Blogtober16 - 5 Super cool things about the island

This one seems a little difficult for me at the moment because I don't entirely like living on the island, but I suppose it makes you look for the positives. I've lived here about six months and still have no friends, and feel extremely isolated. Being unemployed for a while also means I've lost confidence in my own abilities.

However positivity is important, so here are some cool facts about living on the Isle of Wight:

1. Great ways to travel - Although bus travel is extoriate, there are many other ways to travel including steam train, driving and ferry. I'm still to try the steam train, but even the bus only takes an additional 10 minutes to get somewhere. You could go from one side of the island to the other and it wouldn't take longer than an hour (traffic permitting). There is the 10 minute hovercraft which gets you to Portsmouth Southsea or Redjet that gets you to Southampton in 25 minutes.

Hovercraft

2. Festivals & events - It is known for the events that bring people to the island including music events like Bestival and Isle of Wight Festival. It also has big yacht events with Cowes Week, which brings music, food and much more than just yacht races. Here are some pictures I took during this year's Cowes Week:

3. Link to royalty - Queen Victoria called the island her home for many years. I would recommend anyone to visit the Needles as she loved to collect the different colours of sands, and you can do the same. 

My sand elephant from visiting the Needles

I would also suggest you go to Osborne House, where she holidayed with her husband, Prince Albert. If nothing it is interesting to realise how small she was from seeing her bed. The link with royalty has remained with members of the royal family visiting for different events.

4. Dinosaur Island - This is the name given as it has been discovered to be one of Europe's finest sites for dinosaur remains. According to Visit Isle of Wight, the "yellow, brown and grey rocks exposed in bays of Compton, Brook and Brighstone contain fossilised tress and dinosaur bones!" You can visit Hanover point, where there are giant casts of dinosaur footprints. I will definitely need to check this out.

5. Unique tourist attractions - There is plenty to visit with castles, manors, beaches, vineyards, festivals (as mentioned), animal sanctuaries and activities such as go-karting and bowling. Here are some pictures from attending Barton Manor for a fundraiser:

Please refer to one of my posts here. It shows the main differences living on the island and the sights I've seen. With my birthday next week, I hope to see much more.

I hope you enjoyed the post and I would definitely recommend coming along for a holiday to see for yourself. I just don't think living here is necessarily for everyone.

Portsmouth - D-day Museum, Hovercraft & the City

My last post promised that I would update more, and I meant it. I meant to put this post up about 2 weeks ago, but unfortunately I've been away visiting friends in Scotland and therefore have been otherwise occupied! Good news is that because of my travels, I've been inspired to write many more posts. Stay tuned.

I'd also like to thank those for commenting on my last post: Do horrible comments affect your confidence in the long-term? To be a total newbie to writing, it excites me to have something to respond to! It was my first post to get any comments, so thank you, thank you and thank you again! I apologise for taking so long to reply, I honestly thought I'd replied, so hope my responses were worth the wait. Any way back to the post...

Recently I've been visiting Portsmouth to take up a volunteer opportunity, which gave me an extra insight into this city. I'd never been to Portsmouth before, and honestly can say it isn't the most exciting city I've been to. I definitely prefer Southampton to Portsmouth because I somehow feel like I'm missing something. There doesn't feel to be a "heart" to the city, like most cities I've seen from Aberdeen, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Leeds...you look and go "Well that's the centre." Maybe someone can tell me different, but I found it to be quite bleak, and I've lived in the granite city (Aberdeen).

Portsmouth seems to be misunderstood to me though. I keep asking myself what am I missing? It is after-all the birthplace to the famous author, Charles Dickens. I was saddened to hear that the museum is closed during set periods, but hope to see it one day as a lover of books. I mean my favourite characters of TV series, books or films are big readers: Matilda in Ronald Dahl's Matilda, Lorelai and Rory Gilmore in Gilmore Girls and many more.

However, as a big lover of history and someone who enjoys visiting art galleries and museums, I was excited to see the D-Day Museum. It is about a 15 minute walk from the hovercraft which gets you into Portsmouth from the island. Walking along Clarence Pier was a delight, and I took many beautiful pictures as I walked over. Here are just some of my favourites:

Somehow love these lampposts, and found myself picturing these more than Clarence Pier! 

Beautiful view out at Clarence Pier

View of some of the city including the famous "lipstick" building

Memorial

As someone with a great interest in World War 2, I was a bit underwhelmed by the D-Day museum. Not because it wasn't good; I was happy to have gone, but having visited amazing sights such as Eden Camp and Anne Frank House, it wasn't the most impressive. I also read some of the displays and realised I knew a great portion already.I enjoyed looking at displays of ration books, remembrance areas and displays of dummies (soldiers) set up how they would have been; really setting the scene.

