5, 4, 3, 2, 1! - Happy New Year (2018 Edition).

Hi!!!

So, the last post of 2017 is here! I almost can't believe that we've arrived at the end of this year. Anyway, here's the annual review of the year and a message for you for 2018.

2017 has had some amazing moments for me. I've celebrated a milestone birthday, I've spent time with my friends and family and I left the kind of 'work place' I've known for most of my life. I've been to some great gigs, I've taken on big blog projects like Blogmas. I made some achievements in my 'work' life that I am still super proud of. I've watched my friends achieve and I truly could not be more proud of them than I am everyday. I worked harder than I actually knew I could but I've also taken plenty of time to play. I've danced and I've laughed. I've explored castles (and lived in one for a few days!). I conquered one of my biggest (although somewhat irrational fears) and had some dental work done that I'd been putting off for ages. I've passed on my knowledge of party dances and I've worn glitter all over my face and I finally got to go to London with my friends and I had the most amazing day. I went to Birmingham's MCM Comic Con in both March and November (and did some pretty cool cosplays). I dressed up as a fairy for Halloween and made jokes around a bonfire with friends. It snowed. And the snow settled. I got my Irish passport. I took ten million photos and am in the ten million other photos those around me took. I went bowling (and actually hit some of the pins!). I spent a day picking apples with my cousins. I watched a cake get set on fire and I ate candyfloss and we helped one of my friends build her first ever blanket fort. I got rained on while watching outoor Shakespeare and then later in the summer saw some far better and less rainy outdoor Shakespeare. I celebrated one of our closest family friends getting married and I ate pasta in Brighton and went on an Easter egg hunt and I sat on the grass and watched a Horrible Histories themed show and got lost in a maze with my best friend. I saw a fox in real life. I've carved pumpkins and sent an obnoxious amount of memes and played on a pinball machine and ate fries from a fake tree and and I reconnected with friends. I had really lovely and sometimes deep conversations. And looking back, I have loved so much of 2017 and I have learnt so much and done so much and I feel incredibly lucky.

If 2017 hasn't been a great year for you, for whatever reason, then I am really sorry. I hope that it at least has had some good moments and that you have smiled. Your story is so very significant and you really do matter.

I hope 2018 is an amazing year for you. I hope you get to make lots of lovely memories and spend time with the people who matter to you and I hope that when you get to this time next year and you're reflecting on what has gone before, you smile fondly and you realise that you've come a long way. I hope you and those who you love are happy and healthy and safe in 2018 and I hope you all love every second of the year. Thank you for your readership and support in 2017 and thank you for supporting me. Sending lots of love and good vibes for the New Year.

Thanks for reading.
What are your plans for the New Year? Do you have any other comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know by leaving a comment.
I'll see you all next year.

Happy New Year!

GingerSnaps xxx

Oh My Life! - Tales of My Life and Times - A Visit To Warwick Castle (And Why You Should Visit This Summer).

Hi!!!

Today I'm going to tell you a little bit about a day out that Elf Girl and I went on back in April and also tell you why you should also go on a similar day out. We went to Warwick Castle, a popular heritage site that is local to us, and we had a great day.

I hadn't been to Warwick Castle for at least 6 years - I'd been on many a childhood family and school trip - and so I was excited to see the new features I'd seen advertised, and of course to spend the day pretending to be royalty with my best friend.

The first thing we did when we arrived was head over to the new Horrible Histories Maze. As Horrible Histories fans, and big kids, we were excited to see what it would be like.

 We weren't disappointed.

It was one of the highlights of the day. There are several sections within the maze based on different historical periods. It's more about finding those places than finding the way out and it is so much fun. There are plenty of photo opportunities, and lots of bitesize information, and it's fun for all ages.

When you leave the maze, there are two exits - one for the grown-ups, one for the children. The children's exit is like an obstacle course, and I can tell you first hand that it is a whole lot of fun, even if our heights did make it a bit complicated - I had to walk across the tops of the obstacles but I think it made it all the more enjoyable.

The State Rooms are open to visit, and so we saw a range from bedrooms to libraries to chapels.

The rooms are gorgeous, although I will say that there isn't as much information available in them or about them as there is at similar heritage properties, which is something to bear in mind if you love your history, like me.

However, they are still very much worth a wander through. Oh, but just to warn you, we did hear a really odd hissing noise in the library and we practically flew out of the room because our first conclusion was "It might be a ghost". It was hilarious, and probably not a ghost, but do let me know if you hear it on any recent visits, haha.

