Autumn Views...

Turbo - 3 stars ***

Yesterday I took Aum with two of his friends to watch Turbo in Altrincham. It is the latest offering from Dreamworks, the makers of one of Aum's favourite films, Madagascar. It tells the story of Theo (Ryan Reynolds), a dissatisfied snail working as all snails do at The Plant, which to the average human, is a large greenhouse in someone's garden.

Every night, he sneaks into the human's shed, and watches Formula One racing on a TV, wishing for adventure and to escape and fulfil his dreams of competing in a race. His brother, Chet (Paul Giamatti), a health and safety officer, is less than impressed with his brother's crazy risk-taking attitude and frequently chastises him for having his head in the clouds.

One night, Theo goes to watch the cars driving on the motorway, when he gets sucked into the engine of a drag racer, and his DNA becomes fused with nitrous oxide. The following morning, he finds that he has the characteristics of a car, from his eyes being headlights, to reverse beeping, and even having a radio! His new powers get him into trouble at work however, causing him and his brother to be fired from The Plant. Whilst they are arguing, his brother is snatched by a bird, and Theo uses his super speed to chase it, and save Chet from death. 

Just as they think they are safe, they are captured by Tito, a man working at a taco shop owned by his brother. Similarly to Theo, he has dreams of greatness, cooking up a variety of schemes to try and get their shop on the map and make his cynical older brother proud. Thinking they are doomed to death, Chet and Theo are surprised to learn he wants to use them as racing snails, and they meet a gang of other snails led by Whiplash (Samuel L Jackson), who Theo (now known as Turbo) really associates with. 

Astonished by Theo (now known as Turbo) and his powers, Tito and his friends travel to Indiana to enter him into the Indiana 500 - a world famous car racing event (and coincidentally the race that Theo used to watch on the TV back at home). Here they encounter various set backs and Turbo's belief in himself is tested to the max as he tries to defy Mother Nature and gain the approval of his big brother.

This was a good kids film that I enjoyed myself as well. It had some really funny bits that were clearly aimed at adults, yet all the kids I took said they loved it. The scenes where Turbo falls into the car engine were especially effective as they merged the technical aspects of engineering with bright colours and special effects to make little ones interested. The only qualm I had was that the whole brotherly disapproval seemed a little overdone, to the point where at times Chet seemed really mean! That and the unrealistic aspects (does snail racing actually take place? Would a snail really be allowed to compete in a car race?) but I suppose that is the beauty of a children's film - anything goes!

Candid Article 40

Virgin Records' Anniversary

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Virgin Records. Read my article about it here:

http://candidonline.com/celebrating-40-years-of-virgin-records/

Weekly Update!

Pancakes, Strolls & Halloween!

I did yoga again on Monday - the Yoga & Meditation variation I have tried before, but this time with the usual teacher. I didn't like it as much as Hatha, as I felt the instructor was quite nonchalant with regards to if we were doing the positions correctly, and she also didn't really explain things very clearly; there were a number of times I got quite frustrated during the class, which sort of defeats the purpose. Afterwards I bashed out a quick article and then met Tasha and Abi for lunch in Cafe Gourmand, where I had a big emmental and ham panini with chips - I was feeling indulgent!

Nothing eventful happened on Tuesday, and Wednesday I wrote another article (see next post) and babysat in the evening, as well as Thursday evening. Luckily the pretty boring week was uplifted with a nice weekend! On Friday I made myself some pretty near perfect pancakes for breakfast, and then did a Body Combat class. Mo eventually managed to pass his bike test, so I saw him briefly in the evening before eating at Mudcrab with people (see previous post) and staying at his, followed by more pancakes for breakfast the next day, this time at Varsity with raspberries and fresh yoghurt. 

Once home again, I met up with Lydia, and we went for a walk around Dunham Massey and a good old chat. We stopped at The Swan With Two Nicks for a dessert and some cider - I went for an amazingly rich sticky toffee pudding with extra sauce and gorgeous smooth Cheshire ice cream - and then Mo came round on his bike for the first time which was quite exciting!

