Happy New Year.

2016 is finally upon us. I'd just like to wish all my fellow bloggers a very Happy New Year. Hopefully you all had a wonderful fun-filled Christmas. Ours was not exactly the Christmas we had hoped for....

Kevin was admitted to hospital with an abscess and blood infection, so unfortunately he spent 5 days in hospital. I finally got him on the Sunday after Boxing Day. It wasn't exactly the perfect Christmas. I didn't sleep in the 5 days that he was in the hospital and still had to play wife and take care of him. It certainly was no fun opening presents from my parents on my own. 

Here's a couple of the ones I got from Kevin...

Beautiful Heart clasp Pandora with Christmas Dog and I Love You heart. The other Dog was from Kevins brother and sister in law. The other heart was off my old charm bracelet. 

This beautiful Pandora ring symbolises A diamond for the month of April, April being my month of birth. 

Here's to a happy healthy prosperous 2016. I promise to try and blog regularly! 

Throwback Thursdays

I know I haven't blogged for a while. I guess juggling work and Uni and Married life has been taking it's toll. 

So I've decided to start a new chapter with my blog and every Thursday I will post a #TBT. Yes I'm venturing into the world of Throwback Thursdays.

These are a selection of  photos from last year...My husband and I had just had our engagement shoot with our wedding photographer and were preparing to finally become Husband and Wife. The days that followed the shoot were exciting and stressful at the same time....

Birthday Shenanigans Pt 1

Well as ya'll know (or might not know) yesterday was my 37th Birthday. Gawd...3 years until i'm 40!

The day started with my getting ready and opening pressies from my gorgeous hubby (Love this man so much)  and cards from my Nan, Auntie and Father-in-law. Hubby had dozily left my card at his dads! Imagine my surprise when I opened my card from my Nan only to find she hadn't written it!!! Hubby bought me a Michael Kors watch in Rose Gold.(It's perfect!) and a cute white Michael Kors Handbag. I bought myself a Michael Kors tote/shopper style bag for college/work with my Birthday money.

So then it was off to work only to get a text from my sister-in-law asking if I got my flowers, she didn't realize i was at work. So I ventured home to wait for my flowers to be delivered. I had arranged for them to deliver at 12.15 and ended up waiting until 12.45! They couldn't find my house! So then it was off to Mom's to open more presents and cards from Mom and Dad and my Brother.

Mom bought my a lovely Yellow cardigan from George @ Asda(Walmart) and a gorgeous pastel blue jumper with white stars on from Dorothy Perkins Outlet at Boundary Mill, along with this little fella

Meet Charlie the doorstop dog

 and some Marks and Spencer Skincare stuff that I had been wanting for a while. As well as this cute little scarf

 ( Pics of the cardigan and jumper to follow later).

So then it was off to Bury to have lunch and change a couple of pairs of jeans that Kevin had bought me at the weekend. I ended up buying two pairs of white sandals, perfect for  summer! Some white leggings and a white vest top. Some mascara and a cute little compact mirror, some Rimmel London BB cream and a couple of packets of false nails, with some Nails Inc. Top and Base Coat from T J Hughes (We had one in our town but they closed it!) Then it was back home to Mom's for a quick brew and home to see the Hubby. I didn't get to sit down until 8pm!

Happy 2015! NY Resolutions

Happy New Year!!!!

Love the Minions!

Well 2015 is finally upon us, so I thought I'd share a couple  few of my New Year's resolutions with ya'll.

1. Aim to lose 2 Stones before my Birthday on the 8th April.
2. Put at least £10 away each week for my Car Insurance.
3. Put £10 away each week for my car tax.
4. Find a new full time job.
5. Be more creative.
6. Blog at least four times a week.
7. Read more.
8. Stop Procrastinating.
9. Save up for a new car.
10. Buy an iphone 6.
11. Buy an ipad with wifi & 3G/4G 

So there you have my New Year's Resolutions. I'd love to hear some of yours.

Wanderlust - Travel Tag

Having seen this on Fee's Blog, I thought it would be nice to share my own. 

Where was your first plane to?

My very first flight was when I was around 18 months old. We went on a ski-ing holiday to Casspoggio, with my god parents and their friends. I remember having to wear my Paddington bears' yellow wellies because they didn't have any snow boots small enough for me! Then they fell off on the ski-lift and Uncle Fred skied down the slopes to get my wellington! 

Where have you traveled to that you would love to visit again? 

