Taking a break!

It fills me with a bit of regret, but think I might be taking a long break from blogging. I thought about leaving it at my last blog post, but hate leaving things unfinished.

Basically I don't have the same passion for writing the blog. I have lots of ideas but no real interest/idea in adding to it. I've been feeling hugely overwhelmed. 

I write as I think, but then I need to check over grammar, find suitable pictures, upload, then promote on 4 different facebook groups, promote on twitter and facebook. Then I might need to communicate with bloggers (which I love doing), but sometimes it is a bit much for something that is just a hobby.

Before I leave, I thought I'd finish with some updates:

1. As part of my Popsugar Challenge, this month I've read 3 books - Lee Evans, Red Dust Road and I am Malala. I'm currently reading the Colour Purple and keen to finish it before the month is up.

2. I found out this week that I've got a job in  my chosen field - finally a year after continuous trying. I'm overjoyed! 

3. This month I've watched 15 films off my list, which included:

• Harvey (1950)
• Fracture (2007)
• Evil Dead II (1987)
• Love, Honour and Obey (2000)
• Shakespeare in Love (1998)
• Predators (2010)
• Garden State (2004)
• Spartacus (1960)
• The Thing (1982)
• Imagine me and you (2005)
• Men in Black (1997)
• Men in Black II (2002)
• Cold Weather (2010)
• Enough Said (2013)

4. I got my hair done. New colour and an inch off! I also love when she puts waves in my hair because I can never do it the same...

5. I visited Woodbridge with the family this week - having lunch and having a little drive around

Pulled pork is a favourite at the moment!

6. I went to Norwich and explored a little this week

My favourite picture from the visit. Hopefully go inside one day...

7. I ordered more DVDs and already started watching them day before yesterday.

8. Purchased 3 books at bargain of £1.50 (great for even a charity shop)

9. Got stuck into exercise - aiming to do at least 30 minutes of walking 5-6 days a week, and then 3 x 30 minute yoga a week and 3-5 times of doing tummy exercises. I'm noticing a real difference and it has even improved my energy levels.

10. Continuing on with driving lessons. I've learnt that through trying 3 other instructors none have taught me the basics. After about 2 and half years of learning (with 8 month break - and yes, I could have had a baby in that time), I still had never been shown a parallel park until last week. I'm still nervous, but feel I'm learning to do things on my own more instead of continuously waiting for my instructor to confirm what I should do.

Anyway, that is me. I'm done. Goodbye for now, but I think boredom will bring me back to entertain you with more positive, funny and interesting posts. I just know I need a break. I hope you've enjoyed reading! 

Day 10 of Blogmas - Power of Volunteering

First of all, I'd like to begin by thanking you all for commenting on so many of my Blogmas posts. Not just commenting, but sending huge nice compliments.

I've been thinking about writing about the importance of volunteering for a while, but after the success of my recent fundraising post and the kind comments discussing my biggest accomplishment, it confirmed that it might be useful to discuss. It's something I know about and am passionate about.

Anyway onto today's post that hopes to promote the art I believe to be volunteering. So many people I know consider it to just be working in Cancer Research or any other charity you see on the high street. I am prove of this. I've volunteered at different capacities. Here is a brief list of some of the main volunteering roles I've done:

1. Community Event Volunteer in fundraising office for a local hospice
2. Bid writing volunteer - applying for trusts on behalf of a charity
3. Magazine assistant - managing social media
4. PR and Fundraising volunteer - dealing with press releases and admin within a local charity 
5. Office intern
6. Marketing and fundraising volunteer
7. Volunteering within a British Red Cross Shop
8. Wrapping presents for local hospital
9. Marshalling at community event
10. Supporting and representing charity at a corporate fundraising event

I'm not just saying this to look good or make myself appear better because I know I'm amazing already (jokes). I'm promoting volunteering as I think people should all do it at one time or another. There is different kinds of volunteering for everyone, whether it is fundraising seasonally, for events, in charity shops, helping in a charity office, driving or something specific to your skills. For example, I once worked for a charity who recruited a volunteer who was able to do reflexology on clients.

Today I volunteered for the local hospital to help wrap presents for patients that were not lucky to be at home over Christmas. It was very touching. I hear the presents were also going to the community to support other causes such as Salvation Army, Womens Aid and a local homeless charity. I'm ashamed to say this is the first time I've done some volunteering for Christmas. I've known people who give up their Christmas to volunteer, or go and do oversea projects.

Why do I always look uncomfortable in pictures?

