Our weekly meal plan! 31st March - 6th April #MealPlanningMonday

Monday again, they seem to come around so quickly and it's the last day of March too. The past month has flown over! It feels like spring is really here, we are having more warmer days than chilly one's, the sun is shining more and the days are getting longer now that the clocks have changed.

Last weeks meal plan went great, we everything but I did swap a couple of meals around as on Monday my plans changed and I was busier than I thought I would be, that's life though. I use my meal plan more of a guide of what we are eating rather than it being set in stone.

I don't know what I have on this week, the only plan I do have is that I am meeting up with a friend for a catch up. I've just realised Ellie has this week at college and then breaks up for Easter on Friday. I always forget how long the Easter break is, she doesn't go back to college until the end of April, it seems such a long time and after that exam season hits and it won't seem long until she finishes college for the academic year.

On the menu this week we have:

Monday - Gousto meal - Sausage Rolls, Herby Potatoes & Chilli Chutney.

Tuesday - A help ourselves evening. I will be busy during the day and my family all have plans so it will be easier if we all made our own meals when we are ready to eat.

Wednesday - Gousto meal - Herb-Crusted Roast Pork With Apple Sauce And Garlicky Gravy. We have had herb crusted chicken before but not the pork, I am looking forward to this.

Thursday - Gousto meal - Bolognese Ragu Sauce With Fresh Tagliatelle. I got as far as asking my family if they wanted Bolognese and they all said yes, they love anything Bolognese.

Friday - Pizza.

Saturday - Gousto meal - Sausage, Egg & Cheese Bap With Spicy Ketchup.

Sunday - A roast dinner of some sort.

 What are you eating this week?

A photo every day for a year! 23rd - 29th March! Week 13 of #Project365

Happy Sunday and happy Mother's Day to you all. I hope all you mums, grandmas and mother figures are being spoiled rotten. Sending love and hugs to you who find today difficult. We also had the treat of the clocks changing early this morning which seems a little unfair having an hour less of Mother's Day but it does mean the days will get longer so that's a good thing.

I've had a great weekend so far, we went to see my dad on Friday and had a fun few hours with him and then we all got dressed up and went for a meal and to watch a singer in the local pub. It was such a fun night, the food was amazing and the singer was great! Yesterday was a day catching up on the housework and today I am planning on doing very little, being waited on hand and foot by my girls. hehehe What do you have planned for today?

Now for a photo every day!

82/365 - 23rd March

Les Miserables on the TV. I have been fancying watching this again for ages and then remembered that Becky had Amazon Prime where it was free! I sung all the way through it.

83/365 - 24th March

I hadn't planned on buying a new phone but needed to as my old one stopped working properly. I am loving my new one and everything is a little bit better than my old one, the camera, the sound and the speed in which it works.

84/365 - 25th March

I wouldn't have said I was a fan of almond drinks but it turns out I am. I am loving this iced coffee one from Califia Farms.

85/365 - 26th March

I spotted this flower coming up through the concrete in my garden. It is a Grecian windflower according to an app that I use to identify plants and flowers, I would be lost without it.

86/365 - 27th March

Just me, enjoying some time in the garden. The weather has been mostly lovely this week. I have got plenty of washing dried on the line and some more weeding done.

87/365 - 28th March

We had a great night at the pub and the singer was fantastic. It was the same one that we saw on New Years Eve so we knew we were in for a good night.

88/365 - 29th March

Just the hazy sky yesterday morning. I would have liked a little lie in but everyone nearby was busy cutting their grass, doing DIY and making a lot of noise.

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This week my Word of the Week is: Phone! #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is:

Last week was all about how the kettle broke and this week it was all about my phone which decided to stop working like it should, Hmmf.

On Monday morning someone rang me and I could hear them but they couldn't hear me. They even tried ringing me on Facebook messenger and it was the same. I tried all sorts to fix it but nothing. Ugh! Stu took it to a phone shop in town and they said it looks like the microphone was broken and we were quoted £80 to fix it. It turns out there are 2 microphones in the phone one for calls and another for audio recording and to use with the speaker phone. It turns out that still works but I hate speaking on loudspeaker, it's not convenient so it wasn't good for me anymore.

My phone is a few years old, I got it at the end of May in 2021. I've dropped it plenty of times which probably hasn't helped the microphone and it's slow compared to what it used to be. I made a decision to get a new one and Stu went off to Argos to pick me one up. It is just an upgrade from my old Samsung Galaxy A12 to the A16.

I got my new phone just after 2pm and I was still setting it up at 6pm. I made the decision not to do the smart switch which transfers everything from my old phone to the new one. I wanted to start fresh. Worst decision ever!! I got it all done eventually but it was tedious especially when it came to setting it up and logging into all the apps that I use like my bank, energy supplier, our security cameras, Google, Instagram and so on.

