Be Healthy & Happy

Afternoon! Welcome to #TheFridayInterview & today’s #TheChainofInspiration at 4pm to accompany that last cup of tea before the weekend…

Alicia Davies, a professional actress was my 7th Chain of Inspiration interviewee at the beginning of May. I’m delighted today to introduce Alicia’s chosen interviewee – Miranda Wilkinson, a PR and business owner. Over to you Alicia!

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Miranda is from London where she runs her own PR firm called Brand PR, specialising in beauty, fashion & more. She’s brilliant & funny.

  1. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be lots of different things, it changed every month, but mainly a ballerina.
  2. What are your 2013 hopes & dreams? To be healthy & happy – if you have both those gifts you can do anything.
  3. What makes you get up in the morning/inspires you? My Mum – she brought me up single-handedly & gave me one of the most privileged, diverse childhoods anyone could wish for.
  4. How did you become a PR? I fell into it, I started helping out my neighbour when I stopped dancing and I thought I can do this!
  5. What is it you love most about being a PR? The variety. It covers so many areas, writing, strategy, planning, events & meeting many different people which is always fun!
  6. What tips can you give to any wannabe PRs? Be prepared to work hard!  PR isn’t all glamour, there is a lot of hard graft that goes on behind the scenes.  Prove you can handle it & you will do well. 
  7. What other advice do you have for anyone who wants to set up their own business?  Go for it! But make wise decisions, don’t try to run before you can walk & be objective.
  8. What other passions take up your time?  Reading, foreign cinema, fashion, art & my Dad!
  9. Who would be your fantasy 5 dinner party guests? Margot Fonteyn, Cary Grant, Julia Margaret Cameron, Joaquin Pheonix & Joni Mitchell.
  10. If you were stranded on a desert island, what 5 items would you wish you had? Sunblock, notebook, pencil, wind-up radio & a pillow.

Thanks Alicia & Miranda! It’s a delight to showcase another brilliantly inspiring female & fellow communications professional!

Miranda now takes over the baton & will interview someone that inspires her for the next #TheChainofInspiration on Friday 31 May.

Have a lovely weekend!

G x

Love it with your Heart & Soul

Afternoon! Welcome to #TheFridayInterview & today’s #TheChainofInspiration at 4pm to accompany that last cup of tea before the weekend…

Karen Munnis, a UK fashion stylist & brand consultant was my last interviewee 3 weeks ago. I’m delighted today to introduce Karen’s chosen interviewee – Alicia Davies, a professional actress. Over to you Karen!

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Alicia is from West London & has been a professional actress for nearly 25 years. She is currently on tour around Australia with The National Theatre, playing in ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’.

  1. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I always knew I wanted to be an actor. I started as a child actor aged 7, so I grew up with it in my blood really.
  2. What are your 2013 hopes & dreams? That Dominic Mohan of The Sun remove naked pictures of women from Page 3. I passionately support the @NoMorePage3 campaign.
  3. How did you become an actress? I started doing small parts in TV shows, commercials & movies, worked in theatre at 11 & later trained at LAMDA drama school.
  4. What is it you love most about being an actor? To change an audience in some way – to make people laugh, cry, remember an old love & forget the stresses of life for 2 hours.
  5. Which actors inspire you and why? Diane Keaton – a true comedian, Mark Rylance – a chameleon, Anne Hathaway – for making musical theatre work in Les Miserables & Amy Adams.
  6. What tips can you give to any wannabe actors? Only become an actor if there is nothing else that could make you happy. It’s a hard path to choose, so you need to love it with your heart & soul.
  7. What other advice would you give to someone who wants to be an actor? Educate your mind, travel, listen to people’s stories, become secure in who you are… THEN go to drama school. Life experience is the best tool at an actor’s disposal.
  8. What other passions take up your time?  My friends & my huge family first. Singing, walking, dancing, museums & I like a good biography.
  9. Who would be your fantasy 5 dinner party guests? Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Dawkins, The Pope, Germaine Greer & Amy Winehouse.
  10. If you were stranded on a desert island, what 5 items would you wish you had? A Swiss Army knife, Lucas Paw Paw ointment, a fully loaded iPod, a pencil & a note book.

