Christmas!

Christmas Eve/ Day

It's that time of year again! Christmas is always pretty unconventional in our house because we have so many people to see and catch up with, but this year it was surprisingly normal. Christmas Eve I spent at a party at Emily and Smeed's house, which was loads of fun - they'd made slow cooked pulled pork, and homemade yule log, cupcakes, macaroons; perfect spread by them as per! Most people went into Hale and Alty at around 10pm, but I wasn't too bothered so stuck around at theirs drinking prosecco until 2am!

Christmas Day was started with opening our stocking presents - still on the end of my parents bed despite us now being 22 and 24! We then had Bucks fizz and eggs Benedict for breakfast before getting changed and settling down to open our main presents. I got some great stuff, and every year expect the pile of presents to be smaller yet it never is!

For Christmas dinner we had prawn cocktail followed by a five bird roast which was tasty, and then we had a lazy evening watching bits of TV and playing some classic games before going to bed fairly early for once at around midnight. We had to wait until Mum was in bed as we had lots of banners and balloons to put up as it was her 50th on Boxing Day!

Weekly Update!

Coffee, Penguins & Pork Belly!

This week has been pretty fun, as Aum broke up on Wednesday so we've had a couple of days to do non-school things for a change. On Tuesday I went into Altrincham with Jasmine, and we had coffee and cake from the new Rhode Island Coffee there, which is a really cute little cafe that does amazing combinations of drinks and food (I had a coconut mocha and a white chocolate millionaire shortbread).

On Wednesday I collected Aum at 12pm and we went for lunch at Cafe Gourmand, where I had carrot and coriander soup which is one of my faves. The next day I took Aum and his friend Alex to see the new Penguins of Madagascar film, which was brilliant! (see previous post). In the evening Rick came to mine for a cuppa as I'd not seen him in forever.

On Friday we took a trip to the Blue Planet Aquarium and had hotdogs there for lunch, and then I babysat until 1.15am as it was their works Christmas party. Yesterday we did our now annual girls festive meet up at my place, where we all ate and dranks lots and swapped our secret santa presents, it's always so nice to catch up and be totally chilled all sat around in our PJs!

Today I went to see the last Hobbit film with Mo (see previous post) and then we cooked pork belly with carrot and swede mash and roast potatoes which was gorgeous! Nice chilled Sunday.

Travellers' Tales...

Chester & Daresbury

This weekend has been lots of fun, spending time with the family and chilling out to celebrate Jasmine's birthday. We left Manchester at 10am yesterday to travel to Chester for a day wandering around, shopping and perusing the Christmas markets (which, granted, weren't quite up to our home city's standard!). We took the park and ride bus into the centre, and much to Dad's dismay, had a spree in Primark before stopping in a Wetherspoons for some lunch. I had a chicken burger with bacon and cheese on it, with fries and onion rings, and a pint of cider - about two days worth of calories!

After lunch we went for a look around the cathedral, which was really pretty with all the Christmas decorations up, and there was a The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe exhibition on with mechanical characters and scenes from the book which was fun to have a gander at. After a tad more shopping we caught the bus back to the car park and drove to Daresbury, where Lewis Carroll, author of Alice In Wonderland, is originally from. We stopped for a coffee at the Ring O Bells there, which is a gorgeous old fashioned pub with a few knick knacks to theme it to the famous children's book.

We then drove on to our hotel, The Daresbury Park, which we had got on a Groupon deal. We got a three course meal there (granted only a carvery and buffet for starter and dessert) the room with access to the pool and sauna facilities, and a bottle of wine for just £59 per room - a crazy bargain. We were also offered the chance to pre-order wine at the time of booking for half price a bottle so got one each of white, rose and red - forgetting that we got a free bottle with the rooms too so ended up with 5 bottles!

We drank (some) wine in the bar after eating, and then went to bed before midnight as we were all pretty shattered!

Nights Out...

Manchester Christmas Markets

The Miles trio's annual trip to the Christmas markets in Manchester took place last night! I love going every year as it is a welcome change to do something with Dad, who often gets overlooked in favour of shopping trips and cake outings with Mum! 

