Last week Kezzie posed some post isolation questions and asked people to take part, I hadn't given any thought to what I would do when lockdown was officially over, so I really enjoyed mulling these over.



1. Restaurant you would go out to.
The Bildestone Crown. This jumped into my head first, so I'm going with it. We last ate there during our week of eating out. Or maybe the Fox & Goose in Fressingfield, then we can visit the graves of Andy's Grandparents after our meal. Or perhaps our first restaurant visit will be a rescheduled meal at The Leaping Hare, we were meant to go for a friend's birthday meal.

2. Friend you would meet up with first.
It's hard to choose, there are so many people that, even though I don't see them very often, I really miss them.



3. Place you would go.
The beach!

4. Shop you would go to.
All the charity shops. I miss having a good charity shop rummage - Sophie, Kezzie - we need to organise a meet up when we can.

5. Food item you would buy/eat
Fish n Chips with my Dad.



6. Cake you would eat.
See answer 13.

7. Show you would/will go to see.
I don't generally see many shows but I do fancy seeing something funny. I've been watching Sarah Millican read her book How To Be Champion on IGTV everyday, so maybe I'll try to get tickets for her next tour. Also, I'm hoping that the Ed Sheeran Exhibition will continue in Christchurch Mansion (I know it's not a show, but y'know...), I'd planned to see it but it was closed to the public before I had the chance.

8. Concert you will go to watch.
I'd love to see something orchestral.

9. Relative you will hug first
Either my Mum or Dad. Everyone I see is going to get such a hugging!

10. Holiday you would go on
The holiday we're probably going to have to cancel - a week in France with Andy's family.

11. Other activity you would take part in.
A night out with friends. Meeting friends for coffee. Movie nights with friends. Anything with my friends...

12. Thing you would do at work.
Work hasn't actually changed much for me as I'm freelance and work from home, but I'd like to meet up with the two freelancers I regularly work with.



13. Item you would buy
I'd go to the only independent bookshop in our local town and buy something from there, then I'd go to the independent plant based cafe, Hullabaloo, and have one of their delicious cakes, most probably the beetroot chocolate cake. Then I'd drive to Felixstowe and visit The Wool Baa to buy some wool and enjoy a cuppa, and then to Crafty Coffee to paint a celebratory 'isolation is over' mug.

This was a great idea Kezzie. Thank you! It was nice to think about all the lovely things that I can do when this is all over. Once lockdown is over I'll report back.

Take care, stay safe, and let me know if you answer these questions too!
xx

My week has, on the face of it, been very normal (apart from wandering around the garden in my wedding dress). As I work for myself, from home, my days have changed very little since the lockdown started. It wasn't unusual for me not to leave the house (except to go into the garden) for three or four days. I have missed being able to go out whenever I need to, and of course I miss seeing people in person, but this week has felt easier than last. I've settled into this new normal of ours. That's not to say I haven't had the odd wobbly moment, but there have been far fewer than last week.

After a power cut at the weekend that left me completely cut off from everyone for a little while, I gained a deeper appreciation for all the ways in which we can get in touch with each other. We might be on lockdown but we are connected in so many ways. We can pick up the telephone and have a conversation, text each other, talk on FaceTime, have Zoom meetings, Skype gatherings. Heck, we could send an email, or even sit down and write someone a letter!

I've enjoyed keeping up to date with my blog reading, and it's nice that some people are posting more regularly. Of course there is social media too. I still don't bother much with Twitter, and I don't normally spend a huge amount of time on Facebook, I prefer Instagram and it's pretty pictures, but recently Facebook has been an entertaining diversion, sure the usual nonsense is still being shared and spread around but I'm learning to tune it out.

Facebook became a place where people justify their opinions by sharing posts showing that another person agrees with their opinion. Admittedly I've done that on occasion myself, but as I don't find this enjoyable to either do or read, the time I spent on Facebook had dwindled to almost nothing.

But then we were all put on lockdown and it's become a place to connect again, like it used to be. Sure the opinion justification still happens but the fun stuff is back and in abundance, so I'll be frequenting my timeline a little more until the niceness stops and it reverts back.

This list of questions popped up in my timeline and I liked them, it's nice to think about the small, the unimportant, the random, and the silly at times like this.

Please feel free to answer them yourself if you fancy, just let me know so I can read your answers.

