Six in Leeds

On the 12th of July I went to Leeds to see Six with my mum, Sam, Jodie, and Mel. We have had the tickets since last August or something ridiculous like that. I have obviously seen it before but my mum hadn't, and wanted to. We had originally booked to go with Jac, but then she wasn't able to make it, so Jodie asked her friend Mel instead. I had met her once before but not for long, so it was nice to see her again.

Lee and I went to my mum's first and we had some lunch with her and my stepdad, and then she drove us to Leeds. We parked close to the theatre and walked up the Grand arcade. It was when the weather was stupidly hot so we were already sticky and sweaty, but never mind. Sam and Jodie were in the Cosy Club having some lunch, so my mum and I walked down there. I've never been in before but I quite liked it. My mum and I had a drink as we had eaten. Mel arrived and had a drink too. Then, just before 4pm, we headed to the theatre. It was stupid hot in there, old buildings suffer in the heat!

They had two showings of Six that day, as it's only short, and we had booked to see the earlier one. The place was absolutely rammed and as my mother said, mostly with women. And young women, too! The show was really good, as it always is. The Anne Boleyn appeared to be from Huddersfield or somewhere close which made her accent absolutely hilarious. I enjoyed it, and when it finished, my mum said 'Absolutely fabulous!'. So that was good, I was glad. She would see it again!

We had finished a bit earlier than we thought so we were early to Zan Asian where we had booked to eat. It didn't matter because it wans't very busy, so we got a table upstairs. It was SO hot in there and the air conditioner was like snowing? And not working great. Never mind! I ordered a blue cocktail - love me some blue shit - and we ordered food. I had Penang style grilled tofu which came with veg and peanuts on, and was yummy. The whole restaurant is Malaysian and I would like to go back and try more dishes. I wasn't sure what to get for mains but ended up going for Rojak Mee, which was tofu in a peanut sauce with noodles. It was nice but the noodles were a bit soggy for my liking. Still, it was good to try

After we had eaten we all just said goodbye and my mum drove us back to hers. Lee came to pick me up a bit later and then it was home time! 

This was a peach and pineapple something cocktail, it was pretty good

And this was a special, can't remember what, but also good

In the theatre before the show started. We were on Row N I think, and had a really good view

At the end, when you're encouraged to stand up and take photos

And another

A picture of the post outside

My blue cocktail

Tofu starter

And tofu main... fortunately I like tofu!

Lunch Out with Roslyn

On the 6th of July I went to Sheffield to meet up with my friend Roslyn. We had decided to go to Cambridge Street Collective, but it's not easy for me to park near, so I was going to park at Middlewood and get a tram. But Ros said she would pick me up from Middlewood, so that's what she did! We parked near City Hall as she has a disabled badge, and walked to the collective. 

I haven't been before but I know a lot of people in Sheffield really rate it. We walked round for a bit looking at all the different food options there are available. Then we went in the photo booth! The pictures are so cute! We each got a smoothie too and sat down at a table to drink them. It was still early so I wasn't quite ready for lunch.

But we both decided to get Korean corn dogs so we ended up sharing a whole platter. As we're both vegetarian we both just got the dogs with cheese in, which melted a lot and was yummy. With it we had rice and chips and fried cauliflower. That was REALLY yummy. The corn dog had kind of solidified by the time we had finished eating, which was a bit of a shame, but never mind. 

We walked through to a place where it turned out there was a podcast festival going on, which was a bit odd. But there was a book shop so we went in there and browsed for a bit. I don't think either of us bought anything though! Then we went in Pete McKee's shop. He is related to my friend Lolly so I knew the shop was there, but hadn't been in before. They have a vending machine where you get a mystery tiny print of Pete's art, and I got this really cute one of someone playing guitar. I love it! 

We walked through TKMaxx browsing, but I just bought some soap and a coral colour nail polish which I've decided is this summer's polish for my toes. Because it's just my toes and I don't care that much about them, I just keep painting over them when they chip until the autumn when I take it all off. My friend Amy does this and it is excellent for toes in summer, I would recommend!

Ros took me back to Middlewood and we sat in the car for about forty minutes still chatting! It was actually really nice. It was past 4.30 by the time I got home! I had been wearing this long pink tie dyed skirt which I got off Vinted although it's Yours originally. I have been wearing it a lot! With it I wore my newer Hamilton t shirt which just says Awesome, Wow on it. I love it! 