I caught the train after work and met him and Jasmine at the met stop, and we wandered to the main market in St Ann's Square. I had a cherry gluhwein to begin with, and we all got a hog roast sandwich from the stand that is there every year. We looked at the stalls, and got some ceramic novelty wine toppers for Christmas presents before wandering to some of the other sites. We stopped for our second drink in a wooden hut selling German ales, and I decided to try an eggnog - which I instantly regretted, it was bloody awful! Dad must have drunk half of it, because I really couldn't face it!

After a crepe (with caramel and almonds) for dessert we followed tradition and went for a cocktail at Alchemist. Dad had a brandy based one that was practically straight! I had the Garden Martini (Hendrick’s gin, Briottet elderflower, rose liqueur, lemon juice and sugar topped with lavender foam and garnished with cucumber) and Jasmine had a White Cosmo (A frozen orchid bathed in Green Mark Russian vodka, Briottet elderflower, Cointreau, citrus, white grape juice and lemon bitters.)

The train times were really inconvenient so I decided to test out the new metrolink line that goes back to my flat - what a mistake that was! It took me over an hour and a half to get back, as they are not very frequent, and my stop is one of the last ones so it takes an absolute age to get there, then I had a twenty minute walk home. If I had walked to Piccadilly station, waited twenty minutes for my train and walked from the stop I would have been home over half an hour earlier. Not an experience to be repeated again!

Travellers' Tales...

Leicester

I got back about an hour ago from a weekend trip to Leicester to visit my friend Claire, with a stop off in Birmingham today to visit the Christmas markets and meet up with our friend Laura, who is now 7 1/2 months pregnant! 

I set off at just after 1pm, and arrived at half three, giving us enough time to pop into the town centre for a coffee at a really quirky little independent cafe called St Martin's Coffee. I had a white chocolate snowball mocha which was delicious and then we went shopping for a while to find something for Lauras's birthday which was on Friday. I got a burger from the German market for tea, and then we walked back to Claire's apartment for some predrinks and to get ready for a night out.

We started at Revolution, where we had a couple of glasses of wine, before moving onto a club, but it was pretty dead so we ended up going back to Revolution. Claire knew the bar manager there so we enjoyed some free drinks, and ended up going to a stripclub with him until 6am! It was my first experience of one, and to be fair, it was loads of fun!

Today we were so hungover it was awful, but I managed to make sausages for breakfast and we got ready to head into Birmingham. It took us just over an hour, and after meeting Laura we wandered around to find somewhere to eat a late lunch. We settled on Jamie's Italian, where I had a nice fruity drink and a deconstructed caesar salad which looked really cool and tasted even better. We gave Laura our presents which she liked, and then went for a mooch around the Christmas Markets, which were OK, but not as good in my opinion as the Manchester ones. 

It started getting dark (and very cold!) so I said my goodbyes as had the long drive home to get through. It took me 2 1/2 hours, and boy am I glad to be home and ready for a good night's sleep!

Weekly Update!

Festive Festivities, Leamington & Curry!

This was the first of two weeks off, and contained Christmas, so was a pretty good week! On Monday my new sofas were delivered, which look really cool, and on Tuesday I dragged myself to the gym for a final spinning class before time off for the festive period, and then dyed my hair nice and red. In the evening after a tasty buffet tea with the family, Mo and I went to James and Kelly's for some predrinks and nibbles, and then we met everyone that was home in Piccolino's for some celebratory drinks, followed by Hogans before going home to sleep ready for the big day!

Christmas day was lovely (I won't witter on as the previous post is all about it!) and on Boxing Day we drove through to Yorkshire for a couple of days at my Grandparents house. All the family were there, and we had a massive buffet and opened all our presents, then Mo, Jas and I went to a little pub called The Rose & Crown in nearby Hornsea and got very drunk! It was packed and had a dancefloor and was playing some tunes - a great end to the day.

The following day I felt a bit ropey, but after some food perked up, and drove home at 3pm. We literally repacked bags and then drove to Leamington for a night with friends there. We played Articulate and drank again, and then had sausage sandwiches before leaving the next morning.

