Chim Chim Cheree

Whilst browsing through a local market last weekend I came across a framed vinyl cover of the musical Mary Poppins.  Instantly I had a childhood flashback, not because I used to have the same vinyl album - I'm not that old (!) but because I used to love this film, even though it was made nearly 20 years before I was born!

There was something about it. Maybe it was the cheery songs, the Edwardian costumes and the uncertainty about Mary Poppins.  Who was she? Where did she come from? Together with a sentimental storyline that made me want to watch this film over and over again!

It got me thinking about the other favourite films I used to watch when I was a kid.  I realised quite a few of them were musicals, which is funny considering I thought I hated musicals!  I can remember exactly where I was the first time I watched each film so they must have made an impact.  I also seem to remember my mum not best pleased to discover I'd watched Dirty Dancing! Haha ooops!

So, here are my top favourite childhood movies, which even at the grand old age of 32 I could quite happily curl up on the sofa right now and lip sync the whole way through.

You gotta love Disney, right?

Childhood adventure at it's finest.

I blame both these films for the dodgy dance moves I seem to have acquired!

What were your favourite films as a kid?

What I Always Wanted & Can't Live Without!

What I Always Wanted is a beautiful online gifts and homeware store. It supports home grown talent and independent businesses, something which I wholeheartedly support.  Three cheers for them please.

When I was asked if I'd be interested in writing a blog post about them I didn't need to think twice.  I love nearly everything on their website including their ethos.

All their products are designed and made in the UK, many of which are made from eco-friendly materials or 'upcycled'.  There is even an option to personalise some of the products.

One of the many things I love about this website is how passionate owners, Deborah Bancroft and Ann Ellison are about their products.  They love nothing more than tracking down beautifully designed and crafted British gifts and homeware.  This passion shows in the products they've carefully chosen.  

With Christmas just around the corner, yes I did just mention the 'C' word, why not pop over to What I Always Wanted and see what they have to offer.  Not only will you be supporting some great British Designers but you also have the opportunity to purchase some original and unique homeware.

Tiny Daisies by Wychbury Designs

Gorgeous heart shaped stud earrings covered in vintage fabric.  If you look closely you'll notice even the butterfly is heart shaped!

Little Flowers by The Magpie's Daughter

This dainty orange pinwheel poppy necklace is complemented by a strand of pearls

Appliqued Dog Cushion by Naughty Dog

This appliqued and embroidered Dalmatian cushion uses vintage fabrics and would make a great gift for any dog lover.

Letterpress Print by Print for Love of Wood

For all you Great British Bake Off lovers.  Each letterpress print is lovingly printed on a vintage press

Vintage Camera by Moha London

This fun retro camera illustrated print is printed on heavy poster paper and available in A3

Which is your favourite item.  Do you love handmade or upcycled products?

Blackpool Dungeons

Recently I was offered two tickets to the Blackpool Dungeons.  Now you know I love a day trip and as our 4 year anniversary was approaching me and the mister asked ourselves, what better way to celebrate our love for one another than a trip to a medieval dungeon! So, we  jumped in the car and headed over to Blackpool.

If you haven't been to Blackpool before then prepare yourself, it can be insane!  The summer months are filled with families on holiday visiting the beach, promenade and theme park whilst the weekends are packed out with stag and hen parties. The winter months tend to be a little quieter although the Blackpool Illuminations from August 30th to November 10th have been drawing in the crowds in since 1879 and well worth a visit.

I wasn't sure what to expect from the Blackpool Dungeons.  Their website describes it as a thrill filled journey with 10 live shows, screaming, theatre, jokes, and special effects.

From the moment we got there the Blackpool Dungeons actors kept us entertained as you queued up inside a dark gloomy medieval street set.  As you got to the front of the queue a wench took a photo of you holding an axe to your loved one.  As they're about to lose their head she insists they give a loud scream, much to the amusement of the other people in the queue.  It all adds to the overall effect and gets everyone in the mood for what was about to come.

We rounded the corner and met the rest of the victims we'd be spending the next hour with in the Dungeons. Our 'tour guide' also known as the Lift Jester filled us in on some medieval torture history and gave us a brief idea of what to expect.  You'll learn about the plague, witches, torturers, smugglers, enter a labyrinth and leave your stomach behind after experiencing their gravity drop ride.

I really don't want to give too much more away, as the element of surprise is half the fun.  Overall the Blackpool Dungeons is well worth a visit, even more so now that Halloween is approaching. I screamed, laughed, clung to a strangers arm and got locked in a cage!   What more do you want?  This interactive show is suitable for all ages and perfect for families, friends or couples like us celebrating their 4 year anniversary, which believe it or not we weren't the only ones!

We finished off our day with fish and chips and a walk down the promenade to look at the Illuminations.  The perfect end to our day.

Enjoying myself far too much!

Have you been to the Blackpool Dungeons or anywhere similar?



My Top 6 Winter Boots

It's getting to that time of year where you need to invest in a pair of decent winter boots.  I always struggle to find decent shoes that fit me so I always tend to stick to Topshop and River Island as I know they'll always fit well.  I've had some bad experiences with cheap shoes that lead to a visit to the hospital but that's another story!  Anyway, I've been searching for a low heeled ankle boot for a while now but got a little bit distracted by all the other bootiful (haha sorry) choices out there. Chunky heels, metal trims, gold buckles, oooh we've been spoilt this year.

So, what do you look for in a winter boot? Which ones would you go for?

River Island black lace up bootie,  Topshop ankle booties  River Island black cutout boots,  River Island black ankle bootie,  Topshop high heel bootie  River Island black ankle bootie,