Colchester Zoo

Before now I actually cannot remember the last time I visited a zoo.  I've never been a huge fan and the thought of wild animals being kept in captivity just really doesn't appeal me.  I remember going to Colchester Zoo as a kid, back then it felt huge but I have to say, returning now as an adult it still felt as though the animals all had plenty of space within their enclosures.

It was also clear to see how much all the staff cared about the animals and how knowledgeable they all were, which was really lovely to see.  But the thing that struck me the most was the amount of work that Colchester Zoo do with their breeding programmes and the work they are doing surrounding conservation and sustainability.

    

They have projects worldwide in supporting conservation of animals as a part of their Action for the Wild charity.  It was humbling to see how passionate they really are, and the fact that it is not just another money grabbing tourist attraction.  It has definitely changed my perception of things and I won't be leaving a return visit so long this time.

~ Gem x

Enjoying The Simple Things

Life is busy and we are all guilty for not taking the time we should to appreciate our surroundings, stressing ourselves with deadlines and life in general.  I have been trying so hard recently to slow things down a little.  Leading up to what is a really busy and stressful time of year for me at work, I am trying hard not to let this get to me.   I've been spending my spare time appreciating the world around me and taking a leaf out of the Norwegian's and Danes book to be more 'hygge' and I have to say it does seem as though it is working, and it feels good.

On Sunday I braved the threatening rain clouds and headed to the local reservoir for a much needed walk in the fresh air with my new trusted rain coat, which can I just say I am in love with (I've wanted one for ages but was always worried it was too bright, well to hell with those thoughts now).  It felt so good to be amongst nature, hearing the leaves crunch beneath my feet and taking in the wildlife that surrounded me.  I'd actually forgotten how good it feels to be out walking, it's been such a long time since I did it last.  And oh how happy it made me feel to see the signs of autumn being right around the corner.  Is anyone else as excited as me for the arrival of Autumn?   Okay so yes, I agree it is still a little early to be getting too excited, but it is definitely getting close and I for one can't wait.  A few more hot sunny days would be a welcomed treat though I'm not going to lie.

It gave me time to think without interruption or distractions, being alone with my thoughts and processing each one properly, giving it my full attention.  I did take my phone with me but that was purely for taking photos, no social media, no phone calls, no texts.  I rarely disconnect from my phone and it really is something I need to do more often, even if only for a couple of hours each day.  It frightens me how addicted to my phone I have become.  I always feel lost without it and that is so wrong.      

I have also started taking steps to calm my evenings after work down, helping me to relax more and chill out.  As someone who loves candles I have really appreciated the evenings drawing in and the fact they have become slightly cooler over the past few days.  It has been the perfect excuse to light some candles, plug in the fairy lights and enjoy the flickering light around the room.  Spending time reading a book or watching Netflix, I am hooked on '13 Reasons Why' at the moment, I'm almost finished season 1 so I'm near enough half way through now.

I'm going to continue taking more steps to be more hygge, enjoying the simple things in life and also making sure I have things to look forward to, it always helps to keep my spirits up.  What do you do to help keep things calm in your life?  I'd love to hear some more suggestions.

~ Gem x

2017 A Year in Review

Happy New Year and welcome to 2018.

I wanted to start the year off by recapping on what happened in my world during 2017.   It was certainly a very eventful year.

I was determined to make 2017 a good year after the upset 2016 brought me.  I continued with my monthly lists as well as my 30 before 30 and 40 before 40 lists and generally threw caution to the wind in order to make the most of life and grab any opportunity I could.

January

Considering January is usually a month that many find quiet and depressing after the madness that is December, it was actually a pretty good and busy month for me.
I started the month off in Yorkshire with a beautiful walk at Roseberry Topping.  Back home, we saw a sprinkling of snow here in Essex, although it didn't stick around for very long.  I discovered a new love for Everyman cinemas with two visits within one week to see Live by Night and LaLaLand.  A day out to Maldon walking along the promenade.  Dinner at Bills.  A bloggers event at Homesense, Chelmsford.  An afternoon in London with a friend visiting the Sky Gardens. Getting my reading mojo back and picking up a book after a few months sat on the bedside table.  And a walk around the castle grounds in Colchester.