Yesterday it took us 3 1/2 hours to get home, so when we did we lounged around at Mo's for most of the rest of the day, and then went for a really good curry at the Shere Khan in Rusholme. I had a king prawn handi which had huge prawns in, and got a chapatti to dip in it. After so much English food, it was nice to have something a bit more cultured. We started watcing Breaking Bad afterwards, so good, I'm hooked already!

Today has been spent being lazy again, catching up on stuff that was neglected over Christmas (like blogging!) and we watched Don Jon which was a good view, as well as lots of Breaking Bad. An early night and detox is definitely required after so much gluttony!

Christmas!

Timperley

Yesterday was, of course, Christmas Day, and what a great one it was this year! For the first time in forever, we all had the whole day off, and Mo spent the day with us as well. Jasmine and I had been out on Christmas Eve, so weren't too fresh in the morning, but we still managed to wake up at 9am, and open our presents on the end of Mum and Dad's bed (never too old for tradition!). Mo joined us afterwards so managed to score a lie in, and we had eggs Benedict and Bucks Fizz for breakfast.

After we had got changed into some nice clothes, we opened a present each as we were a bit pushed for time, and then went for a walk to The Old Hall in Timperley for a drink and to see some family friends. We stayed for an hour and then walked back, ready to open the rest of our presents. I got some lovely things, including a Vivienne Westwood watch, a gorgeous White Company candle and some John Lewis vouchers from my employers, makeup, money, chocolates and lots of stuff for the flat - I felt like a very lucky girl! I also got a 50s style dress apron and some silver hammered rings from Mo, and he liked his presents from me, so it was a good day all round.

After the presents we all sat down for a full Christmas dinner, this year we had gone for a four bird roast, and it was amazing! We had Christmas pudding for dessert, and then spent the evening getting drunk and playing games which were so much fun with everyone there. As we are travelling to my grandparents today we didn't stay up too late, and we were asleep by midnight. It was genuinely one of my best Christmases yet!

Weekly Update!

Bailey's & Back to Basics!

This week has been another busy one, as I had Uma to entertain again. Luckily on Monday she wasn't due to be picked up until 3pm, so I had chance to get my bed delivered as planned. I stayed at Mo's in the evening and on Tuesday I babysat and it was Aum's nativity play (see previous post). 

On Wednesday after work Dad, Jas and I went to Manchester's Christmas Markets, which were brilliant as ever. We had raspberry mulled wine, bratwurst, and these amazing things that were a brandy snap basket containing a moulded chocolate cup of Bailey's covered in whipped cream with a wafer in - delicious! Afterwards we went for a cocktail in Alchemist as a treat from Dad; I had one that tasted of parma violets and had foam on top, Jasmine's was served in conical flasks and changed colour when you mixed the two, and Dad's had a mini stove to pop popcorn on, which was then added to the top of his drink!

On Thursday Aum finished school at 12pm, so we had cake from Cake Gallery (carrot cake for me) and then went to see Frozen at Parrs Wood (see previous post). Friday was my last day at work before two weeks off, and in the evening all the girls came to the flat for a sleepover, complete with nibbles, Secret Santa and Christmas music. We had a few glasses of prosecco, chatted and had a giggle - was really nice to get everyone together for what we worked out was the first time in a year. Luckily just in time the living room floor was fitted, so we didn't quite have to sleep on concrete, but it was very basic, with wrapping paper as curtains, and no furniture except air beds!

On Saturday I spent the day organising things and then went to see Mo for a couple of hours before going out in Manchester with the girls. We all dressed up and had predrinks at Tasha's new house, then got a taxi into town where we went to Manchester House (a very swanky bar atop a tower block with amazing views of the city) and Neighbourhood. Today I have been very lazy - with no work tomorrow motivation is very low, so I had takeout pizza for lunch and stayed in pyjamas at Mo's all day!

Weekly Update!

Christmas, Eating & Andorra!

Amidst the chaos of packing for my ski trip, I thought I would post on here early to sum up the week so far. I won't be posting next week due to being away, but will be back the week of the 7th Jan, to tell you all about what will hopefully be an amazing time!

