Another Blog of Birthday Gratitude

Wow, once again I have been spoiled for the second evening this week in celebration of my 25th Birthday. Not only did my friends make my actual birthday special, but they chose to continue their generousity and make my weekend full of memorable, birthday related, activities. 

The best way to tell you is to do it from my point of view, then you will understand the surprise and how amazing it was... 

I was picked up Saturday night at 8pm. I was told to wear jeans and a top but of course I rebelled and fashioned a tunic with some leggings. I gave myself a 'golden glow' and was feeling confident that I looked 'alright'! 

My 'Golden Glow'

As soon as I got in the car a tie was produced and I was instructed to blindfold myself. After a small fuss from me, worrying about my make-up, I was obedient and placed the tie over my eyes. I now had to use my picture memory to sense where I was. My friend was clever however and drove round roundabouts several times before turning off to confuse me. After about ten minutes we arrived at our destination and, still blindfolded, I was escorted out of the car and felt the floor turn to gravel/stones underneath my feet. Any ideas where I am?? 

The ground evened out after a few steps, and then I tripped up a step as my friend failed to warn me of it - we laughed as well! Suddenly, my nostrils filled with the smell of oil, like the oil you get in those wind resistant, garden candles. I was positioned and then told to remove my blindfold. 

"SURPRISE" All my amazing friends were in front of me, under a gazebo, sat on hay-bales in my friends garden. I was a tad confused but turned around and behind me I saw a screen, formed from two wooden planks and a bed sheet. Returning my focus to the gazebo I noticed a projector set up as my friends approached me for cuddles. It was an outdoor cinema they had created to celebrate my 25th birthday. I was overwhelmed, still am at how adorable the idea was. 

Everyone and me on the hay-bales under the gazebo

The gazebo was decorated with buntings which each guest had wrote nice messages upon - these are now hung up in my room. There was food and a BBQ on the go. Alcohol was served in my favourite format - cocktails! The night was amazing. Seeing all my friends under one gazebo, watching cringing clips of me performing during a summer project, to creasing with laughter over Anchorman 2. Conversation flowed until 4:30am, when we decided to call it a night. 

My beautiful messages, now hung up in my room

So, this blog, similarly to my last, is dedicated to all my friends who have made this birthday really special for me. But this time it comes with extra special thanks to Amyy Newbold, Alice Taylor, Sweeney for being the hosts of this event and Tyler Cartwright for organising the whole thing. I am truly bless to have you, plus all the guests, in my life. I cannot wait to return the favour for all of your birthdays :) 

Me and Tyler - The Organiser

Me and the Hosts - Amyy with the great face!

Fellow bloggers; What is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for you for your birthday? 

Please leave any comments below :)  

Happy Places

Today I would like to discuss some happy places as I am currently sat in a new found location I am beginning to consider adding to my list of places that make me happy. I think if you want to learn something about someone it's always a great question to ask; "where are you happiest?"

These locations are in no particular order because it would be too difficult for me to rank. However, the first place I list will have to be my number one just for its sheer beauty and fairytale feel, especiallt at Christmas time. I will attempt to attach pictures I have taken of the locations where possible to try and transport you to each setting, as best I can, with an image along with my (hopefully) descriptive words…

1. Central Park, New York, USA. ♡

In 2007 I visited New York with my Family for Christmas and it really was magical. What made it more so was spending time in Central Park, people watching, taking photographs, watching friends and family ice skate together and being chauffeured in a carriage pulled by a man on a bicycle! I don't know what it is about Central Park but it is my favourite place in the world. Maybe it is because you can find peace on its grounds, even though it is surrounded by such a vast city. Or maybe it is because it is so large you could spend the day getting lost. Whatever it is, I am completely drawn to the place and whilst I am not there it exists in my dreams. 

2. Kensington Roof Gardens, London, UK.

Ever wander around London looking for places to visit that don't charge sky-high prices? Well this was me in March. I decided I needed to get out of town for a few days and so found myself getting lost in our capital city, London. I had read online about some free entry places and thought I would go and explore them. Kensington Roof Gardens was like stumbling across a gold mine when it comes to beautiful places. 150 feet up above the city lies a beautiful garden that grows around the outside of an even taller building. Free of charge you can explore the impressively colourful flowers, the ponds that glisten when the sun is shining and that are occupied by ducks and bright pink flamingos! The views are of course breathtaking and if you feel tired there are garden benches and other seating available in every section of this tranquil setting. If you get a little thirsty or peckish there is even a bar one floor above, "Babylon Bar" which offers a variety of drinks, including cocktails (I recommend the painkiller), snacks and even hot dishes. I give this place a ten out of ten for being a unique and jaw dropping setting, just feet above a busy London. 

3. Little Italy, Haddenham Village, UK. 

If you're like me and love to sit in a coffee house and people watch whilst enjoying a well made beverage then you will love this gorgeous coffee house. A chain of impressive and quirky espresso bars, Little Italy is the perfect place to relax and enjoy peace, love and espresso! Originating as a mobile van which toured to serve the public excellent coffee, it is now a chain of coffee shops with a friendly and welcoming team. Find your nearest shop in the Oxfordshire area: http://www.littleitalyespressobar.com/locations.htm

4. My Car, OB2. 

Driving pointlessly around with the sun shining, the windows down and the music blaring is sheer bliss. Where would I be without my beautiful brum brum? When I found her I found freedom. The freedom to drive wherever and whenever I want. The freedom to leave or arrive at any destination. OB (Olive - After my Nanny, Button - because the car is as cute as a button!), is my second home and provides me with comfort and excitement.

5. My Crafting Den, My House, UK. 

If you are a frequent reader of my blog you will know that I am quite the creative person and have recently taken up crafting. Having scrapbooked for a few years I began using an app on my phone called 'Pinterest' which allowed me to source new ideas for my scrapbook pages. Whilst scrolling I came across some craft ideas which I was desperate to try. After succeeding at this I began having creative thoughts about other crafting bits and bobs I could create. Now, whenever I have a spare hour I am sat in my Crafting Den (The spare room!) and producing more and more quirky and cute crafts. 

6. A Cuddle, anywhere.

My favourite thing has to be a cuddle and of course, as you may already know, some people are just really good at giving cuddles. I am not going to now list all the people I love cuddling because of their awesome hugging skills, but what I will say is I think it is so true that a cuddle releases anxiety, stress and tension and leaves you feeling happier, confident and so much more loved than you thought you were. If you are ever having a bad day, call up a cuddle expert! 

So, that is it for my Happy places today but I can't wait to continue exploring and discovering new locations. 
Where is your happy place?