The Wednesday Hodgepodge #52

I hope you are all having a good week. It's Wednesday, which means it's time to join in with the Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce who blogs at From This Side of the Pond! Each week there are 6 questions, we answer and then link up. Simple!

1. April 22nd is Earth Day...what's the most 'out of this world' place on earth you've ever visited? Tell us something about it.

I’m actually quite boring when it comes to travelling. I don’t really go anywhere but the most "out of this world" trip I’ve had was spending Christmas in a hotel with my family, my dad and his partner. It just felt really different from the usual Christmas at home. Everything was already done, the decorations were up, there was no stress about cooking or cleaning and it felt like I was stepping into a Christmas film for a few days.

2. A favorite quote, verse, or song lyric with the word earth in it?

The first thought I had for this was Earth Song by Michael Jackson, I used to love that song and the music video which went with it but thought that was too obvious! I found a few quotes which did make me smile:

Be like Earth: keep spinning even when nobody appreciates the effort.

You are allowed to grow slowly. Earth took billions of years and still isn’t finished.

If Earth can survive asteroids, you can survive that awkward email you sent.

When life feels heavy, remember Earth is literally carrying oceans on its back and still showing up daily.

3. What's the most trivial thing about which you have a strong opinion?

The TV volume! It is never right! One minute someone’s whispering like they’re sharing a big secret and the next minute it’s like the whole soundtrack is trying to blow the windows out. When I am watching some shows, it feels like I am a sound engineer, constantly turning it up then down! While I am on about the volume on the TV, it has to be on an even number. Odd numbers just feel wrong.

4. What's your most commonly used kitchen utensil or tool? What's the last thing you made using that tool?

I bought some tongs a few years ago and they are the most used thing in my kitchen. I got a pack of 5 or 6 purely to get things out of the air fryer but now I use them with everything like the George Foreman grill, turning things over in pans and they have saved me from burning myself many times while using the air fryer. I last used them to make the red onion and bacon tart. They are great for turning the bacon over in the pan and scooping the red onions out of the pan to put on the pastry.

5. Marilyn (Memphis Bridges) gave me a great book of 3000 questions, and I'm going to try to use one in our Hodgepodge every week. Here is today's - What is your greatest extravagance?

My biggest extravagance is definitely takeaways but not just the obvious ones, like pizza, Chinese food or fish and chips. It’s the random shop sandwiches for lunch when I could’ve easily made something at home but didn’t. It’s picking up a sausage roll when I’m out, even though I wasn’t even hungry five minutes earlier but I could smell them coming from the shop. It’s the fancy coffee drinks which are like a reward for getting something done. All these little food decisions add up and I never seem to learn.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

If my eldest could have a break from bringing colds and germs home from work that would be great. I came down with a cold that I caught from her over the weekend. Thankfully, I didn't feel too ill. It was more the inconvenience from my runny nose and not sleeping as much as I would have liked but that worked out well. I was snotty and sneezing, dosed up with cold and flu tablets and felt wide awake, which meant I stayed up both nights to watch Wrestlemania. If I had been feeling well I would not have stayed up both nights but sick me thought I was going to be awake anyway, so I might as well. I am feeling much better now and can at least breathe through my nose properly again.

The cups of tea that get me through the day!

It turns out there really is a day for everything and National Tea Day might just be my favourite of the whole lot. A whole day dedicated to sitting down with a cuppa and pretending it’s not just something we do on autopilot every single day. National Tea Day feels like the perfect excuse to stop and notice how often tea pops up in my life and routine.

Tea just fits into my day. It’s not rushed, not complicated, it just shows up exactly when I need it and if I haven’t had the right cup at the right time, the day feels a bit off.

I need a proper cup of tea to actually wake up on a morning. My morning tea is my quiet time before the day properly kicks off. The whole process matters. Boiling the kettle, finding my favourite mug which is usually near the sink, not washed from the night before. It's not rushed. I let the tea brew properly, add a bit of sugar, the milk and then give it a stir. It’s a little routine that tells my brain it’s time to wake up!

Lunch tea is a bit more flexible and it depends on what I’m eating. If it’s something hot, then a cup of tea is almost guaranteed. It just feels right but with cold lunches, especially sandwiches, it depends. Some sandwiches demand tea and others do not. There are days when a glass of milk feels like the better choice.

My afternoon cup of tea is special. After doing things around the house, the afternoon slump hits me hard and this cup of tea is usually accompanied with a slice of cake if I’m lucky, or a cereal bar if I’m being sensible. It's a little boost to keep me going for the rest of the day.

