80s Nostalgia in online pokies

The online gaming world continues to develop at a rapid rate. Innovative technology, improved graphics capabilities and new ideas from programmers means that online pokies now have a rich variety of modern games to play.

Despite this some pokie lovers prefer the sentimental value of pokies that are based on an old film or series, with content from the 80’s proving to be most popular amongst these type of players. The nostalgia of childhood memories from the 80’s can flood back, making these type of pokies still an attractive proposition, even in the era of more advanced technology.

Whilst 80’s based pokies may be a little outdated in terms age, they certainly hold their own in the gameplay department. Here are the four best 80’s pokies, all of which are available at Pokies Palace.

Guns N’ Roses

Guns N’ Roses fans have a fantastic opportunity to join their stars, Axl Rose, Slash, and the rest of the team with this awesome pokie from NetEnt. The pokie immerses the player in the action with a fully licensed soundtrack and nostalgic graphics. The pokie is more than just looks however, offering three separate bonus modes, and frequent wilds throughout gameplay.

Top Gun

Top Gun was the first film to launch Tom Cruise into fame, and the pokie version gives players the chance to rocket in big wins. This five reel 20 payline game features up to 15 dogfight wilds, and a wide variety of action based free games. Top Gun does a great job of incorporating all types of players, with a minimum bet of 5p and a maximum payout of £25,000.

Aliens

Aliens is a 15 line pokie based on James Cameron’s classic 1986 film. The structure of Aliens’ gameplay is completely unique in the pokie world, as the game separates itself into three sections: The Search, The Encounter, and The Hive. Each of these sections offer the opportunity for players to enjoy free spins, with the added bonus of multiplied winnings. With a monumental jackpot of £570,000 on offer fans of the Aliens film should definitely give this spooky pokie a try.

Ghostbusters

Equipped with eerie music, full three dimensional graphics, and a whole host of wilds, the Ghostbusters pokie takes fans on a nostalgic rollercoaster. Whilst there are a wide range of bonus modes on offer, it is the stay puff bonus that players should aim to hit, and this turns the screen into a puffy mess of sticky wilds, almost guaranteeing a huge win.

So what are you waiting for? Go hunt those ghosts!

This is a featured posts. Please find out more on my disclosure policy.

In the interest of equality...

Last night, on the first live semi-final of Britain's Got Talent, we saw Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon literally drool and fawn over a couple of the contestants.  We were also 'treated' to Alesha pour a glass of water over David Walliams' head after a sly comment was made about live singing versus miming.  I understand that more water was poured/thrown over David during the ITV2 aftershow (and Amanda got in on the act) but I wasn't watching that.

All in the name of entertainment.

On a family show.

On one of the main television channels in the UK.

Can we just flip this for a moment?  

How do we think that the media and the audience would currently be reacting if Simon Cowell or David had asked the female contestants if they could remove their top to help them make a decision about the quality of their act.  In the same respect, how would we be reacting if Simon or David had thrown water over Amanda or Alesha because of a jokey exchange?

Why is it suddenly OK for the female judges to have this type of 'power'? Isn't it verging on degrading or violence or abuse? What are your thoughts?

Image Credit : ClickMusic.com

Soundtrack To My Life - Katie

Soundtrack To My Life this week comes from Katie who believes life is for living - something I totally agree with. You can connect with Katie using the links at the bottom of the page. In the meantime, here are her song choices.

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Bill Medley & Jennifer WarnesTime Of My Life (Dirty Dancing OST) 

This was the song I grew up with. I had 2 older sisters who were Dirty Dancing mega fans, and this was blasted from the speakers on a regular basis, with the obligatory hairbrush microphone. It has stuck with me since, and I find myself singing it on a regular basis.

 

Aerosmith - Don't Want To Miss A Thing

This was our wedding song, for no other reason than we both love it. The words are beautiful, and we actually have a quote from it on our bedroom wall. Just pure romantic stuff.

