Today I celebrate turning 26, and to say I am in a mild panic is probably an understatement.
I have probably mentioned before in previous posts my apprehension at getting older. I think it is due to the fact that when you are a child, aged 10 or 11, you have these great plans that by the time you are 25 you will be married, have children and a house. Only to get to that age and think - I don't feel old enough to have children, or I don't have a boyfriend to get married. Where is Mr Right?
I sometimes panic that I haven't done enough with my life as I edge closer to 30. I still live at home, due to circumstances out of the my control - two lots of redundancies, debt and a student boyfriend, which means I am not married and don't have children.
I do have a wonderful boyfriend who I have been with for six and a half years, and after a lot of false starts I am finally in the career I have always wanted as a journalist.
In a society as well with a lot of boomerrang kids having to go back home due to the recession I know my plight is not uncommon, but the devil that is facebook can sometimes make the green-eyed monster rear its ugly head when you see what others have got.
I suppose in many ways it is swings and roundabouts, ok they may have a house but they have a lousy job. They may have the kids and husband but they live in some horrible bedsit. You can't compare your life to others as you don't know what is around the corner and someone might look at your and think wow what an amazing boyfriend, job, car etc she has.
I am not usually one of those people that looks at what other people have and start to feel down but sometimes when I realise I am four years away from 30 I do find it hard.
I think it is because the last five years since leaving uni have gone in a flash so I start to panic that the four years to 30 will be the same and I will still be at home, in the same job and the same position I am now.
I know I am being silly and once I realise that after turning 26 I will feel exactly the same way I did when I turned 22, 0r 24 I'll get over it.
Failing that me and my friend have decided we are both going to tell people we are 23, if we both do it no one will suspect a thing.
Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Monday, 28 May 2012
It's a kind of magic- The Making of Harry Potter Studio tour
Over the weekend I went to one of the best places in the UK, a place that exists while other muggles are busy working nearby. I went to the Harry Potter studios in Watford.
I won't lie I am a massive fan of the books and films but not as die-hard as some of those that were there who seemed to be decked out in everything from the robes to the school uniform (all of which you can buy in the gift shop).
Just off the M25, we arrived at the studios. I won't give too much away as I truly believe this place is somewhere you have to see if you are a fan, or if you are just a fan of films in general.
It was just amazing! You get to see the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and a whole host of animatronics, sets and props used in the film. It consists of two sound stages and an outdoor set, it is just phenomenal and you just can't comprehend how much there is to see.
The detail of everything there is just amazing. Every little thing has been planned and created to fit perfectly in the world of Harry Potter, and many of it doesn't get a lot of air time in the film but has been made to create this fantastic world.
As a bit of a film fan you can just really appreciate how intricate the film process is and how much effort goes into creating a world like this.
The set has been used for all eight of the films over ten years, with Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Daniel Radcliffe being aged 10, 12, and 11 when filming started coming out the other side aged 20, 22, and 21. They spent a large part of their childhood there and when you walk around you just get sucked into this magical world.
I was worried that seeing the sets would shatter my illusions of the films but it doesn't, you don't even notice really that the Great Hall doesn't have a ceiling.
It is just amazing! If you are a fan of Harry Potter you will love it, my boyfriend isn't a big fan, he has seen the films and even he appreciated just how fantastic it was. Also you can't get over the sheer size of it, they say that you will be there for about 3 hours, we were there for 2 and a half as there is just so much to see.
Oh also try the butterbeer, I can't really describe it but give it a go it's only £2.95.
Honestly I cannot say enough how amazing this place was, it really makes you want to watch the films. Just imagine following in the footsteps of some of the best British actors, Michael Gambon, Imelda Staunton, Alan Rickman, Gary Oldman, Helena Bonham Carter and Dame Maggie Smith. Where else do you get to do that?
Here is the website: http://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/
Go you won't regret it!
The outside of the studios:
I won't lie I am a massive fan of the books and films but not as die-hard as some of those that were there who seemed to be decked out in everything from the robes to the school uniform (all of which you can buy in the gift shop).
Just off the M25, we arrived at the studios. I won't give too much away as I truly believe this place is somewhere you have to see if you are a fan, or if you are just a fan of films in general.
It was just amazing! You get to see the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and a whole host of animatronics, sets and props used in the film. It consists of two sound stages and an outdoor set, it is just phenomenal and you just can't comprehend how much there is to see.
The detail of everything there is just amazing. Every little thing has been planned and created to fit perfectly in the world of Harry Potter, and many of it doesn't get a lot of air time in the film but has been made to create this fantastic world.
As a bit of a film fan you can just really appreciate how intricate the film process is and how much effort goes into creating a world like this.
