Journeys Are My Diary

Life, Adventures, Entertainment and more - A little bit of everything blog!

Tsum Tsum Tag

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1.How many Tsum Tsum’s have you got?

Lots, far too many to be honest! I think close to 200 though.


2. What was your first?

Our first official Tsum Tsum was bought in Florida. I’m pretty sure it was the Cinderella collection, though we bought so many during the holiday, that I can’t be sure (there were some Toy Story ones from Disney Store and a few from Target). However unofficially I bought Anna and Elsa from Ebay, not realising they were “fan made”, even before we went to Florida.

3. Do you have a full set?

Yes, lots actually. If I like a set, I tend to buy them all as it’s hard not to. However in some cases I will just grab the main characters.

4. What is your favourite set?

When it’s released, Beauty and the Beast will be I’m sure. However in the meantime it’s probably The Little Mermaid or Tangled sets.


5. Who is your most wanted Tsum Tsum?

Belle from BatB when it’s released, but otherwise Hiro and Honey Lemon as we missed them very early on and need them to collect our BH6 collection.

6. What set do you want them to make?

I think Sleeping Beauty would be pretty great, just to get the Fairies and of course Maleficent. Or maybe a Tinker Bell collection that featured her fairy friends. To be honest, once the Beauty and the Beast collection is released, I’ll be happy. (After thought – Hercules!!! I would love that)

7. Do you collect just Disney or do you collect the Star Wars and Marvel ones?

I’m not at all interested in the Star Wars ones and neither are the kids. However I did pick up a few for Chris. He has Boba Fett, Darth Vader, Darth Maul and a Storm Trooper. He also has Venom from the Marvel ones. We do have several of the Marvel ones, especially the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy, but not all.


8. Do you have any ones from Clintons/Target/Other non Disney Store shops?

I prefer to get them from the Disney Store but our nearest one is over an hour away and postage online can be frustrating. We live 2 minutes away from a Clintons though so often we do grab them there, especially if we missed them at the Disney Store.

9. Do you dislike any Tsum Tsums?

I wouldn’t say I dislike any but I’m less fussed about several. I haven’t got any of the Jungle Book ones, I barely picked up any Nightmare Before Christmas ones and since I haven’t seen Zootropolis yet, I haven’t bought any of those yet either.

10. Who do you think they should have release with previous sets?

Not that I can think of! Thought honestly a part of me wishes there were 101 different dalmatians released. I might actually have been tempted to get them all (even though I definitely can’t afford that!) I do think it’s a shame we don’t always get the whole sets in the UK (King of Hearts from Alice being an example) and also the variants like Halloween versions or whatever else.

Wednesday Wishlist – Pop Funkos

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As always, I want a whole bunch of Pop Funkos and with my birthday coming up, I’ve started to think about which ones are top of my list. I figured I’d put together a variety options, in case anyone was looking to get me one ;)

Pop Funko Wishlist

 

I’ve tried to group the Pop Funkos somewhat, though it’s still a bit random. The first section is Disney. To be honest I would always be happy with a Disney Pop Funko but there are actually very few I really want. Merida, Alice, Mushu and the Evil Queen are my main picks. Honestly the Queen has been on so many lists now – she’s top.

Next is Harry Potter. I would like Harry, Ron and Hermione (though I have two Harry variants) but they aren’t my top picks. Since Megan has Luna, Sirius and Dobby would be my other choices so far, though I’d love Hagrid too.

Next is Superheroes and the main man, Stan Lee. To be honest there are hundreds of DC and Marvel characters that I would love to collect, especially when Chris started me off with Oliver Queen (unmasked). The new wave of Avenger ones are definitely better than the first wave, though I prefer the Iron Man from 3. Along with all these, Deadpool would be great but I had too many that looked like him (Spider Man, Flash and Iron Man) to add him too! If you want to stay updated on the latest entertainment and pop culture news, you might want to visit sites like The Direct for the freshest scoop on your favorite fandom.

Once Upon a Time has got to be one of my all time favourite TV series and I love the Pop Funkos too. The only one I have so far is Killian Jones (a Captain Hook variant) but I would love his regular version too. Regina is my top pick for OUAT though and she has been on many lists. Snow and Prince Charming would also be a great addition.

Last but not least is the odd one out of Katniss Everdeen. There are actually a couple I would like from Hunger Games (especially Effie Trinket) but Katniss is my top pick and I didn’t have much space left! Megan has her in the red dress and Mockingjay dress (with wings) so I would like this version for my collection).

