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

Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do - Music - New Music, April 2017 Edition.

Hi!!!

What's up, guys? Wasn't that the most blogger-y start to a post? Anyway, today I have a post all about new music. One of my favourite things in life is finding new songs, new artists or hearing new releases from artists who I've listened to for a long time. There is a full range of those options here for you today, and something for everyone from fun euro-pop to indie guitar tracks to spaced out pshydedellic beats. I hope you enjoy.

'Brazil' by Declan McKenna.

I have been a huge fan of Declan McKenna for quite a while now. 'Brazil' is a new release from his upcoming debut album, 'What Do You Think About The Car?', although I think it was used on an EP a while back, and I think it's fantastic. It is both upbeat and relaxed, it is effortlessly cool, and like all of his songs, 'Brazil' is current and socially aware. His music is guitar based, which we all know I love, and I would highly recommend listening to his tracks.

'Soap' by Fox Wilde.

This is solid gold Euro-pop and I am so excited about this track. Fox Wilde are such a charismatic duo and this song (and the music video) show this off brilliantly. The lyrics are cheeky and youthful, the music is layered and interesting, and it has a lot of potential for dancing to. It's a super fun song, and I'm now a little obsessed with Fox Wilde, I'm not going to lie.

'Sunflower' by Rex Orange County.

If summer-y vintage style songs are up your street then you have to listen to this song. Rex Orange County is a mulit-instrumentalist and makes full use of his range of skills on 'Sunflower', the saxophone in the chorus is awesome. I think this track has influences from the 60s, 70s and from the jazz genre as a whole, and the end product is a cool, sun soaked end product. The only thing I'm not hugely keen on is the spoken word bridge - I don't really like talking in songs - but overall, its a fab song.

'Halfway' by Laosie.

'Halfway' is a spaced out, electronic trance piece that is beautifully produced. The lyrics are phrased nicely - I know that sounds odd but it holds your attention - and the vocals are soft, with an ethereal quailty. It's graceful and soft and needs to be added to your playlists right away. It's a brief moment of escapism, but doesn't ever fade into the basic or dull. I love it.

'Percieve/Pursue' by Bakery.

This experimental alternative rock song is so interesting because of its composition. It's mostly instrumental, and a broad range of instruments and sounds are used throughout which holds your attention. It's trippy and it's bold and I think that Bakery are really onto something with this. The production and mix on this track creates a layered affect which adds to the impact of it all around.

'Be Who You Are' by The Kooks.

I love The Kooks, I have done since I was younger. I love their brand of sunny, smart indie pop and this new track hasn't let me down. Its cheerful, feel-good and the bridge is amazing - the track switches effortlessly between the band's staple guitar pop to a more relaxed, 70s style bridge and I am in love with it. Luke's unique voice really lifts this track.  Listen on a Monday morning to make you feel like a star ready to conquer the world.

'Modern Love' by The Courteeners.

Clear charismatic Northern English vocals, and smart self aware lyrics are what I've come to expect from The Courteeners. 'Modern Love' has all the components of a good indie song, with dance worthy, crowd rousing music and lyrics that just beg you to sing along and remember them. New music from bands I love always makes me happy, and The Courteeners haven't let me down (although actual 'Modern Love' apparently will).

'Hello Hello' by Fickle Friends.

Not only does this have the most awesome music video which reflects artistically the struggles and pressures young people face from society and their peers, the song itself is great. It's memorable and fresh and something that I think will appear to fans of all styles of music. It's got pop elements without being sacarine, and it's upbeat and the vocals are strong. If you're a fan of bands like The 1975 and Haim, then I'd definitely recommend you listen to these guys.

'Passionfruit' by Drake.

I am quite the Drake fan, which I don't think I've mentioned on the blog before. I just love the blend of honest lyrics, effortless beats and repetivite, catchy choruses. 'Passionfruit' has quickly become one of my favourite Drake songs, as I think it really showcases his contemporary R&B and hip-hop style. I think it's a must-have for all your summer playlists.

'Felt' by Clean Cut Kid.

Clean Cut Kid's debut album 'Felt' is released on Friday so I couldn't really pass up on including the title track. Clean Cut Kid are an awesome indie band who do everything from certifiable bops (see 'Leaving You Behind') to stuff that's perfect for long summer drives and gigs, like 'Felt'. 'Felt' is high energy and instantly loveable. The harmonies on this track are ace, and it's a really uplifting number, in my opinion. Oh, and did I mention they've been on tour with The Kooks recently?