Bryan Adams - Everything I Do

This was my sisters wedding song. I was 9, and a bridesmaid, and I remember thinking this song was the most awesome piece of music ever written. I used to watch the wedding video over and over and imagine what my prince would look like...

Rihanna - Shut up And Drive 

For no other reason than it features on Wreck it Ralph, and every time it comes on we all feel the need to get up and dance like loons.

Robbie Williams - Something Beautiful

This song was playing when my son was born. It wasn't planned, it just happened to be on the radio, and it seemed apt - something beautiful did come our way.




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You can read Katie's blog here, keep up with her on Facebook and find her on Twitter as @FamilyFever.

Read and listen to all previous Soundtrack To My Life entries by clicking on the mix tape to the right.  If you want to participate please complete this form and I'll be in touch very soon.  

Tattoos : Wearing My Identity On My Sleeve

Do you judge people by the ink on their skin?  Or where they choose to be tattooed? I used to but I think we entered an era where self-expression became more accepted. For me, being who you are and having a choice as to how that is represented has always been important, whether that be through dress sense, a hairstyle, the placement of jewellery or body modification.

I was reading this BBC News article which questioned why people go back for more tattoos. It houses various theories and opinions about the whys and the wherefores and does cover the subject from many angles. Whilst reading, I considered the inequality of getting tattooed simply because tattoos of the modern Western world were once associated with criminals, sailors, whores and, more recently, cosmetic reasons. I have the most awesome book about the history of tattoos (1000 Tattoos -  recently republished with some images appearing on Buzzfeed) which shows that Tribal inkings dating way back were displayed proudly by both men and women.

My own theory is that the acceptability of tattooing is part of the digital celeb-trend and just as some fans copy the hairstyle or fashion statement of their idol there will be those who want to replicate their hero's style of tattoo. There are also those who don't think further than just getting it done and/or do not consider how an inking is going to look.  Even Rihanna had regrets (and received lots of backlash) after getting a traditional (method and pattern) tribal tattoo then opting to have it covered with another design to 'make it pretty'. 

Regardless of why and where you decide to have a tattoo it is always going to be a conversation starter. One of my most popular posts on this blog is the annually updated David Beckham's Tattoos. I started this organic post so that I could see the progression of his skin art (not so I could look at him in his pants) and I genuinely admire the work he's had done.  

Ink is permanent and therefore should be treated with respect. When I was 19 I had my first tattoo. My daughter was six weeks old and I chose a rose and heart design on my right ankle.  Quite colourful, no lettering, just my choice to represent my first born child. Why did I have it done? My boyfriend (now husband) had tattoos and I was fascinated by them; the reason for having them, the style of each one and, mainly, the permanency. I needed one of my own.  There was also a tiny bit of rebellion in there too knowing that my family would probably never approve.

Once I'd had my tattoo I knew I was going to have another but I wanted it to be meaningful and be part of me rather than me jumping on a bandwagon that I could see gather speed.

I had my second tattoo about five or six years later. This time it was on my back, near the top of my shoulder; it was a rose with a scroll bearing my husband's name.

The third time I was inked was another fifteen years later and was barbed wire wrapped around my right forearm. Afterwards, I wasn't overly keen on it. I didn't regret it but I felt like it wasn't exactly what I had asked for.  I had it done whilst on holiday in Tunisia and, with hindsight, I should have kept the idea in my head and sought out a local tattooist when I returned home.

Over the next couple of years I decided that I wanted a 'sleeve' - a whole section of my arm covered with tattoos. Don't ask me why... it was just part of me being me and further creating my identity. I considered that it wouldn't be well received in the world of work but figured that if people judge me by the ink on my skin rather than my ability to do a job then it isn't really me who has the issues.

I started off by having a cross and wings as a 'in memorandum' piece and decided to work around that and the existing barbed wire design. I then took my time to collect some images based around personal thoughts and reasons to create a collective piece for my arm. I wanted no colour and knew that I wanted the gaps filled in with shading. My tattooist drew up each design, let me preview and adjust them and helped me decide on placement. The finished piece has generated various reactions from the pursed lips to the single raised eyebrow, a lean in for closer inspection and the comment, "Cool ink!". 

