The Wednesday Hodgepodge #43

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. The Hodgepodge lands on Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Do you mark this season in some way? Will you be giving something up or adding something to your life in this Lenten season?

I don’t really do Lent in a traditional sense. It’s just not something I’ve grown up marking in a big way but I do like the idea behind it. The whole pause and reflecting is a little reset for your habits and mindset. If I were going to do Lent properly, I don’t think I’d give something up. I’d probably add something in instead: a short walk on days when I’d normally stay glued to the sofa, add in doing something productive like a craft instead of endless scrolling and add more proper catch-ups with my favourite people instead of the "we must meet soon" messages that never quite turn into plans.

2. Pancakes...are you a fan? Syrup or no syrup? Plain, blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, or some other add in? Are pancakes on your menu this week?

Yesterday was Shrove Tuesday here in the UK so of course we had pancakes! It would have been rude not to and not just one polite pancake either, we went all in. We are not fans of savoury pancakes, to do pancake day properly you need sugar involved! Hehehe Mine were the classic lemon juice and golden syrup. The girls, on the other hand had Nutella, bananas, strawberries, syrup, lemon and sugar and possibly everything at once. It was worth it! I love that Shrove Tuesday gives us an excuse to eat dessert for tea and we call it tradition!

3. Tell us about a time recently when you felt 'spread too thin'.

I can’t pinpoint one exact moment but it’s usually when everything at home ramps up at once. The washing basket is overflowing, there are appointments to remember, everyone needs something, meals need planning, the house needs tidying, messages need replying to and suddenly I feel like I’m being pulled in about six different directions. Being a mum to two young adult daughters means I’m not running around after toddlers anymore but I’m still very much in the thick of it. I think the mental load is what does it. Keeping track of who needs to be where, who’s feeling what, what’s in the fridge and what’s coming up next week. It’s a lot sometimes. Right now, things feel calm and manageable and I’ve learned to recognise that spread too thin feeling earlier than I used to, so I can calm things down before it all gets too much!

4. What's your favorite jewel or gemstone? In terms of your wardrobe would we find more gem tones, pastels, black and white, or primary colors?

I don’t think I have a favourite gemstone in the traditional sense. I can’t tell you the difference between half of them if I’m being asked to identify them in a line up but my favourite jewel is absolutely my engagement ring.

Stu proposed when the girls were little and it feels like a lifetime ago now. Over the years, my weight has gone up and down and after a while the original ring didn’t fit properly, so I stopped wearing it. A few years ago he replaced it, and the new one fits perfectly. It’s not about how big or flashy it is, it’s about what it represents and the fact that, after all these years, we’re still here.

When it comes to my wardrobe I have a lot of black items. It goes with everything and when I do branch out into colour, it’s usually darker shades. Deep greens, burgundy, navy, plum. I like rich tones that still feel safe. Pastels and bright colours are not really me. Even my PJs are dark.

5. What responsibility do you think is hardest about being in charge?

Being the one who has to say no! Being a parent of two young adults means that I am mostly still in charge and I don't always get to be the fun one. Sometimes I'm the gatekeeper, the budget doesn’t stretch, the timing isn’t right and the idea isn’t workable. Even when I understand why one of my girls wants something, even when I’d love to say yes and be the fun one, sometimes I can’t and repeating no over and over can make me feel like the villain in my own house. Being in charge isn’t about being popular, it’s about making the decisions that keeps everything ticking along safely and sensibly.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

We’re mid-way through the week and it has been one of those nice but busy ones where everyone is home at the same time. Stu has just about finished painting the dining room and I can’t tell you how good it feels to see it nearly done. Having everyone at home makes the days louder and busier but in a good way. There are random chats in the kitchen and the background noise of life ticking along. I might moan when I trip over someone’s shoes or when I can’t find my favourite mug but secretly I love that they’re all here. The house feels full. It’s funny because when they’re all out I enjoy the quiet but when we get these stretches of time together, I’m reminded that this is the bit I’ll miss one day.

Pancake Day is for memories, mess and eating pancakes all day long!

Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday is the one day of the year when it’s totally acceptable to eat pancakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner and nobody bats an eyelid! In fact it’s encouraged. If anything, people look at you oddly if you don’t join in. I love it and I always have. For me Pancake Day isn’t just about the pancakes, it’s about the memories, the smells and the flipping disasters.