Monday was Christmas Eve, but most people in the house were working so I spent the day chilling out, cleaning my room and getting some stuff sorted for skiing. I also redyed my hair purple and it came out much better this time. I worked at the pub in the evening, but luckily finished just after 11pm, so went into Hale to meet up with Tasha, Emily, Lydia and her gang for a few drinks. There was a band on, and we stayed until about 2am, but I was only on wine so didn't get too drunk.

The following day we woke up and had eggs Benedict for breakfast before Jasmine started work at 10am. I had a bit of a nap while mum watched TV, and then we started on Christmas dinner. Dad woke up at about half two, and Jas got home at just gone three, so we opened our stocking presents before sitting down for something to eat. We had a four bird roast that was gorgeous, followed by yule log for dessert later on. Because we didn't start opening presents until around 5pm, we didn't finish until nineish, so the day seemed to fly by, we didn't even watch any television! I got lots of ski and gym stuff, some new running trainers and lots of chocolate, so a good day all in all!

The following day all the family came over, and it was lovely to have all the little cousins round, as Christmas seems so much more exciting when kids are involved. We had another Christmas dinner, this time turkey and gammon followed by mince pies and trifle, and opened lots of presents before settling down for the evening. Everyone apart from my Aunty Sarah, Chris and the kids were staying, so I was relegated to the living room on an airbed, but it was actually pretty comfy!

On 27th my Aunty Joanne and Ian left, but the kids stayed behind with us and my grandparents. Jasmine and I went into Altrincham and I picked up my phone finally, as well as buying a nice dress from River Island, and a snakeskin top from H&M for the jungle themed night whilst I am away. I had my nails done a really nice glittery mocha colour, and we had a buffet tea before Jasmine, Dad and I went to see the Hobbit (see future post).

Friday was spent last minute packing/ holiday prepping, my bag is a joke, it took two of us to close it! Afterwards I went for a drink with Emily and Tasha at Bloom in Altrincham, and then went to Benn's as he had a couple of people round. I was stupidly drinking until about 6am this morning, so am going to feel awful on the coach, and look a right state, which will be a shame if there are a few hotties lurking!

Weekly Update!

Pizza, Purple Hair & Festive Cooking!

Most of this week I have already spoken about in previous posts! (Ellie Goulding on Monday and Aum's Nativity on Tuesday) however, it has been quite a packed week, so there is plenty more to say. On Wednesday I finished work at 12pm once I'd finished wrapping a few presents and doing some jobs, as Aum finished school for the holidays so his parents took him to see a musical. On Thursday we had to stay in to wait for a courier to arrive to take some parcels, but once he had been we went to Sainsbury's and stopped at Starbucks for a coffee - I always enjoy taking Aum there as he's so cute when he just chats to me. That evening we had our annual Christmas buffet tea and watched A Muppet Christmas Carol, which was lovely as always, and Jasmine and I had a proper laugh saying the lines and messing around.

On Friday Aum had a friend round for the day, so I took them to Pizza Express for lunch. I had dough balls followed by the Capriciossa pizza - it was nice but had anchovies on, which I'm fairly sure wasn't on the menu. I ate it anyway, but it was a bit salty so not as nice as usual. It was my final day at work, so we swapped presents and said our goodbyes until 2013. I dyed my hair that evening, and just had a quiet one watching TV with Jasmine and Mum.

On Saturday I had my eyebrows dyed, and then vegged out pretty much all morning! Jasmine and I went into Altrincham for a bit of a wander in the afternoon, but I didn't buy anything interesting, just a couple of mascaras. That evening we took Lydia on her first outing since breaking her knee, to see Life Of Pi at the Lowry cinema. It was really good, even though it made me cry - lots! (see next week's post).

Today I woke up early and did an aerobics class followed by a gym session, motivated! I then came home and dyed the ends of my hair purple, although I was slightly overly cautious as it isn't as dark or as far up as I wanted, so I am going to redo it tomorrow. Looks nice though. I spent the afternoon cooking various treats for going to Lydia's tonight - I did some asparagus and cheese tartlets, and various Christmas themed crostini. They are safely in the car along with a bottle of wine and some card games for a night of festive frolics! Looking forward to seeing everyone as it has been forever for some of them, and of course eating some yummy food!