I really can't remember what type of smoothie this was but it was delicious

Our photo booth photos were really cute! Ros is really tall so yes she slouched!

The Korean BBQ stuff we shared - it was better financially to share, and there was more then plenty for us 

The little print I got out of the vending machine in Pete's shop

And my outfit when I got home!

Lunch with Philippa

On the 2nd of July I went to Penistone to meet up with Philippa for lunch. I usually don't mind driving to Sheffield but asked if she minded coming closer to me. She didn't, so we decided to go to Holme Coffee House in Penistone. It's a gorgeous cafe, and it's always busy, but they don't take bookings. So I got to Penistone at about noon and went in to get a table. I ordered a coffee and read my book for a bit. I also took photos of these earrings that I got on Vinted!

Since I got my stacked lobe piercings in June, I have had to wear light earrings in my first holes so as not to pull on the new piercings. Plus I wanted some ice cream earrings, so I looked on vinted. I found this seller selling soooo many cute earrings, so I spent a tenner and got all of these! So cute, I have been making my way through them. 

Philippa arrived about 12.30 so we ordered food and drinks. I went for avocado on toast with mushrooms on feta, while Pippa went for mushrooms on toast with avocado (the garnishes were different!). I had a hot chocolate which was nice. We were chatting and chatting and the place was busy and then got quieter. For pudding they have a range of cakes but I went for a scone with jam and cream, which was lovely. We were STILL chatting but not really taking up space by this time because it had emptied out. But we decided to get one last drink - I had a latte I think. We finally said goodbye just before 4pm and I went home via the Co op. Lee was going out to a gig - not coming home after work - so I needed something for tea. 

It was a lovely day! 

The cutest earrings that I got, I've been enjoying the lollipop ones in particular

Massive hot chocolate

And my toast with all delicious stuff on it 

And finally my scone

Films of the Month - June

I only watched seven films in June which was just a stupidly low amount! I think I was just busy though so didn't have much time to sit down and watch films! So here's what I did see:

Lee and I watched Beetlejuice Beetlejuice as we hadn't seen it before. We both love the first one and we liked this, I think it was a good sequel

I blogged previously that Sam and I went to Penistone cinema to see The Salt Path and Cabaret, in the same day. I had read the book (reviewed here) so I was keen to see the film. And I liked it! But I did know the story so as I said I got more out of it than Sam did. A lot of the dialogue is really quiet which is annoying, but it really does look pretty.

And THEN all the stuff about the story not being true came out. I - along with Sam and my book club - have been agog at every new revelation. I am finding it interesting on an objective level about what 'truth' is and how everyone has their own version of it. I totally believe that Moth has some kind of degenerative illness, but it seems like it's really atypical or unknown. But no one should have to disclose private medical history, so I am sad that happened. I believe too that Raynor Winn has the right to be known by whatever name she wants to be known by. Where I fall down is over the financial stuff. It is fascinating and I don't think the story is over yet... 

 

Anyway, Sam and I saw Cabaret in the evening of the 7th, which was delightful as always

Jac and I watched Groundhog Day together virtually, which was nice. I haven't seen it in absolutely years so it was cool to see again

I watched Trainspotting again for the first time in forever. I need to watch the sequel soon too

I am trying to make my way through all of Heath Ledger's films and am going to write a zine about each film, so I went with this. I liked it, Heath is delightful in it, very scuzzy which is how I like him

Finally Lee and I watched Bill & Ted Face the Music while we were away on holiday in North Yorkshire

Leeds with Lolly

On the Saturday after we got back from our holiday, I went to Leeds to meet up with Lolly. We had planned to meet up with Becky and Georgina too but they had both had to cancel. Lolly still wanted to go to Bundobust so we decided to go anyway! So I got the train from Barnsley and when I arrived I headed to the Hotel Chocolat cafe where we had planned to meet. Lolly was running a bit late but it didn't matter because I had my book. It was really hot so I had a dark mint milkshake with cocoa whip. Delicious!

Lolly came in and we sat and chatted for a while. The cafe wasn't busy so we didn't feel like we were taking up space. We walked round to Bundobust at about 12.30 I think. We got a table but then decided to move outside. It was a bit cooler out there but not much! We ordered a cocktail each and some food. I can't remember what my drink was but it was nice. 

