Movie Moments ....

Movie moments were few and far between for me in 2016, for someone who usually has a list of movie musts at the beginning of each year to see, 2016 was definitely a little lack lustre in the cinema world. Two favourites for the year were Bridget Jones Baby which I saw a couple of times at the cinema with the girls and again snuggled on the sofa on New Year’s Day and MeBefore You which I just loved. Two other movies that I saw over the festive season also joined the favourite list was the much anticipated JK Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and where to find them and Sully. 

I saw Fantastic Beasts in 3D at the Imax in London and loved the whole experience. It was my first trip to the Imax and I was super impressed with the service, ambience and space of the cinema. The movie was also in 3D, something I’ve not done in a long time, probably since those early years of 3D when it was all a little bit hit and miss with the visuals, however how much has time changed.

For those not familiar with the synopsis the movie is set in New York in 1926 and in the Harry Potter universe Gellert Grindelward is terrorising the magical community. Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) travels from London to New York with a briefcase full of magical creatures. Unfortunately not all the fantastic beasts want to stay hidden in Newt’s case and escape into the streets of New York. JK’s imagination astounds me and her creation of these magical creatures from her head to paper is just amazing. Set in the early 20’s transports this film back into an era where people lived in fear of satanic influences (references to Salem and its witchcraft’s) creating an underworld within the subways and back streets of New York. Newt meets some loveable witches along with a muggle that joins his adventures. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and it may not have captured my heart as much as Harry but one  little creature sure did!.... the loveable thief of shiny belongings, a Niffler – so cute and very naughty he made me laugh throughout the movie. JK’s genius has done it again and look forward to the next adventure along with seeing her private investigator Comoron Strike come to life on the TV later this year.

My second movie of choice is Sully – Tom Hanks taking the lead and telling the story of the pilot that landed an aeroplane on the Hudson River on the 15^th January 2009, saving 155 lives and avoiding an aviation disaster. Most of us can remember the Miracle on the Hudson story and probably think that with 24 hour news coverage and social media that there isn’t much of a story to tell, what Sully does is show the impact that this has on his life and the investigation behind the scenes. It’s a fascinating and thrilling film, where you see a national hero come under immense scrutiny from the aviation companies and insurance corporations for saving 155 lives. Set in New York, this film has definitely ignited the flame to return to this fabulous city later this year.

A great film that will keep you entertained throughout, Tom Hanks is effortless throughout showcasing everything he does well being fantastically directed by Clint Eastwood.

Two great family entertaining films to finish the year off both set in New York but couldn't be any more different in genre and style ….. now off to compile my list for 2017!

Theatre Nights ......

So I was lucky enough to get to the theatre 3 times over the festive season – twice in the West End and then again at my local theatre and loved every minute.

My first theatre night was early December where I was fortunate enough to have bagged a preview ticket for the much anticipated Dreamgirls staging. Those familiar with the movie (Beyoncé , Jennifer Hudson & Jamie Foxx ) will know that it follows a trio of girls who in the early 60’s embark on a journey which sees them taken from backing vocals to being the star act across the globe, based loosely on the story of Diana Ross and The Supremes, it is not without its back stabbing and jealousy’s and a fantastic soundtrack.

 Taking the lead role of Effie is the extremely talented Amber Riley (formerly Mercedes from Glee and currently part of the judging panel on Let it Shine) who was made for this part. With a ‘Full House’ board displayed outside The Savoy theatre there was much anticipation and excitement in the air before a note was sung on stage.  Staged a little different to the film it is the role of Effie that takes the lead and Amber Riley is just fabulous, having loved her voice in Glee I was interested to see how much of that was ‘real’ or just edited for TV. I can honestly say that this girl has the most amazing voice and belts out the soundtrack – it is the first time that I have been to the theatre and an actress has received a standing ovation as the curtain closed at half time.

With a great supporting cast, this is a fantastic feel good trip to the theatre and as good as the movie. Highly recommend seeing this before the cast move on to other things, I enjoyed it so much I came home and booked tickets for February to take a friend.

