Thursday

I couldn't think of an upbeat title for this post. It's literally been the week from hell. If you'd have told me a week ago that in 7 days time someone I absolutely adore and hold in such high respect would be killed and buried I wouldn't have believed it. Yet here we are, without our Marco. The MotoGP world is in mourning. We have lost the brightest spark on the paddock.


Over 50,000 people showed up in his little Italian village today to show their respect at his funeral. If at the age of 24 you have that amount of people show up (most of whom you don't even know) to remember you and celebrate your life, then you know you touched a lot of people's hearts and must have done something right in life. I don't think I can handle watching any of the footage / interviews. I would prefer to remember him as I always have. Smiling, beaming and larger than life. A lot of the riders have said some lovely things, including Jorge Lorenzo (who Marco famously argued with earlier this season about Marco's ongoing fearless racing) wrote in the memorial book today 'I am sorry we ever argued. I hope you can forgive me.'


I am still really cut up about it. I don't think I've ever felt this sad at the death of someone. I think it will hit home next Sunday at the race in Valencia when there is a familliar white Honda missing from the grid.


When the sun shines we'll shine together. Goodbye, SuperSic. 

So true...

Happier Times

Today has been hard to get through, I must admit. There's been lots of love flying around twitter today. Just wanted to share a picture with you which is now both mine and my Dad's phone wallpapers. Makes me smile every time I look at it.

RIP Marco Simoncelli

After waking up this morning feeling so excited to watch the early morning MotoGP race with my Dad before heading off to the harvest festival, never in a million years did I expect today to turn out as it has. 


Today, October 23rd 2011, we lost one of the greatest riders in motorsport and one of my personal heroes, Marco Simoncelli, who was killed as a result of head, neck and chest injuries merely four minutes into today's race in Sepang, Malaysia. Without going into too much detail, he lost control and colided with Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi, his helmet being ripped off in the process and left lying motionless in the middle of the track.


I watched it happen and just screamed at the TV. There were no words. The race was red flagged as he was strapped to a stretcher and cancelled minutes later once the severity of the crash was soon realised. Other riders saw the footage and were interviewed. Current champion Casey Stoner told interviewers 'When the helmet comes off, you know it's not good. I saw the footage and felt sick to my stomach. We are all praying for him.'


Simoncelli or 'SuperSic' to his fans was pronounced dead at 16.56pm as a result of his injuries. I have not felt this upset in a very long time, or ever for that matter. As soon as I read the news I felt an immense sense of loss and have found today very hard to get through. I sat in silence with my Dad for about an hour and we just had a cup of tea and cried. I'm lucky that I have a group of friends on Twitter (or my MotoGP family as we call ourselves) who were feeling the exact same sadness as me. We have talked all day and sent the riders messages of love and support.


When I interned earlier this year at Viva Magazine in Manchester we did an interview with Marco and he truly was a wonderful, charming soul. I never met him personally but he had a big impact on me and was the reason I got excited every Sunday morning to see what he would bring to the race that week. Often targeted for his aggressive racing style, Simoncelli was a breath of fresh air in MotoGP and a world champion in the making.


24 is too young to die. If today has taught me anything its that life is precious and you never know when it will be snatched from you. So live your lives to the fullest, seize every opportunity given to you and live without hate or anger. Life is too short to be mad at people or to feel resentment. Just live, laugh, love.


Goodbye Marco, I will miss you more than you will ever know.

My two favourite riders enjoying happier times

Ahhhhhhh!

I'm so freaking excited followers! I'm going to see Katy Perry again next Wednesday! I saw her earlier this year and she was AMAZING. My sister and her boyfriend got tickets last week but both me and Cal's sister Mel wanted to tag along so she got us both tickets. It's going to be A-MA-ZING! It was such an amazing show in March, and I've heard she's made it bigger and better since then. I can't wait to see what surprises she has in store this time! Pictures to come next week :)

TGIF!

Well, it's that time of week again...FRIDAY! Lots to be cracking on with at work today followed by a busy weekend. I'm off Sunday though so will be spending that relaxing and going to a harvest festival. Yay! I love Autumn! Every time I hear the words 'harvest festival' it reminds me of being in primary school and singing 'cauliflowers fluffy and cabbages green.' Check out this Autumn scene, isn't it amazing?


Happy Friday! 

Winter treat for my feet!

