J R Ellis in Barnsley and a Day Out with Family

At the beginning of November I had tickets for my mum and I to see J R Ellis at the library in Barnsley. My mum and I have read all his books, and it was a free event, so I snaffled up some tickets when I saw about it on the local newsletter that I subscribe to. Then I asked if all four of us with Lee and my stepdad wanted to make a bit of a day of it and have some food and drinks afterwards. My mum agreed, so she and Norman came to Barnsley on the bus and met Lee and I just after midday in the town centre. We went into Costa for a coffee (we would have gone in the independent cafe nearby but it was full!) and then at just before 1pm my mum and I wandered to the library and up to the third floor. 

I'm guessing there were about forty of us in total. I was the youngest person there for sure, but then Ellis' books are 'cosy mysteries' which tend to be read by older people. It was interesting to hear John speak, but I think he could have been a bit less rambly. But it was still nice! I've read all of his books on Kindle but I bought one so that he could sign it. We spoke to him briefly and then we went back into the plaza. Lee and Norman had been into the record shop in the arcade and then had a drink in the bar opposite, which was nice for both of them. We decided to eat in the Salt House so we went in and got a table. 

They have a bunch of tapas choices in there so we ordered a bunch of stuff to share. They have some good veggie options. I had bruschetta and sticky cauliflower wings and shared some other stuff. My mum and I shared a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and I had a white sangria too. When we'd eaten we went next door to the Lounge where we had some more drinks. I think Lee popped to a different shop which was fine; he doesn't drink alcohol so he wasn't bothered about sitting with us for the whole time. I think I had a cherry cola cocktail, but I'm not too sure. 

About 6pm we went to Dolly's Desserts. I wanted some ice cream the night before but we didn't have any, so Lee said we should go for dessert with my mum and Norman. They hadn't been to that specific one before but I knew they would find something they both liked. I had cookie dough and whippy ice cream, it was delicious. We were lucky to get the big table at the front of the place which meant we didn't have to go upstairs as my stepdad finds stairs difficult. 

When we had eaten pudding we were totally stuffed so we took my mum and Norman home and then came back home ourselves. My mum did invite us in for drinks but we wanted to just come back, so we did! 

I was wearing some new Dr Marten boots that I bought a few months ago but hadn't worn them in the summer, but when the weather turned cooler I pulled them out. I wore them for the first time this day and they didn't rub me very much at all, which is good. They will still need some breaking in, though! But I love the pattern of them - the black rubs off as you wear them and I just love them so yes I did buy them full price... 

New Dr Marten boots, I just love them so much and can't wait to wear them a lot over the winter! I was also wearing grey footless tights from Snag which I really like too 

J R Ellis giving his talk

White sangria in the Salt House. I like their food and I love their staff and customer service, I recommend the place if you're in Barnsley

Bruschetta and cauliflower wings, it was nice food too 

Here we all are in Dolly's Desserts, my mum had a brownie and ice cream, Norman had some ice cream, and I think Lee had cookie dough like me 

Here's my dessert, I love hot cookie dough!

Lunch in Leeds

On the 28th of October Lee and I went to Leeds to see his brother Andrew and his fiancee Libby. They had been in Leeds to see a band (not Fall Out Boy, haha) the night before and had stayed over, so they asked us to go and meet them for lunch. We booked a table at Bundobust and got there about 12.30. Driving into Leeds is a nightmare at the moment because they seem to be digging up the whole entire city and the traffic is awful. Plus Leeds were at home so that didn't help either! But it was okay and we finally got to Andrew and Libby. 

I love Bundobust because it's all vegetarian so I can choose literally anything. I always get the chaat because I love it so much. I also went for stuffed paratha, these were really nice and I'd get them again. My last dish was the vada pav, which is a deep fried mashed potato ball in a burger bun. It tasted nice, but the texture was a bit bland so I didn't eat it all and wouldn't order it again. But I'm glad I tried it! I also had a lychee cocktail which was delicious. 

After lunch we went into Trinity, which happened to have a craft fair going on in the middle. I bought a couple of Christmas presents and some earrings, and we bought some brownies to share later. It was so nice! All four of us went in a couple of shops and then we went down to the Hotel Chocolat cafe for a drink. Unfortunately it was really understaffed so the queue to get drinks was huge and Andrew and Libby had to leave to get their train. But Lee and I had some delicious hot chocolate which came with cocoa whip on top and was delicious! 

We got home about 4.30pm and I had a lie down and a nap because I was absolutely exhausted from the night before. Apparently the October slide is a known thing for people with chronic illness and I was definitely feeling it by the end of the month. Resting is good! 

