Films of the Month - November

I watched an absolute ton of films in November! I tried really hard and I'm pleased to say I watched twenty films, which is great! Here's what I saw:

Netflix must have recommended this documentary to me and I did find it fascinating. I am trying to wean myself off watching so much true crime, though

Lee and I watched The Omen together, because it was only the day after Halloween so we thought that was fine. It is a classic

Netflix definitely recommended Martha to me. I don't know much about her so I was intrigued to learn more. It is fascinating, she has had a bonkers life. She doesn't come across great in it, but I'm not sure she's self aware enough to know that

I have been meaning to watch Priscilla for a while and finally got round to it. It's okay. I don't think it was great. But you did understand just how badly she was treated by Elvis and the people around her

Because I had watched the first Hocus Pocus I watched the second one too. It's not as good but I thought it was still decent, I still love Sarah Jessica Parker

This is a fascinating film and I really liked it. Anna Kendrick was great 

This adaptation of Jude was on iPlayer so I gave it a go. I only vaguely know the story, so it was interesting to find it all out. It is hard going though, it's a tough story 

Sam and I went to the cinema to see Paddington in Peru, as I said previously. It wasn't as good as the other two, but still pretty good 

I've been meaning to watch this biopic of Whitney Houston for ages and finally got round to it. I thought it was alright

Lee and I watched Who Framed Roger Rabbit together, I haven't seen it in absolutely forever but I like it a lot

Lee wanted to watch First Blood with me so we did, I've never seen it before but I really liked it even though I don't really like Stallone

We watched The Matrix together too, it's been a while since I saw that as well 

I was interested to see this film about consumer habits and stuff; I think I probably did learn some things but it hasn't really stayed with me 

Sam and I watched Team America World Police together, it's so ridiculous but kind of funny

Lee and I watched Night of the Hunter together, it's absolutely brilliant and I'm really glad we bothered to see it

This documentary about Loaded magazine was absolutely fascinating. It was on iPlayer and it was just such a throwback to the mid 90s and that whole time and culture and the stuff it paved the way for. Definitely watch it if you're a similar age to me

I chose this for me and Sam and Jac to watch together but it wasn't very good at all, whoops

Lee and I watched Ocean's Eleven because why not. It's still great

I was browsing films on iPlayer and came across the Tomb Raider films so I started with this one, which I don't think I've seen before

Finally Lee and I watched True Grit which was also really good

Lunch at Oulton Hall

For my 40th birthday in January, my friends from uni Katie and Kate bought me a voucher for Oulton Hall. I've never been, but I knew where it was, in Rothwell near Leeds. I could have spent the voucher on anything including a stay at the hotel, a spa day, or dining. I looked at this at the beginning of the year and then didn't do anything else about it. I was looking at the voucher recently and realised that it ran out in January 2025 so I needed to use it before Christmas! I considered a spa day again for Lee and I but just couldn't make it work in the time for us, so I decided to just go for food there instead. I rang up and was told that you can't book a table in the bar area so we should just turn up. 

So on the 30th of November that's what we did. We set off about 11.30am to Leeds and got to the hotel. We headed in to the bar lounge where they serve food during the day. The hotel was all decorated for Christmas so that looked really nice. There was a wedding going on in the room next to the bar and the bridal party kept walking past the window which was nice, we could look at all their lovely outfits and the bride's lovely dress! 

The bar has champagne so I had a glass of that. I went for a halloumi wrap and Lee had a tuna sandwich and chips. Then I had an apple crumble tart, which is not normally something I would go for, and Lee had chocolate fondant. I had to have another glass of champagne, what a shame! It was cold and delicious. It was really nice to have a free lunch, so thanks to my friends for that!

After we had eaten we went back to Barnsley to get some Christmas presents. We got back and just relaxed for the rest of the day. I had been wearing this Hell Bunny dress that I got off Georgina earlier in the year I think. The front is too low cut for me so I wear it with a black tank top underneath and I really like it! I was wearing my Snag tights with silver stars on them, and black patent boots that I got a couple of years ago I think. This was a lovely outfit I felt! 

Tights and boots just before we set off. I always forget how comfortable these boots are so comfortable as well as cute

The huge tree was in the main foyer of the hotel and it was so pretty

This fireplace was in the main bar and looked really pretty too

A glass of Moet, darling

Wrap and chips

Lee and I - as you can see we got a nice view out of the window

Apple crumble tart. I'm trying to branch out on desserts because I always just stick to the same things, and I'm not sad that I ordered this because it was nice. However it came with custard, which I really hate. I should have asked for ice cream instead

I took this looking up the stairs as we left, also so pretty!

