New York, New York...

Hi Everyone!

Its been soooo long! I'm feeling motivated and ready to blog again!! 

This post was promised in my live laugh love post back in October but I totally forgot to put it up!

Holiday season is coming around again and you may find this useful if you're heading to New York.

On 30th August 2013 my cousin and I jetted off to New York City.  This was my first ever holiday and I have to say it is the best time I have ever had in my whole life! It was amazing!

                                 

Before I got on the plane I was terrified I had never been on one. I had a window seat on the way there and when we first took off I clung to the armrests for dear life and was absolutely amazed when I looked out of the window.

                                 

 

We were treated really well there and back by British Airways. We got 3 meals, free alcohol and snacks they ensured we were comfortable providing blankets and pillows.  On the way there I watched Side effects and the Big wedding and on the way back I watched Monsters inc university and identity thief so was entertained throughout.

                                

                                

When we arrived in New York, I have to say it wasn't what I imagined as we were staying in Queens which was a little outside of where we wanted to be however it was an experience!  The hotel we stayed in wasn't the nicest but that doesn't bother us. As long as we have somewhere to shower and sleep we don't care!

After throwing our bags in the hotel we freshened up and made for the subway. We got a week pass for only $31 which wasn't too bad considering we were on and off.  The first place we headed to was fifth avenue and when we got to the top of the stairs that's when it hit us, sh*t we're in New York. The view when I got off the subway was breathtaking so surreal!  We did a little bit of shopping and had a quick spy at Times Square which looked great in the dark.  Dead on our feet we headed back to our hotel and grabbed some snacks from the vending machine.  Everynight I got the same things a grape crush soda and pretzel mnm's.

                               

                               

We got up bright and early and heading out! It was soo humid.  We went to Ellens diner for breakfast as we were being picked up from there for a TV and movie set tour later that morning.  

                               

 

Ellens diner was great.  All of the waiters sang it was good fun and I particularly liked watching my cousin being serenaded with ring of fire.  I tried pancakes for the first time and they were soooo nice and I have craved them ever since!! I couldn't eat them all though!

  

                               

                               

 

 

The TV and movie set tour was great we seen various bit of new York which appeared on friends, Spider man and sex and the city to name a few. It also gave us a chance to see bits of New York that we wouldn't have found.  One of those being Soho.  There wasn't a shop in that street I didn't want to look in! If you fancy the tv and movie tour when you go I would suggest you book before you go. It only cost us £19.00 and there were other ones like sex and the city and sopranos. 

                                

                                                           (A random cab)

 

After the tour I new exactly where I wanted to go.  Being a huge beatles/John Lennon fan I had to visit Imagine, Strawberry Fields, Central Park.  I also went to the Dakota buildings which was such a weird feeling but I am glad I got to see it.

                                          

 

being in New York I had to get a huggge pizza slice cos that's just want you have to do! it was lovely

                                 

                                         

                             

                             

 

On Day 3 we went to Jonny Rockers Diner for breakfast and it was just like one of the TV with the duke box on the table.  for a nickel I got to listen to the hippy hippy shake whilst feasting on a egg and cheese bagel and orange juice.  I really liked it in here.  it was down on Lexington avenue

                             

                             

 

after a FULL day of shopping down in Soho we went to the rockerfeller centre - top of the rock and saw the fabulous view of new York city. I could have cried it didn't feel real how was I in New York?!

Again, I recommend booking his before you go this cost £25 and it was so worth it, we got to jump the massive queues and look at that view!

                               

                                

                                

                                

                               

We stayed out and about until our feet hurt but it was worth it just to see the bright lights in the big city <3

                               

Day 4 was our last day :( we went to johnny rockers again for breakfast and hunted down more stores we had been looking for and went to Grand Central station.  After that we headed to see the Statue of liberty for $17 we got to go all the way there and got to get off and look around, with that we got a certificate to say we had been.  it was amazing and I was shocked to see how big she was.  I got the obligatory hat and a few souvenirs.  New York city skyline, the view I had waited to see :) sadly the sky was a little dull but it didn't matter!

                              

                                        

We literally had minutes to spare to catch our shuttle to the airport but we got there in the end!

Well I have to say I had the best time in my whole life new York totally stole my heart and I cannot wait to go again. 

 

speak to you soon

 

Erin xx

Lou Lou's Vintage Fair

Hey everyone

I've had such a lovely day!

Me and friend Sarah went to Lou Lou's Vintage fair in Newcaslte and had such fun!

What I wore today...

