Dinner For Six...

At Emily & Smeeds

Yesterday I had a nightmare drive, first to Pontefract, and then back via Leeds to collect my sister from university. Normally that wouldn't be too bad, except that I got lost on the way from Pontefract to Leeds (must buy a satnav) and then there was a crash on the M62, so I was in the car for a grand total of six and a half hours, grim!

Luckily, my friend Emily had invited a group of us around to her house for some food that she was cooking, so at least I didn't have to think about making tea once I got back home. For starters she did amazing nachos, with cheese, sour cream and homemade salsa, even the crumbs got eaten!

Sticking with the Mexican theme she made beef chilli burritos for the main course, with spicy rice. I could only manage two half wraps before I was absolutely stuffed, I did cram everything in though, including more salsa and sour cream.

We all thought that was everything, and then Emily trotted out with some adorable cupcakes that she had made, that were lemon flavoured with raspberry icing and raspberries on top. She had even put little swirls of the icing on the plate so it looked lovely, and we couldn't resist eating them despite being really full.

Seeing all my mates, catching up and having some good grub really cheered me up after what was an exhausting and boring day, and after lots of giggles we are all in the mood for going out on the town tonight!

Spring Sounds...

The Fun Lovin' Criminals

The Fun Lovin' Criminals are such an indulgence for me, as they remind me of family holidays when I was younger. My dad always used to like to stay up reading with some music on once we had gone to bed, and my sister and I would complain that the music would keep us up. Until he started playing 'Mimosa' by FLC, and we found that we could drift off quite easily to it. So began a tradition of playing it on every holiday!

My dad has seen FLC a few times with his friends and always raves about what a good performance they give, so when I heard that they were playing in Manchester, I jumped at the chance to see them. This was tripled when I found out that they were playing an 'intimate' gig at the Hard Rock, tickets were only £20 and it all went to charity! Unfortunately my dad was working that night, so I dragged my ex-boyfriend along with me (which was surprisingly un-awkward!) and we went along to the show.

We had to pose on the red carpet before going in which was a little cringey, but once inside we got a drink and settled down. I had a very heavy night the night before, so was on the soft drinks, but Chris got straight onto the beer!

The band came on and were really charismatic, talking openly to the audience and really plugging the charity, which was to help Indian street children. I thought it was good that they seemed so passionate, as it showed that they knew what they were working for, when I think a lot of celebrity charity dos are a little false.
Of course, they did all the classics- Scooby Snacks, Fun Lovin' Criminal, We Have All The Time In The World, as well as a few lesser known tracks, and some modern medleys that were really good. Midway through there was an auction that raised a lot of money, and then the gig ended at around 11pm, which is a good job as I was seriously tired! I would rush to see them again, but I don't think it would beat that venue - amazing!

Weekly Update!

Cake, Catch-ups & Sunshine!

This week has been pretty fun-filled actually, and together with some gorgeous weather has been one of the best of 2012 so far! I worked Monday (Aum was ill so it was a full day nannying as well), and babysat on Wednesday night, so together with my late finish on Tuesday as usual, my week didn't really start until Thursday. I did a couple of lovely runs in the sunshine during the days though which gave me something to keep me occupied, as well as a Total Workout, and two yoga classes - at least if this bikini weather stays I'll have my summer body sorted!

On Wednesday after I had picked Aum up from school we went to The Cake Gallery, a little cafe around the corner from his house, and I opted for the maple and pecan cake, which had three tiers! I had it with a pot of tea, while Aum had a Ribena and a chocolate cupcake with mini eggs on top. It was very reasonably priced (£6.60 for everything) and the interior of the place is really lovely, all white Parisian style furniture and pretty china crockery.

On Thursday evening after I had finished work I met up with a couple of the girls for a few glasses of wine and a chat. We went to The Griffin in Bowdon (which is literally around the corner from where I work) and happened to be there on Quiz Night, so took our chances at a go. We didn't do amazingly, I think we were sixth out of twelve, but at least we weren't last!

On Friday after work I drove straight to Lancaster for my friend Amanda's 21st birthday party. The traffic was horrendous, so it took me an hour and a half, but I still got there for seven so it wasn't too bad. Another of my friends who I hadn't seen since graduation was up for the weekend, so it was lovely catching up, and there were quite a few girls out so I wasn't in the minority as is normally the case.

