The Fault in Our Stars - John Green

Hello!

It's been a while since I posted, but I've just been very busy with work and life. Now, as you may have seen one of my new years resolutions was to read more, so in line with that resolution I decided to read "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green. 

I don't want to give too much away with the story line, but I found the book easy to read, particularly because of the tone of voice used. I have found that a lot of books I have read tend to be from the female perspective, I am not sure if I am alone there, I tend to find the male perspective less relatable - it's a strange thing to explain considering the author of this particular book is male!

Anyway, the storyline was very captivating and also very sad - I cried for the most part of the book (which is very unlike me!). The good news is there is a film coming out based on this book, I have attached the link for the trailer below.

Click for "The Fault in Our Stars" trailer.

Having my own imagination I was picturing Glee's Blake Jenner as the lead male role - Augustus Waters. Sadly, this has not happened, I am sure the lead role will be just as good nevertheless! If anyone else has read this book, do you think Blake Jenner is a good "Gus"?

- Katy

Harry Potter - Warner Brother Studios, London.

 Hello all,

Last new years eve (2012/2013) my fiance and I decided to book a trip to New York City to see in 2014! Sounds amazing doesn't it?! Unfortunately for us as the trip neared and our funds were sparce we had to cancel. However, we decided that as we had already booked our hotel in London to go down for a shopping trip in the sales, and why not a trip to Harry Potter Studios again!!

This time we went Hogwarts was covered in snow and the sets had been decorated as they had been for the festive season in the movies. It was truly a magical experience and for a Harry Potter fanatic it was great to see the intricate details that the crew went to, to make the festive season simply amazing for Harry and friends!

Here are a few snaps from my trip...

 

No trip is complete without a photograph of where it all started; the cupboard under the stairs.

  

 Once the Great Hall doors were open it was like I was ready for Christmas dinner no.2.

The Gryffindor common room was decorated all set for Christmas. I particularly liked the attention to detail right down to the sweet wrappers that have been left on the table.

 

 

 

We went to the boys dorm room which once again the details never failed to disappoint! They even had hand drawn Christmas cards (although it's hardly surprising considering they designed every little detail in the movies, including the programs for the 422nd Quidditch World Cup)

 

Dumbledore's office - just the the left of this image is the famous Sorting Hat.

 

I have chosen to photograph Hagrid's hut through the window to get a different perspective.

 

Here is the best place in the world, THE BURROW! Home of the Weasley family. If you look closely to the left of the image you will see the family clock. What was really cool about the studio set is that they still have interactive buttons that operate part of the set, for example, you can make the dishes wash themselves or the blanket knit itself.

  

 The potions classroom

 

This is Dolores Umbridge's office at the Ministry of Magic. If you plan on visiting the studios, to the right of this set if the entrance door, which of course has Mad-Eye Moody's eye attached to the door.

Some of the thousands of props used for the films.

 

Sorry to keep talking about the detail, but just read the sign! 

 HOGWARTS CASTLE IN SNOW!!!

 It's a little blue, but here is a shot of us two enjoying ourselves a little too much!

I hope you enjoyed looking through this blog entry as much as I enjoyed writing it. I really would reccommend this trip to anyone who loves the films and books as much as me. Also, if you do go, when you first enter the tour go to the screen at the far end of the room on the right my sister is featured in the begining film clip when she went to the final premiere (she has an Accio Rupert sign).

Hogwarts at Christmas has been extended until Sunday 2nd February so hurry and get your tickets!!!

- Katy

New Years Resolutions 2014

Hello all,

Unlike many of you I was not out partying and seeing in the new year with a kiss. Instead, I was at home with my sister and my best friend feeling pretty sorry for myself, as I was really ill, whilst my fiance was at work. However, we still managed to make the best of it despite feeling dizzy and having a banging headache I managed to see the new year in and stay awake until 2!

Like everyone else would have done yesterday, I to made some new years resolutions for 2014. I personally don't think many of them are too ambitious (except maybe the first one...) but I did also get a little carried away and made quite a few resolutions. Well, without further ado here they are:

• Save more money (£10,000 is the goal) and shop less.
• Eat clean(ish).
• Drink more water.
• Exercise at least 4 times a week.
• Read 20 books this year.
• Blog more.
• Take more photographs.

