bee's 2010!

2 MRI scans, 1,642+ tweets, 1 diagnosis, 3 a level qualifications, 1 new blog, 17: the age I started 2010 as, 18: the age I finished 2010 as, 2 billion (rough estimate) litres of vodka, 10 months with the boy, 2 trips abroad, 1 prom, 2 gigs.

When I look back on the year I’ve had it’s with both sadness and with acutely sickening happiness. I’ve yet again experienced one of those years that I’ll cherish for some parts but at the same time wish to banish to the depths of my regressive memory for others. I've dealt with some pretty challenging things in my life this year which has seen me become a shadow of the person that I was merely months before. This is something I hope to change. It’s been a monumental year because it’s the year I’ve managed to fall in love, get diagnosed with my illness, get scouted by a top modelling agency and achieve A level qualifications. The biggest lesson I've learnt is perhaps: 

Black isn't black. 

You can turn things around even if it seems impossible and you can get opportunities you would've never dreamt of if you're prepared to fight for them.

I've got so many changes/goals I wish to make in both a blogging and personal capacity. I hope I manage to do so and in turn become a better person...become a much happier Bee. 

I'd just like to say....

I'd just like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who has made my first 6 months of blogging a brilliant one. Thank you to each of my 'followers' - that's such a terrible word! Thank you to everyone that reads my post and thank you to all those who have commented. I read each and every single one and as of recently I also reply back to them in the same thread. I've made some lovely new friends from blogging and I hope this continues to be the case throughout 2011. I've got new plans for the blog and new features to keep you all entertained. I hope you've all had a good year and I wish you all the best for the next one. Let's hope a year from now we are all looking back thinking 'wow'! See you next year :O

wednesday wants: week two

(1,2,3,4)

I'll be the first to admit that I window shop for jewellery far too often for my own sanity but when stores like Galibardy showcase such beauties as these how am I meant to control myself?! I've always loved the intricacy that Galibardy present in each of their pieces but for a healthy looking price tag. I'm someone that likes their necklaces rather long so these pendants are just the thing I'm after. They've recently added some cute little animal offerings to the website so if you're a fan get yourself over there. As you can see, Toby the tortoise and the Lady Bird are rather cute! 

However, I think my last two picks are a lot more 'me'. I'm a massive fan of singing and just music in general so I think the Vintage Microphone necklace would suit me down to the ground. You can definitely tell a lot about someone from the jewellery they wear. In my opinion, pendants speak volumes for an outfit and really take things to a whole new quirky level. They can also reflect your personality to people. My last pick, the Human Ribcage necklace, may be a little too gruesome for some but I think there's something beautiful about it. It's also quite different from anything you can just pick up off the high street so it's a must for those that like to ooze individuality.What's your opinion? Are you a fan of gold pendants or are they a little too garish?

I hope you're all having a good week and have all your New Years Eve plans in place!

merry christmas everyone!

I'd just like to take the time to wish all of my 'followers', friends and readers a very Merry Christmas! I hope you all have an amazing festive period and that you've all managed to make it back to your loved ones in time.

I'll be starting the day off nice and early with a rather full plate of smoked salmon and scrambled egg all washed down with a cheeky tipple. I'll spend the rest of the day eating my weight in food and slobbing out on the sofa. I'm mega looking forward to Boxing Day this year as the beau is coming over and were having a second present opening sesh! I'll be snapping away and be sure to post a festive post up here when the festivities have died down.

Have a goodun sweets!

wednesday wants: week one

(I just got to the end of writing this post then realised that it'll be Thursday when I post it. Woops! Um, well enjoy it a day later than the title suggests...)

I'm a massive fan of interior design, owls and needlework so when I stumbled across 'EDC London' the other week I nearly had a headfit. I thought I'd pick out a few of my favourite products of theirs. It was a rather fun job because as you can see their products are quite 'out there' and many of them are actually one of a kind. You have to enquire about the pricing so I dread to think what they charge but I need these things in my life. 

1. Stag Tapestry Head

A needlework take on taxidermy? Corr, yes please! I definitely need one of these to adorn the bare walls of my flat to be. They're all handmade and unique to the buyer so they're the perfect personalised placement for any bare wall. Is it to your taste or a little too much?

