tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44384848863640608412024-03-18T22:47:28.423-07:00Wild in the CountryTravel. Crafts. Healthy Lifestyle. Fashion.
North YorkshireLouise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-178594056394576812015-09-20T11:05:00.000-07:002015-09-20T11:05:00.341-07:00Travel: Inverness and the Scottish Highlands - Part 2<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
I thought I wouldn’t leave it too long before sharing the second half of my holiday… which seems like such a distant memory now.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Anyway, on our third day in Scotland we woke early again, and filled ourselves with another hearty hotel breakfast. Maybe not as hearty as the day before, but hearty nonetheless. Today was the day we were going to travel over to the Black Isle and explore the Fairy Glen. The weather was amazing, we couldn’t have asked for anything better to set off the beautiful colours of the brooks, rivers and waterfalls. You know what, I’m not even going to talk anymore about Fairy Glen, the pictures say it all.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Whilst beautiful, and impressive, Fairy Glen isn’t a long walk. Once we had finished we walked into Rosemarkie, and had a drink in a local pub with 3 old local guys. They were so friendly and chatty, and pointed us down a little side street to Rosemarkie Bay. To say we hadn’t been expecting the gorgeous beach we found would be an understatement. Sapphire blue sea, soft golden sand, amazing rock pools, blazing sunshine and not much of a crowd. It was idyllic, I only wished I had my bikini.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">You would never have believed you were standing on a coastline so far North on that beautiful hot day, and after a long walk through the rock pools, and the great volcanic rocks that lie further down the beach, it took us all of our effort to drag ourselves away and back to Inverness.</span></div>
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We finished off our day with steak dinner in the hotel restaurant, and back early to the room to begin packing for the journey that lay ahead the following day.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Our final morning in Inverness and we chose to spend it in Leakey’s second hand bookshop. I had seen pictures of this book emporium on Pinterest and had put it on my list of places to go in Inverness. I don’t think I could have anticipated the array and choice which lay behind those doors. I was overwhelmed as soon as I went in, just perusing the shelves and trying to come up with an idea of what I might like to buy in such a place. First I was looking for some Edith Sitwell, but, surprisingly there was none (although there was lots of Osbert Sitwell), so instead I turned my attentions to my crafts and hobbies, finally coming away with a fantastic book full of cross stitch patterns.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJDp0efqF3cU22EmRJeKahh8eBP3vTrUSUB_Z4g_PwXkf7bGa7MGiS9ErgZh3Uv5tBCaFpg54116kEiQygYhWrRmTEyRWoXM2jc4HtThzwQqRfg7vnkc3eY9sI0imqKe2PC_yZ-t08hc/s1600/20150907_104621_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Leakey's Inverness" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJDp0efqF3cU22EmRJeKahh8eBP3vTrUSUB_Z4g_PwXkf7bGa7MGiS9ErgZh3Uv5tBCaFpg54116kEiQygYhWrRmTEyRWoXM2jc4HtThzwQqRfg7vnkc3eY9sI0imqKe2PC_yZ-t08hc/s640/20150907_104621_resized.jpg" title="Leakey's Inverness" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How many books?</td></tr>
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We set off, but decided to take a different route home to the one we came by, taking in another national park, the Cairngorms. Again, a beautiful hot and bright day lay before us, and really made the beautiful purples, greens and browns of the landscape jump out at us. We were awe struck, and decided to stop off in the ski resort of Aviemore. Whilst it wasn’t ski season, it was evident by the nature of the shops and bars that come winter, this would be a really fun place to be. Alas, for us, it was only a short stay as we still had a good 9 hours of driving ahead of us.<u></u><u></u></div>
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We arrived home late in the evening, exhausted, filled with wonder and enthusiastic to plan our next trip back to beautiful Scotland.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scotland eh?</td></tr>
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Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-60033294678553281872015-09-14T12:44:00.000-07:002015-09-14T12:44:54.889-07:00Travel: Inverness and the Scottish Highlands - Part 1<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
Hi Folks. Sorry for the hiatus. Ever since I got back from Scotland, and the Autumn has been drawing in, all I’ve really wanted to do is knit, sew and practice guitar. I’m back nonetheless, and ready to regale you with stories of my holiday. <u></u><u></u></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The river Ness at Inverness</td></tr>
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Whilst I’ve been to Edinburgh, I hadn’t visited anywhere else in Scotland, and both me and the hubby had a long standing desire to explore, fuelled by a combination of our love of Celtic culture and the amazing images we had found all over pinterest. We had booked into the grand and luxurious<a href="http://www.royalhighlandhotel.co.uk/" target="_blank"> Royal Highland Hotel</a> in Inverness as our base, and started our long (10 hour) drive North in the early hours of Friday morning. By the time dawn was breaking, we were well on our way across North Yorkshire, and heading for the border counties. </div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">It wasn’t really until we crossed the border, and in fact, until we passed Glasgow that the landscape really started to open up. We stopped off at Loch Lomond, the first of many Lochs we would pass on the way, and continued our scenic drive up through Glencoe. It was breathtaking. Vista after vista of imposing mountain ranges, and the colours, oh my the colours, I can easily see how the tweed weavers of the Highlands take their inspiration from the landscape surrounding them.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous Glencoe</td></tr>
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<u></u> <span style="font-size: 11pt;">Having pulled over at the side of the road on many occasions to gasp in wonderment at the views that filled our eyes, by the time we were reaching Fort William, and the world famous Ben Nevis, there was a mist descending. It meant that we couldn’t see the summit, but we knew it was there.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful reception at the Royal Highland hotel</td></tr>
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<u></u> <span style="font-size: 11pt;">We arrived in Inverness at around 2.30pm, it was drizzly, chilly and dull, but that was fine as we had expected that and dressed accordingly. Having checked in to our lovely room, we headed straight out to peruse the town. It’s a compact town on a beautifully picturesque river. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inverness Castle</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">There is a castle, and the usual high street shops, as well as art shops, book shops and myriad of tartan and tweed shops. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The High Street in Inverness</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The town felt quite bustling, despite its small size, and is obviously an attractive venue to tourists from the world over. After a wander around taking in the sights of the castle and bridges, we retired to a Weatherspoons for our evening meal. We had intended to go, on that first evening to Hootenanny, to enjoy a local Ceilidh, but as the hours passed us by, the early start and long drive we had undertaken begun to take effect. Walking back to the hotel in the pouring rain we decided against it, and bought some goodies and spent the evening in the warm comfort of our room.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mr... all set for our hike</td></tr>
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The next day we woke early and refreshed to bright crisp sunshine, and enjoyed a hearty Scottish breakfast, yes of course it included porridge. Then we made the short journey from Inverness to Drumnadrochit, a nearby village close to the famous Loch Ness. Again, the tourist factor was evident as the tiny little village welcomed people from everywhere who came searching for the illusive monster. Instead of taking in the tourist sites, the boat trips and visitor centres, we bought a little walkers guide book from the Information Centre, and took off on a walk into the woods. Before we’d gone very far we got talking to a friendly local man who told us of an alternative walk, through the impressive woodland with its giant Sequoas and redwoods, and up onto the hill for a view across Loch Ness. The walk was deserted, for a whole hour and half, we walked uphill, stopping to listen to the silence of the woodland, getting excited at spotting a red squirrel in the trees, and taking in the beauty of our surroundings until we reached the top. We couldn’t have anticipated the view in the clear sunshine across the Loch. It was truly tremendous.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view across Loch Ness from the top of the hill</td></tr>
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Back in the village we stopped for tea and cake and visited one of the many gift shops to buy a souvenir of our stay, before heading back to the hotel to change out of our hiking clothes, and into something suitable for a Scottish Ceilidh bar. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tartan and Argyle... obvs</td></tr>
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We ventured out into the town and headed straight for an Indian Restaurant. It was one we had passed the night before, and the smell of fresh curry had enticed us back, alas it had also enticed much of Inverness and so it wasn’t possible to get a seat. We carried on perusing, and went to a different Indian restaurant called Cinnamon. It was bustling. We had a gorgeous feast and left hardly able to walk we were that full.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Up at <a href="http://www.hootanannyinverness.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hootenanny</a>, it had already started to get busy so we bought ourselves a pint of local ale and hovered for a while, until we were able to bag a seat on the end of a table with a group of gregarious Italian holiday makers. They couldn’t speak a great deal of English, but they could speak more English than we could Italian. Somehow we managed to communicate anyway and it made for a very fun start to the night. Soon the band were tuning up their bagpipes and accordions, and at 9.30 the music started. It was lively Scottish folk music that just made you want to tap your foot and sing along (if only I knew the words) you could tell the locals in the bar since they were the ones doing the traditional Scottish dancing on the dancefloor. The bar was packed with Americans, Chinese and Australian tourists as well as locals old and young, but from our cosy little corner on the table of Italians, we had a great view of the shenanigans.<u></u><u></u></div>
