I'm going back to school

Yes you read that title right... I am going back to school. Only this time, I'm going to be the teacher! Now if you've been reading my blog for a while (If not then, hi, welcome!), you will know that I was applying for some PGCE courses in order to eventually become a drama teacher. Well, I can happily confirm that I did receive a conditional offer (of me completing my degree), and have therefore accepted my place and will start studying in September!
I am so excited it's actually crazy!
I'm doing a SCITT course which means that I will be in secondary schools from the first day they're back after summer and will be learning on the job.

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Hola Chicas and Chicos!

Long time no see.

So I have been a very busy bee recently, hence the lack of posts on here. But alas, things have settled and calmed now so I am back and ready for business. Originally I had the idea of doing a few posts about what I've been up to, but honestly, some of it was so long ago that I wouldn't be able to write about it in the detail I'd want. So instead, you've got this quick filler post so then we can just get on with the real exciting stuff!

So my last post was on the 22nd of June (Sorry), and since then I've:

• Moved into a new flat! Which, are you ready for this? ...ISN"T MOULDY! That's right! Ya gal won't be getting ill this winter! Oh no! I'll be all cosy and warm with my double glazed windows and proper radiators! The flat is beautiful and I am a very very happy girl.
• Went to Cheddar Gorge with my boyfriend and his family. If you haven't been and fancy a nice, nature filled break, then 10/10 would recommend. 
  
  
  
  
• Went to Spain with my family and James. Honestly, one of the best holidays. So chill and so nice to spend longer than 4 days with my Mum and Dad -the issue with uni, eh. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Had a flat night out. Now this might not seem to special, but it was the only time since moving in that all of us were together, so a cheeky spoons was definitely in order. 
  
  
  
  
• Been working my ass off. Not anything interesting,  but very very true.
• Decided where I definitely want to study my PGCE and started revising for my general test. Scary stuff.

Andddd filler post over! Thank you for reading, and I promise I'm sticking around now!

Hollie xx

To the land of Shakespeare

Stratford-upon-Avon, the land of Shakespeare, antique shops and baked goods! And also the place of this years birthday celebrations for my wonderful boyfriend James.

So wayyy back in February, I had the -very pricey- idea that I wanted to take James on holiday for his birthday present. We'd never been away together and the idea of being somewhere different, especially after exams had finished, sounded perfect.

Now came the task of where to go! As I'm on a student budget I knew I couldn't afford anywhere out of the UK, but as James is a theatre lover like myself, I thought Stratford would be the perfect place. We could wander antique shops, all the Shakespeare places, as well as getting some delicious food.

So I booked the Crowne Plaza for the end of May and was super organised for James' birthday at the start of that month.

And now that you're all caught up, on with the adventure!

30/05/2019

After arriving in Stratford at around 3ish, we checked into our beautiful King size (!!!) room, and then had a wander around the town. I was amazed at the beauty of this place, the sun shone, boats bobbed on the sparking river and everyone just seemed really happy! After a little trip to the hotels pool, we went for dinner at a small restaurant on the waterfront called "The Marina", we had tapas whilst sipping Gin (for me) and cider (for James). It was a perfect night of chatting, laughing and relaxing -the most amazing start to our holiday.

31/05/2019

After walking around the day before, we had a few places in mind that we wanted to explore -one of which, was Magic Alley. This wondrous shop held all things magical and mystical, including spell books, tarot cards, crystals and even an escape room/puzzle room type thing! ... which we definitely had to do! I have to admit, it was a lot of fun and something neither of us were expecting to do, and luckily we did pass meaning we are now "Ministry of Time Commanders". 

We also did an actual escape room called "Chalice of Champions" (sticking with the magic theme) at Escape Live. This was soooo much fun and really well designed! If you've never done an escape room before then I definitely recommend trying one, I was really sceptical at first and now I love them! And, thank god, we did escape with only 4 minutes and 3 seconds remaining -not bad, not bad.
Finally, we went to the Swan Theatre and saw the RSC's performance of 'As you like it', a funny and rather confusing play all about love. As my first live Shakespeare play, I thought it was wonderful, the actors, costumes and staging were great and how the RSC adapted it was so funny and clever! Definitely a must see -and if you have a free RSC Key then it's only £5!!