'Vampires' by Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes.

I absolutely love Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes and their most recent release, 'Vampires' just confirms this. If you like loud, bold punk rock music, you'll get along with this one well. The lyrics are awesome, and Frank Carter has a great voice for rock - a classic gravel-y vocal. It has an original sound, while keeping the guitars and drums that drive rock, its contemporary and it is arresting.

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed the post and that you enjoy listening to all of this new music.

Do you know of any new music that I should be listening to? I'd love to hear your recommendation from any artist or style. Do you have any other comments or suggestions for future posts? Leave a comment below and tell me.

Speak soon, everyone.

Have a great day!

GingerSnaps xxx

It's Showtime!!! - Theatre Review - I Capture The Castle.

Hi!!!

Welcome back! Today I have a theatre review for you - it feels like centuries since I last wrote one and I know you guys like them so I'm happy to be writing one now. Today I'm reviewing a new musical called 'I Capture the Castle', which is currently on at the Palace Theatre in Watford. I went to see it with some members of my family and I just wanted to thank them for a lovely time before I begin the review.

'I Capture the Castle' is set in bohemian 1930s England, where Cassandra, played by the amazing Lowri Izzard, lives with her family. They are in financial difficulty because her father (Ben Watson) cannot write a novel to follow up his last. The arrival of their new landlord, a wealthy American named, Simon (played by Theo Boyce, another stand out actor in this production) along with his brother, shakes up their dynamics. They seem like the answer to the family's wishes, but is it all too good to be true?

I enjoyed 'I Capture the Castle'. It's a promising new musical. The cast are fantastic, and they work well together. Their harmonies are wonderful and clearly well rehearsed, and the voices of Izzard, Shona White (as Leda), and Julia St John (as Mrs Cotton), are particularly strong. The harmonies between Izzard, Boyce,  Luke Dale (as Neil), and Kate Batter (as Rose) are testement to the work and vocal talent that has been put into this production. The songs are good musically and lyrically - although I think one or two have some (very brief and minor) echoes of other musicals - and the songs create a cohesive collection.

I found the plot entertaining and engaging. The musical is based on a novel of the same name by Dodie Smith, which alas I haven't read, however I should imagine the show is faithful to it as the plot is full of various elements. In some ways I think refining which elements make it onto the stage could benefit the show - at times the plot feels a bit busy. However, I did enjoy it all the same and it explores a full range of emotions with relative ease.  The key theme of the play is love in it's many forms, with married love, unrequited love, first love and new love explored throughout the show's course.

It's a show filled with interesting characters and Cassandra is a loveable one who guides the narrative with asides to the audience. Each character is an individual, from Cassandra's eccentric stepmother Topaz, played brilliantly by Suzanne Ahmet, to her admirer Steven (Isaac Stanmore). I'd say this musical is character-led, and I loved that.

The costumes are true to the period setting and add to the characterisation. The set is really unique, mainly constructed from tables and chairs, and is the constant feature of the show. The staging allows for creative use of the set and the levels created by it, and I found that it added greatly to the Romantic and rustic charm of the play. The best elements of the direction and movememt are, I think, shown in a scene involving travelling into London - without changing the set, the characters are clearly on the tube, on the street and so on. 

I'd recommend going to see 'I Capture the Castle' if you get the chance - it's on at the Palace Theatre in Watford until the 22nd of April. It's an entertaining show and one that I think has a lot of potential.

I'm going to give it four stars, because I do think it would benefit from some adjustments even though it is a very enjoyable show featuring a truly talented cast.

Find out more and buy tickets here.

I hope you enjoyed this review and that you get chance to see this at the theatre.

Have you seen 'I Capture the Castle'? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading. Speak soon.

Have a brilliant day!

GingerSnaps xxx

Have A 'Hoppy' Time! - An Easter Message (and Photographs of Spring)

Hi!!!

Good morning and Happy Easter! To celebrate, I've put together my Easter message to you all, as is tradition, and this year it is filled with photographs I have taken that showcase the season.

