Weekly Musings

2015 - Week 10

'I should be over all the butterflies, but I'm into you'

(Paramore - Into You)

This week has been a chilled one, I went to the Country Club on Tuesday where I had yakitori chicken skewers with sweet potato fries, and other than that apart from taking my car in for repair on Wednesday I didn't get upto much in the evenings.

On Friday I went to the Royal Exchange Theatre with Hannah to watch a performance of Scuttlers, a play about gangs in Manchester during the industrial revolution. It was really good, and we managed to get a deal for people under 26 where the ticket was only £6 so it was a great alternative to a usual Friday night. 

On Saturday after a lovely breakfast at Jason's we drove to Alderley Edge for a walk around (and an ice cream). We also went to Tatton Park, and then stopped at The Plough and Flail in Mobberley for a late lunch before going home. I had the chicken and mushroom pie with chips which was so huge I couldn't finish it, and that's saying something for me! It's so nice being with someone who wants to get out and make the most of having time off, and we have lots of similar interests so I'm enjoying spending time together; it just seems very easy for a change!

That night I went into Manchester with the girls which was loads of fun. I wasn't feeling well so left quite early, but we went to Poptastic in the Gay Village, where they were playing lots of classics including the song the lyrics are from above, and the absolute tune below - The Futureheads was Emily and I's first ever gig so we got into the spirit and were singing along in an empty room! 

On Sunday I was hangover free for once due to my early departure, so I met Laura at The Beagle in Chorlton for some brunch. I'm really enjoying discovering Chorlton recently, there are some great little bars and eateries, I should have checked it out sooner! I chose three little dishes off a tapas style menu - nachos with salsa and cheese dip, popcorn shrimp lettuce cups and lime chicken quesadillas, all for a tenner which I thought was a bargain, and it was all super tasty! I spent the rest of the day chilling out at her house, perfect end to a great week!

Weekly Musings

2015- Week 4

'We could find comfort in debauchery'

(Alvvays - Party Police)

I have been playing Alvvays self-titled album on repeat this week, obsessed! It's a really cool mixture of 90s grunge guitars and girly vocals, and on Wednesday I went to watch them play at Deaf Institute with Timna. They were very good live, and the lead singer looks like a male Kurt Cobain; uber cool. I particularly like the song the above lyrics are from, as it is all about sticking two fingers up to the rules, enjoying the company of others and having a good time - three things I am a definite advocate of!

As well as the gig this week, on Tuesday I ate at the Country Club, sampling another of the new specials - avocado, chicken and sesame seed lettuce wraps, a lighter meal which was perfect as I had eaten a large lunch. On Saturday I continued the healthy trend after Kettlercise and Body Combat classes this week and did a yoga session, which properly chilled me out for the weekend.

On Saturday evening I donned my gladrags and headed into Manchester for a night at Sakura on Deansgate Locks with Kelly and James and a couple that they know from university. We hit the fishbowls, and I can't remember getting home! Luckily I didn't feel too bad by this evening; I met Amanda in Altrincham to watch the ice hockey, as a friend of mine plays as netminder for Guildford Flames and got us free tickets. It was a really tense match, going to extra time, penalties and then sudden death! Guildford Flames won 6-5 in the end, which was great for my mate, but I did feel a little like a traitor going against my home team!

Weekly Musings

2015- Week 3
'It's my house, and I think it's time to get out, it's my soul, it isn't yours anymore'
(PVRIS - My House)

I first heard PVRIS on a late night Xfm show and downloaded their album 'White Noise', which totally takes me back to being fifteen listening to Paramore - great stuff. Lyric relevant this week as I've had a crazy busy one and really blown away the cobwebs, feel like I've not stopped! I started a new job venture on Monday as part of the social media team for a Youtube channel called Matter Of Sound, which showcases short videos on events and music in the Manchester area, including festivals, gigs and interviews.



“Some birds are not meant to be caged, that's all. Their feathers are too bright, their songs too sweet and wild. So you let them go, or when you open the cage to feed them they somehow fly out past you. And the part of you that knows it was wrong to imprison them in the first place rejoices, but still, the place where you live is that much more drab and empty for their departure.”
(Stephen King - Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption: A Story From Different Seasons)  

I stumbled across this quote in one of those compiled lists people post on Facebook that are usually a load of crap, but this collection actually had some really cool snippets from literature that I enjoyed reading - the above in particular. Over the last few weeks I feel like I have been getting back to being the old mad, super busy me again; and it's been quite a liberating experience.  This week I've completely cleaned my flat, dyed my hair and had my nails done, gymmed and babysat, as well as copious amounts of socialising!

