A day at Hogwarts...

A few weekends ago, myself and a few friends caught the train (after nearly suffering a heart attack running to get it) down to London, to finally get a taste of what life in Hogwarts is like... Since it's opening, the Harry Potter Studios has been so popular, and as a lover of the movies myself, I couldn't resist going 'behind the scenes' to see how the magic was truly created. I  can honestly say it was worth every penny!

If you've been before you'll definitely agree the five hour visit really gives you a picture of how everything from the 'Great Hall' to the terrifyingly huge Aragog spider is created...

  

The visit is split into several areas of interest... First, your guided to a cinema to hear from the actors themselves what life on set was like, following which you enter the Great Hall (in an unexpected fashion). From there you can explore the interior sets which are so famously remembered in the films, before heading outside to see the night bus, and the house where it all started! To finish, there's a graphics and construction exhibition, which was really interesting if you like to know how everything works, a trip down Diagon Alley, and a final view of the REAL Hogwarts!

Below area few photos of the day. I wouldn't want to ruin the surprises, but I was dying to show you just why the place is so great!

My favourite part of the trip, was naturally learning more about the behind the scene's make-up and costume secrets! There was literally a costume on hand for every moment of each film, and a wig for it too! I also loved the chance of flying my own broom in the interactive part of the studios - totally worth it, if you've every considered purchasing a broomstick ;) Sadly I wasn't allowed to take photos during the broomstick ride, but I can guarantee everyone who had a go loved it!

As it was a long day, I'd planed everything - which was a surprise considering my usual organisation skills.. For my outfit, I chose a simple white top and floral skirt combination, with thick leggings, cardigan and my scarf to keep me warm! I also wore a personal favourite riding waistcoat, as it always adds the finishing touches to an outfit!

And that was my day at Hogwarts. It was a great chance to catchup with my favourite girlie's, and an excuse to watch the whole Harry Potter box set non stop for the next week..
Let me know if you've been/plan on visiting soon!

Lots of Love,

A Postcard from Paris...

I'm catching up, with some photos of my one day stop in Paris last week!

If you've ever been able to visit Paris, you'll know it really is a beautiful city. There's just so many places on the 'to see' list, that it's impossible to fit even a fraction of what the city has to offer in one day. With the little time we had,  myself and my family decided to walk what we could, and take in the ambiance along the way... and what we couldn't walk we'd bus, taxi or hit the underground...However, the First rule on a visit to Paris - do not try to walk!

One of my favourite parts of visiting France is seeing historic locations (sad I know) and as France has been a popular topic in my A Levels this year, I spent a lot of the time when we were on the road in France telling my parents (or boring them) with a historic story about nearly every town we passed. As Paris is always the centre of European history, I found it was not only the shops which excited me, but the museum's and history of famous locations themselves!



That's enough of me rambling, here's some photos I thought I'd share..

Equipped for a days tourism, with my converse and rucksack, we took the 42 bus, to Eiffel tower, and I mentally prepared myself for the climb (674 steps to be precise). Although, my parents didn't make it past the first level, the view was worth the effort and luckily my own fear of heights didn't stop me. 

Even though the Eiffel Tower looks like a giant when your standing underneath, there was never a moment where I genuinely felt insecure about climbing it. There was even a cafe on the first floor - though the window seat didn't appeal to me (what with a view of the 190 feet below).

 Next it was a long walk along the river Sane, and on the way we enjoyed watching artists painting, people attaching 'love' locks to bridges and obviously eating yummy ice cream! It was worth the walk, as the bank was filled with cafes and quirky activities like a giant chalk board!

We then stopped for a picnic in one of the many beautiful parks in Paris, which admiring the views of the Art galleries and Palace. We then dashed over to Notre Dame Cathedral - which was HUMONGOUS! If you didn't know I sing in lots of Cathedrals around the UK with my little choir during the summer months so I'm quite used to the style of the buildings, but I was baffled by the scale and beauty of the Notre Dame. After we took the tube for a last minute shop (okay...window shop) down the Champs-Elysées before heading back home on the train! It was quite literally 'Paris in a day', but worth every penny to finally see the beautiful city!

As always, I've got a few TIPS FOR A DAY TRIP IN PARIS (from the blonde, who found out the hard way)...
 
1. Plan ahead - it's a big city, and you need a realistic idea of what you want to see before you step onto the caos' that is the Paris streets!
2. If you want a cheap coffee... your not going to find it anywhere near the Eiffel Tower - Paris isn't cheap so if you can take a flask/picnic, there are lots of lovely places by the river or parks to choose from. Just remember the location before you start ordering your drinks! 
3. Learn your French - In Paris, lots of people speak fluent English, but it goes along way to add a 'merci' here and there!
4. If you go by train - Keep your valuables close by, as the train station is somewhat on the outskirts of town and I had the unfortunate scenario of jitzu combating a few locals with an interest in my rucksack! 
5. Make sure you come back with your own Eiffel Tower figurine - they sell them everywhere, and although they might look slightly tacky on your bedroom shelf, it's a must have!

Just in case you were judging my interesting combination of denim for my outfit choice in Paris, I'll tell you know, it was 6:00 am in the morning when I was pulled from my bed, to catch the train into Paris. Therefore, I dressed in what I thought was sensible for a day on foot in Paris. Oh and the moustache necklace was a little extra touch, just to make me feel a little more french ;)

What I'm Wearing: Dungarees - New Look, Tie-Dye Top - Matalan, Sun Glasses/Belt/Denim Shirt - Primark, Shoes - Bank, Necklace - River Island.

