My sister the saboteur

My sister was a bit down last week that her weight on weighteatchers was slowly going up instead of down (she can't exercise because of a hernia she's got that is waiting to be operated on) so I had planned to visit her tonight with a shopping bag full of goodies for this healthy chilli recipe:

This month's weightwatchers mag has lots of yum looking recipes in it.

Half way through cooking my sis decided to season the chilli. 

And off came the salt lid.

With 3/4 of the salt tipping into my well planned, amazing tasting turkey and sweet potato chilli. 

This my friends is what you call a ruined meal. 

So we drained the juice from the chilli and ran it under boiling water for ages in the hope that we would wash the majority of the salt away. Luckily sis' cupboard was stocked with chopped tomatoes and a ready made sauce to replace what we lost. 

Here's the saboteur herself trying to save my meal

It actually ended up really yummy.

The funny thing is that I have a bit of a reputation for ruining meals. Once I tried to make a chocolate flan but I actually didn't put any cling film in between the pastry and the baking beans except that time I happened to use rice, which obviously ended up as a raw-rice-mixed-with-pastry-and-chocolate-flan. I also once completely failed a cheese and broccoli flan on bake off night (must be a pastry problem I have) and my sis had to run to the shop to buy eggs for an emergency omelette meal. 

So I kind of hold the crown for crap cook (I have actually made lots of amazing meals throughout my time but these are obviously cast aside for the funny rice flan story). My dear friend did give me a run for my money though when she put non-ovenproof plastic in the oven and nearly burnt down my sister's house. 

So tonight my sister has clearly truly taken my crap cook crown, I just wish I wasn't the only one here to witness it. Sodium overload, anyone????

Dans x

Trouble with Topshop sizes & happy birthday Dad!!

Yesterday after work I drove straight to the swimming baths and threw a few shapes in the form of 30 lengths. It set me up well for a meal out for DC's sister's birthday. I was designated driver and we had a lovely Italian and a few (soft for me) drinks in a bar where you can pull your own pints on your table. 

I love this beautiful lady. This is DC's brother's girlfriend and she is one of the most lovely people up you will ever meet in your whole entire life. I have never met anyone who has as much kindness in their heart as this girl. She is studying for a fashion degree plus she works at Topshop so it's a no brainier really that we're friends. 

Oh and BTW I had just got this jacket back from the dry cleaners and then put it down on the side in the loo and covered it in water less than 12 hours later, so I think I will be off to the dry cleaners again on Monday morning. 

Sometimes you can really tell they are brothers but maybe not last night, what do you think???

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Everyone knows that Topshop makes me happy. Topshop makes my bank manager nervous. Topshop makes my wardrobe sparkle. Yes I'm a materialistic girl, shoot me. 

But the one thing that annoys me about Topshop (apart from their prices sometimes) is their awful sizing. I've seen it time and time again - DC will try on some jeans in the store, think about it for a day or two, order the same item online, only for it to be delivered and not fit. As in, completely too small. 

It's never happened to me before until today. I tried on these jeans in store a few weeks ago. 

I loved them but bought some Miss Selfridge ones instead because I really wanted grey jeans and they had sold out in Leigh grey. But I bought them in the week with 20% off and couldn't wait to collect them today to wear to lunch. 

I couldn't even get them past my thighs. 

I was so disappointed, now I have to take them back in the week and probably take a few pairs into the changing room to try on. I don't understand how Topshop can get their sizing so wrong and it's really annoying that you buy exactly the same item twice, for one to fit and another to be more than a few inches out. So no new lunch jeans for me. 

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This morning my sis & I took a trip into town for breakfast and shopping. 

Beautiful sis. 

I bought a few presents for DC's birthday next week - I can't tell you what they are as I have no idea whether he reads my blog or not, a present for my dad's birthday tomorrow and treated myself to a new Clinique eyebrow pencil as I had ran out. A trip to the Clinique counter always makes me happy especially when I have a gift card and my purchase only actually costs me £1.

My sis fell in love with this Henry Holland jumper and it looks so cute on her. My sis has lost 4.5stone with weightwatchers and I know she feels amazing shopping in any store she wants to now. She looks amazing. 