Some of my earliest Pancake Day memories involve standing on a chair at the kitchen counter, watching my Grandad make our pancakes. I watched the pan like a hawk while he told me not to touch it. The smell of the batter hitting a hot pan is one of those smells that instantly takes me back, that and the lemon juice. Sharp, zingy and eye watering if you sniff it too closely! It was always so exciting with plates at the ready and my grandad cooking pancakes until we had our fill!

For a long time I bought ready-made pancakes, straight out of the packet, they had a quick blast in the microwave and that was it. It was easier when the kids were little. Then I levelled up to the pre-mixed pancake mix. Add milk, shake the bottle and pour it into the pan. I felt very fancy, there was still minimal effort involved but it felt closer to proper pancakes. Now, I make the batter from scratch with flour, eggs, milk and a bit of hope that it all works out. I don’t measure perfectly. I go by look and feel. If it pours nicely and doesn’t look like wallpaper paste, we’re good and if it does, I add more milk in and we pretend it was supposed to happen like that.

I think the only reason I can make pancakes as well as I do is because of the pan I use. I got it a few years ago from Iceland. (The shop not the country). They had an offer on in the run-up to pancake day with the pan, some toppings and ready mix for £5. The next year I bought another pan and they are the best frying pans I've ever had. They never stick and are the perfect size for pancakes!

Lemon juice and sugar is the classic topping for pancakes. Fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of sugar rolled up while still warm. Sweet, sharp and simple. There’s something about that first bite where the sugar crunches slightly and the lemon makes your mouth water but pancakes with lemon juice and golden syrup are my favourite, they always feel a little indulgent. Sticky fingers, syrup dripping down the sides, plates that need a proper soak afterwards and it's totally worth it!

A simple pancake recipe!

This is my go-to recipe but I usually double it, so there's enough for the 4 of us.

You’ll need:

100g plain flour

2 large eggs

300ml milk

A pinch of salt

A little oil or butter for the pan

How I make them:

Pop the flour and salt into a bowl.

Crack in the eggs and add a splash of the milk.

Whisk until smooth, then gradually add the rest of the milk.

Keep whisking until you’ve got a thin batter, similar to single cream.

Let it rest for 10 to15 minutes in the fridge if you have time and remember.

Heat your pan, wipe with a bit of oil and pour in a ladle of batter.

Swirl the pan to spread it thin.

Cook for about a minute, flip, then cook the other side.

Repeat until you’re full or out of batter.

While lemon juice and golden syrup will always be my top topping Pancake Day is the perfect excuse to branch out a bit. Here are some of my families favourites:

Nutella - melted slightly so it spreads easily.

Fresh strawberries - especially with a dusting of sugar.

Bananas and honey - simple and sweet.

Biscoff spread - because it’s amazing.

Maple syrup - not traditional, but still delicious.

Chocolate chips - sprinkled onto the pancake while cooking.

I like doing a little toppings table so everyone can build their own. It gets messy but it is fun with everyone putting their own toppings on.

Pancake Day is a little moment in the year when we stop, gather in the kitchen and do something simple together. It doesn’t matter if the pancakes are misshapen or the first pancake I cook is rubbish because it always is. That’s all part of it. It’s the laughter, the shared plates and then I’ll just have one more that turns into three. Hehehe

Will you be having pancakes today?

Our weekly meal plan! 16th - 22nd February!! #MealPlanningMonday

Happy Monday and I mean that, I can feel this week is going to be a good week! Stu is off work, Ellie is off college for half term and Becky is home for a couple of days too. I love it when everyone is here, even if it does mean the kettle never gets a break and the snack cupboard gets raided every ten minutes. We’ve got a busy week ahead. It’s Pancake Day, Stu and I have a little treat planned, there are jobs around the house to do and we’re finally painting the dining room. I say finally because it's been on our to-do list for about six years! It's going to be a busy, busy week and I am happy about it!

Last weeks meal plan went well. I think we ate everything? Last Monday seems such a long time ago, all my days have felt pretty samey lately. I am blaming the rain and gloomy weather we've been having but just to add some fun to it we are forecast snowy/icy weather yesterday and today. I suppose it will make a change from the rain. I'm totally done with the weather, can it not be spring already? Spring showers are fine, at least the sun usually shines a little more.

