I am at that age where everyone I know is either getting married or having a baby. Facebook feeds full of wedding woe and joy or baby scan pictures.
In the past three years I have been to three full weddings and one reception.
If you had read my blog before you will know I have been a bridesmaid and done a reading. All of which I was honoured to be. The last wedding I went to a couple of weeks ago was of a friend who I have known since infant school, and who I used to play Animals of Farthing Wood with. At this wedding I was asked to be a witness, which out of the three roles was by far the easiest, all I had to do was write my name.
I have felt very honoured to play a part in my friends' special days, I don't think I will do a reading again though in a hurry, too nerve wrecking on a day where you spend the ceremony crying with joy. Bridesmaid is good but a very long day, luckily my friend was no bridezilla so it was a breeze. I would be a witness though in a heartbeat, my name forever on that certificate. This is the last of my friend's weddings really though.
Next year however one of the boyfriend's best friends is getting married...in Jamaica.
It is going to cost a small fortune but I am looking forward to being a proper guest at a wedding not having to worry about my dress, a reading or if I can remember how to spell my name.
The venue looks amazing and we would never choose to go to Jamaica, mainly because of the cost, but I can't wait to see his friend's tie the knot on the end of a dock overlooking the sea.
The wedding is in July so I'm sure this blog will be populated with dilemmas on what I am going to wear and the impending payment dates.
So raise a glass of rum to the Jamaican nuptials.
Friday, 28 September 2012
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
Run Charlie Run less than five weeks to go
With less than five weeks to go to say I am nervous about the Great South Run is probably an understatement.
I have been running quite a bit with my boyfriend running partner. The other weekend we did nine miles, which was hard but I did it and was really proud of myself, the Great South is ten miles.
We have been running every other day, which has not been ideal as I haven't had time to recover. I do think I have it in my legs and body to do ten miles, but the fear has set in.
Everyone says the crowd will carry me through, I don't mind what time I do it in as long as I finish.
I am enjoying running and aim to do the Great South Run every year to keep it up. It will be nice though relaxing my running schedule. I do like my weekend early morning run though, having the whole day to do what I want, so will probably keep that up.
What is also helping my drive is that I am running for a worthwhile charity - Mind.
If you would like to donate you can here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/runcharlierun
I have been running quite a bit with my boyfriend running partner. The other weekend we did nine miles, which was hard but I did it and was really proud of myself, the Great South is ten miles.
We have been running every other day, which has not been ideal as I haven't had time to recover. I do think I have it in my legs and body to do ten miles, but the fear has set in.
Everyone says the crowd will carry me through, I don't mind what time I do it in as long as I finish.
I am enjoying running and aim to do the Great South Run every year to keep it up. It will be nice though relaxing my running schedule. I do like my weekend early morning run though, having the whole day to do what I want, so will probably keep that up.
What is also helping my drive is that I am running for a worthwhile charity - Mind.
If you would like to donate you can here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/runcharlierun
Sunday, 23 September 2012
Memories.....The Spice Girls
It is true that music can evoke memories, can take you back to a time gone by and make you feel the same way you did then.
Recently I have been listening to a lot of the Spice Girls, the greatest hits to be precise. No matter what mood I am in I can guarantee that after listening to Wannabe, Who do you think you are or Spice up your life I have a happy glow and feel instantly better.
I was 10 when the Spice Girls came out in 1996. I remember a girl in my class had printed off the lyrics to Wannabe, I didn't have sky or music channels at home so had no idea who they were but we sung the songs and made up dance routines.
When I did see them for the first time I was hooked and my obsession grew over the next few years. I had everything Spice Girls; the dolls, a cardboard cut out of Scary Spice (each of the girls had nicknames created by Smash Hits magazine - Baby, Sporty, Posh and Ginger), stickers, an alarm clock, pillows, you name it I had it still have it I hope up in my loft.
Spice Girls were the face of Pepsi, Walkers crisps and Cadbury's chocolate so no other brand would do, if it was good enough for them it was good enough for me.
I had platform trainers, one pair were black trainers with a white flatform heel, which I defaced. In the Move Over video/Pepsi advert Geri had a similar pair with Pepsi written on, so I did the same with permanent maker. My mum was not happy. I also, shamefully, had a neon green PVC pair of platform trainers that I even wore to school! My best friend at the time even tried to nick them, I loved them but looking back they were a thing of their time.
