My top five Christmas films

Inspired by a recent survey on the most popular Christmas films I decided to compile my own top five list!

Elf was voted as the number one Christmas film on website myvouchercodes.com. This was closely followed by Miracle on 34th Street in second place, and Home Alone in third place. (Thanks to Nicola for that information, and for giving me the idea to create this list!)

So, do you agree with those suggestions? My top five list is:

1st: Elf.

I certainly agree with Elf being the number one Christmas film, and it is top of my list. The story follows loveable elf Buddy, who was adopted and raised in the North Pole. On discovering he is not an elf he sets off for New York to find his father.

I could watch this film over and over again. In fact, this year I watched it 5 times. I am a big Will Ferrell fan anyway, but his portrayal of Buddy is comedy gold. I love the story of the 'larger than average' elf visiting the big apple and spreading Christmas cheer. My favourite part is when Buddy gets drunk while working in the post room.

This film is deserving of the first place in the survey, and the first place in my list. And just remember:

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."

2nd: The Snowman.

The silver medal in my list of Christmas films goes to The Snowman. Wordless (apart from the song 'Walking in the Air') it is an animated adventure about a young boy who makes a snowman one Christmas Eve, only for it to come to life that night and take him on a magical adventure to the North Pole to meet Santa. This film was made before I was born (in 1982) but it is a classic. It conjures up good memories of childhood my Christmas days, and the song is one I love. The Snowman is responsible for me believing that snowmen really did come to life, and my desire to actually see it happen. And who has not cried when the boy goes out after his adventure to find the snowman melted?!

3rd: Miracle on 34th Street.
In third place is Miracle on 34th Street, another classic film. Six-year-old Susan has doubts about Santa Claus. Her mother told her the "secret" about Santa a long time ago, so she doesn't expect to receive the most important gifts on her Christmas list. But after meeting a special department store Santa who's convinced he's the real thing, Susan is given something to believe in.
I love this film as it is all about miracles happening at Christmas time. It paints Christmas as a magical day, when anything can happen, all you have to do is believe. And I do believe!

4th: The Muppet Christmas Carol.

My fourth place goes to The Muppet Christmas Carol. I love the muppets, and I love Christmas. So what is a better idea than to put the two together?! The film uses Muppet characters tell their version of the classic tale of an old and bitter miser's redemption on Christmas Eve. I am sure that everyone has seen this film, and if you havnt....shame on you!

5th: The Santa Clause.

Finally in fifth place is The Santa Clause. It is the story of Scott Calvin, who accidently knocks Santa off his roof, and must take over in his place. This film is my number five purely because it makes me laugh, and is another film I have watched countless times!

So there you go, that is my top five list of the best Christmas films. There are so many to choose from that I have a hard job. However every film in my list deserves its place. Do you agree? Or do you have a different favourite film?

Christmas wishes to all my friends

So, five days to go. Not long at all. Bought all your gifts and wrapped them? The smug ones will say, 'Oh I finished my shopping last month, got in before the rush.' But how many of us actually do that? Every year I promise myself I will start early, and in December be one of the smug ones. It never happens. However, I got my last gift yesterday, which is actually good going for me! No last minute dash for me this year!

I love Christmas. It always feels so magical to me. I love the lights, glitter, decorations and festive feel. I love the food, and the fact that it is ok to have an alcoholic drink with your breakfast! In short, Christmas is my favourite time of the year.

My first Christmas memory was when I was four years old, and my parents (sorry Father Christmas) had bought me a tiny tears doll. This was the toy to have, and I was so excited that I cried.

Another Christmas memory was being Mary in the school nativity when I was five. I was picked because I was the most talkative in the class (which I am sure will come as no surprise to most of you!) My mum was very proud, and spent ages making my costume. She also told everyone she knew about it. However I think she quickly regretted that, as my performance on the night was....interesting. I was allowed to use my doll as baby Jesus, which was great, but I was very protective over it. When one of the wise men tried to pick the baby up I responded by saying loudly, 'thats my baby, not yours' and snatching it away! I then proceeded to hold the baby in my arms and sing to it, while chewing my hair. I was never cast as a lead role in a school production again!

While Christmas is a time of celebration and joy it is also a time to think of those less fortunate than ourselves, and to be thankful for what we have. I am very thankful for my wonderful friends and family, who have supported me, and helped me to become the person I am today. I will be spending Christmas day with my parents, sister and brother at home in Clevedon, and am very much looking forward to it.

Whatever you are doing, and wherever you are celebrating I hope you have a lovely day.

xxxx

From reporter to Supreme

This was a makeover I had a while ago, but I thought I would post what I wrote now, as I really enjoyed it!

When I was a child, my favourite plaything was my dressing up box, as it allowed me to transform myself into different characters using a hat, scarf or old shirt.

