Review - Dancing in the Streets

Dear Readers,

I must start by staying sorry, as I haven't posted for over a week. Well the sun has been shining so I have been out enjoy it while it last. So before I get going on today I just had to tell you all about the show I went to see last night at Milton Keynes theatre. My Mum and I were ready for a dance and sing along for this show, "Dancing in the streets", Celebrating 50 years of Motown.

From the start you are introduced to the world of Motown. With the singers talking to the audience getting them involved about where Motown came from and what they have to come in this show. All the singers are in full costumes and you feel like the real singers of the songs such as Diana Ross and the supremes, Martha and the Vandellas, and Stevie Wonder,are infront of you. Over all you feel like you were there when Motown first came to the UK.

All the actors/singers were amazing, getting all the audience singing with them and involved in the show. Between a few of the songs, we are introduce to each of the hits and given information about the artists and their most famous songs. There were so many songs that I knew, when I thought I wouldn't know many.

By the end of the show most of the audience, this did include my mum and I, were on our feet dancing and singing overall just enjoying ourselves.

If you get chance this week, the show is on all this week at Milton Keynes Theatre, this one you don't want to miss. A perfect sing-a-long show! It at Milton Keynes till Saturday 2nd June.

I'm sure you'll be singing these songs all the way home after the show, I know I was in the car!

Love Lolly

xoxo

Exercise Part 2

Dear Everyone,

I decided this year that I need to get fit for the summer, well more like by the end of the year. I posted a few months ago about starting a ballet class, which I'm now into my second term and I'm still loving it! I can feel muscles I forgot I had. I've enjoyed remembering all the moves from which I learnt as a child. When Monday comes round I can't wait for the evening and getting ready for my class. The people who in my class are a lovely bunch and make me enjoy it even more, the  teacher is brilliant. Overall I think this is helping me to fall in love ballet all over again.
Now other exercise isn't going so well. I've just started the past week going for bike rides. Now its been years since I went on a bike, but I haven't forgotten. I don't have my own bike so I've borrowed my brothers, and have only been biking locally. I'm lucky to live in a town where there are bike routes about. I haven't yet left my town, but I've been able to bike by the river which a different surface other than the road. By going out on my bike it has got me out in the fresh air, however the rain doesn't always help or make you wanna go out side.
Now my weight hasn't changed much, but I think most of that has to do with the fact I haven't changed my diet. I'm a food lover! That means I like to eat a lot, I have a sweet tooth so I always seem to find chocolate and sweets (Love hearts and Skittles being my favourite). I know I need to eat more healthily, so salads and fruit need to get back on my menu. Nights out with the girls means no take-aways, or a cheeky subway on the way home now! The hardest part is when I'm at the cinema as I have sweets taking up most of my bag as I need to snack when I'm watching a film. Another time I eat more than when I should is when I'm at work, as chocolates and biscuits always seem to be about. So think I need to keep some fruit by my side, but also be a bit stronger.
Summer is on its way, well not if you listen to the weather man, but I also have a wedding to attend at the end of summer so I wanna be looking good!! The only way to look good is to put in the hard work! Dam, sometimes I wish it just happened over night, oh well I need to get started.

Love Lolly
xoxo

Some new cards I made

Hello People,

Yesterday I had a bit of time to create some cards for some friends and family as I have some birthdays and events coming up. I had created the cross stitch a few days before, I just need to put them inside a card. I also added wording on the outside to make them look even better.

A 3D Ice cream card, A solider Cross stitched

And a Cross Stitch Snail.

Cross stitching is another craft I enjoy which I have been doing from a young age. You can get many kits to create different designs, they are quick and easy to create, once you get the hang of it. I find while I'm watching TV I can sew, as I it keeps me busy. And they can create beautiful cards.

These cards will be finding their way to their new owners soon, I hope they like them.

Love Lolly

xoxo

Book Review - One Day By David Nicholls

Dear Readers,

At Christmas my friend brought me a book, I love when I get a new book, I can't wait to just get into the story. It's taken me a while to pick it up and have time to read it, mostly as I had other books that needed reading first. The book, "One Day" by David Nicholls has already been made into a film, which one of friends loved, however I never got the chance to see it in the cinema, so I had been waiting for the DVD, but once i'd been given the book I knew I had to read that first.

The Blurb reads:

"You Can Live Your Whole Life

Not Realising That What You're Looking For

Is Right In Front Of You

15th July 1988. Emma and Dexter

meet on the night of their graduation.