My new phone is a little bigger but so much lighter than my old one. The camera is a little better and it is so much faster. I like it so far but I would have liked to have not have to buy a new one. Usually I wouldn't have rushed to buy a new phone but I had a couple of phone appointments which I've waited quite a while for, were important and I couldn't reschedule. I needed a phone which fully worked.

So my old phone, it turns out it's still useful. My dad is going to have it. His old phone is about 10 years old and only last week I was trying to make it run faster with little success. My dad never speaks properly on his phone, he always has it on loud speaker so it will be perfect for him. He refuses to buy a new one as he says they are too big but I am sure he will be happy with one given to him.

They say bad luck comes in three's and during the whole phone drama I didn't have to wait long to find something else broken. While Stu was out with my phone I went to ring him off the house phone, the house phone I probably haven't touched in about 3 months. lol It turns out that's not working either, no idea why. It's just stopped working, it's just not powering up despite us checking everything. It's about 15 years old and the only reason we still have a house phone was to stay in touch with my great aunt. We hardly use it since she passed away. The only time we do use it is to order a Chinese takeaway and last time it rang we all panicked and couldn't figure out what the sound was. lol

How has your week been? I hope you have had a good one! I am of course linking up with Anne who blogs at Raisie Bay for her Word of the Week linky!

What I have loved this week! Week 13. #FridayFavourites

I have had another busy week and it was made even busier by my phone, it stopped working. I had to get a new one as I had a couple of phone appointments which I couldn't rearrange, I spent most of Monday afternoon setting that up. Anyway, I have some favourites to share and they are all TV and movie related as I have watched a lot of great things over the last couple of weeks. I am of course linking up with Erika and Andrea to share them.

The Twister: Caught in the Storm - Netflix!

In May 2011, a massive tornado ripped through Joplin, Missouri. With pulse pounding first hand footage, this documentary goes inside a deadly twister.

This was so interesting, coming from a country where we don't really have storms and tornados like this it looks terrifying seeing the recorded footage and re-enactments. 161 people died in Joplin and the city was obliterated. It was very raw, very gritty but very heartfelt. I was touched by the stories and found myself crying.

The Electric State - Netflix!

Based on the graphic novel of the same name by Simon Stalenhag, the story takes place in a reimagined version of 1997. With humans isolated in their VR helmets and a continuing battle against a strange breed of monstruous drones in the wake of a technological meltdown, a teenage girl named Michelle and a robot travel the West Coast of the U.S in search of the girl's missing brother.

I imagined this was going to be a lot more serious than it was but I found myself laughing out loud quite a few times. It is a good family movie with a good story. I wouldn't rush to watch it again but I still enjoyed it. It had a nice message that people need to spend more time in real life and stop relying and being addicted to technology. Ironic coming from me writing a blog post about TV shows and movies.

Glee - Disney+!

A group of ambitious misfits try to escape the harsh realities of high school by joining a glee club headed by a passionate Spanish teacher.

Over the past couple of weeks Glee is what I have had on the TV for some background noise. Can you believe that it was 10 years ago this month since the last episode aired.

Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke - Disney+!

When popular vlogger Ruby Franke is arrested for child abuse in August 2023, it quickly becomes one of the biggest trending stories in America. For years, the Frankes’ YouTube channel had documented a wholesome, happy family life, with nearly 3 million subscribers tuning in at its peak. But as the cracks began to show, the family turned to counselor Jodi Hildebrandt for guidance – and rapidly found themselves trapped in a nightmare.

I had no idea about this family until I saw TikToks about Ruby Franke being arrested and didn't really follow the news about her so this documentary was all new to me. Wow! I was shocked by it all! How twisted and evil Ruby was and that Jodi! Her husband, I just wanted to shake him and tell him to wake up what was going on! I know he was brainwashed but come on! I just hope the kids are doing OK now.

Escape from Pretoria - Netflix!

Based on the real-life prison break of two political captives, Escape From Pretoria is a race-against-time thriller set in the tumultuous apartheid days of South Africa.

This is an old movie from 2020. I only watched this as it had Daniel Radcliffe in and all of his movies and shows are good. It was so interesting for me as I didn't know much about the Apartheid movement. The suspense was built throughout and had me on the edge of my seat at some points, there was no over acting it was just a simple but good prison break movie. Daniel radcliff did an excellent job of course and proves that he is more than just Harry Potter! 

American Murder: Gabby Petito - Netflix!

A young couple's cross country van journey, documented on social media, ends in tragedy when domestic violence shatters their seemingly perfect life; their story sparks a nationwide investigation and raises questions about family loyalty.

