Weekly Musings

2017 - Week Thirty Two

'He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster... when you gaze long into the abyss the abyss also gazes into you.'
(Nietzsche) 

On Monday I put a new poem up on Instagram - read it here - and took Aum to Old Trafford for his (and my) first ever cricket match - England versus South Africa. I didn't have a clue what was going on, but it was something different to do, and Aum seemed happy to be there so I was content reading my book in the sun! 

On Tuesday I had date four (furthest I've got since being single again oo er!) with S; we went into Hale so I could show him one of my stomping grounds. We had a couple of drinks in Victor's which he really rated, and then one more in Piccolino, which was disappointingly quiet, it felt like we were being ushered out! It was the last time I could see him before coming away to America, so was glad I got to spend some more time with him before disappearing for nine days, I feel quite confident that we'll continue talking/messaging until I get back.

My track for this week is by a young girl band from Norwich that I hadn't heard of before, but I was sent it for Candid and I liked how badass they were, and the song reminded me of something Paramore would come out with so I thought I'd give it some airtime. Also love the homage to Miss Havisham in the video.



Wednesday and Thursday were pretty dull days spent prepping for California - I had my hair cut (free cake at the hairdresser's!) and Mum dyed it afterwards, I took the dog to the parent's, packed my suitcase - and I got a taxi to the airport at 10am on Friday ready for the absolutely mammoth journey to Pelican Hill, the resort I am staying in with Aum and his parents in Newport Beach.

We arrived late that evening (this place is amazing but more on that later..) though the eight hour time lag meant it seemed like super early morning to us. Yesterday morning we had the most INCREDIBLE buffet breakfast at the resort, fruit and yoghurt parfait, freshly made pancakes, waffles and french toast, cheese blinzes, muffins and pastries, meat, cheese, four types of sausage, I was in heaven! I have literally never stayed anywhere like this before, our 'apartment' has a posh coffee machine, sea views, marble floors, a huge open fireplace, a balcony with iron sun loungers and enough miniatures in the bathroom to start a shop, which have of course worked their way into my toiletry bag to take home... 

We spent the day by the pool sunbathing and relaxing, and in the evening we went to Fashion Island, a gorgeous outdoor shopping centre with fountains and cute little striped awnings over the shops. We ate at Cheesecake Factory there, where we all shared crabcakes to start and then I chose jambalaya pasta for main course which was delicious, if big enough for three people!

Today after another morning by the pool we headed to nearby Laguna Beach for a wander around. It had some lovely little boutiques, including a French macaroon shop where we sampled flavours such as white chocolate and basil, matcha green tea and Earl Grey, and an awesome second hand designer clothes shop that I could have spent a fortune in! I resisted though and instead opted for a quirky straw handbag as I have wanted a new beach bag for a while. 

We ate that evening at a Mexican seafood restaurant on the beachfront called Las Brisas that had been recommended. I had their signature cocktail, an orange margarita, and after calamari to start I then went for sauteed prawns with mushrooms, asparagus and rice. The view of the sunset was absolutely perfect, with the backdrop of the cliffs, and palm trees hanging over the sand in the foreground, it has definitely been one of those evenings that will stick in my mind for a long time. 

Weekly Update!

Stoke, Singing & Stalls!

Aum has been off school this week, so it has been a usual one of going out for lunches and doing fun stuff! On Tuesday we tried the Oxford Road Cafe (see previous post) and on Wednesday we went and played crazy golf at the Trafford Centre. Thursday we had a lazy day and a swim in the pool,and it was Diwali, so they gave me a box of Laduree macaroons as a present, which didn't last long! I babysat in the evening for one of Aum's old HPS school friends.

On Friday we went to Carluccio's for lunch with one of Aum's current school friends and his family. I opted for a salad, but it was still pretty naughty as it had blue cheese, walnuts and bacon on it! I finished work quite early and rushed home to pack for a night at one of my old uni friend's houses in Stoke with all the usual crew. We just stayed in as people were all arriving at different times, had a nice spaghetti bolognese and quite a lot to drink!

