Meadowhall trip

Last weekend I took the train to Meadowhall to meet with my family. Due to it being a Sunday, train times weren't regular so I ended up waiting an hour in Starbucks for them to arrive. No bother for me. I enjoyed a hot chocolate and a pastry while reading blogs on my iPad. Prepared. I forgot how nice it is to just sit and read in a coffee shop. I'm usually rushing about so it's a rare occurrence for me. 

When it came to the time when the shops started opening, I decided to have a wander while I waited. First stop, Dorothy Perkins. Destination, the sale section. I got quite lucky considering how small the section is (the sale is pretty much over). I managed to find a pair of purple jeggings in a size 12 for just a tenner. They were a petite but fit my short legs just fine. And even better, when I got to the till I remembered that I had about £16 left on a gift card from my birthday last year. Score!

Finally my family arrived and it was off to look around some more shops. We were stuck in Holister for awhile thanks to my brother and my auntie but I kept myself amused taking snaps for instagram with my new Paperchase postcards. Though it's still pretty dark in there I have to admire their floor. Pretty! The main reason for my Paperchase visit was to pick up a couple of things to top off the parcel for my #springtimesurpriseproject partner. Post to come later on that. But of course it being me, I had to get a few postcards myself. Only 60p each though so not enough to break the bank. 

Next stop was lunch. TGI Fridays as chosen by my cousin. The less said about this place the better. I never thought I'd see the day where I'd be disappointed by a quesadilla. On the bright side, I really liked the decor of the place.

After that it was followed by more wandering around the centre. It's been such a long time since I last visited which is funny since I practically used to live here as a teen. A couple of weekends a month, my mum and I would drive the hour journey over to shop, have some lunch then go and visit my grandparents. I was a bit of a lonely teen so I used to enjoy these visits immensely. How times have changed. 

Before heading to Primark, we stopped in Topshop and Debenhams. The latter where I bought a dress reduced to £10 in the sale and the former where I was surprised at how bored I was. What has happened to the clothes in Topshop? I've never seen so much black, white and beige in my life. Where's the colour? I hope it's just this store - Topshop is the majority of the time too expensive for me but I usually love walking around for inspiration. 

When it came to Primark, I really reigned myself in and just got things that I needed and things that were a complete bargain like the leather jacket below. Only £10! That'll be ideal for when Spring finally makes an appearance.

The toiletries bag that I've had for around 10 years finally died on our Florida trip so it was time to pick up a new one. I love the nautical style of this and it's a decent size to fit all my bits. 

For those who love Disney and Harry Potter, I would get yourself down to Primark soon as there is a massive choice at the moment for t-shirts. I couldn't help myself when I found this Hufflepuff t-shirt for £6. This type of thing would set you back double or triple the price in the Wizarding World in Florida. This will be saved for October when we visit next. 

And of course in true February on the high street style, all the sandals and summer clothes are beginning to make an appearance. By the time you actually get the warm weather or go on holiday they're all gone so I took this opportunity to get a couple of basics. This vest will be ideal for work as I'm told it's like a furnace in the office during the summer months. And these shoes will go with everything. They remind me of a pair I saw in Accessorize last year, only these are about a quarter of the price. Sold. 

Pickles approves.

What have you bought recently?

One month on: Pickles and Luna

I can't believe it's only been a month since Pickles and Luna came into our lives. It feels like we've had them forever. It's been such a learning curve, especially in the first couple of weeks. Suddenly having two little lives that rely on you is a scary thing but it's a challenge we've been wanting for a few years now. The first fortnight was the hardest. Topher and I didn't get anything else done as we were purely concentrating on looking after the two of them. Now we're all in a routine and it works really well for us.

In the beginning we were so worried that they wouldn't get along but it's amazing how quickly they took to each other (in hindsight) - even if there was some hissing and growling the first couple of days. Those days were the longest. But we came out the other side. Pickles' adores Luna - he's like her shadow at times and when she's asleep he'll come and curl up next to her. You can tell she likes him now as well, even though he does wake her up sometimes to play. 

Though they have their problems at times like all kittens do (Topher and I look like self harmers), they're really good with new people and are a great mix of playful and cuddly. I love spending evenings on my laptop or watching TV with Topher with them laid across us. And though it's only been a month, they're already getting bigger - Pickles' tail no longer resembles a rat tail (almost!) They're still so small but I can't wait to see what they look like when they're grown up.

I love how they have their own little personalities already. At 13 weeks old Luna is truly the older sister, doing everything first and washing Pickles' face when she thinks he's dirty. At 12 weeks old Pickles definitely plays the part of baby brother well. He's a complete goofball!

Luna enjoys

Watching football

Running round the bed

Watching my fingers type blog posts & anything to do with my laptop generally

Looking surprised 90% of the time - her nickname is Crazy Eyes.

Getting up in your face if you eat anything – even if she’s just eaten

Being higher than Pickles

The sound of food packets opening

Pickles enjoys 

Making chirruping bird noises - his nickname is Squeaky Pants

Headbutting your face

Falling off things

Sitting on your chest while you try to drink coffee

Greeting you when you get home like a puppy

Belly rubs while he nibbles your fingers

Starting play fights with Luna

 Here's to one month owning cats and Topher and I look forward to many more with our new family!

Introducing Pickles and Luna

So I've been MIA for almost a week and for a pretty good reason. We got kittens! Meet Pickles and Luna. 