Now that I am in my 20s, nothing has changed, and I still love fancy dress, much to the despair of my friends who often have to think up ideas for one of my many costume parties.

So imagine my delight when I was given the chance to have a Supreme makeover as part of The Story of The Supremes From the Mary Wilson Collection exhibition.

Wearing an outfit taken from a recent 60s party I headed to the Assembly Rooms for my Motown facelift.

Having seen hairstyles from the decade I knew that I was in for a completely different look from my normal style.

On arrival, I told Artizan owner Phillip Thompson that I wanted to go extreme, with really big hair.

He needed no persuasion, and the ferocious backcombing began.

Sitting in a haze of hairspray, with Baby Love playing in the background, I could almost believe I had been transported back more than 40 years, and was getting ready for my debut on stage.

Half a can of hairspray, and 30 hair grips later my hair was transformed, and I had gained an extra three inches in height.
However, in the style of all television makeover shows I was not allowed to look in a mirror until my make-up had been completed.
Freelance make-up artist Lydia Parker told me she would be using lots of dark eye shadow and eyeliner to make my eyes bigger.

With my transformation from reporter to Supreme complete, I was allowed to look in the mirror and did not recognise myself.

The person staring back at me looked like someone who was ready for a big night out on the town in the 1960s.
Now all I need is singing lessons for those Motown classics...

Review of The Petersham, Richmond.

As a child my favourite books were about princesses, and I always dreamed about becoming one.

Well after one nights stay at The Petersham Hotel, in Richmond, I feel one step closer to that dream.

Pulling up to the majestic hotel with my partner Joe believed I had stepped straight into the pages of my childhood books, as the grand building towered above us.

Almost straight away we were met by a porter, who insisted on carrying the majority of our bags inside.

Here the grandeur of the exterior was almost forgotten as we took in the plush carpets, chandelier and winding staircase.

Our room was just as grand, with a large marbled bathroom, large bed and private balcony overlooking the River Thames. And being greeted by a bottle of champagne made the experience even more magical.

 The restaurant at The Petersham is advertised as being one of the finest in London, and that is certainly no exaggeration. With views of the River Thames you can enjoy fine food in stunning surroundings. Headed up by acclaimed chef Alex Bentley, the menu features a variety of British classics, including duck, salmon and pheasant. Mine and Joe’s seared duck was delicious, as were the starters and deserts either side. All were cooked to perfection, with the individual flavours highlighted.

For drinks after dinner the hotel lounge provides the perfect setting. With plush armchairs and sofas I was able to relax with a cocktail from the extensive list. Joe chose a gin and tonic, which he highly enjoyed.

A mark of a good hotel is its staff, and by the service we received I would say The Petersham deserves five stars. Our glasses were barely empty when we were asked if we would like another, and the waiter service in the restaurant was impeccable.

Our stay in Richmond included visits to Kew Gardens and Hampton Court Palace. Both are well worth a visit. Kew Gardens showcases the beauty nature, with plants of all size and variety. Children can enjoy the freedom of the large grounds, while adults learn more about the wildlife.

Hampton Court Palace

Highlights include a visit to King Henry VIII kitchen and a tour around the magestic palace gardens. For those seeking an adventure the maze is well worth a visit. With its tall hedges and winding paths it is easy to lose yourself there. However the sense of achievement when you reach the centre is immense.

I was thoroughly impressed with my stay in Richmond, and enjoyed being treated like a princess for a day.

An overnight stay for two at The Petersham costs £79 per person, and includes a three course dinner, with a full English breakfast the next day.

For more information visit www.petershamhotel.co.uk or call 020 8940 7471.

Tickets to Kew Gardens £13.50 for adults, £13.50 concessions, and free for children.

To find out more visit www.kew.org, or call 020 8332 5655.

Hampton Court Palace tickets are £15.40 for adults, £12.65 concessions, £7.70 for children under 16,  and free for children under five.

For more information visit www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace or call 0844 482 7777

My favourite poem - The Lady of Shalott by Alfred Lord Tennyson

Ever since I first read this poem in my English A'Level class I have loved it. So I thought I would share it with you all. Its quite long, and is written in four parts, so I have just included my favourite bit, part 1.

On either side the river lie
Long fields of barley and of rye,
That clothe the wold and meet the sky;
And thro' the field the road runs by
To many-tower'd Camelot;
And up and down the people go,
Gazing where the lilies blow
Round an island there below,
The island of Shalott.

Willows whiten, aspens quiver,
Little breezes dusk and shiver
Thro' the wave that runs for ever
By the island in the river
Flowing down to Camelot.
Four gray walls, and four gray towers,
Overlook a space of flowers,
And the silent isle imbowers
The Lady of Shalott.

