 1st, I went into my beloved London for some shopping and a little tour of the lights. I took this picture back then - can you guess where? - and I still love it.

 

I'm just drawn to that beautiful blonde in the yellow skirt in this picture. Aren't you? Let me know...

Standing out from the crowd is always a good thing; don't be a plankton, OK?

 

Have a fun day!

GingerSnaps xxx

 

I've Been Thinking... - Well Done, M&S.

Hi!!!

I'm sorry, but THIS Marks and Spencer Christmas Advert is the best-est thing ever.

Does anything get any better than Rosie Huntington-Whitley, David Gandy, and Helena Bonham Carter, the most adorable little dog, an assortment of beautiful clothes, rather nice knickers designed by Miss H-W herself, and of course the selection of stunning fairy tale themes? No, I think not. It makes me feel very festive, but it is so well made and I really appreciate being able to see something like that. Just lovely.

 

I just adore this advert. Plus, compared to last years slack effort on M&S's part, I am chuffed to bits. 

 

Have a day filled with magic and sparkle!

GingerSnaps xxx. 

Let's Make a Change - Charity Telethons - Children in Need

Hi!!!

Where is the year going, eh? Children in Need night already? Anywho, I thought I'd chuck my two pence into the (charity) bucket, and make a contribution... You have no idea how proud I am of that sentence... I need a life.

In case you live under a massive rock, or are not from the UK, and aren't aware of the concept, I'll give you a bit o background.

Children in Need is a charity telethon on the BBC every November. The CiN mascot is Pudsey Bear, who is just adorable. CiN supports different projects and people up and down (and to the side, if you're in Northern Ireland - side note of irrelevance; I love that place, must go back soon), the UK. Children in Need has been a part of our November's since 1980, I believe. If you want to know more then you can find out (HERE).

 

For me, having a bit of a pamper, ordering a pizza or a Chinese takeaway and plonking my rear end on the sofa for the whole evening - until I start dozing off - is a tradition. This year I may not stay up as late because tomorrow, I'm off out (more on that soon), but I will still enjoy it.

Also Children in Need Rocks was great last night my highlight being; Keane and the Madness/Rizzle Kicks collaboration.

There is always someone who needs help. There is always someone who needs support. Despite how much we enjoy the entertainment the telethon provides, we mustn't forget to contribute to the cause.

So enjoy the night but don't forget to help those who need it. You'd want the same for yourself and those you care about.

Have a great night!

GingerSnaps xxx

Lest We Forget - Armistice Day

Hi!!!

How are we all?  I did a post yesterday about Remembrance, which you can find (HERE). But today is also special, and so deserves a separate post.

On the 11th of November, 1918 at 11 O'clock, the First World War, came to an end. The world hadn't seen a war as terrible as this before, and so many, many men died.

 

At eleven O'clock today, the whole of the UK (I hope) will participate in a 2 minute silence, in order to show respect and remembrance for everyone who gave their lives in every war, who have fought in wars and who are out there fighting now.

I hope you'll take part in the silence, and take a little time to remember and consider. Believe me, 2 minutes of your time is the least you can do for the people out there who fight for us.

GingerSnaps xxx

We Will Remember Them... - Remembrance Sunday

Hi!!!

This is a more serious note for this blog, but I feel it is imperative that we speak about it together. I couldn't choose whether to do a post today or tomorrow, however I decided to do a post on both.

 

Today is Remembrance Sunday. It is a time for us to remember the service men and women who have given their lives for their country. It's also to think of those who are still out their fighting, and those who have survived war.

 

We wear poppies all through November, and part of October too. It's a way of showing we are remembering service men and women, and also, it shows we have donated to the Poppy Appeal. I also have a wristband, and I've seen people with pin badges and poppy's for their cars too.

 

Although, Poppy's do have a habit of going missing, the most important bit for me is to wear a poppy on Remembrance Sunday and Day.

 

I hope that today, at 11am, you are all respectful and partake in the 2 minutes silence. I also hope you'll do the same tomorrow. Just 2 minutes today, and 2 minutes tomorrow. That is all it takes, and yet it means so much to service men and women, their families/friends and so many other people too.

 

I'm going to write some more about Remembrance tomorrow, as Remembrance Day is on the 11th of November. Do check back then, and please partake in the silences.

 

To all Service Men and Women everywhere, alive or passed, I salute you.

 



I hope your day is good, and that you spend part of it reflecting.

 

GingerSnaps xxx

Holidays Are Comin, Holidays Are Comin... - The Excitment for Christmas!!!

Hi!!!

To be perfectly honest, I wasn't actually going to post anything about Christmas until December, for your sanity, but anyone who knows me will tell you that would have been utterly impossible for me. I then considered late November, but I just cannot help it.