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It was a perfect end to a perfect day of new sights and experiences. We snuggled down, content, but excited for what the next day would bring.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-51424834945507791022015-09-03T01:10:00.003-07:002015-09-03T01:10:38.713-07:00Stop, Breathe and think - Meditation app review<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.6960010528564px;">you may remember last week, when I was discussing my little healthy lifestyle changes (although I’m sure that all the crisps and chocolate I’ve eaten today do not contribute to a healthy lifestyle… but everyone’s allowed a bad day), anyway, back to the point, remember I mentioned mediation? In terms of the benefits, meditation is a really quick winner. I’ve noticed a more general calmness in myself, better sleep and more awareness of what I am feeling. Can’t be bad, hey? You could, of course, sign up with a meditation class (I’m starting one on futurelearn in a few weeks), but if you want something that you can just incorporate quickly and easily, then why not try an app? Of course, there’s apps for everything these days, and if you look for a mediation app, you will be inundated with choice and variety. For my part, I chose the free Stop, Breathe, Think app.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.6960010528564px;">The app itself is provided for a not-for-profit company called, Tools for Peace and whilst there are in app purchases (additional mediations) these are neither heavily sold, nor totally necessary since there are a good selection of free mediations to start off with. That said, I’ve bought one of the upgrade packs, which is tremendously well priced and just offers me that bit more variety.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.6960010528564px;">There are several things I enjoy about this app. Obviously, the fact that it is always available is a big plus, but the interface itself is really intuitive and easy to use. You can choose your meditations in 2 ways. You can ‘check in’ where the app asks you how you are feeling in body and mind, and what emotions you are feeling. It will then offer a short list of around 3 appropriate mediations for you to try, based on this. I meditate this way most evenings, before bed. I find that this time allows me to really ask myself ‘How are you today?’ rather than ignoring any emotions or feelings as I sometimes do. The meditations are short, around 5 – 10 minutes long but really encourage you to just tune out of your surroundings and into yourself. I find that these are the perfect switch off to the end of the day, and on the few occasions which I have failed to check in and meditate in the evening, I have definitely noticed a difference in my quality of sleep.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.6960010528564px;">The other way to meditate from this app is to select your meditation from the full list. Everything from walking mediation, to engaging your senses or gratitude. I’ve done a few mediations this way, either on the train on my way to work, or even on the walk from the train station. It’s a great way to really make you feel present (the walking meditation is my favourite one for this purpose). After each meditation you can then view your progress and see how your body and mind has been feeling over the past week, or how much meditation you have done altogether.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.6960010528564px;">It's a really good app, and a great introduction to meditating. It makes it really accessible, and especially for those who may have a somewhat pessimistic view of the practice, it’s not too fluffy. If you haven’t tried meditation before, or even if you have and would like something just to guide you every now and again, then I would recommend the Stop, Breathe and Think app.</span>Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-91992272235209969472015-08-31T12:28:00.000-07:002015-08-31T12:28:47.624-07:00Robin Hood's Bay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ever since moving to Yorkshire, people have been telling me that I had to visit Robin Hood's Bay. They regaled me with tales of a beautiful little fishing village, with winding little lanes and a relaxed vibe.<br />
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Enticed by the promise of some tremendous views, and seeing somewhere different, I decided to finally pay it a visit, today. On the scenic drive through the purple heather clad moors, I wondered why on earth I wasn't curled up at home with a good book given that the rain was pelting against our windscreen. As we turned into the road down to Robin Hood's Bay, however, the storm clouds receded and the rain stopped.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the top of the village</td></tr>
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As soon as we had parked, and started taking in the views over the top of cottages, and down towards a rugged coastline, I was glad that we had arrived. Despite it being Bank Holiday Monday, it wasn't too engulfed with tourists, perhaps the less than welcoming weather frightened them off. For my part, I was armed with my camera and ready to take advantage of the absence of crowds.<br />
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After having lunch at a gorgeous, and inexpensive pie shop, we followed the winding alley ways whichever direction they led us. Past tiny little gift shops, antique shops and tea rooms, some which struggled to hold more than 2 people at a time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many tea shops</td></tr>
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Down on the beach, the tide was coming in.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rockpooling</td></tr>
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Families were rockpooling, precariously stepping amongst thick and slippery seaweed that clung to rocks, with the sea creeping ever deeper around them. They began to help eachother to safer land, and to the ice-cream van that kept moving further up the beach, creeping like the tide.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A helping hand to cross the divide</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peace, quiet, contemplation</td></tr>
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The clouds hung low over the high cliff tops, and made for an altogether moody experience. It was perfect, atmospheric and a welcome break from the heaving crowds of the larger tourist destinations. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moody skies over the bay</td></tr>
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We finished off the day with tea and cake in one of the tea rooms, before climbing back up the steep hill to the car park, and enjoying a well earned beer at the top. An utterly perfect and relaxing Bank Holiday day out with my family, which has me refreshed and ready to head back to work tomorrow.Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-3341642378723384522015-08-26T12:22:00.000-07:002015-08-26T12:22:00.054-07:00Small Steps to Health and Wellbeing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I’m moving towards a healthier way of living. I think, however, it’s always best to tackle these things in small increments. Completely drop one way of life for a whole other and it’s too much of a shock to the system to maintain. As such, I’ve been making small changes over recent months. Little movements towards the life I want to live, and so far, so good. I’m not sure that I’m seeing the benefits of all of them yet, some I’ve been doing for far too short a timescale to see any real benefits, but I can still feel assured that I’m making changes and that if I continue to live by those changes I will start to see and feel the benefits over time.<u></u><u></u></div>
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So, what are the changes I’ve made so far?<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b><u></u>1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><u></u>Cut out Lucozade<u></u><u></u></b></div>
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About 8 weeks ago, I was sat at the dentists waiting for a check up when I saw a poster on the wall. It was homemade, and had empty pop bottles stuck to it. Under each pop bottle was a bag of sugar, the amount that was in each of the drinks. I was sickened to look at the amount that was in one of my favourite soft drinks. If someone put that much sugar on my cereal, I would refuse to eat it, so why was I regularly drinking it in a bottle of pop? I decided there and then that I wouldn’t drink Lucozade again, and I haven’t since.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b><u></u>2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><u></u>Reduce meat</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.6960000991821px;">I love meat. I always have done, and always maintained that I would struggle to be a vegetarian. I hold true to that, but that doesn’t mean that I have to eat quite so much of it. I no longer buy processed meats (packets of ham etc), I try to have at least 2 vegetarian days per week, and always select a vegetarian option now when eating out. I’ve been doing this for 3 weeks, and it’s getting easier as the weeks go on. It’s not just the health benefits of eating less meat that attract me, but the environmental impact of farming is something that always makes me feel a bit guilty. Okay, so I’m not completely forgoing my contribution to that industry, but I’m reducing it and that makes me happy. What’s more, I find that opting for more vegetarian options expands your horizons, last weekend I tried beancurd at a Chinese restaurant for the first time in my life… and I liked it.</span></div>
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<b><u></u>3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><u></u>Meditate</b><u></u><u></u></div>
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I recently invested in a new smartphone. Having had my iPhone 4, second hand, about 3 years ago and with it getting painfully slow I thought it was time. One of the first apps I downloaded was a meditation app, and I love it. You don’t have to sit for hours on end cross legged on a cushion meditating, I manage to fit in around 2 ten minute sessions per day using the app. Always before bed to rest my mind, but other times I’ve meditated in the morning on waking, on the train and even on the walk to work. It’s funny how many meditation gaps you can find when you start looking. I feel mentally more calmed and rested, less anxious and with clearer thought processes and that is only after 1 week of regular meditation.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b><u></u>4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><u></u>Join the Gym</b><u></u><u></u></div>
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I’m quite lucky in that we have a free to use gym in our office. I’ve avoided it since December when I joined the organisation, but this week I have taken my induction with the intention of spending around 2 lunchtimes per week working out. I have clear aims for what I want to achieve (tone and fitness) and since a few of my colleagues may join me on occasion, I have added moral support too. I’m pretty lazy when it comes to exercise, so being able to incorporate it into my working day will be helpful, and will also force me to move away from my desk at lunchtime instead of working through as I often do.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b><u></u>5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><u></u>Less coffee more herbal tea</b><u></u><u></u></div>
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I wouldn’t say that I’m a coffee addict, although I do love a cup. My regular routine, however, was to have a cup of coffee on waking, another cup of coffee later in the morning, and possibly another cup of coffee in the afternoon. Mostly, these would be filter coffees too, so pretty potent. I have realised however, these really are more out of habit than desire, and once you break the habit it’s easy to make other choices. I’ve changed my morning coffee for lemon in hot water, which is very refreshing and means I don’t fancy a coffee until around 9am, when I get to work. From there, I don’t usually have another coffee or even a standard black tea again during the day. I sip on water, peppermint, chamomile or green tea and find I feel much more refreshed and hydrated throughout the day. Not to mention, less edgy since I’m not powered by caffeine.<u></u><u></u></div>
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By no means is the end of my healthy living movement. In fact, it’s the beginning. The first few small steps to achieving the wellbeing which I want to experience. I’m not sure what my next step will be, although I’m still fighting an ongoing battle with diet cola (giving it up that is). </div>
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What small steps are you making to improve your wellbeing? Are you a one step at a time sort of person, or an all or nothing type? </div>
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Let me know in the comments below.</div>
Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-76624559541530631352015-08-23T02:51:00.000-07:002015-08-23T02:51:07.561-07:00The Holistic LifestyleFor sometime I've been interested in leading a more holistic lifestyle. By holistic I mean the yoga loving, meditating, natural remedying, healthy eating type lifestyle that is the subject of so many instagram accounts across the planet. It's not a new fad for me, having studied Aromatherapy about 8 years ago, and dipped my foot in a whole load of other subjects in between, it's something I have a longstanding interest in.<br />
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Of course, this lifestyle isn't a one dimensional thing, it incorporates everything from exercise to spirituality. From respecting yourself, to respecting the planet you live in. If anything though, I find the internet a bit of a disheartening place on this topic. Healthy lifestyle bloggers have a tendency to portray a life filled with sunrise yoga sessions, lazy tofu lunches and bohemian nights around beach bonfires. A life without offices, public transport commutes or cares in the world. Great if you can get it. If you can make a living from blogging, bag yourself a lucrative book deal or creatively generate the income you need to pursue the idealistic life, then more power to you.<br />
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For many of us, however, we do the daily 9-5 (I even enjoy it) we pay mortgages and have to deal with days when simply getting out of bed in time for the train is an effort and morning yoga sessions are no more than aspiration.<br />