My second trip to the bright lights of the West End was to take a friend (M) to see The Bodyguard, and I bagged tickets for it penultimate night before it heads to Toronto. This also happened to fall on 12^th night after Christmas and felt like the final festive treat before saying goodbye to Christmas 2016.

 I saw The Bodyguard a couple of years ago when Beverley Knight was playing the lead and was thrilled that she had returned for its final run. Those familiar with the movie will know that the two lead characters played by Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner take on the role of famous singer / movie star and a bodyguard. Ben Lister (Casualty, The Bill / Footballers wives fame) takes up the role as The Bodyguard and plays it brilliantly. Again with a full house, this was a fun packed evening filled with lots of trips down memory lane and a soundtrack that you could sing and dance along to until the final curtain. Beverley Knight is fabulous and really doesn’t get the accolades that she deserves as a female British singer. Sadly The Bodyguard has now finished its run in The West End and I am glad that we caught it before it closed.

My final trip to the theatre was a little closer to home where New Year’s eve eve saw us take in the local pantomime of Cinderella. I haven’t been to the pantomime since I was a little girl, when my nan and gramps used to take all the grandchildren and I had forgotten how much cheesy fun it could be. Annual trip to the pantomime is a tradition of M’s and I am sure that it will become mine now as we laughed lots and got involved in all the banter of “booing” and  “he’s behind you”, I must hasten to say I was a little more reluctant than M! Obviously the Ugly Sisters stole the show with their double entendres which were wasted on the kids but loved by the adults.

For a local show the cast was great and super talented as they all at some point during the show played musical instruments on stage – it’s the first time I’ve ever seen Cinderella playing a trombone! I had a fun filled evening and now look forward to this Christmas delights.

A slice of New York in London

Continuing with catching up on some of my activities during the festive season before we are in February. Lots of you commented on my obvious lack of New York adventure this year, and yes for the first time in a few years the annual trip to the Big Apple didn’t happen.  Rest assured I am already planning a return trip for 2017 along with a huge adventure on a boat!

To compensate for not going, I planned a New York inspired day in London with a friend on a day off in early December. My friend hasn’t been to New York and will be coming with me this year so this gave them a feel of what it would be like.

A perfect relaxed day in New York for me looks like the following:

Pancakes for Breakfast, a little Shopping and taking in the Christmas sights, a Walk through Central Park, Ice Skating, Cupcakes and Coffee and then a great Burger for eats.

So with a bit of a NY bucket list planned we started the day in Jackson & Rye – a cool eatery in Soho offering home cooked American style food, with pancakes on the menu for breakfast this was the perfect place to start. With an indulgent breakfast to walk off we headed along Piccadilly with a stop off at Fortnum’s to admire the Christmas décor and then a foray along Bond Street and a trip to Tiffany’s. Everywhere was beautifully decorated for Christmas – both Fortnum & Mason & Tiffany’s looked stunningly elegant.

Blessed with a beautiful crisp winter day we headed past The Ritz into Green Park and headed down to St James Park. This is my favourite park in the city and I was delighted to see so many of the parks legendary pelicans had left their island in the middle of the lake and were happily waddling around the grounds. We spent some time in park just enjoying the views and wildlife before we headed out past Buckingham Palace and into the side streets of Belgravia. Elegant wreaths festooned the doors of some of the townhouses along with a beautiful display at The Goring hotel. (added to 2017 bucket list for birthday afternoon tea)

When in Belgravia the only place to stop for coffee and cake is the gorgeous Peggy Porschen Parlour – beautifully decorated in her signature pastels, complete with Gingerbread castles, Cookie’s and Meringue kisses drip cakes – an instagrammers dream.

I can’t recommend this little slice of cupcake heaven enough – always a favourite treat.

Rested and fed we continued our travels through Belgravia towards the Kings Road where we walked and talked and took in the sights. What I loved about this area was the number of Christmas tree vendors that had taken up residency on street corners – not in the abundance of New York but certainly creating that feel and sight that you see everywhere there. After a peruse in Anthropologie and a quick stop by The Ivy Chelsea Garden to admire the stunning decorations ( again a Instagram favourite) we then headed to our final destination of the day – The Natural History Museum for a spot of ice-skating, followed by a great Burger at @Honest burgers.(worth the queue). Loved the rink at The Natural History museum – this was my first time to this rink and it had the feel similar to that of the one in Bryant Park.

