I'm basically a Disney princess.

When I was younger I thought I could grow up to be a princess. Either like Princess Di or like one of my buddies, the Disney Princesses. Now that I'm older, I realise even though it's not something I can choose, I still feel like I should be one of them.

First off, I have my own Prince Charming, so we can cross that off the list. Awww vomit.

I have one parent. Same as Belle, Jasmine, Cinderella (well, before her dad died) and Ariel. I mean is it fate?

I love collecting things.

I have brothers that get into everything and eat all the things and are basically super annoying. Like Merida.

I moved from Australia to America, which is basically the same as what Ariel did - water to land. Right?

I used to have really long blonde hair. Okay, it wasn't as long as Rapunzel's but whatever.

I like pretty dresses.

Someone gave me the same advice that Ursula gave Ariel.

Books for life. Can you even tell us apart?

Finally, because the princesses all love me. Including Kate!

When we were travel dreaming the other day, KC and I realised that I was being a bit ambitious and we had to move things around a bit. Disney is next on the list in a couple of months. I'm super excited because we have been to Disneyland together, but not Disney World. We have a lot planned and I can't wait! Harry Potter World here I come.

Meanwhile, I have never met Ariel. WTF. I love Ariel. Her and Belle are my besties. So, clearly I need to meet Ariel. I'll bring her a dinglehopper.

Call me, Disney. Who is your favourite Disney princess? It's okay, you can say me.

How well do they know me?

First off, checking in with Kels and her summer reading challenge - I said I would read 30 books in June, July & August. In June I read 13 books, and in July I read 12... So I only have 5 books to read in August then I shall be a winner winner chicken dinner. I've only read 2 books since the last Show Us Your Books Link up, for some reason I have just not been in a reading mood.

I love these posts that I have been seeing around bloglandia, but I didn't think I had enough people to ask. Then I said who curr, no-one curr so I did it anyway... and I asked a couple of blogging friends to help a sister out.

I asked them all to name 5 things I loved or was obsessed with.. here's what they said:

KC (husband just in case you don't know..)

- Jane Austen
- Subtitles
- Apple Juice
- Me (as in him, not myself).
- Our cats

^ how many times did you watch that gif? watch it again.

Mummy (the person who birthed me)

- Pride & Prejudice
- Running / Exercise
- Beauty & the Beast
- Cats
- Food

Megan (bestie)

- Books
- Cats
- Planning stuff
- Traveling
- Exercise

Jenni (bestie)

- Books
- Pride & Prejudice
- Cats
- Stripes
- Milkshakes

She also said candy (or lollies) and I mean, does she know me or what?

Alyssa 

- Pride & Prejudice
- Cats (yours, specifically, but all in general)
- Traveling / Vacations
- Planning
- Books in general

She also said: I should probably say KC too but I think you love him a healthy, normal, respectable, adult way. Being obsessed with a guy feels so 13-year-old ya know? All that just to say I know you love him but that goes without saying and doesn't belong on this list (other runners up: Australia, running, yoga).

Nadine

- Cats
- Books
- Traveling
- Yoga
- Jane Austen

She also said: If Jane Austen & books are the same, then shopping (which made me laugh)

Tracy

- Cats
- Reading
- Pride & Prejudice
- Australia
- Traveling

Tracy also said the same thing about KC, which makes me laugh because KC clearly thinks I am obsessed with him (just kidding!).

So basically you guys, my friends think I am a crazy cat lady with a weird Jane Austen obsession who loves to exercise, eat, travel and read. And you know what? That's flipping awesome and 100% true. Perhaps I should find something new to talk about?

Happy Wednesday! Do you love any of the things I love?

Training for a sub 2 half marathon

So Tracy is training for a half ironman and Alyssa is training for a marathon, one of my best friends does triathlons and did a half ironman while pregnant, and here I am still stuck on the half marathon. But I don't mind. I'm not complaining, I know some people are still 'stuck' on the 5k or 'stuck' on the I hate running train.

