Where Have You Been?

It's been about three weeks since I last posted on this blog, and I've really really missed it.

I always said that I'd post a lot on here because I was studying writing at Uni, but since my assignments have been flooding in, I haven't even had chance to prepare one single blog post and that upsets me a lot. So, first, I would like to say that I'm sorry. I promise I'm going to post so much on here in the next few weeks! It's been so hectic with Uni, and then work. If you didn't know, I currently work for Disney Store; it's been a job I've wanted since I was a little girl so it really means the world to be to be able to say that once in my life, I worked for the Walt Disney Company. When Uni finished, I was then whisked home to spend time with my family who I haven't seen in a very long time and then it was Christmas! It's been insane!

The next thing I'd like to say is Merry Christmas!! I can't believe how quickly this year has passed, I mean it only seems like two seconds ago when I was writing my blog post about the highlights of 2014, and now I'm in the process of writing about my favorite parts of this year. I hope you all had a really lovely Christmas, I know I did. I got some really lovely presents and was able to spend the day with my family and friends, which meant the world to me. I got some amazing beauty products for Christmas, so keep your eyes peeled for some reviews coming in the New Year!

So, for now, what I'd like to say, is that I'm back and blogging again and to be expecting a lot of blog posts in the coming months. I'm really excited to get back blogging again, and I hope you guys continue to enjoy the posts as much as I love writing them!

Lots of Love,

Meg
xox

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My Top Disney Store Gifts for Under £20

There's nothing I love more than Disney. But you guys already knew that.

I've been looking to buy presents for my friends, and I got a lot of the things from the Disney Store. If you're ever stuck to buy anyone anything, you can guarantee that Disney is the place to go (it is if your ever stuck as to what to buy for me). As I know a lot of people are on a budget this year for Christmas, I thought I'd pick out a few of my favourite products that we have in store at the moment, which would make perfect presents for your female friends. (If you would like me to do a post on what you can get for males then leave me a comment below!). And here's the best part; everything is under £20!! I would be so happy to receive these under the tree this year. 

The products included are:

Minnie Mouse Tote Bag

Minnie and Mickey Pyjamas

Minnie and Mickey Slippers

Aristocats Marie Mug

Aristocats Marie Tsum Tsum

Donald Duck Mug
Donald Duck Teddy
Snow White Notebook

Peter Pan Mug

Minnie Mouse Teddy

Alice In Wonderland Cosmetics Bag
Bambi Pyjamas
Bambi Slippers
Elsa Phone Case
Dumbo Phone Case
Chip & Dale Tote Bag

Hope you'll get some inspiration from these gifts!
Disney will also box the mugs for you for £1 with tissue paper and cute stickers, or they will put it in a lovely little gift bag which range from £2.00 onwards, so there's always some pretty good deals around!

What's on your Christmas List this year?

Lots of Love,
Meg
xox

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How to Ace your Drama Audition!

This time last year, I did my first drama audition at Bristol UWE. It was potentially one of the most daunting experiences of my life, I'd never done actual auditions before and knowing I was fighting against other people for a place at Uni really put some pressure on. From the very start, it was never my intention to go to a University down in London, I think London was just too big for me. This is why I applied to mostly small Universities. 

With any University that you apply too, especially to do drama, you will have to go through some form of audition, or interview; or sometimes even both. I was very lucky enough to be offered places from each audition that I went too, which was incredible for me. It really makes me feel strange at the fact that people saw something in me, because sometimes I find it very hard to believe in myself. So, in this blog post, I'm going to give some tips and advice on how to make the best impression in your drama audition and hopefully gain yourself an offer from your dream University!

Prepare

Not all auditions will ask you to prepare a monologue to perform to them, but the majority do. I went to two auditions which asked me to perform a monologue, the others just did some group workshops and made us read from some scripts. If you are going to one of those auditions which asks you to prepare a monologue, my advice to you is to make sure that you pick something that you know and something that you are comfortable to perform. Also, make sure that you know everything, make sure you know your lines and make sure you're not going to mess up. They look for people who have potential and people who are professional. Be as professional as you can. 

