31 December 2023

2023│The Highlights

Happy New Year Everyone!


The new year is almost here and I can't quite believe how quickly this past year has gone, mentally I'm still in summer sipping cocktails on a beach somewhere (or at least I wish I was). 2023 was a year I walked into feeling inspired but also apprehensive and now looking back I can say it's been a year of adventure, new friendships and plenty of fun!

This year saw me travel to two stunning destinations; Corfu & Ibiza, run around a Greek Island pretending I was in Mamma Mia, drink cocktails whilst watching the sunset at Cafe Mambo, celebrate Eurovision coming to Liverpool, watch some amazing musicals and of course, finally see Peter Kay live! All of which I did with the most beautiful group of people who I feel so lucky to call my friends.

Tonight I'll be welcoming in the new year with my family, friends and a glass of gin. I'm feeling quite positive and grateful about the year ahead and I'm hopeful that it's going to be a lovely year, but for now here are some of my highlights of 2023!

The 1975 At Their Very Best


I started the year with one of my favourite bands; The 1975. My friend Hannah and I booked some last minute tickets to go and see them on their At Their Very Best tour in Liverpool and they were amazing, as they always are. They played songs from their new album as well as some of their most loved tracks from previous albums, and to be quite honest I can't actually believe they've been around for 10 years!? We sang and danced the whole show. They really are at their very best. 

Puppy Yoga


The following week my lovely friend Chloe and I booked onto a Puppy Yoga class in Liverpool. I know this may be a controversial one to include with the bad press these classes have received in recent months, however from our experience the puppies were looked after, they had water at all times and they weren't forced to socialise if they didn't want to. It was such a lovely afternoon, we grabbed a coffee before the class and then had the most amazing yoga session whilst the puppies ran around the room, some wanting to play and others just wanting to cuddle. However if one saw their friend enjoying a cuddle then you were guaranteed a puppy pile on! I'm a complete yoga novice and the class was so easy to follow, both Chloe and I left feeling happier and incredibly zen. 

Theatre Trips & Musicals


And so the theatre trips for 2023 begin!
February and March saw me take a few trips to the theatre (3 to be exact) so I thought I'd compile them into one highlight as they were all at the Liverpool Empire. 

The first show I went to see was Bugsy Malone which was a High School favourite of mine and one of the first shows I watched that really made me want to pursue acting whilst at school. The production was amazing, exactly how I remember it with all the classic costumes and songs and of course the cream pies! 

Following on with the High School theme, a few weeks later I went to see a production of An Inspector Calls, the play we all remember from our English GCSE exam. I remember being hooked when I first read the play in Year 11, so ten years later I just had to go and see it live. It was incredible to see the characters come to life and the whole show was captivating; my inner English Literature and Drama student was very happy!

Then at the end of March, Mum and I went to see The Bodyguard and as a huge Whitney fan I had very high expectations. Despite having people around us who clearly knew nothing about theatre etiquette and sang their way through the entire show, it was actually really good. The vocals were on point, the costumes were gorgeous and in some parts the show was actually quite scary (if you know, you know).

Eurovision


Hello Liverpool, this is Eurovision calling!
I'm sorry but how did my home city host the biggest song contest in the world!? There was such a buzz about the city and it was so heartwarming to see so many different nationalities fall in love with the place we call home. In the weeks leading up to Eurovision I think everyone was just trying to soak up every last bit of the atmosphere because it truly was a party. I was gutted that I didn't manage to get tickets but the girls and I got together and had our own Eurovision themed 'bring a board party' and we had the best night! Although I still think Belgium should've won.

A Thong For Europe


Continuing nicely with the Eurovision theme, Mum and I went to see A Thong For Europe at The Royal Court in Liverpool. It was absolutely hilarious, just pure Eurovision joy! It's also the first show I've ever seen at The Royal Court and it's such a gorgeous little theatre who really do host some of the best productions. I wasn't joking when I said Liverpool really got into the Eurovision spirit! 

