Busy Day!

On the 13th of March I had a very busy day! First of all I went to Wakefield to see my friend Stacey and her little girl, E, who has just turned three. She's in her Frozen era so was dressed like Elsa, with sparkly shoes and everything. We played a bit but she had a nap so Stacey and I had the chance to catch up, which was well overdue and really nice. 

I left about 1.15 and drove to Leeds, parked in Trinity car park, and then went round to Bundobust to meet Sam. I had seen that they had brought back some of their Indo Chinese dishes and I wanted to try them, so I asked if anyone wanted to meet me there and Sam said yes. So we ordered two of those dishes, and a bunch of others, and shared them all. They were all nice, but I think I liked the chaat best of all, as usual. I had a mango lassi along side it. 

We considered going to the Corn Exchange but I had mentioned going to Hotel Chocolat and I also needed to get home before rush hour, so Sam decided she would go to the Corn Exchange after I had gone and we went for a drink instead. I had a mint hot chocolate which was nice, as always. I didn't mind not shopping as I didn't want to be spending money anyway! 

I got home before 5pm which was perfect, that last thing I wanted was to get stuck in traffic. I rested for a bit before getting dressed in different clothes to go to a get together with my book club. It had been Jane's birthday and she invited us all over for nibbles and a book swap. It was a lot of fun! I think there were around ten of us all together, out of the fifteen of us in the club. I just had some dips and fruit as I was still full from lunch. I took about 8 books I think and managed to only bring four back with me! 

I left there about 10pm I guess; Lee came to pick me up. Jane only lives at the top of our hill really, that's one of the good things about living in Penistone because my book club and my craft club are here! 

Nice lassi as usual, but I'm not too keen on the little sweetie things they put in because they taste of aniseed! I should have asked for it without them but I forgot

Bread, curry, chaat, veggie 'prawn' toasts, bel puri, and more

Hot chocolates in Hotel Chocolat, the only problem is that the cocoa whip acts like an iceberg and makes all the hot chocolate spill over the top

And these are the books I came home with!

Lunch Out in Meadowhall

On the 30th of January I went to Meadowhall to meet up with Lolly, Georgina, and Debz. Debz moved to Yorkshire last summer and we have been meaning to meet up with her for lunch for ages, and finally orchestrated it! Georgina had been asked to review Maki and Ramen, which is a new restaurant that's opened up in the Oasis, so she asked if we could all go, and they very nicely said yes! So thank you to the people there for having us, it really was a pleasure. 

Lolly and I got there first and waited for a bit then got seated. We were in booth seating which was comfortable enough except that the seats were quite a bit higher than the table. It made it a bit uncomfortable to be sitting there for a bit, but that's my only complaint. Georgina and Debz arrived and we all looked at the menu and ordered what was possibly way too much food but it was all SO good. 

I had a mocktail which was delicious, as I was driving, and some Tofoo katsu curry with rice, some pumpkin croquettes, vegetable gyoza and vegetable sushi. Everything came out as it was ready which I like. Everything was SO delicious. The sushi was plentiful too - you got like an entire roll of it so lots of it! Everyone enjoyed all their choices too. I would really recommend the place - in fact, I took Lee in the middle of February and he was impressed too. More on that later. 

After we had eaten we went for a little bit of shopping. I bought some bath bombs in Lush and enjoyed looking at lots of make up and perfume that I really didn't need but liked to browse anyway! We wanted to go into Hotel Chocolat for a drink, but it was busy, so we went to Carluccios instead. I had a coffee and it was quite small for the price of it, which was a bit annoying. No matter really. 

It was so nice to catch up with Debz after so long, and see Georgina and Lolly of course! 

Again thank you for having us, Maki & Ramen. I will definitely be going here again! 

Lunch Out at Prashad

On the 27th of July Lee and I went across to Prashad in Drighlington for lunch with Chloe, Ian, Lolly, Gary, and Franklin. I had suggested it ages ago because I know Chloe and Ian like it, and I wanted Lolly to experience the joy too. Then Chloe added it to her '50 things to do before she's 50' list, with all of us, so we made plans. We had actually cancelled it once before - not a problem - but I'm glad we got there!