Having clocked up 11k walk on the Fitbit and feeling a little weary it was time to head home and a relax on the sofa with a christmas movie.

My SW journey in 2016....

As previously shared with you my Slimming World journey has been a significant part of my lifestyle changes within 2016, and what a journey it has been. I started the year having lost 2 stone on the plan and finished the year with a further 3 stone loss. This brings my total with Slimming world to 5 stone in 16 months and 6 stone since I made the decision to become a better me.  I am now working towards my Target loss with SW of 6 stone and hope to achieve this before I go on holiday in May.

Lots of people ask me how I’ve done it and is it easy; the honest answer is no ‘diet’ is easy, it’s about willpower, planning, motivation and support. I couldn’t have done this without those, but the biggest thing is that you have to do this for yourself and no-one else, otherwise the will is not there.  What I did set out to achieve when I started was that this became part of my life and not consumed it – it wasn’t a race and I am happy that I have taken the loss slow and steady.

This lifestyle change has overhauled me completely and allowed me to take on new challenges in work and life that I never expected to do 18 months ago. I’ve found a whole new network of friends through social media and group that are also on this journey, some of whom have been invaluable in my achievements. I am now probably the fittest that I have been since leaving school and actively exercise at least 2 or 3 times a week and have fallen in love with walking. ( The running is still up there for me in line with Chinese water torture!) and Zumba is my chosen high impact activity weekly.

I am now 4 / 5 sizes smaller than when I started (dependant on brand) and have completely overhauled my wardrobe, it has given me the confidence to change jobs, socialise and date! (hence the slowdown & lack of blogging!)

Along the way I have started to ‘inspire’ others which I’m struggling to get my head round but hope that I can help in any small way once someone makes the decision to change their lifestyle and lose weight. One of my closest friends wrote this on her instagram feed this week. 😊

❤ Things that have helped for me:

  Plan your weeks meals before food shopping.
    Set yourself monthly / 3 monthly goals – this makes the weight loss more manageable

 REWARD your goals & weekly losses. (something I never did to begin but was taught this my someone who lost 7.5stone)
 1lb may not seem much but over a year this = 3.5 stone
  Do something lovely for every 1/2stone loss.

❤   Find an exercise that is right for you.
Walking – I use audible books and would find myself going around the block one more time to finish a chapter.
Commuting – get off one stop early and walk (tube / bus)
 Escalators – Walk never stand – this is a really easy way to see how far you have come – you will soon be able to climb without stopping / out of breath.

Take Photographs –
For Yourself:  however much
you hate the way you look
 they are a good tool to remind you how far you have come and help you see the loss
(something that I still struggle with)

 Food: - photograph what you eat – if you have a good week look back on what you ate / not good then look at what you didn’t photograph and why!
Dont beat yourself up if you have an off day.

    

So here we are in 2017 and I am a stone away from Target , its time for me to set some new goals as all those that I set in 2016 I’ve achieved …… so here they are:

Target – get to Target by May and then find a weight that I am happy with.

• Wear a  pair of size 10 jeans
•   Complete a 10k race
• Continue to challenge myself with walking 10,000 steps
• Buy a Bikini – I have never worn / bought a Bikini and would like to wear one at least once before I am 50!

 Thank-you to everyone who has commented and ❤ on my Sw posts and Instagram feed it really has helped my journey along the way. Here's to the final last push of which I will be updating you along the way.

London Lights in December ....

Mid way through January and I'm only just beginning to get organised enough to start blogging about December. Life has been busy, some of which I aim to share with you over the coming weeks, however today I'm going to give you a glimpse of what December was like for me.
It was my first Fenwick Christmas which really kicked off with Black Friday weekend and then just got busier as the big day approached, late nights and the hustle and bustle of London commute made for some long days. There was still time for some fun, with Christmas lunches, Secret Santa, singing with the Salvation Army and lots of laughter in the corner shop on Bond Street.