I'm a bit of a weird person (aren't we all). I don't like to move on to things until I have accomplished the thing before it. Will I one day do a triathlon or marathon? Who knows. It's hard for me to look that far when I still haven't met my goal of a sub 2 hour half. 

When I ran my best half marathon many moons ago I didn't even have sub 2 on the brain. I just wanted to run and enjoy it. I ended up doing well, I was pretty proud. I got on facebook when I got home and saw someone who had also run that half 'finally got my sub 2 half marathon!' and I was like damn, I was so close. Since then, it's been on my mind. Since then, I haven't come close. See below.

2011: 2:37:15
2012: 2:04:48
2014: 2:39:15
2014: 2:33:21
2015: 2:50:36
2015: TBD

I'm not mad about it, I'm not complaining. It's all on me. The thing is, I know I can do it. I just need to actually train for it. I've never been good at sticking to training plans. I don't know if it's because I basically create them myself or if I just don't want to train. Either way, I finally admitted to myself that I would never reach my goal if I didn't train properly. Was this goal important enough for me to actually take it seriously?

So I created another training plan, even though I have ages and most people don't start training this far out, I knew it was what I needed. I needed to start small, but still working towards that end goal. So the month of July has been my starting small month. Just getting back into a routine, running consistently and enjoying it. You have to realise who you are, what kind of runner / exerciser you are and stop comparing and expecting someone else's results. I enjoy running and I enjoy what I get out of it. But I want more.

via

I don't really feel like sharing my training plan right now (misleading post title, I'm sure you are very upset), only because it's so loosey goosey that it can hardly be called a training plan. Maybe next month. I just wanted to share this goal yet again in the hopes that I, you know, actually meet it.

And if I do... I shall get myself a 13.1 sticker.

via

Linking up with Alyssa & Tracy!

There is no point to this goal, my life isn't going to change, it's not going to fix anything that's broken (not that anything is broken) or open doors I couldn't open without achieving this goal. But it's something I want to do, and that's the only reason I need. I am about 13 weeks away from my next 13.1.

Any tips or suggestions (from runners or non runners!) on how to achieve a goal or how to stop being lazy are definitely appreciated.

My Favourite Travel Accessories

If you would like to see all my travel posts, including recaps, tips & recommendations and packing guides, please visit my travel page.

This is not your typical list of things like snacks, a kindle or a scarf (because I've already done that), but rather (hopefully) contains things that you might not have thought about before. Not that there is anything wrong with those things because hello they are necessities, but this is for things a wee bit out of the box.

Some of these links are affiliate, meaning if you click, I make like 2 cents. Ta!

1. A portable charger. I bought this one, but here is another and another.

I have never used one of these before and never felt the need for it. But, I've never really travelled anywhere where I would use my phone or kindle for long periods of time without having the ability to charge (i.e. walking around Paris and taking all the photos). Since it was only $12, I thought it was worth it. Turns out it was bloody brilliant. We used the heck out of it.

2. A tote bag that folds up. I bought this one, but here is another and another.

This turned out to be a better purchase than I had anticipated. I always end up carrying things when we travel - souvenirs, food, whatever. I got this bag - that folds up neatly and tucks into my crossbody bag smaller than my iphone - for those instances, for when we went to the farmers market in Versailles or had a picnic in front of the Eiffel tower. Places can charge for plastic bags, so this was super helpful. I also liked that I could fill my backpack up to it's breaking point and use this as a carry on for the way home, if I wanted to. By the by, I totally got the one with kitties on it.

3. Travel surge protector with USB thingy. I bought this one, but here is another and another.

You still need an adapter with these, and possibly a converter but I only brought things that were dual voltage or specifically for travel. I love this for international travel because we often only have one adapter, and multiple things to charge or use. So with this, I can curl my hair and charge my phone, kindle and camera at the same time. Brilliant.

