tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72060783171612567592024-03-19T10:19:25.276+00:00Where The Heart Is - An American in the UKCaityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comBlogger173125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-37721530069674454952017-07-02T17:06:00.002+01:002021-02-21T14:09:43.568+00:00I've Been Everywhere<center>
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Not really. Just not on here. SORRY.<br />
(I was also looking for a good excuse to get some Cash in here. You're welcome.)<br />
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It's been a month. A year? Let's just leave it at - it's been hectic. But I'm working on it - I am coming back! Big things are happening - you'll just have to wait for it.<br />
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Barcelona, Brighton, Liverpool, Florida, Kentucky, Ohio, and of course, my one true love - London - have taken up my life lately, and there will be recaps. But today, we're talking about something even better. BURGERS AND BEER.<br />
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Before I disappeared to America for the month of June, isolated from my Macbook due to plug adapter issues, the lovely team at <strike>Pr and Everything In Between</strike> - who you'll now find at their hot new rebranded, <a href="http://teamtfr.com/" target="_blank">The Fitting Room</a> - invited me to check out the reopening of The Diner in Camden.<br />
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The Diner can be found all across London, serving you up the best of America. Burgers, hot dogs, chilli cheese fries, You name it, they'll have it. Even better? They've got a fab rooftop bar so you can have the best of both worlds - burgers, booze, and sweet, sweet sunshine.<br />
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We spend the evening in the sunset, packed with a DJ, break-dancer, and all the food and booze your hungry heart could want. My verdict? RECOMMEND.<br />
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You can find The Diner in 8 locations across London - find them and their packed menu <a href="http://goodlifediner.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. And when you do go - take me with you. CHEESE FRIES.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CUE24wGfuRsiTozBVtHHct6iJFf-6CiHzNdpozoqNTGySqprZa7ifT0LxZ7KIfB0_4st6J5hC04rHUW1tKnztyjK-Ivv-5IFeNjT2RbgPWwShoeDlb426qx7YgntFh0J7_J1r63jB0iG/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CUE24wGfuRsiTozBVtHHct6iJFf-6CiHzNdpozoqNTGySqprZa7ifT0LxZ7KIfB0_4st6J5hC04rHUW1tKnztyjK-Ivv-5IFeNjT2RbgPWwShoeDlb426qx7YgntFh0J7_J1r63jB0iG/s320/unnamed-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-49527072243189119692016-10-13T14:05:00.005+01:002021-02-20T21:46:09.113+00:00Beer Pong, Selfies, and Skewers<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Last month, we were invited by the lovely
<a href="http://www.prandeverythinginbetween.com/" target="_blank">PR & Everything Inbetween</a> to come and check out <a href="http://www.gem-bar.co.uk/" target="_blank">GEM Bar</a> – a chic cocktail
bar right in the heart of Soho. With the
location on point, we knew it would be a place we wanted to see.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Walking into GEM, the décor took me
straight into the New York Subway – filled with colourful and eclectic graffiti
art, there was an edgy vibe to the bar. And you can even add your own designs
to the chalkboard walls along first floor – which, of course, we did. Not to mention the beer pong table they have
in the side room of the bar – we definitely partook a bit too much in that too.
Hey – we’re American. It’s in our blood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The downstairs bar is a bit more refined
and classic. I use that with loose terms, though, as we found the world’s greatest
selfie mirror near the cloakroom. You stand in front of the full-size mirror,
and once the picture is taken, you can pick a frame, add your own drawings, and
with the touch-screen inside the mirror, voila! Prints in seconds for a perfect
momento of the night. We may have gone a bit overboard, and possibly took
around 8 or so photos … but who’s counting?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The menu was filled with delicious cocktails
and tasty treats, all that we were able to have a try of. My favourite drink of
the night was most definitely the Bounty Hunter; an amazing chocolate &
coconut cocktail with chocolate liquor Bacardi. Too good!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">As a veggie, the starters menu was
absolutely spot on as well. We had a
vegetarian sharing plate that included halloumi and roasted pepper skewers,
sweet potato fries, and my personal favourite, cream cheese stuffed peppers –
all which complemented the cocktails just right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">GEM Bar is perfect for a girls night out (didn’t
you hear me? Selfie mirror and chocolate martinis!), or an evening out with the
lads for some beer pong and food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The cocktails and yummy sharing platters
make it the perfect spot for some post-work fun as well!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Check out GEM Bar’s <a href="http://www.gem-bar.co.uk/" target="_blank">website </a>for their
cocktails & platters, and make sure you get in for a visit! Located right
between Kingly and Regent Street in Soho, you’ve got no excuse not to pop in
for a well-deserved drink (or three!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-49302930151498503782016-07-21T16:23:00.009+01:002021-02-21T14:01:23.992+00:00Impossible Live - Noel Coward Theatre<div class="gmail_default" style="color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">A break-dancing card shark, a blindfolded crossbow daredevil, and a SOMETHING walk into a theatre...</span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Could be a lame joke, or a true story. AKA - my night at</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"> </span></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Impossible</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"> </span></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">on the West End.</span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Last week, Heather and I headed out into the world of magic at the Noel Coward Theatre. Packed in with all walks of life - children, seniors, tourists, and locals - we were ready (or hoping) to be amazed.</span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">There were a few tricks that I had seen or learned before through growing up or common sense, but the best parts of the show came from mind reader Chris Cox and stuntman Jonathan Goodwin. And I'll mention Ben Hart because he managed to take someone out of the audience and move her from one side of the stage to the other, but I'm slightly bitter that I wasn't chosen for that trick... </span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Chris Cox - an overly excited, goofy guy dressed in suspenders and a bow-tie, went through the audience at random, guessing names, thoughts, even down to what people had for lunch that day. Pulling up volunteers to choose outfits from behind a dressing curtain, he was spot on with just about everything. I'm STILL baffled by how he's able to do this!</span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">The best way to explain Jonathan Goodwin probably comes straight from his bio -</span></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">'</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Jonathan has been hanged, buried alive, hung from helicopters, free solo’d skyscrapers, and performed a straitjacket escape from a burning rope hanging 300ft up in the air from the London Eye.'</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Hm. Okay Jonathan. You do you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">We managed to see him do a few of these tricks - well, the audience did. I closed my eyes. It's a little much for me to watch someone shoot a crossbow at his wife blindfolded. But he did just that, and many more over-the-scale insane tasks.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">The entire group was full of crowd-pleasers, and the show came full circle in the end by bringing up a young aspiring magician to help out with a trick. And we did leave the theatre in a full-on 15 minute 'How did they do that???' conversation, so I'd call the show a success.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><i>Impossible runs at the Noel Coward Theatre until 27 August 2016. Show times are from Monday - Saturday 730PM, with 2PM matinees on Tuesday and Saturday. To get the best deals on tickets, visit</i></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><i> </i></span></span><a href="http://boxoffice.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><i>boxoffice.co.uk</i></span></a><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><i> </i></span></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><i>to grab your seats now!</i></span></span></div>
Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-8558442647518505382016-06-18T10:55:00.007+01:002021-02-20T21:46:39.782+00:00Night Sorted at CopaCabanaImagine this - a beach chair right on the water, Brazilian Caipirinhas, and all the chicken and chips you can eat. And to top it off - doughballs with Nutella. Yes - NUTELLA.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQ89ikRjcSLquX8QDqP9zMOqWt1e8z6GsFAhApPebLud9WnZip8RUOMKIz_uAWAScn3i9e_WFDL9wnEXjQkZyOUpOFUxUfntgNRqsviU4PRzcKraTL9nLVlPQD4diBKAq1mgAMX984aEh/s1600/13479519_10208776459227706_1494039959_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQ89ikRjcSLquX8QDqP9zMOqWt1e8z6GsFAhApPebLud9WnZip8RUOMKIz_uAWAScn3i9e_WFDL9wnEXjQkZyOUpOFUxUfntgNRqsviU4PRzcKraTL9nLVlPQD4diBKAq1mgAMX984aEh/s640/13479519_10208776459227706_1494039959_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Lucky for me - this was a reality. Right along Southbank, Cabana has partnered up with the Southbank Centre to create CopaCabanaBeach, a summer pop up in celebration of the Rio Olympics. <br />
<br />
Rachel (find her at <a href="https://lunchingaboveourweight.com/" target="_blank">Lunching Above Our Weight</a>) and I hit up CopaCabanaBeach after work last week because - well, because rum. We walked up to a food truck with a bar linked to it, filled with beanbags and beach chairs to lounge under the summer sun (I use that loosely - remember, we ARE in London...).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
A range of Brazilian cocktails with a side of sweet potato fries and malagueta chicken, which Rachel assured me was absolutely fantastic. Followed by their chocolate rain donuts and some champagne, the night could not have been better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRR0gi1JU3xSEbZilD0P7b-U4-sKRvZ_PD3lfGxPxF44NsNJLhqze1e_0-85hl4P_SMm6YpQb80RSyGfjUTMpJvMPtoQOrWi7xzx-5Dte3s4Cl0h7GWiAGosl8bSJVcz2TbO0tKp97Ohp/s1600/13474143_10208776464187830_1178009627_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRR0gi1JU3xSEbZilD0P7b-U4-sKRvZ_PD3lfGxPxF44NsNJLhqze1e_0-85hl4P_SMm6YpQb80RSyGfjUTMpJvMPtoQOrWi7xzx-5Dte3s4Cl0h7GWiAGosl8bSJVcz2TbO0tKp97Ohp/s640/13474143_10208776464187830_1178009627_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Mouth watering of too many rum cravings now? Worry not - this pop up will be on Southbank for the remainder of the summer. And not just that - Cabana has got locations all over London with even more goodies on their menu, so you can hit them up year-round. Rachel and I already have plans to grab a bite at their Covent Garden location this week.<br />
<br />
Just. Too. Good.<br />
<br />
Find more information about their locations & menu on their website, <a href="http://cabana-brasil.com/copacabana/" target="_blank">HERE</a>!<br />
Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-69650879312611457702016-06-18T10:55:00.006+01:002021-02-20T21:46:26.552+00:00Night Sorted at CopaCabanaImagine this - a beach chair right on the water, Brazilian Caipirinhas, and all the chicken and chips you can eat. And to top it off - doughballs with Nutella. Yes - NUTELLA.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQ89ikRjcSLquX8QDqP9zMOqWt1e8z6GsFAhApPebLud9WnZip8RUOMKIz_uAWAScn3i9e_WFDL9wnEXjQkZyOUpOFUxUfntgNRqsviU4PRzcKraTL9nLVlPQD4diBKAq1mgAMX984aEh/s1600/13479519_10208776459227706_1494039959_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQ89ikRjcSLquX8QDqP9zMOqWt1e8z6GsFAhApPebLud9WnZip8RUOMKIz_uAWAScn3i9e_WFDL9wnEXjQkZyOUpOFUxUfntgNRqsviU4PRzcKraTL9nLVlPQD4diBKAq1mgAMX984aEh/s640/13479519_10208776459227706_1494039959_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Lucky for me - this was a reality. Right along Southbank, Cabana has partnered up with the Southbank Centre to create CopaCabanaBeach, a summer pop up in celebration of the Rio Olympics. <br />
<br />
Rachel (find her at <a href="https://lunchingaboveourweight.com/" target="_blank">Lunching Above Our Weight</a>) and I hit up CopaCabanaBeach after work last week because - well, because rum. We walked up to a food truck with a bar linked to it, filled with beanbags and beach chairs to lounge under the summer sun (I use that loosely - remember, we ARE in London...).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
A range of Brazilian cocktails with a side of sweet potato fries and malagueta chicken, which Rachel assured me was absolutely fantastic. Followed by their chocolate rain donuts and some champagne, the night could not have been better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRR0gi1JU3xSEbZilD0P7b-U4-sKRvZ_PD3lfGxPxF44NsNJLhqze1e_0-85hl4P_SMm6YpQb80RSyGfjUTMpJvMPtoQOrWi7xzx-5Dte3s4Cl0h7GWiAGosl8bSJVcz2TbO0tKp97Ohp/s1600/13474143_10208776464187830_1178009627_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRR0gi1JU3xSEbZilD0P7b-U4-sKRvZ_PD3lfGxPxF44NsNJLhqze1e_0-85hl4P_SMm6YpQb80RSyGfjUTMpJvMPtoQOrWi7xzx-5Dte3s4Cl0h7GWiAGosl8bSJVcz2TbO0tKp97Ohp/s640/13474143_10208776464187830_1178009627_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Mouth watering of too many rum cravings now? Worry not - this pop up will be on Southbank for the remainder of the summer. And not just that - Cabana has got locations all over London with even more goodies on their menu, so you can hit them up year-round. Rachel and I already have plans to grab a bite at their Covent Garden location this week.<br />
<br />
Just. Too. Good.<br />
<br />
Find more information about their locations & menu on their website, <a href="http://cabana-brasil.com/copacabana/" target="_blank">HERE</a>!<br />
Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-28084906761997529042016-06-08T09:30:00.001+01:002021-02-20T21:46:49.083+00:00Sunshine, Steel Drums, and So Much Rum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-qNccHzthUP_pqctM0R2N_MD_OjjWNlr_aS4Rt9-UWR9iPudeNmNBRi2D7HXE7FkCuqNt8FvX5Y0j8-rtdIotqsj4rrSGlKI5agMWB85OfqGqc9KtUy_EeFOibhUJcTC5DR-hn_aSrqx/s1600/13384669_10208697667777969_577545773_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-qNccHzthUP_pqctM0R2N_MD_OjjWNlr_aS4Rt9-UWR9iPudeNmNBRi2D7HXE7FkCuqNt8FvX5Y0j8-rtdIotqsj4rrSGlKI5agMWB85OfqGqc9KtUy_EeFOibhUJcTC5DR-hn_aSrqx/s640/13384669_10208697667777969_577545773_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Its summertime in London and you know what that means! Rain, rain, and more rain.</div>
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This cold, rainy summer weather has left me wanting
to escape to a warmer, tropical location with fruity drinks and the
sound of steel drums. Luckily, I had to go no further in Central
London! Caity and I were lucky enough to be invited
to a tropical Jamaican getaway pop-up in the heart of Soho Square by
Sugar Dumplin' Rum Shack. As we walked in sound of steel drums and happy
chatter filled the air. We were greeted by a tropical bar with more
drink choices than we could choose from. They
had a Jamaican Mojito with Golden Rum Appleton Signature, a Bahama Mama
which has spiced rum, bananas and tropical fruit juice and so many
more. We both decided on a Rum Runner which consisted of dark rum and
banana and blackberry liquor. Delish!</div>
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As we passed the steel drums to the back we could
smell the delicious Jamaican BBQ that was being prepared outside. Our
options available were some of the best pick from their menu. The Jerk
Chicken was covered in Jerk Sauce and topped
sliced chilli and spring onions. For the veggies out there, Sugar
Dumplin has a delicious Butternut Squash & Chickpea Creole. This
had roasted butternut, chickpeas, spinach and coconut in a creole style
tomato sauce. Their third dish was Escovitch Fish
which consisted of a lightly friend red snapper served with an
Escovitch Sause. All dishes were served with Rice ‘N’ Peas and had the
option to be topped with some delicious slaw and sweet and spicy sauce. After licking my plate I decided that BBQ Jamaican
food was now at the top of my favourite food list.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxPQ0I6V0fZRHgpfPd0KP_6NqesqNDPxkeZ9lHMZT58-9UWcEtO3ZqdkR3Ne_MAXnBAa0E7OF1PgrH7VdOkrT7QRb3JGXlN6Ao7atb-Ftpy7xnHbAPVvxVw0WacqMOcREAC7_l5mmNW9G/s1600/13393255_10208697668097977_2078763703_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxPQ0I6V0fZRHgpfPd0KP_6NqesqNDPxkeZ9lHMZT58-9UWcEtO3ZqdkR3Ne_MAXnBAa0E7OF1PgrH7VdOkrT7QRb3JGXlN6Ao7atb-Ftpy7xnHbAPVvxVw0WacqMOcREAC7_l5mmNW9G/s640/13393255_10208697668097977_2078763703_n.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Surgar Dumplin currently have locations in Glasgow
and Camberley and looking to expand into London Territory. Our escape
into Sugar Dumplin Rum Shack was a tropical destination in the heart of a
cold bustling London and it was jusdt what
we needed. If you have the opportunity to visit one of their locations
around the UK I highly recommend it, you wont be disappoint. Watch out
for a London based Sugar Dumplin near you!</div>
Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-57826570757249600172016-05-15T17:35:00.002+01:002021-02-20T21:47:04.531+00:00So -- What Happened?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ77RqiRDUZQONlhZ7zBRF9h5QLo_fjQtsBsO9luVmHEN6u8wKhPkuHeZHIpzs0FcOyUyGTeyPXSfxijFmjR0jr8n_hKfzja01ICQCoTgAiWmymnSl4PYLPwXZtSTmuccod0CtKRj-2A6U/s1600/Optimized-iStock_000051908912_Large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ77RqiRDUZQONlhZ7zBRF9h5QLo_fjQtsBsO9luVmHEN6u8wKhPkuHeZHIpzs0FcOyUyGTeyPXSfxijFmjR0jr8n_hKfzja01ICQCoTgAiWmymnSl4PYLPwXZtSTmuccod0CtKRj-2A6U/s640/Optimized-iStock_000051908912_Large.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
A study abroad semester in 2012 is what put me in full force to make a life for myself in London. A year and a half after that, we spent a month in the city working to speak to everyone we could that would give us a chance at a job to bring us back to the city. A year after that, we bought a one-way ticket and a spot at Westminster University, as confident as I could be that it would somehow work out.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The last time I wrote in here - I was
finishing up a Master's Degree, well into an internship I was hoping
would take me somewhere, and still in that anxious uncertainty of
wondering where I would be in 4 months time. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So - what happened? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was a few jobs through, a few more internships after that, one hell of a final paper, and a rejection or two from the UK government, but to be able to say this makes me prouder than anything I've ever done in my life.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
WE DID IT.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Two crazy Americans with even crazier dreams, moved across the world together to accomplish something that not many folks can pull off. And not even one of us managed it - but we both did.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've been with my company since July, and got my work visa in January. We're in a new flat in Fulham. We started a music events company and have put on some pretty <a href="http://www.twentyflightmusic.com/" target="_blank">wild gigs</a>. I work 5 days a week and complain about how busy the tube is at rush hour. I grab a few pints at the local bars around for post-work happy hour. We spend weekends at the parks, or wandering around a market. Life is so normal - and I couldn't be happier.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
I've always said I felt like I belonged here. But now, it's a reality. London is my home.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Damn that sounds good to say. </div>
Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-13631026305115073052015-08-09T12:49:00.000+01:002015-08-09T14:07:26.916+01:00BRB<div style="text-align: center;">
Working, writing a dissertation, finding a new flat, and trying to LIVE!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Taking a quick hiatus for about two weeks until this is all sorted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be back soon!</div>
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Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-32750359680544350022015-07-26T00:33:00.002+01:002021-02-20T21:47:19.733+00:00London: In Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1fq9ZGAUePQYsesyN-kF1Jcm5N1CYavNH0ld9RnR6G5Y2vNzMVvFDaXEGrSqhA842v8bEgim-pC6IA-JE5N1x_qhsDgunfmytgZRddBhKtkVr4mUhhsIOS5rRAwZnNz6sjIs2XmQcx6-/s640/11759044_10206419698990173_1101960754_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKm6tpysntGsufBxgTHAjLPjEJV-3H_Uw0e4W_Al9OZrq0wHCgTc45QfkJsKjYIFC3MZ3WJPFfn3sIVHKcZl2_RewwjPWZNn-slz-qIN29Sl3yYbaqokJqfyRHKZ-g2fD_jgdJoxY_Ei6/s640/11739645_10206358565261868_1090867638_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Oh yes, of course we're ending this with pizza.</div>
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Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-8490188389953453762015-07-17T00:11:00.001+01:002021-02-20T21:47:29.554+00:00Fab Four Friday<div style="text-align: center;">
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Being (probably overly) intertwined in the coolest community in the world - The Beatles -</div>
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I made a friend who offered to give me a backstage peek at Let It Be Live, currently playing at the Garrick Theatre.</div>
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Theatre ... and The Beatles ...</div>
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As if I could ever be more in my element than this day.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_c_g14ZgAt9n94P4t5pL4qDp7XHQ498Z101kwKBuhz3AXd1IXEKZNX8HkDqfVWQw79lSNqGQDAxl3gg-XCSvtxzHsC52ejimlFmlfB6ovwAlogVs-JRPSuYfR1YekRZ_m27VAP_pIkvi/s640/sdafadsf.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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We got to watch a bit of soundcheck from all over the theatre,</div>
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and I'm back to report that YES - the view from the box is actually as good as they say.</div>
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Making our way backstage, we saw sound guys doing sound things, recreated guitars</div>
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(mighty fine & almost exact, I will say!),</div>
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and the many many costumes that are used throughout the night.</div>
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And more guitars. A LOT of guitars.</div>
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And no - was not successful in taking one home with me.</div>
