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

Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do! - Music - Meet My New Guitar.

Hi!!!

This is a slightly different music post than normal but one I'm excited to share with you all. It features one of my birthday presents from my parents, which I've always wanted (but only recently actually asked for!).

Meet my beautiful new guitar. It's an acoustic guitar from Lindo.

 

It's mahogany with pale green artwork - it's basically my dream design for a guitar. I've been learning and practising for the past few weeks and I'm really enjoying it. It came with a canvas case which is super handy and my parents told me that they were super duper impressed with the company's customer service (friendly and helpful is always good).

I haven't played an instrument in a few years - I used to play violin. The two instruments I have always wanted to play are violin and guitar, so I'm doing pretty well in terms of life goals.

 

 

I am so, so excited that I now have a guitar and I'm already loving playing so much. I'm very thankful to my parents for buying it for me for my birthday, it is a really special gift.

 

So, there you go. A little musical life update from me.

Do you play an instrument? Do you like my guitar? Do you have any suggestions for future posts? Just fancy a chat? Talk to me in the comments.

Thanks for reading, have a great day.

 

I hope your day is pitch perfect.

 

GingerSnaps xxx

It's Showtime!!! - Theatre Review - A Tour Of The National Theatre and Afternoon Tea.

Hi!!!

As I've mentioned previously, I spent a lot of time at the National Theatre in the week following my birthday. I saw two shows (which I reviewed here and here), but that wasn't all. One of my birthday presents was a tour of the theatre and afternoon tea at one of their restaurants. Here are my thoughts.



 The tour takes you behind the scenes, with time in each theatre within the National - the Olivier, the Lyttelton and the Dorfman - and also the props and set departments.

 

The tour is conducted in groups which are medium sized - there  are quite a few people and yet not too many, so if you have any questions, you'll be heard. You're given orange vests to wear so that none of you get lost and they are pretty snazzy.

 

You find out about the lay-out of the theatre, the reason they are each designed in such different ways. You also get to find out about the materials used for props and set, see the workspaces and hold some of the props used from previous productions. The tour guide will also talk to you about traditions the actors at the theatre have and the inner workings of the productions (like the Olivier Drum).

 

The National Theatre are keen to say that no two tours are exactly the same in that you may see different sets, props or maybe the making of some. You may find out different facts, depending on the shows that are on. There's always something new at the National and they want people to feel involved in that, which I love.

 

The tour is informative, interesting and fun. It is a unique experience, and definitely worth going, especially if you love the theatre.

The Afternoon Tea was amazing, too.

All of the elements of it are taken from productions by the National Theatre, some examples include a Hummus, Red Pepper and Green Bean Sandwich from One Man Two Guvnors and the greatest pork pie I've ever eaten which is inspired by Sweeny Todd (although thankfully not in a literal sense!). The deserts deserve a special mention, too - macaroons, gooseberry ice cream, honey cake (with honey from the theatre's beehives) and the obligatory scones.

The service at the restaurant was excellent and we were given plenty of time to enjoy the experience, which I appreciated greatly.

It was an absolute treat and I would wholeheartedly recommend it.

There is a package featuring both experiences or you can, I believe, do them separately. I've linked all the information you could possibly want on this here and here.



I hope you found this interesting. I'm super lucky to have had this experience and writing this really made me smile.

Have you been on the tour or had afternoon tea at the National? Would you like to? Do you have any suggestions for future posts? Fancy a chat? Talk to me in the comments.

Thanks for joining me today, I'll speak to you soon.

Have a marvellous day, lovely people!

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



It's Showtime!!! - Theatre Review - The Plough and The Stars.

Hi!!!

Good morning, lovely people. How are you today? I have another theatre review for you, and it is once again a production at the National Theatre. Today we're going to discuss 'The Plough and The Stars', which is in its preview stages.

'The Plough and The Stars' is a play by Sean O'Casey. It was written in the 1920s and is based on the events of Easter Uprising of 1916 - this production at the National Theatre commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the uprising. When the play was first performed in Dublin, the audience broke out into fights and WB Yeats famously said to the audience, "You have disgraced yourselves again".