I dug out my Dr Marten boots for the first time this year. I got them on Vinted last Christmas and wore them really late into the year because they're really easy to just pull on. The top layer is supposed to rub off and reveal the brighter red underneath - this had started a bit when I got them but I've definitely worn them in more! They're really comfy. I was also wearing reddish tights with bats on that I got from Snag because it was near Halloween. 

My outfit was a red skirt that I picked up at a clothes swap in June - it's from New Look originally. It's a size 22 and the waistband is a bit tight but it's actually fine on me. I paired it with my 'We are the weirdos, mister" which came from Grin in Manchester in October last year. It's a quote from The Craft if you don't know it, and it's perfect for near Halloween! 

My boots and tights as we were on the way out

Lychee cocktail, it came in a really dainty glass which was cute

Chaat at the top and the stuffed paratha at the bottom - there were two different types of paratha but they were both nice

Vada pav! Lee had one of these too

Classic hot chocolate with cocoa whip

My outfit - love these together!

Lunch and Cinema in Sheffield

On the 18th of March Lee and I headed to Sheffield to meet my cousin Rob and his wife Beth for lunch. We had been meaning to meet up for a while and decided to go to Saigon 68 on London Road which is a fab Vietnamese cafe that we like going to. I went last summer with my friend Lucinda but Lee hadn't been since before the pandemic I don't think. We all arrived at the same time and easily got a table.

I went for vegetarian chicken satay skewers and then a veggie chicken Vietnamese stir fried noodle dish, both of which I've had before and both of which I like. Lee had salt and pepper tofu which was both also love. 

After lunch we popped into the European supermarket across the road from Saigon 68 where I bought some snacks and some pop that you generally can't get in the UK. Then Lee and I went to the cinema! We went to see Scream VI, we're big fans of the whole Scream franchise so I'm glad we decided to go to the cinema to see this one. I really enjoyed it, I think it had a really good story and the main two actors were really good. 

We got home around 6pm and just chilled out for the rest of the day. I was wearing a new Judi Love top that I got recently from Very - it was in the sale and I really like it and the material it is made of. I was wearing it with my Scarlett & Jo net skirt that I've had for years but don't wear very often. I wore my grey Snag tights with pink and yellow hearts on them, they're very cute. 

Then I had a new-to-me pair of Dr Marten shoes. I saw them on Vinted in March for just £25 plus postage, and I still had birthday money to spend so I bought them. Part of one of the buckles is damaged - it still functions but the end doesn't tuck in. It doesn't affect the wearing of the shoe and I think I'll be able to use something else. It made them an absolute bargain and I love them!

Tights and Dr Marten patent double bucked shoes, taken just as we were getting ready to go out 

Our starters

And my main

And here's my outfit!

Brunch with Roslyn and a New Skirt

On the 5th of March I went to Fox Valley to meet my friend Roslyn. We often go there as it's halfway between our houses, roughly, and it's accessible for both of us. We planned to go in The Lounge that's there, so when I arrived first I went in. But there was a huge queue and our wait would have been forty-five minutes. So instead I headed to McGilveray's which is just opposite. I've looked at their menu before but their vegetarian main course choices are really limited. But their breakfast menu had plenty of veggie choices so I decided it would be fine for us. 

I had a coffee while I waited for Roslyn, and then we both ordered the meat free breakfast. Roslyn is also a vegetarian so that's good. We then both had a slice of chocolate cake too, which was really nice and homemade and just enough for pudding. We walked to Holland & Barrett where I bought some snacks. We said goodbye after that and I drove home. 

I was wearing this skirt for the first time. It used to be a dress  from Lindy Bop and it belonged to my friend Gemma. She passed it on to me, and I knew that the bodice wouldn't fit me, but the skirt would. So I asked my mum to alter it. It was a bit of a challenge because it had a zip down one side and pockets, the first of which had to be removed and the second of which had to be preserved. But she likes a challenge! Promise. The lining is a bit wonky but otherwise it's good. I love the print on it and I'm really glad I can wear it now!

I wore it with my Pits & Perverts: Lesbians and Gay Men Support the Miners t-shirt which I really like. I also had on these pale green Snag tights, I think my aunt bought me them for my birthday last year but I hadn't yet worn them. But I knew they'd go with this skirt so I pulled them out. I have been wearing my Dr Marten boots that came from Vinted almost every day since I got them at Christmas. I swear when it's a bit less cold I'll wear some other shoes, but these are so comfortable and I just love them!

Veggie breakfast

Chocolate cake! So good!

T shirt and new-to-me skirt

Green tights and boots

Finally, I refound this necklace in my jewellery stuff recently and pulled it out to wear, it's so nice!

