What I've Googled this week #4

Here's what I've been tappity-tap-tap-tapping into that search bar this week!

Just beautiful. Via Pinterest, cant find original link, sorrryyyyy!!

1. Members of Scooby Doo
Because I could remember all their names but that of the girl with the yellow jumper and glasses.
Turns out, she is Velma.
I'll let you in on a secret now...I hate Scooby Doo. Like, detest it. Have done ever since I was a child. I'm not sure why, its not because it scared or traumatised me, I just really hate it.

2. Brown Cross Body Bag
I'm on the hunt for a satchel type bag, but not a satchel and in a very dark brown to match my new boots. Can I find one? Can I 'eck.

3. Rockers
A gang of us went to a restaurant called Rockers Steak House (Mill Road, Cambridge - if you're local!) recently for my sisters belated birthday celebrations. As always I like to be prepared so perused the menu before the night. The place has a great atmosphere, turned the music up loud on request for my favourite song (The Chain - Fleetwood Mac, in case you were wondering) and the food was delicious.
(I had - calamari, followed by a 'Big Cheese' burger. Sometimes the simplest choices are the best!

Craving.

from here

Today, I have been craving and near enough crazing for chocolate.

I'm not normally a craver of sweet things. Bread? Sure. Chilli? Get in ma' belly. Pasta? Carborific.

But chocolate? Rarely.

Today though.....today I really feel like I could smush my face into a chocolate cake and eat the entire thing in one sitting.

Its going to take every ounce of will power I possess to not stop off at the shop on the way home and buy one.

The Christmas Spread Sheet

I’ll start off with an apology. This is a Christmas-themed post, so if you don’t want to think about it yet…I'm sorry. I held off posting this until September, rather than the originally planned August, so I can be given some credit for waiting I can can’t I?

Anyhoo, onwards.

With my birthday falling a month before Christmas (ish – 24th November) and being a largely unorganised soul to date, Christmas gift buying has always proved quite stressful to me. I generally end up spending any birthday money I am lucky enough to receive on gifts for others, which isn’t too bad but I really should be able to spoil myself for my birthday!

This year, I have decided to change this pattern and get my Christmas shopping done gradually over the next few months, leaving me with nothing to do in the weeks prior to Christmas other than relax, enjoy parties and eat chocolate. Like it or not, there are only 3 paydays left until Christmas so I need to get planning.

In order to achieve this, I have created a spread sheet. Taa daaaa!

I love me a spread sheet

I’ve listed my loved ones for whom I should buy gifts (this list grows each year, if everyone could stop having babies and getting married for a bit, my bank balance and I would be most appreciative!)

Over the next couple of weeks I will be filling this up with ideas for gifts – as you can see, I’ve not got very far. When September pay-day looms, I can pick a couple to buy and check them off the list.

I'd actually really like to work on putting together tailored hampers for most-people this year, not only to keep costs down but to show I've put a bit of thought in.

You can see I've started off with a pamper hamper for my mum with will include lots of lovely beauty bits for her.

Then I'm planning a joint-night-in hamper for my brother and his wife. They love watching movies and with a 2-year-old, rarely get a night to themselves. I will give them a voucher to redeem offering my babysitting services, a few DVDs, a cosy blanket, pop-corn, sweets etc so they can have a night of peace and indulgence.

I try to budget about £20 per person, but I don’t stress too much if the perfect gift for them is a bit over or under this.

So there you have it, I’ve opened the can of worms that is Christmas 2013.

Do you plan for Christmas? Any top tips? 

 

Dressing Table

I've had my dressing table for yonks now and it has served me well. It is natural pine, and I've always had it in the back of my mind that I would paint it some jazzy colours and add some funky drawer handles to it. I'm not one to shy away from a bit of up cycling, however I've reluctantly come to the decision recently that the dressing table is physically too big for my bedroom, which is probably why its a project I haven't bothered to start.

So I'm currently scouring eBay and Gumtree like a mad woman for a smaller dressing table in desperate need of some TLC. Until I find one, I will search Pinterest (where else?) for inspiration and ideas of what colours to use for my shiny-new dressing table (when I eventually find one the right size...)

I also have my heart set on a ottoman style seat rather than a stool, one I can cover in lovely fabric and use for storage of my hairdryer and straighteners when they are not styling my locks. Searches for this sort of thing so far have not been fruitful, and I now fear I may have to build one. Anyone who saw my GCSE Resistant Materials (fancy term for woodwork) project of a 'wonky' toy box will know that this is not a good idea.

Wish me luck on my search. In the meantime, here is some Pinspiration....

NB: Judging from my Pins, I clearly really like blue. Blue it is!!

A broken heart.

My wonderful, kind-hearted, beautiful Nanna passed away on Sunday 18th August.

My Dad phoned me at 8:15 on Sunday morning to deliver this horrible news. For a couple of hours, I was OK. I realise now that this was shock, as her death was so sudden and unexpected.

I've gone through varying stages of grief. Sunday afternoon I was inconsolable.

Yesterday while at my granddads I was the rallier and the organiser.

