The Memory Lives On : Cats 2013 UK Tour

Meow!

So, last night I was walking through a rather drizzly dull Bristol city centre with my Mum in a sparkly black dress. We were already full of food from Wagamamas and as we passed faceless commuters rushing to catch their bus home we were on our way to the Bristol Hippodrome. Why? To fulfil a 16 year old dream I've had, to see the musical Cats live on stage! 

Selfie before we left. 

Walking through those miserable, cold streets I felt like a firework I haven't felt such intense excitement in a long time I felt like I was going to explode into bright colours, or something equally dramatic

Macavity!

I should probably start with the beginning of this story, the time I was first introduced to the effulgent poems from T S Eliot's 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats'. I was in primary school and my teacher at the time (who happened to be an old theatre actor himself) read some of the poems in english class. I was in awe and immediately went to the town library to get the book out to read myself. In the end I think it turned into the book I rented from the library the most, every few months I got it again. It was the same year that my teacher invited me to join the theatre company he ran with his wife. I ended up spending alot of my youth in that company, 'Break-A-Leg' joining both the acting and dance classes for years. This was my first exposure to Cats the Musical. We preformed 'Macavity' as part of a Cabaret performance when I was 7 and that was when my Mum bought the film version on VHS, as it happened to also come out that year. 

Was it Mungojerrie? Or Rumplteazer?

I was entranced. Ever since that day I vowed to see Cats live one day no matter what. With the same theatre group I went on to dance and sing in various Cats acts, though sadly never the whole musical. My love was sealed.

Magical Mr Mistoffelees!

A few months ago I was casually browsing our local theatre, the Bristol Hippodrome, for performances (I went to see the comedian, Bill Bailey, for the second time in September) and there were those iconic yellow cat eyes staring back at me. I looked at performance dates and immediately ran downstairs to my Mum to ask if she wanted to go as part of her 50th birthday presents from me. I actually squealed one the booking was confirmed and ever since I've had excitement building, I've read my copy of OPBoPC so many times I almost know it word from word! And last night, was the night!

Outfit I wore. Forest Green Blazer, Sparkly Black cut Out Dress and Floral Tights.

I could hardly sit still as we took our seats (great seats in the Grand Circle) and viewing the junkyard set I was practically buzzing! The lights dimmed and the music began to swell and I could feel tears pricking, here I finally was 16 years later fulfilling the dream of a theatre lover. 

View from our seats!

The performance itself was flawless, in all honesty I'm still in awe of the dedication of the cast and crew to bringing the world of the Jellicle Cats to life. The singing and dance routines were flawless and I loved the little quirks of personality the actors have brought to the characters. I know the songs so well I was miming along with the cast totally enthralled. 

Grisabella The Glamour Cat.

I don't think a smile left my face the whole time. I can't even pick out a standout performance, everyone was so perfectly cast and really gave their performance, no matter how small all their dedication. The special effects were in time and spot on, the live orchestra gave the music flair and made the performance even more magical. I feel like I'm running out of adjectives to really describe my experience but it was unreal. I've been to many fantastic theatre productions before but this one meant so much to be I don't think I could fault it if I tried! I extend all my thanks and admiration for all the cast and crew who have worked to make this tour as special as it has been. Thankyou for fulfilling my dream and going beyond all my expectations; I'm still spellbound!

Demeter, Bombalurina and Jennylorum.

Cats is a show that has it all; memorable musical hits, beautiful ballet and gymnastic inspired dance routines, feline acting and pizazz! Faithful to the original poetry Andrew Lloyd Webber's classic score leaves you feeling breathless and wanting more; wanting to explore this mysterious world of the cats further. This is a show that I recommend to anyone, even people who do not enjoy the theatre because you will love this show. I'm hoping they do another UK tour in a few years so I can take my niece as she would be equally enthralled as I was as a young child.

Cast

Remaining tickets for this UK/Europe tour can be found here.

Images bar my own are all from the current UK/Europe Tour and found on the official Cat's website found here.