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That doesn't mean that we aren't living 'authentically' or being 'mindful' in our every day lives, it just means that we have other priorities too. Granted, when those other priorities take precedence, as they often do, all of your holistic good intentions go out of the window. It doesn't mean they completely fall by the wayside though.<br />
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I intend to pursue a healthier, holistic lifestyle. To be more in tune with my body, mind and the world around me, but guess what? I'm not going to give up on my career, my home or my responsibilities to do so. I believe that one doesn't have to be exclusive of the other, that I can be both bohemian and corporate. I dont't care if people think that's a contradiction, I am being true to myself because I am multi-faceted and to deny one aspect of my personality would be to stagnate my continuous development and life experience. To restrict my potential. So, while its lovely to see those sunrise yoga sessions, and I certainly don't rule them out, they aren't an essential ingredient to a healthy, natural, authentic lifestyle. Not being able to dedicate yourself 100% should not prevent you from dedicating at all.<br />
<br />Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-63332298890388029812015-08-19T12:46:00.002-07:002015-08-19T12:46:50.084-07:00Bespoke Dog Food... Delivered<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: sans-serif;"><div class="WordSection1" style="page: WordSection1;">
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I love my dogs. I’m sure most of you dog owners agree, there’s nothing quite like having the little hairy people around. The welcome you get when you come home from work all waggy tails and bouncy bodies. The snuggles on the sofa and the excitement of going for a walk on the beach. I don’t think I could ever be without a canine companion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My two are getting on a bit now. Bailey is 10, with some bad teeth and, from time to time, a weight problem. Alfie is 7 and has always had sensitive skin and tummy. Recently, I was reading the Metro free paper on the train when I found an advert for a free 2 week trial of a new mail order bespoke dog food. I ripped the voucher out, and headed to <a href="http://www.tails.com/" style="color: #0563c1;">www.tails.com</a> where I decided that, since Bailey was the oldest, he would get the free trial. Once I’d registered, I was asked lots of questions about Bailey. Everything from his age and breed, to whether he has any snacks (maybe a few) and how long his walks are each day. My answers to the questions generated a bespoke mix for Bailey, filled with the right amount of nutrients for his needs, which arrived less than a week later.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bailey loves post. His favourite daily hobby is to bark at the post man and to try to get to our letters and eat them before we can get there. You can imagine his joy when a courier knocked the door with a box labelled BAILEY and a mysterious smell of dog food about it. Inside was everything to get him started on his new food. Information about his mix, a bespoke measuring cup and instructions on EXACTLY how much to feed him each day, and of course a bag of food with his name emblazoned all over it. Ok, I know he can’t read… but I like to believe that he knows that’s his bag of food.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Over a fortnight on and Bailey has taken to his food really well. He has started to lose some of his podge (that’s another thing, you can update your dogs details anytime to reflect weightloss etc and your food will be tailored to adjust), he’s energetic and bright eyed, and Alfie keeps trying to rob this exciting new food from Bailey’s bowl, so I’m guessing it must smell good too. I’m pleased with it, and I’ve now added Alfie’s details too, so this week there will be a dinner bag delivery for each of them. At around £10 a bag for each of our 2, it’s not the cheapest option, but it stacks up well against the IAMS, which was their previous food, and the fact that I don’t have to actively remember to buy dog food (because <a href="http://www.tails.com/" style="color: #0563c1;">www.tails.com</a> does all the thinking for me) means that this one is a bit of a no brainer for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you think that this is something you would like to try out, then follow this link<a href="http://tails.com/?pc=LOUISLH9" style="color: #0563c1;">http://tails.com/?pc=LOUISLH9</a> to the tails website where you can claim your 2 week free trial of food for your dog, using the code LOUISLH9 you only have to pay for postage.<o:p></o:p></div>
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NB: This post contains affiliate links.</div>
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</span>Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-84760578078653512202015-08-10T14:09:00.000-07:002015-08-10T14:09:40.927-07:00Vintage Photo Shoot at Portfolio StudiosA couple of months back, my friend excitedly informed me that she had won a vintage photo shoot for us, in Manchester. Once the initial glee had died down, and I set about looking up train fares and the cost of any photographs, we decided it was just too expensive. A couple of days later, however, I saw that <a href="https://www.groupon.co.uk/visitor_referral/h/7e9a56f2-05c3-4bcc-8f03-f3527ec54359" target="_blank">Groupon </a>were running an offer on a similar sort of experience day. A vintage makeover and photo shoot, with some photos included for 1+ people.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEaqLZ1TiFoir2cnzn96tEytqBeL7vDQfQdrk7fxoK9hh6msuYaxTag4t9FtvxQWTd8YVGZDff_yl8hoUM9N12RXEWyaAfELMvnbFIvo9UmEm4MtMFk-_xwYv1fadGizeyLEexjMfxV4/s1600/_SY_0047+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Vintage photoshoot 1950s 1960s" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEaqLZ1TiFoir2cnzn96tEytqBeL7vDQfQdrk7fxoK9hh6msuYaxTag4t9FtvxQWTd8YVGZDff_yl8hoUM9N12RXEWyaAfELMvnbFIvo9UmEm4MtMFk-_xwYv1fadGizeyLEexjMfxV4/s640/_SY_0047+%25281%2529.jpg" title="Vintage Girls" width="640" /></a></div>
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I snapped it up, and spent the rest of my time pondering exactly which selection of dresses I would bring. The photo shoot finally arrived last week, and we made our way out to Portfolio studios in rural Escrick, just on the outskirts of York, not too far from the Designer shopping outlet (happy days). We arrived armed with frocks, shoes, hats and a whole lot of excitement.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoG2vLlGV9acIt-MVocDlj_M2phhboUYCqO1jdwGUdo1LkJiPhSBVqJdTXqZ8xIGeD5Sul1ihSkB5wTpxxjbj8bDZfzXqbzHA-SDFnJOSl-2nOS6Iuc9iN4NDF_yTWPXP-yulA9f3YLA/s1600/_SY_0032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Vintage model" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoG2vLlGV9acIt-MVocDlj_M2phhboUYCqO1jdwGUdo1LkJiPhSBVqJdTXqZ8xIGeD5Sul1ihSkB5wTpxxjbj8bDZfzXqbzHA-SDFnJOSl-2nOS6Iuc9iN4NDF_yTWPXP-yulA9f3YLA/s640/_SY_0032.jpg" title="Vintage model" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favourite picture of me<br />Wearing original 1950s prom dress</td></tr>
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First we met with our makeup artist and hairdresser. She was very skilled and did fantastic retro hair and makeup for us, just like we asked. She was so chatty, and also knew who I was talking about when I referenced 1960s Italian actress Claudia Cardinale in my look inspiration.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDmO98MTKuDwjE2fjo1MjyXWwoBVQilakuyQB4tR941GcN7Sbf4HoG_D6dMEbjvSLYsAjxiw5sCdZHjTDXf8MJS-_GYg9-pOAduYiSpxd9qeQYY2V3q8bWI2B5Eudt1ARzyLuW8MGVzk/s1600/_SY_0014+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dress by Ralph Lauren" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDmO98MTKuDwjE2fjo1MjyXWwoBVQilakuyQB4tR941GcN7Sbf4HoG_D6dMEbjvSLYsAjxiw5sCdZHjTDXf8MJS-_GYg9-pOAduYiSpxd9qeQYY2V3q8bWI2B5Eudt1ARzyLuW8MGVzk/s640/_SY_0014+%25281%2529.jpg" title="Dress by Ralph Lauren" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
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Then, we met our bubbly photographer, Brendan. First he went through our outfits, pairing up which ones we should wear together, before taking us through to the studio. He directed us clearly, taking a selection of 'together' shots, as well as some fantastic individual ones too. We were really encouraged to have fun, and I think it shines through in the photographs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfF0DmKCzk5QyijKCMRNfP33TIxQPHnMriu6hne2YRJ40ZB8W7j95IjmnozCne9wCaNCgnzZndrFeDhzxluhsBhfTe2ZKvADb_PQH9FiGHGP4w_IOtqyrxjX7Iv5o0P6nxMSSqlcWlz3M/s1600/_SY_0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Vintage photo shoot yorkshire blogger" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfF0DmKCzk5QyijKCMRNfP33TIxQPHnMriu6hne2YRJ40ZB8W7j95IjmnozCne9wCaNCgnzZndrFeDhzxluhsBhfTe2ZKvADb_PQH9FiGHGP4w_IOtqyrxjX7Iv5o0P6nxMSSqlcWlz3M/s640/_SY_0065.jpg" title="Vintage photo shoot" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Partners in crime</td></tr>
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After getting back into our civvies (but of course keeping on the fantastic makeup and hairdos) we retreated to the designer outlet for a snack, before returning to studios to view our photos on a large screen TV. There were absolutely loads to choose from, and had money been no object I think we would have come away with a lot more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YvK_EQHJGFEUCRPcJAqvmjd9MbJsCv6GgNvTZsxhGFhR19gj2hYxmDfZvIJXLdr2OE286mOs5BuTSrM946FZo_Fw5O8N8zKADNWWkZzgGdApJUbF28rAXges2wcck1s0OD6tGMUUyBw/s1600/_SY_0087s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YvK_EQHJGFEUCRPcJAqvmjd9MbJsCv6GgNvTZsxhGFhR19gj2hYxmDfZvIJXLdr2OE286mOs5BuTSrM946FZo_Fw5O8N8zKADNWWkZzgGdApJUbF28rAXges2wcck1s0OD6tGMUUyBw/s640/_SY_0087s.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classy vintage</td></tr>
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As it is, I'm more than happy with the selection we have, and even more happy that they were given to us in JPEG format so that we can print and share as we see fit.<br />
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Ironically, we've been friends since primary school, and 27 years on, these are the first really decent photographs we have together. It was a great day out, and something I would really recommend you giving a go.<br />
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(note: This post contains affiliate links)Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-75335213001219728402015-08-02T16:30:00.000-07:002015-08-02T16:30:00.544-07:00A perfect pencil skirtI've been hunting for a perfect pencil skirt for a few months now. Every time I go into a shop, or a charity shop, or look online, I'm always looking for a skirt that's a combination of high waisted, past knee length and in an interesting coloured fabric, you know something that's not black or grey. Yes, I want the skirt for work, but I'm not entirely sure why most clothing manufacturers think that your average working woman is afraid to venture beyond boring black or grim grey.<br />
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The thing is, I did find one, or two skirts in the shops or online but they were either:<br />
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<li>made of horrible clingy jersey fabric</li>
<li>Too expensive. </li>
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So, I decided it was time to dust off the old sewing machine and make a skirt for myself. It's been a while since I did any dressmaking, so I've been fairly keen to get back behind the sewing machine anyway. I opted for the <a href="http://www.elizamvintagesewing.co.uk/sewing-patterns/skirtpatterns/the-alma-wiggle-skirt.html" target="_blank">Eliza M Alma Wiggle skirt pattern</a> as it seemed to have that vintage aesthetic that I was looking for.<br />
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The fantastic red oversized gingham was bought from Leeds market <a href="http://wildinthecountryblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/travel-leeds-city-break-part-deux.html" target="_blank">earlier this month</a>, and wasn't too expensive at all. I had also bought a zip at the time, but managed to lose that before making the skirt. Thankfully I had a white zip lurking in my stash.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7M0jWckTAiGoYpWRBTum5lrbIMWryJq9Njw5e9EpV0LaYgH5w3TMsz7jZehR6HrVvxexxaAuX3_tmUNDLnsukS2XP_Q58BEaXHOfJEH8trxIO0yDOfG1TK6c8aqOviaFKK4MmXDJJc6M/s1600/skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Eliza M Alma Skirt" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7M0jWckTAiGoYpWRBTum5lrbIMWryJq9Njw5e9EpV0LaYgH5w3TMsz7jZehR6HrVvxexxaAuX3_tmUNDLnsukS2XP_Q58BEaXHOfJEH8trxIO0yDOfG1TK6c8aqOviaFKK4MmXDJJc6M/s640/skirt.jpg" title="Eliza M Alma Skirt" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade skirt and damn rain</td></tr>