We predrank at Amanda's and then got taxis to Wetherspoons where we shared some pitchers before going on to Sugarhouse. It was the last night before everyone was leaving for Easter, so it was rammed! We all had a really good night, and the following morning was beautiful, so I dragged my airbed outside and we had a sunbathe while the boys cooked some stuff on a barbecue. After a slight doze and a lemon meringue ice cream, it was time for me to leave, as I was working at the pub at 5pm for a 30th birthday party. I completely lost track of time and had to rush home and get ready really quickly, but just about made it. I stayed until nearly half past midnight, and was knackered when I eventually made it to my bed!

Today I went to Cheshire Oaks with my mum (see previous post) and when we came back we had tea and cakes in the garden before the sun disappeared!

Traveller's Tales...

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet

As I missed Mother's Day last week due to visiting my friend down South, my mum and I had decided to spend today doing something nice together. We got ready and then drove to Cheshire Oaks in the lovely sunshine for a spot of shopping. We got there at around 1pm and started in Ralph Lauren.

The outlet is a McArthur Glen one (they have them at various places around the country - I have also frequented the York one) and so everything is cheaper than in the normal shops, sometimes to a ridiculous degree, not that I'm complaining.

My first purchases were two bras from Elle McPherson Intimates, which are lovely and were only £5 each. They had loads available, so I had to choose carefully! Unfortunately they only had the matching briefs and thongs in big sizes, so I'll have to improvise with stuff I already have to make them complete sets.

We worked our way steadily around the perimeter, before stopping for some lunch at Pret A Manger. I was paying as a belated Mother's Day treat, and we had some soup each (I had pea and ham, Mum had curried lentil and chickpea) and then shared a crayfish and rocket sandwich. In hindsight we really didn't need both, as the soups were very thick and hearty, but we still just about managed to finish everything. I would insert a picture of our food here, if I had not forgotten my camera, and my Iphone had run out of battery!

After lunch we continued shopping, and I ended up with a couple of nice smart/ casual tops from Vans, a beautiful Fiorelli handbag that has been put away for my birthday later in the year, and a top and dress from Karen Millen. Both are very structured, the top is quite Japanese in style as it is sleeveless with a high collar, with a neckline that then drops, and was only £25. The dress was an absolute bargain, as I saw it reduced to £50 from £190 which already was a huge saving, and then when I tried it on I realised the zip was broken, so it had another £15 sliced off the price! Luckily I have a couple of people that I can call upon to help fix it, as it is gorgeous - black bodycon style, with a lace top panel that has a swirled pattern appliquéd on, I am hoping to have it ready to wear for when I go to New York in a couple of weeks.

It got to around 4.30pm and we were beginning to feel a little shopped out, so we stopped at Mcdonalds for a cheap coffee and McFlurry before heading back home, laden down with our bags. I am excited for my birthday to hurry up now so I can get my handbag! I have since worked out that all my purchases should have cost me £414, yet I paid £86. Well worth a visit if you are ever in the Ellesmere Port area!

Spring Views...

Bel Ami - 1 star *

I'll be honest, this film was completely dire. We went as it was so hyped up being Robert Pattinson's first major role since Twilight, but I don't know what all the hype was about. It had the potential to be good - with supporting actresses including Uma Thurman and Christina Ricci, amazing costumes and a gorgeous set in Paris, but it fell completely flat.

It follows the life of young Georges Duval, who after doing military service, returns to Paris and becomes a clerk at a newspaper. He befriends his old friend Forestier's wife, Madeleine (Thurman), and she begins to ghost write articles for him, meaning he becomes a well known journalist, with strong political allies. 

He begins an affair with Madeleine's friend (Ricci), and upon Forestier's death, Duval embarks on a relationship with his wife too. The couple marry, but after she meets his peasant parents, the relationship deteriorates and Georges becomes insanely jealous of Madeleine's position in society and her wealth. He begins another affair with the wife of the owner of the newspaper (Kristin Scott Thomas), but they are discovered and so he must divorce Madeleine. Eventually the film ends with Duval remarrying another young woman (Holliday Grainger) who is obsessed with him, and it hints that Duval will continue with his cheating ways in the future.

Pattinson was so wooden I'm surprised he got through the audition. The character he is portraying, is supposed to be amoral and heartless, but he came across as plain boring and detached. His on-screen romances with Ricci, Thurman and Kristin Scott Thomas were not only extremely uncomfortable to watch, as there was no chemistry whatsoever, but they seemed unbelievable as there was no sense that he wooed them into bed, and they were powerful women that seemed like they would have needed to be!