4. A clear pouchy makeup bag thing. I bought this one, but here is another and another.

I know, I know, super glamorous. Here's the thing - when I travel, I carry on. So my liquids need to be a certain size and they need to be in a clear bag. I normally use a big zip lock bag, but I wanted something a bit more permanent and less flimsy, so I could use it for all my makeup as well. You can buy these almost anywhere, I wanted this specific one because of the size and compartments. Technically you are still supposed to put things in zip lock bags or something TSA approved, so I had my actual liquids in a small zip lock bag and prepared to play dumb if they said anything, but I only had to take them out once (leaving Rome).

5. A water bottle that folds up. I bought this one, but here is another and another.

Okay, I know this is a bit... really, Kristen? But bear with me. I have a crossbody bag that I use when I travel. KC uses his pockets, but more often than not, everything ends up in my bag. Including the water bottles that we always end up getting and they weigh my bag down. I know I seem like a bit of a diva, but holy heavy. I wanted to bring a water bottle because I knew that it would be expensive to keep buying bottled water everywhere we went and some places in Rome have water fountains that we could fill the bottle up. Anyway, this was fabulous because it folds up super little and tiny in my bag and holds a litre of water (almost 34 oz). We used it a bunch. I wasn't worried about filtering the water or anything, it all tasted fine and we are still alive. This was perfect for what we needed.

6. A selfie stick. I bought this one, but here is another and another.

Yes, I'm slightly embarrassed but Biana recommended it here and I impulse purchased and it was the best decision ever. Yes, we looked like dorks and people still took a few photos for us, but for your run of the mill selfie with a wee bit of background instead of wowthatsreallyclosetoyourface - they are genius. See below.

7. Cute sunglasses. These are mine, but I like these tortoise shell ones and these wayfarer's.

Yep, I went there with my vain self. I have learned from bad photos and I won't make that mistake again. You define what is cute, and hopefully you don't own any sunglasses that you don't think are cute. I have photos from travel or events where I hate the sunglasses I was wearing (why was I wearing them?) or I was squinting because I thought the photo would look better without sunglasses. When we travel, we are more than likely outside a lot of the day and the sun is too. So, wear some cute sunglasses and don't regret your photos.

8. Comfy shoes. I wore my Nike's, my crocs and these flats from Target. But these Mary Janes are super popular, and I wanted these sneakers because they are way cuter than Nikes but didn't want to buy them just before Europe.

I know, again I'm sorry with the captain obvious, but nothing ruins a trip like uncomfortable shoes. When I was younger and travelling around England and America, I wore flip flops. No big deal. If I tried to do that now, my back would hurt after a couple of hours, my knees would scream at me and my hips would need a replacement. Okay, slight exaggeration but yes I want to look cute but being comfortable is way, way, way, way (way!) more important. I went back and forth (and back and forth and back and forth and... you get the idea) on the sneakers but in the end I am so freaking glad I brought them because my feet were fabulously comfortable the whole time.

9. Travel curling iron. This is mine, but here is another and another.

You might not care about this. I didn't want to see a rats nest in all my photos, so I knew I had to bring something. This works just as well as my normal ones. I have blown up curling irons and straighteners before, so one with dual voltage is a must. I hate to sound vain but I received lots of compliments about my hair on our trip and it's because of this doodad.

Bonus! A kindle. Because how can you travel without books?!

Are any of these essential? Nope. Are they fun and make life easier? Yep.

Do you have a favourite travel accessory?

Why I'd be the best bridesmaid ever

I might have mentioned a time or two that I have never been a bridesmaid. I'm not bitter about it at all, promise.

Seriously though, I don't know why one of my friends hasn't asked me, in my opinion I think I would make a great bridesmaid. Why, you ask? I'll tell you why.

First off, since I have never been a bridesmaid before, I can go all out for your wedding and wear a ridiculously overpriced dress, shoes, jewellery etc and I won't complain one iota because I'll just be grateful that you want me there next to you.

Also, I will wear whatever you want, unless you want me to be naked and in that case, I don't want to be your bridesmaid. But puffy 80s style or a colour that doesn't suit me? I can dig it, it's your day.