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There was no instruction for lining the skirt in the pattern, but I've made skirts before so decided to line it a nice lightweight white polycotton. I always find things hang that bit better when they are lined, unless the fabric is particularly sturdy of course.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVv4rUHZJSf14rQGC-HAmsqzxIr_JOQ7SahZCiI3OeDi5Z8OzENzGM3mLkt8DlC551dqltrgAlHFUglTwtsOxXfvXoZB40ZAU7NiXCgi-D_2UT78XwUKGWwAnV5AhZNW_3STK_ILt-iPY/s1600/skirt+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Vintage style gingham pencil skirt" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVv4rUHZJSf14rQGC-HAmsqzxIr_JOQ7SahZCiI3OeDi5Z8OzENzGM3mLkt8DlC551dqltrgAlHFUglTwtsOxXfvXoZB40ZAU7NiXCgi-D_2UT78XwUKGWwAnV5AhZNW_3STK_ILt-iPY/s640/skirt+2.jpg" title="Vintage style gingham pencil skirt" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pleased with the 1940s vibe</td></tr>
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I altered the pattern by making the skirt longer, and the waistband thicker. In hindsight, I made the waistband a bit too thick so it does fold over a little bit when I sit down, despite being stiffened with interfacing. Hey ho, I am still pleased with the overall effect, and the very vintage shape. I have to admit, I didn't refer to the instructions much at all, apart from an early cursory glance, but then I consider myself to be an intermediate sewist and this is quite a simple pattern to make up.<br />
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It's first outing was to work on Monday, because I couldn't wait to wear it. I really like the way it's turned out, and I suspect that I will be making a fair few of these skirts to brighten up my wardrobe.Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-75681408042077491142015-07-28T12:44:00.000-07:002015-07-28T12:44:13.338-07:00Tom Jones at York RacesI've been a <a href="http://www.tomjones.com/" target="_blank">Tom Jones</a> fan for longer than I can remember. Long before he became a regular on Saturday evening TV, and far before it was cool in an anti-cool hipster kind of way to like Tom Jones. In fact, on my wedding day, I walked down the aisle to 'It's not unusual' much to the amusement of our handful of guests. In fact, lets rewind even further back than that, in my karaoke loving student days, there was many a time I'd regale a drunken audience with Delilah.<br />
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So, when Tom Jones was announced to play at <a href="http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/" target="_blank">York Racecourse</a> this summer, you bet I was ready and waiting to buy my ticket. How could I possibly miss it? In fact, if I had a bucket list (which I don't), I reckon seeing Tom Jones live would have been on it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNQxjLsTQd39F8_NqK7YjjYG8LK7i-ZdmayYuEi0zp5f8s-2IzAtioMcRSj3a137bw6nE8tIDE6skVfcqiUrWdyXiUaWx9V-ricCkP6jsWxgHyVW7cYWE5ewc808bF61bievgkQXfFlU/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hell Bunny Vixen red rockabilly dress" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNQxjLsTQd39F8_NqK7YjjYG8LK7i-ZdmayYuEi0zp5f8s-2IzAtioMcRSj3a137bw6nE8tIDE6skVfcqiUrWdyXiUaWx9V-ricCkP6jsWxgHyVW7cYWE5ewc808bF61bievgkQXfFlU/s640/photo+1.JPG" title="Hell Bunny Vixen red rockabilly dress" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hat - Christy's, Denim Jacket - Gap, Dress - Hell Bunny Vixen, Bag - Luella</td></tr>
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I was so excited when Friday finally came around, I've been waiting for it for ages. We went straight to the racecourse after work, being it's only a short distance from work anyway. Having sold around 30,000 tickets, the racecourse was a bustling place to be, and the early evening shenanigans started with horse racing. I'm not much of a gambler, but being 'in the moment' decided to put £2 on a horse. It actually won, and I ended up £12 better off. That's the first time in my life that I have ever won on a horse, so I was quite excited and didn't dare put the money back on another horse for fear of losing it. Yep, that's about as big as my gambling gets.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3F5E-5sId7BmgAfDhg-0bNasWrs7rcwRdgaqmibc3Pw7R6o0gtWCckrIS_d5IWccjPdJf0k35BNxW6m2Oqg2oZZTsahquj4Olnb_1IZhaIb5YL1vKBqvTRsTnYA2Bh0G-bDQH0RByyL8/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sir Tom Jones at York Racecourse" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3F5E-5sId7BmgAfDhg-0bNasWrs7rcwRdgaqmibc3Pw7R6o0gtWCckrIS_d5IWccjPdJf0k35BNxW6m2Oqg2oZZTsahquj4Olnb_1IZhaIb5YL1vKBqvTRsTnYA2Bh0G-bDQH0RByyL8/s640/photo+2.JPG" title="Sir Tom Jones at York Racecourse" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crowds pile in to see Sir Tom</td></tr>
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Sir Tom wasn't on stage until after 9pm, but as soon as the racing was over the posh folks from the grandstands descended to surround the stage, and then the place really was packed. You could barely move, and we were quite far back from the stage.<br />
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Even so, we could still see plenty on the big screens, and of course Tom Jones' powerful voice bellowed out across the racecourse anyway. It was quite amusing to see knickers (clean of course) making their way up to the stage, many people had written messages on them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5ZNaVwYQVr900dMdAtQWQEApfooBIsNB8_kOHmaxQPnOdU6rG1YLUM01NwHv3UQD8luLjJCANBhPtvDfm_dz-m8MDi9140z-79SWSKRkoWmwF9RH1Wha0x4PSv7pxGvQP96hGSulYjw/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5ZNaVwYQVr900dMdAtQWQEApfooBIsNB8_kOHmaxQPnOdU6rG1YLUM01NwHv3UQD8luLjJCANBhPtvDfm_dz-m8MDi9140z-79SWSKRkoWmwF9RH1Wha0x4PSv7pxGvQP96hGSulYjw/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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He did all the old favourites, some of them with slightly new angles, and certainly, where I was standing, we were having a right old boogie. One lady even borrowed my beloved bowler hat so she could dance to 'You can keep your hat on'... It's ok, she asked my permission first.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9N9SdjN6M8XQhKbKquILwmfVRrdAIfmvfgSBucBg1gCLIreJNJCsaVIZH7DYX96pBGmI71_wdOSUJjbcjBMx3gwoT4tgJ_11F08Q9bM6JPyZDGJIxF36KdN0gyFKEGXJ7O-8sC76SGc/s1600/photo+3+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sir Tom Jones at York Racecourse" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9N9SdjN6M8XQhKbKquILwmfVRrdAIfmvfgSBucBg1gCLIreJNJCsaVIZH7DYX96pBGmI71_wdOSUJjbcjBMx3gwoT4tgJ_11F08Q9bM6JPyZDGJIxF36KdN0gyFKEGXJ7O-8sC76SGc/s640/photo+3+%25282%2529.JPG" title="Sir Tom Jones at York Racecourse" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the concert atmosphere</td></tr>
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He also did some of his more modern gospel stuff, but the whole concert was really good. I had wondered beforehand what the juxtaposition of horse racing and live music would be like, but I wouldn't hesitate to visit again. It was a fantastic night out, and thankfully, the weather held out too.Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-46528291214932021322015-07-20T12:44:00.000-07:002015-07-20T12:44:51.304-07:00C'est FinisI probably shouldn't admit, being a Project Manager by trade, that my house is littered with part finished craft projects. I think that, perhaps, because I manage projects all day every day, and monitor them, trace them and constantly report on them, I struggle with the structure on my personal projects. Well, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIe0pvu-dlb3MYM7lpd_Te1o1d4MFBAY0FF-IwiSHl-otwQDM7EM2GxJfO5V41jwYtUu5DcqkisYPmQDdQLb1UbtMr5kmAAicBCkAlGd8DCA9ubyrZk0Z5o8y9TcVp9zHpBMBJRTB5TQ/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Da Vinci Art Quote" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIe0pvu-dlb3MYM7lpd_Te1o1d4MFBAY0FF-IwiSHl-otwQDM7EM2GxJfO5V41jwYtUu5DcqkisYPmQDdQLb1UbtMr5kmAAicBCkAlGd8DCA9ubyrZk0Z5o8y9TcVp9zHpBMBJRTB5TQ/s640/photo+2.JPG" title="Da Vinci Art Quote" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image used from craftorganic.com</td></tr>
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This project, however, is one that caused me some guilt since it was actually meant to be a birthday present for some dear friends... a lovely couple we know, both of their birthdays are in January. That's right, 7 months ago. I misjudged how long this cross stitch would take, probably because it's the most detailed one I've completed since I started doing cross stitch. I haven't kept them in the dark all this time though, and they have had glimpses of the part finished project throughout.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8nEYZCsOAyqRtTx3zxh1gNuFxqVp2311qY5AztdOimpZbMkUvas5jL3QaMfMI65WgQA1UktF5fzIWmUs20GpwUu9985ygkO2kokWiZHFxmI2_fuumIMMDy6hmWMguJVJUroJm7SmWr8/s1600/Lady+in+the+tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lady in the Tower Cross Stitch" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8nEYZCsOAyqRtTx3zxh1gNuFxqVp2311qY5AztdOimpZbMkUvas5jL3QaMfMI65WgQA1UktF5fzIWmUs20GpwUu9985ygkO2kokWiZHFxmI2_fuumIMMDy6hmWMguJVJUroJm7SmWr8/s640/Lady+in+the+tower.jpg" title="Lady in the Tower Cross Stitch" width="478" /></a></div>
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The pattern was taken from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1843095661?keywords=cross%20stitch%20dorothy%20wood&qid=1437420710&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Cross Stitch by Dorothy Wood</a> and despite its intricacies was really lovely to stitch. I also think my mounting skills are getting better as this is certainly an improvement on previous ones. I'm not sure that I will take on another one so detailed immediately, and I think that I would like my next cross stitch project to be something for our house. I'm so glad that I did this one though, and I think that my friends will be really pleased with it.<br />
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What craft projects have you been finishing lately?Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-13005043906613500202015-07-13T13:13:00.000-07:002015-07-13T13:13:07.760-07:00Travel: Leeds City Break - Part DeuxDespite the luxury of the hotel room, we woke up on the Friday morning feeling rather obliterated from our over exuberant canter around the city the evening before. A hearty buffet breakfast soon sorted us out though, and we were out in the early morning sun for a look around the city with the shops open.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Skies and a grand city<br />
Dress - Fever London, Bag - Jimmy Choo</td></tr>
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We took a different route through town, taking in the beautiful architecture, much of it displaying beautiful Victorian grandeur, heading once again for the Victoria Centre. It was so hot that by the time we arrived we had to take a relaxing break in the Harvey Nichols espresso bar. It's quite lovely there because it's outside of Harvey Nics, but inside the Victoria centre, and the late morning sun was a most pleasurable place to sit and watch the world go by.<br />
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The sales in Leeds were pretty good, and I soon bagged myself a beautiful new shirt from <a href="http://www.hawesandcurtis.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hawes and Curtis</a>. I'm always fond of a well cut, double cuffed blouse, and this shop was awash with them at fantastic reductions. We pottered around Vivienne Westwood, Mulberry and Louis Vuitton just generally having a bit of a fondle of the bags without any intent of buying. Yep, we are those annoying customers!<br />
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With lunchtime fast approaching we headed towards the impressive market buildings (which I had a lovely photo of until Flickr lost it) where I was on the hunt for some material to make pencil skirts. The market in Leeds is lovely. It's vibrant and while we were there we stopped to take our lunch in a cafe in the middle of it. Alas, I didn't get to have lunch from the North African food stand, which is a terrible shame since that's my favourite sort of food.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will be back to try this place out</td></tr>
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After a wander back through town, and an impromptu purchase of a dress to wear that evening, from <a href="http://www.zara.com/uk/" target="_blank">Zara</a>, we set off back to the hotel, laden with bags and overheated from the relentless sun.<br />
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After a quick freshen up, and a rest of the legs we set off to Jamie's Italian for dinner. Which was fairly average to be honest and didn't live up to my expectations of it. After that though, we headed back towards Trinity Leeds which, by nightfall, becomes a vibrant hotbed of activity filled with restaurants and cocktail bars. On the advice of a waiter we headed to <a href="http://www.angelica-restaurant.com/" target="_blank">Angelica</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wearing my Bjorn clogs and the impromptu Zara dress in Trinity Leeds</td></tr>