On Tuesday I had dinner at the Country Club - where they had a new specials menu, which I obviously obliged in sampling... I chose scallop and bacon crice (a rice alternative made from cauliflower) served with green vegetables and a poached egg, which tasted incredible to say it was carb free! I followed this with Tahitian vanilla and coconut pannacotta with peppered pineapple puree and a ginger lime crumb, which was like an explosion of flavour in the mouth, absolutely delicious.

On Thursday I met Abi for lunch at The Garden, a new organic 'earth friendly' cafe in Hale village. I had an almond milk latte and the 'Super Bowl' (avocado massaged kale mixed with quinoa, red onion, cucumber, carrot and cherry tomatoes served alongside cubes of sweet potato and beetroot, sprinkled with pumpkin seeds and alkalising sprouts and dressed with lemon juice) and for dessert we both had the apple and raspberry crumble (made with seeds and raw oats as opposed to a traditional topping) with coconut milk ice cream. Everything looked so fresh and colourful on our plates, and tasted great to say it was so guilt-free, I would definitely go back again as everything on the menu sounded appetising. In the evening I went back into Hale to Moose with Laura for a couple of post-work drinks.

On Saturday night I went to Tasha's sister Genevieve's 30th birthday party, which was lots of fun, and most of the girls managed to make it so it was lovely catching up and having a few glasses of prosecco. It was a very late one, but I managed to drag myself out of bed to meet Laura for brunch at Thyme Out in Didsbury today, where I indulged with a full English to soak up excess booze.

Weekly Update!

Food, Food & Food!!

So this is it, the final post of 2014! On Monday I went to Carluccios for lunch with Aum and his friend AJ, and Abi joined us. I had the chicken and prune salad which was delicious, washed down with a couple of lattes. On Tuesday we had quite a lazy day at work, and then ate at the Country Club - I tried the chicken breast with king prawns and red curry sauce which looked very nicely presented and tasted even better. It was my last day at work so I swapped presents with Aum and his parents and toddled home for the evening.

Wednesday/ Thursday were of course Christmas Eve/ Day (see previous post) and on Friday it was Boxing Day and Mum's 50th, so we had the whole family descend on us for a massive buffet spread and some fun and games as usual when we all get together. Yesterday I did a yoga class, and then Grandma, Grandad, Grandpa and Mum came round for lunch at the flat, as the oldies hadn't seen it for ages and I've done a lot to it since then! In the evening Mo came round and we got a Chinese and chilled out, was nice to have some peace after the chaos of Christmas! 

Today I went into Stockport shopping with Mum and Jasmine, got a few Primark goodies (nice new underwear and some gym stuff) and then went round to Abis for a glass of wine and to see Srishti who was home for the weekend. Excited to enjoy my next week off and for New Year's Eve next week! 

Weekly Update!

Zombies, Articulate & Sneaking!

On Monday I saw Bombay Bicycle Club (see previous post), who were amazing, and definitely worth me buying a ticket last minute for. I went with Lydia and Lizzie, and we bumped into Kelly and James there too which was cool. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nothing much happened, I had a gorgeous dinner at Mum and Dad's of meat, falafel and halloumi on the sizzler, gymmed and stayed at Mo's, and babysat for a bit of extra money, where I made a lovely prawn rice dish.

On Friday after work I got the train to Luke's and had some Mexican food with him and his two friends from school. We were going to do the Christmas markets, but it was pouring down, so we opted for a few drinks instead. We started in Soup Kitchen, and then moved on to Hula Tiki where we hit the zombies. We didn't want a super heavy night so went home at 12pm, and played a couple of games of Articulate, very civilised!

Yesterday I got the train home and met Abi for a spa day at the Country Club which was really chilled and great to have a mammoth catch up. In the evening we went out to Manchester for Jasmine's birthday (see previous post) and today after sneaking Mo out of my parents' house this morning (my dad doesn't know we're seeing each other again, awkward!) I had a roast dinner and am now chilling at Mo's for the evening.

Weekly Update!