Aside from work I did get out and about and enjoyed lots of the sights and lights that London has to offer during the festive season. When the weather was good I managed to walk from Liverpool Street to Bond Street and loved the trees that sprung up throughout the city.

One of my favourites this year was definitely the huge tree inside the courtyard at The Rosewood London which was stunningly elegant in gold and green.
On the day I passed by the car-park was full of Aston Martins 💛which were gorgeous.... this hotel is definitely on my bucket-list.

Another hotel which is renowned for its Christmas Tree is Claridges, and as its a stones throw from the corner shop, I frequented it often during the festive season. This years tree was designed by the team from Apple and although not the prettiest of trees it was without a doubt the most atmospheric, making you feel like you were entering a magical winter forest. Not the easiest to photograph but stunningly beautiful in its own way.

This year it felt that everyone embraced Christmas and everywhere that I walked you were met with stunning window displays, beautiful lights and huge trees. A few of my favourites included the feathers and chandeliers of Bond Street. The ribbon wrapped facade of Cartier and the blue boxed trees at Tiffany. Regent street had flying angels which swept through the street. Covent Garden;s huge tree and mistletoe disco ball's dazzled the apple market. Even Charing cross glowed with blue baubles and stars which led to the stunning square and ice rink of Somerset House which again sponsored by Fortnums was a feast for all the senses.This was one of my favourite walks this Christmas, and even in the drizzle some days it was still delightful.

I loved exploring the lights and sights of London during the festive season, and will share more of my sights and treats later in the week.

Hello November.....

So November has arrived with a sharp drop in temperature, a little fog and a reminder that Christmas is now 7 weeks away. When you work in retail this is the most critical 6 weeks of the year and its now full on festive focus.
I am this year determined to enjoy the festive build up and try not to spend the whole time at work.
I have a few things booked in November and I'm looking forward to these and even more in December. London will go full christmas from the weekend with light switch on's across all the big streets.This month I have tickets for a couple of big things; England autumn rugby games - I am taking a friend to his first Twickenham date with the England squad and Fiji and then the following week he is taking me to my first outing at the Imax to see J.K. Rowlings Fantastic Beasts.

November also sees the return of a festive favourite with the launch of Starbucks red cups. With a Slimming worls countdown to Christmas I am hoping to achieve my 5 stone award before Santa arrives (this will bring my weight loss to 6 stone ) and then hopefully target sometime in early 2017.

So here's to a fab November.... looking forward to catching up with all your blogs and reading about what you have planned for the festive season.... have a great week... Tx

Farewell October ....

So October has fallen asleep in glorious autumnal shades and winter is rapidly approaching. However before we say goodbye to what has been a glorious month of gorgeous hues of gold, red and browns, let me share some of my best bits.

2016 is turning out to be a year of so much change; new job, weight-loss, fitness programme and new friendships and a very busy social life, that it doesn't seem to leave much time for blogging.

With the nights drawing in I am hoping to catch-up on some blog posts and find a rhythm and routine that works for me.
October has seen some glorious sunrises, a little fog, coffee with friends, pumpkins, leaves and park runs filled with colour.
I am now running 3 times a week and have loved watching the season change during the month.
Beautiful blue skies, showcasing greens, reds, oranges and golds.

October saw me complete my 3 month probationary period at work and I feel like I have finally settled into my office and getting comfortable with the job.
The month also saw me at the cemetery to mark my Nan's birthday.

The end of the month saw me take a trip to Portsmouth to see my nephew who moved there in September to start his university life. I met his house mates and took him for Sunday lunch, a walk around the quay and then some retail therapy. We had a lovely day and I cant believe how much he has grown up in the short time that he has been there.
As you can see October was glorious, I made the most of the good weather with trips to the coast both south and east. Had a fab day at a family wedding. 
Looking forward to November and all that it brings x

A Golden day at the Seaside

A couple of Sunday's ago I spent a gorgeous afternoon at the Essex seaside town of Leigh on Sea and an evening of entertainment at the Cliffs pavilion in Southend. We were blessed with the most glorious weather which made for a perfect stroll along the seafront and promenade.
The afternoon started with lunch at Leigh on Seas The Boatyard. Nestled amongst the cockle sheds in Old Leigh The Boatyard is a stunning restaurant butting onto gorgeous views of the Essex coastline.

