Weekly Musings

2018 - Week Nine

'Come closer than my skin, I'll show you what it's like to begin again.'

(Perry Poetry)

It has been bliss this week being back in the comfort of my flat with my trusty hound, and it's been a really easy one for me work-wise; Aum had barely any homework so I finished early on a few days, and I even had Wednesday afternoon off due to a school meeting meaning his mum collected him, bonus! My weird mood from last week quicky dissipated, I heard it was something to do with an unusual moon which really affected some people? My track for this week is CHVRCHES new one featuring Matt Berninger from The National, which I am obsessed with, it is almost embarrassing how many plays of it I have racked up this week, but I love the contrast of the band's classic upbeat '80s synth with the sadness of the vocals and lyrics.

Due to my spontaneous free afternoon, I ventured out to grapple with the 'Beast from the East' with Ferryn on the football fields behind mine. It was like walking through the tundra! The wind was howling and kicking up all the snow into swirls in the air, and stupidly I had chosen to wear gym leggings so could barely feel my legs when I got back; I swiftly prescribed myself a steamy hot chocolate to cure the affliction.

On Friday Chris came and took refuge at mine for the day due to the insane wind rocking his canal boat and blowing all the smoke from the fire back inside it. It was cute us both just cracking on with our work sheltering from the elements, and in the evening he made us vegan pizzas from scratch, so I treated us to some Sweet Octopus goodies - a mocha bean stack, and a chocolate orange mousse dome, which we ate whilst watching Crash, what a classic.

Yesterday my mum came 'round and we drove into Cheadle to the Maker's Market for a wander and some lunch. We shared a roasted veg, goat's cheese and chilli jam pizza twist, and a cherry cheesecake brownie for dessert. We then broke our Lidl virginity (anywhere that sells fresh chocolate hazelnut croissants for 45p has my heart) and she dyed my hair ready for a much awaited night out with the girls.

Tasha and Abi came to mine for a couple of predrinks before we got an Uber into Didsbury village to The Botanist. We had some cocktails whilst a live duo played, and then left at midnight to move on elsewhere before we realised there wasn't really anywhere to go! After a pitstop in a random pub to get out of the freezing temperatures we got another taxi to Burton Road and went to Hula. It seems to have the same playlist every time we go, is always rammed and takes about half an hour to get served for a drink, but we got to have a dance at least!

Today Chris and I both had the whole day completely off in the flat, which has only happened once in the entire time we've been together! We had a lie in, drank coffee and ate pastries in bed for breakfast, and have just finished eating an adapted roast dinner (toad in the hole) whilst chain-watching House of Cards. What Sundays are made for!

Weekly Musings

2017 - Week Twenty One
'Age does not protect you from love. But love, to some extent, protects you from age.'
(Anais Nin)

It would be impossible to start this post without mentioning the horrific terrorist attack that took place in my home city on Monday night. I saw the ripples of chaos via social media just before I went to bed and woke up to the awful news. Despite the sorrow felt by everyone in the vicinity, and indeed the world, seeing our resilience, love and fighting spirit in the aftermath this week has made me immensely proud to be a Mancunian; and the bumblebee tattoo I had done a couple of months ago is certainly in good company now!

My track for this week is a song that really resonates with me. It came out a few years ago when I was visiting my friend Claire from uni at her family home in Bergerac, France. I had just had my heart broken for the first time, and as well as being devastated, it had also opened my eyes to the hurt I had unwittingly caused people in my relationships in the past. We were driving through acres and acres of vineyards to go to a gathering at a remote farmhouse, laughing away with the windows rolled down and the sun beaming on us with this tune playing super loud and, romantic as it sounds, I remember it feeling like a life affirming moment, a turning point. It came on shuffle randomly this week on Tuesday, and after everything that happened on Monday it made me well up in the car, as it transported me back to that memory and seemed like the perfect reminder to stay strong and move forward despite feeling pain. 

On Wednesday after work it was the rehearsal for Emily and Smeed's wedding. It was fairly simple, but I was glad to practise walking to the front and doing my reading before the big day, knowing how clumsy I am I wanted to eradicate any possible errors! We went to The Con Club for a couple of drinks with everyone afterwards, which was gorgeous on the patio in the sunshine. I babysat on Thursday and had a quiet evening on Friday knowing I had to be up super early yesterday to begin the day's events, although I did manage to get a new poem up on Instagram, read it here.

