tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45866921454163896462024-02-20T15:06:34.380+00:00Avoir la Peche?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-14066781851800109552013-11-01T09:49:00.001+00:002013-11-01T09:49:39.818+00:00Life Lately & A little weekend scrunch-up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Xh-fdoZG_jcv-RoovIFHJr2mybuIdC4Ic-5hmjKgkJSi7kagYAdrYb65rv5rfUHbHk9tB0R0CKXhtpIHzuafeLxdS3jaaoW_KC03NgcWWTpo7o5oxPwmPedssb1FQ9WxlF_2ssDSkjI/s1600/pumpkin+patch+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Xh-fdoZG_jcv-RoovIFHJr2mybuIdC4Ic-5hmjKgkJSi7kagYAdrYb65rv5rfUHbHk9tB0R0CKXhtpIHzuafeLxdS3jaaoW_KC03NgcWWTpo7o5oxPwmPedssb1FQ9WxlF_2ssDSkjI/s1600/pumpkin+patch+2.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hey lovelies - Happy Friday!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And Happy All Saints Day! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(or as Mr Peach now calls it 1st of Movember)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Are you all ready for the weekend? We are that's for sure!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I thought a quick catch up was in order, since I've not been around here much this week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Life has gone a bit nuts recently. First, last Wednesday, my gorgeous Mr Peach got a brilliant new job in Manchester, starting in January. This means moving back to the city which, if you've read much here on A-L-P you may gather I am incredibly excited about! It's not a great distance to move, but you'd think it was with all the hassle of moving! But being within 20 minutes of so much that's there to keep me entertained in the city centre will make such a difference. So, Monday was spent house hunting. We're looking in an area around where one of my best friends, her hubby and her adorable little baby boy live, so that's even more exciting for me! Then last Wednesday I was offered a contract job for a big company locally running up to Christmas. So, we could end up in a situation where all our worldly goods are over in Manchester, whilst we bunk up in a friend's spare room for a month, finishing our work over here before the end of the year. But, that's fine by me - it just makes life all the more interesting!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, there's not as much this week....but here's a little linky scrunch up....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
take a look at some fun stuff from this week...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">2 words that should NEVER be seen together....<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-24746539" target="_blank">wine & shortage</a>...start stockpiling people!</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">14 practical tips for keeping your house <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24757144" target="_blank">warm this Winter</a>....it's all about the sausage dogs.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Impressive <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2013/oct/30/10-worst-photoshop-disasters-in-pictures#/?picture=421299087&index=9" target="_blank">photo-shop fails</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Banksy has been busy in New York!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What has this weekend got in store for you?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mr Peach and I are off to Bristol to visit my little sister and her partner, to do some partying for his 30th birthday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I absolutely love Bristol so expect to hear all about it next week!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Have a lovely weekend peeps!</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qu6FmZWAQRjBQ4sBmqJAkj6e8GQs_MwABZ6Eg1O2mQwiJytr6slTIZoflDbYBS9osbe9fd5RhKzPzuSCmDfKJ7yJd2LvWZzFPIpIt4czEFIpF8vf2bx2bOmWbLNgPfp6kxIYs3Z9KGA/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qu6FmZWAQRjBQ4sBmqJAkj6e8GQs_MwABZ6Eg1O2mQwiJytr6slTIZoflDbYBS9osbe9fd5RhKzPzuSCmDfKJ7yJd2LvWZzFPIpIt4czEFIpF8vf2bx2bOmWbLNgPfp6kxIYs3Z9KGA/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-28315994346878044992013-10-28T07:48:00.000+00:002013-10-29T09:13:25.527+00:00A Lucky 7 Years ago Today!! .....(&my Weeky Wishes)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihG7OvMuBrlRRCGv2Hoa-cFuFVGICQhcEvaLDUk-0ETQvka3UbpWMd2e8UhI1HrefUglDQ8CQTtz71yG8RNe66PTFecjXr5Jmz-VD5Ae2al-KJBaBDYPPeyHLyVhtpHaUEt4Hz8CswoBU/s1600/7+years+600pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihG7OvMuBrlRRCGv2Hoa-cFuFVGICQhcEvaLDUk-0ETQvka3UbpWMd2e8UhI1HrefUglDQ8CQTtz71yG8RNe66PTFecjXr5Jmz-VD5Ae2al-KJBaBDYPPeyHLyVhtpHaUEt4Hz8CswoBU/s1600/7+years+600pix.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy new week everyone!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today is very special for me as it's exactly 7 amazing years since I met my gorgeous Mr Peach!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some part of me still can't believe that day ever happened - </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I hope you can all forgive me as I wallow self-indulgently in thinking how much that day changed my life, like a great big massive sledgehammer that I never saw coming! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Did you ever have a day like that?</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>28th October 2006</b> started as an unspectacular rainy Saturday and I was living in Manchester. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had pretty few, very unspectacular plans for the evening. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'd been invited to <b>my friend's Halloween party</b>, back near my parent's home, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but as it's around an hour away I'd decided not to go. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the very, very<b> last minute</b> I changed my mind, cobbled together a <b>'witchy' fancy dress</b> outfit (a black dress & some fishnet tights on my hands), hopped on a train & called up a friend to join me. <i>(Incidentally, I wasn't all that close to that friend, but that night was also the start of our true friendship & I gained a best friend that night too!)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The party, <b>in my friend's flat</b>, was going really great, until her landlord knocked on the door to say we were <b>getting too loud</b>. No problem, being the inventive type she just suggested we move on to the local club...'<b>the only club in town'</b>...the kind of place you go to because there's no other option, trust me! So, classy girls as we are, we grabbed a couple of <b>cans of lager</b>, which we drank on a bench en route,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>to take the 'edge' off!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the club I was happily strutting my stuff, when across the dance floor appeared </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>a tall, handsome guy in a very odd farmer style checked shirt</b>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm not sure what I spotted first, him or his <b>incredibly enthusiastic and *cough* unique dance moves</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
....but either way I noticed him & thankfully he noticed me too. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Actually he had seen me first, <b>thanks to my witchy regalia</b> and had been 'dancing' over to me). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Shouting over the questionable quality dance music he asked me if I wanted a drink. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tall, dark hair, baby faced good looks....100% my type so how could I resist! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My only doubt was exactly those <b>baby faced looks</b>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The dodgy local club is notorious for underage drinkers and I was absolutely convinced he was underage and shouldn't have been in there, let alone buying 24 year old me drinks! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Anyway....eventually he convinced me he was actually a year older than me and got me that drink.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the end of the night we tried to swap numbers, but he didn't have his phone on him and didn't know his number, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>so gave me his email address </b>and made me promise to contact him the following week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Monday morning came around, <b>bored at work and not being one for 'playing games'</b> in terms of dating</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I decided I had nothing to lose by sending him an email. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Never expecting to get one back, within minutes I had <b>a sweet, but cheeky reply. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A few flirty emails later and we arranged a date that Saturday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Saturday came, we <b>had our date and from that moment we were just it....a perfect fit!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Within a month we were <b>officially an</b> <b>'item'</b>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A year and a bit later we <b>moved in together</b>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Three years later (ish) that dodgy shirted, baby-faced boy <b>asked me to marry him</b>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And here we are seven years from that night, <b>married and about to start our next adventure together!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Love you Mr Peach!</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you're still with me after that lengthy, self indulgent story then well done! I have to say it's not all been plain sailing for Mr Peach and I. We've never had any wobbles in our relationship, but we've been through some bad stuff together and I always think of that day when things seem really bad. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I'm such a believer in things happening for a reason</b> and nothing proves to me more than that day - there were so many things that might not have been, but somehow they all came together and <b>fate found a way</b> for us to meet. So, if things just don't seem to be happening just remember you never know if something really special is <b>right around the corner waiting for you!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I'm also a huge believer in the power of saying 'Yes!'</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You make your own opportunities in life and they usually start by saying Yes to things.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So, now I've bored you all to tears with our tale, </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">it's time for you to get your revenge </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm an old romantic who just loves </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">collecting stories of how people met their other half.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So, please share your stories with me too below!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>~</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Weekly Wishes</u></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This week's <b>'Selfie' theme</b> couldn't be more perfect for our anniversary today!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mr Peach and I could <b>track our relationship in selfies!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Amongst our friends we are notorious for what we always called 'arm photos' </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(I know, we're so uncool that only recently did we realise the 'selfie' word) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
- in fact we were pretty sure that we'd invented them (ha!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I tried to find <b>the very first Selfie we ever took together.</b>...and of course I couldn't, but that one is close.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We took that photo in <b>Maspalomas, Gran Canaria - on our first holiday together</b>, when we started the <b>tradition of 'holiday selfies'</b> that our friends now tease us about!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are stood <b>atop the highest sand-dunes in Europe,</b> completely oblivious to the fact we are getting burn to a frazzle, but <b>100% happy</b> as you can see from our cheesy grins!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Anyway, so I have to confess I've pretty much wholly failed in <b><a href="http://avoir-la-peche.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/weekly-wishes-week5.html" target="_blank">my wishes from last week</a></b>, mainly because last Wednesday also turned out to be one of those kind of life-changing days too </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(future posts on that to come).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, I'm not deserting them all together but have decided to carry over <a href="http://avoir-la-peche.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/weekly-wishes-week5.html" target="_blank">last week's wishes</a> to this week .....with hopefully more chance of fulfilling them!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You can read them in full <b><a href="http://avoir-la-peche.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/weekly-wishes-week5.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>, but here's a brief reminder:</div>
<ul>
<li><b><u>Get some posts queued up for the next two weeks.</u></b></li>
<li><b><u>Make at least one of those a DIY post.</u></b></li>
<li><b><u>Make time for at least 40 minutes reading, each day, with no distractions.</u></b></li>
</ul>
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<ul>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Join in and share your own wishes this week....</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://thenectarcollective.com/2013/10/weekly-wishes-23/" target="_blank">jump over here</a> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>to the lovely Melyssa's 'The Nectar Collective' to join us!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Good luck in everything you wished for this week!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljciXysTvsonQRbn_u_K9oIK_5cclQrW0dTXvUazNyihAfsxdlS8ftcbyCAdm-ppPe2TZfAXSY2XHQx5inLrJXS3_nkDxXlLLiVD1xIbt1fB1qRBbHBAommLH8cZ9pbjC04cyZpbff-M/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljciXysTvsonQRbn_u_K9oIK_5cclQrW0dTXvUazNyihAfsxdlS8ftcbyCAdm-ppPe2TZfAXSY2XHQx5inLrJXS3_nkDxXlLLiVD1xIbt1fB1qRBbHBAommLH8cZ9pbjC04cyZpbff-M/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-21718290338267304172013-10-23T11:48:00.000+01:002013-10-23T11:48:09.424+01:00Cosy Up TIme! - My Autumn Lounge Essentials<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cosy_fall_lounge/set?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=101460671" target="_blank"><img alt="Cosy Fall Lounge" border="0" force="1" height="596" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/bwhX3QC3vkZQv7x1AAJz4Q/cid/101460671/id/IL4_UsU74xGH9opbzSGTQA/size/c600x596.jpg" title="Cosy Fall Lounge" width="600" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Brrrr.....It's getting a little chilly around here!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
This year's bake-off is over, we're already 3 weeks in to Strictly & our Sunday evening favourites Downton & Homeland are back.<br />
Pretty soon it'll be 'I'm a Celebrity' time & we'll be planning our trip to the Christmas Markets.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Time to cosy up. And here are all my cosying essentials for the lounge.....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=68365963" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/68365963.jpg" title="Glass votive candle" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Candles </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have candles all year, but as the days get shorter I love that cosy feeling of having lots of candles lit in all around us (not to forget the extra warmth)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In Autumn we love creamy Vanilla scents and spicy Cinnamon when the days get Festive.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=66375180" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/66375180.jpg" title="Christmas Lights, Winter Photography, Bare Trees, Blue Green Grey..." vspace="4" width="50" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Fairy Lights</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just like candles, as the evenings get darker, I love the pretty twinkle of fairy-lights. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=89121483" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/89121483.jpg" title="Tartan plaid bedding" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Blankets</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On a cold day I love to snuggle up on the couch, watching a film, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
enjoying my favourite TV programmes, or reading a good book.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=87819142" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/87819142.jpg" title="Accessorize Bright Heart Fairisle Boot Slippers" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Slippers</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you ask Mr Peach he'll tell you I have cold fingers and toes all year. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have terrible circulation, my fingers turn white and my feet go blue, so slippers are an absolute essential! Since Father Christmas isn't rich enough for those sheepskin beauties this year, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
these fair-isle knit ones would be a perfect alternative!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=93796385" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/93796385.jpg" title="Aroma Home Deer Hot Water Bottle, White" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Hot Water Bottles</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The un-sung hero of Winter warmth!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love a snuggle with a toastie hot water bottle on a cold night. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have a mini-one for going on the train or bus to work.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At home I've even been known to have one for my tummy & one for my toes!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Being a seaside girl, I adore the little boat knit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, I've fallen in LOVE with this Deer Knit hottie bottie cover...how cute is it?!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Irish Coffee</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A hot drink is an essential to cosy up a chilly evening.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes I like to indulge myself with a warm Irish Coffee with a dash of Whisky & Cream</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or pimp up my Hot Chocolate with a generous splash of Baileys.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Warmth from inside....yum!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So, what do you think?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What are your perfect Cosy Autumn Essentials?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQAUL4uM7Am_P7CqPb80DPDzKSnFgAiz-MC7QrwDt0rd5UjSX0JFXHYOcwQZysR5E_8JFCi3_aclwaB3mFR03B2b1uFJ1dV8xYB7WxwuosXjl8_Fsi8ZyQtwoeVftVbz_o6z2pSwIpj8/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQAUL4uM7Am_P7CqPb80DPDzKSnFgAiz-MC7QrwDt0rd5UjSX0JFXHYOcwQZysR5E_8JFCi3_aclwaB3mFR03B2b1uFJ1dV8xYB7WxwuosXjl8_Fsi8ZyQtwoeVftVbz_o6z2pSwIpj8/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=89121483" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tartan plaid bedding</a> </small>target.com / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=91474372" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Third Wall Art typography wall art</a> nordstrom.com / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=68346153" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">White candle</a> shopterrain.com / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=86145875" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pier 1 Imports candles candleholder</a> pier1.co / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=93419973" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Painted wooden sign</a> paper-source.com / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=68365963" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Glass votive candle</a> target.com / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=93765284" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Linea candles candleholder</a> $24 - houseoffraser.co.uk / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=95471792" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jaeger</a> $160 / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=87819142" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Accessorize Bright Heart Fairisle Boot Slippers</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=66375180" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christmas Lights, Winter Photography, Bare Trees, Blue Green Grey...</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=93796385" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Aroma Home Deer Hot Water Bottle, White</a> $40 - johnlewis.com / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=95240035" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OASIS FAUX FUR HOT WATER BOTTLE</a> $19 / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=94676818" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Donna Wilson Message in a Bottle hot water bottle cover</a> $65</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-28921390276768242652013-10-22T11:41:00.000+01:002013-10-22T12:16:40.763+01:00The Great British Bake Off Final is Here! And I'm celebrating my top moments of Series 4!So, here we are 10 captivating episodes & over 30 bakes in, we've arrived at another <b>final of the Great British Bake-Off.</b> If you're one of the very few people not to have caught the bug for Great British Bake-off (lovingly known by thousands as GBBO), then look away now. But if, like me, you've been there for every soggy-bottom & uneven crumb, then join me for my highlights of Series 4!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnu8LWsAaX9VwkuC6s3-fpjt6MNk_0EU7R-Z9mcYoA477IT7in637lVd0BXss52j5dWCPzz59oVyXM8sHYeSuSnGyNHVFsHlpw6RuoTMQoyCdKJ0IwfJwoIZPCNMpwLemUZlHTD7u3YeM/s1600/all+the+finalists.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnu8LWsAaX9VwkuC6s3-fpjt6MNk_0EU7R-Z9mcYoA477IT7in637lVd0BXss52j5dWCPzz59oVyXM8sHYeSuSnGyNHVFsHlpw6RuoTMQoyCdKJ0IwfJwoIZPCNMpwLemUZlHTD7u3YeM/s640/all+the+finalists.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This year's runners & riders!</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">(WARNING: The following contains SPOILERS </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">for Great British Bake-Off, Series 4)</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>..and the Award for Bizarre Bake goes to:</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We've all become so used to Frances' <strike>insanity</strike> quirky baking, it's easy to forget that the award for Bizarre Bake of the series truly belongs in the arms of another.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I can't have been the only one doing a double take in week 2, when Rob announced his showstopper 'decoratively shaped loaf' challenge, can I? I can't have been the only one wondering if, perhaps in a bid to put an end to Dad's incessant baking, Rob's kids had been dusting his Croissants with something other than icing sugar. I can't have been the only one in open mouthed wonder as he announced with glee that he was going to resurrect, in bread form, the one and only<b> Paul the Psychic Octopus</b>.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On paper it was a thing of pure wonder. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sadly on paper is where it should have stayed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The great Mrs Berry branded him 'just a tasteless white loaf'.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">R.I.P. Paul (again)</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNy_1gmvqY8OLJAeqN2j4kSgoYuHCUq96FExfiCKasCAisuMH1O1ltAeFmHevLnTXLaoweOdjNZ3izCE5ZAPZaGHnDqoS4IaziSrgYLpt1PttbKhJvkFIo-RwFnKmGBQ-Rv-9eBERPyn0/s1600/octopus+loaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNy_1gmvqY8OLJAeqN2j4kSgoYuHCUq96FExfiCKasCAisuMH1O1ltAeFmHevLnTXLaoweOdjNZ3izCE5ZAPZaGHnDqoS4IaziSrgYLpt1PttbKhJvkFIo-RwFnKmGBQ-Rv-9eBERPyn0/s400/octopus+loaf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSTpIn8wLE0DHvva2sEVe9ireJMexIYgCL9dHACwOQTd95VCEfcn6ek-vJLkOIQpPE32WCN0te4yptp-zXx8ZY-n3QZ2CGhycOEzHK61DMrsWBHkb1-_Qv8dwqKeyG8LRrFAr0ooh0HI/s1600/paul+octopus+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSTpIn8wLE0DHvva2sEVe9ireJMexIYgCL9dHACwOQTd95VCEfcn6ek-vJLkOIQpPE32WCN0te4yptp-zXx8ZY-n3QZ2CGhycOEzHK61DMrsWBHkb1-_Qv8dwqKeyG8LRrFAr0ooh0HI/s400/paul+octopus+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Egg-spionage</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkx6Ut3mFdU3xMU0_fjlBmrvajbXNIX8dY4YZW41aqHapfgpPp4hwe83mZ2lxIqx2Ud135wTqoRXror4yHvNc1uoThaM-dEWMXAZyuUksG4IlmWUr5RXPjehdYGdw_08EH3miLB5qs8po/s1600/custardy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkx6Ut3mFdU3xMU0_fjlBmrvajbXNIX8dY4YZW41aqHapfgpPp4hwe83mZ2lxIqx2Ud135wTqoRXror4yHvNc1uoThaM-dEWMXAZyuUksG4IlmWUr5RXPjehdYGdw_08EH3miLB5qs8po/s640/custardy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Deborah realises the error of her ways - The unflappable Howard looks on suspiciously.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you didn't catch it, there were two custards in the fridge, Howard's thick & unctious nectar & Deborah's watery yellow soup. Deb took the wrong one, only realising <u>after</u> having added it to her trifle. Devestated, she owned up to Howard, who responded in his usual, droll, unflappable but intriguingly adorable way. Culminating in a simple swap. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Apart from being a GBBO first & perfectly demonstrating Howard's gentile & gracious Yorkshire soul, the great Custard Theft of week 3 was always bound to be Mel & Sue heaven. Sparking probably the most memorable M&S quip of the series, when Mel suggested Deb be taken into <b>'Custardy'! </b>Mel & Sue, comedy genius.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It all proved too much for devestated Deborah who spiralled into a nervous mess: 'Custard gate' proving to be her downfall. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>The Great Macaron v. Macaroon debate</u></b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Last season they were <b>Macar<u>oo</u>ns</b>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This season they're <b>Macar<u>o</u>ns</b>.</div>