I remember being late for school once as me and my friend were waiting for the premiere of the Spice up your life video on MTV, the only time I was late for school.
If they were in any magazine be it Smash Hits, Top of the Pops or TV Hits I bought it and cut out each page and picture. I had folders full of interviews and even got the inflatable dolls from Smash Hits.
I remember being jealous of my sister's neon coloured Spice Girls puffa jackets.
I never got to see them live at the time but did see their comeback gig at the O2 a few years ago, a massive concert highlight for me.
Growing up Girl Power was a big thing to me, the Spice Girls made you realise 'yer you are a girl and you can be yourself and be who you want to be'. They were my idols and I think without Girl Power 90s I wouldn't be the person I am today.
I am going to see the Spice Girls musical in December - Viva Forever written by Jennifer Saunders, I can't wait, even just to hear the tunes sung live again.
Whenever I hear a Spice Girls song I can't help but smile, they were the first band I truly became obsessed with and are a part of me and growing up. I will also make sure my kids know all the words and love them.
So...
Viva the Spice Girls!!!!
Mel C, Mel B, Emma, Geri and Victoria!
Recently I have been listening to a lot of the Spice Girls, the greatest hits to be precise. No matter what mood I am in I can guarantee that after listening to Wannabe, Who do you think you are or Spice up your life I have a happy glow and feel instantly better.
I was 10 when the Spice Girls came out in 1996. I remember a girl in my class had printed off the lyrics to Wannabe, I didn't have sky or music channels at home so had no idea who they were but we sung the songs and made up dance routines.
When I did see them for the first time I was hooked and my obsession grew over the next few years. I had everything Spice Girls; the dolls, a cardboard cut out of Scary Spice (each of the girls had nicknames created by Smash Hits magazine - Baby, Sporty, Posh and Ginger), stickers, an alarm clock, pillows, you name it I had it still have it I hope up in my loft.
Spice Girls were the face of Pepsi, Walkers crisps and Cadbury's chocolate so no other brand would do, if it was good enough for them it was good enough for me.
I had platform trainers, one pair were black trainers with a white flatform heel, which I defaced. In the Move Over video/Pepsi advert Geri had a similar pair with Pepsi written on, so I did the same with permanent maker. My mum was not happy. I also, shamefully, had a neon green PVC pair of platform trainers that I even wore to school! My best friend at the time even tried to nick them, I loved them but looking back they were a thing of their time.
I remember being late for school once as me and my friend were waiting for the premiere of the Spice up your life video on MTV, the only time I was late for school.
If they were in any magazine be it Smash Hits, Top of the Pops or TV Hits I bought it and cut out each page and picture. I had folders full of interviews and even got the inflatable dolls from Smash Hits.
I remember being jealous of my sister's neon coloured Spice Girls puffa jackets.
I never got to see them live at the time but did see their comeback gig at the O2 a few years ago, a massive concert highlight for me.
Growing up Girl Power was a big thing to me, the Spice Girls made you realise 'yer you are a girl and you can be yourself and be who you want to be'. They were my idols and I think without Girl Power 90s I wouldn't be the person I am today.
I am going to see the Spice Girls musical in December - Viva Forever written by Jennifer Saunders, I can't wait, even just to hear the tunes sung live again.
Whenever I hear a Spice Girls song I can't help but smile, they were the first band I truly became obsessed with and are a part of me and growing up. I will also make sure my kids know all the words and love them.
So...
Viva the Spice Girls!!!!
Mel C, Mel B, Emma, Geri and Victoria!
Thursday, 13 September 2012
Lady Gaga, Twickenham Stadium, London, 08/09/2012
Better late than never, but here is my half review half gush-fest of Lady Gaga's Born This Way Ball.
I have seen Gaga twice already, as support for the Pussycat Dolls just after Just Dance came out and a year or so a go as part of the Monsters Ball.
I love her and know she can put on a show, the Monsters Ball was just £29 for the ticket and Gaga must have run at a loss, this time however, she learnt her lesson and the ticket price almost doubled.