Playboy Sushi & Blow Dries!

This week has been fairly chilled, not much to report that hasn't already been given its own post. I ate at the Country Club on Tuesday and had the playboy sushi which had rare beef steak on top of the rice roll which contained lobster - a little bit extravagant and super tasty!

I had a half day at work on Wednesday so went for a coffee at Abi's in the afternoon before hitting the Christmas markets in the evening (see previous post). On Thursday I had my hair cut which was much needed, I felt like a Desperate Housewife afterwards as the blow dry she gave me was huge! I babysat on Friday, and then spent the weekend in Daresbury/ Chester with the family to celebrate Jasmine's birthday (see previous post).

Today I had an article to write once I was home, and now Mo is round for a chilled evening, feels nice to be lacking a hangover on a Sunday!

Weekly Update!

A&E & A Food Fight!

This will be a fairly short post as I've just done one on the weekend away that I have just returned from. On Monday I ended up sat in A&E with Mo as he needed to get his leg and ankle looked at after he had a fall on Saturday night in London. Luckily nothing was broken, just bad bruising and ligament damage - puts him out of action for a couple of weeks yet again though! He stayed at mine that evening and on Tue

sday we made a nice brunch, and then I ate at the Country Club in the evening.

On Wednesday I went to Sofar Sounds (see previous post) and on Thursday I went shopping in Manchester and got some Christmas pressies, and in the evening I popped to my parents' for a lasagne as some of my relatives were over for the night. On Friday I went to this event in Manchester called Friday Food Fight run by the same company that did Up In Your Grill that I went to in summer. 

I went with Amanda and a friend called Nadina who I haven't seen since university which was fun. I had a hotdog from a stall called Piggie Smalls which had beef brisket, crispy onions and barbecue sauce on it, and a cocktail that was a variation on a mojito. Afterwards we went for a couple of drinks in Bar21 in the Northern Quarter before I caught the train home so I wasn't hungover for my drive the following day. The rest of the weekend was spent in Leicester and Birmingham (see previous post).

Weekly Update!

Cocktails, Catchups & Chinese!

This week has been a great week for socialising with lots of different people, my favourite kind of socialising! On Tuesday I went for a coffee and catchup with Rick in Altrincham, and had dinner at the Country Club. On Wednesday I had a good chatter with Laura in Didsbury, we went for a cocktail (mine's a margarita) at The Drawing Room, and then a fruity cider in Folk. Lovely filling her in on all the gossip in my life right now!

On Thursday Brian from uni came to stay as he had an early interview the next morning so needed somewhere to crash. We had a nice casserole for dinner and then sat around talking for ages, pretty deep for a weeknight! On Friday I went to watch my other friend Rick's play in Manchester with my mum and grandpa (see previous post) and then yesterday I did a lovely yoga class before the Miles foursome travelled to Leeds for my cousin's 21st birthday party.

Stephanie had hired out a bar near to their house called Medusa, and we stayed there all night drinking wine and jaegerbombs as they were four for £10! Today we woke up and had a big cooked breakfast (much needed as I was desperately hungover, and Mum was throwing up all night!) before travelling home, and I am now safety at home after a roast dinner in Alderley Edge (see previous post), chilling out before getting a Chinese later when Mo is home from London.

Weekly Update!

Awful Bands & Tinder Dates

This will only be a short one as I have spent this weekend in Dublin, which deserves its own post! On Monday I went for a coffee and catch up with Rick, and filled him in on the whole Mo situation amongst other things as it has been ages. I always have a laugh with him as he's like the male version of myself!

On Tuesday after eating sushi at the Country Club, I went to a gig at the Roadhouse with my sister to watch one of her friend's bands. Unfortunately due to me finishing work late, we only saw their final song as they were the support, and the main band were terrible! At least I got to have a cider after a stressful day though.

On Wednesday I went on my first ever Tinder date, which was an experience. We went to Sandbar off Oxford Road, and to be fair, it actually went quite well. There were no awkward gaps in conversation and we had a lot in common, and managed to go through a fair few drinks so I was pretty tipsy by the end. When I realised the time I had to make a mad dash to the train station, so ended up running with him there, giving him a quick peck and jumping on the train, so not the best end as I couldn't really gauge the situation, and I wasn't blown away with chemistry so don't think it will lead to anything. It hasn't put me off meeting people off Tinder though, and considering I've only ever been on two dates apart from ones with boyfriends, I think it could have been much worse! 