The next day we had traditional oatcakes for breakfast, which were amazing! Definitely something I will seek out again. Then after a lazy start we went bowling for something to do, which was actually pretty fun, I haven't been with anyone other than Aum in forever. I set off for home at about 3pm as that evening I was at a Katy B gig with Emily. We drove in, and then afterwards went for a couple in Piccolinos in Hale to meet up with the girls who were already out there.

I stayed at Mum and Dad's and today have been for a mooch at Altrincham Market with Jasmine and Mum which was cool; it has recently been renovated and is full on trendy market chic, with an artisan pizzeria, home ground coffee house and live music. We stayed there for a while, grabbed some food and looked at some of the stalls (which sold everything from art prints to fur coats, to jewellery made from cutlery and home baked brownies!) and came home early this evening for some tea. Great week of fun, socialising and eating!

Weekly Update!

Lydia's Birthday & Being Home!

I got back from New York yesterday morning, knackered after a long night flight, though luckily I did manage to catch a few hours shut eye so I wasn't a complete zombie. I spent the day chilling out, unpacking and napping to try and prepare myself for the evening, when Mo and I went to Piccolino's for my friend Lydia's birthday. There were 13 of us altogether, and we'd been given the private dining room upstairs which was cool, so we were all sat around a huge circular table.

We shared bottles of wine between us all, before Tasha and I advanced onto prosecco after the food. I went for the crab ravioli, which was really nice, and the portion size was perfect as I wasn't feeling that hungry. We all shared the Cakes by Melissa that I had brought back from New York with me - I had the chocolate chip pancake, peanut butter and jelly, and chocolate chip cookie flavoured ones; they were gorgeous little cakes, I would definitely recommend if you can get hold of them.

 We all stayed for quite a while after the meal, a few had desserts, and we left when the waitress came to tell us they wanted to close. We continued the drinks back at mine as a few people were staying, it ended up being a late one, but maybe that's was a good thing for my jet lag!

Today after a lie in and tidying the flat, Mo and I headed round to my parents for a roast dinner and much needed catch up (I haven't seen them for a month as they were on holiday before me). It was lovely to all sit around and chat, and although the food didn't include Yorkshire puddings (poor show on Mum's account!) it was delicious, and much appreciated after a fortnight of American grub!

Weekly Update!

Packing, Pizza & Prosecco!

This week I have had to be organised and start packing for my holiday next week, as I have a very busy schedule, to the extent that I am even babysitting the night before my very early flight!

On Monday I stayed at Mo's and we watched Game Of Thrones as usual, and on Tuesday I had the spider roll sushi at the country club again with fat chips - I was feeling indulgent! Wednesday and Thursday went by in a blur, although I had a nice evening with Mo on Thursday; he made devilled eggs and we ate them with a few drinks, I finally had the mini bottle of wine that Halifax gave me for taking a mortgage out with them!

On Friday I went to Mum's after work and chilled out there - she dyed my hair and we had pesto salmon parcels for tea, then I stayed over and went straight to yoga yesterday. The rest of the day was spent trying potential holiday outfits on, and sorting out miniature toiletries!

That evening a few if us went to Tasha's house for her birthday night out. We had Dominoes and prosecco (the best combination!) and then went into Hale to Piccolinos and Suburbia. I got a round of jaeger bombs in... £38! Won't be doing that again in a hurry! It did mean that the rest of my night was paid for though as people bought me drinks in repayment!

Today I felt quite bad early on, but struggled to get back to sleep so eventually got up at 11am. I have had a really enjoyable day with Mum (see previous post) but now I am in desperate need of an early night!

Weekly Update!

Sunshine, Haircuts & Afternoon Tea!

This week has been jam packed! I like a busy one now and again, so it's been loads of fun. On Monday the weather was gorgeous, so I went to The Church Inn in Mobberley with Abi, Dave and Tasha for some lunch outside in the sunshine. I had the club sandwich with chips, which was hearty and stuffed with chicken, bacon and salad, I didn't need to eat much in the evening as I was still full.

On Tuesday I ate at the country club, and had one of the specials - eggs benedict but with crab meat rather than salmon or bacon, topped with asparagus spears. It was amazing, and the crab really went well with the poached egg and Hollandaise sauce combination. I stayed at Mo's afterwards, and on Wednesday I took the plunge at the hairdressers and had my hair chopped off, which was scary but I love it! It's so much easier to do stuff with now, and takes ages off getting ready. I ate at The Blue Pig afterwards with Mo on his lunchbreak (see previous post) and then he stayed in the evening.

