The Dulux Color Run: The Happiest 5K on the Planet!

Yesterday I turned 30 and I had the most amazing day - I will come back to that in another post though as there is so much that I am still getting over! Lets just say it was the best start to the year ahead.

Today, however, we had no time to recover as we had to be up and ready to get to the Color Run at Wembley - the first in the UK! We had seen lots of photos as there is one in Laura's hometown, and was SO excited for it to get here.

We had organised to meet our friends Karen and Kirsty at my sister's house so we could park our cars and make our way to Wembley Stadium by public transport. Thankfully it was only a 10 minute walk to the bus stop and our timing meant we arrived just as they were opening up the area.

Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline as you approach it and works well as a setting for the run. It also has plenty of space surrounding it which meant the Color Run had set up check in tents, first aid tent, shop tent and plenty of portaloos! It was so well organised, we were really impressed.

Dulux had sponsored the event and had their guys guiding and directing people with megaphones bouncing on mini trampolines. They also organised for a 'paint' themed warm up to get everyone ready for the race.

We had been told in the pre-event info that we could be in the 'start chute' for up to 40 minutes and to make sure and bring water. It was good advice! In 30 degree heat the 40 minutes was HOT! We had finished our water by the time we got to the start line!

When we had discussed doing the 5k the distance seemed daunting - we don't run, we don't jog - in fact we don't really do much (intentional) physical exercise - let alone physical exercise in 30 degree heat! It's amazing what providing entertainment can do to help 5k fly past. At every 1k color stations had been set up.

First was PINK....

Then BLUE/PURPLE

Then YELLOW

Then ORANGE

Then as you finish the 5k you are welcomed by everyone throwing packets of color and you can't quite believe it's over.

We did manage to jog a fair amount of the course but it all honesty it was hard to do, not because of the distance, or the heat but because 80% of the people doing the run were walking/skipping/dancing. As soon as we started jogging we'd be dodging people and in the end we enjoying talking and photographing in our walking sections.

The color stations were awesome. We had tried to explain to people before the event what 'having color thrown at you' meant and I don't think it's anything you can truly understand until you are standing in a cloud of colourful dust. As you arrive at the station there are Dulux people either side with boxes of colour powder and they literally throw it at you, over you, on you - everywhere! We learnt not to inhale too quickly or deeply - it doesn't taste too good and Laura ended up sounding like a man from all the dust in her throat!

At the end of the run/jog/walk you are greeted by a party and we were quick to join in. They were playing party tunes and we can agree it was certainly the 'Happiest 5k' we've ever seen. The fun runs I have seen don't have people jumping and dancing around at the end.

Before and after!

We stayed for an hour then headed home. After being out for 6 hours we were feeling the heat but we would definitely do it again, we had a great day! Thanks, Color Run for coming to the UK!

What We Love Wednesdays: London Getting Ready for the Olympics

It's no secret that Laura and I are lucky enough to live in the greatest city in the world (in our opinion) and from the moment London was announced as the host for the 2012 Olympics, we knew 2012 was going to be an AMAZING year.

The thing with London is even though it is a 'big' city and is generally packed 24 hours a day, it is a city you can find your own space in - and you can really make it your own. We have blogged about our love of Borough Market, Southbank, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Camden Market, the theatres, the restaurants, the free festivals etc etc but NOTHING has created a buzz like the Olympics.

Our Instagram followers will have seen more and more pictures being put up about the changes taking place in London. On our trip around the city to see the Shard opening we drove in and out of Olympic Lanes - decorated but not yet in use at that time - although very much in use now!

Sarah's walk to work is now lined with flags telling the hoards of crowds arriving at Victoria where to go for the Horse Guard's Parade (and the beach volleyball). The corners are filled with tourists trying to read maps and head to Buckingham Palace (it's the main place S gets asked about!).

Every tube station is displaying fushia signs pointing out where to disembark for Olympic events, and most tube stations now have 'tour guides' pointing out where to go. At Earls Court (our first station in the mornings) we have our very own 'Get Ahead of the Games' advisors telling us how to walk or cycle to work! Who are they kidding! Maybe if, you know, it was DRY outside!