Don't feel intimidated

It is more than likely you will be doing a group audition, which means that you will be auditioning with people you have never met before in your life. Everyone in that room is in the same boat, so don't feel intimidated at all. Make the most of the situation, be approachable, go and speak to people. They'll notice that you're being sociable and they'll really like that about you. 

They're not monsters

Okay, so I know I just said that they're looking for someone who is professional. But they're actors themselves, they've been in your position and they understand that you're nervous. If you mess up your lines, they'll understand and they'll let you start over. They're not scary, and they're not monsters. They're really forgiving and the majority are very lovely. 

Spoken Interview

If it's part of your audition to have a spoken interview, just make sure that you are being yourself and are polite as possible. They're going to offer the place to someone they feel they can work with for the next three years. It's common sense, but just make sure that you're lovely and polite and they will love you. 

Teamwork

They want someone who is able to work as part of a team. So just make sure that you're being kind to everyone and make sure that you speak to most people. Like I said, they want someone who they can see themselves working with for the next three or four years.

Wear comfortable clothing

Okay, so just don't turn up to your audition in jeans and heels. Wear leggings, a loose top and trainers. Everyone is dressed the same, so don't worry how you look. Just wear something that you will be really really comfortable with.

You don't have to do what everyone else is doing

In one of my auditions, I did a comedy monologue (it's always best to play to your strengths) whilst every other person did a Shakespeare monologue (not that there's anything wrong with that of course). So when I came out of that audition, I was gutted, I basically thought I was screwed and my dreams of University had gone. However, it made them take notice of me, because I offered something different. You really don't have to be doing what someone else is doing.

Be Yourself

This is the most important thing. 

I know you're going for a drama audition, but don't put on an act. Just be yourself, don't be nervous and I promise that you'll be fine. But most of all, enjoy yourself. If they see that you're enjoying yourself, they're going to take notice of you. And the activities they make you do in your workshop are always so much fun!

I hope that's helped some of you!

Comment and tell me where you'll be auditioning!

Lots of Love,

Meg

xox

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Image 

Which University should you choose?

It's coming up to that time of year again. By now, your UCAS Applications should have been completed and sent off and you'll be waiting for offers from your chosen Universities. However, which University do you choose? 

It's one of the hardest decisions you'll ever have to make, and also one of the most important. You want to choose somewhere where you are going to thrive and grow as a person. Where you feel safe, happy and will want to spend the next three or four years of your life. 

The best thing to do is to go and visit the University for their open days. This is the one thing that will help you ultimately decided which University you will be starting at in August. When you go to these open days, you get a feel for the University, talk to the lecturers of your chosen course and look around the student accommodation. The best open days to go too are held in the term time because you get a real feel for the University and the City you will be living in. You probably won't believe me when I say this to you, but as soon as you enter the University, you'll know straight away if it's somewhere you want to be. If you don't feel comfortable then don't even consider it. You want to feel safe and happy. 

Another thing to consider is if you want to live away from home. If you are 100% sure that you don't want to move away and live in student accommodation, then don't choose a University that's a six hour drive away from where you live. The reason I chose Liverpool is because it was far enough from home that I could live away, but close enough to home that I could get home if I needed too. If you're querying about moving away, my advice is to just go for it. When you arrive, every single person is in the same boat, but you'll form such a close bond with your flat mates and you'll meet so many new people. Also, you find that you become much more independent as a person, you have a lot more freedom and it's a nice thing to have responsibility. When you go home and see your parents, you'll also discover that there will be less arguments, because you spend more time catching up on all the gossip you've missed whilst you have been away. 

It's not just the University you choose that you need to be comfortable with, you need to be content with your surroundings. If you don't feel safe in the city you will be living in, then please don't go and study there because I can guarantee that you won't enjoy your experience. Do you hate cities? No problem, there are plenty of Universities in little towns such as Bangor and Crewe. Make sure you've considered all of your options. Don't just jump in and make an instant decision. Some Uni's don't turn out the way you want them to be. Make sure that you feel inspired, especially if you're doing  a creative course. 

Once you've received all of your University offers, I would recommend, if you can, going looking at the University you are thinking of choosing as your firm choice one more time to make sure that it's definitely right for you. Sometimes, you can change your mind, but that's okay, as long as you're going to be happy. 

