London Bucket List

Of all the cities I have ever visited London is still by far my favourite.  There is just so much crammed into the city that it is so easy to miss, hidden little gems tucked around street corners or out of sight high up on the roof tops.  I also feel that as it is somewhere so close to home it is easy to over look some of the more touristy ventures in London.  I know I have done a lot of things but with things changing all the time and others being over looked there is always so much more that I want to experience which is why I thought I'd create a little London bucket list to go with my 40 before 40 list.

The chances are I will be adding to it over the next 10 years, no doubt longer but for now the main things I'd like to check off my list in the city are:

1. Walk along the glass floor of Tower Bridge.

2. Have a drink at the Ice Bar.

3. Venture behind the clock face of Big Ben (if it ever re-opens).

4. Attend a London lates event.

5. Smell the flowers at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

6. Wander around Highgate Cemetery.

7. Dine at the OXO Tower.

8. See the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace.

9. Explore a part of London I've never visited before.

10. Dine at Aubine restaurant in Selfridges.

11. Climb to the top of The Monument.

If anyone can recommend any thing else I should check out or do I'd be more than happy to hear them.  You can never have too many recommendations.

~ Gem x

Layer Marney Tower

If anyone were to have mentioned Layer Marney Tower to me at the beginning of this month I would have instantly thought wedding venue.  It would never have occurred to me to visit as a place of interest on a Sunday afternoon, however I stand corrected and on my quest to explore more of my home county a visit was in order. 

The grounds leading up to the main building are beautiful, the sheep grazing on the approach really adds to the character of the venue.

Walking in through the gift shop into the main courtyard you are greeted with the beauty of the building to your right hand side, the architecture really is spectacular. 

Looking into the old barn and then entering through into the gardens I couldn't help but fall in love with the place.   

It was when I walked into the main building and the tower itself that the feeling of love left me, almost immediately.  I started to feel quite uncomfortable, it was really bizarre, however I continued on up the staircase to tour the rest of the building.  I couldn't tell you what it was exactly that made me feel the way I did but I couldn't wait to get back outside into the gardens, it was so peculiar. 

I left with a mix of emotions.  There was no doubt it was a beautiful building from the outside but there was something about the interior that left me feeling somewhat cold.

Oddly enough it was later that evening after posting an image on Instagram that someone had commented about the Tower being featured on Most Haunted.  I wonder if that could have something to do with the feeling I had experienced, I've honestly no idea but it could explain a few things.

I'd love to know whether you have ever visited and did you sense any odd feelings?  I can't be the only one surely.

~ Gem x

Exploring Cambridge

I've visited Cambridge a few times before now but don't think I'll ever turn down an opportunity to return.  There is something about the place that makes me feel content and it really is a beautiful place to visit.  The architecture is stunning and there is a lovely atmosphere about the place.

Wandering around the streets and stepping into the university buildings I can't help but feel at home there.

Only being an hours drive from Chelmsford it makes the perfect place to visit for a day, however I'm certain with enough research there would be plenty enough to do for a weekend break, especially if you took into account neighbouring villages.

A good few hours were spent wandering the streets with something to look at around every corner.  A walk up to the top of the tower to take in the views from above the city, being able to take it all in from above the hustle and bustle was somewhat peaceful considering it was such a busy day down on street level.

It's a place that never ceases to amaze me, filled with so much beauty.  A true English treasure.

~ Gem x

What I've Been Up To Lately

Aside's from being mega busy at work recently, I have been keeping busy outside of work too.

You might remember last year (and the year before) I visited Foxes Farm Produce's pumpkin patch which isn't too far from home, well this year I was excited to see that they have launched a corn maze.  Sadly I didn't get round to visiting, that was until I discovered during their last weekend that they were open for a torch lit maze.  Having never been to a maze in the dark before I was excited to try something different.  It was a great night and very well organised so well done guys, great work.

An afternoon was spent with my Nan, we drove to Stanborough Lakes in Welwyn Garden City.  My Grandad used to fish there, so when he passed away we decided to buy a bench as a little memorial to him.  It is now a lovely little spot to visit especially as it was a place he loved so much, and it's even nicer when the sun is shining.  

And my first (second, third and fourth) pumpkin spiced lattes have been enjoyed.  I honestly don't think I will ever get sick of their taste, I literally cannot get enough of them.  They are certainly a welcomed treat to the start of my working day and already the staff in my local Starbucks are recognising me as I walk in at the same time each morning (I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not haha).



There is a definite hint of Autumn in the air and I have to say I am so excited about it.

~ Gem x

September 2017 Bucket List

I don't know about you but this year feels like it has lasted a life time.  Normally I find the months whiz by and the year is over in a flash but January feels like ages ago, although the past few months have gone by pretty quick.  I barely crossed anything off my August list so I must try harder this month.  As the months are nearing the end of the year though I can't help but get excited, lots of great things lay ahead.

This month I want to:

* Enjoy my first Pumpkin Spiced Latte of the year.
Oh yes, that time of year is upon us once again and I could not be happier about it. 

* Catch up with blogging .

Work has been mega, mega busy the past month so I've fallen behind on blog posts and literally have not read anyone else's blogs in so long, so I want to make more time for that this month.  As it is I'm sat here writing this whilst catching up on vlogs.  Would you believe me if I said I was watching some dated back to January?! Seriously it is that bad haha. 

* Finish my 30th celebrations photo book.

I started this back in July and literally did not touch it last month, I think it's time to get it finished.

* Attempt to work on some crafts.

I cannot remember the last time I did anything creative.  And by creative I mean digging out my craft materials and getting crafty.  I feel the urge to make something.  I don't know what but it's been a while so I feel it is time.  Pinterest is filled with millions of ideas so I'm sure it won't take me long to be inspired.

* Update my Autumn wardrobe.

I have booked my flights to America, I fly out in October.  Yes I know, Fall in America! I'm a lucky girl.  So I need to update my wardrobe so it's fit for the occasion.

Will I achieve it all?  I'll be keeping you posted.

~ Gem x

I have just read over last years list and had to chuckle to myself to see a few things repeated this year.  Maybe it's a September thing.