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

It's Showtime!!! - Theatre Review - One Man, Two Guvnors.

Hi!!!

Firstly, I'm very, very sorry for not posting much so far this month. Don't worry though, I'm back now and for good this time, honestly. I've always got loads of drafts waiting but I never seem to find the time to finish them and sometimes, I don't feel like it and if I'm not putting in 100%, it wouldn't be worth reading. Right then, lets stop rambling and get on with it.

Today, I'm going to review another one of the shows I went to see during August - gosh, that seems like so long ago now. This time, it's the turn of One Man, Two Guvnors - the second show of the week.

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.

As I said above, this was the second show of the week. We went to the Matinée (afternoon performance) of this play.

One Man, Two Guvnors is on at The Theatre Royal Haymarket on Suffolk Street in London. Suffolk Street is just around the corner from Pall Mall which also meant that it was just around the corner from The Balcon - one of my favourite restaurants ever! - and so obviously a stop there was in order!

So,

 What is it about?

 After he's fired from his band, Francis Henshall becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe. But, what he doesn't know is that Roscoe is really Rachel, posing as her dead brother – who’s been killed by her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers. Francis spies the chance of an extra meal ticket and so takes up a job with Stanley – but to stop himself from being found out, he has to keep his two "guvnors" apart. What could possibly go wrong?

 

 What did I think?

 

To put it simply, this show was just completely and utterly BRILLIANT. I really, really enjoyed it.

 

This show is based Commedia Dell'arte, (if your not familiar with what that is, please do feel free to open a new tab and do your research then close that and continue here). Sometimes, Commedia Dell'arte, if it's not done properly can come across as a bit "going through the motions", because of its set up and outlines. However, this didn't at all. I think that its a great means of breathing a new life into this old Italian tradition.

 

I really thought all the actors were just truly wonderful.

Francis Henshall, mentioned above, is played by Rufus Hound. Now, I know, some of you will be more interested now because of that fact but that some people aren't fans of his. I promise you, if you are a fan of his, if your not (I'm not normally), or not really phased by him, you'll love him by the end of this show. He is just great in this play, so funny, charming and full of energy.

Amy Cudden was really good as Rachel Crabbe, also mentioned above. Very funny, somehow believable in all the madness of this play, and she looks great in a suit.

Stanley Stubbers is portrayed by Sam Alexander. He was brilliant in the role, was funny, entertaining and really played the part well. Wonderful.

Everyone else was just utterly amazing as well including Kelly Price as Dolly (who is a highly amusing character), Martin Barrass who plays Alfie (literally amazing that this man manages to stay in character, whilst doing all the physical theatre aspects), David Benson who has taken on the role of Gareth (so funny, honestly, just hilarious), Ian Burfield as Charlie "The Duck" Clench, Harry Kershaw as Alan Dangle and Hugh Sachs as Harry Dangle (all great with enjoyable performances). Then of course there is Derek Elroy whose performance as Lloyd Boateng is brilliant, loved it. Finally, there's Rhona Croker. She played Pauline Clench a character who reminds me of one of my Auntie's very much and whom I found to be a great all round character.

 

Something else which I found so great about the performance was The Craze. The Craze are a really good band who perform during the show at different points. Personally, I found that they really added something special to the experience and I do love a spot o music anyway, so all was good from them.

 

Physical theatre is a huge part of this show and so I thought I'd give some credit to Cal McCrystal and everyone else who is involved in directing and choreographing this show because they did an excellent job.

Also, the costumes, sets, and so on were really of a high quality and standard.

 

What did other people think?

 

There was not a single person in that theatre that I could see or hear that wasn't having a great time and laughing their heads off. There was a family with three kids of varying ages on my row and they all loved it, I had a great time and there were a cluster of elderly men and women behind me having a hoot and a half. This really is for everyone. I didn't find a single person who didn't seem to be enjoying it.

 

Would I recommend it?

 

I would recommend this highly to anyone, whether you have much of a sense of humour or not, whether you prefer more serious theatre, or not, because to me it was just sheer brilliance in a 2 hour 30 minute performance.

 

When can you go and see it?