Because of its prominence it is always going to be commented on and it may create a barrier between myself and someone else because of personal opinion but I'm open to other viewpoints. I know I'll still be proud of it in another 42 years time and may have even added to it by then.  There are some amazing tattoos out there and there are some disasters (bad artists, drunken choices, rush decisions - people do learn from them though) but if you view a tattoo as part of the person you can consider it to be part of them and their journey through life.

Soundtrack To My Life - Jules

Many, many years ago I was a member of a parenting forum called "The Bad Mother's Club". I made numerous friends there, received and gave advice, shared laughs and tears and my Friday Night Music Thread was really the precursor of what is now Soundtrack To My Life and the Friday Twiz.

Jules was one of the original members of the forum and I'm honoured to have met her in real life and to be able to call her a friend.  I've seen her go through many ups and downs but she always comes out the other side, smiling.  Here are the tracks she's chosen to represent her Soundtrack To My Life.

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Johnny Mathis - When A Child Is Born

I'm going to do these in age of music order, so this is first. It takes me back to Christmas 1976 when my younger brother Mark was born on Christmas Day. As is a common theme throughout this feature, it makes me well up. He is 37 now and is finally being recognised for his fantastic creative talent. When his comedy shows are finished and shown on TV, be prepared to be Bombarded by me, already I am so proud of him, and in awe of him.

Simply Red - Stars

Another emotional tune, but then all of these are. Like Nickie, my life has been lived alongside my massive love of music, and for every situation I've been through, good and bad, there is a tune that takes me back to that time.

Stars was in the charts the year my eldest was born (eek 22 years ago!) and hearing this takes me back to those days when I think I was in complete shock at becoming a Mum, something I'd always wanted but had a deep rooted fear would never happen. When Katie was 6 months old, my dad went to work one day (14th July 1992), collapsed and was rushed to hospital but sadly died. In the car on the way to my Mums from the hospital, in complete and utter shock, this came on the car radio and another set of feelings were 'put to memory'.

Move forward to 2011, when my partner and I decided to move in together, we went to look at a house, trying to spy in as it was being renovated but couldn't get a good look so we nipped into the local cemetery to look through the hedge. Tony showed me where his grandparents were buried, and we realised it was the row our potential new back garden was nearest to. We were walking towards my parents grave, walked past a groundskeepers council van when all of a sudden 'Stars' came on the radio. I hadn't heard it for years, but stood rooted to the spot. I took it as a sign (from my dad?) and took the house when we were offered it.

James Blunt - Three Wise Men

Several years ago I moved to Spain with my (now) ex-husband and 3 children, hoping for a better life. Sadly it didn't work out and my marriage ended, and I returned home in pretty shitty circumstances. But we had planned the move, learnt Spanish for about 3 years, completely renovated our house in order to fund the move and this was around the time James Blunt became famous. I know that whole album off by heart, but 'Thee Wise Men' was symbolic to us and we listened to it over and over. At the time, we sold our "semi by the sea" and basically the song reminds of the (naive in retrospect) hopes I had at the time.

Take That - Patience

The words reflect the state I was in when we returned to England. I was scared, and we only had the clothes we were stood up in. I can't go into detail, but it took me the best part of a year to just recover and adjust back to life in England. It was hard, but I did it. Love this song. It's about hope, just asking everyone to bear with you, have a little patience. It will be ok.

Ellie Goulding - How Long Will I Love You

I'm in the second serious relationship of my life. We've had our ups and downs, 2013 wasn't easy. But the first time I heard this song(late last year), I knew another chapter of my life was beginning. Tony bought this for me for Christmas, and he's posted it to my fb wall, and turned it into a ringtone for me. I well up, feel good about myself, and am really looking forward to the future.

If you really want to know a bit more about my life, I might just fill in the Soundtrack To My Life form again and that would be about songs that mean something to me. (Yes, please do, Jules ~ Nickie)



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Say "hi" to Jules on Twitter - she's @taxingherbrain - or give her a wave on Facebook. 

