Challenges for 2013

Ok, I am a few weeks early, but I have already started to think of my challenge for 2013.

This year I set myself the alphabet challenge, to do something starting with every letter of the alphabet. It started well, with me flying through the letters. However a lack of cash, and time have seen me stopped in my tracks, on the letter S. I know what to do for the remaining letters, just need the time to do it. So in 2013 I am aiming to finish off the challenge. I have not failed - I am just extending it!

This brings me on to my 2013 challenge, which will run alongside the alphabet challenge. I am going to read every book in the BBC's Top 100 list. I love reading, so this should be fine for me. I have already read 45 - so almost half way there! As I finish a book I will post a review and my marks out of 10, which also fits in with my resloution to blog more! Here is the list:

1. The Lord of the Rings, JRR Tolkien

2. Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen

3. His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman

4. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams

5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, JK Rowling

6. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee

7. Winnie the Pooh, AA Milne

8. Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell

9. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, CS Lewis

10. Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë

11. Catch-22, Joseph Heller

12. Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë

13. Birdsong, Sebastian Faulks

14. Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier

15. The Catcher in the Rye, JD Salinger

16. The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame

17. Great Expectations, Charles Dickens

18. Little Women, Louisa May Alcott

19. Captain Corelli's Mandolin, Louis de Bernieres

20. War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy

21. Gone with the Wind, Margaret Mitchell

22. Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, JK Rowling

23. Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets, JK Rowling

24. Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban, JK Rowling

25. The Hobbit, JRR Tolkien

26. Tess Of The D'Urbervilles, Thomas Hardy

27. Middlemarch, George Eliot

28. A Prayer For Owen Meany, John Irving

29. The Grapes Of Wrath, John Steinbeck

30. Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, Lewis Carroll

31. The Story Of Tracy Beaker, Jacqueline Wilson

32. One Hundred Years Of Solitude, Gabriel García Márquez

33. The Pillars Of The Earth, Ken Follett

34. David Copperfield, Charles Dickens

35. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl

36. Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson

37. A Town Like Alice, Nevil Shute

38. Persuasion, Jane Austen

39. Dune, Frank Herbert

40. Emma, Jane Austen

41. Anne Of Green Gables, LM Montgomery

42. Watership Down, Richard Adams

43. The Great Gatsby, F Scott Fitzgerald

44. The Count Of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas

45. Brideshead Revisited, Evelyn Waugh

46. Animal Farm, George Orwell

47. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

48. Far From The Madding Crowd, Thomas Hardy

49. Goodnight Mister Tom, Michelle Magorian

50. The Shell Seekers, Rosamunde Pilcher

51. The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett

52. Of Mice And Men, John Steinbeck

53. The Stand, Stephen King

54. Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy

55. A Suitable Boy, Vikram Seth

56. The BFG, Roald Dahl

57. Swallows And Amazons, Arthur Ransome

58. Black Beauty, Anna Sewell

59. Artemis Fowl, Eoin Colfer

60. Crime And Punishment, Fyodor Dostoyevsky

61. Noughts And Crosses, Malorie Blackman

62. Memoirs Of A Geisha, Arthur Golden

63. A Tale Of Two Cities, Charles Dickens

64. The Thorn Birds, Colleen McCollough

65. Mort, Terry Pratchett

66. The Magic Faraway Tree, Enid Blyton

67. The Magus, John Fowles

68. Good Omens, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

69. Guards! Guards!, Terry Pratchett

70. Lord Of The Flies, William Golding

71. Perfume, Patrick Süskind

72. The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, Robert Tressell

73. Night Watch, Terry Pratchett

74. Matilda, Roald Dahl

75. Bridget Jones's Diary, Helen Fielding

76. The Secret History, Donna Tartt

77. The Woman In White, Wilkie Collins

78. Ulysses, James Joyce

79. Bleak House, Charles Dickens

80. Double Act, Jacqueline Wilson

81. The Twits, Roald Dahl

82. I Capture The Castle, Dodie Smith

83. Holes, Louis Sachar

84. Gormenghast, Mervyn Peake

85. The God Of Small Things, Arundhati Roy

86. Vicky Angel, Jacqueline Wilson

87. Brave New World, Aldous Huxley

88. Cold Comfort Farm, Stella Gibbons

89. Magician, Raymond E Feist

90. On The Road, Jack Kerouac

91. The Godfather, Mario Puzo

92. The Clan Of The Cave Bear, Jean M Auel

93. The Colour Of Magic, Terry Pratchett

94. The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho

95. Katherine, Anya Seton

96. Kane And Abel, Jeffrey Archer

97. Love In The Time Of Cholera, Gabriel García Márquez

98. Girls In Love, Jacqueline Wilson

99. The Princess Diaries, Meg Cabot

100. Midnight's Children, Salman Rushdie

Review - Hawksdale Lodge, Lake District

Nestled in the countryside of the Lake District Hawksdale Lodge provides the ideal setting for those looking to get away from it all for a few days.