This week, because we're all mostly at home I am still planning our meals but will be more relaxed about when we are eating them! The only certainty is that it will be pancakes on Tuesday!

On the menu this week we have:

Pancakes!

We’ll be having the thin, crepe-style pancakes. The kind you flip in the pan. Ours will be topped with the classics: golden syrup, lemon and sugar and Nutella. I’ve got a whole post about them coming tomorrow about pancake day!

Minced Beef Crispy Pancakes, chips and baked beans!

Now these are not to be confused with the sweet ones. These are savoury, breadcrumb coated beauties filled with minced beef and onion in gravy. They are a total blast from the past. I used to love them as a kid, they’re not fancy but with chips and baked beans they hit the spot!

Chicken Kiev's, mashed potato and veg.

The Kievs are coming straight out of the freezer, which is exactly why I bought them. You can’t beat having a few easy meals tucked away for busy weeks. Crispy on the outside, garlicky butter in the middle and mashed potato is a must with these to mop up any runaway garlic butter. I’ll probably do carrots and sweetcorn on the side.

Something from town!

This one is very much a see how I feel meal. I’m having my contraceptive implant changed and I already know I won’t feel like cooking afterwards. Last time I had at least one sore arm. It all depends where they put the new one. Same arm or the other arm? I'm going to be kind to myself and pick something up while I’m in town. Maybe sausage rolls from Greggs or Subway sandwiches.

Stu & I are out while the kids fend for themselves!

Stu and I are going on a little jaunt and treating ourselves to something nice. I’m keeping quiet about the details because it’s a surprise for him, but I’m really looking forward to it. The girls can fend for themselves which will probably end up with them ordering a take away!

Stu is cooking!

At least one evening this week, Stu has promised he’ll do the cooking. I don’t know what we’re having and I’m not asking. It will be a surprise.

A roast dinner!

It seems ages since we last had one. There will be meat of some sort, mashed potatoes, roast parsnips, carrots, peas, broccoli, Yorkshire puddings, stuffing and maybe cauliflower cheese.

What are you eating this week?

A photo every day for a year! 8th -14th February Week 7 of #Project365

Happy Sunday! I hope you are all having a good weekend. Yesterday was Valentine’s Day and Stu and I had the most romantic of days, shopping for paint. I know, try not to be jealous. Hahaha. It wasn’t the whole day. We actually had a really lovely time. We had a wander around the shops, picked up the paint we needed for the house and a few other bits that weren't on our list. We grabbed a bite to eat while we were out but the best bit of the day was that the sun was shining! It has felt like forever since we saw a proper bright day, so it really did lift my mood. We finished the day having a lovely meal at home.

Today we have absolutely no plans and I could not be happier about it. After being out and about yesterday and knowing we have a busy week ahead, today is all about doing as little as possible. PJs all day, a lot of TV and snacks!

Now for a photo every day!

39/365 8th February

Using the wise words of Sanka: "I’m feeling very Olympic today." Hehehe. I spent a good few hours on Sunday watching the Winter Olympics. After watching the athletes flying down icy tracks at ridiculous speeds, I decided there was only one film we could possibly watch next, Cool Runnings! It had to be done. Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, get on up, it's bobsled time!

40/365 9th February

Last week I sorted through some photos and chose a few to get printed. I take so many photos but they just sit there forgotten about. This week I finally put them into the frames in the living room. It’s such a small thing but there were fresh memories on the wall and new smiles looking back at us.

41/365 10th February

I remember constantly changing light bulbs years ago, now they seem to last forever. So when the living room light started flickering on Tuesday, I knew its time was up. I can usually sit in the dark but the gloomy weather made it too dark and the thought of going into the garage to get a new bulb filled me with dread because of all the spiders, so I stole the bulb from the dining room instead. Eventually, Ellie went into the spider headquarters and retrieved a new bulb. What a hero!

42/365 11th February

This photo pretty much sums up my outdoor life lately. Standing at the back door, looking out. That’s about as far as I’m willing to go. The cobwebs behind the back gate were covered in tiny rain droplets and they did look quite pretty. Tell me I'm not the only one fed up with all the rain?

