Summer's coming!

Hello, hello, hello!

I'm so excited to be back at the keyboard- feeling very summery all of a sudden. Exams are done (let's not talk about those, okay..) and now I have two weeks off to enjoy before going back to school on the 13th June. Hopefully the last month or so will fly by and then it will be six weeks off to enjoy being with friends and family.

Here are the plans so far:

Starting from now, as I mentioned I have two weeks off, one because it's half-term and then one more because I'm technically still on study leave (even though I finished exams today- sneaky). Dad flies back (the use of 'back' still gets me, I seem to say it whether he's coming here or going there) and so I'll be spending the next week with him and seeing my Aunt and Grandpa. We're going to the Isle of Wight on the 31st for a couple of nights to see my cousin which will be nice since it's been a while. Hopefully I'll have the chance to take some good photos of the island and the fam. Much to my sister's horror I've recently got into Instagram. She complains I take too many photos of the sky and I shouldn't use so many hashtags, apparently it makes me #uncool. But aside from that, I just like taking photos! 

After half-term, I have very few plans, I'm going to meet a few people, but apart from that I think I'll spend most of my time in the garden topping up the tan. I'll have a head-start for Greece. 

Which neatly brings me to my summer plans. As it stands I am going to Greece with Mum, Nanny and Liv on the 24th July. We're going to the Greek island of Skiathos for a week. It's exciting to be going back to Greece as I haven't been for years, but I remember the crystal clear water and watching an octopus walk along the ocean floor. Hopefully I won't be getting too close to any octopuses (I really thought the plural was 'octopi' but I looked it up...). I know we're planning to go across to Skopelos, where they filmed Mamma Mia. No doubt some embarrassing singing will ensue. It will be lovely to be on a summer holiday with my mum as we haven't had one for five years and it will be extra special to go with Nanny. It'll be a right girly holiday with lots of sun, sea and sunbathing. Safe to say I'm counting down the days until we go. 58 days...

Post-Greece Liv and I will have just a day and a bit to get things washed and repacked as we're heading back to Florida. We fly into Miami on the 2nd August for four weeks of American sunshine. I'm praying the weather will be better than last year, that pesky El Nino year was a bit of a pain, but either way, I'm sure it's going to be fab. I'm hoping we can get to Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlour while we're in Miami, we have been known to get off a plane and head straight there. There's nothing like eating ice cream at what feels like 2am to you- I recommend it! It's such a cool place and I'd be lying if I didn't say the nerdy photographer part of me really wants to get a photo of how it's decorated inside. It's very #cool, I'll let that be a teaser for you;). I know we're also planning a few days at the beach which will be amazing, especially if we can take the dogs with us, even our canine friends need a vacation every now and then. I have no doubt a lot of the time will be spent at Universal and visiting those classic Orlando attractions that feel slightly like a third home- I have a lot of love for those places! 

I cannot wait to get this summer started. I hope everyone else is as excited about the summer months as I am, whether you're chilling at home or jetting off I hope the sun is shining where you are.

That's about it from me right now. The noisy kids in the nursery next door are driving me crazy and I need to put the freshly laundered bedding back on my bed, exciting times.

I'll sign off with a rather flowery, fairy Snapchat selfie so any new readers can put a face to the writing. Maybe one day I'll turn into a real fairy- that's the dream.

Bye for now,
L 
xxx

1st Birthday!

Hello, 

Just thought I'd mark the special occasion of this blog's first birthday. I wrote the post 'The Beginning' on the 4th April last year. I'm amazed that I've managed to keep this blog alive for that long- granted I'm not much of a regular blogger, but I'm still here and intending to carry on.

I thought I should reflect on what I said in my first post and see what remains the same and what's changed. Reading it back I cringed out a lot less than I thought I would- so that's a positive to start with!

In the post I said I was writing the blog for me- as a 'scrapbook' (a lazy one) of things I wanted to remember. This is still true. This blog is still for me, to help me remember the tiny details that might be overshadowed and lost in the excitement of new places and crazy days. As cliche as it sounds, I think it's the little things that will one day be more important than the big.

I've also stayed true (mostly) to the idea this blog will be about me travelling, exploring and learning. I certainly had a killer year last year- 2015 is firmly titled Best Year of My Life (so far!) and I love that I can now look back on that summer and recall almost everything we did and the places we went. I'm very glad I started this blog for that reason. There are no plans to change what this blog is about- I have some plans for this year too, which I'll share in another post as I intend to 'scrapbook' those too. With regards to keeping a collection of tips, that has been made easier with the add-on 'Today, the Big Wide World has taught me...' which was a genius suggestion from a faithful reader. 