I got home just in time to change and leave for my Dad's birthday lunch. They have fallen In love with our local pub and we try and go there every few weeks so it was only down the road for us. He is 46 tomorrow!!!!! And he's the best dad ever. 

This is my favourite meal here. Cajun cod with tartare mash and veg. 

My sis got this cake made for him. Good job he supports Liverpool then!

He was only pretending to blow the candles out here because he tricked us all and blew them quickly before the cameras were ready. I think he was wishing for Liverpool to keep up their 3-0. 

I had a nap when we got home but I don't think it was a great idea to eat a big meal plus icing (mum eats the cake, I eat the icing - our tradition because out of all the cake choices in the world why would you waste calories on a simple sponge?) and then nap and then run. My stomach was abit full and it was a really tough run, my legs just didn't want to move. 

BUT I completed my mission to exercise every day this week, and it feels GREAT. The mix of swimming and running really works for me. 

Monday: 30 min / 30 length swim

Tuesday: 30 min / 30 length swim

Wednesday: 30 min run

Thursday: 5km run

Friday:  30 min / 30 length swim

Saturday: 5km run

Rest day tomorrow and although I know I should rest, I'm raring to go to get my 5kms completed. 

Thursday: 5.00km / 31:06 / 6:13min per km av pace

Saturday: 5.00km / 31:12 / 6:14min per km av pace

Hopefully I'll hit a 30min 5km by the end of these runs!

Dans x

The perfect run & other stories

I just ran the perfect run. I thought it would take me WEEKS to get back to a 30 minute 5km. I wasn't even feeling this run today. I have no idea what got into me but whatever it is I want to keep it! 

I can't believe I went below a 6min average km. I must have really gone for it! I was actually groaning out loud by the end. And praying for the last 3 minutes to go quickly. I was so surprised because my shin didn't give me any bother at all (it's hurting now though). I ran up to the next village and round the block, did another half block before coming back but I estimated it short so had to do 30 seconds on the trail too. I was tempted to follow my running idol and lay down on the floor afterwards but I wasn't quite brave enough; I limped home instead. 

I think this is what is called negative splits ;) FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE. 

Week 3 - 30 minutes 

1/4 Monday: 4.66km, 6:27min/km av pace

2/4 Wednesday: 4.67km, 6:26min/km av pace

3/4 Friday: 5.09km, 5:54min/km av pace

I can't wait to see how tomorrow's run is going to go, as right now my legs do not want to move one single bit :)

In other news:

Grandad's doing much better after overloading on oxygen at the hospital, which has made him look and feel a million times better. The docs wanted to keep an eye on him today though and the hospital doesn't discharge at the weekend, which means he will be there until Monday at least. I was a bit concerned about nana being at home by herself (she has early onset dementia) but she says she is absolutely fine and says the best thing is wrapping herself in bedcovers and not having grandad steal them ;) 

I am clearly the favourite grandchild as I turn up to the hospital with cake ;) well my colleague and I demolished the coconut raspberry slices on the right but I took the lemon tarts along for nana and grandad and it made them very happy. Although my absolute favourite is lemon curd tarts so they were lucky to get their hands on them! The best thing about the cakes is that they are homemade from a stall from a farmers market that comes into town every month. My friend Luke & I try and get a lunch break together each month to go together, and I love our catch up as even though we don't see each other enough (and we are even in the same building every day) he is a very dear friend to me. 

I found a new favourite drink today. This elderflower and lime spring water is yum and only 7 calories. I love elderflower drinks lately, I need to get my hands on some for my friend's dinner party tomorrow as I'm going to drive instead of drink. 

I bought this jacket today with my birthday vouchers. I have had my eye on it for so long, I have no idea why I didn't buy it before as I love it. My friend Laura has it but I'm sure she won't mind as we along with DC's sister always seem to get our hands on the same Topshop clothes, even with all of the million items that are available. We must be both a) telepathic and b) obviously have excellent taste. 

I was going to buy it in store but the queue was too long so I bought it online, using a 10% off code, free delivery, and my gift cards which means this £58 jacket cost me £7. This made my day. Although I do have to wait for it to be delivered, as I've promised myself I will stop paying £7.50 for next day delivery. 