01/06/2019

On our last day we decided to dedicate our time purely to Shakespeare- bring on the tours! Firstly we went to Shakespeare's Birthplace where we learnt all about his parents, early life and siblings. It's incredible walking through the rooms where he was raised and looking at all the historical items on display.
Then we ventured over to 'New Place' (my favourite) which is where Shakespeare's house should have been. There was a funny tour by a man named Tony called "Where's the house?" which discussed why the building was no long there -10/10 would recommend. As the house is missing, the site has been transformed into beautiful gardens with stunning statues and art work, as it was such a beautiful sunny day, we really got to enjoy this and see all the plants in full bloom.
Finally, as we couldn't resist, we went back to Escape Live to tackle their Shakespeare themed room "Shakespeare Script" -had to stick to the theme, didn't we? Luckily we escaped out of this room as well, with only 3 minutes and 25 seconds left -it was definitely a little trickier.

I absolutely loved this trip and feel like it was just what we needed! Sometimes the city can get so busy and jobs, and life get in the way -so having 3 days just us was utterly perfect.

Thank you for reading,

Hollie xx

And the sun shone

When I woke up this morning, sunshine was streaming through my blinds, dancing up my walls and making my room sweltering like a sauna. As soon as I saw the blue skies peeking through my window, I knew this was a day to get out and about. 

I've lived in Bristol for almost 2 years now, and I've never once seen the beauty that is Brandon Hill. As a bit of a country bumpkin, seeing the green dewy grass glistening and smelling the flowers mixed with fresh air was just perfect. Sometimes, you just need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

My uni wife, April, showed me this amazing place -whilst I showed her Mrs Potts chocolate house, where we ordered take-away cookies and brownies. We gossiped in the sunshine, eating melted chocolate and watching dogs bound by. We took photos (lots of them), climbed a tower (where I couldn't stop singing Disney princess songs), caught up with each other and sipped Honey Peach Tea from The Florist. 

Today was a good day.

Thank you so much for reading -and looking at the photo overload!

Hollie xx

A Perfect Day

So because of exams and work, my boyfriend and I haven't actually had a day together in months! When we first started dating we invented our 'date days' where we'd dedicate a whole day to us, having fun, and staying off our phones (besides to take photos of course). So it only seemed appropriate that due to all our free time, we'd have a date day!

So firstly we watched Jane the Virgin in bed which is my favourite tv show that I've got James to love as well! I used to watch it whilst he gamed but then slowly he crept over to me and started watching it too because it sounded 'interesting'. Honestly one of the best shows ever and the perfect start to a morning.

Then we headed over to You&Meow, Bristols very own cat cafe. It's the most relaxing place, with calming music and cats everywhere. James and I like to go whenever we need to destress -which seemed very appropriate after finished all our exams. It's lovely to just chat, have some nice food and drinks, and play with adorable cats.

Then, being a super soppy couple, we headed over to the lock bridge to put our very own lock on. We've had this engraved lock for months, but there's never been a nice sunny day when we've been both off -until now. After putting it on the bridge, we threw one of the keys into the water and have saved the other one to throw in Spain when we go on holiday.

We then headed into town and had a little wander around, I got an ice-cream from work for us to share, which was lush (work perks!) and James helped me pick out a few teachery clothes for when I do my work experience in a few weeks.

We then headed home and chilled with our flatmates for a little while, everyone got Chinese and we watched more weird ass videos...

Later, I headed off to a friends house for girls night. We had an American themed dinner, with the biggest pizza I've ever seen, cheesy Nachos and Cheesecake Factory cheesecake! My god, it was good! I love just hanging out with the girls, gossiping, and having a good old laugh!

So yeah, a perfect day spent with some perfect people.
Let me know if you guys have had any perfect days recently,
Thank you for reading,

Hollie xx