For food I went for one of the specials, which was mini chaat puffs, and Lolly went for the bhaji burger because she had enjoyed that before. Then we also ordered paneer tikka, onion bhajis, and poppadums, all of which we shared. It was all so nice! It always is in Bundobust, I can never complain. I went to the loo before we went and was pleased to see the pro trans graffiti and sticker in there!

We went into Trinity because Lolly wanted to look for some skincare in Boots. We considered getting dessert but we were full and it was really hot and bothered so we decided to go back into Hotel Chocolat for another drink. I think Lolly had some cake too, but I went for another milkshake with cocoa whip. Orange this time, I think! 

On the way out of the station I had noticed that there was a summer fair on in City Square which had Thor's Tipi in it so I suggested we went there for a drink. It was blazing sunshine outside so we sat inside but near one of the tent flaps. It was still stupidly hot though. We shared a pitcher of something sweet and yummy but I absolutely can't remember what it was now. After that we went back into the station to get the train home. It was a nice afternoon out!

I did forget to get a photo of both of us and a photo of my outfit, though! Honestly what kind of a blogger am I?

Mint milkshake - I could really go for one of those right now to be honest

Cocktail in Bundobust

Our delicious food - it was a good idea to share bits. The mini chaat puffs were really delicious

Very good graffiti

And finally our shared pitcher in the tipi

Anniversary Trip to North Yorkshire - Day 7

Our last day of the holiday was also our wedding anniversary! Yep, we got married twenty years ago in 2005 when I was 21 and just before Lee turned 23. So young! I can't believe it to be honest. But we had a good holiday and on our anniversary I had booked for us to go to a spa in Helmsley. So we got up early, opened the cards from all our parents, and set off to Helmsley. We weren't super close to Helmsley, it was about forty minutes away, but it was so worth it. 

We have been past The Feversham Arms a zillion times when we've stayed in Helmsley, but have never been in, not even into the hotel for a drink or anything. But I knew there was a spa so I had booked it well before. It was a few hours in the spa, plus one course of food and a drink each. As previously, neither Lee nor I are that bothered about any spa treatments, so we didn't both to book one. 

So we turned up about 10 o'clock and got all signed in and everything. The spa is one of the best I've been to and I would highly recommend it, especially for the money we paid for our day. Inside there is a relaxation space, a sauna, foot spas, a steam room, and an experience shower. However, the weather was pretty good so we mainly just stayed outside. Outside there is a terrace, a hot tub which was actually TOO hot, and a heated pool. It was SO warm, it was like bath water and it was gorgeous. I think it might have had salt in it too because it was so nice to float in. Around the pool were chairs and sun loungers. 

So we got changed into our costumes and headed outside. I had a book to finish and another one to start, so I sat and read for a bit. We went into the pool and into the hot tub, although Lee just sat on the side of that. It rained for a little bit but we were in the pool so really what did it matter, we couldn't get wetter. We had a hot drink each by the pool.

We went in to eat at about 12.30. The vegetarian option had something in it that I'm allergic to, so I went for the smoked salmon open sandwich instead. I do occasionally eat fish and it was delicious, so I really didn't mind. I had let them know it was our wedding anniversary so after our main courses they brought out a plate with some chocolates on, which we shared. 

We went into the inside bits in the spa. Lee used the foot spa and I moved around the steam room and ice shower and stuff for a bit. But the weather outside was too good to waste, so we went back there and swam in the warm water and went in the hot tub. It is a gorgeous spa. It was so lovely. So relaxing. Just really what we both needed! We finally left at about 3pm I guess, and drove back to the cottage. 

Once there, we relaxed for a bit, got showered, and headed out to the Wheatsheaf Inn where we had booked a table the previous day. Our table was right by the bar and it was really cosy and cute. For starter I had cheese souffle and for mains I had a prawn and smoked salmon salad with chips, because again the vegetarian options were no good for me. We didn't have dessert so we just headed back to the cottage for our last night. We packed up some things which made it easier in the morning. 

We did head outside last thing to look at the garden. As it was only a few days past the longest day, the sky was so light and beautiful.

In the morning we got everything into the car really quickly and headed home. We managed to get home about 1pm because we did stop for food on the way back. It was a lovely holiday - pretty restful and calm, which we needed. But we did a lot of fun things too, which was good! 