 

I stepped out of my house last Friday afternoon, after getting some work done and I just felt Christmas. Unless you are someone who gets this, I understand, you think I'm blooming mental. But those who do will understand. I closed the door behind me, and the cold air nipped my ankles and I just... filled up with this... Christmas Cheer.

 

Then, we went to the shops down the way from me and went into Wilkinson's, and they began playing All I Want for Christmas is You and I began dancing and dramatically singing along and doing massive gestures... Good job I'm not easily embarrassed.

 

And ttthhheeeennnn, Radio One asked the listeners if they wanted to hear the same song... And then played it. (Cheers for that, Scott Mills).

I had my first mince pie of the year on Sunday and it was so good, I love mince pies. I also bought all my Christmas cards and my wrapping paper, ribbons and tags, all of which are things I usually end up doing last minute and so I'm doing well on my checklist this year.

 

 Christmas has begun officially. I went to a bonfire on Saturday and I see fireworks as a send off for Autumn and a celebration of the start of winter and thus Christmas, so for me Christmas has started.

 

If you think it's still too early, I'm sorry, but you can just avoid my Christmas posts until you are ready to embrace Christmas... But I suggest you do so soon.

 

I hope you have enjoyed this post and are as festive as me and we can all be festive in the comments! And, if you have any ideas for Christmassy posts you want to see, let me know in the comments, and I'll do my best. Also, if you have any suggestions of really nice Christmas candles, let me know, I'm currently on the hunt...

 

Have a magical day!

 

GingerSnaps xxx

The Night of The Sparkler - Bonfire Night

Hi!!!

Today is Bonfire Night, as you may not know depending on where you are from. If you aren't sure what it is, you can find out more (HERE).

Bonfire Night is one of my favourite times of year, as I adore fireworks. We go to an arranged display, which was on Saturday last week and it was brilliant, the fireworks were exceptional and I had a lovely time.

We didn't always go to an arranged display; my parents used to buy fireworks from the supermarket and light them in the back garden on the 5th of November. I remember many a year of spinning sparklers round and writing my name, watching beautiful fireworks and going inside for a drink and rushing back out again. I also remember a mild burn on my Dad's thumb from, not the firework, but the lighter - daft old so and so...
That was also the year my Dad first read poetry with me.

So, I hope you have a lovely time, whether you are having fireworks at your house or going to an organised display or just watching them out of your window (*ahem* Loz)

Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy your evening!

 

GingerSnaps xxx

So, To Sum It All Up - October Summary

Hi!!!

I was actually going to post this yesterday or the day before but I didn't think I could really overshadow Halloween successfully. Anyway, October was a pretty good month for me and so I wanted to share some of my highlights. This could be a bit of a lengthy post - I suggest you get yourself a cup of tea...

 

Going to see About Time with Elf Girl.

          That was a brilliant day, About Time is my now my favourite film, without a doubt, and I

          want you all to go and see it, please, and I will be a very happy little ginger. I know it sounds weird but the film completely changed my outlook on life - you'll know what I mean when you see it. Best film ever.

          Apart from the film, we went to Hawkins Bazaar and had soooo much fun messing with

          all the toys - Elf Girl walked away with a Chinese Finger Trap and I left with a sparkly

          majorette baton.

          We went to Giraffe for lunch, I can't believe we hadn't been before but I highly recommend the Penne Margarita. It was just a day filled with lots of little happy things and I am very grateful for days like those.  

 

You can find a post I did on my excitement to see About Time (HERE), and a link to Elf Girls Blog (HERE) - I mention her too much.

 



Taking up running.  

Granted I haven't been on a great deal of runs, but making the decision and actually even just completing one run is a huge deal for me and I took some big steps last month towards changing my lifestyle for the better so I can live a healthier life for many years to come.

I also realised that anyone can do anything if they really want to and it is imperative that we all learn this.

 

You can find a post I did about taking up running (HERE).
 

Enjoying the little things.

Last month I've been noticing the little things a lot more.

I found beauty in a Sainsbury's car park and I really enjoyed my long weekend at my Aunties house. I didn't do a lot of "big" things last month but it was just a good month for me.

 

You can find the post I did about that car park (HERE) and you can see the post I did about staying at my Aunties (HERE).
 

 

Halloween Shenanigans.

Halloween this year was pretty fun and I really enjoyed it.
Elf Girl and I had another addition to our Halloween Shenanigans, as one of our friends joined us, and it was lovely to have her round.

I was very happy with my costume and my hair and makeup. The pumpkin was nice to me and, I think, looked pretty cool. Elf Girl's pumpkin went a bit mad and almost set the curtains on fire... And I'm scared of fire (no jokes, please). We watched Ghostbusters - great film... - and we ate lots of food and just had a cracking time.

 

You can find my Halloween preparation post (HERE) and my Happy Halloween post (HERE). To find Elf Girl, I'll link her a-gain, (HERE).

 

 

My favourite YouTube video from October.

 I think it might have to be...