I don't have a cup of tea with my evening meal, I save myself for my evening cup of tea at around 8pm. Ellie always puts the kettle on at around this time and Stu makes the teas. I get to sit and have it brought to me. There's no rushing, just some calm and a couple of biscuits.

I really love the cup of tea that I have when I go to visit my dad each week. It's always with lunch and his tea seems to taste better than mine. For a long time we thought it was down to the tea-bags but we switched to the same brand then we thought it must be down to the size of his cups but no, the explanation was simple. It was the milk! He uses whole milk and at home I use semi-skimmed!

What I love most about my tea routine is that it’s totally mine, there are no strict rules and no crazy schedules. Tea’s not just a drink for me, it is how I pause, reset and sometimes just sit quietly and National Tea Day feels like the perfect excuse to appreciate all that.

Do you drink tea? When do you have your favourite cup of tea during the day?

Our weekly meal plan! 20th - 26th April #MealPlanningMonday

Happy Monday! I hope you have all had a good weekend. Ours has been a good one even though I was full of cold. Ugh! I am hoping by now I am over the worst of it. I thought it was just hayfever on Friday but it carried on over the weekend. We had a weekend of watching Wrestling. Two nights of Wrestlemania, the WWE Hall of Fame event and of course, all the pre and post shows.

Last week's meal plan was a bit hit and miss. We didn't eat anything on the right day but we did eat all the meals. Stu made me chuckle on Monday, he cooked the Sesame Pork & Egg Fried Rice and he's never really made a Gousto meal before and struggled to follow the recipe. He is more a chuck things in and see how it goes instead of following a recipe type of person. We decided to ditch the chippy tea and get McDonald's delivered on Friday. I was starting with the cold, so I really wanted junk food. I know I probably should have eaten something healthy but I so wanted a milkshake and it did make me feel slightly better!

This week is back to normal after the Easter break, so I will have some days when I am home alone which hasn't happened for the last fortnight. I am looking forward to doing my own thing. Becky is off to see a concert and is having a few nights away, so she is very excited and still has to pack. She is never in a rush to pack, which always stresses me out. I know I should just leave her to it but I like her to be prepared. I haven't ordered a Gousto Box for this week because I wanted a week of having some of our favourite meals.

On the menu this week we have:

Monday - Red onion and bacon tart with baby potatoes!

This one is inspired by a Gousto recipe for Bacon and Leek Tart that we had years ago and it’s stuck with us ever since. I decided to make our own and Red onion and bacon tart became a thing. Ready-made puff pastry, a layer of soft cheese, topped with red onions and smoky bacon. I will make a little extra so I have some for lunch the next day because it’s just as nice cold.

Tuesday - Sausage casserole and mashed potato!

This is a proper family favourite, especially with the girls. It feels like ages since we last had it, so it’s definitely due a comeback. I keep it simple and use a packet mix, then add sausages, onions and mushrooms and let it all cook away in the oven until everything has thickened up. I’ll be making extra of this one too because it freezes really well and it's great to have something as a backup in the freezer.

Wednesday - Minced Beef & Onion Crispy Pancakes with chips and baked beans!

A nice easy, out of the freezer meal. I might make homemade chips but it depends on how I feel and how busy I am.

Thursday - Thai style pork patties with sweet potato wedges and salad!

This is another one of our favourite Gousto meals which I have made many, many times before. They are so full of flavour and always go down well.

Friday - Chippy tea!

Friday night is a chip shop tea! No cooking, no fuss and the biggest drama is deciding what we fancy.

Saturday - Pizza!

It could be homemade or it could be out of the freezer. Who knows? It depends on the plans for the day.

Sunday - A help yourself evening!

I have no plan for today and everyone can just help themselves to whatever they fancy.

What are you eating this week?

A photo every day for a year! 12th -18th April Week 16 of #Project365

Happy Sunday! I hope you are all having a great weekend. Mine hasn't been so bad so far but I have another cold. Ugh! I thought it was my hayfever playing up when it started on Friday as I was walking to my dad's. I left the house feeling fine but on the way, walking past all the trees and flowers, I felt a scratchy feeling in the back of my nose. By the time I got to my dad's, it was running and my eyes were streaming, then came the sneezing, which is totally typical for hayfever. Friday night I went to bed and I was full on snotty and sneezing. As of writing this yesterday, I don't feel much better but I suppose at least the worst of it is happening over the weekend and I am hoping to feel better by tomorrow. I am totally blaming Becky for bringing it home from work. She had a cold last weekend but I thought I had escaped catching it. Ugh!

Now for a photo every day!

102/365 12th April

This photo sums up our Sunday. At one point it got so dark outside that it looked like it was about to chuck it down and I am pretty sure it did at some point. We were all sat in the living room, full from lunch, watching TV and it just got darker and darker. We kept saying we should put the light on but no one moved, we just sat there in the dark being lazy.

