Birthday Weekend

On the 23rd of January I went into Sheffield to meet Chloe and Lolly for lunch. It was to celebrate Chloe's 50th, which was back in November, but we had had to cancel it a couple of times. So we were glad to finally get there! We had booked into the bottomless lunch at Tsuki so we headed there. Chloe and I were ridiculously early, which was my fault, and we sat outside in the cold until the restaurant opened. We went in and it wasn't much warmer in there! Our table was right in the window, which didn't help, and the seats were cold leather and the tables are marble, which also didn't help either. I ended up sitting with my coat on for some of if!

Lolly arrived and we ordered food and drink. We had decided no alcohol but it's still really good value as we had so much food. I can't even remember what I had and neglected to get any photos either. I did have some fried rice and another hot dish which I didn't get last time when I went. They were both good!

After we had finished we went for a wander into some shops, including Pete McKee's gallery where we all got some of the vending machine prints. This time they were iconic musicians; I got Alex Turner and Debbie Harry and Lolly gave me her Sister Rosetta because she already had it. They are now on the wardrobe doors in my craft room where I have lots of photos and artwork. I'll try and take a photo one of these days. 

We went in the Chocolate Bar for a drink and I had a piece of caramel shortbread to go with my hot chocolate. After that we said goodbye to each other and Chloe and I headed back to the tram to go home. 

I got home and probably relaxed for a bit. I'm dealing with chronic illness as always and often have to come in and just lie down for a bit to rest myself a bit. It's fine, I just know I have to do it! Lee and I then chilled out for the evening until my friend Von arrived. She lives in London and I haven't seen her since last April so she hadn't seen the new house yet, so she came up because it had been my birthday too. She got to ours about 10pm so we showed her round the house, chilled a bit, then headed to bed.

In the morning we went and picked Sam up at the station and then headed to Tesco. We bought LOTS of supplies, we probably went overboard but never mind. Lee had headed out for the day so the three of us just unpacked everything and then sat in the living room with a playlist on that was from like Kerrang TV twenty years ago when all the videos had Dave Grohl in them in one guise or other.

Sarah and Robyn arrived around 2pm I'm guessing, and the five of us chilled out some more, playing with the tattoo pens and stencils that Chloe had given me the previous day. We had a bunch of snacks and Robyn ran around looking for the cats. They had been very suspicious when Von arrived and because Lee was gone, and they were less than thrilled when a small child arrived. We had a good laugh together. Jac couldn't be there and we missed her, and our other rainbow pal Cinders, who is all the way in Edinburgh! Hopefully we'll be together again soon.

When Sarah and Robyn went the three of us just drank more and watched ridiculous music videos and talked to Lee when he got back. I don't even remember where he'd been, but somewhere. 

On Sunday morning the three of us went to Holme Coffee House to meet Jodie for brunch. I love it in there, it's so good. They're moving into a bigger premises soon just across the street. It was lovely to see Jodie as always. We went back to mine for a bit before Von took Sam and Jodie back to the train station before heading home herself. It was lovely to have friends in my new house now we have so much room for people to stay! 

Caramel shortbread in the Chocolate Bar

And the only photo I managed to get of the three of us

Kiki relaxing on me looking very cute

And Poppy looking very suspicious about Von's presence in the house

Sam bought me this I'm Not Okay card which is literally ridiculous, I love it so much

Me and Sarah when she arrived

Sarah drawing on Robyn's skin, she loved it

I can't remember what brand it was, but this was the nail polish I was wearing that weekend. I'm trying to get back in the habit of painting my nails often, I have enough polishes to last forever!

And finally here's my brunch in the coffee house on Sunday morning

My Birthday and Tuesday 20th

My birthday was the 19th of January and it was a pretty low key day. On Monday mornings I go to a craft club in Penistone that I've attended since 2018 and am now leading, so I didn't want to miss that. So I took a chocolate cake to share with people and headed off. I was working on a Christmas cross stitch that I've been doing for months, but I finally finished it at the beginning of February I think. Ready for next Christmas! 

Lee had been working from home in the morning but he finished at 12.30 just as I got home so we headed out to Wentworth Garden Centre. We went to the Bothy for lunch; I had a chickpea sandwich thing I think, it was nice. And chunky chips! Lee had a margherita pizza and skinny fries. Once we'd eaten - which took a while because service was a bit slow - we walked round the pet shop and bought some new toys for the cats. We walked round the shop and the garden centre bit but didn't go into the farm as it was really cold. Then we went into the cafe about 3.30 and had a cup of coffee and cake. I had a Victoria sponge bun which was lush! 