The Mound and the battlements give great views of the castle grounds and the Warwickshire landscape - which is beautiful - as well as allow you to be taken back in time to the castle' s history as a defensive site. I think my last visit before this was on a school trip that was centred on defensive castles - in the same year we studied William the Conquerer, so it was with that time period in mind - so it also called back a few memories to be up on the battlements again.

The grounds are home to several birds of prey, gift shops and restaurants (where you can stock up on sweets and toy swords), small archery workshops for children and lots of shows.

We saw an amazingly informative and totally hilarious Horrible Histories show, but at other times of year there are other cool shows - such as epic War of the Roses battles over the summer, which sound incredible. There are also falconry displays and trebuchet shows (their trebuchet is the largest working siege machine in the world) on throughout the year, which are awesome, and were a staple part of visits for me when I was younger.

There are several other cool things to see and do at Warwick Castle but I would recommend following our plan for the day.

I had so much fun - of course spending the day with my best friend probably helped a lot, but I'm sure the castle and it's grounds played their parts too, haha.
Oh, and there are Ben and Jerry's vending machine in the car park, and if that final statement hasn't convinced you, I don't know what will.

I had such a great time, and I'm so glad we went - you should definitely put it on your list for 'Days Out' ideas, it's well worth it. I mean, really, what's better than spending the day scanning round a castle in pretty dresses, pretending to be princesses with your friends? Not much, I'd bet.

I hope you enjoyed this post.
Have you been to Warwick Castle? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Leave me a comment to let me know.
Thanks so much for reading.

I hope your day is brilliant!

GingerSnaps xxx

I've Been Thinking... - What I Saw at the Cinema in January: Rogue One and La La land.

Hi!!!

I've said this a lot recently, but last year I really got back into going to the cinema. I really want to continue that this year, because I really enjoy it, and I made a good start by going twice in January. Here's my thoughts on the movies I saw last month, both of which are still running at most cinemas.

The first film I saw at the cinema in 2017 was Rogue One: A Star Wars Story which is set shortly before the events of ‘A New Hope’, ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ and reveals how the Rebellion got their hands on the designs for the Death Star with the help of former criminal Jyn Erso.
 I went with my Uncle B - we hadn't been to the cinema together in about a million years so it was lovely to spend that time together.

I love Star Wars, and this is one of my favourite films in the franchise.

I find that during most of the Star Wars films, I get bored for at least fifteen minutes or so in the middle, but that didn't happen with Rogue One. I found it engaging, entertaining and I really liked the plot and I think they have the pacing for this one spot on,

The characters were all interesting and individual and I'm really glad I went to see it. I was concerned it would take away from the actual main Star Wars films, but I think it just adds to them - its nice to see more of that universe.

When I first saw the trailer for La La Land, I very excitedly told my best friend Elf Girl about it because she loves musicals just as much as me. It follows the lives of Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian, a jazz pianist, and the romance that begins between the two of them, which is threatened when they finally find success.

 I enjoyed the film a lot. I think the characters are great, I really like the songs and the score in general and I like that it features dance routines like those from old school Hollywood musicals. There are gorgeous moments in this movie.

 I wasn't keen on some elements of the cinematography -  namely the ridiculously fast, makes-your-eyes-go-out-of-focus panning - but other aspects of it I found to be really beautiful. I'm not mad about the structure - its split into seasons - and in some ways I don't think it is quite all that certain reviewers, critics and people in general say it is, but I did like it all the same and would recommend you go and see it.

There are links here and here to screening times for Rogue One and links here and here to screening times for La La Land.

I hope you enjoyed these mini reviews of two of January's biggest films.

Have you seen these movies? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future content? Please leave a comment below and I'll get back to you.

Thanks for reading, and if you go and see either of these films, I hope you enjoy them.

I hope you have an incredible day!

GingerSnaps xxx

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

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 

I've Been Thinking... - Lovely Little Things From This Week

Hi!!!

I thought that it would be nice to keep things simple and just share some things with you from this week. The tiniest little things that I'm grateful for. I've got a busy weekend, and then a busy week ahead of me, and so I wanted to stop and take stock of things as they are before I jump head first into all of those things.



Our garden is in that lovely September space, where there are still flowers everywhere but also seasonal changes like some plants coming to the end of flowering and so on. I love being out in the garden and it's a real experience at the moment.



Having lunch at Bella Italia on Wednesday with two of my favourites people - Elf Girl and one our friends. It was so great to catch up with them both, spend time together and eat great Italian food.

