*disclaimer: everything is entirely 100% my own opinion and not that of The Walt Disney Company, I was not told to promote this or download the free trial, I did so at my own free will, and am purely writing this because I got over excited at just how fabulous DisneyLife actually is!*
So this month at work, we are promoting (in store) this new thing called DisneyLife. What is it? I hear you ask, well picture Netflix, but better.
Picture 100% Disney movies, TV shows, books, music, you name it. And not just your typical stuff either.. We're talking everything from your classics like Cinderella to all those super old forgotten about live action movies like the orignial Freaky Friday (no, not the Lindsay Lohan one, you uncultured swines!). We're talking all those old Disney Channel classics like That's so Raven to all those adorable Disney shorts like The Paperman and my personal favourite, The Ballad of Nessie.
And, if like me, you're a little bit of a park nerd, then you'll be absolutely over the moon at the sound of all those super old Park albums like "Date Nite at Disneyland" (and for those of you who don't know what this is, sort yer life out!) to the "Walt Disney World Band" album!
Or you know, if that's just not your style The Hannah Montana albums are on there beside The Jonas Brothers!
Long story short here, there is truely something on there for everyone, of all tastes.
And for those who have younger children, there is also some super useful tools on there like Staged Reading books, or parental controls should you feel you need them!
The best part of all of this, you can now try a FREE MONTH TRIAL. So instead of listening to me going on and on about how cool it is, you can go and try it for yourself right now! No strings attatched! And after a month should you decide you like it, it's only £9.99 a month! Which is practically nothing if you think about how much you're getting with it!? Did I mention you can even download things so you can listen and stream without even having to use the internet or data! Perfect for long car rides!
I will attatch below some screenshots of some of my personal favourites and recommendations as well as to give you a quick look at some of the features!
Anyway, the story here is that I think DisneyLife is really really rad. And I think you guys will too, so go on, give it a try!
Guess who's baaaack!? (oops - queue a thousand apologies for leaving it 6+ months since my last post, I've had serious writers block, but here's my explanation why!)
So major update time! I quit university! (Yikes!)
Now before you all start to freak out (like I expected most reactions to be) - what are you going to do!? You were so close!? What a waste no!?
Let me tell you, never in my life has a decision felt more right for me. You see, university and myself, we didn't exactly get along, infact from the moment we met, I knew we would be worst enemies! (But this will come as no surprise to you if you've read some of my previous posts.)
But as right as it may have felt, that doesn't mean it was an easy decision for me to make.
For months I thought about the idea, I'd list out the possible pros and cons in my head..
But you see, when listing the pros for staying at uni, I could only think of two reasons.
The first being that I was so close to getting my honors degree, something that would surely come to benefit me later in life.
And the second, simply to keep those around me happy, and not disappoint.
Suddenly it occurred to me that these were the most ridiculous reasons to be doing something I didn't enjoy so much! And so with that in mind, I picked up the strength I had left in me (thanks uni for draining most of that from me also!) and I approached my mum. I told her I was quitting, and I guess in telling her, I managed to tell myself that the decision was final.
Now let me tell you, if there are any of you out there, who are scared (like I was) to present this mad idea to your parents, worried they'll be angry, and disown you. Trust me now, you'll be pleasantly surprised! The support I have had from my family on this, has restored all the strength I needed to pick up the pieces of my life, and move on to a new and (hopefully) more exciting chapter.
But not only my family, the comments from friends and colleagues, describing what I did as "brave" and "having a lot of guts", the support from everyone has just been overwhelming. - Apparently I even managed to inspire one or two people to stand up for what they want.
Now, what concerns me here, is the fact that leaving university shouldn't really have to be classed as an act of bravery!?
Why are we in a society, that thinks it's OK to push the idea of going to university to be the "best/right thing to do", so that we are then led to believe that not doing it, then makes us somewhat wrong, or not as good.
I don't understand, I mean there's thousands if not millions of people in the world that have done just fine for themselves having not gone to university at all!
And another thing, we come out of university with the people around us expecting us to know what we want to do, and where we want to go from there. Newsflash people, how are we supposed to know what we want to do, if all we've done is sit in lecture halls and listen to others talk about one subject. You don't! In order to figure that out, don't we need to go out and try new things, find out for ourselves what we do and don't like or want to do!?
No wonder so many of us come out of university confsed about who we are and what our purpose is in life! (Anyone who has had a"university emotional breakdown" will know all too well!)
So what now? Well. Now that I have the freedom to go and explore what I do and don't want to be doing, that's exactly what I intend to do. I am ready, for my journey of self discovery!
- But not to worry, I'll be staying at the Disney Store atleast over the Christmas period. Because I'm just not quite ready to hang up my Cast Member badge just yet! -
Yes, I did just use Take That lyrics to title this post.. but it was just so fitting! (And I cannot for the life of me get that song out of my head! - oh how I wish I had the skills and technology to make it play as you read this post.. maybe some day!)