On Thursday my friend Kirsty came round during the day for tea and cake, bought from Peter Herd, the bakery in the village where I now live. We had a homemade warm hot cross bun each, and then I had a mini battenburg cake, but it was chocolate and lemon sponge with lemon curd, and then half dipped in chocolate! I think I prefer it to the traditional version.

On Friday I went out for a few (non alcoholic) drinks in Piccolinos and Hogans in Hale with Tasha and Abi, and managed to make it until nearly 1.30am before I drove home as I was knackered. Yesterday after a lovely yoga sesh  I spent the day cleaning the flat and preparing food for the Spanish dinner party I had (see previous post).

It was nice to wake up today sans hangover, and I had a great day out with my mum in Chester as a belated birthday present for her. After a spot of shopping (and some purchases in Primark!) we went to Oddfellows for afternoon tea where I have been before. We got mini sandwiches (chicken caesar, cheese and coleslaw, tuna mayonnaise and egg and cress) currant scones with cream and jam, and then a selection of mini cakes - a lemon cheesecake, almond bakewell, tiramisu and a weird thing a bit like a large jellytot (this wasn't so nice!). We washed it down with cups of tea before heading back home, and now I am chilling at home before the start of a new week!

Weekly Update!

Nibbles, Fridges & Painting!

I thought this week would be a nicely chilled one after the hectic Christmas week - but to be honest, I have been just as busy! On Monday I went round to Srishti's with Tash and Emily as she was home for a week over the festive period. It was lovely to catch up, as with her living in London we don't get to see her very often. Afterwards I stayed at the flat with Mo as my fridge was being delivered early the next day.

We had lunch at The Flying Horse (my local) on New Year's Eve, as Mo and I were going to separate parties so wanted to spend a bit of time together. I had these batons that were basically chicken and bacon wrapped into thin tubes with tortillas, then deep fried. They were so tasty and only £3.50! Mo had a burger, but for a cheap pub it came in a brioche bun and looked like a decent meal, will be eating there more often!

I spent NYE at my friend Luke's party (see previous post) and the next day very hungover! I went to Mo's in the evening as he has broken his hand in a motorbike accident (!) and on Thursday went shopping for a few housey things with Emily - I got some awesome Marmite cushions, a mosaic light fitting for my living room, and a doormat.

Friday was quiet, and in the evening I went for a few drinks at Mo's local in Rusholme called the Ford Madox Brown, which is a Wetherspoons. It is cheap and cheerful, and quite nice inside so was good to get out of the house for a bit. We spent Saturday painting my bedroom, and then I went out in the evening for a meal at Dee Thai (see previous post) followed by a night in Piccolino's and Suburbia. We rented a table in the latter, which cost us £15 each and included a bottle of vodka and mixers, not bad when entry is normally a tenner anyway!

Today I have just been for a meal in Francs with Jasmine and my parents (see next week's post) and I am now chilling out at Mo's in preparation for my first day back at work tomorrow. Time off has gone so quickly, but it's been a lovely festive period, probably one of the best so far!

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!

Weekly Update!

Numberplates & Brunch!

This week started nicely on Monday with lunch at the Country Club, where I had kimchee spiced tuna sushi rolls with spicy mayonnaise off the specials board. The tuna was in big juicy chunks and tasted really fresh so it was a good choice. On Tuesday I got my new numberplate put on, which I'm really happy with, and then stayed at Mo's in the evening.
Wednesday was when I had everyone round for our little Aussie reunion with Hana (see previous post) and both Thursday and Friday were pretty subdued, just gymmed during the day and then chilled out in the evenings, reading a lot of my latest book, The Help (bit behind with the times I know!).

On Saturday I picked Mo up from the station after his night in London; he was rather worse for wear so we just chilled out at mine and watched Drive which was quite good. In the evening I managed to drag him out for some drinks with the girls and Smeed; Abi was home for the weekend so we had some wine in Piccolino's and caught up with all her London news.