She opened her eyes to see, She was the one for me

Hi! I'm back from my holiday from Devon and since being back I've already got my creative head on. A few weeks ago I found a tutorial for a simple straight line skirt and I already had bought some fabric from the NEC sewing for pleasure exhibition that I had already bookmarked for a skirt. 

The tutorial is simple to follow and it's a really simple design that is perfect for a casual day look. The elastic waist is also friendly for people like me who can be prone to bloating a bit after big meals! It's also so cute for summer days out! 

The only problems I had with this were:

•  I measured the elastic to fit exactly to my waist but when I put it on it's really loose. Next time I'll make it an inch or two smaller so it fits more snugly and allows for my continuing weight loss aims. 
•  Make sure you leave about two inches of the side sem free or else it's a nightmare when you thread the elastic through later! 
•  I used a zigzag stitch on my machine but my Mum said a straight would be better, I didn't really realise until it was almost finished. 

If you'd like to have a go yourself then the tutorial by Brett Bara is here. 

You can also purchase her book on amazon here, I already have it on my wishlist!

Outfit Details:

Denim shirt - charity shop and diy, skirt - diy, belt - new look. 

Feet don't fail me now take me to the finish line

I'm back! Well truthfully I've been back a few days but I've been dizzy and was a bit down so just wanted to curl up and hide under my duvet with my books. But I'm feeling much better now, I've had some inspiring news regarding taking a Masters degree later in my life and for the first time in a long time I woke up feeling more excited and invigorated about life again. 

I started the 30 day squat challenge today, I find the up and down movements hard with my dizziness but taking my time helps. Once it's over hopefully they'll be a change in my body and I'll post the before and after shots! I'm also trying out some new yoga movements this week as I really want to start working on my fitness even before I'm well enough to take on proper regular exercises, such as running. I eat pretty healthily (I do have naughty treats but they are added to my daily calorie count!) and try to get a good mix of different foods (being a vegan this is even more important to ensure I'm getting the right vitamins). I find it easier when I'm at home to keep on my diet plan, being around Jonathan menas I treat myself more and get a bit lax on the calories. This is something I'm working on when I'm away, having the strength to say no is hard sometimes! 

I've got a few blog post ideas so keep your eyes peeled! :) 

Outfit details: 

White t-shirt - H&M, Floral patterned culottes - Miss Selfridge, Black Tights - Marks and Spencers, Black Lace Up Ankle Boots - Urban Outfitters, Thick Leather-look Belt - Primark. 

In the valley of dolls we sleep

Did a little too much today so I'm currently curled up in bed having to focus so hard on typing cos of the vertigo. ):

Luckily it was worth it, I went shopping with my Mum and it's been a while since we were last able to go out just the two of us because we tend to go with my sister. It was nice having a few hours mother-daughter time; and since I'm going away for six weeks to Northern Ireland it reminded me how much I'm going to miss her while I'm away. I seriously have an amazing Mum who does anything for my siblings and I that's within her power. I'm very lucky to have her. :) I wish I could do more for my Mum to treat her more but I do have my own budget restrictions in place but I'm hoping to buy her a camera for her birthday (though it'll be early) that she can take on the holiday she's hoping to take to Italy in October. My Mum paints watercolours and her cameras pretty old and rubbish now so I want to give her one she can use to take pictures that she can then paint when she comes home. 

So on our little adventure we both bought some henna from Lush (I use caca rouge and my Mum's going to try it with caca maroon), I bought some earrings for £1 and a new bird blouse, aztec tights and a khaki skirt all for £12! I also wore my wig out as I was feeling lazy and couldn't be bothered to wash my hair. Shockingly, not one person questioned me and the woman in Lush thought it was my natural hair! Another woman in another store told me I look like a china doll which was a little odd but lovely nonetheless. 

I also started a new book today, Stephen King's 'The Shining'. I've seen Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece of a film based on this book and I've always wanted to extend my King collection and so when I saw this a while ago in a charity shop for 90p there was no way I could resist! I think it'll take me a few days to get through as I really need to work on my sewing projects tomorrow and Monday and then I leve Tuesday evening. I just hope it's as good as the film! 