Christmas Day 2022

We didn't get up particularly early on Christmas Day, then we had some breakfast and then my stepdad went to pick up his mum and brother. Lee and my mum and I started getting things ready for lunch, and then once everyone was settled we started opening some presents. Lee's mam had bought us each one of these ridiculous hoodies and wanted a photo of us in them so we sent this one to her. And one of my first presents from my mum was the Speedy Bosh book, which is all vegan recipes. I actually bought another of these for Lee last Christmas, so I was pleased to get this. We actually made one of the recipes at the beginning of January which I hope bodes well for the rest of the year! I'm vegetarian but love to eat vegan. 

Lee ordered me this Jesse Malin LP without me knowing about it! I have seen Jesse a bunch of times and have tickets to see him again in February, I really like him, so I was thrilled to get this. It's got a song with Bruce Springsteen on it too! 

We had lunch around 2pm. I had "turkey" and stuffing from Marks and Spencer which Lee had picked up for me just before Christmas. It was nice and quite sweet, with cranberries in it. We had vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, stuffing, vegan pigs in blankets, and of course gravy and bread sauce. I love bread sauce so much, I don't know why we don't eat it more often! 

I got this pair of Dr Marten boots from my mum and stepdad. They were second hand off Vinted and I found them in like October. The black is supposed to rub off and reveal the red underneath, so you can see this has already started happening. I love the effect! Plus these are already worn in a bit so haven't been wrecking my feet. They aren't in perfect condition but for the price we paid I'm happy and it means I'm less precious about them as they've already got a few scuffs. I love them!

Around 3.30pm Lee and I went out of the front of the cottage and down the long garden on to the quayside at the front. I made sure to take photos of the cottage! I took some pictures of the beach, although the tide was mostly out. There was a family playing with a frisbee which was exciting their dog a lot! It wasn't too cold and it blew the cobwebs away.

My dress was this gorgeous star print dress from the Judi Love collection at Very. I bought it in like October and then saved it for Christmas because it was so nice! It's so lovely on, really light and floaty with sheer sleeves. It's a nice length too, I wore tights underneath but I could have easily not done. 

On the way back into the house I took this lovely photo of the one solitary rose in the garden, isn't it lovely? 

The last photo is of Lee's new shoes. His old Converse were falling apart so I bought these off Vinted. They were only £33 and they honestly look like they've never been worn. Aren't they a gorgeous colour?

We played a game for a bit, which was fun. Then Lee took Norman's mum and brother home, and when he got back we had some bits for tea. It was a nice, relaxed day! 

Lee and I in our ridiculous fluffy hoodies. I used mine as a blanket in Somerset (there was only single glazing and sitting in front of the windows was quite cold) and I've worn it since we've been home because our attic room can be cold. It's very warm!

Speedy Bosh book - I can see us making a lot of this stuff

My Jesse Malin LP! Lee and I have quite the collection of vinyl now

The back of the cottages looking at numbers 4 and 5

And the other way - the gate was the way in

Setting the table - I bought these Lindt bears somewhere or other for each of us to have

Christmas dinner! 

New boots! I am so happy I found these second hand

The front of the house

Looking up the garden

The beach - the white tents are Butlins, and we could hear some kind of party going on with Wizzard playing

Looking across the bay

Towards the harbour, where we had been the previous day

My new dress! Isn't it lovely? I love it, I might wear it for my mother in law's 60th actually too

Pretty rose in the garden

And finally Lee's new secondhand Converse trainers

What I Wore 16th October

This is what I wore to go out with Sam. I was just browsing my dresses and spied this pink Lindy Bop dress that I've had forever, so I pulled it out. I was looking for my black cardigan to wear with it, but I couldn't find it (we had recently done SO much washing, it seemed to pile up from before and after our holiday) but I spied my Beth Ditto heart print cardigan so I pulled that out. I like the clash of prints and colours, I think it works. I put on my cropped leggings - just after this was when it dropped colder so this might be the last wearing of the cropped leggings this year - and my Dr Marten shoes. I've had them forever but only started wearing them properly a couple of years ago. They're broken in now and pretty comfortable, so perfect for the winter. I haven't worn them in forever through the summer, but took them on holiday.

I put a little bit of make up on, including a bright pink Clinique lipstick that a friend gave me - I love the pop of pink!

What I Wore 5th September

On Saturday 5th September Lee and I headed to Asda in Barnsley in the morning. I'd been wanting to buy some new bedding that I'd seen a friend buy, so thought we could do that and get some bits at the same time. When we got there though, they didn't have the bedding I wanted. But we got some groceries and I had a nice mooch around a big supermarket, which I've not done in absolutely forever. It wasn't that busy - Asda on a Saturday morning used to be absolutely hell on earth but there really weren't that many people around. 