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There's always next time. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">How many can you name?</span></div>
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We also got a glimpse from the stage,</div>
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where we could get a view of what the guys see every night.</div>
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I'll tell you - imagining a sold out house felt incredible in an empty theatre;</div>
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I can't begin to understand how thrilling it would be when it's actually real.</div>
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While I tried and tried,</div>
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ultimately I was shot down as a sub-drummer for the night.</div>
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It just seemed like SUCH a big deal that I've never really played before?</div>
I didn't get it either.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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'John' has got a mini set list underneath the piano to follow with,<br />
along with a few starting words to a certain song to help him remember the lyric order.<br />
Which I thank him for - because after seeing that, I'm never going to forget that order either.<br />
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It was very cool to see how the show looks from the other point of view.<br />
And I'd never actually been on a West End stage before, so I was a bit giddy about that too.<br />
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And having the centerfold for this entire visit was The Beatles.<br />
And there's nooooooooothing in the world I like more than some rousing good ol' Beatles things! <br />
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<i>Let It Be Live runs at the Garrick until 5 September 2015 - see it while you can!</i><br />
<i>Performances run from Monday - Saturday 7:30PM with matinees Thursday & Saturday 3:00PM.</i><br />
<i>Get your tickets <a href="http://www.letitbelive.com/tickets/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</i><br />
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Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-20383727549862292102015-07-10T12:15:00.003+01:002021-02-20T21:47:46.317+00:00Fab Four Friday<div style="text-align: center;">
This will forever be one of my favorite Beatles tunes.<br />
Just because it's great.<br />
And sometimes you don't need a better reason than that.<br />
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We Can Work It Out has two distinct melodies in it - both way too catchy.<br />
I remember the first time I really heard a lot of Beatles songs, and this is one of the most memorable.<br />
On our first visit to the Cavern Club, we decided to catch the tribute band that plays on Saturday nights,<br />
and this song specifically played, and I was - of course - jamming hard.<br />
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The next day we woke up in the hostel, I was talking to Heather about the songs I knew and liked.<br />
And I specifically remember saying,<br />
"There was this one that is really fast, then gets really slow, then it gets fast again... and that's the only way I can describe it.."<br />
& Heather was all - "OKAY. I TOTALLY KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT"<br />
We spent about 20 minutes searching on her iTunes because it was right on the tip of her tongue.<br />
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Really slow .. then really fast .. then gets really slow .. then fast again ..<br />
Um .. what?<br />
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She finally found it and absolutely knew it was the exact song I was talking about.<br />
And I still tell her to this day I will never be more impressed by anything she does after finding that song<br />
from that poor, poor description.<br />
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<b>FUN FACTS:</b><br />
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- The song was recorded in only two days, amounting to about 11 hours.<br />
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- The song was written about arguments with Paul's then girlfriend Jane Asher.<br />
Who I love. And hope Paul is still regretting ruining the relationship.<br />
Because, to put it simply - Jane. Is Perfect.<br />
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- It was released as a double a-side single with Day Tripper.<br />
There were disputes about which song should be the a-side and which the b-side.<br />
So instead of figuring out who gets their way, <br />
they just went on and made them both a-sides - releasing the world's first double a-sided singles.<br />
Because they are THE BEATLES. And they can do whatever the hell they want. <br />
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I could watch the promo videos for this over and over.<br />
How cute is Paul cracking up at John - they're having so much fun!<br />
JUST THE GREATEST DUO EVER.</div>
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Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-80635947467772878512015-07-09T00:31:00.003+01:002021-02-20T21:47:53.303+00:00Boozing for Brunch at Scarlets<div style="text-align: center;">
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Last weekend I was invited to check out the new & chic restaurant right in the heart of Covent Garden, Scarlet's.<br />
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And lucky for Heather and I, this brunch happened to be on the Fourth of July.<br />
As the annoying American's the world knows best, of course we were celebrating.<br />
A boozy brunch? What a perfect way to start.<br />
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We were welcomed with a delicious Bellini on arrival,<br />
and after this being the second time it happening,<br />
I'm thinking about sending in a formal request to everywhere I show up to, for champagne at the door.<br />
Brunch, bars, work, home ... does it really matter where? It's Champagne.<br />
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ANYWAYS.<br />
Scarlet's is a gorgeous place, filled with cute vintage-like furniture, wall hangings, and lights.<br />
Flowers on the tables, water-colored menus - cute enough to contemplate if they could design my next flat's decor.<br />
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We were given Bloody Mary's to start the brunch with<br />
which, while they aren't my thing, Heather downed hers. So you know it was good.</div>
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I grabbed a Rum Punch once the waiter came by and woooooow was it delicious!</div>
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Fruity, tangy, and very rummy - I absolutely loved it.<br />
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The food was just as tasty as the drinks we had before.</div>
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I ordered an Eggs Florentine - which I had never had before - and I think my life has changed forever.</div>
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These eggs were PERFECTLY poached, and the creamy hollandaise just completed it.</div>
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I was full as could be, but I could have easily eaten another one.</div>
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To finish off, we were given the new Alcoholic Popsicles to sample.</div>
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These come in three flavors - Mojito, Gin & Tonic, and Vodka & Perrier - all with fruit frozen inside.</div>
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Literally, I couldn't think of anything else except, 'this is what summer tastes like.'</div>
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AKA - Delicious. So good.</div>
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The morning was a great way to start off the day,</div>
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which was later filled with the only things that really matter in the USA;</div>
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more alcohol, country music, and a disgusting, overbearing amount of red, white, and blue.</div>
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Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-72416456768089474882015-07-06T18:34:00.003+01:002021-02-20T21:48:00.166+00:00House of Song; The Piano Works<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Piano Works is a freshly opened live music venue just a short walk away from the Farringdon Station.</div>
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And I say venue because it is much, much more than just a bar.</div>
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Live music, delicious snacks, and, of course, cocktails;</div>
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some of the greatest cocktails I have EVER drank, to be exact.</div>
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Which is saying a lot ... I've had my fair share of cocktails.</div>
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Thanks to the lovely girls at PR&EI, I was invited to check out a launch event right before the opening this past weekend.</div>
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Being welcomed with Prosecco was one thing, but it was the dimmed lighting, alluring atmosphere, and live music that really caught me.</div>
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The Piano Works is essentially what it sounds like.</div>
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Two pianos along with a backing band take song requests from the crowd through napkins placed all over the bar.</div>
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Creative, if you ask me.</div>
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We challenged them with some of our favorite obscure oldies,</div>
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and they surprisingly pulled off most every one,</div>
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especially a great Maybe I'm Amazed.</div>
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Yes, obviously we threw some Macca requests in there.</div>
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Do you know who I am?</div>
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Throughout all of this were different presentations of drinks and nibbles.</div>
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I have to hand it to this staff - I have never been waited on so promptly.</div>
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It was like once I finished a drink, within 30 seconds</div>
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I'd have someone coming up to me asking what I'd like next.</div>
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And these drinks were so good, there was no way I was going to turn one down.</div>
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While all the drinks were incredible, the Almond Hazlenut Sour gets on only the spotlight on this post,</div>
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but of any drink I've ever featured on this blog.</div>
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Both almond and hazelnut liquors mixed together with egg whites and lemon,</div>
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this
drink is so good, I literally think it should be added to all buckets
lists as something that needs to be tasted before you die.</div>
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Life-changing.</div>
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Or over-dramatic. Either one.</div>
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But damn, it's good. </div>
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Mini rolls were also being brought around, for good reason.</div>