 

One Man, Two Guvnors is currently booking up until March 2014 - I'm not sure if it will be taking bookings after that date, but I'd recommend checking that out. It is running at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on Suffolk Street just off Pall Mall, London. There is also a tour of the UK and Ireland coming up some time in the future, the dates haven't been given yet but do keep an eye out if that is of interest to you.

 

The final notes...

 

• This will come as no surprise to those of you who have read my theatre reviews before, but please do dress smart casually.
• Make sure to get ice-cream at this show, its good.
• Try and get the best seats that you can, it's not for any particular reason, it's just a great show.
• Enjoy.

 

Right then guys, I hope that you've enjoyed this post and that it's been of use to you. I would be great if you went to see this show and if you do, then be sure to let me know in the comments. Have you seen the show already? Do you agree with me or not?

 

 

I hope that you have a really nice day!

 

GingerSnaps xxx

I've Been Thinking... - It's "About Time", Mr Curtis.

Hi!!!

Any of you who know me will know that I am a Rom-Com obsessive. I do also love other kinds of films but to be truthful, I'd much rather watch a Rom-Com...

Richard Curtis. Anyone else who loves Romantic Comedies will know that Richard Curtis is THE DON. Four Weddings and A Funeral, Love Actually, Notting Hill to name but a few... Some of my favourite films of all time! But, you may have noticed that none of them are from recent years. So, how apt that his newest creation is called...

About Time.

I absolutely cannot wait to go and see this at the cinema very soon - if any of my friends or family are willing to be dragged along and share some popcorn with me, that'd be nice. And I'll be sure to review it for you when I've seen it.

Richard Curtis - you legend - I'm sure you won't disappoint...

To see the trailer, click HERE.

I can't wait.

I hope your day is awesome! 

GingerSnaps xxx

It's Showtime!!! - Theatre Review - A Chorus Line.

Hi!!!

If you read THIS post from earlier in the week, you'll know that I went to see four plays/shows in London a few weeks ago, which means theatre reviews galore for you. I'm sorry if theatre's not your thing, but it's mine, and that's what matters to me. So, sorry, I'm not sorry...

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. 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. 

A Chorus Line was actually the third show of the week, but I decided to just review it before the second show... Living on the edge...

A Chorus Line is at the London Palladium on Argyll Street, which is just off Oxford Street. The London Palladium is such an iconic theatre and A Chorus Line is a rather well known musical. I was very excited to go and see it. The show was first performed in 1975 on Broadway. There is a film of A Chorus Line, which is based on the play, from the 1985, however I haven't seen it so I won't be able to compare - apologies.

So...

 

What is it about?

 

Auditions are underway for a brand new musical on Broadway. It's the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s the one opportunity for the auditionees to do what they’ve always dreamed of. It's their opportunity to dance...

Under pressure from the pushy and demanding director, the hopefuls share the events that have moulded their lives and why tell us they chose to become dancers.

 

The stories featured in A Chorus Line are based on true stories. 

 

What did I think?

 

I have to be completely honest, it's not the best show I've seen. I did enjoy all of it, I thought it was very good, but I wasn't mad about it.
 

I love the concept, the idea and what it stands for. I think the idea of going behind it all, behind the costumes, the set and behind the curtains is brilliant. However, I don't think that it all translated very well.

I found parts funny, I found parts a bit thought provoking but overall, I just wasn't keen.

I think the main reason I wasn't the biggest fan of the show was that it wasn't quite what I expected.

I think that the actors all did a good job, don't get me wrong there and they were all very good singers and dancers.

I wasn't that it was too deep - I love deep, thought provoking plays. And it wasn't massively feel good either. It wasn't even particularly "in the middle". It was just kind of "there" in terms of emotion.

 

I think I just expected it to be a bit more "jazzy" and "snazzy" and just in general rather "in-your-face-non-stop-something..." - and it wasn't.

I wouldn't go back and I don't want to say anymore because I don't want this to be a negative zone because I know that some people will have loved this show. I'm sorry I'm not one of them.

What did other people think?

The person I went with said that she found it frustrating. She said that they found it frustrating because she kept waiting for it "to begin" and it never did for her, (and I have to agree).

When I asked if any of the actors stood out for her, she said that although over all, they were all very good, none of them really stood out and held their own.

