Bonfire Night

Growing up I always remember looking forward to Bonfire night. Possibly the most important family tradition in our household, the only one we all without fail never miss. Wherever life may have placed me in recent years, I have always returned home for what might quite possibly be my favourite night of the year.

My mum always cooks a festive feast of hot-dogs, burgers, and jacket potatoes followed by a slice of parkin and a mug of hot chocolate to warm us up before we head out.

We are lucky that my Grandad owns land which feels like it was created especially to host our yearly gathering. Surrounded by fields, and beyond you can see the distant glow of nearby towns, perfect for us to view everyone else's fireworks whilst sitting by our own cosy fire.

However you celebrate bonfire night I hope it is just as magical.

xxx

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

Another film I came across just by chance, it turned out to be just my sort of thing - original, quirky, and unlike any film I have seen before. It made me laugh and cry and I can't wait to watch it again!

xxx

Friendship isn't about who you have known the longest, it's about who came and never left you side

It's my best friends birthday today and for the first time in a few years due to my new and hectic lifestyle I have been incredibly un-organised and not sent her card or presents in time, but they will be with you soon Alice! I really do hope you have a fantastic day!

I just wanted to write a post to celebrate our friendship, and to say thank you for being there through all the up's and downs, and for staying in touch consistently when I moved away although many other friends failed to.

Thank you for all the fun times we had skipping class and sneaking past the teacher to run for an early bus. For all the nights we danced away, for all the secrets shared, all the teary phone calls, for taping me every episode of skins because my family didn't have freeview!

For splitting that old skirt in half because we both loved the fabric, for collecting me no end of magazine clippings for my art projects, for lending me Dawsons Creek, and for tracking down those old Brambly Hedge videos and making them DVD's for me, I couldn't believe it when they showed up on my doorstep!

For asking me to be a bridesmaid for your big day which I am so incredibly excited to be part of! For understanding every crisis, and for being there to share all the good times, and for being my Carrie, my Charlotte and my Samantha and my Miranda.

"Side by side or far apart, true friends are always close to the heart"

xxx

Bracelets

Bracelets have always been my favourite accessory. When I was younger I remember going to guide camp and spotting a girl with at least 15 bracelets on each wrist and thought how cool she looked! When I got home from my weekend away I got busy with my bead kits and have worn many bracelets at any one time ever since.

I tend to buy a bracelet each place I visit, and it is often a present friends get me. So on each arm I have bracelets with memories from all over, and from lots of good friends. I think they are a nice thing to own, and I get sentimental about any item with memories attached. Wearing them has become less practical since adopting the piggies but they are still my go to accessory to make any outfit look better! There is an amazing bead shop in the village I have moved to, with all sorts of beads and charms, it has made me want to get making again! Do you have a favourite accessory?

xxx

The Simple Life

I have loved The Simple Life since it was first shown on T.V. As soon as it was released I bought the Season 1 boxset, although it has been sat on my shelf gathering dust for ages now! Me and my house mate Nicky fancied something girly and light hearted to watch one night so I dug it back out and we have been hooked since! I forgot how hilarious this show is, although Season One was the only series I actually enjoyed of the reality show as the others which followed all seemed a bit more staged.

If you want a good old giggle at two rich girls trying to make it out in the middle of nowhere living on a farm, who seem to know nothing about normal life this is a must see! This show also started my love for Nicole Richie, outspoken and utterly hilarious this show is guaranteed to have you in stitches!

xxx

It doesn't matter where you are, you are nowhere compared to where you could go...

This post is for anyone who has ever wished for change. One month ago I was in a tiny flat that had bad damp, noisy neighbours. I liked my job, but there were never enough hours to go round,  and the hours I did get were either evening or weekends, the opposite of my Mr. I had also recently passed my driving test but was to nervous to go out in my car.

When 2013 came around I was determined to do something with my life. I was happy, in a loving relationship but my life was in a rut, and I knew it would stay that way unless I did something to change it.

I begun to apply for jobs, and was lucky enough to find one I knew I was perfect for and really wanted to do, I was determined to give it my all. I got an interview, and two days later was offered the job. Three and a half hours away from where I was currently living, it hasn't been easy to arrange things. I knew I couldn't afford to live in the area alone, and My Mr could not move with me until he found a job in the area as well. A house share seemed like the best option. I spent a lot of time online, narrowed it down to 3 house shares and spent a weekend in Ely hoping for the best.

I met a lovely girl called Nicky, during our brief meeting we bonded over our mutual love of animals and cups of tea. She also took me to meet her horse Shandy, it was instant love! When I was younger I spent as much time as I could at the local stables and couldn't wait to have the opportunity to do this again!

