Ginger's Jollies: Center Parcs 2014

It has been nearly a whole month since Boyfriend and I set off on our first holiday together. I can hardly believe it. Even though we were only away for seven days, it felt like we were gone for about a month because we did so much travelling.

The first park of our holiday we spent at the Het Heijderbos Center Parc in The Netherlands with my parents. I don't really get to see them that much so it was lovely to get to spend time with them. And because Boyfriend gets on so well with both Mama and Papa Ginger it meant that we could all do things together. 

It was such a wonderful week that it felt like it lasted forever. We had visitors, went out for the day to local towns, hopped over the border to Germany to go shopping, ate lots of amazing food and indulged in a few cheeky tipples. It was exactly what we needed to completely relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of the everyday chaos (sometimes) of our lives.

(And of course I took my video camera along to capture the holiday.)

Have you ever been to one of the European Center Parcs? What did you think? 

For more information about Center Parcs, visit: 

http://www.centerparcs.com/

Ginger's Jollies: de Efteling

When Boyfriend & I were away at the end of April in The Netherlands, we took a trip back to one of my most favourite places in the world. A beautiful, picturesque theme park in The Netherlands called Efteling. 
I have been going to Efteling with my parents since I was a teeny-tiny toddling baby, and it's a place that - whenever I go back - I am filled with that childhood excitement and wonder.

One of the things I love so much about it is that it is completely untouched. All of the rides are completely unique to the park, the music is just beautiful, and all of the food and retail outlets have the complete "Efteling stamp." There are no franchises to be found here. Efteling is in its own magical bubble. When you're there, you are away from reality and can just completely relax.

The theme park is really family-oriented. A bit like the way Chessington World of Adventures is in England (minus the zoo.) There are faster rides for the more adventurous theme park go-er, but the majority of rides are inclusive of children and families. Many of the rides also have the means to accommodate those visitors who have additional mobility needs, which gets a huge thumbs up from me.

And even if you aren't keen on theme parks, but want to join in on a day out with your friends and family, Efteling's attention to detail is just phenomenal. The park is filled with beautiful bright-coloured flowers..... animatronics....pretty squares.....talking bins! A big section of the park is Fairytale Land, where there are things to look at, scenes to watch, and music to listen to. So even if you don't want to go on any rides and prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, there are still things to look at and enjoy.

A newer addition to Efteling's list of attractions, is the water/light show Aquanura which takes place just after the park is closed. It is the "largest fountain spectacle in Europe" where water is used to choreograph a dance to the music used throughout the park and on the rides. I've seen the show in the dark and in daylight and it is absolutely wonderful.

Efteling is open for a Winter season, as well as throughout the Spring & Summer and heading on in to Autumn. I have visited the park twice in the Winter and it is even more magical (if that is at all possible!) There has been a huge ice rink, winter decorations, and a plethora of huts outside as you walk around the park selling hot snacks, drinks, as well as my beloved Chocomel. 

I cannot recommend a visit to Efteling enough. I would go back to the park every year if I could, and I prefer it heaps more over Disneyland. Efteling has a more magical feel for me. Maybe because it's one-of-a-kind. Maybe because the style and attention to detail suits me more. Whatever the reason, it's a part of me, and it has a place in my heart that will never, ever die. 

Have you ever been to Efteling? 

Fir more information about Efteling, visit: 

http://www.efteling.com/

E is for Exciting Adventures

E: Exciting Adventures

Instagram: @Gingerjax

Ever since I can remember, I have always loved going on trips. Not necessarily long distance trips. I got excited going to visit family members, going to the zoo...even a trip to the supermarket used to fill me with joy (it still does to be honest!) Holidays....well...they are another kettle of fish. 

I have such wanderlust. I always want to travel to new places, and see new things. It's my goal to visit as many places in the world as I can in my lifetime! 

Tomorrow. My friend Saunders and I are heading to Amsterdam for a girlie city break. And I am so excited. The Netherlands is one of my favourite places of all time to visit, and the only time I have ever been to Amsterdam was when I was small, and I can't even remember it! 