Yesterday morning we had to be at Sand hairdressers in Altrincham for 8.30am, and after all having our hair done in variations of beachy waves with a side plait, we headed back to Emily's mum's for some breakfast, makeup and the all important fizz to start off the celebrations. The wedding car was a cream stretch mini which looked cool even if it was a nightmare to get (or fall) into, and we arrived at the church in time to beat the torrential rain - 'though Emily wasn't as lucky!

It was a lovely service, and my reading received a lot of praise which I was really pleased about. The reception afterwards was at The Oaktree of Peover which is a stunning venue, and there were little touches added like having a 'Pimp your prosecco' area, blankets for when it got chillier later on, and stone baked pizzas outside for the evening snacks, which went down an absolute treat. The speeches had the whole room giggling, and a special mention has to go out to the band who were called in last minute after the original duo cancelled; their setlist was full of gems that had the dancefloor permanently buzzing which always makes for a fun wedding.  

It was an incredible day, spent with lots of people I adore, eating, drinking and laughing, and we continued the party today (after a quick chill session in the jacuzzi/ pool) with a barbecue at Smeed's parents house in Gatley which was a nice way of prolonging the weekend's events. It feels sad to all be over now, but I know there will be lots of photos popping up in the coming weeks as reminders of a beautiful day for a wonderful couple.

Travellers' Tales...

Dublin!

I have just got back from an amazing weekend in Dublin! We set off on Friday (conveniently at 9.35pm so no time off work needed!) so were touched down in Ireland just before 11pm. Flights were only £26, so an absolute steal. We got a taxi to our hostel (£35 each for the two nights) and after a quick change/ makeup refresh we went out to a club called Everleigh, as a guy called Andrew that I met in Croatia who lives in Dublin had recommended it. He was out there with his friends so was cool to catch up. The music was amazing in there, proper old school r&b classics, so we all had a good boogie. The drinks weren't cheap, vodka mixer was about £8, so I stuck on wine which was about £6.50 a glass so not too bad. We stayed out until pretty late, and then I went back to Andrew's house for an afterparty, but ended up passed out on the sofa after about half an hour, despite the loud music!

The following morning I got a taxi home and got ready for a day exploring the city. We walked to the spire in the centre, it was drizzling slightly but we weren't perturbed. We were going to get some breakfast, but it was closer to lunchtime once we were out of the hostel so we decided to head to Wagamamas for something more substantial instead. Afterwards I was feeling really ropey and tired, so Lizzie and I headed back for a couple of hours nap!

That evening after spending a while trying to ring round for a restaurant that had space for six people on a Saturday night at the last minute, we ended up in the Irish version of Pizza Express called Milano. It was still really nice, we shared a bottle of wine and I had a meat feast calzone, which was definitely what the doctor ordered! Afterwards we went for a few drinks in a bar called 37 Dawson Street, which was dark and luxurious, with animal heads on the walls and flocked velvet wallpaper... and expensive drinks! At one point I was going to get a mojito, but stuck to a gin and lemonade when I heard they were 15 euro.

A few of the girls wanted to go home then, but Lydia, Lizzie and I decided to stay out and go to a bar on the same street called Cafe En Seine. It was a similar style to the last place, but huge, with glass ceilings and chandeliers like something out of Moulin Rouge. They played some great music so we had a boogie and then got a rickshaw home which was so funny!

The next day we had a lazy one, and packed up ready to leave before going for breakfast. We went to a cafe called The Elephant and Castle, where I had French toast with berry compote, maple syrup and whipped cream - so good. We wandered around the shops for a while and got a coffee before the taxi came to pick us up (rather late - we actually had to steal someone elses!) and I was back home for 6pm after such a fun weekend with all the girls!

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...

NYC - Part 6 (Weds-Fri)

On Wednesday I got a slight lie in (7.15am!) as I'd bought my breakfast from Starbucks the night before and Aum was on his sleepover. I got to their apartment to help with the school run at 8.15am and then went back to my hotel, went for a run and got changed ready for my tattoo appointment at 1pm.

I had a light lunch en route so I didn't feel faint, and then after seeing the design that Grez, my artist, had drawn up, he set to work. It was more painful than I expected; having my last one on my ribs which is supposedly the worst pain-wise, I thought my upper arm being much more fleshy would be a walk in the park! It still stung, and after about an hour it was really achy and sore, so I'm glad it didn't take much longer!

I was given a bandage over it to protect it (caused some interesting questions at school!) and popped into 16 Handles, an amazing frozen yoghurt place. I had salted caramel and toffee popcorn flavours, topped with raspberries, Butterfingers, peanut butter cups, cookie dough and chocolate pretzels, which definitely helped ease the tattoo pain! 

