10 things that made me happy this week!

Well this week has been rather lovely!

1. Being at the naming ceremony of my fabulous friend's gorgeous little boy Rohan! It was so lovely seeing her so happy, it has been too long since our last catch up so I'll have to be making the journey more often =) Getting out there, meeting new people and having a laugh was exactly what i needed and has put me on such a high. I was lucky enough to have lots of cuddles with the main man on his big day. It is fair to say I'm feeling VERY broody at the moment!

2. Representing SHU Racing at a uni open day. Feeling like a team member gives me such a buzz, I had such a laugh with the guys. Our blog has just gone live so check it out for the latest news and photos from factory to track -  SHU RACING BLOG

3. Sitting down to watch The Boat Race. Love it and I swear I will get there to watch it one year! I do love a rower :-)

4. Getting back to the gym after a few weeks! Always feels good (afterwards) A gym session is always better with a friend, even if all that friend does is criticise you for "not sweating enough!"

5. Hearing that Oscar Pistorius has won his bail conditions appeal! He is now able to travel abroad and compete if he desires. I know it is probably the last thing on his mind but I for one hope he'll be back on the track before the trial but more than anything i pray that the Olympics weren't the final time we'll see him doing what he loves. The world needs your inspiration Oscar!

6. The pure fabulousness of David Bowie! Enough said!

7. Realising I have another week off uni =)

8.Sitting in the car waiting for mum to finish her marathon training in the beautiful sunshine, reading, while listening to Bowie. Feel so relaxed

9. Chilling out with a good magazine and a comfy chair for a while.

10. The start of British Summer! The clocks went forward last night and I'm already enjoying the extra bit of daylight we are getting. Can we have some warmer weather now??

SHU RACING 2013

Hi all.

Just a 2 minute blog entry today to let you all know about SHU RACING. Sheffield Hallam University's 2013  Formula Student racing team.
I am doing my bit and i'm working as part of the marketing team.

We are building, marketing and racing the car from scratch which will culminate in the competition weekend held at the historic Silverstone circuit in June.

To keep up to date on all the latest goings on, follow our Twitter Feed

Watch this space for website and blog details

F1: Inter team politics vs Instinct

Like every other petrol head in the country, I spent yesterday morning watching the Malaysian Grand Prix. What an event full race it was too for the obvious reason which has undoubtedly trended on twitter and graced most back pages today.

I am talking the team order fallout which has surrounded Red Bull Racing & Mercedes. 

For any of you who didn't catch the race I will simply go over the key points of the battle between the Red Bull boys:

• Vettel starts on pole and leads the race
• Webber managed to overtake during a pit stop
• Seb ends up behind Webber and puts a radio message out telling the team "Mark is slower, get him out the way"
• Rocky (Seb's engineer) tells Seb to keep the distance as it is only half race distance.
• Seb overtakes Mark, apparently disobeying team orders to hold station
• Seb wins the race and is told by Rocky "Well done but there is some explaining to be done"
• Mark finishes 2nd and lets his anger show in an awkward post race podium interview 

While this is going on, Mercedes have a similar experience but those on the pit wall refuse to let Nico Rosberg overtake a slower Lewis Hamilton, who has been slowed by a poor fuel strategy throughout the entire race. Nico reluctantly holds station and finishes the race in 4th. Lewis Hamilton has since said that he believes that Nico should've been on the podium instead.

My thoughts

Yesterday's podium 'celebrations'

Watching the race I truly didn't think anything negative of Seb's overtake on his team mate, in fact I was extremely impressed with the inter team battle (when i stopped hiding behind my cushion) given their past coming together on the track in Turkey 2009. It wasn't until the chequered flag had dropped and Seb received his "There will be some explaining to be done" radio call. What followed has got to be one of the most cringe worthy exchanges i have seen. Webber uttering the now infamous "Multi21 seb??" was only the tip of the iceberg, the podium celebrations were rather subdued from all parties. Then when it came to the interview to follow, Webber let his feelings towards his team mate and his team out in the open for the world to see and in flooded the world's sympathy for the Aussie.

 I am quite frankly proud of what Seb did! He is a red blooded racer and was following his instinct to race. Why should he have to hold station in only the second race of the season! I understand the team view of wanting maximum points from the drivers but i question the system of team orders so early on in a season. Nor do i like how Seb has been attacked by the press

The polar opposites happened during the race. Sebastian went with his instinct and went for the win while Rosberg followed orders but yet  Sebastian has taken all of the abuse from the F1 paddock, fans and the media calling him a spoilt brat etc but i don't understand why so when Nico has received criticism for not taking advantage. Contradicting yourself much??
Aren't we forgetting Silverstone a few years back when Mark chose to "ignore a radio message" but then, he was given the sympathy. Why is Vettel always the one in the wrong?? 