Finally, the last thing is the grades, or points, you'll need to get into the University. Make sure you have a safety net to fall back on if exams don't go your way. If you're only predicted to get B's or C's don't choose two A* Universities as your final choices, you need something you can fall back on, and you don't want to be disappointed on results day. Also remember that there's always clearing, so if you don't get the grades, there's still a chance you'll get in. 

All I can say to you now is that you need to follow your dreams, and do what you love. Do not let anyone force you into going to a Uni or doing a course that you don't want to do; make sure that you are doing what you want to do. Make sure that you work hard for your exams, all the hard work pays off in the end I promise! :)

Good Luck!

 Lots of Love,

Meg

xox

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Things to know before you go | Disneyland Paris

So, you've booked your holiday to Disneyland Paris, but now you have the horrible wait until you venture into a world beyond your wildest dreams and spend a few days in the residence of Mickey Mouse. I thought I'd do a little blog post with a few things that you should know before you go!

1) Only certain hotels offer the Extra Magic Hours in the Park
Extra Magic Hours provide you with a chance to enter the Disney Parks two hours early so that you can meet and greet Mickey and his friends as well as visit some of the attractions that will get busier later on in the day. However, only Disney hotels have the advantage of these hours which are stated below:
Disneyland Hotel
Disney's Hotel New York
Disney's Newport Bay Club
Disney's Sequoia Lodge
Disney's Hotel Cheyenne
Disney's Hotel Santa Fe
Disney's Davy Crockett Ranch

2) Transportation
The Eurostar (travelling from London) takes you to the Marne-La-Vallée station, just a two minute walk from the main entrance to the Disney Parks and in the immediate vicinity of the Disney Hotels (As stated above, except the Davy Crockett Ranch). If you will be travelling from Paris, it's just a 35 minute trip on the RER A (express train) to get to the Disney Park Station. 

If the train is not your thing and you would prefer to fly, you should definitely take advantage of the VEA shuttle service between the main airports in Paris. It's only an hour trip, if traffic plays in your favour, and it should be included in your flight package (make sure that it is!) 

3) Arrival and Departure
Hotels checking in times tend to be different but the majority are between 2-3pm. However, if you do get there early, check in and your room is already available, they will happily give you the key to your room to allow you to start your Disney Adventure, so always make sure that you check. On your day of departure, you are normally asked to leave your room by 11am. There is a room where you can leave your luggage if you wish to do some last minute shopping or spend one last day in the park. However, this is not available at the Davy Crockett Ranch. 

4) Shopping
Although there are many shops dotted around the Disney Parks, the main place for some retail therapy is the Disney Village. It's the perfect place to venture just before Disney Dreams, or after as it is open until 1am. It offers many shows and bars as well as shops so you're sure to be entertained. 

If you're worried about having to carry all of your things around with you then don't be! Disney now offers a free shopping service; this means that you can leave your purchases at the shop and rest assured that they will be delivered directly to your hotel. This service is available for guests staying in the Disney Hotels and the Val de France Hotels (Hotel l'Eysée Val d'Europe and Pierre & Vacances City Aparthotel Val d'Europe) 

5) Getting Lost
If you're worried about getting lost, there's no need to panic. There are maps, in all different languages, available in both parks, as well as entertainment guides and character meeting points. All the staff are so willing to help you, they always have a smile on their face and cannot do enough for you. Also, don't worry about the language barrier, most cast members speak at least French and English. City Hall is also a good place to go if you need help. 

6) Birthday Celebrations
If there is going to be a birthday celebration whilst you are on your holiday in Disneyland Paris, it is possible to inform City Hall who will then give you a birthday badge with your name on it. Throughout the day, characters will wish you a happy birthday, making your day just that little more magical. 

7) Kids
If you're going to be taking the children to Disney, here are a few little things that you should know. Cots are available free of charge on request, as are basic accessories such as bottle warmers but these are all subject to availability on the day. In the Park, stroller rentals are available as well as baby care centres which allow you to change, feed, or look after your child. There is also a lost children point so if this does happen, you can be sure that your child will be in the safest of hands. 

