Birthday Treats part 1

Tomorrow is hubby's birthday, and so following on from the excitement of yesterday we had plans for today to begin the celebrations. We collected my step-children early and whizzed off to church for Sunday morning mass. It was the first time we had brought the children along with us, and many of the congregation were keen meet and greet them. It's such a friendly church. I also took the opportunity to sign hubby and I up to deliver some Christmas fliers along our road over coming weeks. In hindsight I'm probably going to regret that since every house on our road has steps leading to the front door... ah well, we only have 80 to deliver and at least my legs will be toned in time for Christmas.

After church and coffee we went to the new Pizza Express at Belgrade Plaza. It's one of their new, more modern restaurants and the setting feels lovely... you could almost pretend it wasn't Coventry. I had a delicious Pollo Pancetta on one of their new thin bases... it was divine. Hubby and the step-children were equally impressed with their food, not to mention getting to try out the new restaurant.

Following a flying visit to some rellies, we made our way to the City Centre to watch the Christmas lights being turned on. It was my idea, but it didn't really live up to my expectations. We had been promised Beverly Knight, but instead someone who made an appearance (and didn't win) on X-factor turned up. Hmmmph. To top it off, it was freezing, packed, and, getting a Cappuccino was like a search for the holy grail. Honestly, why when town is going to be so busy does Costa think it wise to shut up shop at 4.30? Great business strategy guys! Thankfully I managed to acquire my caffeine hit before we left and head home, back to the warmth of our house and the love of our hounds!

Graduation

Well, today has been an exciting and ceremonious day, which started with an unceremonious wake up call at 5.55am! I had hoped, sometime back, that as my graduation was due to take place in Nottingham, that my ceremony would be the afternoon one. No such luck, and so a very early start was in order, so early in fact it was still dark. Having managed to elicit myself from my warm duvet cocoon I set to 'preening' for my special day. Two years hard work, studying alongside working full time went into my achievement of a Masters Degree in Property Management and Development, I fully intended to dress for the occasion. I donned my favourite polka dot dress which I bought during the summer holiday to Whitby, my favourite black and white 'speakeasy' brogues, and my uber bling (a wedding day gift from hubby dearest). I knew as soon as I put the dress on I was going to experience the early signs of hypothermia during the day, but it was a price I was willing to pay.

Having prepped and preened, hubby and I collected a still half asleep mum, and made our way along the dark, and relatively quiet M1 to Nottingham. Waiting for the tram from Pheonix Park was the worst since it was so cold, and with only my trusty mac to keep me warm (that's my coat not my husband) I really wanted to stop off at John Lewis en route and buy a pullover!

We arrived in Nottingham at 9am, more than good time for robing and making our way to the Royal Centre, where the ceremony was taking place. Having lost my mum to a (warm) Costa Coffee, Peter and I joined the long, winding queue for me to robe. I knew at this point that my rebellious decision not to wear the recommended button through top under my gown was going to cause problems with the hood, but who cares? The dress looked great. It wasn't long after this that we had to make our way to the Royal Centre, where the long and traditional ceremony took place. I felt so proud receiving my MA in Property Management and Development in front of what looked like thousands of people. What an achievement, and certainly one I never thought I would make in my lifetime.

As soon as the ceremony was over I managed to catch up with mum and hubby outside (we had been seated separately) and we went in search of lunch. It was only 1.00pm but seemed like such a long day already. I walked through the streets of Nottingham wearing my cap and gown, and I wasn't sure whether the looks from the Saturday shoppers were those of admiration or just pondering whether I was a bit weird... I was relieved to see some other gown wearers in circulation though. Initially we head for Cafe Rouge, but alas a power cut meant we could not have lunch there. Finally we settled on Zizzi, which was a real joy, I haven't eaten there before and my lasagne was truly delicious.

After lunch, we walked back towards the Nottingham Trent, via John Lewis of course, although I didn't buy a pullover in the end, I had become numb to the cold by this point. We had some photographs taken to remind us of the special day, and I returned my ceremonial academic dress, before heading back down the M1 to Coventry. What a wonderful day.