Finally, well-done to the English rugby team for beating Scotland today in their first game of the Six Nations! Jonathan said he's going to try and teach me the rules of rugby so I can understand it more. Hopefully we can keep this winning streak and get a grand slam this year!

Outfit details

Skull playsuit - TKMaxx, Cream vintage blouse - Urban Outfitters, black opaque tights - Marks and Spencers, Mustard skinny belt - h&m, Shoes - thrifted (charity shop), black socks - Dunnes Stores, Owl necklace - bought in Rome, Mustard woollen hat - New Look, Black wig - eBay.

Remember what the dormouse said "Feed your head"

Yesterday was a very exciting day for me because after waiting over three weeks my Alice In Wonderland tights finally arrived! These are one of my many eBay bargains and as an Alice fan how could I resist? They were shipped from Hong Kong, hence the long delivery wait,  and I am so pleased with the product. The one problem I found is that as I'm 5'8 the tights are a little too short but I just about managed to get them up my legs! Anyone taller then me I'm afraid I feel your pain with buying tights and having to buy large or extra large! As a result if you see these advertised anywhere as 'one size', as mine were, and you're over 5'8 you probably won't be able to get them all the way up your legs which is a shame. ): 

I spent a while deciding what to wear with these beauties and settled on a vintage monochrome look to complement the tights without overpowering them. I did wear heeled ankle boots while taking the pictures but I can't walk in heels very long with my condition so I switched to flats when I went to the supermarket in the evening. I also stole another opportunity to wear my wig as I won't be able to wear it for a few weeks while I'm in Northern Ireland (I'm a little worried about it going out of shape or something in the suitcase cos of how full it usually is). Make up wise I went with grey smokey eyes (boots 17 collection) and a muted lipstick (boots natural collection) for a gothic feel to the ensemble. I loved how this worked with the wig and the outfit as a whole as it was striking without being overpowering. I adore this look so much and I wish I was able to go out more to show it off! 

Not alot else has happened the past few days. I went to the doctors today to discuss my asthma and he was wonderful and reassuring and I'm glad I have him on my side with all my medical problems at the moment. I start my CBT next week via telephone so going to really tackle the anxiety problems I have currently. I'm meant to be sewing at the moment as I have some projects to finish but I've been so tired this week I have hardly the energy to read half the time! ): 

Books I have read this past week: 

Patricia Cornwell - The Body Farm (4/5)

Patricia Cornwell - Potters Field (4/5)

Patricia Cornwell - Cause of Death (3/5)

Erin Morgenstern - Night Circus (5/5)

Currently reading: 

John Harding - Florence and Giles

If anyone would like to see other ratings I've given books or what kinds of books I read then please add me on Goodreads. My name is Amy Maries on there as it's linked with my facebook. I'd love to see what other people read so it'll be great to have some more friends. :)

I'm going to Taunton tomorrow with my Mum to get a new supply of henna hair dye from Lush (I use caca rouge) and probably pop into some of the shops there. I would have got some Tuesday from Bath with my physio but my asthma was still bad so I had to cancel. My lungs are improving again though so fingers crossed I have no more trips to a&e! 

Outfit Details.

Lace blouse - made by my Mum, PU skirt - river island, alice tights - ebay, lace up heeled ankle boots - forever 21, wig - ebay and owl pocket watch necklace - gift.

I'm gonna pop your bubblegum heart

I bought a wig! Well I ordered it a while ago and been waiting for it to arrive, I didn't want to mention it in case it was really awful but I'm actually impressed! For £6 the quality is fantastic (thankyou eBay!). It's not itchy and keeps on my head. 