Lee's sciatica has been really bad recently meaning he can't drive for very long, so I drove the two of us over there. We were there first so we sat for a little bit in the foyer. Chloe and Ian arrived not long after us. As Ian uses a wheelchair he had booked the first table as you go in, which isn't up any steps, so is ideal for us. So we sat down and ordered drinks. I had a mocktail as I was driving, I think it was a strawberry nojito and it was lovely. Chloe and Lolly had a mocktail each too. We all shared poppadums and pickle trays, which were nice and included a rhubarb chutney - we were in the rhubarb triangle after all!

For starter I went for sev puri, which was cold and tangy and delicious. I gave Ian a piece too to try and he liked it. For main I had a masala dosa with paneer. I know I can't eat the whole lot so I cut it in half to bring home for the next day. I had a gujwari naan with it too which had coconut, nuts, and sweet stuff in it. It was nice but by the next day it had gone quite hard so it wasn't as nice when left over. 

We had some coffees afterwards instead of puddings. We sat and chatted and it was just lovely! We said goodbye and Franklin took this photo of all the adults outside which I just love! I drove Lee and I home. I was wearing Converse slip on trainers in a gorgeous peach colour. I got them off Vinted (of course) but I haven't worn them a lot yet as they need wearing in a bit. 

Then I was wearing this gorgeous dress! I also got it off Vinted. It's a Simply Be one but I think I paid about £8 all in and I LOVE it. I am going to wear it loads! It's summery and cute and the pattern is gorgeous. I like the length of it too. 

Oh Chloe asked me to do my patented 'around the table selfies' where everyone ends up in two photos, so I did. They are lovely photos! 

Franklin and I. I put some eye make up on but didn't want to wear any lipstick. Oh yes and I found this pastel necklace that I got at a zine fair I think and it matches the dress perfectly

Franklin and Gary

Gary and Lolly

Laura and Chloe

Chloe and Ian in landscape for some reason

Ian and Lee

And finally Lee and me

Sev puri, it was so good and pretty big for a starter, which is another reason I didn't eat all my main course and brought it home for the next day instead

Masala dosa 

Here we all are in the car park

My gorgeous dress

And finally, my shoes!

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!

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

Martha Wainwright in Leeds

On the first of June Sam and I had tickets to see Martha Wainwright in Leeds. We absolutely love her and have seen her a number of times over the years, although we couldn't remember exactly the last time we had seen her. It was the 20th anniversary of her debut album, because we are all old as fuck these days, so she was playing the album in its entirety. We bought tickets back in November and it felt like forever away, but now it's June which just seems crackers, we're nearly halfway through the year!

Sam and I decided to meet at Zaap to eat first. It's a Thai restaurant at the bottom of the Grand Arcade and I've been past it a hundred times but have never been in. I know that Sam had been before though and she said it was good. I drove to Leeds and parked just down from Zaap because I know it's a decent car park and would be fine late on too. I was a bit early so I walked up and got us a table in Zaap. Sam arrived not too long afterwards. 

I had a frozen lemonade which was slushy and delicious. To start with we shared vegetable spring rolls and deep fried tofu with chilli sauce. They were both nice but the tofu needed a bit of seasoning on it as it was a bit dull. Then I had tofu paneang curry with rice which was spicy and delicious. So good! I really liked it.

We then walked up to the City Varieties Hall where Martha was playing. It wasn't quite open as we were early, so we went in the pub next door. Then we also had a drink in the theatre itself before we took our seats. Martha came on just after 7.30 and played about half of the album in an hour or so. She always has interesting stories to tell. Her band were good and included her cousin Lily Lanken. After an hour there was an interval. I popped to the loo but we didn't move otherwise. 