The beautiful 1840’s house is set in the heart of the countryside, where stepping out of the front door you are treated to breathtaking views across to the Northern Pennines and the hills of Dumfriesshire.

When thinking of the Lake District the first thing that comes to mind is of acres of countryside, with hills and fields to walk for miles.

At Hawksdale Lodge you can admire the views firsthand, and it is easy to see why so many writers and artists have been inspired by the landscape.

After hours spent travelling in a car I was able to take in the view before being warmly welcomed by owners Lorraine and Martyn Russell.

The Bed and Breakfast has a real homely feel to it, manly due to Lorraine’s amazing skills in the kitchen.

From homemade rhubarb muffins, sourced from the garden of Martyn’s aunt, to delicious freshly baked bread from the local baker, and eggs from the free range hens guests taste buds will be more than satisfied.

The two rooms in the main house are luxurious, with period furniture and views of the surrounding countryside.

A new self catering unit called The Apartment has just been launched, catering for families or groups of friends wishing to take a break away together.

It sleeps four, with two double bedrooms, and provides the perfect location to relax after a day spent exploring the local area.

Our hosts for the weekend were very warm and welcoming, and more than happy to recommend places to visit for an evening meal, and give directions to attractions.

Their love of entertaining is clear to see, as throughout the weekend they couldn’t do enough for us, with the simple aim of ensuring we fell in love with the Lake District as they had.

Hawksdale Lodge is ideally situated just outside of the village of Dalston, six miles from the M6.

For the keen walkers the Cumbrian Way runs close to the B&B, and there are many other walks around the immediate area.

The village of Dalston is quaint, containing two pubs, cafes, and shops selling local produce, and is well worth a visit.

For those wishing to explore the lakes Ullswater is a short drive away, where you can gaze at your surroundings by boat courtesy of Ullswater Steamers.

Ullswater valley is breathtaking, with its beautiful lake nestled amongst towering fells.

The award winning Ullswater Steamers has been operating for more than 150 years and creates the perfect opportunity to combine a lake cruise with some of the most famous and spectacular walks in the Lake District.

Another attraction well worth a visit is Aira Force, a tumbling waterfall that drops an impressive 65ft and can be reached by an walk through woodland.

For more information or Hawksdale Lodge or to book a room call Lorraine and Martyn on 07810641892 or visit www.hawksdalelodge.co.uk/

To find out more about Ullswater Steamers and for a timetable visit www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk.

For information about Aira Force visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/aira-force-and-ullswater.

Getting excited about Christmas in November? Hell yes!

Is it bad that I am in Christmas mode already, and it is only just November?! Before you all shout yes and tut at me (like Joe does every time I mention the C word) let me tell you that this is normal for me. I absolutely love Christmas, it is my favourite time of the year! What’s not to like?! You get yummy food, presents, decorate the house, go to parties, and spend time with the people you love. In fact I love this time of the year, and the whole build up to Christmas, with all the exciting things that happen. I generally start getting excited around the end of October, in time for Halloween, and this lasts until the 2nd of January, where I hit the January blues big time! So for you of you lovely readers I have complied Laura’s List to Christmas - things to get you in the mood for the big day!

*Buy a cheesy Christmas CD, and insist on playing it in November (to the annoyance of your partner/family/friends)I have my cd! I used to have a great Christmas cd, with all the classics on (including Jingle Bells, I wish it could be Christmas everyday, Merry Christmas, and Rock around the Christmas tree) but I managed to lose it in the house move. I couldn’t eneter the festive period without one, and managed to buy a new one on a recent shopping trip. I have played it quite a few times - though always when Joe is out. I think he might kill me if I put it on now, but it will be done soon!

