Wreath Making in Penistone

On the 30th of November I went to a wreath making workshop in Penistone with two people from book club. One of them had mentioned it and I fancied making a wreath for our door, so I signed up! It was from 7pm so I drove to Penistone and parked and then went in. It was held in the church and they were really organised - they led me to a table with two other people on it so I could wait for Ceri and Jane. In all I bet there were at least 70 people there! Our ticket price got us a drink and a mince pie each, which was a nice way to start off. Then the church curate gave a bit of a demonstration, and then we got to work!

There were big bags of moss on each table and first of all we had to attach big bunches of moss to the wreath blank, with wire. People kept coming round to help us, and it was nice to talk to Ceri and Jane. Then we had to make like bunches with greenery like conifers, eucalyptus leaves, holly, ivy, and so on, held together at the bottom with wire. These were attached to the moss with more wire. The idea was to make enough to cover the whole wreath, but it took longer than we expected so I decided to just do about three quarters of the wreath and then leave a gap for some other decorations. I went for a candy cane, some baubles, and some dried fruit slices. It may look a bit over the top but I really don't care because I like it!

There was a lovely little area to take photos so I posed for one by myself and with Ceri and Jane too. It was about 9.30 by this time so Ceri and I walked back to our cars together to go home. It was a really nice workshop, it felt really lovely to be doing it! We still have two hooks on our door from a couple of years ago when I bought a wreath, so Lee and I put it up straight away. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Mulled wine! So delicious

In the middle of working on our wreaths

Me with mine at the end - I was wearing this star print top that I think came from Simply Be originally. It's not specifically Christmassy but I think it's festive

Mine when I was finished. I'm not certain that all the bits will actually last all the way until Christmas but it did look good!

And here it is in place on the door

Afternoon Tea with Lolly in Sheffield

One of the things on my 40 Before 40 list was to go for afternoon tea somewhere. I had mentioned this to Lolly absolutely forever ago and she had agreed to go with me, so I had done some research about where was good in Sheffield and Brown's was coming up as highly recommended. We booked it, but then had to cancel because Lolly had Covid! But we booked it again for the 29th of November and we made it! I drove to Sheffield and parked in the Q Park which I could see was close, and then I walked through to Brown's. It was really close and I would definitely park there again if I was heading towards that side of town. 

The Christmas market was all set up and it looked absolutely beautiful so I was really excited as I was visiting it the following week with my mum. I headed into Brown's where I got a warm welcome and was seated in the downstairs bit. The restaurant is lovely inside but as we were by the big window and it was cold outside, it was also pretty cold inside. That's basically my only complaint though!

Lolly arrived and we ordered decaf coffee each - the hot drinks are included and seemed to be unlimited, which I appreciate in an afternoon tea. We had booked afternoon tea and I had made a note that one was vegetarian, and the staff already knew that, which was good. The tea tray arrived soon afterwards and it looked absolutely stunning. Really fancy! 

We had three sandwiches and two mini brioche things each. Mine were brie and cranberry, cream cheese and cucumber, and egg mayo. They were lovely! Then there were two mini scones, with a ton of clotted cream, and blackberry jam, and strawberry jam. We tried our best but couldn't eat all of that between us! 

Then the cakes were a mini caramel eclair, a slice of Victoria sponge, a passionfruit cake, and a mince pie. There was such a lot but they were all amazing! We sat chatting for ages before saying goodbye about 5.30pm. I headed home and made it home just before Lee needed to go out for band practice which was good as it meant he could taken an outfit photo of me! I was wearing this Joe Brown's dress that always feels very festive. My mum took it in for me a bit because it was too big and it's not really stretchy, but it does still feel a bit big. I may try a belt and see if that helps.

I was wearing my half white half black tights from Snag, and my red pair of dolly shoes that are from Vinted but are from Topshop originally. I liked the look!

Sheffield looking absolutely stunning on a very cold day 

Gorgeous cappucino, I then had a latte too

Our afternoon tea on this gorgeous stand

Here's Lolly and me!

The "cheese grater" car park

I do love the pattern and colour of this dress - it's like plants up close, with red on

And my tights and shoes

Lunch out with Lee

On the 26th of November I booked a table for Lee and I at Prashad near Leeds. It's a totally vegetarian Indian restaurant and I love it; I've been a few times over the years but not for about two years. I put going on my 40 before 40 list and wanted to go with Lee as he's only been once before and it was years ago. So I booked us a table and we decided to go Christmas shopping first. We went to Junction 27 to the shopping park there. First of all we went into the Range because I needed some little bits for a few people, and then we went in TK Maxx because there was something specific I wanted from there for my book club. By this time it was about 12 o'clock and the table wasn't booked until 1pm, so we went into Caffe Nero for a drink. I rarely go in there so am not used to their coffees. Lee had a luxury hot chocolate which was like cocoa, and delicious, and I had the luxury caramelatte which was also really nice.

It was nice to just sit for a bit! We were only a few minutes away from Prashad so we made it in good time. We were about the only people in there when we arrived but I wasn't sure so I'm glad I booked a table anyway. We had poppadums and a pickle tray to begin with, which were all nice. Prashad is a little bit more expensive than a lot of Indian restaurants, but it is worth it, and the experience is worth it too. But that's why I put it on my list because I know it's a little bit of a splurge! 