February

The shortest month in the year but by no means the quietest.
A day in Southend with a walk along the pier, I can't actually ever recall having done this before.  Getting a new ear piercing, I'd had the itch for a new tattoo or piercing since getting my last tattoo in September 2016, but I was sensible and went for a third piercing in my left ear.  An afternoon was spent exploring Battlesbridge Antique Centre, I was good and didn't buy anything.  And the month saw lots of pretty flowers around the flat and time for crocheting squares for my blanket.

March

Spring sunshine arrived in all it's glory in March.  I ate lunch in the local park near work for the first time this year.  Enjoyed a day exploring Dedham and Flatford to celebrate my mum's birthday.  I rode the slide on the Arcelor Orbital in Stratford, wow that thing was fast.  March also saw the arrival of Holly into my world, she is such a cutie and a real character, it's hard to imagine life without her now.  The first cream tea of the year as devoured at Paycockes House in Coggeshall and the walking boots were dusted off whilst admiring the spring blooms during a long walk 

April

The month started off in the best way, a weeks holiday in Tenerife, lots of sun and sea was just what the doctor ordered.  On return back to Blighty a day trip to Duxford finished off with a quick visit to Cambridge to wander round the beautiful colleges.  Celebrating my Nan's 80th Birthday with the most incredible birthday cake.  A walk around a local orchard to admire the pretty blossom.  A few visits to Hanningfield Reservoir, walking amongst the bluebells, truly breath taking.  And receiving my caterpillars in the post ready to watch them grow into butterflies.

May

A wet start to May but another good one finally meeting the lovely Brook from Red Head Reverie, we have been communicating for years now so to finally chat face to face while she visited London was amazing.  Drives out in the countryside including visits to Grinstead Church and the 2 churches in Willingale, plus the station at Ongar.  Walks along the river in Chelmsford close to where I live.  Cocktails sipped on the rooftop of Selfridges at their Roofdeck Bar & Restaurant.  A walk alone in the rain, I had no idea how liberating that would feel.  Watching my caterpillars grow into butterflies was a great experience and setting them free was so lovely.  A visit to a steam fair in Maldon and going on the rides made me feel like a big kid again    

June

I decided to take part in The Wildlife Trust's '30 Day's Wild' this month, it encouraged me to walk more and appreciate what is around me.  Picnics were had in the park and bike rides in the countryside were enjoyed.  I travelled alone to Stoke on Trent to visit the Emma Bridgewater Factory, somewhere I have wanted to visit for a long time, it was well worth the wait I loved it.  An afternoon in Dedham, hiring a rowing boat.  And a day out with a good friend and her little girl at soft play.

July

My birthday month and what a month it was.  I had great fun doing a cake smash photo shoot.  Dinner on the Epping and Ongar railway.  Visiting the Harry Potter Studios.  A spa day at Lifehouse spa with Mum.  A posh birthday dinner at Cote in Chelmsford.  Dinner at Bills with the girls from work.  A trip to Blackpool riding on The Big One and standing at the top of the Blackpool Tower.  Camping in the Lake District and exploring the countryside.  A day in London with a good friend eating ice cream from Milk Train and going to Alice Underground.  Arriving at my parents house expecting to be going out for dinner only to discover they had planned a surprise party for me with all my friends and family there.  Honestly the best month in a long time, made me feel so loved and spoilt.

August

Weather wise a bit of an odd month, it literally went from one extreme to another with a fair few rainy days thrown in for good measure.  The colder days were spent with cosy evenings reading with the candles lit.  Hotter days were spent walking along the riverbanks with the sun beating down.  A visit to my Grandad's bench was enjoyed with my Nan.  A lovely day out visiting Bourne Mill in Colchester.  An evening was spent exploring the corn maze by torch light.  And I booked my flights for America in October.

