5, 4, 3, 2, 1! - Happy New Year (2017 Edition).

Hi!!!

Last post of the year, then. Can you believe it? I'm not sure I can. Here's the annual look back on 2016, and a message to you all for 2017.

In the eyes of many, 2016 hasn't been the best. I've seen books about how 'bad' it's been, I've heard people talking about all their low points. People talk about the celebrity deaths, Brexit and Trump winning the election as though they make the year an instant write off. I take a few issues with this, one being that just because other people didn't vote for what you voted for, doesn't mean that they are wrong, it just means they don't share your views. But also because I think it's a shame that people are playing down the good times they've had this year to fret about things they can't change. If, however, 2016 has really sucked for you, then I am truly sorry and send lots of good vibes your way.

2016 has had some great moments for me. I went on holiday to Cyprus with my Auntie and my Mom, I went on a tour of the National Theatre. I hit some of my goals in my 'work life', I've danced like crazy with my friends. I've created blog content that I'm really happy with. I've been to gigs. I've been to the theatre. I've cry-laughed and worked hard and read more books. I've spent more time in the cinema than I think I ever have, and I've seen some amazing movies because of that. I've managed to get seats on the bus (yasss). I've spent time with my family and visited London and been for meals with my family and friends. I've been to birthday parties and taken millions of photobooth photos. I got my guitar and I've written stories. I've been able to spend time with family members and friends that I hadn't seen in ages. I've just done loads of cool things and looking back on all these things has really made me smile and has reminded me how lucky I am.

I also feel like 2016 has been a year in which I have learned a lot about myself in so many ways, and I hadn't really realised quite how much until I was thinking about what I'd be writing in this post. Looking back from where I am now, I feel content and I feel proud, which is are lovely things to be.

I hope 2017 is a completely amazing year for you. I hope you and your loved ones enjoy happiness and health, create beautiful memories and love every single second of it. 

Thank you for your continued support for the blog, and I guess also me. Much love to you all.

Have a wonderful New Year's Eve whatever you're doing (and stay safe).

What are your New Year's Resolutions? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Leave a comment below if you do.

Thanks for reading. See you in the New Year!

Happy New Year!

GingerSnaps xxx

It's Showtime!!! - Theatre Review - Hamlet

Hi!!!

Just before Christmas I went into London. I had a lovely time and one of the things I did was go to the theatre. So, here's a review of the play I went to see for you to read during that little slice of time between Christmas and New Year's. Enjoy.

I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that Hamlet is one of Shakespeare's most famous and celebrated plays, about a young man struggling to avenge his dead father for fear, uncertainty and pressure. It is also, usually, one of his longest. Not in this case, however. This production has 90 minute performances with no intervals (or re-entry if you leave the theatre, just to let you know), which I found really interesting.

In the past, I have studied Hamlet, and I enjoyed reading it, however when I tried to watch certain productions, I have no shame in saying I got bored - quite unlike me. I think it is partly to do with the length of it, partly because I think you really need the right actor to play Hamlet for the play to be at its best, and partly because of the way certain productions are staged.

For all of that, I connected with the play in this performance in a way I haven't before. The way the script has been chopped and changed was so interesting and in my opinion, the most important parts were all still there, and were maximised, by the adaptations. I found it more engaging as an audience member, which is always a good thing. I would honestly love a copy of the script just to look at how it was all done in more detail.

The entire cast were excellent. Mark Arends was absolutely fantastic as Hamlet. I'd go as far as to say that he's the best Hamlet I have seen yet - and those who came to see the show with me agreed. He commits completely to the role and performs in such a way that Hamlet's ever perplexing state of mind seems to make sense. I said earlier that I think you need to have the right person playing Hamlet for it to work, and this production certainly has the right actor. Some of my other stand out performers were Finlay Cormack, who had the challenge of playing an amalgamation of Laertes, Horatio and several additional characters and rose to it with seeming ease, and Tom Mannion who gave a fantastic performance as Claudius. The whole cast work together so well that their actions seem instinctive and reactionary rather than rehearsed, which is very impressive.

The staging of this production seems so simple, but in fact it is clever. The small space of the studio, a sofa, a box of photos and a blanket or two provide a personal feel which adds to how believable the action is, and towards the end, the props are used to add to the overwhelming emotion.

