Weekly Musings

2018 - Week Five

'Oh the things we would do and the chances we would take, if we could only realise that there is no such thing as tomorrow.'
(David Jones)

The start of this week was rather quiet, made up for by a bustling weekend! I did get to spend Wednesday morning with Chris as he had the day off which was a pleasant surprise; I made us pancakes with raspberries and brown sugar for breakfast, and then ventured to Altrincham Market for some lunch with Abi to celebrate her birthday. I had a tasty cheese and spinach quiche from Great North Pie Co, and a chai latte from Market House Coffee. It is such a cosy, friendly atmosphere there and the food is top notch; I love that it is right on my doorstep. I also got a poem up on Instagram that evening, read it here.

I babysat on Thursday, and on Friday after work I went to visit Chris on the boat for the night. We watched Whiplash, another off our film list, which we really enjoyed. I left early on Saturday morning as I had some cooking to do for a surprise afternoon tea party the girls and I were holding for Abi's birthday. I made tomato, pesto and goats cheese tartlets from Fearne Cotton's Cook Happy Cook Healthy recipe book, and aubergine, feta and olive filo rolls from a Marie Claire cook book I have. We all hid in Abi's kitchen until her little sister Anna ushered her home at 2.30pm, where we were armed with party poppers, balloons and lots of yummy treats. She had no idea, and it was so nice having all of us together, especially now Hana is back from Australia, all my goodies were wolfed down!

I had to leave at 5pm as I was going into Manchester for a meal with Mum and Jasmine at Zizzi in the new Corn Exchange. It was part of Mum's Christmas present along with tickets to see The Script at Manchester Arena afterwards. We shared two starters, the Fonduta Formaggi (gorgonzola, gruyere and pecorino fondue with dough balls) and the wild boar polpette (meatballs with mozzerella and chilli threads) which were both amazing, and then Mum and I went halves on the king prawn linguine and the pasta della casa which had chicken, pancetta, spinach and cheese oven baked in a mushroom sauce. We had trusty Tesco vouchers to pay for it, so it was cheap a chips as well as being bloody yummy!

The concert afterwards was brilliant. Ella Eyre supported, although we only saw a couple of her songs once we'd stocked up on wine at the bar and found our seats, which were some of the best in the house. The Script played all their classics old and new, and had everyone singing along and dancing in their seats (I have included my favourite by them as my track of the week above). At one point the band came out properly into the crowd, keyboards and all to perform a couple of tunes which was cool.

Today has been very civilised, I had a lie in for the first time in ages, and then Mum and I went to The Village Hotel in Cheadle to an antiques fair for a wander around. I was hoping for some inspiration for furniture pieces for the new house, but it was mainly ornaments and jewellery, albeit beautiful. I bought a gorgeous bracelet, but I could have spent a fortune on all the vintage rings! Chris and I have just had veggie fajitas for tea and watched the first episode of House of Cards (late to the game I know) I definitely think it will be a grower, so ep two awaits!

Weekly Musings

2018 - Week Four

'What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.'
(Buddha)

I was a bit naughty last week and didn't do my Instagram poem, so I put one up on Monday instead, read it here. My track for the last seven days is a golden oldie by my Queen, Lady Gaga, as my 2009 record store day exclusive vinyl copy of The Fame Monster arrived on Friday so I have been spinning it all weekend, this is my favourite tune off it.

On Tuesday I had a very grownup mortgage meeting and then went to visit the house I have bought again, this time with Mum and Dad who hadn't seen it before. My mum definitely saw the great potential it has, even if Dad was a little dubious; probably due to being more realistic with how much work and money is involved in renovating!

On Wednesday Aum had a random day off school, so I took him and a friend to see Paddington 2 at the Trafford Centre and for lunch at KFC. It was the cutest film ever! Such a heartwarming watch, I came out of the screen feeling all mushy and fuzzy inside (totally didn't tear up at all...). That evening a few of the girls came 'round to mine and I made us a Thai green chicken curry. It was lovely to have a natter as I hadn't seen Hannah and Tasha since before Christmas, so I filled them in on all my property plans and listened to their life updates.

On Thursday night I went to The Eagle Inn in Salford with Chris to watch his friend's covers band, Ron Direction. I had a few wines and it was rammed with supporters; The Eagle Inn is one of those proper cosy old fashioned pubs so it was a fun way to spend an evening together, even if on Friday I felt far too ill for the amount I'd had to drink. I stayed on the boat that evening and Chris made us a lentil and spinach lasagne that definitely hit the hangover munchies spot. We watched La Haine, which has been on my 'films to see' for years, but we have devised a list that we are gradually working our way through from imdb's recommended 250. It was gritty and the French subtitles took a bit of getting used to but it was well worth a watch.