When we got home we just chilled out for the evening. Poppy was being cute so I took a photo of her. We watched Oliver! which I haven't watched in forever. I'd forgotten how long it is. Lee was not too impressed with it but it was cute and I liked it.

We both also had Tuesday off as I wanted to go to Slatterys in Manchester. It isn't open on Mondays or we'd have gone then. No matter, we headed off there for midday. I had some kind of toasted sandwich with goats cheese and something else. It was fine, not too exciting. Then I had the wicked chocolate sampler which is four pieces of cake and two chocolate pots - one with melted chocolate in and one with cream in. I never eat all this when I order it, so brought it home. I had a hot chocolate too. It was so good as always! Lee always complains I never take him to Slatterys so he was glad I did.

When we had finished we went into Manchester itself, to the Northern Quarter. We parked on a street and wandered around, going into a bunch of record shops and other shops. Lee got a couple of records. I don't think I got anything. Oh, I lie, I did get some presents for people on Fred Aldous. 

It wasn't too long before we set off home, and got home in good time over Woodhead Pass. We just chilled out again in the evening. I was wearing this Hell Bunny dress though that I got off Georgina a couple of years ago. I have to wear a top under it or it's too low on my chest, but I love the colour and look of it! 

Lunch on my birthday itself in the Bothy at Wentworth Garden Centre

Cute little Victoria sponge bun in the cafe a bit later

Poppy looking very cute. This is one of the new sets of bedding I bought, she's been sleeping there loads

The two little tins I had got from Elsecar Heraite Centre the day before my birthday. The bottom one is a pill box which is always useful to have. I love vintage tins like the top one, I have a similar tobacco tin that is slightly bigger

Hot chocolate in Slatterys the day after my birthday

My main course. Lee had a jacket potato with tuna

Lee went and told them it was my birthday and I got this sparkler, it was cute!

My wicked chocolate sampler - from the top there's chocolate fudge cake, raspberry brownie, cup with melted chocolate, chocolate orange something, and a piece of caramel shortbread, then the chocolate cup with cream in. It's all so good but rich!

Some blue skies in Manchester! Hasn't the weather been miserable? It's just past the middle of February as I write this and I swear it's been raining since New Year's Day 

Cute little map of Manchester I saw in one of the shop windows

And here's my outfit when we got home

My Mum's Birthday 2025

My mum was 67 at the end of May and we went to the Ivy Asia in Leeds to celebrate. She and I ended up there when we went Christmas shopping in Leeds last December, and it was so fancy and nice that she wanted to go back for her birthday. So she booked a table and Lee and I went over with her presents beforehand. She wanted a big suitcase so we had bought one on Barnsley market for her and it was lime green. Hey at least then it's easily visible when you arrive at the airport! I also got her a Ronnie O'Sullivan mug when we were at the snooker because she's a massive fangirl. 

We set off to Leeds in our car and parked near the Ivy Asia and went in. The staff are so welcoming and we were soon seated right at the back of the restaurant. We ordered drinks. My mum and I shared a bottle of French rose wine which was lush. Norman had some red wine. For starter I had avocado and asparagus sushi and for my main I had Keralan chickpea and pepper curry with rice, and on the side I had the cucumber and peanut salad that I had last time. 

The service is lush in there - they refill your wine glasses and water all the time, and there are plenty of members of staff around. It makes it a real occasion and it feels fancy and nice. We decided to share two desserts between us so went for two Samurais which were vanilla ice cream, brownie bites, chocolate mousse and chocolate soil, and it was served on dry ice which gave it a real drama. It was so nice! My mum also got mochi ice cream with a candle in because it was her birthday. She hadn't had it before and she didn't like the outside, but the ice cream was really nice and refreshing. 

Norman got a cherry and lychee cocktail and I got one that was poured over candy floss so it was ridiculously sweet but really delicious. It was so nice! We got back to my mum's not long after 10pm so called it a night. I'm glad we went though as a treat. 

At my mum's after I had put lipstick on. It's a MAC one that I've had forever and I love it and should wear it more

My mum and I in the restaurant

The napkin holders are SO fancy, I love them

The dessert when it arrived with all the dry ice

From the top, it was cute AND delicious

My mum with her mochi ice cream

My Birthday

It was my 41st birthday on the 19th of January. I can't believe it's been a whole year since my big parties! Time goes so quickly. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do for the occasion, and as I've said my mum was diagnosed with cancer at the very beginning of January. On the 17th she and I had been to the hospital for a load of info and decisions on what would happen next. She had a surgery date of the 28th of January which was SO soon, which was good. Due to her previous breast cancer, the consultant felt the only option was to perform a full mastectomy. This is what we expected, but it was still awful and stressful. I had an absolutely huge coldsore and did not feel like celebrating my birthday at all. But I had organised for nine of us to meet up in Sheffield, so off we went. 

