tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73069761591947397132024-03-13T23:11:59.019-07:00Believe In Your GoosebumpsAn adventure blog Vicky_Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796945358818222644noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306976159194739713.post-58255747520241229942015-05-21T13:50:00.002-07:002015-05-21T13:56:08.343-07:00North West 200 2015 <br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The saying "four wheels moves the body, two wheels moves the soul", could not be more true than at the annual North West 200 in Portrush, Northern Ireland, where we were lucky enough to spend this weekend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bikes have become an increasing passion of mine </span><a href="http://believeinyourgoosebumps.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/motorbike-dreams.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">over the last few years</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> and after achieving my </span><a href="http://believeinyourgoosebumps.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/its-not-destination-its-journey.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">full motorbike license</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> last year I have been keen to plan more bike adventures. Following a chance encounter with some fellow bike lovers about a month ago, when Karl and I were visiting Lake Windermere, we were fortunate to be invited across to Portrush to witness one of the most spectacular road races in the world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The North West 200 is a triangular race course running between Portrush, Coleraine and Portstewart and our new found friends own a holiday home in Portrush right by the race track and kindly invited us to come and stay with them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We joined a convoy of bikers at the Birkenhead ferry terminal and sailed overnight to the port in Belfast; it was a special feeling disembarking the ferry as part of a huge group of roaring motorbikes all revving their engines in tribute to the races ahead (naturally the Monster was the most impressive!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After leaving the ferry terminal and as the sun came up across the shores of Belfast we headed straight to the famous Causeway Coastal Road. The route runs from Belfast to Londonderry and is said to be one of the most scenic journeys in the world. With a dramatic coastline, imposing cliffs, winding roads and dazzling scenery this does not surprise me in the slightest! Making our way to Larne, the gateway to the Nine Glens of Antrim, we took in the breathtaking landscapes and stopped for a few photos. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We met our new friends just north of Larne in the village of Glenarm and spent the rest of the afternoon cruising along the coast road and taking in the incredible landscapes of the causeway. You absolutely <i>must </i>add the causeway coastal road to your bucket list of places to go! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just as the skies opened we made it to Portrush and got ourselves settled in the house before heading out to check out the race course and paddock. They have added quite a few chicanes to the course to increase safety but despite this it still looked pretty daunting to me as a newbie biker. I have a new found appreciation for this sport after passing my test last year and have no idea </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">how bikers manage to reach speeds of over 180mph on these roads! Whilst there are some long, straight parts to the course there are some incredibly tight bends and roundabouts that present a huge challenge to the riders.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As first timers to an event like this we were both excited to see the bikes in actions... h</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">ere we are posing like champions on the podium! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In true Irish style our first night in Portrush ended with some great 'craic' in The Harbour Bar with plenty of Guinness and one of the most impressive gin bars I've ever seen. My new favourite drink of the moment is Monkey 37 gin with grapefruit.... served in a wine bowl! (Pictured below) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The following morning was race day and despite our hangovers we were up nice and early to get to our pitch before they closed the coast roast. Our friends have been coming to the races every year for about 15years and have the PERFECT spot to watch the action right at the finish line. It was an impeccable set up with camper vans, camping chairs, a gas BBQ and plenty of Guinness, burgers and beer to keep everyone going for the day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We spent the day soaking up the atmosphere of the races, enjoying the company of our new friends, having the odd nap to sleep off the previous night's hangover (!) and arguing over who was going to win the sweep stake for each race! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For those of you who watched the races on TV or read about it in the news a couple of the races were red flagged due to the high winds and a couple of nasty accidents. Thankfully those who were hurt in these collisions are now making a good recovery! You can see in my videos below the intense speeds that these bikes manage to reach... it's amazing to watch! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Being a bit of a novice at super bike races I did my best to follow what was happening but one thing that was clear was that Alastair Seeley is one to watch after triumphantly clinching two wins at the event. The supersport race was particularly tense to watch as Seeley, Irwin and Johnston fought it out to claim victory. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I spent a lot of time looking out for Guy Martin as Karl and I are both fans (especially after watching Our Guy in India.. a documentary about his 1000 mile journey across India.) So Guy-spotting at the event was great fun! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The final race of the day was called off because of the high winds so naturally we made the most of the time by hitting the marquee for a drink or two (or three..or four....!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The following morning we bid farewell to our wonderful new friends and hit the road once more to go and visit The Giant's Causeway. This is a world famous UNESCO attraction and there was no way we could come all the way to the Causeway Coast and not go and see it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Giant's Causeway is a mysterious natural phenomenon shrouded in myths and legends. It is famously known for its polygonal columns of layered basalt which supposedly formed after a volcanic eruption some 60 million years ago. Legend has it that the columns were carved by a giant called Finn McCool who apparently challenged his Scottish rival, another giant named Benandonner, to a fight. Finn McCool is said to have built a causeway of gigantic stepping stones across the sea to Scotland so he could go and meet his foe. On the Scottish Isle of Staffa you can find similar basalt columns in Fingal's cave, giving more weight to the legend of the giants. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Beautiful, mystical, dramatic are all words that I would use to describe The Giant's Causeway. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was an exceptionally impressive place to visit and I feel lucky to have been able to go there this weekend. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Our weekend at the North West 200 was brilliant and we felt incredibly privileged to have been invited to attend this event. It's amazing what a chance encounter and an open mind can lead to and I can safely say that you'd be hard pushed to beat the Irish hospitality. The Irish are all about the 'craic' and we have never been made to feel more welcome. Thank you to our new friends for your overwhelmingly kind hospitality! </span><br />
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<br />Vicky_Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796945358818222644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306976159194739713.post-9158994518921890332015-05-09T08:06:00.000-07:002015-05-09T08:06:57.845-07:00It's Not The Destination, It's The Journey<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I passed my motorcycle test! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>This blog should have been published before Christmas but I never got round to it so please turn your minds back to October last year and have a read about my journey to passing my bike test: </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">As many of you will know getting my motorbike license has been on the agenda for </span><a href="http://believeinyourgoosebumps.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/motorbike-dreams.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">a little while now</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> and i</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">t has taken me two years to pull my finger out and get it done. I have finally done it and am so excited! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I started my lessons last year and at the point of booking my test, for no reason whatsoever, I lost all my confidence with it and metaphorically parked my dream of riding the big bikes. Spurred on by Karl who has been zooming around for the last two years on the Ducati and motivated by the fact he upgraded to a newer model a few months ago I decided to bite the bullet and go for it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Unfortunately I failed my Mod 1 test first time after hitting a cone on literally the last second of the test (during the swerve) so was pretty disappointed. Undeterred I re-booked and managed to nail it second time round with just a few minors! The trembling feeling of sitting that test is something I am glad I will never have to do again, it's incredibly nerve wracking. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tee9z6hj4EQ/VDkLHbGxGmI/AAAAAAAAGtA/GtVdp-WO9Cg/s1600/IMG_0586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tee9z6hj4EQ/VDkLHbGxGmI/AAAAAAAAGtA/GtVdp-WO9Cg/s1600/IMG_0586.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Feeling fairly optimistic after passing Mod 1 I actually sold my little 125 (in the background in the photo above). It was sad to say goodbye but with the big bike within touching distance it felt like the right time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">My Mod 2 exam was last Thursday and thankfully I managed to overcome my nerves and it went really well! My instructor told me "if you act like a learner then you will stay a learner", so I did my best to ignore the fact that there was an examiner following me on another motorcycle scrutinising my every move and just tried to ride for myself and pretend I was a pro...and it worked! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As you can see from the above photo I was clearly very happy with the result and it's another thing to tick off the list before the milestone of <a href="http://believeinyourgoosebumps.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/30-things-to-do-before-youre-30.html" target="_blank">turning 30</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am now riding around the streets of Manchester on a Ducati Monster 796 and my commute to work is amazing! If anyone in the Tameside/ Glossop area is looking to learn to ride then I really recommend <a href="http://1stchoicemt.co.uk/" target="_blank">1st Choice Motorcycle Training</a>- Morris is a great (and very patient!) instructor. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EoFzMoqKFr0/VU4e_V-hH1I/AAAAAAAAG1U/oJnyW6-Bk9A/s1600/20150405_1044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EoFzMoqKFr0/VU4e_V-hH1I/AAAAAAAAG1U/oJnyW6-Bk9A/s640/20150405_1044.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm excited to plan some trips on the Monster and will hopefully be taking the bike across on the ferry to the North West 200! I think the infographic below sums up how I feel about this new found hobby: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let the motorbike adventures commence! </span></div>