<br />
I simply thought 'Macaron' was the French word for those delicious chewy, nutty, meringue pieces of heaven. I just thought we called them Macaroons here in the UK.<br />
<br />
So, when Bake-off suddenly started the 'Macaron' thingy I was hellish confused. So much so I took to my own facebook - sparking responses from people I didn't even realise I'd ever been friends & the most comments since I announced Mr Peach and I were engaged. Forget nuclear arms...this debate is HOT!<br />
<br />
Apparently the gist is that we must now wipe all previous pronunciation, reserving the word 'Macaroon' only for those (horrible) over-sweet lumps of baked coconut, often topped with a glace cherry.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Henceforth thou shalt refer to the following only as the 'Macaron' </b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcC1PZOQepJ4MAqzOeA3-YbccfwLpK2n_DvI3M-Szs48xUaolsFMSJGGhO8s_KNm42K08axCPRMDCs_yGVZW34g82dBz3LRE55bzWwPUr_4wUOnQKdiF99Ey6RAzuyzqEgI1B6fUH3rc/s1600/macarons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcC1PZOQepJ4MAqzOeA3-YbccfwLpK2n_DvI3M-Szs48xUaolsFMSJGGhO8s_KNm42K08axCPRMDCs_yGVZW34g82dBz3LRE55bzWwPUr_4wUOnQKdiF99Ey6RAzuyzqEgI1B6fUH3rc/s320/macarons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
(who cares....they're not around long enough to call them anything in my house...yum!)</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Are Mel & Sue fixing the bake-off?</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If it's not Sue poking her elbow into Howard's perfectly molded muffins. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBKZsM5vVGs7EQ9J3Xo6z7gC_OQg-r4kpnKR7lfEuoyAxMDbT76hA0ijSpa_vNORCMwFz6hGk9forf5Qvpqkdcxvv6FMg7bBVCTi9rvN0brYuTS5FejClsPRCeMvSnK6XRFioFzdubJo/s1600/elbow+in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBKZsM5vVGs7EQ9J3Xo6z7gC_OQg-r4kpnKR7lfEuoyAxMDbT76hA0ijSpa_vNORCMwFz6hGk9forf5Qvpqkdcxvv6FMg7bBVCTi9rvN0brYuTS5FejClsPRCeMvSnK6XRFioFzdubJo/s400/elbow+in.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTVGP9IKubup8nxi_0kYt5UHqwzJiP0TWNVPA_4GFKa_Huj8fUQMjs072ip0yZIiN4p1LFIvXGZ7zOYqIG_B0x1BwiZT9TLZSWha-zPrOaEbI1jY8DtnXur659BImAeA7JbTLU5eWjUU/s1600/elbow+realised.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTVGP9IKubup8nxi_0kYt5UHqwzJiP0TWNVPA_4GFKa_Huj8fUQMjs072ip0yZIiN4p1LFIvXGZ7zOYqIG_B0x1BwiZT9TLZSWha-zPrOaEbI1jY8DtnXur659BImAeA7JbTLU5eWjUU/s400/elbow+realised.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
then it's Mel encouraging Frances to stack an already precarious looking tower of assorted 'hat-box' biscuits just that little bit higher...then gazing on as they toppled over (I'm sure I saw her hop a little to judder the ground).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QCiLv_DQs8HSd4VFurN60x6GhY55qBkKLpBKElPMSvhT0wudHkKx7v-X3Awx6rkI5He27597dVDPFkvwCRhdsW_tu9fBXSDesktaq-7tQx82_FSfKakFPLwHKup-NqnR1EFW0eodP-o/s1600/biscuit+tower+falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QCiLv_DQs8HSd4VFurN60x6GhY55qBkKLpBKElPMSvhT0wudHkKx7v-X3Awx6rkI5He27597dVDPFkvwCRhdsW_tu9fBXSDesktaq-7tQx82_FSfKakFPLwHKup-NqnR1EFW0eodP-o/s640/biscuit+tower+falls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course I'm 100% joking - we know our Mel & Sue would never do that.<br />
Would they?<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Frances' Oddness.</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Look, I'll admit, I'm not Frances' biggest fan. I find her insistence on straying from the actual task at hand inexplicably annoying.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But I can't deny that her quirkiness has been one of the more memorable things this series....all-be-it crudely shoe-horned in....she just won't leave it alone will she?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My favourite of her odd-bakes & the only one I really want?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's this:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJCYtvQhYZf0n_hWBDIfrA74DQ9TzzwBbZT0vVCQSHk7TDk2AfukgmIjAREetD8mYnn91_hPs8VWH2zttyT_FgLX-UCHuLtmK_rI-5xYd2GV0R6absowMtwbUq2exjkslrNiEWKOozrk/s1600/matches+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJCYtvQhYZf0n_hWBDIfrA74DQ9TzzwBbZT0vVCQSHk7TDk2AfukgmIjAREetD8mYnn91_hPs8VWH2zttyT_FgLX-UCHuLtmK_rI-5xYd2GV0R6absowMtwbUq2exjkslrNiEWKOozrk/s640/matches+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yes, they're actually giant, chocolate tipped, sweet bread sticks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'll hand it to your Frances - that's clever!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Other notable moments - </u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Howard baking with Hemp</b> & Mary pretending not to have a clue (yeh right Mary, we know you're a rebel....nobody visits Pascha in Ibiza and remains that innocent!). </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Teacher <b>Glenn's </b>penchant for <b>enormous bakes</b> and a jovial smile.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Loveable grandma <b>Christine and TV Grandma Mary's weekly W.I. off.</b> In all honestly we were all wondering when the face to face judging would degrade into a Grannie fight weren't we? There was mutual respect but I never quite felt that Christine was fully taking in Mary's critique, not without a sarcastic air anyway. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Thankfully '<b>The Hollywood</b>' has toned it down this season - probably not enough energy after his Summer's escapades in the U.S. (*rolls eyes*). But I still loved flirtatious <b>Beca's</b> visible melting like a hormonal schoolgirl during the face-to-face critiques, bless her.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>So, who will be our winner?</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Will it be nutty <b><u>Frances?....</u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5KGfEnAtUqpCtf9vRVUrD_JCKX1IcOwgap6La7YDAuIuRDKOB7WgJTvXVTsFR8TotFwSXyOjfvfcUJ_3VPAGV1LGYV9YNdjFpQZwiZnPSls3d161CRoahqSlkkG1cqZ0XM81Lq-mKDs/s1600/bake-frances.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5KGfEnAtUqpCtf9vRVUrD_JCKX1IcOwgap6La7YDAuIuRDKOB7WgJTvXVTsFR8TotFwSXyOjfvfcUJ_3VPAGV1LGYV9YNdjFpQZwiZnPSls3d161CRoahqSlkkG1cqZ0XM81Lq-mKDs/s200/bake-frances.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
....with her endless mission to turn the pure joy of baking into some weird modern art gimmick, despite the words '<b>style over substance</b>' surely having been permanently etched on her mind by now. We've even had Soap Opera Cake (erghhh - ask yourself Frances, who wants soapy cake?). But you have to hand it to the girl for tenacity. <b>My choice for runner up</b>.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Will it be over-dramatic <b><u>Ruby?...</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtCoeO6iXNKujueK4MXxz1_XVkxCgQX-pHQo081yM2hI51gJx23wL-1I5bUquWH486EMTadHX8a9-nGAlK3ihdjAh95pGda7HVgvuDhir0IphpjgMk2R40wbF93kOVhfFf1otkHd9vgs/s1600/bake-ruby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtCoeO6iXNKujueK4MXxz1_XVkxCgQX-pHQo081yM2hI51gJx23wL-1I5bUquWH486EMTadHX8a9-nGAlK3ihdjAh95pGda7HVgvuDhir0IphpjgMk2R40wbF93kOVhfFf1otkHd9vgs/s200/bake-ruby.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
...who has sadly come to be the target of the Great British public's universal wicked tongue. With one voice, we've unanimously screamed at out screens and winced as she escaped unscathed week after week, thanks to that ever present glint in the silver haired ladies man's eye. At times it seemed our message might be intercepting the laws of space and time, transmitted through our TV screens to Mel who yelled: '<b>pull yourself together</b>' .Look I don't like the girl either but, though it often feels like more, it is only baking and not worth ruining a life over. Still, we all know <b>she should have gone last week. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Or, will it be unflappable, baking machine <b><u>Kimberley?</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjK3uJ96xy6gumAZ8-wZn_2UH_InMJrH-WJ48tq_swbPWwwAyw0DXFO-zVKkyRgGMsYh7P3YWLfKu4YZX8Tf8KwNegEstkpM-os_VANomaMJIDnNmj3zu48ozOVMYVtooLJfWDEeG8gYY/s1600/bake-kimberley%252Cjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjK3uJ96xy6gumAZ8-wZn_2UH_InMJrH-WJ48tq_swbPWwwAyw0DXFO-zVKkyRgGMsYh7P3YWLfKu4YZX8Tf8KwNegEstkpM-os_VANomaMJIDnNmj3zu48ozOVMYVtooLJfWDEeG8gYY/s200/bake-kimberley%252Cjpg.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
She doesn't say much, but what she does say tend to be words of pure baking wisdom. It's hard not to find our Kimberley a wee bit smug, but nobody can deny that she knows her stuff. <b>Personally, I'm team Kimberley all the way.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">If you're watching tonight enjoy every moment of </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">gluten stretching, </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">soggy bottomed, </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">clafoutis clenching,</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">baking wonder.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">May the best girl win!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAyee6UOclupQIzX5XSCYwUNJBF1ESPT4M2frNeayBCjgENlNXYPikXVq9oid2aWVr8vkJLAzKGzGU6doeIh_-RG35p55i4kG_s1-iYu_Tuw0jpS1zvfq8ReU-PQiOiD8JlwoMlk9Qa4/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAyee6UOclupQIzX5XSCYwUNJBF1ESPT4M2frNeayBCjgENlNXYPikXVq9oid2aWVr8vkJLAzKGzGU6doeIh_-RG35p55i4kG_s1-iYu_Tuw0jpS1zvfq8ReU-PQiOiD8JlwoMlk9Qa4/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-36504260654019943932013-10-21T07:21:00.000+01:002013-10-21T08:41:31.520+01:00Weekly Wishes - Week#5<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndSSmmaUo6IqlTqHChMF9ToyZMnyj7rsP_XgMM_DyeHnUcBWkZqYwanqIrJEG4CnqcOf9S4n0tiO-2IzsNgMcuO34qcVWLk3FWav3VBVYWp0Roik5p1zDZuev-fvtrUKIx2zNKWgTu0Y/s1600/creativity.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndSSmmaUo6IqlTqHChMF9ToyZMnyj7rsP_XgMM_DyeHnUcBWkZqYwanqIrJEG4CnqcOf9S4n0tiO-2IzsNgMcuO34qcVWLk3FWav3VBVYWp0Roik5p1zDZuev-fvtrUKIx2zNKWgTu0Y/s1600/creativity.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I love Monday's Weekly Wishes link-up, where I get to review what I achieved last week, and set out some targets for the week ahead.<br />
<br />
And, I get to join in the <b>Weekly photo theme</b>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">This week: Creativity. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My photo is of <b>my fabric stash, needlework box that my grandad bought me when I was 9, pincushion & my current knitting project. </b>There's usually some creative project or other in the middle of our lounge, which drives my husband crazy, <b>but I couldn't live any other way!</b></div>
<br />
If you want to play too then jump <b><a href="http://thenectarcollective.com/" target="_blank">over here to join Melyssa at The Nectar Collective</a></b>, and a whole host of other Weekly Wishers to find out more.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Now to my Weekly Wishes for Week number #5:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Last week's wishes were:</span></u></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><u>To purchase gum tape & a sample pack for prints</u> - <i>this one is being <b>postponed</b> for 2 weeks. Our pennies have other priorities before payday. </i></li>
<li><u>To import Disqus</u> - <i><b>Done.</b></i> <u>To update my about me page</u> - <i><b>kind of done.</b> I decided it was more important to finally get some <b>easy-linky buttons on my side-bar >>></b> to make it easier to follow me & connect. Looking at my 'about me' page, although it's a bit waffly and needs attention eventually, it kind of serves a purpose and it's not so bad. So, I added a quick update for now. I also decided to add <b><a href="http://avoir-la-peche.blogspot.co.uk/p/following-promotion.html" target="_blank">a 'Publicite' page</a></b> with some stats and info about <b><a href="http://avoir-la-peche.blogspot.co.uk/p/following-promotion.html" target="_blank">Button-Swaps I've decided to offer.</a></b></i></li>
<li><u>To get emailing with Lauren at Lipglossed Ninja, my Snail Mail Collective partner </u>& start putting together my package for her. <i><b>Done & Done! </b>Lauren is lovely, you can <b><a href="http://t.co/76K65w5kzV" target="_blank">take a look for yourself over here!</a></b> Turns out we have lots in common that even the girls at SMC wouldn't have known! I've started working on the parcel but there is PLENTY still to do...especially since it needs to get to South Africa!</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">This week's targets:</span></u></b></div>
<ul>
<li><b><u>Taking more photos myself for A-L-P. </u></b></li>
</ul>
Photography is one of my favourite things & I've neglected it a lot recently. I like to have a photo per post and at least 3 of those next week I plan to be my own.<br />
<ul>
<li><b><u>Get some posts queued up for the next two weeks.</u></b></li>
</ul>
Now I've worked out the Scheduled posting option (though I haven't successfully managed to make it work yet) I want to make the most of it. Hopefully, things are going to be a lot busier in the peachy household the next couple of weeks, not least because it's school holidays and we plan to visit my sister in Bristol, so I need to get seriously organised!<br />
<b>Update....new wish, to get Scheduled posting to work, as it currently isn't. :(</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b><u>Make at least one of those a DIY post.</u></b></li>
</ul>
I do lots of DIY/crafty things day-to-day but I rarely get them blogged. So, not least<b> in honour of this week's creativity theme</b>, I want at least one of those posts to be DIY.<br />
<ul>
<li><b><u>Make time for at least 40 minutes reading, each day, with no distractions.</u></b></li>
</ul>
My wish <a href="http://avoir-la-peche.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/weekly-wishes-week-3.html" target="_blank">back in week #3 </a>of a set period of time in the afternoon, working at my kitchen table with no distractions, was one of the best things I could have come up with - and it's really stuck!<br />
Now I want to apply that principle a little to my leisure time and try to make time each day for at least 40 minutes reading, with no distractions. Actually, you might already know, i'm not a big fan of sleep, but this has started to develop into insomnia recently, when I can't sleep even if I want to. So, I plan to make time to read and wind-down time before bed. No distractions other than a good book.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ok, that's it for this week I think....</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Good luck with all you plan to achieve!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXGMAhpOmfzklcE8psb6Hr80b1ZdrTfNdz0d5OTrnPQ6en1a-27kZFB7FnBgjrwM1VXZcbV1mQbDHY9EHIUvDFtHCgd-7kkgM7bdaGrPKv3RFERbfSf-IOiUrFlSGSW0-o3fsF-Mhx_E/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXGMAhpOmfzklcE8psb6Hr80b1ZdrTfNdz0d5OTrnPQ6en1a-27kZFB7FnBgjrwM1VXZcbV1mQbDHY9EHIUvDFtHCgd-7kkgM7bdaGrPKv3RFERbfSf-IOiUrFlSGSW0-o3fsF-Mhx_E/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-48262160670388969322013-10-20T12:39:00.004+01:002013-10-20T12:44:28.172+01:00Weekend Scrunch-up - Linky-Love!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuxXSpE4B8zWORc6Vx_xGFS8jThHmgIxWXB-ncqOXbE6QHBE2v5EJ7cgtVplj716JFNh8NLDpezUedaX_6Jw58Utg45AFfbkNCnnI4rRrQSS8vBi0JZIVA1sejeWUkTxO8cvjwOLYQog/s1600/autumn+tree.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuxXSpE4B8zWORc6Vx_xGFS8jThHmgIxWXB-ncqOXbE6QHBE2v5EJ7cgtVplj716JFNh8NLDpezUedaX_6Jw58Utg45AFfbkNCnnI4rRrQSS8vBi0JZIVA1sejeWUkTxO8cvjwOLYQog/s640/autumn+tree.png" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original photo credit: Richard Susantro </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/70341093@N00/8070490923">http://www.flickr.com/photos/70341093@N00/8070490923</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hi & Hope you're all having a lovely weekend!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sharing links to things I've found all over the internet each week is something I love to do </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- to remind myself as much as for my lovely followers. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There's so much greatness out there, it's great to share the best!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've decided to mix things up and change my usual 'Five for Friday' link-up....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>No longer limited to 5 links</b> - sometimes more, sometimes less.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>No longer limited to Fridays</b> - sometimes Fridays, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
but sometimes Saturday or Sunday</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
might be the best time to share.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">So grab that cup of tea (or coffee), biccie or cake</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">& help me celebrate the great stuff I've uncovered this week</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">all <b>scrunched up</b> together for the<b> weekend</b>......</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Who'd have known <b><a href="http://t.co/za7TrdqTer" target="_blank">Ping-Pong could be such a complicated business?</a></b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Creative people are Playful& Responsible; Smart&Naive; Extrovert&Introvert; Humble&Proud....you might <b><a href="http://t.co/LmZKbh7DVk" target="_blank">recognise these Paradoxes in yourself.</a></b> I did.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Fed up with seeing babies with giant flowers? <b><a href="http://t.co/HP6Ofu1wha" target="_blank">Older people with vegetation</a></b> will make you smile from ear to ear!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Everyone has <b><a href="http://t.co/SLLPeKWNzE" target="_blank">their own grammar nazi in there somewhere</a></b> - embrace yours!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Warning: this one is really 18+. I was unsure whether to share, given A-L-P may eventually be read by either a)my parents or b)employers/prospective employers....but to be honest this was too hilarious not to...and if you're laughing along then your slightly smutty side is just as bad as mine! I introduce: <b><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/tomphillips/the-best-of-the-amazing-penis-beaker-debate" target="_blank">the incredible penisbeaker debate</a></b>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Finally I want to share with you something really special (and now award winning!). This one comes with a warning too - you will need a box of tissues & a large glass of wine, because there will be both tears & toasts to be had. <b><a href="http://t.co/EM3uK0CJtd" target="_blank">The wonderful Wife after Death. </a></b></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy the rest of your weekend!</span></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRldGZPfFD3mRgvGWsdqvBzLh9PWlhtRNQFR41XYfBe3mmN7cYoaZWtHrx2MPIhrfZDD_RJUhmV7abI1j3KHmZw62efhKprYiHtuG9Qax5qQxx-UkomEfYG8e5i3tLLI55gsUWeAhG0gg/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRldGZPfFD3mRgvGWsdqvBzLh9PWlhtRNQFR41XYfBe3mmN7cYoaZWtHrx2MPIhrfZDD_RJUhmV7abI1j3KHmZw62efhKprYiHtuG9Qax5qQxx-UkomEfYG8e5i3tLLI55gsUWeAhG0gg/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Linky-thanks!</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ping-pong via <a href="http://t.co/CDlUp5EWo0" target="_blank">@MissMarples</a>; Creative paradoxes via <a href="http://t.co/dIUKsyoCDx" target="_blank">@lamamanheureuse</a>; older peeps in vegetation via <a href="http://t.co/M58wKzHPWk" target="_blank">@creativetourist</a>; grammar preaching via <a href="http://t.co/nGy9YjVMFL" target="_blank">@essexgirldiary</a>; penisbeaker via <a href="http://www.tenpennydreams.com/2013/10/13/random-stuff-week-22/" target="_blank">@tenpennydreams</a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-84477720243457455712013-10-18T07:10:00.000+01:002013-10-18T08:06:10.963+01:00Working Wardrobe - Capsule Collection Fall Favourites<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/capsule_collection_office_fall_favourites/set?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=100860663" target="_blank"><img alt="Capsule Collection - Office Fall Favourites" border="0" force="1" height="603" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/3sXTW2TI9e0wQbScYm4pQ/cid/100860663/id/2lMTBF034xGxuDK76xSULw/size/c600x603.jpg" title="Capsule Collection - Office Fall Favourites" width="600" /></a><br />