It was well worth it though. Her set was a castle and of course there was a story line which I didn't quite get but it added something else.
The concert from start to finish was phenomenal. Her voice is amazing and when she sung Imagine it was breathtaking, her voice is heavenly and soulful, just her and a piano.
Even though Gaga is a little over the top to some she does love her fans and is very humble thanking them for buying a ticket. To thank them she got some on stage and invited others back tage, now to some you may think it is just all talk but not Gaga I think she is true to her word.
Of course she came on late which meant she finished late and I'm not sure if she didn't include it at all in this tour but she didn't perform Poker Face or Alejandro which was a shame but then you forget how many good songs she does have.
She also spoke about the first time she played record execs Born This Way, they told her it was too 'niche', and with a smirk on her face she said to the audience 'Some f**king niche, I have filled an stadium with a niche'.
She also said 'So many of you here how come the album was a flop?' But my friend was there and didn't have the second album, she had just bought the singles and I do wonder how many other people did the same.
I cannot say how much I love Gaga her brashness and unapologetic nature she is who she is so deal with it. She was 'born this way'.
Every time I see her she gets better and better, it does freak me out though that we are the same age.
Another thing you should mention if you go to a Gaga gig is the audience. Some of Gaga's monsters got all out, there were meat dresses, costumes from the Telephone video and various cover shoots. Most of them were obviously fashion students as I don't think I would be able to make those things but they were fantastic and the girls (and some boys) deserve a round of applause.
It was just a great atmosphere and I haven't sung, laughed and danced so much at a gig in age. Gaga is indeed Queen Monster and just fantastic! All Hail Gaga!
Act I
Highway Unicorn (Road to Love)
Government Hooker
Born This Way
Black Jesus - Amen Fashion
Bloody Mary
Bad Romance
Judas
Act II
Fashion Of His Love
Just Dance
LoveGame
Telephone
Act III
Heavy Metal Lover
Bad Kids
Piano Ballads
Hair
Princess Die
Imagine
You & I
Act IV
Electric Chapel
Paparazzi
Scheibe
Act V
The Edge of Glory
Marry the Night
I have seen Gaga twice already, as support for the Pussycat Dolls just after Just Dance came out and a year or so a go as part of the Monsters Ball.
I love her and know she can put on a show, the Monsters Ball was just £29 for the ticket and Gaga must have run at a loss, this time however, she learnt her lesson and the ticket price almost doubled.
It was well worth it though. Her set was a castle and of course there was a story line which I didn't quite get but it added something else.
The concert from start to finish was phenomenal. Her voice is amazing and when she sung Imagine it was breathtaking, her voice is heavenly and soulful, just her and a piano.
Even though Gaga is a little over the top to some she does love her fans and is very humble thanking them for buying a ticket. To thank them she got some on stage and invited others back tage, now to some you may think it is just all talk but not Gaga I think she is true to her word.
Of course she came on late which meant she finished late and I'm not sure if she didn't include it at all in this tour but she didn't perform Poker Face or Alejandro which was a shame but then you forget how many good songs she does have.
She also spoke about the first time she played record execs Born This Way, they told her it was too 'niche', and with a smirk on her face she said to the audience 'Some f**king niche, I have filled an stadium with a niche'.
She also said 'So many of you here how come the album was a flop?' But my friend was there and didn't have the second album, she had just bought the singles and I do wonder how many other people did the same.
I cannot say how much I love Gaga her brashness and unapologetic nature she is who she is so deal with it. She was 'born this way'.
Every time I see her she gets better and better, it does freak me out though that we are the same age.
Another thing you should mention if you go to a Gaga gig is the audience. Some of Gaga's monsters got all out, there were meat dresses, costumes from the Telephone video and various cover shoots. Most of them were obviously fashion students as I don't think I would be able to make those things but they were fantastic and the girls (and some boys) deserve a round of applause.
It was just a great atmosphere and I haven't sung, laughed and danced so much at a gig in age. Gaga is indeed Queen Monster and just fantastic! All Hail Gaga!