A new addition that always makes us smile is Boris Johnson (our Mayor) bellowing over the PA system that we should make sure to check online to 'Get Ahead of the Games' - as we smell the armpits in our faces and get a little too up close and personal with the people around us, we can't help but think - that info may be more useful pre-entering the tube.

And then there is the BRANDING! It started a few months ago but over the last few weeks everything you see, eat, drink, use seems to be getting in on the act :

From a local perspective, the lack of road works is nice to see and the effort to run efficient transport has been noted - less cancellations and more communication! There are more Union Jacks decorating windows and shops than ever before and our parks and streets are gleaming! It's almost as if we are being judged :) The Mall especially has had a face lift this year - thank you Jubilee and Olympics.

Despite not being fortunate enough to get Olympic tickets (although, the fact that if your event gets postponed if it rains, you can't sell your tickets, so you have to come back - coming back from Thailand would be...erm...EXPENSIVE) we are still loving the atmosphere. We hope the summer weather arrives in time!!!

The free Metro paper has become obsessed with reporting every tweet that the athletes put up as they arrive in the city or at the Olympic accommodation.

It's also hard to ignore the once no-go area of Statford is now ordering people to come and visit - with a fast train heading that way and cable cars to transfer you from one side of the river to the other at ONLY £3.60 on an oyster card! Bargain! You can also see the Olympic structures from afar. The only thing we are slightly baffled about is the 'abstract' Arcelor Mittal tower! The view from it is meant to be spectacular but it's not the best looking sculpture we've seen. Laura has just realised it is supposed to be the Olympic flame!!

In all honesty, if the cable car doesn't provide the view you want, there's always 'UP' at the o2 Dome - you could bounce your way over that :)

The other event(s) you can't fail to notice if you live in the UK is the journey of the Olympic torch! 8000 people carrying it 8000 miles and touring the entire UK! It has been tightrope walked, rowed, climbed and ran through the streets of the UK. It's been held by the Queen, Olympic athletes past and present, Lewis Hamilton (of F1 fame), music 'stars' including Will.I.Am (not sure when he became British), old people, school kids, charity workers and two relatives of people Sarah works with (including Martha!). It even visited Sarah's home football club - Madjeski Stadium! Her Dad summed it up when he said 'It is like nothing I've seen in this country!' - literally hundreds of people spill out into streets as it passes, regardless of time or weather. It creates a real sense of pride to say you were there!

Living in London we will be lucky enough to see the finale at Hyde Park! We are heading to a concert held for its arrival and to celebrate the end of its journey! Bring it on!!!

It also dominates conversations whereever you go and everyone has something to say on it. Despite the press, from our experience it's been mainly positive! London is always going to be busy in summer, you accept that, so it's nice that they are making an effort to get the city ready.

Are you excited for the Olympics?

Love always,

Sarah & Laura xo

Reading FC - we are the Champions!!

Dear Reading FC  -THANK YOU!

As a loyal Royal for almost 20 years I have shared plenty of my Saturdays at Elm Park and in the Madjeski Stadium cheering for the Reading players that have played in blue & white hoops. I have shared so much joy and plenty of sorrow - from our progression to the Championship to our first promotion to the Premiership, to our playoff losses to Bolton and Swansea-I have witnessed them all. On this night, 17th April 2012, I was not able to get a seat at the game but  listened to the match eagerly from home. 

CONGRATULATIONS on being PROMOTED once more to the PREMIERSHIP!

While I can't be there my parents are representing and if the phone call is anything to go by they are having a great time singing on the pitch! Reading truly is my family's club!

My parents are on there somewhere!

Congratulations Reading FC - promoted as Champions - I look forward to the Premiership campaign! 

At least we can get carried away now.....

And we are top of the league, say we are top of the league!

Mad Stad celebrations as we are also champions now!!