Autumn LookBook by "Zoella" (HERE) - I LOVED THIS. It was filmed so, so, so beautifully, the outfits were stunning and it looked like something out of a movie... One of my favourite YouTube videos ever, I think.

 

 

My favourite Blog Post from October.

 

October has been a month of great blog posts but my favourite is going to have to be...

A yurt holiday and some news... by Rosie at A Rosie Outlook (HERE) - A Rosie Outlook is one of my favourite blogs anyway, if not my favourite, and this post was utterly adorable. I won't spoil it for you but I do want to say Congratulations to Rosie. Do go and have a read and be sure to leave a lovely comment for her.

 

 

Phew, that was a bit of a lengthy post but if you made it this far, I hope you enjoyed it. I'm not sure that I'll do these every month, but I did enjoy piecing this together and if you want to see more of these, then do let me know in the comments.

 

Have a truly lovely day.

GingerSnaps xxx

 



 



 



Spookly Dookly - HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Hi!!!

As I am sure you all know today is Halloween.

To me, Halloween doesn't mean scary, horrible things but rather fun, friends and fancy dress. If you're interested to know what I'm dressed as today click HERE. I don't do scary stuff - I'm a wimp, I didn't watch Scooby Doo till I was around 10... - but I do enjoy dressing up and mucking about looking cool/weird, depending on how my costume pans out. I think that at Halloween people should dress up as unicorns and pixies but you know, what does my opinion count for?

If you are someone who does get involved in Halloween, I hope you have a lovely time, that your costume goes to plan, that you get adorable trick-or-treaters and that you stay safe. Also, I hope that those tricky little pumpkins are nice to you.

 

If you are someone who really struggles with pumpkin carving, try painting your pumpkins, or using other craft materials like THIS, or THIS. Alternatively, you could just use oranges and do something like THIS. All original links are on the pages linked here.

If you are not someone who tends to get involved, have a nice day anyway.

I hope your day is spook-tacular!

GingerSnaps xxx

Oh My Life! - Tales of My Life and Times - Intense Retail Therapy, Cute Animated Films and Special K.

Hi!!!

I thought I'd fill you in on what I've been up to since we last spoke. My Mom and I are staying at my Auntie's house at the moment and it's filled to the brim- good job it's a big house, eh?

While we've been here, I've done some serious shopping at Lush - I flipping love Lush, OK, and I'm trying to get Loz (blog HERE) addicted too - as well as buying some bits and bobs at Marks and Spencer's, TKMaxx. I also tried a really nice new "punch" type thing from Costa. You'll know it when you see it, so try it, it's good stuff. I also went a bit spending mad at Primark, and was so pleased with everything I bought - they have some really nice stuff in at the moment. Plus, I watched Wreck It Ralph with all the kids in my family and we all loved it. Would highly recommend it to everyone - great film.

I began my day with Special K cereal which I hadn't had in a while and so I'd forgotten how nice it was. I saw an advert this morning for Special K porridge, unless that was a dream, and so I might just try that so long as I didn't make it up. My youngest cousins are staying at the moment too, along with their Dad and so we went along with them to the cinema to go and see Despicable Me 2, which for some reason, said cinema are still showing in the mornings. It was really great and I enjoyed it muchly (even if we did arrive 15 minutes late because of the awful traffic)! Then it was over to the shopping centre for some food at the "Golden Arches". Whilst we were there I popped into John Lewis to begin my Christmas shopping - I know its really early but every single weekend from November to December is pretty much booked up with exciting shiz, so I had to start somewhere. I picked up some decorations, some wrapping paper and tags and a gift for someone...
I've just done bath time and bed time with the little ones and I'm pooped.

I hope you enjoyed that insight into my life lately. Let me know in the comments what you've been getting up to and I'll be sure to get back to you.

I hope that you're day is very, very cool.

 

GingerSnaps xxx

 

 

On Your Marks, Get Set, Go! - Fitness - Running.

Hi!!!

OK, so today, I wanted to write a post about something different. Something new.

Running.

That's right, this post is about running. But its not me ranting about people running or anything like that...

I've taken up running. Stop sniggering please. Thank you.

I'm being serious.

I know that, if you know me, you'll find this rather unbelievable. I've never exactly been "Sporty Spice", by any means. I enjoy watching sport on telly like the football, and the really "sporty" sports like the Olympics, or the smaller versions of that. But I've never really felt the urge to take it up. I've always known and seen the benefits because of other people, but I've never been the type of person to become interested in something for the purpose of shedding a few pounds and toning my backside.
 

In fact, the real reasons I decided to take it up are probably a lot more simple than you'd think. I'll never be an Olympian - nor would I want to be, in truth - but it wouldn't hurt me to be a bit fitter and healthier. Whenever I have to run for something (i.e. the Tube, the bus, that really important piece of paper blowing down the road), I end up more out of breath than I probably should. I don't want health issues, at any point in my life, so I want to keep on top of it.
Also, I was inspired by fitness/running related blog posts all over the interwebs (would you like me to do a separate post on these? If so, tell me in the comments!) which was a bit of a friendly slap on the back to say "Look what you could achieve. Not everyone is sporty, but you can still make a positive change in your life".