43/365 12th February

I smell like the 90s. Hehehe. I treated myself to some Dewberry spray from The Body Shop and was hit with nostalgia! The second I sprayed it, I was transported straight back to my teenage years. I had to get the shower gel too, a little treat for no reason other than I wanted it.

44/365 13th February

Becky, my eldest received some beautiful flowers for Valentine’s Day and they came with a teddy as well. She was so happy. The flowers were stunning and brightened up the whole room. Then yesterday I cam home to a bunch that Stu had ordered and had delivered for me! I felt very loved!

45/365 14th February

Stu and I had a romantic meal out, well as romantic as it gets in Costa. Hahaha It was nice it being just the two of us and the bacon sandwich that I had was pretty good! I could just eat it again! 

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

This week my Word of the Week is:

It has to be! I’ve grumbled about it all year but now I’m properly over it and need to have a full-on moan. It has been relentless. January 2026 was officially the wettest on record here in the UK and it seems like the rain just refuses to take a break. I read somewhere that some places have had rain every single day this year! I can’t remember the last time there was a day that didn’t involve some sort of drizzle or downpour and sunshine now feels like a long, lost memory!

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind the rain sometimes. I love it in the evenings, especially when I don’t have to go outside. There’s something about the sound of rain tapping against the window that makes me want to grab a blanket, a mug of hot chocolate and light a candle. It feels peaceful but when it has been raining as much as it has, it stops being fun! Right now, the rain is ruining my days. I can’t get out into the garden to give it a tidy, I don’t feel like going for walks and my mood is about as damp as the weather itself.

When I do make the effort and pop out it's no fun! I’ll step out and it seems OK, just a fine drizzle and then five minutes later, it chucks it down so hard I’m soaked through to my bones by the time I reach the end of the street. On the plus side, it’s an excellent excuse to come home, throw on my PJs and settle in with a hot chocolate because something good has to come of this stupid weather!

It’s never the same kind of rain though. There’s the fine, misty rain, which doesn’t seem like much but somehow gets you drenched before you’ve even got to the end of the path. There’s the spitting rain which arrives just when you think the sun might make an appearance. Then there is the torrential rain which makes me go running around the house making sure the girls have shut their bedroom windows and somewhere in between all of that, there’s the grey drizzle that just goes on and on draining my energy.

Poor Stu always seems to get the worst of the rain, it always seems to come down heavier early in the morning and he gets soaked on his way to work. He’s a trooper, bless him and has a good coat with a big hood but that doesn’t stop him coming home in a coat that hasn’t dried and is cold and damp. I can’t help feeling sorry for him, though I do secretly enjoy teasing him for coming in soggy but don't you feel sorry for him, he pays me back by trying to give me a cuddle while he still has the cold, wet coat on.

It’s strange how rain can be both relaxing and exhausting at the same time. I find myself wanting it when I want a quiet moment and dreading it when I have things to do. It's making me lazy, I’ve noticed that on rainy days, all I want to do is curl up under a blanket and watch something mindless on TV and when the sun peeks out, even a little, it’s like a little boost pushing me to get moving, tidy up or go for a short walk but with this much rain lately, those little bursts of energy are few and far between.

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 7. #FridayFavourites

The weather here has been trying my patience. It has been rain, more rain and then just when you think it’s easing up, more rain! I’ve got a full-on moan brewing about that which I’ll save for tomorrow. Today I'm keeping things positive and as always, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea to share the things that I have loved over the past week.

HBO Max!

It’s finally happening! HBO Max is coming to the UK next month and I feel like I’ve been waiting forever. I've been doing my research and it is being included in the TV package we already have through Sky at no extra cost and even better, on the same day, we’re getting Disney+ and Hayu content included too, alongside Netflix, all for the same price we’re paying now or that's what it sounds like at the moment. We'll be saving £14.99 a month as soon as I cancel my Disney+ subscription. The main reason I’m excited is for The Pitt. I’ve been reading about it and waiting and now I’ll actually be able to watch it. My TV watchlist is growing again and I’m happy about that!

Game of Thrones!

