Love Actually... is all around...

Aside from Harry Potter, Love Actually is the greatest film ever to grace our screens. It has everything to offer, comedy, heartbreak, innuendos and LOVE.. ACTUALLY. 

Once again, Tracy (Gloriously Ungraceful) have come up with a series of questions to celebrate such a  perfect film, so here we are:

1. What is your favourite part of the movie?
This is so hard, as there as so many amazing bits but the bit that sends my heart racing the most, is Sam running after Joanne in the airport, after THAT song! It's totally and utterly adorable and the perfect amount of ridiculously unrealistic-ness and innocence. Sam's little face - awwww. 

2. Given the chance, what storyline would you have changed and how?
I would have loved to see Sarah and Carl find a way of getting together because it just seems so harsh that they can't be but then, what would a film be without a bit of longing for a different scenario?!

3. What love story would you want for yourself and why?

There's so many that I would love to combine, to make the perfect movie scenario my heart always longs for; but given my New Year's resolution to be more spontaneous, i'd have to say Colin's story line is pretty up there (minus the multiple girls) but just the fact it's a last minute trip to America and a scenario like no other... I love that idea of pure selfishness and spontaneity. But as I said, there are elements of each story I'd love for myself, right down to the style of the funeral!

4. Which situation would you least like to find yourself in?

My heart hurts for Mark; I mean seriously, what could or would you with yourself in that situation? (Although, a question I always do ponder... what would have happened if Peter opened the door?! - movies eh!)

5. Who is your favourite female character?

Natalie. What a girl. So natural and down to earth. She doesn't change to make someone love her. She has some of the best lines in the film and if you think otherwise i'll tell you to SHUT YA FACE.

6. Who is your favourite male character?

If I were basing this on who I would like to find myself in love with - John (is it bad I never knew his cast name until now?!) just simply because it's Martin Freeman. ♡

However, character wise, I love Billy. I feel like the whole story starts and is centralised by him in a way. He is a big inspiration to Sam's drumming part. He's utterly hilarious and also, he is the voice behind the song that makes the movie.

7. What makes you love this film?

As I said, it has everything you'd want from a movie. I love films like that, where they can make you feel a whole range of emotions. There's a story line to fit any scenario of love and therefore is relatable throughout any time of your life.

8. How many times have you watched it?

My biggest regret is not keeping a tally of this (maybe I should start in 2017, for this and Harry Potter) I literally wouldn't have a clue. One year, I honestly watched every day for about a month. I'd also say at least 3-4 times a year without fail. 

9. What part makes you laugh the most?

I have a real nervous laugh when it comes to movies... when something is so endearing, I get a nervous little laugh that begins with a lump in my throat - if I don't laugh, i'll cry. There's so many moments in this film that make me feel like this. One of my favourite scenes is David's trip to find Natalie in Wandsworth (the dodgy end), those kids. LOL.

10. What part makes you cry the most?

So. Many. Tears... Happy and Sad. The most heart wrenching tears of all though is when poor Karen doesn't receive the necklace. That scene is so cleverly acted out. So realistic and true of a mother to hide her own emotion for the sake of her family. The song has the perfect feel to it and particularly as we know that Karen has an emotional connection to Joni Mitchell - just such a tear jerker.

Bonus question: Do you think Hugh Grant would make a good Prime Minister?

Hugh Grant, no. Hugh Grant in his acting role of Prime Minister - ABSOLUTELY. His speech is everything (particularly as he celebrates Harry Potter too) and although it's a reflection of occurrences back in 2003, it still has so much meaning to this day. I'd love to hear our prime minister take control of a situation like that. Plus the fact he falls in love with Natalie - just perfect.

If you've watched this, let me know what you can relate to and if you haven't, I probably don't want to talk to you until you get your bum into gear and watch. I hope you enjoy my take on things! Be sure to check out Gloriously Ungraceful for her answers too. I could have answered so many other questions, there's so many other favourite parts and characters I could or should have mentioned and I kept thinking of lots of other questions as I was answering these. I really do love this movie.

(p.s. Tracy, please can we do one of these for HP?!)

With love (actually), hugs, kisses and special wishesFrom Katy  ♡

Tell me about your Christmas...