Yesterday I showed you some <a href="http://avoir-la-peche.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/working-wardrobe-time-for-girls.html" target="_blank">words of wisdom for a your office working wardrobe.</a><br />
<br />
Today let's put that into action, <strike>break most of those rules</strike> have some fun & put together a capsule collection wardrobe for the fall office.<br />
<br />
I have to say I didn't really limit myself on the prices<br />
*<b>jump to the bottom for prices & stores links*</b>.<br />
Whilst the majority of these are aren't too badly priced, there are a few with a HUGE pricetag I would never pay...let alone be able to afford. <i><b>Sadly that Plum & Black leather jacket is one of them, because I LOVE IT!</b></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
We have a few staples including the black blazer and narrow leg trousers. <b>I love that cut of trouser</b>, especially because, as a tall girl, this is the only cut you can get away with being a bit short for you, even better with a tall shoe, or ballet pump. It means I can buy trousers from a normal shop....revelation!<br />
<br />
The patterned trousers are the same cut. I love patterned trousers, but being a pear shape that's about <b>as much jazz as I can take to the lower half</b>.<br />
The pencil skirt is actually very dark navy, which softens the look. This is definitely a <b>day to night </b>piece, double use!<br />
<br />
All of these pieces are <b>interchangeable</b> with both the shoes & the tops.<br />
After saying beware of front fastening shirts, I've gone ahead and picket two of them! But neither are too fitted, so there shouldn't be gaping. Both would both look brilliant <b>with that jacket</b>!<br />
<br />
All of the colour is in the <b>accent pieces,</b> the shirts, accessories and the jewellery.<br />
This fall I'm loving those <b>jewel colours</b> - deep navy, emerald and plum - and a splash of lime or cobalt, to lift the colour up.<br />
I've chosen jewellery that's a bit unusual to add a splash of personality.<br />
<b>Can you tell I love my earrings?</b><br />
I particularly love the cute foxy earrings and the Fox ring . Both are quite subtle so you might not notice what they are to begin, only when you get up close, which I love.<br />
<br />
Since I'm an absolute nightmare with the cold, I was quite careful to pick a collection that can be <b>warmed up</b> for the cold in Winter months. I'd swap the leather jacket for a quilted coat, add a fluffy fitted knit top or two, in black and a <b>jewel colour</b>, a thick, wide shawl type scarf and a pair of gloves (because I hate cold fingers!)<br />
<br />
Apart from the leather jacket (which I can't possible afford) the one thing on the board that i'm really coveting are <b>those Dorothy Perkins high court brogues.</b> I'd wear them day and night, & at £43 from a UK store they're not completely out of reach.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">So what do you think?</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What would you have from the collection?</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnF3IN2vDTs8jOwvWo7gN9NtIUbsyD4kxfFpCSifEzXY2V5lOnHeDJjRYSfeiiOew65zz02k0VSqWQAwseuX-Ti2hSPuWseKlfwSoUWbjPlPymrKZJd0SanaiViR1FWsEz-M4mfuNxP4/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnF3IN2vDTs8jOwvWo7gN9NtIUbsyD4kxfFpCSifEzXY2V5lOnHeDJjRYSfeiiOew65zz02k0VSqWQAwseuX-Ti2hSPuWseKlfwSoUWbjPlPymrKZJd0SanaiViR1FWsEz-M4mfuNxP4/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
P.s. - thanks to Mal <a href="http://t.co/R8tOo79tIo" target="_blank">@LazyBoleyn</a> for introducing me to the wonders of Polyvore. I now want to go and throw out all my old clothes and make myself a full new wardrobe via that website. I warn you if you try it, it will be addictive!</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=89371792" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/89371792.jpg" title="Oasis silk blouse" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Oasis </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=89371792" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">silk blouse</a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">, </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=87899682" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/87899682.jpg" title="Sea New York silk blouse" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">$96 / Sea, New York </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=87899682" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">silk blouse</a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">,</span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=90544644" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/90544644.jpg" title="Planet leather jacket" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"> $425 / Planet </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=90544644" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">leather jacket</a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">, </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=94735173" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/94735173.jpg" title="Blue jacket" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">$480 / </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=94735173" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Blue jacket</a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">, </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=95164033" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/95164033.jpg" title="Oui knee length skirt" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">$96 / Oui </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=95164033" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">knee length skirt</a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">,</span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=94271354" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/94271354.jpg" title="Elastic waist pants" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"> $160 / </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=94271354" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Elastic waist pants</a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">, $95 / </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=90132739" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/90132739.jpg" title="Phase Eight black pants" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Phase Eight </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=90132739" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">black pants</a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">, </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=87417071" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/87417071.jpg" title="Charles by Charles David black boots" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">$46 / Charles by Charles David </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=87417071" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">black boots</a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"> /</span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=87960402" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/87960402.jpg" title="Dorothy Perkins shoes" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"> Dorothy Perkins </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=87960402" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">shoes</a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"> /</span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=88160709" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/88160709.jpg" title="Leather purse" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=88160709" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Leather purse</a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"> / </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=90798126" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/90798126.jpg" title="Sacha yellow purse" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Sacha </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=90798126" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">yellow purse</a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">, $88 / </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=85291295" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/85291295.jpg" title="BKE statement necklace" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">BKE </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=85291295" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">statement necklace</a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"> / </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=81517376" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/81517376.jpg" title="Gold ring" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=81517376" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Gold ring</a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"> / </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=94724264" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/94724264.jpg" title="Stud earrings" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=94724264" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Stud earrings</a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"> / </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=91264755" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/91264755.jpg" title="Antique jewelry" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=91264755" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Antique jewelry</a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"> / </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=90129369" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/90129369.jpg" title="Warehouse gold jewelry" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Warehouse </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=90129369" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">gold jewelry</a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">, $48 / </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=94697204" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/94697204.jpg" title="Stud earrings" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=94697204" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Stud earrings</a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"> / </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=94887705" rel="nofollow" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/94887705.jpg" title="Blu Bijoux stud earrings" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Blu Bijoux </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=8753070&.svc=blogger&id=94887705" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">stud earrings</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-7897460594538645112013-10-17T15:24:00.003+01:002013-10-17T15:40:48.332+01:00Working Wardrobe - Time for the Girls!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A couple of days ago I looked at <b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDD9bGhnionPsNipekF0D6EfSltFgZFHhg1zQdkF_ZYPJTv7NsiTMfmHf7aMYDH-JD8EKt8nUcNbJhBuVxVIg6jFGulPoSh0pRs5eMuuMPzhwvVafwdn4H2QsVzavjsXimp-Sl8jyVNU/s1600/suit+rules.png" target="_blank">these office-wear rules</a></b> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">suggested by a Law firm for their new intake</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">& talked <b><a href="http://avoir-la-peche.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/working-wardrobe-office-rules-for-boys.html" target="_blank">Office Togs for the Boys</a></b>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Now the fun bit....<b>time for us girls!</b> </span></div>
<br />
I'm not pitching myself as any kind of expert here, of course not. But, I have learned from years of my own hit&miss attempts. Plus, in another incarnation, I dressed women for all kinds of work, so I do have more than a little experience.<br />
<br />
I don't like to use the word 'rules' because (<u>and please take note big businesses</u>) unless they are required for some practical reason, I believe <b>restrictive dress-codes are counterproductive</b>....I have witnessed it!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So, here are my guidelines. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTa16o8vKmA7MPW0xyp8t0jISu76IYYZUE1CvHY7f6Oh2wTUlDHyFCukGbgm01NH2w_nt3mUpuJjYnmnb0cpR1GpAa3HxwWXHyE3C0lN70hKiAzJn7fcgjm_92ov2hZsG-LR51DV5DvvM/s1600/office+rules+for+the+girls.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTa16o8vKmA7MPW0xyp8t0jISu76IYYZUE1CvHY7f6Oh2wTUlDHyFCukGbgm01NH2w_nt3mUpuJjYnmnb0cpR1GpAa3HxwWXHyE3C0lN70hKiAzJn7fcgjm_92ov2hZsG-LR51DV5DvvM/s1600/office+rules+for+the+girls.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1) Stick to the rules & be sensible</b></span></div>
<br />
I'm all for pushing it to the max, but if there are very specific rules you need to stick to them.<br />
<br />
Maybe, like Anna (<a href="http://t.co/bsc5UcUEDw" target="_blank">aka MissJersey</a>) you have to stick to infection control rules or you have to wear shoes with closed toes, for safety. Those are the kind of rules it would be downright stupid to break, enough said.<br />
<br />
Equally, if your office has rules as to what you can and can't wear, no matter how stupid you think they are, <b>stick to them</b>. If you don't, you will be disliked. Co-workers will think '<b>how come she gets away with it, and I can't</b>' and your bosses will dislike you for wasting their time having to correct you.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2) No sheer, backless or cut outs.</b></span></div>
<br />
All far too sexy for the office - you want to be respected right?<br />
Similarly, treat Lace with caution.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3) Beware of gaping & cleavage.</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvR_layP6GRNi5de5HqHIHuYX4r7Q0E4a0giDhBg8bV_sgMKfmNDm55b8D2MwZF1ofTx5Ta0KQrzZcHgUtoaqzva49-RubmEwq8z5tXeB5iS_DmBXP4gwXqDc2_YDlcPQDK2o7Hd1CDlY/s1600/gaping+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvR_layP6GRNi5de5HqHIHuYX4r7Q0E4a0giDhBg8bV_sgMKfmNDm55b8D2MwZF1ofTx5Ta0KQrzZcHgUtoaqzva49-RubmEwq8z5tXeB5iS_DmBXP4gwXqDc2_YDlcPQDK2o7Hd1CDlY/s400/gaping+shirt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The cleavage thing is obvious isn't it? The law firm's guidelines say 'no more than one inch cleavage'. I think that'd be a bit to hard check (images of girls with rulers down their tops), but it's not a bad guideline.<br />
<br />
But, just as bad as in-your-face cleavage, is a gaping shirt.<br />
<br />
An office I used to work in insisted on my team wearing shirts with collars. This rule was clearly written by men. We girls know that our shirts don't fit by collar size. If you have anything over a B cup it's almost impossible to find a well fitting shirt that doesn't gape (<b>if you know of one please recommend!</b>). A gaping shirt, with a greying bra jumping out in your face looks terrible, and hugely unprofessional.<br />
<br />
So, unless you can be 100% sure it's gape-proof, stick to pull on or side fastening shirts.<br />
<br />
Similarly, beware of over-stretching at the front, that looks awful too.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4) No trainers (sneakers) & No party heels</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you're sprinting from the station to the office on a daily basis then I could forgive a trainer for commuting purposes. But in the office, unless you have an injury, it's a NO NO NO.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Flip-flops (thongs) the same.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZY-SIyubvwBVMnVjCuI0tb01MW7i1w2Tm8a38Fx1nNUTBONW-XVkU78Jryhov3F7Z6blbTG3zQIlwsT85iTtKL6DeE9ilzke-It1cqBt3VaA_PWbtYX9g8gNh-fesZh0HAnhPo_B45kA/s1600/skyscraper+heels.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZY-SIyubvwBVMnVjCuI0tb01MW7i1w2Tm8a38Fx1nNUTBONW-XVkU78Jryhov3F7Z6blbTG3zQIlwsT85iTtKL6DeE9ilzke-It1cqBt3VaA_PWbtYX9g8gNh-fesZh0HAnhPo_B45kA/s320/skyscraper+heels.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Equally, the office is no place for party heels. They are both impractical and look absurd. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After much practice I have devised the following rule:<b> If you can't run in your heels from platform 5 to platform 1 at Preston station, to catch the last train home after post-work drinks, then the shoes are a no go! </b><i>(insert your own local station as applicable)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5) No animal print underwear</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh993V1143bhvbuvbGjT6sGV636GgY0Mz-ddyVzqtEVtZoycPfV2d851IdJpLHHJlqJ6saAwj92Ak_B7047PpS64NZsYNusfIECXBuGCOzRS_y4KF4EZGZvV9MDE77iRS0HExc6xVEq9Mk/s1600/animal+print+bra.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh993V1143bhvbuvbGjT6sGV636GgY0Mz-ddyVzqtEVtZoycPfV2d851IdJpLHHJlqJ6saAwj92Ak_B7047PpS64NZsYNusfIECXBuGCOzRS_y4KF4EZGZvV9MDE77iRS0HExc6xVEq9Mk/s320/animal+print+bra.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And into that bracket you can also pop red bras, spotty print bras, and all manner or patterned hosiery.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's ok if these babies stay wrapped up safe underneath opaque clothing, but it only takes one peak out beyond a seam, to cause all manner of distraction....it's not classy. Save them for the weekend.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>I don't have to say anything about push-up bras do I?</b> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6) Save cute for the weekend.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This may be a controversial one. I love the trend for animals and ditsy prints, but in the office I want to be seen as skilled, not cute. Please don't misunderstand, i'm not against prints. At the minute i'm in love with graphic prints. But avoid anything verging on the cute side. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You have to be careful of the cut of a dress too. <b>If it looks like your daughter or your 5 year old niece has a mini-version in her wardrobe then best avoid.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a very tricky one to set a guideline for. I guess you just have to <b>think, 'do I look smart, or cute?'</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>7) Yes to Nude Patent Shoes</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I actually pinched this one from the Lawyer's Rules, but it's worth pinching because it works. If you have bare legs and nude shoes, not only will you look very classy, but <b>your legs will look longer, fact. </b>Unfortunately my nude patent shoes break every bit of rule #4, so I best hunt for some lower ones!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The same works for black patent heels and that winter staple, opaque black tights. Actually they don't even need to be patent.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>It's a good trick, you should try it!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>8) Jewellery is your friend</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_BNm7pkBgY2KdK8wXbbgpMx97vyZoXOUMjQWV6uUyaSix-z2QWFjStkzFZsGqXS0VslgXu5NNm1QJuqN-7g170ku7xNkVSO96l66teLVYU8IhmK-p5DwErhXoMSTPZ1mHeLXJj41h0Q/s1600/necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_BNm7pkBgY2KdK8wXbbgpMx97vyZoXOUMjQWV6uUyaSix-z2QWFjStkzFZsGqXS0VslgXu5NNm1QJuqN-7g170ku7xNkVSO96l66teLVYU8IhmK-p5DwErhXoMSTPZ1mHeLXJj41h0Q/s320/necklace.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Jewellery is a brilliant way of <b>showing your individuality & personality</b> in the office, to make you stand out from the crowd and make those office-wardrobe staples stretch that bit further. You don't have to spend a fortune because there's so much amazing Jewellery out there. Plus it's an excellent way to <b>show your love for the hand-made industry</b>, with people creating some amazing things with surprisingly low price-tags. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;">So long as it's not head to toe body piercings, joined up by studded chains, that could be a little *cough* distracting for your colleagues. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>9) Don't be the girl in black.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Black is a wonderful thing in your wardrobe. Everyone should have those office wardrobe staples - <b>a well cut black suit</b>, a good quality black workbag, work-horse black shoes and a warm black overcoat....for those times when you want to look super-smart. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But try not to fall back on it one too many times and become the office 'girl in black'. And I'm not just talking about the colour black either, <b>I'm talking about the colour boring</b>. Try not to fall into the routine of wearing the same set of outfits on repeat, and blending into the background.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Alongside those seasonal staples, try to pick pieces with personality - a top with a funky pattern, an unusual pair or earrings, trousers with a graphic print - so you can still <b>be yourself and show your quirky side.</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>It's all about not blending into the background and letting your personality shine through.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>So, those are my guidelines</b>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not to be taken too seriously - since, at the end of the day, rules are made to be broken!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>The office world would be a very boring place if we stuck rigidly to every one of these.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But they're a point of guidance if you don't know where to start or want a little office-overhaul. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Tomorrow, I'm going to take all this and show you my dream capsule work-wardrobe for this fall.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>In the meantime.....</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I'd love to know...what are your work-wear rules?</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9J6Ip_wGAtGyHkbQjspxYd_YgFJ75n2bWHq5mGbAm0XAQxpP-_eoRt6Xz7ZtsjTxbTDSkd4zBglwFRulceIAcB7sJIvxZTfI6T7TMVn2-0kYoBJPMU_leLj7uOofzlsLybzi_hR0jQEo/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9J6Ip_wGAtGyHkbQjspxYd_YgFJ75n2bWHq5mGbAm0XAQxpP-_eoRt6Xz7ZtsjTxbTDSkd4zBglwFRulceIAcB7sJIvxZTfI6T7TMVn2-0kYoBJPMU_leLj7uOofzlsLybzi_hR0jQEo/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
p.s. Big thanks to Anna <a href="http://t.co/bsc5UcUEDw" target="_blank">@MissJersey</a> & Katie <a href="http://t.co/ftppEZNpe4" target="_blank">@cakevscales</a> for answering my Twitter questions on working wardrobes - thanks girls! x</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-46689997792448817672013-10-15T12:15:00.000+01:002013-10-15T13:21:04.013+01:00Working Wardrobe - Office Rules for the Boys!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDD9bGhnionPsNipekF0D6EfSltFgZFHhg1zQdkF_ZYPJTv7NsiTMfmHf7aMYDH-JD8EKt8nUcNbJhBuVxVIg6jFGulPoSh0pRs5eMuuMPzhwvVafwdn4H2QsVzavjsXimp-Sl8jyVNU/s1600/suit+rules.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDD9bGhnionPsNipekF0D6EfSltFgZFHhg1zQdkF_ZYPJTv7NsiTMfmHf7aMYDH-JD8EKt8nUcNbJhBuVxVIg6jFGulPoSh0pRs5eMuuMPzhwvVafwdn4H2QsVzavjsXimp-Sl8jyVNU/s1600/suit+rules.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Those aren't my rules! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2452552/City-lawyers-fashion-blog-new-female-recruits-removed-bosses-racy.html" target="_blank">They were written on an internal blog at a big city firm of lawyers.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> A set of tongue-in-cheek fashion 'rules' </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">for the office new recruits.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