My 26th Birthday


Don't even ask me how I'm 26 because I really don't know, I still only feel 22! 
I had such a lovely day celebrating my birthday, we had gorgeous weather and my family and friends made me feel so special. I started the day by volunteering at my local Dementia Group who treated me to a lovely card and birthday cake, then Mum and I called for a spot of lunch before having a BBQ with my family in the evening and enjoying the sunshine in the garden. 

Corfu


A few weeks later Chloe and I headed to Corfu for our girls holiday. It was my first time travelling in three years and what better place to go than one of the stunning Greek Islands. I've been to Corfu once before when I was younger and it's just as lovely as I remember. We spent our days exploring the Old Town, drinking cocktails at Imabari, relaxing by the pool, swimming in the sea and trying plenty of Greek cuisine. Our hotel was right next to the runway so we'd constantly have the planes flying over our head and we loved sitting at Sky Bar on an evening watching them. I was literally living my best Mamma Mia life. Corfu is truly one of the most stunning places I've ever visited and I can't wait to go back!

Mambly's 90th


At the beginning of July a very special lady celebrated her 90th birthday. My lovely Mambly had such a gorgeous day celebrating with the family and her meal of choice was, of course, fish and chips. Although she still refuses to believe that she's 90 and refers to herself as 89+1.

Soul In The Park


A little known fact about me is that I was brought up on soul music and it's one of my favourite genres to listen to, this is why I can never choose a favourite type of music as I listen to such a variety it would be impossible for me to pick just one. In summer Mum and I went to the Soul in the Park event which is a big soul music party held at a hotel and every function room plays a different type of soul music. We had such a fun evening dancing to some of our favourite songs and it was one of my favourite days of the year!

Barbie


It was the big decision of the summer; Barbie or Oppenheimer? In absolutely no surprise to anyone, I chose Barbie. I mean who wouldn't want to have their own Dream House and can we just take a moment to appreciate her wardrobe! The girls and I had a Sunday roast at Alberts Schloss before watching Barbie at the Everyman Cinema in Liverpool and it was such a gorgeous day, the film was SUBLIME!

Ibiza


Two holidays in one year? Who do I think I am! 
In September Chloe and I decided to book a very last minute holiday to Ibiza and I think it's the best decision we've ever made. I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved this holiday and how much I've fallen in love with the island. It truly is the most spectacular place, we hadn't been there an hour and we'd already decided that we were coming back next year. I've always wanted to watch the sunset from Cafe Mambo and it was more stunning than I could have ever imagined. From drinking cocktails at sunset, to exploring Ibiza Old Town, to sunbathing on rooftop bars, I can honestly say Ibiza is one of my favourite destinations ever and gave me some of my favourite memories of the year!

The Body Shop Events


I've been lucky enough to be invited to some lovely events with The Body Shop this year and I still pinch myself every time they ask me to attend. I've met some of the most amazing people and made some gorgeous new friends who are literally just the most supportive girls you could ever meet. I feel so lucky to be able to work alongside some of the most talented bloggers and amazing brands.

A Scouse Panto


Then it was officially Panto season!
And what better way to start the festive season than with A Scouse Dick Whittington at The Royal Court. It's the first scouse panto I've ever seen and it definitely wont be the last. It was hilarious from start to finish, even though it's the most bizzare panto I think I've ever seen!

Bents


In the middle of November, Mum and I did our annual festive trip to Bents Garden Centre which is quite possibly the most festive garden centre in the world (and that's not an exaggeration). Christmas officially started this year with the Panto and then a trip to Bents a few days later and the decor this year is as gorgeous as ever. We had a mooch around all the festive displays, grabbed a hot chocolate at the Christmas Market and then treated ourselves to some new advent candles which is a tradition in our house.

Peter Kay Live


At the start of December, it was finally time to go and see Peter Kay live!
Liv and I have been waiting for over a year to go to his show and he was as hilarious as ever. I don't want to say too much as I know people have tickets to go and see him in 2025 but all I will say is that you're in for a treat and it's so worth the wait!