If you get the chance, I would highly recommend going to see Hamlet at the Trafalgar Studios. It's simply brilliant.

I would happily give this production five stars. And now I'll stop gushing about it.

Get tickets here.

I hope you enjoyed this little theatre review.

Have you seen this production? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Leave a comment below and tell me.

Thanks for reading. Speak soon.

Have a super day!

GingerSnaps xxx

We Wish You A Merry Christmas! - Christmas 2016 Edition.

Hi!!!

So today's post is a super short one but I couldn't go without sending you guys a Christmas message because it's a tradition, and something I like writing.

I hope you have the absolute best Christmas. I hope you enjoy every second, whatever you're doing. I hope you're all safe and well and that you spend the day with a massive smile on your face, and surrounded by the people and things you love most.

And if this year, for whatever reasons, you can't have your perfect Christmas, I hope at least that it has happy moments, and that you remember always that you are special.

Thank you for your ongoing support for me and the blog, for reading my posts and leaving comments and making this all the more special. I love having a blog, and I love the idea that others enjoy what I'm doing here, so thank you for allowing me to keep doing what I'm doing.

Sending you all lots of happiness, love and laughter this Christmas!

Thanks for reading.

What are your plans for Christmas? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Be sure to tell me in the comments.

Speak soon.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

GingerSnaps xxx

I've Been Thinking... - 7 (More) Little Things To Get You Feeling Festive

Hi!!!

If you read this post last week, then the title of this one may sound familiar. Yes indeed folks, I'm doing part two - now there are 14 ideas in total to get you in the holiday spirit. Hopefully the first installment was an enjoyable read, and this one will jingle your bells, too - see what I did there?



Download a Festive Background for Your Phone.

I was reading Wish Wish Wish the other day for the first time in weeks and saw that Carrie had uploaded these super cute Christmas phone backgrounds. I downloaded one straight away and I love it - so simple but so special. And it's free! There's an iPhone one and the iPhone Plus one fits my Samsung Galaxy S7, just FYI.

Burn A Christmas Candle.

I got out my number one bae of a candle (John Lewis Winter Spice) out the other day to burn while watching Christmas Films and have had it going since. The cosy glow and lovely smells of Christmas candles are so wonderful. Some of my other top picks include Yankee Candle Red Apple Wreath, Yankee Candle Christmas Cookie and Yankee Candle Candy Cane Lane. 

Bake Some Christmassy Treats.

If you find the time - and I appreciate that you might not have loads spare - then I'd definitely suggest getting into the kitchen and baking something seasonal and delightful be it gingerbread or sugar cookies or cupcakes. It's lots of fun, a good way to take a breather and you can eat the rewards- it's win/win isn't it? Here's some recipes to get you inspired.

Head To A Local Garden Centre.

Garden centres are always places I like being in but at Christmas they really are something else.  They always have cool decorations and displays and twinkly lights and things like that. Spend an hour or so at one near you and take your time looking at everything- and yes, it's totally OK to leave with a few new decorations, I fully support this.

Go To A Heritage Property.

 Two I'd recommend are the Victorian Christmas at my favourite, Charlecote Park, and then the theme decorations at Chatsworth, this year they are based on The Nutcracker, which you can see snippets of in this post (although tickets are more expensive for the latter, it is worth it 100%).

Buy Mince Pies.

Buy a box of mince pies next time you're in the supermarket and consider eating the whole box in one go. Seriously, even just seeing the box is like a little hit of festive cheer. And if you don't like mince pies, there are plenty of other festive foods to treat yourself to instead.

Watch Comedy Christmas Specials.

Keep an eye out for your favourite comedy Christmas specials on GOLD, online and in your DVD collection and any time you're stuck for something to watch, put one of those on and laugh yourself silly. You can find a list of my recommendations here.

Thank you ever such a lot for reading.

What are your favourite things to do in the run up to Christmas? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments.

I hope you enjoyed the post.

Have a spectacular day!

GingerSnaps xxx



Style It Out - Fashion, Style and Get Ready With Me's - My Christmas Jumper Collection and How I Style Them.

Hi!!!