Could it be a case that the public are simply attacking the person who has been at the centre of the sport for the past number of years? The public being bored of the sport's golden boy??

I wonder if the public would hold the same view if it was Senna or Hamilton in Seb's position???

Does Hollywood have no shame??

Hello all.

Hope your Monday is going well

I needed to share this story that I have just stumbled upon on the Daily Mail website that has truly shocked me. 

The Mail has revealed that from "LA Sources" Ryan Gosling and Charlize Theron are being lined up for the lead roles for an Oscar Pistorius biopic which is due to cover the ongoing murder case (never thought I'd have to type that) with Charlize Theron staring as Oscar's late girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Source : www.news24.com

The Daily Mail claims that a number of scripts are being developed and an announcement is expected soon from a major film studio.  

To read the full the story please click here

I don't even know where to begin with this article! While I have no doubt that a biopic about Oscar's amazing life would be a blockbuster without the events of the past month but it simply angers me that they are now trying to cash in on someones heartbreak and grief. It really is as if everyone has forgotten that a girl tragically lost her life. How dare people take advantage of that and the turmoil Oscar is no doubt going through after a month since that tragic event.
Why couldn't they have considered the amazing story of his fight for equality, immediately after the paralympic games to tell the true amazing tale of his life? Why does a scandal have to equal a blockbuster?  

Oscar remains under strict bail conditions until the trial which is reportedly due to begin on June 4th in Pretoria. Even then, we have no idea how long it will take to reach an agreement on Pistorius's fate.

I only hope that the dollar signs will subside for a long time to come and people discover some heart. 

Just remember that Oscar is innocent until proven guilty! 

 



 

10 things that made me happy this week

Wow it has been a tough week. Absolutely exhausted so i'm having a chilled out weekend of DVDs, magazines, Formula One and IndyCar. These 10 moments are possibly what has dragged me through the past 7 days.

1. Bumping in to my lovely Miss Kate, out of the blue in Meadowhall (even though it was only 2 mins) Don't see her much but love her loads!

2. FINALLY handing in my Critical Theory essay after way too many hours sat at the laptop, numerous headaches and even a last minute topic change. At least it is out of the way now! Celebration much needed with a cheeky trip to Mc d's

3. The amazing night sleep I had after handing the essay in!

4. An impromptu Primark shop with Lucy. Came home with a beautiful dress for a christening I'm at next weekend, a blue polka dot summer shirt dress and some much needed new Jeggings.

5. A quick 5 min phone call with the fave. Really did cheer me up after feeling down this week, even if it was just him mocking my lack of warm gloves in the snow and informing me how toasty his fingers were.

6. Remembering I have the next 2 weeks off uni. Whilst i know i have reading to do, I am going to treat myself, booked myself in to some Yoga classes, off to see the boat race next weekend (fingers crossed) and some flat hunting. Me time =)

7. A motor sport weekend! Enough said! A weekend of of Jenson, Seb, Mr Horner and Dario *sigh*

8. Waking up to a white over this morning. I adore the snow (when i don't have to drive in it!)

9. Having a DVD night to look forward to tonight with a sharer bag of kettle crisps all to myself.

10. Jim Carrey films. Loved him and his films since The Mask. Now find myself with a bit of a guilty pleasure for the lovely man himself =)

Just what i needed

One of my favourite moments in life is when you hear a song that you either haven't heard for a long time or you discover a new version of what you thought was an already perfect song. I experienced the latter today!

After what has been a stressful week thanks to an horrendous essay deadline it only seemed fitting that less that 20 minutes after handing the dreaded essay in for marking, I was treated to hearing a song that struck me instantly - I could literally feel the stress and tension of the past week just melting away and leaving my soul smiling once again! 

The song in question was "Will you still love me tomorrow" - Amy Winehouse. The song is one that I absolutely adore and always strikes me as the perfect 'First Dance' song for a wedding (it is definitely high on my list) the beauty of the song mixed with the breathtaking vocal of the late Amy Winehouse makes for a perfect mix. She may not be with us anymore but she can still stun her fans with her undeniable talent.!

The song is just too good to keep to myself so I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.

Brit pop lives!

I'm going back to my childhood in fashion this week by throwing myself in to music from the 90's. I do this regularly and love every minute of it - each one of these songs bring back happy memories from my childhood. . The 90's have got to be my favourite decade for the spectacular music.

 Brit pop rules

The Cure - Friday I'm in Love

Even the backing track to this classic makes me smile instantly upon hearing it

 James - Laid (live)

 This still remains one of my favourite songs to this day. A fabulous song with a naughty tale to it. This live version does something rare, manages to stand up to the studio version.