 

Last Saturday, I went for my first run, and I enjoyed it. Yep, I know, shock horror! I enjoyed sport (again, if you know me, try not to faint!). I know I may not have gotten very far, and I did get out of breath fairly quickly but that for a "first time" runner, is OK. I think I enjoyed it because I got to control how much I did, when I did it and where I did it. When people do Sports at school, they tend not to enjoy it because they are being told what to do, how much to do, when to do it and where to do it. That's one of the reasons I'm not typically sporty. P.E at school, over time, gave me a pretty bad attitude to sports on the whole. Now though, I think I could really get into this whole running thing, and that in itself is an achievement for me.

 

I'm going for another few runs over this week. I'm trying to phase myself into it, and so far, I'm finding that working well, because then I look forward to my runs.

What I think this post was really about, was not me taking up running but rather telling you that you can make positive changes in your life with the right motivation. It doesn't have to be a "big deal" to anyone else, and it doesn't have to be about Health and Fitness. Anything at all, that you want to do, you can. I promise.

Have a simply brilliant day.

 

 

GingerSnaps xxx

I've Been Thinking... - It's The Little Things.

Hi!!!

Today's post is just a quick one.

Yesterday, I was sat in the car park of the supermarket, waiting for someone to come back with dinner to have after watching a film (Shall We Dance) and before Strictly (just in case you were wondering; Thai Fishcakes and Potatoes Au Gratin - nom...) and it started to rain. And I mean rain. It was lashing it down. Opposite the car park, there is a lovely church and their were pretty amber lights and candles, illuminating the windows and the street lights were glowing. The rain put everything in a blur, and it just looked so beautiful. That's correct, I did just call a Sainsbury's car park "beautiful". I think one of the best things being a blogger has taught me is to really look at and appreciate the small things in life. I think I was quite good at that before, but since becoming a blogger, I've been clinging onto those more. This is probably because, as bloggers, we want the universe to look at our lives and think, "that's cool", and so we notice more in order to build up to these things.

 

"One day, when we reflect on our lives, we'll notice that the little things, were indeed big things,"

That's all for today then folks, I hope that this was enjoyable for you, although it does seem a bit random...

I hope your day is filled with the most wonderful little things...

 

GingerSnaps xxx

I've Been Thinking... - Why I Love Bridget Jones.

Hi!!!

I absolutely love Bridget Jones. I have seen the films a million and one times over and me and Elf Girl - I've mentioned her in loads of posts, but here is one main one (HERE) - absolutely love them but sadly I haven't read the books - YET!

There's one on now in the background and I thought I'd make a list of some of reasons I love Bridget Jones (in the films).

1. She's as clumsy as I am - if not worse, which is very, very difficult...
2. She's hilariously funny, "without even trying".
3. She's not super skinny - she's of a normal size, if slightly chunky - very rare in film characters but much more relatable.
4. She ran down the street in her knickers and a cardigan... Legend.
5. She thinks in more or less the same way everyone *really* does, but won't admit...
6. She has really hilarious friends.
7. She has a habit of putting her foot in it...
8. She's seen smothered in a duvet eating two tubs of Ben and Jerry's in one go - my kinda person.
9. She's the reason Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) and Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) fight like girls all the time - which is always super hilarious.
10. SHE'S JUST BRILLIANT, OK?

 

Tis all for today. It's just a quick post but I hope it made you smile. There are plenty more reasons, but I didn't have time and didn't want to bore you! If you'd like the rest, do tell me. I'd be happy to oblige. Oh, and before I go, I just wanted to add that I've heard rumours about the next story line for Bridget and I'm not happy about it, K?

 

 

Have a brilliant day (you'll probably spend most of it comparing yourself to Little Miss Jones).

 

 

GingerSnaps xxx

 



It's Showtime!!! - Theatre Review - Wicked! the Musical.

Hi!!!

Today I'm going to review the last in the block of shows I went to see way back when in August. Now, I know, that's probably made you think that this won't be reliable because I will have forgotten things but fear not; I started this post ages ago and also made notes after the show itself all that time ago. So, now that issue is solved, lets crack on.

Before I begin, I just want to say that it might seem like I think every show is brilliant and worth a viewing. However, this isn't the case. I would never tell you to go and see something that I didn't think was worth your time or hard earned cash. There will be times when I tell you not to go and see something, as well as times when I say you *have* to go and see something (like today). These reviews contain my 100% honest opinion and just because something isn't my thing, doesn't mean it won't be yours, these reviews are for advice only.

