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Showing posts from 2012

Bugsy Malone

Ms James and I were well up for an evening of reminiscing and jazz hands as we planned a little outing to the theatre to watch an old time classic Bugsy Malone. We met up and went for food in one of our favourite places, Henry’s Café Bar . The service as always was fantastic, Ms James really fancied the noodles that were on the menu but the only options were with chicken or salmon, she asked if there was any chance as she was a vegetarian to have the noodles on their own (personally we both felt there should have been an option to have the noodles with vegetables) this wasn’t a problem at all and they were more than happy to serve it without Chicken or Salmon. After much deliberation I decided on the Pork Belly with dauphinoise potatoes, seasonal veg and gravy, it was gorgeous but could have done with a little more potatoes. Our hunger satisfied we had a little time to spare before having to head for the theatre so we went on a mission to find me some shoes to go with my dress

Fair and Bare

A couple of years ago I stumbled upon a brilliant T-shirt company. Their designs are unique and are submitted by anybody who wishes. If you submit a design and it’s successful your t-shirt will then go on sale and you will get some goodies for your creativeness (and part of the sales profit for a certain amount sold). I think this is a fabulous idea and you get some really unique and brilliant designs on there. Not only is this a local company to me but they also promote fair trade and their t-shirts are printed on fair trade certified cotton. I have purchased a couple of t-shirts from this company and both the quality and print are very good. I would encourage people to check them out and get designing some fab t-shirts.  They're called Fair and Bare and are based in Taffs Well

Pettigrew Tea Rooms

Ms James and I booked another afternoon tea, what a great way to spend a flexi afternoon. We were meant to be going the Mad Hatters tearoom in Cardiff but due to a mix up in dates we couldn’t go. Both of us wanted to try out Pettigrew Tea Rooms after following the guy who runs it on twitter ( I want to bake free ) from before he opened it and following his dream through to reality. Well… it’s in a glorious setting just off Cardiff Castle on the entrance to Bute Park. It’s a really quaint looking place, but there is not only the room downstairs but upstairs as well and when the weather is fine there is outside seating. We were greeted as we entered and shown to a table. The décor of the tea room was lovely with a variety of pieces of furniture giving the place its own unique character. There is also a display cabinet to show off the tempting goodness of the wonderous cakes on offer. There was an awesome array of teas on offer and we decided we would leave the tea until after

Dyfi Forest

The other weekend the fantastic Mr Bus and I went to the Dyfi forest for Mr Bus to take part in the final stage of the Gravity Enduro races. I like a dutiful girlfriend went on long to support and offer encouragement, I was happy enough I said as long as there was somewhere for me to sit, get a cuppa and read my book. Well the brilliant Mr Bus booked us into a delightfully gorgeous B&B called the Plas Mawr which is in-between Machynlleth and Aberystwyth. First of all with the dreadful summer we have been having I was glad not to be camping in a soggy field as much as I love camping. On arrival we were able to locate the B&B with ease as it’s just on the main road through Eglwys Fach. In the vicinity is RSPB Nature Reserve and numerous areas for beautiful walks. We were welcomed by the friendly and charming owner Tina, she greeted us at the door and made us feel right at home from the word go. Mr Bus had been in correspondence prior to our arrival to give a rough time of

Now I Know….. How to be a Woman.

         I was given this book “How to be a Woman” by Caitlin Moran for my birthday off a dear friend of mine. I was unsure what to expect really, and it wasn’t something that I would have picked up off the bookshelf myself. Well… the first few chapters freaked me out and I thought they were really gross, it was like a car crash no matter how much I didn’t want to read any more I felt myself compelled too. Reflecting back it was a good start following Caitlin into adulthood and her experiences, so it did progress at a good pace. To be fair you could start reading this book from a young age and just read a chapter at a time where things correlate with your own life, I think it is most insightful in that respect. As the book goes forth so does Caitlin into womanhood and I found some areas really interesting and that I could relate to most things she was saying, she even covers issues like sexism, feminism, children and abortions. I think some of these topics are really brave

Gilberns

I have a love for Gilbern Motor Cars. Gilberns were produced in a place called Llantwit Fardre in South Wales. They were founded in the late 1950’s by a master butcher and a German engineer. Giles Smith and Bernard Frises. These brilliant cars are made with a glass fibre body. The Gilbern was always a component car rather than a kit car with the all the components being new and under warranty. The original cars were based upon the Austin A35 mechanical components, while a variety of engines were offered. A few different models of Gilberns were developed over the years being the GT, Genie, Invader Mk I, Invader MkII, Invader MkII Estate, and the Invader MkIII. Unfortunately by March 1974 Gilberns had ceased trading. Even though not many of these lovely cars were built some still survive today and most are kept with the Gilbern’s Owners club. I enjoy going to vintage car shows and so if they are not in Wales it is a particular challenge for me to track down a Gilbern at one

