My favourite quote.

 

Missing.

The actual beach from my childhood! (from here)

I miss the seaside.

I grew up on the coast of Norfolk, a five minute walk to the nearest beach. Summer holidays were spent frolicking on the sand and very occasionally, in the sea. Bucket and spades were hung off bike handles as my friends and I gathered to spend the day at the beach. We'd come home, tired from all the sea air, rosy-cheeked from the wind, covered head to toe in dried salt and sand, content and smiley.

My mum and I used to go for walks along the beach, with our rabbit and cat in tow (they would just follow us...). I would swear I could see France, she would laugh at me.

I sipped my first taste of alcohol and kissed my first boy.

Now, I live an hour and a half drive from the coast. Which isn't too bad I know, but its just not the same. Trips have to be planned, you cant guarantee the weather. If I wake up to glorious sunshine, I cant just nip there, there are other considerations (petrol, other plans, etc etc). Equally, if a trip to the seaside is planned, inevitably the weather will be less than desirable but we have to go anyway because its been planned.

I miss the smell of salt, the sounds of waves breaking on the shore, the freedom I associate with being on the beach. I even miss rainy days at the beach, when wellies, scarves and raincoats are more favourable than sandals, swimming costumes and sun hats.

I like to think that one day, I will end up back living by the sea. It is my happy place, where I feel at home and where I feel I can most be myself.

Blog Every Day Challenge (kind of)

(from here)

I recently came across some posts entitled 'Blog every Day in May' and a bit of investigation led me to see that it was indeed a challenge in the bloggy world. Now, I am fully aware that it is fast approaching July and so I've missed the boat on taking part in that particular challenge. Not that I am sure I'd want to, its a lot of pressure I feel.

However, reading through some of the post topics, I thought they seemed really nice prompts for some more personal posts, and why not pick some ones to do. So that I have done, and will do!

If you head to this lovely blog, you can see the rules and the topic suggestions.

So if you see some random posts popping up over the next few days/weeks, now you know why :)

Happy weekend everyone x

Mundane Midweek #3.

Love this. No relevance whatsoever but I love it.

Wednesday 26th June saw me rudely awoken by my obnoxious, duck-sound alarm at 6am. Today, my colleague C and I were released from our office duties to attend Marketing Week Live in London.

C picked me up at 7:45 and we journeyed to London via automobile, train and tube.

I was navigator, and feeling quite pleased with myself, we arrived at the ExCel in good time for our first seminar. But what was this? Suited and booted older gentleman, lots of airline signage?

Not the usual crowd for Marketing Week Live...? With a sinking feeling, I checked my ticket. Yup, the show was in actual fact being held at OLYMPIA. And here we were, at the EXCEL, which is the wrong fecking venue.

If we didn't laugh, we'd cry so we giggled like maniacs and headed over to Olympia. The correct venue.

As a result of this detour, we missed the first seminars we'd planned in but managed to get to a talk by the Head of Marketing for Mastercard, which was really insightful. The campaign they are rolling out at the moment is good, and their previous campaigns (priceless adverts - remember them?) are inspiring too. We wandered round the rest of the exhibition, made some good contacts and got some freebies.

At 4-ish we headed home, made really good time and I walked in the door at 17:40. I had a quick dinner then dashed to Waitrose to pick up a birthday present for my Mum before seeing her tomorrow night. She said she didn't want anything this year, so I ummed and ahhed and eventually settled on some argan hair oil, burts bees body lotion and a box of choccies. Not a bad haul for someone who didn't want anything!

Got home again and wanted to get the London scuzz off me so ran a bath. Ran it for 5 mins or so, got in, splashed about for a bit before realising that I hadn't put the plug in, therefore it wasn't filling up past my hips. Fail. At this point, all the hot water had literally gone down the drain so I gave up on the luxurious bath and got out.

Clearly my brain had stopped working and I needed bed, stat, but I remembered I'd invited my friend over at 8 for a catch up. She turned up to a knackered, pyjama adorned me, we drank tea and giggled for a bit and off she went.

I crawled into bed at 10:30, read a few pages of my current book and headed swiftly to the land of nod.

If you'd like to join in with this link up, head over to Charlottes blog and see what its all about!

Pay Day Purchases.

