Saving for Tokyo and a Potential Move

There is nothing worse when all your plans are coming along, and life chucks an unexpected curve ball right at you. If you’ve been keeping up with my blog over the last few months you will know I’m off to Tokyo in November and that has been the plan since October 2016.

Back in November last year I got the dreaded text I never thought I would get from my landlord telling me he’s decided to sell the flat and at the point my brain went in to over drive. Luckily, we hadn’t committed fully to Tokyo at that point and nothing had been booked or paid for.

Me being me that was it Tokyo was cancelled, and we were going to have to save over £2,000 to move flats very quickly or borrow money from our parents which I am so grateful for the offer. But after speaking with the Estate agent who came over to value the flat explained how we didn’t need to rush to move as the flat could potentially be brought by an investor and we could stay, even if the flat was sold and we did have to move we’d have two months’ notice.

All I can say is looking back now I’m so glad we didn’t rush to move as the flat is still for sale and hasn’t really had much interest since going on the market in January. Obviously, I would rather know what’s going on and if we must move but I guess no news is better as now we can keep going on as we are until something happens.

Now Tokyo, I was determined we couldn’t afford to go and that it was going to be cancelled even though my partner Joel said on so many occasions we could afford it regardless if we had to move and after a few days of feeling sorry for myself and upset about the trip I looked in to my money and with a few cut backs it was do able. The difference with me and Joel is he’s very calm and rational where as with me if something goes wrong then I go in to over drive.

As I write this post believe it or not I’ve paid off my half of the holiday which was just over £900 for flights and hotel which we booked in January. So already in two months I’ve managed to do something I thought wasn’t possible this was with the help of a little bonus from work but mostly down to making some cuts and saving more than what I usual would.

Although this is one hurdle out of the way I’ve still got to save at least £1,430 for spending money and excursions for Tokyo and as much money as I can in case we have to move depending on what comes first but it really is doable, so I thought I’d share my tips with you all on how I’m managing to save money.

Cheap Cinema Tickets/Snacks:

Me and Joel love going to the cinema and now with the cost of tickets being up to £12 per person for new releases its just beyond a joke trying to go but with the joys of Compare the Meerkat and they’re cheap Tuesday and Wednesday tickets is great help. Although now through work we now can get cheap cinema tickets meaning we can go any time and just need to buy the tickets and use the codes online.

Set Menus and Offers:

Making the most of set menu’s that any restaurant offers can make such a big change to how much you pay when going for a meal as there is usually something on there you will like or making the most of any special offers and going somewhere that has one for the time you are going.

Not Buying Birthday Presents:

This is the first time in years I’ve said to my friends I’m really sorry, but I won’t be buying presents this year. A few years ago, once I moved out I did make the decision to stop Christmas presents because with my finances changing I couldn’t afford to spend £20 to £30 on everyone but Birthdays to me are different as they’re special days and I love treating my friends but this year I won’t be because I really need the extra cash and they were all so understanding about my situation.

Budgeting:

I’ve always budgeted ever since I moved out from home in to my own place nearly four years ago, so this is nothing new for me but something I’ve always found helpful.

Just before pay day each month I make a list of all by bills that are due and any extras that need paying for that month whether it’s a hair, dentist appointment or a birthday then I total them all up and take that amount away from my monthly pay. I’m then left with the amount of money I must live on for the month which I split between equal weeks until I get paid again which leaves me with my weekly allowance. This may not work for everyone, but I’ve found it useful keeping things on track

Not Making Plans that Cost Money:

There are so many things going on this year that I would love to do or people I’d love to go and see in concert, but I’ve had to say to myself that this isn’t the year for these events. I do have a couple of things in the pipeline, but these were booked last year so are still happening of course, but any new offers are being declined or put on hold until we know for certain what’s happening.