Offering a fantastic menu and sunday roast this restaurant is perfect for small and large parties. We were seated on the mezzanine floor which gave us views of both the restaurant and the sea. With a relatively late lunch booking it allowed us to watch the sun start to set over dessert and coffee.
This was my first visit to The Boatyard and will definitely be adding it to my "re-visit" list, service, ambience and the food were gorgeous and look forward to going again.
The Golden sunset set us up perfectly for an evening at The Cliffs Pavillion where we were entertained in True 80's style with Tony Hadley.
I was with a friend that hadn't seen Tony before and he was really impressed with the show. Accompanied by a full symphony orchestra, Tony's set was a mixture of Spandau Ballet classics, own songs and some great rock & crooning tunes.
A Truly Golden day with great company in gorgeous Essex style.

Autumn Bucket List.....

Today I am guest writing for Gemma on her blog Gems Country Life. I have followed Gem’s blog and Instagram feed for some time now and I am delighted to write a post for her during what is one of my favourite months of the year. 

Gems posts this month are have a real autumnal feel to them which has allowed me to share all my favourite things about October and Autumn before we tumble into winter when the clocks fall back at the weekend.

Lots of people love Spring and the awakening of the flowers from their winter hibernation but for me Autumn is the equivalent of spring but for the leaves and trees as they turn from green to golden glows of yellows and reds.

This year the colours have been spectacular and I have loved kicking my way through the fallen leaves as I walk and run through the park.

Every year I produce an Autumnal Bucket List which I try to complete during the end of September and October; this year we have been blessed with some gorgeous weather which has allowed me to soak up some gorgeous sunrise’s and sunsets through the city, at the seaside and in the park.

Autumn for me features Spice Lattes, Apples, Pumpkins, Cozy Sweaters, Candles, Ugg Slippers and Cashmere throw. My wardrobe switches into comfy boots, and a  capsule wardrobe of browns, tans, greens and berry. Days are filled with gorgeous Sunrises and Sunsets, and park life is filled with Conkers, Squirrels, Swans  and lots of crisp leaves. (perfect for kicking).

So as we head towards November I am going to savour every minute left of Autumn before the days become a little darker and greyer and the festive season is truly upon us and I start compiling my Winter Bucket List.

Hello October...

Hello October...... what a glorious autumnal start we have had to the month. September passed in a whirl of steps, sunrises and sunsets.  

I am a little late with welcoming October, due to a few social activities; a family wedding, and lots on at work.
I'm 10 weeks into my new worklife with the Fenwick Family and loving it. Last week we opened the Christmas Hall and I am feeling at home and settled into my office and work space.
Early October would have been my Nans 95th birthday so a trip to the cemetery with some autumnal flowers and a little toast to mark the occasion.
I am still on my SW journey and have a stone to go to target which will be a 5.5stone weight loss which I am hoping to achieve around Christmas. Having loved my 10,000 steps challenge so much in September I am continuing the walking and enjoying it still. Looking at some bigger challenges for 2017.
I have a couple of nice things planned in October including some time off and an evening with Tony Hadley with friends.
Hoping to catch up with some friends and generally enjoy the remains of autumn before we tumble into November and winter.
Here's to a gorgeous October.... xx

Farewell September.....

So September has gone and I am a week late in updating my blog with its October makeover and still have a list of posts in draft from September!

Life is kind of busy at the moment with lots of new and exciting stuff, who knew that losing weight and getting a little fitter would lead to be getting a life back! September was a month filled with steps!

It saw me take up Cancer Research’s challenge of 10,000 steps a day and I am thrilled to announce that not only did I smash the 10,000 steps a day but also my target of £250. I am now nearly at £400 which I am delighted with.