As someone who has no self-control when it comes to finances, I immediately (if anyone from work reads, I of course mean at lunchtime...) hit the Internet on pay day to buy various things I don't need.

Here's what I bought.

1. ASOS Mini Tote Bag
This is a birthday gift for a colleague - I know she's been hankering for a green bag for a while now. I thought the colour and shape was lovely. Fingers crossed she likes it!

2. Loreal Nude Magique CC Cream
I'm going to give this CC anti-redness cream a bash. I have no idea what CC cream is, but my skin does err on the side of red, and will probably do so more next week in the Greek sun. I really don't like taking foundation with me on holiday, so I am hoping this will make for an even, light base for the evenings.

3. Babyliss Nano Dyer 1200 purple
Need I elaborate? Ok, I will. Our baggage allowance is measly, and while I would normally take my large one, this was only £11.99 and will leave plenty of valuable space for SHOES.

4. Rimmel London Scandaleyes Lycra Flex Mascara
I'm in the market for a new mascara. Due to an on line offer with Boots, I got this half price as I bought with the CC cream. I do not like plastic wand thingies for mascara, much prefer the furry ones (technical term!).

5. Benefit Skincare Set
I use the Benefit Toner and Benefit Moisturiser, but at £23 and £27 each, I am not so keen to take them on holiday with me! Knowing my luck, they'd smash or I'd leave them in the hotel bathroom (as I did in Kenya, sob). Not wanting to neglect my skin, I've invested in this little pack which has handy week-sized bottles of my beloved toner and moisturiser, plus a cleanser, facial polish and eye-cream. Quite the bargain, I think you'll agree.

Then, this last splurge item...

 



Woolacombe Frame Bag
I didn't exactly need a new handbag. However, I immediately fell in love with this one. My brain/conscience didn't have time to engage and before I knew it, I'd bought it (its on sale so I don't feel that guilty). I'm not sure what about it appeals to me but it looks a good size and is a bit different from my usual black or tan handbag choice. Perhaps I should do a 'what's in my bag' post as soon as I get it, before I've had a chance to fill it with the usual receipts, sweet wrappers and other crap that I tend to accumulate in my handbags.

So that's what I bought. A cool £86 spent in the space of 30 mins.

Satisfying Sunday.

Not mine. I can wish. (credit)

Despite my smug 'I get to read all day' post on Sunday, I actually only managed to do that for about an hour before getting bored. I blame a book rut - any help?

I decided that as it's only 9 days till we jet off on our summer holibobs, I'd get all my holiday-only clothes out, give them a wash and be well prepared. This led to an organisation of epic proportions, not stopping at holiday clothes, I went on to sort out my entire wardrobe, shoe collection and meagre handbag collection (Dad 'accidently' took my entire collection of bags to the tip...but thats a heart-breaking story for a different day).

I sorted into keep, charity shop and bin piles which while very satisfying, I now have hardly anything left. I tried to stick to the rule of 'if you havent worn it for 6 months, get rid, or a year for anything blatantly summery'. However this was the death knull for the vast majority of my summer clothes, due to the pitiful summers we've had over the past couple of years.

So now, I have a mission to rebuild my wardrobe again. I looked out the window, regarded the threatening storm clouds and gale-force winds and decided to skip over Summer clothes. I am a huge fan of Autumn so will look forward to restocking woolly jumpers and warm boots. And scarves, oh how I love scarves. Sorry for those die-hard Summer lovers, yep I am wishing it away a bit!

I finished the day by watching The Blue Planet, reading some blogs I love, and making a delicious homemade curry. So not exactly a read-a-thon of a day, but a fairly lovely, day before payday, Sunday at home.

What did you do?

Sunday.

(credit)

Following a lunch cancellation, today will mostly be spent on the sofa, drinking tea and reading.

Heaven.

Happy Sunday all.

The story of our engagement.

(credit)

Steve asked me to marry him on the 12th February, 2012.

After a roast lunch and far too many bottles of wine with friends, we got home and Steve asked me to join him on the floor in front of the fire. He stuttered an explanation, saying the wine was Dutch courage and that he'd been planning to ask me something for a while and hadn't known the best time to do it but it felt right then. I was quite alarmed at this point (clueless as to what was coming) and sat in stunned silence while he asked me to marry him.