1. Who are you named after?
No one, my parents just liked the name and wanted something unusual. If I'd been a boy I'd be called Kevin. I'm told my Mum also liked the name Suzette.

2. Last time you cried?
Tuesday.

3. Do you like your handwriting?
It's OK, it can be a bit messy because I write so rarely these days and I think faster than my hand can move.

4. What is your favourite sandwich?
Crisp, preferably Walkers Cheese & Onion, and it must be on white bread, with lots of buttery spread. This isn't something I eat very often.

5. Favourite drink?
Tea! But I couldn't possibly pick my favourite tea.

6. Do you still have your tonsils?
Yes.

7. Would you bungee?
I would've when I was younger but I don't think I would now.

8. What is your favorite kind of cereal?
Porridge, made with oat milk and sweetened with honey, I have it almost everyday.

9. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off?
Yes.

10. Do you think you're strong-willed?
When circumstances require me to be.

11. Favorite ice cream?
Salted caramel or cherry.

12. What is the first thing you notice about a person?
Their vibe, how I feel in their presence.

13. Football or baseball?
Neither.

15. Last thing you ate?
Porridge.

16. What are you listening to?
The low hum of my iMac.

17. If you were a crayon, what colour would you be?
Today? Lilac.

18. What is your favourite smell?
Water - sea, rivers, rain, waterfalls, even running showers, as long as it's not stagnant I'm happy.

19. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
My husband.

20. In a relationship?
Yes, I'm married and today is our 5th wedding anniversary, which is why I've been wandering around the garden in my wedding dress...

21. Eye Colour?
Greeny blue.

22. Favourite food to eat?
I like roast dinners (even though I don't like cooking them), chip shop fish n chips, Chinese takeaway, steak and chips.

23. Scary movies or happy endings?
I enjoy scary movies, but prefer happy endings.

24. Last movie you watched in a cinema?
Spiderman, Far From Home, with my Dad on my 44th birthday after a meal in Ask.

25. What colour shirt are you wearing?
Orange.

26. Favourite holiday?
A long weekend in North Norfolk

27. Beer or wine?
Gin.

28. Night owl or morning person?
Morning.

29. Favourite day of the week?
Any day that my husband isn't working (which is about 5 days out of the year, one of which is Christmas Day).

30. Favourite animal?
Domestic - cat. Wild - giraffe.

31. Do you have a pet?
Two cats, brother and sister - Socks and Tinker.

32. Where would you like to travel?
Any where at the moment! Outside of lockdown Japan, or Egypt.

33. Tell me your favourite joke.
What do you call a hen staring at a lettuce?
Chicken sees a salad.

I'd love to hear your favourite joke!? How has your week been?

I've copied these questions from Bev because I rather enjoyed the randomness of them.




Three things I liked about February
1. An impromptu trip to Chelmsford Cathedral to see Kezzie play in her flute ensemble, Flutista. My iMac broke so I was forced to take a few days off work (it's all fixed now). That morning I decided to just hop on a train and go. It was wonderful to see (and hear!) Kezzie play.

2. A night with friends. I hadn't seen a few of them for months and no sooner had we walked through the door, we fell straight back into our usual easy banter. It was a most enjoyable evening with excellent food, and gin.

3. The third thing is between noticing how light the evenings are getting, or taking my time over reading a fabulous book lent to me, and highly recommended, by a friend.

Three things I’m looking forward to in March
1. Going to see The Russian State Ballet of Siberia perform The Nutcracker with my Mum.
2. Coffee with friends
3. My nephews 18th birthday

Three vegetables I eat the most
1. Tenderstem broccoli
2. Onion
3. Spinach

Three grocery items I buy every week
1. Oat milk
2. Cat food
3. Cat treats

Three things we go through like crazy in my house
1. Teabags
2. Cat food
3. Hummus

Three things I always have time for
1. Baths
2. Reading
3. Cat cuddles

Three things I never have time for
1. Keeping up with the blogs I like to read. This has been more recently, I've been a bit absent from blogland, finding the time to sit and properly keep up to date has felt almost impossible at times, life has been busy and I've been making sure that I make time to switch off and step away from tech. I hope to catch up with my favourite blogs soon.