Lee and I got to Sheffield at about midday and headed to Costa to meet Sam and Jodie. I was properly sad and had a little cry and Sam and Jodie made me feel better. Jacqui arrived and then Sarah did too, and I took the selfie of myself and posted it to instagram because it was just real. I looked a mess and I'd been crying but I was surrounded by love and my friends, so actually, I was fine. 

Just before 1pm we trooped off to Pho in Leopold Square and my mum, stepdad, and my friend Ros arrived very soon after. I opened a bunch of really lovely presents and we ordered food and drinks. I had a spicy margarita which was REALLY spicy to drink! I had summer rolls with peanut sauce, of course, because I always get that Pho. Then I went for the spicy tofu curry which I've only had once before and thought it was a bit too spicy, but this time it was more sweet than anything? I would get it again though. 

One thing I will say is that service was REALLY slow. They could have easily sold us more drinks but there appeared to be only one member of staff on the entire floor. It took them forever to clear our starters and bring out our mains, and then the mains came at different times and Lee's wasn't right so he had to wait even longer. It was really annoying because usually service in there is really good. 

I had bought a cake from M&S that Lee and I had picked up the day before, and to be fair a staff member did bring out plates and spoons for us. So I cut it and we all had a piece or took one home. I had made party bags for my friends - they were just gift bags with sweets and stationery and stuff inside. They were cute though! 

By this time Jac had to rush off for her train and Sarah and Ros needed to get home too. so we said goodbye to them and then Sam, Jodie, my mum, stepdad, Lee and I headed to All Bar One for a drink. Sam and I shared some two for one cocktails which were nice. It was such a nice afternoon out. 

Lee and I got home about 6pm I think. I was wearing my new snowflake tights which were still giving off glitter everywhere. And I was wearing my new dress. Let me tell you about this dress! My mum made it for me for Christmas. The pattern is based on my Sprinkle of Glitter dress that I absolutely love but which I have worn to death. It's breaking apart! So I asked my mum if she could make a pattern of it. I also gave her this fabric that I had picked up at craft club. It turned out to be a duvet cover! I just love the pattern of it. My mum gave me it for Christmas and I was SO surprised because I really wasn't expecting it! She was really proud of the bands around the bottom and the sleeves, and the pattern matching in the pockets! It is so gorgeous and I will wear it a lot over the summer, but I also wanted to wear it on my birthday because it was from my mum and I love her. What do you think about it? 

In the evening Lee and I watched The Godfather. It's one of my favourite films ever but you have to really plan to watch it because it's so long. I really enjoyed it. Plus it was a nice calm ending to my birthday which I really needed. 

Here I am in Costa after being so knackered and after a cry. As I said, I'm surrounded by love and that's amazing

Super spicy cocktail! Sam had two of them!

Summer rolls and peanut sauce to start with

Then since we had soooo much time between the starters and main course, I made us take photos round the table which I haven't done in forever!

Me and Sarah; I love this girl with all of my being

Lee and I, he cannot take a serious picture 

Lee and my stepdad

My mum and stepdad

My mum and Ros. I don't get to see Ros often enough so I'm really glad she was able to come

Jodie and Ros

Jac and Jodie

Sam and Jac, my bestests

And finally Sarah and Sam, a bit awkward across the table

My spicy curry when it finally arrived

My lovely cake, it was really delicious too

Some kind of something I was drinking in All Bar One

Tights and boots - these boots are from Pavers and they're so comfortable and just look really fancy

And finally here's the beautiful dress! I just love it

Lee's Birthday 2024

On the 21st of August it was Lee's 42nd birthday and he and I spent the day at a spa! For his birthday in 2023, my mum and I both bought him vouchers to Woodland Spa in Burnley, and we hadn't had chance to use them yet. We talked about using them in April or May of this year, but when I rung them, the spa wasn't fully open because they were doing a huge refurbishment. So we decided to go on Lee's birthday and make a day of it. We could get in from 10.30 so we set off nice and early at 8.30 in case there was traffic. 

The traffic was fine though and we had a bit of time so we stopped to get some coffee and breakfast at one of the services. We got to Burnley about 10.15 and were allowed into the spa straight away which was good. We got changed - the women's changing rooms were absolutely huge and definitely needed some signs for the numbers - and into the spa. 