All I have to say is volunteering can give so much not only to the charity, but to you too. You help charities by helping reduce staff costs, administrative costs and decrease time to get tasks done and more time to concentrate on other areas. However in return, you can learn a new skill, boost your confidence and so much more!

Let me know your thoughts and experiences of fundraising.

11 Things I Loved About November

I find inspiration and blog ideas from others, and hope they don't mind too much! I saw at Claire's Comfy Corner, that she had been writing things she loved about each month - big or small. Because I loved this idea, I thought it would be nice to look for 11 things this month as it's the 11th month. Here is my list:

1. I moved to Ipswich

As you will know from previous posts, I had been living in the Isle of Wight for the last 7 months. The island was a very different way to what I was used to. I wasn't excited to move again, but feel more positive since moving here. I feel there is lots to look forward to.

2. I began volunteering again
I love volunteering and think everyone should do it at least once. You learn about yourself, help others and do something fun for a good cause! This month I started volunteering for a local hospice on the island. I am working to volunteer again.

3. I received more presents from my birthday
The great thing about my birthday being the end of month is it means I can decide when is best to celebrate. Because of Halloween, I sometimes organised things at the start of the month. Because all my friends live far away (insert sad face here), most of my presents were posted. I will discuss them in more detail as I love talking about birthdays and want to write something specific about it (yes, it will be VERY late).

4. I started to gather ideas for gifts I could get people for Christmas
It's hard to remember what I did for November (Christmas shopping-wise), but by the end of November, I usually have my entire shop done. Not this year! It started off well with me buying personalised gifts in September for friends. Then, I kinda waived. That being said, all my friends gifts were sent off by this Saturday. It's just a case of getting my parents and grandparents sorted! I've got little bits for each now.

5. Gilmore Girls started!

I was so excited for Gilmore Girls coming back, and have now watched all the episodes. I thought about reviewing it, but having read another blog that spilled it all, I didn't want to do the same for anyone else. I did write about my excitement and what I hope for the new episodes here. All I will say is, I believe the last four words make sense for the journey that the gilmore women have gone through. I believe it was just how I remembered - funny, quirky and full of characters you can't help but relate to. I won't say anymore. I feel anymore will spill it. For those who haven't seen Gilmore Girls, you can watch all the episodes from series one on Netflix. There are also the new episodes there too!

6. My dogs started to love me more!

It sounds daft, but I feel more connected to my dogs. They always got excited to see me, but now they expect me to kiss their heads or by their cheeks. It's funny. They love me walking them and generally making much more of a fuss.

7. Watched heaps of films

As you will know from reading my recent post, The film list, I LOVE films. New or old; I love them. I have watched heaps of films this month including: Bride of Chucky, Before Sunrise, Two for the Road, Brighton Rock, Big Lebowski and am sure there is much more!

8. Places visited

Truth be told, I've not seen that many new places. Far enough, I've moved to Ipswich, but it's been a case of getting used to what is nearby; testing bus routes, walking to see what's close-by and signing up to the doctors. It has been the normal dull stuff. I have enjoyed learning about all the shops that are close by, and happy that I live a 15minute bus journey from the shopping places. I've also seen a bit of a nearby town called Martlesham. I will keep you updated as I learn more on Ipswich and Suffolk. The picture above is one I took just by the shops. I thought the building looked beautiful!

9. Things I've learnt
I feel like I've really reflected on my life this month, and realised I need to stop being as hard on myself. Things happen, and sometimes you can't help it. I've found the last year I've beat myself up for not being as close to friends (when they haven't made the effort), not trying certain things, my weight gain and a lot of things that happen to people. I feel from being less hard on myself and accepting that things will never be 100% perfect, I've felt more relaxed and more motivated to try harder. I reflected on this in my moving post here.

10. The Blog
This month celebrated 4 months of writing for this blog, where I still have a lot to learn. I've done Blogtober, plan to do some of my Blogmas posts starting tomorrow and have even done my first collab post. Including this post, I've written 52 blog posts, set up a Facebook page in the past week (please like) and continue to learn how to promote my posts. Love to hear any tips from those who have been blogging longer!

11. I've made positive steps for a career in fundraising again
I love the blog, but want to be a Fundraiser and make a difference to charities. I feel it is where my heart is, I miss it when I'm not doing it and love that I might not be able to care for people but can make sure I raise funds for the best support a charity may offer. Hope that explains it in the best way. I hope by volunteering and getting into employment, something will come along again!

If you enjoyed the idea of this post, let me know as I will consider doing them for other month ends.