What are your top Funko picks?

Movie Review – Deadpool

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Last week on Wednesday, Chris and I finally got around to watching Deadpool. We’d been wanting to see it since release day but for one reason or another, we just never got a chance to go. However we made the most of our Meerkat movies 2 for 1 and headed off to the Vue in Scunthorpe, grabbing some midday tickets in a cinema with no more than 10 people in it!

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I always write my movie reviews with no spoilers so of course that limits what I can tell you. However I loved, LOVED this movie and I would recommend it to anyone with a good sense of humour and a dirty mind.

Deadpool, while sort of classed as a superhero, is actually more of an anti-hero. There are parts of the plot that are actually pretty sad – I won’t give anything away if you don’t know about the plot already – but when Wade Wilson (as a regular human) realises his whole world is going to change, it’s kinda upsetting, you can learn character scene study classes LA by clicking here. It’s also sad seeing the transformation, the way he is treated etc. However the thing I love most about Deadpool/Wade Wilson, is that his humour is the same before, as it is afterwards. The person, or the superhero, depending on what you want to call him, is basically the same before and after, he just has kick-ass powers!

The film is funny from start to finish – the opening credits being very amusing with things like “God’s perfect idiot” (that would be Deadpool), “A hot chick,” “A gratuitous cameo” etc. instead of the names of the actual actors. It also says things like written by asshats, produced by idiots etc. The humour continues with references to both Stewart and McAvoy when talking about Professor X, many many references to Wolverine – both the character and his actor, reference to Ryan Reynolds, “Your friendly neighborhood Deadpool”, plus many many more!

Deadpool is a much underated character and while Ryan Reynolds wasn’t fantastic in Blade Trinity or Green Lantern (though I loved it regardless), he was fantastic in his brief cameo in X-Men. I’m so pleased that Deadpool got his own movie as it’s not only hilarious, disgusting and rude, Ryan Reynolds is amazing. It’s not often that I re-watch a movie but I honestly can’t wait for its DVD release as I will be watching it again straight away.

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Week 17 – Monday Round-up

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As you’ll have seen, my blog was all scheduled and planned while I was away on holiday, and when I got back – it all went dead! I really wasn’t expecting to be as tired as I was when we got home, then of course Lily was poorly last week and now I’ve ended up a bit under the weather myself. As such, this week’s round up should be pretty brief and I’m really looking forward to getting it out of the way and moving on to holiday updates.

Anyway! Monday was back to school for the girls but Chris was off work. It was nice to have the day without them and alone with Chris as we hadn’t had much time by ourselves. We didn’t really do an awful lot, just hung out and watched some TV. Afterwards we went to pick the girls up from school and then we all came home and chilled out some more. During the night, Lily woke up poorly and this was the start of the rest of the week off. Megan went to school as normal though, all except Thursday when she was feeling a little under the weather too.

Tuesday Chris was off work but because Lily was home sick, we couldn’t really catch up on our TV. Instead Lily and I watched TV all day and waited for Megan to be brought home by her dad. On Wednesday Lily actually felt sick and I didn’t want to drag her out so mum came to pick Megan up for school and in the end drove her home as well. Lily and I spent the day watching movies and it was actually really nice. As I mentioned Megan was off school on Thursday so that lead to a really lazy day when we didn’t even have to leave the house. I wasn’t feeling the best myself either, so I took a nap which is so unheard of these days! Mum came around in the evening as it was her birthday and we had soup with fresh rolls, followed by Tiramisu cupcakes.

Finally it was Friday and Megan went back to school but Lily was still off. I dropped Lily at my mum’s as Nat and I had already arranged to go to the cinema and we saw Avengers: Age of Ultron. The showing was at 10.30am but it took majority of the day as I picked Nat up and dropped her off. I was back at mum’s for about 2.30pm and then stayed for a cuppa before heading off with Lily to pick up Megan. We went home, had takeaway for dinner and just chilled out. Saturday was a lazy day as well (no surprise, right?) and the girls didn’t even get dressed. Megan decided she wanted to make a cheesecake though and I needed a present for Morgan so I popped out shopping briefly and then gave Megan a hand making the cake.

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No doubt I’ll post the recipe here soon but it was really good cheesecake. It’s actually all gone already. Anyway that was basically our Saturday. Then Sunday was the only day with plans but even then they weren’t till afternoon. We had a lazy morning but Megan got her homework done and then after lunch we headed out. We drove to Scunthorpe to meet my brother and his family and go bowling. It was actually a really nice afternoon – just the kids bowled and we all stood around chatting. Afterwards the kids had food and all in all it was very pleasant. We headed off around 5pm and came home. Chris ordered me and him some chinese takeaway and though I spent some of the evening with the girls before they went to bed, I then spent the evening with Chris watching TV.