Suede - Trash

    Love this band so much! They sound as good now as they did in the 90's. It took a LONG time for me to pick just one Suede song but this one is the one that stands out to me!

The La's - There she goes

Another one of those songs that you can't help but smile along to. Reminds me of summer days

Ocean Colour Scene - The riverboat song

I seem to remember this song having some thing to do with TFI Friday on Channel 4. Just being associated with the show made it immense! (Oh how i loved that show!)

Kula Shaker - Hush

This song always reminds me of one of my big brothers. Hearing Kula Shaker, Ocean Colour Scene and Beck was standard in our house. I now know why he kept turning it up - To drowned out the sound of my Spice Girls CD.

Pulp - Common people

Pulp are the epitome of Brit pop in my opinion! The pride of Sheffield!

Boo Radley's - Wake up boo

I challenge each and everyone one of you to listen to this without smiling!

Sorry! This list is a bit longer than I first planned but the more research I did, the more treasures I came across. I'll be going to bed smiling tonight with these songs in my head!

Source: http://www.themorningstarr.co.uk

Writer's block and online shopping

You'd think as i have a deadline approaching rapidly (3pm Wednesday) i'd be rather panic stricken and glued to my laptop. Quite the opposite actually! I seem to be suffering from a serious case of writer's block that i just can't seem to shift. I've tried long walks, browsing for inspirational quotes, gym sessions (these usually work) and also a lovely bit of yoga but nothing!  It won't go away!

If there was a gold medal in procrastination, I would be the victor and hold numerous world record in the lifespan if my educational career. Even now i am procrastinating! I could really be doing my essay but yet i am blogging and buying 1p books on Amazon. My latest purchases to add to my summer reading list are:

Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier

The Alchemist - Paulo coelho

There is method to my shopping (well, ish) Rebecca is one of our set texts for Year 2 of my degree (if i am accepted to that module.) The Alchemist is simply a word of mouth, impulse buy - which i believe can be the best. I will find out soon enough!

Until then, I really do need to get this essay out of the way!

My plan for tomorrow is to lock myself in a room and turn the Internet off - No distractions must surely mean productivity, right??

10 things that made me happy this week

Yet another week that has flown by!

1. The excitement of waking up to watch F1 qualifying yesterday morning. It felt like Christmas morning. So happy that its back =)

2. Having a mooch around Cath Kidston in Meadowhall before uni. Can't help but feel happy while looking at all the beautiful bags, clothes and home ware. Treated myself to a new bag (£20 in the sale!) It is the perfect size for uni and even weekends away. Isn't it beautiful!

 3. Discovering the children's literature section of Adsetts at uni with Emma. Oh my god it was a joyful few minutes of rediscovery, full of Beatrix Potter and The Hungry Caterpillar. So happy that I've requested to study Children's Literature as a module next year.

4. Getting home after a long day and collapsing in front of the TV with my PJ's, slippers and my Frasier box set. 

5. Browsing the Ikea catalogue. So many perfect looking living rooms and bedrooms. I've selected my perfect living room. I need this in my life! By the end of my degree i should easily be able to fill every inch of those shelves! =)

Source: Ikea Facebook page

6. Planning a day out in London town with my lovely Miss Merrick for the London marathon weekender. Hmmmm I wonder if Bikini man will be there again??

7. Yet another new book! This time Wide Sargasso Sea.

8. Spending all day Monday curled up in front of the fire, reading and watching the snow fall outside. 

9. Organising a treat for myself when this deadline is out the way on Wednesday. I'm thinking a day out somewhere lovely!

10. Listening to this song on repeat!

 Now a solid 3 days of essay work. Can't wait until Wednesday afternoon - Hand in day!

Wish me Luck

xxx

F1 2013: Bring the noise

Smiles to you all.
Hope your week is going fabulously, mine is currently full of essays, Freud, Hamlet and lots of reading. I'm trying to be a good little student and get a lot of work done in the week so I've got the weekend to enjoy F1 to the max!

Yes you heard me!! F1 is back!! 
I can't wait to hear the roar of those cars. It has been WAY too long!!
The boys take to the grid in Melbourne this weekend for the season opener. I love the shear excitement of the first race of the season, starting the points all over again, new drivers, new set up and the return of the F1 butterflies - They are full flight already. 

I honestly have no idea what to expect this season but I'm going to attempt to make some predictions (wish me luck)

1. The Rise of Lotus Renault - Kimi showed us all that he really is the comeback kid in 2012. He may be a quiet one but he lets his driving do the talking when it matters.

2. Teething problems for Lewis - A new team can always throw up a few teething issues for any driver and i think that it could take a number of races for him to settle in. As Rosberg and he were karting buddies, i think we could be in for some sparks flying on and off the track from the boys.