The set has been used for all eight of the films over ten years, with Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Daniel Radcliffe being aged 10, 12, and 11 when filming started coming out the other side aged 20, 22, and 21. They spent a large part of their childhood there and when you walk around you just get sucked into this magical world.
I was worried that seeing the sets would shatter my illusions of the films but it doesn't, you don't even notice really that the Great Hall doesn't have a ceiling.
It is just amazing! If you are a fan of Harry Potter you will love it, my boyfriend isn't a big fan, he has seen the films and even he appreciated just how fantastic it was. Also you can't get over the sheer size of it, they say that you will be there for about 3 hours, we were there for 2 and a half as there is just so much to see.
Oh also try the butterbeer, I can't really describe it but give it a go it's only £2.95.
Honestly I cannot say enough how amazing this place was, it really makes you want to watch the films. Just imagine following in the footsteps of some of the best British actors, Michael Gambon, Imelda Staunton, Alan Rickman, Gary Oldman, Helena Bonham Carter and Dame Maggie Smith. Where else do you get to do that?
Here is the website: http://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/
Go you won't regret it!
The outside of the studios:
The only photo I will post of inside, the amazing model of Hogwarts, this has to be seen to be believed so much detail, just speechless.
Monday, 14 May 2012
Run Charlie Run! Training
I never thought I would say this but I am fast becoming a runner,.
I used to think the only good reason to run was if you were being chased, which at the time wouldn't of been great for me as I would get out of breathe quickly and have to ask my chaser to hold on a minute while I get my breath back.
However, as you will know if you have read this blog before I have been signed up for the Great South Run, which I will be running for MIND.
I have been running pretty much every other day, I have been feeling a lot better running with a plan in mind, I know how long I have to run for and when.
Over the past week I have been doing 20 and 30 minutes run, I did a 50 minute one the other day and actually surprised myself. The only time I walked was when I got to a hill, which was practically a vertical climb (I'm exaggerating but near the end of a big run jumping up a kerb would be a challenge).
I did surprise my boyfriend though who didn't think I would be able to do the 50 minutes, but then again I didn't either.
I have had a couple of bad runs where I didn't have any motivation and my legs have felt like weights. I wonder if my body has adapted to a certain distance and now as I push further it is changing again which can only be a good thing.
I have also been using a running app called Runtastic, which is just great. It maps where you have been, gives you your average speed and everything so you can see where you have been and if you have been improving so a great push on those tough runs.
But, on Friday I went out for a 60 minute run with the boyfriend, I was up for it, set out and a dark cloud appeared over my head, which meant I was in a foul mood for no apparent reason. It was strangely warm as well, this is the first time in a while that I haven't been running in the rain!
I was just not a happy bunny and would of thrown in the towel if I was on my own but my boyfriend knows I can do it and pushed me forward. I just admit defeat far too easily.
I am starting to panic slightly I still have six months and at the meant I am running about 12 minute miles so would do the run in just over 2 hours, I'm sure I will be ok, I hope so anyway.
Got three runs this week. Wish me luck!
I used to think the only good reason to run was if you were being chased, which at the time wouldn't of been great for me as I would get out of breathe quickly and have to ask my chaser to hold on a minute while I get my breath back.
However, as you will know if you have read this blog before I have been signed up for the Great South Run, which I will be running for MIND.
I have been running pretty much every other day, I have been feeling a lot better running with a plan in mind, I know how long I have to run for and when.
Over the past week I have been doing 20 and 30 minutes run, I did a 50 minute one the other day and actually surprised myself. The only time I walked was when I got to a hill, which was practically a vertical climb (I'm exaggerating but near the end of a big run jumping up a kerb would be a challenge).
I did surprise my boyfriend though who didn't think I would be able to do the 50 minutes, but then again I didn't either.
I have had a couple of bad runs where I didn't have any motivation and my legs have felt like weights. I wonder if my body has adapted to a certain distance and now as I push further it is changing again which can only be a good thing.
I have also been using a running app called Runtastic, which is just great. It maps where you have been, gives you your average speed and everything so you can see where you have been and if you have been improving so a great push on those tough runs.
But, on Friday I went out for a 60 minute run with the boyfriend, I was up for it, set out and a dark cloud appeared over my head, which meant I was in a foul mood for no apparent reason. It was strangely warm as well, this is the first time in a while that I haven't been running in the rain!
I was just not a happy bunny and would of thrown in the towel if I was on my own but my boyfriend knows I can do it and pushed me forward. I just admit defeat far too easily.
I am starting to panic slightly I still have six months and at the meant I am running about 12 minute miles so would do the run in just over 2 hours, I'm sure I will be ok, I hope so anyway.