Thanks Karen & Alicia! One Man, Two Guvnors is one of my fave shows, so it’s an absolute honour to feature Alicia today.

Alicia now takes over the baton & will interview someone that inspires her for the next #TheChainofInspiration on Friday 17 May.

Enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend… the weather’s looking promising!

G x

Live in the Present

Afternoon! Welcome to #TheFridayInterview & today’s #TheChainofInspiration at 4pm to accompany that last cup of tea before the weekend!

At the end of March, Katie Quinn of Downtown Betty, was my fifth interviewee in #TheChainofInspiration. I’m delighted today to introduce our next interviewee - Karen Munnis, a UK Fashion Stylist & Brand Consultant. Over to you Katie!

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Karen has over 8 years experience working in print media & the film & television industry, working with clients such as Vogue UK, Glamour UK & Britain’s Next Top Model. She has also worked with celebrities such as Chloe Sevigny, Lou Doillon, JLS, Olly Murs & Stephen Rea to name a few. 

  1. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to have three jobs –  to be a baker, hairdresser and a psychologist.
  2. What are your 2013 hopes & dreams? To grow my brand, to live in the present & for the compassion & consideration of all beings. 
  3. What makes you get up in the morning/inspires you? The thought of coffee or a good yoga practice usually does it.
  4. How did you become a Fashion Stylist? I moved  to London after University & started interning on various magazines.
  5. Which designers inspire you and why? Miuccia Prada for her ability to be continually innovative & Nicolas Ghesquiere for his incredible craftsmanship & impeccable tailoring.
  6. What is it you love most about being a stylist? The diversity & range of the projects & working amongst very talented people.
  7. What tips can you give to any wannabe stylists? Intern & assist people whenever possible. You learn the most valuable skills on the job or by making mistakes. Be persistent.
  8. What other passions take up your time? Practicing yoga, riding my bike, watching films & scouring for vintage finds. 
  9. Who would be your fantasy 5 dinner party guests? David Letterman,  Diane Keaton, Duchamp, Marie Colvin, Katherine Hepburn.
  10. If you were stranded on a desert island, what 5 items would you wish you had? Someone handsome & handy, a few bikinis, a Swiss Army knife with tweezers, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos & Linda Farrow sunglasses.

Thanks Katie & Karen! As always, it’s wonderful to showcase yet another inspirational female, doing what she loves!

Karen now takes over the baton & will interview someone that inspires her for the next #TheChainofInspiration on Friday 3 May.

Right, I’m now off to France for a few days, so taking some #GTimeOut! #GTime will be back next Sunday 21 April. Have a great weekend!

G x

Love what you’re doing

Afternoon! Welcome this Good Friday to #TheFridayInterview and today’s #TheChainofInspiration

At the beginning of March, Krista Watters of Bhavana Yoga Boutique, was my fourth interviewee in #TheChainofInspiration. I’m delighted today to introduce our next interviewee – Katie Quinn, designer/creative director for www.downtownbetty.com. Over to you Krista!

Downtown Betty

Katie is from Vancouver, BC. She is a very inspirational, eco-conscious clothing/fashion designer and talented surfer & yogini too! She designs a handmade, sassy, beach lifestyle clothing line, to get you from the studio, onto your bike and off on an adventure.

  1. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a national geographic photographer, a vet (but more like a Jane Goodall) & a fashion designer.
  2. What are your 2013 hopes & dreams? I hope to grow my business into more studios & boutiques across Canada as well as worldwide. 
  3. What makes you get up in the morning/inspires you? Sunshine, birds & if I’ve written a list the night before, it’s clear why I should leave the coziness of bed with my boyfriend!
  4. How did you come to set up your business?  After a gruelling career in film, I went to India to do my yoga teacher training. I made some t-shirts for the ashram & soon realised I could put my fashion design diploma to work. Bicycle Downtown Betty was born & 3 weeks later I was at my 1st market.
  5. What is it you love most about Downtown Betty? I love all parts of it. I love helping people feel sexy & comfortable & confident enough in what they are wearing, to do so naturally.
  6. How did you select the name Downtown Betty? Betty is my Grandma’s name & it reminds me of the fifties when times were simpler. Betty is also a surf girl, skate girl, beach girl & it’s all about bringing the beach to the urban & the urban to the beach.
  7. What tips can you give to any wannabe entrepreneurs? Be ready to work all hours of all days of every month until it all starts to flow on its own, and then once it’s rolling, be ready to continue that pattern. Love what you’re doing or you will hate your life.
  8. What other passions take up your time? Yoga, travel, beach time & play time with my boyfriend & friends, film making, photography.
  9. Who would be your fantasy 5 dinner party guests? Jane Goodall, Stella McCartney, Jenny McCarthy, Aminata Diallo, Princess Diana.
  10. If you were stranded on a desert island, what 5 items would you wish you had? A beach blanket. Something to (safely) open up the coconuts. A water purifying system. A camera with sound recording capabilities. A lighter.