It caused a bit of a stir, possibly due to how it was written...telling men "Do not wear a coloured shirt with a white collar. You are not an estate agent from Chelmsford." & women "You don't want [that] first impression to be 'Nice to know she likes red bras'." <i>(Patronising much?)</i><br />
<br />
So, what do we think?<br />
I think some of these rules are very sensible, others utterly ridiculous.<br />
But then, that's always been my experience of office workwear 'rules'.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">LET'S TALK ABOUT THE BOYS...</span></div>
<br />
To be honest these are the most extensive 'rules' for guys I've ever seen. They definitely get the easy end of the deal, especially if they work in an office that advocates wearing standards suits, collars & ties. It's probably in the more 'creative' type offices that boys feel the need to fit in and keep up with office fashions.<br />
<br />
To me, there's nothing sexier than a properly worn suit. Aint that right Jakey?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5E-NH_mXwo_auV5oMQKVti4j9MXfIC-iltSOd8Ho-dYcuefIY3WDgQWUp0xH7MoJapRh5-zBWHGSQtdy_yIa7vTig3-eHC7CEHiM1Udkzih3viFvhbDeh-WsVIPEz02jdQboL2qFs248/s1600/jake+suit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5E-NH_mXwo_auV5oMQKVti4j9MXfIC-iltSOd8Ho-dYcuefIY3WDgQWUp0xH7MoJapRh5-zBWHGSQtdy_yIa7vTig3-eHC7CEHiM1Udkzih3viFvhbDeh-WsVIPEz02jdQboL2qFs248/s400/jake+suit.png" width="265" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>(He agrees)</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm completely with rule #3. Boys, far better to have a cheaper suit that's been altered to fit you (<i>none of that wearing your dad's suit effect please</i>) than squeezing into an expensive one that doesn't fit either. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
However...my big rule would be to always check the seams for puckering and avoid shiny material at all costs - both will make a suit look cheap, no matter the price tag.<br />
<br />
I can't see what's wrong with a skinny tie though, so long as it's not too short.<br />
<br />
But Patent shoes on men? With suits? No, no, no...or perhaps I'm just having flashbacks to this?....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2tsYNRj_jhdbfZuXah3hnjvxcbBhhzKnT1hsQPjL20wJx4McfqVHhNpv9l7Bx3Z1dZv9MF7QFPYBy1ypQw32OZbw1j-d4SiCTgK482jtNB8kNoF3R7OmrIIbFqzPdAdQpo5HE4y2PCs/s1600/shiny+men+shoes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2tsYNRj_jhdbfZuXah3hnjvxcbBhhzKnT1hsQPjL20wJx4McfqVHhNpv9l7Bx3Z1dZv9MF7QFPYBy1ypQw32OZbw1j-d4SiCTgK482jtNB8kNoF3R7OmrIIbFqzPdAdQpo5HE4y2PCs/s1600/shiny+men+shoes.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Mr Peach, a teacher, sticks to the basic suit rules. Shirt, tie, & dark suit every day. Which is easy except for when he's in the dusty design workshop.<br />
I quizzed him a little. He said he feels that the suit look gives him an air of authority, plus he feels it sets a good example to his pupils, especially when he's often telling them off for looking scruffy. Plenty of his colleagues don't go for suits though, the jacket & tie often stay in the wardrobe.<br />
Mr Peach's rules?: Trainers (sneakers) are for sport. Anything Pink is limited to the days when he's up for a challenge - since the kids make lots of comments on it. Who would have thought a colour could cause so much fuss?!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">So what do the men in your life wear to work? </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Do they have to wear a uniform?</span> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Or perhaps they have their own office rules?</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Do you think it's easier for men?</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Or do they have other problems we girls just don't spot?</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Tomorrow we're going to talk RULES FOR THE GIRLS.</span></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, <a href="https://twitter.com/AvoirPeche" target="_blank">pop on over here to Twitter</a> or jump to the comments and tell me:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What rules do you stick to?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> ...whether they're your own or set for you.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Have a fabulously dressed day!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRkM0X2g4-JWreynTyJy5O9VyBBc8Lexdc_MF7ER9YHZ2KunMdnDReYQf1n9M8qjPTqXfvbB-wRCIwSX1ado4Vu8G1-jJ6UZVpK-QhsztyJabcZo3rhD8XfLj8qBdqxzE-Vj19sQ5K8s/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRkM0X2g4-JWreynTyJy5O9VyBBc8Lexdc_MF7ER9YHZ2KunMdnDReYQf1n9M8qjPTqXfvbB-wRCIwSX1ado4Vu8G1-jJ6UZVpK-QhsztyJabcZo3rhD8XfLj8qBdqxzE-Vj19sQ5K8s/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-68432435762720025732013-10-14T11:44:00.000+01:002013-10-14T11:59:31.158+01:00Weekly Wishes - Week#4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33kKegz12k6EJZnh_gGl1_aRC5x0gl6ia9hAZ7lOdos2x8bvGQFFxAR8YfKvQBSMJYP-oPqFvsdnL34IWCQHUUswfs_Spnz2F18VIuZWbd7dGRYkVd1HuycOwzghhoKzIlrcl1606gAE/s1600/afternoon+tea+weekly+wishes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33kKegz12k6EJZnh_gGl1_aRC5x0gl6ia9hAZ7lOdos2x8bvGQFFxAR8YfKvQBSMJYP-oPqFvsdnL34IWCQHUUswfs_Spnz2F18VIuZWbd7dGRYkVd1HuycOwzghhoKzIlrcl1606gAE/s1600/afternoon+tea+weekly+wishes.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Happy Monday Morning Everyone!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This week's <a href="http://t.co/egO92F2av3" target="_blank">Weekly Wishes</a> theme is <b>'Celebrate'</b>. I thought about showing you some photos of our wedding, but then I'm intending on spoiling you with a whole post all on its own, someday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, I decided to play with a photo I took of the amazing afternoon tea my friend made for us yesterday...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I truly think I ate my own weight in that there cheese & cake!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We weren't celebrating anything in particular, other than friendship - which is always worth celebrating in my book! It's always lovely to meet up with my best friends from school - even more so now one of us brings her gorgeous baby boy and all we 'Aunties' get cuddles & to hear his lovely gurgly baby giggles. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(broody?....yes, you bet!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Back to my wishes.....</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Last week </b>I had only one wish....to switch off all appliances & distractions and spend each afternoon working at my kitchen table.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Did I achieve this? </b>Well, yes I think I did. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There was one exception on Wednesday, where my laptop and I had a minor disagreement and I spent most of the day getting it to work. But, we're friends again now...so the rest of the week got back on track. I am intending on this one becoming a long-term habit, more than just a weekly thing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>This week my wishes are:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>To purchase gum-tape and a sample pack for prints that I've been meaning to buy for ages, both of which I need to progress with some art work i've been planning. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>To update my 'About me' page & import Disqus on my blog, as the current comments system isn't that easy to manage. I keep missing comments & not replying to people (if that's you, then i'm sorry).</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>To get emailing with Lauren at Lipglossed Ninja, my Snail Mail Collective partner this month. And to start putting together my package for her...based on the 'Autumn' theme.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Think I'll leave it at those 3 for this week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you want to join in too, or check out some other great Weekly Wishers, <b><a href="http://t.co/egO92F2av3" target="_blank">jump over HERE</a></b> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
to Melyssa's blog, the Nectar Collective.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Have a Wonderfully Productive Week Everyone!! </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KipffYCeZ92-GQVkfs4LUPiOaEGqUMd2CMtUJH2-olXw8ivoqORiSOt44Wrbl1FMbn0P8Uqx-Kohd3sMvDWhTaSJE_3hiUBd2SiKtkd_z_pz0dLhAEFLV53q5vFBEjCk7RogZMo2FNE/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KipffYCeZ92-GQVkfs4LUPiOaEGqUMd2CMtUJH2-olXw8ivoqORiSOt44Wrbl1FMbn0P8Uqx-Kohd3sMvDWhTaSJE_3hiUBd2SiKtkd_z_pz0dLhAEFLV53q5vFBEjCk7RogZMo2FNE/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
p.s. I'm celebrating a little blog-milestone today. I told myself i'd mark it when my total pageviews pass the 2000 barrier. I know lots of people get far more than that daily, but yesterday A-L-P bust right through that barrier....well done little blog of mine. See you at the next 1000 I hope :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-83128908085747803542013-10-11T12:55:00.002+01:002013-10-15T13:21:51.127+01:00Coffee Break - 5 for Friday & a little blogging jealousy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQ6vBRJBb3mQ-PjQrdIy-amBluJfu86bsInO9i4ZDE4pe3wHnhnwJgBgN0k0aBLZOmHx6nfJhnBpuXNPjxwGUvoCFOAu61T8GbtpqrvbpP9-6t-NTM4LpzjP3VptUcb5clQtrvUAht-0/s1600/coffee+break+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQ6vBRJBb3mQ-PjQrdIy-amBluJfu86bsInO9i4ZDE4pe3wHnhnwJgBgN0k0aBLZOmHx6nfJhnBpuXNPjxwGUvoCFOAu61T8GbtpqrvbpP9-6t-NTM4LpzjP3VptUcb5clQtrvUAht-0/s1600/coffee+break+2.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Autumn has definitely arrived here in Europe hasn't it? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There's tales of people putting on the heating, adding those extra layers & cosying up all over the place!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here in the Peachy household Autumn means dusting off our coats, occasionally braving the cold, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but mainly lots and lots of hiding in the warmth watching Autumn TV! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All our favourites are back...Strictly Come Dancing, The Great British Bake Off, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Downton and now Homeland too! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I really must get out my knitting again, then I can knit and watch at the same time, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
so all those hours aren't completely lost!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm really getting into my blogging now. This week I <a href="http://avoir-la-peche.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/the-most-romantic-movies-of-my-life-so.html" target="_blank">asked you the most romantic movies of your life</a>, and it's proven to be one of my most popular posts so far. I'm honoured that you've read & commented, thank you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But the best thing by far about blogging is all the gorgeous people I've 'met' so far. You're some very talented people out there....go and give yourselves a little pat on the back from me please!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I love this part of the week, when I get to look back over the fabulous things I've found.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>So, without further ado, grab that cuppa, kick back and get clicking on my</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u>5 for Friday... (actually a sneaky 6...shhhh)</u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>I love listening to songs in other languages & learned the French word for Umbrella (Parapluie) from a French song. So, imagine my joy when <a href="http://eatseedoblog.com/2013/10/09/french-singers-and-songs/" target="_blank">Anna at 'Eat, See, Do' introduced us to some fabulous French singers</a>. Indispensable si vous êtes sur une mission française avec moi! Merci Anna!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/quiz/2013/oct/07/are-you-an-internet-addict-quiz?CMP=twt_gu" target="_blank">I took this test to prove whether or not I'm addicted to the internet.</a> It said I'm not...which I immediately tweeted. Draw your own conclusions.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Check out this gorgeous site, <a href="http://www.mylittleparis.com/" target="_blank">My Little Paris</a>, which I intend to get truly buried in, by means of French homework of course ;)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>You say 'Potayto', I say 'Potahto'. You say 'Tomayto', I say 'Tomahto'...but wait, before we call the whole thing off take a look at <a href="http://www.bigstockphoto.com/blog/20-british-words-that-mean-something-totally-different-in-the-us" target="_blank">this guide to being divided by a common language!</a> <i>(of course we say 'NHS', you say 'Obamacare'...and some of you say 'no to Obamacare' and then everything shuts...but the less said about that the better hey?)</i></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I've saved the best till last. I thought Melyssa at The Nectar Collective had truly excelled herself when she asked, <a href="http://thenectarcollective.com/2013/10/youre-thinking-getting-a-dog/" target="_blank">So you're thinking of getting a dog?</a> And then she gave us <a href="http://thenectarcollective.com/2013/10/life-lessons-learned-harry-potter/" target="_blank">one of the greatest blog posts you will ever read.</a> If you only click on one link, prepare to get your blog jealousy on and make it <a href="http://thenectarcollective.com/2013/10/life-lessons-learned-harry-potter/" target="_blank">this one!</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Before we head off into the weekend, I just want to give a big shout, hello and waves to.....</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://t.co/76K65w5kzV" target="_blank">Lauren at LipglossedNinja</a> - all the way down there in South Africa, who will be my partner for my first Snail Mail Collective. Take a look at her luscious beauty blog (<i>whilst trying not to be too jealous that we're getting Autumn, but she's getting Spring!</i>)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
&</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://duchessofplumewood.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/sunshine-award.html" target="_blank">Katherine aka 'The Duchess of Plumewood'</a> ...who was the first of my nominees to answer my Sunshine Award questions. Such a fun way to find out more about her....plus see if you can spot the 'untruth'!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>So what does the weekend have in store for you?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We're off to a 60th 'bad taste' themed birthday party....got no idea what i'm going to wear for that one!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then lunch with my girlfriends on Sunday, when I'll most likely be coming back super-broody after hanging out with my friend's gorgeous baby boy....watch out Mr Peach!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Have a super weekend whatever you're up to....</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>hope it's the greatest!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprOh6DPWx09_jlLKNX90beWwgJC7nDL_jXTGEcIeXs5H-9uZpDQ-gEs1ytr2ubv5wbjgV0kvQhpfTDpOV3BZVej5qrRbTmxORGyyYZb7Wma3ihxxvGSc170DPLTVz5K6CGKEJWwJL3Hw/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprOh6DPWx09_jlLKNX90beWwgJC7nDL_jXTGEcIeXs5H-9uZpDQ-gEs1ytr2ubv5wbjgV0kvQhpfTDpOV3BZVej5qrRbTmxORGyyYZb7Wma3ihxxvGSc170DPLTVz5K6CGKEJWwJL3Hw/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-49400196634674984352013-10-09T14:18:00.001+01:002013-10-15T13:22:47.436+01:00Let's hop in my time machine & view some street art...Remember I mentioned that I used to manage another blog before I launched my personal blog A-L-P?<br />
Well this was one of my favourite posts. And since I'm in the mood for spreading a little love for a poor old neighbour, that often gets a rough ride, I thought we'd take a little trip back in time.<br />
Ready?<br />
Let's hop in our time machine and set the dial to summer 2012......<br />
<br />
Where are we?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAcDzKb1L-DKDjbdKgI6aU5twqDyokxLl2bj_oEMSkCRx3deLYDaX2znXgTb52xjqgKEgXP-1yeIhw5FMgeCmd2Ea25SbD5es4_hXLVic9oa-Wu3B2kjq_9HngVVFAJLbNYzi-1dQxJk/s1600/100_6456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAcDzKb1L-DKDjbdKgI6aU5twqDyokxLl2bj_oEMSkCRx3deLYDaX2znXgTb52xjqgKEgXP-1yeIhw5FMgeCmd2Ea25SbD5es4_hXLVic9oa-Wu3B2kjq_9HngVVFAJLbNYzi-1dQxJk/s400/100_6456.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A beautiful European square?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4v-oqnhFqJ8I8mg7i7YlrPOYoYS0l2yPnxDnmvY96CD54B9TQ5eI8GpHTKzzWMYxxoql4kzfrxM_LIefSK7JcGFX0uKjWewa16ctA51iBK5m70c_lItEhyphenhyphenZey2F9hdz9wF2_nN0tKong/s1600/100_6457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4v-oqnhFqJ8I8mg7i7YlrPOYoYS0l2yPnxDnmvY96CD54B9TQ5eI8GpHTKzzWMYxxoql4kzfrxM_LIefSK7JcGFX0uKjWewa16ctA51iBK5m70c_lItEhyphenhyphenZey2F9hdz9wF2_nN0tKong/s400/100_6457.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The busy streets of London?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wrong....these are all photos from a beautiful sunny Sunday morning in...... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh432enW67qTV61TR45oRMTEDWIuCx6zmpiBQXb-oh43yIw2Q_d2WRa0TI5I2DP4ropGsBXhW8aifM8RLClFHXIq2O5Ld5Sb18R51X8FZ_SeG0SlY-J6s6N6DI5c6Cg4ywRocctp_QQL5k/s1600/100_6499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh432enW67qTV61TR45oRMTEDWIuCx6zmpiBQXb-oh43yIw2Q_d2WRa0TI5I2DP4ropGsBXhW8aifM8RLClFHXIq2O5Ld5Sb18R51X8FZ_SeG0SlY-J6s6N6DI5c6Cg4ywRocctp_QQL5k/s640/100_6499.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blackpool!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
And if you haven't been for a while I'd highly recommend a trip as things have changed quite a bit. You can still find Kiss-Me-Quick hats and sugary sticks of Rock - and alongside these you'll find interesting sculptures, sunny piazzas and up-market coffee shops - plus super shiny new European style trams to ride.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
But my trip was for a very particular type of sight-seeing - to visit Blackpool's third annual urban art festival 'Sand, Sea & Spray'.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
43 artists were invited to the resort to create amazing urban art. Site map in hand, off we went to find us some Sunday morning art!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
These were at the end of the North Pier...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7N1oP7ZjJrhFBZ7gZmxGbPRFzAmt4xKMkzJNbgarPfR7o0V-aTghzobP8Dg-uYsBgBRvpL0KXZI1Co0hGUM2SFF0S_D63JbFdXKCZhDbFgZTZqLFV2NGK1y_c7YsKNghLIld8RPlIt8g/s1600/100_6471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7N1oP7ZjJrhFBZ7gZmxGbPRFzAmt4xKMkzJNbgarPfR7o0V-aTghzobP8Dg-uYsBgBRvpL0KXZI1Co0hGUM2SFF0S_D63JbFdXKCZhDbFgZTZqLFV2NGK1y_c7YsKNghLIld8RPlIt8g/s400/100_6471.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5dDzbkoxGiA-bjCdQ0V9I0eCr5ao7__fVghR1r8ATUDEr9_yA5Y3PHl4SvyeSsgI5ifHI_kEiuD8LAmXnmjXkhf84IEmgYdxm7OymVeYherGXXrnioWv4qPIs8WDbPH-6emWldKjoSo/s1600/100_6465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5dDzbkoxGiA-bjCdQ0V9I0eCr5ao7__fVghR1r8ATUDEr9_yA5Y3PHl4SvyeSsgI5ifHI_kEiuD8LAmXnmjXkhf84IEmgYdxm7OymVeYherGXXrnioWv4qPIs8WDbPH-6emWldKjoSo/s400/100_6465.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMUEluxjCf5xXs8KaVQ678aurd4W9C2vmnNU1tBvT-azuw4iRSbLPWbpIEMBfMnJRaJwmCQqmNB-WHF2rqtswMeGmyWgglUFyaX8mo70tSzZdgD2uelDrKwx_FYN9dfLoBkyanp3mNKE/s1600/100_6463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMUEluxjCf5xXs8KaVQ678aurd4W9C2vmnNU1tBvT-azuw4iRSbLPWbpIEMBfMnJRaJwmCQqmNB-WHF2rqtswMeGmyWgglUFyaX8mo70tSzZdgD2uelDrKwx_FYN9dfLoBkyanp3mNKE/s400/100_6463.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLYPLbBV4tuyYHVh0LvYU_7DKpSGNno4jjhxj_LX_E0uID5xz_eZ1ENAKaYT9NC8n2UqE3gaL_bg6cQw1-fn0wgG0WcG6mXCywRRHyqtekY0oyotg01_cZlceyTCDxNkyJW2iK2Qi3ZY/s1600/100_6473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLYPLbBV4tuyYHVh0LvYU_7DKpSGNno4jjhxj_LX_E0uID5xz_eZ1ENAKaYT9NC8n2UqE3gaL_bg6cQw1-fn0wgG0WcG6mXCywRRHyqtekY0oyotg01_cZlceyTCDxNkyJW2iK2Qi3ZY/s400/100_6473.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_PzD0lzYqjiZm5QDRddJU3_gfXBveyED2TWvRXMLEFmDbjxzojlYehQ_ImVhyphenhyphenqH1Z4KZDO07C4OFSmt0KqAdhsvjr8uvB-YjkdYC5Y8X99fqGHEd3SwrOJfPDLfa6D3ax6MHyezPvFk/s1600/100_6479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_PzD0lzYqjiZm5QDRddJU3_gfXBveyED2TWvRXMLEFmDbjxzojlYehQ_ImVhyphenhyphenqH1Z4KZDO07C4OFSmt0KqAdhsvjr8uvB-YjkdYC5Y8X99fqGHEd3SwrOJfPDLfa6D3ax6MHyezPvFk/s400/100_6479.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We love the combination of masculine & feminine where fighter jet meets chintzy wallpaper!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYQ4RZKfrpua3Su0-kYQhM5_fRb5wlO3m6xoPh5huBTnyhBTkh1VGMIQqb5gqGFIKR8jzf_kD3yW1fSWgN3kNw6-7ZzGO7x58r-blStDmFqF3D1LpBmbCnVJ48niNniSnqp8lsH6lY-M/s1600/100_6477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYQ4RZKfrpua3Su0-kYQhM5_fRb5wlO3m6xoPh5huBTnyhBTkh1VGMIQqb5gqGFIKR8jzf_kD3yW1fSWgN3kNw6-7ZzGO7x58r-blStDmFqF3D1LpBmbCnVJ48niNniSnqp8lsH6lY-M/s200/100_6477.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNG2nx5HZnsA9ilX3HgEb1Csu5yyoD3MmdLs5G6XKFkQKq1Nw9sT3rBOn-BwnJpcBC4opbBGdBQqrqyGmKd5hLj8ouQn0naZj6aVTISCz3M10CwYVUaUHByTLNjyUA9-jmy8D5ViBIkY/s1600/100_6478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNG2nx5HZnsA9ilX3HgEb1Csu5yyoD3MmdLs5G6XKFkQKq1Nw9sT3rBOn-BwnJpcBC4opbBGdBQqrqyGmKd5hLj8ouQn0naZj6aVTISCz3M10CwYVUaUHByTLNjyUA9-jmy8D5ViBIkY/s320/100_6478.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The eyes really seemed to pop out in many of the works all over the festival.......</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdER5B_fITZ1acmnBT1Nv-1MN1XA9-qZ8Je88bktouCPlSihHdRyVRu2YTsGhDmmSGy9z0emR51D2TBdyxHHc0Sp7DKlX9tjvxPMU-AX7XhAChNL5SEkERgb9R0vSdKMsQ660pOsde7k/s1600/100_6481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdER5B_fITZ1acmnBT1Nv-1MN1XA9-qZ8Je88bktouCPlSihHdRyVRu2YTsGhDmmSGy9z0emR51D2TBdyxHHc0Sp7DKlX9tjvxPMU-AX7XhAChNL5SEkERgb9R0vSdKMsQ660pOsde7k/s200/100_6481.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwhnDVpRTlG_UKIDbM-wh2oyOMJEfsXsIxZluV9M9hRRhCrnzletPUuNMvsMPRhgkaKafCEt_Fw8F9TdexghhrsYme4CL_iTifjcnQQzJGi6FkNbPWefzTFBbVwwd6gC-t7qsP2lc1KI/s1600/100_6480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwhnDVpRTlG_UKIDbM-wh2oyOMJEfsXsIxZluV9M9hRRhCrnzletPUuNMvsMPRhgkaKafCEt_Fw8F9TdexghhrsYme4CL_iTifjcnQQzJGi6FkNbPWefzTFBbVwwd6gC-t7qsP2lc1KI/s320/100_6480.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You can really get a sense of the scale of the tableaux here....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0C9gVUQaTO4sVjNyzWhhXX3tv5omIIfcwbp5BbqwaOni2njJ86IjSin4NAKi2Vj59NTNIVX9kg3ROmsObL-uHC7ew784bJPPJeh0xOqIY0PEA4wvV18V0zeDnBt1IjXUHwai3oTlDY2c/s1600/100_6482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0C9gVUQaTO4sVjNyzWhhXX3tv5omIIfcwbp5BbqwaOni2njJ86IjSin4NAKi2Vj59NTNIVX9kg3ROmsObL-uHC7ew784bJPPJeh0xOqIY0PEA4wvV18V0zeDnBt1IjXUHwai3oTlDY2c/s320/100_6482.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgny5Fuf5wZo6eblCt9alPLHGc-IpvIYAn8onzHjqC7e5rCDLcSERUuUUpohedt1wO9f1NYfwm3AUidIsRcXeLO8FxuuJjD1ajDuV4txmI97HsnY6XM2ZQj-DgQ9mDYKv40gGb2cBqJIXM/s1600/100_6484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgny5Fuf5wZo6eblCt9alPLHGc-IpvIYAn8onzHjqC7e5rCDLcSERUuUUpohedt1wO9f1NYfwm3AUidIsRcXeLO8FxuuJjD1ajDuV4txmI97HsnY6XM2ZQj-DgQ9mDYKv40gGb2cBqJIXM/s200/100_6484.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I sneaked a few photos of an old Merry-Go-Round.......</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVO-pSoqC6Gsz6DxFBnvP1ik034EiMYKPPdgRvtiSrBngij2pFniQ1Fl1sMimlJRAvlrgxnjw9TLLpU9X5b7-OYQnflPzi0hu0e5BOPUYQUh-K2-ShU9R9ucI5C-jQz9-SAZyQvUQTzY/s1600/100_6491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVO-pSoqC6Gsz6DxFBnvP1ik034EiMYKPPdgRvtiSrBngij2pFniQ1Fl1sMimlJRAvlrgxnjw9TLLpU9X5b7-OYQnflPzi0hu0e5BOPUYQUh-K2-ShU9R9ucI5C-jQz9-SAZyQvUQTzY/s400/100_6491.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibroMHn867TMG7BwB2k5cVdF8GLGZPkcFRTe6T-IGXpDIkqCE7bDGdHAvgk70hdeg-OyQxTwut6J8ScShCpK_03bzZdZCZ5Bm0Z2XKzgFX1DpYPBVMMCnSqjlp1NGOLNEVBNFiFQftZOQ/s1600/100_6493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibroMHn867TMG7BwB2k5cVdF8GLGZPkcFRTe6T-IGXpDIkqCE7bDGdHAvgk70hdeg-OyQxTwut6J8ScShCpK_03bzZdZCZ5Bm0Z2XKzgFX1DpYPBVMMCnSqjlp1NGOLNEVBNFiFQftZOQ/s400/100_6493.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