Vicky_Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796945358818222644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306976159194739713.post-4135134168618862202014-09-07T05:22:00.003-07:002014-09-07T05:22:51.305-07:00Captain Karl <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">May I proudly introduce Captain Karl! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since returning from our amazing <a href="http://www.medsailors.com/sail-greece/" target="_blank">Medsailors</a> trip to Greece (which you can read about <a href="http://believeinyourgoosebumps.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/sail-away-with-me.html" target="_blank">here</a>) Karl has been working tirelessly to become a qualified skipper so that he can charter a boat and take us all sailing in Croatia next year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When Karl puts his mind to something there is absolutely no stopping him and last weekend he completed the course with <u><a href="http://www.northwalespowerandsail.com/" target="_blank">North West Power and Sail </a></u>and is now officially a Day Skipper. Congratulations Captain!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The course started with the off-shore, classroom-based theory with <a href="http://www.cheshiretraining.com/" target="_blank">Cheshire Training & Leisure</a> where Karl learned all about basic seamanship, navigation, tides, buoys, safety and suchlike. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">There were five full days of tuition combined with quite a few evenings and weekends of hardcore studying! Being the committed student he is Karl even studied in between making pizzas:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And drinking a few beers to help him along the way:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After passing the theory tests the next step was to spend 5 full days sailing around Anglesey in North Wales practicing being a skipper and experiencing being in charge of the yacht. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The first morning was spent navigating the locks in Port Denorwic before sailing through The Swellies in the afternoon. The Swellies are apparently notoriously complicated to navigate and you have to make sure you sail through at the right times because the drag from the tidal stream around the Menai Bridge is so powerful, once you commit there's no turning back! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For the next four days Karl and the rest of the crew continued their quest to become qualified day skippers and learned about a multitude of seafaring responsibilities including: the 'rules of the road'; handling emergency situations (man over-board!); yacht handling under power and sail and night cruising to name but a few. Here they all are on board the yacht preparing to set sail:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As you can probably imagine a crucial part of becoming a day skipper is learning to be confident with sea navigation and how to read the GPS accurately, after all, none of us <i>ever</i> want to end up lost at sea! Below you can see the boat is positioned to the west of Holyhead next to Holy Island; apparently this is where most accidents around Anglesey occur due to the strong tidal currents so learning to effectively navigate through these tides is an absolute must. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This was the crew looking west towards the Menai Suspension Bridge:</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Even though the course itself involved long hours and a lot of hard work there was still definitely time to relax and enjoy a few beers! Here is Karl docked up in Caernarfon in his 'awesome' sailing attire... </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Even though it was a 'Day Skipper' course, night-sailing is a fundamental skill for any skipper as you need to be prepared for any eventuality, so this was naturally the next part of the course. The art of successful night-sailing is in the skipper's ability to navigate using the buoys. It was a little difficult for Karl to get any snaps of the night-sailing so here is the boat docked up in Holyhead Marina the morning after the night-sail. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">The next day the voyage continued past Puffin Island and the crew entered the Menai Straits from the East. Puffin Island is famous for its huge colony of Great Cormorants as well as lots of other birds. It's name comes from the fact that many years ago over 2000 puffins used to inhabit the island until sadly the brown rat was accidentally</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"> introduced to the island and now the puffins are few and far between (a little geeky North Wales fact for you)! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The afternoon was spent sailing around Bangor and enjoying the spectacular views; Cilla Black and Patrick Moore are known to have flats overlooking the water (see picture below)! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Frank (the course director) only knows two people (including himself) who would navigate the Swellies at low water and this is exactly what the crew did as they sailed back down the Menai Straits homeward-bound. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They were incredibly lucky with the weather and you can see how still the water was in the morning. I remember from sailing in Greece that there really is nothing quite like waking up in the morning on a yacht, looking out to sea, the still water and drinking a nice hot brew, heaven! Karl is someone who very fortunately has a fairly strong constitution and does not tend to suffer from sea-sickness (unlike me...) and although it did hit him for a couple of hours on one of the days, on the whole he was sea-sickness free. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Karl and Pete both successfully completed the course and by all accounts thoroughly enjoyed it. Intense, fun, new friendships, stunning scenery are all words that sum up Karl's 5 days away on the course. He seems to have made a good sailing buddy in Pete and they are hoping to plan a short sailing trip to either North Wales or Largs later this year to get more practice in. Below is their survivors photo! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With a lot more to learn, some hardcore practice needed and a trip to Croatia to plan I think it's safe to say that Karl has found a hobby for life. He's feeling extremely excited about next years trip and can't wait to take us all away. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A'hoy there maties, bring on next year! </span></div>
Vicky_Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796945358818222644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306976159194739713.post-24176227819625268822014-08-29T16:13:00.001-07:002014-08-30T09:50:09.353-07:00Sail Away With Me <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12792061/?claim=s7tymsqxrsr">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paradise. The only word to describe the beautiful islands we visited on our <a href="http://www.medsailors.com/sail-greece/" target="_blank">Medsailors</a> trip to Greece. Stunning, deep-blue water, rugged coast lines, island adventures, secluded bays, good friends and lots of fun. A week of absolute delights! Can you tell I enjoyed it?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our journey started when we set sail from Athens and crossed the idyllic eastern shores of Aegina to the small fishing village of Perdika. This was where we spent our first night on the yacht after enjoying a beautifully traditional Greek supper </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">in one of the local tavernas: </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Greek Salad, olives, potatoes, lamb, fish, calamari, the list goes on! Naturally the evening involved plenty of wine and other such beverages, there's nothing quite like an ice cold glass of wine on the first night of your holiday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ermioni was the next stop on our voyage, a small fishing port with beautifully traditional architecture absolutely oozing with character and charm. We enjoyed a stunning meal overlooking the harbour before exploring the local nightlife. The bars were literally a few feet away from our yacht which made stumbling back in the early hours not too bad at all (if you don't mind walking the plank onto the yacht when you are half cut!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We couldn't believe our luck when we were joined by a pod of dolphins as we made our way to Spetses on the third day. They swam next to the yacht and were so close we could almost touch them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Spetses was definitely one of my favourite islands and we spent the day exploring on motorbikes and relaxing in the most gorgeously secluded little beach bar. I won't lie...I could get used to island life! The night ended in a rather raucous way involving skinny-dipping and shooting stars...</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next stop was without a doubt my favourite of the whole trip: the island of Hydra. En route we all decided to don our pirate costumes and run riot around the yacht, walking the plank, hoisting the sails and tacking (a sailing manoeuvre where you switch between the starboard and port tack...see?! I did learn how to sail!). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wheeled vehicles are banned from this island and donkeys and water taxis are the main forms of transport making this island incredibly special and atmospheric. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we sailed into the harbour I tried my best to capture just how beautiful it is, this is one my favourite photos from the holiday:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After docking up and partaking in some cliff-jumping (!) Karl and I left the group sunbathing and snorkelling in the stunning bay and went scuba-diving for the afternoon. I had high hopes for the dive given the dolphins we had seen the day before, but unfortunately the area we went to was massively over-fished and we saw little more than a few teeny tiny fish and a crab (definitely a stark contrast to the Red Sea when we went there last year). Despite the lack of fish it was still great fun and always good to get a dive in whenever you can.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the evening we enjoyed some frozen cocktails and then went to a restaurant famed for it's views of the spectacular sunset, known to be one of the best in the world. I have to agree, it was definitely one of the best I've seen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Feeling a little worse for wear the next morning we made our way to the tiny Greek island of Poros, famous for its water-sports and lemon trees. Some of the group headed off to enjoy the ringos and I spent the afternoon sleeping on the beach, there are definitely worse ways to spend an afternoon mid-week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We went to a lovely taverna in the harbour for dinner later on that evening before heading out into Poros for some cocktails. We were actually lucky enough to be invited onto a huge catamaran by a Ukrainian businessman where we had a fabulous time posing for pictures pretending to be one of the rich and famous!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On our final night we moored up in Agistri where we spent the rest of the afternoon swimming, messing around on the paddle board and polishing off a few beverages on the yacht. Medsailors organised a toga night for us which of course, we all naturally got fully involved with. The evening was spent eating more traditional Greek food and joining in with some traditional Greek dancing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next morning we set sail back to Athens and endured a rather rocky voyage back to the capital which would have turned the strongest of stomachs (especially if you are hungover and fall asleep below deck!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was a fantastic trip and excellent introduction to the world of sailing, and another thing I can tick off my <a href="http://believeinyourgoosebumps.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/30-things-to-do-before-youre-30.html" target="_blank">list of things to do before I'm 30!</a> Andy, our skipper, was brilliant and taught us all how to hoist the sails, drop the anchor and steer the yacht; we even took part in sailing regatta against the other Medsailors yachts. Karl absolutely fell in love with the sailing world and is actually completing his day skipper course as I type this!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We will be looking to book a sailing trip to Croatia next summer with Captain Karl at the helm, who's in?!!!</span></div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="https://widget.bloglovin.com/widget/scripts/bl.js"></script><a class="bloglovin-widget" data-blog-id="12792061" data-img-src="http://www.bloglovin.com/widget/bilder/widget_fashion.gif?id=12792061" href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12792061" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.bloglovin.com/widget/bilder/widget_fashion.gif?id=12792061"></a>Vicky_Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796945358818222644noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306976159194739713.post-64756579352558731702014-08-23T06:57:00.000-07:002014-08-30T09:50:53.782-07:00London Marathon 2014<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well who would have ever believed it?! I ran the marathon! WOO HOO! I RAN THE MARATHON!!! </span></div>