Thanks Krista & Katie! It’s been an absolute privilege to interview yet another wonderfully inspiring female this Good Friday.

Katie now takes over the baton & will interview someone that inspires her for the next #TheChainofInspiration on Friday 12 April.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

G x

Make it Happen

Afternoon! Welcome to #TheFridayInterview and today’s #TheChainofInspiration… And as it’s International Women’s Day, it’s the perfect day to feature another inspirational interview with yet another inspirational female!

Two weeks ago Erica Blitz was my third interviewee in #TheChainofInspiration. I’m delighted this afternoon to welcome Erica’s chosen interviewee Krista Watters of Bhavana Yoga Boutique in Canada. Over to you Erica!

Krista Watters

Krista is from Halifax, Nova Scotia in Canada. She is one of the brightest women leaders in her community, running her own business. ‘Bhavana’ is a lifestyle boutique & through Krista’s work with Ayurveda, Aromatherapy & Yoga, she’s empowered many to transform their lives.

Bhavana Store

  1. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A nurse & a gardener & in my early teens I realised you could use plants to heal your body – my path really began to unfold.
  2. What are your 2013 hopes & dreams? Extend the healing possibilities of Bhavana – I’m thinking an Ayurvedic spa for Halifax!
  3. What makes you get up in the morning/inspires you? Travelling! I just returned from India & completely fell in love with the people. I’m totally inspired to return & study Ayurvedic medicine.
  4. How did you decide on the name of your business? The sanscrit word ‘bhavana’ is used to describe your intention for your yoga practice. It means ‘to make happen or cultivate’. I opened my boutique, to support yogis to heal, grow & fully enjoy the journey on & off the mat.
  5. What is it you love most about Bhavana? I get to be creative and conscious, every item is hand-picked with intention behind the brands and the designers.
  6. How did you come to run your own business? I travelled and lived in Vancouver & Hawaii for the last 15 years. When I returned home I saw a gap in the availability of yogic lifestyle supplies & had always wanted to own my own business.
  7. What advice do you have for anyone who wants to set up a business doing what they love? Say YES!!! Allow yourself to go beyond your comfort zone, lean into your fears, find ways to be of service to others and… have fun!
  8. What other passions take up your time? Practicing & teaching yoga, learning to play the ukelele, dancing and long hikes with my pooch, princess Ellie!
  9. Who would be your fantasy 5 dinner party guests? Bjork, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Marley, Vasant Lad and the Dalai Lama.
  10. If you were stranded on a desert island, what 5 items would you wish you had? My pashmina, raw shea butter, a mango tree, princess Ellie and an endless supply of water.

Thanks Erica & Krista! It’s an absolute pleasure to interview another fabulous inspirational female today, on International Women’s Day.

Krista now takes over the baton & will interview someone that inspires her for the next #TheChainofInspiration on Friday 29 March.

Have a wonderful weekend! G x

p.s. The lovely coincidence about this interview is the fact that my grandmother (Mardi Jones) was from Halifax too (I’m a quarter Canadian) and she too was a truly inspirational woman. She met my grandfather in 1939 when he docked in Halifax with the Navy. They had 10 ‘dates’ and fell in love. After which he returned to sea to hunt German pocket battleships. They wrote to each other over the next 4 years during which time they got engaged.