 

 

What's in my vintage bag:

My vintage purse which I got on eBay for £4

Mirror compact which was my mams

Vintage bag £5 from a charity shop

(Plus my keys and lippy! :P)

My outfit of the day:

Burgundy cardigan £5 primark

Chiffon blouse £8 primark

Tweed skirt £5 vintage fair

Tan loafers £10 primark

Cameo broach, this was my nanas

The fair was at Castlegate, Melbourne street newcaslte. It was £2 to get in and you got entered into a competition too :)

When I walked in I was so excited to get stuck in! There was loads of stalls packed with all kinds of treasures.

 

They had old records playing the background and later on they had a band on called the darling dollies and they sang 50's songs and even managed to put a twist on Beyoncé Crazy in love. They were great.

I went to one stall and a mannequin was being dressed but when I turned around, it was me!! Look!! 

Me and Sarah went to the bottom of the room and there was a little vintage cafe stand so we grabbed a cup of tea and a scone, which was delicious and discussed the things that had caught our eye.

 

I went with the intention of getting a tartan skirt and got one! for just £10, I really like the colour of it as is quite festive. I also grabbed what most people would call a hideous christmas waistcoat but my friend and I are going out in thurs at Xmas just for a laugh! It was only £5. Last but not least a burgundy clutch bag which has two compartments for £5. Very happy with my purchases!! Sarah got two pair of HUFF socks and a vintage green ball dress. 

There is a another vintage fair on tomorrow at the Theatre Royal in Newcaslte tomorrow and entry is just £1.00.

Check out the Lou Lou vintage page as there may be one near you! http://www.thevintagefair.com

Do u like vintage clothing and have you picked up any bargains lately?

Peace out

Erin 

Xx

"In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different" COCO CHANEL

Bargains, bands n beer

Hey everyone!!

Well I think I've kept up with my blogging so far! Hehe!!

I had such a fun filled Saturday this week!

First we nipped to Starbucks because the Christmas coffee are back!! Yay! I got a ginger bread latte as I've missed them soo much!!

We then headed over to Tynemouth Market for some bargain hunting.  I didn't manage to find anything! It was really windy and rainy so we headed out of the market to find a nice cafe to have a cuppa!! 

We decided to go to the Kitcheners Vintage Cafe in the Green Ginger. 

I think this is going to be my new favourite cafe! It was soo cute! It played 50's music and it's decor of books, records, old Formica tables, mismatched chairs and stools and vintage pictures just made it so cosy inside. 

It was just a lovely atmosphere inside so I'll definitely be heading there again! I got a cup of tea in a china cup and saucer and a Slice of lemon drizzle it was yummy!

We warmed through so headed off to Whitley bay to hit the charity shops in search of some books! I didn't find any of the ones I was looking for but I did pick up some Marian Keyes books for only 38p each in the charity shop sale! I've never read any of her books before but have heard good things and couldn't pass up on this bargain could I?!! Have you read any of her books?

To keep in with the bargain hunting, I went to Home Bargains and found this cute little lunch box for £1.99 and some floral pens and pencils. for 59p each Yes I am 23 but it's cute soo... :P 

I then nipped to Superdrug and they had MUA in! Yay! The reason for my excitement is because my local Superdrug has not restocked its MUA for quite some time! It was three for two so I got the black gel eyeliner, the pressed powder in shade 1 and the cream blush in scrummy. I've not tried the powder or blush so will be sure to tell you how they are! 

 

It was dark outside and really cold so went to our favourite chip shop on Whitley Bay seafront and sat in with a bowl of chips and batter and a cup of tea. 

I had to head off as was going to see my brother play in his band in North Sheilds and has to travel 45 mins on the metro first and get changed!!

In and changed and back out, I certainly didn't dress appropriately it was freezing and only had on a leather jacket, black body con and cut out ankle boots on and thankfully my new accessory ,  my tartan scarf which actually came in handy later on!!  I met with my friend who also didn't dress for the weather! 

My brother is the lead singer of a blues band called Spanish battery. 

The are really good. I even had a few halves of larger so was fun night :)

Now the night didnt end happily! We jumped on the metro at 11.15 and it terminated 15 mins later!  A half an hour metro journey away from home and because everyone was having a Halloween night out the taxis were going to take over an hour to get us! that's when my scarf came in hand!!  Thankfully after quite a wait, my brother came to the rescue!! It was eventful anyway!!:P

 

I've certainly learned one this this weekend and that is wrap up when its bloody cold!

