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 Fashion: HUGE Pre-Holiday Haul

Since turning 27 in January, I have found that my style has changed. I am more drawn towards a simplistic style. A wardrobe filled with a mix of neutral basics, layering pieces, and clothes that surpass all seasons and last forever is my dream.

So with a holiday approaching, I took myself off to Liverpool One, had a look online, and went out and about around the city and picked up a few clothing, beauty, and miscellaneous items to help me get ready for the trip, and my new outlook on my personal style. 

Products Shown: 

The Cuckoo's Calling: Robert Galbraith 

Poppet: Mo Hayder 

Essie Nail Polish (Nice is Nice)

Essie Nail Polish (Foot Loose) 

Ole Henriksen Truth to Go Face Wipes 

Primark Grey T Shirt 

Primark Pink Cardigan 

Primark Black V neck T Shirt 

Primark Black Crop Top 

Primark Disney Wash Bag 

Primark Frilly Socks (Assorted Colours)

Primark Black Swimming Costume

Lush Immaculate Eggception Bath Ballistic

Lush Rose Bubble Bar 

Lush Ultrablend Facial Cleanser 

Products Mentions But Not Shown: 

Lush Golden Egg Bath Ballistic

What are staples in your holiday wardrobe/ 

Blogtember 2013: If I were a Rich Girl

I'm always looking for new and exciting ways to challenge myself as a blogger. 

Sometimes, it's so easy for life to take over from writing. Especially when there are other things that need to be done during the day. I sometimes feel really inspired to write when I'm doing other things, and then when I'm free to write, all motivation goes flying out the window, and I end up half-asleep on the sofa. 

I found The Blogtember Challenge over at Story of my Life and I simply could not let the opportunity for a challenge pass me by. So, henceforth, September shall be a month of being an ultimate blogger! (Follow the link if you want to join in too!) 

I missed yesterday's topic, but today's (4th September) is: 

"If you could take three months off from your current life and do anything in the world, 

what would you do? (bonus points for fun photos from Pinterest, but don't forget to cite the source!)"

There is no question about what I would do.... And of course, I'd have to be pretty rich to be able to take 3 months off. So with that in mind, and a huge amount of funds at my disposal, this is what I'd do...

....Travel To The Places I Love! 

Starting first of course, with a first class flight over to de Efteling in The Netherlands. 

It is by far the most amazing place on Earth for me. I have such fond and happy memories there, and just being in the grounds of this amazing places makes me feel all giddy and lit-up inside. 

I'd go on all the rides at least 3 times, eat in every restaurant/cafe, load my camera up with photographs and my suitcase up for souvenirs. I'd have to stay in the Efteling hotel, and would take Boyfriend along with me for the trip. I'm always talking about Efteling and how much I love it, so I think it's really important I take him to share in this experience with me. 

After my stay at Efteling, I'd hop on a private jet and fly straight to Australia 

I have only ever been to Australia once, in 2005, to visit my Auntie and my cousin who live out there. I'd fly out to Perth to see them first, then fly over to Falls Creek to visit my friend, who is currently out there. I'd stay for a month, eat amazing food, drink wine, and spend time with lots of lovely people before learning how to snowboard and ski one-handed! 

And then, for the last month of my adventure, I'd get on my jet and fly to 

NEW YORK CITY 

I've already been there twice, but New York is one of those places I could go back to over and over again and not get bored. I love it there....the atmosphere...the people..the food...all of it just makes me so happy! 

I'd stay right next to Central Park, drink Cosmopolitans, eat at fancy restaurants every night, and finish off the trip with a visit to the Louboutain shop to buy myself my dream pair of shoes! 

I'd spend days wandering around Central Park, sitting on rocks, reading books in the sunshine, and taking in the sights. 

I wouldn't go alone either. I'd make sure all my closest girliefriends came with me. We'd go near Christmas of course so that we could see all the amazing Christmas decorations and soak in the festive atmosphere!

So there you have it. With unlimited funds and the option to go wherever I wanted, and do anything, this is what I would do. 

They do say home is where the heart is.

Ahhh...

....If I were a rich girl.....

U is for Unforgettable Moments

U: Unforgettable Moments 

2012-2013 was one of the best years of my life. The opportunities that I have had over the past year have been really incredible, and, because today is "u", I thought now would be a great time to look back over some of the highlights of my year.

In May 2012 I took an amazing trip to USA/Canada. I had only ever been to New York over in the US, so getting the chance to travel around for 2.5 weeks, meet new people, and see phenomenal places was AMAZING!!!

I took part in the Race for Life in May 2012. It was a fantastic day, where everybody taking part rallied together to raise money for a great charity. I went all out last year and was dressed top-to-toe in pink. I even beat my time from the year before, which was a personal achievement!

2012-2013 was an amazing year for musical experiences. 

In 2012 I saw Kyla la Grange live in Liverpool and more recently, I saw Ludovico Einaudi at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic (I wrote about it here.) I had never been to a classical concert before, and seeing him live was a great way to ease myself in. 

At the end of 2012, the LUSH Spa in Liverpool opened. A few months ago, I booked myself in for my first massage there: The Comforter. I was so impressed with the massage, and the spa in general, that I did a really in-depth review of my experience.

I was lucky to have a lot of holidays in the past year. Most recently, I went on an impromptu getaway with Saunders to Amsterdam. It was an amazing 3 days and we crammed so much in to the time we had. I can't wait to go back and explore some more! 

Above all, 2012-2013 was a fantastic year for my little Ginger blog. After a baby-step start, I now am completely in love with what I have created for myself, and can see how much my confidence has grown. Having a blog has given me the confidence to put myself out there. I now have JustAddGinger, a Just AddGinger YouTube channel, and I contribute to two websites! 

I raise a glass to 2012-2013! What an incredible year you were! 

Thank you so much.

Ginger x

H is for Happy Birthday Blog

H: Happy Birthday Blog

My blog is turning 1 year old this month!!

Happy Birthday Blog!!

A year ago I sat down and thought, "I miss blogging." I had just come out of an MA so didn't want to do any intense writing....just a little hobby. Something I could have and write as much/as little as I wanted, and when I wanted. I had started a blog in the past, but nothing really came of it because I hadn't found my voice. This was the perfect opportunity to start up again...I never imagined how much I would fall in love with blogging!

I love having a place to share things with the world: fashion, recipes, writing, beauty reviews.....it's so lovely having a place to come and just write about anything I want, and just escape into a world of Ginger-ness!

I've done so much in a year, and I think this is partly due to the confidence having a blog has brought me....I now write for GeeksUnleashed.me , I have started a YouTube channel, and I'm not afraid to put myself out there a bit more and just be me. JustAddGinger is so much more than a blog....it's my baby, and I really enjoy nurturing it and watching it grow!

Happy 1st Birthday Blog! This year will be SPECTACULAR!!!

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/