#BEDM Day 21: Stop! Collaborate!

Since last year, my boyfriend Topher and I have done a podcast together called He Watch, She Watch.  It's a bit of fun that we do to make each other watch our film collections which are vastly different. As the tag line goes, it's one couple arguing through their DVD collection. 

This episode sees Topher watching Legally Blonde 2 and me watching Arachnid, some C movie from 2001. Hilarity ensues...

Topher on Legally Blonde 2:

"It's like the first one, only not as good. Not that the first one was good"

Diane on Arachnid:

"His name was Lead Valentine, I was like, are we in some sort of Mills & Boon novel?"

The rest of our episodes can be found here.

Hope you enjoy! Let us know what you think.

He Watch, She Watch: Episode 9 Return of the eight legged blondes by Hewatchshewatch on Mixcloud

The Crochet Crop Top

Last Saturday I led my visiting cousin into the city of Manchester and we hit the shops. I seem to be in a bit of a rut at the moment finding clothes to replace the ones I sold but at least I managed to walk away from the day with this.

The vivid shade of post box red caught my eye when I was wandering through Topshop. Immediately I fell in love and went to try it on. I was surprised to find it was slightly cropped so it didn't look that great with the jeans I was wearing, but I was planning on wearing it with my new Zara trousers which are high waisted anyway. So no bother. To the till!

Now if only the sun would return from wherever it disappeared to so I can wear this, that would be great!

HWSW Episode 8: Finding the Thing

Topher and I are finally back recording He Watch, She Watch again! Take a look at our latest episode where we watch Finding Nemo and The Thing.

We also added in a new section where we discuss recent films we've seen.



Let us know what you think!

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!

Valentines Day Do/Don't

Now I'm not really one for Valentines Day. I don't need an excuse to wear hearts all year round and Topher & I don't wait for that one day to tell each other how much we love each other. Therefore I do have the cliche opinion that Valentines was invented by greeting card companies for revenue and to make singles feel bad about themselves.

When we have done something for the day, it's been something a bit different. Anyone can go to the local Italian or see 50 shades of grey at the cinema with their girl mates - my favourite Valentines day of ours was when we did laser-quest. So fun! And no crowds.

Whether you celebrate or not, I'm not going to push my opinion on anyone. It's not for me to tell you what to do. As with any holiday there are positives and negatives.

The Good

• Awesome deals like this lot from Waitrose for only £20.

• Singletons (and coupled up people) celebrating Galentine's Day. I'm liking this trend! Valentines should not be restricted to coupled up people.
• Cards that are well done

The bad

• Not being able to go out on the night due to overcrowding and set menus (ironic considering the above post).
• The release of terrible Valentines films *cough 50 shades *cough
• So expensive - everything!

The ugly

Watching people try to outdo each other on social media. "Isn't my other half better than yours?" etc etc. Smug is not pretty.

Nor is this

Source

*Shudders

And it can't go without saying; cards like this:

Source

Personally they make me cringe.

But either way, all I can say is

Source

And for all you lovers out there

Source

Happy Valentines Day

HWSW Episode 7: Russian to get Vogue

We're back! Topher and I put our podcast on a hiatus while we moved and until our work schedules aligned again and though the latter isn't quite there yet we managed to record another episode of He Watch, She Watch. However while recording episode 8, it came to light that I hadn't actually published Episode 7. I seriously don't miss my zombie days at all! So in a way that's a positive factor as now we have two episodes in the bag until we can get behind the microphone again.

This episode sees us watch The September Issue - a must have documentary for any fashion lover, and Nightwatch - a vampire film about light and dark. It's safe to say that Topher had a few opinions about having to watch a fashion film!


We really missed recording these and can't wait to get back into it. Episode 8 and all the episodes to follow will have a slightly different format as we want to spice things up a bit, but that's all to come. For now, I hope you enjoy episode 7. 

Outfit Post: Spring is on the way with Jacamo

*Post in collaboration with Jacamo - all opinions are our own.

Jacket: Jacamo, Jeans: , Trainers: Converse

When shooting these photos I couldn't help but have the Flight of the Concords lyric in my head, "you could be a part time model". Topher doesn't really think of himself as photogenic and any time I get him in front of a camera, he tends to play the fool. But I think I got lucky today as I got some decent shots out of him where he isn't pouting or gurning (not including this one!)

Those who have heard of Jacamo know it as a reliable menswear brand that caters to the plus size market. Personally, though Topher and I had both heard of Jacamo we had no idea that they also stock regular mens sizes as well. This is great as I think there should be more menswear retailers available on the high street.

For someone who prefers more muted colours, this jacket fits in great with Topher's wardrobe. One of his specifications with coats is that they need to have a hood. Otherwise they anger him (but most things do). It's lightweight fabric makes it ideal for spring and for that awkward in between weather phase between seasons.

What Topher thinks: "It was light, comfortable and isn't too loud which appeals to me as I'm not a massive fan of colour. My mates usually mock me when I wear something new but this time not a word. I liked the fact that the bottom of the coat could be adjusted to be tighter so it could keep the wind out and the hood was big enough to cover my big hair. "

Be sure to take a look at Jacamo's website, their coat section has a great selection that will keep your man both toasty and stylish for the cooler months. 