*Get an advent calendar.Advent calendars are not just for kids! I have had one every year, and will continue to do so until I am old and wrinkly collecting my pension. Mum always got me one as a kid, but now I have to buy my own. I do though, and I delight in getting the most childish ones I can find, as I refuse to grow up! Ha! Advent calendars are fab as you can count down to Christmas, and also get a piece of chocolate every day!

*Christmas decorations up on December 1.I would have them up even earlier if I could get away with it! It always makes a home look great, especially fairy lights which add a magical feel. This year I have decided to buy new decorations, as my old ones have seen better days. I am excited to chose them, and turn our flat into a little Santa’s Grotto!

*Visit a Christmas market.I always go to one of these, as I find they are the perfect way to get in the mood! The little stalls selling all kinds of gifts, food and drink are great, and I have picked up a few presents from ones I have visited. When I was at University in Worcester we used to go to the market every year, and I still go to that one now, along with the Bath and Bristol ones. This year I am taking an extra special person to the Worcester market - my beautiful goddaughter Ellie. At 4 months she will not be too aware of what is going on, but her mummy and I will love it. And Ellie will like all the lights and sounds!

* Drink mulled wine teaA little gem that I discovered last year was mulled wine tea. Don’t get me wrong, the alcoholic version is better, but I think drinking that at work would be frowned upon. But the tea version is nice, smells of Christmas, and can be consumed in the office without resulting in you getting the sack. Go get some!

*Attend a Christmas light switch onA really nice build up to Christmas is to go to a light switch on. It is fun to stand in the crowd, countdown from 10 to 1, and see the pretty lights come on. And usually there are celebrities who do the honours. The best one I have been to was in Bath, where Nichola Cage pressed the button, and it was packed1 I got to meet him afterwards, the perfect end to a perfect day1 This year in Bath we have Alex and Matt from the One Show, so looking forward to that :)

*Eat a Christmas sandwichWhile browsing in Sainsbury’s on my lunch break i was excited to see that the Christmas sandwiches are out - turkey with cranberry sauce and stuffing. Yummy! I am a big fan of theses, though this year am trying not to have as many as I did last year because it is quite expensive to buy sandwiches everyday! But I will be treating myself to a few over the next 2 months!

*Go ice skating on an outdoor rinkThis makes me think of Winter Wonderland, and is fun to do! I am accident prone and not the best skater, but spending most of the time on my bum is always enjoyable when Christmas tunes are playing, and everyone is so happy! This year is the first year that Bath has an outdoor rink, so I will be going there!
So go on - do some (or all) of the things above and embrace Christmas in November! :)

Top five musicals

Inspired by a friends blog I have decided to create a top five list of my favourite musicals. This task is easier said than done, as there are just so many to chose from! I have loved musicals for as long as I can remember. Sometimes I wish life was like a musical. Imagine having a dilemma in your life and suddenly breaking into song about it. Complete with a chorus of people behind you dancing! It would probably get annoying after a while (especially for everyone near me, as I can not sing at all) but for a month or so I would love it!

#1 This was hard, as there were a few musicals I could have put in the prized top spot. It was such a difficult task picking that I made lists with all the things I like about each one. In the end The Lion King came out on top. This combines two of the things I love the most - musicals and Disney! I saw this in London, and was speechless (which for people who know me will know is extremely rare!) The costumes were amazing! And I was singing along to the songs :)

Favourite song - Hakuna Matata

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzXYHbykL1c

#2 The second spot goes to Wicked, which was a serious contender for number 1. I went to see this in London the week after it came out. I didn’t really know what to expect and went along with an open mind. I thought it would be enjoyable, but was pretty sure it wouldn’t go down as one of my favourite musicals. How wrong I was - it was fantastic! I can’t watch the Wizard of Oz in the same way now, and I love how the musical follows the story of Elphaba, the ‘wicked’ witch. Wicked was written by Gregory Maguire, and after the show I went out and got the book. It is so cleverly written, and he has other stories that are takes on classic tales - like Cinderella told by the ugly stepsisters, and Snow White told by the Queen.

Favourite song - Defying Gravity.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g4ekwTd6Ig

#3 Phantom of the Opera comes in as number 3. I have loved this musical for years, but until this year had never seen it on the stage. I had read the book, and watched the film though. I went to see it in Bristol in April, and it exceeded all expectations. The scene where the chandelier crashes down was amazing, and complete with the dramatic music sent a chill through my spine. But what really blew me away was the set! Before I went I was wondering how they would show the phantoms lair, under the opera house. The result? A fabulous set that moved apart, revolved, and had hidden trapdoors and nooks! And using dramatic smoke screens they managed to make it look like he had disappeared!