I'm excited to eat lots of cheese, drink Chocomel, and just take in city life in Amsterdam. Every time I go to Europe, I get a fuzzy feeling in my tummy. Especially when I walk by a cafe in a town or village. There are always tables outside, and the streets are so clean and pedestrianised and quiet. It's so lovely. I've never really seen anything like it in England. At least, not in Liverpool or London. They are both way too busy to carry the same ambiance. 

If we have time, I'd really like to visit Anne Frank's house. It'd be so interesting to see what her life may have  been like in Amsterdam. I've never read her diary, so I may try and pick that up in town before we go, as a pre-trip read. 

If you've ever been to Amsterdam, where would you recommend to go? 

Ginger x

A Lesson in Lent

I'm not usually one for giving up things for Lent...because...

well, quite frankly, 

I usually fail!

However, this year I decided it would be a fantastic opportunity to not fail. I decided to give up probably my biggest foodie weaknesses EVER in the history of my 26 years of existence... 

CHOCOLATE!!! 

To be honest, it's only the end of DAY 1, and I'm starting to think why the hell I decided that this was a brilliant idea. I've had a headache all afternoon, and I'm getting to the point where I'm finding chocolate wrappers in my car and starting to SNIFF THEM to get that sweet little hit of delicious sweet heavenly chocolatey goodness....

OH NO! 

The next 39 days are not going to be easy, but I'm determined. I am a woman on a mission. I've made it slightly less torturous and am allowing myself hot chocolates (it is snowy at the moment). I'm hopefully going to Egypt later in the year, and I want to ,maintain my healthy lifestyle until then so I can look bikini ready! Mission! 

I'm still in need to find an alternative for my sweet cravings. They won't go away. I've had a sweet tooth for as long as I have had teeth. I've tried yellow plums, but they are just not cutting the mustard. Why can't they sell cocoa patches for times like these? Or hold support groups? I can't be the only person in the whole of the human race who is giving up those little tastes of heaven at this time of year. 

39 days and counting...

Man this is a test of my willpower!

Ginger x 

Surviving Valentine's Day | Just Add Ginger

Ahhh...you can feel it, can't you? The smooshie-wooshie lovey-dovey icky-sticky feeling in the air that February brings? 

If, like me, you haven't had a Valentine in a while, and you're feeling a bit down in the dumps because every time you walk in a shop there is a huge display of cards showing you how much Valentine's Day is a cultural institution, then FEAR NOT!!! 

You are forgetting a vital piece of information. 

Valentine's Day is about L.O.V.E. And that my friends, means any kind of love! 

Valentine's Day should be about celebrating the love we do have in our lives, not mourning the love we don't.  

And it all starts with self-love, because, well, if you don't got love for yourself, then you can't expect anybody else to....ya feel me?! (er...yeah. I'm never saying THAT again.) 

Be Your Own Valentine: This time of year is the perfect opportunity to spoil yourself silly. It doesn't have to be in a huge or extravagant way. It's all about making you feel good. Whether it's treating yourself to a bunch of your favourite flowers, indulging in a really naughty 3 course meal for one, or running yourself a bubble bath and pouring a big glass of your favourite tipple to drink in it. Take this time to think about number 1, and to remember just how awesome you are. We are all unique, and we all need to embrace that and love the things that make us quirky and special, and us! 

Give Love To Your Friends/Family: V Day is a great time to remember that there are people in our lives who do love us for who we are...whether it's friends, or family. Take the time to show the people you care about just how much they mean to you. Send a text to a friend you haven't spoken to in a while, call your best friend for a chat, suggest a family meal together, or even just call on a neighbour to see how they're doing. People really appreciate the little things in every day life, and reaching out a hand to somebody can mean a lot. 

Think About The Big Picture: If there has been a dark cloud in your life recently, now's the chance to blow it away and see the sunshine. In my post about Turning A Corner, I wrote about how I felt I was stuck in a bit of a rut, but got myself out of it. And now's the time to do the same. Mend a friendship that might be broken, Do something that you know you should have done ages ago, but have been putting it off. You'll be amazed at how much better you feel not having so much hanging over you! 