Today was apparently the end of summer (the rain proved it) and Autumn is my favourite time of year, mainly because of the weather (I think Autumn is romantic and DC laughs in my face) but mostly because of creating a new Autumn Topshop wardrobe of course!

I tried this on too and it looks great in the photo but less flattering in real life. I couldn't justify paying £48 (!!) for it so it went back on the rail. 

DC's jeans were a bit tight today when they came out of the wash so he did a lunge in them and this is what happened. I sooooo wish I was there to see this but I was running, he is really upset because they're his favourite jeans and jeans are sooo expensive these days, but the thought of lunge + rip made me laugh for ages. 

He has gone out with work tonight and I think I drew the short straw because his friend's gf has picked them all up to take them into town, but I am doing the pick up run.... At 1am. I've done this quite a few times but the last 2 times I picked DC up from town he really messed me around so I've told him in no uncertain terms that if he doesn't turn up where he says he will at 1am then we will fall out forever and ever. 

So I'm just about to cook some marinated chicken and roasted veg, then I'm going to put something on from Lovefilm and settle down with my favourite popcorn. A nice quiet night all to myself to end a busy week... Perfect. 

Dans x

It's a numbers game

I'm so tired this week and have no idea why! I met with my friend last night for a yummy Italian and I had my favourite pepperoni and chili pizza. I'm still not used to taking photos of all of my food so no pics from last night I'm afraid! So I didn't get a chance to run as we met early. Tonight I will get home from work just before 6pm and have to leave at half past to pick my dad up for our hospital visit so no time to run again although I'm hoping to get out once I get home and if it's dark just keep to my village roads. 

So I finally got around to changing my age on my main page --------->

I think I was delaying as an attempt to desperately hold on to my youth. 

I can't believe it has been 9 years since I finished school, 7 years since I started uni, and 7 years since my mum & I had a huge argument because she wanted to throw me an 18th birthday party and I refused because I hate the spotlight being on me. 

I met DC almost 5 years ago, left home for the first time 6 years ago, and have been a homeowner for over a year. My BABY brother is now 21. 

Where does the time go?

Dans x

Today in a nutshell

Last night was full of m&s pizza, spicy chips, wine and chat. I kind of started the wine early by myself while I blogged and watched Nine Months with Hugh Grant, I had never actually seen before and it's cringey but it made me laugh. 

This is today in a nutshell as I have a half hour run, a shower and get ready and a half hour trip to my friend's house where I have to be by 6pm. Doable? Not sure.

Today started with dropping my lovely friends off at the airport. I was so scared of the motorway not so long ago but I'm getting used to it and I kind of like it now. 

I went straight to do the food shop and DC called me to update me on the stag do shenanigans - he's away for the weekend and I dread to think what they are getting up to. 

I spotted this lovely blouse in Sainsburys from Gok Wan's collection, I would have bought it but it was £25 so if it's still on my mind by the time next week's food shop comes around then I might get it. Then I ran away quick with my shopping trolley because a Sainsburys lady told me off for taking a photo. Apparently you're not allowed unless you are staff??? Cue blush and run away. 

I did a bit of jeans shopping although I hate buying them because I hate the shape of my legs. I loved these Leigh jeans from Topshop but have wanted a grey pair for a while so I bought some from Miss Selfridge and I love them.

I popped to m&s to grab a few bits for my fortnightly food parcel for both my grandparents and great uncle.  

Then I treated myself to a Starbucks skinny caramel coffee frapp and as always found it extremely difficult to say no when the barista (sp?) double checked that I didn't want their delicious whipped cream. 

I headed off to visit my grandparents / great uncle and now here I am trying to gear myself up for a run, knowing that if I go then I will not only complete my running goal for the week but also feel much better when demolishing the wine and goodies with my friends later. 

Happy weekend! 

Dans x

A goal well met and a life changing event

So I met my goals and did 4 20 minute runs this week. Go me! I even ran in the rain on Saturday morning. AND enjoyed it. So maybe I'm getting my mojo back.

So yesterday a life changing event happened. I turned a quarter of a century old. I wonder if this means I have to start being more mature and responsible now. 

