A Few of My Favourite Things: January

So blog post ideas have been lacking recently, probably due to the fact that final year project mindset has kicked in so that's all I can think about at the moment. Plus I seem to be spending all day everyday in the laboratory which makes it hard to find the time to write a blog post.

So I thought I would round off, in my opinion, the worst month of the year with the things I've been loving!

Here goes...

1. Lidl Nutrimixer

Yes that's right, it's from Lidl and it only costs £30. I can't compare it to the Nutribullet or other higher priced machines, but from using this, it is amazing! I only use it occasionally for making soups, baking and attempting to be healthy by making smoothies, and it does the job perfectly. If you don't want to spend a fortune on expensive makes, this does the same job for half the price and is perfect if you are like me and will only use it occasionally.

2. 24 Hours in A&E

For as long as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a doctor but have never had the courage to apply to it. By watching this programme, it feeds my obsession with medicine and genuinely engrosses me on what actually happens in A&E. No one wants to end up there, so the people you see on here display their raw emotion when a loved one is sick, and it really puts your life into perspective. It makes me realise that this could happen to anyone, and you really never know what's around the corner. That's why I try and live by the motto, live every day like it's your last. It's hard, but watching this programme reiterates why it can be important.

3. Crumpets with Jam and Peanut Butter

Another breakfast discovery, in a previous post I discovered jam and peanut butter on toast, but it just got a whole lot better when spread on crumpets. Top tip, microwave your crumpets before toasting to make it fluffy!

4. Lighter evenings

As soon as Christmas is over, my next time of year to look forward to is Spring. I love seeing the nature bloom and as the evenings stay light for a tiny bit longer each day, it is so nice start to see flowers start to blossom and the sun staying out for longer. I notice a massive difference in my mood as well.

5. Metcalfe's Rice Cakes

Wow, these are amazing as a snack, and so filling! Plus, they're sort of healthy! But I love dark chocolate, so these layered rice cakes are the perfect little sweet treat. The only downside, they're pretty pricey!

6. Uniqlo Disney Collection

How amazing is this Disney collection? I've never bought anything from Uniqlo before but as soon as I saw their collection of Disney sweaters, that soon changed. They aren't pricey at only £20, and they have the perfect choice of cosy sweats to wear on any occasion. I went for the navy blue one, but they have a good choice of colours and styles including hoodies, sweatpants and t-shirts. Here is the link if you want to check it out: http://www.uniqlo.com/uk/store/feature/uq/disney-magicforall/women/

7. Benefit Porefessional Primer Balm

I don't usually join the hype for high end, expensive facial creams and primers, in fact the most expensive skincare product I own is a Mac primer, but I received this in the Benefit beauty advent calendar and boy does it do wonders. I'm not sure if it is actually doing what it says in the fact that I don't tend to address the issue of pores and blackheads (too many better things to think about), but I love the way this feels so silky and smooth, the way a primer should feel! I apply this before any make-up and it means that applying foundation and concealer feels so much easier to blend in than my usual moisturiser. It's also nude in colour which means it kind of acts as a tinted moisturiser as well, so spending £25 on a primer, tinted moisturiser and something that's gonna minimise the appearance of pores is not too bad!

Review: Nutrition Mixer

I have to say, I'm quite hard to please. And when it comes to spending money, I don't like to be ripped off.

So I've had my eye on the Nutribullet for a long time, ever since it came out.

I've also been consumed with jealousy when coming across people's instagram pictures of delicious, colourful looking smoothies that people create using these blending machines.

I realised it was time to invest in one when I really fancied a bowl of warm, homemade soup that wasn't straight from a tin. This was impossible to make without some sort of blender, so when I heard that Lidl were creating the Nutrition Mixer for only £29.99, I took the chance and purchased my own.

At around £80, the NutriBullet is £50 more expensive than the Nutrition Mixer, which both do the same job.

So, armed with my blender and an collection of recipes I had been saving up, I got straight to work making that bowl of soup.

I chose to make a simple, yet satisfying butternut squash soup.
When it got to the blender step, I filled up the beaker, flipped it over and began pureeing it.

The Verdict:

I was amazed! 

Not only is it super fast, it whizzes everything into a smooth puree within seconds! Yes it's loud, which I expected, but the results blew me away and I could finally enjoy that fresh bowl of homemade soup I had been craving for ages.