Remember: Okay, I'm not going to lie. This is something I find extremely hard to write about because I'm not very good at it myself, and it makes me sad! If you have experienced love of any kind in the past, and lost it, now is a time to remember it, look back on it, and embrace how much you have grown as a person since then. All our experiences in life shape us to the people we become, and we grow with every mistake, achievement, loss and gain we have. Think on times past with an open mind and open heart. Look through old precious photos to remember all the love that has been in your life, and be thankful love was there. If you need to cry, let it out, because holding back those tears will only make you feel worse (let me be the first to tel you, when I know I need to cry, I run myself a bath, light some candles, and just cry, where I know nobody can hear me, and afterwards, I feel SO much better!) 

Look To The Future: Look to the future with happiness and hope. Think about all the things you want to achieve, and start making them happen, even if you take baby steps. Don't be afraid to go after what you want, and always believe that after every thunderstorm comes a blue sky! 

Be Brave: If there is somebody you've been thinking of lately, now's the perfect opportunity to tell them! Don't keep it inside - let that person know they've been on your mind. And, if you're feeling a bit shy or scared, send a Valentine's card to that person. They don't have to know who it's from, but it might strike an inkling in them, and will make you feel just that tad braver! You never know....telling them may make them realise they've been feeling something too!? (Oooooo!!!)

...And if you are spending Valentine's Day with a special person, don't forget to show them how special they are to you. Treat them like the prince/princess that they are! But don't just leave it for Valentine's Day. We all need to show the ones we love just how much they mean to us and how lucky we are to have them in our lives. 

Because, at the end of the day - call me a Romantic - Love is beautiful!! 

Merry Christmas!

Hello Everyone!

It's Christmas Eve!!!!

Woohoo!!!

While I was sitting at th computer I just wanted to post a little message of Christmas cheer and best wishes. Tomorrow I'll be out all day so won't get the opportunity to do so.

Merry Christmas Everybody!!!

....Don't eat too many mince pies now!

Ginger x



It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

Hello Everyone! 

Today is the last day at work for me before the Christmas holidays. I should be really excited, but instead, I'm trying to squeeze all my packing in between my two shifts at work. 

Tonight; I'm driving down South to stay overnight at my parents'. 

Tomorrow, we're going on holiday!! Woohoo!! 

A part of me is going to miss the traditional Christmas, but another part of me is SOOOOO excited to be going away. We're staying in the Netherlands, and on Christmas Day, we're going to one of my favourite places in the world.... 

Efteling!!!! 

Hopefully I'll be able to blog whilst I'm away. (I've checked with my parents to make sure there's internet!!) Mama Ginger's given me a list of things I need to pack (yes, even though I'm nearly 26), and I'm in the middle of trying to decide if I really need to take 4 dresses with me for a week (it's good to have choice, right?) 

These past few weeks have been so crazy, that I'm really looking forward to 2 weeks off work to unwind. Although, there won't be a single day in those 2 weeks where I'm not doing something. I've got a full itinerary. It's very rare that I'm down with my parents for anything more than a weekend, so I'm squeezing in a tonne of visits to see my friends, to go shopping in Oxford Street, and catch up with Southern Life in general....I can see there being lots of mulled wine and mince pie consumption!! 

Yum Yum!! 

And then, when I get back, Spotto is taking me away for a surprise birthday weekend, so my head will keep spinning until at least 6th January!! I'm usually really bad at surprises, but I'm really looking forward to doing something I haven't planned for my birthday! 

It's such a crazy life!! 

Ginger x

Ginger's Jollies: De Efteling

Bon Soir!

My knee is really misbehaving this evening. I'm going to go and soak it in a hot bath soon, but before I do, I wanted to share with you some photos of my favourite place in the world...De Efteling!

I have been going here since I looked like this...

A Baby Ginger!

And I LOVE it!

I even went there for my 21st birthday and stayed in the hotel!

If you'd like to know more info about De Efteling, please request it below and I'll do a proper review, but for now, here are some photos...

De Efteling is a theme park...a fairy tale inspired theme park!! There are rides, attractions, resaturants...all run and designed by Efteling and its team. There are no franchises whatsoever!!

A singing mushroom!

De Efteling is one of a kind, and the amount of detail that has gone in to decorating and making the park beautiful is just astounding!!

My favourite ride is Droomvlucht. It's a ride that carries you through the secret world of fairies and enchantement (a dream flight.)

Just thinking about this place makes me feel all warm inside. I cannot wait to go back!

Do you have places that make you feel like this?


For more information, visit: http://www.efteling.co.uk/