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Perched high above the city and under the shadow of Trinity's church's spire, Angelica is pretty amazing and very bustling. From the display that the cocktail waiters put on in the middle of the bar, to the views out over Leeds in the balmy night air, it was definitely a winner, and a great way to finish off a hectic day and night.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trinity church from the rooftop terrace of Angelica</td></tr>
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On our last day we left our luggage (which was far heavier than when we arrived) at the hotel, and set off for the corn exchange in search of Leeds' vintage offerings. I have to say, this is the one area of shopping which did disappoint in the city. There was vintage to be had, but most of what I could find was the sort of studenty band t-shirts and denim variety. Perhaps I do the city a disservice, and perhaps I didn't find the good stuff, perhaps you can tell me where it is for the next time?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Corn Exchange</td></tr>
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We weren't disappointed by the corn exchange though. It's a beautiful venue and filled fabulous independent retailers, which, for all the hustle and bustle and glamour of the Vuittons and Westwoods, I don't think you can beat an indie retailer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such beautiful surroundings</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The place for a coffee</td></tr>
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By the time we were leaving the crowds behind us in Leeds we were glad to be heading home. Exhausted, but happy. Leeds is a fabulous city and I can't wait to go back.Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-24592320497779169772015-07-06T13:14:00.000-07:002015-07-06T13:14:19.989-07:00Travel: City Break - Leeds - Part 1Even though I've lived in North Yorkshire now for over 18 months I've never paid a dedicated visit to Leeds. Yes, I've been there, mostly before I ever lived up here, but that was largely to attend meetings, my main glimpses of the city itself from train windows as I left. Hearing so much about this vibrant city, the shopping, the nightlife, the glitz and glamour of the big city, we thought it about time that we paid a visit.<br />
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I booked a hotel room within walking distance of the train station, and the city centre, <a href="http://www.hotelmetleeds.co.uk/?gclid=CjwKEAjwzuisBRClgJnI4_a96zwSJACAEZKehfvUlgqYPPSRG9ni7_W4RkqtXnuZ5Vy2dDeWkohKZhoCk7fw_wcB" target="_blank">The Met</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131861465@N06/19286921280/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="The Met hotel Leeds"><img alt="The Met hotel Leeds" height="800" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/295/19286921280_9a827de521_c.jpg" width="598" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Met Hotel, Leeds</td></tr>
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This beautiful hotel has an original Victorian terracotta facade which is quite striking from the front. Inside it's elegant, modern, and spotlessly clean and well maintained. The staff were exceptionally helpful and on our last day, were quite happy to look after our luggage while we went off shopping (again). If I was going back to spend a night or two in Leeds again, I wouldn't even shop around, I'd head straight back to the Met.<br />
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On our first day we arrived in the middle of the afternoon. It was blisteringly hot, and because I'd spent the morning at work, I had only eaten a measly miniature scotch egg from a buffet. I was ravenous. I could have eaten my own arm. We headed out and stopped at the first restaurant we found.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful interiors all to ourselves inside the Restaurant Bar and Grill</td></tr>
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Housed in the old Post office, the <a href="http://www.individualrestaurants.com/bar-and-grill/leeds/" target="_blank">Restaurant Bar and Grill</a> is very grand, and because everyone was sat outside baking themselves in the sun, we had the cool and refreshing interior to ourselves. My dinner was amazing. It was only burger and chips, but I'm not exaggerating when I say that was the best burger I ever met. The staff there were so lovely too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Restaurant Bar and Grill, in the old Post Office, Leeds</td></tr>
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Despite it being late, we were in a vibrant city, and it was Thursday night which meant THE SHOPS WERE STILL OPEN PEOPLE! We took a wander through <a href="http://trinityleeds.com/" target="_blank">Trinity Leeds</a>, stopping off to check out the sales in Victoria's Secret (I've never even been in that shop before, so much loveliness), and makeup shops we've never even heard of before. I know, I sound like I've never been to a big city before, but Leeds not only seems to have it all, but because it's fairly compact I think you see more than say on my many trips to London in the past.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Night time at Trinity Leeds</td></tr>
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Having exhausted the open shops at Trinity, we took a gentle wander past more familiar chains, interspersed with more quirky shops such as old fashioned Barber shops (which seem to be almost as prevalent as the beard in Leeds). We arrived at the luxurious <a href="http://www.v-q.co.uk/" target="_blank">Victoria quarter</a> and into Harvey Nichols. It was about 7pm at night, and it was really nice at that time as there wasn't too many other shoppers which meant we could peruse the many floors of cosmetics, beautiful designer shoes and amazing designer handbags without vast crowds everywhere.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victoria Arcade by night</td></tr>
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Whilst all of the shops outside of Harvey Nics were closed, the arcade itself remained open and the lack of crowds meant that we were able to wander through it and admire the architecture.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So very ornate</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning surroundings</td></tr>
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In fact, without the shops open, it's even better to appreciate the beautiful surroundings at ease.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's amazing how serene an empty shopping arcade can be</td></tr>
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With all of the shops shutting we wandered back to our comfortable hotel room, tired but happy. We grabbed a drink from the small hotel bar and took that up to our rooms, relaxing in front of the TV. A relaxing end to a hectic day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The clean and cosy welcome of our hotel room</td></tr>
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Come back later in the week to see more about my wonderful trip to Leeds.Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-85728471465246710172015-06-30T14:15:00.001-07:002015-06-30T14:15:31.732-07:00Who needs Glastonbury anyway?<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
What a weekend. That was one of the fullest weekends I have had in longer than I can remember.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Friday afternoon I finished work early, and hubby and I set off up to <a href="http://www.forestry.gov.uk/dalbyforest" target="_blank">Dalby Forest</a>. Hubby had bought tickets for the <a href="http://www.palomafaith.com/" target="_blank">Paloma Faith</a> concert the day they were released, and we’d been looking forward to going ever since. The thought of being out in the forest on a beautiful summers evening watching the amazing Paloma was something that had been keeping us going for ages. Unfortunately, the reality, at least in terms of the weather, wasn’t as idyllic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131861465@N06/19118182160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Rain by Louise McDonagh, on Flickr"><img alt="Rain" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/328/19118182160_df7f510aec_c.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheltering from the downpour</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dalby Forest is a beautiful venue. I’ve not been there before, and I hadn’t quite expected it to be so vast. In a clearing in the middle was an impressive stage, and food stalls for chip top ups later in the evening. As I say, we caught a coach so were quite early, and when the heavens opened with a torrential downpour… we were there. Having caught shelter under a bush though, when the heat returned and the downpour passed by, we soon dried off.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131861465@N06/19118212638" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Paloma selfie by Louise McDonagh, on Flickr"><img alt="Paloma selfie" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/323/19118212638_d2e81daa60_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It wasn't long before we could get back out to enjoy the show</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paloma</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">There was a huge crowd and it was a real mixed bunch in terms of age groups. I’ve seen Paloma before in Birmingham, and she was great there, she certainly didn’t disappoint on Friday night. As well as being a fabulous singer, she’s great at interacting with the audience and really doesn’t seem to take herself seriously whatsoever. We were quite close to the front so got a really good view of the show, and thankfully the weather held off for the rest of the evening.
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It’s funny, before going I had said I wouldn’t buy tickets for an outdoor concert again because of our unpredictable weather, but Dalby is such a lovely venue and the weather didn’t spoil our evening, I would happily go again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a good show</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Saturday we were up bright and early, and the day couldn’t have been more different to the preceding one. Hot, sunny, dry… bliss. We meandered down to the sea front which was awash with people enjoying not just the glorious weather, but also the vintage fairs and aeronautical displays of Armed Forces Weekend. We were out for much of the day, and I did catch the sun, but I wasn’t going to complain about it, having been complaining of bad weather for the past few weeks. We missed the Vulcan fly past because we were in a courtyard cafe enjoying our lunch, but we did get to see the awe inspiring bi-planes with wing walkers from the comfort a café seating area, whilst enjoying cold bottles of beer. I can’t think of any better way to spend a Saturday afternoon. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantastic show at the Open Air Theatre</td></tr>
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After a full day out with the dogs, and a quick freshen up at home, it was time to head out for the second live music concert of the weekend, Alfie Boe at<a href="http://www.scarboroughopenairtheatre.com/" target="_blank"> Scarborough Open Air Theatre</a>. Like Dalby forest the night before, this was my first visit to the Open Air Theatre. The former Lido is an impressive venue, with a large sound stage and what is reminiscent of a moat between that and the seated audience. Still the weather was stunning, we couldn’t have hoped for it to be better. When <a href="http://alfie-boe.com/" target="_blank">Alfie Boe</a> came to the stage the crowd were in awe, there were even people crying. I can’t convey how amazing his voice is, and frankly, nor can a CD, this is one you need to see in person. Like Paloma the night before, he is also very much a show man and can talk at ease with his audience. I love classical music anyway, but I know that sometimes the thing that puts people off is a perception of its stuffiness. This was certainly not a stuffy atmosphere and the audience was encouraged to participate and have fun.
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He had some great support from the National Philharmonic Orchestra, Military wives choir from York and the most breathtaking soprano, Angel Blue. The concert finished off with all the last night of the Proms favourites, Land of Hope and Glory, Rule Britannia and Jerusalem, people sang, union flags were waved in earnest and everyone really got into the spirit of it.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131861465@N06/19305785365" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Fireworks by Louise McDonagh, on Flickr"><img alt="Fireworks" height="400" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/372/19305785365_4965d4967e_c.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireworks.... always impossible to get a good photo of</td></tr>
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The night was topped off with a stunning firework display that surely the whole of Scarborough could see. Again, another astounding venue that I would not hesitate to visit again.