.....and some arty photos of the pier.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88abK6igiPg3oibnv-J4utFHByF4EnpO3ZO5uv_NfOh-Zs50zWLZ9K5eEcmHy_VZ_AgDSDrhvzhn3B3Azht-6rIfhUTZMzNKRzP0c2Mkkj6o93qCmUrTsO_4QGN0LReAdEhf7t2EPA5c/s1600/100_6500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88abK6igiPg3oibnv-J4utFHByF4EnpO3ZO5uv_NfOh-Zs50zWLZ9K5eEcmHy_VZ_AgDSDrhvzhn3B3Azht-6rIfhUTZMzNKRzP0c2Mkkj6o93qCmUrTsO_4QGN0LReAdEhf7t2EPA5c/s640/100_6500.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGyoLrgxuw9XxsP2B4CyDusmLpUrSa7A3D-YDfsLlUK6i1LD2eFjHIhfiHONMIWHtLqGXqZR6nuq6KBSoBDgCDiaHFOauMbjLokcx7EVeU_qgLRkI7KdGTB5KQ5s1Rnj0po4oS0NRnhw/s1600/100_6503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGyoLrgxuw9XxsP2B4CyDusmLpUrSa7A3D-YDfsLlUK6i1LD2eFjHIhfiHONMIWHtLqGXqZR6nuq6KBSoBDgCDiaHFOauMbjLokcx7EVeU_qgLRkI7KdGTB5KQ5s1Rnj0po4oS0NRnhw/s640/100_6503.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Next stop on our map was a car park tucked just behind the famous Winter Gardens. It was around 10 am by this point and a few bleary eyed artists had started to emerge (from their partying Blackpool style the previous night)......they were the ones with the biggest projects!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-E-qH2emNGC-ZQIdkO7CNQ_IrCw8crgMXTMHZfCzGGyz1AfASn1_6kHHstrWsVtYaz4n03xqFTMRMMKoWmpcWLnZWfEHRodqjJFnNeK2vw3AoL4QZOF0UUMl854uQChZMQdXgo-fAlAE/s1600/100_6511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-E-qH2emNGC-ZQIdkO7CNQ_IrCw8crgMXTMHZfCzGGyz1AfASn1_6kHHstrWsVtYaz4n03xqFTMRMMKoWmpcWLnZWfEHRodqjJFnNeK2vw3AoL4QZOF0UUMl854uQChZMQdXgo-fAlAE/s400/100_6511.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_K8o8enWVnUCBnGjla3D7vfVyinPP888XlipCyFtgTnlhbO-l1bYoPz4QigOvx0nbfW7S4vXxYfsYnsF3re91LzR7CG3n8FzFOLClNkJQ98Eg0HfYd2t1oeorDsmVpXlCVnGYiTj0Elo/s1600/100_6518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_K8o8enWVnUCBnGjla3D7vfVyinPP888XlipCyFtgTnlhbO-l1bYoPz4QigOvx0nbfW7S4vXxYfsYnsF3re91LzR7CG3n8FzFOLClNkJQ98Eg0HfYd2t1oeorDsmVpXlCVnGYiTj0Elo/s400/100_6518.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I liked this man's funky bike....only afterwards did I realise it was Peter Stringfellow! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(well his lookalike anyway....)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8taDaZyIin1KRg2ogaR8ei2qraNcWo-Fkk9uZCibdAy_5cSv9eGLNKyopOmolY7RIU4TBg2-4RlxqdGN73ywPQgmgX9jx4ORRQFfEQthWfNhVUHZxaWUf5JKQfMdaekSXxiBz5GrP0g/s1600/100_6516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8taDaZyIin1KRg2ogaR8ei2qraNcWo-Fkk9uZCibdAy_5cSv9eGLNKyopOmolY7RIU4TBg2-4RlxqdGN73ywPQgmgX9jx4ORRQFfEQthWfNhVUHZxaWUf5JKQfMdaekSXxiBz5GrP0g/s400/100_6516.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These works were on panels mounted onto the walls of the Winter Gardens.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3jsUNyC2qlUOljqyj3F3370mfVJ0f9EImlcFjR6PMkrYSjZy12R04Vf3Y9pv6N7EwW0Mc8Ug3SHbzR_qwb-1lbxInLMZ6bKIwb-IBeEayVDEgIBMS8cPiU4WGcBKVE6djpYs9y4XlwU/s1600/100_6522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3jsUNyC2qlUOljqyj3F3370mfVJ0f9EImlcFjR6PMkrYSjZy12R04Vf3Y9pv6N7EwW0Mc8Ug3SHbzR_qwb-1lbxInLMZ6bKIwb-IBeEayVDEgIBMS8cPiU4WGcBKVE6djpYs9y4XlwU/s400/100_6522.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8BsFL2j_2XJLida2MXWi9JHUmUTtBB1tBuY7WZSEGR8-jSuJLcD1vvr0jlzlaUGoPSNmPfY_HPAEj1k6R7az-xo0CCK-FE37B3VDRIfryc1PS2yzPNMeNZ-4eszuhErdEwDuHqN7sEo/s1600/100_6523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8BsFL2j_2XJLida2MXWi9JHUmUTtBB1tBuY7WZSEGR8-jSuJLcD1vvr0jlzlaUGoPSNmPfY_HPAEj1k6R7az-xo0CCK-FE37B3VDRIfryc1PS2yzPNMeNZ-4eszuhErdEwDuHqN7sEo/s400/100_6523.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQm48r3B0m-5K1qkIyC8DWOnSrIuzpCwmn7Z7jWCSpu0X70cvUKx96m54ruZbgGGrHfFHv-QMCKDUNQ6SUwQlg1akMOp-TrtuCRVJ82-MGbUNzcbM2BI3sJh2v7wJySOdtwSBqUxyyr4/s1600/100_6526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQm48r3B0m-5K1qkIyC8DWOnSrIuzpCwmn7Z7jWCSpu0X70cvUKx96m54ruZbgGGrHfFHv-QMCKDUNQ6SUwQlg1akMOp-TrtuCRVJ82-MGbUNzcbM2BI3sJh2v7wJySOdtwSBqUxyyr4/s400/100_6526.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlxwr2ORleU6EkQYZAYl6s40KEGpiBGS1xifdp6JSzlGsjq7PKV1bFh2ZDPBD06NKKvabSzPD_gL2wSq7HpKSrtyKcadDMBMyYiezEXbtAdRFPnkB41eXcGjf55GVKu04TYRzbTTc_TU/s1600/100_6525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlxwr2ORleU6EkQYZAYl6s40KEGpiBGS1xifdp6JSzlGsjq7PKV1bFh2ZDPBD06NKKvabSzPD_gL2wSq7HpKSrtyKcadDMBMyYiezEXbtAdRFPnkB41eXcGjf55GVKu04TYRzbTTc_TU/s400/100_6525.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5hKaVq5fr6tljaPk8yQY5jY4ZJ3-e2ESW4I450Qw0KohIPZ1c6eLoAIRtnpQqHyql6fO_C-EQfk-4K2I65KBnhomWAsfipBydGAxef-cd_HdZVWd7zkbNM9_FSyDepTliXdAhH5uWGk/s1600/100_6528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5hKaVq5fr6tljaPk8yQY5jY4ZJ3-e2ESW4I450Qw0KohIPZ1c6eLoAIRtnpQqHyql6fO_C-EQfk-4K2I65KBnhomWAsfipBydGAxef-cd_HdZVWd7zkbNM9_FSyDepTliXdAhH5uWGk/s400/100_6528.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtANRnsvz2cP7jU1dRNtHR6I4IMa2eeT2uQT5I0e2PvS3YlJmUjJ_-eRfTNOsI0XaOnU3Djn7Caf0ZM5lyOICxr5RjJJU0zevguPCSJ9bbuvPCXw6g0YRFarZqGqYcBmt2gcPWharkQY/s1600/100_6533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtANRnsvz2cP7jU1dRNtHR6I4IMa2eeT2uQT5I0e2PvS3YlJmUjJ_-eRfTNOsI0XaOnU3Djn7Caf0ZM5lyOICxr5RjJJU0zevguPCSJ9bbuvPCXw6g0YRFarZqGqYcBmt2gcPWharkQY/s400/100_6533.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then we headed down to Deansgate where we found these lovely little fellas had come a long way!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFMZ8l1rCBffzkJE0BbQw3ismAF84cC-Dshr9VOTGLd07G9NEGpv3JzVS4O-gMK8dQOFO9kmwkozjxlPTKJgTSv7XwbOlp1RT7AWZ8yq5etiEBjWSValEYd9tt2aQUFNuuUF47EjwfT0/s1600/100_6539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFMZ8l1rCBffzkJE0BbQw3ismAF84cC-Dshr9VOTGLd07G9NEGpv3JzVS4O-gMK8dQOFO9kmwkozjxlPTKJgTSv7XwbOlp1RT7AWZ8yq5etiEBjWSValEYd9tt2aQUFNuuUF47EjwfT0/s400/100_6539.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0qmbVsYeKFm9WuBxfOEQXB0pVNDZ9gkBCAtEEsPfP0IAgj22YW9eh29iHgiyxHYwsJX4UMzgS53o3HqQNiTJsPRrl3Meqeoa8XiDta15nC4EVekLSoBXrspA3TmoN4x_FY2YGeBjCKI/s1600/100_6551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0qmbVsYeKFm9WuBxfOEQXB0pVNDZ9gkBCAtEEsPfP0IAgj22YW9eh29iHgiyxHYwsJX4UMzgS53o3HqQNiTJsPRrl3Meqeoa8XiDta15nC4EVekLSoBXrspA3TmoN4x_FY2YGeBjCKI/s400/100_6551.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They were keeping the artists company whilst they created these.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCFJEpvTVJ5nM4ou3IgVhmofe7h5_QTyVI5CHzjhtoQzmG2lFxqs_5aZ0RJJ00ggOP-MQ97KKTaLCICr0GF57AEWV1aX7Pg5_Z0-AxXXgkwKjBn6Y-R6kWuuytTrviko9gZeyn7qwqyI/s1600/100_6544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCFJEpvTVJ5nM4ou3IgVhmofe7h5_QTyVI5CHzjhtoQzmG2lFxqs_5aZ0RJJ00ggOP-MQ97KKTaLCICr0GF57AEWV1aX7Pg5_Z0-AxXXgkwKjBn6Y-R6kWuuytTrviko9gZeyn7qwqyI/s400/100_6544.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-_cNtvO9avIece4XHRaDJmUFLuw3M4D5mUDbzI64W0MfUL_8e60uojOxkd6FYz7M8TILRvbhw7_dZkCSSbDMKo-cQvmLUoqGmU2Bm-tPf2zt1eii_ZZfAfPwmxpLw5C3o_CslER-NF0/s1600/100_6545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-_cNtvO9avIece4XHRaDJmUFLuw3M4D5mUDbzI64W0MfUL_8e60uojOxkd6FYz7M8TILRvbhw7_dZkCSSbDMKo-cQvmLUoqGmU2Bm-tPf2zt1eii_ZZfAfPwmxpLw5C3o_CslER-NF0/s400/100_6545.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7q2ALo2ihYneSBmFclOC298ciN1P0Zjl1LqO_B9RPrRx0ANvm1-2Qqg6b93nU-cQLJPBevYv6A9As0ckh1Z2Z2UQJZmmf_zYBWWn9k6GPVyV4xiKPBGBeXfXtOOHrmwpdQ0L_4B2QUE/s1600/100_6546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7q2ALo2ihYneSBmFclOC298ciN1P0Zjl1LqO_B9RPrRx0ANvm1-2Qqg6b93nU-cQLJPBevYv6A9As0ckh1Z2Z2UQJZmmf_zYBWWn9k6GPVyV4xiKPBGBeXfXtOOHrmwpdQ0L_4B2QUE/s400/100_6546.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDqQFYF361usRmQ4ZPU8-z_P_ayedhEjMhoEO2C-585pARkL1CRC9o1zKPlxym1tdaAjLWbdzXQO8hMzMAliqOEa6mLMDQt28SjoQRX9eoC86NbR-opNyttK35cZckimvKxhdc89vsa4/s1600/100_6541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDqQFYF361usRmQ4ZPU8-z_P_ayedhEjMhoEO2C-585pARkL1CRC9o1zKPlxym1tdaAjLWbdzXQO8hMzMAliqOEa6mLMDQt28SjoQRX9eoC86NbR-opNyttK35cZckimvKxhdc89vsa4/s400/100_6541.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And just down the road we tracked down artist Agent Provocateur who's little Bobzilla motif we had followed all around the festival.......</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Like here on the Pier......</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcI4ozu9B6_ESWo7nYbfjk4RQLLFcB0AQbF-pr2CcxR6yyphAyLFG5wOx9tiC42FEl7j-kyqo846uX08QvEReooSNFW2ULBlig5V4pLyyg2c9oNCWwuIOWZK0_Woi93Hc8LfezNZG-M4/s1600/100_6466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcI4ozu9B6_ESWo7nYbfjk4RQLLFcB0AQbF-pr2CcxR6yyphAyLFG5wOx9tiC42FEl7j-kyqo846uX08QvEReooSNFW2ULBlig5V4pLyyg2c9oNCWwuIOWZK0_Woi93Hc8LfezNZG-M4/s400/100_6466.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and here on Deansgate.....</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kpIDTRdAbRCVHwJDyWzTbclCdSiOyDbBl07hDsaD-5kCpeDXQltfQZ1snXEUEK1XmotKP7eRg2-edCAbMSw9hB1dgslFHklgUovibvypE_crYnwHAawisSYPNPjP7NQizSMoGACo-HE/s1600/100_6550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kpIDTRdAbRCVHwJDyWzTbclCdSiOyDbBl07hDsaD-5kCpeDXQltfQZ1snXEUEK1XmotKP7eRg2-edCAbMSw9hB1dgslFHklgUovibvypE_crYnwHAawisSYPNPjP7NQizSMoGACo-HE/s400/100_6550.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and on all the posters......</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jrofAIfpfXqxHXIMcum_-6ug_43uoGi0RaJCzEMF7c3XZd0yHf1XUnwgYSIbQua7m056K1O6w-gn2CLk2mCQOdrdzW5wONHaLZOWWd7P-GCJlCxMi4WqsHkMV_ikrA7yLjRoMTBYIq8/s1600/100_6540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jrofAIfpfXqxHXIMcum_-6ug_43uoGi0RaJCzEMF7c3XZd0yHf1XUnwgYSIbQua7m056K1O6w-gn2CLk2mCQOdrdzW5wONHaLZOWWd7P-GCJlCxMi4WqsHkMV_ikrA7yLjRoMTBYIq8/s400/100_6540.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and this man left his van parked a bit too long with Bobzilla about......</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjraBiW2XNisre_JUFlop5Sg4qH0GgEfAFLvnEo-aEUkGd-CR-0SD_hczF-tz2exSPfGqxCGZSGMsJxUq8oS3gFhDii2NtSBY2Iw3UbXDrmDoRMCRLw4moiaK3HVvsW37FdsgcwCSBYTVc/s1600/100_6555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjraBiW2XNisre_JUFlop5Sg4qH0GgEfAFLvnEo-aEUkGd-CR-0SD_hczF-tz2exSPfGqxCGZSGMsJxUq8oS3gFhDii2NtSBY2Iw3UbXDrmDoRMCRLw4moiaK3HVvsW37FdsgcwCSBYTVc/s320/100_6555.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCVV1U6fIxW-E_2hQ_dTFNbBULqB4UgnjYnCjX6-ZqYrwVkYF9loF2fDojtKNLMJWQKb-Jlf68QJFXetMJGLcR95OR4ooONwUJY1nf-75-EmQ1OuWxXTz6YVduzoEk0tTWhMBdNXy1r8/s1600/100_6554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCVV1U6fIxW-E_2hQ_dTFNbBULqB4UgnjYnCjX6-ZqYrwVkYF9loF2fDojtKNLMJWQKb-Jlf68QJFXetMJGLcR95OR4ooONwUJY1nf-75-EmQ1OuWxXTz6YVduzoEk0tTWhMBdNXy1r8/s400/100_6554.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8QWCJ6jYL2FvLbmKrZYtJBY-dEaQaQ0jgQVo4Vq1ivIzCHKcEzyjGZkrImZqlfx9IWhyvqdK6FTR044B2ZwazI42QoU5zLPB9w8xITAH3qtgdTueBzRXye6wex8XPVgohyMOmKi32mg/s1600/100_6558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8QWCJ6jYL2FvLbmKrZYtJBY-dEaQaQ0jgQVo4Vq1ivIzCHKcEzyjGZkrImZqlfx9IWhyvqdK6FTR044B2ZwazI42QoU5zLPB9w8xITAH3qtgdTueBzRXye6wex8XPVgohyMOmKi32mg/s400/100_6558.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Only joking! The van's owner was there happily watching Agent Provocateur as he worked. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And finally we made our way home after a wonderful morning of urban art......taking in one last and most impressive work on our way!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesmKYR4saCtMe0az6ssY4-4QLzeDFcHg2wA9Rf3zy5NCKl2zgu9sBPxCOfdVpfZtG-OWvSLlzhKC6DKe-TqOUBK7WpL9apHJQgo9CK8KIVVKXmU-kOuJTyStBq-9RZjVmKGc4Kha6kqE/s1600/100_6536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesmKYR4saCtMe0az6ssY4-4QLzeDFcHg2wA9Rf3zy5NCKl2zgu9sBPxCOfdVpfZtG-OWvSLlzhKC6DKe-TqOUBK7WpL9apHJQgo9CK8KIVVKXmU-kOuJTyStBq-9RZjVmKGc4Kha6kqE/s640/100_6536.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6Vh-AxusNcYon-gJMZRsHBWOEzmG1L2SmuADYFl8Mky6JIL32oLsULwpsnFO8Y9Vupn5TzANDxNEbJPSIU0FRsfN2OjPFn1wzsFurRI7-mDm1e-wPO06waCAa9C5-NG_BboKXImGL_A/s1600/100_6453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6Vh-AxusNcYon-gJMZRsHBWOEzmG1L2SmuADYFl8Mky6JIL32oLsULwpsnFO8Y9Vupn5TzANDxNEbJPSIU0FRsfN2OjPFn1wzsFurRI7-mDm1e-wPO06waCAa9C5-NG_BboKXImGL_A/s640/100_6453.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That last work is by artist Inkie who had flown in from L.A. to take part in Sand, Sea & Spray. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">.................................................................</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I didn't make it to see this year's exhibition but there was talk that Banksy himself had been in town.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After this cheeky little fella appeared......</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzSc-W9IWdGvxnba_sMd26EjMoKYr-ql6DYHtaTQTIO8wpDh43pM__M0RkPN6AQWBSP3wh2wRhSrxwrvt1Ae-FJ6wYKe0kgJHPYVUxSNHK1Qr9G-OpXqH232xfR-wYAnzGGz2YZwdid4/s1600/banksy-in-blackpool.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzSc-W9IWdGvxnba_sMd26EjMoKYr-ql6DYHtaTQTIO8wpDh43pM__M0RkPN6AQWBSP3wh2wRhSrxwrvt1Ae-FJ6wYKe0kgJHPYVUxSNHK1Qr9G-OpXqH232xfR-wYAnzGGz2YZwdid4/s320/banksy-in-blackpool.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But it turns out it was really by artist Otto Schade </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
who also painted that ribbon guy with two heads, back there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love street art...not graffiti....street art. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There's loads in Bristol, where my sister lives, and I really love how it brightens up the city and creates a really forward, artistic, inventive atmosphere. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>What do you think of street art?</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Is there anything you've seen that you've just had to photograph?</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Or street art you see every day that inspires & gets you thinking?</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4aBIgAKzMN0_UmGZQprBDZYF2naEhT8iZ0ViQEsG7Kl__4FnaBKOhlTJf2G_Hu8MLHvPuD2mSzYvXRYmDP7V4qKZ-lxu2po_xFYMZBo_65fd6gQgU74mJOyRVvkqRt65jGXcuXOg2Io/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4aBIgAKzMN0_UmGZQprBDZYF2naEhT8iZ0ViQEsG7Kl__4FnaBKOhlTJf2G_Hu8MLHvPuD2mSzYvXRYmDP7V4qKZ-lxu2po_xFYMZBo_65fd6gQgU74mJOyRVvkqRt65jGXcuXOg2Io/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-61895317331801026962013-10-08T07:40:00.002+01:002013-10-15T13:24:17.468+01:00The most romantic movies of my life (so far).Yesterday I read <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/oct/07/top-10-romantic-movies?CMP=twt_gu" target="_blank">this article</a> in The Guardian, listing <b>their</b> top ten most romantic movies of all time.<br />
And it got me thinking.<br />
I'm an absolute sucker for a romance.<br />
So, <b>what would my list be?</b> What are the most romantic films of <b><u>my</u></b> life?<br />
<br />
I'm a child of the 80's. So I spent the best part of my teens, in the 90's, dreaming about finding true love.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gz6cg7KPONEYYnbmu4-nU71k6NXLoMQC9iELPswHdKkzPFPgI_67xhRa5qQJ36p6I3XyMdiZY_CsyxLbJZ0L0KAZg0okX1gZPqHtmTcST-Qm3T-jORrY0eoGA3QRXbl8R0BNab3ij_c/s1600/four-weddings.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gz6cg7KPONEYYnbmu4-nU71k6NXLoMQC9iELPswHdKkzPFPgI_67xhRa5qQJ36p6I3XyMdiZY_CsyxLbJZ0L0KAZg0okX1gZPqHtmTcST-Qm3T-jORrY0eoGA3QRXbl8R0BNab3ij_c/s1600/four-weddings.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I fell in love with a floppy haired, bumbling, poshboy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wanted to kiss in the rain, because 'there comes a point you can't get any wetter' </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
& promise to 'not marry' him for the rest of my life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4lKVz0xbcm2fYnKUS7Y6JT7s92U6Sl-nvdmTnIlNWWu3M9YWSvJpm1n-1Pfo4BS59Xj8Q97w9T2vibur1PXZqO4tFSx9kzK40zBzJx9dlJE-oHgphPNNFiWJUZZfFHFJf4uT3691lF8/s1600/only+you.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4lKVz0xbcm2fYnKUS7Y6JT7s92U6Sl-nvdmTnIlNWWu3M9YWSvJpm1n-1Pfo4BS59Xj8Q97w9T2vibur1PXZqO4tFSx9kzK40zBzJx9dlJE-oHgphPNNFiWJUZZfFHFJf4uT3691lF8/s400/only+you.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then I learned some quick Plato....that men and women were once one, until they upset the gods. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The gods 'split them right down dead centre'. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now we search our whole lives to find that other half again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wanted to be Marisa Tomei being chased all around beautiful Italy </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
by another floppy haired boy with pretty eyes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj238fkoOeys9cJRgqEFYgaMO3vjPGALER3tk1x-i6S-Z5Fi-hMsELC5ay-6NkJsYPwPn3OjjUVah_Air0o3b9kmwVo4oobG1S8CKw2PyvU0zq5lk5qd7eYi8qPfJS6pHPnpX53WDGtBt4/s1600/french+kiss.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj238fkoOeys9cJRgqEFYgaMO3vjPGALER3tk1x-i6S-Z5Fi-hMsELC5ay-6NkJsYPwPn3OjjUVah_Air0o3b9kmwVo4oobG1S8CKw2PyvU0zq5lk5qd7eYi8qPfJS6pHPnpX53WDGtBt4/s1600/french+kiss.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I fell in love with another beautiful country. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wanted to wear a diamond necklace "like ziss", to eat creamy cheese on scenic trains and learn to make delicious wine infused with all the scents of the beautiful French hillside vineyards. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(although I personally had a more fresh faced lover in mind than Kevin Kline...sorry Kev.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjIk4bGIP-ui5Xv1C0WDJkG3ZawQAQghmwhvcOoAH8bM8a8tma-NwHBtrqifZC9wbWSPiPaGyb5NBkBYvzbbHUPJaPQZmzQeHbhaoPvQWY-Sgel8QtNdWH1l4ArNlqkIjzcAPmR4URrQ/s1600/romeo+and+juliet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjIk4bGIP-ui5Xv1C0WDJkG3ZawQAQghmwhvcOoAH8bM8a8tma-NwHBtrqifZC9wbWSPiPaGyb5NBkBYvzbbHUPJaPQZmzQeHbhaoPvQWY-Sgel8QtNdWH1l4ArNlqkIjzcAPmR4URrQ/s320/romeo+and+juliet.png" width="283" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What romance would be complete without the greatest love story of all time? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This one re-awoken by Baz Luhrman.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wanted to be Clare Danes - post So Called Life, but still pre Carrie. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To wear beautiful wings, dance around neon fishes and kiss floppy haired Romeo in the pool at midnight. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To wake up and tell him</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Yon light is not daylight, I know it, I.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It is some meteor that the sun exhales."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO-Mt7c-LRnwp_ut6wbjz5ET5OTVS4MnkFBqydvXyi-AOXcw4wKtm24jAWbeAzLZ7YQAl4xIvy1SF17niie4Xz-wJssE6G6MooY_Lz__DmcxC7CxBLX6YUzaUhWbCGCAC3aRwrt8clIs/s1600/donnie-darko.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO-Mt7c-LRnwp_ut6wbjz5ET5OTVS4MnkFBqydvXyi-AOXcw4wKtm24jAWbeAzLZ7YQAl4xIvy1SF17niie4Xz-wJssE6G6MooY_Lz__DmcxC7CxBLX6YUzaUhWbCGCAC3aRwrt8clIs/s1600/donnie-darko.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Whoops....how did he get in there?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh well - I know it's not really a romance. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But nobody can say no to Jakey G in a hoodie, pouting those incredible lips...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Can they?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkz4mJufdHvC_u7a6clTxYt-Tchw8UjoT00ZHwttf89p4mFAOHFhnMtxSgqr7tPQOf9fGWKZQYz0G9IUWZt2n2MM-_oLR02_fOe_nWxrGyOvsNcztHqU395-kwLAPxoctLr1T67E9BUkk/s1600/Amelie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkz4mJufdHvC_u7a6clTxYt-Tchw8UjoT00ZHwttf89p4mFAOHFhnMtxSgqr7tPQOf9fGWKZQYz0G9IUWZt2n2MM-_oLR02_fOe_nWxrGyOvsNcztHqU395-kwLAPxoctLr1T67E9BUkk/s1600/Amelie.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What romance!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dreamy Amelie, bathed in sepia tones, who looks in a different way at the people all around her </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and sees the great loves they don't even know that they hold themselves.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And how she finds her greatest love....then celebrates in the greatest way.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
pedalling around beautiful Paris at full pelt.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>OK, a warning. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>We're about to get really soppy, because after this I met Mr Peach. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJafv9atGewI6iIRXqSXBFXk0Mo8Ry7xlno3gGkkjjxcRDcGVK2oF30N7v1vCtvlUvpNYhYRQvODVU9TkId64KXCLqazAfnz9wGs5mUg0EKVyIb-ftBD3tXOtBqrEszlXbKfzW-D6B14/s1600/stardust.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJafv9atGewI6iIRXqSXBFXk0Mo8Ry7xlno3gGkkjjxcRDcGVK2oF30N7v1vCtvlUvpNYhYRQvODVU9TkId64KXCLqazAfnz9wGs5mUg0EKVyIb-ftBD3tXOtBqrEszlXbKfzW-D6B14/s1600/stardust.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Before she went all Carrie-crazy, Clare Danes popped back as the star Celeste...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
an actual star, from the sky.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm not saying this is the most romantic film of all time, by a long stretch. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But, for me it's right up there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Because i'll let you into a secret...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm not sure why, but I remember it very clearly...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was right at the end of this film that I realised for the first time that I loved Mr Peach.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<i>Of course I didn't tell him right there, because it was quite early on </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>and I didn't want to scare him off being all soppy and everything</i>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1qjB1ZNVKUyAKR9GNgx2vLKh34xZwYmNF6j-ZP05SkP3JcZDbdG6SVz5hp62FZ9LF7-1Tb2SC4GTWNsxjTvj21GhZnnf1CRB8ffwA9nOD12k1SyoRX06C2mq_ngtlkSLabp0nAoIhRQ/s1600/midnight+in+paris.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1qjB1ZNVKUyAKR9GNgx2vLKh34xZwYmNF6j-ZP05SkP3JcZDbdG6SVz5hp62FZ9LF7-1Tb2SC4GTWNsxjTvj21GhZnnf1CRB8ffwA9nOD12k1SyoRX06C2mq_ngtlkSLabp0nAoIhRQ/s1600/midnight+in+paris.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then a few years later we went to Paris.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And you see that bench, right there....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