I kept all the visitors there fed and watered throughout the day, listened to those that wanted to talk about her, distracted those that weren't ready to yet. I maintained an air of calm and reasoning. I force-fed Granddad some dinner, as he hadn't eaten since Saturday and was looking grey and weak. I talked about funeral plans with him, what he wanted, what she wanted.

Today...today I feel desperately sad. Numb, My head is all over the place and I just want to run away. I feel so tired, I don't want to be at work, I don't want to think, I just want to go to sleep and make the sadness and hurt go away.

It'll pass, I know it will, but right now my heart is breaking for my Dad, who has just lost his mother. My Granddad, who has lost his wife and best-friend of 55 years. My brother, who is grieving but also getting married on Friday, so is looking forward to that. I know he feels guilty for being excited about his wedding.

And my heart is breaking for me, because I am going to miss her terribly.

Love you always Nanna.
xxxx

A book - The Night Rainbow

credit

The one and only minor criticism I have of my kindle that I have is that I do miss seeing book covers in all their freshly printed, colourful glory. The cover for The Night Rainbow (above) is a particularly pretty one I would've like to have seen on my bedside table.

Moving on...

During one long, hot summer, five-year-old Pea and her little sister Margot play alone in the meadow behind their house, on the edge of a small village in Southern France. Her mother is too sad to take care of them; she left her happiness in the hospital, along with the baby. Pea's father has died in an accident and Maman, burdened by her double grief and isolated from the village by her Englishness, has retreated to a place where Pea cannot reach her - although she tries desperately to do so.

Then Pea meets Claude, a man who seems to love the meadow as she does and who always has time to play. Pea believes that she and Margot have found a friend, and maybe even a new papa. But why do the villagers view Claude with suspicion? And what secret is he keeping in his strange, empty house?


*******************************************************************************************************

Pea is a sweet and complex character. The story is told from her POV, and while on Amazon a few reviewers have complained that the tone and language used it too complex for that of a 5-year-old, I think the author has captured the innocence, inquisitiveness and reasoning of her beautifully. Yes, a 5-year-old probably wouldn't be quite as descriptive as Pea is, but it would be a book aimed at children not adults if it were toned down further.

It did take a few chapters for me to properly get stuck into I must admit, but I'm glad I persevered. It's a haunting, well-told story of love, loss and friendship. I found the premise of the book to be quite unique.

The story is tinged with sadness from start to finish. Its a tough read in that some of the subject matter is heavy and the feeling of grief is tangible throughout.

I enjoyed it and I want you to too so obviously don't want to give too much away. I'll leave it as - a slightly haunting but compelling story with a few good twists and turns which explores a mothers love and unlikely friendship.

The Night Rainbow by Clare King - get it here

What I've Googled this week #3

from here

#1 Threesome
No, no no. Not in the naughty sense - take your brain out of the gutter ladypants! I obviously mean the TV series. Before pressing 'series link' I thought I'd read up on Threesome and what its about. From the adverts, it looks quite funny. After reading the Wiki Page (I seem to spend my life on Wikipedia)....I am undecided on whether it is funny or not, if I like the premise in fact, and haven't yet pressed record. Has anyone watched it? Is it any good?

#2 Little Miss No Name
I'm not entirely sure how I ended up here, I think it was Buzzfeed related? If you are not a fan of creepy dolls, look away now. Or just don't click this link. If you are a fan, click away you strange, strange person.

#3 Chair recovering
I've been gifted with a beautiful wing-back armchair by my mum. Its a bit tatty and doesn't match my décor currently, so I am investigating getting it recovered. Initial findings show this may turn out to be very expensive, so it'll probably end up being covered in a throw. It's going to live in our bedroom and will be my 'its-raining-outside-snuggle-up-book-reading-tea-drinking' chair.

Pay Day Purchases #2

Pay day was a while back now, or at least it seems that way. I am desperately wishing away the days until the next one in fact!

I've treated myself to a couple of new bits this month, but mainly my money has been spent on wedding / christening-related stuff and a water bill. Amongst all the other boring crap us grown-ups have to part with our hard-earned cash for.

Here's what I've treated myself to...

from here

 

Converse Dance Lace Optical White Exclusive

I've wanted a pair of converse for ages. I did worry if I am too old for them (26?) however I spied these ones in Office and couldn't help myself. To hell with being too old!

They aren't your standard Converse and I like that, they seem a bit daintier and don't make my feet look like boats which was another concern. They are also quite subtle and don't scream 'Converse'.

I've worn them pretty-much constantly since buying them, just to get rid of the Box-Fresh whiteness. They took a couple of days to break in but I can hand-on-heart say they are the comfiest shoes I've ever owned!

from here

Bioderma Sebium H2O Micellaire Solution 500ml (Micellar)

Not a treat as such, but I was in the market for a new cleanser and had heard nothing but good things about this product. So, succumbing to the hype, I bought it. It did prove a bit difficult to get hold of and in the end I bought off eBay. Its a brand new. sealed bottle for those eBay sceptics out there (see the 'from here' link if you'd like to get some!).