Tonight's topic you ask? I guess you could say it's nostalgia. And appreciating certain moments in time.. But first, I have a question for you, do you ever find yourself browsing through old photos? Reminiscing in the memories.. Cringing at that haircut.. Picking out those people who have been there since you were 2? Those who reappear in 99% of the photos? And those little things that have changed oh so much since then..?
And do you ever flick through a certain period of photos from your life, breathe for a moment and think.. THOSE were THE DAYS of my life.
You see, as I'm sure I've mentioned many may times, college, was quite literally the best days of my life.. But I find with college, there comes this stigma. A stigma that if you go to college, you're not very smart (or not as smart or as 'good' as those at uni), or you're not a hard worker, or you don't have very high goals in life, and that you just left school at 16 because you were that kid who always got a telling off.
But the truth is, I left school after 6 years, with 7 highers (including higher maths believe it or not!), and I was that quiet kid in the corner with the one friend who kept themselves pretty much to themselves, and I like to think that I'm working very hard to get to where I want to be at Disney.. Considering I didn't get accepted into uni when I left school.. I could have given up there and then.. But I didn't. And I never will.
Basically what I'm trying to say is that I really wish people would have such fast judgements about college students (including you little brother!!). I met the most wonderful friends that I could ever have asked for in that place! Everyone of them with inspiring goals in life, some of them even one step closer to achieving them! (Mark..) And I quite frankly believe that I learned more in college in the first few weeks of being there than I have done my entire first semester of uni! No exaggeration, college was the best 2 years of my life, not only socially, but educationally too.
And I find myself looking through old photos sometimes.. And some of them will forever be some of my favourite photos ever, no matter how much me and my friends change or drift apart over the years...
But despite this.. there are aspects of my life today.. which if I could go back to those days, I would take along with me, because things just wouldn't be the same, and I wouldn't be the person I am today.
Until Next Time,
Stay Magical!
x
This ones dedicated to all you maniacs who put up with me for 2 years of college, and to those of you WHO ARE STILL THERE TODAY! I LOVE YOU ALL AND I MISS YOU! xo (Mark, Becca, Sally? [I feel like I never see you!?hahaha] Dare I mention Matt Findlay in this? Should I pop in old Davie?)
I come to you live, from my bed, past midnight, a week or so from many of my University deadlines.
In the past 4 hours or so I have cried a total of 3 times, and why you ask? Honestly I'm not sure I can answer.
You know when the tears just start, and you can't stop them, in the process pulling about 10 different faces between grinning, laughing and frowning hysterically. Basically I think I might be having one of those emotional meltdowns, who knows.
I guess I'm emotionally and physically exhausted. You see, working a job, while attending uni, and doing uni studies outside of class time, while trying to fit in extra little things just for yourself can be pretty demanding. In fact I barely get to do any of those extra little things these days..
I don't remember the last time I went home to see my family. I barely ever see some of my best friends outside of university. I'm lucky if I get to see my boyfriend once a week. My grandpa, who is in hospital recovering from major heart surgery, I don't remember the last time I seen him, and I haven't yet had a chance to visit him since his op.
I don't remember the last time I blogged?
And it's December 1st today (Well I guess it's technically the 2nd now).. It's meant to be one of the most happy and magical times of the year, bur I can't help but wallow in my self pity.
But the main reason for this blogpost is not to raise the points of my busy life schedule, but more to think about something else that has been on my mind.
You see, when we leave school after 6th year, we have usually been forced into making a decision as to what we want to do next.. Get a job? Go to college? Or if you're feeling super adventurous (or just blessed with the brains of Einstein) go to University.
You see me, I was lead to believe that university was like getting a gold medal.. That'e the one you wanna go for!
I remember when I realised I hadn't gotten the grades to get in.. I was a little devastated..
But none the less I left school and went to college instead.
I'd like to make a note here,, There is nothing at this point that I would have changed for a place on the best university course in the world at the best university in the world. College, has quite frankly been the highlight of my entire life so far. I made some of the best friends I have ever had, and as much as I would hesitate to admit it at the time, I actually loved my course.
Those two years fled by, and suddenly I found myself taking a massive leap and applying for third year at university. It just seemed like the obvious next step to take..
Having been at university for about 3/4 months now, and nearly an entire semester.. I'm just not sure what to think any more. You see, I'm just not sure I'm enjoying any aspect of my course at all. All in all, University basically sucks. Its crap. Don't believe the hype.
But even then, to drop out seems unthinkable. Because for a start what happens then!? Where do I go!? What do I do!? It just seems stupid...
But at the same time... why should I continue if I'm not sure it's where I want to be?