I am also now driving my car everyday on new roads, it may seem such a silly thing to some people but for me this is a huge achievement, and something I hope one day I will have the confidence to do without a second thought! To get to my new place of work I knew I had to get my car up and running but the freedom this has given me has been great, such a nice change from trains!

I have lived with my Mr since before we even got together, minus 3 months between leaving University and moving to Manchester. I remember worrying it would make things hard last time we were apart, but this time I don't have that worry, if things are meant to be they have a way of working out, and I think the two of us have always been a fine example of that :)

Within the last month I have changed my life in so many ways. I am so much happier, so much more content, and haven't felt this at home since my time in my beloved University town Huddersfield! In many ways where I am now is even better, although the city life is fun I have always been more of a country girl at heart, being here is so refreshing, and such a breath of fresh air, the closest city Ely is the smallest in England, and full of beautiful architecture and character. I keep discovering more and more hidden gems around but will save that for another post! I love my job, have hopefully made a new friend for life in Nicky, and have very much enjoyed having a girly room all to myself again, something I will be posting about soon!

So the message behind this post is if you aren't happy with your life, it IS in your power to change it, don't be afraid to, it may just be the best thing you ever do.

xxx

The Story of Milly Moo

During my final year of University, for the first time since leaving home I was finally in accommodation where having a pet became possible. Me and the Mr had spoken about getting a house rabbit, but I always found myself drawn to the Guinea Pigs after fond memories of having one as a child. As they a social animals we planned on getting two females, however after visiting every pet shop in Huddersfield there was only one female Guinea left.

We decided to wait until two were available, but cage ready and waiting and heart longing I convinced my Mr we had to go back for the beauty we had seen the day before. Luckily she was still there, after asking to see her the shop owner placed her in my arms and my love for this little one was instant. We decided to take her and named her Millie Moo. From them on my life has been so much more complete. She brought me joy as I sat by her all day sewing my final year project, she was my comfort when after Uni I had to move back home, and my attachment to her has grown each day.

Wanting the best for her we decided it was only fair to introduce her to some friends, next came timid little Minnie, and major rascal Mouse. We could tell that Moo was much more content with company of her own kind and it meant when I started full time work she would not spend her days alone. My love for animals has grown so much since adopting the Piggies, and a great passion for supporting animal shelters and rescues has developed. Completing my little family are Lily and Daisy, who were both adopted from Tameside Rabbit and Guinea Pig Rescue.

I would urge anyone considering adopting a pet to please check your local rescue centres. There are so many animals needing a good home. Moo was from Pets at Home and has had more health issues then all of the other pigs put together. The rescue pigs have been in much better health, and I was also surprised to see a much wider variety of breeds at the rescue then there are in the pet shops, including young animals of just a few weeks old. If anyone has any questions about the adoption process or general questions about guinea pigs as pets just let me know as by now I have quite a lot of experience! Do any of you have any Pets adopted from rescues? I would love to hear your stories.

xxx

Cambridge

Last weekend me and my Mr took a trip to Cambridge. We have been meaning to visit for so long as his sister has a place down there. We enjoyed a lovely catch up with her and her partner, a tour of Cambridge in the snow, coffee and cakes at John Lewis, a home cooked meal followed by a lovely evening.

Cambridge was so beautiful in the snow, and the whole place is so picturesque, we will definitely be taking more trips and have a nosey round the colleges. We saw the Great Hall where his sister used to have formal meals during her time with the College and it was like something from Harry Potter! Very lovely, a perfect little weekend away.

xxx

Dream Big

In my Liebster blog award post I mentioned that 2013 was going to be the year I changed my life. Although I already have more blessings then I can count, I knew this year was the time for change. Determined to relocate, find a new job and a new place to live I set out applying for jobs, wanting something to do with my degree, and following my passion for hand embroidery. Today I have been offered a job with a bridal company. I will be working in the veil room hand embroidering and embellishing wedding veils. I can't believe I have stumbled upon something so perfect, and so fitting to what I wanted to do.

I have truly enjoyed my time as a bookseller, but I am really looking forward to this next chapter in my life. I still have lots to organise before my start date in a months time, including moving to a whole new city! Big changes and exciting times ahead! Who knows I may just be the person who has stitched the lace or dimantes onto the veil you choose for your big day. It just goes to show if you have a dream, however big pursue it and it may just come true...

xxx

Girl Crush

Who is your Girl Crush? It appears mine is anyone with amazing hair I wish I had!

 I love these ladies in just about any film/media I see them in!

xxx

Lucky Elephant

Elephants have been my favourite animal for many years. They seem quiet, mysterious and very gentle creatures despite their size. It is said that they also feel complex emotions similar to the way we do, and form close bonds with their herd.

The elephant is also an ancient symbol of strength, protection, and good luck. I have just bought the necklace shown, another beautiful little elephant to add to my growing collection.

Do you have a favourite animal?

xxx