By the margin, willow veil'd,
Slide the heavy barges trail'd
By slow horses; and unhail'd
The shallop flitteth silken-sail'd
Skimming down to Camelot:
But who hath seen her wave her hand?
Or at the casement seen her stand?
Or is she known in all the land,
The Lady of Shalott?

Only reapers, reaping early
In among the bearded barley,
Hear a song that echoes cheerly
From the river winding clearly,
Down to tower'd Camelot:
And by the moon the reaper weary,
Piling sheaves in uplands airy,
Listening, whispers " 'Tis the fairy
Lady of Shalott."

Shoes glorious shoes - the story of a shoe addict.

Here is the entry that those of you who know me well will have been expecting on this blog…..shoes.  It is safe to say that I adore shoes. I love them all, from the towering stilettos I wear on a night out, to the pumps I go shopping in, and the converse I wear when I decide to go for a walk (hey, sometimes it happens!)

My love of shoes dates back to the time I learnt to walk. This also coincides with the time my sister was born, in March 1987. At 18 months old I knew what I liked and what I didn’t. My mum often tells me about the time she took me to buy my first pair of shoes, a milestone in any shoe lovers life! It was a few weeks before Jodie was born, so mum was heavily pregnant. Sitting me down in Clarks she found a pair of round toed black shoes and decided they would do. Well, I threw an almighty strop until she gave in and bought me a pair in red as well! At the time all the fashionable 18 month olds were wearing red shoes, so I would have been a social outcast without them! The shoes paid off, and when my long suffering dad took me to the hospital to visit my new baby sister I spent the whole time running around the ward listening to the noise of my shoes tapping on the floor and admiring the colour. Dad was not amused….

In my early years I experimented with footwear. There were the gems, like the trainers with purple and pink flowers, and the purple jelly sandals. However there were also the disasters, mainly the paper shoes I made which got soggy when I went out in the garden in the rain, and the roller-skates that were the cause of many accidents!

It was a few years later (10 to be precise) that I discovered the high heeled shoe. These gems had been hidden from me under my mum’s bed. Looking at them my 10 year old self realised they were something special. However trying them on did not go to plan! Unstable on my feet, wearing shoes that were too big for me, I crashed into a table, knocking it over and grazing my knees. Determined not to give up I managed to stagger across the room, and so began my heel wearing life!

Starting secondary school was the start of another battle with my mum over footwear. These battles happened a lot, with the battlefield being Clarks shoe shop. They start because I happen to be very unlucky for a shoe lover and have extremely narrow feet. Meaning that shoes in Clarks that fit me were a limited variety. The arguments usually panned out like this…..

Mum: ‘Here are some lovely shoes for you’.

Me: ‘Yuck mum, they are not cool, I want these.’

Mum: ‘You are not wearing shoes like that to school, the heels are too big! You will break your neck!’

Me: ‘Well at least my feet will look cool when I’m in hospital.

Mum: No, and that’s final.’

*Laura commences sulking*

An amazing thing happened as I got older…..I was allowed to chose my own shoes (I also had to pay for them out of my wages from my Saturday job in Superdrug) I am afraid this freedom went to my head, and my shoes collection grew dramatically! I remember trips to Bristol on the bus, when I would spend my weeks wages on shoes. When I got to the age of 18, and left home for University my poor dad bore the brunt of my shoe addiction, as he had to lug bag after bag of shoes into my halls. Once again…..he was not amused.

Now, at the grand old age of 25 I am still very much a shoe lover! One highlight was meeting shoe legend Jimmy Choo, my idol! I failed to get any free shoes from him, but he did complement me on my shoes. Little did he know that the shoes were the results of four hours the previous night staring at my shoes trying to decide what to wear to impress him!

I will leave you with a quote I found about shoes, which I feel sums up my relationship with them:

“Shoes cover and protect our feet when we walk. Shoes hold the memory of where we have walked, run or skipped. The shoes get worn and take on the shape and imprint of the feet. They can be the object of desire.”

RIP Weasley - the best fish in the world

I am sorry that one of my first posts on this new blog is a sad one, but I wanted to do a tribute to my little goldfish Weasley, who sadly passed away. I hope you will enjoy reading about the year and a half I spent with him, and raise a glass to his memory!

Weasley Tremelling was born in Cadbury Garden Centre, where he spent the first few days of his life swimming around a big tank with his many friends.

On June 19 2009 I visited the garden centre to find a new friend for my goldfish Paddington, who had recently lost his tank mate Phillip. I saw a little orange goldfish energetically swimming up and down and decided that I wanted that one. The boy who was working there was a bit annoyed that I had picked a specific fish as it meant he would have to follow it with a net to catch it. He said ‘Can’t you just have that one near the top, they are all the same anyway’. Well, I knew Weasley was special, and insisted I wanted him. The boy spent almost 20 minutes floundering in the tank, following Weasley, and then he was out and in a plastic bag ready to go to his new home. I was pleased, Weasley was pleased, and I think the boy was just pleased to see the back of me! Little did he know that during the next year I would be back many times asking questions about Weasley’s health, what toys to buy him, and what type of food they sold was most nutritious!