Love

Sarah

Whats Happening Hot Stuff?? 12/02/2012

Welcome to this week's What's Happening, Hot Stuff!!!! Or if you are still covered in snow maybe that should be 'not-so-hot-hot-stuff'! As you're reading this you may already be aware, but Saturday the 11th of February saw the death of Whitney Houston - whatever she became in the end, nothing will take away from the amazing music she once sang, songs that form a soundtrack to our younger years, and a few that will no doubt be included in our wedding mix. RIP Whitney.

And so to the round-up of news from around the world. Once again, it has been a mixed week- starting with the high of Proposition 8 being repealed in California. This means that the year 2012 is shaping up as a big one for same-sex marriage. Last week, the Washington state Legislature passed a bill allowing gay marriage, and legislatures in Maryland and New Jersey may follow suit shortly (though New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has promised a veto). North Carolina and Minnesota are conducting referendums this year on constitutional amendments to ban gay marriage, and Maine is likely to conduct a referendum on legalising it.

Glad they saw sense!

In a big win for gay rights and common decency, a federal appeals court pronounced California’s Proposition 8 unconstitutional, arguing that there’s no “legitimate reason for the passage of a law that treats different classes of people differently.” “Proposition 8 serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples.” Congrats to Adam Bouska and his NOH8 Campaign for the success!!

Adam takes ALL the NOH8 photos!

Gay rights advocates are now hoping that this decision increases pressure on President Barack Obama to unequivocally declare his support for gay marriage. He has said his position on it is “evolving.”

Obama has done a great deal for the cause of gay rights, and he has left the clear impression that he fully supports gay marriage, even if he has not yet been willing to say so out loud. But even if today’s decision doesn’t put more pressure on him to go further, Obama can use it to reaffirm, with real conviction, his oft-stated position that the arc of history is long but bends toward justice. Let’s just hope he moves towards publically stating his support sooner rather than later. We understand politics is all about ‘saying the right thing at the right time’ but at the end of the day these decisions affect lives, and our lives included!

Back in the UK we've had an interesting week - headlines were made by a group hosting gay Olympic events in Clapham (Friends of Clapham Common), just over the river from us - they came out to say that 'gay Pride House events due to be held on the common were “highly likely” to become a “magnet for undesirable elements of the gay community”'. We were both like - erm WTF! 'undesirable' - what an odd choice of word, and what a weird thing to say. In a second statement they tried to make amends by saying 'all communities have “undesirable elements”'- nice work, that's a way to upset EVERYONE! Doesn't make us want to go out and support them! No doubt they will be stopping to think before opening their mouths next time.

The witch-hunt that is going on to identify the bi-sexual footballer player that was 'uncovered' in the worst UK paper this weekend shows why it is not the time for football players to come out. The football league should be creating a supportive environment but the media in this country pursues any hint of homosexuality and makes the individual's life hell - why would you want to come out in that situation?! We won't go any further with this story but check out PinkNews if you are interested.

A footballer who has dealt with 'gay rumours' in a positive way is Freddie Ljungberg (ex-Arsenal) who has come out to say  “There’s been a gay rumour for a long time. I don’t mind at all. I am proud of that. I love fashion, and I think so many gay people have amazing style. So that is a compliment to me.” He added: “I really don’t know why people are so interested. I just made a decision that I won’t talk about it.” “I am not gay. If I was I would just say I was and it wouldn’t bother me.” However these comments were all made after he stopped playing football in the UK.

Progress needs to be made in football - that is clear, at a time when racisim is back making the headlines maybe the Football Association should look at just what happens to the perpetrators of such acts. Football fan or not, the actions of Luiz Suarez should disgust you- the player was banned for 8 games after racially abusing Patrice Evra, and as the two came face to face on Saturday for the first time since, Evra extended his hand for the customary handshake only for Suarez to deliberatly ignore it- disgusting! And that image will be shown the world over. If the FA don't discipline that then what hope is there for hompohobia being pushed out?!?!

Woah Football rant over - at least outside of the sporting world, people with homophobic views are being brought to justice - a Christian Hotelier couple who refused to allow non-married couples to share rooms, banned a civil-partnered couple after discovering they were two men. Interesting as religious debate is and one we have often with friends, at the end of the day people are allowed their beliefs - but shouldn't be allowed to discriminate based on them.

