What I Got For Christmas

Hope everyone's had a good christmas, by which I mean eating loads and spending time with family. Today I wanted to share what I got for christmas (this also gives me a chance to use my new camera to snap some pics of my presents). Before I show you whatI got, I just want to say that I am extremely grateful for everything I have received this year, so thank you.

Now let's get started:

Along with these presents I also received a ton of chocolate. My favourite present is my new camera, which is the Canon EOS 1200D.

Christmas Monday

Yes, I know it's Thursday today (christmas eve!), but the other day I had a christmas Monday with my best friend, where we exchanged gifts, watched christmas films and ate chocolate. This is a great idea and recommend it to anyone to have a christmas day with their friends, if you won't be able to see them on christmas day.

Byee for now and...Merry Christmas!!

Operation Gone Wrong

Firstly, let me tell you that I did NOT have my operation last Wednesday.

8 hours fasting and 4 hours waiting in hospital to be told that my name wasn't even on the waiting list! They had actually forgotten to put it on! By then it was nearly 5pm and the theatre was closing for the day. My mum and dad, who had both taken time off work were furious. What a waste of time!

I'm currently waiting for my operation to be rescheduled, but it probably won't happen until next year. It's been a year, since I broke my arms and I'm still dealing with this carry on. Not happy one bit! They should have checked my name was on the list as soon as we arrived. So, just as a warning to anyone else getting an operation, get someone there to check your name is actually on the waiting list. Hope this doesn't happen to anyone else.

Christmas Has Come Early

Well... kinda, since getting pins out in a few hours. Probably by the time you are reading this I have had my operation. And finally after 9 months (!!!) I won't be needing to keep visiting the hospital for monthly x-rays (that's if my arm doesn't crumble). God knows how much radiation I've been exposed to in this last year.

Also, it wouldn't be right for christmas to come early without putting up some christmas decorations and sharing them with you guys. Here's my festive favourites below:

To make a home feel like christmas it has to smell like christmas, and nothing does that better than burning this Yankee Candle in the scent 'Christmas Eve'.

These are some of my favourite Coca Cola decorations they bring back childhood memories of picking at brussel sprouts and guzzling coke as a young child.

My humble little christmas tree, which sits on my desk in my bedroom.

 Last, but not least, this cluster of snowflake fairy lights, hanging down my window.

That's it for this post, I will update on how the operation goes soon. Just want to say thanks for all the support. :)

Byee

Ps guys I have a Tumblr blog, which you can follow. Basically, I'll be posting the same stuff on there that I'm posting on here, except you can follow my posts easier on Tumbler. While I do like using Blogger for blogging, its hard to follow since you need an account and who needs another account with another website? So, yeah, if you have a Tumblr account make sure you follow me at: www.flobeanblog.tumblr.com

Nominated for The Liebster Award?!

A few days ago, I was nominated by
<a href="www.abeeesaurus.blogspot.com">Abby-Louise</a>
You should check out her blog by clicking the link above ^^

So, what is The Liebster Award? and what do nominees need to do? From what I have read I need to post 11 facts about me and then answer 11 questions from the person who nominated me. I also need to create a next set of questions for the people I nominate. This award and nominations are for blogs with less than 200 followers, which I'm guessing is to help them share their blog. Let's do this!

Facts About Me:

1. I'm British

2. I was born at 8.26pm on the 26th of August (cool or creepy?)

3. My favourite colour is purple

4. I believe yellow and black are an unlucky colour combination, since I broke my arms wearing mostly black and yellow. Therefore, must be unlucky (logic).

5. I watch waaayy too much anime

6. I love to bake

7. I have a dog, 2 cats and 2 bunnies.

8. My top 3 favourite animals are elephants, pandas and pugs.

9. Throughout my life I have moved house countless times, including moving next door.

10. I love to travel and have been lucky enough to have been to France, Spain, Germany and Hong Kong multiple times.

11. When I'm older I want to have a job in medical science or media/journalism, like running my own magazine.

Questions I Have Been Asked:

1. Why is your blog name what it is?

My blog name is Flobean and it's the name of my cat. I chose it, because I think it is quite cool and catchy.