Nights Out...

Hale Prep Nativity

Yesterday I went to watch Aum in his Nativity play with his parents. It was at the Wythenshawe Forum, which is a huge theatre, but to be fair it was pretty full - a much better turnout than I remember being at mine when I was younger!

The Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children did a traditional nativity story, but it was shown from the perspective of the star that the wise men followed, which was different. I was impressed at how well they all remembered the dance routines and songs, as they are only little, and some of the costumes were brilliant.

Next was the Year 3 and 4 children, who did a more dance inspired performance of Pinocchio. They all looked brilliant dressed as puppets, and though it was only ten minutes long, the dances were perfectly coordinated and executed very well, not one child was out of time! The boy who played Gepetto also managed to keep up a flawless Italian accent for the duration which I thought was fantastic.

Finally came the turn of the older children - Years 5 and 6. They did a shortened version of Les Miserables, which I can honestly say is the best children's play I have ever seen. Everyone was in character giving it their all, and a couple of the soloists had amazing voices, I literally would not be surprised if they are on the stage/ screen in the future. 

At the end of all three pieces, all the children sang 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas' and there was a speech by the headteacher, Mr Connor. After initially not being that bothered about seeing it, I'm really glad I went, as I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it put me in a lovely Christmassy mood. It's a while since I've seen a nativity play, but I can safely say it put the ones done by my primary school firmly to shame!

Nights Out...

Manchester Christmas Markets

Last night I met up with Amanda, my friend from university, and we went for a wander around the Christmas markets in Manchester city centre. I love going every year as it really gets me in the mood for Christmas (and the food is definitely a bonus point).

We met by St Peter's Square met stop as it is directly in front of the markets, so is a good rendezvous point. We had a bit of a mooch around first, before deciding what to get for our tea, which I always find a hard decision! I chose a lamb burger, but as there was a wait on those I went for the Cumberland sausage instead, with Stilton cheese, and red pepper relish. It was amazing! Amanda got the same but with Lancashire cheese instead. I also bought some raspberry mulled wine, which is my favourite out of all the flavours they do there. The prices are pretty ridiculous, but you do get a bit swept up in the festive spirit!

We then had a look at some of the stalls, and I bought a couple of things; an antique gold ring that looks like a crown, and an oxidised silver torque bangle that has a lovely pattern engraved on it - I've been after one in a similar style for ages, but they're so expensive in places like Topshop etc. I managed to get this one for £12 which I was very happy with.

After a while we were getting chilly and it was starting to get a bit quiet so we decided to head home. Not before a cheeky trip to the fudge stall though! I got 100g of cherry vanilla flavour and 100g of maple and pecan; it's probably the only time I can justify spending nearly a fiver on sweets.

Weekly Update!

Free Tickets, Dates & Christmas Trees!

This week has been pretty fun-filled, as aside from working at the pub on Monday, I scored a free ticket to Xfm's Winter Wonderland on Tuesday (see previous post) and I went on a date on Wednesday. We went to this really nice pub/ bar in Spinningfields in Manchester called The Oasthouse, which is made to look like an old barn - it was very cosy and festive with all the Christmas decorations. I bumped into a few of the regulars from the pub I work at which was funny, as they insisted on embarrassing me by shaking my date's hand and congratulating him!

On Thursday I helped my mum to put up our Christmas tree, aided by the obligatory sound of Christmas music on my iPod and a couple of glasses of wine which was lovely. Dad, as per, confined himself to the other room and watched the football all night!

On Saturday I went to Leeds (see previous post) and in the evening a big group of us went out to Evolution. It was their Christmas night, which wasn't much different except for a themed backdrop to the photos, and a cringe-worthy dance troupe performing to 'All I Want For Christmas' and wielding axle-grinders and fire sticks to 'Girl On Fire'. Not only were the girls pretty harsh on the eye, but I genuinely think I could have put on a better show, as they were far from talented. I sound like such a jealous person, but those who know me will know I appreciate an attractive girl as much as any guy, so really it's just disappointment!