Read and listen to all previous Soundtrack To My Life entries by clicking on the mix tape to the right.  If you want to participate please complete this form and I'll be in touch very soon.  

Silent Sunday

For more Silent Sunday pictures click here

I bloody love Twitter...

...for randomness like this!

Don't concentrate on the negative 

live for the positive

What a wonderful RAOK / PIF!!

(RAK = random act of kindness.  PIF = pay it forward)

[RECIPE] Slimming World Minestrone Soup

I found a hint of a recipe for minestrone soup on the Slimming World website which sounded really easy to pull together. I gave it a shot, tweaked a few of the ingredients and it makes a great lunch or a perfect accompaniment to a salad.

Preparation Time : 10 minutes

Cooking Time : 30 minutes

Serves : 6 large servings

Cost Per Serving : 60 pence

Ingredients

• 2 medium sized onions
• 2 large carrots
• 3 sticks of celery
• 2 cloves of garlic (crushed) or 2 teaspoons of garlic granules  
• 2 vegetable stock cubes dissolved in 1.5 pints of boiling water
• 2 tins of chopped tomatoes
• 3 handfuls of pasta (conchiglie or fusilli works best)
• 2 tins of cannellini beans (drained)
• 10 slices of chopped cooked ham (leave this out if you want a totally vegetarian version) 

Method

1. Slice the onions, dice the carrots and chop the celery.  Place them in a large pan with the garlic, vegetable stock and chopped tomatoes
2. Bring to the boil and then simmer with a lid on the pan for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally
3. Add the drained cannellini beans, pasta and ham
4. Bring back to the boil and then simmer again for about 10 minutes, again with a lid on the pan, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender
5. Serve and enjoy

Let me know if you try this and if you'd suggest any changes.

Note:  If you are following the Slimming World Extra Easy plan then this falls completely in the Super Free and Free food section.  Onions, carrots and celery are super-free foods.  Chopped tomatoes (tinned), cannellini beans (tinned and drained), ham and pasta are all free foods.

Costing: Almost all of these ingredients are fridge or store cupboard staples however the costing was worked out (using store's own brands and fresh produce) as follows:

Ingredients	Cost (£)
Onion x 2	0.15
Carrots (300g)	0.23
Celery	0.40
Garlic (2 cloves)	0.08
Stock Cubes x 2	0.07
Chopped Tomatoes x 2 tins	0.62
Cannellini Beans x 2 tins	1.24
Pasta (1/3 of a bag)	0.40
Cooked Ham	0.40
Total	3.59
Total Per Serving	0.60

Can you strike it rich through online gambling?

This is a featured post. For more details please see my disclosure policy.

Playing casino games provides an unparalleled level of enjoyment and entertainment for millions of gamblers who savour the excitement, drama and tension in land-based and online casinos. Each slot, table and card game found behind the doors of a casino are based upon mathematical odds that always favour the house, but also provide the potential for players to win big amounts of money through winning bets, or hitting the big jackpot. Online casinos provide the modern day, 21st Century alternative to land-based casinos through an innovative format that brings the casino world to you at the click of a mouse, or touch of a screen.

Casino players generally accept that the house always holds the initial advantage over them and are more likely to lose than win, but there are those who believe online casinos are fixed to ensure players lose in order to receive more money from them. Despite the house advantage, there have been countless ‘rags to riches’ stories of gamblers who have logged onto a casino and walked away with a considerable fortune for their efforts. Taking the time to read video poker instructions and strategies for other casino games, such as blackjack and roulette, can make a fundamental difference between losing and joining those who have found fortune through online casino gaming.

Jackpots and promotions

Although the spectacular bright lights, use of high quality graphics and suspense of watching a virtual roulette wheel, slot machine or a single card decide your fate is a considerable draw for gamblers, the allure of online casino gaming is further enhanced by promotions, bonuses and jackpots. New customers can instantly enjoy the benefits of a welcome bonus upon registering an account and making their first deposit, with promotions establishing a healthy relationship between a casino and its customers. Promotions act as an effectively marketing strategy that can help attract new customers to play on an online casino, but it carries potential financial advantages for those who make full use of the offer.

