A Day At The Zoo

On Wednesday, my family and I had a day trip to Chester Zoo. Being 18, I am the youngest member of my family and I enjoyed the day as much now as I would have done 15 years ago! Anyone who knows me personally could tell you I'm a definite animal lover- so a day at the zoo is literally my dream day. 

I'd advise prebooking your tickets online, as our e-tickets made our entrance to the park a much quicker process. There are always offers and deals available online too, have a look around before you turn up on the day. When we arrived we had a short walk from the grassy car park area to the main gates, but thankfully it was a dry and warm day- so no mud or raincoats. The surroundings really reminded me of the outskirts/drop off points at a festival, although I'd prefer the zoo any day!

As soon as you're in the park you're greeted by the elephants, and they have an enormous enclosure with a waterfall and scattered tree trunks, which adorably, the calves were playing with and pushing around.  All of the animals at the zoo have large, engaging spaces which is something I really care about- I wouldn't support a zoo if I felt at all unhappy about the animals' welfare. Interestingly, Chester Zoo is now a registered charity and conservation is seemingly very important to them and appears to be the ethos of the park. There are posters and staff members throughout the zoo encouraging visitors to sponsor and adopt animals, it's all very cute. 

After recently seeing Plant Of The Apes at the cinema, I was most excited on the day to see the chimpanzees. The fascinating animals are so human-like, I could've watched them all day. They have a jungle-gym climbing frame indoors, masses of outdoor space with hammocks and ropes, and probably a better life than me! I also loved seeing the lions and tigers, both of which were on the prowl and easily seen. Usually at zoos, the big cats are skulking around in the foliage out of sight.

Another bonus for me was the gift shop which was surprisingly affordable and had an array of animal themed items. From stuffed toys to pens and pencils, there's something for all ages and budgets if you fancy taking something home. So many items are under £5, it's perfect for spending your pocket money or treating young (or older!) family members to a little gift.

I am also proud to say that I faced my fears on the day and walked through the famous bat house. Honestly, it was terrifying and I don't know how I did it. The room is very dark, and the bats fly uncomfortably close to you as you walk (or in my case stumble) through a narrow tunnel of hell. It was all worth it though when ITV's The Speakmans tweeted me to congratulate me on overcoming my fears! 

I'll leave a couple of pictures below which I took on the day, hope you've enjoyed this little insight into my trip!

My sister and I pretending to be zoo keepers. For those interested- my jeans are River Island, and my shirt and tee are from Topman. 

p.s. if you follow me on twitter you'll already know that I just received my A Level results, and achieved an A*, A and B! This means I have gained a place at university this September, very exciting and daunting... Of course I'll let you all know how I get on! 

Results Day - Experience and Advice

Results day is almost upon us, I think I've had the date etched on my brain for about 12 months. This Thursday (or next if your waiting for GCSE results) all will be revealed and we'll find out whether it was worth all the hard work. Looking back on the exam period, I realise it was probably the most serious, stressful and important two months of my life so far. It's so daunting to imagine how different my life could be depending on how hard I work now- and it's even crazier that our lives are shaped by these tests which are over within an hour and a half time slot.  Right now I'm feeling an uncomfortable combination of anxiety and impatience- everyone's in the same boat. 

Our results could go either way, and I really hope I'm the Beyoncé on the left! What I am confident in, is the fact that I worked myself into exhaustion back in May/June- I honestly feel like I couldn't have done anymore. I remember feeling tired, worn out, and irritated at the fact I couldn't just watch a film, or spend the day with friends. Most of my day was dedicated to revising, and even when I was resting, quotes and theories were swirling around my head. In other words, if my results are disappointing, that's just the way it's meant to be.

I remember my GCSE results day, when we were give a brown envelope with our final grades written down a tiny column inside. This year is different though, because my sixth form are sending our results via email at 7.30am. That means I'll read them blurry eyed from my bed, probably after limited sleep. In a way I wish we HAD to go into college, there's something about getting your results the old fashioned way and seeing them printed next to your name which feels more rewarding. Either way, I'll just be happy to finally know how I've done. 