The Light Before Christmas


Last year, Mum and I attended The Light Before Christmas at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral and we loved it so much that we booked tickets again this year. This time the show was called The Light Before Christmas: The Manger and it was just as stunning as the previous year. The cathedral walls became a canvas for the different light displays as the magical sounds surrounded you; from the Christmas story, to A Christmas Carol, to Father Christmas himself making a special appearance, it was just pure magic. I think this is going to be another one of our festive traditions.

Festive Celebrations


December has been filled with plenty of festive celebrations, from Christmas meals and Christmas Markets, to impromptu nights out and festive shopping trips. I feel so lucky and so grateful to have spent this year with some of the most amazing people and to have celebrated the festive season with them all.

The Wizard Of Oz


My final theatre trip of the year took us to the merry old land of Oz. A few weeks ago Mum and I found ourselves back at the Liverpool Empire to see The Wizard of Oz and we absolutely loved it. I used to be obsessed with Dorothy when I was younger, she was my go to character for World Book Day, so my inner child was having the best time. The show starred Aston Merrygold as the Tinman and The Vivienne as the Wicked Witch of the West, both of whom were incredible in their roles. It was such a lighthearted production and such a lovely show to watch.

Family & Friends


2023 has had some amazing moments but it's also had its challenges too. I've made memories to last a lifetime and I know that's mostly thanks to the gorgeous, supportive, wonderful group of people I have around me; from friends who will get up and sing karaoke without a care in the world, to the lovely new friends I've made this year, to my own family who show me so much love every single day. I will never be able to express my gratitude and love for you all. 

From the theatre trips and soul parties with my Mum, to the rugby chats with my Dad, to singing Sinatra with my Mambly, to all the cuddles and walkies with Buster, to booking spontaneous holidays and having cocktails with the girls. These amazing people have truly been part of my happiest memories this year and I couldn't have got through the year without them.

Overall, it's been another crazy but lovely year. It's had its highs, its lows and challenges along the way but we made it and I'm proud of us. I've travelled to the most beautiful places, seen some amazing shows, met some lovely new friends and I'm thankful that my family, friends and I are entering 2024 healthy and happy. It's been a lovely year and I know I've got a lot to be grateful for. I'm hopeful that 2024 will be another good one.

I hope you have a fantastic New Year and that 2024 is filled with happiness, success and love!

Lots of Love,
Meg x








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8 June 2023

Twenty Five Things I Learned Being 25

 

Oh Would You Look At That, It's My Birthday!

Tomorrow I celebrate my twenty sixth year on this planet, I don't look or feel 26 but apparently that's how old I am now. This is such a weird age, I know I'm still classed as 'young' but I've got friends getting married, buying houses, starting families and then I've got friends who are travelling the world and don't even know what they're doing in life. I think I fall in between these two categories; not quite ready to settle down but also feeling the pressure to at the same time. It's either that or the fact that I finished school ten years ago, I'm now closer to my thirties and I still don't have a clue what I'm doing (lol!).

If you've stumbled across my little place on the internet then welcome to the yearly tradition where I tell you about all the weird and wonderful things I've learned in the past year. Twenty five has been a strange yet lovely year; I've made new friends, worked on my confidence and I finally saw Singin' in the Rain live which was incredible. I can honestly say I'm proud of myself this year and it always baffles me that my birthday has come around so quickly.

So without further ado, here are 25 things I learned in my twenty fifth year!

1) Vinted Is The Best Place To Buy Clothes

Yes it's true, I spend most of my time (and money) on Vinted and I have absolutely no shame. The bargains you can pick up on there are unbelievable and I'm not kidding when I say you'll find nicer stuff than on the High Street. I never thought I'd be a Vinted shopper but I am and I'm obsessed! 

2) Prioritise What Is Important

I sometimes find myself feeling overwhelmed and trying to do everything at once so learning to prioritise is really important. This is something that I'm still learning and I'm pleased to say I'm getting better at. 

3) Spin Classes Are So Much Fun

This year I took the plunge, built up my confidence and started a new gym class. I'm the kind of girl who stays in her comfort zone at the gym so trying a new class was slightly daunting. However I'm so glad I did, I absolutely love my morning spin classes. 

4) Appreciate Your Single Years

The way I see it, you'll never have this much time to focus and work on yourself, embrace it. 