I had heard of Gabby Petito but knew nothing about what happened to her. It was so sad to see such a beautiful young lady like Gabby have her life snatched away but the story was told with such compassion by those who lived it.

Have you seen any of these shows or movies? What did you think?

Top 10 shows that I would like to see at the theatre!

Today Did you know today is World Theatre Day? It is the perfect time to celebrate the magic of live performances! The lights, the music, the energy! There’s nothing like the experience of a live show. Whether you're a long time theatre lover or someone who just wants to treat yourself to a night out theatre's up and down the country have a shows that will leave you wanting more! I am a sucker for musicals and these are the top 10 that I want to see! 

Les Miserables!

One of the most iconic musicals in theatre history, Les Miserables is a powerful retelling of Victor Hugo’s novel. Set against the backdrop of revolutionary France, this show features unforgettable songs like "I Dreamed a Dream," "On My Own," and "Do You Hear the People Sing?" A timeless classic that promises an emotional and theatrical experience like no other. I love watching the movie and I am always listening to the soundtrack!

Hamilton!

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton is a genre defying show that combines hip hop, jazz, R&B, and traditional musical theatre to tell the life story of Alexander Hamilton. With its fast paced delivery, brilliant choreography, and emotional depth, Hamilton is nothing short of revolutionary, both in its subject matter and its musical style. I was so late at getting into the hype about Hamilton, it was only after my youngest had been talking about it for months that I watched it off Disney+. 

The Lion King!

For a truly magical theatre experience, nothing compares to The Lion King. Disney’s stunning adaptation of the beloved animated film is a visual and auditory feast. The ingenious puppet work, colourful costumes, and stirring music by Elton John and Tim Rice make this a must see show for audiences of all ages.

Wicked!

If you’ve ever wondered about the witches of Oz, Wicked will answer those questions in a way you never imagined. This musical, which tells the story of Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (the Good Witch), is a whimsical, heartfelt, and emotional tale about friendship, power, and destiny, with songs like "Defying Gravity" that are guaranteed to stick with you. I never got the hype about Wicked until I saw the movie in the cinema and now I really want to see the live show!

Mamma Mia! 

Set on a Greek island, Mamma Mia! is a light hearted, fun filled celebration of ABBA's greatest hits. With its infectious energy, catchy tunes, and delightful storyline, this musical will have you singing along and tapping your feet from start to finish. It’s a perfect pick me up for anyone in need of some joy and laughter.

The Phantom of the Opera!

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera is the epitome of grandeur, romance and mystery. Set in the Paris Opera House, this dark yet passionate tale of unrequited love is known for its hauntingly beautiful score, spectacular set design, and unforgettable moments. “The Music of the Night” will leave you mesmerised.

Six!

In Six, the six wives of Henry VIII take centre stage to tell their own stories, reimagining history through modern pop music. With bold choreography, catchy songs, and an empowering storyline, this musical is fresh, vibrant and full of attitude. It’s a must see for fans of both history and modern musical theatre. I didn't know about this until my girls told me all about it and I have become obsessed with the soundtrack!

The Book of Mormon!

This one is a new one to me, I saw it being advertised on the TV as it was shown in Hull. Created by the minds behind South Park, The Book of Mormon is a satirical, irreverent and downright hilarious musical. It tells the story of two Mormon missionaries in Uganda and mixes crude humour with heart warming moments and a fantastic score. It’s not for the faint of heart but promises laughs from start to finish.

Chicago!

An oldie but a goodie! Chicago is a Broadway classic that brings the glitz and glamour of the Jazz Age to life. Set in the corrupt world of Prohibition era Chicago, the musical follows two women who find themselves in a murder trial, using the media to their advantage. With sizzling jazz tunes like "All That Jazz," this show is full of wit, style, and intrigue.

Frozen!

Disney's Frozen brings the beloved animated movie to life on stage. With its unforgettable songs, including “Let It Go,” and stunning visual effects, this show is a magical experience for all ages. The world of Arendelle is brought to vivid life with gorgeous costumes and a heart warming story of sisterly love.

What would you like to see at the theatre?

The Wednesday Hodgepodge! #9

It's Wednesday again which means it's time to join in with the Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond! Each week there are 6 questions, we answer and then link up. Simple!

1. Spring has officially sprung (in the northern hemisphere anyway)...did she roll in more like a lion or more like a lamb in your neck of the woods? What needs more of your attention in terms of a good spring clean this year - your house or your garden/yard? 