This was the final show of the week. I have wanted to go and see Wicked! for years now and so was delighted when I got the tickets for my birthday this year. We had an awesome day and I based my makeup on the show; green winged out smokey eyes with red lips (green from Sleek Ultra Mattes Dark palate; lipstick MAC Ladybug). I had green shadow on all day but topped it up and added the lippy in the toilets of Wetherspoons - it was Curry Night, we had to go in.

Wicked! the Musical is on at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, on Wilton Road in London. It's a bit further out than people would tend to go normally to see a production in London, but is totally worth it. I walked to the theatre from my hotel (Travel-Lodge in Covent Garden) and I really enjoyed the walk because we had to go past Buck House (Buckingham Palace to you) and see a part of London which I don't tend to go to very often. However if walking isn't your thing it is literally one minute away from a mainline and tube station.
 I mentioned above that I went to Wetherspoons. Wetherspoons is next door to the theatre (like if the theatre were number 26 on a street, Wetherspoons would be 28) - convenient and cheap!

I've rambled on enough, me thinks.

So,

What's it about?

 

Everybody remembers the film The Wizard of Oz from when they were a child - right? Remember when Dorothy wins her battle with Wicked Witch of the West? We only ever heard one side of the story.

And to every story, there are two sides.

Wicked tells the untold story of an unlikely friendship between two girls who first meet as sorcery students at Shiz University: the very popular, very pretty Glinda, and a misunderstood girl named  Elphaba, who was born green.

  After an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the girl's reach a crossroads and their lives take very different paths, which strains their friendship. Glinda's desire for popularity sees her seduced by power and influence in the Land of Oz. But Elphaba is determined to stay true to herself, and to the people that are around her, in every sense. This will have unexpected consequences for her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will result in the two fulfilling their destinies and becoming "Glinda The Good" and the "Wicked Witch of the West".

 

You soon won't believe all you were once told about the Land of Oz, all those years ago.

 

 

What did I think?

 

I had been waiting to go and see this performance for so long. Normally, expectation exceeds reality. But Wicked! did not let me down. It was such an amazing show, I felt so much a part of it and connected so much with it that I was laughing, crying and every other overly clichéd emotion all in the space of 2 hours 45 minutes. I also mimed the words to Defiying Gravity - two reasons; a) I've been preparing for that moment for ages, b) I'm a Gleek.

 

I loved every second of this performance.

 

The set(s) were amazing! Honestly, everything from the curtain (with a map of Oz and sparkly surprise), to the sets used for the big, major scenes and the little scenes. Flawless design, and construction.

 

The costumes, hair and makeup were brilliant. They gave so much energy to the performance. Every single detail was there when it came to costumes, they were brilliant. Makeup and hair were amazing and there was little fault to be found there either, it was all of a very high standard.

 

Music and lyrics were spot on as was the orchestration.

 

The staging, choreography, sound and lighting were also very good.

 

The Cast and Company did an excellent job.

The company were very together and performed brilliantly.

Louise Dearman did a brilliant job as Elphaba. She was faultless, gave a believable performance, hit all the right notes and was just brilliant. Also, Dearman somehow manages to look good when her face and hands etc are green... Top class performance.

When we went to see Wicked!, the understudy for Glinda was performing. Understudies don't get the credit they deserve and Lucy van Gasse really did a great job. Her overall performance was top drawer.

 Ben Freeman played Fiyero and gave a strong and convincing performance. He had a real influence on the performance.
Harriet Thorpe and Keith Bartlett made for an excellent duo as Madame Morrible and The Wizard. They were strong in their roles and confident in their characters. Good performances from both.
Playing Boq and Nessarose were Sam Lupton and Katie Rowley Jones. Both of them sustained their characters throughout and portrayed their change of emotion and thought very well.
The role of Doctor Dillamond was taken on by Christopher Howell. I enjoyed his performance and he caused me to question things throughout and I felt very connected with the character.
 

 What did other people think?

 

Everyone seemed to love it. The Apollo Victoria is huge, and was packed with all sorts of people. Obvioulsy, there were quite a few families with kids, and they all loved it. Also, I loved it and other people around my age enjoyed it tons. Even the grandparents that had been roped in to go enjoyed it all. Everyone was captivated and the audience became connected to each other through the performance. This show was made for everyone. It's a people kind of show. It's not to childish, nor is it too complex and everyone in the room seemed to adore it.

 

Would I recommend it?

 

100% yes. I would recommend this show to anyone and everyone and I am almost certain that you'll enjoy it. It might not seem like your scene but it's more than just a musical and everything just fits into place. It won't let you down.

 

When can you go and see it?

 

Wicked! the Musical is on at the Apollo Victoria Theatre on Wilton Road in London. It is a long runner and so you'll be able to see it in London from now until... who knows? Forever, probably. It is also touring the UK and Ireland at the moment, so if that's of interest, be sure to check it out. The website with a link for all information of the London show and Tour is HERE.