2. What is your favourite make-up product? 

I'm going to be honest, I haven't been wearing make-up for very long, so I'm no expert, but I would say my favourite product is my Rimmel London Glam Eyes Day 2 Night Mascara (that was a mouthful).

3. Who is your favourite band? (if you have one!)

I don't really have a favourite band, so this question is pretty tough.

4. Have you been to any concerts before? If so, what is it?

I've been to 2 concerts before. I went to the Big Gig, when I was in guides and I went to see In Hindsight with my BFFF (best fat friend forever- that's just something we made up in year 8 and its kinda just stuck).

5. If you could go on holiday anywhere in the world for free, where would you go?

Definitely Hong Kong! I've already been their twice before, but I would love to go again, especially at christmas to see all the elaborate, festive decorations and to visit my granddad and his family.

6. Why did you start blogging?

This question is probably already answered in the description box about me to the left. Basically, I broke both my arms and I got bored sitting around all day, so I created a blog, where i could post my experience and other random stuff.

7. Do you have a favourite childhood memory? If so, what is it?

I have so many happy childhood memories, it's so hard to chose just one. Hmm... I think my favourite childhood memory was visiting London for the first time and seeing Big Ben and the Tower of London for my 12th birthday. I remember being so excited and literally bouncing along the streets in joy.

8. What is your favourite song at the moment?

I don't have a favourite song, but I'm loving Taylor Swift's and Clean Bandit's music.

9. What is your favourite Disney film?

Finding Nemo for sure. Although, the Lion Kings are super good too.

10. Have you ever met someone famous? If so, who?

Haven't ever personally met anyone famous, but if I could I would want to meet Zoella. She's such an amazing person and has worked really hard to get where she is today.

11. Do you have a favourite YouTuber? If so, who?

I have many favourite YouTubers, there's a long list, so I'll just mention a few: Maybaby, LaurDIY, Zoella, ThatcherJoe and Joe Weller.

Questions For My Nominees:

1. What is your favourite animal?
2. Do you like anime? If so, what are your favourite?
3. How many languages can you speak?
4. What are your hobbies?
5. What is your favourite school subject?
6. Have you ever travelled somewhere exciting? If so, where?
7. Are you a dog or a cat person?
8. What time is it where you live?
9. What is your favourite month?
10. What is the main focus of your blog?
11. What does your blog name mean?

Now to announce my nominees *drum roll*

<a href="www.sallyswift888.blogspot.com">Kaza Bella</a>

<a href="www.sallythemelonlover.blogspot.com">sallythemelonlover</a>

<a href="www.fionabrianne.blogspot.com">Fiona Brianne</a>

Edit: I seem to be having trouble with the links above. Comment down below if they are working or not.

The Horrors of... I Mean The Delights of Cross Country

Aah cross country, running around a boggy field in the freezing cold. What's not to love? (sarcasm)

Everyone has done it at least once in their life. Whether you volunteered as a tribute or were forced by your teacher, since you are known to enjoy running (that happened to me) we all have ran around like headless chickens through the marshes of our school fields.

Last Thursday me and many other unwilling students took a trip to our nearest private school for the yearly cross country event. I remember going last year and being just as nervous. Despite my nerves I managed to come 3rd place (how? idek) and even collected a medal. Unfortunately, as you must know by now, or if you are new here (hi!) I broke BOTH my arms the Wednesday before the next event. Just my luck! Anyway this year I came 6th and the top 16 go on to the next event, so hopefully I'll actually be able to make it, without breaking anything. It was a tough run, although it was just under 4k. I'm blaming it on how windy and cold it was. My sister also took part in the junior cross country and came 46th. Afterwards, to warm us up, there were hot chocolate and biscuits. Only the best, poshest refreshments from a private school, no surprise.

Overall, the run went pretty well and I'm looking forward to the next event in January.

Also, last weekend I took part in a 10k Morun (moustache run) for mens health.
And the weekend before I took part in a 5k poppy run, Run 2 Remember.

Photos of my medals and t-shirt below.

When the Doctor Tells You Your Arm Might Crumble

Ok, about the title... yes my arm might actually crumble, but I'll explain.