Earlier I stumbled upon a video, (which pretty much triggered a stage 2 emotional meltdown).. But it made so much sense.
But then it got me thinking... Why are we forced into deciding what we want to do so early on!? How are we possibly meant to know!?
I also read a rather interesting blogpost online earlier (I got as desperate as to google "when you don't know what to do with your life" help!), which made some interesting points.
"The funny thing about life is that it’s set up to always be preparing us for something. But what society doesn’t seem to understand is that humans aren’t designed to stick to one path. Humans are free flowing, always changing, and always moving. One moment, we can be so joyful we want to start a flash mob in the middle of the train station, and the next we can be disheartened and hopeless.
Our feelings are ever changing and ever flowing, as are our thoughts, beliefs, interests, and our relationships with others."
"We spend our whole life in preparation. We don’t realize that while we were planning, we were missing out on the important things in life. While we were planning, we were missing out on the opportunities to relax and let the plan come to us. We were missing out on valuable time spent living our lives worry-free and stress-free. Nobody needs a plan or a set path to get to where they need to be, because where you need to be is where you already are."
One of my close friends dropped out of university at the very beginning, to chase his own dreams, and I now envy him a little for it.
I don't know, I guess I feel like I'm just standing on a bus.... Never sure where the bus is actually gonna take me?
But now I'm left feeling a little disbelief as to what my dreams actually are?......
Basically guys.. If not university,, but you don't know what you're dreams are.. then how are you possibly meant to find a career!? HOW DO I FIND MY PATH!?
Until next time guys,
Stay sane.. And Stay Magical
x
sorry for the not so magical post.. I guess stress is getting to me afterall!HAHA #universitylife xo
So its been a fair while since my last blog post.. Its been nearly 5 months.. which is nearly a whole half of a year.. which is absolutely appalling.. I have no excuse. Other than summer, summer is an excuse right?
Oh summer, that whole week of sunshine we get here in sunny Scotland! All joking aside though, it's been a pretty incredible 4/5 months of glorious weather here this year, so I can't really complain! Aside from the fact that it's already back to those short grey gloomy days of nothing but clouds, drizzle, and that horrible chill that means there's no way we're leaving the house without a jacket now. Those horrible days that mean its dark by nine o'clock, which means it's back to walking home from work in the dark all over again!
But yes, where was I, summer, so while I haven't been writing blog posts, I have been a super busy bee! To list only a few of the things I've been up to in a few words.. Spain, Caravaning, Family nights, working, new tattoo, girly catchups, afternoon tea, spending money on things I don't need, working, spending, working, wedding, bought a kitten, lost a jacket, working, spending, sleeping yada yada yada.. You get the idea ;) But this blogpost isn't going to be a negative one, despite the lousy weather and all the money I've spent (shall we not mention my beloved [favourite] topshop jacket..RIP).. the past few months I lost a few things important to me.. but despite that I also gained some new ones too! And all in all it has only made me feel so blessed and appreciative of those important things around me, and no, I'm not talking about our favourite Topshop jackets,, However much we love them. I'm talking about the people around us. Our friends and family.
I feel as though I've found myself in an awful habit of not reminding those who are of the most importance to me, just how much I do love them, and how much I appreciate them simply just being there. For if it weren't for their mere existence, my life could be far greater than the life I live today.
And sometimes, losing those who you had once thought the entire world of, can make you feel a little disorientated, like you lose faith in your judgement of those still hanging around you. But the truth is, they wouldn't still be hanging there if they didn't care now would they?
So here's to every single one of you lovely people I have met over the last 4/5 months. Those of you who I had an acquaintance with, but never really knew. For those of you who I have met only the once, perhaps only for a second (while serving you at work), but who took a second of their time to just make a little conversation, smile, and who leave the conversation with a "thank you" and "enjoy your evening" or "see you later". For those of you who I have met through friends or family, who have showered me in nothing but compliments. And finally to those of you, who I have known for a great deal of time, some longer than others, who still to this day continue to support me when I need you the most. You guys, this ones for you. You guys make me feel more and more blessed everyday, and your support will continue to inspire me to be a 'good person' with every day that you still stick by me. (Because to me, a good person is someone who takes time to appreciate the good people around them)Thank you.
And Mum, I like to think this ones for you, because I still remember that conversation we had one lunchtime, about how we both like to think that even if we had nothing else, we know we have the best friends and family we could hope for. Love you Mum.
Special thanks to;Dad, Andrew, Leanne, Luke (and all his lovely family at the wedding), Victoria and Kat, Sian, Lisa, Hayley, Becca, Ellen.. And all my distant family who I don't see often enough, but who are often in my thoughts.
So this blogpost is actually about a month late, but hey better late than never!