So, as some of you may know already, tomorrow, Friday 16th, is Save The Children's Christmas Jumper Day. To encourage you to get involved - and because I thought it would be fun - I thought I'd show you my mini collection of Christmas jumpers, and talk you through how I style them.

First, here's a peek into the collection.

The first was a gift. I wore this earlier on this month while decorating the tree. I love that it is wearable for lots of situations because it's black but it also has the super festive reindeer face which keeps it fun.

This one was bought at New Look in Leeds a few years ago and I am eternally in love with it. I relate strongly to gingerbread men - I don't know why... I think it's because of my hair colour. Anyway, this jumper is Christmassy, fun, the gingerbread man is made of mixed materials, and it's wearable. I always get complimented on this.

I also have a very snazzy and rather cheesy number, with a fair isle inspired design. It has reds, whites and yellows through it, which really amps up how festive it is, and it is definitely one I love wearing. It was a gift a few years ago and one I was very grateful for, and I wanted to include it in this post but couldn't find it.

Now, how I style them.

I like styling my Christmas jumpers with blue or black jeans and boots. I like styling them over the top of red dresses and with black and white or burnt orange skirts.

Find out more about Save The Children's Christmas Jumper Day here.

I hope that you enjoyed reading this and that it has given you some inspiration for your own Christmas Jumper Day look.

Will you be taking part in Christmas Jumper Day? Do you have any other comments or suggestions for future posts? Leave a comment below and tell me.

Thank you for reading.

I hope your day is amazing!

GingerSnaps xxx

I've Been Thinking... - 7 Little Things To Get You Feeling Festive

Hi!!!

Hands up if you are excited for Christmas - I know I am! And to help get you feeling super duper excited too, I've made this list of seven little things you can do in the run up to the big day that will make you feel just like Buddy the Elf. Let's begin, shall we?

Swap your normal shower gel for a Christmas shower gel.

It's probably unlikley that you'll get chance to use your Christmas bath bombs everyday, but by treating yourself a festive shower gel (and maybe also a scrub/moisturiser/lip balm), you still get that feeling of being pampered and to use those lovely seasonal scents. Check out Lush's Snow Fairy, Lush's Lord of Misrule and The Body Shop's Vanilla Chai.

  Buy yourself some Christmas socks.

Never underestimate the power of a good pair of festive socks. Buy any with snowflakes or reindeer or snowmen or Father Christmas on, and feel that little sprinkle of joy when you get dressed everyday (and when you get home and take your shoes off). Its such a simple thing,  but so fun. Primark always do some cracking ones.

Treat yourself to a Christmas Costa.

Whether you stay in the café or get yours to go in one of their adorable Christmas jumper inspired take away cups, it'll put a smile on your face. There's something to suit all tastes - hot chocolate and coffee - so take a look next time you pass one. Or, y'know, just make yourself a really snazzy hot chocolate at home. Also, big thanks to Elf Girl for helping with the presentation in the above photo (and for reading the list of drinks for me each visit -#shortsightedproblems). Check out the menu here.

Have a movie night.

 Line up some of your favourite seasonal movies - see a list of mine here - get in your PJs, grab a blanket and a hot chocolate and work your way through all of them. Laugh, smile and enjoy them all at your own pace. Oh, and turn the big light off, and get the fairy lights going instead - it gives it all a much cosier vibe.

Play Your Favourite Christmas Songs At Top Volume.

 Normally on the way home from going to see a pantomime, we have a huge family sing-a-long in the car. Last year, we outdid ourselves - playing songs top volume, screeching along to them, dancing in the car and laughing at each other. We even had a dance off with another family at the traffic lights. So whether yours is part of a car journey or in your house, and whether you perform solo or with a group, go for it and have fun. Play all of your favourites and pretend you're on stage. All the fun. And FYI, I wrote a post about my playlist last year if you need some inspiration.

Paint your nails in a Christmassy way.

  Maybe a red, maybe some glitter, maybe if you're super fancy and talented some penguins or presents or something. Or get some pretty pre-designed false nails if you're lazy or don't have much time to spare like me - look at these cute Henry Holland ones!!! (they also have Christmas Tree and Candy Cane designs if that's more your style).

Get the Christmas jumpers out.