Got three runs this week. Wish me luck!
Saturday, 12 May 2012
Mini me my mini cupcakes
Everyone knows that at Christmas you tend to get presents that are appliances that you know you will never use. Every once in a while, however, you get one that you never knew you wanted but once you have it you wonder how you ever survived without it.
This is what I received at Christmas, my gran-parents bought me a mini cupcake maker oven.
So today at a loose end I thought I would give it a go.
Mixed up the mixture, vanilla cupcake mix and put them in the cases and watched them cook. They took quicker than the 20 minutes recommended, but I was surprised at how well they turned out and they tasted delicious.
However, they were really difficult to ice and decorate but everyone likes them so much they had to have more than one... but that might be because they are mini.
The cakes in the maker...
This is what I received at Christmas, my gran-parents bought me a mini cupcake maker oven.
So today at a loose end I thought I would give it a go.
Mixed up the mixture, vanilla cupcake mix and put them in the cases and watched them cook. They took quicker than the 20 minutes recommended, but I was surprised at how well they turned out and they tasted delicious.
However, they were really difficult to ice and decorate but everyone likes them so much they had to have more than one... but that might be because they are mini.
The cakes in the maker...
Saturday, 5 May 2012
God save the magnetic nail polish
I have two other magnetic nail polishes wavy patterns from FashionistA, but I was overjoyed when I saw that Barry M were bringing out their our ranges.
They have four colours: violet, silver, blue and burgundy, and patterns of Union Jack-esque, stripes - horizontal and diagonal and wavy.
I decided because it was different that I would pick the Union Jack-esque pattern as it is a bit different.
So off I went to Superdrug to buy the blue one, got it home and realised there was no magnet! I put my disappointment on Twitter and Barry M sent me a message asking for my address and sent me a new one.
I did this Friday and received my brand new magnet today.
I tried it out today and I love it:
They have four colours: violet, silver, blue and burgundy, and patterns of Union Jack-esque, stripes - horizontal and diagonal and wavy.
I decided because it was different that I would pick the Union Jack-esque pattern as it is a bit different.
So off I went to Superdrug to buy the blue one, got it home and realised there was no magnet! I put my disappointment on Twitter and Barry M sent me a message asking for my address and sent me a new one.
I did this Friday and received my brand new magnet today.
I tried it out today and I love it:
Also really easy to do! Put one coat on, put on a second coat and put the magnet on immediately leave for 5 seconds and the pattern will emerge. Perfect for the Jubilee.
To check them out for yourself go to the website: http://www.barrym.com/products/product.asp?id=168
Thursday, 3 May 2012
Keep on running
My training for the BUPA Great South Run in about six months is going ok. I think. I'm certainly noticing a difference in my fitness and I'm losing a bit of chubbyness here and there.
I went for a 30 minute run the other day and a 20 minute pretty fast run and I managed to do it without stopping, now a month or so ago I never would of thought I would of been able to do that.
I am doing a training scheme that was in The Times a couple of months ago, interval training, running fast for a minute, then slow then fast.
I think I have found my comfortable speed, so if I can rack up the miles at this speed I should be able to do it.
The only thing is I tend to eat more when I run, but at the end of the day I don't want to lose loads of weight just get fit and be able to accomplish something like a 10 mile run. Although I looked at the route and I do think I have underestimated it all, as it is quite far...
I am running for the charity Mind, one close to my heart which helps people with mental health issues and it a very worthwhile charity. If you would like to donate my page is:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/runcharlierun
Also if you fancy getting your running shoes on and joining in the Great South Run there are still spaces:
http://www.greatrun.org/events/event.aspx?id=12
So I think I am doing well, but still got 180 or so days to go. Wish me luck!
I went for a 30 minute run the other day and a 20 minute pretty fast run and I managed to do it without stopping, now a month or so ago I never would of thought I would of been able to do that.
I am doing a training scheme that was in The Times a couple of months ago, interval training, running fast for a minute, then slow then fast.
I think I have found my comfortable speed, so if I can rack up the miles at this speed I should be able to do it.
The only thing is I tend to eat more when I run, but at the end of the day I don't want to lose loads of weight just get fit and be able to accomplish something like a 10 mile run. Although I looked at the route and I do think I have underestimated it all, as it is quite far...
I am running for the charity Mind, one close to my heart which helps people with mental health issues and it a very worthwhile charity. If you would like to donate my page is:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/runcharlierun
Also if you fancy getting your running shoes on and joining in the Great South Run there are still spaces:
http://www.greatrun.org/events/event.aspx?id=12
So I think I am doing well, but still got 180 or so days to go. Wish me luck!
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