well that's where Mr Peaches asked me to marry him!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<i>and Woody must have thought it was a good idea, because he copied us </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>and jumped right in our place after we left!</i>).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>So, how about you?</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Do you share my love of any of these? Or perhaps you think quite differently.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>What are the greatest romantic movies of <u>YOUR</u> life?</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAerkEQl4khRB7VvOoUEqutnbevKarrnCg5m69i9SzaOS8AD799zmIpEkcj2z0FA4cZHvzklnWXp7gWOp8rMLEKbe08gEiRkU_0EW5U8_mFAEg6oIVqdJxsYuowraAXOvDuiTU0nX92gY/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAerkEQl4khRB7VvOoUEqutnbevKarrnCg5m69i9SzaOS8AD799zmIpEkcj2z0FA4cZHvzklnWXp7gWOp8rMLEKbe08gEiRkU_0EW5U8_mFAEg6oIVqdJxsYuowraAXOvDuiTU0nX92gY/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-40164589013382984222013-10-07T13:52:00.000+01:002013-10-07T14:06:14.899+01:00Weekly wishes - Week #3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMO_dWFxaP4IgO2bMTiy_zKshyuembyrihD4SKJqCvXuu_P9KdAZp2XZfPHUZLzBfcxnV0oh1Mb6n3nMAlklux_OyG_GtQ16khbO8fG1VuHWu1koSaqY9-U_r_937v1As3vN28VeKikc/s1600/table.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMO_dWFxaP4IgO2bMTiy_zKshyuembyrihD4SKJqCvXuu_P9KdAZp2XZfPHUZLzBfcxnV0oh1Mb6n3nMAlklux_OyG_GtQ16khbO8fG1VuHWu1koSaqY9-U_r_937v1As3vN28VeKikc/s1600/table.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hey my lovelies! A big Happy Monday to you all - Welcome to the week!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have to say that wasn't the most successful of weekends so I'm quite happy to see the new week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We didn't manage to do much of what I had planned. I completely failed to get tickets for Glastonbury, despite spending most of the morning with both mine and Mr Peach's laptops at arms length, refreshing web pages. Fail! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We did manage to go out for a walk and a big cup of frothy coffee in the sunshine, which was lovely. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I managed to make my first chocolate torte, which was yummy but absolutely no good for the diet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And we both caught up with lots of completely indulgent, un-educational television, including the new series of Strictly and Homeland. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, I'm absolutely determined that this is going to be a far more productive week.....ready to join me?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last week my wishes were:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1) Job applications. <b>This didn't go as well as I'd have hoped, but I have made some important decisions. I would like to say thank you so much to those who left such lovely words of encouragement for me - thank you x</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2)<b> </b>Continue 30 mins per day excercise<b> - This actually went really really well - I went out every day for a bike ride, except Tuesday and have worked out a nice 10k route. </b> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3) Clean our bedroom and sort all my accessories & products - <b>What can i say? This did not go well at all. I even managed to temporarily lose one of my precious wedding earrings, but this was obviously fate as finding it led me to one of my favourite bracelets with silver horse's heads on it, that I've been missing for months (it was under my bed).</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I did, however, do some fiddling around with my blog, in the process learning some new ways to edit my photos, a bit about web editing and a little bit of coding - so I did achieve something after all!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This week I've decided to keep it really, really simple. It's not really a wish so much as an instruction to myself. <b>This week I am going to switch off all music, TV and other distractions and spend the afternoon, every afternoon, working at my kitchen table.</b> (That's not my kitchen up there in that picture, but I'd like it to be...isn't it lovely?!) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>This is going to lead me to have the most productive week ever! Promise!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>So, where do you do your best work?</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4_i2bf-VQ6xoW8cHyXBD3wch5Docu7_z5vN6xVUbF85wDtA7TW4RTsieePn_livpeY50h-s06SMQ6u3yu8NjVo8ZDkvN03j1LiuCRXQ8YVU0HZjwwQQHagQaHO0L31ZCNx-T2y9Kfuo/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4_i2bf-VQ6xoW8cHyXBD3wch5Docu7_z5vN6xVUbF85wDtA7TW4RTsieePn_livpeY50h-s06SMQ6u3yu8NjVo8ZDkvN03j1LiuCRXQ8YVU0HZjwwQQHagQaHO0L31ZCNx-T2y9Kfuo/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
p.s. <b>Weekly Wishes is a fabulous shared endeavour</b> - loads of fun to be a part of and a really big help to keep you focused through the week - trust me! Join in with <a href="http://thenectarcollective.com/" target="_blank">Melyssa at The Nectar Collective</a> and share your own wishes for the week ahead....just hit the button below to take you right there......</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Cdiv%20align=%22center%22%3E%3Ca%20href=%22http://thenectarcollective.com/tags/weekly-wishes/%22%20title=%22The%20Nectar%20Collective%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://thenectarcollective.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/weekly-wishes-button-yellow.jpg%22%20alt=%22The%20Nectar%20Collective%22%20style=%22border:none;%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/div%3E" target="_blank"><img alt="The Nectar Collective" src="http://thenectarcollective.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/weekly-wishes-button-yellow.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-43998009711413654332013-10-04T12:12:00.000+01:002013-10-04T12:28:51.927+01:00Coffee Break - 5 for Friday & Le Petit Bijoux.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/source/tastyshiz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwapwK7Qj4PghfXOBwpu2O6EvW-3w-dQhrQSdiHtdOP3TD2HcTAIGlKkua5VVClw69SpaU2GHznlsfITduVb0kYUt2C22DB4jOdaxHJFtYQpUQPCjt6z-CFX6wMye_Bln9DNzVGShnpI/s1600/54+friday+COFFEE+BREAK.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">http://www.tastyshiz.blogspot.com/</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Doesn't that look tasty? It's peach cobbler coffee cake. One to try this weekend!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Grab a hot-drink (& a piece of cake if you're feeling so inclined) and join me for our Friday Coffee-Break.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>What's the best Metro you'd ever ridden? I loved these <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/ashleyperez/15-fascinating-facts-about-the-worlds-metro-systems" target="_blank">15 facts about the world's metro systems.</a> (<a href="https://twitter.com/SaraLouiseLPV" target="_blank">via @saralouiselpv)</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>This week I've been giving Avoir-La-Peche a mini facelift! If you're thinking of some Blog DIY over the weekend then head straight to <a href="http://www.callmesassafras.com/5-design-resources-bloggers/" target="_blank">'Call me Sassafras' for 5 invaluable design resources</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I asked you to help me out in going sober for October, and tell me <a href="http://avoir-la-peche.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/tell-mewhat-do-you-drink-dites-moi.html" target="_blank">what you drink when you're not indulging in alcohol</a>. Now i'm wondering if Mr Peach will take me to one of <a href="http://travel.nytimes.com/2013/10/06/travel/in-paris-a-new-breed-of-wine-bar.html?ref=travel&_r=1&utm_source=hootsuite&utm_campaign=hootsuite&" target="_blank">these amazing Parisian wine bars</a> to celebrate in November?!!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Sometimes I have to stand up for my neighbour, poor old Blackpool. Seaside resort home of donkey rides, sticks of rock, 'Kiss-Me'Quick' hats, but also now sadly groups on very boozy, loud, drunken nights (and often days) out. But there's two sides to every story and I often find myself pointing out Blackpool's misunderstood charms. <a href="http://deadgoodpoets.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/natures-illuminations.html" target="_blank">It's nice to find i'm not the only one.</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Listen to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s18cJqrBIOk" target="_blank">The most beautiful song</a> , by John Legend. He wrote it as a gift to his wife on their wedding day. I defy you not to end up bawling like me...every time I've heard it...happy tears.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>So, what does the weekend have in store for you? </b></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
We're kicking off tonight with Mr Peach's cricket presentation...with speeches from all the team captains summarising every game of the whole summer (yawn). I'm thinking this will test my sobriety to the max!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This made me giggle as it's the exact scene in our house every time we go out! (minus the children)...<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvN5EcVsBthVTtLApVzYGXTiNx6Py8nAfpcUqSp1hL4agwnyMpgMO_WfRt9liqCAhLZo3bbr6OXCCZKDjiGI0pQ7w2ndEYiYwrblM-JLeudR9Qvme88-w3BeE5s743cbnXic-dJOgNUPw/s1600/getting+ready+to+go+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvN5EcVsBthVTtLApVzYGXTiNx6Py8nAfpcUqSp1hL4agwnyMpgMO_WfRt9liqCAhLZo3bbr6OXCCZKDjiGI0pQ7w2ndEYiYwrblM-JLeudR9Qvme88-w3BeE5s743cbnXic-dJOgNUPw/s400/getting+ready+to+go+out.jpg" width="366" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Weather providing we're hoping to get out on the bikes again. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm going to put on a cosy knit and take Mr Peach out for a big yummy mug of hot chocolate. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some baking....peach coffee cake, rum sultana scones and apple crumble should break the diet nicely! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And, Sunday morning i'll be up bright and early hoping to get tickets for next year's Glastonbury festival. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So far I've failed miserably every year...wish me luck!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One last thing. We all know how much I love France, especially stunning Provence.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, how would you like to <a href="http://vickiarcher.com/2013/09/would-you-like-to-spend-one-week-in-st-remy-de-provence-at-le-petit-bijou-its-french-essences-fifth-birthday-and-time-to-celebrate/" target="_blank">win a week in the most utterly beautiful little retreat in St Remy de Provence? </a>French Essence are giving away a week at the amazing 'Le Petit Bijoux'</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...even just looking at the beautiful photos will have you lost for hours!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Open the door to find out more...</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://vickiarcher.com/2013/09/would-you-like-to-spend-one-week-in-st-remy-de-provence-at-le-petit-bijou-its-french-essences-fifth-birthday-and-time-to-celebrate/" target="_blank"><img alt="Le Petit Bijou - Vicki Archer" height="200" src="http://vickiarcher.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Giveaway-P8142988.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Have a great weekend everyone!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sarah x</b></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-23800963096334217262013-10-01T17:03:00.000+01:002013-10-01T17:03:05.661+01:00A little more about me! - Sunshine awards x<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZvY3DRVHMbtiH0VtrG_oDsODkh5yg8ww1KLgUB3usZejgHcSa9Kinsj3acuEveviQOc3iuI_2r7vBpndZ35NYsYRoUox7zOkCldgEGIrfHzHfKLpZBdf-E3MXhE6acqq-17mmBD1YX4/s1600/sunshine+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZvY3DRVHMbtiH0VtrG_oDsODkh5yg8ww1KLgUB3usZejgHcSa9Kinsj3acuEveviQOc3iuI_2r7vBpndZ35NYsYRoUox7zOkCldgEGIrfHzHfKLpZBdf-E3MXhE6acqq-17mmBD1YX4/s640/sunshine+cover.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
As if we didn't love <a href="http://lazyboleynblog.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Mal at Lazy Boleyn</a> enough, last week she <a href="http://lazyboleynblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/sunshine-award.html" target="_blank">nominated us for a Sunshine award!</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks Mal - I've really enjoyed answering your questions...here's a thankyou photo from me!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYRaxFP12etuz6p4gXu5psmflWL2l2OpisLT8cJ7G5vI3joA-9Z6xm2jXfJ-A35BS6JWpwzA4M0-Q3Ur9lhlJhAOh3tp_T8wCee3DyC8IT1qBGsqJ6zL_y2N4lQgNoEfcw-wByV1Ahs8/s1600/leo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYRaxFP12etuz6p4gXu5psmflWL2l2OpisLT8cJ7G5vI3joA-9Z6xm2jXfJ-A35BS6JWpwzA4M0-Q3Ur9lhlJhAOh3tp_T8wCee3DyC8IT1qBGsqJ6zL_y2N4lQgNoEfcw-wByV1Ahs8/s320/leo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(me and my chins with Leo!...Jealous?!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Taken back in July, when we visited the National Hotel in Havana</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>...allegedly where they filmed some of Great Gatsby.)</i></span></div>
<br />
So, this should be a great opportunity for anyone who wants to learn a little more about me too...if that's you then read along!<br />
<br />
<b>First off 11 facts and 1 fiction about me....</b><br />
<i>(You can play along...see if you can spot the fiction - then give me your guess in a comment!)</i><br />
<br />
1) I believe tinned tuna and anything aniseedy (Pernot, Ouzo, Liquorice) are the devil's own foods.<br />
<br />
2) When I was little my grandfather 'Grandie' told me that if you chopped your finger off before the age of 13 it would grow back. And many other things I'm amazed now I ever believed!<br />
<br />
3) My little sister calls me 'Sasquatch' (big foot).<br />
<br />
4) Mr Peach and I spent our first new year's day together in the centre of the M6 motoway. We had spun our car on a patch of ice, bumped around a bit (well a lot really) and ended up stranded in the fast lane in the centre. After climbing out of the window, they then had to shut the whole motorway (one of the biggest Motorways in the UK) to rescue us. So, I have run across the M6. We still can't believe we escaped without a scratch - someone was definitely watching over us. <br />
<br />
5) I will probably be hated for this but I really can't stand the TV programme 24 - Mr Peach says I'm the only person in the world who doesn't like it.<br />
<br />
6) My first celebrity crush was Dean Cain (aka TV Superman)...geek!<br />
<br />
7) My dad and I have our own little book-club - we buy each other books that we want to read as gifts, then borrow them back after the other has read them.<br />
<br />
8) Mr Peach's nickname for me is 'Little Princess'.<br />
<br />
9) I hitch-hiked from Portsmouth (UK) to Morocco when I was 21.<br />
<br />
10) I love swimming, but I hate swimming over seaweed.<br />
<br />
11) I am genetically missing 2 teeth. My dad is too. We believe we are more evolved than those who have all the usual teeth.<br />
<br />
12) At university my flatmates recreated my bedroom in full in the kitchen - bed, wardrobe, light fittings, everything! I slept in there for a week before we could be bothered to move it all back.<br />
<br />
<b>And now to answer Mal's 11 questions - as you can see this really got me thinking!</b><br />
<br />
<u><b>What is your best holiday memory?</b></u><br />
That's a really tough one...I LOVE holidays!<br />
Either staying in Lot in France with my family when I was 14 - I'd been to Paris before but this was the first time I'd experienced rural France...chateaux, the pretty villages and the food...the cheese, the pastries, the fruit, oh my...I put on A STONE in 2 weeks!<br />
Or, It would have to be sitting by the sea in Croatia, eating incredible seafood pizza and drinking Karlavazco lager, with Mr Peach. That's where that black & white photo of me I use in my profile, was taken.<br />
Getting engaged in Paris on Valentines was obviously unforgettable too - i'll tell you all the story someday!<br />
<br />
<u><b>What's your favourite TV show and why?</b></u><br />
OK, there's a lot and I can't choose!<br />
I'm a sucker for any kind of reality documentary - fascinated by 'one born every minute', 'midwives', '24 hours in A&E' or any programme with people on holiday or living abroad. I really love 'Countryfile' (British Sunday night programme about nature, farming, & social culture in the UK)- so much so that Mr P buys me their charity calender every year! My guilty pleasure is 'Real housewives of NYC' but we only have repeats here at the minute and there's only so many times you can see Ramona argue with anyone & everyone!<br />
'Strictly come dancing' (the UK's 'Dancing with the stars') and Downton Abbey are my favourite Winter weekend programmes. Mr Peach and I have been catching up with Homeland series 2 recently & about to watch series 2 of 'The Killing' too - once we start we get addicted to them! Breaking Bad is just going on that list, though we haven't seen any of them.<br />
Basically I like anything that provides escapism or allows me to be nosy about other people's lives.<br />
<br />
<u><b>If your life was made into a film, who would you want to play you?</b></u><br />
Well, I would want to look like me, so that would rule out cool people who look nothing like me like Marion Cotillard or Audrey Tatou....sadly.<br />
So, it would have to be Kate Winslet. I know <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/mar/22/women-we-love-to-love-hate" target="_blank">some people love to hate her</a>, but I like her, and she did <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/8777815/Eve-Branson-the-day-Kate-Winslet-saved-my-life.html" target="_blank">save Richard Branson's mum</a> after all! I would choose 'Hideous Kinky' Kate Winslet though...or 'The Holiday' Kate.<br />
Mr Peach would say Clare Danes should play me - but she'd have to load some curves as she's too skinny at the moment for my liking.<br />
<br />
<u><b>What book you've read recently do you recommend?</b></u><br />
Best book I've read recently was 'The Thread' by Victoria Hislop and I would definitely recommend it, if you like the same types of books as me, especially if you're interested in Thesalloniki (I really want to go there now!).<br />
It's been a while though since I've been so blown away by a book I just had to tell everyone - 'The Bookthief' would have been that last time that happened. Closely followed by 'One Day'.<br />
'Gone Girl' is going to be my next purchase, on the recommendation of one of my only friends who likes the same types of books as me. Most of my friends read 'chick-lit' (Cecilia Ahern, Marian Keys etc), which I totally get, it's just that they're not really the books for me. I do love reading though, so I'm always interested in other people's recommendations - I have my eyes on quite a few blog bookclubs!<br />
<br />
<u><b>What is your favourite part of the day?</b></u><br />
Hmm, dawn or dusk.<br />
I love first thing in the morning, when you're up and hardly anyone else is.<br />
But then I am a real night owl too.<br />
I basically love the whole day, except the bit when I'm actually asleep in bed.<br />
If I was being super-soppy I'd admit I probably love most of all the half hour when Mr Peach and I catch up after work and tell each other about our days...bleurgh!<br />
<br />
<u><b>Where do you like to shop online?</b></u><br />
For gifts and homewear it would have to be Etsy or 'Not on the high street'. I love supporting small businesses and getting unusual things.<br />
For clothes I'm only an online shopper when necessity calls. I managed my mum's boutique for the past 3 years, so I try to support other local boutiques for things like unusual tops and knits or accessories (things that fit fairly easily or don't need to fit).<br />
However, as I'm quite tall (5ft10") standard sizing trousers and jackets are often too short and with dresses the waist tends to sit too high on me (everything ends up empire line). So, I couldn't live without Next and Topshop for their 'tall' ranges, which I do usually buy online - they're brilliant!<br />
We don't really have it in the UK but I always see things from 'J Crew' that I like on other people's blogs, so I might shop there if we had it and if I had enough money!<br />
<br />
<u><b>Who's your celebrity style icon?</b></u><br />
Carey Mulligan - you never, ever see her looking bad. She either has great stylists or a great sense of style!<br />
I like Cate Blanchett's style too - though her figure is nothing like mine. I like some of the things Holly Willoughby wears, but then sometimes I think she looks like she might have borrowed her daughter's dresses. If I had to pick the body of any celebrity to swap for my own it would be Shakira.<br />
<br />
<u><b>What are your top 3 pet peeves?</b></u><br />
(uh oh....apologies in advance for the rant)<br />
1) Latent racism. It happens all the time where I live as the population is quite elderly. But just because you're elderly doesn't mean you should live in ignorance and pay no attention to what it is appropriate to say about other people and what it is not. For example, I have more than once had a customer ask me for 'N**ger Brown' trousers...which honestly made me sick to my stomach I was so shocked! Nobody should be using that word in my opinion. I have also had people suggest that the family who run the local post office are a bit rude because they are 'Pakistani'. Firstly, they are not rude. They are utterly adorable, incredibly friendly, excellent at their job, just speak a little quietly sometimes. Secondly. they are British, of Asian origin - no idea which particular bit of Asia because I've never had reason to ask - it's irrelevant! The place they or their parents were born has ZERO to do with their ability to do their jobs. People would never come and tell me how rude they thought 'that English girl in the Post Office' is.<br />
Latent racism and small town attitude are the things I hate the most about moving back from the city.<br />
2) I'm a bit of a sucker for grammar - I have to stop myself pointing it out on things like Facebook all the time as I'd just sound like a really uptight crazy person. I particularly hate misuse of 'to lend' and 'to borrow'....('I borrowed him a book'....no you didn't, you lent it!)<br />
3) Crumbs on the kitchen worktop & damp towels (both usually created by Mr Peach).<br />
<br />
<u><b>Who is your favourite historical figure?</b></u><br />
I studied Marilyn Monroe for some time at university, and became a bit obsessed with her so that would be my immediate choice. I'd also like to meet Artemesia Gentelleschi (after reading the book 'Artemesia' a couple of years ago) ....in fact loads of famous artists. I don't know if I could pick an absolute favourite figure though.<br />
<br />
<u><b>If you could teach any subject what would it be?</b></u><br />
Art, with a MASSIVE dose of Art History alongside...without a doubt. I'd love to teach French one day too, if I could ever speak it well enough.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Are you a homebody or a go outer?</b></u><br />
Another tricky one! If you'd have asked me before I met Mr Peach I'd have said without a shadow of doubt that I'm a go outer. Going back to my life in the city, I was hardly ever at home.<br />
But since I met him I love nights in together or when our friends come round, just as much. Still, I get fidgety and even a bit sulky if we don't go out at least once a week. That doesn't mean a crazy night out - just going out for a pizza, or a walk, lunch at a pub, to see a film...whatever really - I like variety. Mr Peach is the real homebody in our house - he loves our time away, but no matter where we go he gets giddy when we're on our way home!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Well that was fun! Now I get to pass the award along!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
OK, so at this point I'm supposed to choose 11 other bloggers - but I've not being doing this long and 11 seems like a big number, plus I'm a bit scared in case people wonder who I am....so I'm just going to nominate 5 and keep my fingers crossed.<br />