Tomorrow they must go their

separate ways.

So where will they be on

this one day next year?

And the year after that?

And every year

that follows?"

This is a beautiful story about two people, written in a very different style, as you aren't follow them in a two week whirl wind romance but through their lives as they grow up and sometimes apart. You are able to see them at their best but also their worst. I love how the author has only written about one day every year, but fills you in on events that have happened over the past year. You feel for each of the characters, wanting them to be together, as friends and lovers, but seeing where they are going wrong and right in life, wanting both of them to succed, and learn from their mistakes. 

Overall this a beautiful read, following Emma and Dexter through their lives. It will make you think what are you doing today, however what will I be doing in a years time, or the next year, or the next.

A book I would recommend to all my friends,
So enjoy.

Love Lolly
xoxo

My Hair

Dear Readers,

Sometimes in life you just need a change, today I've made a small change - My hair colour. I've added high lights back into my hair, getting ready for summer!! I just wanted to lighten up my hair a bit, as my natural colour was getting quite dark. Now I love my hair, I believe your hair can be your best accessory, so keeping it in top condition is always a must. I must admit, I either like my hair straight, which is how I style it most of the time, or curly. Naturally my hair has a small random wave in it, I don't really like it much so straighting it is the quickest.
Another change I've made, was over the weekend to sort through my wardrobe. A small pile has been created of stuff I'm getting ride of, this includes a few trousers, tops and jackets. These shall all be making their way to my local charity shop. However I do have a few dresses I have sorted out (Well I do have loads of these and they take up plenty of room) and these I'm gonna try selling on eBay, so if anyone has any tips for me, please let me know. Its surprising how much stuff I have collected in my little room, mainly clothes! Oh well, by getting rid of something old, I'm making space for new - This means a SHOPPING TRIP!!!! Fun times.

Anyway hope you all are having a good day,

Love Lolly
xoxo

Film Review - The Lucky One

Dear Everyone,

Last week some friends and I went to the cinema for a quiet night for my friends birthday. My friend isn't really into action and not all of us like horrors so we wanted a more girly romantic film. The Lucky One was perfect for us, based of the book of the same name by Nicholas Sparks. Now I've read some of his books and loved them, also seen other books by him made into films such as, The Note Book (Classic, two of my lad mates love this film), A walk to remember and Dear John. I have enjoyed all of these films before so we thought The Lucky One would be perfect. We weren't wrong.
Now this is the first time I've seen Zac Efron in something different other than singing and dancing, (I've never seen high school musical properly). He's more grown up in this film, and looking very fit. I think he plays the role perfectly, my friends and I were falling head over heels for him, (more so when he took off his shirt). The story is based on Zac's character Logan, after serving three tours in Iraq he goes in search of the women he believes is his lucky charm after finding her picture in the war zone. On meeting the women who has saved his life, Logan is unable to explain his situation, instead stays to help her in her life.
Over all this a beautiful story, and told so well by the actors. Each character's life isn't as easy as first seen, over coming their loses brings them closer together. My favourite character is the little boy Ben, played by Riley Thomas Stewart, he is so cute when hes eating the ice cream in the power cut, just want I'd do too!

Two days later after seeing this film with my friends, I took my Grandma to see it too, and she loved it, especially the German Shepard dog (She used to have one when I was little). So you know this film is perfect for all ages (Maybe not the too young kind).



If you are after a romantic film, this is the one for you.

Love Lolly
xoxo

Film review - Dark Shadows

Dear Readers,

Having seen other films by Tim Burton such as Sweeney Todd and Sleepy Hollow, I was excited to find out that he had a new film out, staring his muse, Johnny Depp. Now I've never seen the TV show which the film is based on and the same name "Dark Shadows" so I wasn't quite sure of the back ground, however the films explains its self - don't worry.

The story is about an imprisoned vampire, Barnabas Collins, who is set free and returns home, where his dysfunctional descendants are in need of his protection. They need protection from a very jealous witch, played by Eva Green, who is in love with Barnabas but he doesn't feel the same way about her.

The costumes in this film are amazing as well as all the stunts and effects. Eva's character (Angelique) face at one point looks like a porcelain doll, not just because she is so beautiful, but a crack appears across her face like a porcelain doll falling apart.