If there is one thing I’ve learnt from all of this is that I need to learn to look at things more rationally and not rush to the worse conclusion because it has all worked out for now we’re still of to Tokyo and what ever happens next, we will deal with as a team and get through but making slight changes has really helped me with my money and saving!

Day Trip to London

Just before Christmas me and my best friend Kirsty met up for a pre Christmas meet up and planned our day trip to London. She offered to drive which was amazing as she knew a car park in which you could park for £2 all day and then just hop on the underground station in to the centre of London.

We went on the 27th January as we both wanted to go after payday with the long drag after the December pay which made total sense so we both actually had money. We were originally just going to take our cameras to have a play with but after chatting about previous trips we decided to take a sneaky trip to Madame Tussuads as we hadn't been there since 2012 plus I could get us some cheap tickets for £24 rather than £40 which saved a lot of money.

As Kirsty was driving and we wanted to make the most of the day we set of at 06:30am for the long drive to London. We actually arrived in London at 09:30 and made our way to Baker Street so I could take a few photos being a Sherlock fan but due to the museum being open that day I couldn't get a photo of myself knocking on the door but I did still get a photo outside.

With our ticket being set for 11:15 and making good time we decided to go for a walk around Regents Park which I had never been to before, it was absolutely beautiful and full of a variety of birds and ducks even though we were screaming if they came to close haha. After messing about near the fountains with our cameras we decided to take a walk back to Madame Tussuads so we could get in line to go inside.

It was so busy for a Saturday which we didn't let ruin our day and to be honest we actually managed to get around the whole place in just over an hour because there were a few sections we weren't massively bothered about. The only section I wasn't to pleased about but I was most excited for was the Star Wars area as it was so poorly managed and people were just so rude pushing and shoving and jumping in on peoples photos and spaces.

After this we grabbed a sandwich for lunch and had a well deserved sit down before wondering down the Southbank and across to the Shrek Shop. Its a shame that Big Ben is going to be covered up for so long and she is beautiful in all her glory. We took a very long stroll around the area and by the ITV building before we realised we were walking the wrong way to the underground ... whoops. By now it had started to rain which was a shame.

Kirsty had told me about this amazing Coffee shop called The Theatre Cafe which I know a lot of people who love musicals and shows rave about so please don't hate me when I admit I wasn't all that impressed. The staff messed up our order meaning I didn't actually get a drink as it was busy I couldn't be bothered to wait, it was untidy and no clean tables along with the music that should be playing wasn't.

Don't get me wrong though the decor of the place was amazing, all the memorabilia from all the different shows was amazing and maybe if I went on another day not during the weekend then maybe I may have a different opinion of the place.

After hiding from the rain and having a well deserved sit down we took a stroll around China Town but I didn't take any photos as at this point it was still raining. We then ventured to a few shops and of course the Disney Store before grabbing some food.

We actually went to somewhere my dad had gone the previous weekend called Angus Steak House as there happened to be a branch down Oxford Street which was handy as neither of us felt much like walking. The restaurant it's self was lovely it was just shame about the service and funny how a meal that is exactly the same can be so different.

We both went for the same ribs but with different sides and when the ribs came out mine were perfect so juicy and the meat fell right of the bone but for Kirsty's they were dry, rock hard and had barely any meat on them. The waiter was so rude about the situation blaming her cutting when it was clearly the ribs luckily the serving boy defused the situation and went and got her some more which were perfect the next time. Just a shame the waiter then went and moaned to his manager in ear shot, I won't be visiting this branch again but maybe ill try the other branch next as the ribs were incredible.

By this point the day was talking its toll a little bit on us both, knackered from the long drive and day we decided to call it a day and head home around 8pm. We managed to get back in to Bristol for 10:30pm. I had such an amazing day out and I can't wait for more of our adventures.

Top Movies of 2017

A little bit later than usual but not forgotten that's for sure as this is one of my favourite posts to write each year. Choosing this years movies was actually very difficult with so many amazing ones gracing our screen, hence why my usual ten has turned in to eleven for this year.

