tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89378885282921217492024-03-21T19:32:51.203+00:00What BeeBee Did...May your day Glitter & SparkleBeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.comBlogger204125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-43774118749120331962015-12-16T11:28:00.000+00:002015-12-16T11:28:00.387+00:00What BeeBee Made: Festive Slice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Christmas baking, is there anything better? There has to be something said for a festival that brings about so much rich and gorgeous tasting foods. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is my recipe for Festive Slice. I have to admit there is very little to this, and if you're not a pastry maker, just buy that too!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. The Pastry layer: </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixiqZ-WNbw5Esj6AssEt1aTbEmK0HiwKRIJ2VOSKc4pWkG94lQEo51IX1BYE0Y5vBMKTFC8TFKOKVU2uVJAmciqwDgKvftfrrNOAaeaR-90h8EPeTtLEBBgv87s7kscgraDBdV-AeUp-8/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixiqZ-WNbw5Esj6AssEt1aTbEmK0HiwKRIJ2VOSKc4pWkG94lQEo51IX1BYE0Y5vBMKTFC8TFKOKVU2uVJAmciqwDgKvftfrrNOAaeaR-90h8EPeTtLEBBgv87s7kscgraDBdV-AeUp-8/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">225g plain flour</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">100g baking fat (or a mix of butter and lard/shortening)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">pinch salt</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Rub the fat into the flour until you get breadcrumbs (or blitz in a food processor like I do)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixiqZ-WNbw5Esj6AssEt1aTbEmK0HiwKRIJ2VOSKc4pWkG94lQEo51IX1BYE0Y5vBMKTFC8TFKOKVU2uVJAmciqwDgKvftfrrNOAaeaR-90h8EPeTtLEBBgv87s7kscgraDBdV-AeUp-8/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwCr99vxIAf0GbnHKxzVqmEAHYXJHk8hlilxItJe7KfhE5XUZUrAyHvgGXKKSHKmYA-Zm3nRdeYGLWvRKr3W-Wq25qf7bZSEwoO2c7wXLXtVp9OZBUK-lL1k89jruMUXnM9g0LEHEowU/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwCr99vxIAf0GbnHKxzVqmEAHYXJHk8hlilxItJe7KfhE5XUZUrAyHvgGXKKSHKmYA-Zm3nRdeYGLWvRKr3W-Wq25qf7bZSEwoO2c7wXLXtVp9OZBUK-lL1k89jruMUXnM9g0LEHEowU/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Add up to 2 tablespoons of water to bind. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IOOPmwSf6UdFskIzkiNDRzOmy7sbGTKm8mo1N8M0THTw9fIq2equKaJ5qkeJocOlz-_J2R4SrLyWF1MlzbDgtXNRhWwx966Ct8PTYzoyG-Z109WKPt0am9V6T_tQazYASYgmo03fx08/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IOOPmwSf6UdFskIzkiNDRzOmy7sbGTKm8mo1N8M0THTw9fIq2equKaJ5qkeJocOlz-_J2R4SrLyWF1MlzbDgtXNRhWwx966Ct8PTYzoyG-Z109WKPt0am9V6T_tQazYASYgmo03fx08/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Roll out to fit your tray. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPm-cvJRG0DNKNONTYXxvqzIj3l9SX75B_QHyL3IJABdWAcHk2tbIQ4KoUSnma2iVl8Q9C3CqBOmGNGQ8rU5WWzmMRt2yldyK66kAhDhXyMLcC537m_qTWYgWeuru-RUQ7qV0V8Swwyd0/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPm-cvJRG0DNKNONTYXxvqzIj3l9SX75B_QHyL3IJABdWAcHk2tbIQ4KoUSnma2iVl8Q9C3CqBOmGNGQ8rU5WWzmMRt2yldyK66kAhDhXyMLcC537m_qTWYgWeuru-RUQ7qV0V8Swwyd0/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. The Marzipan layer: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is my favourite bit!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Take a good sized piece of marzipan, I used about 250g (half a pack of the natural version). </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Roll out until big enough to cover the base of the pastry-lined tray.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXixLALsG2YiiakeYxrMgWhp3UTOjex7sWBnHUL1Inwk3yRYCCSQKaJDcTaq36qz_lCteZqwKbAyDk-rLOIr6eOM4B5BARQ9gP3Br8mjI_4ZWhc66aiwjWFPx31kHcn1AWqQhZ_LWbd0/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXixLALsG2YiiakeYxrMgWhp3UTOjex7sWBnHUL1Inwk3yRYCCSQKaJDcTaq36qz_lCteZqwKbAyDk-rLOIr6eOM4B5BARQ9gP3Br8mjI_4ZWhc66aiwjWFPx31kHcn1AWqQhZ_LWbd0/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3. The Mincemeat Layer:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPeIuC8OHn_dnFqXN8pioeKbbQc3T77TlTwa1xlXVwGfMMyxpo_Yu5DqozYZOz8zEVbXXjWQJbCCbyAZvOdBZkcrLYe_ONWE8ORXEtxCi91vAVB0mjCWnn3nCqLNypfUU2wUsSpw8mvQ/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPeIuC8OHn_dnFqXN8pioeKbbQc3T77TlTwa1xlXVwGfMMyxpo_Yu5DqozYZOz8zEVbXXjWQJbCCbyAZvOdBZkcrLYe_ONWE8ORXEtxCi91vAVB0mjCWnn3nCqLNypfUU2wUsSpw8mvQ/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We're getting even more festive now. I used 2 jars of mincemeat. You can use your own, I tend to buy it and then add extra nice things like extra brandy, vanilla and orange zest. But that's your call. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4GiDtaKSf_8SOT8fPhSx7bIHp42EGeumeBrP2Z6mwWQaNUt-0PF0_ntuyRlFN9mYjBCROizzJwC_mnOSkmOId2ek9E-MyuEv32QpYz_CjRliVKkGFl1iFGSdPOwMTEoFJ2XBuxpHRuo/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4GiDtaKSf_8SOT8fPhSx7bIHp42EGeumeBrP2Z6mwWQaNUt-0PF0_ntuyRlFN9mYjBCROizzJwC_mnOSkmOId2ek9E-MyuEv32QpYz_CjRliVKkGFl1iFGSdPOwMTEoFJ2XBuxpHRuo/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We're almost there... </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4. The Crumble Layer. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11cQhzFFwhDNxz3FBpRMuvAIFziBPsnkUXdrtNXoSmXdwGBuoiO1gco7cwmpH_7sByfsO660Gid_RGlzfF4wNetf5Gd92IQd6dV8s9Q_KsH0u-o_IhqeP-5ld2JHk4atnCA7tw4u-h0A/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11cQhzFFwhDNxz3FBpRMuvAIFziBPsnkUXdrtNXoSmXdwGBuoiO1gco7cwmpH_7sByfsO660Gid_RGlzfF4wNetf5Gd92IQd6dV8s9Q_KsH0u-o_IhqeP-5ld2JHk4atnCA7tw4u-h0A/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is were it turns from a mince pie to something a bit more special. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">100g self-raising flour</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">50g butter</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">50g sugar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">50g almonds</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Rub the butter and flour together, then stir through the sugar and almonds. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Scatter this over the top of the tart. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bake in a pre-heated oven (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">190ºC, 375ºF, Gas Mark 5)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> for 20-25 mins. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When it's all bubbly and golden remove from the oven and leave to cool. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Don't try and cut this before it's cooled as it will all try and run away!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There is only one problem with working in an industry where you are expected to be perfect. In fact you are not expected to be, it is demanded of you. Being perfect at what you do is your actual job. So when you dip, or make an error it is flagged at just how not perfect and human you are.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Day-to-day life feels like it should be perfect.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am in no way perfect, and I'm not even sure that I want to be. I find a lot of the fun in life comes from the moments that weren't planned. Escalate from happy accidents. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the same way that we are almost expected to be cookie cutter shapes of each other. Yet in the baking we are all subtly different. In some cases the differences aren't that subtle. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On a whole I am very happy in who I am. I have looked worse, yet this year I have decided to make a concerted effort with my health. I'm not getting any younger, and over the course of November and December I let myself get horribly run down. To the point where I was developing sores on my face and body that were just not healing at a normal speed. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I also know I can only put off dealing with my previous blood pressure issues for so long. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yet part of me worries about what the rest of the Plus-Size blogger community will think about this. Am I letting down the 'sisterhood'. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Well no. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If my journey takes me away from being plus-sized I'll be very surprised. Also, my size isn't the prime focus of my blog. It is part of it, but not all of it. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I can be vain, and I can't say that being able to fit in clothes from more shops isn't abhorrent to me. Say being a size 22 as opposed to the size 30/32 I am now will literally open more avenues for me. More clothes to wear, from more outlets. Not to mention high heeled shoes. The pain that occurs from forcing your body weight though your off kilter feet and ankles is pretty much ridiculous and makes movement almost impossible. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am currently feeling very down. Circumstances at home and at work have changed a lot. I have found myself peering into the bottom of a biscuit barrel wondering how I ate them all. Finding time to fit everything I want to do in has been hard. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have still not found the solution to wanting it all, getting it all or even managing to balance what I have already got effectively. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What I do know is, as long as I am trying my best. That is good enough. I can do no more, but I sure as hell could do a whole lot less, but I don't. I should. But I don't. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All of us are Perfectly Imperfect. Perfect doesn't exist. It's an ideal held up there, on a pedestal just out of reach from our mortal hands. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-65795505716432800542015-06-13T17:14:00.001+01:002015-06-13T17:14:12.215+01:00So What Have I Been Up To?<br /><br />In a non-descriptive phrase... not a lot. <br /><br />Free time is not on my side. <br /><br /><div>
Life has been adventure light. <br /></div>
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I am hoping that I can rectify that soon as summer is fast approaching and the nights are starting to get longer. <br /></div>
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One thing I have done is left Slimming World. For all that it is a wonderful plan, the consultants are amazing and truly do a sterling job, it wasn't the right time for me to be there. Stress, work and family ties were being pulled until there was no give left. <br /></div>
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I am still posting my meals on instagram (follow me I'm @whatbeeate). I'm trying to keep healthy but not go too far over the top. <br /></div>
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I have gone back into the kitchen and started baking again. I've not done too much of that since I closed my cupcake business. I'm enjoying the creativity again. I'm not doing anything elaborate. But just making something that you can see in under an hour from beginning to end has been a delight. <br /></div>