You're probably full up from Christmas Dinner, all your presents have been opened and now is the time to just 'veg out' on the sofa and check your Facebook, which is probably why you clicked on this blogpost!

Tracy and myself came up with 25 Christmas related questions, so you could get a feel for what our Christmas' are all about, so sit back, relax and enjoy getting to know more about my favourite subject!

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1. What was you favourite thing about Christmas as a child?

I feel like this was very much all down to the way my parents went about it all, everything was based on family tradition (question five explains more!) and that just made Christmas Eve and Christmas Day feel so special, so it's really hard to pick out one thing. My parents filmed everything from Nativities to the big day, so I don't think they're actual memories but more the fact I've watched those videos on countless occasions and therefore feel as though those 'memories' are etched in my head. I guess Christmas Eve and the excitement of waking up to a sack of presents was pretty up there!

2. What is your favourite Christmas memory?

I really struggled for this question at first, but thinking about it, it doesn't seem hard at all. 

I'll start in November 2008, when I forced my mum to put on an Early Christmas Day, so that we didn't miss out in December, this was specifically so that my best friend and her parents could come to ours, as both families were going to America (separately) over Christmas. We had everything as Christmas Day should be; the tree (albeit fake), the dinner, the presents, the cheesy after dinner games and all fuelled with plenty of Baileys.

It was a day i'll never forget and something that Tori and I still talk about every year - by the way Torz, if you're reading this, please let's repeat this soon, 2018 maybe... ten years later!?! 

And then December came which meant... America! I feel like all I need to say here is... Disney... At Christmas. MAGICAL!

But I will just also mention the fact, my parents and sister got in the Naples, Fl, local paper that year, for being the only people on the beach on Christmas Day in Santa Hats - am I gutted I didn't go on the beach with them... yes! Oh, and I'm still un-sure on steak replacing the traditional turkey but I'd do anything to be there this year, again!

3. What has been your most memorable present?

This is a really tricky one to answer because my birthday follows the next day, so I always tend cross the two over and usually if I've not received the present for Christmas, I will have for my Birthday, which is the only saving grace of a birthday the following day. But one present I remember quite vividly was when I was taken to the end of the garden, to find my very own Wendy House that had been decked out with curtains and miniature chinaware! Definitely something I hadn't expected, although i'd probably dropped a few hints because Sophie Foster had one! So that was a particularly special present.

4. When do you start to feel like Christmas is on its way?

I always start to sing Christmas songs in August/September but I would NEVER decorate until December, shops have ruined that part for me, I feel like it takes away so much of the excitement of December as my favourite month - although I'd never complain about Christmas coffees in November. Also, it doesn't mean I don't start planning gifts before then too. Oh I don't know. I'm mixed up when it comes to Christmas - I don't think it ever truly goes away in the year between. 

5. Do you have any Christmas traditions, either family ones or your own?

So many! Here's how it is, in short(ish):

Christmas Eve: 

Every year, we go for hot chocolate, somewhere cosy. This always used to be in a really sweet little restaurant in Rochester, until it was changed to an Italian, which was a heartbreaking time and obviously now we've moved, we're still on the hunt for the perfect location, but anywhere with a fire, usually does the trick! Not usually a church goer, but I admit that on Christmas Eve, some sort of carol service has always been welcomed, I've not been able to do this for a few years but this year, we're bringing back tradition.

I also HAVE to make Mince Pies on Christmas Eve... what else is Santa going to eat? Talking of which, right after watching Mickey's Christmas Carol (if you haven't seen this, you need to!), I still to this day, put a plate with a brandy, a mince pie, a carrot and some milk down for Saint Nick and his Reindeer. Something I will only stop doing, when I have children of my own and they can take over the role. And another maybe slightly childish tradition, I still make my mum read to me before bed... every year, for as long as I can remember, she reads The Night Before Christmas, to me. I don't ever want this tradition to end.

Christmas Day:

The one day of the year, I will willingly be up and awake before anyone and full of excitement! I still get a sack of goodies from Santa (we never had stockings, always a pillow sized sack and the same sack, since I was tiny!), I drag the sack to my mum and dad's bedroom, sit on their bed and open Santa's gifts. In more recent years, Santa has also put together a little stocking for Mum and Dad (just to re-pay the favour, you know!) No one is allowed downstairs into the lounge until properly dressed for the occasion and then, we make our way into a room where the underneath of the tree is exploding with gifts, the most magical feeling, even to this day. We have some bucks fizz and croissants and then it's time to open the family presents, one by one, in a clockwise order! Dinner is usually around 3 or 4pm and the remainder of gifts comes after that and then we all collapse, suitably full up and watch some naff tele, inclduing Eastenders, before a few games of Charades and a round of Turkey sandwiches. (God, this has got me excited!)