One thing I am going to say is that so many of these movies this year had such incredible soundtracks that I haven't stopped listening to since seeing the movie. In no particular order here we go ...

La La Land
Now I'm not a massive lover of musicals I will tell you that now and which might shock some people I cannot stand Mamma Mia or Hair Spray but there are some I absolutely love and La La Land was one of them. I have to admit I didn't know it was actually a musical I had just seen how many awards it was up for and all the good reviews and decided to go and luckily I loved it otherwise it could have been a long few hours.

From the moment the first song started I just knew it was a film I was going to love. The on screen chemistry from Emma and Ryan was perfect making the movie enjoyable along with the story, settings and soundtrack making me fall in love.

The Greatest Showman
The moment I saw the trailer for this movie I had to go and see it without a doubt the trailer its self looked incredible alone and another movie that from the moment it began I fell in love and instantly knew I needed to see it again.

The casting was spot on throughout and especially with Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron both two beautiful men. The soundtrack to this movie is another incredible one which I haven't stopped listening to since I saw it in the cinema. The movie was so upbeat and incredible done.

Girls Trip
I didn't actually see Girls Trip in the cinema as I had no one to go with and I wasn't sure if it was going to be a lot like bridesmaids but a friend of mine lent me the DVD over Christmas and I have to admit I haven't laughed that much in agessss and I mean proper tears running down my face laughter.

What a brilliant movie with hilarious stupid moments which I could totally see happening on many girls trip and I look forward to seeing it again.

Baby Driver
Another movie with another incredible soundtrack and anyone who has seen this movie will totally agree that the music just fits in so well with each scene. Such an amazing cast as well for the film with the main character called Baby being played by Ansel Elgort who is one of my favourites along with Lily James another actress I adore. The movie is about Baby who is a get away drive who relies on the sound of music to be the best around and that he is!

Beauty and The Beast - Live Action
Ever since the announcement of this movie I had been so excited for it to be released especially when then they went and announced the cast and shown a preview trailer. Even though some people weren't happy with Emma Watson playing Belle I couldn't have been more happier with being a Harry Potter lover as well as Dan Stevens playing the beast.

I actually went to see this movie 3 times in the cinema thats how much I loved the movie, everything about it was perfect the attention to detail and also another amazing soundtrack. My favourite song from the original movie was Be Our Guest and it was done so well I loved it.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle 
First thing I'm going to say is why did they have to kill his pug :( yes I know his girlfriend then goes and gets him the most adorable new little pug but come on whyyyyyy! Anyways now we are past that extremely sad moment the rest of the movie was amazing, I loved that there is another spy organisation in the United States which Channing Tatum was part of and especially how the movie ended meaning there must be a 3rd one coming at some point.

The Lego Batman Movie

With The Lego movie being such a huge success, when this was announced I just knew it was going to be an amazing movie. Yes its meant to be for kids but this movie has so many adult references and funny scenes that makes it great for all ages.

Hidden Figures
I knew from the trailer I had to see this movie with there being such a great cast chosen to re tell this incredible story of the 3 ladies that helped with the space launch.

Guardians of The Galaxy: Vol 2
As soon as the first movie finished at the cinema I just wanted there to be a second film so bad and when he flipped over that tap and it said Vol 2 on the other side we just knew it was coming. It was worth the wait for such an amazing movie and cast which has you laughing throughout even though there are some sad scenes its an incredible movie with another amazing soundtrack!

Spiderman: Homecoming

How many Spiderman movies do we need? Lots apparently but this one is by far the best one yet, I love that we got to meet our new Spiderman during the most recent Captain America movie and since that point on I was very excited for this movie as Tom Holland was such a good choice.

There is something about this movie that just feels different to the rest of them. Its fresh, funny and not like the usual movies that were released before this one. I can't wait for more.