I'm still 100% backing my belief that not seeing this incredible world would be a waste of my lifetime- I'm going to continue working on exploring this planet. And on the topic of exploring, I'd still love to go on a round the world trip, but I'm thinking that as a gap year that's a bit ambitious with 0 funds! I do have some gap year ideas though- some travelling thrown in there... Again, a topic for another post I think.

In terms of what's changed, I feel more secure in knowing what this blog is really about- and simply, that's just the little parts of my life that I want to remember. I also have more experience in all 'this', so I feel more confident in making and sharing my posts. Not much has changed really and I think that's good, I must have started with something decent. 

I've loved the suggestions from people, the comments, interaction about posts and I'm glad I get that. As I said on my very first post, even though I write this for me, 'it's out there to be read'.

I think that just leaves me to say thank you to those that read every post, or even just the odd one. 

Here's to another year of learning and exploring. 

Birthday Love, 
L
XXX

25th-29th December

Hello, 

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas surrounded by friends and family. I certainly had a lovely Christmas day, even if there were a few faces I didn't see in person (we caught up on Facetime or spoke on the phone).

Just before we went to bed on Christmas eve, Liv left out an apple for Rudolph and a couple of mince pies for Santa, apparently Liv and Rudolph are on close enough terms to call each other 'm8'! I'm sure the Sharpie made the apple taste extra good...

On Christmas day Liv and I woke up pretty early and we were downstairs at 8:15. We had rather pretty, personalised stockings waiting for us. 

After we had all unwrapped various gifts, it was Cleo and Flossy's turn to have some fun... They both rather like wrapping paper, or to be more specific, completely destroying it.

Liv and I got onesies for Christmas, she a pepperoni piece one and I, a Princess Leia one:

It even has Leia hair! 

We went to Mark and Marie's for Christmas lunch, they did a delicious roast turkey with all the sides. I'm not a huge fan of turkey, but the way Mark cooked it was delish. Marie's banoffee pie for desert was a fave of mine, I might have had seconds of that ;). 

Mark got a tripod with remote shutter for Christmas, so we had to have some group shots:

In the evening we watched the Doctor Who Christmas Special, although I can't say I thought much of it, but it's all part of the tradition. 

It was a fun day, spent with lovely people, just how Christmas should be. 

The next few days were spent largely relaxing at home. On one day we went to Universal, but it was shockingly full, even more so than some days in the summer! Even our go-to ride The Mummy was 75 minutes!! Usually on a busy day it's around 30 minutes, so that was an indicator of just how busy the park was. We did go to Simpsons Land and have a Donut Sundae from Lard Lad Donuts, it was a fattening pink iced donut with ice cream and whipped cream. Perfect. 

Liv and I did get on the RipSkate and Liv even tried the rollerskates, but it's fair to say that was a massive fail! I wish I'd videoed her most epic fall of all... I'm not being that mean, we did both laugh hysterically, not just me.

It took a ridiculous number of attempts to get that shot for Livs to put on her Instagram account... Instagram's very fussy apparently. 

We also made Gingerbread Oreo Milkshakes by blending up Gingerbread Oreos (no surprises there) and mixing it with ice cream and milk, we added a splash of maple syrup for good measure. They tasted really good, quite Christmassy, if milkshakes can taste like Christmas?! 

Today, we went to the Kennedy Space Center. I've never been before and I really enjoyed it, it was very interseting and quite mind blowing to see the technology that put people on the moon. 

The first thing we did was go on the bus tour, it was about 40 minutes and took us around launch pad's 39A and B. We saw where they launch rockets from and where all the control goes on. We also saw the assembly building where they build the rockets. 

At the end of the tour we were dropped off at the control place of the Saturn V launch, the rocket built to take people to the moon. We went inside the building and saw the exact computers used in the launch. 

After our pretend-launch, we went into a room with a huge rocket on display, it was strange to be so close to something like that. It was very impressive. 

Back at the Visitor Complex we saw replicas of the Mars Rovers and had a go at landing on the moon. Dad was commended as the best lander of the day, of course!

We also had a go sitting sort of like the astronauts would be for launch:

It's a tad uncomfortable...

Dad and Debbie bought us jumpers and I found a pin for my collection :). It was a good day out, very interesting, intriguing and inspiring - space and the way people have explored even just a fraction of it is pretty incred.