 

I hope you are enjoying your weekend.  Let me know what you have been up to.

 

Peace out

 

Erin

xx

"Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action" BENJAMIN DISRAELI

The Butterfly Cabinet

                   

 

Hey everyone

 

My cousin and I are constantly seeking out new quirky little places to go for drinks or food and we heard about the Butterfly Cabinet, so decided we would go for breakfast on Sunday.  I always think Sundays are a nice day to go out and get breakfast or lunch as they are quite long boring days. 

 

So yesterday we decided to meet for 10.30 to head over for breakfast,  I was totally all to pot with the clocks going back.  You would think I would have grasped how it worked by now!!

 

The Butterfly Cabinet is in Newcastle on Heaton Road.  When we got there we were shocked as the queue was right out of the door! It was so cold but we heard it was so good and didn't want to turn away.  There were some funny girls in the flat above offering to sell us bacon sandwiches for £5 each, I was so hungry and tempted to take them up on that!!

 

There was a little cheer each time someone left the café and at last after a half an hour wait in the wind, we were inside!

 

This sign was up above the door and apparently the Butterfly Cabinet is world famous! how's about that then!

The décor in there was so cute, carpeted walls, pictures everywhere, big lampshades, books, old ornaments and of course lots of butterfly's!

 

I particularly liked this big chandelier

 

 

There was so much food to choose from and I didn't make my decision until the waitress was there with her pen and paper and I was forced to choose!!

 

 

I decided to go with Sausage, eggs, hash browns beans, toast and a big mug of tea.  The hash browns were so nice and I am not usually a fan!

 

When we asked for our bill, it come with two chew sweets which I thought was so fun compared to the usual mint imperial!   It was quite an ok price for a breakfast mine come to about £6.00 all together.

 

I would definitely go back to the Butterfly Cabinet maybe for lunch next time.  They also reopen on an evening sometimes for bands and things so would be keen to check one of those out too.

 

I would recommend you give it a try if you're in the area as it is world famous after all :P

 

What is your favourite little hangout?

 

Peace out

 

Erin

 

xx

 

"Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you" NATHANIAL HAWTHORNE

 

 

Live Laugh Love

                                      

 

HHello everyone

I’m feeling in a good place in my life at the moment so wanted to do a positive post.

All over social media sites, quotes and pictures on life are shared, retweeted and posted however, how many of you actually live up to those and how many of those are reposting because that is how you would like to live?

I like to give advice to people and help as much as I can and whenever someone comes to me feeling unhappy about life etc, I like to share my favourite quote of all time and that is “the pen that writes your life story must be held in your own hand”. 

I have not always felt this way, when I was at school trivial things felt like the end of the world, revision, exams, boys, did I have the coolest trainers for PE, why was my best friend not talking to me, what will I do when I leave school. 

When I left school I think I just looked back and thought, when will I ever use algebra again, ergh why did I even fancy that boy, I couldn’t care a less if you don’t like my shoes, I do.  You have your whole life in front of you and that is such an exciting prospect don’t you think?  There are so many things to do and see.

Now two things that people either love or hate about me is that I couldn’t care a less what people think about me and I do exactly what I want to do when I want to do it.  Some people find this selfish however I see this as “writing my own life story…” as the quote suggests.  The people that do think this way, I would like to ask, why?  Why do you care and why don’t you do what you want to do?  You only get one life so live it the way you want to do.

Last year has to have been the worst year of my whole life but in 2013 when the ball dropped I promised myself I was going to have fun and be more spontaneous. 

Here is a small segment of the things I have been up to this year so far…

Trecked through London with no sleep for 36 hours, camped in the rain, went on a treasure hunt, played on the slide and scraped my legs, got lost in the woods, camped in the rain...AGAIN, rolly polly races on the beach,  lay in a field and watched the stars, danced like no one was watching, Jumped over the waves, went to new York city, seen old lady lib, went to the top of the rock, tried broccoli, completed the Great North Run, built sandcastles, got my first tattoo and the year is still not over!!

Now I am not an expert but in my experience, things do get better so always try to think positive.  Having someone to talk to is a big help too.  Don’t keep everything bottled up. 

I am not trying to come across as a know all I may not even feel this way myself next week but I can always look back on this blog and hopefully it will make me feel all ok again J

In the next couple of days I will be posting about my first ever holiday in New York City so be sure to check it out. 

Peace out

Erin xxx

 

“when I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life.  When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up.  I wrote down ‘happy’.  They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them that they didn’t understand life”  JOHN LENNON