2.Twitwoo Cushion

This little fella is just charming! I can imagine cuddling up to it on a cold winter's evening - yeah I'm odd. They're hand embroided so they look top notch and the colour scheme is just lovely. I adore the little bobbles surrounding it. How cute?!

3. Twitwoo Jewellery Box

I've been going on and on lately about how I need a nice jewellery box to replace my messy jewellery drawer and I think this chap would do the job perfectly! The intricacy of the box is just beautiful. Wanting one? You'd best move fast because only 20 have been made! What the...that's just not fair. Although, the slightly off putting thing is that it's made from camel bone :/ DISCLAIMER: No camels were hurt in the making of the boxes - they died of natural causes. Does that put you off slightly? 

4. Twitwooshkas

An owl-lovers take on Russian dolls? PERFECTION! I love the little individual expressions on all their faces. They'd certainly be welcome under my Christmas tree. They're all hand painted and papier machéd by people in North India which adds a little character to them. I think the colours they've used are timeless and would look great on any window sill, shelf or mantlepiece. What do you think?

I hope you've enjoyed my first Wednesday Wants post. I'm not entirely sure if it's going to be a regular feature but hey ho! I'm off to go watch a load of Dexter with the boy. I'm having a rather good Christmas. I'm not sure if I'll get round to posting Friday Favourites so I'll wish you all a Merry Christmas now. I hope it's perfect (: Let me know if you liked seeing this post over at the blog!

What Bee Did: Snow Day

We don't usually get blessed with the sight of snow here in the South West so when we do get the opportunity to gloat about it we do. Oh my, we do not stop complaining about it! The beau and I thought we'd make the most of the 8th wonder of the world and go for a walk. I thought I'd show you a few photos from our eventful time out in the open. They were all taken by my crappy phone camera because I didn't wanna take my proper camera out in such arctic conditions! I've also included a little video in this post for you. It just illustrates love at it's purest doesn't it?! Hope you've all had a good weekend. Have you still got snow? What's it been like where you live?

The view out of the window in the morning. The field behind looked absolutely gorgeous. / We found a lovely snowy camper van in the village so the boy made me take this photo! / Some cute little West Huntspill watering cans. They always remind me of Peter Rabbit :S / Wintery branches on the tree /  Another wintery photo of the cemetery bench / What a hideous photo! My hair turned to rats tails and I look like I'm wearing a condom on my head. By the way, the anorak I'm wearing is not mine! The boy always pulls the stupidest of faces / 'Fun' fact for you all: My Grandad built this church / The frozen river / A quick video whilst I got pelted with snowballs. Charming!

h is for happy: week 18

Hello happy campers! I hope you've all had a good weekend. I've been gorging on homemade food, watching Dexter and going for walks in the snow. I'll hopefully post some snowy photos for you all to take a peek at (: Is everyone looking forward to Christmas day? I'm excited and feeling rather festive. However, I still haven't actually got all of my presents yet :/ Woops! Late night shopping on thursday? YES PLEASE! I thought I'd post another Christmas twist on my regular 'H is for Happy' post - the weekly countdown of all the things that put a smile on my face. I'm really intrigued by people's traditions so if you've got anything you do religiousy each Christmas then please feel free to leave it in a comment. I'll be leaving a mince pie and a Malibu and Coke out for Santa as usual ;) Yeah, apparently Santa's favourite tipple is the same as my motherbear's. Coincidence perhaps?! Have a lovely week and a Merry Christmas. I hope you like my picks.

086; decorating the tree

  

087; fairylights lighting everything up

088; making snow angels in the blankets of snow

089; christmassy scents (nom nom gingerbread!)

090; dressing pets up in ridiculous costumes

*I've got a snowy themed post ready for tomorrow! It continues photos from my ventures in the snow last weekend and a rather embarassing video. Have a good week (:

 

 This is my last installment of my '2010 in photos' posts! I've rather enjoyed looking back on my year despite the fact it's been a bit of a difficult one to come to terms with. I'm hoping to bring a 'week in photos' post to the blog from next year onwards. I think it's just a nice idea to be able to look back on weeks and know what I was up to. I hope you've enjoyed taking a peek into my life and my ugly mug. I shall blog tomorrow (: Hope you're all well. 