A street preacher has appeared in court in Somerset on charges of verbally abusing a gay couple. Michael Overd allegedly told Craig Manning and Craig Nichol that they were “evil” and would “burn in hell”. Mr Overd reportedly claims he ‘was exercising freedom of expression, reading from the Bible as they passed’ .

According to the Press Association, Mr Nichol, Mr Overd said: ‘I have already told these two sinners over here that they are going to burn in Hell’. ‘It’s God’s words, it is in the Bible reading 1 Corinthians, which says: “Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor homosexuals nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” We bet you wouldn't find him at the jail or pub shouting at thieves or drunkards! Of course freedom of expression is allowed, but publicly harassing people is just wrong. 

London is also gearing up for World Pride this summer and bosses particularly want to highlight the 41 other countries in the Commonwealth, headed by Queen Elizabeth II, whose ‘sodomy’ laws were mostly introduced by British colonial officials in the first place. Dr Patrick Williams, chair of Pride London, told Gay Star News: ‘This is one of the reasons we got the right to host World Pride because it’s the time of the Queen’s jubilee and the Olympics and the eyes of the world are on London. It is important that we can say we stand in solidarity with people in those countries who can’t do what we can do here and will support their campaign and fight on their behalf.’

80% of Commonwealth countries still criminalise homosexuality. The penalties range up to life imprisonment in six member states and the death penalty in northern regions of Nigeria and parts of Pakistan. While the Queen cannot make political statements she can speak out against human rights abuses and for equality and discrimination. Maybe It is time she did so.

World Pride campaign for decriminalization of gay sex worldwide began with Trafalgar Square kiss today!
Two women protesters shared a very political pre-Valentine’s Day kiss today (12 February) to call for decriminalisation of homosexuality worldwide. The snog in Trafalgar Square, in the heart of the British capital, was organized by the people who will run World Pride in London this summer. World Pride has asked Londoners and visitors to spend this weekend kissing to help the fight for lesbian, gay and bisexual rights. They wanted them to snog in front of the British embassies and high commissions of countries where gay sex is illegal.

The kiss in Trafalgar Square was near Uganda House, a country where the parliament re-started discussions this week to introduce one of the most draconian pieces of anti-gay legislation in the world. Activists are urging Uganda's politicians to reject the 'kill the gays' bill which returned to parliament yesterday, warning it could have 'grave' consequences for all citizens in the African country. The anti-homosexuality bill of 2009 includes the death penalty for ‘aggravated homosexuality’ and harsh prison terms for gay and lesbian sex.


We already get our kiss on in various locations in London, next time we will make sure we have our camera and are near an embassy :)

Have a great week, until time

Love Sarah & Laura

xoxo

What's Happening, Hot Stuff?? 27/11/2011

Welcome to this weeks edition- Laura is currently surrounded with arts & craft preparing for our first annual Thanksmas dinner next Saturday. 'Thanksmas' is a combination of Thanksgiving & Christmas and will be an opportunity to showcase our baking and cooking capabilities (Laura's new segment will share some of her AMAZING recipes 'Tips and Recipes from an UN-domestic goddess' - see here).


For news this week:
UPDATE.....
Have you seen the video from the tram? If you haven't watch this here - but make sure you aren't in a public place or have the volume up to loud! This is ALL over the media here, the shocking, vile content is not at all representative of our views and has no place in the current world. Worst still the poor child with her has no choice but to listen - despicable. The latest news is that the woman has been charged with racist public disturbance. 


Following the shocking news here is something a little more light-hearted press here! And no we don't all do this on our dog walks!


Before I continue 1 final thing to raise a smile, don't ever let a partner tattoo you - if you have ever cheated! You never know if they know! And if they do know they might just do this: Click Here

It's almost the 1st of December and time to light the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree! OK so that's not really news, but Michael Barrymore is NO LONGER GAY!!!! Not sure what to even say to that, we very much doubt it's true, but if you want to know more check out Pink News! He's so attention-seeking, he's the British TV version of Lindsay Lohan! In other ridiculous news George Michael has a boyfriend called Fadi Fawaz haha- oh and he's recovering from pneumonia. Get well soon, just in time for his tour!