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Some of my meal inspirations are coming from a youtuber and blogger called <a href="http://thedomesticgeek.com/">thedomesticgeek.com</a>. Lots of Sara Lynn's meals are suitable for making ahead and keeping for a full week. I'm really tempted by the salad in a jar recipes as I would be able to make them on a sunday and they'll keep until Friday. Perfect for work during the Summer. I'm already a bit of a fan of her tortellini salad, and I've already made it twice. I will be posting my take over on <a href="http://princesskitchen.blogspot.co.uk/">Princess Kitchen</a> soon. <br /><br />A new bakery, cafe and deli has opened up in the village where I work. So far I have not had a single bad thing from there. Considering the size of their portions, either I will have to stop going or learn portion control. And fast. </div>
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I've managed to injure my left ankle and foot quiet severely, and I am currently waiting to start physiotherapy. I'm on the list for dental surgery too. </div>
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I can honestly say I'm looking forward to not being in pain or feeling unwell.<br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-37721514316500770572015-03-19T12:58:00.001+00:002015-03-19T12:58:09.236+00:00Life Gets in the Way: An ApologyAt the beginning of the year I had such big hopes for what I was going to achieve.<br />
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Both on this blog and in my personal life.<br />
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So much has changed, yet it still seem eerily the same.<br />
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I ran out of time to spend writing on here as I continued to work 2 jobs, volunteer in several different roles and ship the boys from pillar to post too.<br />
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Something had to give.<br />
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That appears to have been my health.<br />
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I'm trying to heal as best I can, given that I'm averaging about 6 hours sleep a night at the moment. With very little down time on the side.<br />
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Rest assured I have missed writing on here. I'm missing cooking and baking - something I never thought I would say. I've missed posting about frothy stuff like make up and food.<br />
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This is mind, I want to ask you a question.<br />
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Would you like to see more regular posts from myself, but with less frequency?<br />
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If so what subjects would you like me to cover?<br />
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I am sorry that I felt the need to take a break.<br />
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When I get overwhelmed I have a habit of hiding in a corner and hoping the world will go away.<br />
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<br />BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-45426109895100193162015-01-12T11:08:00.000+00:002015-01-12T11:08:00.401+00:00Office Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not my office (although v similar to an office from my past)</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Like most people these days I work in an office.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">An open-plan office at that. At last count my floor had 140 staff squirrelled away, covering 3 business outlets and 4 departments. All of us are part of the same umbrella multi-media corporation.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Doesn't that just make it sound like I'm Miss Fancy-pants.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">However, reality and the perceived nature of my day-to-day working life don't always tally up. Hence, I don't really talk about it and spend a lot of my day in cloud cuckooland rather than deal with the office politics that are always simmering just below the waterline.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What does happen, is that your team become like a little family. I'm not saying that everyone will love each other, far from it in many cases, but you do learn how to get on with things and leave them to their own devices.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Many business leaders, including Richard Branson, believe that treating staff like a family is advantageous. There is something to be said when a manager can walk the walk and not just talk the talk.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Before falling into the job I have now, I previously worked as a professional temp. I ran myself as a business temping up and down the country. I worked in various industries for five years until I worked out what I actually wanted to do with my life... I'm not fully there yet, but I rather like what I do at the minute.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I worked for companies who deemed I wasn't northern enough when I answered the phone - strangely I didn't stay there long. I've been the main bottle washer and pot collector as an office junior. Literally counting the washers in a jar. I've processed sex offender reports and logged police evidence. I have even turned my hand to bar work and making flash cocktails for an American restaurant chain. At some point in my working life I have done pretty much everything a person could in an office.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What has stuck out for me is how teams work. It's like a complicated jigsaw, balancing a team that can work well together is an operation in personality tweaking. Generally the more a team has the flexibility to make their own decisions and have fun while doing the work the more likely they are to gel, and when their backs are against the wall more likely to be able to turn things around with minimal fuss.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sadly in an open plan office these ideals are hard to uphold. One person's light-hearted frivolity is another person's headache inducing nightmare. Or a phone call that might get a bit heated can be heard across the office. Hands up if that has ever happened to you.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's not the most interesting life in the world, not that much happens there that is of interest to the outside world, but my word I wouldn't change it. I work with some berks and others that keep their true selves so far buried you'd fear they'd never come up for air. My team is a mixed bag of folk, and for the most part we are each as geeky as the next and pedants at their very worst. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">More office life posts will more than likely appear over the course of the next year here on What BeeBee Did... mainly as I do office life an awful lot right now. </span><br />
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<br />BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-20436765178038629682015-01-09T09:00:00.000+00:002015-01-09T09:00:02.586+00:00Free For All Friday: 10 Resolution from Pinterest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-36181755416389221542015-01-07T09:00:00.000+00:002015-01-07T09:00:05.935+00:00What BeeBee Cooked: Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have been relying quite heavily on ready meals and sandwiches since going back into the office. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Instead of financing the local Tescos, I have taken to making my own meals on a weekend. Portioning them up and then storing them in the freezer. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is my Slow Cooker Chow Mein. I love it mainly as it is really simple to make. Also because it only really gives me one pot to wash up! God love the slow cooker. This makes 4 portions for me.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ingredients: </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">500ml Chicken stock</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One bag of stir-fried vegetables (if you're being lazy like me) or a mixture of finely chopped veggies. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Packet of dried egg noodles.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Garlic, grated - to taste I often use a tsp of garlic paste</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fresh ginger, grated - to taste or a sprinkling of ginger powder</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/3 cup Soy sauce (ish)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Method:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqcc0pm7XN8hb5W8jwDB8LEztPyeg2r3_HLjRWQVjOLPHlwOAsBkYXWoyBNQF9C6hbRGeCoDwAkWb-zMljCoJZZVKTs9aHIQIKEEuxgQREoiXmX2__Ah7ARgk_rF1lrkshVCsMz39fVs/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqcc0pm7XN8hb5W8jwDB8LEztPyeg2r3_HLjRWQVjOLPHlwOAsBkYXWoyBNQF9C6hbRGeCoDwAkWb-zMljCoJZZVKTs9aHIQIKEEuxgQREoiXmX2__Ah7ARgk_rF1lrkshVCsMz39fVs/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In your slow cooker (set to high) poach the chicken portions in the chicken stock, soy sauce, garlic and ginger for roughly 3 hours. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When cooked through remove the chicken and set aside to cool slightly. Shred the meat and return to the pot. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2gH0dGAruCnPicZ_j52LJ1ihGzxA1o1s-GzkzxFB6Xsf-CiJwhUEGyvBuppn5y_NiUSN3vzSPjMs0hiZB0JJUQLbXZFB1656LXTQVUpvlBUnHyURqnXElv3P6Mjn6nsKykTqUPxfqjE/s1600/DSC_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2gH0dGAruCnPicZ_j52LJ1ihGzxA1o1s-GzkzxFB6Xsf-CiJwhUEGyvBuppn5y_NiUSN3vzSPjMs0hiZB0JJUQLbXZFB1656LXTQVUpvlBUnHyURqnXElv3P6Mjn6nsKykTqUPxfqjE/s1600/DSC_0048.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the meantime, add the veggies to the stock for about 30 mins.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNaXz0FSZQbnPc20AkcJsqnirbWFgUqnI32kmoZ-WoucUi0kkddlZnV4Tq5xkj74c2969O0yIIp66MDu3EOKkf9nw3UgoT2HSPbVxEf7bYRKUAkHKPzwXhXw96xxm-_GH_bWht2-WSMY/s1600/DSC_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNaXz0FSZQbnPc20AkcJsqnirbWFgUqnI32kmoZ-WoucUi0kkddlZnV4Tq5xkj74c2969O0yIIp66MDu3EOKkf9nw3UgoT2HSPbVxEf7bYRKUAkHKPzwXhXw96xxm-_GH_bWht2-WSMY/s1600/DSC_0049.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Add the dried noodles. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqc-n85oNsclZmu-SZ0XEOdHCV5u5aKxnGdMC2HTfX8bb1D7SVE8izsLdJd-rbpvDr24PqhPxS4E6WIZOHvpwjW9m733ts4b-C1ZKhUXR2hal9D6CSj-9SctCmVr2eBayrKpcAE_6t_Js/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqc-n85oNsclZmu-SZ0XEOdHCV5u5aKxnGdMC2HTfX8bb1D7SVE8izsLdJd-rbpvDr24PqhPxS4E6WIZOHvpwjW9m733ts4b-C1ZKhUXR2hal9D6CSj-9SctCmVr2eBayrKpcAE_6t_Js/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Make sure the noodles are covered by the liquor. Leave until the noodles are cooked through, this should take between 15-30 minutes. All the stock should have be absorbed into the noodles. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Return the chicken to the pot. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mix through. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-8IxKOGgelvBryR-yweamyJ8dBw_IAWT2Db_DVSyrNasUX6ZJra6uM870iHiUfwW8kiyy8X9XFGGk7-qXmqNPGOEBqcYfVJOwaq-dlDb2ga-IuaEgTDyXB9fxdeTGQbwX76aQ7oRsZg/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-8IxKOGgelvBryR-yweamyJ8dBw_IAWT2Db_DVSyrNasUX6ZJra6uM870iHiUfwW8kiyy8X9XFGGk7-qXmqNPGOEBqcYfVJOwaq-dlDb2ga-IuaEgTDyXB9fxdeTGQbwX76aQ7oRsZg/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Serve and eat. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Or cool and freeze.</span><br />