 

It follows a group of Dubliners living in tenement housing and the problems they faced before and during the unrest. The group are men and women with different religious beliefs and views on Ireland and the rebellion. There is tragedy, sometimes comedy, and many aspects to this plot.
 

 

The play itself is good, but possibly covers a few too many things. A lot happens within that two hour and forty minute space, and sometimes it can feel a bit much. Other than that, I really like the content of the play and the way it focuses on real life as well as the uprising, that there is a human focus to such an event.

 

The set is a good backdrop to the action. It features a pub, houses and a street and they are detailed, despite being simple.

 

There are lots of characters in 'The Plough and The Stars' and therefore lots of actors. I was truly impressed by Judith Roddy (Nora), who gave a very emotional performance, Stephen Kennedy (Fluther), who was hilarious when he needed to be, and Justine Mitchell (Bessie), who performed her dynamic character, who is bold and different and yet also caring, with admirable skill.

The rest of the cast were also very good and I think they successfully breathe life into O'Casey's characters. In such a big cast, I don't feel any of the characters are lost, which speaks in the actors favour.

 

I'd give a solid and enthusiastic four stars to this production of 'The Plough and The Stars'. I was very impressed, particularly with the standard of acting, and I would recommend it to you all (especially if you like historical plays and/or have an interest in Irish History).

 

To find out more about 'The Plough and The Stars' at the National Theatre, click here.

You may also like to check out this video, which will show you the variety of different characters represented in the play.

 

And that concludes my review. I hope you enjoyed it.

Have you seen 'The Plough and The Stars'? Do you have any theatre recommendations for me? Have you got any other comments or suggestions for future posts? Be sure to let me know in the comments section - I'd love to hear from you.

Thank you for reading.

 

Have an awesome day!

 

GingerSnaps xxx



It's Showtime!!! - Theatre Review - The Seagull.

Hi!!!

As some of you may know, I celebrated my birthday on Sunday. I've spent a load of time at the National Theatre since Sunday, as I received tickets to various things there. Today I'll be reviewing a show I saw on Monday night - 'The Seagull' - which is currently in its previews.

 

The 'Young Chekhov' series that has just begun at the National Theatre consists of three plays - Platonov, Ivanov and The Seagull. They have been adapted and translated from Russian by David Hare for the series. I saw The Seagull - they are all stand alone plays and so you don't need to know about the others to enjoy any of them.

'The Seagull' follows Konstantin, an aspiring writer, and the people in his life - his overbearing mother and her successful husband, the girl he loves and so on. It charts the successes, failures and tragedies that they all experience as time goes on. It is both comic and tragic and totally captivating.

 

The play is powerful, detailed and observes human life in an intelligent and yet accessible way. The characters are emotional and highly developed which allows the audience to connect with them and so in turn, the play's action.

The production at the National is, in my opinion, outstanding. Having been to see a few less than amazing productions recently, which I haven't reviewed, I hoped that this would be great. It was - it reminded me why I fell in love with the theatre in the first place.

The set design is completely stunning, innovative and detailed - I am in awe of the talent of everyone involved in its construction and design. The lake on stage, the trees, the house, the little details like reeds, are all so beautifully crafted and look as though they have just been found and put on stage. It creates the perfect backdrop for the action.

The cast work very well together and truly succeed in bringing the characters to life. My stand out performers were Joshua James (Konstantin), Anna Chancellor (Irina Nikolaevna Arkadina), Peter Egan (Sorin), Olivia Vinall (Nina) and Adrian Lukis (Evgeny Dorn) - it was really difficult to choose favourite performers for this, actually, which is definitely a good sign.

I'm very happy to give five stars to 'The Seagull' - it is an excellent production in every way and I would highly recommend going to see it.

You can find more information about the show, the theatre and tickets here.

Thanks for reading this, I hope you enjoyed it.

Have you seen a play from the Young Chekhov series? Do you have any theatre recommendations for me? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments below.

I'll speak to you all soon.

Have a show-stopping and spectacular day!