So nearly a month ago, on the 23rd March to be precise, I was lucky enough to celebrate my very first birthday with the Walt Disney Company! And words could not describe my pride. (As cheesey as that sounds)
And this birthday got me reflecting an awful lot on the past year. And let me tell you what a year, but I feel truly privileged to have spent the last year in the magical second home of mine, The Disney Store.
First let me start off by telling you all that it truly is the people that make the place, and the company what it is today.
The last year I have truly met some of the nicest people I have ever known, there is not one person that I work with that I don't get along with, or that I would ever have a bad word to say about them. I love all my fellow cast members! (big shoutout to you all! - including you Hannah! miss youuu!)
Second of all, I would just like to express that we truly get some of the most polite and wonderfully mad at times (but don't worry, we're all mad here!) guests in our store! That truly make the experience that much more magical.. It's funny because as cast members, it's our job to make the experience magical for the guests, but in a way, they make it just as magical for us at times, even just the simple things like those guests who come in and immediately smile back at us, it makes all the difference in the world! And to those of you who come in and act with courtesy and respect, I really do thank you for it, you're making more of a difference to our lives than you probably realise, so thank you! :)
And finally, I would just like to express my genuine gratitude as to what the company has brought to my life over the last year! Not only has it brought me some wonderful friends, and some magical experiences that I probably won't forget for a long time, but it has also helped me become a much more confident and self-assured individual! A year ago, I had the voice of a mouse, and I was lacking the confidence to even go up to a counter and pay for things by myself. (I kid you not.)
So Disney, I thank you with all of my heart for the last year, and I look forward to many many more with you! And I'm one step closer to that dream of mine, becoming an Imagineer. If there's one thing the last year has taught me, it's to grab opportunities and suck out every positive it can possibly give to you, until you're ready to jump onto the next stepping stone.
Despite the post title.. no, this is not a camp rock blog post, as I'm sure you're all weeping with disappointment right now!
After what I guess you could be years of trying to figure out which Disney character I am most like, and trying to convince myself it was Ariel - purely because I was madly in love with her, I have finally figured it out!
And quite frankly I just don't know why it didn't occur to me sooner!
For those of you who have seen the Walt Disney Classic Pinocchio, you will all know who "Figaro" is! Yes, that little ball of fur of a cat who dances around Gepetto's legs and glowers at Cleo the fish. Well, I am Figaro. Figaro, is me. We are the same! And I have proof.
This next and last part of the blog post will include a series of gif's (pronounce that how you will ;)) and pictures of the ickle cutie patootie which I believe represent me in my everyday life, and you will soon see, that me and Figaro, must surely be long lost relatives. Not to mention the fact that I love cats. (She tells everyone for the millionth time). Enjoy.
1. Me every morning when I realise I have to get out of bed and face the 'outside world'.
2. Me when I go home and mum serves me a home cooked meal! #studentlife
3. Me when a sibling decides to 'clype' on me. (Yes Leanne, I mean you!)
4. Me when I arrive home after walking home in the rain from work/college..
5. Me the morning after the night before.. Look at the joy on my face when I realise I came home with everything I went out with!
6. Me after one of the following:
- I've bought something new
- I've watched a Disney movie
- I've seen a cat
- I've seen my mum! (She'll love that one! Hi mum!)
7. Me at home when my mum is trying to do work!
8. Me busting my moves on a Saturday night!
9. Me when I need to ask/borrow something from my mum/dad.
10. Well this one is just my life! Just like me, Figaro loves his bed! This is me at the end of any day when I jump into MY OWN BED! Ah there's really nothing better!
Its just uncanny right!? Now if you don't mind it's time for me and Figaro to have a wild Friday night in and get some shut eye!
the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
"an oasis of serenity amidst the bustling city"
Recently I've been doing a lot of thinking.. What really is serenity? Although google provides one clear definition of serentity, I believe we all carry our own perceptions of the word.
Is it a feeling? Or is it a state of mind? Or is it just that one place that we love to be to relax? I know for me I feel the most serene in my room, at night, with the lights out, silence everywhere, with just the sound of my favourite acoustic tracks. Candles burning around me, with the only source of light from my fairy lights draped around my bed. And recently (judge me if you will) I made an impulsive purchase on two items, which funnily enough have tied it all together, a canopy which hangs above my bed and a dreamcatcher which I have placed right in the middle of it all. When I'm sat in my haven, with a cup of warm tea, I feel like all negativity just leaves. And it always without a shadow of doubt motivates me to lie down and write. And funnily enough here I am. So in a sense, to me, serenity is more of a place of comfort, but not just physically, I guess emotionally too. I feel like everyone should have a place like this, a place where however difficult or stressed things get they know they can seek comfort and a sense of freedom and fearlessness.