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All in all, this was a pretty epic weekend and one I will not forget in a hurry.</div>
Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-36785973711835447782015-06-21T12:34:00.003-07:002015-06-21T12:34:54.115-07:00Life resumes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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It's been some time since I last wrote a blog post. I've been so busy at work, having taken on a new project which has involved a lot of reading to get up to speed on. That's fine though, I like to be kept busy at work, it's just unfortunate that it happened to coincide with a particularly stressful set of events at home too.</div>
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A couple of weeks ago, we were due to head down to Shropshire for our friend's wedding. I personally had been looking forward to it for months. A weekend spent camping on a cider farm just outside of Ludlow and celebrating the marriage of our friends. Sounds good, yes? Anyway, hubby collected me early from work on the sunny Friday afternoon (actually, the last truly hot day I remember), and we set off down the motorway. We had got as far as the Midlands when the phone call came from home. A high level kitchen cabinet had fallen from the wall. The cabinet landed on our tap (of course it would be that one), broke our plumbing and, furthermore, had been filled with all of our glassware, including the beautiful crystal we had been bought by friends for our wedding. It was a disaster zone (and yes, everything was broken). </div>
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We turned round at the next motorway junction, dreading what we were to come home to. I don't want to dwell too long on it since I've only just stopped grimacing every time I walk into what had been our freshly decorated kitchen, but we spent 5 days without running water downstairs, and our kitchen is still unrecovered while we wait for insurance companies to sort out the situation. We think it was something to do with the building work we had done in September prior to moving in, and that's what the insurance companies and independent surveyors are sorting out. </div>
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So, obviously, with all this going on, I've not really felt much like blogging. I'm back now though, because it's no good dwelling on these things for too long. It will get sorted out in the end. </div>
Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-18929377248945983992015-06-03T12:31:00.000-07:002015-06-03T12:31:42.878-07:00Scarborough Castle<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
High up on the headland, towering above Scarborough are the impressive ruins of Scarborough Castle.<u></u><u></u><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131861465@N06/18403246636" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Peter scarborough castle by Louise McDonagh, on Flickr"><img alt="Peter scarborough castle" height="547" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8760/18403246636_4d145eb35f_z.jpg" width="409" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worth the uphill walk</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">One bright afternoon last week, we took a trip up to the </span><a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/scarborough-castle/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwy7qrBRC4lp7_hM3dgIoBEiQA72pCni6EqoUqUIAF4-KdZSFZqUsy9T4UT9s3tt8YQxfDZfIaApky8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds" style="font-size: 11pt;" target="_blank">English Heritage</a><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> site to see what was on offer, and it ended up being a lovely afternoon out. There isn’t really any easy parking for the Castle, but we were able to park in the graveyard at the bottom of the hill, and take a peruse of Anne Bronte’s grave on the walk up. Be warned, the walk is steep, and once you actually get up to the gate of the castle prepared to be out of breath.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Bay from the Castle</td></tr>
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Once through the souvenir shop (which is where you pay to enter the castle), some great views open up around you. There’s a road leading up to the castle, and if your just tall enough to glimpse over the walls on each side you start to see the east coast stretching out for miles. We were lucky, it was a lovely clear blue day so the view was unhindered. At the top of the hill is the Master Gunners house, the place to stop for a cup of tea and a piece of cake after that demanding walk, and then there are lovely picnic areas and walks nearby the cliff edge (kept safe with fencing). From here you can look out over North Bay and admire the rows of beautiful white and pastel Georgian townhouses, now mostly occupied with the towns B&Bs, but still looking beautiful. Walk further around and you can see South Bay in all it’s glory.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131861465@N06/18429663395" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="knight by Louise McDonagh, on Flickr"><img alt="knight" height="547" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8879/18429663395_7863e2d91b_z.jpg" width="409" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secretly, I wanted the armour</td></tr>
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Back near the Master Gunner’s house they do little enactments and suchlike, perfect for children. We got to see someone getting kitted up in replica armour (secretly I was jealous, I wanted to wear the replica armour, that’s another story though), and then we walked up into what’s left of the castle.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131861465@N06/18243389659" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Scarborough Castle 3 by Louise McDonagh, on Flickr"><img alt="Scarborough Castle 3" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8835/18243389659_fef0de006a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purpose built platforms and North Bay behind us</td></tr>
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Going further and further up into the remnants of the building on purpose built platforms the view just grows increasingly impressive, although there’s no escaping that sea breeze at those heights. There’s lots of places around the wall and the grounds to take in amazing views of Scarborough and out to sea, bring binoculars if you have some. As with most English Heritage sites there’s plenty to read about the history of the castle, including the role that the site played during WWI.
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If I was to go back, I would most likely pack a picnic and thoroughly enjoy the space that’s on offer up there. It’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon, with or without children, and there’s plenty to occupy everyone. If you are ever in the area, Scarborough castle has to be on your list of places to see.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131861465@N06/18241690658" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Scarborough Castle 1 by Louise McDonagh, on Flickr"><img alt="Scarborough Castle 1" height="800" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7760/18241690658_be67106b2f_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful spot for a picnic</td></tr>
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Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-2041808934471003372015-05-31T11:00:00.000-07:002015-05-31T11:00:00.056-07:00Jools Holland at Bridlington SpaI've certainly been making the most of my week of work. What with trips to Harrogate, shopping in York and mornings sat on the beach, it really has been a blissful week off, even if it has gone really quickly.<br />
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Thursday evening we had tickets to go and see Jools Holland at <a href="http://www.thespabridlington.com/" target="_blank">Bridlington Spa</a>. I'd bought these tickets months ago, and actually they were one of the Mr's Christmas presents. It's come around so quickly though (I see a pattern emerging, does this mean I'm getting old?). Anyway, Thursday was a glorious day, and we headed over to Bridlington early for a cup of tea and a catch up with Mr. and Mrs R, before walking literally to the end of their road to the Spa.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131861465@N06/18250152356" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Outfit 28.05 by Louise McDonagh, on Flickr"><img alt="Outfit 28.05" height="800" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8840/18250152356_1cff58522d_c.jpg" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pleasurable walk to the spa<br />
Shoes - Ted Baker, Dress suit - Vintage, Bag - Jones the Bootmaker</td></tr>
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I've been to 2 concerts since moving to the East coast, both have been at Brid spa and both have been excellent. The day was glorious, and we were able to get drinks in one of the venue's bars overlooking the beach before the concert started.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131861465@N06/17654006554" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Brid spa by Louise McDonagh, on Flickr"><img alt="Brid spa" height="800" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7772/17654006554_45bcdc2b43_c.jpg" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying a pre show drink</td></tr>
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Unlike last time we were sat on the floor (not literally on the floor, but down on the floor as opposed to the balcony), and it made all the difference. We were literally a few rows back from the front.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131861465@N06/18090398219" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="me and Peter by Louise McDonagh, on Flickr"><img alt="me and Peter" height="624" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8897/18090398219_01960e3342_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the concert to start</td></tr>
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We're both big fans of Jools Holland, and his big band that tours with him is amazing. There's so much talent on that stage, and the drum solo was immense. I hadn't appreciated the amount of sound that a drummer can generate. That's not to undermine the talent of all of the other players on that stage though, each one is exceptionally talented, and one of the great things, for me, about Jools Holland is that he's quite a humble chap and gives all of the band members their own solo segment so it really does showcase their capabilities.<br />
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Guests of Jools included Marc Almond. Now, I got a little bit over excited at Marc Almond, largely because his version of Tainted love is one of my all time favourite songs. Needless to say, when he broke into the first verse of Tainted Love, I went a little bit crazy, was dancing in front of the stage and even managed to shake hands with Marc Almond, get me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131861465@N06/18088863380" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Marc Almond by Louise McDonagh, on Flickr"><img alt="Marc Almond" height="478" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7749/18088863380_d7a468b467_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marc Almond on stage from our seats</td></tr>
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Those of you who are familiar with Jools will also have an appreciation for Ruby Turner, and she was one of his other guests on the evening. Now, when you see her on the TV, you can definitely appreciate the talent, but when you see her live you are simply blown away by her voice. Although I never had the pleasure of seeing Aretha Franklin, that's the sort of person I would liken Ruby Turner to. Simply amazing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131861465@N06/17656024943" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="jools holland 2 by Louise McDonagh, on Flickr"><img alt="jools holland 2" height="478" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8881/17656024943_4ccebac012_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruby Turner and the crowd going wild</td></tr>
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All in all it was a wonderful night out, and I definitely think that Bridlington Spa has already become a firm favourite of ours.Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-62494868999276490092015-05-27T10:44:00.000-07:002015-05-27T10:44:26.444-07:00Travel: Bank Holiday weekend in CoventryI'm on holiday from work this week. It's tremendous, I've not had a break in what seems like forever, and even when I did have breaks last year they seemed to be mostly filled with househunting, or job hunting. To actually have a week to myself is pure luxury. Unfortunately, it's flying by in a shot, but I'm making the most of it.<br />
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Over the weekend we took a trip down south to the Midlands to visit friends and relatives. We set off early on Saturday, and our first stop was a lovely lunch with our good friends who live just outside Coventry. We don't get to see them very often, maybe every few months, so when we do get together we always have so much to catch up on. Saturday was no different.<br />
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By mid-afternoon we were saying our goodbyes and heading to meet up with family for a drink in a nice bar. I ran into a girl I went to school with, which was quite nice as it's always nice to see a familiar face and to find out what people are doing. Then it was off to my inlaws, where we were spending the weekend.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131861465@N06/17973055619" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Us by Louise McDonagh, on Flickr"><img alt="Us" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7749/17973055619_986b2c93f1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubby and I in the wine bar after our long journey</td></tr>
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Sunday was a fairly quiet affair. Aside from pottering around a local <a href="http://greenshomeandgarden.co.uk/" target="_blank">antiques centre</a> (which was great because we found a wedding present for a wedding we're off to this summer), we spent much of the day doing not much. In the evening though it was out for a family meal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131861465@N06/17971463938" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Group Photo Pizza Express Coventry by Louise McDonagh, on Flickr"><img alt="Group Photo Pizza Express Coventry" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8849/17971463938_6122402c51_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family meal</td></tr>