Wrap yourself up in the cosy, cheesy-ness of them and love every second. Every time you look down at the fair isle/gingerbread men/reindeer/etc  on your jumper, you'll be filled with joy. And, what better excuse than donating to Save The Children's annual Christmas Jumper Day campaign and being charitable in the process?

And those are some of the things you can do to reach peak Christmas.

What are your favourite things to do at Christmas time? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks so much for reading.

I hope your day is magical.

GingerSnaps xxx

Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do - Music - You Need This Tom Grennan EP In Your Life.

Hi!!!

How is everyone today? I've got some new music to share with you today and when I say new, I mean like a month old new, by a new artist. Very exciting times. I think you guys are going to like it and I'm really excited to share it with you all. So, let's begin, shall we?

Before I go any further, the point of this whole post is basically to tell you that if you that if you only buy one thing this week, it should be Tom Grennan's EP, 'Something In the Water'.
 

The EP was released at the end of October and features four tracks - 'Old Songs', 'Something In The Water', 'Sweet Hallelujah' and and an acoustic version of the Chase and Status track 'All Goes Wrong' which he provided the vocals for.

There is a really strong sense of cohesion between all the songs on the EP but each one maintains interest. I think he's got a really soulful voice and I also really like the songs lyrically. The music is a balanced blend of power and ease and I could definitely listen to a whole album of this.

 

This is, in my opinion, one of the most exciting new releases of the year and I think Tom Grennan is one to watch in 2017. He has a great voice, and the tracks on this EP are all amazing. This guy has got talent.

Go and have a listen to it if you get the chance, you can buy it for £2.99 on Google Play, and I'll link the YouTube videos here.

 

I hope you enjoyed this post and that I might have steered you towards an artist you'll love. 

What do you think of this EP? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me known in the comments.

Thanks for reading.
 

Have a magical day!

GingerSnaps xxx

I've Been Thinking... - Four Of My Favourite Comedy Christmas Specials

Hi!!!

So as it's now officially December (cue excited squeals), I thought it was about time that I got some Christmas content going on over here. So today, I wanted to talk about one of my favourite parts of Christmas - the comedy specials. Here's some from over the years that I think you should watch to get you feeling festive.

The Royle Family, 'The New Sofa'

This one is my all time favourite Royle Family Christmas special ever - and that's saying something as there are loads to choose from. From Denise wanting to be Nigella (we've all been there), to Dave trying to defrost the turkey in insane ways, to the excitement at a reclining sofa, this episode is full of so many laughs that you simply must watch it- what a fabulous festive classic.

Gavin and Stacey, Christmas Special

This is one of the best Christmas specials there is. I think at this point I could quote it backwards, and with good reason, because it is hilarious. It has the incredibly loveable characters we know and love from the show, and they all get a turn in this one. Expect lots of loud singing, talk of tea towels, a bit of a fight, some side splittingly awkward moments and those iconic gift wrapped Celebrations chocolates.

Miranda, 'The Perfect Christmas'

Miranda is a ridiculously funny show all year round, but something about this Christmas special tops it all. One thing everyone loves about Miranda is how relatable it is and that doesn't change at Christmas - Miranda misses the delivery of her parcels full of presents, she tries to have Christmas at her house but her friends cause chaos and some fantastic Christmas jumpers are worn. All round festive fun with the potential to make you cry-laugh.

The Vicar of Dibley, 'The Christmas Lunch Incident'

I've seen this one loads of times now, and it never stops making me laugh. What happens when you say you'll go to three christmas lunches? This episode shows you. With laughs galore, Dawn French as the fabulous Geraldine, advent calenders, jokes from Christmas crackers and some of the best one liners that the character Alice was ever given, this is a must watch before the big day.

All of these Christmas specials are available on the TV Channel ChristmasGOLD (Sky Channel 110, BT Channel 310, Virgin Channel 124 and TalkTalk Channel 310), and are available as part of series box sets. Some are also available on streaming services, like Netflix and SkyGo so do be sure to try a quick search there too.

Thanks for joining me today, I hope you liked this post.

What is your favourite Christmas special? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know by leaving a comment. 

Go forth and watch TV.

I hope your day is full of laughter.

GingerSnaps xxx

Shopping for Treats - Hauls and Wishlists - Black Friday Sales Haul

Hi!!!