I'm also preparing myself for results day as a whole. Searching through twitter to see how everyone else has done. Texting my friends and hopefully all being able to celebrate. Running though the house in the early hours announcing my grades to annoy and relieve my parents who are secretly more nervous than me. 

I've thought of a few general tips for the day myself- 

1) Don't boast; nobody likes a show off. This doesn't mean however, that you can't be proud of yourself. You've worked for it, you're allowed to be happy. Make sure your facebook status sounds more relieved than obnoxious, but also avoid mock modesty such as "I don't know how I did it... maybe the examiner got my papers mixed up with someone else's!" Just tell it how it is, people will be happy for you nonetheless.

2) Don't wallow in self pity. If it hasn't gone to plan, do not freak out. It isn't the end of the world as we know it, there are so many opportunities for you. Academic study is not for everyone, I can assure you. No matter how patronising it sounds, you probably are suited to something different that you haven't tried yet. You're a teenager, not 55- you don't have to find your way in life just yet. If you end up going to a different university, or even not going at all- this could be the best thing that's ever happened to you.

3) Talk to your friends and family. You've gone though it all together, and it's important not to forget about the people close to you. If someone you know doesn't give a clear answer to what they've got though, don't push them. Not everyone wants to publish their life and story online, some things are private and personal- let it go. Be supportive and tactful no matter what the outcome. 

4) CELEBRATE! We definitely deserve to let our hair down after months of panic and stress. Remember all those restless nights worrying about exams and revision, it's all over and it's finally time to let loose. See your friends, go out for a meal with your family, do whatever it is that you love. I'll probably be doing all of the above, results day should be a day of celebrating all of the hard work you've put in no matter the outcome of the exam. 

Good luck in your results and remember, what's done is done. There's nothing we can do to alter our results now... hope everything goes to plan for you! 

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(shamless self promo) On another note, thankyou to everyone who's read my blog so far and is retweeting my links etc. If you have a gmail account, please follow my blog- I've enabled members down in the side bar! 

Everything You Need To Know

I decided my first post should probably introduce myself, and writing lengthy paragraphs about the ins-and-outs of my life would only seem like a conceited autobiography- so a 'Get To Know Me' tag feels like the perfect start. Are these things just for youtube?  idk, you can let me know.  My future posts will be a mixture of reviews, fashion, lifestyle- anything goes is the vibe around here. At least after reading this you'll know a little about me, who wants to listen to anon witter about their favourite things? Certainly not me...

1. Do you have a middle name?

As some of you will already know, my old twitter username was liamj4mes, and yep you guessed it- my middle name is James. It's short and easily remembered- I like it. It also makes my first two initials LJ, and in school I pushed so hard to be known universally as LJ, thankfully it didn't catch on.

2. What's your favourite subject in school?

I left high-school in 2012, but I can definitely recall the lessons I enjoyed the most. I'm really lucky in the fact that I did well in all of my GCSEs, somehow I just get it. My favourite lesson has always been English though, it's what I'm studying currently and am planning to continue at university come September. I also loved Media Studies, Art and Drama- they all kind of tie together in a way. These subjects also contrasted everything else I studied and allowed me a creative release- I feel like that is so important when you're deciding what to peruse.

3. What's your favourite drink?

The funny story about this is that my dentist was recently shocked and displeased to discover everything I drink is high in acidity- fruit juice, coke zero, vodka... That's a boring story for another day, but the important thing to remember is to opt for water and milk where possible, and I'm getting better at choosing the healthier options.

4. What is your current favourite song?

If you follow my twitter, you'll know about my adoration for certain artists, and my favourite songs change constantly. If it's by Mariah or Gaga, it's probably one of my faves- there's no denying it.  Something I'm loving in current pop though, is the return of disco beats reminiscent of anthems from the 70s. This disco revival is killer, I'm all for it.

5. What would you name your children?

Is it just me or does this question seem strangely heavier than the others? However, I'm pathetic enough to think about this kind thing on the odd occasion, I never come to any kind of conclusion though. It's a massive decision, and at 18 I'm definitely not ready to think about it too deeply just yet!