 

Final notes...

 

• Make the effort when it comes to what you wear. Smart casual if possible and if you dare show up in a tracksuit I will set all the dogs on my road on you.
• Try and get the best seats you can so you can pick up on every fine detail - it's worth it. We were second row back - lucky us!
• A little story that goes with the time I went to see Wicked!. There was an mom and her son next to us and Oh My Glob, they were annoying! Seriously, they were faffing and talking and I got quite annoyed that they were ruining the experience for everyone. Eventually, after me giving them evils throughout the time they were faffing/talking and me being, in hindsight, quite rude and not standing up to let them get off the row (even though they were sat on the end of the row anyway - some people!), they shut up. Please do not be like these people (or the aforementioned dogs will get you!) !!!
• You'll have to walk or take the tube because, to quote the show, "We Can't All Travel By Bubble, You Know!"
• Enjoy yourself. It's a great show. Honestly, just have a good time.

 

So that's it for today then, I suppose. I really enjoy writing theatre reviews, because I'm a passionate theatre-goer and I hope that rubs off on you. If you've been to see this, leave your feedback on the show below. Do you agree with me? If you haven't gone to see this, do you want to? Thanks for reading this review, you lovely human.

 

Have a Wicked! day (see what I did there?)...

 

GingerSnaps xxx

               

Oh My Life! - Tales of My Life and Times - Phsyco Horses, Playgrounds, Chunky Knits and Bob the Builder.

Hi!!!

So, how are we all? I hope we are all well. I wanted to do a bit more of a life-y type of a post today because they are probably my favourite kind of blog posts to read on the blogs I love (for more on those, see my Blogger Profile). For me, reading about what someone's been up to, where they've gone on a day out and so on is really relaxing and inspiring. It makes me think of all the wonderful things that I could do very easily and that I don't appreciate.

From Friday night to Sunday evening a couple of weeks ago, I looked after some of the little people in my family - 3 and 5 years old - whilst one of the "big" people in my family and his wife went on a weekend break. I was more than happy to look after them and spend some quality time with them because I loves them muchly.

Saturday was a nice day, the morning was a bit busy, but some other little family people - 8 and 10 - came over in the late afternoon/evening with their mom and their (slightly crazy) dog, Rosie. We all pulled wellies and mismatched coats and jumpers on to go out picking blackberries. It was a bit of a walk, with Rosie running rings round us. Me and the eldest children's mom helped the youngest over the wooden fence and we went over to the huge blackberry bush in a mixture of toddling (the youngest), running (the oldest), walking (the "grown-ups") and jumping (the dog). We managed to pick loads and loads of blackberries, thankfully, without many thorn related injuries.

 

Then we came across a huge apple tree and so while the little ones climbed a different tree, I picked apples with the other "grown-up", and the 8 year old boy helped, going all Spiderman on us to reach apples. Then some horses came into the field, and although they were calm, we got the children back out of the field with the dog - who was going mental - out, back into the house and into the kitchen. We put the two full tubs of blackberries away. Then the 10 year old girl came up with the idea of grabbing some more blackberries from a different field (Oh My Glob, you guys, this is confusing!) 

 

We've headed back out but to a different field to avoid the horses. Everything was going fine - we put the bag of apples on a post by the gate and got to blackberry picking. And then I spotted the horses coming back into the field. They weren't calm anymore. They recognised us as "the people with food" and so started to started to chase us. "Don't run, cos horses are like dogs, they'll only get excited", I said whilst running faster than I ever have!  So, the ten year old girl's gone back to her mom - who was calm... somehow - and the other small person ran behind me. I didn't know this. I've thrown myself over the fence and face-planted the floor and I've heard, "Help!" and I thought "He's gonna die!". So, I tried to get up and help, just as he's flung himself over the gate and landed on his feet. I swear to you, he is really Spiderman!

After avoiding *that* potential catastrophe, and making jokes about how I thought I'd pulled a lung - is that possible? - we went into the living room for games and cuddles and really bad jokes with the little people.

It was like a really awful feature in a really awful country living magazine.

Sunday was a day of free reign and no pre-arranged things. I threw on a really nice chunky knit cardigan from BHS, my Boxer Boots and a really nice Skull print scarf from Primark (as well as a top and jeans - obvs). I decided that we should have a super fun day, and so I took the little ones to the park down the road, which was brilliant. They absolutely loved it, and so did I. We went on the See-Saw, the swings, the slide, the zip-wire, and some other weird contraptions which I don't believe have names. We had a blast. Then it was onto the flower festival at the local church where the children put roses in a display and "made a wish". They had a favourite display (the one with little butterflies and squirrels and the like). From there it was onto MacDonald's for Fish Finger Happy Meals with Smurf toys for them and Chicken Nuggets for me (not in Happy Meal form).