A few days into using and I love, love, LOVE it. IT IS MIRACLE WATER. My face feels squeaky clean after use, its gentle, suitable for oily skin (bonus) and smells all cucumbery and delicious. The bottle is 500ml and I think it'll last a while - one cotton pad really does do the trick with this stuff. Will definitely become a staple-product I think!

Have you treated yourself to anything this month? 

The Perfect Wedding Gift.

My little brother is getting hitched in a couple of weeks time.

They haven't set up a gift-list anywhere and didn't give any real indication of what they might like.

Initially, I was just going to bung some Mexican money in a card for them to spend on honeymoon, but then decided I'd like to be a little more sentimental.

So off I clicked to www.notonthehighstreet.com.

Chris (my brother) loves penguins, so when I found this I was sold immediately.

Get it here!

I chose the 'white framed' option, with a 'mouse grey' print. Just like the picture in fact. I personalised, obviously (Chris and Carly would've wondered who Andrew and Orla are) and paid the very reasonable £40. In a couple of days it had arrived and I am so impressed with it.

It's great quality, it looks far more expensive than £40! It was wrapped well to protect it during transit which is really important to me, it shows the company cares I think. And it's just a lovely, sentimental, slightly quirky gift.

I hope they like it!

Hello!

Can't find original source? If it's yours, let me know!

Hello! Bonjour! Salut! What Up!

I'm back after an unintentional blogging absence. There are a few reasons for this, which I'll run through briefly. There's also just other stuff I'd like to say, so here goes!

Holiday
Stevie and I took went on our holibobs to Rhodes waaaay back in July. It was lovely, we didn't do a great deal more than relax, sunbath, sleep and eat an un-healthy amount of meat and cheese. Heaven. Greece is such a lovely country and I feel so at home there, perhaps I have some greek in me? My skin-tone says no, my big-bum says yes. Who knows.

Unfortunately, my camera cable has decided to go walkies and so I can't share any of the pictures I took just yet. I think its hiding on the top shelf of my wardrobe, and I neither have the inclination or the energy to tackle clearing that out at the moment. Soon my pretties, soon.

Car
My beloved little Corsa broke down just before we went away, and when I say broke down, I mean it literally stopped working. While I was driving round a roundabout. Which was hilarious / mortifying / petrifying in equal measures. A trip to the garage confirmed it was the head gasket and it had blown. After some weighing up, I decided not to get it fixed and to get myself a new car. So I did, and am now the proud owner of a fun-to-drive, petrol-thirsty Mazda MX5. Not the most practical of cars, only having 2 seats and a soft-top, but my god do I love it.

Work
Work is work. Work is work on speed at the moment it seems, I have barely had time to breathe. Whereas in the past I'd bang out a blog post on my lunch break, they have been fairly non-existent over the past 6 weeks or so. Its quietened down now though, so I expect I'll be able to do that again, as well as eat. Aaah, eating.

Homework
I'm not sure if I've mentioned before, but I am currently studying towards my Chartered Institute of Marketing Professional Certificate. I've got an assignment due at the end of August so I've been working on that. I'm still nowhere near finished, and with the next two weekends full to the brim with hen-do's, weddings and christenings, I'm starting to panic about getting it done.
N:B - the course has made me realise that I do in actual fact, hate marketing. I wish I was joking.

Being Healthy
I bought me a bike back in February, it then proceeded to sit in my shed, neglected for a few months, much like my blog. A couple of weeks ago I dusted it off with the intention of getting a bit fitter. Unlike some of my other fitness endeavours, I've actually stuck with this one and in the past week have racked up 60 miles of cycling. Which I'm pretty pleased about? I really enjoy it and its made me realise what a picturesque part of the world I live in. I don't really have time on my cycle to work to take any pictures but on my next weekend jaunt I will definitely take my camera (the one I've NOT lost the cable for) and share some pics.

In other news, I have read so many books recently and I'm planning to share my thoughts on some of them with you over the next few days. I racked up an impressive (for me) 11 read on holiday, some good, some not so good.

So that's it really, I have no other excuses. I have some busy weekends coming up as I said; my little brother is getting married, my best-friends baby is being Christened and Stevie turns 30. I'll really be more organised and plan some posts around these events...promise...because asides from anything, it'll be really nice to document them and look back on in the future!

I hope you're all happy and healthy...back soon. xx

Leaving, on a jet plane.

(from here)

 

As this post goes live, I will be on a plane, on my way to Rhodes.

Geeeee Whizz I am excited. Sun! Sea! Sand! FETA CHEESE!

Have a lovely week all, see you on the flip side :)

My favourite quote.

 

Missing.

The actual beach from my childhood! (from here)

I miss the seaside.

I grew up on the coast of Norfolk, a five minute walk to the nearest beach. Summer holidays were spent frolicking on the sand and very occasionally, in the sea. Bucket and spades were hung off bike handles as my friends and I gathered to spend the day at the beach. We'd come home, tired from all the sea air, rosy-cheeked from the wind, covered head to toe in dried salt and sand, content and smiley.

My mum and I used to go for walks along the beach, with our rabbit and cat in tow (they would just follow us...). I would swear I could see France, she would laugh at me.