6. Do you participate in any sports?

For me this question is amusing, and the answer is always no. I'm neither sporty nor particularly competitive, I'm into fitness though. Running/ working out... occasionally...

7. What's your favourite book?

I study literature so books are obviously something I enjoy. My all time favourite is Harry Potter; I was born it the 90s so it's to be expected. My current favourites though, are Paper Towns by John Green and Allegiant by Veronica Roth. I posted about this on instagram if you follow me over there?

8. What's your favourite colour?

White. Some people will laugh and think this is a poor choice, but I like it's simplicity: clean and classy. I also like black for similar reasons, monochrome is always in style.

9. What's your favourite animal?

My best pal/bulldog Henry is my favourite animal, no brainer.

10. What's your favourite perfume?

Calvin Klein's 'CK ONE Summer' is my go to fragrance. This unisex fragrance is fruity and vibrant, I have so many good memories which come to mind when I smell it, I've worn it for about three years now.

11. What's your favourite holiday?

Assuming the writer of these questions was American, and holiday doesn't mean places I've travelled to, my favourite 'holiday' is definitely christmas. Summer isn't over and I'm already looking forward to the festive season.

12. Have you graduated from high school?

As I previously mentioned, I left high school in 2012. Since then I've been through sixth form, and am currently awaiting my A Level results, agh. Don't remind me.

13. Have you been out of the country?

I'm lucky enough to have travelled abroad many times, Europe, Africa, The States- I love holidays.

14. Do you speak any other languages?

I've studied Spanish and French in drips and drabs, but I wouldn't say I'm a confident speaker in any.

15. Do you have any siblings?

I have one older sister called Georgia, she's two years older than me and is currently at university in Sheffield.  We get on really well and have similar interests!

16. What's your favourite store?
Clothes-wise I tend to shop at Topman and H&M (which is great for basics and throw away trends), and when I feel like treating myself, Urban Outfitters and American Apparel. I also live for the apple store, I can't walk past without nipping in for a play about on the laptops- we all do it.

17. What's your favourite restaurant?

I often find myself in Nando's, it's a cult fave in the UK. However, I'm also a supporter of independent pubs. In England, and specifically the north, you can't beat pub grub- always generous portions and a friendly atmosphere, winner. 

18. Do you like school?

Unashamedly, I loved school. I was the biggest geek going but had a large group of friends- I felt like I fit in quite well. College wasn't so fun, it just felt like 'business- as-usual' everyday, whereas highschool had such a close knit community- and apart from the early mornings, I didn't mind it at all.

19. Who are your favourite youtubers?

In case you didn't know, I'm abit of a fan-girl when it comes to youtube. I watch it every night and I probably prefer it to TV in most cases. Vlog wise I love Tanya and Jim, Narcus, Zalfie- we all know and love them. I also enjoy videos by Kandee Johnson, she's so fun and uplifting.

20. What's your favourite movie?

I'm extremely indecisive, so I can't even begin to imagine what my favourites are. A couple that spring to mind are Les Mis, The Great Gatsby, Harry Potter (ofc) and Sex And The City- I'm not embarrassed in the slightest.

21. What are your favourite TV shows?

Recently I've been loving American Horror Story: Coven, I've been totally glued. My other faves are Ugly Betty and Lost- obsessed.

22. PC or Mac?

I'd love to say Mac, and deep down I probably am. On the contrary though, I'm not rich or spoilt enough to own a Mac, so I'll have to say PC. ONE DAY!

23. What phone do you have?

I'm currently using a white iphone 4. It serves me well.

24. How tall are you?

I'm 6ft or just under. I'm happy about this.

The last few questions seemed to end quite abruptly, but I didn't write the questions so don't judge. I quite enjoyed writing this out, talking about my self is my favourite thing to do. That was a joke, but not the part about enjoying blogging, I'm planning on keeping this up for a while. If you made it to the end of this post I applaud and thank you. Don't forget to give me a comment and a follow, I don't quite understand how things work around here- maybe someone can show me the ropes?

Thanks guys!