6. What would be the top three songs on your Christmas playlist?

Paul McCartney: Pipes of Peace - no one else really cares for this one but I love the words and the sentiment behind it all. 

Shakin' Stevens: Merry Christmas Everyone - just because it's so jolly and festive! 

The Pogues & Kirsty McColl: Fairy Tale of New York - I mean, why are you even questioning this choice?

7. What is your favourite Christmas film?

Love Actually - so much so that myself and Tracy created a tag all about it - be sure to look out for that on the 27th! 

8. If Christmas were a scent, what would it be?

Gingerbread but the kind of gingerbread that's heavily Cinnamon and Spiced based, not so much the vanilla sort. (I think one day I might turn into a Gingerbread Lady, you know!)

9. Celebrations, Miniature Heroes, Quality Street or Roses?

I'm a really fussy girl when it comes to chocolate but tins at Christmas are the best because they are bitesize and that for me is the perfect size but Roses went and got rid of Bourneville and Heroes went and changed the shape of Dairy Milk, so I guess that leaves Celebrations but I only like two of those too. Quality Street is an absolute no though!

10. When do you put your Christmas tree up?

As a child, my parent were always pretty mean about this and made us wait until we split from School but actually now, it's made me realise that is was always more special to do that, as it meant we were all together as a family. In more recent years though, the first weekend closest to the 1st December means that a tree will more than likely be up. Never before then though, please!

11. Do you favour a real tree or a fake one?

The past few years, living alone, I was forced to have a fake one, for it being the easy option but at my parents, ALWAYS a real tree. (actually, this year we have both, so I had somewhere for my gingeys to go!). Oh and, every year they make a joke that we won't get a real one but it would be Christmas without going to pick one and THAT smell. 

12. What are your feelings on tinsel?

Tack-fest for a house (soz not meant offensively). Great in an office. Although, the smell of it really does contribute to those nostalgic Christmas scents. 

13. Do you prefer clear or coloured lights?

I think coloured lights are perfect, in the right setting but personally I love clear and a preference on that is, they have to be warm and not cool. It just makes it so much more cosy. 

14. What do you put on top of your tree: an angel or a star?

A star (although don't think that angel ornaments don't feature!). As a child, it was always a big deal as to who would be the one to put the star on! Little did my brother or sister know, that, if it were their turn to do it, later on, when they weren't looking, my dad would lift me up to re-do it, so that technically - I put the star on the tree! 

15. What is your favourite Christmas decoration aside from the tree?

I feel like all of my Gingerbread Men account for something but infact, one decoration that truly stands out in my mind is the most tackiest decoration ever created, a door knocker, which, as you press it, exclaims HUMBUG HUMBUG, MERRY CHRISTMAS! This plastic mass of tack has been in our house for as long as I can remember, the mere sound of it brings back so many memories from Christmas' gone by and I just love it.

16. On Christmas Eve do you stay up to hear the sleigh bells or go to bed early so that Christmas comes quicker?

Stay up! As a child, i'd move my sleeping position to wherever was closest to the window and look out for him! 

17. What is your idea of the perfect Christmas Day?

As cliche as it sounds but a day where everyone can just get on and put all differences aside, to follow old traditions and feel incredibly cosy and smiley all day. Oh, and is a bit of snow too much to ask for?!

18. What do you wear on Christmas Day?

After our stocking presents, we weren't allowed downstairs until we made a bit of effort for the day, usually a nice dress or skirt, something sparkly and all topped off with a Santa hat!

19. What's the deal with presents in your house? How, when, from who?

Sacks from Santa, in the morning. Under the tree from Family before dinner, under the tree from Friends after dinner.

20. You've just pulled a Christmas cracker and it's the best you've ever had. What gift do you have and what is the joke?