Have you ever shopped at Jacamo?

Wall Murals with 1Wall

*Post in collaboration with 1Wall* 

Now that I'm settled into my new house in Manchester (ignoring the mini mountain of boxes I still need to unpack...) I get to finally share a rather large new addition to my wall. 

Since I was little nomad, I have always wanted a giant map on my wall so when 1Wall got in touch, I naturally gravitated towards the vintage map design on their website. Though I was quite close to choosing the forest scene so Topher could connect with his hobbit self! Another time perhaps.

I was happy to find that when the mural arrived, it came with it's own paste ready to mix and in four large pieces so that it would be easier to put up. I was just relieved as I was imagining myself struggling with one massive piece and making a mess. 

We decided to put it up on our landing as it's such a large space with high ceilings and seemed so plain before. I definitely recommend getting someone to help you put it up, even if you're not as height challenged as myself. It means there's someone there to share the laugh at least! 

In terms of the level of difficulty putting it up, you have to think of it as wallpaper only with less pieces to deal with. The only tricky bit is making sure it all matches up at the edges but I think Topher and I did a good job. Once it was up, it was time for a cup of tea so we could sit back and admire our work. I love it and it makes me smile every time I walk past it. 

If you're not a giant map kind of person then there are plenty of other murals on 1Wall that would take your fancy whether it be scenes from nature, cityscapes, your kids favourite cartoon characters or your celebrity crush - there's something for everyone. They also do door wallpaper, wall stickers, art and even furnishing like lamps and mirrors. Remember it's coming up to Christmas - the countdown begins!

What's on your wall?

Mulled Wine Recipe with Waitrose Cellar

*Post in collaboration with Waitrose Cellar*

One of my favourite things about autumn is all my favourite food and drinks are in season. Chestnuts, pumpkin spiced latte (don't judge me), gingerbread and especially mulled wine. When I attend the German Christmas markets every year without fail, the Glühwein stand is always one of my first stops. 

Waitrose Cellar recently contacted me with a challenge as part of their "Mulled Wines around the world campaign" to create my own recipe with my favourite mulled wine destination in mind. There was no doubt in my mind that I had to go with Germany. I've visited Berlin twice since I was eighteen and one of my travel bucket list items is to visit the real German Christmas markets. The closest I've gotten is visiting in January so I got to experience Germany in the snow. 

Me circa 2010 in all my technicolour glory.

Tip for journeying around Berlin in the snow: Boots are your friend, high heels are your enemy on the ice! Don't let your friend persuade you otherwise, even if it is a Fashion Week party! I think that was the longest walk to the Metro ever. Ah memories. 

For now, I will have to make do with Manchester's Christmas markets. There's nothing like munching on mini pancakes drizzled with nutella, while standing under a giant leering glitter Santa. 

So, back to the challenge. When researching traditional German Glühwein recipes there were a few different methods so I adapted and combined to make my own little blend which worked out pretty well if I do say so myself. Here's how you make it. 

Ingredients:

• One 750ml bottle of wine - I used Waitrose's Marques de Calatrava
• 1 orange
• 1 lemon
• 6 tablespoons of honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 vanilla pod
• 6 cloves
• 2 star anise
• 1 cup of water

Step one slice your orange, followed by your lemon.

Pause for a moment of silliness...

Put in a large saucepan together and pour over the 6 tablespoons of honey. If you want a particularly sweet mulled wine, then add a couple more tablespoons. Turn the heat on low. 

Add your cup of water.

Then spilt the vanilla pod down the middle and put the whole thing in the saucepan.

Next, add the cloves and the star anises.

Finally, add the cinnamon stick and this is your base complete. You then leave this to simmer for around half an hour, stirring occasionally. 

The idea is to turn it into a syrup that you will add your wine to later. If you add the wine in at the same time as the syrup, then a lot of the alcohol will have burned off during the half hour simmering and you don't want that do you?

Very important, stop to smell your syrup. I don't know about you but I always smell my cooking during the process. Probably because my clumsy self would be likely to burn her mouth with a taste test.

Oh, and I don't usually smile like that when I cook...Topher was just making me laugh.

Pause to tell Topher off for acting like a dramatic photographer jumping around the kitchen, turning my camera this way and that shouting "work it!" I think my look says it all. 

Now, time for the good part! The addition of the most important ingredient, the wine.

Turns out that I don't use a corkscrew that often so I'm a tad bit out of practise...

But I'm sure you can't tell...

So don't hold back and pour it all into the pan. Gently simmer for about 10 minutes then it's ready to serve.

 Cue awkward taste test photo:

Success!

It's rather satisfying drinking something you've made yourselves. Waitrose also sent me their own bottled mulled wine which I couldn't help but taste test against my own. It is quite delicious. I'm going to be diplomatic though and say both are good in their own ways. If you like it pretty sweet, go for the bottle, if not then make your own. 

Now bring on the 14th November when the Manchester German Christmas markets open and I can taste test their Glühwein against mine and Waitrose's. All in the name of research of course...

Thanks Waitrose Cellar, I had a blast! Have you ever made your own festive drink?