I won't tell you exactly what he said as its very personal and something I'd like to keep just for me, but I can assure you it was very sweet, genuine and I didn't really even have to think about my answer. (p.s. I said YES)

He then proceeded to put himself to bed at 7pm, getting up only to vomit a few times. Red wine is not your friend, Stevie.

I texted a couple of friends, along the lines of 'I think I'm engaged. I'll confirm in the morning'.

Confirm I did, and he clarified that he did indeed mean it. Smashing! We went ring shopping that day (good move - I'm a fussy bugger) and we were able to officially 'announce' it to our friends and family.

So, no fireworks, down on one knee (we were both kneeling) or rings-in-cakes here, but it was very 'us' (wine-soaked) and while it may not seem too romantic to others, I am thankful that he loves me enough to #1 consider it and #2 actually ask. I am also thankful for his courage as I can completely understand how asking someone to promise to love you forever can be nerve-wracking.

We didn't have an engagement party, didn't do an engagement photo shoot and to be honest I am not entirely sure when/where/if we will do the actual deed of getting hitched. For now, it is nice enough to know that he liked it enough to put a ring on it.

What I've Googled this week #2

not the actual bonnie and clyde. (from pinterest)

I bet you are dying to know what I've been Googling this week aren't you?

Well, fear not, I shall tell thee!

#1 Bonnie and Clyde
I'm not actually sure why I Googled this pair, however clearly on a quest for knowledge I spent a while reading the Wikipedia page about them. Just in case they ever come up in a pub quiz....

Quizmaster: 'What is Clydes middle name?'
Me: 'Aha! I know this! It is Chestnut. That'll be 1 point please!'

Anyhoo I wont rehash the Wikipedia page as that's just silly, but if you too want to expand your knowledge on these famous American outlaws, head here.

#2 Bikram Yoga
I've tried yoga before and while I didn't hate it, I didnt feel any benefit from attending. I'm not very bendy and did find some of it quite difficult. That aside, my friend recently went to a Bikram Yoga class and said it was great, so I Googled it and have booked on to try it next week. Mmm, sweaty.

#3 New Cars
Its a sad week. My car's head gasket blew on Wednesday, causing me to break down. While GOING ROUND A ROUNDABOUT. It was awful. After a few minutes of desperately ramming the key round, it came back to life just long enough for me to get it to the garage. From experience I know head gaskets are tricky things to fix, and its going to cost more to do the repair work than the car is actually worth. So now I'm a little stuck....if anyone has a few spare grand laying around, I could really use it???!!!

Frozen Bananas: A healthy-ish snack.

(from pinterest)

I loves me a banana. I eat on average 4 or 5 a day...I have no idea if this is bad for me (potassium overload perhaps?) but until I start to turn yellow, I will continue to do so. I cannot get enough of them!

Someone recommended that when frozen, bananas take on a creamy texture like icecream. Feeling dubious, I gave it a bash and what do you know, they do!!

Now, it really is up to you how healthy you keep this.

If feeling particularly virtuous, chop a banana, stick it in some Tupperware and pop in the freezer for a few hours. Take it out, leave to defrost for a couple of minutes, eat.

If feeling not-so-virtuous and somewhat decadent, add some chocolate and other tasty stuff!

Follow the same instructions as above, or if you'd prefer a chocolate banana lollipop, stick a chop-stick into the bottom of it before freezing. Again, take the banana from the freezer and allow to defrost for a few minutes.

In the meantime, melt down some chocolate - I like to use Freddo Frogs, they seem just the right size to cover 1 or 2 bananas. Dip/drizzle the banana. Sprinkle on some fun stuff - chopped nuts? Popping candy? Hundreds and thousands? The choice is literally yours! The chocolate should set fairly quickly due to how cold the banana is.

I always prefer to chop the banana first, then dip, so they are little chocolately-bananary nuggets of loveliness.

Do you have any banana-based recipes for me to try?

A book - K-PAX.

(credit)

I'm a bit late to the party on this one, as apparently its about 10 years old, and there's even a film starring Kevin Spacey about it. Who knew?! My sister recommended it when I was stuck in a book rut.