My boyfriend doesn't like it, but I've had positive comments on other social networking sites. I used to have black hair but it was shorter and I soon changed it to brunette. I like my hair this dark as it doesn't warm my features like my normal red hair does but makes them more striking. My Mum commented on my cheekbones looking more prominent earlier. I'm pleased that it gives me the chance to change my look without changing it permanently as I have fickle days. I think if anyone wants to make a change that's temporary then wigs are a fantastic way of doing that. Just make sure you take good care of them and you'll be fine. 

Ended up in a&e last night with another asthma attack. Luckily the medication worked well enough for them to let me go home but it looks like I won't be able to lower my steroids for another week at least, going to see what my Gp says tomorrow.  I had to miss my physio as the dizziness is bad today and I fainted in the hospital and I knew the long journey would make me feel worse. Luckily, my physio understands that I have to travel quite far and I'll speak with him tomorrow about progress as I'm going away for 6 weeks from next Tuesday. 

Outfit details:

Long black wig - eBay, floral blouse - thrifted (charity shop), PU skater skirt - river island, tan belt - came with another skirt form new look, floral tights - Tesco. 

We won't let the sun go down, We're gonna chase the demons out of town

I'm finally out of hospital! Well truth be told I've been out since Thursday night but I'm still far from being well, though slowly getting better. I've used an entire inhaler for my asthma in less than 2 days which isn't so good but the consultant said it could be a few weeks until it's back under control. Which sucks. 

I've spent all weekend in bed in my pjs. I've had hardly any energy at all and I've needed to catch up on alot of sleep. However, I'm a little more perky today so I got up, dressed and even put make up on! It's amazing what a difference a bit of personal attention can make to your mood, I feel so liberated. Plus I finally have chance to wear my new zebra dress!

So during my weekend in bed I watched Wes Anderson's 'Moonrise Kingdom' which is fantastic. If you like quirky, creative films then this is one for you! My Mum thought it was strange but I was totally enchanted and I can't understand why it's taken me so long to watch it. The cinematography is stunning and now I want an adventure in New England! I'd like to watch more of Anderson's films as I've only seen a handful and he's firmly planted himself as a favourite director of mine. 

I also spent alot of time reading, I'm reading my third Patricia Cornwell book in a row. Though I prefer the work of Kathy Reichs for forensic crime novels, Cornwell's novels are still fun to read. It also brings in a little more of the legal side, which is something I don't know alot about, as well as the forensic pathology. I also like her books cos they're quick reads, usually I can finish them in one day or two nights. This gives me a break between heavier stories or the classics, as even though I adore them they can be draining. Any crime fans out there with some new suggestions?

Outfit details:

Zebra dress - h&m, black opaque tights - marks and spencers, cowboy boots - eBay (new look), pearl collar - Miss Selfridge, Belt - came with another dress, hat - vintage from my Mum, Cream and gold bracelet - too old to remember

There's a Starman waiting in the sky..

I'm back! Admittedly I've been back since Sunday evening but due to several bad days with my neurological disorder and now a cold to boot I've not really done much but sleep, read and watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer. 

While I was away I didn't get to take many outfit pictures due to Jonathan's tiny, tiny room! I had a wonderful time and I wish I were still there. I was spoiled with Christmas presents from his Mum, Dad and of course himself which has helped alot of the anxiety that they think I'm annoying calm down! 

We went shopping in Belfast on my last Saturday and I managed to pick up some bargins in the sales! Obviously those items will be appearing soon once I feel better and don't spend all day in pj's in bed. I really miss Jonathan, and it hasn't even been a week! I just feel safe around him and he makes me smile and looks after me when I have bad days. I also miss his dog, Max and his bearded dragons, Moz and Marr. (Marr is pictured above with Jonathan <3) 

We had a few wonderful days when Jonathan wasn't working. On New Years Day we went and saw The Hobbit and then he took me out to an Indian Restaurant for dinner. We went to the cinema to see Life of Pi. Both films are incredible and I really recommend seeing them both as the cinematography and plots are sublime. Both are fantastic assets to their novel counter-parts. 

I treated Jonathan as well, after dragging him around shops in Belfast we went to Wagamama's for dinner and I paid. It was his first time there and since I found out they have options for vegans it was a must! As usual the food was delicious and I can't wait for our next outing there. 