When I signed-up for the challenge I made a commitment to myself that I would walk a minimum of 10,000 steps a day and not bank any if I had walked more on other days; my final step count for the month was 463,194 covering 337k (209 miles)

Some of the loveliest moments in September whilst walking was seeing the summer evenings move into autumn and the trees begin to turn in preparation for fall. Sunrises and Sunsets were particularly stunning and I loved every step that I took (apart from the days when I was running!) Autumn is ever present in my local park with an abundance of conkers, which I had to dodge on my weekly run.

I have also found places in London that I never knew existed and could give a black cab driver a run for his money on the routes between Liverpool Street and Bond Street.

September also saw me catch-up with friends old a new and enjoy a few glasses of fizz and  some indulgent lunches.

 I am also enjoying the darker nights and I’m already nesting for my winter hibernation, I have a backlog of autumn telly on my planner for viewing which I am looking forward to curling up and watching.

September also saw the release of Bridget Jones Baby which I saw twice during the month and loved both occasions, laughed out loud throughout and already have it on pre-order for its 2017 release.
Payday heralded a little shopping spree as I have run out of clothes that fit and desperately needed some basics for work and a few bits for the weekends. Super excited to be pulling on a size 12 jeans and I have had to return a few bits due to them being too big!
Overall September was quite lovely, weather was beautiful, I am settling into the new job and even though I’ve failed miserably on the blogging front I really hope to catch you all up with life and all its adventures over the coming weeks.

Here’s to a gorgeous October …..

TCakes SW adventures ....

A couple of months ago I shared my journey with SlimmingWorld over the last year. Since that post I am happy to share that I have lost another stone and  my total weight loss over the last 13 months has now reached 5 stone in total, 4 of which have been with SW.

I am thrilled and feel like a completely new person. I have one and a half stone to go until I hit my target, which will mean a loss of 5 1/2 stone with SW and 6 1/2 stone in total, which I hope to hit before Christmas.

I can honestly say that although it hasn’t been easy, it equally hasn’t been hard; it just requires planning and making the right choices. The hardest part of the journey has been stepping up the fitness as for me it was as much about feeling fitter as it was feeling fitter.

I have a great friend, who has been on this journey as well who has been the most amazing support and has encouraged me daily, as well as got me running around the park. ( the only thing on this journey that I hate!) I have discovered that I love the walking and even after I have completed my 10,000 steps challenge in September I  hope to continue through the winter (weather permitting) with my London walks. I have also discovered the fun that Zumba can bring and are now attending a class each week. I have never sweated so hard on 60 minutes in my life but can really see a difference since I have been going.

As we head into autumn I now need to buy a new wardrobe of clothes as I have now dropped 4 sizes and have no winter clothes!
Shopping trip planned and an update to come on progress ....

Welcome Back Bridget.....

There haven’t been films this year that have had me wanting to rush to the cinema, (the last one being Me before You) but there has been one that has been on my MUST see list since the trailer aired and the location images started to appear on social media late last year. I am of course referring to Bridget Jones Baby.

Bridget is up there in my top favourite films for so many reasons. I have followed Bridget’s adventures since she first appeared as column inches in the Independent, which led to the book and then onto the movie. I too like Bridget have despaired over the size of my thighs, smoked too many cigarettes, drunk far too many units of alcohol and invariably fallen for the  very wrong type of man! (on several occasions) and acknowledges that I will always be ‘a little bit fat’.

My mum too tried to set me up with every ‘nice ‘ guy she knew during my twenties to no avail. I stumbled headlong into my 30’s in a drunken partying haze still falling for every wrong guy possible until they all but gave up with me and acknowledged that I would be the ‘forever’ singleton that could at times be the ditsiest klutz possible who loved her friends and was married to her career.  

I shared my love of Bridget with my Nan, and she too adored the movie and affectionately called me Bridget on occasions that deemed necessary, we went to the cinema together to see the first movie and I have really fond memories of the fun that we had with it afterwards.

