Tuesday 28 February 2012

Slightly Distracted

I'm not going to lie - my mind has been on other things. To save you from the generic 'update' post filling you in on the mundane goings on of day-to-day life, I'm going instead to leave you with a sneak peek into what's been on this diary writer's mind. Featuring prominently are; imminent birthday surprises for the other half, longing for another trip to India (chai served in a steel cup brings back a million memories) and, as ever, trailing the best desserts in town. Details to follow. Until then, wishing you the best week possible.


xxx


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P.S. In case you were wondering what the good news is…. well I sort of got a new job, pretty quick too. And… I've started hearing back for summer placements too. Fingers crossed.

Thursday 23 February 2012

Monday 20 February 2012

Why Think Twice?

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It's funny, sometimes, how we only realise the value of something when we're about to lose it or give it up. I handed in my resignation at work last week, fed up of the repetitive, robotic nature of the task. The six month itch is coming to be a recurrent event in my life. How ironic, then, that the day immediately after I've resigned is my most pleasant shift at work yet; the most challenging, and engaging, requiring more than mindless shelf-filling and customer-serving of me? Oh the irony. But I suppose it's onwards and upwards really - following hundreds of job searches, tens of applications and a fair few responses, I have another offer on the table before I've even left the last; as mum would say, we've one life, so why think twice?


Speaking of giving things up - it's pancake Tuesday tomorrow. What is everyone giving up for Lent?


xxx

Wednesday 15 February 2012

A Better Day

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Don’t you think sometimes, that the small pleasures in life are vastly underrated? Like a really tasty cocktail (Granny Smith Apple Martini, in case you’re curious), some super-slurpy spaghetti after a long day at work or a special breakfast yogurt that just sets you up for the day? When you’re feeling down and out, when things are changing faster than you can fathom, it’s definitely these small things that lend a helping hand. Wishing you all a Happy Friday.

xxx

One Disgruntled Shopper

Dear Supermarkets, Retailers and All Card-Gift Sellers alike,

Why have you wheeled off and hidden away all your lovely romantic Valentine’s Day stock already, when we’re not even a measly day gone? What about us girls who love coming in for the gorgeous roses that were not taken home on February 14th or wish to buy ourselves a cuddly Boofle bear? YES a day late. And what? There is usually plenty of Christmas gift wrap and pudding left on December 26th if I may say so myself. I daresay you count yourselves lucky that this time round I've a wonderful boyfriend who spoilt me in the nick of time else I’d have been one bereft, flowerless girl this February. Next time, I suggest you consider carefully the consequence of your actions; this incessant rush to keep merchandising up to date is frankly getting ridiculous. I mean I’m sure Easter Eggs wouldn’t mind waiting an extra day or two before they get prime place in your store. Think on it.


Yours sincerely,


Disgruntled (and frankly rather disappointed) Sale-Searching Shopper.


P.S. I suggest you all send thanks to Marks & Spencer’s who, really, saved my day.

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Tuesday 14 February 2012

V-Day

As much as I hope it’s not the only day we tell our loved one how much they mean to us.... how can we possibly pass up on such a beautiful excuse to do so? Happy Valentines’s Day to you all.


xx


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Saturday 11 February 2012

Cold Nights, Cocktails, Cuddles & Cake

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Sometimes, when things around us are changing too fast or too soon, there's solace in knowing that some things in life are constant; family, friends, the person you love - and I know I'm lucky because any time I'm facing upheaval, I have a lovely bunch of people on hand who see me through thick and thin. I'll be honest with you, I'm never more than a phone call away from a good cocktail, conversation, cuddle or slice of cake. What more, in the way of comfort, can a girl really ask for?


It's been a pretty good week, albeit a little long and tiring. A lot is changing around me too but I have 'reading week' (not sure it's even okay to call it that, not an awful lot of reading tends to go on) to look forward to now. No lectures, just time to catch up and chill out. And, judging by the pictures, to scout out new spots for fudge cake as well. Stay tuned. For now though, happy Saturday to you all, happy blog anniversary to me and a heartfelt thank you for sticking by me for a whole year. It means the world.


xxx

Thursday 9 February 2012

The Valentine Issue

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I have pretty mixed feelings about Valentine's Day this year; up until now I've always been rather cynical. Don't get me wrong, of course I was always [in denial about being] envious of the girls whose boyfriends' serenaded and spoilt them with cuddly me-to-you's, elegant rose arrangements and gorgeous red underwear and I'd totally be lying if I said I don't go out on 15th February (yes, I'm cheap! And what?!) to treat myself to the things I've never really been bought before. You see, the thing that bothers me, really, is the idea that the only time you feel able to show your partner you love them is on a day mandated by the greeting card industry. I mean whatever the hell happened to spontaneity, a bouquet of flowers or a "you mean the world to me" card that came for no reason at all? And this is me before I've even started on the ridiculously expensive set menus ‘for two' that are usually forced down in an over-crowded restaurant crammed full with other couples spending exactly the same factory-line Valentine's Day as you.


Forgive me though because despite my cynicism, this year I'm actually teetering on celebrating this over-hyped, hyper-commercialised day. I suppose we could put that down to my playing for the other team now; I find all the garish red paraphernalia more endearing than enraging. My only point, though, is that we at least seek to celebrate with some originality, some individuality away from the masses. I know, just from speaking to close guy friends, that their intention on Valentine's Day is only to bring a smile. So who am I to deprive their other halves of the joy of a heartfelt gift? Guys - going out there and spending £100 on the perfect posy might be your only option at 5.45pm on February 13th but how about some forward planning to piece together a day you both won't forget? Here are a few of my Valentine's favourites this year; as for what I have planned… well, for risk of it being read, I'm just going to have to fill you in on the 15th.