I would definitely love to go back to Australia, with Kevin. But I don't think Kevin would be able to handle the flight. He hates flying, yet he's ok with short-haul.

You're leaving tomorrow, money is no object. Where are you going?

We're going to New York baby. Then onto Miami and New Orleans and Barbados.

Preferred method of travel: Cars, Plane or train?

It depends where I'm going. If we're going by car I have to stop and stretch my legs but if it's by plane or train then at least I can get up and have a walk. 

Favourite travel website?

World of Wanderlust.

Where would you travel to just to eat the food?

Italy and New Orleans. Mexico.

Is there any place you would never go again?

Yes definitely Tijuana on the border with the USA and Mexico. There is so much poverty and the children living in such squalor begging for money on the streets made me so sad. 

Can you recite your passport number from memory if asked to do so?

No. I wouldn't give out my passport number to anyone unless I knew I could trust them.

Do you prefer the window, aisle or middle seat?

Window. But seeing Kevin doesn't like flying I let him have it so that he doesn't feel claustrophobic. 

How do you pass the time on an airplane?

If it's a short flight, I will probably just have a short nap. But on a long haul flight, I'd read on my kindle or watch a film.

I hope you enjoyed this. Feel free to share your own. 

Sara.

The Christmas Tag

Hi Folks

I know I've not been around for a while. I've just been so pre-occupied with settling into married life and doing things with my husband. I've also gone back to college and am studying for a foundation degree in Business. But when I saw this on Fee's Blog I knew I had to do my own. 

1. What is your favourite Christmas Movie/s?

My all time favourite has to be ELF. I don't know why but I just love the scene in the toy shop where Will Ferrell screams "SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNTTTTTTTTTTTTTAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!" I guess i also like White Christmas as well.

2. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

Always Christmas Day. But sometimes with Kevin he would let me open one if we were going out for the night and It was something I could wear.

3. Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?

One of my favourite memories is from 1994/95 when me and my brother were still in High School and we spent the festive period in Australia with my mum's family, instead of the traditional roast turkey we had a barbecue and went to the beach.

4. Favourite festive food?

I love smoked salmon and prawns followed by a traditional turkey roast. It will be my first time making it for Kevin this year so hopefully I will enjoy it just as much as my mum making it for me....hopefully Kevin will enjoy it too. Although we won't have smoked salmon as Kevin doesn't like salmon.

5. Favourite Christmas gift?

I've had a few over the years but If I had to single one out it would be the last christmas present we got off Kevin's mum and dad. I know his dad will still buy us something this year but somehow it won't feel the same without his mum not being here.

6. Favourite Christmas scent?

I love Thierry Mugler's Alien at Christmas time. It's my favourite Christmassy scent. 

7. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?

No not really. When I was little, all the family would take it in turns to go to my grandma's and she would put on a buffet. Now Kevin and I usually celebrate with his friends and go out for a few drinks.

8. What tops your tree?

An angel that my mum gave us. She always looks like she's drunk with the way she leans to one side but it reminds me of home and that's the way I want it to stay.

9. As a kid what was the one (crazy, wild, extravagant) gift you always asked for but never received?

I don't recall asking for a crazy wild gift.

10. What's the best part about Christmas for you?

Spending time with loved ones and remembering those who cannot be here to celebrate with us. Celebrating the birth of Jesus too as that's what Christmas is about.

1. What is your favourite Christmas Movie/s?

Ah, there's SO many, I love National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, Elf, The Santa Clause etc. but one that I watch every year, without fail is The Snowman on Christmas eve. I absolutely adored the Snowman and The Snow dog. My dad bought me the little plushie last year, so cute.

2. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

Always on Christmas morning (usually whilst scoffing Christmas chocolate) We usually get new Christmas Pyjamas on Christmas Eve, but we save the present opening for Christmas day morning.

3. Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?

My parents always used to go all out at Christmas. We'd come downstairs to presents, balloons, reindeer prints made out of glitter, red and white tape for the north pole, it was so magical as kids! 

4. favourite festive food?

Aside from chocolate...Roast potatoes during Christmas dinner, so many roast potatoes.

5. Favourite Christmas gift ?

I can't remember how old I was, but it was the year of the Furby. I'm sure there were small riots amongst the shelves in Toys R us. My parents pretended they couldn't get me one but then it was hidden behind the sofa! (anyone else hide theirs in the wardrobe at night, they were so creepy!)

6. Favourite Christmas scent?

Christmas dinner cooking, mmm or the smell of the Christmas tree! 

7. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?
Just that it's family time, we'll usually all have wine, the fire on, lots of yummy food and sit down in our new pyjamas to watch Christmas films.

8. What tops your tree?
For years and years it was a little gold vintage angel, my dad always lifted me up to put it on the tree, when I was a kid... at the very end of decorating everything. She was always kind of wonky and worn looking, but it was tradition. These days it's a big gold glittery star.

9. As a kid what was the one (crazy, wild, extravagant) gift you always asked for but never received?
Not in an ungrateful way. I mean, I used to circle half of the Argos catalogue!But every year I would ask for a dog, without fail. One year my parents brought it a huge box, with holes in and something was moving. I was certain it was a puppy...it was a rabbit ha ha Still one of the best pets I've ever had though. Then last year, I finally bought myself my own Christmas puppy :) Oscar on the 21sr of December. He was certainly worth the wait.

10. What's the best part about Christmas for you?
Spending time with my loves ones, friends and family, after eating Christmas dinner, watching Only fools and Horses episodes that we've seen ten times already. Watching the snow fall and generally having a lovely time. 

- See more at: http://milkbubbletea.blogspot.co.uk/#sthash.eOak9PKB.dpuf

1. What is your favourite Christmas Movie/s?

Ah, there's SO many, I love National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, Elf, The Santa Clause etc. but one that I watch every year, without fail is The Snowman on Christmas eve. I absolutely adored the Snowman and The Snow dog. My dad bought me the little plushie last year, so cute.

2. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

Always on Christmas morning (usually whilst scoffing Christmas chocolate) We usually get new Christmas Pyjamas on Christmas Eve, but we save the present opening for Christmas day morning.

3. Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?

My parents always used to go all out at Christmas. We'd come downstairs to presents, balloons, reindeer prints made out of glitter, red and white tape for the north pole, it was so magical as kids! 

4. favourite festive food?

Aside from chocolate...Roast potatoes during Christmas dinner, so many roast potatoes.

5. Favourite Christmas gift ?

I can't remember how old I was, but it was the year of the Furby. I'm sure there were small riots amongst the shelves in Toys R us. My parents pretended they couldn't get me one but then it was hidden behind the sofa! (anyone else hide theirs in the wardrobe at night, they were so creepy!)

6. Favourite Christmas scent?

Christmas dinner cooking, mmm or the smell of the Christmas tree! 

7. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?
Just that it's family time, we'll usually all have wine, the fire on, lots of yummy food and sit down in our new pyjamas to watch Christmas films.

8. What tops your tree?
For years and years it was a little gold vintage angel, my dad always lifted me up to put it on the tree, when I was a kid... at the very end of decorating everything. She was always kind of wonky and worn looking, but it was tradition. These days it's a big gold glittery star.

9. As a kid what was the one (crazy, wild, extravagant) gift you always asked for but never received?
Not in an ungrateful way. I mean, I used to circle half of the Argos catalogue!But every year I would ask for a dog, without fail. One year my parents brought it a huge box, with holes in and something was moving. I was certain it was a puppy...it was a rabbit ha ha Still one of the best pets I've ever had though. Then last year, I finally bought myself my own Christmas puppy :) Oscar on the 21sr of December. He was certainly worth the wait.

10. What's the best part about Christmas for you?
Spending time with my loves ones, friends and family, after eating Christmas dinner, watching Only fools and Horses episodes that we've seen ten times already. Watching the snow fall and generally having a lovely time. 

- See more at: http://milkbubbletea.blogspot.co.uk/#sthash.eOak9PKB.dpu

- See more at: http://www.makeupsavvy.co.uk/2014/11/the-christmas-tag.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+co%2FXRuB+%28Makeup+Savvy%29#sthash.wuQPmij2.dpuf

Currently 24 September 2014

Trying: To prepare myself for a full day at Uni tomorrow. It will be the first time in over 20 years since I was in School.

Moving: Our stuff from the bathroom and back bedroom so that the plumber and builders can start on the work that needs doing next Tuesday.

Drinking:Not enough water.

Eating:Nothing as I've already had lunch of a cheese and tomato sandwich.

Wondering:When my Uclan card will get issued!

Loving:Hometime when I can go and spend the evening with my husband.

Watching:Cilla. A documentary about Cilla Black's younger years.

Reading: My Student handbook and some notes that one of my classmates made in class on Monday evening.

Listening:  To mainly anything that's on the radio.