She then risked her life crossing the Atlantic in a convoy to be reunited with him, during the Battle of the Atlantic – 75 years ago this year. He was still at sea on her arrival in England where she waited patiently for 5 months for his return. They were married the day after he returned on St Andrews Day, 30th November 1943.

Passion inspires Purpose

Afternoon! Welcome to #TheFridayInterview and today’s #TheChainofInspiration… Friday is the perfect day to enjoy an inspirational interview, at the earlier time of 4pm, with that last cup of tea before the weekend!

Two weeks ago Noura El-Imam was my second interviewee in #TheChainofInspiration. I’m delighted this afternoon to welcome Noura’s chosen interviewee, Erica Blitz. Over to you Noura!

Erica Blitz

“Erica, originally from Vancouver & now residing in the US, is passionate about nutrition, teaching yoga, holistic living and sailing. Erica is an international adventuress & is always visualising, planning big & seeking a healthier & happier life. She is soon to launch her own nutritional business ‘nubeleaf’ based on whole foods, nutrient dense & natural ingredients.

  1. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A trapeze artist! I didn’t run away to join the circus but did go to Trapeze School – one of my most exhilarating experiences!
  2. What are your 2013 hopes & dreams? I’m committed to building conscious business (through nubeleaf) that supports the health of people, pets & the planet.
  3. What makes you get up in the morning/inspires you? Sunshine! And when the sun isn’t shining: love, purpose & passion.
  4. How did you get interested in nutrition? I travelled to India when I was 18 & decided I wanted to learn how to heal the body naturally. I just knew it was my path. 
  5. What is it you love most about eating healthy & mindfully? I love the energy that food gives us – it goes beyond calories. However, the QUALITY of the food is absolutely everything! 
  6. What tips can you give to any passionate individual looking to branch out in the nutrition side of business? Passion inspires purpose: follow it! Become the expert in your field, but never pretend to have all the answers. Don’t be afraid to fail. 
  7. What advice do you have for anyone who wants to set up a business doing what they love? Just do it! You’ve got to take the initiative to make things happen. Work hard (but don’t struggle) & be persistent. Ask questions & ask for help when you need it and above all have fun!
  8. What other passions take up your time? Aside from making green smoothies, roaring up my juicer, & yoga, I spend a lot of time writing, reading, cycling, sailing, taking long walks along the beach, art gallery hopping & travelling.
  9. Who would be your fantasy 5 dinner party guests? My number one guest invite would be Oprah! Next up would be the Obamas, Ghandi, Steve Jobs &Madonna.
  10. If you were stranded on a desert island, what 5 items would you wish you had? An unlimited supply of water, my man, spirulina, lip balm (with SPF),  & a knife – gotta crack the coconuts! 

If you fancy learning more about nutrition, inspired living or if you fancy connecting with Erica to collaborate or discuss all things health, nutrition & yoga, connect with her at www.ericablitz.com. Erica will be launching her new business, nubeleaf, very soon so stay tuned on how you can elevate your health & your life to the next level.”

Thanks Noura & Erica! Really looking forward to hearing more about nubeleaf. Best of luck & big respect for following your dream!

Erica now takes over the baton & will interview someone that inspires her for the next #TheChainofInspiration on Friday 8 March.

Have a wonderful weekend!

G x

Yogi Guru

Afternoon! Welcome to the new look #TheFridayInterview also now known as #TheChainofInspiration… Friday is the perfect day to enjoy an inspirational interview, at the earlier time of 4pm, with that last cup of tea before the weekend!

Back in January, Fit Chick Tori agreed to kick-off a new chain of inspirational interviews - #TheChainofInspiration. I’m delighted this afternoon to welcome Tori’s chosen interviewee, Noura El-Imam, founder of Yogalates Bliss in Dubai. Over to you Tori!

Noura El-Iman

“Noura has a contagious energy, a can-do vibe & inspirational entrepreneurial vision for her wonderful company Yogalates Bliss. Noura’s company organises divine yoga retreats, comprehensive yoga training and cool little classes for kids.