September

A really busy month at work so a somewhat quieter month socially but I still managed to squeeze in a fair bit.  I moved back to my childhood home with my parents.  The first Starbucks Pumpkin Spiced Latte was had (and second and third and fourth, I'm sure you get the idea). A second visit to Cambridge, this time a full day to explore the colleges and wander the streets.  An afternoon in Lavenham, Suffolk, such a pretty part of the world and oh so quaint.  Preparations for Autumn began with decorations being brought out and some autumn baking, making and tasting my vey first pumpkin pie which was amazing even if I do say so myself.  An afternoon trip to Layer Marney Tower, gorgeous grounds but a spooky building, not sure I'll be rushing back haha.  And a pit stop at Norpar Barns to check out this year's Halloween barn and selection of pumpkins.

October

One of my favourite months of the year and a very busy one in 2017.  A visit to the pumpkin patch, a tradition I really love.  Knitting my very first chunky knit blanket using my hands and arms in place of needles.  Trying my hand at clay pigeon shooting, I'm certainly no pro but it was good fun.   Going to the Burnham on Crouch Carnival, something I haven't done for many years.  Playtime and cuddles with my favourite little lady.  Dinner at a friends first home was lovely and of course we made cocktails.  Flying out to America to spend time with my long term blogging  friend Brook was obviously the highlight and one of the greatest experiences.  Going to my first American Football game, experiencing tailgating and spending Halloween trick or treating in Iowa.  After meeting up with Brook face to face for the first time in May, I seriously had no idea then that I would be staying at her place later in the year and spending over a whole week with her, honestly so thankful for this memory.

November

An incredible start to the month in America, sadly having to say goodbye to the boys, then setting off for a girls trip to Chicago, exploring the city and taking in all the sights.  A tearful goodbye to Brook, but heading back home to the UK in time for Firework Night and going to the local display which was brilliant (I've not been to this display since I was a kid).  After watching some sports in the States I was keen to see what was happening near me and so my first ice hockey game was attended. A literary dinner with Giovanna Fletcher, such a lovely lady and so down to earth (a potential new bestie in the making perhaps).  Bratwurst was enjoyed at a German Christmas market in a neighbouring town.  Christmas light switch ons were witnessed and the festive spirit was well and truly kicked off including a baking session with chocolate gingerbread men.
   
December

Attended my second ice hockey game.  Sipped on the most gorgeous clementine hot chocolate from Hotel Chocolat. Wandered the streets of London to take in all the Christmas lights and decorations.  Witnessed the first proper snow we have had here in Essex for the past 6 or so years.  Endless Christmas films were watched including 2 drive in movies and Bad mom's at the Everyman.  Christmas jumpers were embraced.  Garden centre Christmas displays were explored.  Festive afternoon tea followed by cocktails with my work colleagues was devoured.  Dinner out with friends.  A spontaneous trip to Norwich, exploring a new city and admiring all the lights.  Christmas Eve dinner  out with family as sadly we were not all going to be together on Christmas day, and then Christmas day itself, a much quieter one than usual.  A second trip to London this time to see the English National Ballets Nutcracker which was just beautiful.

I think it is safe to say that 2017 was a pretty good year for me, mind you it wasn't hard following on from 2016.  It still had it's downs but the up's thankfully outweighed these this year.  I feel as though I have grown a lot this past year, I have been really selfish and focussed on myself and what I want.  It may sound bad but I know that it is what I have needed to do and I intend to do the very same in 2018.  I know 2018 will have it's struggles but I'm ready for them, so let's see what this year has to offer.

~ Gem x

A Literary Dinner With Giovanna Fletcher

Just before I start, I want to make it clear that this is in no way a sponsored post.  I paid for my ticket for this event myself and am receiving nothing for this post, this is purely my own honest opinion.

A couple of weeks ago now myself and Ashleigh from Ashleigh's Tea Party had the pleasure of spending an evening in the company of Giovanna Fletcher at Chelmsford's ACanteen in partnership with Foyles for a literary dinner.  The event was all part of Giovanna's book tour for Some Kind of Wonderful.