103/365 13th April

Stu was out for the afternoon and came back with Krispy Kreme Doughnuts! This isn't something that happens often as he is not into sweet things, so it doesn’t cross his mind to pick up treats like that. My girls and I love sweet treats so we were very happy.

104/365 14th April

Ellie finally got herself an F1 T-shirt. It came from Primark. Alpine isn’t her favourite team but she really liked the design of the top and it is quite nice.

105/365 15th April

The grape hyacinths are back in the garden in their usual spot, against the fence. I really don't understand how they grow there as it is so shaded but every year they pop up and do their own thing.

106/365 16th April

My Ew, People T-shirt made an appearance and I still love it just as much as the first time I wore it. It sums up my mood on the days when being sociable is a lot of effort.

107/365 17th April

Ellie ended up helping her grandad with his vintage car, which was really sweet to watch. He needed someone to sit inside and press the brake in and out while he was underneath doing whatever he was doing under the car. It was a two-person job so she arrived just at the right time.

108/365 18th April

It's WrestleMania weekend! I set a reminder on Netflix which is not needed because there’s no way I’d forget but I'd rather have the reminder set just in case. lol

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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

This week my Word of the Week is: 

Happy Saturday! I hope you are all having a good weekend so far. I am here today with my Word of the Week. I’ve got plenty I could say at the moment but I’m keeping some things to myself because the blog isn’t the place for it right now. That’s where the patience comes in already. The gist of it is that Becky my eldest, is making exciting plans and that's all I will say about that, for now. I feel like I am being so good and keeping quiet until the time is right.

We have had a good week overall. Right at the start of the week, some loose ends were finally tied up. Things were completed, emails answered, boxes ticked. All those bits that seem to take forever when they’re not in your control. It was boring financial stuff which all tied into the admin I was doing at the start of March. That is how long it has taken and it has been hanging over me. It has really tested my patience. I don’t mind doing the jobs, it’s the waiting around for other people that gets to me. Finally, someone did what they were supposed to do and came back to say everything is sorted and all is good. Phew!

For the last couple of months I have been hearing about a book that everyone is raving about: This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page. I found it on the BorrowBox app (where I get most of my audiobooks from) and I’m sure I must have missed it before because it had a different cover. I saw it was reserved until August but I still reserved it for myself anyway. I’ve been keeping an eye on and the date has been creeping closer and closer. Now it’s saying it should be available next month!! Either people are flying through it because it’s that good or they’re giving up halfway through. I’m choosing to believe it is because it’s amazing and no one can stop listening. I’ll soon find out but more patience is required until I get to hear it.

It has felt like a strange week having Ellie home from college, she is still on her Easter break. We haven't really done much apart from talk about movies, potter around the house and just taking the days as they come. We did have a bit of drama with Ellie's hair dye, not actually dyeing her hair, just getting hold of the dye in the first place. She was out with Stu and couldn’t find her usual brand anywhere, which meant going back out again during the week to the shop she normally gets it from. She said she spent a good 10 minutes in there looking for it before a shop assistant asked if she needed help. She said yes and it was found straight away. I don’t know whether to laugh or roll my eyes. I will keep saying it, I am sure that girl walks around with her eyes closed. lol.

I am sat here now being very patient, waiting for a weekend of watching wrestling. We have last nights to watch tonight, tonight's to watch tomorrow and then Becky and I are staying up until the early hours watching night two live!

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 to join in with her Word of the Week linky!

What I have loved this week! Week 16. #FridayFavourites

Happy Friday! I hope you’ve had a good week. Ours has been a really good one. We have had lots of family time, had some loose ends were tied up which is a weight off my mind and Wrestlemania weekend is here, which I am very excited about. As always, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea to share the things that I have loved over the past week.

A catch-up with a friend!

One of my favourite moments this week was a proper catch up with a friend. It was her birthday so I sent her a little something for her garden. She has a beautiful garden and is always adding to it so I thought a rose bush would be perfect. She of course, rang me to say thank you. I thought it would be a quick call but somehow we ended up chatting for nearly an hour and a half, which somehow feels totally normal to us. We both totally lost track of time. We’re quite good at keeping in touch but every now and then we need a proper catch-up. We talked about everything: friends, family, random updates, bits of nonsense and it was nice.

At Home with the Furys!

I watched the second season of At Home with the Furys this week. The fly-on-the-wall documentary TV show about the boxer Tyson Fury and his family! I am not into boxing at all. I couldn’t tell you anything about it and I’ve never watched a full match in my life but this is about their family life and not boxing. Paris his wife absolutely steals the show. She is so funny without even trying to be. Very grounded and she seems to have the patience of a saint. The way she keeps everything running, manages the kids and deals with Tyson I don’t know how she does it. The kids are brilliant as well, so full of personality and always saying something unexpected.