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<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">26.2 full-on miles of blood, sweat and tears combined with a catalogue of amusing and surreal moments. These included: being hosed down by Firemen; being blessed by a Priest; running alongside a herd of 'Rhino'; being over taken by Big Bird at Mile 17 and sobbing my heart out for the final two mile stretch along London's wonderful Embankment and crossing the finish line at Buckingham Palace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Even though I didn't run the whole way (I jogged/ walked the second half...so perhaps <i>completing</i> the marathon is a more apt expression for my achievement rather than <i>running</i> the marathon... but who cares? I finished!) I am proud of myself for each and every mile I managed to soldier on for and also incredibly thankful for the experience. I never expected the marathon to have such an impact on me as I was, in truth, dreading it. My training didn't go to plan, I had injured my knee and the thought of letting down everyone who had so generously sponsored me filled me with absolute dread! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That being said, it was one of the most inspiring and humbling things I have ever done. From the very beginning at the start line the crowd were immensely supportive, they cheered my name and made me feel like a hero the entire way round. The thousands of people running for so many worthy and important causes moved me beyond belief as did the personal stories of heartache from those who were running in memory of a lost loved one. S</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">igns from the crowd with words of encouragement and inspiration, things like, "I don't know you but I am so proud of you" makes you realise that what you are doing is important and that by keeping going you are making a difference. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Highlights of the 26.2 miles included seeing my family at Mile 14 and Mile 21...it gave me the boost I needed to keep going, especially at Mile 21 when everyone is shouting 'only 5 more miles to go!' and you die a little bit inside because you think you aren't going to make it! A smile and hug from a loved one is all you need to keep those legs working (you can actually see the moment I met my Mum and sister at Mile 14 in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ccvy6RWkzBg" target="_blank">our video montage</a>)! Seeing the Help the Hospices team dotted round the course was incredible too, Karl and I raised £4000 for them and their support before and on the day was amazing. Whenever they spotted a runner in a Help The Hospices running vest they went crazy cheering for us! Honestly... if you want to experience what it's like being a celebrity just run the marathon! Afterwards on the way home I was being fist-bumped by buskers, praised by groups of teenagers as they admired my medal and high-fived by complete strangers! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karl absolutely smashed it and ran the marathon in 3 hrs and 52mins...I'm so proud of him and he even made it onto the TV: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The build up to the marathon (our training and fundraising efforts) is all documented in a blog I wrote called </span><a href="http://vickyandkarlsmightymarathon.blogspot.co.uk/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Vicky and Karl's Mighty Marathon</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> so have a read!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ccvy6RWkzBg" target="_blank">here is a video</a> with some footage from the actual run that I sent round to try and raise some more money. If any of you are thinking of giving it a shot definitely watch the video and remember, you can do <u>anything</u> you put your mind to (and if I can do it then anyone can!) </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm so pleased to be able to </span><a href="http://believeinyourgoosebumps.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/30-things-to-do-before-youre-30.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">tick this one off my list</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> before I hit the big 3-0, and who knows... I'm not ruling out running it again one day! We'll see...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thank you again to everyone who supported us, you are all amazing. </span></div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="https://widget.bloglovin.com/widget/scripts/bl.js"></script><a class="bloglovin-widget" data-blog-id="12792061" data-img-src="http://www.bloglovin.com/widget/bilder/widget_fashion.gif?id=12792061" href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12792061" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.bloglovin.com/widget/bilder/widget_fashion.gif?id=12792061"></a>Vicky_Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796945358818222644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306976159194739713.post-63849223573944181562014-08-21T09:31:00.000-07:002014-08-22T06:56:46.441-07:00Life is better on the slopes<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How is it August already?! This year has flown by already and I am yet to start documenting my progress with <a href="http://believeinyourgoosebumps.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/30-things-to-do-before-youre-30.html" target="_blank">the list</a>! Lots has happened this year so far so without further ado I am pleased to say that I have already ticked off a few things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I can now proudly say that I am Snowboarder. I took up lessons at The Chill Factor in January completing the beginners course, level 3 course and then the improvers course. It was so much fun and I now realise the benefits of having lessons. My technique is so much better than when I am skiing and it feels so much more comfortable (and I feel more confident) on a board that on skis. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In March I went snowboarding for a week in Meribel and after having a bit of a wobbly first day (involving a lot of drama and Karl having to take off his board and hold my hand for 3 miles down a mountain!) I spent the week perfecting the art of snowboarding across the Three Valleys. Whilst I am far from perfect it's amazing how much you progress in just a week and I absolutely loved it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is some photographic evidence of me snowboarding: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And excitingly here is a video of me snowboarding to prove I'm not just posing on the snowboard! This was on the second day on the slopes, so I'm still a bit wobbly but managed to make it down in one piece!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Looking forward to my next snowboarding trip already!</span></div>
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Vicky_Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796945358818222644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306976159194739713.post-27680524657313912942014-03-22T08:35:00.000-07:002015-05-10T03:57:37.205-07:0030 Things To Do Before You're 30 <div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I often read blogs, websites and articles about people who are working towards achieving things on their 'bucket list' and they often fill me with inspiration for new experiences and things that I need to get done before I 'kick the bucket'. However why have kicking the bucket as the end of play? No time like the present!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As many of you will know I am now in my 30th year of life having just turned 29 this Christmas, I know, I know, it's hard to believe! I have decided that I'm going to make this year count. I want to set myself 30 goals/ challenges/ experiences to have achieved by the end of the year and absolutely smash the last year of my 20s. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Here are the 30 things I want to do before I'm 30: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://believeinyourgoosebumps.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/life-is-better-on-slopes.html" target="_blank">1) Learn how to snowboard </a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I took up skiing when I was at University and pretty much taught myself. My technique is terrible and rather than undo all of the bad habits I think trying something brand new will be much easier...will I be the next Jenny Jones?! Let's see about that...</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2) Try out surfing</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Why not?! </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>3) <a href="http://believeinyourgoosebumps.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/sail-away-with-me.html" target="_blank">Learn how to sail</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Very happy to be adding this one to the list as have booked onto a yachting holiday so I can do this (well, not JUST so I can do this...the sunbathing, island hopping and partying comes into it too!) This holiday is booked and we set sail from Athens in June. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>4) Take a course in something</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I can't imagine what it'd be like to actually study something I am genuinely interested in. I loved my Undergrad degree but there were parts that I didn't enjoy, same with my Masters degree... I enjoy studying so think this is the year to take a course in something I will love! </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://believeinyourgoosebumps.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/london-marathon-2014.html" target="_blank"><b>5) Attempt the London Marathon</b> </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Attempt is a word I should perhaps underline here. It's the taking part that counts! April 13th is D-Day for this so we'll see how I get on. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>6) Finish decorating the house</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>We moved into our new house in May last year, it's getting there but still needs some work. My new found addiction to the home stuff in TK Maxx should help this challenge happen!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>7) <a href="http://believeinyourgoosebumps.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/its-not-destination-its-journey.html" target="_blank">Get my motorbike license </a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I was well underway with this last year but for some reason totally lost my confidence with it. I need to bite the bullet and get my license. My ultimate dream is to bike in Canada from Calgary to Vancouver. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>8) Stick to my savings plan</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Being nearly 30 with hardly any savings is NOT cool! Time to grow up and commit to save the pennies.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>9) Declutter my life </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I'm definitely guilty of being quite messy and not putting things away properly. It's time to conquer the clutter in my life!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>10) See Garth Brooks in concert </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>My guilty pleasure... loved him growing up as a child and still love him now! Garth went into retirement and I thought I would never get to see him. However he has just come out of retirement and is doing a come-back gig in Croke Park, Dublin before he begins a word tour. I was lucky enough to get tickets! Words cannot explain the excitement...</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>11) Become a 'morning person'</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I am a total grizzly in the morning, surely I must be able to change this!</i></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">12) </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Remember my dearest friends birthdays</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>This is a NY resolution every single year and every year I fail miserably. This is the year all this shall change!