Friday saw the release of the 3^rd instalment of Bridget’s life, and I can honestly say it’s the funniest Bridget ever. I laughed from the open through to the final credits, at one point thinking I was going to slide off the chair. Casting is just fabulous and its lovely to see so many old favourites back along with a couple of newbies. Patrick Dempsey who plays the very delicious Jack is just gorgeous and of course a welcome return to the ever lovely Mark Fitzwilliam Darcy (Colin Firth).

This movie has had lots of press, social media coverage and hype and it absolutely lives up to all of it and I’m thrilled that the surprises that are within the movie haven’t leaked all over the networks. The press junket has had me salivating over the fabulous styling of Renee Z along with the gorgeousness of Patrick & Colin.

Bridget may be 43 a little thinner but she hasn’t lost her fun, ditziness and vulnerability that we all fell in love with 14 years ago…. Welcome back Bridget, we’ve missed you x

Hello September ....

So September has arrived with some glorious sunrises and sunsets and I am happy to announce that normal blogging service should resume.
August was a month of so much change, the biggest being a brand new job which sees me enter month 2 and week 5 next week.
September is fairly low key for me and looking forward to some downtime along with catching up with friends, having fun and getting some routine back after a month of change.
My slimming-world and fitness journey takes on a new challenge with me participating in the walking all over cancer campaign of 10,000 steps a day in September.

September also sees the return of a much loved character Bridget Jones - tickets are booked and can't wait for the fun and clutz that she will bring, along with a new romance with the delicious Jack (Patrick Dempsey)
I love September its a month that is filled with gorgeous beginnings, leaves changing and of course Pumpkin Lattes (I'm allowing myself one this season as the syns are huge!)
The Rugby season kicks off this month so a trip to Twickenham is planned
I also have so many blog posts to catch-up on from August during the month including: Paris adventures, Month 1 with the Fenwick family, Fitness and SW update and a gorgeous summer in the city.
Here's to a great September ..... filled with love, fun, friendship and the occasional rugby thigh!

Normal service will resume soon.....

hello all..... apologies for the lull in blogging, life's been a little busy and I've been enjoying the summer.
I promise that normal service will resume soon for kick starting September.

have a great bank holiday and look forward to being back later this week......

Farewell Mr Selfridge - my final week

Ten days ago I said my goodbyes to Mr Selfridge and my Selfridges work family from the last 10 years. I had an amazing adventure at Selfridges and look back on the 10 years there with fondness. It wasn't easy and at times was incredibly stressful with long hours and challenging situations, however it really is an incredible, amazing place to work which has set me up to go onto pastures new.
My last week was incredibly emotional, but also lots of fun, I was dined by several of the directors and colleagues in all the lovely restaurants across the store along with being taken to The Wolsley for breakfast and then an after works drinks on my last night.
It was a great evening and lovey to catch-up with many friends and colleagues past and present. Prosecco and pint flowing in abundance !.

My last day was incredibly emotional and we kicked off with our team breakfast "Fry-up Friday" which was then followed by a drop-in lunch with speeches and lots of gift giving.
I was completely rendered speechless and humbled with the generosity and love shown with gifts I received from my Selfridges family and friends. Completely overwhelmed and I cant thank them all enough. There will always be a small part of my heart that is yellow and what an amazing adventure it has been.

Hello August....

August has arrived and it brings with it a huge amount of change. July saw me leave the big yellow store on Oxford Street and the home of Mr Selfridge,  August will see me move into a lovey corner shop in Bond Street and join the Fenwicks family.
I am looking forward to the new challenge and currently between stores.
Thank-you to all that have left comments and messages from the Slimming world and walking posts, your support and encouragement means a great deal. I will share more of my SW updates later this month along with a huge farewell to Selfridges post.

August for me is full of lots of new things, along with lots of family and friends birthdays and celebrations. Best friends birthday, Nephew turns 18, 4 wedding anniversaries, S.I.L & mums birthdays its a busy month!
I also have a couple of lovely things planned including a little trip to Paris and a visit to Claridges.  Apart from that August is fairly quiet!!....
Here's to a fun filled August, full of fun, new adventures, friendship and happy days.