Now I cannot compare this to the NutriBullet because I've never used the NutriBullet. But I can review Lidl's Nutrition Mixer and I have to say, I'm impressed! I certainly do not feel like I'm being ripped off.

 I cannot wait till summer to try fresh smoothies, and I've already planned a Mexican night where I will use the machine to make homemade guacamole.

So if you are looking for something cheap, good value for money and does a fine job of blending, then definitely consider this model! I guess what they say is true, good things come to those who wait! I'm certainly glad I waited until a cheaper model came out than jumping straight on the bandwagon and buying the NutriBullet.

WDW Guide: Disney's Hollywood Studios

The next in my series of WDW park guides

So this may just be my favourite park. Although Magic Kingdom is the mother of all disney parks, Hollywood Studio's doesn't fall far behind in my opinion.

There has always been something about the Hollywood theming that intrigues me and genuinely excites me.

As soon as you pass through the turnstiles, walking down fake Hollywood boulevard brings me the same excitement in my stomach that walking down Main Street USA does when you first see the castle.

The array of attractions, shops, restaurants and shows are what makes this park. I could easily spend a whole day here although many people say it can be done in half a day.

I think to appreciate the true beauty and effort that went into the making of this park, you need to spend a day where you can look at the incredible theming of the merchandise shops, the street actors, the themed restaurants, even down to the queuing areas of the attractions.

Some of the big name attractions are here, including Rock 'n' Rollercaster, which is a high speed upside down coaster that cruises to the soundtrack of Aerosmith.

Then there's The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, where you plunge up and down in a haunted elevator.

There's more for the kids, including the ever so popular Toy Story Midway Mania.
These top 3 I thoroughly recommend getting fastpasses for, as the queues can be long. I queued two hours for Toy Story! Luckily, it was worth it.

There are lots of little attractions that celebrate animation and Walt's creations, as well as famous movies and the big film franchise of Star Wars. These can offer a welcome break inside AC and away from the heat.

Another must-do of this park are the shows. Much like Animal Kingdom, these rival broadway musicals.

The best is Beauty and the Beast! It is so beautiful and captivating that I could see it over a hundred times and never get bored. Similarly there is Voyage of the Little Mermaid which retells the classic story.

For the more masculine side, there is the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show featuring high speed car chases and stunts, as well as the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. This was the first time seeing it for me and I was completely surprised at how funny and clever it was! Make sure you see this.

Indiana Jones

Parade wise, it changes so do check the schedule for when you visit, but whilst I was there it was all about Frozen. Seriously, there were Frozen themed parades, fireworks, dance parties, drinks, cupcakes, the list goes on!

Frozen fever!

Frozen Dance Party

Olaf Cupcake

After all the excitement of the attractions and shows, eating is easy here as there are so many quick service outlets that provide a variety of food for all types, and there are some unique table service meals perfect for a break from all that walking.

I tried the 50s Prime Time Cafe which offers great food as well as incredible service from the waiters and waitresses.
Basically, it transports you back to the home-cooked meal days where you would sit at a table each evening with the rest of your family, be told off for not eating your vegetables or having your elbows on the table, and they even give you homework to do while you are waiting for the food. This was such an amazing experience and really makes the time you are waiting for you food go by quickly.

I had the delicious salmon entree with warm apple crisp for desert which reminded me of my mum's home cooked apple crumble!

To end the day in this fantastic park, there is only one night time show to see, and that is Fantasmic. You will be blown away by this, not as good as Wishes, but just as mind-blowing and great for all the family.

Make sure you arrive in good time to get a good seat.

My only decent photo of Fantastic

My Travel Essentials

As we roll into the new year my attention always turns to which destination I will be travelling to next.

It seems I'm not the only one thinking the same as seen from the amount of adverts on TV selling holidays. It does nothing to help those January blues but once you've got something booked up then the anticipation of going on holiday begins!

Whether it's a week spent lying on the beach, or a long weekend exploring the city sights, there are some things that I cannot leave without packing in my suitcase.

Obviously due to baggage limits, we want to take as little as possible, and also so we have enough weight allowance for all the souvenirs we will buy!

So here are my top tips on what to pack when travelling that I never leave behind...