I sipped my first taste of alcohol and kissed my first boy.

Now, I live an hour and a half drive from the coast. Which isn't too bad I know, but its just not the same. Trips have to be planned, you cant guarantee the weather. If I wake up to glorious sunshine, I cant just nip there, there are other considerations (petrol, other plans, etc etc). Equally, if a trip to the seaside is planned, inevitably the weather will be less than desirable but we have to go anyway because its been planned.

I miss the smell of salt, the sounds of waves breaking on the shore, the freedom I associate with being on the beach. I even miss rainy days at the beach, when wellies, scarves and raincoats are more favourable than sandals, swimming costumes and sun hats.

I like to think that one day, I will end up back living by the sea. It is my happy place, where I feel at home and where I feel I can most be myself.

Blog Every Day Challenge (kind of)

(from here)

I recently came across some posts entitled 'Blog every Day in May' and a bit of investigation led me to see that it was indeed a challenge in the bloggy world. Now, I am fully aware that it is fast approaching July and so I've missed the boat on taking part in that particular challenge. Not that I am sure I'd want to, its a lot of pressure I feel.

However, reading through some of the post topics, I thought they seemed really nice prompts for some more personal posts, and why not pick some ones to do. So that I have done, and will do!

If you head to this lovely blog, you can see the rules and the topic suggestions.

So if you see some random posts popping up over the next few days/weeks, now you know why :)

Happy weekend everyone x

Mundane Midweek #3.

Love this. No relevance whatsoever but I love it.

Wednesday 26th June saw me rudely awoken by my obnoxious, duck-sound alarm at 6am. Today, my colleague C and I were released from our office duties to attend Marketing Week Live in London.

C picked me up at 7:45 and we journeyed to London via automobile, train and tube.

I was navigator, and feeling quite pleased with myself, we arrived at the ExCel in good time for our first seminar. But what was this? Suited and booted older gentleman, lots of airline signage?

Not the usual crowd for Marketing Week Live...? With a sinking feeling, I checked my ticket. Yup, the show was in actual fact being held at OLYMPIA. And here we were, at the EXCEL, which is the wrong fecking venue.

If we didn't laugh, we'd cry so we giggled like maniacs and headed over to Olympia. The correct venue.

As a result of this detour, we missed the first seminars we'd planned in but managed to get to a talk by the Head of Marketing for Mastercard, which was really insightful. The campaign they are rolling out at the moment is good, and their previous campaigns (priceless adverts - remember them?) are inspiring too. We wandered round the rest of the exhibition, made some good contacts and got some freebies.

At 4-ish we headed home, made really good time and I walked in the door at 17:40. I had a quick dinner then dashed to Waitrose to pick up a birthday present for my Mum before seeing her tomorrow night. She said she didn't want anything this year, so I ummed and ahhed and eventually settled on some argan hair oil, burts bees body lotion and a box of choccies. Not a bad haul for someone who didn't want anything!

Got home again and wanted to get the London scuzz off me so ran a bath. Ran it for 5 mins or so, got in, splashed about for a bit before realising that I hadn't put the plug in, therefore it wasn't filling up past my hips. Fail. At this point, all the hot water had literally gone down the drain so I gave up on the luxurious bath and got out.

Clearly my brain had stopped working and I needed bed, stat, but I remembered I'd invited my friend over at 8 for a catch up. She turned up to a knackered, pyjama adorned me, we drank tea and giggled for a bit and off she went.

I crawled into bed at 10:30, read a few pages of my current book and headed swiftly to the land of nod.

If you'd like to join in with this link up, head over to Charlottes blog and see what its all about!

Pay Day Purchases.

As someone who has no self-control when it comes to finances, I immediately (if anyone from work reads, I of course mean at lunchtime...) hit the Internet on pay day to buy various things I don't need.

Here's what I bought.

1. ASOS Mini Tote Bag
This is a birthday gift for a colleague - I know she's been hankering for a green bag for a while now. I thought the colour and shape was lovely. Fingers crossed she likes it!

2. Loreal Nude Magique CC Cream
I'm going to give this CC anti-redness cream a bash. I have no idea what CC cream is, but my skin does err on the side of red, and will probably do so more next week in the Greek sun. I really don't like taking foundation with me on holiday, so I am hoping this will make for an even, light base for the evenings.

3. Babyliss Nano Dyer 1200 purple
Need I elaborate? Ok, I will. Our baggage allowance is measly, and while I would normally take my large one, this was only £11.99 and will leave plenty of valuable space for SHOES.

4. Rimmel London Scandaleyes Lycra Flex Mascara
I'm in the market for a new mascara. Due to an on line offer with Boots, I got this half price as I bought with the CC cream. I do not like plastic wand thingies for mascara, much prefer the furry ones (technical term!).

5. Benefit Skincare Set
I use the Benefit Toner and Benefit Moisturiser, but at £23 and £27 each, I am not so keen to take them on holiday with me! Knowing my luck, they'd smash or I'd leave them in the hotel bathroom (as I did in Kenya, sob). Not wanting to neglect my skin, I've invested in this little pack which has handy week-sized bottles of my beloved toner and moisturiser, plus a cleanser, facial polish and eye-cream. Quite the bargain, I think you'll agree.

