Three Life Lessons from Dadda Pops

So, here is the second post about life lessons, unlike previously when I wrote to my Mum. This time I am going to write to my Dadda Pops.

Dear Dadda Pops,
You teach me so much even though occasionally you lack finesse in how you say it, but I promise you these are some of the most valuable lessons. I think the first and probably the most important lesson is about hard work. You have shown me that hard work can pay off and get you recognition, but it is a long road to get there. I think the last part of that is the most poignant part in recent months.

The second lesson is that it is better to not stew on the past but keep in the present and look to the future regardless of the negativity which could be thrust upon us. If you make a mistake we must learn from that mistake in order to improve who we are than it eating our soul.

The third lesson is that love is a precious treasure which needs to be cherished. If a person doesn't deserve your love, it is easy to switch off that love if necessary in order for our own sanity to be protected.

Thanks for the lessons. You are constantly learning from others and I know will learn things way into the future.

Love,
Kathryn xxx

My Favourite Things August 2015

I thought I would share with you a few of my favourite things and I thought I would do this on a seasonal basis.

Favourite TV Show - NCIS
Favourite Actors - Benedict Cumberbatch and Mark Harmon
Favourite Actress - Pauley Perrette
Favourite Film - Legally Blonde. I have only just seen this film but I love it.
Favourite Song - Beautiful Child by Pauley Perrette

Favourite Memory - My graduation from Liverpool Hope

Favourite Album - 1989 by Taylor Swift 

Favourite Musical - Jersey Boys, but after seeing Legally Blonde I would love to see it in the West End 

Favourite Hobby - Writing and Blogging (but singing and performing come a close second)

Favourite Youtuber - Tati (@GlamLifeGuru) 

So I hope you enjoyed some of my favourite thing this summer. What have been some of your favourite things? 

YouTuber of The Month August 2015

I thought I would a new series of blog posts on my blog called YouTuber of the Month. Literally, because I am kind of obsessed with YouTube especially beauty and lifestyle videos but many other videos too. I thought would share with you those YouTubers I am loving and see where it goes from there.

The first ever YouTuber of The Month goes to

Kristina at Pretty Shiny Sparkly.  

Here is the link to her Welcome video and you can access her channel too. 

I choose Kristina partly because she is living the life I hope to one day have which is a successful full time career alongside her blogging career. I find it quite interesting how she has built her channel up alongside her career, and how she manages to keep it so successful at the same time. I hope I can take everything associated with www.kathrynbracewell.com to the next level. 

See you guys next time. If you have any new suggestions for any new subscriptions please do comment below. 

My Travel Wish List

I thought that with summer in full swing and the start of my career commencing I thought I would write a post about places where I want to go and visit - my travel wish list.

1. Los Angeles, USA
This has been on my list for years. I want to go for the shopping.

2. Abu Dhabi/Dubai
Just for glamour and the fast cars at night at Abu Dhabi F1.

3. Cardiff, Wales
Home of Doctor Who and Sherlock. So of course a must for both a Sherlockian and Whovian.

4. Edinburgh, Scotland
Home of writing, literature and some of the best of British culture. I would love the opportunity for a week or two writing, reading and exploring the Scottish capital,

5. New York
Technically, this should not be on a wish list but I want to go back to do more of the culture and museums.

6. Key West
Sun, glamour and cocktails - the perfect place for a beach holiday according to my Mum and Dad. Shame my baby memories are no longer in tact.

7. Monaco
Men, fast cars and millionaires. I need to see if Monaco is as glamorous as it looks. It may happen sooner than I think. In the words of River Song spoilers.

8. Las Vegas
I think everyone should do Vegas, just once. So that you can say you played poker in Vegas.

9. Hawaii
Beach, sun, relaxation - the perfect writing conditions in my opinion.

Where do you want to travel to? Post down below your travel wish lists I may feature them in a future blog.

July Lifestyle Favourites

My first ever lifestyle favourites on my blog. So, here is what I have been loving in the month of July.

Erin Condren Life Planner.

I have always been a planner girl whether it be a diary or a to do list, but nothing has never helped me feel so relaxed and such a creative outlet. I don't spend money on stickers like some of the other planners I have seen on social media, but a little decoration has made organization seem interesting. If you do want to see how I use my planner check my post scheduled to be posted this weekend on The Chronicles of Reality.

Life with a Sprinkle of Glitter - By Louise Pentland 
A book I keep coming back to again and again. Life filled with honesty and laughter. Love it - full review to come.

I know there is only two but I have had more beauty favourites this month. Check them out on my fashion and beauty blog Loving your Beautiful Identity.

My Singing Life

I was just 8 years old when I started singing in Pendle Youth Choir. I never knew how much of an impact music and singing would have on my life interests and goals. it gave me time away from work and family. It was ALL MINE. Singing soon turned from just a hobby but to a life. It has provided me with opportunities that I never thought I would have. The first and foremost being travel. I have travelled and sung in places some people could only dream of from Liverpool Anglican Cathedral to Montserrat Cathedral in Barcelona to St Mark's Basilica in Venice to an aeroplane and outside the MEN arena. These experiences will be in my memories for a lifetime. However, it wasn't just about the places we sung in but the funny little adventures we had when we weren't doing concerts

It also educated me on culture that I would never get in a classroom. It taught about different countries and the hidden gems within each country or area of music. My singing life has led me to develop musical tastes in music from around the world from Africa to the United States to New Zealand. It has also developed my love of film and theatre, because I have sung songs from shows and films I never thought I would see from West Side Story to Sister Act. The ultimate bonus though is that it goes hand in with my love of Disney.

It has also allowed me to develop a few contacts along the way for my career in teaching and education. People who have answered all my questions about the profession but also offered their thoughts and advice on any issues that have ever arose. I can't thank them enough.

Have you ever had a hobby that overtook your life? Did it turn into a career?

Lessons I learned from the Graduation Ceremony

Well, a couple of weeks ago, I had my graduation ceremony at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral (the Catholic one). It was quite surreal to be honest and better than ever I could imagine. I went with my mum and dad. There were aspects that I was glad I did after advice from others or things my gut told me to do.

1. Don't forget hair pins or safety pins and don't forget to use them. 
I forgot my hair pins and so wish I hadn't because every time I tilted my head forward the hat fell off it made the day very interesting to say the

2. Wear flats. Flats can be look good and sexy without pain.
Honestly, this was the day that I was grateful for being different. I have to wear flats all the time because I physically can't walk in heels. It was the best thing I ever did. When girls were saying 'can I borrow your shoes?' I thought being me actually pays off but if you want to hear heels put dolly pumps or sandals in a bag or in the car, because it is an EXTREMELY LONG day you could be on your feet 10 hours or more.

3. Don't forget the snacks. You will need a lot of boost. 
Hunger. 5pm rush hour traffic. Not a good mix. Good job for crisps and water in the car.

4. Hard seats. Sore legs, back, thighs. Take a cushion. 
I think this is very important for relatives because they are the ones who are sat down for most of the ceremony. It can be very cramped too so they may not be able to move to stop cramping.

But a wonderful day was had by all.