That evening I went to a fancy dress Halloween party. I attempted to go as Morticia Addams, complete with black straight hair, long flowing dress and gothic makeup; but despite buying two black hairspray cans it didn't quite cover all the red, and went everywhere, and I overdid the white face paint, so it was a bit of a disaster! I soon forgot about it once I arrived though, and had a really fun night. It was a shame that we weren't allowed into Dogbowl even though we had booked and paid, as they have a 'no fancy dress' policy which is a bit of a joke. We all just went to Poptastic instead, which is much cheaper so fine by me!

Today after an early start to take Mo to his motorbike meet (7am!!), I slept again, lounged around, went shopping for a bit with mum and then got a Chinese and am currently eating it at Mo's. Nice bit of everything to keep me entertained!

New Tastes...

Mudcrab, Didsbury

Last night, a group of us went to Mudcrab in Didsbury for dinner. There were ten of us, so we had booked in advance, and it was a good job, as the place was heaving! It gave it a bustling atmosphere though, and always proves the food must be tasty!

I shared a bottle of the house white wine with Emily and Laura, which was £16, so about average price, and it was a decent bottle of plonk. The majority of the menu is burgers, so I felt like I should really be having a milkshake or a beer with it, but I don't drink the latter, and felt I should take advantage of not being a designated driver by having a drink!

After perusing the menu I was tempted by a lot of the starters as they sounded delicious; in particular the crab tartlette with spiced avocado, or the pulled pork taco with sticky sesame dressing, but I wasn't super hungry so just stuck to a main. I went for the Trash Burger, a cheeseburger with the option of adding extras, (there were loads of items, hummus, salsa, guacamole, beef brisket, even a sugared doughnut!) I got barbecue sauce and a side of 'good chips' to go with it. To be honest, I chose this because their '2nd Best Cheeseburger' came with burger sauce, dill pickles and fried onions none of which I was really bothered about, but then mine had this on anyway. It was a little confusing that I paid £5.95 for the burger, 75p for the additional sauce, and £3 for chips, yet Emily ordered the standard cheeseburger, which came with exactly the same minus the sauce and was 20p more... so I made a note to construct my own again next time.

The barbecue sauce came in a little bowl on the side which seemed a little weird - why order it as an extra on the burger for it to be put on the side?! I just stuck it on myself, and the food was top notch, a really great juicy burger with plenty of cheese, and the chips were half skinned and seasoned perfectly - no need for salt. I would have liked to be able to have a brioche bun as I love them, but they didn't have a choice, which seemed a shame.

It sounds like I am giving a lot of negatives, but I really enjoyed my outing to Mudcrab, the food was great, and whole feel of the bar and restaurant was modern and trendy. The prices were competitive and starters and alternative dishes unusual and interesting (one burger was served with peanut butter and a fried egg in the bun!). I would just say that they should make the menu a little clearer!

Candid Article 39

Subfocus at Manchester Ritz

Click below for my article on the Subfocus gig I went to last week:

http://candidonline.com/live-review-subfocus/

Weekly Update!

Hatha, Street Fighter & Cheese! 

Monday saw my second trial of one of the yoga disciplines at Hale Country Club - this time Hatha. In a few classes I have attended, a great number of other people are pretty advanced, and at times I have felt snubbed for not being able to do more complicated positions. Fair enough, I appreciate that I am young and therefore relatively flexible, but after regularly attending yoga a couple of times a week for a year (which was mainly full of old women!), I have since had a year off, and concentrated on more weight and cardio based classes, so don't feel ready to attempt some of the advanced techniques just yet. 