Then, this last splurge item...

 



Woolacombe Frame Bag
I didn't exactly need a new handbag. However, I immediately fell in love with this one. My brain/conscience didn't have time to engage and before I knew it, I'd bought it (its on sale so I don't feel that guilty). I'm not sure what about it appeals to me but it looks a good size and is a bit different from my usual black or tan handbag choice. Perhaps I should do a 'what's in my bag' post as soon as I get it, before I've had a chance to fill it with the usual receipts, sweet wrappers and other crap that I tend to accumulate in my handbags.

So that's what I bought. A cool £86 spent in the space of 30 mins.

Satisfying Sunday.

Not mine. I can wish. (credit)

Despite my smug 'I get to read all day' post on Sunday, I actually only managed to do that for about an hour before getting bored. I blame a book rut - any help?

I decided that as it's only 9 days till we jet off on our summer holibobs, I'd get all my holiday-only clothes out, give them a wash and be well prepared. This led to an organisation of epic proportions, not stopping at holiday clothes, I went on to sort out my entire wardrobe, shoe collection and meagre handbag collection (Dad 'accidently' took my entire collection of bags to the tip...but thats a heart-breaking story for a different day).

I sorted into keep, charity shop and bin piles which while very satisfying, I now have hardly anything left. I tried to stick to the rule of 'if you havent worn it for 6 months, get rid, or a year for anything blatantly summery'. However this was the death knull for the vast majority of my summer clothes, due to the pitiful summers we've had over the past couple of years.

So now, I have a mission to rebuild my wardrobe again. I looked out the window, regarded the threatening storm clouds and gale-force winds and decided to skip over Summer clothes. I am a huge fan of Autumn so will look forward to restocking woolly jumpers and warm boots. And scarves, oh how I love scarves. Sorry for those die-hard Summer lovers, yep I am wishing it away a bit!

I finished the day by watching The Blue Planet, reading some blogs I love, and making a delicious homemade curry. So not exactly a read-a-thon of a day, but a fairly lovely, day before payday, Sunday at home.

What did you do?

Sunday.

(credit)

Following a lunch cancellation, today will mostly be spent on the sofa, drinking tea and reading.

Heaven.

Happy Sunday all.

The story of our engagement.

(credit)

Steve asked me to marry him on the 12th February, 2012.

After a roast lunch and far too many bottles of wine with friends, we got home and Steve asked me to join him on the floor in front of the fire. He stuttered an explanation, saying the wine was Dutch courage and that he'd been planning to ask me something for a while and hadn't known the best time to do it but it felt right then. I was quite alarmed at this point (clueless as to what was coming) and sat in stunned silence while he asked me to marry him.

I won't tell you exactly what he said as its very personal and something I'd like to keep just for me, but I can assure you it was very sweet, genuine and I didn't really even have to think about my answer. (p.s. I said YES)

He then proceeded to put himself to bed at 7pm, getting up only to vomit a few times. Red wine is not your friend, Stevie.

I texted a couple of friends, along the lines of 'I think I'm engaged. I'll confirm in the morning'.

Confirm I did, and he clarified that he did indeed mean it. Smashing! We went ring shopping that day (good move - I'm a fussy bugger) and we were able to officially 'announce' it to our friends and family.

So, no fireworks, down on one knee (we were both kneeling) or rings-in-cakes here, but it was very 'us' (wine-soaked) and while it may not seem too romantic to others, I am thankful that he loves me enough to #1 consider it and #2 actually ask. I am also thankful for his courage as I can completely understand how asking someone to promise to love you forever can be nerve-wracking.

We didn't have an engagement party, didn't do an engagement photo shoot and to be honest I am not entirely sure when/where/if we will do the actual deed of getting hitched. For now, it is nice enough to know that he liked it enough to put a ring on it.

What I've Googled this week #2

not the actual bonnie and clyde. (from pinterest)

I bet you are dying to know what I've been Googling this week aren't you?

Well, fear not, I shall tell thee!

#1 Bonnie and Clyde
I'm not actually sure why I Googled this pair, however clearly on a quest for knowledge I spent a while reading the Wikipedia page about them. Just in case they ever come up in a pub quiz....

Quizmaster: 'What is Clydes middle name?'
Me: 'Aha! I know this! It is Chestnut. That'll be 1 point please!'

Anyhoo I wont rehash the Wikipedia page as that's just silly, but if you too want to expand your knowledge on these famous American outlaws, head here.

#2 Bikram Yoga
I've tried yoga before and while I didn't hate it, I didnt feel any benefit from attending. I'm not very bendy and did find some of it quite difficult. That aside, my friend recently went to a Bikram Yoga class and said it was great, so I Googled it and have booked on to try it next week. Mmm, sweaty.

#3 New Cars
Its a sad week. My car's head gasket blew on Wednesday, causing me to break down. While GOING ROUND A ROUNDABOUT. It was awful. After a few minutes of desperately ramming the key round, it came back to life just long enough for me to get it to the garage. From experience I know head gaskets are tricky things to fix, and its going to cost more to do the repair work than the car is actually worth. So now I'm a little stuck....if anyone has a few spare grand laying around, I could really use it???!!!