Martha came back on by herself at first. She played a new song, which was great, and a cover of a Rufus Wainwright song (her brother, if you didn't know) which was good. Then she played the rest of the album and finished off with Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole (a song about her dad, Loudon Wainwright III). She finished at 9.30 so it was still light when we left the theatre! I was home by 10.10pm which was perfect! 

It was a good night, I enjoyed myself.

Starters

And my amazing curry

And the stage before Martha and her band came on. It was more like a theatre show than a gig because you couldn't really take photos while she was on. We were on the third row, right in the middle, so had a brilliant view

Tea out with Stacey

I didn't have any plans for the 25th of April but then my friend Stacey messaged me earlier in the week to say she was unexpectedly child free, so did I want to get together for tea. I said yes of course as it's absolutely ages since I've seen her. We dithered about where to go and I had suggested La Fortezza at Newmillerdam, but it was fully booked. But Stacey noticed that Capri has opening a new restaurant there so we booked that for 6pm. I've been to the one in Wakefield, near Stacey's house in fact, but not to any of the others. It is a bit spendy but it is also delicious food. 

I got Lee to take me so that I could have a drink. The restaurant is in the old mill at the dam and it's on two levels - so accessibility is possible as there's an entrance on both levels, but if you're disabled be specific about parking/entry - and I was shown down to the bottom level into a lovely booth. The wheel from the mill is there and it's absolutely gorgeous. Plus the decor is really lovely and the tables are all marble etc. 

Stacey arrived not too long after and we ordered drinks and then food. I went for an arancia fizz to drink, which was lovely, and Caprese salad and a salmon pasta. I do occasionally eat fish and I'm so glad I ordered it because it was creamy and delicious. They both were, in fact. 

We only had the table until 7.30 due to a further booking, so we didn't have time for pudding. I then suggested that Stacey take me to my mum's as it's not far from Newmillerdam and Lee could pick me up from there. Plus I knew my mum would want to see her. So we headed there but on the way to the car we saw a heron on the water which was lovely, he's very majestic. My mum and stepdad were watching the snooker, of course. We had a nice chat. Lee turned up and Stacey left about 9pm because she wanted to make the most of having a good sleep and her bed to herself for the night! Lee and I left not too long after that, too. 

I was wearing a dress from Simply Be that I've had forever but usually wear with a cardigan because I don't really like the top of it. But my new (to me) coral top looks really nice over the top of it as it matches the flowers in the dress, so I am glad I put the two together. I will probably wear this again! I also put some make up on including a new lipstick. 

Selfie in the house before I set off, after I'd done my make up 

Arancia fizz 

I took this of the decor and was trying hard to not get people in it - but you can see the water wheel on the left hand side there which is pretty cool

Stacey and I 

Caprese salad - it was immense! 

Can you see the heron camouflaged against the water?

And here I am when I got home in an old summery dress and new coral top which I got off Vinted

Lunch with Friends

On the 28th of February I went to Sheffield to meet up with Lolly and Georgina for lunch. We had been supposed to get together a couple of weeks before, when it was Lolly's birthday, but she wasn't well so she had to cancel it. So we arranged for the end of February instead. I worked in the morning and then left the house and drove to Middlewood tram stop to get on the tram. I was a bit early into town but I just went straight to Pho where we were meeting. It wasn't busy at all so I got a table and sat for a few minutes just scrolling on my phone before Georgina and Alfie arrived. 

It was so nice to see both of them, I haven't had chance to talk to Alfie for ages so it was nice to see him. Laura arrived not too long afterwards. We had presents for each other which was lovely and very exciting. Georgina also had a bunch of make up to get rid of and she was selling it to us like she was on QVC, it was so funny.

We ordered food. I went for the summer rolls as usual, but this time I got them with the This Isn't Chicken instead. I have to say, I didn't like them as much as just the vegetable ones. So I would get the vegetable ones next time definitely. I had the spicy tofu curry and it was lovely. We sat chatting for ages. Lolly and I went down to Costa for a drink afterwards; I had a hot chocolate to takeaway. I managed to get on to the tram with like a second to spare, and someone gave me their seat (I use a walking stick and struggle to stand on moving vehicles so this is always a big thing for me!) and I sipped my drink all the way back to Middlewood. 