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I love this Swarovski ‘Charmed Pendant’ (47 GBP) that allows for the attachment of charms to create a unique necklace each time you wear it. It’s something that will be treasured for years to come and can be added to each occassion. Perfect.


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Cupcakes, anyone?


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xxx

Tuesday 7 February 2012

Reflection

It's been a funny few days; cosy, but cut off. As it comes up to one year since I first started writing here, I've found myself feeling rather reflective about what has changed in my life between then and now. A new job, a new university and a new course; many friends, a renewed sense of purpose and above all, the person I hope I'll spend the rest of my life with. To say a lot has changed would be an understatement, but despite everything, it has definitely changed for the better. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I'm going to leave you with these; my snuggly, smiley, snow days summed up. I'll be back soon, potentially with an Orange Wednesday to share this week - but until then, it's over and out. Happy Tuesday to you all.


xxx


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Monday 6 February 2012

Snowed Out

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And if you haven't had enough talking about the snow already…. well here I am to carry right on. I love snow days. Don't you love snow days? The whole snowed in-snowed out saga, either trapped at home or stranded a far, the feeling of displacement and distraction from routine…don't you just love it? Personally, I prefer being snowed out. Pretty easily done as well seeing as I live a hermit's life in a hilltop village. The first few flakes fall and all road transport grinds to a halt. Snow really does have a peculiar effect in a country where it's unfamiliar. Transport disruption and laughable footwear aside, it has a pleasingly calming influence on the pace of life.

Love snow, or hate snow, it's an undeniable bringer of peace; a blanket of serenity; a pause in otherwise rush. I definitely feel more rested than I have in a long time. How about you, any interesting/funny snow stories?


xxx

Friday 3 February 2012

To Eat, To Drink, To See

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So when you're having one of those weeks, y’know, spirits are sagging, workload is rising and you're generally just freaking out, I like to think the best way is to succumb; feel sorry for yourself, it's okay, find what comforts you and do what it takes to make yourself feel that little bit pampered. I reckon I have it all sussed when it comes to pick-me-ups if I'm honest…and if we're going with the pictures, those pick-me-ups would be food (cannelloni), food (chocolate - what else?!) and drink (alcoholic of course) for me. The boyfriend seems to have me worked out too - we’ve had the nicest few meals this week including the cannelloni you see sitting there so seductively, and round two at the Waffle House. I know, I KNOW, I have been on about this spot non-stop and I'm yet to give you more information. So here it is, this weeks To Eat, To Drink, To See.


To Eat - In case you hadn't yet gathered, the Waffle House really is my place of choice right now. With it's scenic watermill setting at the foot of Verulamium Park, it's not hard to see why it would be ideal for lazy summer brunches - but it is quite surprising that it works so well in the winter too, with it's snug, quaint decor and 16th century beams. The waffles are so hot, wholesome and hearty that spoonful after luscious spoonful works wonders to comfort a slightly bereft heart. Enough said, if you don't like sweet, they do savoury but if you're a true waffle fiend, there's plentiful variety of the sweet sort. The prices are fair, service is smiley, tea is lovely and atmosphere is cozy. I'd recommend trying every single waffle. Check it out here:


http://www.wafflehouse.co.uk/st-albans.html


(A friend mentioned her wish to be married at the Cathedral and have the reception party at the Waffle House… definitely tempted to pinch that idea!)


To Drink - The best thing about being a student is that you can get away with a sneaky drink at (almost) any time of day - 3x afternoon shots this week = a very happy Seema by the time she gets home. Current favourites are the June Bug (Chiquito's and TGI's both kick-ass) and the Woo Woo. Alternate with shots of tequilas and you're well enroute to warmth and happiness. ;)


To See - As tempting as it can be to catch the latest movies at the cinema, sometimes time restraints make it impossible (You may have noticed that I've pretty much given up on Orange Wednesdays). Plus it's not exactly tempting to freeze your a** off in the air conditioning when it's already -1 outside. Solution? Come home ('happy' of course) and bundle up in bed to watch a classic; there's nothing quite like discovering a movie with your favourite actor that you've never seen before; for me, those actors would be Julia Roberts, Will Smith and Jennifer Aniston. Runaway Bride anyone….?


Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.


xxx


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Thursday 2 February 2012

The Five Regrets

I'm tempted to apologise for my inactivity in this little space of mine - I never intend to be away for more than a few days but I realise that sometimes, just sometimes, life does tend to get in the way. In between work and university and commuting and chores and general homey duties, it can, actually, be pretty tough to find a spare second. I'm not going to lie - of late, I've been having one too many of those classic freak out moments. You know when you've spent your whole life telling people "when I'm older I'm going to…" and it suddenly hits you that you've arrived at 'older'. You're there, you've grown up and you haven't even done half of what you wanted or expected to have? In hindsight, I realise that whilst growing up, we looked through specs tinted with naivety, innocence and expectation that showed us a world filled with only wonder and promise; and we itched to grow up and get out there. We couldn’t see a parents' worry about how ends will meet at the end of the month, neither were we aware of wars or famines that ravaged far thrown locales of our very own planet. We knew nothing of heartache, heartbreak or disappointment. We were blissfully, yet so excusably, oblivious.


I came across this article on Paulo Coelho's blog a while back and that's what I want to share with you today. Coelho's writing is inspiring - jaw-droppingly so - in the way it motivates you to disregard all inhibition and hindrance and answer your own heart fearlessly.


http://paulocoelhoblog.com/2011/06/23/regrets/


That's all from me, for now. Happy Thursday to you all.


xxx


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