Frozen Bananas: A healthy-ish snack.

(from pinterest)

I loves me a banana. I eat on average 4 or 5 a day...I have no idea if this is bad for me (potassium overload perhaps?) but until I start to turn yellow, I will continue to do so. I cannot get enough of them!

Someone recommended that when frozen, bananas take on a creamy texture like icecream. Feeling dubious, I gave it a bash and what do you know, they do!!

Now, it really is up to you how healthy you keep this.

If feeling particularly virtuous, chop a banana, stick it in some Tupperware and pop in the freezer for a few hours. Take it out, leave to defrost for a couple of minutes, eat.

If feeling not-so-virtuous and somewhat decadent, add some chocolate and other tasty stuff!

Follow the same instructions as above, or if you'd prefer a chocolate banana lollipop, stick a chop-stick into the bottom of it before freezing. Again, take the banana from the freezer and allow to defrost for a few minutes.

In the meantime, melt down some chocolate - I like to use Freddo Frogs, they seem just the right size to cover 1 or 2 bananas. Dip/drizzle the banana. Sprinkle on some fun stuff - chopped nuts? Popping candy? Hundreds and thousands? The choice is literally yours! The chocolate should set fairly quickly due to how cold the banana is.

I always prefer to chop the banana first, then dip, so they are little chocolately-bananary nuggets of loveliness.

Do you have any banana-based recipes for me to try?

A book - K-PAX.

(credit)

I'm a bit late to the party on this one, as apparently its about 10 years old, and there's even a film starring Kevin Spacey about it. Who knew?! My sister recommended it when I was stuck in a book rut.

The blurb:
When a new patient is brought to a mental institution claiming to be an inhabitant of a planet called K-PAX, the hospital seems just the place for him. Yet, except for certain otherworldly abilities, the "alien," prot, appears to be perfectly sane. In taped therapy sessions prot is asked about life on K-PAX - its lifestyle, principles, foods, language. Prot paints a consistent and credible portrait of a glorious utopia painfully unlike our own and yet so possible, could we only erase from human nature its greed and cruelty. It becomes easy, even desirable, to believe in prot's identity and homeland. But prot insists that he must return home. As his announced date of "departure" approaches, staff and patients alike are thrown into turmoil: If he is mad, what will happen when the fateful day arrives? If K-PAX is for real...please, may they come along too?

My thoughts:
Read the entire trilogy (K-PAX, K-PAX II - On a Beam of Light and K-PAX III - The Worlds of prot) pretty quickly. 

A touching story that provokes you to think about life in general, how we treat people and how humans are indeed ruining our PLANET (if you've read it, you'll get it).

Despite that being the main theme, I found it up-lifting, incredibly sad at times- mental patients in catatonic states is never pleasant subject matter - and thought-provoking.

Perhaps controversially, I feel this would've been more poignant if it were left after the first book. That's not to say the second and third booked ruined it at all, but I do feel it became a little repetitive.

In summary, if like me you are about 10 years late then I'd recommend reading this. If you've already read it...as you were.

Mundane Midweek #2.

My Mundane post covers Monday. Not midweek at all! However is there a more mundane day than a Monday? Methinks not. Here goes, prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of excitement.

Todays post is sponsored by pollen. Blah. (from pinterest)

Woke up at 7:45. Hay fever is so bad at the moment, my head felt like it had been stuffed with cotton wool. Which does not make for a pleasant start for the day.

I'd been go-karting with chums on Sunday, little did I know this was a work out in itself (no power steering) so woke not only to hay fever fuzz, but also screaming shoulders feeling like the muscles were tearing every time I moved. Consider yourself warned, avoid go-karting at all costs. (I was crap and came 2nd to last, I have spent my entire driving-life being told to drive slowly and not hit corners at full-whack, and just couldn't get the fear out my head while whizzing round the circuit)

Got up, moseyed (word?) about for a bit, proceeded to get ready for work. It was a lovely morning, not too bright but very warm so put on a pretty dress.

Put on mascara, proceeded to immediately sneeze 4 times (damn you hayfever!!) smearing mascara under my eyes, achieving a panda-like effect. Had to start the whole dreaded make-up application process from scratch.

Got to work, banged out a couple of press releases about high-level disinfection in hospitals (it really is as exciting as it sounds), managed a photo-shoot involving lots of medical instruments, an adult sized nappy and fake blood.

Button popped off aforementioned pretty dress, felt mildly uncomfortable for the rest of the day as was showing far more back skin than I'm entirely happy with.

Lunch consisted of some rice followed by a banana. Its a week before payday and supplies are running low in our household, lunch will be similarly boring until fundage arrives.

Afternoon was spent in boring PR meetings, replying to emails and cruising t'internet.

5:30 - yes! Home time! Dashed out on the dot, headed home. Steve was, for once, home before me due to an early meeting so we cooked dinner together (sweet chilli salmon stir-fry, in case you were wondering).

