Weekly Musings

2018 - Week Twenty Four
'Honour both the crazy and the peace in you. You will need one to create, and the other to ensure you do not destroy what you create.'
(Erin Van Vuren)

IT'S BIRTHDAY WEEK! It started with a very pleasant trip to Tarporley on Monday, a quaint little village in Cheshire. The weather is still amazing so Emily and I decided to go on a roadtrip somewhere and Tarporley has been on my list for a while. We had a wander, got some lunch at Chestnut Cafe (formerly No 6 The Tea Room) and relaxed in a park before heading back so I could do the afternoon school run. I had onion chutney, stilton and grapes on granary toast, which was a great taste combination, with an iced coffee. It was so nice to make the most of a day! 

On Thursday it was the big day, and although I was working I treated myself to getting my nails done and having a hair cut. I decided to take the plunge and get '70s style bangs cut in on a centre parting, which is taking some getting used to but I really like the change and have had loads of compliments on it, which is never a bad thing! I also got a birthday themed poem up on Instagram here.

I didn't finish work until half 7, but when I got home I was in for a surprise! Chris had the Love Island theme tune playing in the communal corridor (sorry neighbours!) and had put candles by the doormat and a sign on the door... The candle theme continued throughout the whole flat, and he had a bath ready for me with chilled prosecco on the side, a paneer curry bubbling away for tea, and a caterpillar cake for dessert! He had put so much effort in I was so touched, and to top it off he wore one of my favourite shirts of his, and bought me a new fancy yoga mat and the Stories for Rebel Girls book of short stories which is ace. Massive boyfriend points all round.

The following day I met up with Lydia in Lymm for a bridesmaid dress fitting and a quick coffee afterwards. Wearing the actual dress was so exciting (we had previously only tried samples of it on in different colours) and I can't wait until it is all adjusted and ready for the wedding day, I'm sure it will come around in no time. That evening Chris and I took the dogs to Levenshulme night market to meet up with Timna and her boyfriend Sam. We had some tasty dumplings and spring rolls from Rockin' Buddha, gin cocktails and salted caramel brownies from Lush Brownies - heaven! I love the community spirit in Levenshulme, and am keen to support local businesses whenever I can; the market is always buzzing and full of good vibes, and usually lots of super cute doggos too!

Yesterday I started another week of living at Aum's whilst his parents are away, but since I had already made plans for birthday part three I took him to his Grandma's to stay the night so I didn't have to sacrifice my partying! I met up with a few of the girls and Smeed at Altrincham Market for a couple of drinks, before moving on to The Cellar where Tasha's sister Genevieve also joined us. It wasn't a crazy one, but it was lovely to all get together for a catch up and a few bevvies, and the girls bought me a new Pandora bracelet and some charms which are beaut. I could definitely feel the alcohol buzz when I was walking home, and the house behind Aum's was having a mad party in a marquee with a full band when I got in, proper cool to bounce around the room getting ready for bed to!

Today I had a bit of a lie in and then went to collect Aum, and we have had a quiet day at home, which has been blissful after a hectic week, albeit for all the right reasons. Track for this week is the new single from Lily Allen, who I have never previously liked that much, but this tune is a real ear worm and I can't get it out of my head!

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 Musings

2017 - Week Six

'Just be a tough act to follow; a free spirit, with a wild heart.'
(Simple Things - Miguel)

So my little puppy Ferryn had her first haircut this week! I'll be honest, she is pretty skinny and I was worried I'd go and pick her up and want to cry because she looked like a rat, but they did a great job (cheers Dog Beauty in Timperley). I was obviously real jealous of her looking all cute and trim because I went and had my own hair cut on Friday (though at Bellisimo in town, not Dog Beauty...). I dyed it beforehand, using Schwarzkopf Live colourant in shade 035 - Real Red. I also put another poem up on my Instagram, so far sticking to my plan of doing it weekly - check it out here.