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With this many cocktails offered, food is a must.</div>
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The rolls were a variety of tuna, crab, chicken, and chili dogs.</div>
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Heather and I chomped on the Veggie Burgers, served with a bit of mint and mayo with fresh rocket.</div>
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We ate three - if you were going to ask if we enjoyed them.</div>
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Three.</div>
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It was one of the best venues I've ever been able to check out in London,</div>
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and I can guarantee if there's ever a place I'd go back to a second time - this is it. </div>
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I would recommend anyone with a free night to get out </div>
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and if for some reason, you are looking for more reasons to go,</div>
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GO FOR THE ALMOND HAZELNUT SOUR.</div>
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Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-74609560732549423312015-06-30T00:05:00.001+01:002021-02-20T21:48:11.121+00:00Working As An Expat; The Process<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been almost a year since we've moved to London.</div>
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Wait .. a year??</div>
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Whoever said time flies, THEY MEANT IT.</div>
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As we're finishing up our degrees and things,</div>
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the real grit of why we moved here is surfacing more and more.</div>
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And that reason is to stay here for good.</div>
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It may be needless to say, but as an immigrant, it's pretty difficult to secure yourself here.</div>
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The next four months are crucial, and also completely up in the air.</div>
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I've had a plan and process of how I was to go about this,</div>
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and if anyone else is in, or will be in, the same situation in the future,</div>
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I'm hoping this may help a bit.</div>
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<b>Finding Work - Any Work</b></div>
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With the visa that I am under right now, which is a Tier 4 Student,</div>
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there are guidelines about work.</div>
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You are allowed to work a certain amount of hours a week for a certain amount of pay.</div>
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It's not much, but it's enough to keep you afloat finance-wise.</div>
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In order to maintain a steady income, finding the right job that could be flexible around my studies was key.</div>
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I did a pretty big search for <a href="http://www.citycalling.com/" target="_blank">job vacancies</a> on multiple different sites.</div>
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There are multiple different outlets you can use, and a great example to take a look at is City Calling.</div>
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This is one of my favorite, as it's both easy and convenient, and they are really great about matching you with the jobs that fit what you are looking for - check them out <a href="http://www.citycalling.com/" target="_blank">here</a>!</div>
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<b>Internships - Experience - ANYTHING</b></div>
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This has been the most important part of my time here.</div>
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Finding internships is incredible and beneficial for so many reasons.</div>
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Work experience builds up your CV, shows you've got some time in the UK business world behind you,</div>
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and on top of this, it's connections - and we all know the only thing that matters these days are who you know...</div>
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I've been doing this for both pay and voluntary - it's crucial to get out there and work around the areas that you want your career in.</div>
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And if you can make this happen interlinked with the first step of getting an income - GO YOU!</div>
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Two birds with one stone, more time for one job rather than less time balancing two.</div>
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There's not much more you can ask for.<b> </b></div>
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<b>Apply Apply Apply</b></div>
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This is where I am now.</div>
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I'm still working towards internships and work experience,</div>
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but I'm moving into needing to look and apply for full-time, salaried positions - which is both exciting and absolutely terrifying.</div>
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My advice - attack everything and everyone.</div>
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I know myself and what I'm capable of, and the confidence I have in what I can do is great.</div>
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In order to secure a job here as an expat, one guideline with a visa is that you have to be a better worker than a UK citizen.</div>
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And I am 110% percent sure that I would be the best addition to any company here - and I make that known.</div>
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It's tough, but knowing what you are working toward makes it more motivating than ever. </div>
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Talk to everyone you meet, every company you find, every job you see open.</div>
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For the 250 ignored emails, rejected applications, and failed interviews,</div>
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you may just get 1 offer.</div>
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But that one job offer - that's exactly what I came for.</div>
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Moving abroad, getting your dream career, backpacking the world, whatever it may be;</div>
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ultimately doing what you want - it's hard work</div>
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It will be the hardest thing you ever do in your life.</div>
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But it's those things that seem near impossible that become not only a literal dream come true,</div>
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but the most amazing, thrilling, insane and unpredictable ride you could EVER imagine.</div>
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Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-85994575416971508002015-06-27T13:43:00.001+01:002021-02-20T21:48:35.827+00:00Don't Forget The Ones That Love You<div style="text-align: center;">
I've spent the last two weeks in the states visiting family in Florida and friends in Kentucky.<br />
After a crazy travel debacle, I made it back to London on Monday morning,<br />
and white the happiness I feel to be back in the UK is not at all shocking,<br />
having a break home couldn't have came at a better time.<br />
<br />
I had this terrible anxiety the weeks before my trip.<br />
Every time I have left London in the past years, it had always been a one-way flight<br />
and the future of when I would be back in the city was unknown.<br />
I was having of a Pavlovian reaction,<br />
feeling like I had to do everything in the world before I got on that plane.<br />
Heather literally had to sit me down and tell me, 'Caity. YOU ARE COMING BACK.'<br />
<br />
And, of course, I did come back.<br />
It's a great problem to have, loving a place so much that you don't want to leave.<br />
But going home at this particular time was the best thing I could have done.<br />
<br />
I have lived in London for almost a year now.<br />
And while I love it - absolutely, with all my heart, love it -<br />
it is one of the most stressful and difficult things I've ever done in my life.<br />
The stress and anxiety of taking that jump and making your life how you want it is terrifying, <br />
and stressful - did I already mention that?<br />
<br />
Two weeks away gave me that little break to clear my head,<br />
and see the ones who love and support me most in this crazy ride.<br />
<br />
To have these dreams that may seem irrational or impractical to some,<br />
and have people that believe in me that I can make it happen?<br />
And not only that - but allow me to go off and do the things I need,<br />
then welcome me home, even if only temporary, with open arms as if I never left. <br />
I'm a very, very lucky girl.<br />
<br />
I'm all for making your dreams come true;<br />
in fact, I annoyingly URGE you to go out and do that.<br />
<br />
But don't forget about the ones you left behind.<br />
Because they are the reason why you're able to do this.<br />
Without my parents raising me to go for what I believe in,<br />
or the friends who still manage to talk to me daily after not seeing me for months/years at a time,<br />
without any of these folks who support what I do, who tell me how proud they are of what I am doing,<br />
there is no way in hell I would be where I am.<br />
<br />
So this post is a big thank you to them,<br />
and a reminder to you;<br />
don't forget about the ones that love you.<br />
<br />
Whether things work out the way I've planned,<br />
or take a completely different turn from this,<br />
they are ALWAYS there to cheer me on. <br />
<br />
<img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM67LS24Qt-JKGQ-tyWBxGSNrRY202j3Zx3BUNeIL4YUtpGIx6vPg8YLJALMwoMtzcnz9CC3G1UKWyXR0cpZNFtYtYTJ-q3X16j9lva8k4mU-9OsALwR5eL-nZ6zgSPXmfxHnDCCfwpHuS/s640/kjgkjgk.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<br /></div>
Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-79456937097260347042015-06-17T01:20:00.001+01:002021-02-20T21:48:47.936+00:00TIME TO WIN!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I've been consistently in the air possibly as much as I've been on the ground in the past week.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Visiting family and old friends, but coming back to lovely London this weekend.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>So while I'm gone, I'm giving you FREE STUFF!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>....that is, if you win :D</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> Good luck!</b></div>
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<b>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </b></div>
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</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the mood for a blog makeover? This month, you have another chance to win a free customized theme from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/theladyerrant" target="_blank">The Lady Errant</a>!