Costa lunch!

Becky and I were at home on Tuesday and we started to talk about what to have for lunch and she mentioned ordering in and we went for something from Costa Coffee just because we wanted some nice drinks. I got a Chocolate Fudge Frappe and a Red Summer Berries cooler. Becky said one for fun and one for hydration. hehehe I got a smoked bacon bap and a lemon muffin to eat and they were so good. It was one of those simple meals that I could have eaten again straight after and I am still thinking about it now.

House Flipper!

A few weeks ago, there was a game on Steam that was being given away for free called House Flipper. It’s basically a simulation game where you take on renovation jobs. You start off doing the basic bits like cleaning, painting, fixing things and then, as you go along, you get to buy houses, do them up and sell them on. I have always loved decorating and rearranging. I used to spend hours on The Sims building houses and choosing furniture and this feels like a more grown-up version of that. I am obsessed. I keep thinking about just one more job, or I will just finish this room and before I know it another half hour has passed. Oops.

What have you loved over the past week?

What I listened to in March!

At the start of the year, I started listening to audiobooks. I always wanted to be a reader but couldn't/wouldn't make the time, so audiobooks were a way around it. I could be busy doing something while still listening to a book. Anyway, I thought I would share what I have been listening too. All of my audiobooks come from my local library through the app BorrowBox. I know lots of what I listen to might be considered old but they are all new to me!

This is what I listened to in March:

Skin by Liam Brown!

A strange virus is sweeping the globe. Humans have become allergic to one another. Simply standing next to somebody could be a death sentence. A kiss could be fatal. Angela is a woman trying to get by in this bewildering new world. Though she still lives with her husband and children, they lead separate lives. Confined to their rooms, they communicate via their computers and phones. In some ways, very little has changed. That is, until she spots a mysterious stranger walking through town without even a face mask for protection. A man, it seems, immune to this disease. A man unlike anyone else she knows. A man it might just be safe to touch...

Reading Skin by Liam Brown felt a little too close to home at times. After everything we’ve all been through in recent years, the idea of a world where you can’t touch anyone any more didn’t feel that far fetched at all. That’s what kept me hooked. I needed to know where it was going and how it was all going to make sense but when I reached the end and I was left wanting more. After all that build-up, I expected answers or at least some kind of proper conclusion. Instead, it felt quite open and unfinished. I don’t mind a book that makes me think but I do like a bit of clarity after investing my time in it. It wasn't a bad book, it was just the ending which let it down as it felt quite rushed!

What Does it Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella!

Eve is a successful novelist who wakes up one day in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there. Her husband, never far from her side, explains that she has had an operation to remove the large, malignant tumour growing in her brain. As Eve learns to walk, talk and write again and as she wrestles with her diagnosis and how and when to explain it to her beloved children she begins to recall what’s most important to her: long walks with her husband’s hand clasped firmly around her own, family game nights and always buying that dress when she sees it.

I am not an expert when it comes to books but from Sophie Kineslla you expect funny, the main character getting herself into awkward situations and lots of chaos but this isn’t that. This was such a raw, beautiful, powerful story and this being Sophie Kineslla's last book, is so heart breaking! I found it so brave of Sophie Kinsella to write something so personal and to find humour in the hardest moments. I finished it in a couple of hours.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig!

When Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library, she has a chance to make things right. Up until now, her life has been full of misery and regret. She feels she has let everyone down, including herself. But things are about to change. The books in the Midnight Library enable Nora to live as if she had done things differently. With the help of an old friend, she can now undo every one of her regrets as she tries to work out her perfect life. But things aren't always what she imagined they'd be, and soon her choices place the library and herself in extreme danger. Before time runs out, she must answer the ultimate question: what is the best way to live?

I think we've all had those moments in our lives when we've wondered what if? What if we took a different job, moved somewhere else or said yes to something we turned down? I know I have had lots of those moments and this book takes that feeling and turns it into an interesting story. Some of the lives Nora tried were amazing but they weren’t always what she expected. It made me think that even in a life we imagine being perfect, there are still things which are not so perfect. The book deals with some heavy topics, like suicide but it's also quite hopeful. It's a nice reminder that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.

The Surrogate Mother by Freida McFadden!