I am not joking when I tell you that this is probably the best spa I have ever been to. It is huge, it just keeps on going, and it is SO fancy and special. We had an absolutely brilliant day and we're already making plans to go back sometime because it's definitely worth it. We could have stayed until 9.30pm when it closed, making it excellent value for money, and we also got a two course meal and a drink included so it's worth it. I want to take everyone I know!

We started off in the Vitality pool, which was so warm. It has a big waterfall at one end, and two areas with different jets and seats. It has two hot tubs attached which were nice and warm too. Around this pool are experience showers, an ice lounge, and lots of loungers. 

We then moved on to the middle pool. This is called the Hydrotherapy pool. It is circular and it again has lots of jets and things in it. Around it are steam rooms and two saunas, and treatment rooms. There are loungers here, too, although the heated ones weren't yet working with heat (but obviously you could still sit on them). There were foot spas here too. 

We went into the Serenity pool too, which is all dark and kept quiet. The water seemed to be salty which keeps you buoyant and which was lovely. Then we headed outside - the swimming pool starts inside and goes outside. It's heated but it wasn't hot. Also outside are two hot tubs and an infinity hot tub. We went in that one. 

By this time it was about 12 o'clock so we headed up to the roof terrace. On the way we past the mezzanine floors, which has a bunch of comfy beds to lie on. The lift wasn't working on the day we visited - which to be fair I did get an email about - so we went up the stairs. We had a dressing gown and flip flops each, and we also used about three towels each. Outside on the roof is an infinity sided hot tub with a beautiful view of the countryside, and plenty of loungers. The weather wasn't brilliant on that day, but the hot tub was so warm that it was fine! 

Our lunch was booked for 12.45 in the restaurant on the terrace. Part of the ongoing refurbishment is in the other restaurant, but the roof one is really nice too. There were plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. We shared some bread and dips to start with and then Lee had fish and chips and I had a vegan 'duck' hoisin wrap which was really nice. It came with chips, too. For dessert Lee had sticky toffee pudding and I had a vegan brownie with ice cream. I also had both glasses of wine - one pink and one fizzy!

They knew it was Lee's birthday because he had had to fill in his details before we arrived, and there was a birthday card in his locker which was nice. Then at lunch they brought him a small piece of brownie with a sparkler in it! It was really fun and cool, I was glad he got a bit spoilt. 

In the afternoon we went round all the areas again! Because why not! We stayed outside upstairs for a bit, then went back downstairs. We went into the terrace hot tub and then into the bar there. It has tapas which would be perfect if you were staying all day, but we were really full so didn't bother. I had a Kir Royale which was gorgeous. There are two areas with fire pits so we sat around one of those for a bit too. 

We honestly just had such a good time. Around 5.30 more people arrived because they do a 'twilight' experience from 5.30 til 9.30, but it still wasn't too busy. It felt fine. We left not long after that though because we wanted to get back for the cats. I had a shower and used all the free toiletries, and we set off about 6pm I guess. Lee then talked to some friends for the rest of his birthday!

I really cannot gush about this place enough, though. We will definitely go back, it's pure luxury!

The Vitality pool just as we arrived. The Ice Lounge is on the left there

View of the Vitality pool from the lounger I was lying on

The Hydrotherapy pool which had many buttons to press

The Serenity pool which was dark and warm and just gorgeous

This is the swimming pool which starts inside and leads outside. You can see the hot tubs beyond it

This is the outdoor hot tub on the terrace, it had a bunch of seats

These comfy things were on the mezzanine on our way up, but we didn't stay there

Looking down on the Vitality pool from the mezzanine

The hot tub on the roof

Always love two glasses of wine, me

The bread and dips we shared to start with

My hoisin wrap, which was really nice

Lee's sticky toffee pudding

And my brownie

Lee's brownie and sparkler. I realise the flame doesn't look real in this photo, but I promise it was!

The fire pit on the roof terrace

And the fire pit inside the terrace bar

Here we are sitting by that enjoying a drink

I had a gorgeous Kir Royale

Lastly, the Hydrotherapy pool not long before we left

The rest of the photos are Lee's, but I'll include them anyway

Sign on the terrace. The spa is attached to a hotel which is part of a chain that we've been to before, so I know it would be good if you wanted to stay over too

The outside part of the swimming pool

Lee and I in the pool

The fire pit inside the terrace bar, where we sat for a drink

Me in the roof terrace hot tub

And here I am in the swimming pool, you can see where it goes inside

The view from the roof hot tub

And here I am in the pool again