Today we were all slightly hungover, though I'll be honest, I expected worse, so lounged around reminiscing about the night's antics before I drove home at 3pm. Mum and I had intended going to a carol concert this evening - only to discover upon arrival that there was no such event occurring, so we went home and had liver, sausages, cauliflower cheese and sweet potato mash for tea, which was worth going home for!

Weekly Update!

Christmas Coffee, Chinese & Unusual Buys!

My week got off to a good start - on Monday I sampled my first Christmas Starbucks coffee of the year (Toffee Nut Latte), which was amazing, and I also started a book by one of my favourite authors - Haruki Murakami. I worked at the pub in the evening, but it was really quiet as it was Bonfire Night, gutted I didn't get to see any fireworks this year!

On Tuesday I got a very exciting piece of post, a Save The Date from my best uni friend Laura and her fiance Dickon for their wedding next summer, unbelievably happy for the pair of them! I went to see Billy Talent in the evening after work (see previous post), which was a crazy rush as I finished late, but I made it in the end. I went for a coffee and slice of peanut butter and chocolate cake (as awesome as it sounds!) whilst Aum was at drama club on Wednesday, and then babysat for him until about 11pm, so it was nice just to have a chilled night in at home on Thursday evening.

On Friday my parents went away for the weekend, so I cooked myself fish and sweet potato chips for tea and relaxed in front of the TV. Lydia came around later on and we had a good natter until 2.30am - time always flies when we get chatting! I got up early on Saturday without a hangover for once, and the weather was so lovely I went for a run in the sunshine instead of the gym session I had planned. I spent the day doing some writing and research for a couple of magazine articles, and then in the evening Emily came to mine and we had a little Chinese banquet courtesy of Iceland! Then later on Tasha came and we had a few drinks before heading out into Altrincham.

We started in The Classroom with a cocktail, but there were some sketchy looking people in there, so we moved swiftly on to High Society. The bar staff were ridiculous in there - having to check the menus for what was in cocktails, and Emily's was basically chocolate Frijj with Baileys in! We ended the night in Bloom Live, which is always a fun night, and there was a really good Gospel type band on which got everyone in a good mood. I saw my gym instructor and one of Aum's teachers in there which was a little weird, but everyone was enjoying themselves so it wasn't awkward at all. Once the band had finished normal  music came on, and by this time everyone was well up for it, and we stayed dancing until half one before getting a lift home.

Today I had a leisurely lie in before making some pancakes for my breakfast, and then I met up with Abi and Tasha for a coffee. Afterwards I went to TK Maxx with the intention of looking for ski boots, but came away with a black floaty dress and a gold spiked bra, typical me!

Weekly Update!

Family, Friends & 2012 Begins!

This week has been very pleasant, as I am still housesitting so could fit my chores around all my other plans, so I didn't miss out on anything.

On Monday (Boxing Day) it was my mum's birthday, and so we went for a nice walk in Dunham during the day, followed by a meal at a family friend's house with cheese, wine and games. My sister came back to Millington with me for the night afterwards which was good, and then in the morning we got ready for our Christmas Day!

We drove back home, where my grandparents had just arrived, and Chris came shortly afterwards, followed my my auntie, uncle and two young cousins, Adam and Hannah. We opened our presents, ate a full Christmas dinner, and then played some games before Chris and I caught a taxi back to Millington.

The following day we had a lie-in, and then went sale shopping in Stockport with the remainder of the family. I got a lovely teal coat with a red fur trim from Primark, for just £15. Apart from that and a couple of little bits though I didn't get much, as all the good stuff appeared to have gone. That evening I went for a meal at Croma in Manchester with my girlfriends (see previous post).

On Friday I had my hair dyed with the silvery toner I have used before, and then actually got some work done. I went back home later on to stay over ready for an early start yesterday to go to London for New Year (see previous post). Happy 2012!

Weekly Update!

Christmas Preparation & The Big Day!

Now firmly settled in the house I'm staying in for three weeks, this week flew by as I attempted to keep on top of all my Christmas preparation, housekeeping jobs and petcare!