Firstly, I always swap my hat to correspond with my outfit, because I am an OCD freak (or maybe I just want the better colour hat!) The present I got was actually something useful for once, like, you know, a ticket to America or something... and surely I can't be the only person who secretly loves the jokes you already get... they're all cracking... get it?! Crackers... Cracking... oh suit yourself.

21. What does a typical Christmas dinner mean for you?

I know everyone says this but really, my mum does THE best Christmas dinners. We have the traditional turkey (never dry!), sprouts with chesnuts and bacon bits (and yes, I pick out all the bacon and don't eat any of the rest!), pigs in blankets - (more bacon for me), all the normal veggies and potatoes, yorkshire puddings (because who said they were just for beef!), red cabbage (one of the best parts!) bread sauce, (there's more options but not for me thanks) anddddd all that again in a second helping!

22. What do you do on Boxing Day?

Celebrate the second best day of the year! The day a very special person was born! 

More presents in the morning, turkey sandwiches for lunch, cake, turkey sandwiches for dinner, bed! 

23. When is Christmas 'over' for you?

NEVER! When Christmas Day passes, I start to think about next Christmas! I'm not even joking! My heart breaks with every decoration I have to remove on the 5th!

24. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? No cheating!

Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donna and Blitzen - oh, and Rudolph!

25. Do you believe in Santa?

No question about it! Of course I believe in Santa!

Okay, okay... in all honesty, if my brother hadn't have brutally told me 'he isn't real', I'd probably have preferred to still be in denial about it.

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So, there we have it - 25 Christmas Questions!

Be sure to check out Tracy's answers too on gloriouslyungraceful.blogspot.co.uk and also make sure you leave me a comment if you share or completely differ in your Christmas feelings!

In the meantime, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas! 

Lots of love, hugs, kisses & special wishes

From Katy ♡

1/4 of a century...

With my birthday being only ten days away - TEN! I've decided to come back to my somewhat, recently, neglected blog (sorry about that!) and post a letter to myself in preparation for my 25th year in this strange world, so here goes:

________

Dear Katy,

                So, you made it to 25, a whole quarter of a century(!) and according to the plans you made in primary school, you haven't quite achieved your goal of being married with two children (preferably twins) and you're not exactly in the job of your dreams (not that you were ever sure of what that was) but I think that you've come to learn that not everything goes to plan and that's okay. 

This year hasn't exactly been the kindest to you and I know you're hoping that the next one will be much smoother and happier for you but I want you to remember that sometimes, it's out of your control and that's why I wanted to write this letter to you, so that if things are starting to look as bleak as they have done this year, you can look back on the words you've written to yourself and it can offer you some sort of guidance and act as a reminder that you got through the tough times once before so  you can get through them again.

Relationships

Now of course, this topic covers everything from boys, to friends, to family, to work colleagues but I want you to remember that ultimately the one person you need to concern yourself with the most in any relationship is YOU. 

Sometime it's your right to be selfish and I promise you that's okay. 

Speak up for yourself, don't settle for anything less than you think is right and don't belittle yourself with un-happiness just to suit the other party. 

And of course this doesn't mean you should be horrible with your selfishness but just remember this quote:

'more often than not, tough decisions are tough, not because you don't know what you want but because you know that what you want is going to be hard and has potential to hurt others'. 

Remember that sometimes, in the end, being selfish can actually result in selflessness so... be brave and trust your gut instinct. Your head and heart are usually a good source to go by, so listen to them and go with them.

Work

You've left a job, been un-employed, been rejected and accepted and put it this way... throughout each scenario, you've survived, no matter how tough it may have been at the time. 

Much like with relationships, take each day as it comes, put yourself first, and just enjoy new experiences and take all the learning you can, and if you don't think it's for you, walk away because there's always something new out there and ultimately in any business that's not your own, you are just a number, so don't get too caught up into the unnecessary. The door closes on the business when your shift is up and that's where your mind should too. Every day is different, so take each day as a challenge and remember that there's always a tomorrow.

Please don't get hung up on the fact that you've not found 'the one' and just look at every new step as being one closer to the dream you're so keen to find. 

Oh and remember, money isn't everything - yes, you may have got yourself into debt this year from taking time out of work but I think it taught you that you don't always need what you think you need and luxuries can be put aside from time to time (although don't get me wrong, it's so nice when you can treat yourself!)