Abby wants a baby more than anything. But after years of failed infertility treatments and adoptions that fall through, it seems like motherhood may never happen for her. Everything changes when her personal assistant, Monica, offers to be her surrogate an offer that feels like a miracle and a chance to finally have the family Abby has always dreamed of. But soon, strange things begin happening. Monica isn’t who she claims to be, and the woman carrying Abby’s child is hiding a dark secret. As the truth slowly unravels, Abby realises she may have trusted the wrong person and Monica will stop at nothing to get what she wants.

This was one of those books where I kept telling myself just one more chapter and then I'd stop and then suddenly it was an hour later. It pulls you in really quickly and before you know it you’re completely caught up in the story. I kept changing my mind about what I thought was going on and who I trusted, which is always a good thing with a thriller. Every time I thought I’d worked it out something else would happen that made me question everything again. The whole idea behind the story is tense, as trusting someone else to carry your baby is such a huge thing. I don't think I could do it and after listening to this, definitely not. The chapters are quite short, so it’s very easy to keep going. It was a twisty thriller which kept me guessing right until the end.

Swept Away by Beth O'Leary!

Lexi is looking for no-strings-attached fun. Zeke is looking for love. Neither of them were looking for a one-night stand to become their one and only lifeline. But when they wake up after an unforgettable night together, the houseboat they stayed on has been swept out to sea. There's no signal, no steering and no sign of rescue. And as the waves pick up and supplies run low, Zeke and Lexi realise there's much more on the line than their new relationship.

I started listening to this feeling pretty excited, especially because I really enjoyed The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary but I came out of it with mixed feelings. I didn't hate this book but I didn't love it either. It was easy to listen to but it just seemed to go on and on and I liked the characters but I didn’t feel connected to them. I could have easily given up on it halfway through but I am not a quitter and I carried on and I am glad I did as the ending was quite good.

What have you been reading or listening to lately?

The Wednesday Hodgepodge #51

I hope you are all having a good week. It's Wednesday, which means it's time to join in with the Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce who blogs at From This Side of the Pond! Each week there are 6 questions, we answer and then link up. Simple!

1. Big week in the US of A...do you do your own taxes? What's something you've found 'taxing' lately?

Over here in England, if you’ve got a regular job, all the tax things are done automatically. The income tax and National Insurance get taken out of your wages before you’re paid, so what ends up in your bank is already dealt with. No forms, no figuring it out once a year and no stress. The only time you really have to deal with it yourself is if you’re self-employed, run a business or have extra income on the side. My dad has just been through it all with his business at the end of our tax year at the beginning of the month.

I have found general life taxing lately. Keeping on top of appointments, paying the bills, chasing up refunds, meal planning and keeping track of my girls. It's great they are independent now that they're older but it's hard to keep track of where they're going to be on any given day. lol What's made it more taxing is that Stu, my fella, had a few days off work last week, Becky is gallivanting to theatre shows, concerts and mini breaks and Ellie is off college for her Easter break, so life doesn't feel routine here at the moment. Nothing bad is happening, things just feel more chaotic than usual.

2. When it comes to travel are you a last minute packer or a lay it all out a week in advance type? Do you struggle to pack light? Share a packing tip that has worked for you.

We don’t travel all that often but when we do, I pack early. I like being organised and if I pack early I can add all the things that I forgot about. Usually things like chargers and make-up wipes. I try to pack light but that never happens. In the past, when I went away for one night, I took a little suitcase because I needed options. What if I change my mind about what I am going to wear or the weather changes? I want to be prepared for all eventualities.

A packing tip that has worked for me in the past is taking photos of what I've packed before I zip the suitcase up. It sounds odd but it stops me overthinking and wondering if I packed this or that! I just look at the photos and don't have to open the suitcase and rummage about.

3. April is National Grilled Cheese Month. Hmmm...who knew it got its own month? Do you like a grilled cheese sandwich? What ingredient do you add to take yours to the next level?

I very rarely eat cheese. From the age of about 8 until I was in my 20's I was allergic to cheese. It gave me terrible migraines. Since my early 20s, I've realised it's just cheddar or darker coloured cheese that causes them, so I can get away with ones like mozzarella, feta and my favourite Wensleydale. I haven't had a grilled cheese sandwich since I was about 8 years old. I do miss them. When my girls make them, I stand there just smelling the melted cheese! So good!

4. There's a well known quote that says- 'A ship in the harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for." John A. Shedd. Is constant growth necessary or do you think it's more important to prioritize stability and peace in your life?

I don’t think there has to be constant growth all the time. That sounds nice in theory. Always improving and moving forward but in real life it can feel exhausting. Sometimes I want to just relax and not have any pressure. Life isn’t about growing loads. For me, it’s just about keeping things steady, getting through the week and actually enjoying a bit of calm. Not everything has to be a big step forward all the time. I like a bit of growth here and there but not at the expense of my sanity.