The blurb:
When a new patient is brought to a mental institution claiming to be an inhabitant of a planet called K-PAX, the hospital seems just the place for him. Yet, except for certain otherworldly abilities, the "alien," prot, appears to be perfectly sane. In taped therapy sessions prot is asked about life on K-PAX - its lifestyle, principles, foods, language. Prot paints a consistent and credible portrait of a glorious utopia painfully unlike our own and yet so possible, could we only erase from human nature its greed and cruelty. It becomes easy, even desirable, to believe in prot's identity and homeland. But prot insists that he must return home. As his announced date of "departure" approaches, staff and patients alike are thrown into turmoil: If he is mad, what will happen when the fateful day arrives? If K-PAX is for real...please, may they come along too?

My thoughts:
Read the entire trilogy (K-PAX, K-PAX II - On a Beam of Light and K-PAX III - The Worlds of prot) pretty quickly. 

A touching story that provokes you to think about life in general, how we treat people and how humans are indeed ruining our PLANET (if you've read it, you'll get it).

Despite that being the main theme, I found it up-lifting, incredibly sad at times- mental patients in catatonic states is never pleasant subject matter - and thought-provoking.

Perhaps controversially, I feel this would've been more poignant if it were left after the first book. That's not to say the second and third booked ruined it at all, but I do feel it became a little repetitive.

In summary, if like me you are about 10 years late then I'd recommend reading this. If you've already read it...as you were.

Mundane Midweek #2.

My Mundane post covers Monday. Not midweek at all! However is there a more mundane day than a Monday? Methinks not. Here goes, prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of excitement.

Todays post is sponsored by pollen. Blah. (from pinterest)

Woke up at 7:45. Hay fever is so bad at the moment, my head felt like it had been stuffed with cotton wool. Which does not make for a pleasant start for the day.

I'd been go-karting with chums on Sunday, little did I know this was a work out in itself (no power steering) so woke not only to hay fever fuzz, but also screaming shoulders feeling like the muscles were tearing every time I moved. Consider yourself warned, avoid go-karting at all costs. (I was crap and came 2nd to last, I have spent my entire driving-life being told to drive slowly and not hit corners at full-whack, and just couldn't get the fear out my head while whizzing round the circuit)

Got up, moseyed (word?) about for a bit, proceeded to get ready for work. It was a lovely morning, not too bright but very warm so put on a pretty dress.

Put on mascara, proceeded to immediately sneeze 4 times (damn you hayfever!!) smearing mascara under my eyes, achieving a panda-like effect. Had to start the whole dreaded make-up application process from scratch.

Got to work, banged out a couple of press releases about high-level disinfection in hospitals (it really is as exciting as it sounds), managed a photo-shoot involving lots of medical instruments, an adult sized nappy and fake blood.

Button popped off aforementioned pretty dress, felt mildly uncomfortable for the rest of the day as was showing far more back skin than I'm entirely happy with.

Lunch consisted of some rice followed by a banana. Its a week before payday and supplies are running low in our household, lunch will be similarly boring until fundage arrives.

Afternoon was spent in boring PR meetings, replying to emails and cruising t'internet.

5:30 - yes! Home time! Dashed out on the dot, headed home. Steve was, for once, home before me due to an early meeting so we cooked dinner together (sweet chilli salmon stir-fry, in case you were wondering).

Ate dinner, watched a few episodes of The Simpsons.

Toyed with the idea of going for a walk as it was a lovely evening, however decided against it as were both still stiff and sore from go-karting. In hindsight, a walk would've sorted us out but the sofa was far more appealing at the time.

Watched a DVD lent to me by a work colleague - the most god-awful film I have ever had the displeasure of watching - 'he's just not that into you'. Perhaps I'm being a little dramatic but really, it epitomises everything I hate about Rom Coms...

Went to bed and that was that.

If you'd like to join in with this link up, head over to Charlottes blog and see what its all about!

A book - Mrs Peregrines home for peculiar children

The blurb:

A mysterious island.



An abandoned orphanage.



A strange collection of very curious photographs.



It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive. 

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

My thoughts:

I finished this book yesterday, after 4 days of reading. Before I continue, I have to say - this book annoyed me.

I initially downloaded it as a sample, having heard mixed reviews and have to say that I was gripped. The subjects it alluded to - psychological trauma following WW2, supernatural children coupled with the creepy photos all promised for a good read.