After collecting Aum we quickly whizzed back to the hotel for him to have a shower and get changed, and then we got the PATH to Manhattan with his cousins and the rest of the clan to see Times Square. We did Toys R Us, including riding the big wheel inside (we got the Scooby Doo carriage!) and then decided to get some food as it was getting pretty late for the kids. We just went to a fast food place, where we got pizza slices and the three adults shared some wine - very nicely served in polystyrene cups!

The kids were knackered at this point, so we headed back, taking pictures along the way of the amazing buildings all lit up. We eventually got to bed at 10.15pm.

Yesterday was my last full day, but I was so tired after the previous night that I needed a lazy day, so spent it packing my bags and sorting everything out for my departure. I wandered to the Jersey Mall in the afternoon, for a meander around the shops, and treated myself to a very American lunch of an Auntie Ann's pretzel and a Dunkin' Donut. Aum's dad (also called Mo) arrived just in time for the school run, which was lovely for Aum, and after a coffee and a change of clothes we went out for dinner with the whole group to a Cuban place called Azucar.

For starter we had a mixed platter of appetisers, including vegetable crochets, chicken wings, prawns wrapped in bacon, pork balls and nachos, and for main I had king prawns in a creole sauce with black bean rice and salad. We had their house special mojitos to begin with which were amazing, and then I had white wine with the rest of the meal. The kids were all really tired after eating so we went home straight away afterwards, and I completely crashed out!

This morning we took Mo to the diner to experience the amazing breakfasts we've been having! I had French toast filled with sweet cream cheese and maple syrup which was gorgeous, and then we dropped Aum off for his final day at summer school. I walked and got the train to Manhattan, and bought a few last minute presents - some Cakes By Melissa for Lydia's birthday tomorrow, some M&Ms PJs as a present for her, and a KitchenAid attachment for my mum. 

I walked to Bryant Park and finished my book whilst eating a ham, mustard, cheese and poached pear sandwich (don't knock it 'til you've tried it!) and then got the PATH back to collect Aum for one last time. Now I am all packed up and ready for my taxi to take me home after an INCREDIBLE 2 weeks!

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!

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!

Bailey's & Back to Basics!

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

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

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

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

Weekly Update!

Fireworks, Amazing Cakes & Styal

This week it was back to school for Aum, which meant back to normal for me! On Monday I chilled out and made the most of having the days free again, watched a bit of TV and read my book. Tuesday was bonfire night, so after we had eaten at the country club (I had sesame crusted lemon sole with avocado and cucumber) I took Aum to Wythenshawe park, where we met Emily, Smeed, and Mo. Aum got a bit scared of the fireworks as they made him jump, so I had to spend the evening carrying him - not an easy feat when he's now nearly 7!

On Wednesday I babysat, and on Thursday I went to see Gravity with the girls (see next week's post) before staying at Mo's afterwards. On Friday we stayed in and got a takeaway and watched The Wolverine, which was average! 

On Saturday I got ready and met Jasmine in Manchester. She got some piercings, and then we went to Home Sweet Home for lunch. We got a Cookie Monster milkshake, and Eggs Cali to share (eggs benedict with avocado and red peppers) and then had a cake each. The eggs were done to perfection, with gorgeous gooey centres, and the avocado really went well with it. I had a strawberry sponge with cream soda flavoured icing, that had teddy bear shaped ice cream cones stuck in the top, and glittery sweets all over it. Jasmine got a ginger cake with latte frosting and waffles on top. 

They were both really tasty, although we had to take the remainder home as they were massive slices. There were also cakes flavoured with Sailor Jerry's and ginger, Japanese plants and fortune cookies, banana and chocolate, and chocolate and maple, as well as loads of biscuits and cupcakes -love the place! 

The weather was horrific, so we dashed between shops for a while (I got some amazing biker style leather look trousers from Zara!) before calling it a day and going home. That evening I put on a new outfit and went into Hale with Abi and Tasha to Hogan's and Suburbia, it's ages since I've been in there! Had a really fun night dancing, and it was helped by a few free drinks from a friend who works there.

Today I had a lie in, and then went for a lovely walk around Styal with Jasmine and Mum, luckily the weather has perked up today. We are just about to sit down to a roast dinner with apple crumble made by Jasmine - it's good to have her home!

Weekly Update!

Early Starts and Binging Weekends!