So today, I went to the hospital hoping my arms were fully healed by now (it's been 9 months after all!). Anyway at the hospital I went for an x ray, except it was just my luck that there would be a 30 minute delay. 30 minutes later I got told that the pins can be taken out in 4 weeks time (yay). However, when they take the pins out there's a slight chance that the bone still won't be healed enough, causing the bone to crumble (just great). Then they would have to insert a metal plate. I'm praying this won't happen, doesn't sound very fun. Below are the x rays I got today.

Autumn Colours

Hey guys, it's finally autumn, my favourite time of the year. Its getting a little colder, leaves are falling off the trees and halloween is right around the corner. The main reason why I adore autumn is the leaves (yes, you read that right) I like autumn, because of the leaves. I think their colours are so beautiful and create a very festive photo. Hence the photos below, which I took in photography with a couple of my friends and Danbo (he's a box robot from Amazon).

Danbo hiding in a pile of fallen leaves

Did you know his eyes light up? Cool, huh?

"Look I'm Tarzan"

And...Beanie

Sorry not sorry. Couldn't finish the post without a sneaky pic of her yawning and looking cute. ^.^

Question: I'm going to be starting a HUGE photography project at school, any ideas/themes what I should do it on? Leave your ideas in the comments below.

Rollerblading

Today, I want to share my love for rollerblading. Firstly, the difference between rollerBLADING and rollerSKATING. Rollerblading, also know as inline skating, is where the wheels are all in a straight line, hence the the name inline skating. Roller skates, or quads, on the other hand have the four wheels in a sort of square shape (that was the best way I could describe them).

I can't remember exactly when I first got a pair of rollerblades, but I was quite young. It didn't take long for me to learn and start rollerblading around the streets. I love rollerblading (or practically any dangerous sport), because I enjoy how easy it is to go so fast on them. Even now when its getting cold I still go out, as I warm up quickly.

Here's a video, filmed by my sister, of me on my rollerblades.

A Week Away in Kent

This is long over due, but I still wanted to share some of my best holiday snaps from when I went down South to Kent for a few days.

Day 1: Spent 5 hours driving down, plus another 2 hours finding the hotel.

Day 2: Went to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio for the second time, the first time I went was with my school. I would say my second time was just as amazing, probably even better. Since Anya and I went for our Birthday we got to open the grand hall doors. That was magical! There was also the Hogwarts express, which wasn't there the first time I went. Being able to actually go onto the train was my favourite part. The gift shop was incredible too, so much to see, but it was very expensive. However, Anya couldn't leave without buying Dumbledore's elder wand (£27!!|).

Outside of the studio

Day 3: Started the day at Deal, looking around the shops, and then sitting on the beautiful pebble beach. I swam in the sea too, which was surprisingly warmer than expected. Next, went to Dover to visit an old friend. To finish the day off went Shopping in Canterbury.

Deal pebble beach

Deal

Dover

Day 4: The last day in Kent was spent at Samphire Hoe in Dover. It is another pebble beach and is one of my favourite places in the world.

White cliffs

Samphire Hoe

Geode I found by nearly tripping over it

Day 5: Arrived home at 00:30 BTS.

Birthday+Decapitating Pablo

It's my 15th birthday today (yay!!), except I'm not actually 15...yet. I was born at exactly 8.26pm BST, which means I have to wait until then to be officially 15. I don't know if anyone realises this, but it's sort of coincidence how I was born on the 26/08/00 at 8.26pm. Cool huh? Anyway here are some birthday photos I want to share. :)

Here are my favourite birthday cards. As you can see they are all pugs, and I absolutely love pugs.

These are my presents, which I also love. I especially like my Taylor Swift 1989 CD and my Vans, which aren't in this picture, since I got them as an early birthday present for my holiday (they are black and purple). Speaking of my holiday I will be writing a post about my time in Kent and will post some photos too.

Finally, here is my amazing and adorable birthday cake. Yes, it's a pug, and he's called Pablo. Unfortunately, I had to decapitate him to eat him, but it was well worth it.
RIP Pablo the pug.