Favourite song - The Phantom of the Opera.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej1zMxbhOO0

#4 Position number four goes to Cats. I loved the Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot as a teenager, and so was keen to see Cats. I saw it in Bristol, and thought it was amazing! The costumes were really impressive, and the songs are so catchy! I love how each of the cats have their own personalities too. After seeing the show I rushed out to get the cd!

Favourite song - Mr. Mistoffelees

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx7HhYXCxa4

#5 Last but not least is Blood Brothers. This was one of the musicals I studied for my disertation, and I developed a bit of an obsession with it. I found the whole thing fascinating, with the twin boys being bought up in very different families. One rich and one poor. It offers the question is it nature that makes us who we are, or nurture? Blood Brothers makes me cry, but it also makes me think. I loved the stage show which i have seen twice, both in Bristol.

Favourite song - Marilyn Monroe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zx22yRR6gi0

What do you think? What musicals are in your top 5?

R is for river boat cruise!

Boats, water and Laura. Three things that do not mix well! So for R I decided to go on a riverboat cruise and see if I am still prone to falling out of boats!
As Ratty said in Wind of the Willows (a fabulous book by the way) “There is nothing - absolutely nothing, half so worth doing as simply messing around in boats.” I believe messing around in boats is where the problem lyes with me, and is the reason why I tend to fall in a lot! Many an afternoon in the school holidays was spent with friends dragging me out of the lake in Portishead when a rowing boat expedition went wrong. This was due to the fact that I also believe the is nothing like messing around in boats - to the extent that I lose my balance and fall out! The cries of ‘man overboard’ (never woman for some reason) followed me for much of my childhood.

However I can proudly report that I came away from my latest boat experience dry (despite Joe’s threats to throw me overboard!) We went on a river boat on Ullswater, in the Lake District, which I recommend, as the scenery is stunning! I think it was looking at this that kept me still, and prevented me from going over the railing. I had a close call with my camera, which was almost sent to rest at the bottom of the lake, and narrowly avoided banging my head on the jetty. But all was fine, and it was a pretty uneventful trip.

One observation from the trip is that it attracted a lot of pensioners! Apart from the odd few kids we were the youngest by far. Another observation is that we were dress wrong, wearing jeans, a jumper and trainers. Apparently we had not received the memo that every other passenger got - please come dressed wearing a waterproof, shorts, socks and sandals. A big rucksack and binoculars are optional!


But the most important thing to remember is that I came away from the trip dry. Maybe i have broken the curse of falling out of boats?! Or maybe it was just because I had Joe there to keep a firm eye on me?! Whatever the reason I still feel victorious!!

Q is for quorn!

I have never tried quorn, but was curious how it tasted. So when Q came up and I was very stuck for ideas (what starts with Q?!) it seemed like a good opportunity!

I love the taste of meat - especially chicken, so can't imagine being a vegetarian. My one attempt at University lasted a few days. I was too tempted by the BBQ chicken and burgers on offer! My vegetarian friends swear by quorn, and say it tastes the same as meat. So I decided to put it to the test!

The first difference I noticed was the price! It is more expensive to buy quorn than meat - which I don't understand! I thought meat was expensive, and that quorn would be cheaper, but I was wrong.

I picked up some quorn burgers, and when I put them to the taste test I was surprised. They tasted nice, and not much different from beef burgers. Joe though the same as well, which was praise as he likes his burgers.


However even though they tasted nice - and not like cardboard as I thought they would, I will not be converting to vegetarianism just yet - I don't think I would last! But I am up for trying more quorn products in the future! :)

10 day challenge - 1 photo

So the end of the challenge - which has taken me longer than 10 days, but I knew it would. I am a busy person!

Here is a photo of me. It was taken when I was in Africa in 2007 and went on an elephant safari. It was an amazing day, as I love elephants. So when I look at this photo it always makes me smile :)

10 day challenge - 2 songs

This is really hard! Only picking two songs when I love so many is almost impossible! But here are two of my favourite songs - chosen because they have good/funny memories!