The storyline is quite an interesting one, that has potential to make a good film. It is just a shame that this adaptation wasn't.

Weekly Update!

Goujons, Gigs & Gossiping!

This week was pretty crazy to be honest, it flew by as I had so much on. Luckily it wasn't all work and chores for once, so I had some time to enjoy myself. On Monday I went for a wander around the Trafford Centre during the day as I had some things to pick up (including a Mother's Day present!) and so treated myself to a coffee in Caffe Nero whilst I read my book for a bit. After a usually hectic weekend, and with having work at the pub that evening, it was nice to just relax for half an hour in quiet surroundings.

On Tuesday my parents got back from their trip to Ireland, so I lost having the house to myself, which is always a bit of a novelty, but it was nice to catch up with them and have some company again. On Wednesday I went to Exchange Bar and Grill with Charlotte for some tea before going to the cinema to see Bel Ami (see next post). We shared chicken goujons for a starter, and then we both had chicken enchiladas for main. It was really tasty, but the whole experience and atmosphere was not as good as it used to be a couple of years ago when I went a fair few times with my family. The service was a bit lack lustre, and the food felt like it had been plonked on the plate with little thought for presentation. Luckily we were using my mum's Hi-Life card, which gives you everything half price, so we couldn't really complain at two courses and wine for just over £10 each.

On Thursday I went to see Florence and the Machine with my mum at the MEN arena in Manchester, which was amazing! (see previous post) It was quite a late night, so on Friday I chilled out during the day and had my nails done, and then just watched some television with wine in the evening. My sister was home from university for the weekend with her boyfriend, so it was nice to have a few more people in the house, especially ones slightly closer to me in age!

On Saturday I only worked half my shift at the pub as I wanted to finish early to travel down to Hatfield near St Albans in Hertfordshire to see my friend Katie from university. I had a perfect run down, and arrived just before 5pm. We had a good ol' chinwag and before we knew it, it was 7pm so we cracked open the wine and had some tea before getting ready for a well deserved night out.

We left the house at 10pm and went to a cocktail bar called Mokokos where I had a couple of glasses of a gorgeous drink called a Foxy Lady. We then headed on to an apparently newish club that had opened called Veeda. It was £8 to get in (!) but played some really good music, and it was nice to actually dance and try somewhere new. It was pretty busy as well, probably due to it being St Patrick's Day. Despite their only being the two of us, we had a really fun time catching up, and today was spent in various stages of hangover, before I left for home at half 4. I took a wrong turn and ended up driving in circles in Bedford for 40 mins, but eventually made it home for 8pm, and I am now ready to hit the sack for another working week to begin!

Spring Sounds...

Florence and the Machine

Last night I went to see Florence and the Machine with my mum at the Manchester Evening News Arena. I bought her a ticket as a Christmas present, so have been excited since giving it to her! I first saw them at Glastonbury in 2010, and despite watching them on my own (my friends went to see Corinne Bailey Rae instead- pfft!) it was probably one of the best experiences of my life.

It was a bit of a rush to get there, as I didn't finish work until half past six, but after a quick change we caught a metro into town and went straight inside. The support group were The Horrors, who I had got the album especially for. The album is actually really good, but they weren't that great live. This was mainly due to the sound system to be fair, as you could barely hear the lead singer, so it made it difficult to enjoy when it was just incessant bass guitar and heavy drums. At least if they make it big I can say I've seen them!

Florence came on at about 9.15pm, wearing a gorgeous padded shouldered black cape that was very dramatic, over the top of a black playsuit embellished with bronze studs across the shoulders and chest. She opened with my favourite song off the new album 'Only If For A Night', which I recognised as soon as the piano intro started, and got very excited! The third song she played was 'Cosmic Love' which is my favourite song off the first album, so at this point I was ecstatic! It reminds me of when I went to the Clothes Show in 2009, as it was used for a ballet performance during the catwalk show.

They played all the classics (Shake It Out, Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up, Dog Days) as well as a great deal off the new album, including the latest single 'No Light, No Light', and came back on for an encore of 'You've Got The Love' as they did at Glastonbury. I especially loved the rendition of 'Heartlines' that Florence did acoustically with her guitarist, it was as if she was singing to a crowd of ten, not thousands, and was very touching.