I love how Tim Burton tells the whole back story of his main character, showing just how each ends up in the film. I think this makes you feel more involved in the film, knowing more about how each character ticks. There is laughter at moments for each of the characters, some of these are seen in the trailer, however there are more! I do love the family connection that Barnabas has for Collins, he just wanted to protect them, putting them first, trying to save them. Johnny Depp is just amazing to watch on screen, keeping your attention at all times, delivering lines perfectly.

Another success from Tim Burton, with such a good cast and crew for him to work with, his talent shines out through all of this film. If you have loved past films by him, this is another you won't want to miss.

Enjoy,

Love Lolly

xoxo

book review - The single girls to-do list by Lindsey Kelk

Dear Ladies and Lads,

On my summer holiday last year I ordered some new books to take with me, because while I was laying by the pool I wanted something to do other than tan and swim. So I always need a good book to read. I have read other books by the author Lindsey Kelk so when her new book came out I knew I had found my holiday read.

The blurb reads:

"Rachel Summers loves a to-do list:

*Boyfriend

*Flat

*Great Job

NOT on the list:

*Being dumped

Best friends Emelie and Matthew ride to her rescue with an

entirely new kind of list - The Single Girl's To-Do List. Rachel

doesn't know it, but it will take her all kinds of wild

adventures - and get her some romantic pickles too. And then

it won't be a case of what but who she decides to tick off...

*Mr. bendy yoga instructor  *Mr teenage sweetheart in Toronto

*Mr persistent ex *Mr deeply unsuitable

The single girl's to-do list gives Rachel the perfect heartbreak cure

-and proves love is out there if you're willing to take a chance."

Now I love this book from start to finish! It made me want to write my own to-do list about what I want  to next in life. You fall for the main character and her crazy friends. When they are making the list you think they are crazy, not sure how they are ever going to mark them off. One by one each is ticked off in very different ways, helping Rachel to learn how to move on.
A perfect book to read by the pool or beach, a girly book for all to enjoy.

Love Lolly
xoxo

Music

Dear readers

I'm the kind of girl who likes peace and quiet, only when I'm reading a book. The rest of the time you will find me listening to music. I have the radio on most morning and my car is programmed into radio 1. My Cd's are a random collection of music I've collected over the years. Whatever mood I'm in I can always find a tune to fill it.
The first group I ever went to see live was The Spice Girls when I was 9. I was so excited, banners were created by my friends and I. The gig was at Wembley stadium, so for a first gig it was a big one. I can't remember everyone who went to this gig with me, there was a small group of us, however we weren't all sitting together. I do remember sitting with my mum, her friend Kim and Kim's daughter Jenna. Now at the time I went to see the Spice Girl, Geri Halliwell had left, so they were one spice down. To me it didn't really matter as I was getting to see a group which I had loved for years. Who my poor parents had to listen to their songs all the time in the car. Back then it a little tape cassette! I'm sure my dad enjoyed their songs as he used to sing along to them in the car, however it doesn't mean that it was in tune.....bless him. Back to the gig, I remember watching the girls on stage dancing around singing their hearts out to packed out crowd, it was something I wasn't used to. There was so many people singing along, waving their hands in the air. Lucky me, I did know most of the songs so I was also shouting my little heart out. I bet mum had wished she brought earplugs. By the end of the show little Jenna, who was four years younger than me, had fallen asleep. I don't think it was because she didn't enjoy the show I think it was just to much for her. Our parents by the end of the show looked like they could also fall asleep in their seats after all the dancing.
The next group I got to see was about 1 year later. They were chart toppers at the time, Steps. Now I was the girl who knew all the words and the dance moves ( I still know most of the dance moves now, which I found out at a family party!) This time I went to the show with my friends of my brother. The parents and players in the football team. Now they were only about 12 so they were also excited about seeing this band. At time Step was a very big pop band, with all my friends know the routines, maybe not the words so much. Again this was a very pop performance, by my childhood band.