Meteor Shower

Last night I found myself outside trudging through the dewy grass in my local park with my family. Sounds strange? Turns out we were out searching for any visible perseids, which according to the BBC are 'pieces of Comet Swift-Tuttle' (whatever that is). Anyway, at first it was difficult to spot any, until my eyes adjusted to the dark. Soon I could see quite a few every now and again. They were beautiful streaks of silver, but they only lasted seconds. I loved just looking up at the stars too. It made me realise how big the universe really is and also how magnificent it is too. On our way back home the houses on my street reminded me of carved pumpkins...spooky. Unfortunately, I don't have a good enough camera to have taken any photos, but you can see them tonight for yourself if you look carefully.

Watermelon Cake DIY

The other day was my sister's 13th birthday, and she absolutely loves melons, especially watermelons. So, I made her a watermelon cake from scratch. It's really simple, fun to bake and tastes amazing.

For the sponge you will need:

- 300g Self raising flour

- 250g Margarine (butter will work too)

- 250g Caster sugar

- 1tsp Baking Powder

- 2 Eggs

- Vanilla extract

- Red food colouring

Extra ingredients:

- Green food colouring

- Jam for the filling (strawberry and cherry are my favourites, but you can use any)

- Icing

- Chocolate chips or raisins (to put on top as melon seeds)

Basic cake instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees

2. Prepare 2 circular baking tins by greasing them with margarine and *lining with greaseproof paper

3. Weigh out all the ingredients for the sponge

4. Add the ingredients into a large mixing bowl

5. Mix the ingredients using an electric whisk

6. Pour the mixture evenly between the 2 tins

7. Put them in the oven and bake for around 20 mins or until done

8. Leave on a cooling rack to cool

*TIP* To get the right size place the tin on top of the greaseproof paper and draw around the bottom using a pencil. Cut this circle out and you have the perfect size paper for your tin.

9. When the cakes are cool, sandwich them together with jam

Icing instructions:

For the pink icing I used a tub of Betty Crocker's vanilla icing and added 2 drops of red food colouring (you can use strawberry icing if you prefer and skip adding the red food colouring). Next spread your pinky red icing over the top of the cake only. For the green icing add 2 drops of green food colouring (obviously) and spread around the sides. To finish off sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips (or raisins) on top.

Voila! You now have the perfect watermelon cake. 

Note

Posting everyday is too hard to keep up with, as I have and will be quite busy through the holidays. From now on I'll just post around twice a week about things that make me happy. :)

Sunday Snaps

I decided to do Sunday Snaps, since I am studying photography at school. I took these photos while on a walk around the nearby fields from my house. Take some time out and enjoy your Sunday!

Photos taken on iPhone 5 by me.

Sporty Saturday: Parkrun

So, today is Sporty Saturday, where I will give exercise tips and even mention a few up coming events.

Photo credit to Parkrun.

Parkrun logo

This Saturday I will be talking about Parkrun. Parkrun is a timed 5k run, which takes places every Saturday morning. It is free and for all ages. I even took part in my local Parkrun this very morning.

There are over 370 Parkruns in several countries, which makes it easy to locate one near you. This can be done by looking through the events at www.parkrun.org.uk (these events are for in the UK only).

To sign up you must register online at www.parkrun.org.uk. Once registered you will receive a unique athlete number and barcode to print out for use when taking part. This barcode will be scanned at the end of every Parkrun along with your place number chip (you will be given this at the end of the Parkrun by the volunteers), so your time can be recorded.

To look up your time, search [name of Parkrun area] Parkrun. Click on the website of your Parkrun and then click on ‘results’, which is situated on the navigation bar. Scroll through the times to find yours or type your name into the search.

If you are not much of a runner you can volunteer at Parkrun and take on the role of a marshal or a bar code scanner. Parkrun relies on volunteers, so it would be useful to help out.

At Parkrun there are a variety of free t-shirts to collect: Juniors 10 runs, 50 runs, 100 runs and volunteers. These mark your Parkrun milestones.

One last thing, there is usually a photographer at Parkrun, so don’t forget to smile when running round. To check out the photos visit your Parkrun website and click on ‘photos’.

Photo taken by Karen Newton.

Anya and I racing at the finish

NEW THEME!!