The stage set up for the concert was really cool as well- there was a huge disco ball in the centre, and the backdrop was reminiscent of a 50s style cruise ship with art deco panels that had images projected onto them dependent on the songs. There was an Alice In Wonderland style one with loads of bright coloured flowers, and an anatomical drawing of sets of lungs for during the performance of 'Between Two Lungs'.

One of the main things that I love about the music F&TM make, is the use of so many instruments, and she had a full band on stage with her, including a harpist and three backing singers. I think it is refreshing to see a performer who is not afraid to take a back seat now and again in order to showcase the talent of her fellow bandmembers; and Florence was the first to admit how she wouldn't be so successful without their help.

Despite being a fashion icon, and often appearing rather aloof in pictures, Florence's stage presence is phenomenal, she flounces about the stage like a child, and got the whole crowd jumping up and down during 'Dog Days', even those in the seated audience. She also manages to remain incredibly humble and modest about her talent, which is even more impressive when you hear her sing live - no miming here!

I think it is obvious from this post that I had an awesome time at the concert, but it is also worth mentioning that it is one of the most diverse crowds I have seen at a gig before - the ages ranged from ten years olds with their parents, to people in their sixties, and there were groups of middle aged men as well as schools of teenage girls, couples, and we saw some other mother/ daughter groups as well! It just proves how accessible the music is that Florence and the Machine make, and if you ever get the chance to see them live, DO IT! You won't regret it, I promise.

Spring Views...

Wanderlust- 3 stars ***
My friend and I decided we wanted to go to the cinema, and this was all that was on that took our fancy. I hadn't heard much about it, but the cast was pretty decent, and it is directed by David Wain who did Role Models, so I thought it would be at least average.

The story follows a high-flying couple, George and Linda, living in Manhattan, who after one of them loses their job decide to go on a soul searching trip for a while. Along the way, they stumble across a commune called Elysium, where people live freely. This means there is no electricity, media or standard rules in place that communities usually live by; so if you want to walk around naked screaming the national anthem, you can do. After getting high on the first night and letting themselves go they decide to stay for a while.

In the morning, whilst adjusting to their new surroundings, Linda finds herself settling in nicely. The same can't be said for George, who finds it weird that people happily share sexual partners, and misses using his mobile phone and GPS system. He agrees to give it a go for Linda's sake, and they agree to take up the lifestyle wholeheartedly, so much so that Linda sleeps with the communes 'leader', the slightly arrogant Seth. She urges George to sleep with the gorgeous Eva to make things even, but he fails to do so, and so it causes friction for the couple and they have to work through their troubles in order to stay together.

This was actually a good film. Though the plot wasn't massively complex, there were some really funny parts to it, and Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd who played the lead characters had great on-screen chemistry so they came across as a believable couple. Though it is not a situation that most people could relate to, the issues behind the couples' problems were relateable, and so you came out with a feel-good feeling when they resolved them and lived 'happily ever after'. Some of the characters were a little stereotyped, such as nudist Wayne and slightly crazy former porn star Karen (who you may recognise from various rom-coms) but these add to the comedy value of the movie. I wouldn't rush out to buy it, but for an easy watch on a Friday night in, this is perfect.

Weekly Update!

Solitude & Selfridges!

I've been so busy this week, I haven't really had time to do very much. In a way it was good, as it kept my mind off the fact that I'm newly single! I worked Monday as usual and also did an extra shift on Thursday, so along with my late night finish on Tuesday I only had two evenings free. On Wednesday I went to the cinema to see Wanderlust (post coming next week) and had a few drinks beforehand with Charlotte; it was lovely to have a girly chat and a couple of glasses of wine before watching a funny film.

On Thursday during the day I took Aum to Yogberries, as he'd won a football trophy sponsored by them so got a free medium sized portion of frozen yoghurt. As I was there, it would have been rude not to indulge in one myself - so I chose the natural flavour with walnuts and peanut butter cups.

On Friday I had one of the rare opportunities to just do nothing, and it was awesome. I had some cider, stuck my stereo on super loud, and tried on some outfits ready for going out on Saturday. I also got the new Vogue so had a flick through that. On Saturday I worked, and then got ready to go out in Hale with a few friends. As I have a free house at the moment, a couple of people came to predrink at mine, and we were going to meet the rest out later on. However, after a few drinks, we were more than happy just chilling out at home, so stayed in and listened to some dancey tunes while having a giggle.