But because it is a little bit expensive we decided to not have a starter each but share one instead. We had sakham tikki which was mashed and spiced potato and mushroom and deep fried, served with a green chutney. They were so good and I'm glad I tried them! For my main I had paneer biryani. I've had the biryani before but didn't like it too much, but I'm so glad I gave it another go because it was absolutely delicious! I really enjoyed it. Lee had the naan bhaji which is a thick vegetable curry with garlic naan, and it was also really good! We both really enjoyed our food and I'm really glad we made this happen this side of Christmas. It was also really nice to spend time with Lee. 

I didn't get a full photo of my dress but it's my red leopard print dress from Very and it's really comfortable to wear. I kept my black cardigan on because it wasn't too warm in Prashad and it was freezing outside!

Lee and I at the table

I also had a lovely glass of red

Our starter - I'm really glad I tasted this and would have it again

Lee had fresh orange juice

Lee's naan bhaji. He had some masala fries too

My biryani and the curry alongside

Craft Workshop in Wakefield and What I Wore November 25th

On the 25th of November I went to a craft workshop in Ossett near Wakefield by myself! It's at A Touch of Craft, which I've been to plenty of times now and which I really like and recommend if you're in the area. I had booked myself on to a workshop to make a wax melt advent calendar because I'm an absolute fiend for wax melts and I fancied the idea of making them myself!

The workshop was run by Lianne from Tiny Head Candles and she was really nice and it was a great workshop so I would definitely go to another by her in future! There were six of us all together which was a nice number. Three girls were together, they knew each other, and so did the other two. But I got chatting to people anyway so it was fine. We had a burner each to melt the wax, and there were tons of scents, colours, and glitters to choose from. 

I decided to go for wood sage and sea salt to begin with, and dyed them orange. Then I did tobacco and oak scent and added lots of red. One of the ladies recommended the scent "Christmas Tree" as she's done workshops with Lianne before, so I made tons of those in a green colour. Then I went for plum, clementine and rhubarb I think, and made them lavender. Lastly I made the aqua ones, which are scented with "Christmas Spice". In all I made 61 melts, which was well enough for the 25 needed for my advent calendar and I will be able to give some away as presents for Christmas too! By the end of the workshop I was absolutely covered in glitter and wax but really happy with what I had done!

I stopped at Marks and Spencer's on the way home to get lunch and tea for Lee and I so he didn't have to go out later. I just chilled out for the rest of the day. I was wearing a pair of lilac Snag tights that I've had for ages but haven't worn so far, and I had had the idea for them really early in the morning when I woke up, because I wanted to wear this new cardigan that I got from Simply Be. Lolly showed it to me and I just loved it, and it was an absolute bargain, so I got it. I got two others too, which I'm sure I'll wear and post about soon. I love the purple and green checked design of this cardigan, and the knit is really lovely and soft and almost cottony, too. (I don't like the texture of most wool, it makes me feel sick). I knew the tights would match the cardigan, and I thought that my galaxy dress from Topsy Curvy would look really good alongside them both. The cardigan is also really nice and warm which is good because the temperature really dropped! 

Lilac Snag tights and my Dr Marten boots - I really like how these tights brightened up a winter day!

The workshop just before we got started - I shared the burner with someone else and it was fine

My first melts all done and setting!

Here's everything I made! So many! So much glitter! I can't wait to burn some of these

Finally here's my outfit in total and that cardigan! Isn't it cute? I'm happy to be in a cardigan phase of life haha!

Lunch in Sheffield with Pippa

On the 24th of November I went to Sheffield to meet Pippa for lunch. We weren't sure where to meet until earlier in the week when I suggested Chakra Lounge which does Indian street food. I've never eaten inside it, but when things were just starting to open up again after lockdown Lee and I went to Fred Aldous which is next door and then got takeaway from Chakra Lounge which we then ate in Hillsborough Park. I've been wanting to go back to the restaurant itself so I was glad when Pippa agreed! 

I got the train from my village just before 11am, and then got off in Sheffield at about 11.30. I walked into the foyer because I thought I could buy a tram ticket there. Turns out I couldn't - I could just buy a ticket on the tram, so I had no reason to go into the main concourse. BUT that meant that I saw the brownie stand that is there now, so I bought three brownies for Lee and I to share over the weekend. They were absolutely gorgeous and I would really recommend them if you're in Sheffield! 

I walked back across to the tram and got the tram just one stop to the square that the cafe is on. It is uphill though so I probably couldn't have walked it. It was graduation day from Sheffield Hallam University so the city centre was busy, but there was a table free in Chakra Lounge so I snagged it quickly. Pippa arrived not too long after me and then we ordered food!

She went for a brunch called If Indians Did It" ("It" being breakfast) which looked absolutely immense and which I would definitely eat another time. I went for the chaat, because I absolutely love chaat, and a parantha wrap which was chillied scrambled eggs on a wrap; it was also extremely delicious! I also had a chai latte because I love them, too. 