Thursday was spent packing and prepping for Dublin, and on Friday after finishing work a good 90 minutes later than usual I had a crazy dash to the train station to get to the airport on time, so was glad when I was sat in the departure lounge with the girls sipping wine and eating pasta!

Weekly Update!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

This week has been officially exhausting! I have had something on every single day/ night! On Monday I went to see Aquilo with my sister (see previous post) and then we stayed for a night out afterwards as Remake Remodel was on at Soup Kitchen, which is a night I've wanted to try for ages. It was really dead to begin with, but soon perked up, and played some awesome music. We got home at about 4am, and I was up for work at 7!

On Tuesday after a meal at the Country Club (braised and glazed Cheshire pork rib-eye steak with sweet potato, caramelised plum and amaretti crumble, AMAZING) I went to see the Klaxons with Tasha, who were awesome! They have recently announced they are splitting so this was the final tour, and they really gave it their all. Unfortunately I got a parking ticket, which dampened the mood slightly, but still a fun evening.

On Wednesday I dropped Aum in Pontefract and then finished for the day, so met Abi after an interview in Manchester. We went to a place called Tea 42, which does fabulous cakes (I got a huge slab of the chocolate variety), and since I was off duty I indulged in a glass of prosecco too. 

The next day I got a lie in, and collected Aum from Oldham in the afternoon. In the evening Mo came round, as there had been a slight misunderstanding that we needed to clear up. We sorted things though, and it was nice to see him, even if it made me feel slightly weird as he seemed back to his old self. I had to suck it up though as on Friday I had a Halloween party to go to! I went as a vampire, and had a great night, and it helped to take my mind off things which was much needed.

On Saturday, though slightly hungover, I dragged myself up and went to the Altrincham Market with Abi for lunchtime pizza. I had one with capers, anchovies and olives which was delicious, if a little salty. That evening I had a ball to go to! (see next week's post) It was in aid of the Lifeboats and was run by my friend Luke who I met whilst skiing. I went with Tasha and we had a great and very late/ drunken night!

Today we drove home and I went to Mum's for eggs Benedict for lunch, which was much appreciated after a night on the tiles. I had a nap there and then came home to get ready for the Indiana gig I have just returned from with Amanda (see next week's post). She was incredible live, and it was a chilled affair which was definitely required after a hectic week!

Weekly Update!

Crumble, Dress-up & Perusing! 

This week has been a proper chilled one, as I had Monday afternoon and Friday off so plenty of time to enjoy myself! After Carluccio's on Monday (see previous post) I met Jasmine for a drink in the Moss Trooper and then had a quiet evening at home.

On Tuesday I went with my dad to the Adidas factory in Stockport and got a few bargains, including some new neon vest tops to stick with all my other bright gear! I went to The Cake Gallery on Wednesday with Jasmine and had a slice of rose and pistachio cake, which is my favourite one that they make, and then I babysat in the evening before Aum broke up from school on Thursday.

On Friday I had my nails done and then Abi popped round for some homemade crumble in the afternoon, before I headed round to my mums for some tea and to go out with Jasmine and her friends for Charlie's birthday. We had predrinks at his house, and then went to Cane and Grain in the Northern Quarter before moving on to a more clubby place afterwards. I met up with my mate Benn who was out in town and we went for a drink in a cool bar called The Gas Lamp that was underground and quite Victorian in style.

The next day I was so hungover, and had a family party to go to at my grandparents in Leven, Yorkshire. We picked up a McDonalds on the way and then I tried to sleep it off, which didn't really work! It was my cousin's 8th birthday so we had some bits of food and took some funny photos with a kit my mum had bought which had a big photo frame and then accessories to change your appearance, like moustaches and hats, funny lips and noses etc, was good fun. I drove back that night and we got a Chinese for a late tea - lovely healthy hangover day as usual!

On Sunday Mum, Jas and I went to the new Altrincham market which is lovely, it has lots of vintage and handmade craft type stalls with illustrations, jewellery, fur coats and lots of knick knacks to pass a lazy Sunday. We got a 'New Yorker' panini from one of the food stands that had pastrami, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on it, and I bought a brownie to take home with me. Jam packed week but lots of fun!

Weekly Update!