Yesterday I met Abi in Manchester for a spot of day drinking. I was digging my outfit even though it was pretty thrown together - a combo of blue velvet & faux fur boots, wide legged culottes and a crop top, I felt like I was in a hip-hop video! We started in Convenience Store which is on the old Keko Moku site in the Northern Quarter, and apart from an outfit/ theme change it is set out the same. It is no longer a tiki hut but, as the name suggests, styled like a US newsagents, complete with neon signs, posters advertising American cereal, and confectionary counter from which they serve tasty cocktails (as you can tell, it is still just as hipster). I had the 'Cheeri-fucking-o Kiddo' (*rolls eyes*), which was made with vanilla ice cream, vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, milk and topped with whipped cream, cheerios and cinnamon crunch cereal, mad. I did have an early breakfast though, so it was basically a liquid lunch!

Afterwards we headed to Turtle Bay and The Whiskey Jar to take advantage of their happy hours (2 for 1 before 7pm) where we stuck to some classics: a mojito and a French martini. I must admit, I love getting doled up and going on a night out, but there is definitely something satisfying about having a few cocktails in the afternoon and being back at home for some decent grub at tea time instead of cheesy chips at 3am! I had been well domesticated and pre-prepared a sweet potato veggie shepherd's pie to whack in the oven for Chris and I when I got in, which went down a treat.

 

This morning I had Aum's party (two months after his actual birthday!) which was at Inflatanation in Trafford Park. I didn't go on the inflatables, mainly as the prospect of being ganged up on by 15 eleven year olds didn't appeal too much, but it looked incredible, and I will totally venture back just with him at some point to give it a try. I am now on the toasty boat again after a very pleasant walk along the bridle path with the doggies and Chris; I've been in one of those pensive, nostalgic moods this week and my head has been a bit all over the place, so the fresh air and a bit of a vent about how I was feeling gave me a boost. Starting next week detoxed with a clean mind!

Weekly Musings

2017 - Week Thirty Six

'If you were to show me her soul in a photograph I wouldn't even ask to see the others.'
(Christopher Poindexter)

This week, Aum went back to school, hallelujah! He didn't start until Wednesday, and I have definitely not missed the two hour daily school run, but by God it feels good to be back in some form of routine. That evening I went out with Moj to Altrincham Market, where we had a two person steak from Tender Cow, with a bottle of red wine and triple cooked chips. It was a hearty piece of meat with a lovely garlic butter and chimichurri dressing but wasn't huge, so Moj ended up getting a takeaway on the way home! Afterwards we went to see Logan Lucky, the new Daniel Craig film, which was bizarre but actually pretty decent (and co-starring Adam Driver so I was always going to be happy watching it!).

On Friday I got a poem up on Insta here. In the evening Geoff and his girlfriend Louise drove up from Exeter ready for a long overdue uni reunion weekend. They arrived at 10.30pm so we had a few bevvies and chatted until the early hours before hitting the hay. On Saturday we headed into town to meet up with Chris and Rick, and ended up traipsing around a few places looking for somewhere to eat, finally settling on Artisan, which is definitely higher end than the joints we normally reside in! I had the moules frites, which was a huge portion served with a bread lid, and as I had to drive later on just stuck with a coffee. We went for a couple in Knott Bar and I toddled off to Primark for a gander before heading back to mine to get changed ready for the evening's festivities!

Back at mum and dad's, who are currently away on holiday, snack bowls were filled, beer pong was set up and the music playlist was prepped ready for when people began arriving at around 8.30pm for one of mine and Jasmine's infamous Miles parties. So many people turned up, it was fab! I wore my pinstriped velvet catsuit, got sloshed on prosecco, and the kitchen turned into a dancefloor as the night progressed, below was a particular favourite of mine that we boogied to! 

Anyone who knows me knows that I thrive off being a good host, and that paired with having everyone that I care about enjoying themselves and getting drunk all in one place is literally one of my favourite things ever. The buzz from people texting me afterwards to say how much fun they'd had (and invariably how hungover they are) always makes me smile, and there is never a lack of gossip after a house party, which has distracted me from how much my head hurts and the mess the house is in today!