Edit: I decided to discontinue this theme, since it is too difficult to keep up with. Sorry. I'll still try to post as often as I can though.

I have decided to add a new theme to my blog. I will be posting different topics each day of the week. There is Make it Yourself Monday, Travel Tuesday, Wednesday Wish List, Thursday Baking Tips, Furry Friday, Sporty Saturday and Sunday Snaps.

Today is Furry Friday, so I will be telling you some interesting facts about this week’s animal, which is the fennec fox.

A fennec fox is the smallest fox in the world, which lives in the dry Sahara in North Africa. They are well known for their distinctively large ears, 6 inches long, and cute appearance. They may seem cute and cuddly, but are not house pets; despite this many are caught and sold in the captive pet trade.  Locals also hunt them for their fur. This further contributes to their population decline in the wild, making these mammals endangered. However, they are listed as least concern, since there are no immediate threats towards their habitat.

Fennec foxes are specially adapted to their surroundings. They have large ears, where they can release the most heat, keeping them cool throughout the harsh heat of the day. Another adaptation is their thick fur, which keeps them warm, during cold nights and protects them from the sun. Fennec foxes even have hair on their feet to protect their paws from scorching sands. The fur is a light beige colour for camouflage in their environment.  Fennec foxes are more active during the night, when temperatures are cooler. This is known as being nocturnal.

In the wild fennec foxes weigh around 2-3 pounds and grow from 8-16 inches long. In captivity they can grow slightly more and live longer. Usually, these foxes live up to 10 years, and 14 years in zoos. Their diet differs from what it would be in the wild too. In the wild they would eat plants, leaves, fruits, roots, eggs, insects, rodents and small reptiles, while in captivity they consume fruit, vegetables, insects and meat. This diet may be less varied, but they are mostly like to be fed more food in zoos, as food may be scarce in the hot Sahara.

A fennec fox will dig an underground to live in with at least 10 other individuals. During mating season, January to February, male foxes become aggressive and more territorial, and once they have found a partner they will mate for life. This is called being monogamous. Cubs are born between March and April in litters of 2 to 4.  Here is a photo of baby fennec fox cubs. 

Photo credit to ZooBorns.

Getting Pins Out

My mum and I made it to the hospital just in time last Wednesday. We were both very tired from waking up early. When we got there we went to the Treetops ward, where we had been told to go, and searched for Room 7. Eventually, we found it. In the room were two other girls, younger than me, and a baby. They were waiting for operations too.

In the room I could smell toast and butter from along the corridor. My tummy made whale like noises at the smell. I was so hungry as I wasn’t allowed to eat for 12 hours. To distract myself from my hunger I passed the time messing with the bed’s controls.

For nearly an hour my mum and I waited on my assigned bed, until my doctor came to explain to us about my operation. He also gave us multiple forms to fill out and sign. Then a nurse came to put some magic cream on my hand to numb my skin for when the cannula (a small tube that gets inserted into a vein) was put in. For me the cream didn’t do anything or help with the pain, instead it made my hand go red and quite itchy.

Before we knew it, it was time for my operation. The anaesthetic stung as it was injected through the cannula in my left hand but within less than five seconds I was fast asleep.

I woke up around an hour later in a ward full of other sleeping patients. Confused and disoriented I began to panic. I tried to wake myself up and lift my heavy eyelids to see where I was but it was too difficult. Luckily, a nurse on duty noticed my squirming and had me wheeled on my bed up to Room 7, where I was earlier.

Up there I found my mum and Gran waiting for me. When I saw my Gran I thought I was hallucinating, since I couldn’t find an explanation to why or how she had gotten there.  It turns out my Gran had taken the bus all the way from where she lived to visit me in hospital.

Around 12 I was absolutely starving but hot dinners were on the way. For dinner I had chicken, hash browns, cauliflower cheese and cake. It tasted really good, despite being told that hospital food was disgusting.

I left the hospital the same day with my right arm fully bandaged up and in a sling. My mum and I were glad we didn’t have to stay over. On Wednesday, a week from the operation, nurses will be coming round to my house to change my arm’s dressings and to check the wound. Hopefully, it will be healing well.