On Tuesday I babysat for the little boy I was a temporary nanny for, and he had a friend round to play. We went to see Happy Feet 2 (see previous post) in the afternoon as well as playing on his Wii, and in the morning we baked and iced some shortbread cookies. They didn't come out very well, as I didn't have time to chill the dough before cooking it, but they were fine to ice anyway. The two of them were very creative, even if the biscuits didn't look too great afterwards!

On Wednesday Chris came for the evening after work and we made baked enchilada that was lovely, and just watched some TV. On Thursday we went back to Timperley as I had a nail appointment, and in the afternoon we went to see Sherlock Holmes (see previous post) before I went back to the house after dropping him off.

On Friday I decided last minute to go to Crewe to see Chris, after plans to have a meetup with the girls fell through. We went to his friends house with a few others, and although we intended driving back to Chris' that evening, we ended up staying over so that I could have a drink. It was a very early start the following day so that he could get to work for 9am, and I had to drive home to get to the pub for my shift at 11.30am. In the evening my mum picked me up from the pub and we both went back to Millington for Christmas Eve, as my sister was out, and Dad was working. We cooked stuffed portobello mushrooms with veg, and then had red wine and mince pies while watching some Christmassy TV. We had a slight dilemma when the hamster escaped, but luckily she crawled back into her cage once she had had enough!

Christmas day dawned, and I randomly spent the beginning of it dying my hair! We then got dressed and headed back to Timperley, where Dad and Jasmine were waiting for us. We got the rabbit out to begin with, check out the cute picture!

We opened our stocking presents first, and apart from a few bits and bobs, I got an awful lot of chocolate, which will keep me going for the next few weeks at least! We then had an interval to eat Eggs Benedict with salmon for breakfast, and a glass of Bucks fizz, before opening our main presents. Once we had finished we watched A Muppets Christmas Carol, and then ate Christmas dinner, which was gorge as usual. We had duck this year, and luckily there were only four of us, as there wasn't a great deal of meat on it! Afterwards we watched the standard Christmas TV (Morecambe and Wise, Tommy Cooper etc) and gorged on chocolate before I rolled off to bed at about 1am. Quite a quiet one this year, but we have the family coming on 27th, so that will definitely make up for it!

Weekly Update!

Dining In & Carols!

This week has been quite nice and chilled, which makes a nice change! On Tuesday I went into Altrincham to buy my Secret Santa present for the pub, and one of my friend's birthday presents as it is her 21st on New Year's Eve, and it saves me braving the post-Christmas rush!

In the evening Chris came over and we bought one of those two dine in for £10 deals from Tesco. We had French onion soup for a starter, and then Aberdeen Angus steak meatballs in a tomato sauce, with mustard mash. It was all delicious, and washed down with a lovely bottle of Merlot. I'd originally picked up one from Marks and Spencer, but after spending ages choosing the dishes, I then realised they only had white wine as the drink, which was a bit annoying. I'd like to try one there next time instead, I'll just have to remember to go in earlier than 3pm!

On Thursday I had a completely lazy day, staying in my pyjamas until 2pm watching television, and wrapping the presents I bought on Tuesday. I also recieved my new iPhone that I bought off eBay through the post, but I had some problems with it, so couldn't get accustomed to it straight away. On Thursday night I went to see New Year's Eve with my girlfriends (see previous post) which was good to get me even more in the mood for Christmas!

On Friday I moved all of my things into the house I am housesitting for the next three weeks in Millington, and spent the day getting settled in before getting chance to mess around on my (now working) iPhone. In the evening Chris came and we made a nice meal (see previous post) before a very stressful end to the night when the hamster escaped! We got to bed at 2am once she had been recovered!