So how long ago did I last do a haul? And did you know I've never posted a clothing haul, only beauty? Guess it's just not normally my thing. But today I have one and it's all about the bargains I scooped up on Black Friday. I am really excited to give this kind of post a go, so let me know what you think.

Jumper, H&M

I called into H&M on Black Friday with Elf Girl because she wanted to get something and then I saw this jumper and ended up buying something too. I love H&M jumpers because they are always soft and comfortable and I really like the colour and cut of this one. I lovr the speckle through this as well, because it just adds something a little different. They do a bunch of colours including a lovely shade of green which Elf Girl bought. I can't seem to find them online but do look in store if you like it or maybe a look at the rest of their lovely jumpers here.

Aloe Calming Foaming Wash, The Body Shop.

The day before Black Friday, I went into The Body Shop because I needed face wash, completely forgetting about it being Black Friday week, and nearly exploded with excitement when the girl behind the till said £4. So I went and bought another on actual Black Friday because a bottle is normally £7 and the discount was fantastic.  Anyway, I love this product so much and highly reccomend it. You can shop it here.

White Trainers, New Look

The rest of this haul is New Look based because their sale was full of great stuff at great prices. My package arrived today - I opted for 5-7 working days free delivery so I was super excited about that and wanted to mention it to you guys. Basically, shoes are my weakness and I've wanted some white trainers for a while now- I think they look awesome with so many things and so I'm excited to style them. You can check these out here.

Checked Shirt, New Look

I love shirts. I wear them loads. I didn't have one like this and when I saw this I fell in love - I think this will look really nice worn open over other tops and also worn buttoned up normallum The dark blue really makes the green check stand out, and I love the way that looks. The material is also really nice and quite thick, which impressed me.  If you also want a shirt like this, you can find them here.

Black Ankle Boots, New Look

 I have a pair of black ankle boots that I wear all the time and so when I saw these I put them straight in the basket. They are leather, which is great, and they have really lovely metal detailing which I love. They also have a good sized heel which is something I really like about them. They are really lovely boots and I'm very happy about this purchase. Shop them here.

Stripe Wrap Dress, New Look

I don't think that I have ever owned a wrap dress before now... I mean I'm not 100% sure but I really don't remember any. It seems so odd now because I do really like the style. I think the shape of this is really flattering and I love the combination of the red, white and black colours. There are so many ways to style wrap dresses, so I think I'll get a lot of wear out of this piece. It also has a tie belt thing but I untied it for the photo so you could get a better view of the skirt. This exact one is out of stock, but if you like the style, here's some with different colours in.

Stripe Midi Dress, New Look

Apparently, I have this thing with stripe-y dresses... This one is Midi length - it looks longer in the photo but clothes are so tricky to photograph - which means I'll be able to dress this up or down with ease, and I love the crisp white stripes on the very dark blue. It's also got a tie belt thing around the waist, which makes it really flattering. I'm basically in love, haha. You can snap one up here.

So, I hope you enjoyed that - I know it was a little different, hopefully in a good way.
Did you buy anything in the sales? Have you got any other comments or maybe a suggestion for future posts you'd like to see? Let me know in the comments.
Thanks for reading.

Have a wonderful day!

GingerSnaps xxx

Oh My Life! - Tales of My Life and Times - Christmas at Chatsworth

Hi!!!

You guys, Christmas is well and truly on its way and I am so excited, not least because it brings so many fun opportunities to spend time with family and friends. This year, one of those things has been visiting Chatsworth at Christmas, and I wanted to share some snaps from the day and tell you what we got up to.

I'd been to Chatsworth once before, which was also a Christmas visit - it was in 2014, and the theme for the decorations was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (one of my favourite stories). That was an amazing visit and so, upon finding out the theme was The Nutcracker, I suggested booking tickets for this year.

I adore the story of The Nutcracker and have been to see the ballet (one of the most wonderful things I've done) and so I was massively excited.

We set off early and made the drive from Birmingham to Derbyshire - Chatsworth is in a town called Bakewell, which I think is such a cute name. Anyway, we got there at about quater to ten and our slot for the house was 10:15am so we took a little early morning dander round the market beforehand.