Spring began on Thursday and it was officially the warmest day of the year so far for 2025 here in England. Near London it reached reached 21.3C (70.3F) which is practically summer weather for people further up north like me. I said to my family that if the weather could be this temperature for the whole of the summer it would be fantastic. It wasn't too hot but was warm enough to go out without a jacket or cardigan.

If you would have asked me a few weeks ago where needed a spring clean I would have said the garden but we're on top of that now and it's looking very tidy. All the weeds have gone, the soil has been turned over and we've even cut the grass! With the sun shining more I have had more motivation to get things done and I have been working my way through the house giving it a deep clean so at the moment there is nothing needing a spring clean unless you count my dressing table. I really need to sort my make up, beauty products and wash my brushes!

2. What's put a spring in your step lately? 

This warmer weather, birds singing, lighter nights and we still have the clocks to change on Sunday so it will be even lighter on an evening, seeing the ice cream man driving around, having plans for the next month, trying new recipes, good things happening to good people that I know, my hay fever tablets helping my allergies and worrying less about things. 

3. When you were a kid, what was the best snack to find in your lunchbox? If you didn't do the lunchbox thing, tell us what was your favorite after school snack. 

It would have to be anything chocolate. Back when I was a kid there weren't the rules about lunchboxes that there are now. Not everything had to be healthy and we were allowed little treats but my mother would try to keep my lunchbox healthy by adding lots of fruit, healthy snacks and definitely no chocolate. It was a good day when my grandad would make my lunch and I would get a simple ham sandwich, some squares of cheese, a chocolate flavoured mousse or yoghurt, a chocolate bar of some sort (usually a Penguin, Club Bar or Kit-Kat), crisps and maybe a little packet of sweets. He would put a banana or apple in there just to make it look a bit better. hehehe

4. In what area of your life are you planting seeds? 

I am trying to get my girls to be more independent. I am planting little seeds in my girls heads that they have to be more independent and stop relying on me to tell them what to do and when to do it. I have brought this on my self by probably being too soft on them for the whole of their lives, picking up after them and helping a little too much but now they're older they need to stand on their own two feet a little more. It's just small things like my youngest asked what bus she should get to be somewhere at a certain time and I made her figure it out for herself. My eldest wondered why something she wanted to wear wasn't washed and dried so I pointed her in the direction of the washing machine. Eek! 

5. Why do you live where you do? Would you consider living somewhere else? Why or why not? 

Almost 6 years ago we moved from up in the North East of England to the middle of England. It was only 150 miles but it was such a big change. I did blog about it and there were lots of little reasons and one big one! To be closer to family but mostly my dad! He was 70 when we moved and he's not getting any younger so we wanted the girls to get to know him properly which they have and to make some memories, we have a lot of those. Since we moved family dramas have been sorted so we now have my brother and his family just up the road too.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Since I had the cold a couple of weeks ago I have found that I have lost the ability to sleep until my alarm clock goes off no matter what time it is set for, I am waking a good hour before it goes off. I have never been a morning person unless I am stressed and are worrying about something so this is new to me. I have no stresses and worries at the moment. I am writing this just after midday on Sunday because I didn't have a lie in like I used to, sleeping until at least half past ten on a Sunday. I was up just after 8am. I have got all my jobs done, our evening meal is on cooking and I am now wondering what I am going to do with the rest of my day! Getting up early is great but it does mean I have more time and I am struggling to know what to do with it since I feel like I have done everything that I need to. It's such a first world problem but it's what I am thinking!

How to celebrate Mother's Day on a budget!

It is Mother's Day here in the UK on Sunday and I am really looking forward to a day of getting spoilt from my girls. I am not fussed about the gifts, they are of course nice but it's the attention that they give me and the time I spend with them is worth more than anything money can buy. 

Love and gratitude doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag and here are some ideas to show appreciation for the mums, grandmas and the mother figures in our lives!

Breakfast in bed or a homemade meal!

There’s something special about waking up to the smell of a delicious breakfast made with love. A simple yet thoughtful homemade meal can go a long way. Even a cup of tea and a slice or two of toast is always greatly appreciated. If breakfast isn’t an option preparing her favourite lunch or dinner is just as meaningful. I love a day off from doing the cooking on Mother's Day and I am expecting the girls to make me at least a cup of tea and my lunch!

Personalised Handmade Gifts!

A gift made by hand often holds more sentimental value than anything shop bought. A heartfelt card, making a scrapbook filled with cherished memories or even writing a letter expressing your gratitude. I used to love the cards my girls made me while they were at school and they always meant more than the shop bought one's. I still have them all stored upstairs in the memory boxes.

A Thoughtful Memory Jar!