We also went to five Belfast Giants hockey games, we had a few disappointing games but luckily my last game until February was a win! I love the atmosphere at hockey games, I never thought I'd turn into a sports girl but there's something about this game that's so hypnotizing  It's fast, it's rough and it involves alot of skill I can appreciate as a non-skater! I'm really glad the NHL is back as well in North America, I'm hoping being able to watch the games at home will help me understand the penalties a little more, I have the basic jist of them but I'm still a noob!

So, of the outfit pics I did get! This is probably the only one from while I was away. I got this dress in a TK Maxx sale for £5 reduced from £25! I don't own any animal print clothes so this was a step away from the norm, but the adorable collar and versatile style of the dress, which makes it easy for layering in winter and a pretty summer dress in summer, as well as the price got me at the checkout! 

I also bought these floral tights from Tesco. I always get nervous buying pretty tights incase I ladder them but I decided this year I'm just going to have to be more careful! I show off my legs alot and I like pretty tights so time to embrace the two. I've been after some floral rose style tights for a while but I couldn't find any at a reasonable price I liked.. that was until I found these for £3. :)

This is the only outfit I've actually worn since I got home that isn't pjs. I wanted to try out another new pair of tights and the new 'manly' belt I bought to go with more 90's styles. This was to wear just to pop to the shops, and I did get some strange looks as it was 0 degrees celsius and we were waiting for snow! To be honest though, I didn't even feel the cold. It's a weird thing that I rarely feel the cold on my legs, I think it must come from my school days when I wouldn't wear trousers and I wore skirts and tights. 

Outfit details:

Tights and belt- Primark, Shorts - Topshop, Jeremiah Weed shirt - gift from my old job at a pub, Blazer - River Island (thrifted)

You were pretty, Queen of New York City

It's Boxing Day! Though I heard American's don't get it  so here's a good old wiki explanation on the history of Boxing Day..

In Britain, it was a custom for tradesmen to collect "Christmas boxes" of money or presents on the first weekday after Christmas as thanks for good service throughout the year. This is mentioned in Samuel Pepys' diary entry for 19 December 1663. This custom is linked to an older English tradition: Since they would have to wait on their masters on Christmas Day, the servants of the wealthy were allowed the next day to visit their families. The employers would give each servant a box to take home containing gifts and bonuses, and sometimes leftover food."

So yeah, this is really the time of year in Britain where we all eat leftover food, some people hit the sales early and others go see extended family. We're having a quiet day in. We just had our second Christmas dinner which was scrummy and now I'm thinking of taking a nap cos I'm quite dizzy today and I have a flight tomorrow at 7am to Northern Ireland so need to take it easy. We also remembered to get the crackers out toady so enjoy my obligatory Christmas cracker hat photo. I'm itching to start up my new sewing machine so might have a proper play later, if not, then I already have some projects lined up for my return in mid-January. 

I love my hair colour at the moment but as I'm away for almost 3 weeks tonight Mum and I will be getting the henna out and dying it. I'm nervous it'll go bright or not how I want too as it's currently subtly ombre and I really really like that. Plus it's natural red looking without it being overpoweringly ginger so idk. It's part of the fun with henna that you're never certain how it'll turn out and the 4 hours developing time just adds to the excitement. But whatever happens it's better than blonde roots!

Today's look has been a simple idea I've been saving for today to wear. I adore this bronze-gold faux leather skirt I got for a £5 a few years ago in H&M but the bow detail can be a little overpowering on some outfits. Also it's very short so not always suitable though I want to get more wear out of it this year. I dressed it down with my Isle of Wight Festival 2009 shirt I bought when I was at the festival. Whenever I wear it it brings back such good memories - though not the really nasty sunburn I acquired that weekend! 

Outfit Details.

T-shirt - Isle of Wight music festival 2009, Faux leather bronze skirt - h&m, black opaque tights - Marks and Spencers.