Right, that's about it for now, I'll be back in a few, but if for some reason I'm not, I wish a very Happy New Year to all my friends and family,

L

xxx

22nd-24th December

Merry Christmas Eve!

I thought I'd do a brief catch-up of what we've been up to, before I get too merry with festive cheer tomorrow and forget everything...

For the past few days we've been mainly frequenting shops, watching Christmas films and eating ice cream (not all at the same time!), we watched The Grinch and A Christmas Carol one evening, followed by The Holiday the next night. I won't go on much about those couple of days as I really want to get onto what we did today.

STAR WARS!!! We went to the cinema and watched 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' in 3D and it was fantastic! We got dressed up in Star Wars garb, I embarrassed myself by wearing my new StormTrooper socks and converse, but it had to be done. Liv wore her Yoda socks and like Debbie, wore her Star Wars top. 

Then this evening we went on a little trip...

You have heard of a Drive-Thru McDonalds, maybe a Drive-Thru Starbucks, but have you ever heard of a Drive-Thru Nativity? Well, it's a thing, and perhaps the highlight of my Christmas so far! We went a couple of years ago when we were here last, so we couldn't not go again. 


It's brilliant, they give you a CD to play in the car which narrates the story as you drive round and watch the live acting from the church goers. We even took the dogs with us, Cleo was fascinated and was pressed up against the window the whole time, she may have returned as a new dog. 

At the end they exchange the CD for some candy canes, wish you a Merry Christmas and send you on your way. Can't say I feel much holier, but I feel more festive, so I think that's a win. 

A couple of photos from the Drive-Thru Nativity...

Afterwards we took a drive around, finding Christmas lights to look at down side streets and cul-de-sacs. Some of them were incredible. One we found was insane, it was decked top to bottom in lights, even their boat parked on the drive was covered. They had the lights, inflatables and even someone standing outside in a Santa hat giving out candy canes to cars passing by- as we slowed he came over and gave us a few. For some reason my phone wouldn't focus so I couldn't take any photos or videos, but it looked amazing. 

One house I could take a photo and video of is one I saw a couple of years ago and it was as good as I remembered:

As you can see, they even decorated their rather fancy car... It was pretty impressive!

It was a good evening and I'm feeling ready for Christmas now. 

And it's taken me about an hour to write this because we're watching Notting Hill, so I'm going to go finish the film and then go to bed and see if Santa turns up at any point tonight...

So, goodnight and Merry Christmas, 

L
xxx

19th- 21st December

Hello, here I am again. Back with the last few days worth of pictures to give you a quick overview of what we've been up to.

19th December:

On Saturday morning we decided to put up the Christmas lights on the front of the house. First we had to go to Walmart to find things to hang them up with, we also picked up another box of blue icicle lights. We put the net lights across the bushes, the Christmas cacti along the wall, some lights around the doorway arch and the icicle lights above the garage. We then attempted to put the giant inflatable santa, penguin and palm tree up, but unfortunately the palm tree kept falling over, there must have been a puncture somewhere, so they had to go. We looked for something else in Home Depot, but the Christmas Yoda and Darth Vader were stupidly priced so we found some other big bulb lights and got them instead. 

In the evening we got all dressed up to go and see The Nutcracker Ballet at the Dr.Phillip's Center for Performing Arts where the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra were playing. I'd never been to a ballet before so it was something new. The only way I could vaguely remember the story of The Nutcracker was from the Barbie video I used to watch at my Grandma and Grandpa's when I was younger! The ballet was amazing, the women looked light as a feather when they were being held in the air by a single hand, and I can't believe how long they can stay on pointe for. It's amazing how much you can enjoy watching something with no words and just music. It was a lovely way to make us feel suitably festive on the run up to Christmas. (And it was better than the Barbie version!).

                                      

20th December:

On Sunday morning we had our caramel apples for breakfast. We got them at Universal on Friday. Liv had a cookies 'n' cream one and I had the seasonal one that looks like a bauble:

It was covered in caramel, then white chocolate and then blue glitter. The gold bit was a white chocolate covered marshmallow painted gold. It was very yummy, although I couldn't manage it in one sitting since it was pretty big.

Much of Sunday was spent chilling out at home, watching films and snacking. 

We went out to Waterford Lakes in the afternoon. We went to Petsmart for dog food, which I had to take a photo of, because look at these 'flavours':









Poor Maggie certainly doesn't get this sort of luxury at home (although she can't complain too much as she always gets the meat bones after a roast lamb).