And finally here's my gorgeous pretty dress when we got back

Trip to Marsden

At the end of November I had to go to Marsden to meet with a new client. It's about fifty minutes drive from me and as I set off there was a lot of ice and snow on the hills which was beautiful to look at as I drove. Fortunately the roads were clear to drive on. I arrived with the client at about 10.30 and got all the information that I needed from her - I'm taking over the bookkeeping that she's been doing for a small group - and left about 11.15. Then I headed to Wild Cafe! I had googled for food close to the client's house and came across this cafe. It is all vegetarian with plenty of vegan options and stuff, so I was very excited to go! 

It is hidden down a bit of a track but I followed signs and parked and then walked along the track next to the river which was absolutely beautiful in the winter cold. I went into the cafe and there was only one other table occupied at the time. It isn't huge but it was so cosy in the cold. I sat down with the menu. 

I ordered a spiced apple winter warmer which was incredibly delicious. I was so overwhelmed by the menu because I could eat ANY of it. There were a few choices I really wanted, but I decided to go for avocado and feta on toast because it was still brunch time really. They have vegan feta but as I'm vegetarian I went for dairy feta. The whole thing was delicious. I do however now want to go back and try EVERYTHING on the menu. I do have some friends out that way so I will have to meet them there. 

As I was leaving the cafe I ordered a chai latte to take home and some cake for Lee and I for later. They asked if I had been in the shop yet and I hadn't, so I went over there while they made my drink and got my cake together. They have nice handmade skincare, crystals and incense and stuff, and then a bunch of vintage clothes and homeware. I really liked two wine glasses so I picked them up alongside a couple of presents. One of the cafe staff brought across my drink and cake and then I was ready to drive home! I will be back though! 

Walking along the track towards the cafe, looking at the river

Spiced apple winter warmer - it was SO good

Inside the cafe before it got busy with quite a lot of people!

And my delicious avocado and feta on sourdough

Lunch with Helen in Manchester

On the 20th of November I headed off to Manchester to meet up with my friend Helen. We meet up every few months and this time decided to go back to Slatterys in Manchester. I never mind the drive over so I left my house at about 10.45 and drove over Woodhead Pass. We had had snow in Barnsley on Monday and it was still there on Wednesday, but the pass was well plowed and absolutely fine to drive on. It looked stunning, too, all white and beautiful. I listened to some Christmas music to get myself in the mood, and I got to Slatterys at about 11.55. I managed to get a space in the car park and then headed upstairs to the dining room. Helen got there not too long after me. 

I decided to go for something different to eat for my main, because I usually always get the rarebit with mushrooms, so I looked at the rest of the vegetarian options and went for mushroom and Brie focaccia. I got it with a few wedges and some coleslaw. It was really nice! I would get it again. I also had a milk hot chocolate and went for cream and a flake with it. It was nice but I wouldn't bother with the cream again - it's nice enough just how it is! 

Helen had the cheese and onion pie which was another choice I could have gone for. Then we both took forever to choose a dessert but ultimately we both went for the strawberry and marshmallow dippers. I couldn't eat it all, as usual, but I ate all the liquid chocolate and then brought the cups home to eat at home. Helen and I both bought some stuff in the shop including bread that Lee had asked for. I drove home on the M62 because my phone was saying that was quickest and indeed, it wasn't very busy at all. 

I was wearing a Lindy Bop skirt that my friend gave me. It was a dress but the bodice didn't fit me so my mum made it into a skirt for me. I really think of it as a winter skirt so I am happy to have pulled it out for the winter again. On top I was wearing a Judi Love top with sheer sleeves that I have only worn once before too. I was wearing sparkly tights from Snag and my new pink and black Dr Marten boots again. I'm impressed I could drive in them! 

Delicious hot chocolate, but not worth paying the extra for the cream and flake. Just have the hot chocolate!

Lovely focaccia toastie thing!