New Experiences & Bad Decisions!

My first week as a singleton has actually been not only easier than I thought, but also not that different to my last few weeks in a couple, as I was barely seeing Mo anyway. The key has been keeping busy, not too difficult to acheive when ive been struggling to fit all my writing in with having Aum full time and gymming.

On Monday I did a yoga class in the evening, and Tuesday I ate at the Country Club where I had tempura prawns and Dragonfly sushi (yellow-fin tuna maki roll wrapped in lemon sole topped with crab mayo and baked with spicy ponzu). On Wednesday I was brave and went to my first gig solo (see previous post), which was a scary experience, but I'm glad I went, even if I drove there and literally stayed for the forty minute set and then drove home!

On Thursday I met up with Abi for a coffee and cake at And The Dish Ran Away With The Spoon in Didsbury, I had a toffee popcorn cupcake which was very naughty but I deserve it this week. On Saturday I lounged around for most of the day, and then went out in Manchester with Laura and her flatmates (her new house is amazing!), and Tasha came along too. It was nice to meet some new people and go to a couple of different bars in the Northern Quarter - Kosmonaut and Guilty, which both turned out to be pretty good, but then you can't really go wrong in that part of town.

On Sunday I made the stupid decision of doing Go Ape! with my sister whilst hungover (see previous post). The venture has probably scarred me for life, but luckily I had a nice dinner to go back to at my parents, before catching a (sort of) early night.

Weekly Update!

Girls, Greek Food & Glastonbury!

This week has been full of ups and downs. Monday and Tuesday were as normal, we ate at the Country Club where I had amazing fish and chips, and then I babysat on Tuesday, and again on Wednesday, so was good to earn some money. On Thursday I went for lunch at Oxford Road Cafe with Laura, where I had eggs Benedict, and then in the evening I went to see Gone Girl with Emily and Abi (see previous post).

Friday was where the down started, as Mo and I broke up, which wasn't the best start to the weekend. Luckily I had a fun trip to Carlisle planned with the girls to visit Lydia, which helped to take my mind off things. We set off mid-afternoon and arrived just before tea time to get ready to go out for a meal. We went to a Greek place called Alexandros, which was a cute little restaurant with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. I had the lamb shank with vegetables followed by a honey, plum and nut cake, which was a little too sweet for my liking, but I ate it all the same!

Afterwards we went for a few drinks, firstly in a chain type bar and then after a quick shot at another venue, we went to a cocktail bar called Eaten By Monsters, where we hit the zombies! It was a bit creepy downstairs, almost like the set of a horror film (perhaps the name was inspired by it?!). We then moved on to another bar called The Last Zebra, which was really cool, it had a huge cocktail menu and animal skins on the walls - as well as some awesome toilets with massive mirrors and thrones in them!

On the Sunday we were up early to buy Glastonbury tickets, which we all managed to get (woop!) and then we headed home just after lunchtime. A really great weekend to break me into impending single life!

Weekly Update!

JAWS, Steak, Sofar & Slow Cooking!

I've had such a fun week! Monday started off well with a trip to the Deaf Institute with Laura to watch JAWS for a Candid review (see previous post). We had free press tickets so got to smugly walk past the huge queue of freshers waiting to get in! They were really good, and I particularly enjoyed watching the support band Fickle Friends, it's always great to discover some new music.

On Tuesday I had an awesome steak at the Country Club, accompanied with bacon wrapped asparagus, and on Wednesday I went to the freshers fair with Mo, where I got loads of free goodies - from Rimmel nail varnish to vodka and Domino's pizza! I babysat that evening and Emily came round for a quick coffee as she had just got back from Turkey. On Thursday Jasmine and I went to an event called Sofar Sounds (see next week's Candid article) which was an amazing experience - you find out the venue the day before, and turn up in someone's living room where four bands or artists play all for a small donation, wicked!

On Friday during the day I went to the Trafford Centre with Mum and Jas for a wander around, and we had a takeaway curry in the evening as Mum and Dad had just got back from their holiday in Zante. I went to John Lewis with Mum yesterday and we got some coffee and cake in the cafe, and last night we predrank at Emily and Smeed's place before going out for a few drinks in Didsbury. It was my first evening out there and I really enjoyed myself; we had a cocktail in The Violet Hour where Laura works, then moved on to M Tiki which is more clubby, but really small so after one we left and got cheesy chips!