Jolyon's at No.10 Afternoon Tea

Well yesterday saw my first afternoon tea of 2012, which for me in comparison to last year is very late and only one by now is shocking. I took a lovely half day flexi to meet up with fabulous Ms James, after a mix up with meeting places and a break down in communication we were finally on our way. A little bit early to head straight to the venue we decided on a quick one in the brilliant pub the Mochyn Du which is near Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. The Mochyn Du is a lovely pub with a mix of old fashioned pub and modern furnishings and to be fair it works very well. It was nicely quiet as well with the odd group of people enjoying lunch. The bar staff were lovely and friendly. Unfortunately we weren’t able to stay longer and headed off for our champagne afternoon tea at Jolyon’s at No.10. Jolyon’s at No.10 is on Cathedral Road in Cardiff and not to far along either so easy to get to and easy to find. On arrival we took our seats and our table was laid by a very nice, f

The Social

Well this lucky lady had the opportunity to dine in the Social in Cardiff. I have to say it was gorgeous and the food amazing, it was a little pleasure sensation with every mouthful, almost orgasmic in its way. The surroundings were pleasant, not too modern that it was in your face and garish, but subtly so and tasteful. We were greeted and served by lovely staff whose nothing was too much trouble attitude shone across and was genuine, which is unusual to see these days without an underlying tone of sarcasm, or being overly nice you know they don’t mean it. We started with a lovely glass of prosecco which was divine. Seeing some rather different things on the menu that I hadn’t tried before I had to go for them, this is a thing of mine, if there is something I haven’t tried before I have to go for it, and to be fair I am never disappointed. For starters I chose frog’s legs with a shrimp and chorizo salad, the fantastic Mr Bus had faggots, and both were gorgeous and ever so ta

Digger Cake

For the fantastic Mr Bus’ birthday I decided to make him a digger cake and I have to say I was very pleased with the results, it also took less time to make than I had anticipated. I started off baking a square Madeira cake.  This I then cut in half and placed one half on top of the other to work out the length of the cab, roughly half again.   I used butter icing to hold them together and then placed butter icing all over for the ready to roll icing to go on top.  With the extra square of cake left from making the main body and cab of the digger, I scooped out the middle section to create the digger bucket, then covered this in butter icing and ready roll icing on top. I iced the main body of the digger and the bucket and then attached the bucket using two rolls of icing for the arms.   I used a food colouring pen for the initial detail on the digger and filled the bucket with rainbow drops and popping candy.   I placed melted chocolate on

Wild Wet Welsh Weekend

The other weekend saw me and my besties hit West Wales for a girls weekend. We were lucky enough to stay in my Auntie’s Caravan in New Quay. Friday we set off a little later than planned but didn’t care as this was meant to be a chilled out weekend where there was no stress. We stopped off to see a friend on the way and then we were back on the road. Whenever I drive up to New Quay I make the error of trusting the auto route rather than my own judgement (also I am a massive campaigner against sat navs). So we ended up getting a little lost around the wilds of West Wales until I got my bearings and some fab navigation from my besties. We arrived!! We settled in, got the central heating on, chose our bedrooms (luckily one each) and cracked open the wine. This was the start of things to come. We ended up watching a program on TV about Frank Sinatra whilst chatting and drinking. For some reason Engelbert Humperdinck came on the and I really can’t look at him, he makes me cringe,

Ex Bumping

There is nothing worse than bumping into your ex, especially when you least expect it - I think this year has been my turn for bumping into exes, sometimes it’s hilarious and sometimes not. I was expecting to bump into the one sooner or later since he lives perilously nearby; I wasn’t expecting it to be at the local polling station where I had gone like a good citizen to place my vote. I spotted him on the way in and thought I could do a quick dash with just saying hello, as there is no reason to be rude. On the way out I stuck to the plan and managed a hello. Then the ex asked if we could have a chat. “Argh” I thought, do we really need to? He wanted to apologise for being an idiot and clear the air; fine by me, there were no hard feelings and I tried hard not to look really smug as I’m so happy now with my life and with Mr Bus. Times change. The ex knew I was seeing someone but didn’t know anything else - I wasn’t going to give him any more information in that respect. We parted ways

A Little bit of Vintage

There is something about seeing vintage cars that makes me want to don a head scarf and pack my picnic basket, set off into the countryside for a spiffing time with jam sandwiches and lashings and lashings of ginger beer. In reality though I am sure you would have the top of the car down, your hair looking like you styled it on the 80’s fashion complete with bugs stuck to your teeth. This vintage car show I didn’t have a picnic, but a cuppa from a dodgy vendor, but hey it was hot which was the main thing, as that point in time I was rather cold. I had just been watching a bird display with Mr Bus, which was really good and interesting but just standing there in the open made me cold as there was no where to hide from the gusts of wind. We decided on a cuppa and headed off on the forest walk as we had seen most of what we had wanted to. I did really enjoy looking around all the vintage cars etc. and also managing to find a Gilbern. This is a car that was made in Trefforest in