It's the most wonderful time of the year

It's the end of Christmas! I hope you've all had a wonderful day and you got what you wanted and ate lots of yummy food! I for one got my sewing machine from my Mum, sewing basic goodies from my sister and Phoebe, a toolbox to use as a sewing box from my brother and bath smellies from my aunt and uncle and family friends. It's not alot this year but I know my sewing machine cost quite a bit so I knew I was only getting that from Mum. I haven't had chance to properly give it a test run cos I've been quite tired after yesterdays cooking madness! 

This was also my first vegan Christmas dinner! Though I still have cheese and eggs to give up (this time next week I'll be full vegan!) I decided to just go for it this year and it was a tasty success! I made a vegetable pie with a rosemary encrusted pastry (I only put pastry on the top of the pie as to save the calories!) with all the trimmings, homemade cranberry sauce and my first attempt at yorkshire puddings. They need a little more experimenting until I perfect the recipe/cooking but they were still tasty! Then for dessert we had my homemade vegan Christmas pudding with soya custard and oh my goodness I will be making this every year from now on. If anyone wants the recipe it's here. I adapted it a little by adding nuts and not adding prunes or apricots and using amaretto instead of sherry. But I think that's the joy of making your own Christmas pudding, you can add more of what you like and take out anything you're not keen on. It's really easy to make as well, you just need 7 hours in total to steam. ^^; We have the same meal again tomorrow and I'm really looking forward to it! I'm trying not to worry about the calories today and tomorrow as it's Christmas but it's tough not to look! 

As it was Christmas and I don't have much of a social life at the moment I wanted to wear something pretty for Christmas so I wore one of my favourite special dresses. This navy polka dot dress has a sweetheart neckline which I think is so flattering on most women. It also has a heart cut out on the back which is a cute detail that I think was the deciding factor for me buying the dress! I also like how the waist is structured and the tulip skirt is also another flattering cut. I paired this with my flesh coloured heart patterned tights (you can't see the pattern as it was hard to get on camera due to it blending in), a simple birds on branch long necklace and the beautiful silver owl earrings from my friend Alex for Christmas. It was comfortable and made me feel more festive as I've really struggled to get into the spirit this year. I think it's because my Mum had to work yesterday and my Mum has never worked Christmas Eve because she prefers it to Christmas Day, but yesterday she had no choice so I think her not being around made it not feel like Christmas. Also we had to wait til the evening to open presents when Phoebe and my sister arrived from her boyfriends families house. It's been an odd Christmas for sure. 

Outfit Details.

Polka dot heart cut out dress - newlook, flesh coloured heart pattern tights - primark, bird necklace - etsy, silver owl earrings - gift.

There is no crime in being kind

So yesterday was a big day travelling to see my grandparents and to deliver a few gifts of vegan shortbread for my friends. (so far all the reviews of my shortbread have been really good so I'm pretty pleased. :)) It was amazing seeing people, albiet briefly, and it's reminded me who the important people in my life are. Presents wise I actually did quite well! I got £60 cash, a Squirtle pokemon beaded art piece, £20 Waterstones voucher, a cute owl magnet and some dog shaped paper-clip/filers. :) Everyone knows me so well and I'm very lucky. :)

Being such a long day in the car comfort was a necessity. I tend to get really hot in cars so I didn't want to wear layers and layers incase I did get a bit stuffy. What I chose ended up being perfect and I got a few comments from family about how well I dress - yay! 

I also managed all day without fainting until we were almost home and then I went twice. I'm really feeling the effects today (I couldn't even go Christmas food shopping with my Mum) and so all my last minute projects are on hold while I take a day to just rest. I'm about to watch the Supernatural season 5 finale and then I'll finish reading volume 1 of Les Miserables. I've had a lavender and jasmine bath as well so I'm pretty relaxed for once!

Outfit Details. 

Tapestry tan brouges - Urban Outfitters, Black socks - Dunnes Stores, Leggings - h&m, velvet bodycon dress - New Look, Oversized Cardigan - Charity Shop, Stag Necklace - etsy