Not on my list….!

Just because it isn’t on my list doesn’t mean it doesn’t count but everything I do which means I am Living Life has a place on here. So here it goes…

So back in the beginning of March when the ‘beast from the east’ hit Norfolk causing havoc with huge amounts of snow causing panic to set in with thoughts of not making it to the airport, myself and a good friend (whom I met through having breast cancer) took a plane from Gatwick for a week’s trip to the sunshine, Cape Verde.

What a fabulous week. We didn’t do an a lot as to be honest there was very little to do however the weather was glorious (wall to wall sunshine all day, every day) and the hotel was lovely so we spent the days relaxing, swimming, tanning, drinking cocktails and having a good giggle. Perfect relaxation time with both myself and Caroline could so with.

The entertainment was made even more funny with an amazing array of the “Essex Massive”, and the fabulously drunken karaoke (we didn’t partake, just listened) with some amazing versions of the songs ‘simply the best’ and ‘valarieeeeeee’ which gave us the giggles all week.

It was the first time away with Caroline and I loved every minute. We were pretty tame even with the all inclusive cocktails but managed one evening still awake until after midnight in the club. That was good going for us both. But it was lovely and I’m very excited about doing some more fun things this summer.

Here is a little insite to the lovely week we had.

Thanks for a fab time Caroline. Xx

New York, New York

Firstly I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. And what a year it had been for me.

Starting the year off with an arm in a sling, having harsh chemotherapy which meant losing my hair again and more operations for sorting my breast reconstruction out meant the first 6 months were a complete no-go for me to do anything. But fast forward to the summer and since then enjoyed so much from ladies day at royal ascot, to sailing on a yacht around Croatia, and even swimming with sharks in the Maldives. It’s been a fabulous start to getting truely stuck into the items on my list.

And so I end this year with one last tick off the list and that was visiting New York to see the Rockefeller tree and Ice State in central park. And I did both a few weeks ago with 3 friends of mine. And to make it even more magical we had snow the day we skated. It was perfect from start to finish. It felt so festive and exciting it got me in the Christmassy mood extremely well.

As usual I have put together a video of my amazing trip you can see here

New York, New York

Take a look and enjoy the fun we had.

Thanks for following my blog.

Xx

Maldives 🏝

OMG….. if you want paradise this is totally the place to be!

Wow. Where do I even begin. From the minute we arrived in Male airport we were in heaven. Even the waiting room at the seaplane part of the airport was relaxing, comfortable and luxurious. But the sea plane journey was amazing and a great start to the holiday. Seeing the many beautiful islands dotted within the Indian ocean was a sight worth seeing. Then landing just off the coast of our island was such an experience. The last leg of our journey was a very short boat ride to the reception of Kuramathi island – our home for the next 12 nights.

On arrival the shoes came off and the sunglasses went on. It was paradise. After our check we had a 2 hour wait until our room was ready so we chose to have a wonder so a wonder along the beach was the first port of call.

Once the room was ready we got in and were not disappointed. We had chosen the most basic room, the garden villa. But it was brilliant. Right on the beach with a 4 poster king sized bed and an outside shower 😀😀

The food was incredible. We chose the upgraded A la carte option giving us the ability to dine in all the beautiful restaurant’s on the island, including an amazing this, a seafood restaurant over the water, an island bbq and many others. With a large choice of cocktails, wine and ice cream sundaes we wernt going to be watching our weight.

And yes there is not much to do on an island only a mile long but the swimming was incredible. Along with snorkling with many sharks and beautiful fish we were lucky enough to swim with both a Turtle and 2 manta rays.

We celebrated Brad turning 36 whilst we were there which was certainly the most exotic place he will ever spend a birthday. It was just so lovely spending quality time together after such a difficult start to the year and make beautiful memories together which will last a lifetime.

And through the power of Facebook we also managed to bag ourselves an amazing upgrade for the last 2 nights. To the most incredible water villa ever! Watch my video to see where we got to stay…..!

Well I won’t say any more but watch my video to see our week.

https://youtu.be/fplfWdNn638

Thank you to Kuramathi Island for looking after us so well, to my late mum who we lost over a year ago but her money left to me helped me fulfil this dream holiday and to Brad for making my time away so special. Xxxx

Italian Adventure 🇧🇬

Well where do I start with this…. it certainly was an adventure and an amazing one at that. This post is probably one one my longest so far to bare with me.

It all begun over a glass of wine with my friend Emily. We had discussed Italy a few times (she has never been and always wanted to go) and I had a couple of things on my list which requires a visit there. So this one particular evening we just said sod it and booked flights there and then… into Venice and out of Naples. We chose 10 days and although currently had no plan in place the fact the flights were booked was a brilliant feeling.

Over the coming weeks we spoke about what we both wanted to do and the placed we wished to visit. Emily has always wanted to go to Florence and 2 of my activities were to ride on a Gondela in Venice and visit Rome. I had been to Venice before but regretted not taking a Gondela ride and although working on Italy for many months years ago I never went to Rome (well apart from the airport which I needed up sleeping in but that’s another story lol).

So in the end we decided to do Venice, Florence, Rome and the have a day in Capri to end the holiday before flying back. We booked our accommodation and trains between the cities and left it at that. For us to choose and do as we pleased when we got there.

We had an amazing time from the start. Venice was fun to wonder and get lost in. The beauty was there every corner we turned and out air b&b was situated in a quiet corner of Venice but was very traditional. The Gondela ride was a-m-a-z-i-n-g! So relaxing and a lovely treat. And meant another activity was ticked off.

Next up was Florence. I have been before so I showed Emily the sights. We had a lovely time exploring and wondering around. The buildings are beautiful and I managed to get through lots of Gelato…. And I mean lots! Here is a pic of the famous Relato Bridge.

Next up Rome! Wow what a city. I can’t believe I have never been here. It’s stunning and such amazing architecture everywhere. We were fortunate to have a B&B right in the centre so easy access to all the main slights. The Vatican had some of most beautiful painted ceilings I have ever seen, the fountains were incredible and the colosseum was so interesting. Amazing few days and another thing ticked off my list. We also found the yumiest Gelato shop ever where I found Champagne Gelato.yum!

The last place was Capri (although we stayed in a b&b in Naples. We got an early ferry over to the island and then the cable car up to Capri centre. Then a bus to Ana Capri which meant we could get a chairlift up to the very top of mount solero (the highest part of the island). The view was incredible. Making out way back down meant a stop for a wonder in Ana Capri in the shops and for lunch then another wonder in Capri. Back at the port meant time for more Gelato and a glass of wine before heading back to naples to pack our bags for the very last time.

It was all such fun and you can see the whole adventure on the video I made. It’s pretty long sget comfy, pour yourself some prosecco (obviously) and enjoy exploring Italy with us here https://youtu.be/tOQd6suOZEA

Until next time Italy…. it was great fun!

Champagne Tasting -another activity ticked off!

Last weekend myself and my friend Laura (yep she has the best name) took off on a road trip to Reims, North France, to complete one of my life is for living list activity… champagne tasting. We certainly had a jam packed 4 days involving lots of food, car karoke, biking around vineyards, touring champagne houses, a night out, a trip the beach and of course trying lots of yummy champagne. It was awesome from start to finish and such a fun few days. Watch the video to see our weekend adventures here. Thanks to Laura for suggesting it and making it amazing!