Hopefully due to my history of yoga I will get back to the level I was practising at quickly, but I don't think anyone deserves to feel inadequate in any fitness class. However, I really enjoyed the Hatha class, as the teacher was relaxed and friendly, explaining things clearly and emphasising the importance of knowing your limits and not pushing them too hard, which is something I find a lot of other teachers fail to do. She gave alternatives to some of the harder positions, and her class had a good flow and structure, ending in a very pleasant relaxation session.

Tuesday was Mo's birthday so we went for a meal (see previous post), and on Wednesday I went for lunch with Abi at Gastronomy. I had Cheshire Rarebit with chutney and salad, which was just the indulgence I needed after missing breakfast; and the evening was spent baking Mo a belated birthday cake, a chocolate sponge. I then decorated it during the day on Thursday to look like a Street Fighter Fightstick, which I was pretty proud of, considering I had my doubts! That evening we went to see Subfocus at the Ritz in Manchester (see next week's post).

On Friday I took a day off the gym and got a McDonald's for lunch, all or nothing! I tried the new Mississippi Mud Pie McFlurry there, which is possibly my favourite flavour so far (and I am a complete McFlurry connoisseur!). In the evening the naughtiness continued as Abi and I shared a bottle of cava and had a full cheeseboard to ourselves, complete with brie, mozzarella, cheddar, Pie d'Angloys camembert, crackers and chutney! We watched 50/50 and Seven Psychopaths, which were both decent films that were a bit more interesting than sticking a chick flick on.

Yesterday was a completely lazy day for me, I had a lie in, watched TV all day, then dyed my hair bright red! It came out exactly how I remember it, and I'm so chuffed I'm finally the colour I wanted. In the evening I went out for MC's birthday with loads of people, including a couple of Mo's friends from Portsmouth, and my mate Amanda from university who I invited out with us. We went to Venue, which was fun as usual, I never seem to have many memories from that place due to its insanely cheap double vodkas!

Today I have been a bit of a zombie all day, so much so that I didn't even feel embarrassed wearing Mo's clothes and his friend's shoes to go for food in Rusholme due to only having my dress and heels from the previous night. It was worth it for the tasty lamb shawarma I got though!

Candid Article 38

Tapes by Bloc Party

Click below for my review of Bloc Party's latest album, the compilation 'Tapes'.

http://candidonline.com/review-bloc-party-tapes/

New Tastes...

Cafe Rouge, Printworks, Manchester

Yesterday was Mo's birthday, so we went for a meal at Cafe Rouge in the Printworks (not encouraged at all by the £30 vouchers my mum had given us for there...). We went at 8.45pm so it was pretty quiet, and we got the pick of the tables so chose a nice one for two in the corner by a window. I ordered a large glass of the house white wine, which was a good medium/dry which is exactly what I like, whilst Mo got a bottle of Hoegaarden. 

We decided to get a starter to share, so pushed the boat out and went for the sampler platter for 2/3 people, which was a brilliant decision. It had rich chicken pate, creamy houmous, and a spicy red pepper tapenade with warm herbed white bread batons and slices of dense brown bread to dip in them, mini chorizo, little balls of goat's cheese served on rocket, aromatic cured pork, and a dish of assorted olives. After eating it all between us, I was pretty full to be honest! The bread batons in particular were my favourite, they were subtly flavoured and so soft and fresh, clearly they had just come out of the oven. 

For my main I chose a French classic, Moules Mariniere (mussels in white wine, cream and garlic presented in a huge tin bucket!) and spent a good twenty minutes picking them all out of the shells before I started eating to give myself a breather. They were served with fries seasoned with a hint of paprika dust which added a nice kick to the mild taste of the sauce. Mo opted for a hamburger topped with Gruyère cheese in a brioche bun, a more European twist on the American classic. His too was served with the same tasty fries, which he agreed were a great accompaniment, and a bit different to normal chips.

We were both so full after two courses, we decided against a dessert, despite a couple taking our fancy (creme brulee is one of my all time faves!). The whole bill came to £48, but as we had the vouchers, we just left £20 cash so as to give a little tip.