Hey followers! I've had a fabbity fab day off, mainly because I got to wear my new leggings (yay) and I went to the cinema with my Dad & Sister for some nice family time. We went to poundland to stock up on snacks - I'm so full now... eeek! Anyway, the other day (after having my eye on them for over a year) I decided to treat myself to these gorgeous boots by Joules. I've wanted a pair for ages but financial situations over the last year or so haven't really allowed me to splash out on anything really nice for myself but as I've got a great job now, I thought 'Why not?' Anyway, they are AMAZING. I've not worn them outside yet but they're just so warm and comfy (good old fleece lining!) and not to mention waterproof so should I need to walk to work this winter, my feet will be well looked after. Plus I can wear them riding when it gets too cold for my riding boots. Hooray! A bit pricey at £54.95 but worth every penny! After wearing them around the house a bit and reading all the great reviews online, I'd definitely recommend them to anyone! You don't have to be horsey to reap the benefits of these amazing boots.

Imaginary boyfriend of the week

I've not done this for a while but I've just come back from seeing the new Three Musketeers film at the cinema and DING DONG! The guy who plays d'Artagnan is FIIIIIT. Here's a picture of his beautiful face. Enjoy!

One of my favourite quotes...

'To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.'


- William Shakespeare

So so so so so excited

for winter and Christmas and feeling festive! It's starting to get colder already and I'm so excited! Definitely going to have to make a trip up to Manchester soon and see the Christmas lights and fireworks at the town hall. This is a picture from last year and it was amazing!

Mmmm...

I've been completely off sweet stuff lately (I know, most unlike me!) But I could totally go for a bit of this Eton Mess... I've just watched Nigella make one and it looked soooo good!

Monday, Monday

How quickly the weeks fly by followers! I'm a bit sore today after a bit of an intense riding lesson yesterday (it was still fun though, just a bit more intense than I thought it would be - it was only my second lesson but she had me cantering in circles - argh!) but off to start another week at work in a minute. Lots to get done this week, including a visit from Head Office...eeek! 


Oh also... 10 weeks until Christmas. OH YES!

Another reason to love Taylor Swift...

A beautiful song by a beautiful lady...

Always put your best leg forward...

Positivity is the key

So whilst not particularly enjoying my day off today I decided to stop feeling sad and emit some positivity. I found this article which although I knew was true anyway, it's helped me to gain a different perspective. Though't I'd share it with you...

'Every moment you have a choice – to be at peace or to be in resistance. When you are at peace you attract positive energy and when you resist you create negative vibes that reflect back on your being. It’s a simple choice and yet most people unconsciously choose to live in negativity. It’s not your boss, colleagues, parents, ex or the traffic, but your own perception that creates stress and negative energy. Circumstances are neutral. You will generate positive vibes when your inner state is one of alignment and congruence, instead of being resistive. Here are a few tips to attract positive energy by staying in touch with your inner peace and stillness.

A day is easily ruined when you start holding resentment against someone. Know that everything is oneness and though we appear as different forms, everything is the manifestation of the one true essence. When you see others as yourself you will not harbour negative feelings and in turn your attitude will attract positive energy from the people around you.


Life is a flux and its nature is change. The more you resist the more you will suffer. Whenever you try to control a life situation, you will feel stressed out and this will generate a lot of negative energy. Just imagine life to be a raging river, does it serve any purpose to struggle? Wouldn’t it be much more relaxing and peaceful if you just let go and allow yourself to float with the flow? People who stay surrendered and relaxed generate a lot of positive energy and attract the grace of life.


Worry has not served any purpose to this date for anyone. Whatever has to happen will happen, there is nothing you will achieve by worrying about it. In fact what you worry about will not even happen most of the times. So why waste energy dwelling on worries? You are unconsciously creating a lot of negative energy inside you which is harmful to your whole being. Just plan practically and leave the rest to life.


The past is past, it has no reality than as a memory trace. Can you live in such simplicity? After all if you don’t continuously think up a bad memory you will not feel any resentment within. So just learn to forgive and move on. There is a lot positive energy in the simple act of forgiveness.


If you want to attract positive energy just look at the nature for a while. A tree or a flower, it just rests in stillness and moves with the wind. There is a peace that radiates from their being. This peace will ignite your own inner true nature of stillness.'

Fascinating!

20 Days To Go!

Have you been on http://www.countdowntoredcups.com yet? 