GingerSnaps xxx

Oh My Life! - Tales of My Life and Times - Roses, Wishes, Fairy Lights, Balloons, Candles and CAKE!



Hi!!!

So, before I begin, I would like to address the fact that I haven't blogged in about a hundred years - holidays, weekends away, visiting family and friends and good old fashioned bloggers block amongst other things can take the blame. I feel like summer is probably when I end up blogging the least, and I am so sorry about that but hopefully you've been spending lots of time outside enjoying the sunshine and so haven't been at your computer all that much to notice.

Anyways, today I wanted to talk to you about my birthday back in July and the kind of things I got up to. I hope that you enjoy and that you find this interesting...

Little Disclaimer: I am under no circumstances writing this as a way of "showing off" about what I did for my birthday or the kinds of things I received. I know that I am incredibly fortunate for everything that I have in my life. I am writing this because I find these types of posts interesting to read and to write and I hope that you enjoy this. xxx

 



I was born on the 24th of July and so that is, quite predictably, my birthday.

This year was a "milestone" kind of number and so it called for something extra special.

It has always been the case that I spend time on my birthday with my family and that we have a bit of a celebration-get together-meal-type thing (usually at my house) and this year was no different.
 

I woke up on the morning of my birthday to big silver number balloons and tonnes more pink and silver balloons dotted around the house from my lovely Mother - balloons are one of my favourite things and I was delighted.

 Somewhere along the line this year, I was bitten by the DIY bug and so I spent some free time making decorations to make everything lots more colourful and pretty and I spent the morning of my birthday hanging those up and cooking (because food, obviously).

Elf Girl came round to my house in the morning as well to say "happy birthday" and she also gave me a lovely card and gifts. She made a "birthday box" to put my presents in and every present was very thoughtful and creative (homemade presents are the best kind) and I absolutely loved everything - Thank you, Elf Girl!

I spent the afternoon getting ready.

 I put on one of my favourite dresses which has a 1950s silhouette and the most beautiful colours to it - it makes me feel like I'm going to a carnival in the 50s with all intentions of clearing the place of milkshakes and candyfloss.

I also put on my Chucks, because I didn't feel like wearing heels that day and Converse look good with dresses - it is an actual fact, let's not pretend it isn't.

 I then did my makeup which consisted of lots of rose and gold tones on the eyes and a peachy lip and popped a jewelled tiara/hairband on.

And then, somehow, the day had flown by and people were showing up at the door.

I had so, so much fun that evening. Lots and lots of birthday cake was eaten, photos were taken in the "photo booth" that I had DIYed (featuring handmade props and backdrop), fairy lights lit up the garden and party poppers scared the life out of everyone.
I was also lucky enough to get some super nice and special presents and cards off of my family as well as some money off one or two people as well.
 I am so, so fortunate to have received such beautiful things from everyone - big, huge thank you to everyone!!!!!

 

A few days after my birthday, Lauren came round for a catch up and she gave me a really cute Pop! Disney Vinyl of Princess Belle - I adore Disney and the Vinyl is so sweet, Belle now sits pride of place on the coffee table!

 

Also, a week or so before my birthday I met up with the other side of my family and ate homemade Pavlova that was covered in birthday candles and did cards and presents - all of which were very thoughtful, beautiful and will be well enjoyed - as well as going out for a rather fancy meal and I would just like to say a huge big thank you to everyone for that brilliant weekend.

 

I had the most amazing birthday in the world and I feel extremely lucky.

Thank you again to everyone for all the birthday wishes as well as the cards and gifts. Big love xxx

 

Well, I think that's everything, I hope that you have enjoyed reading this post today and that I'll see you again for my next post.

When is your birthday? What do you think the best part of birthdays is? Do you have any comments? Do you have any suggestions for future posts? Be sure to let me know in the comments.

I'll speak to you all soon, guys.

 

Have an utterly awesome day!

 

GingerSnaps xxx



So, To Sum It All Up - July Summary.

Hi!!!


Another month, another summary. I have no idea where the time is going because apparently, we're already on August. Can someone please explain to me what is happening here? Is it the wibbly wobbly timey wimey stuff? If you got that reference, then go you!