I'll get excited about everything! Flowers, place cards, seating arrangements - boring but you'd never know it because I will have my excited face on ALL THE TIME.

I will attend all the things - your two bridal showers, your couples shower, your bachelorette party (parties?), luncheons, dress fittings, rehearsals - you name it, I'll be there. With a smile on my face.

I will not be the inappropriate bridesmaid who gets super drunk or goes home with a groomsman, or gives a horrible speech. I will not embarrass you. I will not be bitchy or complain.

I can give a fabulous speech. I think. I'm pretty sure. Well, I wouldn't know, would I?

I will hold all the knowledge in my head. Kristen, who got me the Kitchenaid mixer? Why, your great Aunt Mildred did, bride. What time did I say the rehearsal dinner was? It's at 6pm, your majesty. You can count on me!

I would be super supportive - hold your dress while you pee, be the ear you need to vent to about your crazy soon to be in laws, drive the getaway car if you change your mind, do shots before you walk down the aisle - you name it, I'm there for you.

I will make sure you look pretty. Gone are the days when I wouldn't tell you that your hair was messed up just a little, or you had spinach in your teeth, or your bra was showing. I will tell you all the things to make sure you look fabulous in all the photos. But just don't have spinach at your wedding, k?

I will dance all.night.long. Even if the music is bad (which it won't be because you have great taste!) my booty will be shaking the whole night, because if the bridal party doesn't dance, who will?

I'll give you a fabulous gift. I'm pretty sure I'm amazing at gift giving, in my own opinion anyway, but if I was your bridesmaid I would pick the most sentimental, useful, beautiful gift so that you'd never regret asking me.

Obviously this is all a joke and I don't particularly want to be some stranger's bridesmaid, and I'm really not bitter or mad at my so called friends for not asking me... really, it's all in good fun. I'm jealous of Katherine Heigl because she has so many friends that consider her a close enough friend to ask. Yes, I know she's not real.

Just like I'm allowed to be sad that I'll never have a father-daughter dance (even though I am extremely glad my father is not in my life), I'm allowed to be sad that I'll never get to be there for someone's special day and be that good of a friend to someone. I'm not bitter about it, that's life but you're allowed to be like 'womp womp, I'll never get to do that'. I know lots of people say I'm not missing anything - spending money, attending all the things etc etc. But I just wanted to prove that I could. You know, on the internet.. without actually doing anything.

So... you getting married soon? Need a bridesmaid?

Why you should watch Doctor Who

Are you looking for a new TV show to binge watch? I have you covered. Doctor Who. Get on it. I didn't think it would be my kind of show, but it's pretty much the only show I continuously watch now.

It's been going on for over 50 years, but don't worry - you don't have to watch 50 seasons because there aren't that many. There is the 'Classic Doctor Who' and the newer Doctor Who. I haven't watched the older DW yet (I know, bad Whovian) but I am quite partial to the new DW, which started in 2005. That's where I started, and I give you permission to start there too.

First off, I don't mean to spoil it for you but his name is not Doctor Who. It's just The Doctor. He says 'I'm the Doctor' and people always say 'Doctor Who?' - get it?

He is a Time Lord, from the planet Gallifrey. He's about 900 years old. He is the only Time Lord left (in the new series). His spaceship is called a Tardis, which stands for Time And Relative Dimension In Space.

There have been 12 Doctors. So basically this show can go on forever! I'm just going to be talking about Doctor's 9-12, because they are the new Doctors.

The 9th Doctor was played by Christopher Eccelston, and he was the first new Doctor.

He only had one season. I loved him, I thought he was absolutely hilarious.

His 'word' or catchphrase if you will, was Fantastic.

The 10th Doctor was David Tennant. Don't worry, the Doctor doesn't die, he just regenerates. He has all of his memories and whatnot, but he's basically a new person. When David Tennant came on the scene, I was not impressed. I was really sad about Christopher Eccelston, and I only knew David Tennant from Harry Potter, so I was pretty sure I was going to give up on DW because I wouldn't like him.