Create a memory jar filled with small notes recalling favourite moments, reasons you love her or inspiring quotes. Use colourful paper to make it extra special. She can read one whenever she needs a little pick me up making this a gift that keeps on giving. I have told my girls they need to do this for me but it's something they never quite get around to. I have said before they leave home they have to, just so I am not sad without them here. hehehe

A Relaxing Spa Day at Home!

Treat her to a spa like experience without the expensive price tag. Run a warm bubble bath with essential oils or a bath bomb, light some candles and play soothing music. When my girls were little Mother's Day was the one day where they would let me have a soak in the bath in peace, there were no knocks at the door or random questions being asked. Offer a DIY facial using natural ingredients like honey and yogurt or give her a gentle hand or foot massage. A cup of herbal tea or glass of fizz can add a luxurious touch.

Go for a Walk or Picnic!

Sometimes the simplest activities create the best memories. A walk through a beautiful park or along the beach can be the perfect way to spend quality time together. Pack some homemade snacks or a flask of tea and enjoy a lovely picnic outdoors.

Watch a Film or TV Series Together!

A cosy movie night or TV marathon with her favourite films or shows can be a lovely way to relax together. Make it extra special with homemade popcorn, comfy blankets and maybe even a cup of hot chocolate. I have already said that we are going to spend some time together and watch a film. I have chosen Mufasa as it is released on Disney+ later this week.

Do the Chores for Her!

A break from housework is a gift any mum would appreciate. Whether it’s washing up, doing the laundry or tidying the living room, taking on a few chores for the day can be a wonderful surprise. My girls have always done more around the house on Mother's Day and it is such a lovely treat to have a day off from the housework.

Create a Playlist of Meaningful Songs!

Put together a playlist of songs that remind you of her or that you know she loves. Whether it’s nostalgic tunes from her younger years or songs that make her smile, this personal touch will make her feel truly appreciated.

A DIY Afternoon Tea!

Instead of heading to an expensive cafe set up an afternoon tea at home. Bake some simple treats like scones or cupcakes, brew a pot of tea and arrange everything nicely on the table. Add a few fresh flowers for an extra touch of charm.

Simply Spend Time Together!

At the end of the day, the most valuable gift you can give is your time and attention. Whether it’s reminiscing over old photos, playing a board game or just having a heartfelt conversation, being present is what truly matters.

Mother’s Day isn’t about how much you spend, it’s about showing appreciation, love and gratitude. Sending love and hugs to you all that are without your mum's and find this time of year hard. 

What do you have planned for Mother's Day?

Our weekly meal plan! 24th - 30th March! #MealPlanningMonday

Monday has came around really quickly! I felt like last week I had so much going on, it was nothing to worry about. It was just a busy week, I do have them now and again. hehehe I argued with the printer several times throughout the week, why does it never print when I want it to but it behaves for my fella. Turns out the things I needed to print I didn't need after all but there were other forms to fill out, appointments to sort and admin tasks to do. Ugh! Adulting is really dull and tiresome sometimes.

Last weeks meal plan went really well. We ate just about everything. The Sri Lankan-Style Pork Patties With Sweet Potato Fries was the surprise hit of the week. Ellie said she didn't want that meal but was sat in the kitchen when I was making it and came around to the idea. It turns out she even likes sweet potato fries now. She has changed so much over the last 6 months or so and is eating so many things that she used to refuse. Ellie was never a picky eater but wasn't great with vegetables.

The warm weather this week made me think of barbeques and made me really fancy burgers in buns with fries and onion rings and that's what we had on Saturday evening, the Crispy Chicken Katsu Curry Burritos have been bumped to this week. We were all home and it's one of my families favourite meals so it felt like a real treat. 

On the menu this week we have:

Monday - Gousto meal - Hoisin Glazed Meatloaf With Crispy Potatoes.

Tuesday - Gousto meal - One Pot Minty Lamb & Potato Stew.

Wednesday - Gousto meal - Crispy Chicken Katsu Curry Burritos.

Thursday - Something simple, out of the freezer. I have a busy day and the girls can't give me a definite answer about what they are doing so I am making things easy on us all.

Friday - Scampi, chips and mushy peas.

Saturday - Pizza.

Sunday - No idea but I won't be cooking it with it being Mother's Day! I might even treat myself to an Indian takeaway as the rest of my family aren't keen on them.

 What are you eating this week?

A photo every day for a year! 16th - 22nd March! Week 12 of #Project365

This week has flown over! I have been busy with one thing or another so I am glad it's the weekend, yesterday I stayed in my pj's, only changing them when I went in the shower and I am planning on doing the same today. I have no plans at all apart from watching a couple of things off Netflix and Disney+.