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Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-31312464052330160062015-06-09T03:00:00.001+01:002021-02-20T21:49:58.806+00:00Working Abroad & How You Can Make It Happen<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been very much in 'London-mode,' as I've been living here for almost ten months now.</div>
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But I wanted to back to the expat-topic a bit and talk about my time being here in regards to working.</div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRR5OghoG0iSnzI8gUz8C2zpLj-eUcsB3iWtPzbiAIFKJkId9mNrNrj-V5FQivggBV_4S5tNHyC2POPBlRpTREfJYgqlQHwEymGvbNLXYeyRQXxfDkuqfeab-83DhuxBd1Rxk7HG9YkCi/s640/photo-142867asdfadsf7361686-f9d23be145c9.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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While I'm still in London for university, it's been much different than my last time here.</div>
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I'm able to work now - let me rephrase that;</div>
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I NEED to work here now because I need to pay rent - also different from my previous stay.</div>
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I've had a few jobs here now; which I think has been good. I can broaden where my experiences lay and get more of a feel for what it is like to work in the city.</div>
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If you aren't going into university like I did,<br />
there are still different ways you can still make these dreams happen.</div>
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Before I decided on getting my degree, I had looked into a program called BUNAC.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This company assists in finding internships and work in the UK & Ireland for a set period of time.</div>
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It's a great way to get over into the country, make some money while you are there, and connect with people that may be the ones to help you with your career in the long run.</div>
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From my experience and sharing it with local friends and others who want to go out and explore the world,<br />
The US is a great place to work as well. As an born and raised American, I know the benefits and impacts working within the country can have on students from outside countries.<br />
And luckily, there are outlets that offer assistance for that too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.the-isc.com/anglais/internship-usa-visa-j1-the-isc-home.php" target="_blank">The International Student Company</a> (The ISC) specializes in assisting qualified students & young professionals</div>
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from all over the world in finding work in the United States.</div>
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All of these positions are either paid internships or entry-level work, so no worries about making an income; you will be paid.<br />
BREATHE! </div>
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<br /></div>
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Similar to the programs I considered, The ISC they help with visa paperwork, pre-departure & arrival orientations, as well as on-going support throughout your stay.</div>
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On top of this, they offer guidance and advice in your CV & resumes to make sure you land that dream role.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I can't tell you how grateful I was to have someone there for me on my first time abroad</div>
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when I had, to put it lightly, absolutely no idea what in the hell was going on.</div>
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I still had the freedom of feeling independent in the city, but if there was ever a problem</div>
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or something that I needed, I always had that there for me. </div>
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<br /></div>
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On top of it all, these programs are just a fantastic way to get abroad.</div>
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If you have never studied or traveled like I have, and found that love for exploring the world,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The ISC is a way to give you that insight and let you experience something that you never have before.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Get a taste of someone else's world, understand culture outside your own.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's necessary. Believe me.<br />
<br />
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyMNGnZubo5Nyar-q5zrJZ3i7h-lGGt_5kdA4YEyf6aWJ9rIZdLrKvoOQdyutbspKnu_eG3o_nnbG949N23Mfw8Q6wPMUEqMUBPnWWctPgxcO5eXpcBGcit6vLSRNcVhcvtMOnf5ZvnSZ/s640/asdfds.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check out The International Student Company on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheISCompany" target="_blank">here</a>, or at their website <a href="http://www.the-isc.com/anglais/internship-usa-visa-j1-the-isc-home.php" target="_blank">here</a>!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*This post was sponsored by The International Student Company,</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>but I wouldn't write about anything I didn't feel dearly about.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>And exploring the world is definitely something that I do! :D </i></span><br />
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</div>
Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-54673256227316722842015-06-02T00:46:00.001+01:002021-02-20T21:50:49.744+00:00MACCAMANIA<div style="text-align: center;">
If you follow anything of mine, I won't have to explain much about my week, as I'm sure you've already seen.</div>
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<br /></div>
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After I finished up my finals, Heather and I had the entire next week (last week) booked up with just about everything that I am in love with.</div>
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You should already know this by now too. It's Paul McCartney and Liverpool.</div>
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Paul started his European tour last weekend, and Heather and I had booked tickets to see him on Saturday.</div>
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It was an amazing show, despite being so far away from the stage -</div>
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a much different view than <a href="http://wheretheheartblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/front-row-to-paul-mccartney-luckiest.html" target="_blank">the last time I saw him</a>!</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBvwGTr8W1n6QMbbRA1bRlfb1JWEj5okGARpbj4aXBycJRYneUHsgEc7bT5hOkJHGaJgAYrTlBu26uUnBzsPdoIiCnOX74U2VAEvXzzRx0wuHxrDgCGrZSI7Ea_Zs-aXjYgKnFphPVZoj/s640/11392940_10206044232363742_8227791223712820666_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5AI_Yy_OtWjzNmklNCsRwcNM9sf03VXQ9Q3q8jouAzrrZQo46K-Pco7UxjBrjq04gUJeUABBgqjP8qXANyo4LiHclMbgPWQalFWRuo43tlWC7VOrvVRgE9dt7IEttAzctK8lc1WIUUvV/s640/11252394_10206044232923756_1899088858809795064_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1oZtFyvhg5vMflD0ievG1UG5Oz6qyl1n20wh_SloJZB1Al7Lo9_DbH4-ArY89ozxVl8XrklR35AEAv4b7uaxnY1IdRzkxC5663fS6ua6Ip4fb6ivZNijJQPmkF89JgsiCgivH_-ns4fN/s640/11390159_10206044239043909_2825406277605995851_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Even so, seeing Paul from anywhere is always a highlight in my life.</div>
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After this show, we didn't have our next show booked until the coming Thursday,</div>
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where we would be seeing Paul again in Liverpool.</div>
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THIS was the show I was dying for.</div>
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Seeing a Beatle in his hometown - and that hometown being my favorite place in the world?</div>
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TOO MUCH HAPPINESS!</div>
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BUT - before that even happened,</div>
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those crazy Beatles vibes that keep coming around appeared again,</div>
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and Heather and I were off on a spur-of-the-moment trip to Birmingham</div>
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where a friend of ours had left guest passes and floor seats waiting for us.</div>
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My mind is still blown about this, and I am pretty sure I owe him my life for these.</div>
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We went to a pre-show reception, where we met a few of the band mates, their friends & family,</div>
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and it was just insane. I felt like a fly on the wall to the in crowd. And I was loving it more than ever.</div>
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The show was incredible - we happened to be in the 12th row</div>
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and I danced so much I was surprised my legs didn't buckle in by the end of it.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This is Abe Laboriel Jr., who plays the drums for Paul.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">THIS IS PAUL MCCARTNEY'S DRUMMER. </span></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3rNOYr4xcx31Mr79L-KGqIUppXwH6d5aN3XO-53vjFzk22XRx7B0j_qPwVx-Uo6yqz9JlAO1i06rgnRM5M_P9-BUY_33Cg8b_qO6oBseDZRz622lWi3U9ZhRJWCSSUVPBBwzq8smyKvWd/s640/11392963_10206044234123786_9132486930326729161_n.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnNJjvcMoPMe-pYAH_Kf1gkPcoZ5bgfb4dObwcLIbpi1rttPCnD4y0OY81b29O8oEM4nS4frBW_O5ZMYRfOSU8vu1187qi8f8x1WasQeTYXHAaRoxbFeM8ecfzpfNRIvHBCLaPiGrEQhD/s640/11112460_10206044241403968_1085907324025423861_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<br />
And the best part? The next day we were headed on a train to Liverpool to see him AGAIN!</div>
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Call me crazy - I will probably agree.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The show in Liverpool was a special one.</div>
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This was where Paul was brought up, as well as the beginnings of The Beatles.</div>
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You could tell how happy he was to be home, and he was rocking so hard the entire time,</div>
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and yes - we were rocking right with him!</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGLD3yR_sjxVGz5p9QIGmIOsWP01JRBHqkwRgE-hhVkQoCfcBS37UUi8vpXyZtLY-oiogfgNMGf3AJlMCgtuAbhfeaXdKJyBil0joYn_THuGKTado6TraS4UFsSLL0MfcnFGdWG6IPgsJ/s640/11052392_10206044236603848_5889076769331488976_n.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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After the show we headed down to Mathew Street - or as I like to call it; home.</div>
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We jumped down into the Cavern and the other bars around,</div>
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where we ended up meeting the family of Pete Best</div>