After purchasing the rest of the book...it all went a bit Pete Tong (typical). Far too early were the secrets of Jacob's Grandfather's past unravelled and the book turned into a teenage angst-ridden fantasy tale. Subjects were covered briefly but not followed up on or even mentioned again for the duration of the book. The authors portrayal of a Welsh Island, and Welsh people in fact were borderline offensive and I'd be very surprised if he'd actually done any research prior to writing. (An island with one landline phone? And running off generators? In 2011? REALLY?)

The book started brilliantly and promised a chilling read which it simply didn't deliver. The photos were a good addition, however it seems to me that the author found a bunch of photos he liked and then tried to construct the story around them, with half-baked characters and a weak plot. It annoyed me because it could've been so much better.

So although I read it quickly I think it was mainly because I found myself skipping over paragraphs towards the end, just because I wanted to finish it (justifying buying it I suppose) but had lost interest really. The ending hinted at a sequel, which I have already decided I will not be reading.

Have you read it? What did you think?

The return of: What I've Googled this week!

(credit)

I loved this 'feature' on my previous blog, so much so that I want to continue it here!

Here's what I've been tapping into the Google bar this week:

#1 Ewoks
My friend Chloe, who I call Panda (reason unknown, born from a drunken night out and its stuck) was complaining about her 'all over body hair' when she tans. I am certain she could only be referring to the little baby, down-like hairs we *all* have, but I called her an Ewok and it made us giggle. I then proceeded to Google pictures and send them to her. I am HILARIOUS.

#2 What is taffy?
What the hell is taffy? I had my suspicions that it is basically toffee...and now I know, it is basically toffee.

#3 Wildwood
This is a restaurant chain I wanted to find the menu for. Alas, it would not display on my iPhone due to lack of java or some other crappy excuse, so I went into the restaurant blind. I'm not a fan of this, I do like to peruse the menu for a bit prior to going. I could review it, but it was fairly standard. Nice; not amazing, not awful. A bit 'meh' in all honesty.

Mundane Midweek.

(from pinterest)

My mundane midweek covers Thursday. Not exactly midweek but there you go.

I woke up in a good mood due to lots of lovely sleep. Me waking up in a good mood is an extremely big deal - I am not a morning person. I made Steve a cup of tea and even had a little pyjama dance round the bedroom to Robin Thicke. 

I got ready for work, faffed about reading blogs and buzz feed whilst getting ready, was about 10 mins late for work. 

Got to work, did a little actual work. Did a lot of blog-related stuff. 

Renewed contents insurance. This is living people! 

Got home, darling Effy had decided to protest against the audacity of my expecting her to use a litter tray and shat on the floor. Cleaned this up while gagging. 

Made a rather lovely dinner of cod in chilli and cherry tomato sauce. 

Put a clothes wash on. 

Make some cupcakes. Anticipated their loveliness, was sorely let down by their shitiness. Embarrassed, as had promised them to colleagues under the pretence of being a 'great baker'. 

Messed up icing, had to stick in freezer for 20 mins to thicken up enough to ice poor excuses for cupcakes. 

Iced cupcakes. 

Stared at cupcakes for 5 minutes, contemplating how to improve them. 

Dumped a load of sprinkles on offending cupcakes. 

Stated at cupcakes for a bit longer. 

Binned all cupcakes. 

Hmph.

(if you'd like to play along with Mundane Midweek too, head to Charlottes blog for the rules and to link up!)

Pet Tag | Meet Effy.

Look at me. Just look. Aren't I beautiful?

What is your pets name?
Effy. I toyed with Flo, Iris, Betty....basically any 'old lady' name was in the mix.
Effy was the winner!

Does your pet have any nicknames?
Plenty! Eff-Bob, Eff-Bob Shitpants, Eff-Bob-A-Rooney, Little Roodey.
Eff-Bob is my firm fave and the one she gets called the most!

Who doesn't love a box?

What kind of pet is she and what breed?
Effy is a kitty-cat, and she's a domestic long hair tabby cat.
I'm biased of course but I think she's beautiful.

How old is your pet and how long have you had your pet friend?
She's just over a year, and she's been part of our household since she was 8 weeks old.

Where did you get your pet?
From a woman down the road.
Best £20 I've ever spent.

The day she came home.