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>13) Make cool, home made presents for people</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I always admire people who make things... I'd like to learn to make things.... I don't know what yet...but this one goes quite well with #12... cool, personal home made gifts of some description!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>14) Learn how to make sushi</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Yes, I know, I think most people will be shocked to learn I don't actually know how to do this. I adore Sushi, a love I picked up during my two years living in Japan. Sushi makes me happy therefore I should learn to make it. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>15) Go on a last-minute weekend trip in the UK somewhere</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I used to do this all the time and was quite into couch-surfing! Such a great way to meet new people, make new friends, make cool memories and a bunch of fun stories to tell! Definitely need to have more random, fun weekends away. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>16) Try out Air BnB</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>An alternative to Couch-Surfing that a friend has recommended!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>17) </b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i><b>Read more</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I go through phases with reading and am terrible for starting books and not finishing them. I'd like to make more time to read good books. Read more, worry less- a good sentiment!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>18) Aim to be fitter and stronger by the end of the year</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Rather than setting a weight loss goal I would just like to be fitter and healthier by the time the big 30 arrives. One thing I have discovered in my 29 years is that <u>crash-diets do not work</u>. I need to get better at eating right and also find a way of keeping fit that I enjoy. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>19) Plan something outrageous to make my 30th birthday</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Every year I wallow in the fact that my birthday is too near to Christmas and all my friends have other plans...well, this year I would actually like to mark the occasion. How?! I don't know yet. A party perhaps? A weekend away somewhere spectacular? Suggestions and ideas all welcome at this point!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>20) Wean myself off Facebook</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I spend way too much time procrastinating on Facebook. I'm sure I am not alone in the this and have in fact tried to 'come-off' Facebook a couple of times by deactivating my account. On both occasions this lasted no more than 2 days. I like Facebook for the way it connects people but I really do think it has turned me into a lazy friend and I make less effort. Whatever happened to a good old phone call or letter?! Maybe keeping a regular blog might be a better way of staying connected, we shall see!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>21) Explore Manchester more</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Manchester is an amazing place to live and there is still so much more to see and do here! I'd like to be more of an expert on where to go and what to do, where to eat and where to drink and be able to show off this great city to my friends when they come to visit!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>22) Book a last minute flight to go somewhere, anywhere!</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I love the idea of packing a bag, grabbing one of my best friends and heading off the airport with some last minute tickets to a random destination. A cheeky weekend away somewhere in Europe perhaps?</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>23) See more of my sister!</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Since my sister came back from Taiwan we have't seen enough of each other. Plans need to be made to change this, especially as it's her 30th year too!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>24) Do more fancy-dress nights and themed parties</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I LOVE fancy-dress and don't do nearly enough of it. We've had some pretty fun themed parties over the last few years but not nearly enough. In the last year of my 20s surely ample fancy-dress nights are still acceptable?! Anyone up for a toga night...?</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>25) Cook more for friends </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Who doesn't love a good dinner party? Any opportunity to eat good food and drink good wine is a good goal in my opinion. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>26) Do a sky-dive</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>This has been on my to-do list for a while, so why not now?! No time like the present!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>27) Go scuba-diving in the UK</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Having learned how to dive a few years ago in Taiwan it's definitely something I want to do more of. It will be hard to top my trip to Egypt last year when we ran into a huge pod of dolphins but I'd love to give diving in the UK a go, am thinking maybe the Farne Islands off the coast of Northumberland?! It'd be pretty cool to see some seals... </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>28) Take an exercise class in something new and different</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>I</b><i>'ve tried pole-dancing and was terrible at it! There's so many weird and wonderful classes out there that I should be trying more of them. I've heard of circus workouts...that could be fun...!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>29) Go away on dog-friendly weekends</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Since we got our puppy, Roly, we have started to explore new pubs and places that we have never been to before simply because they allow dogs in! There's so many nice cottages in the countryside you can rent for the weekend with gorgeous walks and dog-friendly pubs that I want to explore more of them! </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>30) Capture the moment</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>With all of these new experiences, goals and challenges I'm planning I need to make sure I am taking plenty of epic photos to record and capture everything that I do (and prove I did them too!) </i></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K0FQxpCeaLU/Uy2s_9vyybI/AAAAAAAAEq4/Ecdz0sB5fmA/s1600/29th+Birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K0FQxpCeaLU/Uy2s_9vyybI/AAAAAAAAEq4/Ecdz0sB5fmA/s1600/29th+Birthday.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Me celebrating my 29th birthday with a posh hair cut at Trevor Sorbie...what will I be doing on my 30th?!</span></td></tr>
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Vicky_Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796945358818222644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306976159194739713.post-46033878429519915222013-07-22T14:25:00.000-07:002014-08-22T07:05:39.489-07:00Roly<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of my favourite childhood memories from when I was growing up was the day we got our family pet- Oscar. Mum had taken Christine and I for a day trip to London to visit the Natural History Museum and Dad, who worked as a Prison Officer at Belmarsh Prison, had arranged to give us a lift home in the evening. As we approached Dad's waiting car just outside the prison gates Christine and I spotted a little golden shape sat on the back seat...this little golden shape turned out to be Oscar, our wonderful Golden Retriever who from that moment became our beloved family pet for the next 16 years. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9EznT1fHr8I/Ue2UFDpZZBI/AAAAAAAACNQ/e4pCDAY-1HU/s1600/oscar1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9EznT1fHr8I/Ue2UFDpZZBI/AAAAAAAACNQ/e4pCDAY-1HU/s640/oscar1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K1CIg2AACmw/Ue2UFIoGfZI/AAAAAAAACNM/xbHIUmez21w/s1600/oscar2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K1CIg2AACmw/Ue2UFIoGfZI/AAAAAAAACNM/xbHIUmez21w/s640/oscar2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karl and I have been toying with the idea of getting a dog for quite some time now. We looked after a friend's dog- a little black labrador called Coco- for three weeks a few months ago and I absolutely fell in love with him! Needless to say I was pretty upset when we had to send him packing back to his rightful owners but looking after him sealed the deal that we both wanted a pup! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As you know it's been a bit of crazy time for us recently with the build and moving house etc. so whilst Karl and I have spent a lot of time talking about getting a dog I honestly thought that it would happen next year some time. W</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">anting to be part of the puppy-buying process right from the start </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I told Karl that strictly under <i>no circumstances</i> was he to surprise me with a dog after a couple of failed visits to the Labrador Rescue centre made me realise just how important it is to meet any little pup you are thinking of bringing home to make sure it's the right one for you (and you're the right family for him)...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">So...a few weeks ago I was working down in London for work and upon my return to Manchester Karl picked me up at the train station. I threw my suitcase into the boot and jumped into the car ready to give Karl a big hug...moments after I sat down I got the shock of my life...A little black ball of fluff climbed onto my lap and a gorgeous little face beamed up at me...For a second I thought it was Coco returning to us for another holiday, but I soon realised that this wasn't the case...at all. The little fluff ball was tiny compared to Coco and he also had a big bow tied to his collar! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">May I introduce you to Roly... my surprise pup!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1yTGsTFJlmk/Ue2fAxLnL3I/AAAAAAAACNo/E06PCTH_dkg/s1600/roly1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1yTGsTFJlmk/Ue2fAxLnL3I/AAAAAAAACNo/E06PCTH_dkg/s640/roly1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My first ever photo with Roly</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OKfXFYm_rDg/Ue2fA5m9pqI/AAAAAAAACOU/D35XADStuuI/s1600/roly2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OKfXFYm_rDg/Ue2fA5m9pqI/AAAAAAAACOU/D35XADStuuI/s320/roly2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My little pupster</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-trfbM4Tg0uI/Ue2fAo-XllI/AAAAAAAACNk/SqDHSoWqZ6U/s1600/roly3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-trfbM4Tg0uI/Ue2fAo-XllI/AAAAAAAACNk/SqDHSoWqZ6U/s640/roly3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Utterly scrumptious</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Itqebh12ULM/Ue2fBczxNrI/AAAAAAAACNw/mSiYdO-QaRA/s1600/roly4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Itqebh12ULM/Ue2fBczxNrI/AAAAAAAACNw/mSiYdO-QaRA/s640/roly4.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Having a snooze</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vxk7xQiOJ4/Ue2fBpoKJ6I/AAAAAAAACN4/vweiC43XkNo/s1600/roly5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vxk7xQiOJ4/Ue2fBpoKJ6I/AAAAAAAACN4/vweiC43XkNo/s640/roly5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Having a snooze on his new Mummy</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UKBE-MugD5k/Ue2fB2ADqmI/AAAAAAAACOE/zDnx41tSPXE/s1600/roly6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UKBE-MugD5k/Ue2fB2ADqmI/AAAAAAAACOE/zDnx41tSPXE/s640/roly6.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Chilling with his Daddy</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-idkF3QENXCQ/Ue2fCr5F_NI/AAAAAAAACOI/_Qs3m8_43zk/s1600/roly7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-idkF3QENXCQ/Ue2fCr5F_NI/AAAAAAAACOI/_Qs3m8_43zk/s640/roly7.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My darling little Pup</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Despite my warnings to Karl about surprising me with a pup he took it upon himself to contact Coco's breeder to see if they had any pups left... there was only one left... ROLY! A sure sign that he was meant to be ours :-) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karl not only managed to replicate one of my favourite childhood memories with absolute perfection... but he also picked the perfect pup!</span></div>