 Gorgeous webcam quality photo of my beau with mini cheddars for eyes. I just love his level of maturity... / Enjoying our pipes..Darbs looks very drunk / Me and some of 'the girls'. This was taken in the loo of a club. How classy! / Getting a tad bit excited with my sister and her mate during the run up to the release of'The Deathly Hallows' / Oh dear. This was taken in Spoons. I was a tad drunk / The hoe / Sat alone on the train as per usual / Me enjoying a BBQ before everyone left for uni / Taken 'in da club'. My cheekbones were obviously trying to escape from my face / Hello drunk horny face.

 

I've been tagged by the beautiful Lyzi to answer a few questions about me and the blog so here it goes!

001; What is your dream job?

I'd love to be a really successful journalist specialising in the area of Popular Culture. Hopefully, this will one day be a reality. I'd also love to do some travel writing or something. If I were to delve into the realms of fantasy for a moment, I'd also really like to be some sort of detective with the police department. I blame shows such as Dexter for my odd obsession with serial killers and things :/ Does anyone else like the whole forensics/detective idea? I partly blame Aunt Jess from Murder, She Wrote for this obsession too. Furthermore, in my heart of hearts I'd love to have a little second hand book shop of my own. It'd have that gorgeous book smell mixed in with the scent of freshly baked cookies because I'd have a little reading area café on the side of it. It'd be adorned with the cutest bunting ever and the books would all have personal recommendations on them in lovely handwriting. Oh, one can dream! 

 
002; What is your favourite fragrance for winter?

Like Lyzi, I barely wear perfume / rarely own it. I prefer to get perfume as a gift because I find it all too expensive so when it's gone it's gone which means I rely on sprays and things to get me through the day smelling fresh. I'm not a fan of heavy perfumes because of my asthma but I do like things like Deep Red by Hugo Boss etc. I prefer fragrances of actual things...like cinnamon or freshly cut grass haha!   I'm odd. I know.

003; How do you take your tea/coffee?

My tea has been likened to 'gnats piss' because it's so weak. I like a whola lotta milk and far too many sugars. It shall probably one day be the death of me. I'm convinced that tea tastes best when it's sat in a teapot and I would testify that fact in front of a judge. In terms of coffee, I like to broaden my horizons and rarely stick to one signature drink. If I'm feeling naughty I'll opt for a mocha with lots of cream and brown sugar. If I'm just needing a kick up the backside I'll have something a little stronger. I also like my flavoured lattes. It changes with my mood! 

004; What is your most important beauty secret? What's the product you'll continue to purchase? What's your biggest make-up pet peeve?

The secret? wear moisturiser daily. I don't really get very excited by make-up or beauty regimes. I barely wear makeup :/ I love Nivea moisturiser, No7 Protect and Perfect range and No7 mascara. I did a little 'beautyspot' post a while back which you can read here. Otherwise, just get lots of sleep and stay hydrated. The product I'll continue to purchase is either Nivea moisturiser or No7 mascara. My biggest make-up pet peeve? The whole orange face/white neck thing that girls have going on. Eugh. Honestly, is it really that difficult to blend?! I also don't like elaborate coloured eyeshadow especially when it breaks on the lid so there's barely any colour. I also hate the whole thick black eyeliner panda eyes and girls that wear too much bronzer on their cheeks. Oh, I also dislike those disgusting clumpy lashes - buy a new mascara girls!

005; If you had an all expenses paid vacation anywhere, where would you go?

I'd make it an extremely long vacation and visit a range of places. I've always wanted to do the traditional Route 66 thing around the USA. Reading posts over at Delightfully Tacky has only made me realise this even more by hearing about Elizabeth's adventures in the Brave. I'd also love to go to the Maldives and stay in a water bungalow. I really want to go to the Carribean and sample the food and atmosphere. Let's not forget Japan and it's crazy culture. I'd love to visit its toilet restaurant, cat restaurant and the Studio Ghibli museum. I'd love to go to Borneo and see the beautiful Orangutans in their natural habitat because they're my favourites (: I'd also do some more exploring in Europe venturing to Paris with the love of my life and to Italy for some good food. Ever since I was little I've wanted to go to Thailand. I'm not sure why but it's always appealed to me - and not, it's not because of the ladyboys!  I'd love to stop off in Australia to go and visit my mate Nibs and explore Steve Irwin's zoo (RIP!). I'd also take the trip to Canada that I've been looking into through brochures for years now. It looks absolutely gorgeous! I'd also visit Russia and get very drunk on vodka and buy a good hat. Let's not forget a visit to Spain to practice my language skills. Morroco has always appealed to me too. I'd also like to continue visiting different places within the UK. Phwoar, I'm gunna have to get a move on if I wanna experience all of that. 