This time last week we were gearing up to watch Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final! What a match and all week I have been seeing celebrations on social media. On Monday we even tuned into the North East news just to see how happy everyone was up north. My food shop was delivered by a lovely lady and we had a good chat about the football because she picked up on my North Eastern accent, she was from near Newcastle too but moved down here for her husbands work. 

Now for a photo every day!

75/365 - 16th March

I caught the sun going down and it got me thinking it will be an hour later this time next week with the clocks changing on the 30th. It does seem a bit unfair though, we get an hour less for Mother's Day. Hmmf!

76/365 - 17th March

Aunt Bessie was helping me out with our evening meal. We had Toad in the Hole, mashed potato and veg. I cheated even more and cooked these in the air fryer, they came out perfectly with the Yorkshire pudding mix fully rising.

77/365 - 18th March

It was a good washing day, I got 3 loads out and dried on the line. I did have a couple of panics when there were a couple of bee's buzzing around. Have the bees been taking steroids while they were away for the winter, they're huge at the moment. I don't mind bee's much but I am hoping the wasps haven't increased in size this year! Eek!

78/365 - 19th March

My seeds were delivered. I was going to start planting them but I think I am going to give it a few more days, we still had frost on a morning during the week. I know they will be in my little greenhouses but I want to give them the best chance to grow.

79/365 - 20th March

We all love Cadbury Creme Egg's here but I am the only one to love these cake bars. My family have all refused them which means all the more for me. I thought they would all be gone in a couple of days but there's still 4 left.

80/365 - 21st March

Friday is Grey's Anatomy day with the new episodes on Disney+. We're only a week behind the US this time. I didn't think it was possible for Owen Hunt to annoy me more than he does but there he goes doing silly things and Ben Warren is annoying me, he is being such a busybody. lol

81/365 - 22nd March

Our Gousto box for the week was delivered and I was struggling for a photo today so you have one of the little bottle of Henderson's Relish. It is a waste of packaging but it's so cute. Up until now I thought this was just a different version of Worcestershire sauce but it turns out it's something else. I also learned Worcestershire sauce's main ingredient is anchovies! I've always said I hate anchovies, it turns out I actually don't. lol

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This week my Word of the Week is: Kettle! #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is:

It might seem like a very random week but my whole week seems to have revolved around our kettle.

On Sunday I went to open the kettle to fill it up with water and it wouldn't open. Stu came to have a look and came to the conclusion that the little button you press to open it had stopped working. Yes we could have filled it up through where the water comes out but that ended up with water everywhere so we spend Sunday opening it with a knife when we needed to, it was an accident waiting to happen so I went online to order a new kettle.

Buying kettles isn't an out of the ordinary thing for us, we go through about 2 a year because the water is so bad here. We are in a hard water area and suffer with really bad limescale in the kettle and things like the shower head and around the taps. Twice a month I will descale the kettle keeping the limescale at bay but after about 6/8 months it's just too much.

I went onto The Range website and started looking for a kettle. I got distracted by the garden things: seeds, weed killer and a decent priced hose pipe. Oops. I finally got around to looking for a kettle but they were more than I wanted to pay. I couldn't let all my effort of adding garden things to my basket go to waste so I ordered them and then went on Wilko's to look for a kettle. I couldn't just order a kettle though, I wanted to make the delivery price worth it so bought some cleaning products which were cheaper than the supermarket, some cushions for the sofa and of course some more seeds. I did order a kettle too. hehehe

On Monday I was up before Stu and couldn't have my morning cuppa because I couldn't open the broken kettle. Hmmf. When he came downstairs he opened it for me and I looked inside and saw all the limescale and felt justified in buying a new kettle. I filled it with water a few times and tipped the water out to clear some of the limescale. Yuck! A few hours later when Stu went to wash the dishes he was emptying the sink and found a little plastic thing and realised that it must have came out of the kettle! It turns out the little plastic thing had dropped out of the top of the kettle and that was why it wasn't opening! He popped it back in and hey presto! It worked again! I descaled it again and it's still good to use!

Becky's partner was moving into her new flat this week and it was only the day she moved in they realised she needs a kettle. She's not a big drinker of hot drinks but a kettle would make cooking easier for things like gravy, instant noodles and hurrying pasta along. I am sure Becky said she was getting a kettle and toaster as a housewarming present.

The new kettle finally arrived on Wednesday and we are going to keep it as a spare, then I have had other deliveries during the week with all of my seeds and things that I have bought. It has annoyed me that even though I only ordered from 2 online shops things have been delivered separately. I had 6 different parcels, what a waste of packaging and my time waiting in for them!

Now I am off to pop the kettle on to make a cup of tea and I might even treat myself to a slice of cake.

How has your week been? I hope you have had a good one! I am of course linking up with Anne who blogs at Raisie Bay for her Word of the Week linky!