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BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-15929449452317424952015-01-06T09:00:00.000+00:002015-01-06T09:00:03.613+00:00Back to Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuu_NHoW19UQVFyxoGXNAjDEdxZlH5F0vUYZmmdQeyI0WjITYyC3H5xPhC1z72bwnwEqQv2oBoJGNy_9hL-6dH3bnL1sxG4WPhkRVAfqKfEthaEqt4OvE-cSZ-lXnk73i_9ACnHR16pSw/s1600/back+to+work+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuu_NHoW19UQVFyxoGXNAjDEdxZlH5F0vUYZmmdQeyI0WjITYyC3H5xPhC1z72bwnwEqQv2oBoJGNy_9hL-6dH3bnL1sxG4WPhkRVAfqKfEthaEqt4OvE-cSZ-lXnk73i_9ACnHR16pSw/s1600/back+to+work+1.jpg" height="200" width="171" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oh what a glorious break I've just had for Christmas. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And oh what a glorious return to work, a lovely break from the children!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Things that come to mind for me in January is starting the year off right. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This year my post-Christmas return to the office was on December 30th for phone cover, and then fully back on January 2nd. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Part of my plan for going back into the office was preparation. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What to wear, my plan for 2015 is to give myself a uniform of sorts. Mornings are much simpler when you don't have to get in a fight with your wardrobe. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Personally I'm a fan of the shirt and trouser look, and then graduating to a skirt if the weather allows during Spring/Summer. Saying that my office and it's variable air conditioning does mean it can feel like Club Tropicana when you're living in an Ice Palace, or visa versa. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In my office I keep an emergency cardigan for those I didn't bet on that moments. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Another thing I like to plan in advance are meals. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am often in the office over at least two meal times, and on the odd occasion three. Not good, but often unavoidable. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is where a bit of forethought is advisable. Packed lunches are key for keeping costs down, although on treat Friday Featherstone's Butchers in Howden is simply the best! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I tend to have a stash of meals in the freezer ranging from Dahls and curries to Chow Meins and Stews. I like to cook a batch of something on a weekend, portion it up and then freeze it for work. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On an early shift more often than not I'll arrive at the office with a coffee in my hand and porridge in my food flask. I tend not to eat before leaving home on an early shift. Also, if I didn't bring breakfast with me the urge to go to McDonald's drive thru would be all consuming... Oh those Hot Mocha drinks!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Another bonus to eating well at work, is the not having to be so good when I'm home. I don't spend much time in the house during term time. Between Brownies, Scouting commitments (either ferrying or volunteering) and Avon bits and bobs, I'm a busy little bee. I'm lucky that most evenings there is a meal for me made by the husband. From a jar, but it's a meal nonetheless. For this I am grateful. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SPjiHR5cV6woP5gWXdUBJhvbrR9cvgAOVjPQZ5RgIgfgq2nDMJGFyhdn22LXg6hTZ0x_RGUn5SRZ5ZHU6hviYKyDm__80I0at7NldMiWbWShUuQUD9ZMdiF1iXQvkYrubpus7EBfD3w/s1600/coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SPjiHR5cV6woP5gWXdUBJhvbrR9cvgAOVjPQZ5RgIgfgq2nDMJGFyhdn22LXg6hTZ0x_RGUn5SRZ5ZHU6hviYKyDm__80I0at7NldMiWbWShUuQUD9ZMdiF1iXQvkYrubpus7EBfD3w/s1600/coffee.jpg" height="200" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Generally I get a 30 minute lunch break. This time I am planning to actually take them and leave the office so I can go for a walk. I am lucky enough to work in an amazingly beautiful town. Just a few minutes from my office is a wonderful park, a couple of historical landmarks too. I'm a lucky bean. Now to take full advantage of them. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">How do you prepare to go back to work?</span><br />
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BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-67494293141950174372015-01-05T09:00:00.000+00:002015-01-05T09:00:04.319+00:00Making New Routines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUv20TsEujZViInWzVwi9UWe5Ks4vO6-yQhsaMfDRoMRlbthJ-0YpEWJe7YajAuRdu6wRGmp0HBotzMB-XsK7Ceov-IXWYLFiUHvzkPi7AL-7hyXSUXHGKyOyMnr8OMx-3aXbOET0EJx0/s1600/smell+the+routine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUv20TsEujZViInWzVwi9UWe5Ks4vO6-yQhsaMfDRoMRlbthJ-0YpEWJe7YajAuRdu6wRGmp0HBotzMB-XsK7Ceov-IXWYLFiUHvzkPi7AL-7hyXSUXHGKyOyMnr8OMx-3aXbOET0EJx0/s1600/smell+the+routine.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As we know, I am a creature of habit. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I like things a certain way, at a certain time, on a certain day. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I do like a little bit of disarray, but only on my terms. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A routine is pinnacle to this. I have two diaries. One for life, shifts, appointments, kiddie stuff and another for blog posts. Scheduling, blog ideas, themes... I think you may be getting my drift. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I also like to do different things in my house on different days. For example, Saturday is a day for deep cleaning the kitchen. If I miss it, I get flummoxed. And over the past six months I have spent an awful lot of time flustered as the pile of clothes in the corner of my bedroom grows ever taller. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMJqwYPRTBdQrN6xcN-prbLoaAI3XqsvjvIh18n0j89-um97Ov1Bu7sJvI5h9U8tI7yvJWfdOE-NVYY2FBL6n0l2eulgWf8WjU2Lxe1sjdTDHcWpd-Mfszh0rnNymhhFOSfL-DkNDLZI/s1600/clean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMJqwYPRTBdQrN6xcN-prbLoaAI3XqsvjvIh18n0j89-um97Ov1Bu7sJvI5h9U8tI7yvJWfdOE-NVYY2FBL6n0l2eulgWf8WjU2Lxe1sjdTDHcWpd-Mfszh0rnNymhhFOSfL-DkNDLZI/s1600/clean.jpg" height="223" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One of my challenges for this year is to have a fully organised home by the end of December 2015. Surely this is a possibility. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The children are now seven and nine-years-old so are more than able to undertake some bits and bobs, and the husband - for the first time in a long time is home more than I am - so there are things he can do too (except the washing, he already does that).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With this in mind I need a plan of action. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A daily to do list as it were. I also need to actually stick to the list. Funnily, having a list written doesn't magically make the jobs get done. Which I find is a huge shame. Inventors of the world take note. This would be a fantastic thing to invent and would make you rich!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This list need to cover the whole house. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Starting with the extraordinary deep clean to get everything where it needs to be, so that the easier tasks of maintenance can be concentrated on. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm not exaggerating when I say that I have managed to turn parts of my house into something that resembles a before picture on a hoarder's programme. I cannot put into words just how embarrassing that actually is. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideQjfjLMeaC_IWUILgHBBI-6ttH636jpVHy4y9GdgruNce0gcEqvtMXb8MeqpZcNWuzLU2BVx8886vkXo20DM3sauB04t3EvGtB0DRzYstb0uGoAC0GsKl1LmmLyzFbbCGS0hQ_seLtA/s1600/irony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideQjfjLMeaC_IWUILgHBBI-6ttH636jpVHy4y9GdgruNce0gcEqvtMXb8MeqpZcNWuzLU2BVx8886vkXo20DM3sauB04t3EvGtB0DRzYstb0uGoAC0GsKl1LmmLyzFbbCGS0hQ_seLtA/s1600/irony.jpg" height="301" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now for the nitty gritty of it all. I work shifts. Alternate patterns from one week to the next, apart from weeks with a Bank Holiday in them, then that is a whole other ball game. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A flexible plan, is needed, and a speedy one at that. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In January I am going to be focusing primarily on the Kitchen. With backing vocals covering the rest of the house. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Extraordinary Kitchen Clean List:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. Clear sides. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. Load dishwasher. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3. Wash up items that don't fit or go in the dishwasher. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4. Put those things away. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5. Clean the hob/oven.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6. Clean down the sides I've cleared. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">7. Clear kitchen table and dresser side. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">8. Empty floor. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">9. Wash the floor. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">10. Empty dishwasher.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">11. Clean the fridge.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">12. Sort the food from fridge. Put spoiled foods in the brown bin for recycling.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">13. Organise the cupboards - this one will be labour intensive, I need to reduce the amount of things I have in my kitchen. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Daily Kitchen Clean List: </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. Empty dishwasher. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. Put away. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3. Wipe down sides, after clearing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4. Clear kitchen table.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5. Sweep floor, quick blast with mop if needed. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As for the rest of the house. The Extraordinary clean will come month by month with a special guest star task. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Daily Clean: </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. Keep on top of the washing. Do at least one load a day. (this also mean dry, fold and put away too! A little is easier than a lot.)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. Empty bins. No one wants to take an overly full to splitting bag out. </span><br />