006; If a genie popped in your lap  now and offered you three wishes what would they be?

one; eternal happiness and good health for myself, my friends and family.

two; to spend five more minutes with those ive loved and lost
three; success in things I chose to do.

007; If you could only have breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert foods for the rest of your life, which one would you pick and why?


I'm opting for dinner because that can pretty much cover a lot of ground. I always crave Chinese food, roasts and snacks. I've not got too much of a sweet tooth if I'm honest :/ I tend to crave things like sandwiches over chocolate. Does that make me odd? However, offer me a sickly rich chocolate cake and I'll barely ever turn you down! 

008; If you had the chance to pick a famous person for your other half to meet, who would you choose?

I'm gunna say Bruce Willis because I'm pretty sure my beau is gay for him so I know he'd fully appreciate it. Either Willis or Superman. He loves loves loves Superman. 

010; If you could wear only one piece of jewellery for the rest of your life what would it be?

Oww, that's not fair cause I've got sentimental jewellery from lots of people :/ My ruby necklace and my cross necklace both mean a lot to me because they were given to me by grandparents. I think jewellery with sentiment is a lot nicer than most tacky things available. However, it'd be so hard for me to give up wearing my owl necklaces!

011; What one talent do you wish you had?

There's lots...I'd love to be able to play acoustic guitar or the piano. I'd also love to be fluent in the languages I already speak and would love to learn how to speak Italian. There's a lot of other talents I wish I was gifted with but hey, I can't be ungrateful with what I've already achieved.

013; If you could look in to the future would you? What would you want to know? 

Sometimes, it's easier to not know what's set out for you. I'd like to discover things as they happen to me - regardless of how hurt I get in the process.

014; Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

How long have you got?! There's far too many to mention. The one man that makes me go weak at the knees continually is the cheeseball that is Michael Bublé! I know, it's such a cliché fan girl crush but I just can't resist that Canadian beauty (; It's going to be a sad day when he gets married next year. I also fancy people that others consider weird or far too old. I'm never going to apologise for fancying Dick Van Dyke. What can I say? I'm a sucker for a terrible cockney accent and white hair. There's about a million others that I could discuss but I fear I've already said too much so I shall leave it at that.

015; What made you start a blog?

I started 'Vivatramp' as a place to air my opinions and in turn hopefully meet new people. I've certainly done so (: I also like the idea that I can look back and be like 'I did this' 'I did that'. If anyone out there is reading this who is unsure of whether or not to create a blog I say go for it! Sure, there's some bad points but not everyone faces such small minded people. My blog has given me the chance to be inspired, make some amazing new friends and to feel like part of something good.

I'm going to tag every single one of my followers. I'd love to know more about you guys so why not fill it out and then leave me a link in a comment. I'm rather nosey (: I hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about me!

Hello sweets! Welcome to another installment of 'Friday Favourites' - my weekly countdown of things I've come across that I've taken a fond liking to. I've spent my week working hard, having a fun filled flu jab (sarcasm), enjoying more Prison Break and chilling out with the beau. It feels so weird to have someone's company for once :/ God, I'm such a recluse. I'm not sure what I'm up to this weekend. I think I'm spending it with the beau so that'll mean watching things and maybe...just maybe...venturing on the Xbox. Dear lord - help me! After spending a few hours dedicated to it, I finally caught up on everybody's blogs! I hope you're all well and have a good weekend. Here's this weeks picks - enjoy (:

001; junk food clothing

I first got into 'Junk Food' during my 'lets use my free periods to do some online tee browsing' phase and always thought their tees looked like the comfiest things in the world! I've fallen in love with this gorgeous Batman jumper! I'm also particularly fond of the Batman tee, Superman jumper, Don't Worry Be Hippy tee and I Love Wild Things tee. I think these days a lot of ladies shy away from a good old traditional tee but I think that, when done correctly, there is nothing more chic than a tee and jeans combo! I think it'd be nice to see more outfits like that within the fashion blogging world. Do you agree? Do you shy away from t-shirts? Let me know!  