Today I met Mo to go and do a food shop ready to make something in the slow cooker. We prepared it all and then went for a drink in the newly opened Heald Green pub round the corner. The weather was actually quite pleasant so we sat outside, and when we got back the moroccan lamb we'd set going had made the whole flat smell delicious! It tasted really good, and there was plenty for us both to have seconds, and now we are lounging around feeling very over indulged. It's been an action packed week, just how I like it!

Weekly Update!

Partying With Freshers & Hospital Visits!

To be honest, this really isn't going to be a long post as I've had a pretty boring week! I ate at the Country Club with Aum on Tuesday and had the crunch roll as fancied an old favourite. I went for a nice run on Thursday and then in the evening met up with Rick for a few drinks in Manchester. We started in Cane & Grain, a new bar in the Northern Quarter. It was quite expensive, but then everywhere in that area is, and the inside was nicely decorated in an industrial style with skateboards on the wall! It had three floors but we just stuck to the one, apparently each is themed differently though, and the food coming out of the kitchen looked good.

We then moved on to Dry Bar, where I had a very fortunate text saying I wasn't needed for the school run in  the morning - dangerous when I'd already had three drinks. We hit the jaegerbombs and decided to stay out and go to 42s after a quick last one in Night & Day Cafe. 42s was full of twelve year olds (we'd forgotten it was Freshers Week!) but the tunes were awesome as ever, and drinks were ridiculously cheap. I eventually got a taxi back to Mum and Dads at 3am, and was suffering for it all day Friday!

I had a quiet weekend; on Saturday I tried Crossfit for the first time which I really enjoyed, it is a shame most of the classes are in the evenings or I would seriously consider joining with it being so close to my flat. The rest of the day I spent in Altrincham Minor Injuries unit after my finger had become infected after Tough Mudder! It was fine though, and then Mo came round in the evening to chill. Today I've done lots of work including writing an article and am enjoying a relaxing Sunday evening before work tomorrow.

Weekly Update!

Sushi, Sin City 2 & Tough Mudder!

I felt pretty refreshed this week after a four day weekend, and Aum being back in school means I have plenty of time free to do my Candid job and get back into the gym, which has suffered over the last few weeks. I managed to get a workout in on five days this week, one of which was Tough Mudder, which I think made up for the two days off!

On Tuesday I had dinner at the Country Club, and had some sushi as I had a real craving for it. I have been through the menu now and still love the prawn crunch roll, but today I opted for the dragon roll which is eel and salmon, and had a side of green vegetables with it. Mo came to stay afterwards, and then the following day we went to see Sin City 2 (see next week's post). I ate at Mum and Dads that evening, but was up until 1.30am when I got home writing up an article, and then still had to get up at 6am the next morning to finish it!

I managed to drag myself to spinning which knackered me, and I did Body Combat on Friday as well, before chilling out that evening with a lovely homemade chilli and having a bath to try and ward off a horrendous cold - great timing! Saturday I was up bright and early as I was picking Mo and Laura up at 10am ready for the hours drive to Cholmondeley Estate where Tough Mudder was held (see next week's post for a full account!). It took us 5 hours as Laura hurt herself, but was so much fun, and very muddy! It was great to enjoy a couple of pints afterwards before Mo kindly drove us home.

We got a Chinese at mine and chilled out, and were in bed for 11pm - such a tiring day! Today I had a lie in, then Mum and Dad have just been round for an Indian, samosas and onion bhajees followed by Mo's chicken biryani which is delicious. They are off on their holidays tomorrow to Zante (very jealous) so was a sort of farewell meal. Now we are just chilling out before heading back to work in the morning!

Weekly Update!

Drinks, Eggs & Packing

I thought I'd do my weekly update today, as I'm off to Croatia early tomorrow morning! This week has been lovely knowing that I was only in work for two days before a couple of days off and then a holiday. On Monday I took Aum to Bap for some lunch and then to see How To Train Your Dragon 2 (see previous post). After work Mo and I went to The Little B in Sale for a few drinks with his friends; there was a good group of us out so it was nice to catch up with people and have a night socialising.