Every room in the house was decorated beautifully with a different scene from the Nutcracker. The decorations followed the story from Clara's early encounters with her Nutcracker Doll to their journey into the Land of Sweets (aka where I would like to live, please and thanks).

There were also rooms decorated like the stage of the ballet and the dressing rooms of the dancers playing each character.  One of my favourite rooms was the Sugar Plum Fairy's dressing room - it features a Christmas tree made of tutus and a very magical bubble bath.

The staff are all dressed in themed costumes which was another really special touch, and the music from the ballet plays throughout the house.

We spent some time in the afternoon in the gardens exploring, looking round the Christmas market and getting carried away with the cheeses and game meat stalls and drinking hot chocolate, and we even took a short horse and carriage ride (which cost £2 each) which was lovely.

It was such an amazing day and it was a really lovely thing to experience with family, too. 

I'd highly recommend going this year if you can - I think the Christmas market might still be on but I know the decorations and gardens are definitely still there all the way till the big day.

Find out more here.

Thanks so much for reading, I hope you enjoyed seeing what I got up to on this very festive day out.

Have you been to Chatsworth House? Do you like The Nutcracker? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts, be sure to leave a comment.
Peace out, sugar plums.

I hope your day is delightful and magical!

GingerSnaps xxx

Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do - Music - Five Of My Favourite Music Videos

Hi!!!

I'm one of those people that watches MTV a whole lot. I also listen to a lot of music on YouTube. All of this music video watching means I have of course ended up with favourites (and least favourites, but that's a post for another time). So, without any more rambling from me, here's a selection of the ones I like best.

Lonely Boy by The Black Keys

The sheer joy that this video brings me is probably immeasurable. I just love how simple it is. One guy dancing in a corridor somewhere. I know everyone jokes about keeping costs down, or having a forgotten deadline to meet, being the cause of this video, but I think its actually really smart, and it really does stay with you. So whatever the reason for its creation, you must watch it. Oh and the song is cracking too.

Fire by Kasabian

This is an amazing video. The concept is so smart and cool and it is brilliantly filmed. There is a clear story and it is a memorable one. If you're a fan of cowboy films, I think you'll appreciate it as this video definitely has Butch and Sundance vibes. I also really like the song, particularly in terms of the actual music.

The Greatest by Sia

I could have chosen any one of Sia's videos from recent years because they are all great. But The Greatest is one of my absolute favourites and it pays a beautiful tribute to those who lost their lives in the shooting in Orlando earlier this year. The choreography is amazing and so are all the dancers. Oh and the song rules all.

Ballad Of The Mighty I by Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

This video. Honestly. As some of you may know, Noel Gallagher has said a few times before that he isn't a big fan of making music videos and this one takes that sentiment very seriously. The video itself is very good, it has an engaging narrative, it works well with the song and the direction is great. But my highlight is of course the humour at the beginning and end - it makes me laugh every time.

R U Mine by The Arctic Monkeys

Alex Turner and Co lip syncing and drumming while one the road is one of those things that you didn't know you needed until you you see it. It's so simple but so entertaining. I really liked all the songs on AM but I wasn't at all keen on a lot of the music videos produced to go alongside it however this one is gold.

I think that's everything then. I hope you enjoyed this post, and that you like the music videos as much as I do.
What are your favourite music videos? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments.
Thanks for reading.

Have a fabulous day!

GingerSnaps xxx

We Will Remember Them - Thoughts On Remembrance Sunday



Hi!!!

Good morning. So today is Remembrance Sunday, as you probably know, and while I did a post on remembrance on Friday, I wanted to say a few words today, too, so here we go. They may be similar to my words on Armistice Day, but I'd still appreciate if you read it.

Today, there will be a two minute silence to honour those who have died in conflicts worldwide since WW1. Here's a reminder to stop at 11am and take the time to think about those who have fought and those who are impacted by conflict. Those who have served and are serving deserve to be thought of by us for all that they did and do for us all, whether we agree with war or not. Remembrance is so important.

Thank you so much for reading.
Do you have any comments or maybe suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments.
Speak soon.

Have a good Sunday!

GingerSnaps xxx

Lest We Forget - A Few Words On Armistice Day

Hi!!!

Good morning everyone. Happy Friday! Today, as you probably know, is Armistice Day and so I've put together a short post to honour that.