It’s been such a quiet and easy week but at the same time I’ve really got nothing done. This week promises to be more interesting, especially as I start a new job tomorrow.

Movie Review: Avengers – Age of Ultron

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Before I start to tell you about my Florida holiday, I want to tell you all about the latest movie I saw – Avengers: Age of Ultron (it’s Marvel/Disney though so it’s okay). On Friday, Nat and I went to the cinema – as we often do – to see the newest Avengers movie and both of us really enjoyed it!

As with all my reviews, no spoilers. However that always makes it difficult to tell you very much. What I can tell you is that it’s long!!! It’s not a complaint, but definitely a warning. Nat and I both went to the toilet before it began but only half way through, needed it again (TMI??) We did take a drink in with us (which we probably shouldn’t havbe) but yeah… warning!

In all seriousness though, I personally loved this movie. I’m a great lover of superhero movies anyway and on Friday I actually wrote about the good and the not so good superhero movies, over at Twice the Mum (and later republished on my own blog). This new Avengers movie would definitely be around the top of my list – if not for any other reason than RDJ as Iron Man is epic (as always). I tried to avoid any trailers or reading too much about the plot, so it was really nice to go into the movie not knowing much about it. I loved the concept and idea for the movie, though at times I felt a little lost, but I also loved the new characters getting gradually pulled into the plot (and it made me realise I really need to watch X-Men: Days of Future Past!). It was nice to see Hawkeye take more of a role this time and of course its nice to see all the Avengers working as more of a cohesive team. I’ve never really liked Scarlett Johansson but actually in the Avengers movies I find her fairly tolerable. As I said before, I loved Iron Man and he has now become my clear favourite (I was torn between him and Thor before). I especially loved Iron Man’s Hulk version. The ending with Hulk was a bit frustrating but not altogether surprising, I’m glad to see there is an Avengers 3 on the cards though – even if rumour has it that RDJ will be sliding out of the franchise at that point!

For anyone who likes an action movie, especially Superhero, I’d say it’s a must-see. At the cinema it holds so much more effect too – with the load noises, big screen, dramatic effect etc. That said, I’ll be getting it on DVD to watch again when it comes out, especially as the kids will want to see it. I loved this Avengers movie though truth me told, I probably love the last one a little bit more.

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Movie Review: Big Hero 6

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In the space of one week, I was lucky enough to see two of the latest Disney movies, released at the cinema. On Sunday 4th January, we booked a special preview showing of “Big Hero 6” – we even saw it in 3D. Then, exactly as week later, we booked to see “Into the Woods” on Sunday 11th January. I want to share some of my thoughts on the movies, but I always find that hard without adding spoilers. As such, they definitely won’t be full reviews (there will be NO spoilers) and really just my opinion on both movies. Today I’m focusing on Big Hero 6.

Big Hero 6

I don’t really know what I thought this movie would be about – just that it was Disney and that makes it a “must-see”. This time last year it was all about Frozen and look how that took off. As such, it was important to get in there and see Big Hero 6. Released already in the US, but not in the UK till 30th January, like I mentioned we managed to get booked in on a one day preview event. The only time that suited us was a 3D showing, though generally I’m not a big fan of seeing most movies in 3D.

The opening of the story, is quite a sad one as it is. Orphaned Hiro and his brother Tadashi, live with their Aunt after the death of their parents. Hiro is super smart but a bit of a bum – luckily he has his brother looking out for him. Past this point, I won’t spoil anything for you so I can’t even give you a rough jist of what happens. Let’s just say if you found the heartbreak of Anna and Elsa losing their parents or Ellie dying in UP… well prepare yourselves. Hiro makes friends with a robot called Baymax and basically that is the bulk of the story (again, without spoiling anything for you). Hiro also gets a whole bunch of new friends, in the form of his brother’s college mates.

This movie is fantastic. If you haven’t read too much about it, you’ll be in for a great surprise. The story line twists and turns, though some people might suggest its a bit predictable. To be honest that didn’t lessen its awesomeness though, I like a little cliché. Big Hero 6 is, in my mind, similar to Wreck It Ralph. A unisex movie, possibly aimed more at boys, but equally awesome for girls. What I definitely didn’t expect, was that it’s actually also a Superhero movie.