  1. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Wow! Reflecting back, I have always loved adventure. Funnily enough I wanted to get involved with the CIA/FBI. I loved detective movies!
  2. Tell us about your 2013 hopes & dreams? To enable passionate yogis to become certified, to travel to far-flung corners and to dive deeper into Spanish lessons! 
  3. What advice do you have for any would-be yoga teachers? Keep learning new sequences, take up new yoga courses to keep your passion alive & your skills sharp. Stay authentic in your teaching.
  4. What do you think are the key benefits of yoga? Yoga is wonderful for alleviating stress & allowing you to release muscular tension from the body after running errands the whole day. 
  5. What’s your favourite Yoga position and why? Downward Facing Puppy – decompresses the spine, melts tension round neck & shoulders & is great for super tight hips/overworked muscles.
  6. Who and what has inspired you the most? My 2011 Yoga & Surf retreat to Bali also inspired me to start my passion of Yogalates Bliss.
  7. What advice do you have for anyone who wants to set up a business doing what they love? Do it! Don’t give up when things get tough. Obstacles will definitely make you a hell of a lot stronger & when your passion & confidence is there, you’ll succeed.
  8. What other passions take up your time? Travelling to Muscat for outdoor adventure fun, rock climbing, body pump, swimming, cooking, and photography.
  9. Who would be your fantasy 5 dinner party guests? Lana Del Ray. Timothy Ferris. Andy Warhol. Sadie Nardini. Marco Pierre White. 
  10. If you were stranded on a desert island, what 5 items would you wish you had? My Canon Powershot G12 (charged for life!), unlimited dark chocolate (I can only wish), coffee, my mp3 player & juicy cold fruits.

If you’ve ever fancied training to be a yoga teacher or doing a course to deepen your own practice, visit www.yogalatesblissindubai.com.

Check out her v cool retreats in Spain and the Alps this summer. Practice yoga with inspirational people & eat wonderful food.”

Thanks Tori and Noura! Now that I’ve been introduced to Yoga (Bikram), I’m very tempted by one of your retreats later this year Noura!

Noura now takes over the baton & will interview someone that inspires her for the next #TheChainofInspiration on Friday 22 February.

Have a great weekend!

G x

Say it with Chocolate

Evening and welcome to #TheMondayInterview. As today is Blue Monday – the most depressing day of the year – I can’t think of a better subject to cheer us up, than CHOCOLATE!

Chocolate

I’m delighted to welcome Frances Crute, a chocolatier currently working as a Product Developer for Pret. Ten years ago Frances realised her passion for chocolate by working as a pastry chef with some top restaurateurs and highly-acclaimed chefs. You can read all about her journey in the world of chocolate here.

Being a chocolatier sounds like the dream job! I caught up with Frances to find out about her life and love of chocolate and to get her advice on the best chocolate Valentine’s gift out there this year…

  1. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I think I always wanted to do something with food. I would spend all my holidays baking with my Gran. 
  2. How did you become a chocolatier? I was in the right place at the right time. A job overseas fell through and L’Artisan du Chocolate needed some help in the run up to Christmas.
  3. Which is your favourite type and brand of chocolate? I love Madagascan chocolate so probably Amedei Madagascan 70% or I have recently discovered Amelia Ropes Dark Sea Salt chocolate which is yummy!
  4. What are the health benefits of chocolate? Dark chocolate is high in anti-oxidants and iron but most of all it makes you happy. (Just what we need on a Blue Monday like today! G x)
  5. What’s the best chocolate Valentine’s gift out there this year? ‘Declaration of Romantic Feelings’ Couture Collection Box by L’Artisan du Chocolate. You personalise with a romantic note to your loved one.
  6. If you could work with any other food ingredient what would it be and why? Cheese! I would love to be an official cheese taster. 
  7. What’s your favourite recipe including chocolate? I have a great chocolate tart recipe that is a blend of a rich ganache and a light sabayonne folded together. Imagine a super light extra chocolaty fondant!  
  8. What’s the most unusual ingredient you’ve mixed with chocolate? I once tried Guinness chocolates for St. Patrick’s day… they didn’t work so well. 
  9. Who would be your fantasy 5 dinner party guests? Rene Redzepi, Sarah Lund, Tyler Hamilton, Lance Armstrong & Barack Obama.  
  10. If you were stranded on a desert island, what 5 items would you wish you had? Chocolate, My iPhone, my photos, factor 50 sun cream and a really long book.