Ate dinner, watched a few episodes of The Simpsons.

Toyed with the idea of going for a walk as it was a lovely evening, however decided against it as were both still stiff and sore from go-karting. In hindsight, a walk would've sorted us out but the sofa was far more appealing at the time.

Watched a DVD lent to me by a work colleague - the most god-awful film I have ever had the displeasure of watching - 'he's just not that into you'. Perhaps I'm being a little dramatic but really, it epitomises everything I hate about Rom Coms...

Went to bed and that was that.

If you'd like to join in with this link up, head over to Charlottes blog and see what its all about!

A book - Mrs Peregrines home for peculiar children

The blurb:

A mysterious island.



An abandoned orphanage.



A strange collection of very curious photographs.



It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive. 

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

My thoughts:

I finished this book yesterday, after 4 days of reading. Before I continue, I have to say - this book annoyed me.

I initially downloaded it as a sample, having heard mixed reviews and have to say that I was gripped. The subjects it alluded to - psychological trauma following WW2, supernatural children coupled with the creepy photos all promised for a good read.

After purchasing the rest of the book...it all went a bit Pete Tong (typical). Far too early were the secrets of Jacob's Grandfather's past unravelled and the book turned into a teenage angst-ridden fantasy tale. Subjects were covered briefly but not followed up on or even mentioned again for the duration of the book. The authors portrayal of a Welsh Island, and Welsh people in fact were borderline offensive and I'd be very surprised if he'd actually done any research prior to writing. (An island with one landline phone? And running off generators? In 2011? REALLY?)

The book started brilliantly and promised a chilling read which it simply didn't deliver. The photos were a good addition, however it seems to me that the author found a bunch of photos he liked and then tried to construct the story around them, with half-baked characters and a weak plot. It annoyed me because it could've been so much better.

So although I read it quickly I think it was mainly because I found myself skipping over paragraphs towards the end, just because I wanted to finish it (justifying buying it I suppose) but had lost interest really. The ending hinted at a sequel, which I have already decided I will not be reading.

Have you read it? What did you think?

The return of: What I've Googled this week!

(credit)

I loved this 'feature' on my previous blog, so much so that I want to continue it here!

Here's what I've been tapping into the Google bar this week:

#1 Ewoks
My friend Chloe, who I call Panda (reason unknown, born from a drunken night out and its stuck) was complaining about her 'all over body hair' when she tans. I am certain she could only be referring to the little baby, down-like hairs we *all* have, but I called her an Ewok and it made us giggle. I then proceeded to Google pictures and send them to her. I am HILARIOUS.

#2 What is taffy?
What the hell is taffy? I had my suspicions that it is basically toffee...and now I know, it is basically toffee.

#3 Wildwood
This is a restaurant chain I wanted to find the menu for. Alas, it would not display on my iPhone due to lack of java or some other crappy excuse, so I went into the restaurant blind. I'm not a fan of this, I do like to peruse the menu for a bit prior to going. I could review it, but it was fairly standard. Nice; not amazing, not awful. A bit 'meh' in all honesty.

Mundane Midweek.

(from pinterest)

My mundane midweek covers Thursday. Not exactly midweek but there you go.

I woke up in a good mood due to lots of lovely sleep. Me waking up in a good mood is an extremely big deal - I am not a morning person. I made Steve a cup of tea and even had a little pyjama dance round the bedroom to Robin Thicke. 

I got ready for work, faffed about reading blogs and buzz feed whilst getting ready, was about 10 mins late for work. 

Got to work, did a little actual work. Did a lot of blog-related stuff. 

Renewed contents insurance. This is living people! 

Got home, darling Effy had decided to protest against the audacity of my expecting her to use a litter tray and shat on the floor. Cleaned this up while gagging. 

Made a rather lovely dinner of cod in chilli and cherry tomato sauce. 

Put a clothes wash on. 

Make some cupcakes. Anticipated their loveliness, was sorely let down by their shitiness. Embarrassed, as had promised them to colleagues under the pretence of being a 'great baker'. 

Messed up icing, had to stick in freezer for 20 mins to thicken up enough to ice poor excuses for cupcakes. 

Iced cupcakes. 

Stared at cupcakes for 5 minutes, contemplating how to improve them. 

Dumped a load of sprinkles on offending cupcakes. 

Stated at cupcakes for a bit longer. 

Binned all cupcakes. 

Hmph.

(if you'd like to play along with Mundane Midweek too, head to Charlottes blog for the rules and to link up!)

Pet Tag | Meet Effy.

Look at me. Just look. Aren't I beautiful?

What is your pets name?
Effy. I toyed with Flo, Iris, Betty....basically any 'old lady' name was in the mix.
Effy was the winner!

Does your pet have any nicknames?
Plenty! Eff-Bob, Eff-Bob Shitpants, Eff-Bob-A-Rooney, Little Roodey.
Eff-Bob is my firm fave and the one she gets called the most!

Who doesn't love a box?

What kind of pet is she and what breed?
Effy is a kitty-cat, and she's a domestic long hair tabby cat.
I'm biased of course but I think she's beautiful.