8) Dining

There are many ways to dine in Disneyland Paris. Each Park offers a variety of restaurants, all of which offer vegetarian food to those who require it. Breakfast in your hotel can be booked when booking your holiday, as can your evening meal, meaning that this could cost you a little bit more.

The Disney Village also offers various different types of restaurant, all serving delicious food. I personally recommend Annette's Diner and Planet Hollywood. 

Character Dining experiences are also the perfect opportunity for you to meet different characters. These can be booked in your hotel, but need to be booked in advance as places are taken up quickly.

Another amazing experience is a diner show at Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show at the Disney Village. Lace up your boots for a wild wild evening as you prepare to indulge in a feast fit for a cowboy as you watch this fast and furious tribute to the Wild West. It lasts for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, and you also get a really cool cowboy hat to take away with you. Definitely recommended. 

9) Shuttle Buses
There are Disney Shuttle Buses available from all hotels in the Disney area, taking you straight to the Disney bus station. However, if you're staying in the Disney Hotels, your hotel is only a short walk away from the Disney Park. 

10) Safety

Before you enter either the Disney Village or the Disney Park as well as your Hotels, your cases, your baggage and your body are checked. This is to ensure your safety.

I hope this helped some people. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask in the comments below!

Lots of Love
Meg
xox

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Acceptance and Happiness

Hello Everyone!

Recently, I've found myself worrying about what other people think about me. I'm aware that everyone does this, of course if someone walks past you and starts laughing, you assume they're laughing at you don't you? With this worry has brought a lot of self consciousness and a lot of unhappiness with myself. I seemed to be hating myself for things such as my acne, my weight, my personality, the way I dressed. These are things that I thought I had come to terms with previously. 

Not wanting to bother anyone, I didn't really speak about it, I just thought it was a phase that would pass and then I'd be back to my happy little self again. A few nights ago, I received a phone call from a very close friend of mine; she was feeling upset and needed someone to talk too. When she told me what was wrong, she seemed to explain the exact way I was feeling. I got off the phone from her after giving her some advice and cheering her up, and I thought "Why don't you just take your own advice?"

Just because you have some blemishes on your skin, or even if you suffer from acne like I do, it really doesn't define you as a person. In fact, it just adds to who you are. It's a little piece of you, and without it, you wouldn't be you. The little imperfections on your face don't change you as a person, they don't change your personality and if people judge you just because of it then they're not worth having in your life anyway are they? Just think, you're not the only person waking up in the morning looking in the mirror, with skin that you think looks as bumpy as Mount Everest. There'll be thousands of others doing the same thing. Remember that your skin DOES NOT define you! 

Weight. It's a thing so many people have insecurities about. Instead of wishing you had the figure of someone else or trying to make your body model material, embrace what you have. I'm pretty sure there's people who look at you and wish they had your figure. Never be embarrassed of what size you are, because that's how you were made and without it, you wouldn't look like you. Be unique and embrace what you've got instead of trying to change it.

The clothes you wear can really define the type of person you are, and it's a really good way of expressing yourself. Recently, I got to a point where I was being invited to parties and having to go out and buy new outfits because I'd already worn certain things to certain events and there were photos of me in the outfit online. Now, I really couldn't care less. I paid good money for that outfit, and I paid the money to wear it. People don't look at what you're wearing, unless you're dressed like a clown, then maybe they might just have a little peek. If people judge you for the things you wear; they're obviously immature and you really need to get them out of your life. 

What I'm trying to say, is that your imperfections really don't define you. Just because your skin may not look right doesn't mean that you're any less beautiful. Just because you may have a little more weight on your body doesn't mean that you can't still look fabulous. Just because you don't dress like others think you should dress doesn't affect your personality; if you're comfy, screw everyone else! Don't let anyone dull your sparkle. The less you care, the happier you'll be, I promise!

I hope this gives you a little bit of positivity and hope!

Lots of Love

Meg
xox

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Top 10 Tips for a Disneyland Paris Holiday

Hello!

Yep, it's another Disney post again!

Today, I wanted to write about some of the things that we did in order to prepare for our holiday to Disneyland Paris and also some of the advice that I would give you in order to make the holiday as fabulous as possible. Whether you'll be going with the kids or on your own, these tips are so important and I would really recommend to take them on board. If you have any questions about our trip, don't hesitate to ask me in the comments below!
Here we go!

