Stepping out of your comfort zone

Sometimes we all like to stay within our comfort bubble surrounded by our familiar settings and regular routines. It's not always easy to step outside of that space and make room for change, however long that may be for. Although there are times when these changes may be necessary in order to progress and make new experiences to look back on. The thought of leaving your comfort zone canbe worrying but trust me, its completely worth it in the end.

Meeting the parents and exploring Bristol

This year I have set myself a challenge to travel to five new places I haven't been to before. This could be either inside or outside of the U.K. The first destination ticked off my list is Bristol where I travelled to after my stop in London on my return to uni. Before going I had heard so many good things about Bristol, therefore I'm pleased to say that I was not disappointed. Bristol will hold a special place in my heart for many private reasons which I will not go into detail about on here. All I will say is that I travelled to Bristol after being invited by my boyfriend and was able to be shown around a city that is greatly loved by the man I love, (soppy I know but I'm happy so roll with me here). Staying with my boyfriend also meant staying in his family home and importantly meeting his parents. I remember being worried about it before the trip as I'd never done 'meet the boyfriend's parents' before, and didn't want to say or do anything daft and generally make a fool out of myself. Thankfully I had nothing to worry about as they were all lovely and welcoming.

There were plenty of museums and shops for me to explore so I was happily left to my own devices to wander around the city for a bit, coming across various food and craft market stalls. My museum stop mainly consisted of me buying more art books, after telling myself not to due to lack of suitcase space,(but somehow it all still fit!), and snapchatting various puns and images I knew friends would find amusing. Though I will admit there were a few cake stops en route.... Mainly I just enjoyed being able to take in the sights of a new city, with my own personal tour guide. A sight that is a must when visiting Bristol has to be walking across the Clifton Suspension Bridge at night, overlooking the city. I can't explain how much I love this view. Hopefully next time I'll walk up quick enough to watch the sunset.

Planning before it's time

I'm guilty of rushing into making plans for things that I shouldn't be prioritising at the moment. Obviously I tend to keep on top of my plans, but craft projects and planning trips abroad have begun to take priority over my work. I'm still committed to my studies but have found the work a bit overwhelming at the moment, combined with some recently sad news. It's always good to take work breaks, but when does work become life planning breaks?

Musical and Arty London

There's always something to see and do in London. Frequently there are new shows and exhibitions to view, keeping people at the centre of an ever growing art culture. In the last week I was lucky enough to view two big shows and exhibitions that are open for a limited amount of time. I have attached links to each website on the images.

Painting the Modern Garden - The Royal Academy

Impressionism has always been an art  have been interested in with the bold use of colour an technique that drastically changed the art scene. This exhibition provides an incredible range of works that has proven to be a hugely popular spectacle that has to be seen to be believed. For me the highlight of the show was the collection of Monet's water lilies featured in the showcase, especially with the reunited finale canvases that draw together three canvases to form the iconic scene of Monet's oriental inspired water garden.

Vogue 100: A Century of Style - National Portrait Gallery

This exhibition was a true visual spectacle. The exhibition contained some of the most striking images the last century has seen, beginning with the 1920s and progressing towards the 00s, with today's generation of style being displayed on a video installation at the exhibition entrance. The iconic photographs of well known faces stem across the generations, capturing the hyper glamourised fashion industry with its bold and sometimes questionable outfit choices, to the more modest images that capture their models in a more natural light, with a sense of ease as they've been caught off guard. The images that I personally found the most memorable were those of comedy legends Charlie Chaplin and Morecombe and Wise, and most prominently Naomi Campbell's cover which was used in the advertising campaign for the exhibition. I cannot truly describe it but the photograph evoked a feeling of freedom as she appears to be finding joy in the moment that must have been felt like her big break, opening her to a world of endless possibilities. I guess I related to the youthful outlook of life deeming the world to be your oyster. I would highly recommend this exhibition as it is accessible to most audiences. Even my Dad, who is not an avid art goer, enjoyed being dragged around this exhibition.

Funny Girl - Savoy Theatre

This hit show may be well known for the 1968 film featuring Barbara Streisand which is seen by many to be a tough act to follow. I am yet to see the film but was nonetheless blown away by the show, particularly by lead actress Sheridan Smith who captured the humour element of the show perfectly through her physical comedy, as well as having a powerful voice to match. I must say a beautiful moment to end the show on was Sheridan's standing ovation from the entire audience, where her tears of joy showed her true surprise and gratitude. The colourful set and well chosen cast prove an uplifting and fun atmosphere that fully immerses you into the stage world and would be a night out that you would not want to miss.

Sunset Boulevard - English National Opera

The hype around this Andrew Lloyd-Webber production was seen to be actress Glenn Close's reprisal of her role as Norma Desmond, a silent-screen film star who seeks a return to Hollywood from her secluded yet still luxurious lifestyle. Glenn Close gave a fantastic performance but I found the true attraction of the show laid within the staging and music. The orchestra were centrally placed on the stage with steel framework stairs scattered around the stage to provide height and separate spaces for the narrative. Another staging element that captured the essence of the period the show is set through the black and white images projected on to the stage from old film reels of the 1920s which plays during the orchestral musical interludes of both acts.

Grey sky kind of day

Sometimes admist the blue sky a grey cloud will drift in, trying to block the sun. You have to take these days as they come and know that you'll see the sun again, whenever that may be. Though if you're lucky enough to have people in your life that know how to make you smile, the clouds will begin to break and you'll be on your way to that blue sky with the warmth and joy of the sun.