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 Musings

2015- Week 1

'Give me some madness I, can get off on, I want to endorse you, I want you to exhaust me' 

(Catfish & The Bottlemen - Sidewinder)

Thoroughly recommend the whole Catfish album, personal faves are Business and Cocoon, but the above lyric sits well with me this week after enjoying time off with friends and family. Shopping in Manchester with Jasmine on Tuesday, we nattered over lattes and paninis and generally pissed around doing sibling stuff. New Year's Eve lunch was spent with Tasha and Abi at the Country Club and a great NYE party at my mate Laura's got the week off to a cracking start.  

'I'm somewhere outside my life babe, I keep scratching but somehow, I can't get in' (Hozier - Sedated)

Hozier was another awesome 2014 discovery, and his debut album doesn't have a bad record on it. This line in his most recent single sums up a complicated couple of months where I have been pussyfooting around an old relationship, instead of just getting on with living. This week was the one where I reached the conclusion to stop pretending the past was perfect, and to focus on making the future a better one. Friday evening was spent confirming this with my mates Laura and Kelly in El Capo in the Northern Quarter, over four bottles of wine, the last of which was smuggled out under my jacket as Laura had been asleep on the table for the last hour!

Yesterday evening was whiled away with good family friends, playing dress up for a Mafia themed quiz night, where Jasmine made a worryingly convincing man. We drank Blue Lagoons, carried fake guns and listened to dodgy Sopranos-esque elevator music, but it was a bloody good night!

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! 

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!

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!

Travellers' Tales...

Becky & Oli's Wedding

This Bank Holiday we have been at a friends wedding for the whole weekend, which has been so much fun. They got married at 2pm on Saturday in a lovely little church in New Ferry on the Wirral, which we just made due to being stuck in Creamfields traffic! The bride's dress was a 50s style one with a full skirt down to her mid calf, and she wore a veil for the ceremony. The bridesmaid dresses were a similar style, in a turquoise/ teal shade which looked lovely next to the flower arrangements of orange, fuschia pink and buttercup yellow.

After the service, a double decker bus was provided to take us to the reception venue, a church hall in Heswall. There was no seating plan which meant everyone mingled, and tea and cakes were served buffet style upon arrival (including some baked by the guests - I made peanut butter blondies!). Drinks flowed, and after the speeches there was a live band and a hog roast later in the evening to keep everyone going.

A group of us ended up going out in Birkenhead afterwards, to some dive bar that was open until 4am. It was so much fun though, and even one of the bridesmaids rocked up in her dress for the occasion!

The following day Mo and I were very hungover, so after a McDonalds we went back to bed until the afternoon, when a barbecue at a local golf club was put on as a second party! There was a quiz and a musician who was very funny, getting everyone involved, and the drinks got going again, hair of the dog!

This time we ended up out in Liverpool, although after going to a couple of places playing dance music and serving cheap double vodkas around Matthew Street, we found ourselves back in a McDonalds before grabbing a taxi home to our hotel. Today we are enduring a double hangover, and at 2pm I drove us both home, where I will be vegging out for the foreseeable future!

Weekly Update!

Chilling & Good Food

This week has been a much needed quiet one after a hectic few weeks, and more to come. On Monday I went with Mo to A&E to get his leg looked at - thankfully nothing broken, just bad muscle damage so movement is difficult and recovery will be a long process. On Tuesday I had a day to myself at the flat - for the first time in over a month I worked out! I made a bacon, cheese and mushroom tart (for once we didn't eat the Country Club) and chilled out with a glass of wine.

Wednesday and Thursday passed by unnoticed, although Jasmine found out she got a 1st in her degree on Thursday which was fantastic news. On Friday I went into Manchester for a meal for Emily's birthday (see previous post) and then I went to my parents where my sister was having a house party to celebrate her results - which was rather messy and didn't end until 5am! As a consequence, I was horrifically hungover yesterday, I haven't felt so awful in a long time, so slept until 5pm and then went to Mo's where we had lasagne and garlic bread which made me feel much better.

Today I slept in for a while, and then drove home and got ready for a day of shopping in Manchester with Jasmine. We stopped for a late lunch at Home Sweet Home (see previous post) and I bought a few things for my holiday, a couple of little tank tops and a pair of shorts. I am now at Mo's where we have got a takeaway pizza to see off a lazy week; mushroom, sweetcorn, prawns and olives on a margarita - delicious!

Weekly Update!

Sushi, Insanity & Shopping!