After that jam packed part of the day, we headed back home. It was a rather chilly day, and so we sat in the living room smothered in blankets watching a Bob the Builder DVD followed by a Mike the Knight DVD.

 

Then their Mom and Dad came to pick them up, and I cleared up...

 

Fun times.

 

I hope you've enjoyed this post and that you like more life-y posts as well as my reviews. If you have any questions or nice words, then please do leave me a comment and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

 

Have a beautiful day!

 

GingerSnaps xxx



Spookly Dookly - Halloween Preperation 2013

Hi!!!

So, as I'm sure you're all aware, we've now arrived at October (where is this year going?). Now, the stand out for October tends to be Halloween for most people (unless you have a birthday/anniversary and such like this month, in which case, congratulations!). Love it or loathe it, Halloween only comes round once a year and so I like to make it special. Halloween isn't my favourite holiday, but I always have a lot of fun. That's what it's about for me - fun. Nothing bad, or scary. Just fun...

In recent years, I've gone as a black cat - I like to call those my lazy years - and last year as a cool, punk rock witch. Last year was a pretty cool one. I spend Halloween at Elf Girl's (blog HERE) house. We answer trick-or-treaters, get dressed up - including hot pink eyebrows - usually end up doing really stupid games - last year, crime scene obstacle course - and watching a fun (non-scary - we're wimps) Halloween film.

I've been thinking this year about what I could go as and I think I've struck gold. I wanted to use the handmade green and purple tutu complete with black cats and cauldrons from 2012, but I wanted to give the outfit a refresh. I'm a huuuuugggeee fan of N.C.I.S on TV - I don't watch it on Channel 5, it's (UK) FOX or nothing. I love everyone in it, but Abby is pretty cool. So this year, I'm going as Abby from NCIS, dressed up for Halloween. I AM LEGEND.

 

Just in case you aren't obsessed with NCIS like I am, HERE is a link to an image of the character Abby Sciuto (played by the lovely Pauley Perrette)...

Wait for the link to load fully, it will bring up an image for you... Your welcome.
 

So, I'll be using the makeup for inspiration, then doing my hair in pigtails and leaving my fringe down but will be adding to it by some supreme backcombing and a tonne of hairspray... Then my outfit will be wearing two necklaces - a choker and a massive black and silver crucifix - a black tee shirt, the tutu of destiny mentioned above, a black parasol, black nail polish and some calf high black boots that have laces from top to bottom. Ta Dah.

 

Oh yeah, and I'm borrowing a toy hippo from one of my friends. It won't fart, but it will still be Bert the Hippo - OK?

 

I'll share the pictures with you on the big day.



Right then everyone, I hope that's given you some inspiration, that this has been an interesting post and that you may now be interested in watching NCIS. If you know who/what you're going as for Halloween this year, do let me know in the comments, and if you have any questions then leave those below too, I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Also, let me know if you'd like more Halloween posts/ideas etc..

I hope you're day is amazeballs!

 

 

GingerSnaps xxx

Congratulations! - Blogging Milestones - 1000.

Hi!!!

So, yesterday, something very, very, very exciting happened. This little blog reached 1000 views!!!!!!!

Please feel free to pull the impossibly little strings on your party poppers and dance around like crazy.

Oh my gosh. It really did just leave me speechless. I cannot express how over the moon I am! I am so, so, so happy and proud of myself. I know, typically, you're not supposed to say you're proud of yourself but I am, truly. I feel like I have really accomplished something great, and I feel good about it.

I want to say a massive THANK YOU! to YOU. Yes, YOU. Whether you've come here to look at the reviews I've written, to hear my thoughts. Whether you've been reading my style posts, my "milestone" posts. Whether this is a blog you've been reading for a while now, and keep coming back or whether you've only read one or two posts for the first time today, I couldn't have reached this point without you and your support. Thank you for making someone deliriously happy. Thank you for reading, and enjoying and keeping this alive for me. I love you all very much.

I'm amazed at the fact I've managed to achieve something like this and I'm astounded by the sheer joy this has brought me. Hopefully, they'll be more of you in the future, reading and enjoying and I'll feel even prouder when I reach an even bigger number.

Thank you for everything.

 I hope your day is utterly awesome.

 

GingerSnaps xxx

I've Been Thinking... - Autumn Love...

Hi!!!

With any luck, you'll have picked up on the fact that it's now Autumn and that means that it's time for this blog to show off how much I love this season. I, being the odd creature I am, have separated this post into lists... that's just how I roll... Did I really just say that? (this list is more September to October, because I don't tend to count the whole November as Autumn, once Bonfire Night is over, it's Christmas and Christmas is in Winter, OK?)