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who you may know as the guy who got kicked out of The Beatles. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9P-FnURdzrgOq9qEfL7HOJ6rT9POiq5G377asr4hnu_YheFOsaOi0-psxT8qhsmNBXi3fZ5FGK1_IoUinj7QzE7asyM6HDVSpKTur5PQsJV8wmEZeQYqg7nRAVC9hfHzNm_wUpPa82FI/s640/10672121_10206044238683900_9039754609286422302_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gAG3vNnU-oyin58VinenkUHNLQGu94yCZSy5v3LtVnYc89rDdmlpfeYzuNAy7b3xmIMckeWIGE75CDC8gDsJWd5eoD8Zd4VpQB33c9pMta8LmH0w8cGCOGLX5fnoGNVQuSZvg0Pmc6E7/s640/10407852_10206044237163862_3384339179620225950_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The next day we headed outside of the City Centre,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which was great because we rarely walk around further what's around Mathew Street.</div>
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<br />
We went out to John Lennon's house and Strawberry Fields,</div>
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found a cute cafe with the sweetest owners,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and then headed over to St. Peter's Church for a pretty legendary show.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwIQywj6bKHwFRwFGNsV6NSCabEYhGp2I8gqIFc9b1i6d0O_D7IlOOqsE8nXjNkKrhZmSV47HstCms4wyxTCmYwtDtHzjQMK5MAgysjAnmBqIPfO6clOk4Ayl5yhVmepZ2AmpAGwIV_Wh/s640/11246846_10206044242964007_2406192667657722327_n.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7oFdewTy1r9l_VSKvEZ9p1xpXmKXH-xeftUtlX5G9gqIRbQvGNBuu37mFush7uO89jO93xhzkAOD5KyJxfNKNwYPqccSh6c6ULk9mAj-O_cWOTuhSQl-KQuzNymBNSlKKXDVxgBJibu-/s640/11355532_10206060858579387_643550342_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmg3A2319FNRFxBBkBjVJh5nJ4ZxSjZyTGEuBVOPnZrJzJcjdGyHT_6t_g4ngBktd10pdMtLxAcNMHxTSX52cuzD1YQskcmFcfqqkGYpNyh6nta5hKF0qn_ioDK9S9U9HAaS-z15BpN9OK/s640/10731130_10206044242163987_5400628985113196219_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The show was put on by The Quarrymen,</div>
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and if you haven't heard of them - they are the first band that John Lennon started back in 1956.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The guys that we saw were the actual Quarrymen; meaning, the guys that were with John at that time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
St. Peter's Church Hall is also the building where Paul met John for the first time, auditioned, and was accepted into the band.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So here we are - in the building where the beginning of just about everything happened,</div>
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with the very guys who were witnesses to it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My mind was blown.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My mind is STILL blown.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8ndVVRv-TFf2pW3Dfa552NNIROkJnvoObiuvdNG1KMpqudXVEpaFirNjoIY4lsA-4CZEUesEO0uI6CVUy3lyY90zR7U5RsTkDPMyodVZwAsJwhn5jBat_FEQxJZIrPaXZ_Tu1-OTsFUd/s640/10429298_10206043893675275_7770852646175781160_n.jpg" width="610" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">That's John Lennon in the center of that first picture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The guys surrounding him are the ones below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">UNREAL.</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHIorEVlfhKTxTCuOtZ9iqEKkbC_isykyol_fiwZ85zVs_7MEsRk1tibimPNfXIOOC8rjLmU3dVoxveB4qDUQDNV-hv3nGceri7knvX2RdD3XPUVe25ukGYzhDmKUo_Y4opdzd1C5KYQk/s640/11272050_3194382977217_545608421_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEN4HD4wc7GSAfvYNf9xGhqxKpBAGwrmc0dKlwl04Uu8TyLq3hfyFcMyyF40EkZRLBM4iZAmTYjB2gWirS6LwvYkhVi7kcCZULGFn76eWL6OS2k2urXKvCHkKNhfxPv69nBiG6Yh1CkL1L/s640/11326249_3194381097170_1347486429_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Literally standing in the spot where John Lennon met Paul McCartney for the first time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I will never be able to fully grasp this. </span></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLuXVf3LVQU6zrR9E2iXoek_xCnxlq64hjKXcRH6p3amC2y_2JxD_94hfrqluJ5PWxwafAquWAtvjzSUzipMbO1htNmjuA_gTwXUE7qbZlSeinTqPAJml9tLkZPhhziXMe89Vf_EQ_0QZ/s640/11269583_3194381177172_240931631_n.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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After The Quarrymen's show, we headed back to Mathew Street for some more fun.</div>
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We met up with some friends and hung out with them for the night,</div>
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and this continued on through the weekend.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4I4shV9dz0ogXG0o4Jh0C6gl-0gKSN5fhqeG47TFiki-5nXGS7tdOQHGggbdUa6qF6ncNWTlxIaTsL8DvJBtR4nlENH5zE8CEaPZBuGygNi5QLXcFHb_Gjgvw1jTQq0SZ2syhc7ehYNaT/s640/22396_10206044252564247_6706598641085158434_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My ears are muffed, my body is sore, my photos are blurry,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but it was a filled with my favorite music and my favorite people,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so I'm a very happy gal. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seeing Paul McCartney three times, a show from The Quarrymen, and a weekend in Liverpool?</div>
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I'd say it was definitely a week for the books.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I stand by my continuous statement - Liverpool is the greatest city in the world.</div>
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Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-71394528252151049742015-05-26T00:04:00.000+01:002015-05-26T00:04:46.427+01:00Here, There, and Everywhere<div style="text-align: center;">
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Lots of craziness happening right now - but will be back up next week!</div>
</div>
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<img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSjuuRwd11vJpTfXlDd3CHbi3NjzycQrufos2B-qTWTC5hJvpGsHfJVQOpqFBbKiDO1GGuaQ7yD1bhkue-mnDavsLVPbtLntvVJnIWU2wdmDrgmuFvq9xy8Lm07sJTvtpy7fS37r10pN0/s640/places.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Find me on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/cmo319" target="_blank">Instagram</a> & <a href="http://www.twitter.com/cmo319" target="_blank">Twitter </a>while I'm away,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
& link up below!</div>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-57009459331857905542015-05-19T09:58:00.003+01:002021-02-20T21:56:26.345+00:00London: In Photos<div style="text-align: center;">
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I'm off this week for a dance with the devil dressed as a finance exam. Wish me luck with that one..<br />
<br />
Oh, look - pictures! <br />
<br />
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Aoowu1hOfQm8jXQ9LQzgOsalUAg9eisLuON1kZseKMmtK5XNxFmsEtizKvrRd-ZUUMlrFt5fvD3rMLacCn2KPXdscMYpOxXbLu48W8smmJBmVoWlrsBBlGbs3ITPpY5XT8aypniYlxcv/s640/11212351_10205877808923260_164134000_n.jpg" width="640" /> <br />
<img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLnkfemk8xULoVz4viZhZInsnoXnFOjbvd6ckZcflmvkQNJvRbb-gh8aBWLjOg7H8VeQ7pHfnAnfHNQcJMvuNOZ3suK8CIjjd8BPu4zPmJ8iEt0_dPcFX4-wj0IbTPF993wZ8H8_T6pYz/s640/11216496_10205873953906887_653323150_n.jpg" width="640" /> <br />
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cnpWSktKIV-HWiKWIa8HPhhwMFJW9JbKlhqjGHMr4_Opp4DdizHSXUyfRZpzv3VF8F7l-UToIng9qo3NHePHHWePspAt4_GLQfM0ao6W2ceZwv9pqfD54ghiBmDYgV_R82PS28nqLiof/s640/11245412_10205873952386849_2085718334_n.jpg" width="640" /> <br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8r07QF-gFIBbnz6c6TiFup_e2iIz_nq5KsfYQQ_zDvVAtD0aDmC3ELfDFjY9X96NiQ4szNZndby8ENwin-a4395xA-4l05U9caKbz6jED3caNcpq_I4LkuYw0FyApEyMdVw0WJKcHJKW2/s640/11256451_10205873953506877_404920143_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJXQKsWVPyN6PyiH1xQabmKvWyPCfv69nzBw7xj1KdxWV8A9fkSKDZAiKgEA3TD6rETVbvyifgKGbj_s3Wdl2rcUWYnYZ79X1dlgv7_kmI-bd1tzK4Ua0Y9xQmkMjRdHNZxq6TtVOhpo0/s640/11212206_10205873954826910_900113028_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzTakDzLrIC8rfBqox4oGCSDz1kc7TIjZSNnttIN3aMbbXwJ22BSJ3upT3Kg5vV-kjTfs0JPamBLhqewsBAjkSFdBcknGd3XTSTnRuAr2m7TkXubEFIyDO_RDzRpihWUPS33Y9Ef-RKbJ/s640/11215925_10205877810163291_1911236330_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Miss last week? Check out my favorite post from <a href="http://talesofawannabevagabond-jackie.blogspot.tw/2015/05/a-caves-stars.html" target="_blank">Jacqueline's adventures in New Zealand's glow worm caves</a>.<br />
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You know what to do - link up below!<br />
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Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-240424056478638262015-05-12T19:30:00.001+01:002021-02-21T14:10:03.919+00:00Gypsy: Savoy Theatre<div style="text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFDyLsAuIdng4xve75dvt_6gdGruuNWWdkb0robLwyPHsc186cErJU6m8qLdf-biMdUktVRHivx45P-4wNTfzVhszi_b1p7UHBkfPk5DMGWb6ep2oAmrgbgyrW_j3TlLQwo_U0-s1CrId/s640/sdgdfgsd.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Gypsy</i> is based on the actual memoirs of the famous burlesque dancer Gypsy Rose Lee,</div>
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but this particular story makes a focus on her mother, Rose.<br />
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</div>
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</div>
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Rose, who I like to describe as a 'momager' to the extreme,<br />
will stop at nothing to bring her children, June and Louise, to fame.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Choreographing a few [terrible, but hilarious] musical acts, she grabs a couple of outsiders as well as Lousie<br />
to make up an ensemble to center around Baby June, who, in her eyes, is the 'star of the family.'<br />
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</div>
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June becomes frazzled with the constant pushing and takes off.</div>
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An unfortunate circumstance for Rose to realize she has a second daughter,</div>
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but nonetheless, she grabs Louise and seizes the opportunity to make her into a star.<br />
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<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bNJt-EQQt68" width="640"></iframe> </center>
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There is always a buzz about big shows coming to the West End,</div>
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but I have never heard so much praise for a performance than for Imelda Staunton as Mama Rose.</div>
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Obviously I had to see for myself to make sure they were right.</div>
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And yes. They were right.</div>
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Imelda Staunton is loud, raucous, and determined.</div>
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She lit up the stage with energy and carried the show beautifully.</div>
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Her performance of Rose's Turn is one of my favorite performance I've seen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
STUNNING. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Lara Pulver takes on the role of Louise</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and makes the beautiful transfer from a shy and untalented daughter</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
into the fierce, confident, and grown-up Gypsy Rose Lee.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The ensemble was fantastic as well.</div>
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It was a different set up than I had seen,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where each of the ensemble only made a major appearance in one act.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The show was extremely centralized, with Imelda and Lara on stage more on their own</div>