What I have loved this week! Week 12. #FridayFavourites

Hello there and happy Friday! This week has flown over, I have been busy with appointments, filling in paperwork, online shopping, jobs around the house, working in the garden and just the normal day to day things. I am of course linking up with Erika and Andrea to share some of the things that I have been loving this week.

Adolescence - Netflix!

Adolescence tells the story of how a family's world is turned upside down when 13 year old Jamie Miller is arrested for the murder of a teenage girl who goes to his school. I won't spoil it for anyone but wow, just wow! I watched all 4 episodes in one day and was blown away by it. It is one of the most creative TV shows I've seen in quite a long time. The show was filmed in one continuous shot and in real time for each episode made it feel like it was happening right then. The young lad playing Jamie deserves all the awards but all the actors and actresses were amazing! Watching it was an emotional roller coaster!

Family time!

We went to see my dad as usual on Friday but the only difference was that we all went. We've all seen him separately over the last few months but not all of us together, the bonus was my brother was there too. My dad loves having us all there and spoils the girls rotten. He made our lunch and because they were not keen on what he dished up he made them an alternative. My brother and I were laughing, we never got that special treatment when we were kids. If we didn't like what was dished up we would just have to eat it or go hungry. My dad says things are different now, yes because he's the grandad and not the dad. hehehe

Walkers Crisps!

Years ago my two favourite flavours of crisps were discontinued, Walkers Worcester Sauce and Tomato Ketchup. I don't know how or why but they have been brought back and so far I have seen them for sale in Iceland. I got a grocery delivery from them on Friday just to stock up on the crisps. hehehe

Newcastle United winning the Carabao Cup!

It was cup final day for Newcastle on Sunday and they went to Wembley to face Liverpool! Newcastle are a fab football team but they never seem to do well under pressure but this time they smashed it winning 2-1. The last time they won anything major was in 1955 so it is a massive thing. Don't get me wrong the last 10 minutes of the match were tense but seeing the players and fans celebrate when the final whistle blew was something amazing!

Deliveries! 

I ordered a few things online over the weekend and they have been getting delivered. I ordered from 2 different online stores and it came in 6 different deliveries. It would be easier if everything could be sent out at the same time but it is exciting to get something delivered when you are not 100% sure what is being delivered when! I ordered my dad's partner a little something for Mother's Day, she is not my mother but is as good as. I got carried away with myself and thought for that split second Mother's Day was this Sunday instead of next. So my dad's partner is getting her little treat a week early. It doesn't matter, she deserves all the treats!

A fire!

Stu loves to have a fire to burn paperwork and random bits of cardboard and he had one during the week. I love the smell that drifted in the house, not so much when Stu came in and absolutely stunk the place out. His clothes were put straight in the washing machine!

Wrestling in Europe!

I am a sucker for watching WWE wrestling and at the moment they are on their European tour and it makes me so happy as it means that the live shows are on Netflix at 7pm or 8pm instead of the usual 1am or 2am here in the UK. I can watch them when they are happening instead of having to wait until the next day and run the risk of seeing spoilers. 

The start of Spring!

It was officially the first day of spring yesterday and even though for most of the week it hasn't been that much warmer it has been brighter and there's some heat in the sun! On Wednesday morning when I went outside there was still frost on the ground but by the afternoon the sun was shining and drying my washing on the line outside. This time next week we will be getting ready for the clocks to spring forward and there will be longer and hopefully warmer days ahead!

What have you loved over the past week?

Spring Bucket List: Activities to do before summer!

It is officially the first day of Spring! Hooray! There’s something magical about spring, it’s that sweet spot between the chill of winter and the heat of summer where everything feels fresh and new! The days get longer, the flowers bloom, and there’s fresh burst of energy (even if the April showers try to dampen our spirits!).

Before summer fully takes over with it's red hot days and busy schedules spring offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy the little things. Here's a little bucket list of joys to tick off before we swap spring cardigans for summer sandals.

Go on a Spring Picnic - Pack some sandwiches, fruit and a flask of tea and enjoy a peaceful afternoon outdoors. Try and spot some cherry blossoms nearby or go for a walk to see the new flowers blooming!

Visit a Farmer’s Market - Spring produce like asparagus, rhubarb and strawberries are in season! Perfect for fresh and tasty meals.

Bake with Spring Flavours - Try a lemon drizzle cake, rhubarb traybake tart or crumble or hot cross buns to get into the seasonal spirit.

Go for a Bluebell Walk – Find a local woodland where bluebells bloom and enjoy the magical scenery.

Declutter & Refresh Your Home - A little spring cleaning can make your space feel lighter and more inviting.