Act I
Highway Unicorn (Road to Love)
Government Hooker
Born This Way
Black Jesus - Amen Fashion
Bloody Mary
Bad Romance
Judas
Act II
Fashion Of His Love
Just Dance
LoveGame
Telephone
Act III
Heavy Metal Lover
Bad Kids
Piano Ballads
Hair
Princess Die
Imagine
You & I
Act IV
Electric Chapel
Paparazzi
Scheibe
Act V
The Edge of Glory
Marry the Night
Monday, 20 August 2012
Film review - The Waitress
I thought I would write some film reviews of new ones I have see and some of my favourites just to share the knowledge.
This time I thought I would review Waitress, a 2007 American comedy-drama that is just brilliant.
Keri Russell plays Jenna a waitress living in American South, she is trapped in an unhappy marriage with an abusive husband called Earl, played by Jeremy Sisto who has previously starred in Clueless and is in Suburgatory.
She works in Joe's Pie Diner where she invents pies with unusual titles inspired by her life.
The way she talks about her pies and the flavours makes your mouth water and the names are perfect summing up her life around her including 'Bad Baby Pie' when she finds out she is pregnant and doesn't want the baby.
What I found out was that the writer and director Adrienne Shelly died at the age of 40, she plays Jenna's friend Dawn sadly murdered before the film hit the big time.
The film shows Jenna's desperation in wanting to run away from her husband. She puts money aside to enter a pie contest in a nearby town, which has a $25,000 prize. Her husband doesn't want her to go for fear she won't come back, which is exactly what she would do given half the chance.
It is just a really sweet film, where not a lot happens but it really pulls on the heart strings. It is funny and heartbreaking.
Jenna's friends have perfect comedic timing especially Becky played by Cheryl Hines, who also now stars in Suburgatory and the diner owner Joe who encourages her to do her own thing. She also embarks on a fling with the new doctor Jim Pomatter played by Nathan Fillion.
She begins a journal noting all her recipe ideas and also growing in love for her unborn baby.
After watching this film I want to bake more than anything, I could imagine a cupcake equivalent.
I won't spoil the ending but don't think this is a boring hum-drum film it is just a perfect film and my boyfriend loves it as well so it isn't the usual rom-com film.
This time I thought I would review Waitress, a 2007 American comedy-drama that is just brilliant.
Keri Russell plays Jenna a waitress living in American South, she is trapped in an unhappy marriage with an abusive husband called Earl, played by Jeremy Sisto who has previously starred in Clueless and is in Suburgatory.
She works in Joe's Pie Diner where she invents pies with unusual titles inspired by her life.
The way she talks about her pies and the flavours makes your mouth water and the names are perfect summing up her life around her including 'Bad Baby Pie' when she finds out she is pregnant and doesn't want the baby.
What I found out was that the writer and director Adrienne Shelly died at the age of 40, she plays Jenna's friend Dawn sadly murdered before the film hit the big time.
The film shows Jenna's desperation in wanting to run away from her husband. She puts money aside to enter a pie contest in a nearby town, which has a $25,000 prize. Her husband doesn't want her to go for fear she won't come back, which is exactly what she would do given half the chance.
It is just a really sweet film, where not a lot happens but it really pulls on the heart strings. It is funny and heartbreaking.
Jenna's friends have perfect comedic timing especially Becky played by Cheryl Hines, who also now stars in Suburgatory and the diner owner Joe who encourages her to do her own thing. She also embarks on a fling with the new doctor Jim Pomatter played by Nathan Fillion.
She begins a journal noting all her recipe ideas and also growing in love for her unborn baby.
After watching this film I want to bake more than anything, I could imagine a cupcake equivalent.
I won't spoil the ending but don't think this is a boring hum-drum film it is just a perfect film and my boyfriend loves it as well so it isn't the usual rom-com film.
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
Well worth the wait - The Dark Knight Rises at the IMAX
I have been a little late to the party here, but me and my boyfriend wanted to see the new Batman at the IMAX in London, the largest screen in the UK.
Well where to start, the film, the screen or the experience, it was all just fantastic.
Well first the film I won't give anything away but it ticks a lot of boxes for Batman comic book nerds. The film is just amazing! Well shot and has the perfect ending for The Dark Knight trilogy. It ties everything up in a neat bow with a little hint that more could be on its way.
Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle/Catwoman is just the part she was meant to play. Halle Berry's is an even bigger joke in comparison but is she a match for Michelle Pfeiffer's? I don't know but it would be a close fight. She is just purrfect. Sorry...hard to resist.
Of course Christian Bale and Gary Oldman do not disappoint.
It is just a stellar cast of Christopher Nolan favorites - Joseph Gordon Levitt, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard and of course Cillian Murphy.
The film is just visually fantastic and the sound quality in the IMAX made the seats shake. Without saying too much any Batman fan would be happy, if not ecstatic with this film.
Now the IMAX the screen is huge and the ratio is more of a square than the usual letterbox in normal cinemas.
Batman and Bane were more like massive giants than stars on a screen. The film features over an hour of footage filmed with IMAX cameras, with crystal clear images and powerful digital sound technology.
The seats shook the screen took over but it coupled with the film was the perfect film experience.
I love films and I love the IMAX, it was £15 for an adult ticket but worth the money and a medium popcorn and small drink came to £6.60, bargain. It is ideally situated on the roundabout near Waterloo station.
If you haven't seen The Dark Knight Rises do it! And make an extra special trip to the IMAX, you won't regret it.
Well where to start, the film, the screen or the experience, it was all just fantastic.
Well first the film I won't give anything away but it ticks a lot of boxes for Batman comic book nerds. The film is just amazing! Well shot and has the perfect ending for The Dark Knight trilogy. It ties everything up in a neat bow with a little hint that more could be on its way.
Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle/Catwoman is just the part she was meant to play. Halle Berry's is an even bigger joke in comparison but is she a match for Michelle Pfeiffer's? I don't know but it would be a close fight. She is just purrfect. Sorry...hard to resist.
Of course Christian Bale and Gary Oldman do not disappoint.
It is just a stellar cast of Christopher Nolan favorites - Joseph Gordon Levitt, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard and of course Cillian Murphy.
The film is just visually fantastic and the sound quality in the IMAX made the seats shake. Without saying too much any Batman fan would be happy, if not ecstatic with this film.
Now the IMAX the screen is huge and the ratio is more of a square than the usual letterbox in normal cinemas.
Batman and Bane were more like massive giants than stars on a screen. The film features over an hour of footage filmed with IMAX cameras, with crystal clear images and powerful digital sound technology.
The seats shook the screen took over but it coupled with the film was the perfect film experience.
I love films and I love the IMAX, it was £15 for an adult ticket but worth the money and a medium popcorn and small drink came to £6.60, bargain. It is ideally situated on the roundabout near Waterloo station.
If you haven't seen The Dark Knight Rises do it! And make an extra special trip to the IMAX, you won't regret it.
Monday, 13 August 2012
Wow...didn't Britain do well
I have to admit that that I have never been a fan of the Olympics, always thought it was just people running about or throwing things, nothing of any interest.
However in the past 16 days this has all changed. It all started with the opening ceremony extravaganza orchestrated by Lancashire film director Danny Boyle. It was amazing! Full of all things British - Mary Poppins, Voldemort, the industrial revolution, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, cricket, while also celebrating the great music, television shows and films from our fair isle.
It just made me feel very proud to be British, showcasing all the things that are great about our island.
Then the games began and after three days we hadn't won anything. Uh-oh interest starting to waiver.
But then we got one a silver in the cycling and then a gold (well two but counts as one) Helen Glover and Heather Stanning won gold in the women's coxless pair in the rowing.
That is when it got exciting! We won gold medals in cycling, athletics, shooting, and canoeing. Silver and bronzes in sailing, tennis, swimming, gymnastics and diving plus loads more - 29 gold, 17 silver, 19 bronze. Wow!
Watching Super Saturday was just fantastic, Jessica Ennis winning gold in the heptathlon, Greg Rutherford in the long jump and Mo Farah in the 10,000 metres, these three were added by three others in the rowing and women's team pursuit in cycling. I have never screamed at the television so much as when I was watching Jess's heats or Mo in the final straight. It was just amazing.
Names that were household names regained their crowns or added to their medal count - Bradley Wiggins the Tour de France champ and Mod God won the men's time trial; Chris Hoy won his sixth gold medal, Victoria Pendleton and Rebecca Adlington did us proud.