This week had a bonus Monday off for the bank holiday - most of which was spent hungover at Mo's after a night out on Sunday! He went out on the bike so I let myself out at about 3pm and went round to Mum's for tea - she made tagliatelle from scratch with bacon, creme fraiche, mushrooms, peas and broccoli; I've never had homemade pasta before, but she said it was really easy to make so will be doing it more often, ideal!

On Tuesday I ate at the country club, and had duck and mushroom katsu sushi rolls. I am getting to the stage where I have had most things off the menu, but this was one I hadn't yet tried. It was full of flavour as per usual, and the breadcrumbed outer roll made it a bit different from normal sushi. I babysat on Wednesday, and on Thursday I tried a new class (by accident) - Insanity. It was very difficult, and we were only given half the time! I always like a new challenge though, so maybe I will pluck up the courage to do a full hour next time. That evening and Friday night I just stayed in and chilled out with Mo, and then Saturday I went shopping in Stockport with Mum and Jasmine who was back for the weekend.

I didn't buy a lot, just a few holiday bits from Primark, and some orange hair dye to experiment with next week. That evening I went out for a meal at La Piazza with Em, Smeed, Tasha, Abi and Dave (see previous post), and then drove to a birthday house party at Mo's friend Rosie's flat in Stretford, where I was glad to finally get onto the wine!

Today I lounged around at Mo's (he made us both a gorgeous full cooked breakfast) then I went to Mum's for a catch up and we wandered around Matalan where I found a few bits for birthday presents. I have just made some blueberry muffins to eat when Mo comes round in a bit. A good fun packed week!

Weekly Update!

Sushi, Steak & Cake!

This week has been a build up to my housewarming really, so I haven't done a great deal. On Monday I met up with Tasha and Abi and Dave the guy Abi is seeing, and we went to Gastronomy for some lunch. I had a bacon and brie panini (seem to have it every time!) and a few cups of tea. I had to dash off to get Aum from school, but it was nice to meet Dave and chat to the girls albeit briefly. 

On Tuesday I went to the country club and had peking duck sushi, which given that I don't normally like duck (I find it a bit too dry) was delicious, though I think Aum was a bit gutted he didn't get it! On Thursday I went round to Mum and Dad's for squash stuffed with cous cous, feta and pine nuts for tea and then stayed back at mine.

On Friday Geoff and Brian arrived for the weekend, and Rick came as he lives nearby so we went out for a few drinks and some dinner at The Flying Horse at the end of my road. What was supposed to be quiet drinks turned into a 3am drinking session, typical when us uni lot get together!

Yesterday I spent the day prepping for the party with Mum (see previous post) while the lads went into town and met a few others before heading back. Today I've been hella hungover, but feel a bit better now, so Mo is making steak for dinner and I've cooked a Betty Cocker chocolate orange swirl cake for dessert - yum! 

Flatwarming!

A Good Christening!

Last night was my long awaited flatwarming party, and what a party it was! 

After 'sending out' invites (Facebook of course!) to over 50 people, I expected about 20 to turn up, if that. I put this mainly down to the usual, other commitments, too far to travel, difficult to get home afterwards - HOWEVER. Upon checking around with people, I had 28 confirmed, which quickly multiplied on the day to 31 in total; we struggled to fit in! In fact, by the end of the night, people had spread into my bedroom and the spare room lounging on the beds, creating a proper house party vibe which I loved.

The first of my guests arrived on Friday, having travelled from Newcastle and Exeter, hence wanting to prolong the visit as much as possible. A couple of Mo's uni friends that I have got to know came for dinner on Saturday, which was nice, definitely the calm before the storm! My mum was an absolute star helping me with last minute preparations, buying breakfast and snack stuff and cooking a spaghetti bolognese (the carbs were appreciated later on!) before leaving us to it. 

More uni friends came on Saturday evening, including a friend from my course who I haven't seen since we graduated, followed by all my friends from home, my ski rep from last year and his girlfriend, more of Mo's friends, and later on, even a few who had been at a gig in town and made it - I was so chuffed at the effort everyone made! Mo managed to break down, but made it for 9pm, so not too shabby!

All the food got eaten, I got bought some beautiful cards and presents, (including a miniature orchid, booze, chocolate and a candle in a glass jar that smells like heaven!) and everyone genuinely seemed like they had an awesome time. With a sore head today, it has been lovely getting so many texts commenting on a great night, and asking when my next party will be... soon I hope!

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!