Moving & Updates

I can officially announce that I'm moving to Ipswich in 6 days! This is my last week on the island.

My life at the moment...

Excitement doesn't really sum-it up. There is so much to look forward to about it. I will be glad to live on the mainland and feel closer to easy transport links, more job opportunities and look forward to exploring somewhere new. I don't know much about the southern part of the country, and feel this year has expanded my knowledge of places including Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Southampton, London and now Suffolk!

Here are just a few things I've learnt from about Suffolk as an area:

1. It has a place called Bury St Edmunds,which has a hotel which was frequented by Charles Dickens; it is now a boutique inn with a trendy underground bar. I hope to visit there!
2. The Suffolk coast is a 50 mile stretch of heritage coastline, and situated just 2 hours from Central London. I am sad I've not seen more concerts this year, so hopefully being close to even London will mean I see more in 2017!
3. They say it is the best place to visit if you love food, seaside life and world-class culture. I can't wait!
4. There is a fairytale style village called Thorpeness. It is famed for its Peter Pan inspired boating lake. Sounds interesting!
5. Ipswich itself is known for the maritime festival with lots of things that happen during it. Hopefully go and find out more about this to write for the blog!
6. Ipswich is one of the oldest towns in the country and has a fascinating history, with a cutting-edge arts and culture scene. I really hope to find it all!
7. Ipswich is a prime trading port with Europe for hundreds of years
8. Many things to do including performance art, theatre, museums (oh how I love to visit museums), fab restaurants for foodies and galleries
9. It boast the Suffolk Food Hall, which includes a market and restaurants which is described as the Best Local Food Venue in the UK & Ireland. 
10. Ipswich's most famous historic figure is Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. They even have an art gallery in his name - Wolsey Art Gallery. I WILL visit

This is where I'd use pictures, but I don't like including photos I've not used (unless it's related to a film or TV series).

This year has been a year of moving and learning about myself, which has been tough, but something I've needed to do. I refuse to be negative! Despite starting off the year living in Dundee, and due to difficult circumstances moving to Isle of Wight. Then about two months later, moving to another part of the island, which had more to it. Then of course we are moving again. I don't think Isle of Wight was for me. I'd recommend it for a holiday as there is lots to do, but if you asked me to move back - I'd kick, scream and fight against it!

This year I learnt some body confidence which I plan to write about (and link here).

I've learnt how much fundraising means to me, and how much I've missed the third sector to work in. Break ups are hard and upsetting, but losing a career you adore and means so much to you is heartbreaking. Maybe that changes due to who you date though! Fundraising was what I breathed; it made me confident, taught me to promote, was something I was regularly praised on and something I loved to do as a hobby. What is that quote? "Find a job you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life." (I don't think this is the correct way to say it, but feel free to correct me!)

I've learnt who my friends are. Sometimes we don't talk everyday, but it means so much when we do. To know that my friends are the opposite end of the country hurts me as I deeply miss them, but love how they still play a strong part in my life. They come up with ideas to meet up and make a roadtrip of it; involve me in their weddings, and are there whenever I need them - to cry, moan or talk to. Thank you so much guys! Not sure if a dedication would make you feel awkward, but will do it anyway - Hannah, Lisa, Jools and Fi I love you so much!

I've learnt how much volunteering can build my confidence, and teach me more about the world of fundraising. Another post idea - the power of volunteering. Watch out!

I've learnt the joy of writing again with this blog. Not sure that many people actually enjoy it, but it's a good outlet for my creativity. So far since starting in July, I'm proud that while writing this I've seen over 6000 visits the blog site. As I learn more, I hope to start selling advertising, work with different brands and get my own website. However this is just a hobby so I am in rush and am taking it all very slowly.

Finally I've learnt the things I like to do for my hobbies. Almost a year ago I split up with someone who told me I have no interests, which really stuck in my head. I do, but stopped doing some things and am determined to do more. Take up yoga classes again, go to gigs (aim to see at least 3 acts in 2017), learn something crafty, watch more films I like, keep going with the blog and expand ways to write. Most importantly, I hope to take up fundraising again (if no jobs, at least as a hobby until something comes up).

2017 is fast approaching, and I have so many hopes for it, which I will save for some of my Blogmas posts! Doubt you want to hear my entire life story or every blog idea though... I would love to see links of others taking part in Blogmas though! I will be sure to promote them at the same time I'm doing my posts.

Picture credit to: Typoweblog

Hope you enjoyed reading! I'd be interested to hear from you. What have you learnt from this year? Have you visited Suffolk and have any recommendations for my visit?