Beginning to Move Our Stuff To The New House.


So, after such a long time of perfecting the house, we've finally started moving our things in a transit van and now have an actual sofa in the new house (as opposed to a row of garden chairs) and have put clothes into the wardrobes IKEA delivered and assembled as well as making the beds. It's all coming together and there is only one room to complete now and some more pieces to move.

Exciting times, especially considering that I can near enough guarantee we'll be moving this month!

To see all of my posts about moving house, (HERE), (HERE), (HERE) and (HERE).


Enjoying Going Out and Spending Time In The Sunshine.

Something I have no corresponding posts to link up with is spending time in the sun. And I don't mean sunbathing - I'm ginger, therefore pale, therefore no.

No, what I mean is spending time doing things, going to interesting places and in turn, enjoying the sunshine. 

It's been nice to get out and do things which are a bit different and a lot of fun,

The Commonwealth Games

Aah, the Commonwealth Games, which are wrapping up as we speak. 

The Opening Ceremony was fabulous as were all of the sporting events.

I have really enjoyed having the opportunity to see so many athletes from so many diverse countries participate in sport and cheering on my favourite althetes. 

It has been great.

To see my post about the Commonwealth Games, mosey on over (HERE).

My Birthday and Celebrations.

So, as you may or may not know, my birthday was last Thursday and I spent quite a bit of time celebrating with all of my wonderful friends and family.

I enjoyed myself a lot and  I recived some lovely things.

It was brilliant.

I had such an amazing time and I'd like to say a massive thanks to everyone for that.

To see the post I wrote about my birthday and celebrations, click (HERE).

Lots of Lovely Little Things.

As you know, I am always one for the little things and I find nothing better than feeling happy.

In July, I spent time enjoying a lot of lovely simple things which made me so, so happy. 

I think we should all spend a bit more time appreciating how sometimes even just some eggs and toast can lift your mood.

To see my post about some of the things that made me smile, click (HERE).


My Favourite Blog Posts Of July.

"Yarn Bomb Pics!!!" on Chronicles of the Red Herring, (HERE).

Elf Girl got her photography skills out here and took some great photos of the time earlier this month that our neighbourhood got yarn bombed (she explains the terms in her post). 

I found this fun, interesting and unique.

"We did: An Indoor Fort" on Little Winter, (HERE).

I love quirky little things like this and since forts were a massive childhood fave, I really like this post.

It's nice to see something alternative on a blog like this.

"A Seaside Weekend with Friends, and a Video" on A Rosie Outlook, (HERE).

I liked this post because of it's friendly feel and because it showed off some of the delights found near Rosie's home.

It's also nice to have a video to accompany the writing as it added something else to the post and made it more interesting.

"Cuckoo Clocks & Late Night Kisses" on Charlotte 's Web, (HERE)

I love when Charlotte writes like this.

It's funny, it's sweet, it's endearing and the ending is adorable. It's great and you should read it, too.

"Lead the Way" on The London Project, (HERE).

It's a good set of photographs that look great.

It's unique and interesting and one for the creative amongst you.

"Friday Round Up" on Made Up Of Little Things, (HERE).

This post is a very "real" post, as it truly is just a life update.

This post takes the good with the bad and pinch of salt, and that is appealing as it connects a lot with you. It's more a conversation than a presentation.

"What Olivia Cooked: Salted Caramel Popcorn" on What Olivia Did, (HERE)

I actually discovered What Olivia Did this morning, not last month, but this recipe looks so good that I had to share. I've been having a wee butchers at some previous posts and I like what I see.

This blog could become a new addition  to the reading list and the popcorn could become a fave of mine soon.

So, that's all for today then, I hop you have enjoyed. I look forward to getting back on the blogging bus this month and posting more, I hope you are too. 

Did you enjoy July? What were your highlights? What do you think of mine? Did you enjoy this post? Any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments.

See you all soon for a lot more posts.

Have the most wonderful day!

GingerSnaps xxx

Oh My Life! - Tales Of My Life and Times - My Birthday, Chicken, Photo Booths, Awesome Gifts and Cards and Cake... Lots of Cake.