I'm glad I kept watching because David Tennant is absolutely brilliant and hilarious and I love him and the 10th Doctor is my favourite. His 'words' are brilliant and Allons-y. Because he is brilliant.

DT was on for 3 seasons, and here is another gif because why not, I love him okay.

The eleventh Doctor was Matt Smith. He's the one I met last year. It took me awhile to warm up to Matt Smith because I loved David Tennant so much, and though Matt Smith is hilarious, DT is still my fave.

Matt Smith's 'word' is Geronimo. I don't know why I'm telling you their words, but hey. Let's go with it. He also likes bowties and sometimes wears a fez.

Matt Smith was the Doctor for 3 seasons as well. In my opinion, he was the 'weird' one, but in a good way.

Alright, lastly we have the twelfth doctor who is Peter Capaldi. I'm not gonna lie, so far, I don't love him. He has only been on for one season so far and I feel like he has potential but I guess I'm still attached to the previous 3.

Don't get me wrong, he's still good - it just takes a bit to let a new Doctor into your heart!

He's not very nice, but I guess that's his thing.

Okay, now that we have the Doctors out of the way, let's touch on the companions. The companions are people who travel with the Doctor. I'm not going to introduce every single one (because that would be insane) but I'll share my favourites.

Rose. She was the 9th & 10th's companion. I love Billie Piper (and I'll be meeting her soon!) and I just think she's brilliant in the show.

Donna. She is definitely my fave after Rose. She is freaking hilarious. I love Catherine Tate. She was 10th's companion.

Amy Pond (and Rory). Pond was 11's companion, played by Karen Gillan who I also met last year.

Clara. She was 11's companion and is currently still in the show with 12. I liked Clara, but then I didn't and to be honest I think she doesn't fit with the new Doctor.

Don't worry, there have been guy companions as well.

Captain Jack Harkness. So popular, he got his own TV show (Torchwood). He's been in several different episodes with different Doctors.

I missed a lot of companions, but that doesn't mean I don't like them, it just means I need to hurry up and get to the point of this post, which is...

Why you should watch Doctor Who.

Badass women. It doesn't score amazing on the Bechdel Test but it's much better than a lot of TV shows or movies.

History. Okay, so it might be fictional history but a lot of the episodes bring actual history to life. There's been a Queen or three, Shakespeare, Van Gogh, Adolf Hitler, Agatha Christie and Pompeii to name a few. I'm still waiting for my Jane Austen episode.

It's funny. Well, in my opinion it is. Sassy one liners, witty banter, fabulous characters. Love it.

It's sexy. Sometimes. Okay, not really.

It reminds me of home. Okay, that won't convince you, but.. I dig it.

It's not overly emotional. It's not going to make you cry every episode (cough, Grey's Anatomy, cough) but it might sometimes.

It's a really imaginative show. Sometimes it's a bit out there, but it's a show about a 900 year old alien, I think out there is expected.

It's kinda scary. I'm not into actual scary stuff, but Doctor Who has made me scream / jump many times.

Great cameos. To name a few; Bill Nighy, Kylie Minogue, Carey Mulligan and Simon Pegg, I love the random and fabulous cameos in DW.

It's super easy to get into. I thought I wouldn't like it because I hadn't been watching it forever and I'm not really into sci-fi. Doctor Who is not complex, it's hardly ever confusing, it's not serious, and it's very light on the science and stuff. There are a few 'multi part' episodes, but most of the time each episode is like a mini movie, it's own little story. There is adventure, romance, comedy, drama - you never know what you're gonna get and you can't really pigeon hole DW. It's just a fun, silly show about an alien.

It's a fun club to be in. Like runners, or expats.. if you meet a fellow Whovian you are instant besties.

It's on Netflix, just in case you are curious.... The next season is due to start Sept 19th..., so you've got a little bit of time to binge watch!