Before I found out HBO Max was being bundled in to our TV package, I had a mini panic. I thought that’s it, they'd remove Game of Thrones, put it on the HBO streaming service and I wouldn’t be able to rewatch it, so naturally, I did the only sensible thing. I started watching it again. Every single time I go back to it I forget just how good it is. Tyrion and Bronn will always be my favourites.

Lighter nights!

The days are stretching out a bit more. Earlier in the week, I noticed it wasn’t pitch black at 5pm. Even though the sky was grey and threatening more rain, it was still light. It makes such a difference to my mood and makes everything feel a bit more hopeful. It won't be long until I can get out into the garden to give it a tidy and get washing out drying on the line!

Uber Eats!

Uber Eats is still quite new to me. I think I’ve used it twice now and one of those times was last weekend. I don’t want it to become a regular thing because that could get dangerous for both my bank account and my waistline but as a treat, it was lovely. Ellie and I ordered McDonald’s and had it delivered. I even did a bit of girl maths to justify it. If I’d gone out to get it I would have spent £6 on bus fares. The delivery fee was just over £2 so technically, we saved money. That’s the story and I’m sticking to it!

Cool Runnings!

After watching so much of the Winter Olympics recently, I got the sudden urge to watch Cool Runnings so on Sunday afternoon I did. It is still such a good film. I realised about ten minutes in that I still knew it almost word for word. There’s something about those movies from years ago, there's no complicated plot, no dark twists, just a good story and characters you root for. Perfect Sunday afternoon viewing!

Being lucky with Audiobooks!

I’m currently on my 7th audiobook of the year and I feel like I’ve hit a good streak. Every single one so far has pulled me in from the start. I know that won’t always happen but at the moment I press play and I’m straight into the story. The only slight issue with the one I’m on at the moment is the narrator speaks so slowly with drawn-out words and long pauses. If I had to listen at normal speed I probably would have given up but thank goodness for the speed control. Double speed has saved it!

Plans for next week!

I love having something to look forward to and next week feels like it's going to be a good one. Stu is off work and Ellie is off college, so we’ve made some plans. There’s a mix of getting things done and doing fun stuff. Stu is painting the dining room white to freshen it up. We’ve got a shopping day planned, shelves to put up, and I’ve got a medical appointment to get sorted. We’re also planning lunch out at some point, which I’m already excited about. I need to dye Ellie’s hair too and Stu and I might sneak in a day out for just the two of us.

What have you loved over the last week?

A homemade Valentine’s Day meal for under £20!

Valentine’s Day is one of those days that sounds lovely in theory but it can be a bit much. Overpriced set menus, awkward tables too close together and food that looks nice but leaves you stopping for snacks on the way home. It isn't ideal so that's why I prefer to stay home, eat well and wear comfy clothes! Cooking at home feels more relaxed, more personal and you actually get to enjoy the evening instead of watching the clock and wondering how much the bill is going to be.

This meal is simple and feels like a treat without draining your bank account. It’s perfect for two, easy to scale up or down and you won’t be chained to the kitchen all night. Garlic mushrooms to start a proper hearty main of sausages and a dessert that looks impressive but is secretly easy!

Starter:

Garlic mushrooms with crusty bread which costs around £4 to £5.

Main:

Sticky Balsamic Sausage Traybake with Roast Potatoes which costs around £6.

Dessert:

Warm Chocolate Brownies with Ice Cream which costs around £4 to £5

That keeps the whole meal comfortably under £20, especially if you already have basics like oil, seasoning or honey in the cupboard.

Starter: Garlic Mushrooms with Crusty Bread!

This is one of those starters that instantly makes dinner feel special. You know the smell, the kind that has people wandering into the kitchen asking what’s that? What I love about this starter is that it is low fuss but still feels like a treat. You don’t need a dozen fancy ingredients or some Michelin-star technique, just mushrooms, garlic, butter and a bit of seasoning. The crispy, crusty bread is there for the dunking and soaking up all that buttery garlicky goodness.

You need:

300g chestnut mushrooms, sliced.

2 to 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped.

A knob of butter.

Salt and black pepper.

Optional: dried parsley or thyme.