We had planned our birthday BBQ quite a while ago but didn't actually add up how many people we had invited until Saturday, and we got to 45, which was not going to be a problem if the sun was out as our garden is a good size, but we definitely weren't fitting them all in our house if it had rained.

I didn't really need to worry anyway, as the sun came out especially for me and it was a beautiful afternoon. DC was completely stressing but I think once everything was in full swing he was happy. We were so busy that we didn't really get a look in on the food. We covered the meat and asked everyone to bring the nibbles. We ended up with a LOT of nibbles. DC was busy manning the BBQ and I was too busy checking my grandparents had enough tea. 

Me: "here you go nana, a lovely burger for you"

Nana: "oh no I don't want that, what sandwiches have you made?"

Me: "none nana, this is a BBQ, we haven't made sandwiches"

Nana: "I'm sure you've got some bread in your cupboard, a cheese sandwich would be lovely"

Grandad: "whilst you're at in Danielle put the kettle on"

So many of our neighbours came which was lovely, and it gave us all a proper opportunity to get to know each other. I do have to admit though that I had to open their birthday cards straight away so that I could find out what their names were to introduce them to everyone. 

It was actually the best birthday ever. I don't think I got around to having a proper natter with everyone but I am so blessed to have such great families and friends. They're the best things about birthdays, getting everyone together in one place. 

I do need to learn to take more photos at these kind of things though!

Dans x

Dinner for 5, persuasion and guess what opened in town

 

This is what we devoured yesterday at DC's auntie's house. Don't tell our mums but I've decided she makes the best Sunday roasts I've ever had in my life. It was amazing, especially the leek and cauliflower gratin. And I'm going to steal the caramelised apples recipe for my bake off on Thursday, as it was yum and so easy to do.

 

I was given this mirror by my Great Uncle and it was hanging in mine and my sister's house for 3 years until it fell down the other week (luckily didn't smash) so it was the perfect excuse to finally get it over to my house. I'm currently trying to persuade DC to put it up in our bedroom surrounded by a bit of a photo wall but he doesn't like the mirror at all. I think I might win this one though. I love it.

I was waiting in our shopping centre last Wednesday for my friend to finish work for our dinner date and spotted that only the best ever chocolate shop has just opened in the bottom mall where my other favourite shop Azendi closed down a while ago. I LOVE THIS SHOP. My friend & I popped in on our lunch break last Friday to buy our friend a slab for her birthday, we were given a taster of their salted caramel spread and it was AMAZING. It was so hard resisting temptation and not buying anything for myself. So if you ever come across this shop next week, feel free to pick something up for my birthday ;)

Dans x

The second best thing I did while I was away...

DC's brother and his girlfriend had been planning their birthday house party for ages... with a Hollywood fancy dress theme! It was the best party ever. I had so much fun.

We kind of left it a bit very late to decide what we were going to dress up as, and on holiday we had a few chats trying to figure out what would be a good character to go as. We didn't really get very far, all I knew was that I wanted it to be homemade as they're the best kind of costumes. And cheap as chips.

Three nights before the party I decided what I was going to be...

Wilma Flintstone of course! Although I'm sure she was never seen with a beer in her hand but anyway.

I was really pleased with my outfit and couldn't believe it came together so well. The scariest bit was eyelining my eyebrows - I had finished my whole face of makeup and sat on the chair with the eyeliner close to my face thinking, hmm, this is either going to go REALLY well or REALLY wrong. But I think I did a pretty good job!

My wig was a red bob from a local fancy dress shop that looked more orange than red so it turned out pretty well. I bunned the back of it and tried to recreate the housewife quiff at the front.

My bambam was from the same shop, and my dress was made out of a king size fitted bedsheet from Wilko... thanks sis for taking hours to chop it up and pin it in for me! My necklace was a bit of a gem find... I found lots of polystyrene balls at a local haberdashery and just threaded some string through and voila there was my Wilma necklace!

DC's outfit was amazing too... he decided to go as the Papparazzi!

We made his big camera out of a Shredded Wheat box and one of those secret santa plastic pint glasses that twist down flat and back up again.

Here's the rest of the guys who made such a huge effort.. see if you can guess who they are!

Can you believe this was home made?!

 Dans x

This is what happens when you give a 6 year old your iPhone

Dans x