 

When I think of Easter, I think of hope, joy, growth and celebrating life. It's a beautiful holiday, and one I really enjoy celebrating, not only because of its meaning but also because of its ability to bring people together. I wanted to fill this post with natural and floral photography because I think it represents Easter brilliantly - things like daffodils and buds remind us of the beauty in every day and are signs of growth and new life after winter. I also wanted to showcase Spring, because it is a season that matches these sentiments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lot of these photographs were taken at a garden centre that is local to me. I've taken a few trips to it with my mother over the past few weeks and it has been a lovely opportunity to chat, buy new plants, drink tea at the cafe and of course, capture spring flowers with my camera (I'm lucky my mother is so patient when I stop to take photos). It's been so interesting watching the plants develop from visit to visit, and to see what flowers earlier in the season and what flowers later. It is a true joy.

 

 

 

 

I've also been snapping pictures of the blossom on my way home on weekdays - Elf Girl has also been very patient when I stop to take yet another picture. There are also blossom tress in these photos from days out. This time of year is a fantastic time to get outside and enjoy your surroundings, and I've been taking every opportunity to savour and appreciate all the season has to offer.

 

On a trip to London to celebrate the birthday one of a loved one in March, I came across a fabulous Magnolia tree in full bloom. I love Magnolia trees and putting this post together has made me notice how they bridge the gap between flowers like crocuses and blossom on, for instance, cherry trees. Nature really knows how to put on a coordinated display.

 

 

 

 

There is so much beauty to be found in all the seasons, and they are all special for different reasons. Autumn has its glorious leaves and conkers, Summer has its fresh green leaves and borders of flowers, Winter has its sparkling frosts and icicles and bare branches against soft grey skies. Spring has its own beautiful defining features - blossom, pastel colours, new buds, daffodils swaying in gentle breezes. It fills me with weeks and weeks of happiness and inspiration, and in many ways, the Easter celebrations the season builds up to, does too. There is beauty and hope in every day, big and small, just waiting for us to find it. Grabbing the opportunities to find it is something I think we should all do to carry the best parts of the season, and Easter, with us throughout our days, and brighten our lives.

 

 

 

I hope that whatever today means and involves for you, that you enjoy it and embrace it.
 I hope you are fortunate enough to spend it with people you love, and if you are not then I hope that you find joy in other ways today.
Take this opportunity to celebrate life and development, as well as the people you hold dear, the season of spring and chocolate eggs.
 Happy Easter to you and those you love.
 I'm sending good vibes, best wishes and lots of love to you all today xxx.

 

 

Thank you for reading. I hope you've enjoyed looking at these photos, I am really pleased with how they turned out.

What are your favourite things about Spring? What do you do to celebrate Easter? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know by leaving a comment below.

I hope you all enjoy your Easter Sunday and make the most of the Bank Holiday tomorrow.

 

Happy Easter!

 

GingerSnaps xxx

I've Been Thinking... - Women Are Not Prizes, Girlfriends Are Not Career Highlights.

Hi!!!

Today's post comes from my Thursday brain, which was intercepted by an article I read on Billboard yesterday morning, and that was whirring all day. My Friday brain hopes, I'll be able to do this topic justice and you'll find it interesting.

This morning, I clicked onto the Billboard website while I waited to get started with work. I was scrolling through the headlines, when one grabbed my attention. It read, 'Harry Styles Career Highlights (So Far), From Taylor Swift to SNL'. I wouldn't normally read an article about Harry Styles, I wouldn't normally read anything about any member of One Direction to be perfectly honest, but I couldn't help but read this particular one. I had an idea that the mention of Taylor Swift would be to do with their relationship but I hoped not. I clicked it partly to see if I was right, and partly because I wanted to find out why else she was mentioned if I was wrong.

As it happens, I was right. Harry Styles and Taylor Swift's relationship is classed by Billboard magazine as one of Harry's career highlights. If that wasn't bad enough, the next highlight of Harry's career is that there were rumours last year that he was dating Kendall Jenner.

In case you were wondering, other highlights are actual career highlights - his first Battle of the Bands win, securing his place in One Direction, launching his solo career. You can read the whole article here if you'd like to.

I must say, I was so very disappointed when I read the article, not least because I'm now running out of music magazines that I actually like - NME is off the list, find out why here. Of course that wasn't the main reason I was disappointed. I was disappointed because normally, traditional media outlets like newspapers, are the places I find this kind of sexism and while it still hurts my heart to see, I have sadly come to understand that that is their game. However, magazines like Billboard are supposed to be, I should think, more progressive, more aware of the voices of a wide range of people. Alas, no. Apparently, there are only a handful of media outlets that are not sexist, and I would therefore suggest against equality in other areas. That is ultimately what it boils down to - being against equality. Sexism, racism, homophobia and other such destructive societal viewpoints are evidence of someone being against equality.