Then there were others who are now the names the future generations will remember - the Brownlee brothers, Nicola Adams in boxing, Jade Jones in taekwondo, Anthony Ogogo in boxing and Lizzie Armitstead who won our first medal of the games in the women's road race.
So many amazing athletes in Team GB truly our greatest team.
Also it makes you look to Rio with hope for even more medals, so many young stars coming through the ranks - Laura Trott may have won two golds in cycling but she is only 20! Diver Tom Daley is only 18 and has a lot more dives in him and heptathlon rising star Katarina Johnson-Thompson who is only 19.
This really is a games to inspire future generations and I really hope it does.
Then we got to the closing ceremony a celebration of British music and boy was it! Kaiser Chiefs and Mods singing Pinball Wizard, the Spice Girls, THE SPICE GIRLS singing Wannabe and Spice up your life, The Who, Gallagher singing Wonderwall - Liam not Noel, Pet Shop Boys and loads more. It was a true celebration of the athletes and all they have accomplished and looking forward to Rio 2016.
We in Britain did do it right and I am incredibly proud to be British and can only see this growing after the Paralympics.
The Paralympics which is in two weeks! Where Team GB will hopefully do it all again, hopefully Eleanor Simmonds will get swimming glory, Sophie Warner in athletics and Shelly Woods in wheelchair racing.
COME ON TEAM GB...AGAIN!!
However in the past 16 days this has all changed. It all started with the opening ceremony extravaganza orchestrated by Lancashire film director Danny Boyle. It was amazing! Full of all things British - Mary Poppins, Voldemort, the industrial revolution, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, cricket, while also celebrating the great music, television shows and films from our fair isle.
It just made me feel very proud to be British, showcasing all the things that are great about our island.
Then the games began and after three days we hadn't won anything. Uh-oh interest starting to waiver.
But then we got one a silver in the cycling and then a gold (well two but counts as one) Helen Glover and Heather Stanning won gold in the women's coxless pair in the rowing.
That is when it got exciting! We won gold medals in cycling, athletics, shooting, and canoeing. Silver and bronzes in sailing, tennis, swimming, gymnastics and diving plus loads more - 29 gold, 17 silver, 19 bronze. Wow!
Watching Super Saturday was just fantastic, Jessica Ennis winning gold in the heptathlon, Greg Rutherford in the long jump and Mo Farah in the 10,000 metres, these three were added by three others in the rowing and women's team pursuit in cycling. I have never screamed at the television so much as when I was watching Jess's heats or Mo in the final straight. It was just amazing.
Names that were household names regained their crowns or added to their medal count - Bradley Wiggins the Tour de France champ and Mod God won the men's time trial; Chris Hoy won his sixth gold medal, Victoria Pendleton and Rebecca Adlington did us proud.
Then there were others who are now the names the future generations will remember - the Brownlee brothers, Nicola Adams in boxing, Jade Jones in taekwondo, Anthony Ogogo in boxing and Lizzie Armitstead who won our first medal of the games in the women's road race.
So many amazing athletes in Team GB truly our greatest team.
Also it makes you look to Rio with hope for even more medals, so many young stars coming through the ranks - Laura Trott may have won two golds in cycling but she is only 20! Diver Tom Daley is only 18 and has a lot more dives in him and heptathlon rising star Katarina Johnson-Thompson who is only 19.
This really is a games to inspire future generations and I really hope it does.
Then we got to the closing ceremony a celebration of British music and boy was it! Kaiser Chiefs and Mods singing Pinball Wizard, the Spice Girls, THE SPICE GIRLS singing Wannabe and Spice up your life, The Who, Gallagher singing Wonderwall - Liam not Noel, Pet Shop Boys and loads more. It was a true celebration of the athletes and all they have accomplished and looking forward to Rio 2016.
We in Britain did do it right and I am incredibly proud to be British and can only see this growing after the Paralympics.
The Paralympics which is in two weeks! Where Team GB will hopefully do it all again, hopefully Eleanor Simmonds will get swimming glory, Sophie Warner in athletics and Shelly Woods in wheelchair racing.
COME ON TEAM GB...AGAIN!!
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