Today, Armistice Day, as on Remembrance Sunday, there will be a two minute silence to honour those who have died in conflicts worldwide since WW1. I wanted to encourage you to stop at 11am and take the time to think about those who have fought and are fighting and those who are impacted and have been impacted by war. To think about the things that others have done for us. Whatever we may think about war, those who have served and are serving deserve to be remembered and respected.

Thank you so much for reading.
Do you have any comments or maybe suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments.
Speak soon.

Enjoy your Friday!

GingerSnaps xxx

So, To Sum It All Up - October in Photographs.

Hi!!!

In October, I got a new phone. Finally. It's only taken me a year of dealing with one that wasn't working properly to actually get myself to the Carphone Warehouse to upgrade it. I now have a very pretty rose-gold Samsung Galaxy S7. One of the reasons I chose it was its snazzy camera - it is so good! - and I've been playing around with taking photos on it all month. I thought I'd put some into a little autumnal photo essay to share with you all. Its also a bit of an October summary, which is nice.

One perk of getting the bus everyday (yes there are some...) is that I get to walk through some very pretty places to get to the bus stop.

 I love walking and I love being outside so the parks and tree lined roads are always a highlight of my day.

I've been spending quite a lot of time in the house as the nights draw in.

 My room has seen more blankets and books joining the crew, the fan in my bedroom being packed away (yay!) and the living room has been home to board games and even more cups of tea than normal.
 

I've made a little routine of reading on weekday mornings rather than getting dressed straight away which has been nice. I'm currently reading Atonement by Ian McEwan, and I'm about half way through - it is a great read - so points to me!

Oh also, I got glasses this month - I'm short sighted (recently diagnosed). I don't wear them while reading, but they make a nice addition to photos of books, so never mind, haha. Mine are from Vision Express, just in case you were wondering.

I went on a little trip out to Leamington Spa with the familia and  this month on one of my days off (massive YES to days off) and I took some pictures of the autumnal sights in my beloved Jephson Gardens (and made friends with a squirrel).

It is beautiful at all times of the year, but would definitely encourage you to take a trip out this autumn, especially if you're Midlands based like me, because its even more lovely.

I spent some time with my family a few weekends back. It was lovely to see everyone - I hadn't seen some of my cousins in a year which seriously needed to be fixed. I watched Spirited Away for the first time with the littlest ones, played Uno and Snap, ate lots of cake and did a bit of a makeup master class with one of my older younger cousins (did that make sense?). Anyway, it was loads of fun and thanks to my Auntie for having us and everyone else for carving out time to spend with us.

We popped into Hemel Hempstead and St Albans while we were visiting, as we always do, and I did some serious shopping in Hemel Hempstead at TKMaxx, as well as other places. And then in St Albans, we went to the cathedral, which we have done once or twice before - it is such a lovely place to walk around and take in, as are the grounds.

A trip to the Watford Palace theatre was also something we managed to fit into our weekend - we went to see Arms and the Man on Friday night. It was an excellent production (as many are at the Palace), the actors were great and I laughed a whole lot which is always good.

Then, we travelled back home because I had tickets to go and see Jake Bugg at the O2 Academy in Birmingham, which had been bought for me for my birthday (thanks Uncle B!). It was such an amazing gig, and I had such a great time. The set list was fantastic and all my favourites were played and Jake's performance was outstanding (vocals, guitar and personality wise). A major highlight of this year.

 

And then, as it does every October, Halloween happened. Look at the coffee table display for the living room - isn't it super cute?

 

 

 

We had a little family get together with some very nice food, a fire going in the fire pit and some fireworks. When we do fireworks in our family, the policy is 'go big or go home' so the grass is looking a little worse for wear but the neighbours got to see a great display (as did we!). Oh and the next day we all met up again for a huge Sunday lunch.

It was loads of fun - thanks everyone!

So, I hope you liked this post! It was quite different from anything I've done before but I really liked putting it together and looking back on what was a great month.

What did you get up to this October? Did you enjoy this post? Do you like photo based posts as much as me? Got any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks ever so much for reading. Oh and I hope you had a gloriously lovely and sparkly Bonfire Night last night!

I hope your day is spectacular!

GingerSnaps xxx