How old is your pet and how long have you had your pet friend?
She's just over a year, and she's been part of our household since she was 8 weeks old.

Where did you get your pet?
From a woman down the road.
Best £20 I've ever spent.

The day she came home.

What are some quirky things about your pets personality?
She's a vocal little thing, I've never know a noisier cat. She constantly talks to me, chirps, and she also does a strange little bark thing when watching birds in the garden. She loves to be the centre of attention, and whichever room people are in, she'll make sure she sits herself in the middle of it and looks pretty. Oh and I've taught her how to sit on command. Like a Dog! She's a clever girl.
I let her outside but she doesn't seem interested in going any further and will sit on top of the fence, but never actually leave the garden. Which is comforting for me!

Looking pretty fly in her collar.

What does your relationship with your pet mean to you?
I'm fully aware of what a crazy cat lady I am, so I have no problems saying that Effy means the absolute world to me. I love her so much and feel the need to protect her, she's spoilt rotten. She's such a comfort if I'm feeling blue, and is great entertainment when she's bombing round the house at warp speed, crashing into things and skidding on the wooden floor. I LOVE HER.

What are some of your favourite past times with your pet and what are your favourite memories?
We like to practise tricks (mainly just 'sit'), play with a little fishing rod, watch birds in the garden, spoon (no really) and have tummy rubs.
Favourite memory...probably being happy-slapped by her when I refused to get up one morning. She's a demanding lady and knows when its breakfast time!!

TRB - Cornwall #6 - Holywell Bay and Seafood

Our last proper day of holiday was spent at Holywell Bay. It was a bit chillier this day, so I mostly sunbathed wearing a cardigan (not very effective for getting a tan, FYI). The eight of us dug a hole, which was about 7ft deep.

We stopped off for cream teas on the way back to the house which were YUM (cup of tea + scone + jam + cornish clotted cream = cream tea).

Steve and I headed off on our own for a romantic meal at the Boathouse in Newquay that evening, where we gorged on smoked mackerel, crab, mussles (him, not me. They look like bogeys and for that reason I can't eat them) and wine.

TRB - Cornwall #5 - Boat Fetish & Feeder

On Thursday we headed to Falmouth for a wander. Its basically just a harbour where big cruise and transport ships are built and docked. I didn’t take any pictures here as I don’t have a boat fetish (as one of the lads we were with claimed he did). We had a nice lunch then headed back to the ranch for more drinks and hot tub time.

The highlight of the day, and possibly the whole holiday, was going to see Feeder that evening at Lusty Glaze. Lusty Glaze is a cove, and because of its shape and layout, it’s a natural amphitheatre. Lots of bands play here and we were lucky to have timed it with Feeder, who I really like (you all know Buck Rogers right?), so we drank cider, watched the sunset, saw a streaker and rocked out in the sand. Good times were had by all.

Guess who? Yeah, thats me. And Steve. I've never put pics of us on here before...I'm a bit scared.

TRB - Cornwall #4 - Fistral Beach

I will try to keep my poor attempts at surfer speak to a minimum during this post. Dude. Steve and I took a day on our own to go hang ten at Fistral beach. It wasn’t the prettiest beach we visited all week, but the waves were gnarly. Dude.
We hired body boards and wet suits and played in the sea all day like children. I did manage to ride a few waves (they were massive, it was a little bit scary) but mainly wiped out A LOT.

TRB - Cornwall #3 - Wadebridge to Padstow

I cant say I’ve ever been very active on previous holidays. I’m more of a ‘this is my sunbathing spot, I have my book, I don’t intend to move now bring me a cocktail’ kinda gal. So when a bike ride was suggested, I was intrigued. Movement on holiday....really?! Not wanting to be a party-pooper I went along with it and was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed myself.

We hired bikes in Wadebridge and cycled the 5 and-a-bit miles down to Padstow. I felt so care-free and refreshed with the wind blowing through my hair as I cycled along. We cycled along a disused railway line which had been cemented over, along the river leading to the coast. It was so beautiful and it reignited my love for cycling.  I haven’t been on a bike since taking part in a 100km bike ride a couple of years ago and being put off by the pain from that!

I fell in love with the bike I was riding (similar to this one) and am saving up to buy myself one now. It was such a comfy ride and when I do buy it, Steve and I can go for long countryside rides at the weekends and I can realise my ‘dream’ of cycling to work!

When we got to Padstow (the cycle ride took us 40 mins with a few photo opportunity stops along the way) we stopped off and had fish and chips for lunch, a snoop round the shops and a wander around the harbour. We had a few drinks in the pub and cycled back in the sunset. Aahhhhh heavenly....

TRB - Cornwall #2 - The Eden Project

I'd heard mixed reviews of the Eden Project. As we were only a 30 min drive away, we decided to investigate for ourselves. I loved it, although the rainforest biodome with its heat and humidity was hard going with a hangover! I can highly recommend a visit here if you're in the area and like pretty flowers.

p.s - remember to take a hayfever pill, yeah? I forgot, spent the day sniffling with streaming eyes. Attractive, no?