Today has been another lazy day, though we met up with everyone from last night as well as Hannah and her friend Tink in Cafe Gourmand for some brunch - which was basically lunch seen as we met at 12.30pm! I had eggs Royale which was lovely as usual, if a little large for a portion, and then I chilled out at Mo's for a bit before heading home for a roast dinner, followed by homemade lemon drizzle cake!

Weekly Update!

Mortgages, Krispy Kremes & Catchups!

This post doesn't really contain much because the majority of exciting things will probably occur this weekend on my trip to Leamington to meet all Mo's uni mates (see next two posts). However, on Monday I had a meeting with the financial advisor, who is sorting everything to do with my mortgage ready for my flat, exciting stuff! Everything went well, so it is just a case of waiting to hear that everything is approved before moving forward.

On Tuesday I did a run during the day, and then went for a swim whilst Aum had his lesson; then we ate at the country club. I had Tom Yam soup (which was really spicy, and had lots of coriander in, so I wasn't a huge fan) but it did have huge pieces of squid in, so I just picked that out to eat. I also accompanied it with one of the specials - swordfish with crab and avocado, which definitely made up for the slightly disliked soup, as it was amazing!

The following day I went into town originally for lunch with Mo, but a meeting he had overran, so we went for a coffee and Krispy Kreme instead, not complaining! I went shopping for a bit afterwards and got Claire a birthday present for when I am seeing her next week. In the evening I dyed my hair purple again for the first time in about two months, was a welcome change.

On Thursday I did a 7.7km run, which is the longest I have done for a long time! I rewarded myself with a tasty mushroom omelette when I got home. In the evening I was babysitting, so as we weren't in a rush to get home I took Aum for cake and a drink at Cafe Gourmand after school. I had a Bakewell tart and pot of tea, but the cake was a bit dry and didn't have enough jam in for my liking, whilst Aum stayed safe with his usual gingerbread man and apple juice, which you can't really go wrong with! Mo came round in the evening once Aum was in bed to keep me company which was nice, and I finished by half ten yet still got £30, not bad.

On Friday Mum and Dad went to Bilbao for the weekend for their wedding anniversary, so I had the house to myself (although I was away most of the weekend anyway!). I got my nails done and eyebrows dyed after work and then went into Hale for drinks with the girls in the evening - Abi and Lydia were back from London/ uni for the weekend so it was lovely to catch up and all get together. We started in Hale Bar and Grill and then went to Piccolino's. We were sharing wine, and I had four glasses - I actually felt a little more drunk than I realised!  

This morning I've been up since 9.30am to finish packing (I'm grateful I made sure to drink tea and eat crumpets before going to bed last night!) and I'm driving to Leamington with Mo at quarter to twelve for a weekend away (see previous post).

Weekly Update!

Lego, Dining Out & Bond

Aum was on half term this week, so it's been quite varied. On Monday and Thursday he was at a drama club during school hours though so I didn't have a completely manic week luckily! On Tuesday we went to the Manchester Museum (see previous post) and on Wednesday his parents took the day off and took him out, so I got to have a random day free which was nice. I babysat in the evening, and Lydia came with me so we had a good catchup once Aum had gone to bed which was nice. It was Halloween, but surprisingly we had no Trick or Treaters come knocking both at Aum's or at home, which must be a first, it was quite depressing to see everyone on Facebook dressing up and going out when I had no plans this year - obviously shows that I am getting old!

On Thursday after work I went out for drinks with an old colleague who I had coffee with a couple of weeks ago - we have loads in common and it was nice to have a drink with a guy as a friend and it not feel really awkward or forced, refreshing! On Friday I took Aum and his cousin to the Legoland discovery centre at the Trafford Centre, but I was quite disappointed to be honest. Obviously I wasn't expecting to be entertained as it was for the kids to enjoy, but for the £12 entry fee you don't really get very much - there are a couple of little rides, a ballpark and a few interactive things where you can build a car and race it, and watch someone make a lego model and you can copy it and keep it, but I'd say you easily do the whole centre in a couple of hours. It was an experience though, and at least I know to advise people not to bother with it now!