 

I also did my typical eavesdrop. Some people really liked it, some people weren't too keen. Nobody said anything like, "That was brilliant!!!!", and there is almost always somebody who says that at a show - unless it's awful! So, although people enjoyed it, nobody was mad keen.

 

Would I recommend it?

 

Personally, I wouldn't recommend it. However, it might be your thing, I mean, someone's got to like it, since it's been running for so long. It just isn't something I would recommend.

It might be your thing, it might not, so if you are thinking about going, I'd read some more reviews first.

 

When can you go and see it?

 

A Chorus Line is running until 31st August 2014 at The London Palladium on Argyll Street, just off Oxford Street, London. Also, a tour of the show in Europe is being planned to begin in Autumn 2014 so keep an eye out if you're interested.

 

The final notes...

 

If you choose to go, then the list below will be of assistance to you.

• As I always instruct, dress smart casually if you can out of respect for everyone involved.
• There is no interval in this show, so no ice-cream at the theatre so be sure to order dessert after your dinner!
• There are binoculars by every seat, so if you don't get good seats, then no matter. 

 

I hope you've enjoyed this post guys, I'm sorry to put out a negative review, but I really just wouldn't want you to waste your money on something. If you've seen this show, then what did you think? Did you agree with me? Or not? And if you have anything else to say in the comments, then do feel free to type away!

 

I hope your day is great!

 

GingerSnaps xxx



Home is Where The Heart Is - Home Inspiration and Interior Design Ideas - Shabby Chic Bedroom.

Hi!!!

Today, I've dedicated some time to my blog. Today, I came in, I sat down with a cup of tea and thought, I'll write a blog post or two. Pride and Prejudice (the TV series version) is on telly in the background and I'm armed with a brew, some Cadbury Mini Animals and a very comfy armchair and I'm ready to write...

 

This is a very different post from anything I have done on this blog before. It's not something I planned to post about when I began this blog but I think that it might make for an interesting post. This post is an interiors post. Recently, we've been considering moving house - we've seen one that we really like and are thinking of putting an offer in. This opens up so many doors in terms of interior design because we'll no doubt end up redecorating every room in the house. We'll be bringing up the carpets, stripping the wallpaper and moving our furniture in. Because we'd already be redecorating, I can go ideas mad in terms of paint swatches, curtain patterns and wallpaper patterns. This excites me. The room which I'm most excited to decorate my bedroom. I know exactly what I want it to look like and how I want it to be.

 

I love the "Shabby Chic" style. It's right up my street and is the perfect mix of my lovely colours, gorgeous fabrics and beautiful furniture. I know in my head exactly what I want my bedroom to look like and "Shabby Chic" is it.

The Colour Scheme.

The Shabby Chic colour scheme is made up mostly of whites and creams with accents of soft toned peaches, delicate greens, sky blue, gentle greys, dainty salmon pinks and mild lavenders. Dreamy...

Furniture and Accessories.

Wooden furniture features a lot and the main choice is distressed white wood.

 

 

Credit.

 

 

I'd simply love a Rattan Headboard if I can get my hands on one... And if not another "Parisian" style headboard - back to the white wood again (re-edit: saw the perfect white wooden headboard today, so I've now got two options - yay!).

 

 

Credit.

I'd love also Bunting and Scatter Cushions (Lee Evans fans...) to feature as an accessory, with the bunting hung from different spaces of the room but meeting at one central point. As well, I'd love to include fairy lights, twig lights and lots of candles - I know it seems like it, but I'm not planning a fire hazard - promise.

Something I'd really love to do is have a quote/quotes or lyrics or a saying painted above my bed. If you have any ideas for that, then do let me know in the comments.

Just so you know, I do want wardrobes and a dressing table but, you know, bit obvious and not as fun as other stuff to be honest is it?



I'll also be including all of my old Hollywood movie prints and my two favourite Audrey Hepburn stills in the room.

The Final Notes.

And that's all for today my lovelies.  I hope this has inspired you in some way, been interesting and that you enjoyed this post.
If you have any ideas of your own that you'd like to share, please do or any comments or questions to do with this post, and I'll do my best to answer them all. And I'll be sure to give you a room tour once it's all complete - even though we haven't even secured this house yet...

Have a fabulous day.

GingerSnaps xxx