However I didn't have a great knowledge of D-Day itself, and gave it a chance. For instance, I didn't know that D-Day was prepared and launched from the South Coast of England, which meant that Portsmouth was at the heart of the operation. It also had beautiful embroideries to look at, which gave it a lovely creative aspect to an otherwise history-focused museum. It was also interesting to see the museum combine its focus on the south coast, but also discuss how D-Day affected all the British soldiers who fought that day. 

It is a must-see, but mainly because D-Day should never be forgotten; the soldiers risked their lives and without them, we could be living a totally different life. This museum is about keeping the story of D-Day alive, and the story of WWII. There are also plans for the museum to become the national D-Day hub, and therefore I believe that this is only going to improve to engage with it's audience. The museum plans to create resources and partnerships to help individuals and communities nationally discover their wider D-Day heritage;a new website is due to be set up in time for the 75th anniversary in 2019.

Unfortunately after my little tour around the museum, I missed the hovercraft back home (Isle of Wight), but I was lucky this time; the next one was due in like 10 minutes. Many of my friends on the mainland ask how long it takes to get from the island to the mainland again, so I thought I would briefly say. Portsmouth is new to me. You have two routes to the mainland - Southampton and Portsmouth/Southsea. Getting to Portsmouth is the quickest way. Going to Portsmouth takes a meer 10 minutes, and from there you can get the hoverbus that takes you around southsea to the city centre. Going to Southampton can take about 25 minutes on the Redjet through Red Funnel, and the Quay Connect bus is free if you show them your ticket.

Goodbye and I hope it won't be long until my next post, I hope to write something about my recent travels to Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen...however I promised to not leave it so long last time, so not making promises this time! Over and out, and hope you liked my honest review of visiting Portsmouth. If anyone else has visited Portsmouth and has any recommendations of places to go, or can tell me anything they like, please let me know!

Red Arrows and Photography

Unlike my usual blogs, this is all about the pictures. I've recently noticed that I love photography, and aren't half bad at it. I've looked up doing a course, but it's too expensive, or involves me going back to college. However that's another topic.

This week was Cowes Week which ran from 5th August until today. I didn't go to many of the events, but I'm glad we saw the Red Arrows. Here are some pictures. I hope I get to see them again sometime. Definitely my highlight!

New hair don't care!

I've already flaunted my new hair, but I thought it was time to kind of review it.

Getting your hair done is a big thing for women. I've known some women to cry after having their locks chopped. Luckily I've never experienced that, and hope I never will. My hair has never been excessively long or shorter than a bob in length. I always think hair grows, so worse comes to the worse it'll sort itself out. Don't get me wrong I've had bad haircuts. While at college, I got my hair on the cheap by a trainee hairdresser and it was great. When I went back, I got a girl who took a ridiculously long time to then cut my fringe way too short. That grew in about two weeks though, so I couldn't get too annoyed!

I'm not someone who uses a lot of hair products either; mainly because I don't know too much about what you're "meant" to be doing. I only do the bare-essentials - shampoo, conditioner, maybe heat protection when straightening my hair. I've recently started to enjoy Philip Kingsley's Elasticiser, which was used by one of my heroes, Audrey Hepburn. It is cheapest to buy in bulk which I would suggest getting from Feel Unique. The main point to use is I don't use hairspray, many hair treatments or know if I need to do much else. I no longer use expensive hair products and rely on Tresemme. I used to use the latest salon shampoos and conditioners, but think they cost too much and all you're really paying for is the fragrance. I'm sure someone will tell me I'm wrong!

When I went to get my hair done, it looked flat, dull and was just not well-looked-after. I hadn't had it done since January, so I think nobody's hair would have been entirely great. However I left feeling truly beautiful. I've never had my hair done and felt so confident. Unfortunately I don't have a before picture, but the marvellous after picture is above.

My mum has been using the same hairdresser, Chelsea and has been singing her praises (is that the phrase?), but I thought she might be overexaggerating. She is the same age as me, but is truly talented at what she does. Chelsea knows what she is talking about when advising people about what to do, and I would trust her advice. She curled my hair which was fantastic because I can't do it.

The hairdressers is right by the Red Funnel in Cowes. K&H Hairdressing is well decorated, but very simple too. I loved the smell of the shampoo there. I think it was Tigi. Not sure! I think my hairdresser, Chelsea is an asset there. While there, I didn't see anyone else who could do colour. I was interested to see that holidaymakers from places like London visited there. It must be cheaper than London prices I suppose. I paid £100 for my cut, colour and blowdry.

Since having it done, here are a few of the styles I've had. I will try to experiment and curl it myself, and keep you posted.

Thinking of describing my fast skincare regime, but time will tell if I enjoy writing more beauty blogs. Let me know what you think.