Weasley, named after my favourite ginger Ron Weasley in Harry Potter, soon settled into his new tank, in my flat in Clevedon. However a few weeks later tragedy struck, and Paddington died. Weasley and Paddington had become good friends, and he was sad by his death. He coped well, and soon adapted to living on his own.

Weasley spent many happy hours swimming around his tank, and loved to play with his ship, nicknamed The Good Ship Weasley. I remember one time, when he was still quite small, that he swam in the hole in the ship and got stuck! I had to lift the ship and gently tip him out!!

Weasley was also a big fan of Friends, and used to swim to the corner of his tank facing the television whenever it was on.

Earlier this year Weasley’s star qualities were recognised, and he was given his own show on Sunshine Hospital Radio. It aired at 8.30pm every Monday and came complete with a jingle, written and produced by Selina Cross ‘He’s the only fish with his own show, its Weasley’s Fishy Tales.’ During this show I talked about what Weasley had been up to, which always amused people in the studio, and I like to think the patients too.

In May Weasley went on an epic journey to the other side of Clevedon, as we moved back to my parents. This first posed quite a problem, as I was unsure how to move him. My Dad, ever the sensible one, suggested using a matchstick box to put him in and running fast. He said ‘Its ok, he can hold his breath!’ Needless to say, I did not go with this idea, and instead came up with a genius plan of my own! I emptied out three quarters of the water in the tank, masking taped the lid on, and balanced it on my legs in the car. A short drive later, during which my dad hit every pothole on the way, we arrived and Weasley was fine. He soon adapted to his new surroundings, and loved the Spongebob toy I got him as a moving in present.

On June 19^th Weasley celebrated his 1^st birthday with a small party with friends, and a special mention on the radio.

In July something amazing and exciting happened! We discovered that Weasley was psychic Inspired by Paul the Octopus, (who coincidently died the same day as Weasley), I decided to put Weasley up for the test. The challenge was set….to predict who would win the World Cup Game Germany against Spain. I drew both flags, put them at either end of the tank, and sprinkled food over both. Weasley immediately went to Spain, who later that evening went on to beat Germany 1-0! When I announced this on Sunshine radio people were stunned (from amazement or sheer disbelief at my new levels of craziness I’m not sure.) However we decided to set Weasley one more thing to predict, to see if the first one was just a fluke. Weasley was asked to predict who would leave big brother in the next eviction. There were four up for the chop (sorry can’t remember all their names, as I didn’t watch it this year). I wrote down all the names and sprinkled food over each, same as before. Weasley headed straight for Caoimhe, who was evicted later that week! It was official, Weasley was  psychic!!

The excitement died down for Weasley a bit, until a few months ago, when I entered him into a best looking pet competition. Weasley made it into the semi finals of the best looking fish category, which showed what I had always known, that he was a beautiful fish! Unfortunately he didn’t get into the final, but he was always a winner in my eyes!!

Weasley died on Tuesday October 26, sometime between 9am and 5.30pm. He was discovered by my dad peacefully lying at the bottom of his tank next to his Spongebob toy. When I left for work that morning he seemed fine. I take some comfort from the fact that he didn’t die from a long illness, and didn’t suffer. It happened suddenly, so he was not in pain.

To sum up, Weasley was a beautiful little goldfish, who will be missed by many. He was a great Radio DJ fish, and was an important part of the Manic Monday Crew. But most importantly he was my baby and friend, and I will miss him. I know he is swimming around the great tank in the sky, and looking down on us all.

Weasleys Fishy Tales may have ended, but the legend will live on forever.

RIP Weasley xxxxxxxxx

Loopy Laura is blogging....watch out world!!

Welcome to my brand new blog - The life and times of Loopy Laura!

A few people have mentioned to me that I should start a blog. I think this is due to the amusement I often cause when I do something silly, or as my friend Faye calls it, Tremell. I will start by introducing myself:

My name is Laura, and I am quite loopy (hence the name!) I am a dizzy blonde with absolutly no common sense (but hey, common sense is over-rated!) I live in my own little world consisting of sparkles, happy faces and a little bit of fairy dust :) I am also very accident prone and have alot of accidents. They are usually pretty amusing though, and seem to entertain people! Whenever I tell people of a new catastrophe that has happened to me you can see that they are not surprised. The response always seems to be 'Its just Laura being Laura again!'

My blog will consist mainly of my random thoughts and feelings. Its a place for me to gather these thoughts together, and to try and make sense of them! I will leave you with my moto:

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chardonnay in one hand, chocolate in the other screaming "WOO-HOO, what a ride!!"

Join me on my crazy ride :)