5. Let's wrap this up with a fun spring this or that -

Daffodils or Tulips - Ohh! This is a tough one. I love both. I think daffodils as they are so cheap to buy.

Lemonade or Iced tea - Lemonade! I am not a fan of iced tea.

Gardening or Hiking - Definitely gardening! I am too lazy for hiking.

Ladybugs or Butterflies - I love both but I would say butterflies because when they arrive in my garden it means that there are flowers and they are doing well.

Umbrella or Raincoat - Raincoat! I'd love the idea of just using an umbrella every time it rains but with the rain usually comes wind and that is no fun!

Floral patterns or Polka dots - Floral. I do like Polka dots but I don't have many items in my wardrobe with them on.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I am getting very excited for a weekend of wrestling. It's the biggest show of the year, Wrestlemania and it's over two nights. My eldest and I have decided we can't stay up both nights and watch it, it starts late and runs each night for 4 to 5 hours. If you take in the time difference we wouldn't be goign to bed until the early hours. Eek! We are planning to watch the pre-show and maybe the first match on Saturday night, playing catchup on Sunday and then staying up and watching it live on Sunday night. Becky's fine with staying up all night. She works night shifts, so she's used to it, me not so much!

Share our Lives - Favourite Cleaning Products!

It’s that time of the month again to share some of my life and join in with the other Share Our Lives bloggers. This month the prompt is: Favourite Cleaning Products!

Cleaning isn’t exactly fun but the right products make it way less painful. Over the years, I’ve tried my fair share of cleaning products and I have my favourites to clean different spots around the house.

Method All Purpose Cleaning Spray!

Method All Purpose Cleaning Spray. It is a lifesaver. It’s plant-based, biodegradable and uses naturally ingredients rather than harsh chemicals, which means it cleans surfaces without leaving behind anything scary. I use it for everything: kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces, tiles, appliances and even a quick wipe of the surfaces in the living room. My personal favourite is the pink grapefruit scented one. I have always found that I enjoy cleaning a little more if there is something nice to smell.

Cif Cream Cleaner!

This is the kind of cleaner I reach for when surfaces are looking properly grubby, perfect for sinks, hob splashbacks, bathroom tiles and that kind of thing. It’s gentle enough not to scratch enamel or stainless steel, yet strong enough to shift grease and stuck on muck. A little goes a long way and it leaves surfaces with a lovely shine and it's relatively easy to rinse off.

Fairy Liquid!

We don't have a dishwasher so we wash the pots the old fashioned way, in the kitchen sink with a squirt of Fairy Liquid! It cuts through grease like a dream, tackles baked on food and just works. With a little bit of Fairy and some elbow grease, everything sparkles. I have tried other brands and they are just not the same.

Harpic Limescale Remover Gel!

We live in a hard water area and the limescale is terrible if I don't keep on top of it. Taps, bathroom tiles and the toilet all end up covered in that annoying chalky build-up, which is why Harpic Limescale Remover Gel is a non-negotiable in my cleaning cupboard. It dissolves limescale, tackles hard water stains, kills 99.9% of bacteria and leaves the toilet smelling fresh and clean.

The Pink Stuff!

If there was a cleaning superhero, this would be it. It’s a thick gritty paste that somehow works on nearly everything: baked on pans, oven doors, sinks, tiles, grout, you name it. Anything looking sad, grimy or neglected suddenly feels loved again after a bit of elbow work with this tub of goodness. I have found great for cleaning white trainers too!

Mr Muscle Oven Cleaner!

Speaking of ovens, sometimes you need the big guns. Enter Mr Muscle Oven Cleaner. My oven can sometimes resemble a volcanic disaster zone and this stuff makes it manageable again. Baked on grease and grime melts away with a single application.

Shake ‘n’ Vac!

It’s one of those classic UK cleaning products that’s super satisfying because the results are instant. You just sprinkle it over your carpet, leave it for a bit to absorb dust and dirt and then hoover it up. It’s like a sprinkle of fairy dust for your carpets and rugs!

Dettol Antibacterial Surface Cleaner!

For those times when I need serious germ busting power, Dettol Antibacterial Surface Cleaner is my go-to. It’s not the most glamorous product but it’s reassuring to know that when I’m wiping down door handles, the bathroom sink or all the places my family touch around the house I’m actually killing germs and not just moving them around.

Flash Wipes!

I thought once my girls were older I would stop buying these but surfaces still get smudges and there are random spills at all hours. These wipes are brilliant for a quick clean up with no fuss, just grab a wipe and go!

Vanish Carpet Cleaner!

I don't use this often but it is good to have in the cupboard for spilt drinks, melted chocolate or food stains. Spray it on, give it a little scrub and somehow the stain disappears like it never happened! It's like magic!