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<br />BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-71928853030771175042015-01-02T09:00:00.000+00:002015-01-02T10:17:29.288+00:00Challenging Myself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Pinterest is full of them, any time of the year you can log in and find any sort of challenge. From monthly fitness ones, to finance goals, taking in a couple of housey bits and pieces on the side.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This year I've decided to see how I do, and try 4 challenges that have been doing the rounds.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">First up is the 2015 Reading Challenge.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdr9grlJeNb1YIyryJYxWHmB-nsFgJ1fButwEoVepFtQtxOgka1tSiB9pRbKD-IB7-_KhSmI_d3U1IYNHpvO53Hi9A_Q91NGHrhx6k8gpjRG9xMW_vSimk4d7A8HeBQAy34IZaXbCzyY/s1600/2015+reading+challenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdr9grlJeNb1YIyryJYxWHmB-nsFgJ1fButwEoVepFtQtxOgka1tSiB9pRbKD-IB7-_KhSmI_d3U1IYNHpvO53Hi9A_Q91NGHrhx6k8gpjRG9xMW_vSimk4d7A8HeBQAy34IZaXbCzyY/s1600/2015+reading+challenge.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For someone who often reads books as part of their job, I have a habit of settling for the same genre when it comes to reading for fun. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This year I would like to challenge myself a little. For this reason I'm going to tackle this list that has been put together by </span><a href="http://www.popsugar.com/love/Reading-Challenge-2015-36071458" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">popsugar</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> and see how many I can get ticked off by the end of the year. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Another one I've seen is a 30-day Walking Challenge. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Those of you who were reading this blog last year will know that I bought a Fitbit. This year I will be using it more often. Seeing as it is clipped onto my bra as a reminder to actually get up from my desk. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am going to endeavour to hit the magical 10,000 steps a day mark. This could take a while!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEjPIKwKVL-eLRmTiipn2zMR2l4wN-KRGK5vl4Yk_GSBJhUr-ZLK73RbHX0ildT4m7UGrx5h-oy5x-SF70zV6-7eWmrr4aLgIHOnn_yNZYOSWk4T5g4ZztQ3uehNhEDQR-xCmUCAi8zw/s1600/30+day+walking+challenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEjPIKwKVL-eLRmTiipn2zMR2l4wN-KRGK5vl4Yk_GSBJhUr-ZLK73RbHX0ildT4m7UGrx5h-oy5x-SF70zV6-7eWmrr4aLgIHOnn_yNZYOSWk4T5g4ZztQ3uehNhEDQR-xCmUCAi8zw/s1600/30+day+walking+challenge.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I found this tally chart on artofbeautifullife.com. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The joy of being a working parent leads to the equal joy of longing for some organisation at home. The chores definately got away from me by the end of last year. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With this in mind I have signed up for this challenge. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Each week I will be emailed a task to complete in my house. And by the end of the year, each single task should have become a regular habit and kaboom my house should pretty much run itself again. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OmzImH1JSoYWaRqSkQGQW8ZMGPgHgDngeKIb493wRZOZcdujMtnylycw9noAwn1sPhfLruNRGXT7FHh2ZauV43LJFD9tBwYIQ58Xvy4RCbitnTDRrp75N2p1fd9MLoVN15k-2bvCirM/s1600/organised+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OmzImH1JSoYWaRqSkQGQW8ZMGPgHgDngeKIb493wRZOZcdujMtnylycw9noAwn1sPhfLruNRGXT7FHh2ZauV43LJFD9tBwYIQ58Xvy4RCbitnTDRrp75N2p1fd9MLoVN15k-2bvCirM/s1600/organised+home.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now to get the others in the house to join in! Maybe that should be my main aim. Get them to do the housework and chores, so I don't have to! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And finally, my last main challenge for this year is to crochet a small granny square, everyday, for a year. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUS_NArb1OVzaf6FLvUKrG2FRgaNIpgBeddJvIPldysiF-oOUNifDc-N1LeLa0pW0nH3U2iE6Q_cd82Q9-lBTREsrrMM5vAP8zN_RkXZgWUMd3YOLyzswFeRkwGOrz1RRFPttgDSYyyqQ/s1600/il_570xN.408129623_qejx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUS_NArb1OVzaf6FLvUKrG2FRgaNIpgBeddJvIPldysiF-oOUNifDc-N1LeLa0pW0nH3U2iE6Q_cd82Q9-lBTREsrrMM5vAP8zN_RkXZgWUMd3YOLyzswFeRkwGOrz1RRFPttgDSYyyqQ/s1600/il_570xN.408129623_qejx.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The only stipulation is that I will not plan the colours of the blankets, but choose what colour as per the mood I'm in at that moment. This one is exciting the most right now. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A giant blanket by next winter will be a fab snuggly reward. </span><br />
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BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-87048152070751966612015-01-01T10:00:00.000+00:002015-01-01T10:06:12.790+00:00Happy New Year: Welcome to 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_Q0cpx4yytlK3NNkh6zUMoOFAUWJOEd4B1UNDCzZYsvnp-DZLyDphM5YtteS4ROkDD2NHe5EyUIT0VzecmGAAZ69YDAraKM-cwgJ1Tg9O0XWjGP2GK-XO15ANyM4L2F19RaSjAS9n1s/s1600/Happy-new-year-2015hd-wallpapers-660x330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_Q0cpx4yytlK3NNkh6zUMoOFAUWJOEd4B1UNDCzZYsvnp-DZLyDphM5YtteS4ROkDD2NHe5EyUIT0VzecmGAAZ69YDAraKM-cwgJ1Tg9O0XWjGP2GK-XO15ANyM4L2F19RaSjAS9n1s/s1600/Happy-new-year-2015hd-wallpapers-660x330.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm going to write some targets for this year. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I don't believe in resolutions but I can happily work towards a target. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I did a few last year, but life got in the way. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Targets for 2015</u></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>To get healthy.</b> I have let my health slide over the last few months. Bad planning, dreadful scheduling and life has meant I'm not sleeping as much as I should, definitely exercising less than ever, and obviously eating some really tasty but not good for you foods. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tGYXWP5nCcZWCLTmkbuTDBZrkW2jdLZiroEXaOBrZIym0SRFuRn5ywOKYuH56Nb9YkBzBl8sGAyvZZ66EK0YJu2VV2aXqqJkS_lBh5PlSPlGh2-JUM2IP3TjwK2JJJ3KvqBmZQVAl0k/s1600/healthy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tGYXWP5nCcZWCLTmkbuTDBZrkW2jdLZiroEXaOBrZIym0SRFuRn5ywOKYuH56Nb9YkBzBl8sGAyvZZ66EK0YJu2VV2aXqqJkS_lBh5PlSPlGh2-JUM2IP3TjwK2JJJ3KvqBmZQVAl0k/s1600/healthy.jpg" height="400" width="350" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>To build some savings.</b> I need to adopt a more frugal outlook to life and live in a more streamlined world. I have a slight ostrich approach to finances at times and that never ends well. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkBPDyHdUkDc-vh6c433ui55su1LLOJB91iyzLc7WZ6D-OEv1u8MqnhJnd3puCoqWNjg6NTeXsd_BpVyrkeKEHzCf-Vmq9xaxQQ8LIt-8_kZDt2dNUz1m7Y5IJAUVsOKwtQ3fnsIHF5k/s1600/piggy+bank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkBPDyHdUkDc-vh6c433ui55su1LLOJB91iyzLc7WZ6D-OEv1u8MqnhJnd3puCoqWNjg6NTeXsd_BpVyrkeKEHzCf-Vmq9xaxQQ8LIt-8_kZDt2dNUz1m7Y5IJAUVsOKwtQ3fnsIHF5k/s1600/piggy+bank.jpg" height="400" width="390" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Find a good work/life balance.</b> This is a tricky one. I work a lot of hours. Often upto 57 hours a week, before blogging, volunteering and housekeeping. So yes, a balance needs to be found. Either by cutting down my hours in the office, blogging more effectively and on a schedule and outsourcing cleaning (I like this one most!). </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqSet7QSIHLYAMvTp3HAX3cWYFnpmPP9obEo9Tg1ouBhs4hmql1syao2DsM8N30JFDx4djwVPZXXQIiPdsM__YQaVPiztnuYg1vNMCgS_GWktzY-X3dH1tdXhSx4Cs1shSw_at_5rBck/s1600/frog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqSet7QSIHLYAMvTp3HAX3cWYFnpmPP9obEo9Tg1ouBhs4hmql1syao2DsM8N30JFDx4djwVPZXXQIiPdsM__YQaVPiztnuYg1vNMCgS_GWktzY-X3dH1tdXhSx4Cs1shSw_at_5rBck/s1600/frog.jpg" height="400" style="cursor: move;" width="307" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Try new things.</b> Like many people I find it really easy to fall into a comfort zone, and I forget that there is a world out there full of new experiences just waiting for me to say yes to. I can be a bit of a homebody at times and often find it difficult to step out of my box. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBccg0zDYoQuf69Z8u-xaEog4B2QoeGUQOC2fJqQlCMhKC-uzDXzXYrBn9qbmp9E2lLmNhcupAxt0CN78K-612cLHLtEKUQQzDiwaOQZCCHhsXH0wXm1Tfp7VXZ4zH3QtwYfkqJTzmtk/s1600/tryingnewthingsquotes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBccg0zDYoQuf69Z8u-xaEog4B2QoeGUQOC2fJqQlCMhKC-uzDXzXYrBn9qbmp9E2lLmNhcupAxt0CN78K-612cLHLtEKUQQzDiwaOQZCCHhsXH0wXm1Tfp7VXZ4zH3QtwYfkqJTzmtk/s1600/tryingnewthingsquotes.jpg" height="335" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Develop a regular skin care routine.</b> I'm really bad at this, and I'm also very lucky that at my age I'm not as wrinkled and lined as I could be. Considering I rarely moisturise. I have the odd swollen bump that hormones like to offer me, however that's about it.</span><br />
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BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-19143050197976111752014-12-17T11:57:00.002+00:002014-12-17T11:57:58.298+00:00Getting into the Festive SpiritSlowly but surely I think the season is starting to creep up on me.<br />
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This month week has been a busy one.<br />
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The world as I know it normally stopped for the non-stop action that Christmas double editions. Festive films, spiced orange mocha breaks and thank yous that taste like chocolate, I find those are the best ones!<br />
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One thing about driving home when it's late you get to see all the Christmas lights in all their glory.<br />
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This year the husband is chief decorator, and I can almost say the festive season is feeling a bit ill and has been sick all over our tree!<br />