Pickles the little boy

Luna the little lady

They're adopted brother and sister - as much as I would have liked to have gotten two from the same litter, it just wasn't possible but I wouldn't swap these two for the world. 

Their meeting was a bit shaky at first - bit of hissing but after 2 days they're getting on much better. The key is to just take it slow and not rush them getting to know each other.  

It's adorable that they already have little personalities. Luna is like the big sister who thinks Pickles is a complete goofball. Pickles is definitely the goofball. They get on great with people and both love cuddles and playing. 

It's quite a challenge drinking coffee now!

I can't believe how much has changed in such a short time. The four of us are like a family now. I worry about them when I'm not there - which there isn't much need to do as they've both been good as gold. 

I can't wait to watch them grow up together!

2014 in Review

Where has the year gone? To be honest, I'm not particularly sorry to see 2014 go (so much bad luck!) but there were plenty of good times!

January

Fireworks, Got my stone and a half award at Slimming World, Attended the Pinned it, Made it Lush party, Hung out with my cousin in London

February

Visited Chinatown for Chinese new year, Went on lots of London walks, Won couple of the year in our Slimming World group, Visited Peterborough, Acted like a tourist

 March

Visited Manchester, Got into Breaking Bad, Went to two jewellery making classes, Visited Camden Passage, Work leaving party

April

Visited Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum & Petra, Attended my cousin's wedding, Played tour guide for my friends visiting London

May

Moved to Peterborough and walked in Hampstead Heath

June

Did the London to Brighton Trek, Visited the Cat cafe in London, Walked more in Peterborough, Celebrated my 26th birthday, Commuted, Went to Birmingham for Blognix

July

Lots of commuting and started a podcast with Topher

August

Visited Cornwall and Devon with friends. 

September

Slept, ate, went to the Classic Car boot sale and made the worst cheesecake ever. 

October

Commuting, Visited Manchester to house hunt, Had a bit of an accident with my car, ate Halloween treats

November

Moved to Manchester, Made new friends, Said goodbye to old ones, Made mulled wine, Attended the Christmas markets in Manchester

December

Went to Florida, indulged in Christmas activities such as baking, making a gingerbread house, decorating the house and having fun with friends 

Here's to 2014 and now bring on 2015, I'm ready!

How was your year?

There and back again: catchup & outfit post

3am in Florida

Sitting on the terrace, sipping a cold drink and tapping away on my laptop, I find myself far away from home again. As per tradition I spent Christmas Day at home with my family which was lovely and quiet. This was then followed by over 26 hours spent awake travelling to Florida the day after. 

Christmas lunch

Group selfie at the start of the journey...we had no idea what was to come! Safe to say, no one was up for an "after" selfie!

It was pretty hellish as far as journey's go - with Topher and my dad's boarding passes suddenly not working at the gate in London, then the car rental place in Florida overselling their cars so people who had pre-paid were left with nothing (do NOT use Thrifty car rental!) to finally topping off the long day with our hotel having oversold their rooms (don't use hotels involved with timeshare!). We finally got to bed at 5am local time (10am UK time). 

Topher at 10pm local time/3am UK time

But that my friends is all behind me now. I can smile safely in the knowledge that I am finally on holiday and the fun can begin! Since Topher and I have come with my family, we're doing a split holiday between relaxing and going to a couple of parks. I am so excited! The new extension of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a must and I am itching to catch a few (hundred) photos of the Christmas decorations in Magic Kingdom. Not to mention the outlet malls I'll be taking advantage of.

Anyway, I only got a couple of snaps of what I wore on Christmas Day but you get the gist. Black dress, maroon tights, statement necklace = sorted. I may have forgotten to bring shoes that weren't converse or sandals...

Dress & tights: Primark, Necklace: Reborn

 I'm not used to wearing drop waisted dresses as my waist is usually something I like to highlight. But I couldn't resist with this one and it's embroidery detail. Plus it's super comfy!

How was your Christmas?

Dartmoor

One fine day (or slightly drizzly day) while we were down in Exeter, Topher and Emma's grandparents took us to Dartmoor. 

Emma and Luther

Topher and I

After the obligatory couple tourist shots, we decided to have a bit of childish fun. I've always been a fan of attempting to photograph movement - I even did an entire project about it during college where my friends happily volunteered to jump up and down for me - so I took the opportunity to get my friends to lunge at me wildly. 

Topher, the bird without wings

Luther the victim of a zombie chase. 

Emma the happy skipper. 

Not to be left out, I handed the camera to Emma...

I call this my crazy lady pulled  off stage pose - the only thing missing is the hook am I right? I think Topher and Emma's granddad definitely agrees!

After the childish antics (or in between I should say, we stopped to admire our surroundings. How gorgeous are these colours?

Aaand back to the childishness. I love this photo I took of Topher. We were trying to get a jumping shot but didn't notice the old ladies approaching. When I spotted them I told Topher to jump quickly and that is most likely why he has a look of terror on his face. Though I like to call this photo "man terrified of grannies". 

This hobbit looks completely at home doesn't he?

Then we visited Widecombe where I got this lovely shot of Topher and Emma's grandma using a banana like a gun. Classic!

 Not to mention my rather terrifying face while pretending to eat this giant ice cream. Mine! Not very flattering at all and that therefore proves that I have no shame in showing this to you!

Finally, we headed back to Dartmoor where we proceeded to have the coldest picnic ever. How very British of us! 

Considering I'm not much of an outdoor person, I had a great day! Are you a fan of the great outdoors?