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Vicky_Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796945358818222644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306976159194739713.post-43436408444047679272013-06-06T12:11:00.000-07:002014-08-22T07:07:00.682-07:00Making a House a Home<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We've moved in!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Two weeks ago Karl and I went to sleep for the very last time in our little house on Cambridge Terrace. With the hustle and bustle of preparing to move, it didn't really hit home that it actually was our last night in the house until the following night when I found myself staring up at our brand new ceilings in our brand new bedroom! So long wonderful little Cambridge Terrace, happy times in a happy home... hello shiny new house! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There's still a lot of work to do and our house is going to be used as a show-home this weekend to try and sell the remaining two plots. This has meant that since we moved in I have been working tirelessly to bring life and character to our new home and to bring it up to the 'show-home standard'. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On a limited budget and with a tight turn-around I have had to be savvy and resourceful in order to get the furniture we need and not spend thousands of pounds (which I could <i>very</i> easily do!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will be taking before and after shots next weekend and we'll see how close I managed to turn the <a href="http://believeinyourgoosebumps.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/they-say-it-all-begins-with-blank-canvas.html" target="_blank">blank canvas into my dream home</a>. In the meantime here is a sneaky preview of the bargains I have sourced over the last couple of weeks (am I officially getting old blogging about furniture?!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Before and after pic of the sofa. </b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Karl loves this sofa suite... I do not. As a happy compromise we have kept the sofas but I have covered them with </span><a href="http://www.viceroybedding.co.uk/product/749/easy-stretch-elastic-fit-fabric-sofa-settee-slip-cover-2-seater/2-seater-sofa-cover" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">Sofa Huggers</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- the whole suite for about £100. It will do... for now! Soft, fluffy cushions are always an absolute must so I bought some lush, natural cushions in TKMaxx (my new favourite shop) and then recycled the old cushions by buying new cushion covers. I still haven't decided on my colour scheme but we'll see what emerges, I'm liking the neutrals with a splash of colour!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>New sofa bed</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I toyed with the idea of getting a second hand one but none of them looked very nice and to be honest- you just don't know what might have happened on a used sofa-bed! I got this brand new sofa bed from The Pavilion in Ashton and it was an absolute steal at £270. I wonder who will be the first to sleep on it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Ignore the bit and pieces on top of it, we still need to hang the pictures on the wall. This was another brilliant steal from The Pavillion, a solid oak desk for £130. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Karl and I went into Dreams the other week and both really liked this bed, it was a little out of our price range so we looked on Gum Tree to see if we could find something similar. We found the exact same one with a mattress for £170! It's like new and probably the most comfy bed I have ever owned.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Every girl needs a vanity dresser, this was actually the first piece of furniture I bought and was an absolute bargain- £60 on Gum Tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's me shamelessly posing on the window seat, releasing my inner bookworm! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've been after a metal mannequin for ages and stumbled across one in TKMaxx (on one of my many visits...) It was reduced to £27 which to me was a sign that it had to be mine! I've wrapped a clip light inside it to turn it into a statement lamp. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So...a few days till the show home, fingers crossed our new home will wow those that come to visit and we will end up with more wonderful neighbours!</span></div>
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Vicky_Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796945358818222644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306976159194739713.post-62903537869186029962013-05-01T13:38:00.002-07:002014-08-22T07:07:39.424-07:00Motorbike Dreams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Travelling in a car is like watching a film, riding a motorbike is like starring in it..."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've wanted a motorbike for as long as I can remember. This desire was spurred on after I read </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">about Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman's epic motorcycle trip "the long way round"- 20,000 miles, across 12 countries and 19 time zones. On this <a href="http://www.longwayround.com/index.htm" target="_blank">trip of a lifetime</a> they </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">crossed Europe, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia, through Siberia, over to Alaska, through Canada, North America and finished in New York. What a journey!</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I genuinely don't think there could be any better way to explore the world</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> than the sheer energy, joy and freedom of being on a bike! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are still so many places I want to visit and explore and now that Karl has his "big-bike" license I just need to catch up so that we can hit the road together. I'm taking it easy and one step at a time, so for now am jetting about on my little Suzuki GS 125 and when I feel ready (hopefully by the end of the Summer), I will be confident enough to take the test. In the mean time I am practicing hard and finding my inspiration </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/v1ckyg/motorbike-dreams/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A little tribute to my growing love affair with bikes:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECUxw0Qbf9E/USy387-auRI/AAAAAAAAAt8/VZiWtekAZUU/s1600/bike+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECUxw0Qbf9E/USy387-auRI/AAAAAAAAAt8/VZiWtekAZUU/s640/bike+3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">On two wheels in the Philippines</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5RyCWijn4TQ/USy39094JCI/AAAAAAAAAuU/P59INaRbDQE/s1600/bike+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5RyCWijn4TQ/USy39094JCI/AAAAAAAAAuU/P59INaRbDQE/s640/bike+9.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Off to explore a bat cave (just before I crashed...)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Me and my amigos off to explore Boracay</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Jumping for joy on Orchid Island, Taiwan</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zdrsy8R_8lA/USy39SD1v2I/AAAAAAAAAuI/WvZY-R00Xbo/s1600/bike+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zdrsy8R_8lA/USy39SD1v2I/AAAAAAAAAuI/WvZY-R00Xbo/s640/bike+6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hitting the road, Green Island, Taiwan</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Motorbikes and best friends: a perfect combination!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XxUV6BP4dUo/USy0eYc2nBI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/r0ICaLfLiCA/s1600/bike1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XxUV6BP4dUo/USy0eYc2nBI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/r0ICaLfLiCA/s640/bike1.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My first bike: Suzuki GS 125 </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3JYR22vqPf8/USy0eSXZwkI/AAAAAAAAAtU/nTcH16zxTtM/s1600/bike2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3JYR22vqPf8/USy0eSXZwkI/AAAAAAAAAtU/nTcH16zxTtM/s640/bike2.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Suited and booted, ready to take on the world!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rcrb7JnVXtQ/USp7gIZNN8I/AAAAAAAAAr0/XEqTKal7-KM/s1600/20130224_155840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rcrb7JnVXtQ/USp7gIZNN8I/AAAAAAAAAr0/XEqTKal7-KM/s640/20130224_155840.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Off out for a Sunday afternoon ride</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jCOeEuXa0Q8/USp7gC6ZirI/AAAAAAAAAr4/trUZO7fFR1E/s1600/20130224_160822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jCOeEuXa0Q8/USp7gC6ZirI/AAAAAAAAAr4/trUZO7fFR1E/s640/20130224_160822.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Wrapped up, ready to hit the road</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_19p16mk3WQ/USp7gqS1D_I/AAAAAAAAAsA/xn51gcVtwe4/s1600/20130224_165300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_19p16mk3WQ/USp7gqS1D_I/AAAAAAAAAsA/xn51gcVtwe4/s640/20130224_165300.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Relaxing with a glass of merlot... (I was the passenger!) </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ycy0d-VA80/USp7gB2PhwI/AAAAAAAAAsE/LtOBELnmm3M/s1600/20130224_165201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ycy0d-VA80/USp7gB2PhwI/AAAAAAAAAsE/LtOBELnmm3M/s640/20130224_165201.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My fellow biker! Biking + good food = heaven </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzrzmK8xKlI/USp7hkarcdI/AAAAAAAAAsc/mv1PeARpR7E/s1600/20130224_182846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzrzmK8xKlI/USp7hkarcdI/AAAAAAAAAsc/mv1PeARpR7E/s640/20130224_182846.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The beautiful Ducati</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My chariot...(I WILL be able to ride this one day!)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W7My3aurm0s/USp7tnO9vrI/AAAAAAAAAss/JqIPEp3IOko/s1600/PicsArt_1361738182339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W7My3aurm0s/USp7tnO9vrI/AAAAAAAAAss/JqIPEp3IOko/s640/PicsArt_1361738182339.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Me in my biker outfit</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As you know, I am someone who always likes to be planning '<a href="http://believeinyourgoosebumps.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/hows-tom-sawyer-in-you.html" target="_blank">my next big adventure'</a>. I'd love to just take off and travel to deserted coastlines, winding mountain roads, bustling back-streets and vast, open countryside. On a bike you are completely immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of a country and free from the confines of a bus or car, the perfect way to travel!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To follow the advice of Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman: "Change your life. Take your time. Take the long way." That sounds like a grand idea to me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Where do </span><u style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">you</u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> think would be good to explore on a motorbike?! </span></span></div>