3. Perez making himself at home - Like i said about Lewis, I believe it will be a similar case of new team issues for the first few races for Perez but he has demonstrated his talent so this really could be the making of him. World Champion of the future perhaps?

4. Massa, back to his best - In the final races of last season, Massa started to come back fighting all over again. Could he battle with Alonso? I think he's going to give it a damn good go!

As a life long Jenson Button fan i am praying that Mclaren have given him a worthy car this year! Its time for them to put their money where their mouth is - 2012 was full of their excuses which overall stopped Jenson having a chance to go for the championship. Pre season testing started well for the boys from Woking by getting the fastest on the first day in Jerez but it is reported in the media that Jenson is still not 100% happy with his 2013 contender. Only time will tell!  

I daren't make any predictions regarding Red Bull, who knows what magic Mr Newey has weaved for the RB9 - As i type this, i have just found out that Seb has named his new car 'Hungry Heidi' 

I was rather hoping to finally get my chance but i will have to wait yet another year =( 

Source: www.tumblr.com

I love the fun team from Milton Keynes (does that rhyme) and I have no doubt they will be going for championship number 4. 

I may be biased but i think the RB9 is the prettiest car on the grid by far!  BEAUTIFUL! 

Not long to go now until FP1 =)

I'll warn you all now! Its going to get very 'Formula One' on the blog until November =)

Bring on that amazing sound! 

Happy Mummy's day!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Just wanted to send huge Mother's day hugs and kisses to my fabulous marathon running mummy! 

I'm so lucky to have such a fun loving, gig going, road running lovely like her as my mum. 

Mother's day would usually be a day off for all you well deserving mums out there to put your feet up and be pampered but no, mine is currently out doing a 20 mile run training for the London Marathon in April. 

No rest for the wicked :-)  

Love you Mum!

xxxxx

10 Things that made me happy this week

Can't believe how quickly this week has flown by.

1. The Top Gear Africa special! Nothing else needs to be said here! The boys being amazing as normal!

2. Flat hunting. Still have such a buzz of excitement about getting my own place soon. The hunt continues but yet I have already planned the decorations thanks to my love of Ikea and Cath Kidston.

3. Formula Student! Getting so excited now about being part of the team after 2 meetings this week! Such an amazing opportunity to build, market and race an open cockpit car at Silverstone in summer! Why not check out our new Twitter page Its a work in progress but we're up and running now! Website and blog coming soon!

4. My journey home from uni with the fave. I'm sure we get some weird looks from people in Sheffield with his "running" for the train and random conversations but oh well. Best part of my week by far!

5. Watching re-runs of Frasier! Why is this show not on anymore. It is up there on my favourites list with The Big Bang Theory and TG. There is something so classic about it. It never fails to make me laugh. It is that addictive at the moment i have found myself watching clips on youtube. I adore Niles and Daphne, they are beyond adorable!! I think every girl wants their own Niles, I know I do! This is one of my favourite moments. :-)

 

6. Starting to count down the days until the 1st F1 race of 2013 and clearing my diary for next weekend accordingly

7. Treating myself to a beautiful French Connection leather jacket!

8. Hearing that my lovely friend had met Olly Murs while out in B-Town. She has been waiting for that moment for a long time! She was lucky enough to have not only a photo taken with him but also got a hug AND a kiss. Some lovely ladies get all the luck! =)

9. Compliments from friends. Some people just know exactly how to make me feel fabulous inside and out!

10. Sitting in restaurants with a friend and spending the time googling look-a-likes of each other.

10 things that made me happy this week

Thought I'd start a regular feature on TCV to share special moments in my week and spread a bit of positivity and joy

Here are 10 things from my week that made me happy:

Source: www.weheartit.com

1. Journey's home from uni. They are a fun part of my week day currently thanks to singing, laughing, smiling so much it makes my jaw hurt kinda smiles and quite simply spending time with one of my favourite people in the entire world!

2. Productive days at university. Days spent in the library are happy days thanks to my uni girls

3. The sun shining in Sheffield. 

4. Seeing my running club again! Lots of love and cuddles from my extended family =)

5. The feeling of excitement you get when starting another book! Jane Eyre this time.

6. A conversation about potential issues a man may face while wearing 'Skins' running clothing. 
Still find myself giggling to myself, 3 days later

7. Planning day trips. Hello day in London to watch The Boat Race

8. Watching 'The Last Leg' on Friday night. Adam Hills!  Enough said!

9. Reliving the Olympic Games by watching the highlights DVD today. Feeling so proud all over again. Not to mention loving every second of seeing Oscar Pistorius make his Olympic debut.

10. Listening to The Lumineers