What is your favourite cleaning product to use around your house?

I am linking up with:

Adrienne from Mom Life with Adrienne.

Dara from Not In Jersey.

Jen from Show me & Sweet tea.

Joanne from Slices of Life.

Our weekly meal plan! 13th - 19th April #MealPlanningMonday

Happy Monday! I hope you have all had a good weekend. Ours has been nice, we didn't get up to much. Becky was working and Ellie was doing her own thing. I feel late writing this blog post. I usually write it on Saturday evening but never got around to it, so here I am writing it yesterday morning while having a movie marathon. I have just started the first Matrix movie and will probably watch the rest throughout the day. That is how my Sunday went, sitting in front of the TV, not doing much at all.

Last week's meal plan went well. We ate everything apart from the Japanese-Style Chicken Thigh Curry Udon Noodles, it hasn't gone to waste. I popped the chicken in the freezer and saved the other ingredients and recipe so it can be eaten at a later date. The meals were of course swapped around with us eating out on Wednesday and Stu and I having a meal out on Friday. The kids fended for themselves, which meant they ordered in. Ellie got KFC and Becky got a Doner Kebab. She doesn't know what happened with her order because she ordered a small and they sent the small as well as a large one. She did question it when it was delivered and the delivery person said just keep it. lol Stu cooked on Saturday, which was a treat. He made a rice dish, not following a recipe, just adding veg and whatever he could find out of the fridge with a bit of curry powder. It was very nice but not something he could ever recreate exactly as it was so made up.

Stu is back to work this week after a few days off but Ellie still has another week's break from college. I have no idea what we have planned for this week. That all depends on the weather but it's looking quite nice. The weekend is going to be a busy one for Becky and me. It's Wrestlemania which is wrestling's big yearly event. It's over 2 nights so we're going to go to bed at a sensible time on Saturday night and then on Sunday stay up until the early hours and watch it live. Eek!

On the menu this week we have:

Monday - Gousto meal - Pulled BBQ Hoisin Chicken Thigh Burger With Chips!

This meal sounds like something we would normally eat on a weekend but we are treating ourselves to it tonight. Shredded chicken coated in a sticky hoisin sauce. Served on soft brioche buns with crispy chips on the side and salad drizzled with creamy dressing.

Tuesday - Gousto meal - Bacon & Mushroom Alfredo!

This was Ellie's choice. She always makes something similar herself and thought this looked fancier, so it had to go on the meal plan. Made with quick-cook pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. Packed with flavour from garlic, mushrooms and crispy bacon lardons, then finished with plenty of grated cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Wednesday - Gousto meal - Sesame Pork & Egg Fried Rice!

Sesame pork and egg fried rice made with savoury pork mince, fluffy rice, soy sauce and a hint of sesame oil. Mixed through with peas and carrot, then finished with scrambled egg for a simple, filling meal. We have had this many times and it's one we keep getting as we like it so much. It is quick to make and delicious too!

Thursday - Corned Beef Crispbakes and baked beans!

Corned beef, potato and onion in a breadcrumb coating makes the crisp bakes and we will have them with baked beans over the top. It doesn't sound like much of a meal but the crisp bakes are quite filling. 

Friday - Chippy tea!

Friday night is a chip shop tea! No cooking, no fuss and the biggest drama is deciding what we fancy.

Saturday - Gousto meal - Chicken Katsu Curry!

Crispy coated chicken served over fluffy rice, topped with a mild curry sauce. I remember Katsu chicken being a massive thing a few years ago and we never got into it as we thought it would be too spicy but it's really not, it's now one of our favourites and the sauce is really easy to make!

Sunday - A help yourself evening!

I have no plan for today and everyone can just help themselves to whatever they fancy.

What are you eating this week?

A photo every day for a year! 5th - 11th April Week 15 of #Project365

Happy Sunday! I hope you are all having a great weekend. It has been a quiet one here. I had every intention of getting out in the garden yesterday and having a good old potter but that didn't happen. It rained most of the morning and then I just wanted a cosy day inside. The sun was shining but it was chilly out. The garden can wait, it’s not going anywhere.

The past week has flown over with it being the Easter holidays and Stu having a little time off work. We have had lots of family time and Becky had the best time seeing Mamma Mia at the theatre! She said it was brilliant!

Now for a photo every day!

95/365 5th April

Sunday was all about Easter eggs! I was very happy with my choice this year, Galaxy! It’s always been my favourite chocolate. I always think about choosing a different egg but always go back to Galaxy.

96/365 6th April

Homemade chips are the best, especially when they are fried. We don't have them often but they are such a treat when we do.