Roll on nearly 10 years later and I introduced to a few new bands one being Paramore. Now after getting there second album it was all I was listening to, driving to and from college. So next, I collected their first album follow quickly by the new album that was out at the time. I was in love with this band! So much so that I got a friend to get me tickets with him and two other friends to the their show when they were touring in the UK! In December of 2009 my mates and I made it to their fall tour at Wembley arena. One of the support acts was You me at Six, another band which I have come to love, (Getting to see them again in April 2012). They really didn't disappoint, getting all the crowed going. - My love of gigs had arrived!!
Another band I was enjoying at this age was Muse, (might be due to the Twilight as I loved the song Super massive black hole) so yet again I had all their albums within  a week (Amazon were really quick with delivery) and my car was enjoying their music. In 2010 they were touring in the UK, mainly at Wembley stadium. Sooooo...... I got on the phone to my mate, and kept asking him to get me tickets. Little did I know he would be able to get them, Break out very excited me!! (Jumping about screaming). So in september 2010, which felt like ages to get here, I got to see MUSE!! With support acts like, White lies and Biffy Clyro I knew the night was gonna be amazing!!
Also in the same year a few months later a group of friends and I got to see Paramore again!! This time at the O2 arena. We were lucky to see them, as a few months later 2 original members left the band, sad times but the remaining member have carried on!! So still beautiful music being made.
A few months later in 2011 and my mate had got tickets to see Example at Cambridge for a few of us. Shopping before hand (Always makes things sweeter) for the three girls while the lads sat in the pub. Now I loved his songs, I just wasn't sure what he would be like live. But with Wretch 32 supporting, Example owned the stage!!! I was on my feet the whole time - even though I was in the seated area. The only thing that made me mad at this gig were the kids standing in the walk ways, getting in the way of my view!! Dam, I don't pay good money for people to stand in front of me! I wasn't happy. However, I wasn't going to let this spoil my night.
Later in April 2011, I had ordered tickets to see Katy Perry for a mate and I. We were going full out! We had ordered blue wigs, wore dresses, heels and sweets for the part! This was a really girly pop gig!! Such fun, getting the audience up on the stage. Overall such a fun girly night. Katy is just so pretty, with a beautiful voice (some girls get it all). My friend and I were dancing the whole night, singing out hearts out! (We have our own dance to California Gurls). On the way home I had to change my shoes because I couldn't walk anymore in my heels.
As the summer neared I had two more gigs booked, the first being The Kings Of Leon in Hyde Park. My friend had always wanted to go to a gig here, so when we found out they would be there, it need to be done. This was my first outside gig and the weather wasn't on our side. The rain poured most of the morning on our trip into London. It held out as we arrived but we didn't know how long it would last. I had a light rain coat with me for protection, but if the heavens opened I don't know if it would of survived. The three of us found a space near one of the barriers a bit back from the stage with a good view. One the support act was the White lies, when my friend saw there name appear on the stage, she let out a little scream! I couldn't get her to stand still. When The Kings of Leon took to the stage we had such a good view - However people were pushing from behind. All I can say is they rocked the stage. We loved the show we all the hits we knew.
A month later came the biggest gig of the year for me and the closest to home. The show was to be at Milton Keynes Bowl, very local to me. A group of us were going, so when the number increase you know its going to be a fun day out. Our friend had offered to drive, so we parked close by and walked in. We brought to drinks in the venue and found a place on the slope in the venue. Now I had never been to the bowl before, and I couldn't believe how many people you could fit in that place!! Getting to the loo took ages getting between all the people. The support act were prefect! Jimmy Eat World (One of there songs is my favourite - However they didn't play it, Gutted) and Biffy Clyro. What a way to start a gig, both of these bands ready got us ready for the main event. We had by this time ventured into the main part of the crowed and the arena had filled up. I was just a swam of people across the slopes. Unbelievable! The Foo Fighters came out all guns blazing!! All the crowed jumping about - What a show!! The night passed so quick, just Epic!!! A gig I was so lucky to see and one I would remember for ever!! Dave Grohl is a legend, and my mate couldn't keep her eye off Taylor Hawkins.
Fast forward to December 2011 and I got to see Example for a second time with some different mates at the same venue. We were seated again, but two rows from the front - much better view! Now the best way to explain what hes like on stage is "Tigger", Dam he can bounce, getting the whole audience on their feet. I'm so glad I got to see him a second time, as by then I knew more songs from all of his albums. Listening to my favourite song by him live "Watch the sun come up" is just breathtaking (even more so when you are jumping up and down). Such a good night. 2011 was a year for music.
So roll on to 2012, so far I've been to the Brits in February, my best night of music as I got to see so many different artist in one place. Also see they pick up many awards, an event I might never get to go to again. Later in April I got to see You Me At Six, after seeing them three years before. They were worth the wait, as by then I knew more of their songs and enjoyed the show much more. They had grown up a bit more and were playing to a packed out crowd who had turned up for them!! My friend and I were having such fun rocking out!
Now with all these gigs under my belt I've got a big event this year that I've already got tickets for.... This August I'm heading to Reading Festival!! Woop!! So many band over THREE days!! I'm so excited - Just not that excited about camping! Oh well I'm sure a little bit of mud can't hurt, I hope. So roll on August, I can't wait to see Paramore and Foo Fighters again!! Bring it on.