<br />
So, my nominations for the Sunshine Award go to...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Katherine @ <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?blog=3156932&group=0&frame_type=b&link=aHR0cDovL2R1Y2hlc3NvZnBsdW1ld29vZC5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank">The Duchess Of Plumewood</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lucy @ <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?blog=7008053&group=0&frame_type=b&link=aHR0cDovL3RoZW5ld25vcnRoZXJuZXIuY29t&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank">The New Northener</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amanda @ <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?blog=4937833&group=0&frame_type=b&link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5yaHltZWFuZHJpYmJvbnMuY29tLw&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank">Rhyme & Ribbons</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sara @ <a href="http://www.sarainlepetitvillage.com/" target="_blank">Sara In Le Petit Village</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amber @ <a href="http://andyestojoy.com/" target="_blank">And Yes to Joy!</a></div>
<br />
<br />
If you'd like to play this is what to do..........<br />
<br />
#1 Write a post. First acknowledge the nominating blogger<br />
#2 Share 11 random facts about yourself (I copied Mal in playing the 11 facts, 1 fiction element of the game)<br />
#3 Answer the 11 questions set by your nominating blogger<br />
#4 Nominate 11 bloggers yourself (um, i only managed 5)<br />
#5 Post 11 questions for your nominees to answer then let them know they're up<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>And here's my 11 questions!</u> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(I've tried to keep them simple so you can answer as big or as small as you like.)</div>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>What flavour of ice cream is most like you & why?</li>
<li>Chocolate or Cheese - you have to give up one now for the rest of your life. Which will it be?</li>
<li>What is the craziest place you've been to in the world and why?</li>
<li>What is your 'claim to fame'? I.e. what famous person have you met, hung out with, or have you ever been famous for something yourself?</li>
<li>What blog post did you read by someone else and wish that you had written it?</li>
<li>What musical act dead/alive do you wish you could see?</li>
<li>What was your favourite nursery rhyme, song or poem when you were little?</li>
<li>Have you ever walked out on a film? Or wished you had have done? What film & why?</li>
<li>What day in your life has been more significant than any other?</li>
<li>If you could bring any imaginary film or TV character to life for a day, who would it be?</li>
<li>And finally.....Prince Harry or Prince Wills? (assuming Wills were still single)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope you've enjoyed learning a little more about me everyone!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And don't forget to guess which one of my facts is really fiction! ;)</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sarah x</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-28742033391870189762013-10-01T10:34:00.002+01:002013-10-01T10:34:36.339+01:00Tell me...what do you drink? - Dites-moi ... qu'est-ce que tu buvez?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgZf7V8qarsEbNBoCZWQB5Zq_fTBqFopidbR6kpNw1culgUxO4itWYI7KNPOwg2eNRzCUKmF9M558S21GL-8TKySPiPdAXByDs_zm1cxIkuMr-WW1SG6g4a067no_k47PeEWyN9pzc1I/s1600/mocktails+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgZf7V8qarsEbNBoCZWQB5Zq_fTBqFopidbR6kpNw1culgUxO4itWYI7KNPOwg2eNRzCUKmF9M558S21GL-8TKySPiPdAXByDs_zm1cxIkuMr-WW1SG6g4a067no_k47PeEWyN9pzc1I/s640/mocktails+cover.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>(original image thanks to <a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2011/05/27/sparkling-strawberry-lemonade/">www.annies-eats.com</a>)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>....when you can't drink alcohol?</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>....quand tu ne boire pas l'alcohol?</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mr Peach has challenged me to take part in the <a href="http://www.gosober.org.uk/about/" target="_blank">'Sober for October'</a> campaign. The challenge is to drink nothing alcoholic....zippo, nada, zilch...for the 31 days of October. Conveniently leaving both your liver & your pocket a little rested before the full on attack of the Christmas period!</div>
<br />
I make no secret of my love of alcoholic beverages - particularly the heavenly nectar that is wine, in its many varieties. Since we discovered <a href="http://hipparis.com/2010/04/15/le-baron-rouge-the-quintessential-paris-wine-bar/" target="_blank">this amazing Parisian wine bar. </a> I have regularly dreamt of the day when I can open one of my own!<br />
<br />
However, my problem is not in giving up the alcohol, but in the dilemma left in its wake....what will I drink instead?<br />
<br />
During the day I have it sorted. Befitting of all the English girl stereotypes you could send my way, I am an absolute tea addict. As I sit and type, next to me sits my friendly half-litre cuppa, which will be repeatedly re-filled throughout the day.<br />
<br />
But, when it comes to meal-times or a drink out with friends, then I come unstuck.<br />
My husband will simply swap to whichever glass of fizzy soft drink he feels like. I can't do that as I detest fizzy drinks (with the exception of Champagne, Cava & Prosecco of course). I find even the diet versions cloyingly, stick-to-your-teeth, sweet. Enough to ruin a meal in my opinion.<br />
I usually end up with a fizzy water, sometimes with a splash of lime...but this can get a little boring. <br />
I'm not the only one with this dilemma. I thought the answer to my question was here when I spotted <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2013/sep/16/best-non-alcoholic-drinks-with-food" target="_blank">this article</a> in the Guardian recently. But I was disappointed to find the solutions that they presented irritatingly snobbish and quite impractical. No restaurant I know offers Basil Water?...what?<br />
<br />
<b>At home</b> it's a perfect opportunity to be a little more experimental & try out.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/fruit-recipes/easy-peasy-ginger-beer" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRq_AV1PcZvytM5R2RsHivtABqc1cAZl1HDaubPpzHLFoP7QKBiS3QZlEIkT2LHxsNmyWcWdlI7-wzJywk9ZDxL5GxzSqR6sTsTVX5byzpUvRZibJa0Ghce4OYSXga1fdqJ8Ghzv4EcA/s320/ginger+beer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Home-made <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/fruit-recipes/easy-peasy-ginger-beer" target="_blank">Ginger Beer...a la Jamie Oliver</a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(though I'd have to swap up some of that sugar for honey or stevia...yikes!)</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/jul/26/cocktail-mocktail-recipes-russell-norman" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWibYrqH3if4Kw9YnmDLJ62PVkY6iNUzjShX3b8BmMpaSGxfgKRivpJlwz2yG2JkIY4cmszMyJV5LGpjxy2DNKiNBoHYypJkLGj9mIaQu3R_NqonU4XgMf45MVlC60tvMhfUvHq5Jzjw/s320/beetroot+&+lime.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/jul/26/cocktail-mocktail-recipes-russell-norman" target="_blank">these (thankfully not too sweet sounding) mocktails</a>...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Beetroot & Lime Water - sounds yum!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
or</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Elderflower Lemonade </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(& use up some of my home-made elderflower cordial!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Or, remind myself that my love of tea extends to the chilled variety...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEvUHEDgiPD4qbMe-s4zuJqU_ZVZvcfZ_ga116nn0qfeYfMQ0ZSqDQhlzZsXSX6Ti5e15jo8n9e_m1L1uOHu7KlAsPdCD4GfrkFLiNuZrT__mZyOFQettL97Ya13SRaLTavz4CE83v4E/s1600/iced+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEvUHEDgiPD4qbMe-s4zuJqU_ZVZvcfZ_ga116nn0qfeYfMQ0ZSqDQhlzZsXSX6Ti5e15jo8n9e_m1L1uOHu7KlAsPdCD4GfrkFLiNuZrT__mZyOFQettL97Ya13SRaLTavz4CE83v4E/s320/iced+tea.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And try <a href="http://www.channel4.com/4food/recipes/tv-show-recipes/sunday-brunch-recipes/tea-cocktails-recipe" target="_blank">one of these delicious sounding Tea-cocktails </a></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(which I'm reliably informed also work minus the alcohol!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">But, <b>out & about</b> it looks like I'll be getting used to my usual non-alcoholic fall backs of lime & soda, straight up tonic water, bitter lemon or, when available, a Canada Dry ginger soda, which isn't too sweet.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Our anniversary of having met is at the end of the month and I'm going to persuade Mr Peach to take me to <a href="http://thebrinkliverpool.com/" target="_blank">this amazing sounding dry-bar in Liverpool</a> for a Mockjito or two!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"> Just rewards for a month off the sauce, don't you agree?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">So, dear friends, <b>I want to know what you drink, when you can't drink alcohol?</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Is there a <b>non-too-sweet delicious, non-alcoholic drink</b> readily available where you live?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Perhaps you have <b>a fabulous dry-bar</b> or place that specialises in non-alcoholic beverages near to you?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hear that <b>Coconut wate</b>r is all the rage at catwalk shows - </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
do you have something similar you <b>like to refresh</b> with?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Or <b>a punch recipe for the whole family</b> that you'd like to share?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Français amies?</b> Avez-tu un mot comme 'mocktail' pour les boire sans alcohol?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let me know, I'd love to hear!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the meantime, for the next month you can find me </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
in the kitchen chopping up cucumber and lemon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have a great, super-hydrated day everyone!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm off to put the kettle on....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sarah x</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-18998798928783195562013-09-30T14:36:00.000+01:002013-10-15T13:24:52.887+01:00Weekly Wishes - Week #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFxLASCcKE5gpWcLDZrASR7_nEkEg_wOjWIfNMnLOqCF-YKdk02xHL3NL7ghpBWucQt7ELm62RHnbrEaCcxioMwAg20GspZEWrhB5qOk7lth98r-pnf4pJOMPLQ1AA2vuHScZC621Q5k/s1600/jasmine+weekly+wishes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFxLASCcKE5gpWcLDZrASR7_nEkEg_wOjWIfNMnLOqCF-YKdk02xHL3NL7ghpBWucQt7ELm62RHnbrEaCcxioMwAg20GspZEWrhB5qOk7lth98r-pnf4pJOMPLQ1AA2vuHScZC621Q5k/s640/jasmine+weekly+wishes+2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFxLASCcKE5gpWcLDZrASR7_nEkEg_wOjWIfNMnLOqCF-YKdk02xHL3NL7ghpBWucQt7ELm62RHnbrEaCcxioMwAg20GspZEWrhB5qOk7lth98r-pnf4pJOMPLQ1AA2vuHScZC621Q5k/s1600/jasmine+weekly+wishes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFxLASCcKE5gpWcLDZrASR7_nEkEg_wOjWIfNMnLOqCF-YKdk02xHL3NL7ghpBWucQt7ELm62RHnbrEaCcxioMwAg20GspZEWrhB5qOk7lth98r-pnf4pJOMPLQ1AA2vuHScZC621Q5k/s1600/jasmine+weekly+wishes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Happy Monday everyone!<br />
<br />
I'm joining in with <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=1671401109&group=0&frame_type=b&blog=4905821&link=aHR0cDovL3RoZW5lY3RhcmNvbGxlY3RpdmUuY29tLzIwMTMvMDkvd2Vla2x5LXdpc2hlcy0xOS8&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank">Melyssa at The Nectar Collective</a> again to share our <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=1671401109&group=0&frame_type=b&blog=4905821&link=aHR0cDovL3RoZW5lY3RhcmNvbGxlY3RpdmUuY29tLzIwMTMvMDkvd2Vla2x5LXdpc2hlcy0xOS8&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank">Weekly Wishes.</a><br />
The theme this week is '<b>Happy</b>'.<br />
This is Jasmine, my parent's beautiful and incredibly loving Labrador Retriever. This was taken last year, when she was a little, cheeky, puppy. She's grown a lot since then!<br />
Jasmine embodies <b>happy</b>. She just doesn't do sad. And she's <b>never happier</b> than when she's rolling around in the green grass with her favourite chew toy.<br />
Watching her play makes everyone <b>happy!</b><br />
<br />
So. Weekly Wishes...<br />
What did I <a href="http://avoir-la-peche.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/weekly-wishes-week-1.html" target="_blank">wish last week?</a> Let's recap:<br />
<br />
1) I wanted to start up my Etsy shop. <b>I've decided to put this on hold until I have more work to fill it with. No point in being premature and starting with things I'm not happy with.</b><br />
<b>But I did <a href="https://twitter.com/AvoirPeche" target="_blank">Join Twitter....come follow me!</a></b><br />
2) Re-start my food diary. <b>Kinda achieved....I may have missed a few things off so I need to be more strict with this.</b><br />
3) At least 30 mins a day excercise. <b>Kinda achieved. Will be better this week now <a href="http://avoir-la-peche.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/days-out-bikes-are-back-we-took-them-to.html" target="_blank">we have the bikes back up and running.</a></b><br />
4) Sort my 'floordrobe'. <b>Yep, done - phew I am no longer a sloth. However, see this week's wishes for further bedroom related tasks.</b><br />
5) Pick & freeze some fruit. <b>Yep, done. See,<a href="http://avoir-la-peche.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/almost-wordless-wednesday-collecte-de.html" target="_blank"> I told you about it here</a>.</b><br />
<br />
This week's wishes:<br />
<br />
1) I haven't said much about it as I don't want to bore, but I am currently job hunting. So, wish one is to have at least 5 more applications under my belt & ideally, by this time next week, have something lined up.<br />
<br />
2) Continue the 30 minutes per day excercise. STOP SNACKING - only eat at mealtimes & practice portion control.<br />
<br />
3) Clean our bedroom - sort out my accessories & products on my dressing table. Finally hang the art work I made for our wedding, that I've been planning to put up in our room.<br />
<br />
So, that's it. Think I'll keep it simple and stick to those three this week!<br />
<br />
Are you joining in too?<br />
Find out more by hitting the button....<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=1671401109&group=0&frame_type=b&blog=4905821&link=aHR0cDovL3RoZW5lY3RhcmNvbGxlY3RpdmUuY29tLzIwMTMvMDkvd2Vla2x5LXdpc2hlcy0xOS8&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank"><img alt="The Nectar Collective" src="http://thenectarcollective.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/weekly-wishes-button-yellow.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
What did you achieve last week & what do you plan for this week?<br />
<br />
Look forward to finding out all about it!<br />
<br />
Sarah x<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-38494654014384595892013-09-30T12:50:00.003+01:002013-09-30T12:50:49.181+01:00Days Out - The bikes are back!....& we took them to Wrea Green<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3QHnsRCRxgbqWlYt2n6Spol9q6yqn3wqou0_pBVV8o3uFDH4g3oSHoZM4xRHXg4EgHzbKKsdDsNcvwQ9AvORiPqXWV7ivfYU53UEyM4TKopLoSuVpctIk0cXIfmVOgcxCaiIo9AbGs0/s1600/wrea+green+cycle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3QHnsRCRxgbqWlYt2n6Spol9q6yqn3wqou0_pBVV8o3uFDH4g3oSHoZM4xRHXg4EgHzbKKsdDsNcvwQ9AvORiPqXWV7ivfYU53UEyM4TKopLoSuVpctIk0cXIfmVOgcxCaiIo9AbGs0/s640/wrea+green+cycle.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks to my lovely dad I spent some of last week bringing back to life our bikes, that have laid unloved, flat and gathering dust in my parent's garage. Couple of new inner tubes, a bucket of soapy water, squirt of oil and plenty of elbow grease later and we were ready to roll! (or cycle to be exact).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sunday was the most perfect day for our inaugural cycle ride. So we decided to stay local to begin and we set off in the perfect Autumn sunshine to the little village of Wrea Green.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZ6kwvBxQJbOM74E2HtVKHBOzKA20vx0loAGtK-rVr4WE2WqlFEqfLVIdM6Z76LEVMYnoYfujQbvBUgeePj9p9Q1zrf855_YpvwlHM_4Ul4v5-MQtqiQ32JoHjMce-s8YWhy6KtCN4Ho/s1600/wrea+green+1+adam+bench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZ6kwvBxQJbOM74E2HtVKHBOzKA20vx0loAGtK-rVr4WE2WqlFEqfLVIdM6Z76LEVMYnoYfujQbvBUgeePj9p9Q1zrf855_YpvwlHM_4Ul4v5-MQtqiQ32JoHjMce-s8YWhy6KtCN4Ho/s640/wrea+green+1+adam+bench.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It took us only 30 minutes of easy, breezy pedalling (our area is perfect for cycling as it's generally really flat) to reach <b>Wrea Green</b> - a picture perfect little village just inland in rural coastal Lancashire. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Because it's so very picturesque Wrea Green is a very sought after place to live. Highly paid footballers regularly fight over the pretty houses with views over the village 'green' & there's always a rumour of which movie star is planning to move in next...of course they usually stay as just that...rumours! There's a cute little church, tiny parade of shops, a primary school, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
even a <b>duck pond</b>! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the day we visited a (somewhat elderly) local football team was playing a match. It's a surefire sign of Autumn when footballers replace the regular summer sight of <b>Cricketers</b> on 'the green'. Mr Peach is happy to watch either so was in his element.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There's a lovely little pub called '<b>The Grapes</b>' facing the green too - a perfect little bolt-hole for a sunny sunday afternoon. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
However, since we're trying to watch the pennies, we came prepared with our chiller-backpack full of picnic goodies....including a mini-bottle of <b>chardonnay</b> as reward for my efforts....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSuW7IVlrBW6ccNOHXyxmJXv9ORWdgnmlqdRV9vFKc2wXmskSOHM8-EwhVLKhfiGPgokgjqxX_XcK-EEgba6l7Irl-mAoppE24RYi9rnp0Q2eCIXoSWPS-3Y83D9xWQnR4m-Wk41OnIo/s1600/wrea+green+4+cheeky+picnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSuW7IVlrBW6ccNOHXyxmJXv9ORWdgnmlqdRV9vFKc2wXmskSOHM8-EwhVLKhfiGPgokgjqxX_XcK-EEgba6l7Irl-mAoppE24RYi9rnp0Q2eCIXoSWPS-3Y83D9xWQnR4m-Wk41OnIo/s400/wrea+green+4+cheeky+picnic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Time for a quick selfie before hopping back into the saddle...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGAMWS3nSzrnxCO0OKzfd_6iXWnNKwBVnKWVklKmD6QA5SHNguwjAEPgGFdJz55n3wZRazhTsiGiDw2q5Pq8DhNVqraPqt-ev8OqVxcYrlUeFXknKMbQjAcIVUKz3YRHTf_8W7qROla4/s1600/wrea+green+3+selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGAMWS3nSzrnxCO0OKzfd_6iXWnNKwBVnKWVklKmD6QA5SHNguwjAEPgGFdJz55n3wZRazhTsiGiDw2q5Pq8DhNVqraPqt-ev8OqVxcYrlUeFXknKMbQjAcIVUKz3YRHTf_8W7qROla4/s400/wrea+green+3+selfie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not the best selfie ever, but can you see the <b>Duck Pond</b> there behind us?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then we jumped back on board and pedalled off a little further.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Final stop was a pub called '<b>The Birley Arms</b>' - that I used to visit regularly when I was younger...usually on horse-back!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Around here, no Sunday Bike ride is complete without a good old <b>British Pint</b> of local ale...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjCG3JFwqJqQwBzVp4-56k4zTxenyaeWMU2hGxtqNalbIUdzZ73TBXteNxrgo2I3KAJqnwhgfB43wUaS8jMRzz4Mn27z4mR46jZpScUueyJQQRWN4sAfOPrfynWiYM-4K2Sm_6fJY54w/s1600/wrea+green+5+me+birley+crazy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjCG3JFwqJqQwBzVp4-56k4zTxenyaeWMU2hGxtqNalbIUdzZ73TBXteNxrgo2I3KAJqnwhgfB43wUaS8jMRzz4Mn27z4mR46jZpScUueyJQQRWN4sAfOPrfynWiYM-4K2Sm_6fJY54w/s640/wrea+green+5+me+birley+crazy.jpg" width="558" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...hmm, looking particularly crazy there Sarah!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What a perfect end to a perfectly wonderful Sunday! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Welcome back bicycles!</b>...why did we ever forget you?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sarah x</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-4655037246057380352013-09-26T14:33:00.000+01:002013-09-26T14:43:01.665+01:00From my sketchbook - Des cercles de dessin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxUCfwo93gWS7wsse86z_cWOdp7yVryIWQgl6BbaV0TlT7N0li7y6NRqZDRP_sf_kl88039hc8jlqCA9y4-f-o1Rxclo4TlfLYnPsBe5vaSTrapIWDUOxIwwrI3Q6eIWTfVv1sOmib5s/s1600/circles+from+my+sketchbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxUCfwo93gWS7wsse86z_cWOdp7yVryIWQgl6BbaV0TlT7N0li7y6NRqZDRP_sf_kl88039hc8jlqCA9y4-f-o1Rxclo4TlfLYnPsBe5vaSTrapIWDUOxIwwrI3Q6eIWTfVv1sOmib5s/s640/circles+from+my+sketchbook.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><i>(Circles of pattern)</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
Pages from my sketchbook. Still playing with pattern and overlaying with colour.<br />
<br />
Some thoughts for this Thursday....<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Today is the two month anniversary of Mr Peach and my wedding. The sun is out just like it was on our wedding day (though it was a lot warmer). I hope he comes out to celebrate with us on 26th of every month!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>The Sunshine theme continues as Avoir-La-Peche has been given its first award, 'The Sunshine Award' by gorgeous Mal at Lazy Boleyn. Hop over and find out more about <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=1650725459&group=9998813&frame_type=b&blog=9998813&link=aHR0cDovL2xhenlib2xleW5ibG9nLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8yMDEzLzA5L3N1bnNoaW" target="_blank">Mal and her lovely blog here</a>. Then hop back to see me answering those questions and making a few nominations of my own in the next couple of days. Very exciting!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>You can now find me on Twitter too! <span style="text-align: center;">Avoir-La-Peche is to be found at </span><a href="https://twitter.com/AvoirPeche" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">@AvoirPeche</a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>When we went fruit picking the other day we decided to leave the Sloes another week or so to ripen, before we pick them to make 'Sloe Gin'. But maybe we needn't go to the trouble. We could just nip to the supermarket to visit the sweetie aisle and join my friend in making...</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b><u>Pear Drop Vodka.</u></b></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b><u><br /></u></b></b></div>
<b>
</b><u>Recipe:</u> Litre of Vodka, Hand-full Pear-drop boiled sweets.<u>Method:</u> Take some Vodka from the bottle to make room for the sweets (may I suggest a round of vodka-tonics?). Bash the sweets up a bit and put them into the vodka bottle. Shake bottle once a week until sweets are dissolved (around christmas if you start now).<br />
<br />