 

Natural Things I Love About Autumn: 

 

• I know this one is a bit obvious, but I love the way the leaves change colour from bright greens to rich plums, vibrant oranges, deep reds and mellow yellows.
• Another thing I love is the way that there are berries (especially blackberries) everywhere, waiting to be picked. The best are just when your walking round your neighbourhood and you see loads of blackberries and you just pick them and eat them and life is all "tumblr-fied" and "pintrest"-y and good.
• I love the drop in temperatures. Stepping out the door in the mornings, being wrapped in a cool breeze, then running back into the house to try and find a jacket.
• The afore mentioned breezes.
• Apple trees with loads of fruit and colour. Also, spontaneous apple picking is always fun. (Gosh, I sound like such a stereotypical blogger these days...).
• Big, long walks in pretty forests/parks/and so on. Those walks just seem endless, and they don't have to be planned. I'm actually going for sometime this weekend.

Seasonal Food & Drinks That I Love:

 

• As I mentioned before, I do love blackberries and apples (and although not mentioned above, I do also love pears). Yummy...
• Warm Crumble Cake with Berries on a Sunday after a massive roast dinner with my family -  pudding is always homemade by me, I love baking.
• Pie. Pie is a good thing, OK? I do love a good steak pie, or a chicken pie (but not chicken and mushroom, mushrooms = death).
• Bacon on hot crumpets in the morning (as long as someone else is making it and I can lie in!)

 

Activities I Love Doing In The Autumn:

 

• As I've said before, big long walks are always great.
• This is the last time I will mention fruit today, I swear, but picking seasonal fruit is always fun.
• Watching tellybox in my jammies with a huge brew (translated into: watching the television in my pyjamas with an oversized mug of tea).
• Trying to catch falling leaves - for those of you who don't do this, you have to try and catch a random falling leaf and if you catch it, you make a wish. Then, that wish will come true.
• Baking cakes and other sweet treats..
• Reading a good book.
• Singing my favourite Autumn related hymn from Primary school, Autumn Days, around the house, or while I get ready in the mornings. If it sounds familiar and you want to listen to it, then feel free to click HERE. You'll have to add the singing yourself though, sorry...

 

Makeup Styles I Love Wearing In The Autumn:

 

• When the Autumn rolls round, I like matching my makeup to the colours of the season. Because of my skintone, hair colour and eyes, browns, gold, plums and forest greens (not for everyone, but I like them) on the eyes, tend to suit me.
• I like wearing deep nail polishes. Deep, dark nail polishes look better on me than bright and nude or at least I think so, but in the summer some people see them as too much/draining/etc. But once this season draws in, I know that I can dig out my beautiful dramatic varnishes.
• Using cream blushers when it gets colder gives a really healthy glow to the skin, look more soft and pretty in comparison to the change in drama when it comes to eyes and lips.
• I'm a dark lipstick kind of girl and so I love wearing plums especially on the lips (I won't wear red now until everything gets festive) but I also like a rosy tint (step forward Vasline Rosy Lips).

 

Fashion and Clothes I Enjoy In The Autumn:

 

• Jumpers. Lots of jumpers. Jumpers for me are absolutely brilliant; they keep me warm, make me feel really comfortable and snuggly and also, I think they look really cute. I know some people like the more structured version but I just adore loose, oversized, soft, baggy jumpers. I do like the structured ones too, my favourite being a handmade cream fisherman's jumper: the family member who it was made for gave it to me recently. My friends and I are all obsessed with jumpers... We are very strange...
• Chucks. My Chucks. Known to many as Converse, however to me, they are my Chuck Taylors, cos I'm cool like that. My lovely red high-top Chucks are ideal on classic Autumn Days. I love those shoes so much!
•  I do love my Bull & Boxer boots (or Boxer & Bull Boots, I'm never quite sure which way round it is). They are ankle boots and so I wouldn't class them as boots as such. I love them eternally and you will see them very soon I promise.
• Wearing "full-on" boots, as I call them when it starts to get really chilly.
• My Jack Wills gilet; comfy, cosy, goes with everything and brilliant over all sorts of other clothes.
• I love wearing hats - beanies and berets in particular - and scarves. They are so lovely to wear and pull an outfit together I find.

 

Other Stuff I Couldn't Quite Categorize...

 

• Strictly Come Dancing. I love Strictly so much and Oh My Glitterballs, this years line up is looking sooo good.
• Officially starting my Christmas countdown - right now, it's only 88 days away!!!
• Going to Costa for hot drinks in takeaway cups.
• Wearing super fluffy slippers.
• The anticipation for Halloween (which I usually spend over at my best friend Elf Girl's (find her HERE) house, dressed up like something or other - more on that soon) and for Bonfire Night (I love fireworks so much, I think they are the one most beautiful things ever).

That's all for today then. I'd ramble on more, but I wouldn't want to bore you but if you would like to see more on my love of autumn, please do let me know. What are your favourite things about Autumn? Are any of them the same as mine? Do you think I sounded very blogger-y in this post? I think I probably did...

 

Have an excellent day today!

 

GingerSnaps xxx