 

When choosing my fragrance for Wednesday, I decided to use my Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir, which I hadn't used in a million years. I'd forgotten how much I like it - it's a gorgeous scent (its a bit strong when you first put it on but then it settles) and it lasts for such a long time.

This quiz was a lot of fun to do. I got all 16 right, so take it and let me know if your in my 100% club(aka the best club to be in).

Watching television in bed on a weekday morning because I had time off.
 

The vase of pink and cream flowers on the coffee table. They're just so pretty!

 

 Sitting down in front of some of my favourite TV shows with chocolate digestive and a big cup of tea. Would you guys like me to share some of my television favourites in the future?

 



Thanks for joining me today, I hope you enjoyed reading this and getting a little insight into my week.
What have you been up to this week? What are your plans for the weekend? Do you have any other comments or suggestions for future posts? Be sure to let me know in the comments section below.
Enjoy your evening, my little gemstones.

 

I hope your day is as wonderful as you!

 

GingerSnaps xxx

So, To Sum It All Up - Summer Summary

Hi!!!

Well, hello again! I'm back from my travels (and I had a very nice time) and thought that as it is now September, a summer summary was in order, to fill you in on everything I've been up to. I haven't written a summary in ages but this was really fun to write and I hope you like it.



I've been to the theatre a lot this summer - I went to see Sunny Afternoon at the Harold Pinter (which I enjoyed lots), King Lear at Malvern (which I didn't ever get round to reviewing, but was good), No Villain at the Trafalgar Studios (which I wasn't all that impressed by, to be honest), The Seagull at the National Theatre (which was amazing), and The Plough and The Stars at the National Theatre (which was a very good production). I'm super lucky to have seen such a variety of plays and to see some really memorable productions. I also went on a tour of the National Theatre and for afternoon tea - I got tickets for my birthday - and it was awesome and something I would highly recommend.

 

I celebrated my birthday in July, as I do every year. It was lots of fun. I spent my birthday with my family and had a lovely time catching up with everyone. I also spent some time with my friends as part of a joint-birthday-type-thing with Elf Girl which was great. I was fortunate enough to receive lots of lovely cards and presents, which I'd like to say thank you for once again.

 

I've also been to a whole bunch of places this year. I've been in London a few times, which I always enjoy, I went to Cambridge to see some outdoor Shakespeare performances and see my cousin, I stayed in Watford for some family time and I went to Cyprus for a week with my Mom and Auntie S, which was such a great trip. We went to archaeological parks, the beach, to see a waterfall, to castles and we ate some wonderful meals.

 

Some other things that deserve a mention include - going to the cinema with my friends, getting my guitar, feeling really proud of my blog and content and regular posts, watching movies and getting the right answers on quiz shows.

 

So, to some it all up, I've had a really rather wonderful summer - I've spent time with my favourite people, I've been to great places, I've seen plays, I've read books, and I've enjoyed myself.

Happy September everyone, I hope you're having a good week so far.
What have you been up to this summer? What were your favourite parts? Have you got any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed this post.

Have a spectacular day!

 

GingerSnaps xxx

Oh My Life! - Tales Of My Life And Times - My Birthday!, Family, Friends, Bunting and Balloons.

Hi!!!

As I've recently celebrated my birthday, I thought that I'd fill you guys in on what I got up to because I often find this kind of thing quite interesting, and thought you would too. So, without further ado, let's talk about my birthday.



I had my family get-together at my Auntie's house in Watford this year. I've got family in various places around the country and almost everyone managed to make it (except those who were away/had prior commitments and so couldn't).
We spent the afternoon eating lots of yummy food and catching up. The garden was decorated with bunting, garlands and photographs of me throughout the years, all of which my parents had either put up or made, which was ever so thoughtful.
I was given some wonderful cards and presents, too, which I'm extremely grateful for.
 I had a fantastic time and am so happy that I got to spend the day with my family, having fun.

 

Elf Girl came round for a cup of tea a few days before my birthday and gave me some lovely presents and a card while she was here. It was great to see her and I'm very lucky to have a) such a great best friend and b) received such lovely things.

We also did a joint birthday kind of thing yesterday with our friends which involved lots of food, a very snazzy playlist, time in the hot tub and some hilarious group photos featuring various props.
It was a really great day and it was good to see everyone.

 

And that is the summary of my birthday! We're going to the cinema tomorrow for Elf Girl's actual birthday which should be lots of fun.

What have you guys been up to recently? Anything exciting? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments - I'd love to hear from you.

Thank you for reading.

I hope you have a spectacular day!

GingerSnaps xxx