 002; wallpaper rose

I've been meaning to feature 'Wallpaper Rose' here for a while now but just haven't got round to it because I seem intent on featuring every cute pendant on this earth! I think there is room for little explanation with this particular piece (pictured above). It's a Golden Snitch, nuff said! I'm going to be relatively bold and say - I need this. I would be willing to throw a Veruca Salt-esque hissy fit in order to acquire this little gem! Of course, that's not to say I'm not lusting after anything else. I'd quite happily wear the Gabriella necklace, the Jen navy Peter Pan collared tee and the Remi necklace. Bloggers have been raving about 'Wallpaper Rose' so I suggest you get yourself over there and make a few purchases. I certainly intend to once my wages decide to actually stay in my account and not fly straight back out again. Are there any other jewellery stores you think I should check out?

003; bon iver

In my opinion, if there's only one album that you choose to purchase in your lifetime it should be Bon Iver's 2007 offering of 'For Emma, Forever Ago'. The album is, in my opinion, the epitome of foolish love and the beautiful simplicity that can often go ignored or tampered with within today's industry. Justin Vernon recorded the album whilst living in his father's log cabin in Wisconsin's northwoods - a place where he was seeking solace from a broken heart, a bout of illness and the break up of his band. Thankfully, this broken heart produced a striking collection of beautifully intricate songs that could easily be regarded as some of the best within the 21st century. The emotive heart of each song on the record is hard to ignore and when combined with Vernon's soothing tones there's little to not enjoy. I could sing Iver's praises all day but I think you should make your own mind up by giving him a listen. Let me know what you think. Are there any Bon Iver fans out there?

004; topshop oatmeal cat ear beanie

It's been a while since I featured a hat over here at FF so I thought I'd best give this little cutie an airing. What I like about this hat is that it's not been distorted despite the fact it was born post-River Island hideous creations. Don't get me wrong - I own a River Island panda hat circa 2008/09 but am I the only one that thinks they've taken things a bit too far and are now creating things which have no resemblance to the animal they claim to be?! Let me know if I'm alone on this one! I also really like how this colour is called 'oatmeal' - it makes me feel all warm (: They've also got a cute black cat ear trapper on offer too so be sure to check it out if like me you wish you were a feline. What's your view on animal hats? A little too overrated or are they still as cute as they were when they first came out?

005; prison break

I know, I know. I'm kinda 4 years late on the whole Prison Break hype! However, after the beau picked up the season one box set in his charity shop for £1 there was no reason why we couldn't jump on the bandwagon (: I'm a big fan of shows that withold a conceptual storyline throughout so Prison Break is the perfect series for me. Although, I'm still in love with Dexter! I've taken a liking to Wentworth Miller thanks to his character's genius. Deary me! I've found myself shouting at the screen throughout the series as the lives and plans of the prisoners get thrown into jeopardy. I honestly reccomend this series to anyone that likes living vicariously through others (: What shows are you addicted to? Any fellow Prison Break fans? P.S No spoilers please - I'm yet to finish season one!!




*I hope you enjoyed this weeks favourites. Corr blimey, it's only Christmas next week. I'm not sure if I'm gunna be posting or whatever because obviously everyone will be enjoying the festivities :/ We'll see! What are you guys up to this weekend?

h is for happy: week 17

Welcome to another installment of my 'H is for Happy' feature - a countdown of all the small things in life that put a big fat grin on my face. I hope you all had a lovely weekend. I had a rather good time at the staff party because I found out the Post Office had a drinks tab behind the bar. Haha, gosh...they're going to get a shock when they count the amount of vods and JDs I indulged in at their cost ;) I've got a little podge going on right now thanks to this weekends roasts and three course meal! New Year cutdown anyone?! Actually, my dietician would kill me if I did that so best not. Hope you all have a good week. I haven't got too much planned - just work and my A level presentation evening. Oh the joys! Let me know what you think of this weeks picks.

 081; strong friendships

 

 082; leopard print

083; daydreaming for a while

 084; adding a touch of sparkle to things

085; standing up to tough moments in my life

*There you have it! What has been making you happy this past week? Leave me a comment and let me know. I love finding inspiration...and I'm horrendously nosey ;) Have a good week sweets.