Homemade Crisps

Most women will stop at nothing for chocolate and love it. This is not the case for me. I am in love with Crisps, I love all flavours and styles of crisps and will eat them all. I would prefer an egg made out of crisps for Easter rather than a chocolate one, as I would probably still have it a year on, it really is pointless giving me chocolate. Crisps however are a different story. When I was in school I was completely addicted and sometime would have up to four standard packets a day. Luckily I was also training playing Badminton about four times a week as well so could burn off all the calories. In work I have become known as the crisp connoisseur and I also tweet about crisps and have crisps conversations with crisp manufacturers on twitter. A few years ago I was very good and gave up crisps for lent (not that I am religious, just saw it as a challenge). I have to say that I was really good but did find it hard. My love of crisps has entered a new domain and for Chris

A Year On

I tend to not like to blog too much about serious things, as it can all get a bit bogged down. However, I would like to reflect on the past year, and truly I must say that everything happens for a reason. My 30th year started in disaster with what was meant to be a lovely trip to Rome with my boyfriend at the time, which was on my list of places to visit since goodness knows when. Instead we got to Rome and I got dumped and found a person who I considered a friend was truly the opposite. Still we managed to make the best out of a bad situation and I still got to see the things I really wanted to see but obviously my heart wasn’t in it and I was reluctant to throw my euro into the Trevi fountain not particularly wanting to return at that point. The next few months passed in some what of a blur, but luckily I have amazing friends who were there for me and pulled me through. I kept myself busy and developed quite the social life for myself and so I was never left to mull in my

Flexinoon

The delightful Ms James and I spent a wonderful afternoon full of excitement last Thursday. I booked a half day off work (thank god for flexi, it’s amazing!!) We met down Cardiff Bay cinema but it was too early to book any tickets. We headed off for food in Strada . This is one of my favourite places to eat and they were doing a lunch time special as well. Ms James and I both went for the Risotto Fungi, it was delightful and tasty, it was cooked perfectly and cream, lovely and filling. We got back to the cinema and booked our tickets, however we were too early to go in so we had to wait around. With that the lure of the Ben and Jerry’s ice cream got us and we were drawn in. I had Fairly Nuts which is a caramel ice cream with a praline almond cluster and caramel swirls; I have to say it was very yummy. Whilst getting out Ice cream I managed to glance around only to see an ex boyfriend standing there with his date. Ms James and I deduced it was a date and a second one at that

The Beginning of 2012...

I can’t believe that January is almost over. This year it has gone quick, I normally find that January drags and is a long month. I suppose it has been filled with fun things and excitement. My friends and I started off the Year by going into town in Hobo’s to their cheesy 80’s night; we thought this would be great and reminisced about the horrible 80’s style. We dressed up in our 80’s gear had a few drinks before hand and headed in. Good job we had a couple before we went out, the rest of the people there weren’t dressed up, either too miserable or too young to remember the 80’s. Still we didn’t care, ordered hideously bright coloured cocktails, demanded the 80’s music from the DJ and danced the night away. It was a really good night. Followed by a leap of faith at the end of the evening, I am still hoping this will pay off. Ez and I also re-discovered a local to haunt, this is the Coach in Bridgend which is looking fab after its refurb and what a lovely place to have

Steam Punk Burlesque Show

It was the night before Christmas Eve All the creatures were stirring even the burlesque tease The stockings were hitched up the legs with great care Hoping everyone would be in good cheer. The guests were snuggled and of all ages While visions of steam punk burlesque danced on the stage With people in their fishnets and some with top hats It was a glorious sight as a matter of fact. When from the side of the stage there arose a clatter The band was now playing getting better and better Away to the dance floor we flew like a flash Bopping and jiving with a slight Russian sash. The evening was quick to draw to an end However we made a good couple of friends Their car pulled up and numbers exchanged We had to run to catch our train We were too late as the train just pulled away Another hour we would have to stay To the chippie we went to have our fill Then to the waiting room against our will One more hour our train was delayed, Luckily we were merry so we weren

More Afternoon Tea?!?!?!

Well yes, I have been at it again. The 2nd December my fabulous friend Fordy and I went on a lovely day trip to Bath. We love our girlie day trips and thought we would combine this one with the Christmas market and afternoon tea (of course). As it was a day off from work we allowed ourselves a little lie in so didn’t set off too early, this did mean that we missed all the rush hour traffic and had a lovely drive down to Bath. The weather was nice and bright but it was cold, which got us in the mood for a Christmas market. We arrived at the park and ride and it was full, we drove round trying to find a space, just as we were about to give up and try and find somewhere else, a bus from town pulled up and we were able to follow people off the bus to a parking space. Then came the wait in the queue for a bus, it was so cold and we wished we had layered up a bit more. Luckily we weren’t waiting long and we were on a bus into Bath centre. On arriving we got our bearings and star