Paddington 2

Who doesn't love Paddington? The first movie was so good and such a cute movie that when they announced the second I was so excited. These movies are just such good feel films and are perfect for any age young or old. I do have to admit I did shed a tear during this movie as it got a little sad in some places and plus he's just so cute. 

There are still so many movies that I loved in 2017 and that didn't make it in to my Top 10 list but this year these are some of my favourites, What movies have you seen this year that you really enjoyed?

I actually think 2018 is going to be my hardest post for movies with Disney having an incredible line up this year so we will have to see with Coco already making it on to the list and the year hasn't even  really began yet.

Disneyland Paris 12th February 2017: What I'm Wearing

I cannot believe that finally on Saturday me and my best friend Jem will be setting of for Disneyland Paris for the weekend!

We don't actually visit the parks until the Sunday as we opted out of buying tickets for the Saturday afternoon and decided that we would rather go and spend the afternoon in Paris as I have never been and Jemma knows her way about very well.

I thought I would do another what I am wearing post which is similar to my previous one for my September trip last year which you can read here. Bearing that in mind you will see similarities with my outfit choices here due to the time of the year and weather plus comfort as I won't have time to change clothes before getting on the coach to go home.

As you will see my trusty Alice backpack, purse and Vans have made a reappearance for this trip especially the Alice Vans as they are the most comfortable shoes I have walked around Disney in. If I am honest I am going with the same style as my September outfit apart from this time there is a change in ears, top, jumper and socks due to ultimate comfort here.

I am still going to be wearing leggings this time like I did in September because they are comfy and as I mentioned above I won't have time to really change again before we leave. With my leggings I have gone for my amazing Chip N Dale tee and a super cute Mickey and Minnie jumper which has a slight fleecy inside which will keep me extra warm.

Sooo I know I already have 3 pairs of custom ears but there is just something about taking new ones on every trip which is naughty I know but after being recommend these by Sabrina who made all my other ears I thought I would give them ago.

How cute is this print? Like it is the perfect material and has so many cute different doodles from the Disney Parks on it. The ears themselves are really good quality and so comfortable. When she had a shop open there were a few more that I wanted to purchase so maybe I will see if she can still make them for my next trip.

So this is what I shall be wearing for my trip to the parks on the weekend! I have decided that I wouldn't do a whats in my bag post this time around as it will be exactly the same as my last trip apart from the fact I have new amazing Instax film ;)

I can't wait to share my trip with you next week but if you want to keep up to date with my adventure then please follow me on my Instagram - @Forever_Dreaming_Of_Disneyland 

Happy New Year 2017: My Resolutions

Happy New Year EVERYONE!

Wow here we are already in 2017 and I just cannot believe how quick 2016 has zoomed by and it has been an amazing year with a few ups and downs but overall its been a good year. With it being the new year I thought I would start my first post of the year telling you what my goals are which I hope to achieve after failing massively at 2016 haha.

So here they are;

1. Fit back in to my size 10 clothes

I have to say this is probably one that I mentioned last year haha but I failed at it and it just got to the point in the last month when clothes shopping I realised how unhappy I was with the weight gain and that its time to do something about it.

2. Get back in to my gym routine

I have been going to the gym for the last 4 and half years at least 4 to 5 times a week and in October I just hit this brick wall where I wasn't bothered anymore and wasn't enjoying myself. It hit December and I just stopped going and decided that I wanted a break which I really appreciated because I went a few times at the end of December and I really enjoyed it! Now to get back in to the 5:20am alarm call (groans).

3. Read at least one book a month

I have a habit of buying books by my favourite authors and then not reading them or taking months to finish them. So my aim is to read one book a month and then to do a blog post about it. So you can expect to see my first book blog post at the end of January hopefully ha.

4. Post another 100 posts on my blog through 2017

When I starting writing this I noticed that during 2016 I managed to post 100 times which is amazing considering the lack of posts through 2015 and 2014. I want to keep this up through the next year.