For a while, I was having trouble sleeping, and I was waking up constantly from crazy weird dreams, but ever since I've put up my canopy and dreamcatcher, I wake up feeling almost like nothing will touch me. Its like having a wall of serenity around my bed.
I guess the point I'm trying to make, is that serenity, however desired, and however far away it may seem, is maybe something that's missed if over thought too much, maybe you can find it in the simplest of places?
What does serenity mean to you? And where do you feel it? Maybe we all need to take a serene moment or two for ourselves every now and then and just appreciate the simple moments when practically nothing can make us feel so calm and untouchable.
Until next time guys,
Stay Magical
Nikki x
Last minute side note: I'd like to apologise fot not posting anything in forever! I've been pretty busy with deadlines lately! I'll be sure to start posting on a regular basis again though.. because I know you all missed me tons! ;)
So as some of you will know, it has been a burning thought at the back of my mind for a while now to start up a YouTube channel.. So this morning I woke up and took it upon myself to make it happen! What better time than now right? And although I am feeling a little nervous about throwing my face out there, I also think it might bring a lot more confidence to my life, and who's to say anyone's even going to watch it anyway! So without further a do I shall leave a link to my first ever video down below, it basically just shows you how I do my everyday makeup routine and the types of staple products that I like to use.. I also wanted to take this opportunity to tell anyone out there with a burning ambition, what's stopping you? Why not just get out there and give it a go!
I've already started thinking about what I've got planned for my next video, I'm thinking a 25 facts about me? If anyone has any other suggestions or ideas of anything they want me to do/talk about please don't hesitate to let me know!? I'd also like to lastly apologise for my horrendous facial expressions! But hey,
Sorry I haven't written a post in so long! But I'm back with a brand new post.
As some of you may, or may not know, I got my first tattoo just after my eighteenth birthday, just over a year ago now. And not a day goes by that I',m not glad I did it. You see, before I did, my family were quite sceptical about the whole idea, you see my mum has never really believed in the whole idea of drawing on your body for life thing. Since I was little I used to be that kid that came home with scribbles and doodles all over my hands and arm, and it used to drive my mum up the wall! But despite the negativity I decided to go ahead with it, it's something I've always wanted, and the tattoos I want are personal to me. And not just some random picture on my skin.
So my first tattoo, is inspired by one of my favourite movies (you guessed it, it's a Disney!) Peter Pan. It consists of three elements, an infinity symbol, the word 'young', and a feather. The word young is incorporated into the infinity symbol, and the feather is placed on the end, it represents the feather found in Peter Pan's hat. Basically the tattoo represents the fact that I will always be young on the inside, I want to forever embrace my inner child, even when my skin is old and wrinkly. So just like Peter Pan, I will forever be young on the inside. I don't ever want to reach a point in my life where I adopt the attitude that everyone needs to grow up completely and act as if their childhood is completely gone. The tattoo is actually on my ribcage, which I have heard is one of the most painful places to get a tattoo, but since it only lasted about 15 minutes, mine was pretty bearable.
This week, I have taken the decision to book my second tattoo! The excitement is already running high. My second tattoo idea, is very much close to my heart, as although they are the most critical about the idea, it is based on the representation of my family. The idea is based around a dream catcher. The dream catcher itself, is to represent my mum, as she has always been my biggest source of comfort, and I know I can always rely on her to chase any bad dreams and sources of negativity away. The next part to this idea, is two wolves right in the centre of the catcher, a fully grown wolf and a wolf cub. These are to represent mainly, my grandad and my dad. They are to represent the 'Mearns' family. I believe I come from a very strong, successful, protective family of men. This side of my family has always been very close, with a strong bond, just like a wolf pack in the wild, they always stick together, especially this past year, as have had to deal with my granddads battle against prostate cancer. I plan to get this tattoo on the top of my thigh, I'm dreading the thought of how painful this one will be though, since it will be a lot bigger and have a lot more shading!
The picture on the right shows the wolves for the top of the tattoo, while the picture on the left shows more of an idea of how I would like the bottom of the tattoo to look, more feminine.
There are a few other ideas I've had in mind for a while now too, and I still plan to get in the future! One of which is just the simple Mickey Mouse head consisting of three circles (picture below), I have also considered filling the shape in with a flag from my home country, the union jack or even some tartan! So that no matter where in the world I end up (hopefully America!) I'll always have a little piece of home with me! And finally the last idea I have in mind is some lettering, the words "faith, trust and pixie dust", yes, another Peter Pan inspired tattoo! These are all the things you need to be able to fly! Therefore they would be the perfect recipe to help give me the confidence to fly in life!
Basically, all my tattoos are very personal to me, and are all things that I am passionate about, or very much believe in, and mean a lot to me. So if you're considering getting a tattoo in the future, please make sure you stop to have a think about it first, will you regret it in 30 years time? Make sure it's something you really want! Not just an impulse action! Because a tattoo is for life.