I am a huge fan of Giovanna's work.  She is such an inspiration to women and great example of a true Essex woman (we are not all as they appear on TOWIE!).

How she manages to juggle everything in her life, I honestly have no idea.  However she does it and she does it well.  As a successful author, Vlogger, ambassador for CoppaFeel, a mum and a wife, plus everything else that she manages to achieve.  She is in my eyes superwoman. 

It is the second event I have attended now with Giovanna and both times I have been in awe of her.  I mean she really is one of those women where what you see is what you get.  She is so down to earth and easy to speak to, which came across so well as she mingled between tables, taking time to talk to everyone with a smile constantly plastered across her face, bearing in mind she had returned from her trek in Oman merely a few days before. 

The dinner was great too.  I have dined at ACanteen a fair few times in the past and have always been impressed.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they will be hosting many more of these types of events in the future.

Thanks to the team at Foyles and ACanteen Chelmsford for arranging a great evening and a massive thanks to Giovanna for being so wonderful.

~ Gem x

Clay Pigeon Shooting

You can take the girl out of the country but you can't take the country out of the girl.

For quite a while now I have fancied trying clay pigeon shooting, and it was because of this that I decided to add it to my list of 40 before 40.  If it is one thing that I learnt from my 30 before 30 list it was that by having it, I was encouraged to get the things on it done. 

I knew I wouldn't find this easy.  Give me a still target and an air rifle, I'm fine.  Change that to a moving target and a shot gun you have a completely different story.

I was pretty impressed with myself that I actually managed to hit some of the clays, but I missed a lot more than I hit. 

I had only opted for 30 clays which I was thankful for.  My shoulder was a bit on the achy side after just a few shots, and I was finding that the gun I was using was really kicking back.  That said, it was well worth the achiness and the bruising I was left with over the next few days. 

It felt great being out in the open.  It felt as though I was returning back home again and reminded me just how much I miss living in the countryside.  Definitely a Sunday morning well spent and something to cross off the list.

~ Gem x 

My Annual Visit to the Pumpkin Patch

For the past few years now I have made sure a visit to the pumpkin patch is made around this time of year.  A tradition that has been brought over from our dear friends across the pond and one I am extremely grateful for.  They are definitely becoming more and more popular here in the UK.

I'm lucky to have one pretty close by to home in Basildon, Essex.  It is run by Foxes Farm Produce, you may remember that I visited them earlier in the year for their night time miaze maze.  They also have another site in Colchester.  If your close by it is well worth a visit, however I have seen a fair few on Instagram so they are pretty much all over the country now.

I'm not sure that I will ever tire from walking around looking at all the pumpkins, every shape, size and colour.  I literally just cannot get enough of them.

It always nice to be able to do something seasonal, not that I ever need an excuse.  Plus it felt great to be spending time outside in the fresh air too, something I feel that I've not been doing enough of lately.   

Being so early in the season I'm hoping to squeeze in another visit so watch this space.

~ 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

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

Visiting National Trust's Bourne Mill

On my quest to explore more of my home county, a recent visit was made to Bourne Mill in Colchester. 

Originally built in 1591, it has been used as a fishing lodge, a corn mill, a cloth mill and for private residency before being given to the National trust in 1935.

Sadly they are doing some works on the mill at the moment so access to the second floor wasn't possible, it also meant that due to the works being done the wheel was not in operation which I was a little gutted about.  However that didn't take a way the beauty of the building itself, the pretty cottage style garden and the stunning view across the lake.

It was the building that I was most taken with.  It is so unusual compared to other buildings around and was in actual fact made using materials from other buildings, which explains the miss matched approach that really gives the building its character.

Visiting on a Friday was probably the best decision, it was so peaceful, there were only 2 other people visiting the property.  It allowed plenty of time to sit and soak it all in and it offered the perfect little spot to get lost in my thoughts for a while.

How I have never discovered this little gem before I'm not entirely sure but I'm glad to have visited it now and hope to one day return to see the wheel in action. 

~ Gem x