Thinking: how much longer until Christmas Break  :)

Needing: To get my ass into gear.

Wanting: to buy a new laptop for Uni.

Hoping: to get my laptop soon and also my student card.

Planning: My research for Uni with Paula on Monday night.

Crafting:Not crafting at the moment. I just won't have the time with everything that's going on.

Remembering: My wedding day back in August and my Honeymoon. How I wish I was still in my beloved Salou, relaxing by the pool with my husband.

10 Fun Obsessions

I'm so pleased I found this on the Lovely Melissa's blog just now. Some of these things are actually taking over my life right now. So here are my 10 Fun Obsessions....

1) Memorizing ALL the words to my First Dance song at my upcoming August wedding. Nothing beats hearing the song you and your hubby to be have chosen to dance to as your first dance together as Husband and Wife.

 2) Your Favorite Childhood TV Show. Ooooh how can I limit this to just 1. There are so many shows I used to watch when I was a kid, so it's hard to obsess over just one!

3) Soaking up every last bit of the Summer Sun. It's not often we get much of the yellow stuff here in the UK, so when we do I like to get out in it...

4) Your Wedding Plans. Not long to go now until I am officially Mrs Kevin McKnight. 7 Weeks! This year has gone so quickly and I honestly don't know if I will have my seating plans, menu cards, favours etc ready for our big day!!!

5) Your 11am Tea break. I'm actually trying to cut down on diet soda's so I'm having an 11am Tea break. 

6) Organizing the perfect outfit/bikini/etc for my upcoming Hen Party (Bachelorette party) All I have been told is that it's a spa day and then I've to get my glad rags on at night for a 70's Disco party. I don't have to dress up in 70's clothes but it might be a fun option if I do.

7) Organizing Pinterest/Cleaning up Twitter followers/Instagramming etc.
I don't think I'm obsessed with this as much as I would like to be...

8) Getting my mum's famous Rizza Smooka (Red Rice) recipe just right. I haven't actually tried to make this yet, but once done it's never forgotten. Going to have to make this for Kevin, because I can guarantee that once he's tried it he'll love it as much as I do!

9) Sleeping in on Sunday's. Since moving in with Kevin, this hasn't been an option, Kevin's always been an early bird. 

10) My Blog. This is something I've been meaning to sort out, just never got round to it..been so busy obsessing over Wedding Plans and other things. 

Weekend Shenanigans

Hello fellow bloggers.

Sorry it's been a while, been so busy moving my things over to Kevin's so that I can move in. So hectic! Anyway now that I've got more stuff over there I can finally get back to blogging more. This weekend was a fabulous one. Friday started off with Gala Bingo with Kevin, his brother Mark, wife Heather and Heather's mum Sue. We didn't win out but was a brilliant night. Saturday afternoon we met with our wedding photographer and had a few photos taken. Here's one of them.  

 

This man makes me so happy, I'm so proud of him after the unfortunate events of last month. He lost his mom to cancer and even though it's hard he's coping better than I thought. 

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH KEVIN. Can't wait to become your wife in August. 

Sunday we headed out for the day to The Coronation St tour, it was a wonderful look back at one of Britains most loved and watched television programme. So many memorable moments, remembering our favourite characters past and present. I'll put more pictures on later but here's one highlight. Having our photo taken behind the famous Rovers Return Bar! 

 

After all the excitement it was out on to the streets famous cobbles to take a few photos. I even got one of Kevin in the phone box outside Audrey's salon!  Took a few photos and headed back to the car.....we just about found it! 

36 Things In a Year

Hey how Ya'll doing? This time next week I will be 36..Hence the title of this post today. I've not done anything like this before so last night I sat down and thought about ALL the things that I could possibly accomplish within a year. So here goes. 