Dry Shampoo

A lot of time and effort is saved using this and it will always rescue my hair in those times when it's too difficult or not possible to have a shower. You can get travel versions but the normal size offers better value for money and will last. This is perfect for a long haul flight and spruces up dull hair in a second, just make sure you get the under 100ml version. Plus, if you forget shampoo and conditioner then this covers your back, and I buy shampoo out there to save space.

Lipbalm

My lips get super dry and flying doesn't do anything to help this, so I make sure it is always in my carry on luggage.

Spray Deodorant

Travelling can be stressful and can make you sweat! To avoid smelling like I've just ran the marathon, a little can of spray deodorant is always helpful to keep you smelling decent no matter where or how you are travelling.

Travel Wallet

A couple of years ago I stumbled upon this travel wallet from Paperchase, and I don't know how I coped without it. This wallet holds my passport, boarding tickets, insurance documents, ID cards, money, a pen and so much more. Having everything in one place is amazing and its a decent size as well.

Currency Card

Nowadays most places had chip and pin devices, or a nearby ATM machine, so to avoid carrying around huge amounts of cash, I simply use Fair ex's currency card. You use it just like a debit card and can pay for meals, souvenirs and attractions using the card. All you have to do it preload money from your account on to it. Withdrawing from an ATM will charge, so I tend to use it directly on a chip and pin machine. You can even download the app to top up and check your balance from your phone. Very handy and comes in euros/dollars.

Make-up Essentials

I don't always pack my entire make-up bag, so there are a few items I always take with me. These are mascara, concealer and powder foundation.
The concealer is for covering up any blemishes and dark circles, the powder is for taking away the oily shine I get from wearing make up for too long, and the mascara is a must for me because I think it can brighten up your eyes and can add a hint of glamour. I don't take anything else, just my staple items.

Water

This is my number one essential that I never travel without. After security if you are at an airport, or whenever I can I always buy a bottle of water. Not only is it important for hydration and good for your skin, but it gives me a sense of security knowing I have a drink if something were to happen, for example being stranded somewhere. I couldn't think of anything worse than feeling thirsty when there are no shops around.

Depending on the type of trip, there will be other items, but these will always be in my bag. Feel free to share some of yours!

2015 in Pictures

To build on my previous post, I thought it would be nice to summarise my year in pictures I have taken.

Here are my top pictures of 2015:

Starting off January with one of the best emails ever!

Driving in snow!

Enjoying a bright slushy with a view like that in Barcelona

Exploring the streets of Barcelona where the Cheetah Girls 2 was filmed- Life = made.

Witnessing a beautiful sky like this in the UK

Baking the perfect batch of Hot Cross Buns for Easter

Taking one last photo before the dip dye was chopped off

Buying this sweater, which pretty much summed me up

Saying goodbye to revision notes and year two university exams was such a relief

Taking silly photos with Charlotte on our way to Birmingham

Blowing out the candles of my Birthday and Leaving cupcakes, of course whilst wearing Minnie ears!

Landing in New York to see this this!

Getting to Times Square early because of jet lag and taking this picture!

Arriving in Hilton Head Island and seeing this view whilst cycling across this bridge everyday

Trying my first Mickey waffle

Receiving the badge of honour!

Getting up at 6am to see this everyday before work

Going to the beach whenever I wanted

Slicing my finger on a tomato slicer and having to get stitches 

Trying my first Chick-fil-a

Doing a ghost tour of Savannah in a hearse

Walking down Main Street and seeing this for the first time in over 5 years

Being inspired by Wishes for the first time ever

Witnessing another beautiful sunset

Seeing a shark in the ocean!

Exploring the beauty of Charleston

Another beautiful sunset

Feeling lucky to be able to have spent 3 months on this beautiful island

Taking a selfie of my last ever shift at work

Getting my first tattoo

Saying goodbye to this view

Fro-yo!

My welcome home!

Finding this photo from an asda shop which I had accidentally taken

Watching One Direction before they take a break

Seeing the natural beauty from many walks

Falling in love with London

Getting festive

Watching christmas carrolers 

Whilst sipping on a festive drink

Going back to Disneyland Paris after ages and being blown away by the Christmas lights

Seeing this view!

Baking Mince Pies which were delicious

And there we are. As another year draws to a close, take a look back on your pictures from the year and you can see just how much you have achieved. Memories are precious, so taking photos are a great way of preserving them.

I wish you all a happy new year full of health and prosperity!

x