I used to go to Cafe Rouge all the time a few years ago, so was a little afraid I would end up being bored of the menu, but there were lots of new dishes, so I would happily go back to try something else again!

Weekly Update!

Home Sweet Home, Belgian Beer & Crazy Golf!

I got a much appreciated lie-in this Monday, as I didn't need to collect Aum from Pontefract until lunchtime. The rest of the start of the week was pretty subdued, though I had a delicious dish at the country club on Tuesday - mushroom and pumpkin casserole (which had five different varieties of mushroom in) with bread-crumbed rice balls, and a side of foccacia with oils. The sauce was hearty and full of smoky flavours, perfect for autumn, and I enjoyed the slightly unusual accompaniment, it perked the dish up rather than it being served with normal rice or potatoes.

On Thursday it was Vogue's Fashion Night Out in Manchester (see previous post) which was really fun, a great excuse to dress up and have a wander and a couple of drinks with the girls on a school night. We ate dinner afterwards at Wagamama; I had yaki udon, which warmed me up after a cold night walking around.

On Friday I met up with Claire and Helen from university in Manchester (I haven't seen Helen in nearly two years we worked out!) and we went for lunch at Home Sweet Home in the Northern Quarter, that I have been eyeing up for ages! I had a salted beef sandwich, which was served on rye bread with mustard mayonnaise, and followed this with an amazing chocolate cake with pink glittery icing and chocolate Freddo heads on the top! The meat in the sandwich was jam packed in, and really succulent, and the hot aftertaste of the mustard worked perfectly.

On Saturday Mum and I went to Leeds to visit Jasmine, and we went shopping in the city centre. I got a blue leopard print skater skirt from New Look for £6, and we had lunch in a little independent cafe. We got three paninis (chorizo and emmental, chicken and bacon and meatball and mozzarella) and shared them all which was a tasty way of sampling lots of flavours! 

In the evening Mo and I went to Mort Subite in Altrincham for a couple of drinks. I haven't been there before, but I preferred it to the other two Belgian bars nearby, as I only really drink the fruity variations and there was a much wider range to choose from there. I had one that was apple flavoured, and one that was a berry medley of six fruits, which was 8.5% but tasted like pop! Afterwards we met up with a few others in Slug and Lettuce, and ended the night in Bloom before getting cheesy chips!

On Sunday Mo and I fancied doing something, so went to the Trafford Centre for a KFC and a game of crazy golf. It was really fun actually, and something a bit different to do. We both got pretty competitive, but Mo won in the end, by two points! Then we went back to my house for a roast dinner, including homemade raspberry crème brulee - Mum surpassed herself as usual.

Candid Article 37

Vogue's FNO

Click below to read my article on Vogue's Fashion Night Out event in Manchester:

http://candidonline.com/a-fashion-night-out-with-vogue/

Inspired by old scribbles

Mistake

I hate the way you cause my head to think the things I do,
my issues turn to concrete doubts -
and all scream that it's you.

But searching for a clear answer, when things just aren't the same,
just causes pressure, and then starts
an endless waiting game. 

The problems that make so much sense when written on a page,
soon jumble up and get confused;
when yelled in bouts of rage.

I wish I hadn't said those things that brought us to this place,
now silence flutters freely,
and blankness roams the face.

I think I'd rather have a glare or hear you raise your voice,
than have to see you walk away,
and now I have no choice.

Weekly Update!

Yoga, Liam Frost & Glasto Tickets!

I started this week nice and relaxed with a yoga and meditation class at the gym. I tried a hot yoga class there a while ago but really didn't enjoy it (I get hot enough as it is doing yoga!) so thought I would try another form, and this one suited me much better. I am going to try each of the different forms - I have Hatha and Core Balance yet to try - to see which I prefer best.