Cupcake Queen

I think I mentioned that I had been baking cupcakes for the Breast Cancer Care pink party at work? Well, I finally got around to icing them... my icing is, well, temperamental to say the least. Once I got past the realisation that buttercream icing requires BUTTER not MARGARINE it improved vastly, but my application is still a little slapshod. Anyway, these are by far the best cakes, presentation wise, that I have made yet. Aren't they delicious, I could just eat them!

Easy Like Sunday Morning

Today I had a well deserved and long overdue lie in. Hoorah. I won't tell you what time I was in bed until, but lets just say it was a really l-o-n-g lie in. When I finally emerged from blanket street I was roaring with anticipation to get baking. A colleague is hosting a pink party for Breast Cancer Care at work this week, and I had, sometime back, offered to bake some delicious pink cupcakes. Once lunch was on, my task was to use my Primrose Bakery Cookbook which had been bought by a friend for my birthday, to fashion some delicious strawberry cupcakes; I haven't iced them yet, I will do that later in the week, but I made some smaller ones for hubby and I to trial and wow, they are delicious, the cupcakes have turned out so well I will have to use a great deal of willpower to get them to the pink party. So, with them in the oven I set to baking my signature heart shaped scones, which hubby loves so much (it was compensation for the fact that the cupcakes are going into work... yet again) and finished off by baking my canine companions some organic doggy treats. Both of our dogs and my mums hound (Bailey) love them, and it's almost as if they know when I'm cooking them because they sit there supervising me. Now I'm all cooked out and I'll be crawling back up to blanket street very soon... there's nothing quite like a lazy Sunday!

True Blood - Eye Candy

Well folks, I'm afraid I couldn't resist but post a picture of Brit eye candy, Stephen Moyer (Bill Compton in True Blood). Completely frivolous I know, but hey, you're still looking at the picture aren't you??

A Week of Ups and Downs

Monday evening I had agreed to go to the flicks with mum and see 2012. The trailers looked fabulous for this, so I dropped hubby dearest off at the brother-in-laws for some male bonding over beer and boxing, and set off to collect mum and go to the cinema. I have to say my eating was very restrained, forgoing the usual hotdog and other munchables for a modest bag of jellies (which I can rarely resist), nonetheless I did forget to swipe my Odeon loyalty card so I can see that's going to clog up my purse and never be used. I suppose I shouldn't complain since, were it not for the menagerie of loyalty cards I seem to collect, my purse would be otherwise vacant! Anyway, back to the film. It wasn't exactly what I expected I have to say. I mean the special effects were breathtaking, and the acting great... also for a big Hollywood movie, there wasn't too much product placement (although Sony and Bentley were pretty prominent) but it just really didn't do it for me. Imagine a cross between the day after tomorrow, and titanic and your pretty much at 2012. The ending was a complete anti-climax, so when hubby had said he 'probably wouldn't like it' he was probably correct. Nonetheless, it made a nice change to an otherwise uneventful Lundi.

Tuesday's Egyptian dance class at lunch time was a hoot. The class has grown since I last attended (a few weeks back now) and it's a really bubbly bunch. I've really taken to it and even the instructor has commented on my proficiency... I'm going to keep with it because it's immense fun. I have the concentration of a gnat when it comes to physical activity so finding something fun is about 3/4 of the battle.

Wednesday was the day we had been dreading. The funeral of my uncle Dean. Having passed away at 40 years old, earlier in the month, and leaving behind a young family this was always going to be difficult. The service took place at the crematorium, and it was standing room only. There were many of our cousins there, as well as friends of Dean and the family. It was evident that he was a hugely popular guy, and why wouldn't he be? He was such a friendly and laid back individual, it's so sad that he has been taken so young. His young twin sons read at the funeral, and they were amazing and tear jerking. Even hubby shed a few tears listening to them regale the congregation with how special their father was. After the service we all retired to Deans' former local, and hubby got to meet lots of cousins of mine, and a couple of aunties, all of whom he had never met before, despite our being married in excess of 18 months now. We got to catch up with so many people, and part of me couldn't help but feel a twang of guilt as we all sat around catching up with the happy and sad events of each others lives... but such are families. Often the only time to come together and to catch up is at births, marriages and deaths. Also, Dean was such a friendly and sociable character that I think were he alive, he would have been in the middle of it all chatting and laughing and loving each minute. It all makes you realise how important it is to live life fully and enjoy what you have because what if tomorrow never comes?