5) Rosemary Oil Is Incredible For Hair Growth

Yes, I've jumped on the rosemary oil trend and trust me it is worth the hype. I've been using the Grows-Mary hair oil by Hair Syrup for a few months and my new hair growth is insane!

6) Don't Feel Guilty For Not Going To The Gym

It's okay to skip a gym class if you're not feeling it, there's nothing to feel guilty about.

7) Book Your Holidays With A Travel Agent

Getting a travel agent makes the holiday booking process so much easier. They find you the perfect holiday, always have great recommendations and take care of everything for you. I think there's a sense of nostalgia when booking a holiday with a travel agent, it always reminds me of being younger. 

8) Sometimes You Just Need To Turn The Music Up And Dance

I promise you'll feel better for it.

9) Don't Undervalue Your Creativity

I've noticed that some people are willing to use your creative skills for free. I know how much time and effort creative tasks take so (unless it's on a voluntary basis) don't feel bad for asking for a fee for your time, you've earned it!

10) Apple Refurbished Is Amazing

If you absolutely love your Apple products (as I do) then you need to check out Apple's refurbished section. They have some amazing discounts and the products are basically new.

11) Put Yourself Out There More

It's all about attending that event on your own, talking to those people at your gym class and posting on that Facebook group to meet up with someone new. It's the best and probably the only way to make new pals these days. 

12) Anyone Would Be Lucky To Have You

If someone else can't appreciate how wonderful you are, then that's their problem.

13) The Simpler The Skincare Routine The Better

You know I love all things skincare and I can honestly say the minute I simplified my skincare routine, got rid of all the random serums and creams, my skin really thanked me for it. 

14) If It Challenges Your Boundaries Then It Probably Isn't For You

This one speaks for itself.

15) There's No Need To Rush, Enjoy Where You're At Now

It's so easy to get caught up in thinking about our next move that we forget to appreciate where we are now and how far we've come. It could be a pressure from society that makes us forget that we are still only young and we don't have to have everything figured out yet. 

16) Karaoke Is Addictive

Once I've got up and sang one song, there's no getting me off.

17) You Don't Need To Take On Other People's Problems

I'm not saying that you can't be there to support them but it's important that you protect your own energy and look after yourself too. There's only so many times you can give the same advice. 

18) Think About Your Reaction Before You React

Sometimes the best thing you can do is pause, take a moment and think about the way you react to things. It's important to remember that some things (and people) don't deserve your attention or a reaction.

19) It's Not About What You Do, It's Who You're With

I truly believe that as long as you're surrounding yourself with the right people then you don't need to be doing expensive things all the time, just being around them is fun enough.

20) Celebrate The Little Wins

We're always so quick to celebrate the big wins in life that we forget to celebrate the little wins too. You've done that drive you've always been scared to do? Celebrate it. You saved up to buy something new? Treat yourself. You tried a new gym class? You're smashing it. It's important to celebrate our own little wins and also the little wins of our friends too.

21) You Need A Powder Puff In Your Make Up Bag

If you want flawless under eyes then you need to invest in some loose powder and a powder puff, thank me later.

22) Primark & Aldi Do The Best Make Up Dupes

If you're searching for the best high end make up dupes then Primark and Aldi are the places to be. Not only are the dupes incredible but they're all amazing prices too! The Primark vitamin enriched moisturising primer is an absolute favourite of mine. 

23) No One Has Perfect Skin

Literally everyone has imperfections, flaws and scars. Social media is a lie in so many ways, stop comparing yourself and the way you look to filtered photos on a screen. Remember, lighting is everything in photographs. We're all beautiful in our own way.

24) I Need To Start Giving People A Chance

I need to realise that not everyone is out to get me.

25) There's So Much To Be Grateful For

As I said, it's all about being grateful and thankful for the little things; whether it be random laughter, finding a new outfit you love or a great cup of coffee. Your whole mindset changes when you realise you have something to be grateful for.

I can't wait to celebrate with my family and friends tomorrow.
And so we embark on the next chapter; Here's to 26!

Lots of Love,
Meg x



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