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than with others.</div>
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This is possibly the hottest ticket in town right now,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I think it's going to stay that way for a while.</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are pretty pricey, but day seats are available for <span class="st">£</span>25 at the box office.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was a little weary - I will admit, I am a stalls lover when it comes to the theatre.<br />
I like to sit on the floor, and normally quite close.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
These seats are in the upper circle, so I was very hesitant.</div>
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BUT the seats were absolutely fantastic!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I enjoy sitting close because I love the connection you can get with the performance;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you can see facial expressions, little movements and things you may not catch from farther away.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the Savoy Theatre, though, I didn't miss a thing.</div>
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I did not feel as far away as I initially thought I was, and felt right in the action.</div>
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Which is very telling of both the theatre as well as the performers.</div>
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Simply wonderful.</div>
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To sum it up,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
SEE THIS SHOW!</div>
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<i><a href="http://gypsythemusical.uk/" target="_blank">Gypsy<span id="goog_1527777576"></span><span id="goog_1527777577"></span></a> runs at the Savoy Theatre.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Performances run Tuesday - Saturday 7:30PM</i><i> with matinees Wednesday & Saturday 2:30P. </i></div>
<i>The running time for this show is approximately 2 hours 50 minutes with one interval.</i></div>
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Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-82763428861454057422015-05-05T00:13:00.000+01:002021-02-21T14:10:09.208+00:00Matilda the Musical: Cambridge Theatre<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBh2hzGXMlRtvLFjcGmiR57uLfjzRIlY1hO1XpaIZjIh7uO2Buz2Fc6_gaFyduHN7MUQeYepvjehjqIk1J7XtLR-dn_djBD7Osb6eeK5mXUnG1Wxw5lVPrexSSMvhpuouji711UO8njO9d/s1600/adfdsf.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<i>Matilda the Musical</i> is based on the novel of the same name by Roald Dahl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm going to hope that you had a childhood and already know this classic story;<br />
five year old Matilda, blessed with a magical brilliance beyond belief,<br />
shows that you can be small and still have the power to stand up to the bullies that are knocking you down.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The musical opened when I lived here in 2012, and for some reason I put it off<br />
until I was headed back to the states and missed it completely.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Very similar to my <a href="http://wheretheheartblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/sweeney-todd-harringtons-pie-and-mash.html" target="_blank">Sweeney Todd</a> horror story - which really just sums it up to that being my year of stupidity when it came to good theatre.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This show had a lot of hype when it came out - both in the West End,<br />
and when it made it's debut on Broadway.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's still got a great reputation, which only told me that I needed to FINALLY get to it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
All that I expected was children. A lot of children.<br />
And that's exactly what the show was.<br />
A ton of insanely adorable, and freakishly talented children running around<br />
and making this show absolutely incredible.</div>
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Anna-Louise Knight was in the role of Matilda for the performance,</center>
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and I swear this girl can't be any older than 8.</center>
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She was SO tiny, but full of spunk and ferocity - such a joy to watch her jumping around on stage.</center>
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</center>
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The ensemble of kids gave off just as much energy -</center>
<center>
you could really tell they were dancing their little hearts out, having the time of their lives.</center>
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It's one thing to see a group of actors who are so solidly talented,</center>
<center>
but to see children with that kind of ability is something else. Amazing, really.</center>
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</center>
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</center>
<center>
Will Kenning was on for Miss Trunchbull,</center>
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and I didn't even realize he was the 1st cover until I was told after the show.</center>
<center>
He was everything you'd want for the role - hideous, psychotic, child-abusing,</center>
<center>
and a ridiculous riot to watch.</center>
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</center>
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</center>
<center>
Adding to this was some of the sharpest choreography I have seen,</center>
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which I think is what really sold the show for me.</center>
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That, and the witty and hilarious score supplied by the brilliantly clever Tim Minchin.</center>
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To put it simply - these songs are catchy as hell. </center>
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</center>
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</center>
<center>
I knew it was going to be a great show, but it really exceeded all of the expectations that I had.</center>
<center>
There aren't many shows that can completely nail it - story, set, score, cast - and this show did just that.</center>
<center>
If I could recommend something to become a priority on your to-do list, Matilda is definitely the show.</center>
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</center>
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</center>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://uk.matildathemusical.com/" target="_blank">Matilda<span id="goog_1527777576"></span><span id="goog_1527777577"></span></a> runs at the Cambridge Theatre.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Performances run Tuesday 7:00PM, Wednesday - Saturday 7:30PM</i><br />
<i>with matinees Wednesday & Saturday 2:30PM & Sunday 3:00PM</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The running time for this show is approximately 2 hours 35 minutes with one interval.</i><br />
<br />
<i> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</i><br />
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You know the drill.<br />
Link up below!<br />
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Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-83617319392343004952015-04-28T00:23:00.001+01:002021-02-20T21:52:33.279+00:00Selfies & Happy Meals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Friday night, I was invited to sample the new drink/food menu from <a href="http://www.foundation-bar.co.uk/" target="_blank">Foundation Bar</a>.</div>
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I was sold when they told me there were Happy Meals.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Located right in the heart of Covent Garden, it's convenient to pop in whether it's after a day in the office or a night on the weekend.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looking like a 'night out bar' with crazy cocktails being their centerpiece, though,</div>
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I wasn't sure what to expect of the food.</div>
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But with pizza, fries, burgers, and grilled cheese, it just wouldn't be like myself to say no to this.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIw4lBqoztmoAf2xCDC8F4-LqUZZk4ClsqMam4VqWqAp6uqym9RROX1YAy3yg2F2ne44ybf3ofwOzy40xeD6T4Rw0r-VRGPW842s7XQW2sW76qeiAtV6WunaXDFHWPuV8-kNdhTSdlgLyP/s1600/11178567_10205767234038957_2056511502_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZQG1NJPmpghUqlB7omgcecqFbHk6Xld-P42SSibEVhwNPYhpXBvJb6MZBrgneSS7RxfmvKM0lgezbhCfy9isEnGTeW7rArDVZ4GhVdBn9zB1ehtL4rFqBgXElTh5RqahzcDWw21xQiNU/s1600/11102037_10205767233598946_245758187_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8onWq724juljWeJ5AYm7fHYq8j-0VrA2Sx9-EixYbxbSewZIFzSMYvEibkBFCRQVu-vVxbgIe1SYiNrvybOeHJsIpGYjzmEmOlbIXn08CdfY9O97lr_K4E2UqCRH9fhZ2j788BxtLsr-l/s1600/11169042_10205767233758950_1679981186_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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The menu was full of delicious things - all laid out to your appetite.</div>
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There were sharing plates, nibbles, and full meals to choose from. </div>
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Heather decided on the Veggie Burger & I went for the Hand Rolled Pizza,</div>
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because, well, it's me. And pizza. </div>
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<br /></div>
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While waiting, we decided to start with some drinks.</div>
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Now, I've seen some weird drinks, but Foundation has got to be the front-runner for this.</div>
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So many mixtures of liquors, beers, and ciders I hadn't heard of, </div>
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all served in a mixture of tin cans, mugs, and teapots.</div>
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Most coming with an extra addition that may be a jaffa cake, marshmallows, or cheese and crackers.</div>
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My first drink came with jelly beans in it, so I needed no convincing that I was going to enjoy it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80nmzkrD6oecnZf_hmcosTiG-D91O-Cg4xnTHijnNVveC37US06o40KI5qh5derExkLtpCXrElbPFTHVFR9X3sHrPV3F-SBOy9yi2u-bUvzhx-2EpIvuZUGop5R1bIOQq153-jEFXG6ol/s1600/11160334_10205767232838927_381371082_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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The best part about the night was that everything we ordered came out within less than ten minutes,</div>
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even the food. Which never happens, ESPECIALLY in London!</div>
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<br /></div>
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It was all a delicious mix of great eats - all served in a hefty portion,</div>
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but don't think any less of us - we destroyed it.</div>