I'm going a bit old school with the track this week, I don't quite know how Miguel hasn't made it onto my radar more before. I Shazammed this record off the TV and then got the album and it is completely badass, like an amalgamation of The Weeknd before he went mainstream, mixed with Prince and a bit of Lenny Kravitz. The bass on this single has had my car vibrating all week, and Gigi is in the video, which can only confirm it is quality. 

On Friday evening Tasha, Abi and I went for some much needed drink at Victor's in Hale. Tasha was working the next day so couldn't make a full night of it, but it was great to catch up and have a giggle. Abi and I stayed out and got talking to a couple of guys - one had already caught my eye from across the bar - and we ended up on porn star martinis and dancing in Suburbia, Hale's closest thing to a club. I think spontaneous nights always end up being the best; I got his number and we're going out next week so check back for an update!

Yesterday I felt like I was dying for the majority of the day, and only eventually made it home to mine at 5pm. Benn invited me to the cinema (he was in a world of hangover pain as well) but there wasn't much on and I honestly couldn't face leaving the flat, so he just came round and we watched crappy Saturday TV, I think any kind of company is always appreciated to calm the post-alcohol anxiety after a night out!

This morning I went for a lovely walk in Alderley Edge with Emily and Smeed and the dog, but it was bloody windy at The Edge, it definitely blew away the cobwebs! Ferryn of course chose all the deepest muddiest bogs to jump and play in after smelling like flowers all week, but she was having fun so I'll let her off.

This afternoon after dropping the dog off at the ex's, I met Laura in The Laundrette in Chorlton for a 'coffee' which turned into a cocktail (I had the soap sud caipirinha) - there's a precedent to adhere to when we get together! I drove us back to Didsbury where she lives and we had some wine in Mary and Archie, it had been ages since it was just the two of us, so we had a proper laugh catching up. I had cod and chips from Ida's Fish Bar to soak the remaining booze up so I could drive home, which was a lucky decision as I got a very dramatic phone call after Ferryn had a funny turn at Jason's, so I had to take her home. She is now fast asleep; panic over thank goodness, though secretly I think she was just missing her mummy! 

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!

Hair, Bar Crawls and Birthdays!

This week it was nice to get back into routine. With Aum being back at school, I had a lot more time to get things done and to get back in the gym (although I failed miserably at the latter). Monday/ Tuesday were relatively boring, I babysat and did some food shopping, caught up on some washing and cleaning; basically everything I have been too busy/ knackered to do when Aum was off.

On Wednesday I went into Manchester and had my hair cut. It hasn't been that long since I had it done last, but as the style is so much shorter now I find it looks scruffy when it is visibly grown out of shape. In the afternoon I took Aum to an open day at Manchester Grammar, which was intimidating when everyone there was a parent and seemed to know others, but was over quickly and he seemed to enjoy it which is the main thing. 

On Thursday I went round to Tasha's and we dyed each others hair which was funny - her dad didn't know where he'd walked into when he came home to us! The orange colour has taken a lot better this time, so I am happy with the results, and glad to have nice hair for my birthday. On Friday after work Mo and I went round to my parents for an early birthday tea. We had a gorgeous barbecue (nearly called off due to a rain shower that came out of nowhere) but luckily it had cleared by the time we sat down to eat outside. Mum had made me an incredible lemon drizzle cake which she served with strawberries in the centre, and I opened my cards and presents from the family which was lovely - I got some great stuff! We had Pimms in the sunshine which eventually returned, and then Mo and I left at half ten and came home to watch some Breaking Bad.

Yesterday was my actual birthday, and it started with salmon and poached eggs in bed courtesy of Mo! He left mine to sort out the last bits of my present, so I showered and got ready for my guests arriving. I had to pop to his to pick up my present (4 Cath Kidston teacups and a cake stand and a watering can pandora charm!) as it was too breakable for him to bring on his bike, and I brought him back to mine just as Claire arrived, followed shortly after by Brian. Lydia and Rob arrived in the nick of time to catch the train into Manchester with us, where we went to Dukes 92 and sat outside in the sun with some prosecco. Unfortunately a downpour descended shortly afterwards so we spent most of the afternoon indoors, where the rest of the group met us - there were 18 of us in total, so nice that everyone made such an effort!