Hi!!!


So, as some of you will know, my birthday was last Thursday and I thought that I would share with you all the wonderful things that I did.

I just want to make everyone aware of the fact that I do know how lucky I am to have family and friends like I do and who can/do treat me on my birthday. I am in no way posting this to make others feel bad or to flaunt how lucky I am, it is just because I like to give you guys an insight into my life and thought that this kind of post might be of interest as its the kind of post I enjoy reading. I hope you enjoy and we are all on the same page as to my appreciation.

My celebrations began on the Friday before last, when I spent my afternoon with Elf Girl (HERE), opening my birthday presents from her early.
She got me such wonderful things, all of which I love, and I'm really grateful to have such a brilliant best friend.
We proceeded to spend the rest of the afternoon eating Pot Noodles and discussing Oasis, singing Disney songs, Paint (HERE) songs and Bowling for Soup - otherwise known as our skill set in a nutshell.
These are always such brilliant times.

My "celebration" celebrations began last Sunday, when my friends and I all went out to Nando's (that place is like our mother-ship, and you can find it HERE) to eat our usual (definitely the mother-ship) chicken burgers - beanie burger for Elf Girl - and chips with Peri-Peri salt and Extra Hot, Hot Sauce.

My friends (including Lauren - HERE - and H - HERE) gave me some lovely cards and presents, we all took far too many selfies and sneaky off-guard shots, posed for group photos and hugged lots.

Later on in the evening, after one of our friends, Z, had left and after we'd nipped to the loo's, we found a Photo Booth and jumped in (there were only 4 of us but it was a bit of a squeeze since it was an ID Photo Booth for passports...) and took a photo from the set each (because it was the same photo printed 4 times). We then went in in pairs and me and Elf Girl went all 2.0 on the pictures we did at Morrison's last year (HERE).

Then the others left and myself and Elf Girl stayed outside for a while, singing a very poor rendition of Copacabana (HERE) and rolling down a hill... We are such children it is untrue.

Thanks to all of my lovely friends for an awesome evening out and for the cards and gifts. I'm very fortunate to have them.

Then, it was left until my actual birthday to celebrate. I got up in the morning and opened some bits and pieces from my parents and opened all the cards that were sent through the post or dropped at the house by the sender. 

My parents truly spoilt me with a pair of Docs (Dr Martens - HERE) which I have wanted since forever as well as a load of other wonderful things - thank you!

My cards are really beautiful, with lovely sentiments, details and colours. Elf Girl got me a Moon Pig (HERE) card which looked like a cover of Vogue and had all of our inside jokes as the surrounding article names which was cool. 

My Mom and I went out in the morning and had some lunch from Pret (HERE) and then headed off to get ready. I sat and did my face/hair/nails while watching some of my reality TV guilty pleasures and then I got dressed up to go and have a meal with the family at my Nan's house.

I wore an Ombre, white and blue, dipped hem dress and my new Docs, wore my hair curled and used some Soap and Glory (HERE) makeup - which Lauren got me for my birthday - creating a white and blue eye with a nude lip.

I went to my Nan's house and met up with all of our family for curry, presents, cakes (I had three...)and photos.

The food was delicious, the (mainly juice based) Bucks Fizz was a treat and a half, the presents I was given were absolutely amazing and I had such a wonderful time.

I also liked spending time getting a couple of family photos with everyone dressed up and I just really enjoyed myself. I feel like a good time was had by all, even though we were fit to burst upon going home.

Thank you to all of my family for the wonderful day and for my gifts and cards. I'm very lucky to have such a brilliant family and very lovely things.

The final celebration was going to Belton House (HERE) with Auntie S (HERE) for a day out, a catch up and some library envy. Would deffo recommend for a visit.

I had a great time - thanks S!

That's it for today then, and I guess for this month. I'll see you tomorrow for my July Summary - it should be a good un'.

When's your birthday? What do you think about what I got up to? What is your favourite part about birthdays? Any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading.

Have a very happy day!

GingerSnaps xxx