This week started with me seeing the new flat that Mo has moved into, which was exciting. It's in Rusholme and is small but ideal for what he needs and in a pretty good location, takes me twenty minutes to work so nowhere near as bad as I expected. On Tuesday I went to Hale Country Club for dinner, where I had another amazing dish - slow cooked veal's cheek with Jerusalem artichoke purée and sticky mushrooms. The veal was quite dark and flaked apart almost like duck, and had a strong Chinese style taste to it, which worked really well with the creamy artichoke purée and sweet mushrooms. After I had finished work I went to The American Bar with Tasha and Abi for a drink, but we were all quite tired so were home by 9.30pm!

On Wednesday I had to get up at 3.30am to take my parents to the airport, though obviously I went back to bed afterwards. I babysat that evening and then Mo came round, and Thursday was a quiet one too. On Friday I met Abi at The Cake Gallery and had a toffee latte with a chocolate orange cupcake which had glitter on and tasted rich and delicious, and then I collected Aum from school early to drive him to see his grandparents in Pontefract. I was really tired after driving there and back so though Mo came round we stayed in and I made a Shepherd's pie and we went to bed pretty early, super exciting Friday night!

On Saturday I met Claire in Chester for afternoon tea and in the evening I went to see The 1975 with Emily (see previous posts). Today has been spent driving my sister back to university in Leeds, though I took Mo and we stopped off at Ikea on the way home to have a look around and indulge in some meatballs and Daim cake. As if that with a McDonald's for brunch wasn't enough, we then also got a takeaway pizza from Rusholme to share for tea, proper fat Sunday!

Traveller's Tales...

Palma, Majorca (Part 1)

On Saturday Mo and I went on our first holiday together, to Palma in Majorca. It was the first time Mo had been on holiday in over 15 years, so he was pretty excited, if a little dubious. We decided to go to Palma as with it being a city we thought there would be plenty to do and see, yet it is on a coast so we could easily laze about on a beach as well.

Our flight was at 6.10am, so we had to be at the airport bright and early, and eventually landed and got our bags at 11am Spanish time. We caught the number 1 bus from the airport, but in our concentration of finding our stop, I managed to leave my suitcase on there, which was a slight disaster. Luckily it was a circular route, so after much running the driver saw us headed in the direction he had driven off and stopped, absolute miracle! Afterwards we had lunch in a little cafe and wandered around the Porto Pi shopping centre for a while until 2pm when we could check in. We walked up (a lot of steps!) to find our hotel, Hotel Horizonte, which was really nice; great pool, modern lobby area, and the room was clean and had a little balcony.

We got changed and went down to the pool for a few hours. Unfortunately the weather was a little cloudy, but it was still warm. We got a bottle of Cava from the local shop and drank it in the room whilst getting ready for our first night out on the marina, a short walk from where we were staying. It was so pretty at night, all lit up, and some of the yachts were very impressive. We ate in a place called Tapas Negra, and the food was incredible! To begin with we had bruschetta, Spanish omelette and garlic prawns, followed by pork cheek with apple jelly and grilled octopus tentacles with potatoes and tomato. The octopus was really flavoursome, as it had been done in seasoning, and the pork cheek was so tender it just fell apart. Probably one of the best meals I've had abroad. We got given a liqueur called Tunel with our bill, it was lime green and tasted horrendous, but it was free so can't complain.

After dinner we stopped for a mojito at a bar, and then went back to the hotel and had some wine on the balcony. Great first day!
On the second day after an amazing breakfast in the hotel, we headed to the beach. It was two stops on the number 3 bus to Cala Major, which was very busy, but a nice beach with gorgeous clear waters. We stayed for a few hours soaking up the sun, and had an ice cream mid-afternoon as neither of us were particularly hungry. Then went back to the hotel and shared a bottle of wine by the pool before heading to the room to get ready to go out. We had pizzas from the bar for tea as we had decided to save our money and do a bar crawl along the front that evening.

We started in a bar called Martin's quite near the start of the drag, where cocktails were only 5 euro. I had a Caipirinha which was delicious (and came with free popcorn!) and had a strawberry one in the bar we had been to the previous night, which was 5 euro again but with free a shot. We went to an Irish bar called Shamrock's much further along next, where I went with a plain gin and lemonade. The whole of the front of the pub was open so had a really nice view across the harbour, and there was live music playing so the atmosphere was very welcoming.

We got proper American style hot dogs from a stand, and after we'd finished them, stopped at the first bar on the return journey for a mojito this time, and more popcorn! We bought a bottle of wine to drink back in the room on the way home, but didn't end up drinking it as it was 3am when we arrived, and we were both pretty worse for wear!