On Saturday I worked at the pub, and then basically went straight to babysit in Bowdon until very late. It was so icy on the roads on the way home, it took me ages to drive back, and I was happy to finally get into bed! Today I had a bit of a lie in before sorting out the menagerie of animals I'm looking after (two fish, two cats and a hamster) and then sticking a Christmas radio station on and catching up with my blogging. This evening I am going to the carol service we drove to last week before realising we had got our dates mixed up; so hopefully it will be worth the wait! (I'll update this later below)

Carol Service Update: It was gorgeous! There was a huge tree and the whole church was covered in candles and festive lights. There were a few too many readings and choir sung songs for my liking (you can tell I like the limelight!) but to be fair the choir were brilliant, perfectly in tune and they did some amazing harmonies. There was one song I didn't know at all, so had to lip sync that one, but apart from that there were some Christmas classics, as well as some less commercial and more classical pieces. A lovely way to spend my Sunday evening!

Weekly Update!

Christmas Coffee & Present Buying!

This week was my last one being fairly free before my manic life begins next week, where the minimum I will be working is 43 hours a week! Monday I was working at the pub, and on Tuesday evening I popped round to my friend Charlotte's house for a catchup, as it was my only weeknight with a chance to socialise!

On Wednesday after work I went to Chris' and we went for a coffee and shopping in Crewe before going to the cinema to see The Rum Diary (see previous post). Unfortunately he was at work at 8am on Thursday, so I had a very early drive home, and no chance to catch up on my sleep before I dashed off to the Trafford Centre with my mum. It looked really nice with all the decorations up. As well as a gorgeous monochrome dress from Dorothy Perkins for myself, I managed to get all the rest of my Christmas presents bought which is such a relief, as I had no idea when else I would have had chance to go shopping!

On Friday I worked and then got the metro into Manchester in the evening, where I met Chris to go to the Christmas markets (see previous post). On Saturday I had a crazy day, as I worked at the pub, and then went straight to Millington, where I was babysitting ten children while their parents had a dinner party. They were pretty wild to begin with, but once they'd eaten and it got later on, they lost a bit of steam and calmed down. I finished at midnight, so it wasn't too late a night at least.

On Sunday I had another early morning, but at least this time it was for pleasure, as I met an old university friend in Manchester for coffee. It was really great to catch up and enjoy a tasty Christmas coffee and cake. Afterwards I went shopping for a bit with my mum, and then when we got home we had a very festive afternoon, putting the Christmas tree up and wrapping presents. Lovely!

Nights Out...

Manchester Christmas Markets

Yesterday, as one of my only free evenings before Christmas, Chris and I decided to go to the Christmas markets in Manchester. We went a couple of years ago, but he missed it last year (I went with my parents) so we wanted to make sure we managed to fit it in, as it really gives you that Christmassy feeling, and it's always bustling and full of people in the Christmas spirit.

Chris got a train straight from Crewe, so we arrived fairly early at just gone 7pm. We had a bit of a wander around the crafty-type stalls as you enter, and then I bought a raspberry mulled wine, which was lovely and warming, as it was a bit nippy! They have lots of different things for sale - glassware, woolly jumpers, wood carvings, homemade soaps and bath salts, lots of foreign food such as Bavarian cheeses and Belgian chocolate, pretty, much anything really! It is a good place to go if you're struggling for present ideas, as there are plenty of quirky gifts available, Chris got some coasters for his brother that are made from the middle of vinyl records by Oasis, and they had a huge range of other artists too from N.WA to Frank Sinatra.

We were getting a bit hungry around this time so started looking at some of the food stalls. I have a bratwurst every year so decided to go for something different. However, after considering pretzels, paella, hotpot and a savoury crepe, I eventually choose a chorizo, so not much different from usual really! Chris had a cumberland sausage with lancashire cheese and onions; we were lucky we arrived when we did, as he got the last one! We went and took some photos of the fat Santa that sits on top of the town hall, and admired all the Christmas trees and other decorations that were for sale in the outer wooden huts.

After we had eaten we went in search of one of the other markets, on Brazenose Street. However, upon arrival we realised it shuts earlier than the main one, at 8pm, so we'll have to come back to see that one another day. Having seen everything on the main one, we decided to head home, but with a quick detour to the fudge stall, where I bought some cherry and vanilla, and chocolate and hazelnut flavours to eat on the metro as my dessert. That's the only bad thing about visiting the market - you come home about 2 stone heavier from all the gorgeous food!