Progressive jackpots arguably eradicate the notion that online casinos do not offer the opportunity for gamblers to strike it rich; the value continuously increases and can reach six-figure sums of money, and even go well into the millions bracket. Although it may require a considerable stroke of luck to hit the jackpot, there is every chance that players can achieve their dream through an effective strategy and having the right approach.

Intelligence is power

Many gamblers can log onto an online casino with the pure focus on entertainment and enjoying the qualities of playing their favourite slot, table or card games. While this is commendable and can create a wonderful gaming experience, it can be unpractical for those who have greater ambitions and wish to win big amounts of money. Online casino players may be fortune and get lucky through a fast-and-loose approach, but establishing strong intelligence and skill can make a fundamental difference between losing and winning money.

It is essential for players to have a certain level of understanding of each casino game and the number of ways it can be approached before considering playing for money. This is particularly the case with poker and blackjack, as both games require considerable mental strength and ability to stand the best chance of winning big amounts of money. Reading tutorials and taking the time to study reputable strategies can provide you with the necessary skillset and thought processes required to be a dominant force at the online tables and strike it rich.

RIP Stephen Sutton - your legacy lives on

Stephen Sutton died this morning. The short but emotional statement from his mum on the Facebook page immediately touched me and made me well up. 

During his final few weeks he shared his progress - the ups and the downs - and even managed to make a small enough recovery to be able to leave his hospital bed for a short amount of time to attend his own 'Good Gestures' event (read about this - it's something that should be happening everywhere).

As the mother of a childhood cancer survivor I don't know what it's like to lose a child in this way but I have comforted parents who have returned a no-longer needed wheelchair to the ward and spoken to relatives who aren't too sure what the right thing to do or say is. In situations like that, there is no right or wrong and grief pours out of us in the most unexpected ways.

We can all learn from Stephen. He was selfless to the end. He spent the last four years not wondering if he was any closer to death (although I'm sure that was on his mind too) but attempting to raise money, awareness and complete his own bucket list.

In reality, Stephen Sutton hasn't died. His legacy lives on through the donations that were made via his Just Giving page (£3.2million and counting) and through the way he touched so many people's lives by being truthful about cancer and how it affects each and every one around you.

BBC News: How Stephen Sutton raised £3million for Teenage Cancer Trust

And finally, as an aside, to the trolls that attempted (and failed) to attack Stephen's recent improvement in health that bought him a few extra weeks, there's two parts to this: 1) make a donation, don't make a donation - it's a choice. But if you're making a donation because you expect someone to die as a result of that or to be part of an internet meme then don't bother and 2) using an online identity should never be reason to abuse free speech. 

Soundtrack To My Life - Rachael Lucas

I thought I'd have a quick look through my twitter history to see when myself and Rachael first stated chatting and found out it was in January 2010. Four whole years ago - but that makes sense because we probably connected via a writing forum and then through blogging.

So much has happened in those four years too (If anyone is interested I have some rather 'interesting' pictures of her from an adult-themed party we both attended.  I'm just waiting for the right offer to land on my desk). I've followed Rachael's journey - both personal and writing - and I'm really proud of what she's achieving. She self-published her first novel in 2013 and scored herself a publishing deal for actual real books (details further down the page).  I can't wait to see how her own story unfolds but in the meantime here's the music she chose to represent her Soundtrack To My Life...

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Ian Dury and the Blockheads - Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick 

It reminds me of my dad, and of being five years old, and playing in the garden in the Highlands of Scotland. I hear it and close my eyes and I'm back there, laughing as he dances round the kitchen like a madman, singing and dancing. I'm lucky that my parents were such music lovers.