Well that's all from me. For the next month I'll be up and down the country visiting lots of University open days! This time last year I didn't realise how complicated it could all be, but it's all so exciting to be given the chance to go off an study whatever you want (In my case HISTORY, as I've loved the subject since I can remember). However, the long train journeys aren't always fun, especially when your trying to do homework!

Have a lovely week! 

Lots of Love,

on my travels...

Hello!
It's hot hot hot in the UK - which is fabulous, as I've just returned from (even hotter) Germany! It's been hectic the last few weeks, with work experience and jetting off on collage trips, so I apologize for the lack of blogging. I've got plenty of posts lined up, so watch this space...

So I visited Berlin for the first time last week - AND LOVED IT! Although I was on a very educational trip, I was more than envious when I found out it was Berlin freaking Fashion Week, and events were taking place a few 100 yards from where we were standing (gutted, doesn't cover it). Then again, equipped with my functional Converse and Rucksack - I wasn't exactly dressed for the catwalk.

I've selected a few photos from the trip to show you, as proof I'm not just being lazy and sitting in the sun all day - although that is a tempting offer...

It was such a lovely place, and although my only German language knowledge is 'please and thank you,' the city was so welcoming! It was actually a history trip, so we spent a lot of time discussing the War and it's impact. (hence the lack of photos - as most were just landscape and museums.) 

I also thought the traffic lights were too cool - and it seems to be a symbol of East Berlin, as every memorabilia shop sold green men on key rings, etc. It really is a cool city, that mixes old with new - in a contemporary way.

We also followed our trip to Poland to a visit of Krakoff and Auschwitz memorial site. It was very emotional, but I learned so much in the few days I was there! The photos above are in a little Jewish restaurant we visited - we had traditional foods, a table lit by candlelight and a string quartet played for us! 

We also took the opportunity to other Berlin snacks.. from Curry-wurst... to more recognized DOUGHNUTS!

 It was a fabulous trip, and if you're considering traveling, I would definitely recommend Berlin - there's so much to see and do, and it's a city filled with culture and history! 

I'll be posting later, once I've unpacked all my suitcase (a.k.a emptying the contents onto my bedroom floor).
Enjoy the sun, and don't forget the sun cream ;)

Lots of Love,

Hello Oxford! The city of old buildings, bicycles and very clever people...

Happy Sunday! I haven't blogged in a while and I thought it was about time I explained myself. I've been on and off trains the last few days, as I spent a few days in the beautiful city of Oxford!

I was offered a chance to attend a study day at Oxford along with a friend (Emma) - which was an offer I wasn't likely to turn down! As I'm still fairly indecisive about the 'what I want to be when I'm grown up' question, I thought it would be a great opportunity to see what studying at university is really like! Aside the hours of shopping, photographing buildings and buying cakes in every coffee shop, I really enjoyed learning more about the university and the courses it offers!

While I was there, I decided to give my £10 Primark boots a test of ware - and was pleasantly surprised to see I had escaped any blisters! Thank you Primark!

As I had my camera hung around my neck, I thought I'd share with you a few shots of the two days visit! If you've ever been/lived in Oxford, then you'll understand why it's so easy to fall in love with. It's unlikely my little brain is enough to attend the university, but it was definitely worth the visit! 

As you can see, no bike - no getting around the city! After the two day's my feet killed from all the walking! For that reason, I can't really say it was my most 'fashion worthy' outfit choices - simply because I was carrying everything on my back!  

Here we are standing in the library quarters, I loved Emma's colourful jeans - practical and ready for Spring! Behind us is one of the many tours that a free to tag onto, around the city. 

The tour guides really know their stuff! 

Our accommodation for the night was provided by Wadham Collage - which was beautiful! I managed to find the university outfitters, to buy myself some memorabilia and loved the endless Oxfam charity shops!

Well there you have it! A few days of heaven in comparison to the coursework and revision I have scheduled for the next few weeks!

If you ever get the chance to visit Oxford - GO! It doesn't disappoint!

Lots of Love,

My Week - Panto Show, and lack of sleep! #2

Good Morning, and happy Saturday!
I've not had a second this week to get on my computer and blog. And... being as unprepared as I am, I haven't prepared anything exciting for you!

I've been in a Pantomime production of 'Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs' by Harlequin Pantomine Productions, this week. It's been so exciting to take part in a production, with a lovely set of people! I've been taking the part of a very 'clumsy fairy' dancer - which, seeing as I'm the clumsiest person ever, hasn't been too difficult! 

As the show is still running, I can't spoil you with photo's of such a great pantomime. But ,I'll leave you with a few cheeky snaps and look out for a 'stage make up' tutorial coming your way soon! 

Exhibit A - how to dress like a clown and make yourself look around 7 years old...

This is one of my favourite costumes from my show outfits! I've managed to be 10 years younger, with the creation of the piggy tails. Women forget the facial creams - piggy tails are the new 'age decreaser'...
This outfit cost me under a fiver (excluding the tutu) - thanks to Ebay! I may have to wear this bow tie more often!

Well, I'm off now to plaster myself in orange foundation and Barry M glitter!
Enjoy your weekend - I'll speak soon!

Lots of Love,