Thursday was a great day in the office. I wasn't particularly looking forward to the meeting, I was feeling unwell and not particularly inspired, however it was all turned around during the course of a 4 hour meeting in which I was given a great deal more responsibility. The chance to do more work which is related to the degree I have just completed and which supports my APC training, I was elated. I am really keen to see how that pans out. The day was topped off with an impromptu grub up at the Brooklands pub... a no cooking night woo hoo (actually I have done a lot less cooking lately as hubby dearest seems to be taking to the pans). The steak was delicious, and a great way to top off a good day!

Now I'm just grateful that an emotional roller coaster of a week is over, and I can greet the weekend since it will all to soon be over.

The Rise and Fall of a Yummy Mummy

I have a supremely painful headache. Nonetheless I have just (literally an hour ago) finished my book and wanted to tell you all about it. Last week I was determined to read something frivolous... 2years of reading text books for a masters degree will do that to a girl. First I tried 'The Desperate Diary of a Country Housewife'. Alas I could last no longer than a couple of chapters of this book before getting bored. The plot was apparent from the beginning and it was poorly written, so I cast it aside for 'The Debutante Divorcee' which is by Plum Sykes. Alas, a few chapters in and I realised that I had already read this book a couple of years back. Anyway, as luck should have it I stumbled upon 'The Rise and Fall of a Yummy Mummy' , I grabbed it and it's so unputdownable that I've finished it in under a week... oops.

The book is a debut novel by Polly Williams. Set in London (I love books set in England, I find it easier to relate to the characters) the plot centres around the lead character Amy... a not so yummy new mummy with perhaps a slight case of neurosis about her life. Cue one uber glamorous new acquaintance, a little bit of 'grass is greener' syndrome and a little bit of a love rat, and Amy's world goes from highly improved uber chic yummy mummy existence to disaster, in one foolish action. The book is so well written, ok it's chick lit, but it's chick lit at its finest. This author has a real talent and I would really like to read more of her work. Whether you are a mother or not you are going to love this book and I would really recommend it.

All three books are now in my read it swap it list (link at the side) so if anyone wants to swap...?

Obsessed by the Capsule Wardrobe

I am the girl who has thousands of clothes but nothing to wear. The girl who looks in the wardrobe at the flurry of items, but still grabs at the old faithful vintage tweed dress, or trousers/shirt/jumper combi, time and time again... or at least I was. Becoming more and more uninspired by my wardrobe of late, and feeling a little less than my former stylish self I became obsessed with the principle of the capsule wardrobe. For those of you who don't know what that is (although I'm sure you all do) it's a slimmed down wardrobe with pieces that all work together to produce a multitude of looks! Anyway, I set aside an evening while hubby was occupied with the TV and my aim was simple:

1. Rediscover the clothes I already own;
2. Identify the clothes that I need to purchase.

Since I often shop with the heart rather than the head, number 2 was very important!

My first step was to empty every item of clothing (not including accessories) into a large pile on my bed.

Gazing down onto the array of what was here, the textiles, the colours, the prints, lying strewn like the remnants from a church hall jumble sale, I became even more uninspired by what was on offer and at this point wanted to cast the whole lot into a bin bag destined for the charity shop, and start again. Unfortunately that isn't something finances would allow for, so how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!

My first step was to cheat (a woman's prerogative) and take all of the summer clothes out of the equation and put them into storage since there is no threat of sunshine for the foreseeable future. That made the pile more manageable, and allowed me to sift through the clothes. At this point I began trying everything on, and in doing so asked myself several questions:

1. Does it fit properly?
2. Is the cut and the colour flattering?
3. What other items in my wardrobe can this be worn with?