Taylor Swift - You Belong with Me 

Because it reminds me of a time when I was in the midst of getting divorced, and things were fraught, and tiring, but even at the worst moments I could jump in the car with the children, and my eldest daughter in the front seat of the car, and we'd sing along to Taylor Swift at the top of our voices and everything would be better.

Elvis Costello - I Want You 

It's a song that has stayed with me since the very first time I heard it on the John Peel show on Radio 1. I was probably about fifteen and if I close my eyes I'm standing there in our sitting room, astounded. I could add so many other Elvis Costello songs - but I could do a million and one of these soundtracks, too. Music has informed every moment of my life, and songs are so evocative.

Squeeze - Up The Junction 

When I was just finished university and living in Edinburgh, friends of mine had a band and they used to cover this all the time. It reminds me of sitting on a rickety stool in a crowded pub, a huge flat in the New Town of Edinburgh, of tequila and going to every Fringe show we could, of working to live, and having the whole world in front of us.

Suede - Animal Nitrate

(I seem to have gone super-retro on all mine, but they're the ones that have just popped into my head - probably because of the book I'm thinking about writing next...)

Student flats in Portrush, Northern Ireland. Nights locked in the pub long after closing time developing a taste for Guinness. Staggering down the road to the chip shop for garlic chips - chips with garlic mayo, might be a Northern Irish delicacy but it's one you must try. The howling wind off the Atlantic and walking off our hangovers by the beach. Spending time talking about the future with my best friend Ciaran. Doc Martens and flowery leggings. Long coats and woolly jumpers. Working in a strawberry farm all summer, living in a caravan with no electricity, eating more strawberries than we picked. I close my eyes and it's all there.


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Hop on over to Amazon and buy Rachael's book, Sealed With A Kiss (I've read it - it's fab!). Rachael's website is here but you can also find out more about the SWAK sequel and new publications on her Facebook page or you can follow her on Twitter as @karamina where she's usually procrastinating having a little break from writing. 

Read and listen to all previous Soundtrack To My Life entries by clicking on the mix tape to the right.  If you want to participate please complete this form and I'll be in touch very soon.  

Bullet Journalling : The Geeky Way To Clear Your To-Do List

As we all know I am a lover of lists and a fan of my Filofax.  If it's not written down, it's not happening. Then I stumbled upon the 'bullet journal' idea in a Facebook group and started thinking about how I could incorporate this into my Filofax life. In the meantime, I was gifted a moleskine notebook for my birthday which was the perfect time to start testing the bullet journal theory.

Empowered (!?) by the productiveness of this I shared the idea with a number of Facebook friends who also love to keep handwriting alive in the digital age.  I appear to have started a bit of an obsession with some of them (making no apologies to you Sian, Catherine, Elaine and Kirsty) by encouraging them to do the following: 

• Watch the bullet journal video
• Buy a new notebook/binder/Filofax/Filofax pages
• Buy a new pen
• Buy all of the washi tape
• Watch the bullet journal video again
• Start making lists

I'm using my bullet journal slightly differently to the recommended way because I'm taking notes at the back for an online course I'm taking and I write lots of notes in general (probably why I have a stuffed 'notes' section in my Filofax).  However, I do like having somewhere that I can go and just scribble words or create mind maps or just take notes during a meeting or professional conversation and go back to them at any time. 

You in?  If not, how do you keep organised and on top of your to-do list? 

Come and join the Bullet Journal Fan Club on Facebook.

The One Where Me And Erno Rubik Become Friends

So this just happened...

I might have squealed a little bit.

I make no apologies for cropping and saving it and sharing it.

I think I may have completed the internet.

It makes the Rubik 40th anniversary celebrations all the more special, doesn't it?

And if you're into your Rubik Cube stuff then have a look at these speed solvers who can complete a cube in under 10 seconds (source - The Guardian)! I solved mine the other week (using detailed instructions from the internet) and it took me about ten days.

Soundtrack To My Life - Amy

Amy and I crossed paths on Twitter through our love of 80s music, if I remember correctly. Her Twitter bio (@aimers1982) mentions that most of her tweets are about music, pop culture and news events so we're pretty well matched.  Here's the music she chose to represent her Soundtrack To My Life...