In the evening I went out for some drinks with Lydia in Hale, which was fun. We had a cocktail in Hale Bar & Grill, and then moved on to Piccolinos where we got chatting to a few different people. Then we went to Suburbia until it shut, which totally wasn't part of the plan for a 'quiet couple', but it was a really good night nonetheless. On Saturday I had arranged to meet my friend Claire from university for lunch; she lives in Paris and was flying into Manchester so I picked her up and we went to Gastronomy in Hale. I had a bacon, brie and caramelised onion hot sandwich and then we shared a big pot of tea and a bowl of chips. It was great to catch up, especially as Claire is working as a nanny as well, so we had plenty of stories to share! In the evening I went into Manchester for Charlotte's birthday and we ate at Dukes Grill (see previous post) before heading on to Revolution. Most people left relatively early, but Lydia and I stayed out until it closed, before going back to a flat with some guys we had met for a few more drinks. It was a really funny night, Lyd and I always seem to have the best times when we get together!

Today I went shopping in Stockport with my mum, despite having no money to spend! I still managed to come back with a jumper, and a t-shirt from Primark with popart Marmite pictures on the front which is cool. We drove back home and had a lovely king prawn stir fry for tea before I went out to see the new Bond film with my dad. It was really good, and didn't finish too late like I thought it would, which is a blessing as I am absolutely shattered!

Weekly Update!

Meals Out, & Meals In!

There's not a great deal to say about this week, having already done posts on my trips to Wales and Chester, which have taken up the majority of my week apart from working at the pub. From Wednesday I was off work from nannying as they were on holiday, but Monday and Tuesday I had Aum all day as he was off school, and with the weather being nice we spent Monday in Stamford park and had a picnic. We were there for a couple of hours and then he had a football lesson so I got some time to sunbathe back at his house. On Tuesday we went into Hale and had a coffee and cake in Costa Coffee which was nice, and then I babysat until 9.30pm.

I got back from Wales on Friday (see previous post) and that evening Sam and I went into Hale for a meal and some drinks. We started in Piccolinos, and then ate at Earle, which was amazing! I had black pudding bites with mustard for a starter, followed by ham, pea and mint risotto topped with a breadcrumbed poached egg and a parmesan crisp. I have wanted to eat there for a while as I had heard good things, and I wasn't disappointed! We went to La Vina afterwards for a couple of drinks, and Lydia joined us after she had finished work.

On Saturday after I had finished work I went round to Sam's and he cooked a meal for me and all my friends, there were nine of us! Abi was visiting from New York, so it was cool to all get together and have some good food and drink. We had bread, salamis and olives with balsamic vinegar as nibbles to start with, with mojitos to drink, and then went and sat in the dining room for the main course - chicken stuffed with basil and mozzerella, wrapped in parma ham, with crushed new potatoes, green beans and broccoli. It was delicious! Emily made some cute little jubilee cupcakes for dessert as well which was great, and then we went downstairs to continue drinking. People left at around midnight, and we went to bed as we are going to Chester at lunchtime today - a great weekend so far!

Weekly Update!

Good Reads, Homemade Pizzas & The Great Manchester Run!

This week again was fairly quiet to begin with, which I think is becoming a habit, mainly due to me working Monday evenings at the pub, and working until 7.30pm on Tuesdays, leaving little time for socialising. I did take part in Aum's school sponsored walk on Tuesday morning though, which was good fun, though supervising 60 children across busy roads was a little testing on the nerves! At least the weather was good which was one less thing to worry about.

On Wednesday my grandpa came for the day before travelling to Jersey for a holiday, so we had a nice roast dinner and sticky toffee pudding for dessert which was gorgeous, and then I went to the cinema with Charlotte. We went to see the new Johnny Depp film Dark Shadows (see previous post) which was really good.

On Thursday I had a coffee and cake in Costa coffee in the morning whilst I finished my book Growing Up which I really recommend (see previous post again!). In the evening Sam came to stay and we had a lovely Italian meal courtesy of my mum - bruschetta, olives and balsamic vinegar, followed by homemade lasagne and apple torte with ice cream. We watched Shutter Island after tea which I've wanted to see for ages, and it was really good, if one that you have to really concentrate for!