On Tuesday Aum and I went to Cafe Gourmand for lunch, where I had eggs Royale which was amazing as usual, and then in the evening Mo came round to chill out for a while. Yesterday was my first day off, so I did a Body Pump class, then had my holiday nails done and met Abi at the Country Club for a coffee. It was a gorgeous day so we were sat outside in the sunshine chatting for ages! I spent the rest of the evening packing my stuff up for Croatia and then Mo came round and we had dinner together.

Today has been a fairly relaxed one, I did a Grit class then packed the last few things into my suitcase and went round to Mum and Dad's for dinner. We had a gorgeous lasagne, and I am now just getting ready to go and see Anberlin with Jasmine. It is their farewell tour so I am sad but also hugely excited, as they are one of my favourite bands!

Weekly Update!

Panicking, Prepping & Packing!

This week has mainly been spent panicking about getting everything done before New York! I thought I'd post now and then I can blog from Stateside for the next fortnight.

On Monday I was supposed to be going for a drink with a friend, but it got cancelled so I went round to Mo's instead and we spent the evening spring cleaning his entire apartment. It was a hard job but well worth it for the end results. On Tuesday I went to the Country Club and had a meal off the specials board - pan fried scallops with pancetta and squash puree. It was rather small so I ordered some chunky chips once it had arrived; the dish tasted amazing, it was a great combination of flavours.

On Wednesday I had a university friend and her friend to stay, so after finishing work I went home and had a nice catch up with her - it's been nearly three years! Afterwards I went to Mo's to stay and we had amazing homemade macaroni cheese.

Yesterday I met up with Abi for lunch at Gastronomy to get some insider tips for my trip. They have a new menu system where you choose a main course, and then add either two or three sides to it from the deli bar. I wasn't super hungry so had one side (asparagus and green bean salad) to accompany a feta, red pepper and olive quiche which was homemade and lovely. In the evening I popped home quickly to pick up two pairs of shoes that I have bought from ASOS for my hols, I love them!

Today after a Pilate's class which was boring as ever (I don't know why I keep giving it a go!) I had my nails done and then after work cooked steak, breaded garlic mushrooms and mashed potato for Mo and I as a farewell dinner! I won't see him for a full two weeks which is the longest we've been apart, so it will be a challenge. Now I just have to pack!

Weekly Update!

Holidays, Cake & Curry!

This week has been spent (amongst other things) perusing for another holiday! My friend Laura and I decided we'd go away somewhere as I have two weeks off in August that I may as well make the most of, saving money can wait! We have decided upon a week in Zadar, a coastal university town in Croatia, as it has cheap flights, cheap beer, sunshine and good nightlife - the perfect combination. We got together today for a pint of Strongbow (hare of the dog for me!) and a lovely bargain curry at my local pub, The Flying Horse, to catch up and book everything. It made dropping my parents off at the airport today for two weeks in Crete that much more bearable knowing it will be my turn soon!

Earlier in the week, I went to Strada for a meal for my dad's birthday (see previous post) and on Tuesday sampled something off the new menu at the Country Club - crispy panko halloumi (breaded sticks) with a red onion and ponzu dressing with a side of green vegetables. Aum and I went round to my parents afterwards for some birthday carrot cake, and once I had dropped Aum home I went back to mine as Mo was coming round. Unfortunately, he crashed his bike on the way, so although unhurt, was in a bit of a shaken state and I had to go and collect him as his bike was a mess, such a shame - he has no luck with it!

On Wednesday I went for a coffee and cake in Didsbury with Laura (where the planning began...) I opted for a gluten free chocolate cake, which was actually pretty nice, if a little stodgy. On Thursday I made a chicken and mushroom casserole and Lydia came round for dinner which was lovely, and then I stayed at Mo's after she had gone. On Friday after a gruelling Armageddon workout (don't ask!) Tasha, Abi and I met up for lunch at the Country Club where I had a halloumi, rocket and houmous ciabatta with chunky chips, which was nice but had a little too much houmous for my liking. That evening I stayed at Mo's and we chilled out as he was off to Dorset early in the morning.

Yesterday I went to John Lewis with Jasmine and Mum during the day, we had a shop around and then stopped for cake (we had toffee apple pie, chocolate cake and carrot cake to share) and then in the evening I went out in Hale with Tasha - what started as a few glasses of prosecco in Hogans soon escalated into a night in Suburbia with shots and dancing! It was a lot of fun though, and I feel surprisingly OK today - the curry has perked me up!