Plant Something New - Whether it’s a windowsill herb garden, wildflowers for the bees or a tomato plant getting your hands in the soil feels so rewarding.

Have a Rainy Day Movie Marathon - Spring showers? No problem! Snuggle up and watch some comforting films with a cup of tea.

Try a New Hobby or Craft - Spring feels like the perfect time for a fresh start whether that’s painting, knitting or pressing flowers.

Go Out for Afternoon Tea - Treat yourself to some finger sandwiches, scones and a fancy pot of tea. If you don't fancy going out you can even get one delivered!

Switch Up Your Wardrobe - Pack away the heavy winter coats and refresh your wardrobe with light layers and floral prints.

Take a Day Trip - Visit a new town, a National Trust site, or the seaside before the summer crowds arrive.

Read a Book in the Sunshine - Find a cosy spot outside and lose yourself in a good book.

Make a Spring Playlist - Create a feel good soundtrack for the season, full of happy and uplifting tunes.

Have a First Ice Cream of the Year Moment - That first proper ice cream cone enjoyed in the sunshine just hits differently.

Host a Spring Themed Brunch - Serve pancakes with berries, fresh pastries and floral table decorations.

Do a Digital Spring Clean - Organise your phone photos, clear out your inbox and refresh your social media feeds.

Watch a Sunrise or Sunset - The days are getting longer why not soak in a stunning sky?

Write a Spring Gratitude List - Take a moment to appreciate the little joys of the season.

What’s on your spring bucket list this year?

The Wednesday Hodgepodge! #8

It's Wednesday again which means it's time to join in with the Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond! Each week there are 6 questions, we answer and then link up. Simple!

1. I write the Hodgepodge questions so they'll post on Sunday, which sometimes throws me off in terms of what day it is. St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated on Monday, March 17th. Did you mark the day in some way? Wear green? Make a special meal? Watch or participate in a parade? 

I knew St. Patrick's Day was coming up but didn't realise it was on Monday until I read these questions. It is not a big thing where I live. Some businesses use it as a marketing tool, pubs and supermarkets might have a special offer on Guinness but that's about it. I didn't really mark the day and the only green I wore were my pj's when I got out of bed but that wasn't planned.

2. Do you think luck plays a part in your life? Explain.

I would say luck definitely plays a part in my life like those little random moments that just happen to go my way like getting into the house just as it starts to rain or the bus pulling up just as I get to the bus stop but I also think that sometimes you have to make your own luck, have the right mindset, know the right people, be persistent and have some skills.

3. Of the 15 green foods listed, which one is your favorite and how do you like it prepared? Any on the list that are a hard no for you? In general do you like fruits and veggies? As a kid did you eat them willingly or did you hide peas in your napkin hoping your momma wouldn't see? 

Asparagus, avocado, broccoli, celery, cucumber, grape, green bean, kale, kiwi, lettuce, lime, pear, peas, pistachios, spinach.

I would have to say grapes. At the moment they are my favourite fruit and I eat them most days. Generally I am not a fan of green vegetables, the fruit I will eat. I do eat vegetables but just not those listed, last year after years of not eating cabbage I discovered that I love it and cauliflower too. As a child I ate all my veggies, it was only when I was a teenager I became more fussy.

4. What's something that makes you 'turn green'? (with envy or with illness... whichever way you want to run with it)

I really envy people who just ooze confidence without even trying. They will walk into a room, own it and don't seem to have an ounce of self doubt. Meanwhile I'm over here overthinking how I said  hello three hours ago!

What makes me turn green with illness is other people vomiting. Watching someone else vomit or even just hearing it makes me feel ill! It's like my stomach joins in out of sheer sympathy and I start to gag, even just thinking about it now has me feeling sickly.

5. Did you spend a lot of time outdoors as a child? Doing what? Do you spend a lot of time outdoors now? Doing what?

I did, from the age of about 8 until about 15 I lived on a farm and my days were spent outside. Helping with farm work which was always fun at harvest time, feeding the animals, riding horses, driving around in tractors, going on picnics, making rope swings over streams, camping out, building things, playing with the dogs who were supposed to be working dogs and not pets and making fires and cooking sausages on them! It was a fun time! 

Now I spend less time outdoors, it has been winter so that has been my excuse! I am starting to spend more time outside in the garden. Mostly tidying it up but in the warmer months I do like to sit out there, sometimes even taking my laptop outside and spending a whole afternoon out there. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

There wasn't much on normal TV on Saturday night so we watched a few movies. Moana 2. It was good but not as good as the first one, The Super Mario Bros. Movie was fun and I enjoyed it and Kinda Pregnant which I didn't hate but it tried too hard to be funny and it was predictable. We need to find some better movies to watch as a family!