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Way too good to let go to waste. </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36m8-R8vlms0wRpeQXF9YbhEzqXBJXFQaEq5Gm-m2TLhXOBw3FFHQIbmVl1fPZK0-2MfVOyUg5FTHBI_Q_zYii2ohdxEtvHaqRN7az_uSVR3XW0doE5Bfb3Bt3QvPeHbi3oydYt_luQ-x/s1600/11160334_10205767224078708_1149421349_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34hkmuR93bImEmG7Wccg9IcEFDAAWvUhU_Txws7bIcP-yjq6eWrBO8BeS02PB1q9bTuDgt8grJ0bsmFXzBkNng-OP4ONEJj2g0tvsWDgiNCxQxsOood1t0IXKtGwdlhl-REFjT5ii0W2A/s1600/11122398_10205767769652347_966637544_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZkV9MzzVH_TXRmwZ83IcHmLMV5WeortjTPciRrciHxSo5880HE9-_LUmjXS9HLZJozR8cGfn570BBBl006ueivyJfQEhcbitzyUEkK1paTfwcIx2N0OonsaQCkHqznGXz5kyBmuA8pVL/s1600/11121680_10205767222158660_1620519364_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
As time went on, more people came and you could see the shift from a casual happy hour<br />
to crazy crowds ready to rage,<br />
which really makes it a 'best of both worlds' type of place.<br />
<br />
And if you're looking for great cocktails mixed with a feast of comfort foods.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Which, let's be real - who isn't?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This will be your place.<br />
<br /></div>
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<i>Thank you to Foundation Bar & PRandEverythingInbetween for a great night out!</i><br />
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Happy Tuesday!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://unlockingkiki.com/day-itinerary-iceland/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://unlockingkiki.com/day-itinerary-iceland/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-25h9eLVJBZLas7d1DN-vOFIuGqu6C_kvDIA_OLIO_p9C-kHF4aD5AbuHvdYUFWoZvu2lunJRuhYwEJm_6dvdfeTKfqPKkVEtFSkha7hubW96hZvtRrdWkF-Z0nNawUEKqP4yVeJvyLxB/s1600/traveltuesdayspotlight_iceland2.jpg" height="316" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Miss last week's link up? Don't worry, I've got my favorite read here.<br />
<a href="http://unlockingkiki.com/day-itinerary-iceland/" target="_blank">A Three Day Guide To Reykjavik</a> from Kaelene at Unlocking Kiki!<br />
I pretty much just stalk her blog hoping someday my dreams will come true<br />
and I'll finally go to Iceland.<br />
IT WILL HAPPEN!<br />
<br />
Link up below!<br />
<br />
<br />
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Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-47675403072149379392015-04-25T11:59:00.000+01:002021-02-21T14:10:14.891+00:00Sweeney Todd: Harrington's Pie and Mash Shop<div style="text-align: center;">
It was the season of Sweeney!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKw4xzoAS-5NBdjqwea1yE1yr6hQw9ucZYEnxAlThyM5jU6yDbi0-CriTxJG2ghtCajM5ZHKZYV4idZl09v4tYZg76R10wQFLJExxGoD_ck-gmPa5D54Lfz3KXchdn_3NA6OT7SFVeNue/s1600/sween.jpg" height="450" width="640" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
London had two productions of <i>Sweeney Todd</i> playing within the past few weeks.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A huge production from the ENO starring Emma Thompson and Bryn Terfel,</div>
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and a smaller fringe transfer with Jeremy Secomb and Siobhan McCarthy.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The last time I was in London, Imelda Staunton and Michael Ball starred in a production<br />
at the Adelphi Theatre, that for some reason I just 'decided I didn't feel like going.'</div>
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......???????????</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm still working on forgiving myself for that.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
SO, with that traumatic experience of stupidity looming over my head, I knew I had to see at least one of these.</div>
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With ENO's production prices in the hundreds and Tooting Arts Club's all sold out, though,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was pretty sure Sweeney himself was blatantly holding this show just out of my reach.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Luckily though, I stumbled on the website one day to find a single seat returned for Tooting Art's Clubs production - and yes. I JUMPED.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Sweeney Todd </i>ran at Harrington's Pie and Mash Shop down in Tooting,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and to much praise, it made a short transfer to the West End</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in an exactly replicated shop right on Shaftesbury Avenue.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Look closely though, because you might miss this little door smacked between the massive <i>Les Miserables</i> and <i>Thriller</i> marquees.<br />
Once inside, you'll be taken downstairs into a lobby filled with photos and descriptions of the old shop</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that will lead you to where the show will be played.</div>
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<br /></div>
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There are a few, narrow rows of tables to sit at, as well as a back line of chairs.</div>
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Very small and intimate - and in my opinion, the best kind of theatre.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You'll get cast members literally in your face, on your table,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
shoving you down the rows.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I even left with a bit of shaving cream on my dress,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which makes you feel much more like you aren't just watching the show,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but <i>apart</i> of the show.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This small cast of only eight is incredibly strong as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As with most smaller scaled shows I've see, they are always packed with a solid group of talent.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(i.e. <a href="http://wheretheheartblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/assassins-menier-chocolate-factory.html" target="_blank">Assassins</a> & <a href="http://wheretheheartblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/city-of-angels-donmar-warehouse.html" target="_blank">City of Angels</a>)</div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jeremy Secomb led the cast as Sweeney, and gave the room the eery chill it needed for this show.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He was stiff, upright, and always tense with a bit of insanity - just as I would imagine Sweeney to be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He was vicious to the audience with his death stares and shouts.</div>
that created only a mildly terrifying atmosphere...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Siobhan McCarthy brings a great spirit as Sweeney's right hand lady</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with just the right bits of comedy that Mrs. Lovett needed, as well as a beautiful voice.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nadim Naaman and Zoe Daono play the young lovers with a great ease; Daono has the necessary</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
balance of ferocity and wit as Joanna to match the handsome and honest Naaman's Anthony.</div>
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</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Joseph Taylor is also not one to be missed, with an incredible presence on stage and off.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I noticed him before the show began with his warm welcome to different member of the audience,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and absolutely loved his cheeky little interval tune to get the audience back into the shop.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Beyond this, he absolutely throws himself into his role of Tobias with a warm and playful demeanor as well as a subtle side of youth and innocence.</div>
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It's a great night of fun - raw, chilling, intense fun, that is.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you're looking for a show to keep you on your toes, this is it. </div>
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</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/Tickets/SweeneyTodd/SweeneyTodd.asp" target="_blank">Sweeney Todd</a> runs at Harrington's Pie and Mash Shop until May 30.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Performances run Monday - Saturday 7:30PM with matinees Thursday & Saturday 2:30PM.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The running time for this show is approximately 2 hours 40 minutes with one interval.</i></div>
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<i>The show is currently SOLD OUT, but keep checking the site for returns to pop up, as I have seen plenty come.</i></div>
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Caityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14943073730866440592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7206078317161256759.post-19614979115558408912015-04-21T09:05:00.001+01:002021-02-20T21:56:18.657+00:00London: In Photos ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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... more like 'Caity is a little busy right now so here's what she's seen in the past few weeks.'</div>
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Who actually wants to read anything I write anyways ... right?</div>
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We're all just here for the photos</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFST0ud_hy9gih1CTcj9rwe0Rt9goD73LmB8YzoU944c2DZNfev_YObloFsgNdfPEUwyTlhxHGy1w3ipXOJ_pWZGQ8tU58h4qHEipB1MRAgznQy0zUUKwr3ocbZ7VYz3DpvIeYY5cj9tJ9/s1600/11178606_10205715403303221_1918971357_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkzDweFxfa95_k50crZ9o32aEapOHzo7Ofh3diiljQ7f2iPKSNHdu3IMXrdpirv6yIq78cR_t194FzbFc4oWhhrwqPmtDjaEWP1SItQm8Ie5CuWPHUmYOhCywz21Gpx08qZjgb4c5t-HG/s1600/11157011_10205715402863210_1708258763_n.jpg" height="510" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPt3tbl401Jcqm8T9ldMQOdajK71GvxKBXaCYaKaEFtbQiLn6CC5-jY4GWZesRY0AXobgd2XIefKxVVXC3NSFZ8wTiUMrGwr1YTBlITvCxMmcdDa4Q72oGNTqtM4xtBf4dyFIyAIz4PzW/s1600/11121955_10205715402583203_552745465_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbUf7F_VdJI_1tqUoacPoa_KTnNH6h8j0nnhCUoYyFP0Lsias0bCuepEWYy2JO-Y_yXdNDIkc9iwX4BNxmuchYJgKPFv1GfLhXOonxpILwoMFr6EDj1rvDpTsHJJPK5RP7_Gcq_1CcaYC/s1600/11160459_10205715401503176_1001589878_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJujL9SmDC5GUBIRmpZLxTy2q7dU_qCSmygWT-brWnxSJVzW39n3Fq2T5foJ6qqleLtuWVWEuiALS7BTCNOSQjyD3rZa0jhI5XamFxaxEUIqXmiXOT-JNJCOyABNoSm-Bx2HGENGFBnZK/s1600/11118708_10205715380982663_585145007_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgano7P1Ye5L9L5HOOYnNLGNXD55wfUzoYaFBjD24lDusu-jAcCyJ-yLEaFdUNSLKhw6WUn-ItKF3zEzBb2fmt_BIneEAPz1GI-qv1raA_vOY1cE5LAJtP1J16Zvdnf8mA4YMf2G5uo74PO/s1600/11165954_10205715397583078_2011623339_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /> </div>
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Tuuuuuuuuuuesday!</div>
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Miss last week's linkup?</div>
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No worries - find my favorite post here --></div>
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<a href="http://www.sara-sees.com/the-abbey-road-fail/" target="_blank">Sara's Abbey Road Fail</a></div>
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It's okay Sara, I'm pretty sure London decided to name another stop 'Abbey Road'</div>
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just to mess with tourists.</div>
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REAL FUNNY GUYS.</div>
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Link up below!</div>
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