What are some quirky things about your pets personality?
She's a vocal little thing, I've never know a noisier cat. She constantly talks to me, chirps, and she also does a strange little bark thing when watching birds in the garden. She loves to be the centre of attention, and whichever room people are in, she'll make sure she sits herself in the middle of it and looks pretty. Oh and I've taught her how to sit on command. Like a Dog! She's a clever girl.
I let her outside but she doesn't seem interested in going any further and will sit on top of the fence, but never actually leave the garden. Which is comforting for me!

Looking pretty fly in her collar.

What does your relationship with your pet mean to you?
I'm fully aware of what a crazy cat lady I am, so I have no problems saying that Effy means the absolute world to me. I love her so much and feel the need to protect her, she's spoilt rotten. She's such a comfort if I'm feeling blue, and is great entertainment when she's bombing round the house at warp speed, crashing into things and skidding on the wooden floor. I LOVE HER.

What are some of your favourite past times with your pet and what are your favourite memories?
We like to practise tricks (mainly just 'sit'), play with a little fishing rod, watch birds in the garden, spoon (no really) and have tummy rubs.
Favourite memory...probably being happy-slapped by her when I refused to get up one morning. She's a demanding lady and knows when its breakfast time!!

TRB - Cornwall #6 - Holywell Bay and Seafood

Our last proper day of holiday was spent at Holywell Bay. It was a bit chillier this day, so I mostly sunbathed wearing a cardigan (not very effective for getting a tan, FYI). The eight of us dug a hole, which was about 7ft deep.

We stopped off for cream teas on the way back to the house which were YUM (cup of tea + scone + jam + cornish clotted cream = cream tea).

Steve and I headed off on our own for a romantic meal at the Boathouse in Newquay that evening, where we gorged on smoked mackerel, crab, mussles (him, not me. They look like bogeys and for that reason I can't eat them) and wine.

TRB - Cornwall #5 - Boat Fetish & Feeder

On Thursday we headed to Falmouth for a wander. Its basically just a harbour where big cruise and transport ships are built and docked. I didn’t take any pictures here as I don’t have a boat fetish (as one of the lads we were with claimed he did). We had a nice lunch then headed back to the ranch for more drinks and hot tub time.

The highlight of the day, and possibly the whole holiday, was going to see Feeder that evening at Lusty Glaze. Lusty Glaze is a cove, and because of its shape and layout, it’s a natural amphitheatre. Lots of bands play here and we were lucky to have timed it with Feeder, who I really like (you all know Buck Rogers right?), so we drank cider, watched the sunset, saw a streaker and rocked out in the sand. Good times were had by all.

Guess who? Yeah, thats me. And Steve. I've never put pics of us on here before...I'm a bit scared.

TRB - Cornwall #4 - Fistral Beach

I will try to keep my poor attempts at surfer speak to a minimum during this post. Dude. Steve and I took a day on our own to go hang ten at Fistral beach. It wasn’t the prettiest beach we visited all week, but the waves were gnarly. Dude.
We hired body boards and wet suits and played in the sea all day like children. I did manage to ride a few waves (they were massive, it was a little bit scary) but mainly wiped out A LOT.

TRB - Cornwall #3 - Wadebridge to Padstow

I cant say I’ve ever been very active on previous holidays. I’m more of a ‘this is my sunbathing spot, I have my book, I don’t intend to move now bring me a cocktail’ kinda gal. So when a bike ride was suggested, I was intrigued. Movement on holiday....really?! Not wanting to be a party-pooper I went along with it and was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed myself.

We hired bikes in Wadebridge and cycled the 5 and-a-bit miles down to Padstow. I felt so care-free and refreshed with the wind blowing through my hair as I cycled along. We cycled along a disused railway line which had been cemented over, along the river leading to the coast. It was so beautiful and it reignited my love for cycling.  I haven’t been on a bike since taking part in a 100km bike ride a couple of years ago and being put off by the pain from that!

I fell in love with the bike I was riding (similar to this one) and am saving up to buy myself one now. It was such a comfy ride and when I do buy it, Steve and I can go for long countryside rides at the weekends and I can realise my ‘dream’ of cycling to work!

When we got to Padstow (the cycle ride took us 40 mins with a few photo opportunity stops along the way) we stopped off and had fish and chips for lunch, a snoop round the shops and a wander around the harbour. We had a few drinks in the pub and cycled back in the sunset. Aahhhhh heavenly....