1 Crusty baguette or similar

Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the butter. Let it melt and start to sizzle. Add the mushrooms and leave them alone for 3 to 4 minutes so they start to brown. Toss in the garlic and stir well. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until mushrooms are glossy and soft. Season with salt, pepper and a sprinkle of herbs if you like. Slice and lightly toast the bread. Serve warm with the mushrooms on top or on the side for dunking.

Main: Sticky Balsamic Sausage Traybake with Roast Potatoes!

Sausages are underrated for Valentine’s Day. They’re easy to cook, flavourful and when roasted with a sticky balsamic and honey glaze they suddenly feel fancy without any stress. The roast potatoes are essential, golden and crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They soak up a bit of the sausage glaze, making every bite delicious. The whole traybake approach is a win too. You throw everything in, let the oven do the work and by the time it’s done, your kitchen smells incredible and your plate is ready to go.

You need:

6 good quality pork sausages.

4 to 5 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped.

2 tbsp olive oil.

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar.

1 tbsp honey.

Salt and black pepper.

Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Boil the potatoes in salted water for about 10 minutes until the edges are just tender. Drain, shake in the colander to rough up the edges (this helps them crisp up). Toss the potatoes in a roasting tin with a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper. Pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes to start roasting. Meanwhile, place the sausages in another roasting tray (or alongside the potatoes if your tray is big enough) and roast for 20 minutes. Mix the balsamic vinegar and honey together and pour over the sausages. Turn them so they’re coated, then roast for another 15 to 20 minutes until sticky and golden. Make sure the potatoes get a little turn halfway through so they roast evenly. Serve everything straight from the tray! Cosy, sticky and perfect!

Warm Chocolate Brownies with Ice Cream!

Brownies are one of those sweet treats that feel like a hug. Using ready made brownies keeps things simple but warming them in the oven gives them that gooey centre that makes them feel like a little luxury. Serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds the ultimate finishing touch. You can even add a few berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce if you’re feeling extra fancy. Dessert is meant to feel special, and these brownies definitely are without any stress or mess.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be flashy to be lovely. A homemade meal, a relaxed atmosphere and food that actually fills you up beats a fancy restaurant every time.

What do you have planned for Valentine's Day?

The Wednesday Hodgepodge #42

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. What's something recent that had you 'tickled pink'?

This one’s easy, new pans! My dad recently gave us a set and I am properly tickled pink with them. Not just because they’re new but because they actually match. I was expecting my dad’s old, slightly battered ones that had seen a lot of meals but we ended up with these beauties. I don’t think I’ve ever owned matching pans before. When Stu and I got together 20 years ago, we did what everyone does and shoved our pan collections together. They were a random mix that did the job but looked like it had been gathered from several different households over several decades. Now, with matching pans, I feel so grown up and organised.

2. A bed of roses, everything's coming up roses, every rose has it's thorn, stop and smell the roses, rose-colored glasses, a rose among thorns...which rosy expression might currently be applied to your life in some way?

Everything’s coming up roses feels right for me at the moment. Life isn’t perfect, it never is but at the moment it does feel like things are clicking into place. My ducks feel like they’re finally in a row, that phrase does make me chuckle, plans feel doable and things seem to be moving in the right direction without me having to push, shove or overthink every single step.

3. What makes you feel loved and appreciated?

It's all the little things. Like my family doing things without me having to ask, being thanked for everyday stuff I usually do, being listened to properly, someone making me a cup of tea without me having to ask, being included, kept in the loop and not feeling like an afterthought, a proper hug, funny videos sent to me which means someone thought of me and someone taking an interest in my interests.

4. A box of chocolates or a bouquet of fresh flowers-what's your pleasure? Any special plans for Valentine's Day?

I like fresh flowers, give me a simple bunch of daffodils and I am happy! My favourite ever flowers I received were the rainbow roses from Stu. They were a total surprise. When we lived in the North East, there was a little stall in the middle of Newcastle selling flowers and they always had the rainbow ones and I always said I would get some on the way home but after a day shopping with the kids getting flowers was the last thing on my mind. Stu remembered this and bought me some one Valentine's Day.

We are planning to get a meal from M&S. A starter, main, side, dessert and drink for £25. Stu is going to do the cooking and our Valentine's Day will be spent shopping for DIY supplies. We're painting the dining room next week.