Today I had a lie in and then got ready to go out to Manchester. I met up with a friend for some lunch at Tiger Tiger which was really nice, I had haddock fishcake with a bean salad. Afterwards we said goodbye and I went to Selfridges for a little MAC makeup splurge. I got a couple of staples before being persuaded to buy a new eyeshadow called 'smutty green' that is black with green iridescent glitter over the top. I also checked out a Marc Jacobs bag that I saw online and want to buy - it was just as gorgeous in real life! There was a really cool display at the front of the store as well, so I took a photo to stick on here. A good mixed week!

Traveller's Tales...

Reims & Paris (part 2)

Because of the previous night's revelry, the majority of Wednesday was spent moping around the apartment sleeping and eating. However, we dragged ourselves out later for Laura's friend Eva to drive us to Epernay (in the Champagne region), where we had proper champagne in a little bar. It was so bubbly it melted on the tongue, and the scenery of the vineyards on the way was breathtaking.

When we got back we met with Jo back at L'Apostrophe (the bar we had been to on the first day) and had a meal there. I had what can only be described as a basket of fish: salmon, monk fish, cod and prawns on a bed of noodles and veg in a wicker basket. It was really nice and I am glad I went for something a bit adventurous. For dessert I sampled the traditional café gourmand, which I had been recommended by Laura. It was a cup of tea (usually coffee, hence the 'café') surrounded by miniature puddings including chocolate mousse, crème brûlée, a profiterole with ice cream and a pistachio macaroon with whipped cream - amazing! It was quite late when we finished, and we were catching a train to Paris fairly early the next day so we went to bed as soon as we arrived back, after packing of course!

On Thursday we did the typical Parisian sights, as Chris had never been. We started with Laura and had a sandwich in a park for lunch before heading to the Maree (vintage section) for a gander. I got some real leather shorts for 20 euros which I thought was a bargain. Laura had to leave us shortly after to do some interviews, so Chris and I walked around to see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Champs Elysées etc, before meeting back up with Laura in a really cool little bar that served 'happy hour' cocktails from 4-10pm.

We got crepes for tea (I had mozzarella and chorizo) and then we went back to the bar! Laura went to catch a train back to Reims at 7.30pm, so Chris and I hung around Paris for a bit longer before making our way to the hotel we had booked for the night by the airport. We stayed at the Park Radisson, and it was pleasant enough, perfect for our flight the next day as the airport shuttle is free and runs all day.

Our flight was just after 1pm on the Friday, so we had a bit of a lie in before checking out and making our way there; and we got back at around 2pm UK time. It was a fabulous holiday - I love France anyway, and it was great to catch up with Laura. I'm sure I'll be back soon!

Traveller's Tales...

Reims & Paris (part 1)

Last week, Chris and I went to France for five days to stay with our friend Laura who lives over there. We flew to Paris Charles De Gaulle on Monday afternoon, and touched down at 5.15pm French time. We caught a metro to Gare du Nord, then walked to Gare de L'Est where we were getting a TGV (high speed train) to Reims where Laura lives. We got slightly lost, but had just enough time for a bite to eat before we boarded.

We met Laura at 10.45pm and walked the short distance to the apartment she shares with Jo, another girl we know from university. After dumping our bags, we went for a couple of drinks in some local bars, where we attracted quite an audience - obviously we exude Britishness! We crashed out at around 1.30am.

The second day I woke bright and early for a day around the town. We bought some pastries for brunch (including a bizarre brioche sausage roll) and then walked to Reims cathedral. It was a stunning building, very grand, and had gorgeous stained glass windows; including some pretty art nouveau style ones. We went into a few shops, and then stopped at a bar/ restaurant called L'Apostrophe for a drink before heading back for a salad niçoise for a late lunch.

That evening Laura and Jo were holding a themed party titled 'The Untold Story Of Marie Antoinette' - think Renaissance France gone slightly mad! We donned our best outfits and indulged in champagne and cocktails whilst eating cakes, pastries and some very English sweets I had brought over from a shop at home.

We were all rather merry when we decided to venture out for a drink at the Best Western Hotel (it does gorgeous cocktails) and I think the waiter was rather confused at the arrival of twelve people clad in dresses and suits at 2am!