Boy oh boy, it’s been 7 years since my last visit to Disneyland, but with 4 visits to Disneyland Paris under my belt, along with a trip to Disney World Florida back when I was 15 – I can safely say that that place is where I recall some of my happiest memories. Now I’m not going to go all ”sobby sobby” on you, but it genuinely is a place that I felt like I was 100% safe, locked away from the outside world. No pain, no tears and no bullying. It is literally my happy place, hence why I want to do this tag.
Nine times out of ten, loss is involuntary. It’s not something you wish to go through but at some point you are going to be put the motions. I mean, you don’t lose your phone or money on purpose now do you?
Yesterday we said goodbye to my Grandad Alf. He wasn’t my Grandad by blood but with my Dad taking me on as his own when I was only 3 I also got a brand spanking new family complete with Nana, Grandad, Aunties, Uncles & Cousins too. I was very lucky that I’d been given another chance to have another family support unit, one that was filled with love.
My fondest memories are of Nana & Grandad taking us to the local pantomime at the Working Men’s Club up the road. It was a family occasion, one where all the grandchildren would get together and laugh, play and join in. Oh, and vie for our Grandparents attention as well. There were quite a lot of us and nothing made them prouder than our achievements & being able to share each one with them too. I’m so glad that Grandad could be with us on our wedding day, despite him pushing through the pain & soldiering on. His service was a Humanist Ceremony, he wasn’t one for believing God. But I do hope that he is somewhere looking down on us & guiding us through the rough and the smooth parts of all ours lives.
It’s always difficult to say goodbye to someone & I very rarely have had to do it but it breaks your heart each time you are put through those circumstances. For me seeing my Dad carry his Father’s coffin was what brought me my next set of tears. It pained me to see him be so brave despite the perpetual pain he was & still is feeling. He kept it together for everyone & I wish that one day I can be as brave and courageous as he is. I couldn’t help but fling my arms round him & will continue to do that every time I see him till we are both grey & old. He has been my Dad through thick & thin, yes we’ve had our ups & downs, but what family doesn’t? I always stand by the quote ”Any man can make a baby, but it makes a real man to BE a father.” My Dad should be very proud of that.
What I really want to say is seize the day, live life to the fullest & make sure that you live a life you are proud of. Do it for you. You owe yourself a wondrous life. Know right from wrong & love those dearly that you hold closest to your heart. And with every solitary tear you my weep for those that are no longer with us, remember them fondly and smile.
This was going to be the year my sister & I spoilt our Mum spoilt rotten for her birthday. It passed with the blink of any eye last year with my granddad being in hospital so it was time to celebrate, albeit a year late (& another year older!) So off we pottered in to York on a brisk, January day. We laughed and giggled and pondered wondering how long it would take for us to get in to Betty’s. For those who don’t know this delicate, Yorkshire privilege is that there is normally a trail of winding around the tall, grand windows of Betty’s as far as the eye can see to eat a Fat Rascal or macaroon. But boy, is it worth it! We only queued for 15 minutes or so & once we got inside we were met with warmth and the decadent smell of coffee beans and all things sweet.
We were taken downstairs to another room & immediately my sister & I piped ”I feel like I’m on the Titanic” & it really did feel like we had time travelled back to 1912. The wood panelling and the boozy, dim lights made it feel more intimate than the large room upstairs with tourists staring at you. Of course, upon handed the menu’s we all opted for the afternoon tea. I, of course, went for a glass of champagne (as one does!) And what a feat we had. The delicate little sandwiches were just divine, I could have eaten a mountain of the smoked salmon sandwiches & I think my sister would have joined me in that too. A scone with jam & clotted cream was next on the agenda. By this time I was nearly bursting at the seams but it was my mission to tackle the ”third course” of a selection from the patisserie stand. A fruit tart, a decadent chocolate cake & an almond macaroon, all of which were yummy in their own special way. We sipped team laughed & giggled some more. I felt so happy in that moment spending time with the dearest woman in my life, Mum, Nana & Jessica. We vowed we needed to do this more often!
No visit to Betty’s is complete without having a little wander round the shop upstairs. I was desperate for some chocolate macaroons which were so amazing, they just melt in your mouth. I also, picked up a cute little chocolate heart to take back for Mr C, yes, it may sound cute but of course I made him share it.
Did you have a lovely weekend too? Have you been to Bettys, if so what was your favourite sweet treat?
I was lucky enough to be invited to a VIP Launch evening at a local attraction, Stockeld Park. It is right on our doorstep and for some reason I have just never thought about going as I have heard that the entrance fee’s are quite high, so we have always steered clear. I’m so glad they invited me along because I realised that it was worth every single penny that warranted the £12 ticket.
Blue Fluffy Jumper, Miss Selfridge (eBay) || Skirt, H&M (eBay) || Shoes, Birkenstocks || Leather Bag, Gloves (Italy)
I was really excited because I got to bring along a guest so I decided to bring along my little sister so we could act like big kids of course. I’m sure you can see from above just how much she enjoyed it.
We made our way round Enchanted Forest first of all which took a good 45 minutes to walk round. At each corner as you can see from the photographic evidence, there was something exciting lurking and awaiting our arrival. From musical tree’s to a belching Ogre, not only was everything visual it was a delight for all the senses too!
The best way to describe it would be that it was a slightly lesser version of Forbidden Corner. I was surprised to find ourselves keeping busy for the 2 and a half hours we were there and we didn’t even take part in all the activities!
We made our way round the Maze which was a rather bad idea. Navigation is not my strongest point. However, we came across some fun little treasures and also a Tardis (or two!) which made my sister VERY happy as a Dr. Who fan.
When we eventually managed to work our way out of the Maze (I promise it wasn’t because I took a photo of the map to help get us out. Brownies honour!) I was desperate for an ice cream so we headed over to the Ice Cream Parlour before we headed home. On site you will find a cafe, picnic area and toilets for all your amenity needs.
Alongside the Enchanted Forest (which, you can motorised scooter around also!) and the maze, there are also go karts, various play parks in and around the Enchanted Forest and also a Skating Rink! You will be spoilt for choice.
Tickets cost £12 per person or you can purchase a family tickets for £42!
If you are thinking of heading to Stockeld Park, click here!
2013 you have most definitely been an interesting one. I’ve seen quite a lot of things this year, some beautiful & some not so kind. I can certainly say (as cliché as it may sound) one helluva rollercoaster.
January is always a tough one for me, I work every hour god sends and work full weekends to keep on top of the travelling wanderlusters. It is always our busiest time of the year for holiday bookings and this year was no exception. January feels a lifetime ago now that this year is nearly over & done with. Nothing exciting ever happens except for our annual meal out for my Mama’s birthday which was always a lovely affair. This year was no exception & we enjoyed a meal at our favourite pub www.thefoxandhoundswalton.com where the food is always delicious. If you are in the area I highly recommend it, so much so, we have asked them to do the catering for our impending wedding day! We also booked our wedding day with the Church & we couldn’t have been happier that everything was set in stone for what will be our most magical day.
February is again, a very slow month for us. I still end up working weekends. Whilst February is the month of love, James & I are never ones for celebrating Valentines Day (We are Vday Scrooges!) we actually went all out & I created a steak dinner with a baked cake delight for pudding. He did the obligatory flowers & prosecco which certainly did not disappoint.
March I lived for my week off in March. End. March sadly saw my Grandads first illness and was in hospital for a week or so. I’d never seen my Grandad ill so it was really hard to take it in, luckily he was home but there was a huge difference in him. I only hoped that he would get back to himself very soon. (more…)
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