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I'm putting my few minutes of down time to good use and planning next month's posts. I am determined to get organised. Yes I know I say this every year.<br />
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All the presents have been bought, they still need wrapping - and in some cases delivering. The cards still need to be written... I'm so bad at doing cards. Sorry family who live away, I haven't the foggiest clue where I wrote your addresses down. But be safe in the knowledge that I'm thinking of you!<br />
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One more week of this manic production in the office and I will again be able to breathe a breath of TV Lisitings relief, that is until Easter!<br />
<br />BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-84237805877943534842014-12-13T09:00:00.000+00:002014-12-23T12:04:26.917+00:00January: I Want List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've put a self-imposed spending ban on unnecessary items for the next few months. Could you almost call it a spending diet. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This doesn't take away the urge to window shop. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So far Winter hasn't really hit here in the East Riding, and it is still positively mild. I was still walking to work without a coat right up until Christmas it has been that unseasonal. With this in mind my eye is looking to Spring-like items. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexjUDr98-ygqtM_46FD-O_l0nvCUhXbxnvCbiiCFqNqDfKBVOovCsdTlw7rGh9bntRcMt7C_5FKEFfkoRRTyOYSJVibZmHLAoXBdxLzNKvgzSqYdMaj3cgyuaLhDTNfxqgsbwEZlzzz8/s1600/navy+and+white+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexjUDr98-ygqtM_46FD-O_l0nvCUhXbxnvCbiiCFqNqDfKBVOovCsdTlw7rGh9bntRcMt7C_5FKEFfkoRRTyOYSJVibZmHLAoXBdxLzNKvgzSqYdMaj3cgyuaLhDTNfxqgsbwEZlzzz8/s1600/navy+and+white+dress.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">From </span><a href="http://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/P/Navy_And_White_Block_Stripe_Skater_Dress-(23900).aspx" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yours Clothing</span></a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">How gorgeous is this Navy and White Block Stripe Skater Dress from Yours Clothing? It is coming soon, and at £35 I wouldn't want to miss it. There is a keyhole neckline to break the eye up, but without showing too much cleavage. I'd even be tempted to give this a go in the office, or for an event, Christening or Wedding perhaps. Add a pair of red heels and a clutch. Jobs a good un. </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">from </span><a href="http://www.office.co.uk/view/product/office_catalog/2,37/1797861811" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Office</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTODBipNS6Ot1xPsDQwX96hJ8HGMvLsirGxqUcOw1SoMC90xQS30YTXeaWwvWX_u9LvYl5VKC88tg_9sSKycMhJWxRPK0POL869EoMsMF_6vKs-hIhfFdvJJf2bFc3fa4YSO68Pu_SDw/s1600/18355626_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTODBipNS6Ot1xPsDQwX96hJ8HGMvLsirGxqUcOw1SoMC90xQS30YTXeaWwvWX_u9LvYl5VKC88tg_9sSKycMhJWxRPK0POL869EoMsMF_6vKs-hIhfFdvJJf2bFc3fa4YSO68Pu_SDw/s1600/18355626_large.jpg" height="320" width="235" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">From </span><a href="http://www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/accessories-203537/bags-purses-2230520/red-structured-clutch-bag-3174276?bi=1&ps=20" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Dorothy Perkins</span></a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Then I'm also thinking of some casual wear. I'm drawn to vest tops and indigo jeans with a plethora of scarfs. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lately there have been some fabulous options on </span><a href="http://cherrydiva.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">cherrydiva.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. Keep an eye out as their stock sells out fast, but equally quickly new items also arrive. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I already have this number. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I just need to find a non-greying white vest to wear it with!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This Gothic Skull Scarf is also rather eye-catching at £13</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now all I have to do is avoid the shops... and unlink my cards from paypal. </span></div>
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BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-12788736340272838932014-12-06T17:55:00.001+00:002014-12-06T17:55:55.631+00:00Free For All Friday: How to talk to new peopleIn the spirit of my Random Acts of Kindness Advent Calender I thought I would compile a list of ways to start a conversation with a stranger.<br />
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Obviously, you don't want to go around grinning and looking like the crazy person off the bus just walking up to random folk on the street. But sometimes a few words to someone in the shop, or queue at the bank is enough to brighten their day.<br />
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You will never truly know what is happening in someone else's life and just a few kind words could be enough to turn their day around. Sometimes even just a smile will do.<br />
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1. In a queue?: I love your scarf/hat/bag, where did you get it? a great one for starters.<br />
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2. In a book shop: Have you read this? Is it any good?<br />
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3. A bright and breezy 'hello' with a smile does wonders.<br />
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4. Don't worry about what the outcome may be. It really doesn't matter, but reaching out to new people is never a bad experience. <br />
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5. Try and make a person laugh. I'm not talking about a full on comedy routine with added slapstick. But if something goes horribly wrong<br />
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6. Find out if you have anything in common. So many people have similar hobbies that you would never normally place together but that one thing is what binds them. <br />
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7. Swallow your pride and just go for it. If you don't try you don't know. <br />
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8. Don't forget to make eye contact. You will be able to tell how receptive a person may be to your 'advances'. <br />
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<br />BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-58908412135023263222014-12-03T14:46:00.000+00:002014-12-03T14:46:10.040+00:00Bobble Hat Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Next Wednesday (10th December 2014) is NSPCC's Bobble Hat Day. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">An event to raise money for the NSPCC and their Childline service over Christmas. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So the NSPCC, obviously must have had a hands in the weather turning so cold so fast!, have come up with the idea of grabbing a wooly hat and meeting up with pals for a festive fundraiser. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If sponsorship isn't your 'thing' you can buy hats that give a donation to the charity from Tesco stores. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So in the spirit of bobble hats, I thought I'd show you my new favourite winter hat from <a href="http://cherrydiva.co.uk/">Cherry Diva </a>and the best of the rest. Sadly the double pom pom hat is now Sold out.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHhBZ2lMRSDWC4huyp6z8Qez7DvBjGPCLWKSc64JDh6g1px6olM8y9SeAHNtPc4C9Y_aBSQnJZpEeN5oo7jMLersBRFo4Y-lK0oaR5ZZJtyUNDYpr9HsGSP3G1znPnzCFQowxSwSB4V4/s1600/IMG_20141203_123413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHhBZ2lMRSDWC4huyp6z8Qez7DvBjGPCLWKSc64JDh6g1px6olM8y9SeAHNtPc4C9Y_aBSQnJZpEeN5oo7jMLersBRFo4Y-lK0oaR5ZZJtyUNDYpr9HsGSP3G1znPnzCFQowxSwSB4V4/s1600/IMG_20141203_123413.JPG" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Christmas Pudding Hat - Tesco £4</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Santa Pom Pom Beanie - Tesco £5 and a percentage goes to FareShare Food Bank. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Neon Beanie Hat - Asda £5</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Striped Pom Pom Beanie Hat - Matalan £6</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Snowman Hat - Matalan £5</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Stars and Stripes Bobble Hat - <a href="http://www.cherrydiva.co.uk/collections/whats-hot/products/stars">Cherry Diva</a> £9.50</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Keep your ears nice and snuggly warm this winter, and drop £2 into the NSPCC pot by texting BOBBLE to 70744 and posting a bobble hat photo on Twitter using the hashtag #BOBBLEHATDAY</span></div>
BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-53974259466303694172014-12-01T11:00:00.001+00:002014-12-01T11:02:38.083+00:00I Hate Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsCmKczHJMO_jXVRGAvzrv2nNTXDrGDt38sfqqVYnT01R2dNlru4Ad3x6PwyPLUEYjIA8pfG7cFYgX7LnBJMSj8T-HaHJLXFGoODFKIzPNoqGcoo6_0u9YHJbuwHkmbP_YaliK9b-K5U/s1600/xmas+tree+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrO_GjbaWtPdUWvM8z4wRfAqf-aZ5GKJaocH1baNdnR5x8y4GHk1Ryeo2k4_ikx8fBPCfS_Id-iHRM14iy270gw6Riz9u_SLK8KSoIfBOJv-O71njTW7i6dUC-wb4shdanf1PRad_WsHw/s1600/christmas-scene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrO_GjbaWtPdUWvM8z4wRfAqf-aZ5GKJaocH1baNdnR5x8y4GHk1Ryeo2k4_ikx8fBPCfS_Id-iHRM14iy270gw6Riz9u_SLK8KSoIfBOJv-O71njTW7i6dUC-wb4shdanf1PRad_WsHw/s1600/christmas-scene.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's true, I do. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I hate Christmas. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yes, I am aware that this makes me sound very Bah! Humbugish, and puts me on a list with Scrooge McDuck. However, let me elaborate. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I hate what Christmas has become. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I hate that there is so much commercially created bits and pieces. I hate that it has become about the gifts and not about the message. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I hate that we, as a generation, have become obsessed by the frivolities and the expense. That people feel pressured to spend, spend, spend to make their Christmas complete. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was brought up in a Christian home, by a single mum with very little spare cash. She worked hard to get me what I wanted. The year I got a pair of roller boots is still my favourite Christmas. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">That was it. My biggest Christmas present... and I was beyond happy. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">She worked right up until mid-afternoon on Christmas Eve. I would be at my Grandparent's house putting up and decorating their tree. Sticking the cardboard angel with tinselly bits to the mirror and cutting a switch of holly from the bush in the garden to put over the fireplace. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Presents were wrapped all together. With a hot drink and a festive film. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As I got older I started to go to Midnight Mass. It is still one of the most magical services in the church calendar for me. As the soprano leads the procession in singing Once in Royal David's City. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Then Mum got a new job as a prison officer, and started to work on Christmas Day. So those other officers who had small families could be at home with their children. I did the same in my jobs too. I worked the nasty shifts. They were busy and grimy - particularly the Eves when I was partaking in bar and restaurant work.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Many things have happened over the years that have shook my faith. I'm not agnostic or an atheist. I do believe that there is something. I also believe that this is part of the human condition. We look and search for something bigger than ourselves. I don't think we want to know that this is it. We are alone. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Since I've been a parent, I find the day itself is really stressful. Juggling the excitement of the boys, with everything else. Trying to make everything perfect. It is a thankless task. I married an atheist, and the boys are starting to lose their believe in the magic of Christmas. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I don't hate everything about Christmas. I fully embrace festive mugs and decorations. I adore Christmas songs and films. I'm even onboard for seasonal foods. There is something about them that makes winter magical. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's the magic of Christmas I think is now missing. The I want for Christmas is so strong. I remember in my Religious Studies exam there was a cartoon about Christmas that we had to discuss. The banner across a bustling town centre read 'Hosannah Christmas in the High st'. A sad reflection even 20 years ago on how commercial the season had become. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So this year I have 2 advent calendars on the go. One is candles, the other I shared on here last week. My Random Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar. I'm hoping that this year by making a concerted effort to embrace what I believe to be the true meaning of Christmas that I can hold on to the magic a bit longer and show my boys that it is a magical time for families and thinking of other people.</span><br />
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BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-64849591058656040202014-11-28T14:13:00.002+00:002014-11-28T14:13:46.691+00:00Frugal Friday: Christmas Stocking Fillers For Under £5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Today I've put together a quick gallery of fun, pretty and cheap gifts or stocking fillers. If any of them found their way under my tree I wouldn't be unhappy! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I hope the boys at home are paying attention. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWOgtlAkySgJSkzy9AUOsObQGEmmOMR0u9PI8BkQS6esNkcGYJr31wPU-83DJpryYuUh-57u741Nb_4Qf6u1xYjaJY5GIVYfX2g8f1pamPkN5aCoIWrjfqdHG5UON0U3nw4jcR_LCR2U/s1600/wooden-follow-your-dreams-hanging-plaque-20cm-x-175cm-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWOgtlAkySgJSkzy9AUOsObQGEmmOMR0u9PI8BkQS6esNkcGYJr31wPU-83DJpryYuUh-57u741Nb_4Qf6u1xYjaJY5GIVYfX2g8f1pamPkN5aCoIWrjfqdHG5UON0U3nw4jcR_LCR2U/s1600/wooden-follow-your-dreams-hanging-plaque-20cm-x-175cm-.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wooden 'Follow Your Dreams' Plaque - £3</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Available from Matalan </span><a href="http://www.matalan.co.uk/homeware/living/decorative-accessories/s2582319/wooden-follow-your-dreams-hanging-plaque-20cm-x-17.5cm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">online</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> and in store</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuL32KpAiudqYNpApat9ASTtsxo8ULa3AJ2RVwv3hPn_3MnYwPjtkC4wnV8a2ABUED1joefZ1W8gsqiKYxse-NEUG3KPiY7DWyM5ZcuD6MgiNDKaQ08IfaEfsdT0FRuE718ApZvR0XGro/s1600/Picture+10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuL32KpAiudqYNpApat9ASTtsxo8ULa3AJ2RVwv3hPn_3MnYwPjtkC4wnV8a2ABUED1joefZ1W8gsqiKYxse-NEUG3KPiY7DWyM5ZcuD6MgiNDKaQ08IfaEfsdT0FRuE718ApZvR0XGro/s1600/Picture+10.png" height="285" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Beauty Boutique Duo Bag - £5</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Available from Asda </span><a href="http://direct.asda.com/Beauty-Boutique-Duo-Bag-Set/004671655,default,pd.html?dual=0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">online</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> and in store</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjjx24EWwT-LDI1lzS5pDeIBImXr3fsFZjBYnbhCZ4u3JoEF7yMv6cVrq0o5CF7TqgaSG0BrLy5T5EU2t4YkWP4yCinzz4E8ptRmHyJnMz5EnRxqKV-tjw0a4spRx8fwOwBrbUoiiMdQ/s1600/Picture+9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjjx24EWwT-LDI1lzS5pDeIBImXr3fsFZjBYnbhCZ4u3JoEF7yMv6cVrq0o5CF7TqgaSG0BrLy5T5EU2t4YkWP4yCinzz4E8ptRmHyJnMz5EnRxqKV-tjw0a4spRx8fwOwBrbUoiiMdQ/s1600/Picture+9.png" height="310" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">George Red Christmas Mug - £2</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Available from Asda </span><a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/george-home/George-Home-Red-Cocoa-Mug/001471450,default,pd.html?dual=0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">online</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> and in store</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">GWR Chopstick Challenge - £5</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Available from Wilkos <a href="http://www.wilko.com/invt/0404924">online</a> and in store</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Barely Bath Pearl Bauble - £1</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Available from Wilkos <a href="http://www.wilko.com/invt/0400256">online</a> and in store</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Reindeer Sweater Necklace - £3</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Available from </span><a href="http://www.cherrydiva.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/reindeer-sweater-necklace"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cherry Diva</span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Dinosaur That Pooped Christmas by McBusted's Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter - £4</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Available from </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Dinosaur-That-Pooped-Christmas/dp/1849417792/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1417179626&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> and other good bookstores</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Moustache Nail File - £2</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Available at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.boots.com/en/NPW-Moustache-Nail-File-Pink_1489388/">Boots</a> online and in selected stores</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yankie Candle Gift Box - £2.99</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Available at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Yankee-Candle-Gift-Boxes-Votives_1505615/">Boots</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">online and in selected stores</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmCOURCBGyvbefe_jCmwcNomAWwKvlBt25Ek00aNVPAiBNul4gv4CmrRpv9yttA3Gep2k99ghZHbZ0scj2-pjw9XvEX2IpG8nLhSDc-24ZSs8IwLICSeACGWmL1UpavCw0vW7Bcno1_U/s1600/Picture+8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmCOURCBGyvbefe_jCmwcNomAWwKvlBt25Ek00aNVPAiBNul4gv4CmrRpv9yttA3Gep2k99ghZHbZ0scj2-pjw9XvEX2IpG8nLhSDc-24ZSs8IwLICSeACGWmL1UpavCw0vW7Bcno1_U/s1600/Picture+8.png" height="318" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">NPW Chubby Glitter Stick in Silver - £4</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Available at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://NPW Chubby Glitter Stick Silver 16g">Boots</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">online and in selected stores</span></div>
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BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-70133132382782540412014-11-27T09:00:00.000+00:002014-11-27T09:00:07.648+00:00Random Acts of Kindness for Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This year I thought for Advent I would do something a little different. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So I have decided that for each day of Advent I will do something that will spread the Christmas cheer and benefit other people.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I know that I have mentioned before that I work incredibly hard and for long hours over December to make sure that magazines and newspapers are printed in time for the festive period. You know those TV pages that seem to come round earlier each year? Yep, some of that is me. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For the children I have found a list of ideas of Christmas activities. With a mix different ideas for good turns and festive crafty bits too. </span></div>
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BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-4538747118541650472014-11-26T09:00:00.000+00:002014-11-26T09:00:04.664+00:00What BeeBee Made: Cheat's Flapjack <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes you need something sweet, but you just don't feel like baking. This is perfect for those moments. There are just 3 ingredients, I don't think anything except rice krispie treats could be easier.</div>
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Ingredients<br />
350g museli<br />
130g butter<br />
130g dairy toffees</div>
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Over a low heat in a medium-size pan melt the butter and toffees.</div>
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Remove from heat and mix well to combine. Add the museli and stir well.</div>
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Add the sticky mixture to a lined square cake tin (or brownie pan) and press down well (I line with extra strong foil - minimal washing up!).</div>
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Leave the flapjack to cool in the fridge for a couple of hours.</div>
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Cut into 12 fingers and serve.