We also saw these at the store:


Actual pushchairs for dogs!  I've only ever seen one in real life, we were in a department store and there was a man pushing a Schnauzer in a tutu (yep, pink tutu) around in a stroller. 

And no, we didn't buy one before you ask!





At 7pm we went out with a neighborhood friend to judge the Christmas lights. We had to pick 1st-6th. First place was pretty impressive, adorned with plenty of lights, inflatables and even outside music. I won't post a photo as I don't want to post photos of houses without the owner's permission, but it was very cool and makes the late night dog walks that bit more festive :). It was nice to walk round and see all the lights. 

When we got back we watched Santa's Little Helper, or at least watched part of it... 

It was so riveting we ended up asleep part way through, it's not a Christmas movie I'd recommend, I'd stick with watching Love Actually on repeat ;).

21st December:

Yesterday, we built our mini-gingerbread village. It consists of a Toy Shop, Sweet Shop, Chalet and Santa's House:

In the evening we went to the Indian shop to buy samosas and look for mincemeat, they sell some British stuff too like Heinz beans and soups so we were hoping to find another jar of mincemeat so Liv could make a giant mince pie (because we can't find any pastry cutters to make small ones!). Unfortunately we had no such luck, but did get some good looking samosas. 

On the way home we went to Publix and picked up some chicken tenders and potato salad to go with the tortilla chips and guacamole Dad made. 

We then watched Cool Runnings which I can't have seen in something like ten years, but it all came flooding back with it's 'Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, get on up, it's Bobsled time!' and 'Rise and shine, it's butt whipping time!' Such a good film, even better with a good slice of Neapolitan and hard shell chocolate sauce ;).

And then it was time for bed, and once again I was knackered, decorating gingerbread houses, watching films and eating ice cream is a tough business apparently. 

I hope everyone is enjoying their Christmas holiday and feeling festive,

L 
xxx

17th and 18th December

Hello again! 

We're back in America for Christmas. We flew into Miami on the 17th and Dad drove us to Orlando that evening. Before the flight we went to the Number One lounge, Paul bought Liv and I entry into the lounge. There was a cinema room, buffet, chance to order hot food and lots of space to sit in comfort. 

I had a fruit salad first and Liv went for the potato salad. Then we ordered a beef stew each.

We also ate plenty of desserts, the chocolate brownies were particularly delish. We might have had a couple of plates of those ;).

We went to the gate at 12:15, however, we were delayed leaving by about an hour. 

On the flight I watched Love Actually and listened to a Christmas album. The flight seemed to go quite quickly, although the smell of the plane food seemed to last way too long...

As we landed in Miami, it was dark with the sun setting in the distance, all the lights were on, it's my favourite time to land because from above it looks amazing.

We were home and in bed by about 12:30am- I was shattered. I think I managed to sleep a bit in the car, which just shows how tired I was as I've never really been able to sleep in the car. 

18th December

I woke up pretty early for me on Friday, but had an hour lie in before getting up. For breakfast we had Star Wars Lucky Charms.

After breakfast Liv and I got on the Christmas decorating wagon and put up the Christmas tree:

Liv putting the finishing touches on the tree

It wouldn't be a Florida Christmas without a couple of Santa's getting their sun-game on and a Flamingo with a cocktail all hanging on the tree...

In the afternoon we went to Universal Studios. When I checked the weather I was a little shocked to find it was chillier here than at home, but I persevered with the shorts and only got goose bumps once or twice! We probably stood out as tourists like a sore thumb as there were a fair few people in hoodies, jeans and even one woman in a pair of Ugg boots...

Universal was suitably festive with their Christmas decorations, we particularly liked their giant Christmas tree:

It was also very good for bauble-selfies:

We headed straight for The Mummy, we were practically straight on, the walk round took most of the ten minute wait time. We then headed into Diagon Alley and bought a Frozen Butterbeer and a Fishy Green Ale... We were lucky enough to get a second Butterbeer when they accidentally made us an extra one. The Fishy Green Ale was suitably green and thankfully not fishy! It had tiny purple balls at the bottom which burst with juice when you bite them. I liked the juicy balls but the green stuff tasted a bit iffy... I think I'll stick with the Butterbeer!

We then caught the Hogwarts Express across to Islands of Adventure and headed to watch the Grinchmas show. 

On the way out we headed into the all-year-round Christmas shop and found some funky looking hats:

For dinner we had Chipotle!! And it was as good as ever, definitely worth waiting 3+ months for :)!

By about nine o'clock I was knackered and so it was early to bed for me. 

I'll be back with another update soon.

L

xxx