I got home not too long afterwards. I was wearing a Scarlett and Jo skirt that used to be a dress and which I love, and my new Hamilton shirt. I had some Christmas money left over so knew I would buy one when I went and it was this - it says Awesome. Wow. It's perfectly me! I love it. I was also wearing my pink zebra print cardigan and I didn't need a hoodie as it was warm! 

This Isn't Chicken summer rolls - they were fine but I wouldn't get the fake meat in them again

Spicy tofu curry. Yes I do know there are other things on the menu but I just love this so much!

One of the staff members took this photo of us just before we left, I love it

And here's my outfit when I got home!

A Few Days in One

In the third week of Feb I had a few days of busy-ness with some friends, but I thought I would amalgamate it all into one post just for speed and convenience. 

On Wednesday evening I went to book club as I usually do once a month but don't often post about it. We were talking about the book Orlando by Virginia Woolf which Helena had chosen. It had been Lynn's 70th birthday so she brought a chocolate and beetroot cake which was delicious and nice to share. I was wearing new tights from Snag, they're grey marled and I do like them but I think they had a bit of a weird yellow undertone. But I will wear them anyway as I think they're really neutral and will go with anything. 

On Thursday I took my mum out for coffee. As a reminder, she had a mastectomy at the end of January due to a tiny tumour; she wouldn't have needed such a drastic op except that she had breast cancer forty years ago when I was tiny so this was the best thing to do. She is recovering well but it's taking her a while to get back to full health. She hadn't gone far at all but I said I would take her to Blacker Hall Farm for coffee which is really close to her house. I went and picked her up and drove us down. She's got a little heart shaped cushion that she uses under the seatbelt which makes her more comfortable. We parked and went into the cafe. I had coffee and a delicious piece of Victoria sponge cake. I think my mum had a cream tea. We both got some chocolates from the shop on the way out. 

On Friday I went to Wakefield again to see my friend Gemma. She was currently home from her job abroad and we had had a whole plan for the day before which had unfortunately fallen through, so we decided to just meet for lunch. We went to Robatory which is one of my favourite places in Wakefield. They have a good lunch menu so I had sticky Korean BBQ cauliflower and Chinese spice vegetable tacos, and loaded fries I thinl. It was nice, just lovely food! Gemma brought me this gorgeous biscuit from Ukraine - the biscuit is ginger and the icing is so beautiful. I called in briefly on my mum on the way home because I had got her stuff she needed from Boots. 

On Saturday morning Lee and I went to Fox Valley to meet my friend Ros, her partner Paul, and their kids. We went to Zorro Lounge for brunch. I thought we might have to wait a while for a table but we didn't. I went for a big veggie breakfast which was as usual delicious. I think that's what we all had actually except one of the kids!

After we had eaten we went for a wander round a couple of shops before we said goodbye. Lee got some jeans in the charity shop and we got some cake in the bakery. We drove home and went to the tip to take a load of stuff there. I had worn my cream flamingo skirt  and a rose pink long sleeved top that came from Simply Be forever ago but which I haven't worn much. It's a cute outfit I think. 

In the evening Lee went to Liverpool to play a gig so his bandmate picked him up at about 4.30pm so I just chilled out for the whole evening! 

New tights - they look fine in this photo but a bit odder in real life. But I will keep them and just not worry about it 

Chocolate and beetroot cake that Lynn made 

Victoria sponge with my mum on the Thursday afternoon

The gorgeous biscuit Gemma brought me, it came from Lviv

Sticky cauliflower

Tacos, these were delicious

Roslyn and I in the Lounge

Delicious brunch

Please look at my ridiculous flamingo earrings that my aunt gave me for my birthday. She probably made them! 

And finally my outfit. I was just wearing leggings underneath