I hope you understand how much I love music, Yes I've been listen to music as I write this. Good times.

I hope You've enjoyed your bank Holiday.

Love Lolly
xoxo

Book review - Laura's Handmade Life

Dear People,

Hello on this dry but not sunny Sunday. I've been busy sorting out my books and thought I'd give you a review of a book I read at the beginning of the year, when I was on holiday. I was attracted to this book as the main character is called Laura (My own name!!). Also the story features different crafts.

"Laura's Handmade Life" By Amanda Addison.

The blurb reads:

Laura Lovegrove is leaving behind her seamless life

in London. Architect husband Adi has been relocated

to rural Norfolk, a far cry from ultra-urban Ealing.

Though Laura knew village life would be different, she didn't

foresee a poky cottage, nosy neighbours, errant poodles

and even an ex turning up. Chris had been her big love at

art college and seeing him again is utterly confusing. Is

she really so different from the impulsive student who once

trawled charity shops for fashion treasures?

When a fire all but destroys Laura's collection of vintage

clothes, she's heartbroken. And seriously lacking in outfits.

But, salvaging what she can, Laura makes do and mend-

sewing purses, bags, even dog leads (which should solve the

poodle problem). Soon she's inundated with orders. But Adi

is becoming more and more distant; it's as if there's

something he's not telling her. Can Laura make a stitch in

time and pull her family back together again?

It's a lovely story of family life and how hard it can be when you relocate to a new area. Laura has to find her way in this new life, and with this ambition to create something new from something old, there is no stopping her. Throughout the book it gives you a description of different sewing stitches, helping you understand the craft a bit more. I'm sure this book will getting you creating items too as well as following the story of Laura's life.

Also in the back, it shows you how to make two of the

items featured in the book.

Enjoy!

Love Lolly

xoxo



My cards

Hello everyone,

Its Friday, the day we get excited for the weekend!! However I've heard that it's going to be another wet weekend, dam you weather! This is a funny drought we are having. So with the weather making the outside not looking very exciting, I've been busy creating more cards for different occasions. I've got a few birthdays coming up so i knew i had to get to work.

Here's a few photo's of what Ive been making over the last few days.

1 very small card and 4 little cards, including:

get well, thank you and thinking of you.

More mini cards or any occasion.

Cup cake Styles - I really enjoyed making these.

from left to right:

New Home, Congratulation you've passed your driving test,

and Happy Birthday.

Two cup cake cards I made a few weeks ago.

A few cakes I made:



A few white chocolate chip cup cakes

I made for a birthday present.

The box is so cute!!

So I've been a bit busy creating some cards, I'm sure they all will find homes soon.

Take care everyone speak to you soon.

Love Lolly

xoxo

Bling Shoes

Hello people!

Now every girl has a favourite pair of shoes, some have more than one - That's me! I have my favourite flats, my favourite boots then my favourite heels! On a night out in my favourite heels I caught the heel of my shoes in a drain, it wasn't till I got home that I notice the leather on the heel had been riped!! Now these are my nude shoes that go with nearly every outfit from jeans to my LBD (little black dress). These have taken me through the crazy dancing at the Christmas party to the Brit awards! With the shoes other wises looking nearly new, I didn't really want to get rid of them or hunt the shops or web finding another really comfortable pair. Instead I had a crafty idea... why don't I just decorate over the heels! Now I've seen a friend do this with a new pair of shoes (she put the photo's on facebook). Getting to work, I had to find some gems... e-bay was a good starting point, followed by amazon then Hobby craft, looking for diamante gems. I was trying to find the best price, but found them at local craft shop on offer (means I didn't have to wait a week for delivery - Woop). As I wanted to wear these shoes bank holiday weekend I knew I had to get to work straight away. Now last week was wet, so I didn't really wanna go out. So on my day off, a bag of gems, also one tube of super glue, and newspaper laid across the table I was ready to get to work - Woop!

I have circled where the marks were - They didn't really show up in photo's

But I wasn't happy with them.

The packs that I got.

Get ready......

My Beautiful new shoes!!!!

I'm so happy with my shoes! I can't wait to wear them out! Woop bring on the weekend.

I hope you like you them too.

Love Lolly

xoxo