So recently myself and a friend of mine, Sian ( http://sianrobertson.blogspot.co.uk/), were disheartened greatly after watching a documentary known as "Blackfish". For those of you who have seen it.. you will understand the hatred towards Sea World it will bring to your hear.. And for those of you who haven't.. I think you need to make a point of watching it as soon as you can! It will change your life.
Myself, I grew up having never visited any water parks such as Sea World, but dreaming of it ever since I could walk and talk. From the age of about 1 to 4, I lived in Inverness, and my parents used to take me to the Moray Firth river, to watch the dolphins leaping from the water. Ever since then I was always fascinated by dolphins and the like, therefore I took it in my head that when I grew up I wanted to be a dolphin trainer of some sort (this as well as a mermaid ofcourse!). I also went around telling everyone it was my dream to swim with dolphins, and ofcourse this is only really possible in places such as Sea World, so to me, they seemed like one of the most magical places on earth.
In 2012, I was looking for a documentary to watch online (those of you who know me will know that I love nothing more than a wonderfully odd documentary when I'm bored!), when I stumbled across "The Cove". Which was to pretty much change my dream of swimming with dolphins forever. The Cove, was released in 2009 and is set mainly in Japan, where dolphins are hunted both for captivity and believe it or not to be sold as meat. Those of you who aren't good with distressing scenes and a lot of gore, be warned. However, it genuinely will open your eyes and your hearts to the reality of the situation in Japan. The film highlights the fact that the number of dolphins killed in the dolphin hunt is several times greater than the number of whales killed in the Antarctic, and claims that 23,000 dolphins and porpoises are killed in Japan every year by the country's whaling industry.
And just a couple of months ago, I stumbled upon "Blackfish". Released only last year, in 2013, once again, I was shocked to hear some of the realities of the way these beautiful animals live in captivity. This time, the documentary focuses around the captivity of orcas (or killer whales). And the story of one orca in particular, Tilikum, the largest male orca in captivity across the world. He holds a boastful title, however his backstory is ever so less boastful, having killed 3 people. But before you judge him, I beg that you take just a couple of hours to watch the documentary and open your eyes to his story, which is not to be overlooked. Having being captured from the wild at the age of only two, and separated from his entire family, he has lead a difficult life, being tossed from tank to tank and sold from one water park to another. The documentary shows the heartbreak as whale communities are torn apart and the young are stolen from their mothers, and even explains that whales have a part to the brain that even us humans don't have, resulting in them having an even stronger social, and emotional connection with each other than we can even imagine!
However, I think what shocked me the most about this documentary was the staff at Sea World, who on a daily basis spill out a splurge of lies to their guests. Now I wont be to quick to judge, they are reading from a script, and perhaps don't know any better than what they are reading, but telling people that the whales live longer in captivity, and that their fins are meant to be collapsed, when they clearly live twice as long, with a healthy erect dorsal fin surely is not right?
And to sum it all up, Tilikum is still there today, trapped inside glass walls of nothing. The park have barely any use for him, so why is he still there? There is no answer, so surely it is time they freed him no?.. I'll let you decide for yourself. But I know that I will never again look at these sickening parks in the same way again, and would no longer dream of paying money to swim with dolphins inside the repulsive walls of anywhere like Sea World ever again.
If after watching either of these documentaries, or even just reading this blog post (or Sian's), you would like to do something to try and help make a change, I have left the link to two petitions below. The first is to help the dolphins being hunted in Japan, the second to help send Tilikum to a seapen/rehab to eventually be re-released into the wild!
I've realised I've written a few blog posts about adverts.. but I've never written a post about my all time favourite adverts, and the kind of adverts I would love to help make some day. So here it goes.. my top six television ads of all time!
#6
So of course my countdown wouldn't be complete without a Disney advert! This one ran in 2011 and featured home videos sent in by real families revealing to their kids that they are going to Disneyland! I think what makes this advert so special is that the videos are so real and so relatable.. I can still recall the moment my mum told me I was going to Disneyland.. (and yes, I may have shed a tear or two). I also love the tagline at the end "the magic begins the moment you tell them.. when will you tell them?". I get shivers just thinking about it!
#5
Number 5 is this classic Sony Bravia TV ad, I think a lot of people remember this one, and I know whenever I hear the soundtrack it immediately triggers the ad in my head.
#4
Ah, a Christmas advert! TV wouldn't be the same without them! Number 4 is the John Lewis ad from 2011 featuring the young boy who can't wait for Christmas. But the heartwarming twist at the end of the ad is what makes it, just when we think he's waiting to get his presents.. we realise the only reason he couldn't wait was to give his gift! Not receive it. Check it out for yourself!