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I had a delicious pizza.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131861465@N06/18132862826" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pizza by Louise McDonagh, on Flickr"><img alt="Pizza" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8893/18132862826_3035509292_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So, it's a healthy pizza, right? Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it! </td></tr>
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Followed by a delicious lemon possett. I love lemon desserts, they are so refreshing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131861465@N06/17536758884" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Coffee and dessert Pizza Express by Louise McDonagh, on Flickr"><img alt="Coffee and dessert Pizza Express" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7798/17536758884_e068a53fb2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum</td></tr>
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Monday was our last day in Coventry. We went for a walk in the park. I used to love this park when we lived in Coventry, it was the best green space in the city, and going back for a wander around I remembered how lovely it was.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131861465@N06/17538738953" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Coventry War Memorial by Louise McDonagh, on Flickr"><img alt="Coventry War Memorial" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8792/17538738953_5d1ea8d13c_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing on the war memorial</td></tr>
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After catching up with another good friend, who I hadn't seen in 2 years, for a coffee and a gossip, it was time to head back up the motorway to Yorkshire. It was a lovely weekend, and although I don't make these trips back all that often, I certainly make the most of it when I do.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/131861465@N06/18159333765" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Tennis Pavillion Coventry war memorial park by Louise McDonagh, on Flickr"><img alt="Tennis Pavillion Coventry war memorial park" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8834/18159333765_cff653671b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How elegant the tennis pavilion looks</td></tr>
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Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-18182294849874814742015-05-21T11:38:00.000-07:002015-05-21T11:38:43.977-07:00Review: Tropic Nourishing Cream Concentrate<div>
I can't pinpoint the moment in time when I became a bit obsessed with skincare, or more precisely, moisturiser. I had the usual teenage niggles, but never any serious skin problems, and generally, my skin's treated me well. Then again, I've treated my skin well, I've been moisturising in some capacity since my late teen years, I'm not a sun worshipper, oh and, if my Mum's anything to go buy, genetics are on my side.</div>
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One thing I am quite naughty about is that I tend to jump between brands and products, but in general I know what works well for me, Caudalie good, Clinique bad. I do love to stumble upon something new though, which is exactly what I did a few months back when I met with a lovely lady, a consultant for the Tropic skincare range.</div>
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Heard of it? No, probably not, I hadn't. Immediately, however, my interest was piqued by the products' plethora of totally natural ingredients and, my favourite, no parabens. I know I can't eliminate these nasties from my life altogether, but I'm of the opinion that every little helps and if you can find products that don't contain them, then all the better since it is the cumulative nature of these products that causes the problems.</div>
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Anyway, after discussing the products extensively with the very knowledgeable <a href="http://www.tracyburleigh.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tracy</a>, I was keen to try out the skin revive nourishing cream concentrate. At £20 a bottle it's not the cheapest product on the market but nor is it terribly expensive, and having been using it for well over two months now I can testify as to how long it lasts as I still have around half a bottle left.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from <a href="https://www.tropicskincare.co.uk/shop/tracyburleigh/products.html" target="_blank">www.tropicskincare.co.uk</a></td></tr>
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The ingredients list is extensive, but all natural, and includes some of my personal favourites, echinacea, frankincense and chamomile. The pump packaging makes the amount easy to control and I find 2 - 3 pumps is enough for my face.</div>
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In terms of consistency, it's more akin to a lotion than to a rich cream, it feels light and is quickly absorbed into the skin. Perfect for if you're busy in the morning and can't wait for moisturiser to sink in before applying makeup.</div>
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The fragrance is very subtle, natural and light. No overpowering perfumes here. As I say I've been using this cream for a few months and my skin is even, clear and smooth. I've had no allergic reactions (which is great as I have very sensitive skin) and I would definitely be inclined to use this moisturiser again, particularly in the summer when a light moisturiser is preferred.</div>
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I would recommend that if you're shopping for a new moisturiser, or any new skincare or bodycare products (I have others in the range too, it's all lovely) that you give Tropic a whirl.</div>
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You can find Tropic <a href="http://www.tracyburleigh.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-81867460610740652452015-05-17T09:57:00.000-07:002015-05-17T09:57:26.163-07:00Just filling timeIt's been a seriously laid back weekend. Yesterday we took a wander into town, just to hunt down some mascara for me. I thought I wanted Chanel, but in the end I bought Diorshow Iconic. I'm always a bit nervous about buying a mascara I haven't tried before, I have such sensitive eyes. I tried it out lastnight though, and all seems to be well.<br />
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Finding ourselves at a bit of a loose end, we took the cliff tram down to the seafront and had a wander around. After eating our lunch al fresco over looking the sea, we stumbled upon this, most beautiful of classic cars. Obviously I couldn't resist the photo opportunity.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandals - Miss Selfridge, Bag - Lulu Guiness, Skirt - Vintage,<br />Vest - CMD, Scarf - ?, Denim Jacket - Gap<br />Car - Someone elses</td></tr>
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Then we took an impromptu ride on a speedboat. I've been saying I wanted to for weeks, so we just decided to yesterday since the weather was nice. It was quite thrilling, and I stepped off feeling very windswept.</div>
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I'd love to have another trip, and I'm sure I will before the summer is out.<br />
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The rest of the weekend has been filled with watching DVD's (I finally got to see Gone Girl, which was fabulous), doing chores and relaxing. All in all, not a bad weekend at all.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just Chillin'</td></tr>
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Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-64867972236092796932015-05-10T06:56:00.001-07:002015-05-10T06:56:17.063-07:00General Election 2015 - What went wrong?<div>
Like a good proportion of the country, I find myself looking back on Thursday/ Friday's events and thinking, what on Earth happened? How were the polls so wrong? Apart from the rich elite, musicians who've made good and forgot their working class roots (Gary Barlow, I'm looking at you) and a few hopeful social climbers, I'm not entirely sure who was casting votes for the Conservatives. Okay, so I hang out in fairly Socialist circles, my view of the world may be a little biased, or maybe I'm just a human being with concern for my fellow human beings. </div>
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On the surface it's fairly straightforward. Tories won a majority, they rule, your 5 year boat ride to Hades starts here, right? Actually though, the more you think about it, was it a position of default or an actual win? </div>
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For a start off, only 66.1% of the electorate actually turned out to vote. That means the voices of almost 34% of the population were mute! That's a huge proportion of people which could have made a massive difference, we will never know. I don't even want to start on my 'people died so you could vote' soapbox, but it's true, how do you expect to effect change if you don't bother to vote?</div>
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The other deciding factors though were, in my opinion, a combination of two elements:</div>
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1. The archaic first past the post system in UK politics,</div>
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2. The fractured nature of left wing politics in the UK.</div>
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Let's look at it closer. You're very well off, you earn a lot of money each year, who are you going to vote for? Well, it's not going to be Labour because they are going to tax you for that massive country pile in Oxfordshire you bought with last year's bonus. It's not going to be UKIP because, despite their city banker kudos (nice guy Nigel was a city Stockbroker, don't you know?) they are, essentially, a fascist party who shouldn't really be given airtime, it only really leaves you with those friends of the rich, the Conservatives.</div>
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Now, let's look at the left side. You're a normal working class or possibly unemployed sort, you're concerned with human rights, a fair economy, climate and the things that effect the world outside of your bubble. You vote Labour, right? Well, no, not necessarily, you see there's Green, who are that bit more lefty, if you're North of the border there's SNP, or maybe you're thinking of going with the Trade Union and Socialist Coalition. In fact, UKIP played a blinder in the 'for the working classes' rhetoric, protecting jobs from any of those perceived threats (real and imagined) and I would wager that they bagged a fair few votes on the back of that. As you see, the left offer is far more fragmented. My rudimentary calculations based on the figures published by the BBC reveal that whilst the Conservatives achieved a total of 11, 334, 920 votes, a combination of the fractured left parties (Labour, SNP, Sinn Feinn, Plaid Cymru, SDLP, Green, Alliance, Trade Union and Socialist Coalition) achieved a combined 12, 514, 973 votes, but alas no one single party achieved enough to win power over the Tories. I hate to be cliched, but this really does demonstrate how 'together we are stronger'. Imagine if all of those votes had gone to one single party.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image from www.keepcalm-o-matic.com </td></tr>
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Since we are a democracy though, people have a right to vote for whoever they wish to vote for, which is why the left vote is so split, but it also demonstrates why our first past the post system does not work. I'm not going to pretend that I understand how that system works, it's bizarre, but I do have an idea how proportional representation works, and if that had been the UK's methodology, then we could be looking at a very different and far more representative political landscape today. It's highly unlikely that our current Government will introduce a new system that will make it harder for them to remain in power, but we can dream.</div>
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Of course, what's happened has happened, and it's no good mourning what's gone, but what is important over the coming years is to be aware, to understand politics, the economy and your own roles and responsibilities within it so that when the opportunity to effect change comes around again, you are ready and waiting. </div>
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Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-92087859943683813602015-05-05T13:29:00.000-07:002015-05-05T13:29:00.412-07:00Monthly book round up: AprilSo, here we are well into the first week of May, and I'm only just getting around to sharing the books I read last month. Bad show. Anyway, without further ado:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What I read in March<br /></td></tr>
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<b>Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn</b></div>
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I had heard good things about this book, and the people I follow on good reads seemed to be enamoured. I'm pleased to say, the book met with my expectations. It was a really interesting read with so many twists and turns. Just as the author had encouraged you to warm to a character, she turned everything on its head and your opinions are completely changed. Cleverly written, I would definitely recommend it.</div>
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<b>The Mysterious Affair at Styles - Agatha Christie</b></div>
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I love watching Agatha Christie dramatisations on TV, until now I had never read one. This book introduces the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, as well as all of the other characters we get used to meeting in subsequent books. Despite the age of the writing, it felt very current and was a very enjoyable, easy read. I loved it, I will definitely be adding more Agatha Christie to my wishlist.</div>
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<b>An Introduction to Feminism - Susan Alice Watkins</b></div>