I continued this way throughout the entire collection and clothes were subsequently put into three piles:

1. Keep;
2. Sell on ebay:
3. Charity Shop.

I have to say, the exercise did provide me with some surprises. For example, there is a small evening jacket that I always wear out if I'm going out on a mild night, a little cream swing jacket which I thought looked really cute. Unfortunately I am usually in a bit of a rush when heading out at night because I try to cram too much activity into too little time. Popping the jacket on and taking the time to look properly I realised that the jacket, although great quality and lovely, is far too small across my shoulders and bosoms and looks awful. It's now in the ebay pile. Likewise, my mum had given me a black dress some time ago with the labels still on. I cast it aside as I thought it looked frumpy, when I tried it on however it's very flattering and fits perfectly, not to mention going with at least three other items in my wardrobe to make three different looks.

The entire exercise took me in excess of three hours, and I was exhausted, but what did I learn? Well, firstly I learned that I own too much black and too many dresses (but I can live with that). I also learned that I have a lot more tops than I thought I did, and that I needed to purchase a black long sleeved top and a nice pencil skirt. I discovered what I have in my wardrobe and how to make it all work together and to look stylish and also learned that my wardrobe will never be capsule! It's true, I still have lots of clothes, the only difference now however is that I know what I have, and I know that it all fits and flatters... and that information is like gold dust! For the past few days I've been having immense fun, wearing what feels like a new outfit every day and realise that all it takes is a little bit of organisation... the only problem is that I have yet to address the accessories and once summer comes I have to undertake this whole exercise all over again!

The Cross Stitch Sampler

You may remember some time ago, in fact I believe it was in my first post, I had attended the humanist naming ceremony of my friends' son? Well, around 4 weeks prior to that I began this craft project as I wanted to try and give something personal as a keepsake for, not only the little one, but the parents too. This was the first time I had attempted any larger cross stitch project, and certainly the first time I have designed anything myself, hence I tried to keep it simple. I used 14pt Aida and Anchor threads and completely underestimated how long this would take me during evenings after work, and weekends. Nonetheless I am pleased with the results, and I have popped it in the post today to my friends. I just hope that they like it.

(I'm not that skilled on photoshop, the colours in the work are red, green and pale blue. )

Remembrance Sunday

After the news of earlier in the week I've been keeping a fairly low profile. I've not really wanted to socialise to any great extent. I know it's rather old fashioned, but I always regard the period between the death of a family member and their funeral as a time of mourning. I don't like to make merry, but rather to show my respect for their death, and for the loss experienced by the closer family members. As such, I attended very few places aside from work this week, and even when I did socialise, I didn't stay that long.

One place I did of course attend was our local church, St. Georges'. We try to attend services here as often as we can as there is a lovely congregation and in a short time of attending we've really been adopted as part of the community. This mornings' service was one of remembrance for all of the soldiers who have lost their lives in wars. It was a lovely service, and it really makes you think about the cost of life of all the wars which are currently being fought. I was given a remembrance cross to put in the ground outside at one point in the ceremony, and did so in memory of JJ Doherty, the son of a family friend who sadly lost his life at a tender age in Afghanistan.

In laying the cross however, my mind couldn't help but wander towards a loss which is felt closer to home. Life seems to be so transient. One week you can be celebrating happy news of major achievements, and the following week mourning the loss of someone close. It makes you realise that life is indeed short, and that none of us knows how long our lease on Earth with be! It also makes you realise the impact that is left with the family left behind. I guess there isn't a moral to my pondering and personal philosophies, but never forget the importance of living life to the full, and of showing those who you care for just how much they mean to you.

Bereavement

Sometimes people are on this Earth for only a short time, to grace our lives with happiness before leaving us here with only memories.

Lastnight we were given the tragic news the my uncle Dean had unexpectedly passed away. Dean was 40 years old, happily married and with twin sons. He was the loveliest, happiest chap that anyone could hope to meet. Constantly smiling, easy to talk to and generous. Everyone always had good words to say about Dean. Unfortunately he passed away unexpectedly yesterday (3rd November) whilst at work.

At this difficult time of grieving our hearts go out to Deans' loving wife and dear sons.

God rest his soul.

Fantabulous Week

Well, I have to say from the very start of this week it has been wonderful.