1: She’s so lovely - Scouting for Girls. Scouting for Girls are one of my favourite bands, and I love this song. When it first came out I played it on repeat, much to the annoyance of friends! It reminds me of a funny incident where I accidently spilt water all down the trousers of the lead singer Roy. In my defence I was interviewing him, and was nervous, so managed to spill my bottle! Luckily he saw the funny side though! What a klutz!

2: Stop - Spice Girls. Brilliant song, and I still know all the moves (I tested myself the other day) I was a massive Spice Girls fan, and had all the merchandise (including duvet, pillows, dolls, cds, and makeup!) Was never allowed the platform shoes though, as my mum said they were too dangerous! Being so accident prone even in flat shoes she was probably right! I was really excited about them performing at the Olympics closing ceremony, and am planning to go to london to watch the musical with my sister and fellow Spice addict!

10 day challenge - 3 films

1: My absolute favourite film is Notting Hill. ‘Sod this for a bunch of bananas!’ When I was younger I had the film on video, and it was always my ‘sick film’. What I mean by this is that it was always the one I chose to watch if I was off school ill and needed some comfort. I would snuggle down on the sofa under a blanket and watch Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, which would make me feel better. The old video has been replaced by a new dvd but my feelings for the film have not changed!

2: The Inbetweeners. Made me laugh from start to finish - especially the hilarious dance scene in the club! Loved the series on tv, and was worried that I would be disappointed with the film. I certainly was not! I like a film that can make me laugh out loud. The only problem with this film is that I had trouble stopping laughing! I am laughing as I type this, remember the funny parts!

3: Pocahontas. Had to include a Disney film in this (short) list, and my favourite is Pocahontas. I love her free spirit. And Colours of the Wind is a beautiful song:
Have you ever heard the wolf cry to the blue-corn moon?
Or let the eagle tell you where he's been?
Can you sing with all the voices of the mountain?
Can you paint with all the colours of the wind?

10 day challenge - 4 books

This was really hard for me as I love books, and being forced to just pick four is hard! After a lot of thought here they are!

1. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. My absolute favourite book. I studied this for A’Level and despite reading it and discussing it to death it didn’t put me off. The book follows Jane from her childhood, and education to her time at Thornfield Hall with Mr Rochester. There is something about Jane that appeals to me. She has had a tough upbringing and has suffered, but is never portrayed as a damsel in distress. She knows her own mind, and what she wants out of life. I have read this book so many times my copy is falling apart.

2. Before I Go To Sleep by S J Watson. This book was recommended to me by a friend, and I became so gripped by it that I couldn’t put it down. Early nights became late nights as I read ‘just another page’. It is a thriller about a woman suffering from amnesia who wakes every day with no knowledge of who she is. The novel follows her as she tries to reconstruct her memories from a journal she has been keeping. Surprises came thick and fast with this book, with me having no idea how it would end. Kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin. Every girl secretly wants a Mr Darcy. And I think that is what has made Pride and Prejudice one of the most popular novels in English literature. It follows the Bennet sisters as they look for husbands. I really admire Elizabeth, who is independent and strong enough to refuse Mr Collins hand in marriage, going against her mothers wishes. My favourite quote from Mr Darcy to Elizabeth: “My real purpose was to see you, and to judge, if I could, whether I might ever hope to make you love me.”

4. Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian. A heartwarming tale of how a little boy mends an old mans heart, and how an old man teaches a little boy to trust again. William is evacuated to the country during the war and is taken in by Mister Tom. They are both delicate, Mister Tom is heartbroken after losing his wife and baby son 40 years ago, and William was badly abused by his mother. They both help each other to laugh again, and I cried at the end when William calls Mister Tom Dad.

10 day challenge - 5 foods

1: My favourite meal without a doubt is a good old roast dinner! Has to be with all the trimmings - potatoes, vegetables, yorkshire puddings, pigs in blankets, stuffing, and covered in lots of gravy! mmmmmm!

2: Green jelly tots. I love these sweets, they have been my favourite for years! And it has to be the green ones, they taste the best :)

3: Cheese. I couldn’t live without cheese! I like all types, from the smelly blue cheeses, to cheddar, babybels, and feta. You know that question ‘If you were stranded on an island and could only have one food to eat what would you chose?’ Well I would say cheese. I know they say you can have too much of a good thing, but I don’t think I would ever get fed up of cheese!