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I like to refer to myself as a feminist, but admit to being quite uneducated on the topic. I bought this in the hope that it would be a good holistic introduction to my further reading, and it was, but it wasn't really the format of a book that I enjoy. Maybe it was aimed at a younger audience, but I found there to be too many illustrations for my liking, and maybe it was a bit too cool. Nonetheless, if you're looking for a succinct run through of feminism, you probably could do worse than this.</div>
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What books have you been reading lately? </div>
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Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-11763421836791966672015-05-03T07:45:00.000-07:002015-05-03T08:26:42.986-07:00A foodie afternoon in HelmsleyHelmsley is a beautifully picturesque town on the North Yorkshire moors. Voted as one of the top <a href="http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/ryedale/11825347.Some_of_the_best_rural_places_to_live_in_UK_are_in_Ryedale/" target="_blank">50 best places</a> to live in the countryside, it's easy to see why since not only is it beautiful but it's well provided for with pretty little antique shops, restaurants and cafes and upmarket boutiques.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeeOS2VEt0sxKR4LRLsWuDdIhZNBWc2nFeZPzSh72eKRZWEcCpImpZbxkDyQkfuEv0mDWCZKF0xdLy2YztJPTUY8pmhB8A9OTekIIgR9evVuTTHRvz7sFo2PIN5AbhQYOzfOLhzgpY20/s640/blogger-image-1033081169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeeOS2VEt0sxKR4LRLsWuDdIhZNBWc2nFeZPzSh72eKRZWEcCpImpZbxkDyQkfuEv0mDWCZKF0xdLy2YztJPTUY8pmhB8A9OTekIIgR9evVuTTHRvz7sFo2PIN5AbhQYOzfOLhzgpY20/s640/blogger-image-1033081169.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The market square</td></tr>
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I've only ever passed through Helmsley before, so yesterday we had arranged to meet our friends from Masham there for lunch and a potter around. We met in the early afternoon at Porters coffee shop.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porters coffe shop<br />
photo courtesy of www.visithelmsley.co.uk</td></tr>
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It was lovely to meet Mr. & Mrs. R, whom we haven't seen in a few months, and Mrs. R had made me this beautiful silver bangle. I have a penchant for jewellery, but it's even more special when it's been made especially for you, and extremely clever too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">handmade silver bangle</td></tr>
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Porters was lovely. It was a tad nippy outside (despite it being May) so they had the log fire roaring. On offer is a fayre of freshly made light meals such as toasties, soups and salads, and the surroundings are really relaxed. I had a beautiful fresh cheese and ham toastie, served with salad and washed down with a cappucino. It was lovely and I would definitely go there again.</div>
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Afterwards we had a wander around some of the shops, so engrossed in an antique jewellery shop window that I managed to give myself quite a bump on the head on the window frame. Must pay more attention to the window and less to the jewellery in future.</div>
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We also visited a beautiful Moorcroft shop, and a couple of small boutiques. By no means did we cover all of them though before we retired back out of the cold and into the <a href="http://www.blackswan-helmsley.co.uk/" target="_blank">Black Swan</a> tea room.</div>
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The Black Swan has a very good reputation for afternoon teas and is part of the Yorkshire moors and coast capital of cake... Which says it all really. Inside it's very comfortable, with beautiful floral wallpaper and low beamed ceilings.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy of www.blackswan-helmsley.co.uk</td></tr>
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They had a vast menu of teas and fresh cake, so I tried an oolong, which I've never had before. It's such a delicate taste, I really liked it and wouldn't hesitate to have it again. It was a very lovely end to a very relaxing afternoon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea and cake</td></tr>
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I can't wait to return to Helmsley again for more exploration. </div>
Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-14507936073398817532015-04-27T13:03:00.000-07:002015-04-27T13:03:34.122-07:00Whitby Goth WeekendHi folks. A brief hiatus there on the blog front, I had intended to update you all about Goth Weekend on Sunday, but after getting right royally rained on and chilled to the bone at Whitby on Saturday, I didn't really feel much like doing anything the following day.<br />
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It seemed like we'd been pulling our goth weekend outfits together for months, so when Saturday finally arrived and the heavens opened, well it was a tad disappointing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgDEyBGJPfIpqhz1jXEj0emRbP-aq963Oq5FdpObVrIvhN5VTp0IVmAdWjgdgP7KFYNDdrj6e7Eq7swZ-SDoItpo6J8uNCv6HpZm3d2MQsphE6i1jSItGQ-FW3mnhNl-BnapQCaTNzDc/s640/blogger-image--796216962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgDEyBGJPfIpqhz1jXEj0emRbP-aq963Oq5FdpObVrIvhN5VTp0IVmAdWjgdgP7KFYNDdrj6e7Eq7swZ-SDoItpo6J8uNCv6HpZm3d2MQsphE6i1jSItGQ-FW3mnhNl-BnapQCaTNzDc/s640/blogger-image--796216962.jpg" width="473" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the Mr In our goth weekend finery</td></tr>
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Even more so for the Mr, who dragged himself out of his sick bed, full of flu, to go.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhon3DW_GBB9O1NLgFqothfGbdE2PAu1JnYFnQFlI7XszDX-cLy14pDBtuUUXHknUGsRgNErSNDeb6TlyYGsNLUjv0AqKeQT-47zvHOjOyzem_RBnC8chxvqVP5F2t5reZ5b7TEP3QXPxI/s640/blogger-image-369054567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhon3DW_GBB9O1NLgFqothfGbdE2PAu1JnYFnQFlI7XszDX-cLy14pDBtuUUXHknUGsRgNErSNDeb6TlyYGsNLUjv0AqKeQT-47zvHOjOyzem_RBnC8chxvqVP5F2t5reZ5b7TEP3QXPxI/s640/blogger-image-369054567.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Bothams</td></tr>
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We dodged between shops trying to stay dry, and really only getting to admire a small amount of people's outfits.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWGbjgm4WJtk3K8m3KSVJ5ieQ5b7rv5RDbDTpBQ-Rjmr1qcuywbMD9OW1ed2cYV0rj5BN7I6hIIpQRmwJLo22h6Mq_0mdjTonW6kJskMQ0c0hXEN0Q0rcSFlnoAouYSdP5GhEcLtw48I/s640/blogger-image--82925794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWGbjgm4WJtk3K8m3KSVJ5ieQ5b7rv5RDbDTpBQ-Rjmr1qcuywbMD9OW1ed2cYV0rj5BN7I6hIIpQRmwJLo22h6Mq_0mdjTonW6kJskMQ0c0hXEN0Q0rcSFlnoAouYSdP5GhEcLtw48I/s640/blogger-image--82925794.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiding from the rain</td></tr>
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We enjoyed a delicious lunch in Bothams (quickly becoming my favourite eatery in Whitby) which was probably the best place for outfit admiring, my favourite being a beautiful tweed Victorian riding suit, that I failed to get a photo of.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwhkTn3lFdy9VWWW4FYZSgXp5GlHGLQwUQadF_pUQ7XiJkZIYaGopJqXh0vzYMlOkVOXHIUzHf2kRTdWL94IP0tRrV0tNphVpg7JiW3OFSuhM9MPhwo18Zffbg4PZsjTvogjtAx0tnlU/s640/blogger-image-1338480983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwhkTn3lFdy9VWWW4FYZSgXp5GlHGLQwUQadF_pUQ7XiJkZIYaGopJqXh0vzYMlOkVOXHIUzHf2kRTdWL94IP0tRrV0tNphVpg7JiW3OFSuhM9MPhwo18Zffbg4PZsjTvogjtAx0tnlU/s640/blogger-image-1338480983.jpg" width="481" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cool outfits</td></tr>
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We didn't last more than a few hours, between the rain and the cold. We didn't stand a chance of getting to the goth market, and rather disappointingly, there didn't seem to be much else going on around town, or if there was it wasn't well sign posted.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKRsi0jlfyvECurervrsTF6agrTdvNULGTKlVAvNc9GR9vtkRDCTlbZ-OQdTit-lgCthR6qQ5bIHxKR0I45JFS2c0CztiEf4VfLHqUqf1vzpn3xQ3BreQPAewvjZNBuQkMLAND_JtHU0/s640/blogger-image-1773060123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKRsi0jlfyvECurervrsTF6agrTdvNULGTKlVAvNc9GR9vtkRDCTlbZ-OQdTit-lgCthR6qQ5bIHxKR0I45JFS2c0CztiEf4VfLHqUqf1vzpn3xQ3BreQPAewvjZNBuQkMLAND_JtHU0/s640/blogger-image-1773060123.jpg" width="481" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly goths</td></tr>
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The inclement weather continued pelting us all the way back to the car. We came, we saw, we retreated to the warmth of home. </div>
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Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438484886364060841.post-8281023486461322062015-04-19T11:10:00.000-07:002015-04-19T11:10:39.006-07:00Concert: BellowheadFriday night we went to Bridlington Spa to see Bellowhead live. It was a first for me on two counts, it's the first time I've attended anything at the lovely <a href="http://www.thespabridlington.com/" target="_blank">Bridlington Spa</a> but is also the first time I've seen my favourite folk band, <a href="http://www.bellowhead.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bellowhead</a> play live.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7HlAcbNbjESodNxNjMDDozD0imlwxWAjtRPQNAyhDou-9VNsdb8lkoNZtxm-ChPws3fzr9aj9N71r6DaFYgcj8vqfbGFGxAp6JKEaJBsAztePTWcGo4-GmwNhAggVAvUQGdJk8JdWww/s640/blogger-image-1773338217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7HlAcbNbjESodNxNjMDDozD0imlwxWAjtRPQNAyhDou-9VNsdb8lkoNZtxm-ChPws3fzr9aj9N71r6DaFYgcj8vqfbGFGxAp6JKEaJBsAztePTWcGo4-GmwNhAggVAvUQGdJk8JdWww/s640/blogger-image-1773338217.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoes - Long Tall Sally, Dress - Hell Bunny Vixen, Bag - Vintage, Cardigan - Vintage</td></tr>
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It was a lovely evening weather wise, and what do you wear to see a folk group who sings a hell of a lot of sea shanty type songs? A Hell Bunny sailor dress, obvs. Maybe too obvs, but I liked it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicio3k6YUCr9zwkVNnKNsZlv3WJ8IWPq3wcEiLq725PL9S0anhYxM7TsTFsPsiGWPCguw5CmV0Fbj17h_dGaH2mDmDP7ZlMzSVrWwUg_QiHCu4oHCCPgHQzhwI_ddCPqED1GpTzHKwu5o/s640/blogger-image-765766187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicio3k6YUCr9zwkVNnKNsZlv3WJ8IWPq3wcEiLq725PL9S0anhYxM7TsTFsPsiGWPCguw5CmV0Fbj17h_dGaH2mDmDP7ZlMzSVrWwUg_QiHCu4oHCCPgHQzhwI_ddCPqED1GpTzHKwu5o/s640/blogger-image-765766187.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridlington Spa</td></tr>
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Anyway, Bridlington Spa is a lovely facility. It's right on the sea front with a fab bar with a glass wall, meaning you can sip your interval drinks whilst looking out to sea. The auditorium is vast, and my one and only issue would be that we had tickets for the back row on the balcony, and our row wasn't tiered meaning visibility problems, so I wouldn't have those seats again, but otherwise all was good.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFVsYfdwN7Gg3CEJYIaThr2vE8BmHVd-pHqZZIimYlSbWEDwibrjUEJaCO3sHrYdTeOkuFb8oCpRnw_6UEjFOcmsu4yN9tbqSj1zdLwc2LCmbDxyJBEMo6Rjtl7ovvTTMwaS0CU7vPGk/s640/blogger-image--2103689259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFVsYfdwN7Gg3CEJYIaThr2vE8BmHVd-pHqZZIimYlSbWEDwibrjUEJaCO3sHrYdTeOkuFb8oCpRnw_6UEjFOcmsu4yN9tbqSj1zdLwc2LCmbDxyJBEMo6Rjtl7ovvTTMwaS0CU7vPGk/s640/blogger-image--2103689259.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful venue</td></tr>
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The support act were a revelation, the <a href="http://www.kingsofthesouthseas.com/" target="_blank">Kings of the South Seas</a>. Their music was very mellow, based on old whaling songs and the suchlike. We were so impressed with them we bought the CD in the interval.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNA3b3uHd_0esZa36ceVqxaDr_y5CjFocRZhf9PLTgurlTO5sK2f93yBTxSknAdwZjSVOGvy48eZ8-T2YSKP7lrmBjaV0NDktFTfJngPAj02kwdibFTJqKQJBFV2gR4t4guPPc21xi3wQ/s640/blogger-image-1916836136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNA3b3uHd_0esZa36ceVqxaDr_y5CjFocRZhf9PLTgurlTO5sK2f93yBTxSknAdwZjSVOGvy48eZ8-T2YSKP7lrmBjaV0NDktFTfJngPAj02kwdibFTJqKQJBFV2gR4t4guPPc21xi3wQ/s640/blogger-image-1916836136.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Peter with two members of the Kings of the South Seas</td></tr>
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Bellowhead though, they were the next level. I have long known that it's a big band with a huge variety of instruments, but until you see them live, on stage, you cannot comprehend the power and the energy of their performance. As if that wasn't impressive enough, many of them would swap instruments for different songs. I can't even play one instrument, I was totally in awe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbaqkCmWrmmaNU_EKsKhoBXpi7op4FJoHgd4CkbGZBfpFYm9xzbwSsQ4J8NCQRkNRhEVOCmqGnKPcWypKEyH2Vlo_D_0r4vViemR7Tq7WSmlqPIqp0wxGH4eFAEV7fJTKX7v4c61vC9nc/s640/blogger-image-922373428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbaqkCmWrmmaNU_EKsKhoBXpi7op4FJoHgd4CkbGZBfpFYm9xzbwSsQ4J8NCQRkNRhEVOCmqGnKPcWypKEyH2Vlo_D_0r4vViemR7Tq7WSmlqPIqp0wxGH4eFAEV7fJTKX7v4c61vC9nc/s640/blogger-image-922373428.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bellowhead</td></tr>
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By the end, the audience was dancing in the aisles and the energy was raising the roof. After the performance Jon Boden (the lead singer) was out front signing CDs and having photographs. Such a friendly guy.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTad2Z0kvO9a_LWwmDj8uJMXquGSlOTAUftXYCOJNXCHh-DfE4bjmGBi_UyJdmJh_r688GLdOKxWlxt7tROCpa9R84vEE1Vwo5QO5klPpiYluGbdWea5PphJ05XmSgxdV1TCnr0sJEpB8/s640/blogger-image--949680793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTad2Z0kvO9a_LWwmDj8uJMXquGSlOTAUftXYCOJNXCHh-DfE4bjmGBi_UyJdmJh_r688GLdOKxWlxt7tROCpa9R84vEE1Vwo5QO5klPpiYluGbdWea5PphJ05XmSgxdV1TCnr0sJEpB8/s640/blogger-image--949680793.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Jon Boden</td></tr>
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It was a fantastic evening and a great start to the weekend. I wouldn't hesitate to see Bellowhead live again, and can imagine that the Bridlington Spa will be a frequent feature of our social life. </div>
Louise Mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14858832660475944060noreply@blogger.com1