1) Take full advantage of Extra Magic Hours

If you're staying in one of the main Disney hotels, they offer a thing called 'Extra Magic Hours'. This means that the park opens two hours early, at 8am, for guests staying in these hotels. I know 8am is early but these two hours are so important if you want to get on some of the biggest attractions and meet characters. The main characters (Mickey, Pluto, Goofy, Minnie, Donald etc) gather around Main Street to meet guests and the main attractions in Fantasyland are open with only 5 minute queues. If you do these rides in the morning, you won't get stuck in the massive waits that follow later on in the day. Extra Magic Hours are also the perfect time to start queueing up for a reservation ticket for the Princess Pavilion. 

2) Early Breakfast

Make sure that you have an early breakfast. I would recommend to go down for breakfast between 7 and 7:30am because after that it gets bombarded with kids, you have to wait in a queue for a table and the food goes quite quickly. Make things less stressful for yourself. 

3) Be nice and polite to the characters
My next blog post is going to be on how to meet characters in Disneyland Paris, but for now, I cannot stress how important it is to be nice to the characters. Don't just crowd them and shove your autograph book in their face, wait patiently, speak to them, ask them how their day was. If they are your favourite character, tell them, I promise you they'll absolutely adore you.

4) Book in advance for a character dining experience meal

The character dining experiences are definitely worth it. If you're not familiar with what they are, basically the different characters will come around the tables whilst you're eating for a meet and greet with you and your family. We didn't book in advance for our character experience meal and sadly we were unable to get in. If you're 100% sure that you want to do one then book online when you book the holiday or book as soon as you arrive at the hotel. Whatever you do, do not leave it until the last minute.

5) Do some of the bigger rides at night

We watched Disney Dreams on our first and last nights in the Disney Park which meant that the other nights, we did a lot of the rides. People start getting their places for Disney Dreams at about 8-9pm which means that the ride queues get shorter. I would personally recommend going on Thunder Mountain on a night, it's so much fun!

6) Take a Water Bottle
Once you're in the Disney park, they really do have you captive. Drinks are so expensive so my recommendation is to take a water bottle and keep re-filling it with water from the water taps that are placed around the park. That way you're saving quite a bit of money. The water taps tend to be near the toilets, near some of the biggest attractions and at the front of the parks.

7) Do Stars in their Cars
Stars in their Cars is one of the best character meet and greets there is. It's classed as a parade but it is definitely more of a meet and greet. Everyday, different characters ride around the Disney Studios in their cars and as the crowd congregates in a circle, they go around, take selfies and sign autographs. It's such a good time to meet characters that you wouldn't normally see walking around the park so definitely take advantage of that.

8) Use the Fastpass service/Single rider queues
At most of the main attractions they offer a fastpass service which allows you to get a little ticket with an allocated time slot. When you go back at the time given, you get on the ride a lot quicker which makes the experience a lot less stressful. Also, the single rider queues are a god send if you're willing to ride on your own or with another family. For example, if it is a four seater ride, and a family of three have taken up one slot, you would take the extra seat. The queues for this are so small which means you get on the ride a lot quicker and most of the time, you still end up with your friends anyway.

9) Go for evening meals either extra early or later on in the night
Now it depends what you want to do. For evening meal, if you're only half board like we were, I would recommend going for your evening meal whilst the afternoon parade is on or at about 7:30-8pm. The restaurants are very quiet at this time and you get in really quickly!

10) Disney Photopass
Finally, the Disney Photopass is the last thing that I would really recommend taking advantage of. Before we went on the holiday, we heard a lot of bad reviews about this, but we were convinced to do it and it was honestly one of the best things we did. We had no problems at all with it. When you meet one of the main characters, there tends to be a professional photographer with them. They will take professional photos for you, and if you have a photopass, they will put them on the pass for you so that you can access all the photos taken at home for 365 days. It was the best thing we purchased and the photos were of such high quality. Definitely think about getting one because they are completely worth it!

I hope that's helped some people if you're planning a trip to Disney soon!
Lots of Love
Meg
xox

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