On Friday I had people around to mine for the evening, and we had a few drinks and made our own pizzas. It was a nice, sociable chilled out night, and our pizzas came out really well, three between five of us was too much because they were so filling! I was working Saturday literally from 11.30am until 11.30pm, as I went straight from the pub to babysit Aum. It was good as it meant I couldn't go out before my 10km run this morning, so I did it in a personal best time of 57 minutes! I was very chuffed, and it was a really great atmosphere to be surrounded by. The weather was perfect for running, and a few people came down to support me and Smeed who I was running with, which was really lovely.

This evening we got a Chinese takeaway, and then Sam and I went into Hale for a few drinks with Lydia at Piccolino's (I had the delicious Fruits of the Forest cocktail!) and then The American Bar. Because I had such an early start, it felt like I had made the most of my day, and I'll be going to bed shattered after being so busy!

Weekly Update!

Pizza Hut, Bunk Barns & Lebanese Food!

Nothing much happened this week until later on, I had an article to write and babysat as well as working at the pub so there was little free time for me to enjoy. On Friday though I went to the Trafford Centre with my boyfriend Sam and we did a spot of shopping. Although I only got bits of makeup, I enjoyed having a browse, as shopping is something I rarely have time for nowadays. We ate at Pizza Hut, which was tasty despite taking quite a while to arrive! Afterwards we picked my parents up from the airport - it was nice to hear of their travels over a cup of tea.

On Saturday I only worked until 3pm and then went with my parents to North Yorkshire for my Uncle's 50th party. There was a bunk barn that slept 30 people that we had rented, and opposite was a pub that was very cosy and atmospheric. We all stayed there until the early hours drinking and chatting before crashing out in our little dorms - it was like being back at Brownie camp!

Today we drove back before lunch and I went straight back to bed! This evening, feeling better recovered, I went out with Sam, Emily and Smeed for a meal at Yara, the Lebanese restaurant that I have been to a couple of times before. We shared some mixed starters and then I had an aubergine and lamb dish that I have had before, it was delicious. After eating we went into Hale and met some friends for drinks. We started in Hale Kitchen, but they had run out of practically everything so we moved onto Piccolino's and ended the night in Hogan's. Good job it was a Bank Holiday on Monday!

Weekly Update!

Cocktails, Bonfires & London Town!

I've had a brilliant time this week! It started on Monday with some lovely cocktails at Piccolinos in Hale with my friend Lydia, which were made all the more tasty by being free. We had a sharing platter for a starter, which had lots of yummy things like mushrooms with pine nuts, tomato meat balls, and mozzarella slices with beef tomatoes, and then I had the seafood risotto for a main course.

On Wednesday I went to see Anonymous at the cinema (see previous post) and on Thursday I had some Gelish nails put on and then did a shift at the pub which was good fun. On Friday Chris came to visit, and we went to Ashton on Mersey rugby club to watch the fireworks. The display was really good, and lasted quite a long time, and at £5 I thought it was very reasonable compared to some of the other local events on offer. We went for a drink afterwards at The Mersey Farm pub, it was nice to try and dry off a bit, as it was absolutely pouring down!

On Saturday I was up bright and early to get ready for a trip to London for Charlotte's birthday. We caught the train at just gone midday, though annoying delays and diversions via Nuneaton and Leicester meant we didn't arrive until half 3, which stopped us doing a lot. We bought a fresh pizza, some crisps and dips and a lemon meringue pie from the local supermarket to cook for tea, as we were staying at our friend Hannah's house in Camden. We had some wine and a good catch up, before getting ready to go out to The Blitz Party, an event in Shoreditch (see next week's post). Our other friend Tasha who was coming from home after work was also delayed, so Charlotte and I went on ahead while Hannah collected her for the station.

The following day after a bit of a lie in, the four of us got ready and went for a walk into Hampstead for some brunch. We went to a little cafe/ bistro called Base, where I had eggs benedict with ham, which was absolutely gorgeous, and to drink I had a hot chocolate, which was one of the best I have tasted. Afterwards we caught the tube to Euston and sat in Starbucks for a while eating cake, and drinking the new Christmas coffees (toffee nut latte is my one of choice - I am so glad it's back!). Our friend Srishti from home, and Tasha's boyfriend Will came and met us in there which was nice. Charlotte and I caught the train home at 3.35pm, and I slept for the entire journey, which luckily was completely stress-free unlike the way there!