Happy Thursday!

This video made me absolutely die. If anything, this is one more reason why I should get a pug.

Sleepy Weepy!

Phew, today has been tiring! Worked all day and trained my very first member of staff and she actually absorbed everything I told her. This must mean my management skills are pretty good, no? I've been super exhausted this week after having not a lot of sleep the last couple of nights but I'm looking forward to some drinks with Abi tomorrow and I can stay out and play because I have Friday off! Yay! Then work all day Saturday followed by my next riding lesson Sunday and a bit of shopping. Lots of lovely things keeping me busy. Now I'm off to watch Gavin & Stacey with a Baileys. I deserve it :)

Trousers, trousers, everywhere!

Check out my new trousers and leggings. Beaut! Bottle green is definitely going to be a wardrobe staple this autumn, especially with a little blouse tucked in and teamed with chelsea boots. My trousers are from River Island (they sell them in Topshop but they're £10 more expensive) and my leather panel leggings (which I've been searching for for a year!) are obviously from Topshop.

My Bestie's in the North Westie

Had a bit of a rubbish couple of days and I'd just like to thank two of my favourite people for cheering me up and spending many hours on the phone to me. Love you Karla and Fay!

Beautiful!

Monday Unfunday!

Boooo it's Monday. Which means no day off or lie in until Friday :( I had a great weekend (apart from feeling like I was going to die of alcohol poisoning all day yesterday and having barely any sleep after doing a 10 hour day on Saturday.) But Dr Williams made me feel better with Ribena and pasta. I'm back in Hereford now and looking forward to the next couple of weeks as I've got some nice things planned with my sister as well as SAVING FOR NYC! Yay!

Strictly Come Dancing

My favourites to win this year. (Obviously.)

Tuesday Schmoozeday

Well after another day just flying by at work, I'm tucked up in bed (yes, at half past nine!) All these ten hour days are knackering me out but I guess it's what being management is all about! I'm still ill with a disgusting cough - eugh, but I got to wear my new treats today which cheered me up immensely! After deciding to try the Nars foundation back in May, I've decided their whole range (although more expensive than what I would usually care to spend) is definitely better for my skin type. As you know I've struggled for months trying to find a foundation which will blend into my super pale skin without making that horrible orange line you see many girls sporting nowadays, the Nars Sheer Matte foundation (£29.50) is an exact match to my skin colour - they even do a paler one than that which I didn't think would be humanly possible! So as it was payday last week I decided to treat myself to another bottle of the foundation (because mine ran out on my birthday) as well as the powder foundation (£31) and a new blusher called 'Sex Appeal' (£21.) My blush had also run out that week so I decided to treat myself as my Mum has a Nars blush and it's amazing (although hers is a little too dark for my skin tone, so I opted for the pale pink one.) And I must say, it's lasted all day and blends really well! No hideous orange lines for me! So even though I felt rubbish and tired at work, at least you couldn't see because my lovely new make up made me look flawless, haha!

I did it!

Well it only took me 13 months but I finally got back on! After much internet research and a  few phone calls with the owners I have found a perfect riding school with lots of lovely, suitable, gentle horses to ease me back into riding and getting my confidence back. This is the lovely Penny, I was a bit nervous at first because she is HUGE and it was a long way down from where I was sitting, but she was very slow and placid (just what I needed.) Its always better to have a slow horse you can push on than a fast horse you can't slow down (I've learnt that the hard way, ha!) However now I've been assessed and got a bit of my confidence back, I've been assigned 'Mally' as my next horse in 2 weeks time. I can't wait!

Let Them Eat Birthday Cake!

Well it's been a funny old week! My birthday on Thursday was lovely despite having to work all day, I had a great day off yesterday starting with birthday cake for breakfast and a leisurely afternoon reading my book in Starbucks for an hour then when my sister finished work we had a little look round town and I bought a new purse from Topshop and a new top to wear to Alan Carr in Birmingham tomorrow! Unfortunately now I'm really ill with a rubbish cough but I managed 5 hours at work today before being sent home. Im feeling lots better tonight though after taking loads of cough medicine. I've got my first riding lesson tomorrow since my accident. Eeeek! My Dad's coming with me for moral support and he's going to take a few photos as proof so I'll blog them tomorrow. Anyway, here's a picture of my puppy cupcakes, or 'pupcakes' as I like to call them! :)