Weekly Musings

2015 - Week 8
'We can do whatever we want 'cos we're born young and free'

(Marmozets - Young and Free)

 

I had this week off work, which has been really cool, I've managed to have a couple of little trips away to recharge despite not getting to go abroad as I'd hoped. On Monday I met up with Abi and Tasha for a coffee and then had a chilled evening of yoga, and on Tuesday I drove to Laura and Dickon's in Aldershot near Guildford to see little Ernest for the first time! He's an absolute cutie, and so well behaved considering he's only a month old. We had pancakes for dinner as it was Pancake Day, and then on Wednesday we wandered for a coffee and cake before I headed back home.





On Thursday I had another date with Jason (guy from the last couple of weeks) - I was told to pack an overnight bag and a bikini and be ready for 1.30pm, very exciting/ nervewracking! Turned out we were going to Blackpool to see his friend perform in Saturday Night Fever there, and stayed at the Hilton so had chance to go in the sauna/ pool. Was such an awesome surprise; don't think anyone's ever done anything like that for me before! I guess it was quite intense considering it was our fourth date, but we really get on so it wasn't awkward at all. We went to Bella Italia before the show, where I had a chicken and spinach calzone which was incredible, and afterwards had a few drinks with his friend and a couple of the other cast members (the performance was so good!). Everyone was lovely and I ended up getting quite drunk, the hangover on Friday when we had to leave early wasn't pretty!

 

Yesterday Hana was back from Australia! The girls and I haven't seen her for over six months, some of them longer, so we planned a fun day together. I held a tea party at my flat for us all, and everyone brought food with them and we had some prosecco and caught up with everything. In the evening we all headed into Manchester for some drinks in Spinningfields at Grand Pacific, and then later on Jason joined us and we moved on to Soup Kitchen. So lovely to get everyone together, and despite the break it was like nothing had changed between us all - I'm so lucky to have such a gorgeous group of friends!

 

Today I had a nice lie in and then went to get my eyebrows tattooed! It is something I have considered for a while since I am an eyebrow connoisseur, and I finally decided to take the plunge. It takes two sessions, an initial consultation and first shape, with a followup retouch and final shape four weeks later. I am so happy with them so far, and it wasn't anywhere near as painful as a normal tattoo which I was surprised at considering it is on your face. Afterwards I went for another Bella Italia, this time with Mum and Jasmine (I had a barbecue chicken pizza) and now Jason is on his way 'round for a chilled evening.  

Weekly Update!

Baking, Birthdays and Home Time!

This week has been a countdown to that time that I am well and truly ready for- going home. Uni being 11 weeks long this term has killed me, and I am drained and missing home cooked meals and my girls. As well as that I had to say goodbye to Chris for two weeks on Monday, which was rubbish, especially when I had an essay yet to be completed that was looming over my head.

To cheer myself up on Tuesday I went to the gym (yes, it may seem weird) and then baked some gingernut biscuits, and decorated some cakes for my friend Kat's 21st on Wednesday. On Wednesday I started my notes for the dreaded essay and then got doled up ready for Kat's party. It was a really fun night, as I didn't know that many people, and I love meeting some new faces. Unfortunately, due to the amount of alcohol consumed, I ended up being horrifically drunk, and had to be 'walked' home (said because judging by my knees, walking may not be what actually happened!). I then had the horrible task of writing a full 2000 odd words completely hungover the following day, which was an experience I won't be repeating in a hurry!

On Friday, I woke up with a spring in my step. I handed my essay in, then went for tea and biscuits at my friends flat, before hitting the gym, and packing ready to leave on Saturday morning for home. In the evening, my parents arrived and we went to Bella Italia (see previous post). Yesterday, once I had returned home, I went shopping in Manchester, which I have missed. I love spending time in the city, and going with my mum meant I got some free clothes out of it as well- result! That night we had a lovely curry, and then a few of my friends came round for a catchup. They only stayed for a while though, as we were all really tired- obviously being nearly 21, we are getting old!

Today I had a super lie in and then after a mushroom and bacon sandwich I went to Ikea with my mum. We had coffee and doughnuts and then came home, where I have just finished a beautiful roast dinner- ahhh to be home!

New Tastes...

Bella Italia, Lancaster

Yesterday my parents came to Lancaster to pick me up from university for Easter, and we went to Bella Italia for tea. As they were both at work til 5pm, I booked a table for 8.30pm, and the restaurant was in full swing when we arrived, with most tables busy. I always prefer a bit of bustle when eating out as it seems more welcoming; and of course, you know the food must be good if lots of people are paying to eat there.

It is not the first time I have been to Bella Italia, in fact I seem to visit various branches of the chain Italian on a regular basis. This is mainly due to them accepting Tesco vouchers, so £4 in clubcard points equals £10 to spend, and this bargain means as a family we often eat out in a multitude of places including Strada, Cafe Rouge and Pizza Express.

The Bella Italia in Lancaster is decked out in the traditional style that all the restaurants are, red and yellow walls, candlelit tables, and gold lettering across the windows. It gives that authentic Italian feel, despite it being in the middle of student-ville. We ordered a bottle of house red and some starters to share- a garlic bread with cheese, breaded mozzerella with caramelized onion relish, and a selection of Italian meats with bruschetta. There was a slight mix up with our order, but it actually worked in our favour as the food was more staggered so we weren't stuffed after the first course.

Shortly after our plates had been cleared, our main courses arrived. I had Penne Zafferano, a creamy salmon and prawn pasta dish, with tomatoes and spinach, while my parents shared Pollo Alla Crema, another pasta dish which contained chicken, peppers, pancetta and red onion. It was a special two person sized portion, which I think is a really good idea, and provides great value for money (it was £13.95).

Despite being hugely full, I decided to order a dessert called The Godfather, to share with my mum. It had bits of gooey brownie, toffee and vanilla ice cream and whipped cream, topped with chocolate sauce and crunchy chocolate pieces- delicious! My dad got an Irish coffee.

I was really impressed at the service for a busy Friday night, even though the waitress we had was a little over-friendly, but rather that than someone rude. The whole bill came to approximately £65, but with our £40 vouchers, proved very reasonable. Even though it is now the fourth time I have been, I wouldn't hesitate to return!