4: Sushi. I was first introduced to this by Faye, and I have to admit the though of eating raw fish didn’t fill me with much delight! But now I am hooked, and am enjoying discovering new types, and trying different dishes.

5: Icecream. This is my vice, my downfall! I adore icecream! Especially Ben and Jerry’s, who do delicious flavours! And when you are out on a hot summers day (not that we have had many of those recently!) nothing beats a wippy icecream, with a flake and strawberry sauce!
(This post has made me really hungry now!)

10 day challenge - 6 places

1:Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve, South Africa. I spent a month volunteering here in 2007 and it was amazing! The safari park was brilliant, and it was here that I rode on an elephant, bottle fed lion cubs, and met Heinz Winckler (the very good looking winner of South African Pop Idol!) As volunteers we lived in tree houses, and spent many a happy evening drinking round the camp fire. In addition to this another favourite place is Buccaneers Backpackers in Cintsa, South Africa, where we spent our weekends. It is right by the sea, and is a gorgeous place full of wonderful people! When I have some money I want to go back, as I really miss the place!

2: Dublin. I love the Irish accent, and when I visited I fell in love with any man who spoke to me - just because of the accent. Temple Bar is the most vibrant, fun place, with live music, Irish stew and lots of friendly people. The drinks are very expensive, but being a girl from the UK helped, as men bought us drinks because of our ‘cute’ accents. I definitely think they sounded much cuter! 

3: Falmouth. A lovely little Cornish town where they do the best Cornish pasties I have ever tasted! Pasties don’t taste as nice outside of Cornwall! A little fun fact for you - did you know that pasties were made for the men down in the mines to give them a meal of meat and two veg? The crust round the edge was for them to hold with their dirty hands, and would be thrown away when the rest was eaten. A little snippet of Tremelling information for you there!

4: My new house. I love my new house with Joe! We are almost all unpacked and are getting things how we like them now.

5: Egypt. A great place to visit, and seeing the pyramids is breathtaking! I just couldn’t believe how big they were! Although I got a lot of hassle out there (being blonde) I still had a great time, and it deserves a place in my six.

6: Bath. And that is not just because I work here! Bath is a beautiful city. Walking along the Royal Crescent you can really imagine being in a Jane Austin novel. The city is full of wonderful places to eat, boutiques where you can pick up different styles of clothes and gifts and tourist attractions like the Roman Baths, Pump Rooms, the Assembly Rooms and the Abbey. And if you do visit Bath, pick up a copy of the Bath Chronicle! (Shameless plug!!)

10 day challenge - 7 wants

1: A pair of Jimmy Choo shoes! I really want to own a pair, and have seen so many I like! Since I failed to get any free when I interviewed him it looks like I will have to pay for my own. And at the moment I don’t have a spare £700 lying around, so looks like it will have to wait for a while. But one day I will own a pair, it is just a case of narrowing down the choice and picking just one!

2: A helter skelter. I love them, and have decided it will be so much fun to have one in my garden. At the moment I don’t have a garden, so that is a slight set back. But when we buy our own place Joe has said I can be in charge of the garden! (I think it was to keep me away from ruining the house!) So a helter skelter will take pride of place! Haha!

3: A pet elephant. Apparently this is not practical or allowed (so I have been told by Joe). So I will have to figure out how to do this!

4: A bag of mixed green sweets. Green sweets are the best in any pack of sweets. Fact! So instead of opening a pack, and only having a few greens I want a bag with just green sweets. Well, they do say you should eat all your greens!

5: A trip to DisneyLand in Florida. I love Disney films, and so what better place for me to visit than Disney land! I need to embrace my inner child (not that I need any encouragement!) And also there is the Harry Potter Wizarding world attraction, that is a must! And that brings me nicely on to my next want....

6: An acceptance letter to Hogwarts. My school was so boring, and I want to go back and do it properly at Hogwarts! I spent years waiting for the owl to deliver my letter to the most amazing school ever, and now at the age of 26 I can only think that it must have got completely lost! So if the people at Hogwarts can sort it for my letter to be sent, and accept me as a mature student that would be great, thanks!

7: To be able to whistle. This is something that I have never been able to do. I just spit everywhere which is gross! And I think it sounds really cool. I would love to be able to walk down the street whistling a tune. I am starting to give up hope!