Anyway, here's what I wore. I pulled out this black dress that I got from Evans at a time I don't even remember as I haven't bought from them in years. I love the polka dotted pattern, which is one of my favourites. And I really like the fake wrap look! On the top there is a gap between the two bits of fabric, but there's a stitch which stops the wrap from opening so that's good. On the bottom the skirt goes all the way around and then there's the front flap which makes it look like a wrap. It's an easy and comfortable dress to throw on. 

Then, my shoes! I usually buy a pair of black leather slip on shoes that I can chuck on any time I need to go out of the house, or when I know I'll have to take my shoes off (like when I'm going to the gym). They have to be leather, they have to be comfortable, they have to be slip on so I can do them without hurting myself, and they're better if they're black as that goes with anything. I've had this one pair for a couple of years now and they're in need of going in the bin. They're looking really shabby. I bought them from Pavers so they were about £35 and I think I've had my money's worth out of them. In March, before lockdown, I thought, oh I should really go to Skopos Mill in Batley and buy some more shoes from the Pavers outlet there. Then of course lockdown happened and I couldn't do that. So I've had this old pair for longer than normal and I'm so ready to bin them.

So then I remembered that I have a pair of Dr Marten shoes, in a t-bar style. I bought them absolutely years ago off eBay I think, and I have worn them a few times, but never enough to properly wear them in. If you've ever had Dr Martens you'll know that they can often rub for a while until you soften them up - that's happened with all the boots I've had and I've had plenty of blisters to prove it! But I thought that I could slip these on, by not undoing the buckle and just shoving my feet in. So today I did that. I can do it, but it is a bit tough. I'm hoping that will get easier as they soften. They do fit, but are slightly tight across the top of my foot, so I might wear some socks with them and try to stretch them a bit. I wore them round Asda and they didn't hurt, so I have high hopes that I can wear them in and use them as my every day shoes. That's good because a) it means I don't have to spend any money right now (my income has gone down as a result of the pandemic and there being les work for me to do) and b) they're Dr Martens and therefore badass and c) they're cute!

Black T-bar Dr Marten shoes

Really old Evans mock wrap dress!

What I Wore 8th March

8th March turned out to be a really good day for me because I got my MA result back and I GOT A FIRST!!!! I've never got a First for anything! I'm really happy, obviously. I felt so sick, I couldn't believe it!

I had to go to Sheffield for a meeting so Lee came with me and we went to the Rutland Arms for food. I love the Rutland, the food is cheap and delicious, and they have some veggie and vegan choices too.

Anyway this is what I was wearing. I bought this Joe Brown's dress in the sale from Simply Be recently. It's strapless, so more of a summer dress really, but with a cardigan over the top it's more than fine. The straps are adjustable, and there's shirring on the back too. It's fully lined and IT HAS POCKETS! I love a pocket! Basically, it's a really good quality dress.

I love the pattern. I was also wearing my Dr Martens!

What I Wore March 15th

March 15th was Sheffield Zine Fest! I had a table to sell my zines and I also did FOUR HOURS of workshops (Lee looked after my stall while I ran them.). I did two workshops, twice. I did my body positivity one and was really empowered by the people I had joining in. I also did a mail art one which had lots of supplies and paper folding, people seemed to enjoy it.

I wore this dress and got lots of compliments on it. It is a Scarlett and Jo one from Evans and I got it in the sale for the bargain price of £35. Plus I had a gift card so it only cost me £15! It's pink underneath with a lace overlay. I wore it with my Dr Martens to amp up the badass factor.

I'm never knowingly under-dressed!

What I Wore February 19th

I'm sorry I haven't written much here. I've been really busy, quite ill, and just generally feeling quite un-confident about myself. I may seem fully confident and I've run body positive workshops, but it isn't always easy in a world that hates fat bodies. I've been trying my best!

This was an outfit I wore to uni. This dress you've seen before, it was from Asos in January 2013, it has an exposed zip at the back. These leggings were off everything5pounds but they're not great quality. They're fun though! The boots I've had since I was about 15 but I recently bought some new ribbon laces for them.

My amazing shoes

I was wearing these shoes at uni last week. I can't wear them without socks so I've decided that for the autumn and winter they will be my go-to shoes. They're really cosy. Anyway, I was going up some steps and the man behind me, when we reached the top, said "Great docs!"

I smiled, said thank you, and carried on my merry way.

I'll tell you what I didn't tell the man. These aren't Dr Martens shoes.

Oh, they're a very good fake, yes. But they're by a brand called Truffle and they cost me £15 inc postage on eBay. I only found them because I was searching for "oxblood shoes" because I wanted some.

I think they're amazing, I love how badass they make me feel!