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Steve Winwood - Don't You Know What The Night Can Do?

I was a big Steve Winwood fan as a kid. It wasn't until I was a teenager that I discovered he had a career before the 80s.

Doobie Brothers - Black Water

I used to spend a lot of time listening to my parents' records and 8-tracks as a teenager and this was one of my favorites.

Mariah Carey - Dreamlover

Music Box was one of the first albums I ever bought. I was a big Mariah Carey fan as a kid.

Jimmy Eats World - The Middle

This song was out the summer I started dating my husband. Hearing it always takes me back to the early days of our relationship.

Flo Rida - Good Feeling 

This song always makes me think of fun times with an old friend I reconnected with a few years ago.



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You can view all previous Soundtrack To My Life entries by clicking on the mix tape to the right.  If you want to participate in 2014 please complete this form and I'll be in touch very soon.  

Blackpool: Strictly Adults Only

Many of us have fond memories of childhood holidays and day trips to Blackpool, but did you know there’s a darker side of Blackpool that’s strictly adult’s only? If you've got a hen or stag do to plan, or just fancy getting a group together for a weekend away, Blackpool’s a brilliant choice of destination for adults only get-togethers. Here are some ideas for your itinerary:

Themepark Thrills

The Pleasure Beach is a great place to spend a day in Blackpool, whatever your age, and there are plenty of thrill rides to get the adrenaline pumping for an adults only group. Tick the Big One, over-water inverted coaster Infusion, Revolution, Wild Mouse and Valhalla off your list, for a thrill-packed day out.

Ken Webster

This hilarious comedy/hypnotist show is billed as XXX rated, adults only – with the note ‘if easily offended stay away!’ It’s safe to say that you should expect rude, crude and outrageously funny behaviour from this hypnotist. Catch the show at the Pleasure Beach every Saturday at 8pm from 19 Apr till 8 Nov.

Hit the Clubs

Blackpool is a clubber’s paradise, with some amazing nightclubs to choose from. Sanuk is a five room Thai style club, Rumours & Hush is an upmarket favourite playing chart, dance and party anthems, and the Syndicate Superclub is HUGE with a capacity of 5000. Whether you want big name DJ’s, fun pubs or to party like a VIP, there’s a club to suit in Blackpool.

Funny Girls

Surely the best drag act in the north, Funny Girls shouldn’t be missed when in Blackpool. Disco mixed with dance mixed with comedy, it’s a brilliant tongue in cheek cabaret show that will have you laughing, singing and stomping along.

VIVA Cabaret

Another great cabaret, VIVA is the number one choice if drag acts aren’t your cup of tea. Brilliant singers, sexy dancers and crude comedy make this an amazing night out on the Blackpool prom.

Adrenaline Zone

If you’re feeling fearless then head to the Adrenaline Zone on the South Pier. Here you can take flight on the Skycoaster, make your head spin on the Skyscreamer, or hang upside down on the Gyro Loop. You’ll be daring each other to brave the lot!

Pasaje del Terror

A trip through the Pasaje del Terror will ramp your Blackpool adults only experience up a notch from scary to completely terrifying! No one knows exactly what awaits them in the Pasaje del Terror – the only guarantee is that you’ll come out screaming!

Blackpool Tower Eye

For a gentler scare, the Blackpool Tower Eye gives great views of the promenade and out to sea. Stand on the reinforced glass and look down if you dare!

Blackpool FC

If you’re a group of football fans then plan your trip around the matches at Blackpool FC. Click here to book the hotel opposite the grounds for a hassle-free place to stay.

Add extra spice and naughtiness to those strictly adults only weekenders – choose Blackpool!

This is a featured post. For more information please see my disclosure policy.

7 Secrets of Successful Yard Sale

A yard or garage sale is the easy way to find a home for things that you no longer use but that are too good to be thrown away forever. The following secrets and tips will help you make your sale more successful and cost effective. Implement some of them or follow the instruction step-by-step for making the process a lot easier.