1. Get married to my wonderful man - I'm doing this on 16 August this year!
2. Swim with Dolphins.
3. Lose 2st before June 7 2014 - This is when I have my very first official dress fitting!
4. Lose 4st in total before 16 August 2014.
5. Visit New York.
6. Visit Miami.
7. Throw out/sell/give to charity all my old/too big clothes/shoes etc.
8. Go without diet soda/soda for ONE month - eventually give up soda!
9. Watch 5 movies I have never seen.
10. Do some DIY with Kevin when we're living together.
11. Design a new Blog Page and get it out there...
12. Blog at least three times a week.
13. Save up for an Apple Mac.
14. Have a day out once a month with the hubby, preferably somewhere new.
15. Take a weekend break away somewhere with Kevin.
16. Find a new job. NOT IN RETAIL! God I hate retail....
17. Drink two bottles of water - daily.
18. Drink more green tea.
19. Go to at least one concert.
20. Watch the entire series of Nashville.
21. Sort out ALL my stuff ready to move into Kevin's.
22. Strip down, sand and paint the windowsill in Kevin's bathroom.
23. Keep my weight at Target.
24. Sort out my finances once and for all.
25. Buy an iPhone 5s.
26. Get a 3G/Wifi iPad/Tablet.
27. Read a least 3 books a month. I'm reading 2 so it's a start. 
28. Put Polish on and or do my nails once a fortnight.
29. Have a bath instead of a shower now and again.
30. Write a novel.
31. Run a 5K for Cancer Research UK.
32. Run a 5K for MacMillan.
33. Donate weekly/Monthly to #CRUK.
34. Donate weekly/Monthly to #Macmillan.
35. Eat much more healthily.
36. Do more with Kevin...

So there it is. My 36 Things to do in a Year. I will post a Birthday Weekend Shenanigans next week...

Hope ya'll have a fabulous week, whatever you're doing. TTFN.

Five for 5 - 17 March 2014

 

Where on earth has this last week gone? I can't believe it is Monday again. Anyway I had rather a good week last week and hope that It continues into this week. 

1) Drink at least 2 litres of water a day. Did this again and felt so much better for having done it. I am almost 1stone lighter and will be ecstatic if I manage it this week and achieve my stone award at slimming world! 

2) Have no more than 3 cups of tea - if want anymore have green tea or black coffee.Again I am so pleased I managed to do this.

3) Sort out Clothes to take to Kevin's. I haven't really had the time to do this. So will be doing it this week.

4) Take everything I don't want/need to the clothes bank - Cash for Clothes. Only got £5 for 2 bin bags. Won't be taking any unwanted clothes there again...

5) Visit Kevin's mom every day or every other day if it's possible. I didn't get to see her everyday but she's been fine everyday since. She is a fighter and I know that she will fight her cancer until the end. 

This week I will be trying to complete the following goals:

1) Get to gym twice.

2) Drink plenty of water and green tea/black coffee.

3) Chase up anyone who hasn't RSVP'd to mine and Kevin's Wedding!

4) Sort out clothes to take to Kevin's. 

5) Chase up Merry wood and Loans Direct for refunds.

Five for 5 - 10 March 2014

Bad week last week. Meant to get to the gym Tuesday but didn't end up going at all, Mother-in-law wasn't at all well so I spent most of the week with Kevin. Thankfully she is doing ok today. 

1) Get to gym at least twice again.

2) Drink at least 2litres of  water everyday. I did however manage this.

3) Have fruit and yoghurt for breakfast. Pleased that I have managed to do this as well. 

4) Soup or salad for lunch.

5) No carbs at tea-time.

This week I will be trying to do more of the same. 

1) Drink at least 2 litres of water a day.

2) have no more than 3 cups of tea - if want anymore have green tea or black coffee.

3) Sort out Clothes to take to Kevin's.

4) take everything I don't want/need to the clothes bank - Cash for Clothes.

5) Visit Kevin's mom every day or every other day if it's possible. 

Five for 5 - 3 March 2014

 

We're into a new Month so this week I will be featuring my goals for the month as well as the weeks goals. 

1) Get to the gym twice this week.  Managed twice this week so am happy with this. 

2) Drink at least two bottles of water everyday. Dwindled a little but still managed at least one and a half. 

3) When my last packet of Cigarettes has finished, don't buy anymore - Get on the E-cigarette. This thing has been a godsend and I haven't smoked as much. 

4) Sort out Ideas for Table Plans. Got some ideas floating around but they're not set in stone.

5) Make List of Wedding Breakfast & Evening Reception attendees.  Just waiting on seeing who else replies and then will be chasing folk up. 

This weeks goals are simple.

1) Get to gym at least twice again.
2) Drink at least 2litres of  water everyday.
3) Have fruit and yoghurt for breakfast.
4) Soup or salad for lunch.
5) No carbs at tea-time.

The month's goals are:
1) Lose a stone by the end of the month.
2) Get to the gym three times every week because membership runs out this month.
3) Sort out and sell anything I will not be taking to Kevin's.
4) Move some stuff over to Kevin's when the back room is finished.
5) Move into Kevin's at the end of the month if I can.