We moved on to Bar Ca at about 5pm, and had some food there - I shared the Fisherman's Platter with Mo, which had calamari, king prawns in chilli sauce, battered cod, chips and scampi on it - perfect accompaniment to more prosecco, and definitely filled me up so I didn't get too drunk! We then went to Atlas Bar, which specialises in gin, my favourite! We all had a few there including some sambuca shots, and then caught the train back at 8.45pm to continue at my flat. We all stayed up until 4am drinking and chatting, and we had the England game on, not that there was much point when they lost! 

Today I was surprisingly OK, I made bacon and sausage sandwiches for everyone and tidied a bit before people left, before dropping Mo home and going to my parents for Fathers Day. Dad loved his presents, and once I was back at mine Mo came round again and we had a hangover Chinese. This weekend has been the best!

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!

Brunch, Bags & Babysitting!

Monday started with a yoga class, which was really relaxing and chilled me out ready to get on with my week. I met Abi for brunch at the Country Club on Tuesday after doing a spinning class - I had waffles with maple syrup and summer berries, which was a lovely reward after a workout... and when I got home my new Diane Von Furstenburg handbag had arrived; officially in love!

I ate there in the evening with Aum as well, I had pan fried sea bass with a sunblush tomato and chorizo chutney and crisp basil. I didn't really know what to expect from the basil, but it was literally like hard crisps on top of the dish, pretty unusual! The sea bass was perfectly cooked and went really well with the chutney, not something I would have thought to put together.

On Wednesday I had my hair cut (see previous post) and then met Mo for a coffee, as well as staying at his in the evening. Thursday and Friday were spent babysitting, and then on Saturday after a chilled out day dying my hair, I drove to Leeds for Jasmines 21st. We predrank at hers and then went out to Control, which was lots of fun from what I can remember!

Today I have been pretty hungover, but this afternoon Mum and Dad came to meet us in Leeds and we went for a meal at Cafe Rouge (see previous post). I have just had to drive home to Mo's, which was much more of a chore when very tired! Cup of tea and an early night for me I think.

Makeover Week!

Hair & Nails

Unintentionally all this week, I have undergone three changes - a hair cut, a hair dye, and my nails done. The first occurred on Wednesday, and I finally bit the bullet and had about 1.5 inches lopped off. It feels really short, but is also much healthier now, the ends are no longer straggly and split, but feel bulbous and bouncy. 

I had my nails done on Thursday morning, and opted for a lovely glittery dark purple. I don't normally like the sparkly shades, but this one is quite subtle and gives a bit of Christmas cheer! I dyed my hair red again this morning, and probably thanks to the haircut, it has gone the shade I initially intended back in September, it has lost the translucency of previous attempts, and now looks lovely and glossy. Since my summer tan has definitely disappeared now, it is a great hue to compliment my uber pale winter skin tone, and I am looking forward to showing it off over the festive period!

Weekly Update!

Break-Downs, Bell Jars & Giant Cocktails!

This week got off to a bad start when my car broke down on Monday. After thinking it was just the battery, I was told it was the alternator, and then that whoever had the car before me had some some botched bodywork - great! Luckily as I bought it when it was a year old from a Peugeot dealer, all the work was covered under warranty; and my dad was on a course all week so I used my mum's car without a problem.

On Tuesday I caught up with Abi when she came round for a cuppa, and then in the evening I ate at Hale Country Club. The dish I had was the best meal I have ever eaten, no exaggeration! It was tuna tartare, served with a deep fried poached egg, mini prawn toast and salted asparagus, served under a smoking bell jar to give it a wonderful oaky taste - I could eat it everyday!