So if anyone is reading this and wants to make my (crazy) dreams come true that would be fantastic! :)

10 day challenge - 8 fears

1: Small, cramped spaces. I am really claustrophobic. I hate being anywhere that is cramped and small as it makes me panic. One such embarrassing incident happened on a school trip to London, where I fainted on the tube! Even now I avoid tubes as much as I can. I would also march up flights of stairs than take the life - keeps me fit though!

2: My teeth all falling out. I keep having this recurring dream that all my teeth fall out. When I wake up it feels really real, and I can remember the feeling of spitting all my teeth into my hands! As I do with most of my weird dreams I googled it - and found out it reflects anxieties about my appearance and how others perceive me. Well I don’t think I am anxious about my appearance - not more than most people anyway. But after that dream I am worried about my teeth falling out - I don’t want to have to get false teeth, and leave them in a glass beside my bed when I go to sleep!

3: Losing people close to me. This is probably one of the most common fears, and it is one that you cannot control.

4: Spiders. I hate the things! Luckily at home I have Joe to remove them for me. He is used to me screaming, and having to rescue me from one of the gross things! When I went to Africa there were spiders almost as big as my hand. But (and you may think I am weird) they didn’t bother me. Whereas the little spiders you get here do! I think it is because the big ones didn’t move, and you could catch them and remove them from your house. But the little ones scuttle really fast, which I hate!

5: Cherries. Especially the evil singing kind! See my previous post to understand this bizarre fear!

6: Blood and needles. This is ironic seeing as I am the health reporter! I hate them though. I feel physically sick at the sight of blood. One embarrassing work related visit to the hospital saw me almost fainting when a man who was on dialysis wiggled the bag of blood attached to him! Needles have the similar effect, and I have lost count of the number of times I have fainted before, during, or after an injection. The most embarrassing was when I had to have a number of jabs for my trip to Africa. I thought I was ok, and walked through the waiting room to where Faye was waiting for me. I don’t remember what happened next, but Faye said I fainted and landed face down in a mans crotch! the poor guy was just sitting in the waiting room minding his own business when I dive bombed him!

7: Cancer. An awful disease. Most people know someone affected by cancer, and I worry about it happening to me, or a close family member or friend. One day I hope that medical advances will be made so that we can eradicate this awful disease forever.

8: Going blind. My eye sight is very poor, and I correct it with my false eyes - contact lenses to be exact. I would hate to go blind, as I don’t know how I would cope with no eyesight.

10 day challenge - 9 loves

1: Joe. And before you all go blergh, and make sicky noises I am not romantic often - so give me a break! Haha! Joe has to be number one on the list - if only for his ability to make me feel better if I have had a bad day. He also stops me from doing silly things that would ultimately end in disaster! When I come up with a plan that I think is brilliant I am often reined in by Joe, who asks if my crazy scheme is really a good idea. So for putting up with me, being the sensible one in our relationship, and making me smile he is top of the list :)

2: My family and friends. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my amazing family, who have rolled their eyes at me during my crazy moments, supported me through the tough times and celebrated the good times! My amazing friends make me the person I am today, and I need them around for the giggles!

3: Shoes. Anyone who knows me will know that I love shoes! To the extent that poor Joe almost had a heart attack at the amount of shoes I had when we moved in together. I think that shoes make an outfit, and the right shoes always make an outfit look so much better! I have my favourite pair (white heels with a t-bar strap and brown heel) casual flats, boots, and trainers. To my delight I was also offered the chance to interview both Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik, two of my heroes! Jimmy Choo even praised my favourite shoes - now dubbed ‘Choo Approved’! Unfortunately I didn’t get any freebies. Though I am still hoping a pair may be delivered to my office in thanks for the stories I wrote! Haha!

4: Elephants. These are my favourite animal, I think they are beautiful! I have always loved elephants, and when I worked in Africa for a month I have a chance to ride on one. It was amazing - one of the best days of my life! And the keeper told me that my elephant would remember me if I ever got the chance to return, which I hope very much I will! I would love a pet elephant, but Joe said it would not be practical or legal to steal one from the zoo and keep it in our flat (see what I mean about being sensible and reining me in!) So I make do with my elephant collection, including teddies, models and photos.

5: Books. I am a proper little book worm, and I read anything and everything. A good book takes you away from everyday life, whether to a street in New York, a fairytale castle, or into space. With a good book turning every page is an adventure. I love reading new books, and finding new authors, so if you have a suggestion of a book for me to try let me know!

