Back in the Big Apple

It's been almost 3 years, but I hadn't realised how much I had missed this city.  As soon as I landed I was itching to get out and stretch my legs.

And the only place to really do this is Central Park.  It was as beautiful as I remembered, especially with the onset of Fall and you could see some of the trees start to change colour.

After a long walk it was a reunion with my Ozzy buddy and off to catch up over Mexican food (Guacamole is not the same in the UK) and frozen Margharita's.  Oh it is so good to be back!

Naming Ceremony at the Zoo

Today is about the celebration and birth of Amelia Hall, the daughter of one of my college friends.  And what better place to do this then at Chester Zoo.

Having lived in the North of England for the majority of my life I have visited this zoo multiple times as a child, so it really has nostalgic value.  And being here with childhood friends and getting to meet their kids for the first time really adds to the mix.

And with the naming ceremony we all got free entry to wander around the zoo and considering it was blue skies and sunshine, it would have been rude not to.

I had actually forgotten how big the park was and it was a little weird wandering around in my Sunday Best as I had forgotten to bring a change of clothes, unlike the boys who had thought this through.

As we were wandering around the zoo, we realised it must be peak times for all the animals to have a number 2.  I think the worst was when a monkey did it in his hand and then proceeded to eat it.  Whilst disgusting it was quite amusing to hear the kids reaction as they watched this happen.

Harry Potter Studios

I'm a big fan of the Harry Potter books and movies.  Those 1st few notes of the Harry Potter theme tune still evoke that feeling of magic and it's still my go to film whenever I'm feeling under the weather.

When watching the movies, I had thought that in todays day and age the majority of it would be CGI.  So when we booked a trip to visit the studios, I wasn't too sure what to expect.

The studio blew my mind.  It was amazing.  I didn't realise how much of the set was real or fully automated and functioning.  The amount of money and preparation it must have taken was astounding.

From the Cupboard Under the Stairs, to the Great Big Hall, to the door that belongs to the Chamber of Secrets...

To the costumes, the masks, the hair...

The moving chess pieces, the midnight bus, the automated hippogriff...

... and the Butterbeer, although as a product developer I'm sure I can come up with a better tasting drink than what they had to offer.

The best part for me was the experience of taking a ride in the flying car and on a broom.  It's a shame I can't share the video as the file is too big.  But it is definitely a thing to do in the UK.

Selfies

My friend is a goof.  Not many people realise this endearing side to my friend, but it is a lovely trait that only people close to her get to see.  I've created a photo booth strip of our goofy selfies in front of the Eiffel Tower.  It only touches on the laughs we had on this trip.

Miss you Maryline.  Look forward to our next trip together.

xx

Sacre Coeur

I have been to Paris many times.  It was always the go to holiday destination with school.  And yet it is surprising that I have never been to Sacre Coeur.

Maybe I have and I just don't remember.  But surely this is architecture that one can't forget too easily.

I'm visiting a pal who I've known for a good few years now.    And she has humoured me with a visit to Sacre Coeur.  The view from the top is simply stunning.  Especially under the light of the sun.

You would never guess that 30 minutes later it was torrential cold rain like what you would see in the winter months.  Crazy for August.

Transforming into Princess Rapunzel

It's Princess' birthday and there is something very rewarding about watching a 3 year old open up a present.  It is so much more magical and exciting.

My favourite parts are when Mummy Carter breaks the sticker and the joy on Princess' face as she scrambles off the paper to reveal Rapunzel.

Priceless.

P.S. Isn't she super cute in this Rapuzel outfit?  I think the long blonde wig makes her look like a giant doll.

Girls Weekend

Cardiff.  It's the annual Girls Weekend.

It's going to be fun.  It's going to be messy.

The memories for sure are going to be hazy.  There will be random characters and random conversations.

Oh how I love a Girls Weekend.

Glee Club: Rock Choir

Work has a sort of Glee Club known as the Rock Choir; a club where everyone gathers together and sings.  This club has around 500 members, which is pretty impressive.

A friend has tried to persuade me to go, but I'm tone deaf when it comes to that sort of a thing.

As part of the club they do performances, mainly to raise money for charity.  My friend Amy Love was performing tonight at the ICC in Birmingham; an impressive venue in its own right.

It was a very proud moment when she came out.  I was sat in the Upper Tier with her boyfriend as support.  You can sort of see her to the right, somewhere in the distance.  Look out for the glowing red locks.

Puppy Love

Ally is breeding Labradoodle puppies.  They're gorgeous.  Even I want one and I'm not a dog lover.  But they are so small and cuddly that it is hard to resist.

I've particularly taken a liking to the chocolate brown one.  There's something quite endearing about how sleepy he is after his dinner.

I'm here with my God Kids and I'm amazed that Princess hasn't asked to keep one.  I'm really having to bite my tongue and not ask her if she wants one.

Somehow I don't think her parents would be impressed if I seed that idea in her mind.  But I think she has associated the puppies with Aunty Ally's house and not thought of taking one home.  So I think they are safe this time.

P.S. aren't these kids as cute as a button?

Wireless Festival

The sun was shining, there were only a few clouds in the sky and there was music in the air.  Wireless Festival was in town.

The day started off with a bit of 'Salt & Pepper'.  Old Skool.  And yet I still knew all the words to some of their key tunes.  It's amazing how it stays with you and brings back memories.

There were lots of great acts.  Robin Thick, Sean Paul, Clean Bandit.  They were all awesome.

And last but not least, the headlining act, little Bruno Mars was amazing.  Just the way he is.