Tuesday and Wednesday were spent babysitting, although I ate at the Country Club as usual on Tuesday, this time opting for a Thai Red prawn and pumpkin curry, with green beans and cashew nuts whilst Aum had duck filled cucumber in a spicy oriental sauce. Mine was pretty hot, but tasty nonetheless, and the pumpkin added a different texture to the dish so it was more than just a standard red curry.

On Thursday I drove to Pontefract and back to drop Aum at his grandparents for the weekend, I was so tired when I got home! I had a good hearty tea of sausage and mash, and then stayed at Mo's in the evening. Friday was a bonus day off, but unfortunately I still had to get up at 8am to avoid getting a ticket outside Mo's. I went home for a while, and then drove to Loaded Forty Four tattoo parlour in Swinton to get the colour on my tattoo redone. It looks so much better now, happy frog again! 

In the evening I went out in Manchester with Lydia, who is finally back from Africa. We had a few predrinks and then went to see Liam Frost perform at the Deaf Institute, he was flipping brilliant! It was such a small, intimate venue, and his voice was just sublime live, it was pretty emotional! He played a few covers as well as his own stuff, and had a great rapport with the audience; it was the perfect welcome home for Lydia. Afterwards we met up with a few others in the Northern Quarter, starting in TV21 and then moving onto Bluu for a couple more. The night ended with cheesy chips and giggles (and a much appreciated lift back to his from Mo).

On Saturday we started with a big fry up, and then I went home with Mo to have a play around on his new motorbike. It was pretty scary just sitting on it, let alone when he trusted me to drive it (albeit very slowly!) up the road. I'm excited for him to pass his test, I can totally understand his impatience at not being able to ride it now I have seen how awesome it is. In the evening I went round to Em and Smeed's to make sushi (see previous post).

Today started early to buy Glastonbury tickets, which despite having three of us on the case with various mediums, we failed to achieve, which was very frustrating. This afternoon we all met up in Costa to console each other, and have a natter over tea. Mo and I have just finished dinner, so we are now going to chill out and watch a film before crashing - 8am is way too early to start a Sunday!

Candid Article 36

The Airborne Toxic Event

Read my review of 'Such Hot Blood' the latest offering from The Airborne Toxic Event, here:

http://candidonline.com/review-the-airborne-toxic-event/

Homemade Recipes!

Homemade Sushi!

Last night Abi and I went round to Emily and Smeed's house to put into action a night that we planned whilst in Marbella together - sushi and fizz! Em very kindly went shopping for the ingredients; king prawns, tuna, smoked salmon, cucumber, pepper, sugar snap peas, ginger, cream cheese, sushi rice, nori, wasabi paste and soy sauce, and it only came to £6 each with 2 bottles of sparkling wine - bargain! 

We had borrowed a mat from our friend Ellie, and each took it in turns to make a roll. Emily went first, placing the nori shiny side down and spreading the sushi rice over, leaving a slight gap at the edges. The rice is quite stodgy so it was easier using two spoons to spread it, as it often stuck together. She chose to use prawns with cucumber and cream cheese, then Abi went next with salmon and orange pepper, then I made a couple, one with tuna and sugar snap peas, and one with the remainder of everything!!

We learnt as we went along that you had to put quite a lot of fish into the middle for it to amount to much when cut into pieces, and it looked more appetising with more in as it showed off the colours once rolled. We tried and tested a few different rolling techniques, but found the best to be putting the mat over rather than tucking it in, and squashing the roll down, then removing the mat to roll the nori further before squashing again and repeating until finished. Some came out quite thick, but overall I was really impressed at our efforts, considering we were all sushi virgins, and we made loads to eat!

We had already been drinking the wine whilst making the food, but enjoyed the rest whilst eating, accompanied with a noodle, soy and vegetable salad that Emily had made. I will definitely be trying making sushi again at home, as it was quick, easy and looked like it took a lot of effort, perfect when trying to impress people... may do some for my flatwarming!