Apparently you can also use Skittles, Jelly Babies, Werthers Originals, After Eights....basically any sweets. You can also (repulsively) <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2332980/How-make-perfect-vodka-cocktail--dishwasher.html" target="_blank">speed the process up in your dishwasher!</a> Yuk, no thanks!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Madness!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Hope you're all having lovely Thursdays! </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sarah x</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-83580043415953432642013-09-25T10:00:00.000+01:002013-09-25T10:00:02.045+01:00(Almost) Wordless Wednesday ...collecte de fruits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdNDhl-nndHP-3__gaB3GECM_R2nmWqyq6y0ZNQTMyp0-ESIzkzah0Llyayl0HAzQzVSJBKxYu53OauGdxAcOnqfOpCV3ipulvBWndtOU16qBkVk0_AC_E_rPw82kKiLmhBtaDbQSGRM/s1600/collecte+de+fruits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdNDhl-nndHP-3__gaB3GECM_R2nmWqyq6y0ZNQTMyp0-ESIzkzah0Llyayl0HAzQzVSJBKxYu53OauGdxAcOnqfOpCV3ipulvBWndtOU16qBkVk0_AC_E_rPw82kKiLmhBtaDbQSGRM/s640/collecte+de+fruits.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOubUo44ZdtR820j7k7nrxlYSjQ9Udm9ZYkZR97edfQSvyPQflSfEv0OlfltgKH_0d_m0ThOBfKEdvY05u-YQjy8oG-KXsPOK_HMxtugmzyGIQCIAqfXCq3anV36eQ-NEAjDWrawe1E-g/s1600/blackberries+round+edges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOubUo44ZdtR820j7k7nrxlYSjQ9Udm9ZYkZR97edfQSvyPQflSfEv0OlfltgKH_0d_m0ThOBfKEdvY05u-YQjy8oG-KXsPOK_HMxtugmzyGIQCIAqfXCq3anV36eQ-NEAjDWrawe1E-g/s400/blackberries+round+edges.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMUTMo-gGab0ZrBK9IEsM40vy-L-Pi737Ej6bOhAz_C9hv86GGlwM934xE7mOBE_e2iQ3zH1g1Yvernbf5mbWM8YSe_DfLK9MLBi3b1n61AQZJFSvr71oQzqZEl3aVtZuUd1zJAlO4Do/s1600/rowan+berry+bush+roundcorners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMUTMo-gGab0ZrBK9IEsM40vy-L-Pi737Ej6bOhAz_C9hv86GGlwM934xE7mOBE_e2iQ3zH1g1Yvernbf5mbWM8YSe_DfLK9MLBi3b1n61AQZJFSvr71oQzqZEl3aVtZuUd1zJAlO4Do/s640/rowan+berry+bush+roundcorners.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuEiUz0IJftgtMPR8RdOKmYpvG50EZ6oY8Io2ZvIg-Cc_nwSg84I26tcDFnkHbgsQZt_vg5aYp-nFOTgqRH9epqZXCQQvmpf0TZYJ9bu-BoPCO4QlMa6F0xXNlu2-_JZoS1bZdhXAfjc/s1600/pixlr+fruit+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuEiUz0IJftgtMPR8RdOKmYpvG50EZ6oY8Io2ZvIg-Cc_nwSg84I26tcDFnkHbgsQZt_vg5aYp-nFOTgqRH9epqZXCQQvmpf0TZYJ9bu-BoPCO4QlMa6F0xXNlu2-_JZoS1bZdhXAfjc/s640/pixlr+fruit+table.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM09HaEdX5maeSBDkG6ZeuixFiqA_wSUR2ohlJaHERpaD2bE7MPdn_pr4G3UIivNnxcgnsdIaQEE6drY6cLojNr98yIRgGm3gKNiGmmSkrbMJGpV7br8MbJow__bVW0kpIGeMzaDzY_0A/s1600/rowan+ladybird+roundedges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM09HaEdX5maeSBDkG6ZeuixFiqA_wSUR2ohlJaHERpaD2bE7MPdn_pr4G3UIivNnxcgnsdIaQEE6drY6cLojNr98yIRgGm3gKNiGmmSkrbMJGpV7br8MbJow__bVW0kpIGeMzaDzY_0A/s640/rowan+ladybird+roundedges.jpg" width="634" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajnQfd5OOY756NOKFQmxuN330qrBO1sGKU1rW62fAEpPZp0zXFq9fAnQWZ3OyY87pyBmz68WVVYeUDPsfMX-BEXTg14d9v2ZZoItAPB4mbKZldelpNrFI4saA9I7fJerEths2CJxdJfc/s1600/rowanberries+and+apples+scratchy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajnQfd5OOY756NOKFQmxuN330qrBO1sGKU1rW62fAEpPZp0zXFq9fAnQWZ3OyY87pyBmz68WVVYeUDPsfMX-BEXTg14d9v2ZZoItAPB4mbKZldelpNrFI4saA9I7fJerEths2CJxdJfc/s640/rowanberries+and+apples+scratchy.jpg" width="566" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-63135946807853159402013-09-23T13:45:00.001+01:002013-09-23T14:08:09.427+01:00Weekly Wishes - Week #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqodrDZ4OXsG6W2K69wOu5OdcrkR85ctAenWEK2EvRDCTyHz4g2afuIoZSFfTjiBqXdYoQ8wAI0O6hdv9njn6lacgwAEiARNatZZrg4O1CsX4bDrhWZFyu4CLq1qKmNKbEaiaPCxYAlI/s1600/weekly+wishes+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqodrDZ4OXsG6W2K69wOu5OdcrkR85ctAenWEK2EvRDCTyHz4g2afuIoZSFfTjiBqXdYoQ8wAI0O6hdv9njn6lacgwAEiARNatZZrg4O1CsX4bDrhWZFyu4CLq1qKmNKbEaiaPCxYAlI/s640/weekly+wishes+1.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>(Joining in with Melyssa's '<b>Innocence</b>' theme...that's me back in the days when all I had to worry about were my Spaceman sunglasses and my Minnie Mouse dress...oh the days of innocence!)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Monday everyone...hope your week has got off to a good start!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Because I'm a big brave blogger I'm joining in again...this time with Melyssa at <a href="http://thenectarcollective.com/" target="_blank">the Nectar Collective</a> and her fabulous Weekly Wishes share. I think it's such a great idea to share our wishes for the week ahead and celebrate our achievements together. (<i>Hello to everyone else joining in!</i>) I'll have to be careful though, as I have a tendency to write ENORMOUS lists for myself, then feel disappointed when I don't manage to cross everything off.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, I'm limiting myself to a maximum of 5 each week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here goes with week 1....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1) Kick off my a.l.p. Etsy shop and list at least 1 item.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2) Re-start my food diary (hence less snacking)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3) Take at least 30 minutes each day to excercise - even if only a walk around the park.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4) Sort my 'floordrobe' which is now getting ridiculous & driving Mr Peach crazy </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>(yes I am actually admitting to being that untidy!)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5)Pick and freeze some fruit </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(blackberries, elderberries, apples & sloes from around my parent's home) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1 week should be enough shouldn't it?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We'll see!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Want to join in <b>Weekly Wishes</b> too?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's easy...just click on the button below and learn all about it:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thenectarcollective.com/2013/09/weekly-wishes-18/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Nectar Collective" src="http://thenectarcollective.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/weekly-wishes-button-yellow.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sarah x</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-27710211169557361002013-09-23T11:42:00.002+01:002013-09-23T11:42:20.603+01:00Days Out - Lancashire - Brockholes Nature Reserve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.brockholes.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0Tex-d74w3_Ol93VcC2ZgTO8ehzMHw12iSK72Rl-DeIYHNbHhqV1vJ1Q-zyRyPPOfh_twnC3T7N3-Jw2piVucGvt1tHr_MXSr0pdxIVTnziyMOjo2XTjDhjk6zJN0T8HBJZB87qLlbY/s640/cover+brockholes.jpg" width="580" /></a></div>
<br />
Autumn is setting in and I'm determined to make the most of it. The cricket season is over which means I get cricket mad Mr Peach back, all be it around winter football fixtures. This fall I'm on a mission to get out more to explore the North-West of England. I want to find new places and expand our usual fall-back circuit of Sunday trips. The only limit is our budget.....prepare yourselves for day-tripping on a shoestring!<br />
<br />
Yesterday we visited the super new nature reserve of '<b><a href="http://www.brockholes.org/" target="_blank">Brockholes</a></b>', just south of Preston (and therefore only a 40 minute zip up the M55 for us). Locality and ease of access....Win #1 (Mr Peach is like an impatient child when it comes to day tripping - it helps when I drive as he can keep himself occupied DJ'ing and surfing on his phone, but I still get 'how long?'...'how long now?'... like a stuck record until we arrive).<br />
<br />
Brockholes is a nature reserve on the site of a former quarry, lying between the river Ribble and the M6 motorway just south of Preston. In just 5 years, from 2006 to 20011, the Lancashire Wildlife Trust developed the site from industrial wasteland to a tranquil parkland, with secluded wooded glades and fantastic views over beautiful, quintessentially Lancastrian countryside.<br />
<br />
Apologies as these aren't the best photos ever, but here's some of us exploring one of the woodland trails, up through Redscar woods.<br />
We started walking down to the River Ribble...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdtJoVkmQFLb260OddyyoyxNIVo7fhICDwvkJBXr2ZtQ1tTngYaKDt6dTbmXchUBZEG7NF-aQk8NQP0EdzrbXrJZgY_PnlViHsuh8iTu-C44e8WKsneMKvCfx5yJsMs0WVrtbgRsPV_s/s1600/me+brockholes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdtJoVkmQFLb260OddyyoyxNIVo7fhICDwvkJBXr2ZtQ1tTngYaKDt6dTbmXchUBZEG7NF-aQk8NQP0EdzrbXrJZgY_PnlViHsuh8iTu-C44e8WKsneMKvCfx5yJsMs0WVrtbgRsPV_s/s400/me+brockholes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It turned out to be a beautiful sunny early Autumn day. That's the River Ribble behind me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Everywhere we walked we were followed by the most beautiful (but camera-shy) red Dragon Flies!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(On a style note - I was roasting and ended up carrying that coat most of the way. I need to review my choice of clothes and hair styles for days out....my flyaway hair really does not like the outdoors!)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkS2ZFhshr9jUhBTuaVhbUs9zQpCulRkWyVQKgyaKBgfi8C_b8nR2n_z4Kaowh6xKUfcGZgrcjh7RwJC49B3xcSUo1EnmQI8yBviCAE10Y7pUw9R3N4c0IKTNGCEUFOq6HIlo0xErvOSk/s1600/brockholes+field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkS2ZFhshr9jUhBTuaVhbUs9zQpCulRkWyVQKgyaKBgfi8C_b8nR2n_z4Kaowh6xKUfcGZgrcjh7RwJC49B3xcSUo1EnmQI8yBviCAE10Y7pUw9R3N4c0IKTNGCEUFOq6HIlo0xErvOSk/s400/brockholes+field.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The reserve has such stunning views across the Lancashire countryside </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(OK I'm bias, but it really is beautiful!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then we headed off into the woodland. There are several routes, some for bikes and people, some only for people. We chose the on-foot routes, but will definitely be returning on two wheels when we get our bikes back up and running as the cycle routes looked so much fun! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The paths were really clear and easy to follow. If you have little ones (or an easily bored husband) there's great signage showing what nature you can spot in the woods. We played along...of course!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvr0thyphenhyphenRnRfw3jH7c8HBK36z8zRNa51SdeLF75_EX27ze-bjCDZRG-dvhvLosuiSU8YutjZyoL4nQGKiz43USrgjN5jK1zeoFYYi1BwBlCCOM5PlL2WkkgTg8sIaCRCx1tZaVyIzrPHss/s1600/brockholes+mr+p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvr0thyphenhyphenRnRfw3jH7c8HBK36z8zRNa51SdeLF75_EX27ze-bjCDZRG-dvhvLosuiSU8YutjZyoL4nQGKiz43USrgjN5jK1zeoFYYi1BwBlCCOM5PlL2WkkgTg8sIaCRCx1tZaVyIzrPHss/s400/brockholes+mr+p.jpg" width="368" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's Mr Peaches looking angry...he wasn't actually, but was trying to out-cool the woodland. He loves this photo as he says he looks like terminator...i'm less sure.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Even in this little woodland glade we spotted footprints, acorns, odd sounding birds and a teeny tiny cute little frog disguised as a mossy stone. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's been a bumper year for fruit and there were signs of this everywhere. Blackberries in every nook and cranny. Look at the big, juicy (but very inedible) berries on this tree:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0F1Vo_YcMa8yZCB63iObhsb7D7et1uFsQQ1iSARkRxfT0sB4iKqf94rYgtENLnNs2e5AGv0xTe4qekZNnRL1V6jHQIN1DZmtvVNB4LRTA1hRm7D__a9V1nLX_89740guScK0kOLrdguY/s1600/brockholes+berries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0F1Vo_YcMa8yZCB63iObhsb7D7et1uFsQQ1iSARkRxfT0sB4iKqf94rYgtENLnNs2e5AGv0xTe4qekZNnRL1V6jHQIN1DZmtvVNB4LRTA1hRm7D__a9V1nLX_89740guScK0kOLrdguY/s640/brockholes+berries.jpg" width="566" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We climbed the steep steps up to the top of the woods.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbibF-WQmfiGTE99GsdBJ7cS8zdHLMytldfeaP0aBx1fteSC8HDH6EC2TmHIbkw4qDjyXhxQDOwgQbnXzH2lWSmS1Wv4YCqFa2kbCSPUxj07uwFJHLiF2x3Ea1Q8OURQFoRQg0y7I1Dc/s1600/brockholes+pathway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbibF-WQmfiGTE99GsdBJ7cS8zdHLMytldfeaP0aBx1fteSC8HDH6EC2TmHIbkw4qDjyXhxQDOwgQbnXzH2lWSmS1Wv4YCqFa2kbCSPUxj07uwFJHLiF2x3Ea1Q8OURQFoRQg0y7I1Dc/s640/brockholes+pathway.jpg" width="596" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is taken about half-way up, there's the same number of steps behind us here!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you're not so steady on your feet (or feeling unfit like me!) don't worry, as there's little benches or clean swept fallen tree trunks to rest on placed at convenient intervals along the way. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When we reached the top the pathway opened right out onto open pastures where it connects to the Preston cycle network, the 'Millenium Wheel' circuit...which we also can't wait to explore when we're back on two wheels. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVJMrmIGQuObUv7ZNsb37A72QndgRxLwYKuJjhCAuouIpVSzUTD4xHiUAkmxu16UZ_8KSGuMjOqdrby5K0o5A-tt6JanbbHM_yRXFCylT5XR3yInf5fIIKXv_zK7a51qJajSMG8fTr2E/s1600/brockholes+signpost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVJMrmIGQuObUv7ZNsb37A72QndgRxLwYKuJjhCAuouIpVSzUTD4xHiUAkmxu16UZ_8KSGuMjOqdrby5K0o5A-tt6JanbbHM_yRXFCylT5XR3yInf5fIIKXv_zK7a51qJajSMG8fTr2E/s640/brockholes+signpost.jpg" width="628" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We don't know why the stretch we were on was called 'Pope Lane'....something to investigate...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The path was super easy to follow with directions everywhere - we followed them back through the woods on another path, past the brilliant outdoor play-centre and back to the start of the trail.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After our little wander around the reserve we headed down to the fabulous visitor centre. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The whole visitor centre actually floats...it's brilliant!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(of course I forgot to photograph this - here's a couple of photos from the <a href="http://www.brockholes.org/" target="_blank">Brockholes website)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.brockholes.org/" target="_blank"><img height="261" src="http://images.brockholes.org/sites/default/files/styles/1x1/public/images/V10%20Night.jpg?itok=5E6JNr-2" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.brockholes.org/" target="_blank"><img alt="Visit" height="237" src="http://images.brockholes.org/sites/all/themes/brockholes/images/home_image_visit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ok, I have to admit now I actually had an ulterior motive for choosing to visit Brockholes yesterday. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had heard that <a href="http://www.craftyvintage.com/" target="_blank">Crafty Vintage</a> were paying the centre a special visit that day...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.craftyvintage.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Print" height="640" src="http://www.craftyvintage.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/A6-CV-BROCKHOLES-WEB1.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We paid our bargain £1 entry fee & spent a great half hour exploring the fab little stalls.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Were we not there on a shoestring I could have spent a fortune.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I must remember in future to budget in the price of a cake and a hot chocolate for Mr Peach to keep him entertained whilst I shop...and some spending money for me ;)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After the fair we visited the great interactive information centre and sat by the lake admiring the view and stretching our ornithological muscles (but not, of course, feeding any scary birds!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgk-YMlKSB896Vpzj4Ymx_4bluHiyL7SCSDYgVgih62UjeZdEEdPnZLveTDwVhVIXj8vlh3654ylm0Ucepf9MlQG7iOaLNa9a2pkyljWoF1Pt-tayxSZpxmwm54buyrZUTzn9eyfA9xQ/s1600/brockholes+dont+feed+the+birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgk-YMlKSB896Vpzj4Ymx_4bluHiyL7SCSDYgVgih62UjeZdEEdPnZLveTDwVhVIXj8vlh3654ylm0Ucepf9MlQG7iOaLNa9a2pkyljWoF1Pt-tayxSZpxmwm54buyrZUTzn9eyfA9xQ/s400/brockholes+dont+feed+the+birds.jpg" width="391" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As the sun set the sky turned dramatic and a little ominous...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AMbYVjNvF2q3e0W3_f6H6X5vd0DwsBfM54LBS2uR3bMctayO9zpqQhgbnD-WCV1l6lxlrucJDQifu5cy8DP9_3wg-SIObvZFHNiJi72OGy4Z73zZpLHn2wxtz6AZaQoR7ws7YfoK0KE/s1600/brockholes+lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AMbYVjNvF2q3e0W3_f6H6X5vd0DwsBfM54LBS2uR3bMctayO9zpqQhgbnD-WCV1l6lxlrucJDQifu5cy8DP9_3wg-SIObvZFHNiJi72OGy4Z73zZpLHn2wxtz6AZaQoR7ws7YfoK0KE/s640/brockholes+lake.jpg" width="544" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So we headed back home, full of fresh air and fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks Brockholes - see you soon!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
..........................................................................................................................................................</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Tips for your Trip.....</h3>
<div>
<b><u>What to Expect</u></b></div>
<div>
<b>Parking</b> - £3.05 for nearly 3 hours. The reserve is free to visit but proceeds from parking go back to Lancashire Wildlife Trust. (There are sneaky ways of avoiding the parking charge, but you'll have to explore them yourself as it wouldn't be fair to publish them online). **TIP** Take LOTS of change for the car park...there was change swapping en mass between strangers at the pay point!</div>
<div>
<b>Public Transport</b> - Preston is easy to get to by Train. If you took your bikes you could cycle from the station to the reserve, through the centre of Preston to the outskirts, in around 20-30 minutes. </div>
<div>
<b>Good for children? - </b>Yes....10/10, provided your little ones enjoy nature and outdoors. The visitor centre and playground were particularly great and there are guided tours and the like too.</div>
<div>
<b>Food & Drink?</b> - Yes - a great looking little cafe, overlooking the lake. I didn't notice the prices but looked like the perfect stop for a cup of tea and a cake. More information on the website.</div>
<div>
<b>What to take - </b>A picnic....there are picnic stations dotted around in great places all around. Bikes - perfect cycling tracks, no matter what your age.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u>What will we do differently next time?...</u></b></div>
<div>
We'll be taking our bikes and our cool-pack full of a nice big picnic!</div>
<div>
We'll also be exploring more of the Preston Millenium Wheel cycle network and taking advantage of the sneaky parking tricks ;)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Links:</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.brockholes.org/" target="_blank">Brockholes Website</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/web/?siteid=5989&pageid=34335" target="_blank">Preston Millenium Wheel Cycle Network Website</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/routeslinkswalks/preston-guild-wheel-walking-and-cycle-route" target="_blank">GPS Network route of the Preston Cycle Network</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.craftyvintage.com/" target="_blank">Crafty Vintage Website</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-15616806491215982792013-09-22T13:10:00.002+01:002013-09-22T13:10:31.900+01:00My pretty dress...Ma jolie robe <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QFJM714hT3P4w7-7b1S5jDlrj75g1NMfmxv6oV9ObV1skKWwCAsKFfgLJr5sDnX_gkauZ_mmqWWcz5oC0RSHyOXcN8KzcXHujkqLeHrzi633q4XSEML61kJ7XlEQhJb4wSM3cNIDiiQ/s1600/dress+lace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QFJM714hT3P4w7-7b1S5jDlrj75g1NMfmxv6oV9ObV1skKWwCAsKFfgLJr5sDnX_gkauZ_mmqWWcz5oC0RSHyOXcN8KzcXHujkqLeHrzi633q4XSEML61kJ7XlEQhJb4wSM3cNIDiiQ/s640/dress+lace.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A little study on the way to explore more pattern in my work.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What do you think? Do you like my pretty dress?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sarah x</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4586692145416389646.post-41759322228608777542013-09-20T11:23:00.000+01:002013-09-20T11:23:48.107+01:00Five for Friday - Cinq pour Vendredi <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NQGRFpOg1MUrfnqwqOhXH3Ffmo21ig3_5tLHCXicGVIgdr0SfFK4cc2lGh4e-TpPIR59HCo9w0l2AcaHfLI4kGarobpOrNdrwIknL8VvBlGtBk-bBB4Q-2mQnovAowAQ7zUMwiDxLS8/s1600/100_6268+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NQGRFpOg1MUrfnqwqOhXH3Ffmo21ig3_5tLHCXicGVIgdr0SfFK4cc2lGh4e-TpPIR59HCo9w0l2AcaHfLI4kGarobpOrNdrwIknL8VvBlGtBk-bBB4Q-2mQnovAowAQ7zUMwiDxLS8/s320/100_6268+edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Thank fajita it's Friday!...it's been a bit of a tedious one in the peaches house. Mr Peach has had a tough week at school and i've mainly been stuck in a kind of limbo waiting on what feels like a thousand job applications. On the plus side i've been able to catch up with art & design work and I got to meet loads of amazing inspirational new 'friends around the world' when I took part in <a href="http://avoir-la-peche.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/friends-around-worldmy-first-link-up.html" target="_blank">this link-up</a> on Tuesday.<br />
<br />
Onwards to the very welcome weekend! Here's my five links for Friday to get it started...<br />
<br />
- <b>Hemingway loved a burger...who knew?! </b>And he insisted on <a href="http://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2013/09/16/hemingways-hamburger/" target="_blank">making his own</a>...a man after my own heart (home-made are the only burgers i'll eat). Salad, coleslaw, wedges & my very own <a href="http://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2013/09/16/hemingways-hamburger/" target="_blank">Hemingway burger</a>....perfect Saturday night dinner i think!<br />
<br />
- <b>Hands up who's been having <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24107609" target="_blank">this</a> debate recently?</b> (Northern hemisphere issues....) I'm a woos who hates the cold with a passion, but for now we've settled on an hour a day (to get things dry)...and a hot water bottle and a blanket!<br />
<br />
- <b>Make <a href="http://thisenchantedpixie.org/2013/09/17/diy-bath-melts/" target="_blank">these lush bath melts</a> with ThisEnchantedPixie!</b> Of course you will need to run a nice hot bath and sample one.....then wrap up the rest as perfect pressies for the emergency pressie drawer!<br />
<br />
- <b>Go on a <a href="http://lazyboleynblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/style-file-girls-night-out.html" target="_blank">girl's night out</a> with Mal at LazyBoleyn</b>, and four of her favourite historical ladies! Who would you go out with and what would you wear? (As you can see in the comments I LOVED this idea, and got a little carried away imagining who I would party with!)<br />
<br />
-<b> This newsreader made <a href="http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-09-18/the-bbc-newsreader-who-mistook-his-ipad-for-a-packet-of-photocopier-paper" target="_blank">a hilarious mistake</a></b>....I hope this makes you giggle as much as it did me! Poor guy, he does work some odd hours...bless him!<br />
<br />
<br />
Have a fabulous weekend everyone!<br />
Sarah x x x<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952143061445696814noreply@blogger.com0