By the time Monday had crept upon me I had been clenching my jaw for well over a week, and was feeling the pains from doing so. Stress is not a good bedfellow, but what option do you have when you are waiting for the results of a dissertation on which a Masters qualification rests? By the time 9:30 had arrived on Monday morning I could not take any more, and even though I suspected my results would not be published until the following day I had to log on to the Nottingham Trent University website and see if the results were there. They were, I had passed. After standing up in the office and publicising the news to my team mates, I immediately dashed away to call hubby and mum and let them know that it was now official, I had achieved a Masters in Property Management and Development. I was elated since this would allow me to go on to achieve my long term career aims. Everyone on the team, and many recipients of the group text which I had sent out seemed really pleased for my achievement... my first thoughts were to buy cake and to book my graduation gowns!

For a few weeks we had tickets booked for Monday night for a show at the Belgrade Theatre. In hindsight that could have been disastrous. Had I recieved the news that day that I hadn't passed my degree I can't imagine I would have wanted to go. Thankfully I was keen to celebrate. The tickets were for a show called 'Back to the Cavern' which included:

• A Beatles Tribute band;
  
• Chip Hawks of Tremeloes fame;
  
• Gerry and the Pacemakers.
  

Now, at 28 years of age I'm much to young to remember much of this, but thanks to my wide appreciation of music I did know much of what was playing. It was a tremendous night. I was worried that hubby wouldn't enjoy it, but when the Beatles tribute came on stage and their George Harrison looked just like THE George Harrison, and their sound was uncanny, hubby was bowled over. It really was fantastic, a great way to celebrate the day.

Tuesday I was still parading the office with something of a gormless grin, since I still couldn't believe I had achieved a Masters. By the time lunchtime came round I was raring to get to my first ever Egyptian belly dance class. Led by a lady at work who also eats fire in her spare time, I thought this was going to be so much fun. I wasn't wrong... it seems with my generous proportions I was destined for belly dance. Well, despite getting tangled up in the veils at one point... nonetheless I wait with baited breath for next Tuesday's installment.

Wednesday hubby and I aimed to celebrate my good news with a pizza at pizza express and an Orange Wednesday showing of the Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus. The pizza was delicious, it was a good job we had booked as it seems we were not the only couple to have the 2 main course for £10 voucher since people were being turned away at the door for not booking. The film was amazing, it is directed by Terry Gillingham, and yes you can see the Monty Python elements of the film, but it really is a wierd and wonderful delivery... made all the more poingant I think by the realisation that the lead actor died in this in the middle of filming. Also, I have to say the model Lily Cole does a wonderful job in her role... although I do think I heard hubby's chin hit the ground at one point at the mere flash of her womanly assets!

The week had passed so quickly, and Friday's lunchtime Diwali meal was upon us. Over 20 of us making the trip to Tumeric Gold including hubby and my step-son who had been invited the week before. They were grateful of the chance to go I think, afforded by the fact that it's half term week. When I got to the Indian Restaurant, looking forward to my Rawlpindi curry puff, my lovely boss' lovely wife presented me with a lovely gift for having passed my degree. My boss was instrumental in me taking on the degree, and so was rather pleased when I passed. They had bought for me a lovely Radley purse and two delicious cupcakes, which I shared with my mum later that day since I would never have been able to eat 2 such wonderful creations on my own.

The final element to my fun filled week was Halloween! In all the years we have lived in this house we've never had trick or treaters. How bizarre is that? Anyway, Friday night I decided to bake some delicious Pumpkin and Cinnamon cupcakes using a recipe from the book which mum had bought me for my birthday. I did, however, dispense with the buttercream icing from that book, which had previously proven to be a disaster, and opted for the recipe for icing from the Cupcakes from the Primrose Bakery book which my friend had bought me for my birthday. The results were wonderful, and both the stepchildren and I thought they were delicious... Although hubby wasn't keen as he doesn't like Cinammon. I hate to think of how many cupcakes I have eaten this week! . Anyway, while I baked and gutted pumpkins, hubby and stepson set to on carving some delightful halloween images from the leftover pumpkin skins. Halloween night my mum was over and we all spent the evening watching cheesy horror and eating until we were horrifically full! It was a wonderful evening, and a great end to an amazing week!

Right now I'm off to get my banana bread pudding out of the oven! Bye for now!