5. Share a favorite quote, scripture, or song lyric relating to love.

Love is not about how many days, months or years you’ve been together. Love is about how much you love each other every single day. - Unknown

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Last week I said I wasn't too bothered about watching much of the Winter Olympics but here I am a little obsessed with it. I keep putting the TV on and then getting suckered into watching the heats of various sports and then of course have to watch right up until the final of that event.

Share Our Lives: Binge worthy shows!

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: Binge Worthy Shows!

Binge worthy shows are the main reason my armchair has permanent imprints in the shape of my backside. lol There’s something so comforting about getting lost in a series, ignoring the world outside and telling yourself you’ll just watch one more episode which somehow turns into an entire season. I could write a list of the best TV shows to binge watch and I know I have mentioned plenty in the past but I am going to go with something different and share what makes a TV show binge worthy to me!

Getting hooked from the start!

If the first episode doesn’t grab me within the first half hour the chances of me turning off are high. Life is too short to watch TV shows which don't have me hooked from the beginning! I need to be invested from the opening scene, whether it’s a mystery that immediately has me questioning things, a dramatic twist that makes me gasp or a character that I instantly love or love to hate! Some of my best binge watching memories are from shows that had me completely hooked in the first episode. I remember the first time I watched Breaking Bad, I was glued to the screen within minutes trying to figure out what would happen next.

Characters I actually care about!

A show can have the most stunning scenes or the cleverest plot twists but if the characters don’t make me feel something, I’m done. I need to feel love, hate, pity, amusement, just something! If I don’t care whether they live or die, I’m not sticking around for six seasons. Take Gilmore Girls. I can rewatch episodes over and over because the characters feel like real people. You grow with them, cheer them on, get frustrated with them and by the end of a show you feel like you know them!

Cliffhangers that torment me!

I have a love hate relationship with cliffhangers. I love them because they make it impossible to stop watching but I hate them because they can ruin a good night’s sleep. Nothing makes me press next episode faster than an "Oh no they didn’t" moment at the end of an episode. Season 6 of The Walking Dead had a huge cliffhanger which had me shouting at the TV and I was so annoyed that I had to wait for months to see who lived and died.

Pacing that makes me forget time exists!

Some shows drag and make every episode feel like a chore but binge worthy shows know how to pace themselves. I remember watching Stranger Things for the first time. Each episode felt like it was packed with energy, mystery and just enough going on to keep me interested. By the end of the first season, I realised I hadn’t done anything else that entire weekend but I didn’t even mind. That’s the magic of good pacing: time disappears and all that matters is the story unfolding in front of you.

A world I want to live in!

Sometimes it’s about escapism. It could be the glamour of Manhattan in Sex and the City, the fantasy world of Game of Thrones or the comforting charm of a small town cafe in Gilmore Girls. I want a place I can get lost in, if only for a few hours. It's not just entertainment, it’s a little escape from real life. I can laugh, cry, gasp and cheer without leaving my sofa.

What makes a show binge worthy to you?

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! 9th - 15th February!! #MealPlanningMonday

Monday again! They do seem to come around quickly! After last week being a bit meh, I’ve decided this one is going to be better. It's nothing to worry about, I think I was just hit with a touch of the winter blues. It's a new week and a fresh start.

Last week's meal plan went really well. We ate almost everything on the day I had planned! The only day we changed things was on Friday. We got tea delivered from the local chip shop and I feel zero guilt about it. It was grim outside, raining sideways and my mood had taken a proper nosedive. It was the best decision of the week. I managed to get an absolute bargain. Four large battered sausages, two large portions of chips, a massive tub of gravy and a big tub of baked beans for £12! That fed all of us and would normally have cost double! I hope the chip shop keeps that deal going a while!

I say I don't have much on this week but I do want to get a few things done as next week Stu is off work and Ellie is off college for her half-term break. I want to do a couple of decluttering jobs, a bit of baking and maybe start another craft set.

On the menu this week we have:

Monday - Corned beef crisp bakes with chips and baked beans.

We’re starting the week with something easy and familiar. These corned beef crisp bakes are one of those things that just work. Corned beef, potato and onion, all wrapped up in a breadcrumb coating. I’ll make homemade chips and baked beans to go with them.

