Friday 21 February 2014

Blowing Away The Cobwebs

Amidst the seriously rubbish weather that seems to have been around forever, we have actually had a couple of nice days, literally a couple. I've given up looking at the MET office app, it's always wrong (apart from checking the wind speed - nobody wants to see me having a Marilyn moment and flashing my bits), so when we woke up on Sunday and saw blue sky and sunshine, I pretty much jumped for joy, into my clothes and out the door with every intention of making the most of it.
Rich and I headed down to Dawlish Warren for a stroll along the beach. The tide was out so we got a good walk in until ear ache from the cold started kicking in. It was SO nice to get out in the sunshine and has made me long for spring even more. After a hot chocolate stop we headed home and finished our day of with another walk along the quay - you can't keep me inside when the sun's out!!


This weekend I'm heading to Bristol to see some of my favourite girls from uni. We've bagged a nights stay at the Hilton and have every intention of pampering ourselves in the spa, dining on good food, and visiting Ikea. It's going to be my first solo motorway drive (further than 20 miles) but at least I can play my music and sing my heart out all the way there and back again.

I hope you all have a fab weekend. 

Sarah
xx

Friday 14 February 2014

Monday 10 February 2014

Currently

I think I speak for everyone in the UK when I say that I've had enough of the rain now! It's no surprise that January and February have been the wettest since records began, and don't we bloomin' know it. The novelty of walking to and from work in the wind and rain, not being able to keep an umbrella up, and getting soaked through to my birthday suit has long worn off. Savings were dipped into to invest in a proper waterproof coat, rubber soled shoes were bought to prevent any more slipping, and hat hair has become a daily occurrence. For months I have been grumbling about the stupid weather, raining every weekend so work can't be done on the allotment, I can't go on bike rides or nice long walks, it's sucked. 

This last week has put things into perspective. Unless you live in a cave with no internet or tv you'll have seen how badly hit the south west has been by the elements. Farms are underwater, hundreds of homes have been evacuated and one of the most picturesque train lines in the country has been destroyed. The weekend before last Rich and I went to Dawlish for a stroll along the beach, a couple of days later you wouldn't believe the damage that has been done. I won't bore you with the details, you can see the amount of damage in the photos below (there is a link to the articles below if you want the full story).  

source
Everyday I cross the river Exe on my walk to and from work, so seeing it get higher and burst its banks is both scary and fascinating. Thankfully non of the businesses have been effected so far, and the local bird man has still been getting out to feed the swans and ducks twice a day, he's a local legend. It breaks my heart a little when you see how fast the birds float down the river in the current, and then the struggle to get out of the water. 


After another gloomy weekend, there weren't going to be any walks or allotment sessions. Rich and I have joined the gym so booked our inductions in for Saturday, which were followed by a work out. After popping home for a quick shower and change, we ventured out into the rain once again to peruse the charity shops and have a late lunch. Sunday was a day for errands, a trip to Lidl to get essentials and flowers, a drive out to Silverton to tidy up my Mum's grave & put fresh flowers down, and then an afternoon of sewing. I've acquired a massive pile of vintage fabrics, some of which have now been turned into cushion covers to brighten up my bedroom.


Hope you all had a great weekend, despite the weather.

Sarah
xx

Friday 7 February 2014

Liebster Blog Tag


On Wednesday Sarah at Scandinavian on the Inside tagged me in the Liebster Blog Tag - you can see her original post here. I know not all bloggers are into these little posts, but it's a bit of fun.

Here are the rules:
1. Tell 11 things about yourself.
2. Answer the questions the nominator has created for you.
3. Tag 11 people with under 200 followers.

My questions from Sarah are:

1. What was the last song you listened to?
The 59 Sound by the Gaslight Anthem, I listened to the album while I walked to work this morning. 

2. When was the last time you laughed, and why?
About half an hour ago when 

3. What did you do for your last birthday?
Rich bought us both tickets to see the Gaslight Anthem in Manchester on my birthday, we travelled up in the morning, had a day of shopping, dinner and then the gig. It was amazing, they're always so so good live. And we even stopped at Ikea on the way back, winner!

4. If you could spend an afternoon with two people, one male and one female, dead or alive, fictional or real, who would they be and what would you do?
Ohh this is a tough one. OK so I would definitely pick my Mum and I'm going with David Attenborough (it was a toss up between him and Charles Darwin). I have a million and one questions for both of them, we'd drink tea, eat cake and talk the afternoon away. 

5. What's your most visited website, except your blog?
Ohhh tough one, does Bloglovin count? Haha. OK umm probably either Pinterest or Modcloth, I can lose hours on both.

6. What are you currently coveting?
I REALLY want a pair of Dr Martens boots. All this wet weather has meant I have fallen on my backside far too many times, so some waterproof and rubber sole boots would be great. Oh and all of the clogs from Lotta from Stockholm. 

7. Which genre do you most like to read?
I'm a crime girl, I like to read about the psychological side of serial killers, etc. I'm currently reading about working in a mortuary.

8. State three words that describe you best.
Caring, creative & probably a little bit 'nutty'

9. Do you have a tattoo, and if yes what is it? If no, why not?
I have 15: traditional foot tattoos, dinosaurs on my arm, a lilly on my outer wrist, a traditional heart & scroll on my inner wrist, a couple of dodgy stars, butterflies inside my food, a floral piece for my Mum (that needs to be reworked), a Gaslight Anthem album cover inspired piece on my leg. and a deer. I have plans for a few cover ups. If I could go back to 18 year old me I would definitely have gone to some better artists! You live and learn. 

10. Sweet or savoury?
I love both!

11. What's one superstition or conspiracy theory that you believe in, or that you think have some merit?
I know a lot of people believe that the moon landings were faked, but I think they happened. I also believe in 'ghosts' or spirits. I've never seen one have definitely been to some places where you can feel something, whether it's a presence or what, I don't know. 

So those ladies and gents, are my answers... Now for my questions:

1. What is a nickname you've had/have?
2. Spring/summer/autumn or winter?
3. If you could be any animal for a day, what would you be and why?
4. What's your favourite hot beverage?
5. You win an all expenses paid holiday for one week, where do you go and why?
6. In a zombie apocalypse, what would be your weapon of choice?
7. I want to come and visit you for a day, where would we go and what would we do?
8. If you could learn any skill, what would it be and why?
9. You're stranded on a desert island and can only take 5 albums to listen to, what are they?
10. Name a celebrity crush.
11. What is your favourite flavour ice cream?

And my nominations are (for those who wish to take part):
Anna of Casual Casual Easy Thing
Joe of Josie Mary
Holly of Dear Wilderness
Katie of Lavender and Leeks
Chloe at By The Lock

Sarah
xx

Monday 3 February 2014

Amsterdam at dusk

My favourite time of day in Amsterdam was dusk. We were so lucky to have good weather everyday, and even better sunsets. Most evenings we would head back to the hotel at about 6pm to put our feet up & freshen up before heading out for dinner at around 7pm, just in time to watch the sun setting as we walked around looking for somewhere to have dinner. I love the silhouettes, reflections and colours of dusk, I'm pretty sure even the ugliest thing in the world would look good with a beautiful sunset around it. Looking back at these photos makes me long for spring/summer. The warm evenings, long days and tons of bike rides. 


And that my friends, was our trip to Amsterdam.

Sarah
xx