Strawberry and marshmallow dippers with milk chocolate and white chocolate cups to dip into 

Helen and I in the restaurant - they've changed this part of it about so I had a very comfy banquette to sit on

Sparkly tights and boots

And finally my outfit

Penistone Cinema with Sam

I have to start this post by saying that we have a new cat! After Jasmine died in August we decided we would like another black cat, so when we got back from our holidays we started looking. We had a couple of setbacks and I found it really stressful so handed it over to Lee. On the morning of the 9th of November he said 'do you want to go and meet a cat?'. He had applied for her the night before so we went to see her and were accepted to adopt her! We picked her up the very next day! 

Her name is Katniss. We didn't call her that but it's nice that she fits in with our plant theme! (Katniss is a plant as well as from the Hunger Games...). We put her in our bedroom and spent a lot of time with her over the next week. She was very skittish at first but soon built up some trust in us. We introduced her carefully to Poppy and Kiki and everything was fine! They all got on! I actually can't believe how easy it was. She's been here nearly two weeks now and she's exploring and getting really brave. I thought I would just share some photos of her. 

Anyway, on the 12th of November I had organised to see Sam and Jacqui. Jacqui couldn't make it then because of work, so Sam and I met up anyway. We decided to go to Penistone and have some tea together before going to the cinema there to see Paddington 3. I've never been to the cinema but everyone raves about it. Sam has been earlier in the year, and I actually put it on my 'forty one things to do before I turn forty one' list. 

We met at the New Inn which I have been to before but not since it changed hands and menus. They have more vegetarian choice than before and it is nicer inside too. I went for a vegan burger. We were at the cinema before it even opened and stood for a little bit in the cold before the doors opened. Inside it's like a theatre, or a proper old school cinema. We used to have one like that in Wakefield and I really wanted a box of Fruit Pastilles to complete the nostalgia trip! 

The film was pretty good and in the middle there was an interval too! I had a cup of coffee and some biscuits at the beginning and had brought some sweeties with me too. Sam had a couple of drinks. She unfortunately had to leave about five minutes before the end of the film otherwise she would have had to wait too long for the last train home. She had seen most of the story though. It's a cute enough film, not as good as the others but still good. I got home and most likely got straight into bed to read!

Here's Katniss just as she arrived in our bedroom. She hid for a bit on the windowsill but gradually came around to exploring first the bedroom and then the whole house. She's an affectionate little thing

Here she is showing all the white on her belly

Vegan burger and chips for tea with Sam 

Outside the cinema, it's so nice this is still here and used

The poster outside with handwritten times on it

And inside the cinema, isn't it just so cute?

Lunch with Chloe and Laura at Meadowhall

On the 8th of November I headed to Meadowhall to meet up with Chloe and Laura. Chloe wanted to go to Kenji which is why we had decided on Meadowhall. We met at Costa at 10.30 and had a drink each before heading to a few shops. I got some nighties in Yours that my mum is going to give me for Christmas because I need some new ones. I got some Christmas candles in Yankee Candles which smell lovely. We went into Tiger where I got some Christmas stickers. I'm sure we went into other places too, but I can't remember.

We had already decided we would eat at the Real Greek place that hasn't been open in Meadowhall for very long. Chloe and I went there a few months ago and liked it, so we were both happy to go again. It was quite busy for a random Friday afternoon. In fact the whole centre was busy - maybe people had started their Christmas shopping already? I had a halloumi gyros which has fries in it, with a Greek salad alongside. It was delicious! I'm glad I got it. Then I had a piece of chocolate mousse cake for dessert which was really nice too. 

We wandered through the malls a little bit more. The Christmas decorations were already up which was really nice to see. I love Christmas. Chloe went into Kenji and I went across to Waterstones but I didn't actually buy anything. Then we said goodbye and I headed home while Chloe and Laura both went to Marks and Spencer's before they went home. 

I was wearing my Topsy Curvy rainbow tartan dress and on top I was wearing a new jumper I got from Simply Be recently. It is this gorgeous pastel rainbow stripe and it's really cosy and comfy so I think I'll be wearing it a lot over the winter! 

I was wearing these very cute new earrings that I got on the previous Saturday from Berry Cute Crafts, I love them, they're so OTT 

I am so glad it's tights and boots season again! I think this was the time I wore my Dr Marten boots that I've had for a couple of years now, I got them off Vinted and they're so comfy. My tights are such a gorgeous colour, they came from Snag obviously, maybe secondhand

Lunch, which was delicious

Chocolate mousse cake, I would definitely order this again

The three of us sitting at lunch

One of the malls all decorated for Christmas

And here's my outfit when I got home