We sat chatting and ordered dessert and another drink each. I had a chocolate orange brownie and I think Pippa's was chai fudge and also looked great! It is a very cute and vibrant little cafe and I would definitely recommend it to vegetarians and vegans! 

I got the tram back to the station and then the train back home where Lee picked me up! I was absolutely exhausted so I had a little nap until past 6pm!

My chai latte

Pippa's brunch - doesn't it look fab? I will have to try this

I love chaat because of the many textures and flavours

And the eggs on a paratha were so good too - I'm going to have to try this at home!

And finally my brownie

Eddie Izzard in Sheffield with my Mum

On the 22nd of November my mum and I went to Sheffield to see Eddie Izzard at City Hall. I had asked my mum ages ago and bought the tickets, and then I gave my mum some of Eddie's stand up so she could revise before we saw her. I've seen Eddie before, about ten years ago in Manchester, with my friend Von and her brother. I was excited to see her again!

My mum came to mine at about 4pm and I drove us to Sheffield and we parked at Middlewood tram stop and got the tram to City Hall. We walked down to Orchard Square because I need to get a Christmas present for a friend, so we went into TK Maxx. Then we went into Leopold Square for tea at Pho, which my mum does like, but it was more my choice really. But! We're going to Sheffield Christmas shopping in a couple of weeks so my mum can choose where we eat then. 

I had tofu curry and my mum had chicken curry. We still had plenty of time so we decided to have dessert too; I had affagato and my mum had the rich chocolate slice. It was all nice! Then we walked round to City Hall where I took a photo of the Women of Steel statue. I've seen loads of photos of it but had never seen it in person so that was cool! We went into the theatre and were seated by around 7pm but it gave us chance to relax for a bit before the show started at 8.

Eddie (also known as Suzy, but professionally she's Eddie I think) was so funny. The routine harked back to a lot of her earlier stuff, which was really good as I've been a fan for about 25 years now. I laughed throughout the whole thing and I'm really glad we went! Afterwards my mum and I got the tram back to the car and then home. It was a good evening out!

Tofu curry as usual in Pho

And then the affagato - the ice cream is condense milk ice cream and it's SO sweet!

The Women of Steel statue that stands to the left of City Hall 

And the poster for Eddie that was inside. My friend Pippa saw her the next night so we had a nice discussion about that the day after when we met for lunch...

Lunch and Shopping with Roslyn

On the 19th of November I went into Barnsley to meet up with my friend Roslyn. We hadn't been able to get together for ages but I had mentioned the crystal shop at Elsecar and she wanted to go, so she suggested that. But the food is rubbish at Elsecar (especially for vegetarians, as we both are), so we arranged to meet in the centre of Barnsley first for something to eat. We met at 11.30 and went into TKMaxx to start off with as we both wanted a few bits for Christmas. I was able to finish Lee's advent presents which was great! 

We then went into Market Kitchen for lunch. It has about ten cafes to choose from but because it was Sunday only two were open - a Turkish place and a place called Jar Bar which serves Balkan food. Roslyn went for a halloumi gyros from the Balkan place. I'm still struggling with my appetite (I'm still convinced it's my new anti depressants) so wasn't sure what I wanted, so I went for falafel and hummus from the Turkish place, with some fries. I didn't eat all the fries but I really liked the falafel and hummus and bread that it came with. 

After lunch we went into a few of the indie shops that are in the Glassworks now. They have a lot of handmade stuff! I got some wax melts for myself and some gifts. By this time it was about 2pm so we went back to Roslyn's car and she drove us down to Elsecar. She was the first of my friends to learn to drive but she hasn't driven me anywhere in over twenty years, I swear! We went into the antiques centre for a little look round and then it turned out there was a craft fair in the old tram shed where the food festival often is. It had a bunch of nice stuff, I didn't actually buy anything but it was nice to see some different types of crafts represented. 

Then we went in the crystal shop. I bought a piece for myself and some gifts, and Roslyn bought a couple of bits too. By this time I was absolutely knackered and in pain because the day before my mum and stepdad had been to ours and we had done loads of jobs in the house. Lee's chest of drawers needed mending so he and my stepdad did that while my mum and I did a ton of cleaning. So I was in pain and probably not at my best for Roslyn so I told Lee to come and fetch me and bribed him with the record shop that's there. He bought three records! It was 3.30pm by this point so we said goodbye. Lee picked up some hot chocolate for us on the way out. 

I was wearing a dress I posted really recently that I got from Lucia, so I didn't bother to take another photo of it. But my tights were newish - they're another pair of sparkly ones from Snag and they're still shedding glitter so I was leaving a little sparkle in my wake! I was wearing my Dr Marten boots where the black wears off them - they're perfect for winter for me so I am generally wearing them!

When I got home I had to have a lie down and a nap because I was in so much pain and so tired. But it was really nice to see Roslyn.

Sparkly tights and boots

The Christmas tree was in the entrance to Market Kitchen and I think it looked really nice!

Falafel and bread and chips, I will go to the Turkish place again!

I took a couple of photos of the craft fair in full swing

It was really nice to happen upon it