Tuesday 20 August 2013

Ins and Outs of Summer Time!

 I am somewhat enjoying my dysfunctional sleeping pattern and being able to do what  I want whenever- to an extent, however I must admit boredom is slightly tipping me over the edge just a little bit. I actually can't wait to be back at University, getting on with my work and seeing my lovely course mates. Oh and of course, cracking on with achieving my wonderful degree. (I study Journalism, readership)! 

 In the mean time, I have decided to join the club and do a current "ins and outs"/"love and hate"/"liking and not liking" post that you may have seen around plenty of times on blogosphere! 

In - sleeping whenever I want! I do adore my sleep, I think I must have been a cat in a previous life to enjoy my sleep so much. But then again, I do go to bed a lot later than other people so maybe I have an excuse for a "ridiculous lay-in" as some people may call it?! 

In - watching films and discovering new ones. I love a good movie, it transports you to another dimension for a couple of hours and can change your emotions. There is also nothing like a good horror movie... I have found plenty I love over the summer and have been watching multiple movies a week. Let us not forget the Harry Potter marathons which are definitely a need and not a want. I am planning  a trip to Universal Studio's in my head in order to check out the pretty amazing "Wizarding World of Harry Potter"... donations are welcome. Oh, and if you get a chance check out "The Great Gatsby"... I loved that movie so much and would say it is in my top 5 of 2013. Jaw dropping amazing-ness. Much like every other Leonardo DiCaprio film ever in existence. 


How amazing is that?! 


In - Festival Season! There is nothing I love more than dawning my flowery glad rags and heading to the local park in order to listen to amazing music, drink and get merry with similar like minded happy people. I am lucky enough to have Freedom Community Festival near me, which is free. And of course there are all the amazing festivals dotted throughout the UK that are a joy for everyone involved. Just get on your floral headbands, grab your tramp-juice (cheap booze) and party the day and night away! Go bare foot if you dare.


In - Summer Weddings! My cousin and his lovely girlfriend (now wife), recently got married. The day was perfect and so was the weather. Filled with a river trip, cider, open top bus journey and finishing off with a barbecue was perfect. 

In - sea swimming! There is nothing I like more than heading to a local beach on a hot day, stripping down and getting in the water to cool off. Here in England it's hard to get a chance to bask in the sunshine, so on the rare occurrence it does appear people come out in their hundreds to celebrate. I could spend hours in the sea just floating along, bobbing up and down to the motion of the waves. A barbecue in the evening followed by yummy summer wine is always a must too- it finishes the day off in style!




Out - crazy weather changes. The weather is some what suffering with severe mood swings lately. One minute I am too hot to trot, the next all windows in my room need to be shut as torrential rain comes thundering down at any given moment. What is a girl to do? How is a girl to dress? Sometimes I wish I was abroad...

Out - sunburn! Enough said. I had a bit of a mishap when on the hottest day of the year I forgot to put sun cream on my back... it's made for a reason.

Out - melting makeup. In this heat, there really is not point in wearing make-up only for you to step outside and it do end up in a sweaty mess all over the place. Not a "hot" look. Get it? Ha! If you must wear make-up though (I am guilty of this); try waterproof versions and mineral makeup. It's not as bad as liquid in this heat. And remember you SPF.

Out - breaking sunglasses. I don't know how many pairs I have got through this summer. Chucking them in my bag and standing on them later is usually the reason for their decease. 



Anyway, I hope everyone is enjoying themselves! Who knows what the rest of the summer will bring? I have just under 4 weeks until the joy of drinking, coursework and early mornings.


See you soon! 








Monday 19 August 2013

Billy Smart's Circus comes to Plymouth!

On Friday I had the pure joy of being treated to a trip to the circus which came to Plymouth! I haven't been to the circus in years, so needless to say I was excited about the prospect of seeing beautiful acts, crazy clowns and hopefully a jaw dropping performance. I am happy to say, this is what I got. The show last two hours and it went extremely fast, I did not find myself getting bored at any point and it kept me wanting more and more... 

 My lovely partner had treated me to tickets to the dazzling show; and I only found out the night before. I couldn't remove the grin from my face. Originating from 1946, Billy Smart has been entertaining the masses for decades.





                            

I got there at 6.15pm sharp, and was taken to a colourful, light filled wonderland, with clowns grinning at me from every corner. Seats were staggered but still first come first serve, so I wanted to try and get some of the best seats in the tent.

 Red and white striped stalls sold popcorn and sugary candy floss whilst people in dapper red suits were at hand to help me with any queries I may have had. Boisterous music played adding to the magical atmosphere while traditional sawdust lay beneath my feet. Kids walked passed with toy lights flashing like stars in the dim-light of the circus tent. Everyone was excited for the up and coming show.






A live band played throughout which was a really nice, traditional touch. Acts alternated between death defying stunts, and a hilarious clown that was impossible not to love! The audience even got to participate at one point, with unsuspecting victims being picked from the crowd to throw plates around. I have to say I did cringe at the contortionist who was getting herself in the strangest positions imaginable, but she was definitely one of my favourite acts of the night. Not everyone can burst a balloon by shooting an arrow with their feet, in some very weird position... 

 The show continued to go on as it began, and I was soon greeted by trapeze artists flying through the air above me! Definitely something you need to see in "real life."


 I don't want to give too much away, but if you see the Billy Smart Circus in town and have some free time, I suggest you attend. Highly recommended.




Thursday 1 August 2013