#3
Number three is my current favourite ad on the TV, British Airways holidays, because nothing makes me happier than holiday adverts on the TV! This ad follows a couple as they experience holidays all around the world, both action packed and relaxing. If you didn't want to book a holiday after watching this then you have no soul.
#2
Number two in the countdown is this adorable vodafone ad! It follows a couple from their very first kiss to their very last kiss, symbolising the reliable and long lasting service of Vodafone. Possibly one of the cutest adverts ever?
#1 DRUM ROLL PLEASE......
Again this advert ran in 2011 (this surely must have been the year of great ads!), and the music, the words, the idea behind it, this advert strangely enough brings a tear to my eye, and for years - and probably many more years to come - will be my all time favourite ad. I definitely recommend you give this one a watch. If I can make anything nearly as good as this one day.. I'll be pretty happy.
Second of all.. lets all forget this "new year new me" rubbish.. because why would you want to change yourself anyway. Infact.. my new years resolution this year (along with a few others) is to be nothing but myself, and love myself for it.
Why, as a society are we constantly in a love hate battle with ourselves and our reflections? Why can't we live in a world where it is acceptable to be our self.
It's time we took a look in the mirror and paused for a second.. take a good hard look and pick out all the things you see that you like, and take a second to realise that nobody else has what you have. Because after all, every single one of us is unique in our own way. Which brings me to my next point, we need to stop being so negative and judgemental towards others around us too. Just because someone looks a little different to you, that doesn't make them ugly. Just because you see something that you've never seen before, doesn't give you the right to instantly judge someone and assume that you're better than them.
Girls (and guys too), we need to make a change to the society that we live in today. If we just take a minute out of our morning to look in the mirror and appreciate one good feature about our self, we might find ourselves leaving the house feeling a lot more confident. And if we all start to feel more confident, maybe just maybe we'll find ourselves feeling a lot less intimidated by the 'beautiful women' in the media today. And maybe, the media will begin to realise that it's not just the super slim super flat chested women that should be shown as desirable to both men and women, after all, why would you want to be flat chested anyway? And maybe, as the media slowly beings to bring in all shapes, sizes and races of women, eating disorders will slowly begin to decrease.. Or maybe I'm just being naïve?
Perhaps we'll forever be stuck in this world where the media eat off our desire to the thin flat chested women we see on the tv, and perhaps our children and our childrens children will all wake up take a look in the mirror and begin the daily love/hate battle with their reflection in the mirror.
Firstly I'd like to apologise for posting on only one of my twelve days of Christmas! Oops! I knew when I said I'd do it that I probably wouldn't! Shame on me! But being that it's now Christmas eve's eve, I thought I'd make one last Christmas themed post before Christmas! Yaaaay only one more day to go guys!! So lets not spare anymore time.. this is my very Christmassy themed "Something Christmassy!"
Something I watched..
So after a very very long eager wait, I finally went to see the cinema to see Frozen on my birthday last Monday! It was beyond my expectations to tell you the truth and has definitely made it into my top 5 Disney films at a very very respectable second place after the little mermaid ofcourse! My favourite scene most definitely had to be Love Is An Open Door! But what I loved most about going to see this film, was the fact that I went to see it with my sister, for those of you who haven't seen the movie yet the movie is based around the relationship of two sisters, who I believe only argue out of love, a little like my sister Leanne and I. In the end an act of true sisterly love (SPOILER ALERT) actually ends up saving a life! And the soundtrack is one that needs a definite listen too! I know for a fact that it's a movie I will never get tired of watching over and over - so Clare.. Our date better still be on!
Something I attended..
So this weekend, my friend Becca actually hosted a very Christmassy themed Christmas Jumper party, the night consisted of some very questionable mulled wine, cinnamon vodka (which actually goes really really well with coke for those of you who were wondering!) and lots of weird and wonderful Christmas jumpers ofcourse! I even wore my Christmas Minnie mouse ears which I bought from my work ofcourse! The night ended up being a fantastic one and I look forward to the same again next year! Thanks Becca!
Something I was given..
So as you may or may not know, last Monday was my BIRTHDAY! I'm till trying to decide how it feels to be nineteen! So on Thursday night my mum took me and my family out for tea, before surprising us all with tickets to go see The Royal Scottish National Orchestra's performance of The Snowman at the Music Hall. I must admit I was a bit sceptical about what to expect, but it definitely brought me back to my childhood and was an experience I'll remember, the orchestra were extremely talented! I also had a birthday night out with my girls on the Saturday who made it a questionable yet fantastic night! For those of you thinking of visiting the nightclub Vogue - don't. They didn't even have water in their taps. Yeah. But thanks to my girls for coming! Love you all!
Something I discovered..