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BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-679111454459217282014-11-25T09:15:00.000+00:002014-11-25T09:15:15.458+00:00What BeeBee Wants: The ShoeZone Want List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's that time of year again. The weather is turning and my office are heading into a month long casual clothing frenzy. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here in rural East Yorkshire we have been getting off quite lightly weather wise this year. I'm obviously not including the floods that got my home town media coverage and it's own floodwatch account on Facebook! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've only broken my coat out for work this week. The last week in November! It has been crazy warm, even in the office (again not something I'm used to as until recently I sat in sub-zero like conditions).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, as a person with giant man-sized feet I have few outlets for reasonably priced seasonal fashion shoes. I don't always want to pay over the odds for a party shoe I know I'll only wear a handful (footful?) of times. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And as you all know I also have a habit of getting bored, very quickly, with most things. So here are a few of my favourite titbits from Shoe Zone. All available in Size 9!!!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcAXP-i3WkonWyaADNrgga_WPf7TADHN_HsK3XCNvd-oGW_a4CRIT9n-TUWTp4RKOwPNBQIOX6elcoWd1Kf_TIBikIbyOjucRhMb44whbr9n9fwtxS8qs2aFrDYh9Hz2rI5-F-PJDMsY/s1600/Picture+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcAXP-i3WkonWyaADNrgga_WPf7TADHN_HsK3XCNvd-oGW_a4CRIT9n-TUWTp4RKOwPNBQIOX6elcoWd1Kf_TIBikIbyOjucRhMb44whbr9n9fwtxS8qs2aFrDYh9Hz2rI5-F-PJDMsY/s1600/Picture+3.png" height="312" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have my eye on these as a walking to the office in comfort-type boot. In the last few years boots that have been inspired by the Ugg/Emu trend have been massive, however the soles haven't been upto much. Leading to wet feet and a lean on! This firm soul with grips look like they could over come the leaf mulch on the paths quiet nicely and not shy away from a puddle or two. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyb1lJL2W_BfOAW7ILnS1L6KrvFSbPl6-HN7bhgROuS1SLebUO56DrzVGCYc87O8W9wFdUqqdkHhIyaRWuU4muN8TihPQGalfwoKFVhwgbIcoVudlxc4mV5H5bCn14-hEwRkmAxD3Qqk/s1600/Picture+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyb1lJL2W_BfOAW7ILnS1L6KrvFSbPl6-HN7bhgROuS1SLebUO56DrzVGCYc87O8W9wFdUqqdkHhIyaRWuU4muN8TihPQGalfwoKFVhwgbIcoVudlxc4mV5H5bCn14-hEwRkmAxD3Qqk/s1600/Picture+4.png" height="296" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I love a good canvas shoe. However, I don't always want to wear high tops. This will match perfectly with my black jeans and Xmas jumpers/t-shirts I have for the office and other casual events next month. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnArsdtalJTHbNqiNs92D5LnTrDhVTqEMzIlZCjjQr8PlS7O9WdQErn6LgGDtVzrUT3ZyjKm0JrC61jOeuunQP9jNKw4TKMM_kJPqikYwdf6JtOqDNkOpUQL7TAkxvYHiPrdN8Cvy8fgY/s1600/Picture+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnArsdtalJTHbNqiNs92D5LnTrDhVTqEMzIlZCjjQr8PlS7O9WdQErn6LgGDtVzrUT3ZyjKm0JrC61jOeuunQP9jNKw4TKMM_kJPqikYwdf6JtOqDNkOpUQL7TAkxvYHiPrdN8Cvy8fgY/s1600/Picture+5.png" height="302" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">These are my go to style for a party shoe. At 5'11" I don't need the extra added height, and when you spend most of the night on the dance floor why not do it in comfort! I would pair this with either a green dress or a spangly bag for the party season. </span></div>
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<br />BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-51631232711906978402014-11-24T12:46:00.000+00:002014-11-24T21:54:38.272+00:00Doing Things For MeIt has taken it's time, but I am finally feeling more able to do things for me.<br>
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My whole life I have put myself way down the line of things that need my attention. </div>
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This blog does help in a small way. </div>
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Saying that much of what I do for myself, entails me doing things for other people. </div>
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Being able to step outside of being a mum or even an office worker (and the office I work in is not the most normal of places).<br>
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This time of year can become all consuming. Christmas is the busiest time of the year in my office without a shadow of a doubt. We work at an accelerated rate from October and through November, then once December arrives overtime is here too.<br>
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God bless newspapers and magazines and all those who read them.<br>
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Then there is home. Christmas with 2 kids, in the same play, in the same school. Who, just for a change want different things.<br>
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So right now, just for a change, I'm doing things for me. I went to that Casino Night event. I embraced the terror of going to Leeds on a train on my own, and the nerves accompanied with going to an event on my own.<br>
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I have a couple of Christmas crafty courses coming up. I have started a Crafty Coffee Morning so people can come for a coffee and bring their knitting or crochet or quilling... I think you get the gist. As a project it's only new, but hopefully month after month it will pick up in popularity.<br>
<br>A perfect opportunity to have a cuppa, a chat and enjoy some crafts. </div><div><br></div><div><br>
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BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-66309604399010226032014-11-21T09:00:00.000+00:002014-11-21T09:00:08.017+00:0010 Facts by Meme<br />
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BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-8197834225671490562014-11-20T09:00:00.000+00:002014-11-20T09:00:09.477+00:00Bullying, Body Shaming and Trolls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I will put my hands up now and say I have never watched TOWIE, nor have I seen any of this series of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I do, however, need to keep up with who is in them for my day job. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Since the rumours of Gemma Collins entering the jungle started there has been some awful things written about her. Both by professionals looking to shock and by the public looking to be noticed. By the time she entered the Jungle they were deafening and hard to ignore.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Why do people think it's okay to shout, type and publish abuse purely based on someone's appearance? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I don't know Ms Collins, but from the bits that I have read she's not the happiest of bunnies. Nor is she the most secure within herself. Putting herself in a position to be watched 24/7 was a brave one, just not a position she had thought through entirely. I doubt it was the cameras being on her that created her decision to leave within 3 days of the programme starting, as Gemma would already be used to cameras following her, so much as being worn down by circumstance. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Gemma has also been vilified for that most heinous of crimes; being hungry, and talking about it, with her other contestants. She is very much a glamour puss. Likes to look just so. This, in my opinion, is like a mask or a disguise. Something she can control and hide behind. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the jungle this bit of her has been torn away. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Before she flew off to Australia she did an interview with Closer magazine, in which she described being shouted at down the street, or when she was driving her car. She wanted this experience to change people's perception of her. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Speaking to Closer before the launch she said: ‘I was meant to lose weight before I went in the jungle, but I couldn’t stop eating, so losing weight once I am in there will be great!’ </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“I’d certainly consider having a holiday romance. Why not? I’m a single girl.” </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Gemma also seemed to think that the magic key would have been to lose a significant amount of weight while she was on camera. Here I think was her main crux. She is obviously not happy within herself. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“Hopefully I’ll walk out of the jungle in three weeks’ time with my head sorted out, my heart repaired and I’ll be 3st lighter. I’d be so happy.”</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I don't know what type of 'sorting' out she would be able to get emotionally, and I doubt that she expected to be banished to the 'Celebrity Slammer' either. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Less we forget, this is not a hardened adventurer or a scout/guide. Gemma is a boutique owner and a clothing designer (who has some lovely ranges). She was never going to just sail by. And the timing of the series for her personally was really bad. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">All this being said it is never right to abuse someone for how they look. Whether they be tall, short, fat, thin, top heavy, basically concave. It's just not right. If it was religion or the colour of a person's skin being vilified charges would probably be being brought against those who shared their thoughts for hate crimes. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm not on my high horse just because I am one of the groaning many who are unhealthily obese and much bigger than is recommended. I am though able to understand where this poor lady is right now. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have been in the street and been jeered at for daring to exercise. I have been accosted and touched up on night's out. Even on my wedding day a stranger came up to me and told me I should have lost weight for my wedding. She never even asked my name, or said congratulations. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But it doesn't matter what size you are, when your favourite jeans don't fit you still get that pit of your stomach feeling. You begin to question what you have left that you can wear. The problem is when it is then expressed, frequently and publicly by strangers that what you already know begins to drag you down. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Remember over all that every one in these new breeds of Reality TV are actually real people, no matter how cartooney and over-inflated and confident they appear on their show. </span><br />
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BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-74934459738830847122014-11-19T10:39:00.002+00:002014-11-19T10:39:57.302+00:00What I Ate Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkv0pJDEN-dTfusUDUJXWpjSF6iXQFNWNhX8SLz2MOKWG2ZhqMOAc8hJuinUtEH7kzf4AqL04RfxXM4sxyINUApF63e1HAyoI6UYgrWvCYkpMjP1FNj-fxFjNC0C0a8EkL97fyAZq2sg/s1600/IMG_20141118_095505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkv0pJDEN-dTfusUDUJXWpjSF6iXQFNWNhX8SLz2MOKWG2ZhqMOAc8hJuinUtEH7kzf4AqL04RfxXM4sxyINUApF63e1HAyoI6UYgrWvCYkpMjP1FNj-fxFjNC0C0a8EkL97fyAZq2sg/s1600/IMG_20141118_095505.JPG" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's another busy week, and I'm finding it really difficult to get up in a morning. When time is precious I have a habit of reaching for a friend egg sandwich. Warm, full of protein and has a smattering of tomato sauce in there too. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lunch was homemade veggie chilli with wholegrain rice and a bit of cheese. (mmm cheese)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You can also see my diet coke habit is still in force. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbjpwudKVlj82RvsAvkgJmBPQM0LOv-CEJMG8r7AQse3UY6cRx25fy1NrrIyN2vAqbBfWRGg09LcL0Dy1ovfjmv5TAsjesj_8Mr9jjbQDudxS6_wnBgcLJDk2V0B48_hebefOuR67asU/s1600/DSC_0334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiB7xfg9ftP4vpqVy2CkoCpFM_hSfgpEriIYLsCgnDQkSfQnxw27-jQDlSr1G6H3rabaiQbvajMUlaJacTpKo-OGVrGiswK7DdzsgtHuGgpnd4rsPV7PSuI-_6imFiX6MioHJgQVE21o/s1600/DSC_0336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiB7xfg9ftP4vpqVy2CkoCpFM_hSfgpEriIYLsCgnDQkSfQnxw27-jQDlSr1G6H3rabaiQbvajMUlaJacTpKo-OGVrGiswK7DdzsgtHuGgpnd4rsPV7PSuI-_6imFiX6MioHJgQVE21o/s1600/DSC_0336.JPG" height="640" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Throughout the day I have been drinking my current favourite coffee Ginger Bread by Beanies - I add half a tsp of brown sugar and a glug of milk for a perfect autumnal hot drink.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I spied this yesterday in the Co-Operative next to my office, mmm nutella choc dip. Yummy!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Vo_UhP_NcOIgjCAN10sWjAnej0sBm0qR17MIAzqml5pcTIjetzFVCiJHTl_SFxSt3VrpSe8xn3cJ8cIi06fak1CgvxzLSEl3PLKWcYorHvQsp9Ao2lhxLh9mzZmmjc_Cnenz0EJwYcw/s1600/DSC_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Vo_UhP_NcOIgjCAN10sWjAnej0sBm0qR17MIAzqml5pcTIjetzFVCiJHTl_SFxSt3VrpSe8xn3cJ8cIi06fak1CgvxzLSEl3PLKWcYorHvQsp9Ao2lhxLh9mzZmmjc_Cnenz0EJwYcw/s1600/DSC_0339.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tea is courtesy of my hubby, chicken curry and white long-grain rice. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's not been the healthiest day. But it has been a tasty one. </span></div>
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<br />BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8937888528292121749.post-46502020561205687472014-11-18T09:00:00.000+00:002014-11-18T09:00:04.015+00:00Stick or Twist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4qO5pG9gj8Q/VGjkBtmySzI/AAAAAAAAFuc/pTATvIYWkpw/s1600/bgomeetup%2B-%2B2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4qO5pG9gj8Q/VGjkBtmySzI/AAAAAAAAFuc/pTATvIYWkpw/s1600/bgomeetup%2B-%2B2" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">While I've been on hiatus and beavering away in more than one fashion, I was given the fabulous opportunity to learn how to play Roulette and Black Jack by the lovely people at </span><a href="https://www.bgo.com/vegas" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">bgo.</span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I grabbed my bag, and camera is disappeared off to Leeds for the evening, at the White Cloth Gallery. I lovely little bar/event room near the train station. I'd have been happy to just wander round there for a couple of hours looking at the photographs on display.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGtPTHnF05EbhyQerr3T-LFkKOH7X959uspGAEXsvMsG5BJipH5PSb9eidtUukpHrC1I_UYp6GDcr7HTrUgZhFaR0D1rLuamIuS0afpHF0Kt1YSsoVBsan3cySdYWZbNQCRAh18P9UM8/s1600/IMG_9209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGtPTHnF05EbhyQerr3T-LFkKOH7X959uspGAEXsvMsG5BJipH5PSb9eidtUukpHrC1I_UYp6GDcr7HTrUgZhFaR0D1rLuamIuS0afpHF0Kt1YSsoVBsan3cySdYWZbNQCRAh18P9UM8/s1600/IMG_9209.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">No, that's not what I was there for. Along with a handful of other bloggers I was ushered into a gallery that they had turned into a casino for the evening. With two Black Jack tables and a Roulette wheel.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij63B1-JytmhibSkOzgmD8_GjxYbs_5kSnD8aaovf06fI2rHQ0wa-q87o2xZyFY-I-jhEpqo93snCW1qfoLZFfdE1l6cfvQhJ1aUGDTur8SqVH6A5CDAs5i6NIxjDy2ND6DKPH4HLc8gE/s1600/IMG_9213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij63B1-JytmhibSkOzgmD8_GjxYbs_5kSnD8aaovf06fI2rHQ0wa-q87o2xZyFY-I-jhEpqo93snCW1qfoLZFfdE1l6cfvQhJ1aUGDTur8SqVH6A5CDAs5i6NIxjDy2ND6DKPH4HLc8gE/s1600/IMG_9213.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was given a lesson in how to place bets, sheer luck when it comes to Roulette. However, if you put your chips on a single number the payout is greater than if you edge your bets and choose either 'red' or 'black' or top/middle/bottom third. I found the pace of this game slow. There was a lot of waiting around and there didn't seem to be much of a buzz. Although some people seemed to make a lot of money there very quickly.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I much preferred the Black Jack tables.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There is a certain pace, I'm certain that there was something in the fact I got paired with a sarcastically funny dealer with quick wit and a questioning manner. Black Jack is practically the same game I played as a child with my grandfather, oddly often while mum was altering dresses for a croupiers at a casino in hull. I remember the dresses as long slinky black numbers with a diamante encrusted diamond at the cleavage. It made me think that all casinos were glamorous places filled with the beautiful people.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Never did it occur to me that those inside the casinos would be playing 21s/pontoon or whatever else it was called.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <img alt="Displaying IMG_9262.JPG" class="aLF-aPX-J1-J3" height="400" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=33c2e71998&view=fimg&th=149af5391857cacc&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ8lb-BQISx8Q9o5j-PhWwqVK3b0nkgD_TlIf_SbF2k2huHZh4nXFKnKQYBGJllFGVAP8oxJ5IfxuXrqy3zAbLOqy9fYxvQEAWRioKkhBosSEmHam0aipJ8IjaU&ats=1416165882200&rm=149af5391857cacc&zw&sz=w918-h749" width="266" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There also appears to be a little bit more skill to Black Jack, being able to decide if you are going to risk what card is to be added to your waning hand. I must admit, when playing with someone else's money I did have a go big or go home attitude and had both big wins and big losses.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I can honestly see where the addiction part comes in.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It was a fantastic evening, and hope that I get to repeat it again. It was also nice to meet other bloggers from the Yorkshire region, albeit still a little bit distant from me in the little ol'east Riding.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had to sneak off at the end of the night so missed who won the prizes. Again I'd like to thank bgo for a fantastic night, and for teaching me a new skill - and that I really am best avoiding the Roulette table at the Office Christmas Party! </span><br />
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<br />BeeBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04005934105314280140noreply@blogger.com1