TRB - Cornwall #2 - The Eden Project

I'd heard mixed reviews of the Eden Project. As we were only a 30 min drive away, we decided to investigate for ourselves. I loved it, although the rainforest biodome with its heat and humidity was hard going with a hangover! I can highly recommend a visit here if you're in the area and like pretty flowers.

p.s - remember to take a hayfever pill, yeah? I forgot, spent the day sniffling with streaming eyes. Attractive, no?

 

TRB - Cornwall #1 - Crantock Beach

Its high time I shared what we got up to during our week in Cornwall, isn't it?

In the weeks prior to us going, we saw rain of biblical proportions, freezing cold nights, and even hail stones in some parts of the country. I was so worried that our holiday would be a total washout, and it made packing very difficult. There is not one outfit combination I didn't take - from wellies to sandals, bikinis to waterproof jackets and fleeces, I had all outcomes covered.

My pack-a-thon was a  wasted effort though - when we arrived it was a wonderful 28 degrees, and stayed that was the whole week, meaning that I wore in total about a third of what I took with me, mainly pretty dresses and bikinis. It was heaven, and I managed to get a tan. Score.

I think I'll split what we did into several posts. Yes, yes I will do that. I, for once, took a zillion photos, some with my proper camera and some with my i-Phone. So expect the following posts to be rather image heavy, but they are well worth it. Cornwall is literally stunning, I feel so lucky to have been able to enjoy it in the sun, with copious wine.

Day 1:
We headed to Crantock beach on our first day, and sizzled on the sand all day. We paddled in the sea, ate ice creams, and all got a little bit sun burnt. Typical Brits, ey?!

The evening was spent BBQ-ing in our garden (we rented a huge house for the week) and relaxing in the hot tub.

Stay tuned for day 2!

Rachel x

TRB - DIY Project - Dining Table Upcycle

We love having dinner parties, and luckily we were given a dining table and 6 chairs when we moved into our country pad. We were very grateful for because although it wasn’t to our taste or style, the cost of a brand new set is astronomical. I’m not kidding!

I so wish I’d of taken before photos, but I didn’t. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Anyhoo, it was orange pine, with a shiny varnish, and brown tartan seat covers. Hopefully you can imagine the retro-ness of it, and I can assure you that it was not retro in a good way. It was in good condition though, despite being up in the previous owners loft for about 12 years. It was actually a wedding present of theirs. All the more reason to work on it and make it lovely again!

Here’s what we did. I don’t claim to be an expert in furniture restoration but this process worked for us.

+ The Mr was reluctant to let me use his electric sander (me + power tools = disaster), so wisely took charge of the sanding process. This took a couple of days, the table itself was relatively simple (he tells me), it being a flat surface and all, but the chairs with their cylindrical backs took ages and resulted in tantrums and swears from the shed.

+ We then primed the ‘raw’ sanded wood with wood primer, in white.

+ Once that had dried, we painted one chair in wood paint ‘Magnolia’. We gasped with horror at the orange-y disgustingness that was this colour, made an emergency trip to Homebase, bought ‘Antique Cream’ instead, and resumed painting. The table top itself looked gorgeous after sanding so we decided to leave that as it was, and just painted the legs and chairs. It needed a couple of coats for good, even coverage.

+ Once that had dried, we applied a couple of coats of MATTE varnish. I hate shiny, and so does he, so it worked quite well. We bees waxed the table top and then gave that a coat of matte varnish too for extra protection.

+ We recovered the chair seats with a fairly neutral polkadot material.

Aaaaanddd......Voila! Here’s the finished product

 

 

 

All in all, it took about 3 weeks from start to finish (bearing in mind we both work full time so were restricted to weekend work), and I bloody love the finished product. We get a lot of compliments on it, and all it cost us was about £40 in total for the paint and material.

If you’re thinking of throwing an old, decrepit piece of furniture away because its past its best, think again. Could it be restored it to its former beauty, or changed to suit your current decor? I would highly recommend doing a project like this. Yes, it takes time and effort, but the end results mean you have a unique piece in your home, which you can feel really proud of! And you’ll have saved money. Money for all important shoes.

I’m eyeing up my dressing table next for a spot of upcycling, and will definitely take before/during/after photos and share them with you!

Rachel x