Yep, a superhero movie! And a really good one at that. Even better – just like Stan Lee makes a cameo in all Marvel movies (also owned by Disney) – he also makes an appearance in Big Hero 6. Look out for a portrait on the wall and you might just spot him.

Both my girls (almost 7 and 10) loved the movie and so did Chris and myself. I might actually be tempted to go see it again when its out after 30th, though I’ll admit I did cry at parts so maybe I’ll wait for it on DVD. Finally, one word of advice – definitely wait till after the credits. As with most Marvel movies – and some Disney movies these days – there are extra bits at the end. Big Hero 6 is definitely worth sitting and waiting for – even if everyone else in the cinema deserts you! Big Hero 6 is a fantastic family movie that I think everyone will enjoy – though perhaps only on a basic level for the younger ones. While I’m sure it will be a huge hit, I still don’t think it will be taking off like Frozen did though!

Magic Orlando Tag

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I was contacted by FloridaTix, to enter their Magic Orlando Tag – then I was also tagged by one of my best friends, Amy, to participate in it too! As a total Disney and Harry Potter fan, of course I was going to do it! Not only that, but we’re on an amazing Countdown to Florida, when we’ll be visiting Disney and Universal in April. If you want to enter the competition yourself, all the info is on FloridaTix website.

1. Which Hogwarts house would you be sorted into?

As I’ve often told my friends, I think I’d be just like Harry Potter – torn between Gryffindor and Slytherin. While there’s a lot to be said for picking Slytherin (I love being the Villain), I know deep down I’d pick Gryffindor. As such, officially I’d say that Gryffindor. I own both a jacket and a mug for Gryffindor and nothing for Slytherin. However I intend to make myself a dress for both houses, for when we visit Orlando.

2. Name a Disney character you’d like to have dinner with.

I would love to have dinner with Lumiere (and all the castle servants) just like Belle in Beauty & the Beast. When visiting Florida in April, the one main thing I wanted to do was have dinner at “Be Our Guest”. It would be my absolute dream to dine like Belle and of course try the grey stuff… it’s apparently delicious! Lumiere is absolutely awesome, as is Cogsworth and Mrs Potts. I think it would be so incredibly magic to be treated to a dinner as spectacular as the movies Be Our Guest scene.

3. Which Marvel superhero power would you choose?

While Harry Potter and Disney, definitely top my fandoms, Superheroes are right up there too. I’ve seen all the movies and we even own the Lego Marvel game! For me it would be hard to choose a specific power as Iron Man is by far the coolest but he doesn’t actually have a power (just an awesome suit and epic wit). Being a God like Thor would be pretty brilliant too, but I again, a Hammer isn’t really the best power. Most realistic to my personality is probably the Hulk – YOU WOULDN’T LIKE ME WHEN I’M ANGRY! Plus, it would be a good excuse to just smash stuff up every now and again!

4. If you could bring back one dinosaur breed from Jurassic Park, which would it be?

Definitely a T-Rex. I know that’s very destructive of me, but T-Rex is King of the Dinosaurs and it would be wrong if I didn’t. Not only that, but such a big and dangerous dinosaur, that has such tiny arms is pretty hilarious…

5. You can ride a dragon at the Triwizard Tournament and visit the Owlery at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but where else would you go on a school trip to Hogsmeade?

I am a huge tea fan so no trip to Hogsmeade would be complete without a trip to Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop. Apparently its “the” haunt for happy couples, so I’d have to take Chris with me, but as he doesn’t drink tea – let’s hope they like coffee! I’m pretty sure I’d sneak a visit to Honeydukes and Zonko’s too.

6. A scene in any Disney, Harry Potter or Marvel movie you wish you could experience?

There are so many wonderful scenes to pick from, with those three categories to choose from. However the first one that came to mind was Rapunzel’s Lantern Scene. Every time I watch Tangled, I get a lump in my throat as Rapunzel and Flynn watch the lanterns from the boat. It’s just such a perfect moment – who wouldn’t want to experience that?

7. Name one item from any Harry Potter, Disney or Marvel movie would you want for Christmas.

A broom, without a shadow of a doubt. Seriously, how awesome would it be to ACTUALLY fly on a broom. Sure it would be nice to have a Princess Dress, a magic wand from Ollivanders, but a broom… you’d actually be able to fly and that would be amazing.