97/365 7th April

Blue nails! The polish went on well but it didn't last as well as usual. It has started to chip away by Friday, usually I can get a full week out of them.

98/365 8th April

Just me. Ellie and I were off to meet Stu from work. We had a nice time until it was time to come home and the bus was cancelled. Apparently there weren’t enough drivers, which seems to be happening more and more lately. It’s so frustrating when you just want to get home.

99/365 9th April

I’m back on Cooking Fever again! I’ve had a bit of a love/hate relationship with this game over the years. I’ll play it loads, get really into it, complete loads of levels and restaurants and then get bored and stop playing. At one point, I decided to reset the whole thing and start again as I had completed most of it. It’s one of those games that is perfect when you don’t want to think too much and just want a bit of mindless tapping.

100/365 10th April

This bar was not for me! Once we got inside, I felt completely out of place. They had high chairs which were so awkward to climb onto and the lights were too flashy and bright. I think I’ve reached that stage in life where I like somewhere a bit more simple and calm. It definitely made me feel old but the ceiling was so pretty, it was fluffy and looked like clouds.

101/365 11th April

Baileys is usually just a Christmas thing for me until they bring out a new flavour. White Chocolate Flavour with Raspberry sounds delicious which sounds amazing. I haven’t actually tried it yet but I don’t think it’ll be long before I do!

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

This week my Word of the Week is: 

This week has been a good one and I didn’t even have to think twice about a word for the week because everything seems to have revolved around having my people around me. It always is when my family is home. Stu has had some time off work, Ellie has had time off college and Becky has been popping in and out like she does. I never quite know if she’s staying, visiting or just passing through for food but I’ll take it.

We have had a good balance of spending time at home and being out and about. We haven't done anything massive but I have enjoyed every moment.

The week started with Easter and even though we don't really celebrate like we used to with a big dinner and Easter egg hunts, it was still nice. For us, it is mostly about chocolate. I still have the tiniest bit of my big Galaxy egg left, which probably won't see out today as I always like a bit of chocolate on a Saturday evening in front of the TV.

Monday was a home day as it was Bank Holiday and the buses are rubbish here, so we stayed in, slept until late, caught up on some jobs around the house and that was about it. Becky's "friend" was staying here as it made it easier for her to get to work and I liked having a house full. I always say how much I love the Gousto Recipe boxes that I get delivered. I ordered it for 4 people but it fed 5. We had the Chip Shop Basa & Chip Burger With Curry Sauce and the girls didn't want the buns, so there was plenty to go around. I just made extra chips! Everyone was fed and everyone was happy!

On Tuesday, I worked myself up into a tizzy over a phone call I had to take. I'm kicking myself now, it was nothing to stress about. I do it every time. I was having a word with myself before the phone call, saying, "It's nothing to worry about but then my irrational brain was saying, "But what if it is"? It is no fun being a stress head. That's what my family call me and I have to say they are right.

Wednesday was such a gorgeous day and felt like summer. It was just the right amount of heat to go outside and not sweat! I am glad I found my sunglasses as it was shining bright. Ellie and I went to meet Stu from work and we ended up catching a bus half an hour earlier than we had planned because the previous one was late. We went to sit in the centre of Hull and just people watched which is one of our favourite things to do while we waited for Stu to come out of work. We then went to the all-you-can-eat place. We stuffed ourselves and got our money's worth.

On Thursday we stayed at home. I had a day of catching up on some blogging. I had a few posts that needed finishing and general bits to sort. Stu spent most of his day in the garage. From what I could gather he was fixing the doors and having a big tidy-up. I say from what I could gather because I was not going in there to find out. The garage is not my territory. There are spiders and probably other things I don’t even want to think about. Ellie went out to see what he was up to and got roped into helping. lol

Friday ended up being quite busy. We went to see my dad and it had been a while since Stu had been over, so there was a lot of catching up to do. My dad was in his element, showing off everything he'd been up to. He has a vintage car that he’s very proud of and wanted to update Stu on what he had done. He also showed us other bits he’d been working on and then, of course, he fed us. My dad loves feeding people. It doesn’t matter what it is but it always tastes better when he makes it. After we left my dad’s, Stu had a few errands to run and then somehow we ended up deciding to go out for another meal. Two meals out in one week. Eesh! It’s not something we do all the time but when Stu has time off work, we like to make the most of it.

Stu and I are planning to spend some time in the garden today. He’s going to dig me a new vegetable patch which I am very excited about because my plants have been doing really well lately. Other than that, it’ll be our usual Saturday routine. The Gousto box will arrive, I’ll have a soak in the bath and then we’ll settle down in front of the TV for the evening.

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 to join in with her Word of the Week linky!