Anniversary cards in the cottage before we set off. That door behind them was the secret staircase where my mum and stepdad's room was

The welcome drink at the spa, I think it was orange and mango

The hot tub - it was so lovely and mostly I had it to myself. There were maybe ten other people around in total throughout the whole day

The heated (warm!) outdoor pool. Beyond that is the hotel, which is fancy!

The novella I was finishing

Coffee outside, that's Lee just beyond. They were very generous with the towels which I like!

And the library book I had brought to start. I liked it, but thought Ellen was a massive snob

Smoked salmon open sandwich for lunch with salad

The very cute chocolates we got

Lee in the foot spa in the inside area of the spa

A sauna I think

And two steam rooms. I went in one of them for a little bit

The terrace - as you can see, it wasn't exactly awash with other guests. I think there were maybe five people on spa days like us, and four people using the pool who were staying at the hotel

The pool again, just a bit later, before we left

In the pub later

Cheese souffle

Smoked salmon and prawn salad, which was actually a starter, but with chips it was a good main

And my last photo... goodnight! We were happy to get home to the cats the next day

Anniversary Trip to North Yorkshire - Day 6

On the Wednesday of our trip, my mum and stepdad left at about 10.30. They had planned to come for five nights which was of course fine, but they obviously didn't have to rush off in the morning because we were still staying there. So we had some breakfast and we helped them load their car, and then they went. 

First of all Lee and I went to Rosedale Abbey which took quite a while to get to, and turned out to not be worth it at all. I am sure that I've been before and found it a really cute village with little shops and stuff, but we could only find Rosedale Glass. It's a working glass factory and their pieces were absolutely gorgeous, but expensive. We couldn't find any other shops so instead, we went off to Goathland. I have been before but it must be thirty years ago and I don't remember it. Having been, I wouldn't say it's worth a special trip. It's tiny, for one thing. For another, the street parking is for twenty minutes only and the car park there is like a fiver for all day which is fine if you want to stay all day but not so fine if you only want to be there an hour or so.

So we stayed twenty minutes. Fine, whatever. There's a row of shops so we went into those. One of them was selling golliw*gs which......... is a choice. There was even a sign that said 'This is not offensive!' I'm not sure that they get to decide if it's offensive or not. The sign also asked you to not take photos, which totally reads to me like they known it's wrong, they just don't want the controversy over it.

So. We didn't spend anything in there. They're all cute gift type shops but we're trying to not spend much money. I did buy some butter tablet for me and for my mum. It turned out to be really nice and I should have bought more. We looked at a tea shop for something to eat but mindful of the parking restrictions outside we decided to just go. 

Goathland is known as the place they filmed Heartbeat, so it's got a lot of that stuff about. The train station was used in Harry Potter, too, so there's a lot of that about too. I took some photos, but forgot to get one of the garage in Heartbeat which operates as a cafe. We ended up going to The Inn on the Moor for lunch. It's a lovely country pub and the staff were all lovely. I had a hummus and falafel wrap which was absolutely delicious. 

We drove to Grosmont and found a junk shop which had all kinds of wonderful things in it. Lee bought some kind of video game something, I can't remember what. I got four books for a pound each! Bargain. We went into the Co op next door which had some frankly weird things in it. We needed a few bits and we got pasties for tea. Then it turned out that the steam train was coming through again, so we decided to stay and watch it. Tons of people were doing the same which was nice. There were a few very excited small children.

We got ice creams from the shop at Grosmont station. We then went over to Egton to book a table for tea the following day. We had had The Wheatsheaf Inn recommended to us so we went. It's a small pub but the menu is good, so we booked a table. We sat and had a hot drink each; Lee's was a ridiculous hot chocolate with marshmallow skewers, and I had a coffee. It was nice to just sit, honestly. We headed back to the cottage after that to relax for the evening. We watched a film and had bits for tea as usual. It was a restful day!

In Goathland, on the one street they have

The shop that is used in Heartbeat, as you can see by the name

Falafel wrap for lunch with chips

Looking across the station

This is the dining train, which I would love to do one day but it is quite expensive... Maybe for our silver wedding anniversary?

My ice cream, strawberry and vanilla

And here's the steam train! So cute to see

Finally, here are the books I bought