There is a long standing view in society, that I would argue is diminishing as the years go on, that women are prizes, and winning over a woman is the same as winning an award. From the day dot, right up to the recently coined trophy wives, our patriarchal societies have propagated a belief that kissing girls, or having a girlfriend, or getting married are achievements for those of the male gender.

It is of course highly ironic that one of Harry Styles' career achievements, as written by Billboard, is his relationship with Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift, who is constantly torn down by the media for her romances, and has been since her career launched as a teenager. I have never heard, and can guarantee I will never hear, any of Taylor's relationships being described as a career achievements. When the relationships are discussed with Taylor in mind, they are failures, they are mistakes, they are yet another example of Taylor being something bad, like a jinx or a bore or a woman obsessed. This only emphasises the feminist issues surrounding this article. Why are their photographically documented matching necklaces and walks through Central Park the height of romance, and a win for Harry, when for Taylor they are signs that they were taking things to fast, and yet another relationship that she couldn't make work.

Then of course is the never confirmed romance with Kendall Jenner. I can see why people were interested in it at the time - one the most successful models in the world, from a highly influential family, potentially finding love with a hugely successful boy band member who also starred on a reality show. However, they never confirmed this romance, no matter how desperately some fans hoped they would. If it wasn't already awful that Billboard class one of Harry's relationships as an achievement, they also class his mere association with another beautiful girl to be one too, as if, even though it didn't quite match up, it was still a win that he managed to get close enough for the speculation to arise.

I obviously don't know the ins and outs of these relationships, and neither does the media, despite what they might like to think. However, the very notion if what may have been highly meaningful relationships being reduced to a success is, I think, rather hurtful, whether one takes into account the feminist issues that go along with it or not.

But of course, this behaviour is learnt from as early as school - the boys kiss multiple girls and are praised by their friends, but the girls get called names for similar behaviour. Males are not targeted in this aspect of life in the same way females are, and that is just how it is. Of course, males aren't free from scrutiny and criticism in this area, but I'd argue it is to a lesser extent than for their female counterparts.

Not only is this article destructive in its presentation of women, it also takes away from Harry Styles' actual career achievements. I'm not a One Direction fan, but even I don't mind saying that the band has been hugely popular, and that its members have achieved great things. According to Nick Gatfield, the chairman and chief executive of Sony Music Entertainment UK, One Direction represented a $50 million business empire by June 2012, just two years after their formation. Their solo careers are already flourishing - Harry's debut solo single was only released a few days ago and has already been viewed by millions of people. In the same way that Taylor and Kendall are talented and successful in their own right, Harry is too. I'm sure he has plenty of actual career achievements that could have been listed rather than the women he has been involved with.

That Billboard article is negative overall for everyone involved. If it had been an article documenting Harry Styles' life in the public eye in all aspects, or it had been, despite my dislike of such articles, about his relationship history, I think I could have understood the inclusion of Taylor Swift and Kendall Jenner. Standing the way it does now, the article is problematic in relation to the feminist cause, it reflects badly on Harry Styles (who I imagine knew nothing of the creation of this article before its publication) and it makes Billboard look foolish and insensitive to the causes that people

are involved with and want to stand up for.

Our perceptions are coloured by what we read and hear, and to put an article like this out there is to suggest that speaking of women as though they are prizes is acceptable - it is not.

This kind of content, no matter where it comes from, is destructive. Whether it is in a magazine, a newspaper, of out of the mouth of someone you know, don't be afraid to call it out for what it is, in this case sexism. Make your voice heard, and involve yourself in the on going battle for equality. Pull no punches and let everyone know, whether they are as influential as Billboard, or as unheard of as your next-door neighbour, that equality is important, and the way we communicate is one of the first and easiest steps we should take to get there.

And that brings this post to an end. I hope you enjoyed it.

Want to discuss this or similar issues with me? Drop a comment below and start a debate. I'd love to hear from you.

I'm off to the cinema this evening to watch new episodes of Peter Kay's Car Share as part of a Comic Relief event - you can find tickets for your local VUE cinema here if you want to see those and help a great cause, too.

Thank you for reading.

Have a fabulous day!

GingerSnaps xxx