Roger Federer won a record sixth title at the ATP World Tour Finals today with a victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the O2 Arena. Sarah is a fan, of tennis and Federer, and Laura is not! It's a subject we're just going to have to agree to disagree on. 

Can you spot Federer?

By now you may have realised that (thankfully) nothing major has really happened this week, except maybe the loss of Gary Speed- Leeds & Wales football player. Very sad! Sarah saw him play many times and his death has shaken the football world and filled the news pages.(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/wales/8918722/Gary-Speed-dies-aged-42-football-world-pays-tribute-to-Wales-manager.html)

RIP to the nicest man in football

On the other side of the world - Australia - 71% of the Labor parties voted in favour of Gay marriage! They are now pressuring the Prime Minister to change her opposition to marriage equality. As we spent a year living in Australia, we'd love for them to support the vote - especially for our friends over there. PM Julia Gillard has previously said that 'My position flows from my strong conviction that the institution of marriage has come to have a particular meaning and standing in our culture and nation and that should continue unchanged.'- hopefully she will see sense soon. From experience Julia is a smart, savvy leader on a lot of subjects it would be great if she took the lead on this subject!   

Did we mention she's a 'ranga?

Lady GaGa will be honoured with a Hero Award from the 'Trevor Project' - a US gay youth charity that works with LGBT youths to prevent suicide by offering support over the telephone and online! The award is great recognition and we are always interested in 'celebrities' supporting causes that are relevant to us. Lady GaGa's 'Born This Way Foundation' has been started to establish a standard of bravery & kindness in the face of bullying and abandonment and help youths work towards “youth empowerment and equality by addressing issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development and will utilise digital mobilisation as one of the means to create positive change.”

In other news, have you seen the 'private Lady GaGa photos'? I read a book on how she masterminded her fame and you can't deny she has done a great job of it - aside from the music she has created an 'iconic' status that makes sure you always click a link when she's mentioned. So thats exactly what I did and was pleasantly surprised to find these photos of her looking 'normal'. We love a good biography (the official ones not the 'I once met her so can tell you everything about her' ones). A favourite story was when she made a teacup 'famous' by being seen with it everywhere - just to test how easily fame can be achieved nowadays - and it worked, within a day the teacup had been on the Jonathon Ross (talkshow) Show and had photos in The Sun! Smart lady!!! Anyway these photos are from Celebrity photographer Terry Richardson who took more than 100,000 photos of her then narrowed it down to 450 and put them together in a hardback book aptly named 'Lady GaGa X'

Christmas Countdown!- Our Weekly Christmas News


As we previously mentioned, the Christmas tree that's gifted to London every year for our support during the second World War is on its way here from Oslo, Norway. They will be lighting it December 1st, and will no doubt have carolers and other Christmasy delights, so we will of course be there after work, and you should too if you are in London!


Our first 'Christmas Movie Tuesday' will be happening this week- it's a pretty self-explanatory celebration, but I will tell you that our first movie of this holiday season will be the original 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'! 


The countdown to Thanksmas is on - we test drove some desserts and side dishes today - a resounding success from all, and only a little annoyance on Laura's part that England just doesn't seem to 'get' cornbread. It's one of the best side dishes at Thanksgiving, but they don't have it or anything like it here, so Sarah really didn't know what to expect when it was baked for her. Apparently 'it's somewhere between savoury cake and sweet bread' wasn't the best explanation. Any better ideas for how to explain cornbread at the dinner next weekend would be MUCH appreciated! Please comment below :)


Also, Laura got a Christmas apron this week! Because really, what is the point of baking Christmas dinner without a Christmas apron? Glad you agree. She got it on Etsy, and here is a picture and the link in case you'd like one of your own!

We hope you've enjoyed this week's news roundup - please leave your comments, follow us on our blog or on our Twitter!!


Have a good week


Laura & Sarah xo