My plans/hopes for when this is all over

Hi everyone, it's me Ruby. As lockdown restrictions are easing, more activities will start to reopen and can thrive again.

Here are just some of the things I hope to do, you can visit and even celebrate due to restrictions easing:

Theme parks/Zoos:

Many zoos have suffered during the lockdowns, the animals have had no visitors and there have been huge running costs to pay. Despite Chester Zoo being sold out when re-opening, due to the pandemic they lost around £11.5m. Also, a recent birth of a giraffe and a new black rhino made people smile. London Zoo also suffered and the animals and keepers couldn't wait to see people return. Perhaps you could try and support your local zoo and any businesses that need your support. Although you have to travel through theme parks socially distanced at present and even experience some of the rides like that, it is wonderful to witness thrill seeking adventures once again. I visited Chessington World of Adventures last summer and I hope I get to visit more places this summer.

Beach days:

Following guidance from the government, we can visit the beach but we just need to keep safe by social distancing, have awareness and hope facilities are being cleaned regularly. Pack a picnic, sun cream, flip flops and don't forget your hand gel and wipes for mucky hands and ice cream sticky faces! GOOD VIBES!

Restaurants:

I love to eat out, my favourite place is Wagamama. Katsu curry is my favourite!. To catch up with friends and family, you can now enjoy a meal or drink outside in a restaurant, fingers crossed for sunny weather. From the 17th of May, parties of up to six people can sit at a table indoors and enjoy food and drinks together.

Although, we are not back to normality yet, we will hopefully be soon. Go at your own pace just because restrictions are easing it's important that you do what feels right for you. 

"Better days are coming"

Ruby Xx

Video Blogging

Hi everyone, Ruby here. The way we communicate has changed vastly over the past few years. Instead of text communication you could try video or voice recording, you can even include text, images and effects. Please ask a parent for help and always seek parental permission before uploading.

Getting started

The first step to becoming a vlogger or videoing yourself successfully is that you'll need to understand your audience and discover your target of how you are going to interact with them. For example: craft challenges, sporting achievements, food reviews.

Benefits

Creating your own vlog will boost your confidence, give you something to look back on and even try new things. Due to vlogging, you can share your passions, educate others and create ideas.

Apps/websites

The best app to achieve the perfect video is InShot. It has many features that you will discover, including video cutters, music, filters and different designs. Another good app to try is FilmoraGo, which has a huge variety of options to choose from, when forming your video. Wix is the best vlogging website as it has many templates and is easy to use.

Tips and tricks

Add a theme or design

Be yourself

Try talking to the camera as if you were talking to your friends or family.

Experiment different ideas

Trim your video so it is not too long but not too short

Feel good music

Adding them to posts

As social media has grown in the past couple of years it has increased more users so more people will be able to watch and interact with your videos. If you film your video, you can then upload it as a post or go live once you feel most confident.

"Express yourself, no one else can do it"

Ruby Xx

When I grow up

Hi everyone, it's me Ruby.  Lockdown has given me lots of time to think about the future so I made a fact file about myself. The good thing about your own fact file is that you can always edit it, see how you've grown and changed throughout your life. For example, you can record your opinions, thoughts and feelings a bit like a diary.

When I grow up, I would like to be a footballer. If not, perhaps a runner, teacher, singer, dancer, accountant, chef or PE teacher, the possibilities are endless. What would you like to be or do?

Leading up to your career, you can set yourself goals and create opportunities for yourself to shine. 

Due to experiences, you can change your mind about what you think your job could or would be. By creating a fact file or diary you can write information down. It would be great to look back on your file, see how you've grown, remember what you're good at to help inspire you to decide on what to do. I'm enjoying secondary school as you have the choice to study many more subjects.

If you are unsure of what you want to be when you're older, you will discover your role. "Open the door for yourself, it is waiting for you; when you are ready."

"Don't worry if you make mistakes. Learning from them is what counts."

Ruby Xx

Easter Holiday Activities

Hi everyone, Ruby here. During our Easter break, we can be imaginative and brainstorm many activities to do before we go back to school. Here are some fun ideas:

Make Brownies:

If you have any leftover chocolate eggs you can create these luxurious chocolate treats by melting your chocolate. This recipe is one love to follow: https://www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com/recipes/worlds-best-brownies/
 
Exercise:

After eating lots of chocolate for Easter we can become active once more by going for a run or walk in your local park to burn off all the chocolate. Recently opened is the new Stubbers outdoor play park in Upminster, which you can visit or have a nice brisk walk-through Thames Chase. Tennis courts have reopened and next week gyms. Check out your gym's timetable classes, such as Cardio or Pilates for all ages.

Challenges​:

Another idea for using left over chocolate is games. With mini creme eggs and a spoon, you can compete against your family in an egg and spoon race and see who wins. It's not too late! Or you could challenge others in an Easter egg hunt with spare solid eggs to play outdoors or indoors. You can even add riddles or quiz questions to make it harder.

There are plenty ideas to keep us busy and let our creativity run wild. Enjoy your Easter holidays.

"Use your imagination to create"

Ruby Xx