There is another resolution, however I think that one should be kept between myself and my sister! 

As you can see from the list above, I don't think they are too unrealistic! What are you thoughts? Have I set my goals too high? What has everyone else decided to do for their resolutions? 

- Katy

Fat for Winter

So, Winter is almost upon us! Is it just me or has the temperature plummeted? I have found myself venturing on more and more shopping trips in the past few weeks than I have done all Summer.

I don't think I am alone in saying this, but when the weather gets a little drab and cold I tend to find myself cuddled up indoors in PJ's watching a good box set or film.

Luckily for me, Primark have some amazing new PJ's in stock, they are all really fleecy and ridiculous good value for money! One set is only £8 for the all over fleece. Unfortunately, I didm't think this through as I am currently wearing the PJ's so I will post photo's of some of my purchases on another post in a few days.

I have found myself comfort eating a lot more recently. I had been on Herbalife in previous weeks, but I've found that as the weather is getting colder I come in from work and fancy a really hearty meal. One example is mash potato, I think this is my downfall. However, I haven't added cheese to the mash or else there really would be no stopping me!!! I am hoping that I can break this viscous circle by going to the gym, it's just finding the motivation. Does anyone else really struggle with the gym in the Winter?

Well anyway, I think I have rambled enough about my fears of over eating at winter, but at least I will be warm and cosy doing it in my new PJ's!!

- Katy

FINALLY!

At long last, I have finally gotten the damn thing to allow people to follow my blog! I am such a newbie to this blog business that it has taken me nearly a week to suss this out - there is still hope yet!

Anyway, as I said before, goodnight all.

- Katy

Fancy Dress?

Hello all!

So, I have been invited to go to a 21st birthday party for my fiancés friend in a month's time. This is a pretty big deal as I have never met them before! Now to add to the nerves I was told the other day it was going to be fancy dress.

AHHHHH!!!

I had a few days of panicking and now I think I am ready to start planning. The theme of the house party is you have to pick a costume that starts with the 1st letter of either your first name or surname, therefore I had to pick something starting with either a "K" or "N". 

As I share the same as my fiancé we have chosen to go as a couple from Game of Thrones (Khal Drogo and Khaleesi Daenerys Targaryen). I am quite excited to be doing this as I am a big fan of the show and it will be good fun to dress up as these two. 

My only worry now is that I will look too dressed up - this always happens when I am going out somewhere! Does anyone else suffer with such bad nerves or is it just me?

I have a few ideas for my costume and I have 1 month to get cracking with this! I will keep you all posted on the final outcome (pictures to follow).

Goodnight for now.

- Katy

Confessions of a Shopaholic...

Once again it appears I have spent money I don't really have. I always fall into this trap when I see a bargain that is just too good to miss. Unfortunately these last few weeks I have been subjected to a number of bargains that I JUST HAD TO HAVE!

One of the best bargains (well in my personal opinion) was the "Viva La Juicy" box set by Juicy Couture. I found this is Boots, as part of a limited time only offer (until Thursday 10th October!) and simply had to have it. The box set was down from £60 to £29.99! Now for me, I'd say that was pretty good considering you could by the fragrance alone and still have to fork out £34.99 in the shop.

As you can see in the image below there were a fair few things in the box set. Not everything is what you would want, but it's just an added bonus i.e. the make-up bag that seems to look like it would only fit in a mascara and lipstick. However, the remaining contents is still pretty decent for the price.

• 30ml Viva La Juicy fragrance
• Lipgloss/Roll-on fragrance stick
• Two Nail Varnishes
• Make-Up Bag
• Juicy Couture keyring

Now, to me that seems like a bargain in comparison to paying more for the 1 bottle of fragrance!

Anyway, despite this being a really good deal I have still come away thinking "Do I really need this?" and second-guessing my decision. I always seem to buy things to feel that void and excitement for having found a bargain, but then have to return them when I look at my bank balance. Mind you, if I really like something I am guilty of just ripping the tags off just so they cannot be returned, money or no money!!

So as you may be able to sense, I tend to live in the moment whilst shopping, but more often than not end up with the wave of guilt for giving in. How do other shopaholics cope with the daily desires to bag-a-bargain?

- Katy