6: Jelly Tots. They are not just for kids! I love them, especially the green ones! When I first started going out with Joe he made me a Jelly Tot Bot out of a chewing gum pot, with flashing eyes and hands you can move (honestly it is a lot cooler than I am making it sound!) It even has a compartment for the jelly tots, perfect!

7: Positive thinking. There are a lot of things in life that can get you down - if you let them. But I believe in positive thinking. instead of thinking about all the things you don’t have, or that make you sad, think of the good things in your life. Things that will make you smile! And with positive thinking (and a little bit of fairy dust) anything can happen!

8: Polly. my teddy that was mentioned in my last post. Yeah, the one I talk to. Reminds me of being a child, and no matter how much he falls apart I will never get rid of him! I got him at a Christmas party when I was about 18months, and the funny thing is that the person who was Father Christmas was my dad! I didn’t have a clue at the time, but looking at photos now it is so obvious!

9: Travelling. I love visiting different places, though unfortunately due to not having lots of cash I don’t get to travel abroad as much as I would like! I have been to some amazing places, and am frantically saving to visit more! In the meantime I am content with travelling to different places in the UK, which is fine as the UK has some beautiful towns, cities and countryside i have not been to.

10 day challenge - 10 secrets

I have decided to take part in this little challenge for something fun to do, and for you all to find out a little more about my crazy life! (Whether you want to or not!) It probably won't be done in 10 days like it is meant to, as I am too busy to blog every day. So I am going to cheat and do it as and when I get a chance! So sit back and enjoy an insight into my muddled little life!

First up, 10 secrets. Well, I am quite an open person, and I share most things. So I am sure that some of these will not be secrets to certain people! But here goes anyway:

1. I am scared of cherries. Ok most people know that I hate cherries, I think they taste horrible. But how many know that I am scared of them? Well, I am. It is since that horrible Three advert, where the cherry sings to the little girl. You know the one I mean....'If you leave me now.....'. That freaked me out when I saw it, and still does now. Even now I can't look at cherries for fear of them growing a mouth and teeth and singing to me! And I hate the song!

2. I love Stobart spotting. To the extent of sadness. My name is Laura and I am a Stobart spotter! I get massively excited when I see a Stobart, and have a satisfaction writing the names in my book! I may be one step away from a train spotter - but I am not ashamed!

3. When I make a cup of tea I have to stir it twice anti clockwise and twice clockwise. I really do, next time I make you a cup of tea watch me! Don't ask me why, it's not like it makes it taste any better! It is just a weird ocd thing I have! Don't blame me for being strange!

4. I talk to my teddy. I know many people do but at the age of 26 I have not grown out of it! I have had my teddy Polly since I was a year old, and he is my favourite! We have been through thick and thin together, and he has been repaired so many times by mum. Well he sits on my chest of drawers and when I am alone I talk to him about my day. I think it is because I hate not having people around, and you all know I like to chat! So in the absence of anyone else I talk to Polly!

5. I have to have the volume of all televisions and radios on an even number. I hate odd numbers, it makes me uneasy! Everytime I have the television or radio on the volume must be on an easy number. Joe has had me shouting at him so many times to put the volume on an even number that he now does it automatically!

6. I fancy Phillip Scofield! Love a bit of the Silver Fox! It would be my dream to interview him one day - but that may not be a good idea as I would not be able to act in a professional manner! Haha!

7. I cannot read maps, or direct people. I really am rubbish! I am the sort of person that directs someone for miles before realising that the map is upside down, or I am following a river instead of a road. At a camp in year 6 I got the whole group lost while on an orenteering exercise. My parents got me a sat nav for Christmas a few years ago and it is one of the best gifts I have ever had!

8. I cried when my old car had to be taken away. Velma the Clio was my first car, I had her for 9 years and was very attached to her! So when she died (all the lights on the dashboard lit up and she wouldn't start) I was very upset. However was slightly embarrassing for me and my dad when I burst into tears in the garage! Provided some entertainment for the mechanic though!

9. Sometimes when I am bored on a train I pretend I am off to Hogwarts on the Hogwarts Express. Well, that would be amazing! Luckily I have never tried to run through the wall at Platform 9 3/4 yet! that would be painful!

10. I am a little girl trapped in a grown up girls body! (Though that will come as no surprise to most of you!)