1. Collect stuff during the whole year. As long as you find something in the house that you don’t use anymore, and none of your friends, relatives or neighbors needs it, put it in a box in your garage or under the stairs. When the box with clutter is full, start another one. This way, when the time of the sale approaches, you will have couple boxes of stuff you want to get rid of.
2. Have a plan. Nothing can be successful without proper organizing, so make sure you have enough time to clear out all the clutter in your place, and to price everything you are about to sale – you need at least couple days to do it properly and without hustle and bustle.
3. Team up. Experienced garage sales say that you should never do it on your own. Team up with your friends and family – this will not only provide you with greater variety of goods to sale, but a help as well. By dividing responsibilities between the group of people you will make the sale more manageable.
4. Advertise well. The proper marketing is one of the keys for successful sale. Take your time and put some effort into making readable and big signs about the sale, and put them in the way that would lead people to the place where sale will be held. You can use Internet for better advertising - post a listing online. People looking for items on special websites will be directed to your listing, so make sure your listing is informative and descriptive.
5. Price things to sell. Whenever people go to yard sales, they plan to pay the proper price, which is usually not more than few quarters (unless the item is brand-new and has all the tags). That's why, when pricing your goods, be objective and wise – you should better price it on lower end and make someone buy it. Make sure you put price sticker on every item you are selling.
6. Location matters. The easiest way to ruin your sale is picking a location that is hard to get to. If you live far from busy intersections, find alternative places for sale, like your friend’s or relatives' house.
7. Timing is important. Don’t try to throw a sale in freezing cold winter or hot summer, as people don’t go shopping in extreme weather. Try picking up a time when the weather is nice and make sure the forecast don’t promise any rain. Find out what days of the week are most popular for garage sales in your area – this may vary from neighborhood to neighborhood.

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SKYDIVE? Yes please!

My colleague, Mel thinks I'm having a mid-life crisis......and she might be right! This week alone I have auditioned for a tv game show (I didn't get to the filming stages but I was shortlisted from 25,000 applicants) and now I've agreed to skydive for charity.

Yes... you read that right.  On Friday 9th 30th May (weather permitting - this is the rescheduled date) I will be throwing myself out of a plane (with a parachute, natch, and in tandem with someone who knows what they are doing) as part of a blogger event. It has given me the almost unique opportunity to raise some money for a charity very close to my heart.

Last year I managed to convince many of my family and friends, both online and in real life, to donate over £900 when I joined in with two Race For Life events with other members of Team Drama Llama in tow.  

This year, I have decided to go one step further.  I will be running fast walking another Race For Life again later this year but thought that I might as well use a few of the madcap ideas I have to raise some extra cash for a fantastic charity. 

This month I taking part in a skydive. Next month it might be a cupcake sale at work. On the blog I may do another awareness campaign. Whatever it is, I shall be raising money for Cancer Research UK on my brand new Just Giving page.

My constant reason for supporting Cancer Research UK is the fact that we still have our beautiful daughter with us.  In 1992 she was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. You can read her cancer story here - "There are only so many perfect heads in the world..."

Please help support Cancer Research UK with whatever donation you can afford (and if you're a British tax payer, please don't forget to claim gift aid). I'll do the daft stuff - you can sit back and laugh at my attempts!

It's really easy to sponsor me!

You can hit the button below which takes you straight to my Just Giving page.

Just follow the instructions on the page.

Or you donate directly to my Just Giving page by texting the code NMLC99 

and your donation amount to 70070

Thank you in advance.  I'll keep you updated.

25.05.14 - This post has been updated. 

The skydive was originally meant to take place on the 9th of May but it rained like it was never going to stop. Of course, I was awfully disappointed but I'd much rather be safe when doing something like this. We have just received notice that the rescheduled date for the skydive is Friday 30th May.  Thank you if you have already donated, thank you if you are just about to donate, thank you in advance if you're going to donate in the very near future. Please feel free to share this post using the share buttons dotted around the place.