On Wednesday I had my haircut (good ol' Groupon, £19!), adding a few shorter layers and a nice side fringe which shot a bit of life into it, and then I met Mo for a coffee as I was in town. The rest of the week flew by, I had my nails done and went for another coffee with Abi on Thursday, and on Friday the two of us and Tasha went for a night out in Manchester. 

We started at my house and then had a couple in Neighbourhood in Spinningfields which has a really cool vibe, great music, industrial feel decor and drinks aren't too bad either! Then we moved on to Alchemist where Emily and Smeed joined us for one before we shared a taxi home. I was on wine all night so was pretty tipsy, and despite making sure I had tea and toast before bed I still had a nasty headache on Saturday morning!

Once I had recovered slightly I packed my car up and headed to Crewe for a reunion with a few of the gang from Uni. Geoff, Matt and Chris had been at the football game so were all steaming by the time Joe, Amanda and I met up with them at half five, but we had some takeaway pizzas for tea and it seemed to sort them out for a while - until we went back out anyway! We went to Hanley in Stoke-on-Trent, not a great town to be honest, but it's the people, right?! We went to an 80's themed place called Reflex and had some giant cocktails, then ended the night in Walkabout.

Today I didn't drive home until 2pm, and haven't done much for the rest of the day except meet Mo for a coffee, kerazy!

Weekly Update!

Font, Haircuts & Bike Rides!

This week I've not done a great deal, Monday was spent still in Leamington (see previous post) and then in the evening I stayed at Mo's and we watched Game Of Thrones. Tuesday was spent writing an advertorial for the practise that the family I work for own, to go in Cheshire Life which is quite exciting, and great coverage for me. In the evening I went for a swim whilst Aum had his lesson and then we ate at the country club. I had salt and pepper squid with chunky chips as I was craving some comfort food, and I was pretty impressed that the squid was actual tentacles rather than just calamari rings, which I find can sometimes taste a little processed.

On Wednesday after I had dropped Aum off I went into Manchester as Claire, my uni friend that lives in Paris, came to visit for the day whilst on a trip to England. We went around a few shops, though all I bought were some neon earrings and a hair doughnut, and then met up with Mo and had some lunch at Font Bar on Oxford Road. I have mentioned it before, but I love the place, as it is really chilled out, does quality food at good prices (my meal was only £6), and has a friendly student vibe to it. It does get really busy on a weekend though, probably due to the riduculously cheap cocktails! 

I had a Philly Steak sandwich with mushrooms and blue cheese served with fries and salad, Mo had a standard burger, and Claire got a burrito that was huge! I also indulged in one of my favourite cocktails, a Bramble, which is gin with lemon juice and blackberry liquor, a bargain at just £2. Afterwards we hit a few of the more expensive shops in a quest for a dress for me for Laura's wedding, though it was unsuccessful, and I drove back at 2.30pm to collect Aum from school.

On Thursday I finally got around to having my hair cut, which now seems really short, but at least it is healthy and my layers are a bit more under control. I also paid a deposit for the tattoo I am planning on getting, and they booked me in for June 21st, all very exciting! I cycled to and from the gym and did a run whilst there, the bike was an experience to say the least, as it is probably the first time I have properly ridden one on a road by myself ever! It was fine though, and built up my confidence for my triathlon on Sunday - good job really. I stayed at Mo's in the evening as mum had all her friends round for coffee and I didn't fancy getting in the way.

Friday was a fairly standard day, although I sacked off the gym which was a little naughty, but I made up for it by going on a bike ride with Mum yesterday. We did around the airport and stopped off to see my flat, which is actually beginning to look like a liveable home, if you ignore the rubble and scaffolding. Saturday evening I couldn't go out due to an early start today (7.30am!), so while Mo went out with his mates in the Northern Quarter, Emily came round for tea, and we watched rubbish Saturday television and had a McFlurry. Could be worse I suppose!