Sun, Fundraising and Good News

Ok, so I tried the daily posts, but thought that might mean not every post is as interesting as the next. Therefore I will be posting at least once a week, but aim for 3-4 posts in a week. I'm glad that I've stuck to blog-writing. From a young age I've loved writing, and english was always my favourite subject at school. I'm delighted to see that I've nearly had 500 views to the blog, and hope it will continue to grow. If you like the posts, feel free to share, follow and give tips on continued success. Enough of the blog housekeeping, and onto describing what was a lovely weekend!

So the good news!

I'd like to share that on a personal note, things haven't been ideal as I'm still not in permanent employment. However I've been lucky to not have one friend, not two, not three but four friends get engaged this year! Two in February, one in June and one this month. I'm also Maid of Honour to one and Saturday saw me become bridesmaid to a second. Over the moon doesn't seem to fit it. I'm so excited! I think I'm probably rivaling on the same excitement levels they might be feeling (probably not, but I'm ecstatic all the same). What could be more great than realising you've found someone you trust and love enough to promise to spend your lives together? It's very powerful. Most girls dream of their wedding day; not me. I always dreamt of being a bridesmaid. Not sure why. Maybe I never wanted the attention on me, but now I think it shows the ultimate honour as a friend. It shows that someone wants you to be part of one of the happiest days of their lives. Here are the announcement pictures:

Barton Manor

Yesterday I went to a fundraising event by Earl Mountbatten Hospice. As a fundraiser, I've been to many amazing charity events.I went thinking this will be a big family event for children on the most part, but left thinking it was great and that there was something for everyone involved. Here are my pictures from the day, and a little bit more about what was there.

These are some of the pictures I took of the beautiful scenery at the open garden event. We had a little walk around the grounds, but looking at the programme of things, they had English Heritage's historical tours of the grounds. It might have been nice to know a little more about the historic grounds, but I'm happy with the experience I had all the same! 

This was 19th year that Earl Mountbatten Hospice were able to fundraise with this incredible open garden event, which boasted a range of activities for kids including: children's arts, crafts and entertainment by Starlight Boutique and Creation Station IOW. There was much more for kids as well, but I also bouncy castle and balloon animals been made. Unfortunately my parents said that a woman, who has had Pimm's can't also ask for a balloon animal! Maybe I will have children on the false pretense that the animal is for them...

My parents argued that I was only there for the Pimms Summer garden bar. This was the first time that the garden bar had featured at the event, and think it was a big bonus as it added something nice for adults too. The two men who served added extra comedy to proceedings from joking that they'd sell the jug to us for £12 and the stirrer for £1. Only yesterday, but I've already forgotten their funnier jokes which had one parent in stitches! The Pimm's was lovely and the first time I'd tried it! (that I remember at least).

The event also included the Big Sing, which we weren't too interested in seeing as a family. I might have liked to see what the music was like, but not sure if it would have been my taste. It was led by acclaimed music director and choirmaster, Hannah Brear. Brear is known for her work with the BBC and with West End directors and individuals including Fatboy Slim and Russell Watson.

Earl Mountbatten can be admired for collaborating with other Island organisations, Haven  Falconry and the Donkey Sanctuary. The Donkeys were there and were loved by many children who queued to brush the donkeys. A big kid at heart, I loved to see this well-loved creatures and see how looked after they were by the Sanctuary. As I want to go to the sanctuary as I continue to learn about the island, I was delighted to see them.

Any of my friends and family will tell you that birds creep me out. I can't explain why. Maybe it's the fact that Aberdeen seagull attacked me for my sandwich, or the fact that I've seen the Hitchcock film, Birds. Either way I don't like them. I could think of nothing worse than holding them, but looking at and admiring the beautiful birds is great. I think it's something else that many children loved, but adults too! Here are pictures of the two owls and two birds they had.

The event had beautiful stalls inside the premises and outside. From pop-up shops, activities to get involved in and stock I suspect from the hospice shops. They also had the fun activity of encouraging visitors to add to a watercolour painting. You were then to sign it and make a bid in the silent auction. I got to do it, so the winner gets my beautiful signature from the person who nearly painted the house with blue instead of the sky. I've never been that good at Art! Annoying since I've always loved going to craft stalls, going to art galleries or doing arty things. It just doesn't amount to much when I get involved...

We ended the day with some lovely food from their BBQ and returned to the dogs who I missed. I'm not used to being at outdoor events and not being able to take them. I missed them!

The Hospice Major Event Fundraiser said prior to the event, "Barton Manor really has become a firm family favourite and has grown every year. This year looks set to be bigger and better than ever, so we are hoping that support from the Island community will be just as fantastic as usual." I can promise you it was! It was so great that I would encourage anyone on the island to visit the open garden as it is truly beautiful and all for a good cause. I know I want to go back next year. I've not heard if they have made the £10,000 they expected from the event, but will update the post with the total when I know.

Hopefully I can update you with more good news as I have two job interviews this week, and a few blog posts on films I've been watching to pop up.