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<br />Vicky_Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796945358818222644noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306976159194739713.post-21443513196954759912013-04-20T13:37:00.001-07:002014-08-22T07:08:29.299-07:00Blank Canvas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="bqQuoteLink" style="font-size: large;">And it all began with a with a blank canvas. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="bqQuoteLink" style="font-size: large;">This could not be more true as our new house is very quickly coming to life; things are moving along at such a speed and important decisions regarding interior need to be made! For me this is quite overwhelming as Karl has said I can pretty much do whatever I like (budget permitting) so I need to think hard about what I want my beautiful new home to look like. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="bqQuoteLink">In the words of Henry David Thoreau "the world is but a canvas to our imagination", this is exactly how I am feeling about my new house: it's a complete blank canvas at the moment and we can do whatever we like. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The entire house has now been plastered and is ready to be painted, decorated, personalised and brought to life. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is the first time in my life have ever had to think about such things and knowing where to start can be a bit mind blowing, so thank goodness for</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/v1ckyg/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The following pictures show the blank canvas that is our house as it stands, along with my ideas and inspiration shamelessly stolen from Pinterest. As someone who has a terrible tendency to change her mind I have no doubt that these ideas will grow, develop and completely change, so I promise to show you the final results when we eventually move in (which will actually be in about three weeks)!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="bqQuoteLink" style="font-size: large;">Let's start from the top and work our way down....</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="bqQuoteLink"><strong>The 3rd Floor. Our bedroom with ensuite.</strong></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JSrZBr-CznM/UVyc-blDG6I/AAAAAAAAAwM/H99-pr_I15k/s1600/20130331_101057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JSrZBr-CznM/UVyc-blDG6I/AAAAAAAAAwM/H99-pr_I15k/s640/20130331_101057.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-509x_PBnol8/UVya3pHNyBI/AAAAAAAAAwA/3xbCiFW8T-k/s1600/rachel-reider-window-seat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-509x_PBnol8/UVya3pHNyBI/AAAAAAAAAwA/3xbCiFW8T-k/s640/rachel-reider-window-seat.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">I've always dreamed of having a beautiful window seat in my bedroom, a perfect reading/ day-dreaming spot.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XW__ftBv2jo/UW__Hm1qReI/AAAAAAAAA-g/mq7u1pDhv40/s1600/bedroom3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XW__ftBv2jo/UW__Hm1qReI/AAAAAAAAA-g/mq7u1pDhv40/s640/bedroom3.jpg" height="640" width="534" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Something light, airy and gorgeous?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHPN8kE4zDo/UVyaubt3XAI/AAAAAAAAAv4/_yq3WFHmDjE/s1600/creative-antique-attic-bedroom-design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHPN8kE4zDo/UVyaubt3XAI/AAAAAAAAAv4/_yq3WFHmDjE/s640/creative-antique-attic-bedroom-design.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Simple, delicate and lots of light</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fwUaOASgwEw/UXE1AaTgb1I/AAAAAAAABDk/HVb5TZ6EUR8/s1600/luxury_en_suite_shower_room_holiday_cottage_near_alnwick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fwUaOASgwEw/UXE1AaTgb1I/AAAAAAAABDk/HVb5TZ6EUR8/s640/luxury_en_suite_shower_room_holiday_cottage_near_alnwick.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Beautiful natural tiles and a big mirror (a splash of colour will give it the personal touch)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>The staircase going down to the second floor</strong></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQHXas--Mg8/UXLQRd4XySI/AAAAAAAABHE/n6d3c1kXhVI/s1600/stair+spot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQHXas--Mg8/UXLQRd4XySI/AAAAAAAABHE/n6d3c1kXhVI/s640/stair+spot.jpg" height="636" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Spot lights on the stair case are also an absolute must.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>The hallway upstairs</strong></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Again, light and airy is the dream! I love the idea of picture frames, mirrors and books filling the hallway.</span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Study/ Spare Room</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Classy and quirky...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The guest bedroom </b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A warm and inviting spare room</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The main bathroom </b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-sG6RLNT08/UXADj_KEJpI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/VuRjajIfZ-o/s1600/bathroom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-sG6RLNT08/UXADj_KEJpI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/VuRjajIfZ-o/s640/bathroom1.jpg" height="444" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Again, lovely natural tiles- timeless. </span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qx5qVOy3yGk/UXADp-DHIKI/AAAAAAAAA_g/TbTy1Wzwk5Y/s1600/bathroom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qx5qVOy3yGk/UXADp-DHIKI/AAAAAAAAA_g/TbTy1Wzwk5Y/s640/bathroom2.jpg" height="578" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-63IUBBo-tfg/UXADb7GCzzI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/F27hv4est4Y/s1600/bathroom3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-63IUBBo-tfg/UXADb7GCzzI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/F27hv4est4Y/s640/bathroom3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I adore the shelving in this picture, lots of space for pretty pictures, tea lights and luscious soaps!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Staircase</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A homely staircase with an array of gorgeous photos, paintings or mirrors.</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Teeny, tiny downstairs toilet </span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yw0LsvZGNqg/UXABgt34wcI/AAAAAAAAA-4/G9oAwbgISpA/s1600/downstarirstoilet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yw0LsvZGNqg/UXABgt34wcI/AAAAAAAAA-4/G9oAwbgISpA/s640/downstarirstoilet.jpg" height="640" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The living room</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A corner sofa with wonderful, squishy cushions...perfect for movie nights!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVrUZhA0wrI/UXE5I0wk2rI/AAAAAAAABD0/5Q-Jph_Wkpc/s1600/snug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVrUZhA0wrI/UXE5I0wk2rI/AAAAAAAABD0/5Q-Jph_Wkpc/s640/snug.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This snug is incredible... I love everything about this picture. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Kitchen/ Diner </b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o2RnQ2ltX20/UW_9T3xtypI/AAAAAAAAA-I/Hd1FYj0geY4/s1600/20130331_101557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o2RnQ2ltX20/UW_9T3xtypI/AAAAAAAAA-I/Hd1FYj0geY4/s640/20130331_101557.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fr9GzcAtIU8/UW_9yKzQH1I/AAAAAAAAA-Y/T-k_JwCwHUk/s1600/kitchen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fr9GzcAtIU8/UW_9yKzQH1I/AAAAAAAAA-Y/T-k_JwCwHUk/s640/kitchen1.jpg" height="516" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I love the layout of this kitchen and I especially love the rounded work surfaces. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2yoZ3wsUUyA/UXLJgv2n9YI/AAAAAAAABGc/LWE_q7cUXao/s1600/cheshire+glass+units.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2yoZ3wsUUyA/UXLJgv2n9YI/AAAAAAAABGc/LWE_q7cUXao/s640/cheshire+glass+units.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">These pictures are a (very) rough design of what our kitchen might look like: rounded surfaces, a breakfast bar, a glass cupboard with lights (for the cocktail and wine glasses!) The surface won't be black- it will be gorgeous oak to match our wonderful oak doors!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WxdAUdqMMOE/UXLKj1vZmsI/AAAAAAAABGo/V3WokYl_6wY/s1600/cheshire+image+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WxdAUdqMMOE/UXLKj1vZmsI/AAAAAAAABGo/V3WokYl_6wY/s640/cheshire+image+4.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A birds eye view. Where you can see the second door on the right we are actually going to have an American-style fridge freezer with an ice and water dispenser! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-omGYPvIDbbI/UXLLYcSD8LI/AAAAAAAABGs/o_ggCNW2O00/s1600/dining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-omGYPvIDbbI/UXLLYcSD8LI/AAAAAAAABGs/o_ggCNW2O00/s640/dining.jpg" height="640" width="516" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Potential dining area idea (I'm particularly loving the HUGE wine rack in the background!) Lovely glass table, candles, Japanese style table decorations and statement art work on the wall. </span></td></tr>
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<span class="bqQuoteLink" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="bqQuoteLink">I can't wait to show you the final 'before' and 'after' shots... what are your thoughts so far?! As a complete novice to all of this any ideas are warmly welcome!</span>
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Vicky_Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796945358818222644noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306976159194739713.post-73263871997647010022013-04-20T06:34:00.001-07:002014-08-22T07:08:51.104-07:00Carrie Mac- Everywhere<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As mentioned in my previous post I sometimes stumble across a song that I just can't get enough of. Over New Year when Karl and I were in Edinburgh I heard this song on the radio but missed who the singer was...it's taken me until now to discover the owner of this hauntingly beautiful voice!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's a Fleetwood Mac cover of Everywhere by the sensational new artist- Carrie Mac- and it's absolutely stunning.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UoNuN2d5Rcc/UXQ92VCbhcI/AAAAAAAABH0/gs1Rkhoe9XA/s1600/royalmile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UoNuN2d5Rcc/UXQ92VCbhcI/AAAAAAAABH0/gs1Rkhoe9XA/s640/royalmile.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Enjoy!</span>Vicky_Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796945358818222644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306976159194739713.post-33555981296163287382013-02-22T13:50:00.000-08:002014-08-22T07:09:14.916-07:00Dougie MacLean- Holding Back<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Every now and then I stumble across a song which I become obsessed with. A few weeks ago when I was driving home to Kent I was fortunate enough to tune into the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2013 which was broadcast live from the The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The best performance of the evening was by the legendary Dougie Maclean with his stunning song: Holding Back. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">There's something about folk music that I've always loved: the songs tell stories, the performances are so raw and folk musicians sing with a realness unbeaten by any other genre of music.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">It may be my Scottish routes but for me Dougie Maclean, with his rich and beautifully Scottish voice, epitomises music at its best. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Enjoy!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I wonder if I'll ever be able to play this song?!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>Vicky_Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796945358818222644noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306976159194739713.post-74668455068803091032013-02-17T12:30:00.000-08:002014-08-22T07:09:59.155-07:00Bar Seven <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">They say that staying in is the new going out and this could not be more true than when you have a bar in your back garden! A year and half ago when our next door neighbours got married the wedding reception was held in a marquee in the ginnel behind our houses. As part of this wonderful occasion our garden was transformed into the bar for the evening. Now I'm not just talking about a makeshift table with a few bottles of spirits and a bucket of beer cans underneath it, I'm talking about a real bar, a solid construction, a fully fledged, fully-stocked, back garden bar. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The wedding reception was immense and our newly formed cocktail bar certainly added to the festivities! It made complete sense to keep the bar after the wedding, how could we get rid of such an epic addition to our home?! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bar Seven (as we lovingly call it- after our house number!) has it all. A sink, a speed rail, an ice crusher, a fridge, bar stools, decorations, martini shakers, strainers, shot glasses, champagne flutes, a blender, an outdoor heat lamp, a juicer and a whole other myriad of essential bar gadgets! It really does have all the ingredients for the perfect night out: a great atmosphere, a good amount of space, unbeatable company, plenty of booze and there's no need to worry about how you're going to get home at the end of the night! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We have had A LOT of great nights at this little bar and our cocktail making skills could now give Tom Cruise a run for his money, the cosmo is my personal favourite! However, as you will have read in my last blog, we are going to be moving in April. Our next door neighbours are trying to sell their house and whilst the bar is a true sensation it's not ideal for when people come to view the house...so, it's time to say goodbye to to this fabulous little hangout!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">We're going to miss you, Bar Seven!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Whilst I'll be sad to see it go I can assure you that we will be building something just as good, if not better, in our new house! A Tiki bar perhaps?! Here is a photographic tribute to our wonderful little bar: </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-59BYXOo0qCc/USEMCAEs7tI/AAAAAAAAAdo/lEgyTE10yD8/s1600/270681_10150332783060465_7900328_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-59BYXOo0qCc/USEMCAEs7tI/AAAAAAAAAdo/lEgyTE10yD8/s640/270681_10150332783060465_7900328_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the first ever pictures of Bar Seven</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Perfecting the art of the Porn Star(!) This was Jo's wedding cocktail. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tSgxfbwo89I/USEMC_sDw2I/AAAAAAAAAds/6qpEKauxJ6U/s1600/315986_10150384791859354_1837096188_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tSgxfbwo89I/USEMC_sDw2I/AAAAAAAAAds/6qpEKauxJ6U/s640/315986_10150384791859354_1837096188_n.jpg" height="464" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Cocktail Experiments</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkjyNmUlxeY/USEMCHLqEjI/AAAAAAAAAdg/VSvTGYTXfuw/s1600/251933_10151906796595276_213920796_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkjyNmUlxeY/USEMCHLqEjI/AAAAAAAAAdg/VSvTGYTXfuw/s640/251933_10151906796595276_213920796_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Showing off making a Margarita</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Glammed up for another night at Bar Seven</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLr9MM8_nCo/USEoY2yNiII/AAAAAAAAAqA/lCwDgA61ViM/s1600/IMG_0005.dng" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLr9MM8_nCo/USEoY2yNiII/AAAAAAAAAqA/lCwDgA61ViM/s640/IMG_0005.dng" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My beautiful sister enjoying an evening ar the bar</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3i_rsyNVcc/USEp53F9L4I/AAAAAAAAAqI/ZUM4yJ9md_k/s1600/IMG_0002.dng" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3i_rsyNVcc/USEp53F9L4I/AAAAAAAAAqI/ZUM4yJ9md_k/s640/IMG_0002.dng" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Dressed up and ready to take on the world!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jy8MZHBnrzg/USEp81dQQNI/AAAAAAAAAqY/HHfipMkYlQ4/s1600/IMG_0008-1.dng" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jy8MZHBnrzg/USEp81dQQNI/AAAAAAAAAqY/HHfipMkYlQ4/s640/IMG_0008-1.dng" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The beautiful Mrs Nike </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2VEh4BIUZYM/USEqAVE6w-I/AAAAAAAAAqg/yBggtj4xJhc/s1600/IMG_0014.dng" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2VEh4BIUZYM/USEqAVE6w-I/AAAAAAAAAqg/yBggtj4xJhc/s640/IMG_0014.dng" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Gamble twins taking on Bar Seven</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opgydQnbegg/USEqA7Iqc0I/AAAAAAAAAqo/qi28FnFlQsg/s1600/IMG_0019-1.dng" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opgydQnbegg/USEqA7Iqc0I/AAAAAAAAAqo/qi28FnFlQsg/s640/IMG_0019-1.dng" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Exotic cocktails...that's how we roll!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S53Fs5FeyEA/USEMCwh6huI/AAAAAAAAAdw/BQxctRnfo_U/s1600/381404_10151050080660276_2140493481_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S53Fs5FeyEA/USEMCwh6huI/AAAAAAAAAdw/BQxctRnfo_U/s640/381404_10151050080660276_2140493481_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Girly nights at the Bar</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mugbl-3RIdc/USESmukOovI/AAAAAAAAAfY/_NkML6JngII/s1600/393762_10150459693609354_399051063_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mugbl-3RIdc/USESmukOovI/AAAAAAAAAfY/_NkML6JngII/s640/393762_10150459693609354_399051063_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Birthday Fun</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Happy, smiley people at Bar Seven!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tz-HVs9hcto/USEUFKX0qtI/AAAAAAAAAgA/A_bIilrIajw/s1600/576793_10150795209150876_1727514040_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tz-HVs9hcto/USEUFKX0qtI/AAAAAAAAAgA/A_bIilrIajw/s640/576793_10150795209150876_1727514040_n.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Anyone for a B52?!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQfXeGUOu0g/USEUaJ94peI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/Pzxk131Tp8c/s1600/562155_10150621692120876_334281442_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQfXeGUOu0g/USEUaJ94peI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/Pzxk131Tp8c/s640/562155_10150621692120876_334281442_n.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sad times when the Bar was destroyed by the terrible Manchester weather...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5to1LReNA8Q/USEUsbUUrPI/AAAAAAAAAgY/QaeJg38ngZc/s1600/577895_10150797071460465_1444845223_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5to1LReNA8Q/USEUsbUUrPI/AAAAAAAAAgY/QaeJg38ngZc/s640/577895_10150797071460465_1444845223_n.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Resurrected! Using wooden, oak beams from the pub. Bar Seven is now indestructible!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4umZRCnAa0/USEHfTg1q1I/AAAAAAAAAdU/qmNDBm4Vj4Q/s1600/IMG_3369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4umZRCnAa0/USEHfTg1q1I/AAAAAAAAAdU/qmNDBm4Vj4Q/s640/IMG_3369.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A trainer from the London Riots- not stolen, FOUND- abandoned and lonely, rescued and brought to the Bar!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E51pAOOjzjU/USEjWIgk7rI/AAAAAAAAAnw/fNOHkh3G2Jk/s1600/IMG_3360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E51pAOOjzjU/USEjWIgk7rI/AAAAAAAAAnw/fNOHkh3G2Jk/s640/IMG_3360.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Bar Seven- prepped and ready for it's final night.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YSQLCaeJAqI/USEjWuerRHI/AAAAAAAAAn8/f-KT61xreIw/s1600/IMG_3361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YSQLCaeJAqI/USEjWuerRHI/AAAAAAAAAn8/f-KT61xreIw/s640/IMG_3361.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Let the good times roll...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YmOuX_pT9YQ/USEk3HryRmI/AAAAAAAAAo8/mYUuc_-qV-E/s1600/IMG_3370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YmOuX_pT9YQ/USEk3HryRmI/AAAAAAAAAo8/mYUuc_-qV-E/s640/IMG_3370.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Karl in his element, entertaining our guests! He makes a mean Margarita...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qek0kwJKTDU/USEldPdhvNI/AAAAAAAAApY/JivEhmCT6fE/s1600/IMG_3383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qek0kwJKTDU/USEldPdhvNI/AAAAAAAAApY/JivEhmCT6fE/s640/IMG_3383.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hiding from the paparazzi! Bar Seven is definitely the coolest bar in town...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9kOleHoAjQ/USEl6WIgygI/AAAAAAAAApg/lNqZPTc8VSU/s1600/IMG_3368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9kOleHoAjQ/USEl6WIgygI/AAAAAAAAApg/lNqZPTc8VSU/s640/IMG_3368.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Peroni clock and Bar Seven light shining for the last time...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-deq_ExFwYvc/USEmSulqcCI/AAAAAAAAApo/PHgfcAZDyEw/s1600/IMG_3391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-deq_ExFwYvc/USEmSulqcCI/AAAAAAAAApo/PHgfcAZDyEw/s640/IMG_3391.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Porn Star Martinis, Mojitos and lovely friends!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8i4t_xaVuc/USEm8yGHRVI/AAAAAAAAAp4/0wpLbH3UL8Y/s1600/IMG_3374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8i4t_xaVuc/USEm8yGHRVI/AAAAAAAAAp4/0wpLbH3UL8Y/s640/IMG_3374.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A final girly photo</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thank you for all the fun times, Bar Seven! May the cocktails and dreams continue...what on earth shall we call our next bar?! </span></div>
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Vicky_Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796945358818222644noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306976159194739713.post-89286929065726319062013-02-16T01:43:00.000-08:002014-08-22T07:10:41.725-07:00The Road To A Friend's House Is Never Long<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Exciting times lie ahead! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For those of you that don't know, let me fill you in...Just over a year ago Karl and his business partner won the pub across the road from us at an auction (yes- it was interesting table conversation when Karl came home one day and</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> declared this new purchase- true Karl style!) According to Karl it was a f***** steal and in my eyes proof that fortune does indeed favour the bold! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since that time, the last year has been FULL to the brim with building plans, bricks, stones, cement mixers, tile cutters, insultation, heating systems, diggers, drills, sprayers and any other 'man-tool' you could possibly ever think of! Karl has naturally been in his element:</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSa4Bjeo47s/URAw3yzp0-I/AAAAAAAAAWw/9hJM4V3aBEw/s1600/Karl%2BWork%2BGear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSa4Bjeo47s/URAw3yzp0-I/AAAAAAAAAWw/9hJM4V3aBEw/s640/Karl%2BWork%2BGear.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">The progress that has been made on this project is incredible: the pub has already been converted into two (beautiful) houses and four new-builds are currently in the process of being finished off and should be complete by April. Friends of ours have moved into one of the 'pub' houses, our next door neighbour is managing the project and will be moving into one of the new builds and we shall be moving in right next door! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It's quite bizzare to think that our new home is on the site of a pub we actually used to sit and drink in! It really was a lovely pub in its time, Leffe on tap and delicious home-made lasagne </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"> ❤</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This is a little tribute to the wonderful work that has been completed and to say a big welldone to</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"> everyone who has been involved with the project so far! I'm really proud of you and can't wait to move in!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_hwm5Xip18/URAzb4V-I1I/AAAAAAAAAXA/fp1XSUDiEcE/s1600/before%2Band%2Bafter%2Bsite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_hwm5Xip18/URAzb4V-I1I/AAAAAAAAAXA/fp1XSUDiEcE/s640/before%2Band%2Bafter%2Bsite.jpg" height="640" width="571" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Impressive workmanship (Before and after shot)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The boys eating their lunch on the roof of the new builds- New York Style</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Me mucking in helping with the insultation (I need to earn my keep somehow!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The below photos are stolen from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/KarlSykesBuildingAndGroundworks" target="_blank">Karl Sykes Building and Groundworks</a> and show the journey of our amazing new houses:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b> Stunning New House</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">The best thing about this project is that not only do we get an amazing new, beautiful and bigger house, we also get to keep our wonderful neighbours. They say that the road to friend's house is never long (Danish Proverb) which I wholeheartedly agree with, however in our case being next door is just the icing on the cake! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We'll be moving in hopefully in April, who's coming to our housewarming party?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">P.s. There are going to be <a href="http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-25968483.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=sharing&utm_campaign=buying" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">two more houses up for grabs</span></a> if anyone is interested.</span></div>