8. Name one unforgettable experience/moment you’ve had at the Orlando Parks.

I have never been to Orlando before but as I’ve mentioned, we’re going in April. Everyone is so excited and the girls are saving furiously just to make sure they have enough money saved to buy anything they want. Although Disney will be a huge part of our trip (and is of our every day life) for me I’m most looking forward to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I’m honestly so excited and I would imagine riding on the Hogwarts Express (and pretending I’m finally on my way to Hogwarts) will be the experience of a lifetime. I’m already sure that the trip as a whole, will be the most unforgettable experience I’ll ever have.

This week I’ve had so much to do – a Disney Mystery Party to write and Disney costumes to make for four of the guests (I made Snow White, Aurora, Young Anna and Young Elsa) – meaning I’ve only just got around to entering this competition. There is only one hour left in which to enter so if you think you have time – go for it!!! I tag my daughter Megan who is absolutely obsessed with Disney and Harry Potter too!

Week 45 – Monday Round-up

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Back to work and back to being miserable! That pretty much sums up last week. Luckily that’s a bit melodramatic, but you get the idea…

Monday to Friday was work and school for all of us. It was the first week back after a few weeks off too, which is always the worst. Work is still up and down as always, except since the chef left at the end of last term, we now have an agency chef – which brings with it, several pros and cons! Anyway, work was meh some days and okay the others.

In all honesty, I don’t remember a lot of what happened this week. I remember that Monday I felt pretty miserable and that it was work related, but otherwise I have no idea what I did in the evening – other than I probably watched TV with Chris and/or wrote blog posts. The girls had Singing Stars after school, that’s pretty much all I know! Tuesday I know the kids were with their dad after school so Chris and I spent time together. Again, sadly I don’t really remember much more. I think I had a blog catch up night though! Wednesday I know Chris was working and the girls and I were at home relaxing. In the evening I had a Lush bath and it was heaven. I tried out loads of new products – all of which I’ll be reviewing on my blog soon.

Thursday Chris was working again and the girls were home so we just chilled out. In the evening, Nat came around and the evening flew by way faster than expected. Amy also sent me a box of Lush which was much appreciated, especially as it had all my favourite things in it! When Chris came home, it was his last shift of his current job. Next week he starts a new job at BT and I think he’s looking forward to it.

Saturday I’d agreed to help my brother move house so Chris and I dropped off the girls at my mum’s at 8.45am and then drove to the storage container to unload all the stuff my brother and his girlfriend wanted. It started to rain midway through and we all got soaked but really it was just the beginning of how the rest of the day would be! We drove to our house and swapped dinning tables, then my brother’s new house to drop stuff off. We went for dinner at Subway (my brother’s treat) and then back to his old house to collect more big furniture. We then headed to his new house one last time to unload everything, before Chris and I headed off. Luckily we weren’t responsible for moving everything, just the large pieces of furntiture. It didn’t take too long and I did catch a few amusing pictures while Chris hoisted my brother up so he could look in the loft!

After dropping off the van, Chris and I headed to mum’s to spend some time with the girls before they were going to their dad’s. I was incredibly tired and really just wanted to go home, but I also wanted to spend some time with Megan and Lily. It was about 6pm when their dad came for them and Chris and I headed straight home. He ordered takeaway and we sat down with a bottle of wine and Indian, to enjoy our evening. We caught up on “The Flash” and “Arrow” but midway through an episode I started to drop off so Chris suggested it was time for bed. It was only 9.30pm and it went so against the grain to go that early, but I agreed, knowing I needed it.

In the morning, we didn’t have much of a lay-in but it was no surprise given what time we went to bed. However we had a nice relaxing morning and just took it easy. I spent majority of the morning planning the next two party’s food and then went to Tesco to pick up a few essentials. In the afternoon Chris and I put up a huge mural on our bedroom wall and then I sorted out all of the Christmas presents I’d already bought and still need to. The girls got home at 3pm and I then hung out with them, caught up on the X Factor and just enjoyed time with them, all before they went to bed. Once Lily was asleep, Chris, Megan and I watched the Finale of “Next Great Baker” and we were pleased with the results. Once Megan was in bed too, Chris and I watched loads more Arrow until we tired enough to go to sleep.

This is the basic round up of my week, but what I do feel like overall is that November is not turning out to be as good as October. I wrote about my dieting issues over at Twice the Mum, but it goes deeper than that really. All the organising, all the motivation, all the blog plans I had during October have stopped now I’m into November. I feel like work, my emotions, everything is effecting my mood and how things are feeling now. I don’t quite know how to get back to the place I was in, but I know I want to.