Something I discovered on twitter this week is that Lil' Chris (yes, actual Lil' Chris who was ch-ch-checking it out wooooah) is releasing a Christmas single! I suggest you give it a listen it's actually pretty catchy, and part of me kind of hopes he does well in the charts this Christmas!
Something I'm looking forward to..
So obviously the main thing I'm looking forward to at this point in time is just going home for Christmas! Working until 7pm tomorrow night means I wont actually arrive home until about half eight/nineish.. But none the less I can't wait to get home spend the night by the fireplace, with my family around me, watching Christmas movies and listening to Christmas music! I'm also more than definitely looking forward to a wonderful Christmas meal with my grandparents! Gimme some turkey! Yum!
Something magical..
This video truly spread the Christmas joy in my heart, and although it is a publicity stunt, I just think it's wonderful to see so many people looking so happy! I hope this spreads the Christmas joy in your household!
Well I think I'll go watch some Home Alone now.. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and I hope Santa is good to you!
So no excuses, once again I have failed to write a blog post in over a month! I'm giving myself a good ol' slap just for you! I've just been feeling so uninspired lately! Not to mention being uber busy with work and college work to in the run up to Christmas! But hurrah! December is upon us and it's now only TWELVE DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS! So to set myself a challenge, I have decided to do a blog post every day for the next twelve days in the run up to Christmas! If I actually manage to do it every day I'll be more than proud of myself! Without further ado I give you Nikki's Twelve Days Of Christmas!
Tonight I have spent the remainder of my evening wrapping some of my presents in my lovely new Christmas paper from none other than the Disney store! This is definitely getting me excited! And to accompany me I have made myself some festive hot chocolate in my brand new Frozen mug! Also from the Disney Store (surprise surprise!). I actually bought both the Elsa and Anna mug as they are both so beautiful! I'm sure you'll see Elsa too at some point in the next twelve days! I haven't even had the chance to see the movie yet! (How crazy is that!) It's on the top of my list of things to do! - Also on a side note.. I couldn't find any marshmallows to put in my chocolate so I added some marshmallow fluff which had been hiding at the back of my cupboard.. it's surprisingly delicious! I'd definitely recommend it!
So to end this blog post on a high note.. here are twelve (or technically one) drummers (not) drumming.. you're welcome ;)
It's that time of year again where I find myself getting more chills than I can handle! And I don't just mean from the cold weather!
You know that feeling.. that one where your breath is literally taken away.. and you can feel a little lump at the back of your throat.. and the hairs on your arms stand on end.. and you feel goosebumps all over your body? That kind of chills!
And with all the adorable Christmas adverts flying about at this time of year I feel myself getting emotional at every ad break! Surely it's not just me!? Below are some of my favourite Christmas adverts this year so far for you all to check out! Prepare for goosebump mania!
I'm sure you've all seen or heard about this one by now! But it genuinely is fantastic! And a fun fact for you the guy who animated it used to be a Disney animator.. Yes that is why it looked so Disney!
I absolutely love the fairytale/wonderland theme in this ad! For those of you who love a good Disney movie this will be right up your street! And Helena Bonham Carter is in it!
This one will touch your heart! Just when you think he's up to no good...
I think this one might just be MY FAVOURITE this year.. (so far anyway!) The music absolutely completes it and pulls at those tears hiding behind your eyelids! It follows three different stories.. but my favourite by far is boy meets girl!
I have loved Tesco's new style of advertising the last 6 months or so! Taking a leap away from your traditional 'supermarket advertising', they have continued it with their Christmas ad going for a "vintage home video" feel.. which I think makes it a lot more relatable and sentimental! Digging it for sure!
And finally, a slightly different one, this one is a rendition of the Nutcracker Ballet with a difference. #GirlPower
ANOTHER NOTE:
Something to watch out for which has me awful excited this year is a short movie by Sainsburys! What's different about this is that as part of their advertising campaign they have been releasing short clips from the movie titled "Christmas in A Day" as TV ads, and you can actually watch the 3 minute long trailer, for which I'll leave the video below, on their YouTube page. This is by far the one that makes me feel the most excited for Christmas, featuring 3 or 4 of the best Christmas songs and even has a family who get an unexpected surprise Christmas present from their dad! The movie premiers on the 29th of November exclusively on the YouTube page, so be sure to check it out! I know I will!
But it's not just seeing that adorable new Christmas advert.. hearing an emotional song that describes exactly how you are feeling at that time, that does it too.. realising how you feel about a very special someone for the first time.. watching an amazing fireworks show.. watching the ending to your favourite movie! And just to throw a random one in there I also get it when someone is doing my hair for me!
Also this week.. I wanted to give a small mention to Dan Ho.. Who wrote a very beautiful poem about my blog..
Daniel gets goosebumps when he watches 500 Days Of Summer.. What gives you that magical goosebump feeling!? I'd love for you all to let me know! Don't be shy!