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Vicky_Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796945358818222644noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306976159194739713.post-82690343425944026862013-02-10T13:44:00.000-08:002013-02-17T08:43:03.733-08:00To Love Oneself Is the Beginning of A Life Long Romance...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...So what better way to start than with a weekend of pampering! Well... not quite a whole weekend, an afternoon to be precise. I FINALLY decided to use the Spa vouchers I won at a charity auction last November.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">PHD waxing- Purifying back massage- Prescription facial- Spa ritual manicure</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Perfect. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Fresh faced after my facial!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Orchids, Candles and Classical Music</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Water Bed- Heavenly</span><span style="font-size: small;">. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">My first EVER manicure (I'm 28!)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This was my first experience of a truly indulgent pampering session, why have I never done this before?! There are so many reasons why we should all indulge....</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u><b>Work hard- play hard</b></u><b> </b>What better way to wind down from a hard day at the office than with a little self indulgence?! At times work can make all of us feel a little rough around the edges, a cheeky pamper-package is the perfect way to unwind. </span> </li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u><b>Boost your confidence</b></u><b> </b>Massaging, cleansing, moisturizing, exfoliating, filing, polishing and a good splash of colour- extra TLC can make you feel refreshed, gorgeous and ready to take on the world. It makes sense! </span></li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <u><b>Do more of what makes you happy</b></u> (I love that quote!) We all work hard, we all have lots going on- relationships, work, commitments, circumstances, people, and places... life can get in the way! Making time for things that make you feel good about yourself are important. I'm not saying bankrupt yourself by checking in at the most expensive spa in the country but a little treat now and then is nothing to feel bad about. If it makes you feel happy then make time for it! </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My pampering session set me up for a lovely weekend... a lovely night in with Karl on Saturday, a romantic meal and watching movies: </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Chilled out and relaxed after my pamper session- movie time!</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Followed by a lovely Sunday of afternoon tea, lots of cake and a trip up to White Nancy at The Saddle of Kerridge:</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Wind swept, but still fresh-faced at White Nancy</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As Oscar Wilde says: to love oneself is the start of a lifelong romance... is there really any better way to begin than with a little pampering?! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(I went to <a href="http://www.hayloftbeauty.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Hayloft</a> in Glossop for my afternoon of pampering- thoroughly recommended!) </span></div>
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Vicky_Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796945358818222644noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306976159194739713.post-4550837668726327642013-01-20T03:29:00.000-08:002014-09-07T02:55:20.388-07:00How's the Tom Sawyer in you?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7wkE88lIfPk/UPvQQqP4UvI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/T9AbxjX2iCM/s1600/PicsArt_1358679931243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7wkE88lIfPk/UPvQQqP4UvI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/T9AbxjX2iCM/s640/PicsArt_1358679931243.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">The name of this blog comes from a book that I discovered one afternoon in a tiny, 'hippy' bar during my travels in Japan. I fell instantly in love with this inspiring, beautiful book. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Free-Photos-Collected-Streets/dp/0978508475/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358677392&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Love and Free</a> by Ayumu Takahashi is essentially a travel journal. After marrying his wife, Sayaka, Takahashi impulsively decided to resign from his job and travel the world with his soul mate. They took off with no real plans and this book documents the many streets of the world that they traveled together. Through a bunch of notes, poems and photos the book is filled with special moments and profound thoughts on life, love and people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As someone who is always thinking about her next big adventure this book fills me with great ideas about things I'd like to do and the places I'd like to visit and explore.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Australia, Southeast Asia, Eurasia, Europe, Africa, South America, North America and Japan: Takahashi reveals snippets of conversations, beautiful photos and words that inspired him on his travels. He opens his book with a question: How's the Tom Sawyer in you? He invites us to think about ourselves as adventurers and explorers as he shares his many wonderful experiences. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I love this book for it's simplicity, the short bursts of thought combined with stunning photography are endlessly heartening. It makes me think about the incredible adventures I've already had and of the hundreds of exotic, wonderful places that are still out there just waiting to be explored! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;">So... how IS the Tom Sawyer in you? What exciting adventures do YOU have planned? Tell me, I'd love to hear about them! ♥</span></span><br />
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Vicky_Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796945358818222644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306976159194739713.post-21755303529483004002013-01-16T13:27:00.001-08:002014-08-22T07:12:14.615-07:00Journey to the Yellow Pumpkin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Quite simply one of the most thoughtful (not to mention generous) Chistmas presents I have ever received. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Ever since I laid eyes on the work of Yayoi Kusama I have been obsessed with her work. As an avid lover of all things polka-dot, Kusama's artwork embodies everything that I love about art! Bright, psychedleic colours, bold and fun, her art work is captivating and quirky.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">In the summer of 2012 I was lucky enough to have the chance to visit the island of Naoshima in the Kagawa district of Japan. It was a place I always wanted to visit when I lived in Japan (those that live in Japan or have ever visited will appreciate how awkward it is to get to the island), so to have a s</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size: large;">econd chance to go there was a dream come true! The island is famous for its many contemporary art museums and the island itself is peppered with amazing pieces of artwork, including giant scultpures and the sensational <a href="http://www.benesse-artsite.jp/en/arthouse/index.html">Art House Project.</a></span> </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of the houses at The Art House Project</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Of course, my main draw to this island is the fact that it plays host to some of Yayoi Kusama's most famous art sculptures. As you pull into Naoshima harbour you are greeted by the enormous <em>Red Pumpkin </em>(I can't tell you how excited I was when I saw it, it was unreal!) The best thing about this sculpture is that the pumpkin has many polka-dot windows and a door cut into it. It's almost like the pumpkin is inviting you to come and play inside it! And of course, it would have been rude to refuse such an invitation!
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kcao__pu-RI/UPbW8T8kEWI/AAAAAAAAARg/6XzNTJYeJw0/s1600/20120816_144923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kcao__pu-RI/UPbW8T8kEWI/AAAAAAAAARg/6XzNTJYeJw0/s640/20120816_144923.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qXr5mpKR05w/UPcNaRKUIQI/AAAAAAAAASw/fmhbQcq8nPA/s1600/20120816_144935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qXr5mpKR05w/UPcNaRKUIQI/AAAAAAAAASw/fmhbQcq8nPA/s640/20120816_144935.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">On the opposite side of the island to the <em>Red Pumpkin</em> is the almighty <em>Yellow Pumpkin.</em> The sculpture I have dreamt of seeing for so long!<em> </em>We hired bicycles and cycled all the way around the island to make it to this incredible masterpeice. I can't tell you how happy I felt when I saw it! It was just as amazing as I expected it to be and naturally I took the opportunity to have about ten million photos with it... here are just a few:
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Interestingly pumpkins are a trademark of Kusama's artwork. Apparently her fascination with them began during the war when Kusama's hometown, Matsumoto, managed to escape much of the destruction of the war. Her family were into the wholesaling business and her house was always full of pumpkins! The round, bulbous shape of the pumpkins epitomise Kusama's obsessive inclination towards dots. I</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">f you'd like to read more about Yayoi Kusama then I found this </span><a href="http://uk.phaidon.com/agenda/art/picture-galleries/2012/february/02/the-fantastical-world-of-yayoi-kusama/?idx=14" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">article</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"> pretty interesting. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yayoi Kusama is, without doubt, one of the greatest living artists of our time and this is something which Louis Vuitton (thankfully) has recognised. Now anyone that knows me knows that I'm not massively into designer labels, I'm not saying I don't like them, I guess it's just an area of fashion I've never explored. However, the sheer delight and happiness that overcame me when I walked passed a Louis Vuitton window display FULL of Kusama inspired bags, purses and accessories was something that couldn't be ignored! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As it turns out Louis Vuitton wanted to pay tribute to the artist he regarded as "uncommon" and someone who he greatly admired. Consequently he has reinterpreted her greatest works of art into a whole range of wonderful fashion items. Shoes, bags, purses, accessories and jewellery all mirroring the artwork that I love so much </span>❤ <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Alas, with great works of art comes a great price! So despite my adoration of everything in the Louis Vuitton shop, window-shopping was my only option!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So, you can imagine how I felt on Christmas morning when I ripped open my Christmas present from Karl to discover a <i>Yellow Pumpkin</i> inspired Monogram Vernis leather Louis Vuitton bag! Oh yes! Amazing. Incredible. Priceless. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I really do adore this bag, it's peculiar pattern is meant to represent the New York skyline. Kusama moved to New York in 1958 where she quickly became a member of the avant-garde crowd (Andy Warhol etc.) and much of her art work followed the trends of pop-art and environmental art. Vuitton describes her art as "characteristically sequential and unfailingly surprising"- I couldn't have said it better myself!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thank you Karl!</span></div>
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Vicky_Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03796945358818222644noreply@blogger.com4