5. Drink more water and cut out fizzy drinks and unhealthy foods

I think it says it all really hehe. I drink far to many fizzy drinks and not enough water along with all the unhealthy food and food portions I have it's time to cut back and change my habits.

What are your resolutions or goals?

Berlin - November 2014 - Part Three - Computerspiele Museum

With mine and Joel's passion for games when we stumbled across an advert for this Computer Museum it was a must do and with it being Joel's birthday it was the perfect treat.

The Museum of Computer Games is full of nostalgia as soon as you walk through front door, you are greeted with childhood memories from the past and present which is why it makes it a great museum for anybody to visit.

The Museum is the first one to open in Europe and has a wide variety of classic games and consoles dating back from 1975 all the way up to the 21st Century and a lot of them in good working order with over 300 objects in the whole exhibition.

One of my favourite things I loved about the museum was the wall of historic development highlighting 50 famous games dating back in 1975 and it included ones like "The Sims" from back in 2000 which you all know made me super excited that it got a mention along with PacMan, Grand Theft Auto and Super Mario. There were a lot of games I didn't really recognise as they were a bit before my time but it was great to read about them,

As we got further around the exhibition I spied one of my all time childhood classics ... THE DANCE MAT! and it was even working and had my favourite disc playing so of course I had to have a go and it was amazing brought back so many memories and as it was quiet the day we went I didn't mind having a play.

Another section of the museum was set up like children's bedrooms or living rooms from past decades each containing a different working console along with loads of different games, posters and books from that decade and it was brilliant. To look at some of the super old computers and consoles that my parents would have played on was amazing.

To my delight when I was walking around the museum I spotted my passion in life Disney! The main man himself Walt Disney got his own special mention on the wall, it was so long ago that we went that I can't quite remember what section he was in but Disney was there!

I have to say if you are ever in Berlin and love video games or just fancy something different to do then I really recommend it. Not one wall or space in the museum was bare there was always something to look at, read or interact with. The cost to get in wasn't even that much only €8 per person and considering what was there it was worth every euro and they even had a shop at the end which was great.

Berlin - November 2014 - Part Two - Fassbender and Rausch

What is Fassbender and Rausch you say? Well Fassbender and Rausch is any chocolate lovers dream and is somewhere that cannot be missed on your visit to Berlin.

The family run business has been in operation since 1918 and they opened they're chocolate house and restaurant in Berlin in 1999 which has become a very popular destination ever since. The business is currently in its 5th generation being run by father and son.

Being a massive lover of chocolate when I saw this come up on google prior to our trip I just knew it was somewhere we had to go after looking at the variety of the chocolates and goodies on offer as well as the menu from the cafe upstairs.

Upon arrival you are greeted with the beautiful exterior of a very traditional building with huge bay windows decked in all the most wonderful creations and chocolate sculptures you could imagine. As soon as you enter the store the smell of chocolate hits you right away and it was incredible.

We headed straight upstairs to the chocolate cafe for some cake and hot chocolate and it was the best thing I have ever tasted and even 2 years on its still been the best hot chocolate I have had. We both decided to go for the Orange Hot Chocolate along with two tartlets. He choose the White Chocolate and Raspberry and I went for Orange which we both decided to share.

The whole presentation in the cafe was beautiful from the view out of the window to the staffs uniforms. The food we could see being delivered to other's tables looked incredible but me and partner are cake lovers so stuck with the dessert which was just incredible.

After we had finished we actually ended up spending a good half an hour deciding what we were going to buy for family and ourselves mostly ;) there was so much choice it was extremely hard to choose. I can't quite remember what we brought with it being 2 years ago but I know they're was truffles and boxes of chocolates involved.

I really recommend coming here if you do love chocolate, even if you don't make it to the chocolate cafe just the sights and smells of the chocolate shop downstairs is amazing and I would love to go back. Maybe I might have to make a purchase online.