Thanks so much Frances! Lots of tasty answers there… And plenty to inspire us as we battle with Blue Monday!

You may remember that Fit Chick Tori is going to kick off a new Chain of Inspirational Interviews. This has been delayed until February, so be sure to clock back in for #TheMondayInterview on Monday 4 February.

Enjoy your evening!

G x

Chick Fit II

Hello & welcome to the new look Monday #GTime – #TheMondayInterview. 6 months ago I interviewed Fit Chick Tori, an ultra-runner, adidas athlete, writer & blogger based in Dubai.

FitChickToriII

Tori is a true inspiration to us all – she’s so positive, energetic, motivated and she’s great fun. In her latest challenge – the Action Asia 100km in Manaslu, Nepal, she came 4th female. Read all about her experience here.

This evening I’m pleased to welcome back Fit Chick Tori to give us an injection of inspiration and motivation at the start of a brand new year. You can read Part 1 (Chick Fit) of the interview here.

  1. Tell us about your 2013 New Year’s Resolutions? Where do I start? To run more, to sleep earlier, rise sooner, waste less, work more, drink less… all the usual, year in year out!
  2. What advice do you have for anyone who wants to take up running in 2013 for the first time? To remember that we all started with a slow, lung-bursting, heart pumping plod around the block. But commit and it only gets easier…
  3. What advice do you have for any aspiring ultra-runners? How do you move from a marathon distance to an ultra-marathon distance? It’s primarily down to time on your feet, being self-aware, the art of pacing and mental toughness. Conquer those and any ultra is yours!
  4. Who and what inspires you to take part in the challenges you do? Everyone from the world’s best long distance runners to those at the back of the pack. They show the greatest spirit and inspire me no end.
  5. Other than running and generally keeping fit, how do you spend your time? Writing. Words are my greatest passion and I’ve carved my career out of them. I even have ‘wordsmith’ tattooed on my body!

Thanks Fit Chick Tori. If you want regular doses of inspiration and to follow her wonderful adventures around the world, then be sure to follow her blog ‘Fit Chicks and Fast Women’. I’ve just agreed to a small challenge in the form of the Beaujolais Villages Trail (28km) with Tori in April – she’ll of course do the longer distance, but we’ll still have plenty of time for fun either side of our respective challenges!

Good luck in your next challenge Tori, we’ll be following!

G x

p.s As part of the new look Monday #GTime, Fit Chick Tori will take over the baton and will interview someone that inspires her, on behalf of Ginger and Spice… so make sure you clock-in on Monday 21 January for the next #TheMondayInterview.

Ginger and Spice in 2013

Evening & welcome to the weekend!

I mentioned in last Wednesday’s post, that Ginger & Spice is having a bit of a make-over in 2013 with some of the #GTime themes being refreshed or replaced.

#GTime will start back properly on Monday with what used to be the #MondayMonthlyInterview – when on the first Monday of each month I interview someone doing something interesting with their life, whether at work or play.

The new look Monday #GTime theme will now be #TheMondayInterview and it will take place every other Monday. So, if you would like to be considered to take part in this interview; to promote your business, personal project or cause, then please do get in touch via ginger@gingerandspice.co.uk.

Here’s a summary of the new look #GTime #5aday themes for 2013:

  • #TheMondayInterview – An interview of 5 standard bite-size questions & answers with someone doing something different or interesting in their life…
  • #TuesdayTreats – No change here… this will continue to showcase gift ideas for you and your loved ones.
  • #BookClubWednesday – A new column featuring a book review every other Wednesday.
  • #ThursdayFriday – No change here… Thursday, the new Friday, shares ideas on what to do and where to go…
  • #Health&FitnessFriday – A post dedicated to health, beauty and fitness ideas to maximise your well-being.
  • #SaturdayShopping - No real change here… What else do you do on a Saturday, other than shopping?! It will now regularly feature shoes!
  • #SundayTimes – The theme of this post will change each week, following a topical subject at that time…

The #5aday format will remain and #GTime will continue to take place every other day at 6pm. So, I hope you look forward to reading #GTime in 2013 and if you have any ideas or thoughts on how it could be improved, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

See you on Monday! Have a fabulous weekend.

G x