Health

Okay, so your health isn't a particularly safe subject because it comes with it's own ups and downs but let's put it this way... you're still alive and all the time you're trying new methods to help, is all the time you're trying to keep this shitty (excuse the pun, if you get it) disease at bay. The doctors are intent on keeping you as much in remission as possible and you can help yourself by working with them and listening to your body. Do what you can and when you can and live your life to the fullest. Always remember that it could be worse, just as much as it could be better but don't let this define you. You're stronger than you think!

_________

So there we go, three main topics that have got you feeling down and really, when you think about it, you've known the positives from them all along but you've just been to blinded to put them first whilst in the situations and so have forgotten to take your own advice. So, as I said, re-read this when you need to and let's hope 25 can bring you all the happiness you've been longing for and deserve.

Oh, and just as a side note...

Remember that time when you let all your nerves go out of the window and you put your brave face on and just went for it and said yes to the things you wouldn't usually? Remember how good that felt?  Live by that. Say yes! Do new things! It's exciting and can show you a whole new you, you didn't know existed. Make 25 the year of chances and challenges and just keep smiling, Katy!

With love, hugs, kisses and special (birthday) wishes from...

Me! ♡

(just a few selfies from this year!)

Zoella's Girl Online - just for teenagers?

Once again i've found myself a very late comer on the bandwagon, much like with Harry Potter, I feel somewhat annoyed at myself for having come across Zoella so many years later than she first took the world by storm but just like with HP, that doesn't mean I can't be as bigger a fan, in fact, I sometimes feel like a loser with just how much I love her, with dreams of having her as my own friend, knowing we'd get on so well if we ever met, the countless ways in which we are similar... the list goes on! 

But even though I love her as much as I do, I have to admit, that even I doubted Zoe as an author; how can a girl who has already achieved so much, possibly provide us with another skill? But once again, Zoella has proved herself - she really is magical; like a Hermione of the muggle world, I'm yet to think of a (spell) thing that our (Hermione) Zoe can't do! 

Now, in answer to the title of this post... is her book series 'Girl Online' just for teenagers? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Admittedly I thought it would be since the writing is a little bit on the larger size (aimed at younger readers) and yes, the story is based on a 15 year old girl and the troubles you might be more prone to come across at that age, but in no way does that mean this book any less retable at 10 years older than the character. In fact, if anything, it was quite reassuring to know that even as a young adult, the struggles we can relate to don't differ too much to those of a teenager. 

With references of Harry Potter, beautiful and delicious descriptions of food and the Christmas in New York based plot, she didn't let me down. But there's also a deeper feel to the story, which is why it's not quite as 'childish' as you'd imagine; the story takes you on a journey of a girl, Penny, who suffers with Anxiety

and given that Zoe has experienced first hand what panic attacks entail, her description of this subject is perfected - not only is it relatable for those who suffer from anxiety, it's also very helpful and matter of fact to those who perhaps don't understand it from a personal perspective. 

Of course, with Penny's love interest, Noah, being depicted as the perfect boy, there are elements of the fairytale story us girls always imagine for ourselves but cleverly Zoe has captured other more truthful subjects such as, bullying from so called 'friends', the panic of what the wear to certain occasions and that feeling of being out of place and awkward when you really wish you weren't. 

Cue second book...

Girl Online On Tour tells the story of a now slightly older Penny, who continues her romance with Noah whilst facing everyday challenges including finding her purpose in life, boyfriend issues and jealous friends and much like the first, detailing life of a person with anxiety. Not only this but the book also covers issues set around sexuality, the way in which the media is corrupt and about being yourself; something relatable to all in the world today.

I like the fact that as the book series grows, so does the character in age. The story line continues to take turns you wouldn't expect and as it's for younger readers, it was a really easy page turner, especially perfect for the long plane journeys and sun bathing i've been enduring. In a way, like with Harry Potter, I like that I've been able to read the books in a continuous stream rather than the anticipation of waiting for the next release and as book three is almost ready to hit the stores, I don't have too much longer to continue Penny's journey... the question is, if there's a book tour, do I embarrass myself like I did with Caspar and go to the book tour surrounded by screaming teens, just because I'd get to meet her or...

Until next time...

Lots of love, hugs, kisses & special wishes 

From Katy ♡