Tuesday - Gousto meal - Smoky BBQ Chicken With Pepper & Corn Salad!

Tuesday is a Gousto night and we've had this meal before but it's a good one. Fried chicken in a sticky tomato paste sauce with Henderson’s relish and smoked paprika, plus crispy potatoes and a pepper and corn salad on the side.

Wednesday - Asian Style Udon Noodles with Pork and Mushrooms!

A super quick and incredibly easy udon noodle dish with pork, mushrooms and sriracha sauce. Ready in 20 minutes, Midweek calls for something quick, and this one ticks all the boxes.

Thursday - Gousto meal - Beef Chuck Stew With Homemade Thyme Dumplings!

Thursday’s Gousto is a proper comfort meal. Slow-cooked beef, carrots in a rich tomato sauce, herby dumplings and mash on the side. This is exactly the sort of thing I want when the week is dragging and I’m counting down to Friday.

Friday - Pizza!

Homemade or just frozen ones out of the freezer, I am not too sure yet.

Saturday - A Valentines Day meal!

Stu and I are treating ourselves to a meal from M&S. Three courses plus a drink for £25. The poor kids are going to have to fend for themselves. lol

Sunday - A help yourself day!

Sunday is a free-for-all. Everyone can fend for themselves, eat leftovers, make toast, have cereal for tea, whatever works.

What are you eating this week?

A photo every day for a year! 1st - 7th February Week 6 of #Project365

Happy Sunday! I hope your weekend has been a good one so far. Mine’s been fine. Not amazing, not awful, just plodding along nicely. The only real issue has been the weather which is doing my head in. I know I bang on about it every year but I am so fed up of rain. I always say I could happily stay at home forever, barely leaving the house and being a hermit but it turns out that when I actually stay home for days on end I start to feel restless and a bit unsettled, like I need a change of scenery. I keep reminding myself that brighter days are coming. You can already tell, it’s staying lighter for longer on an evening now and it's not properly dark until almost 5pm which I am loving.

You can also tell when I’ve had a slow week because my Project 365 photos are always food and the TV! If there’s not much going on the camera ends up pointing at plates and screens.

Now for a photo every day!

32/365 1st February

Toad in the Hole, mashed potato and baked beans. A proper Sunday tea! I did take the photo before I drowned it in gravy. I always forget that some of my readers don’t know what Toad in the Hole actually is. Every time I mention it in a meal plan, someone asks. There are no actual toads involved, its sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter and it’s proper British comfort food!

33/365 2nd February

Ham and crisp sandwiches. If I have this for lunch, it’s a dead giveaway that Stu is at home. I never make these for myself because he does it better. Some things just taste nicer when someone else makes them! It has to be white bread, loads of butter, proper ham slices, and a mix of prawn cocktail and chicken crisps. The crisp combination is important. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

34/365 3rd February

Becky was home all day and didn’t move far from this spot. It was really nice to just be around each other without doing much and no, she didn’t get dressed properly. It was PJ bottoms and a snuddie all day. Some days are just made for comfy clothes.

35/365 4th February

The latest book that I am listening to and I am really enjoying it. Tiffy Moore needs a cheap flat and fast. Leon Twomey works nights and needs cash. Their friends think they're crazy, but it's the perfect solution: Leon occupies the one-bed flat while Tiffy's at work in the day and she has the run of the place the rest of the time.

36/365 5th February

Double chocolate and cherry hot cross buns. I had high hopes for these. They were nice but not as nice as I was expecting. There wasn’t enough cherry in them, which was a real let down. I of course still ate them. I didn't want them going to waste.

37/365 6th February

The Winter Olympics started and despite telling myself I wasn’t that bothered, I ended up watching the curling and getting right into it. I don’t even fully understand the rules but I was sat there like I knew exactly what was going on.

38/365 7th February

New pans! Well new to us. I keep saying we need new pans but the price always puts me off. There’s always something more important or more fun to spend money on. A few days ago, my dad asked if I wanted any pans and of course I said yes. I assumed he’d bought himself new ones and was passing his old set on which I would have been perfectly happy with but no. He turned up with these. A full set of matching pans. It’s been years since we’ve had a full set that looks like it belongs together. I am so happy with them! I can’t wait to try them all out properly.

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