2. Housework. It's always low on my list of priorities and often doesn't get done properly, which is a shame because I love a neat and tidy house. I give everything a quick 'once over' rather than the jolly good clean it really deserves and promise myself I'll do a better job next time. I always end up doing something less boring instead. For example, I was going to roll up my sleeves and get stuck in on Sunday, and then Andy came home and asked if I would like to go for a walk on the beach, followed by a spot of lunch somewhere. I mean, there's no competition is there? The cobwebs can wait until another day.

3. Roast dinners. I love eating roast dinners, but I hate the faff of cooking them. I find it so boring, and I especially dislike the fact that you have to cook certain things for it to be considered a 'real' roast dinner (insert eye rolling emoji).

What are you looking forward to in March?

Following on from Part 1, here are the remaining 30 Q&As.

31. What is something you're tired of?
Assumptions. Because they are usually based on the persons own feelings and experience, and have nothing to do with actual facts of the situation, meaning assumptions are usually wrong.

32. What is a city you want to visit?
Rome, Venice, Barcelona, Istanbul...

33. Heels or flats.
It's flats more and more these days, I've grown to love comfort more than pretty heels. I still have a few pairs of heels but they're rarely worn.

34. Where does one go on a perfect road trip?
It's got to be the States.

35. What do you do on a rainy day?
Stay inside. Work, read, knit, put the kettle on (although this sounds a lot like most days, no matter what the weather).

36. What is your favourite exercise?
Yoga and walking.

37. What was your worst subject at school?
I don't think I was particularly bad at anything but I struggled with maths more than more creative subjects. CDT Technology was my worse GCSE result, but that's because I didn't really pay attention, and just played with Lego in the lessons.

38. Which animal do you identify with most?
A cat. I like sleep, warmth and solitude. And I particularly like it when someone serves me my supper.

39. What do you usually eat for breakfast?
Porridge made with almond milk and sweetened with honey. 

40. What do you usually eat for dinner?
I try to cook lots of different things but pasta is a regular feature.

41. Cooking or baking?
I cook almost everyday. Sometimes I really enjoy it, other days it feels like a real chore. I don't bake very often and I have to be in the mood to do it, so both and neither.

42. Favourite Baked goods?
I like pecan and maple twists, donuts, the list is long and there's no one thing I always go for.

43. What is something you wish you could be good at?
Swimming and diving. I can swim, but not elegantly and I can't dive at all.

44. Skiing or surfing?
I'd like to try both before I answer that question.

45. First celebrity crush?
Shakin' Stevens

46. Most recent celebrity crush?
I'm not sure. I suppose Tom Hardy is appealing.

47. What colour was your prom dress?
It was called a Graduation Ball rather than a Prom, and I went to two. One dress was black, the other burgundy.

48. How do you manage stress?
Taking a break, doing something I enjoy - reading, knitting, or watching a film, with a cuppa, followed by a long hot bath, and possibly a glass of wine or a G&T.

49. What do you do to relax?
Same as the above. I believe managing stress is about taking time out, time to relax.

50. Shoes or bags?
Shoes. I have plenty of both but I probably get more excited about buying shoes.

51. How do you know if you’re in love?
I knew I was in love when I couldn't stop thinking about him, and I realised I felt completely at ease with him, and with him was the only place I wanted to be.

52. Who do you turn to when you’re sad?
My husband.



53. What are you most enchanted by?
Sunshine, swaying fields of wheat, the sea, stunning scenery. I guess that makes the short answer 'nature'.

54. What is your biggest strength?
I'm adaptable and resourceful. And recent years have taught me that I'm stronger and more resilient than I realised.

55. What is your biggest weakness?
I worry.

56. What are 3 words to describe living in your city?
I don't live in a city. I live in a small village. It's quiet, pretty, and open.



57. Cutest thing on planet Earth?
My cats of course.

58. Favourite colour?
It changes. At the time of writing, it's orange.

59. Favourite time of day?
Early morning. Pottering around in my PJs, drinking that first cup of tea, with an entire day ahead full of possibility.

60. Favourite band?
Currently it's Ward Thomas.


That's the end of Part 2.  Let me know if you answer these, I'd love to read your answers.

I've read a few these 60 Questions posts in recent months (Bev & Kezzie). I'm going to split my answers over two posts to keep it at a manageable length.

1. What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?
This month has hardly started but so far it's been that Andy was able to take an afternoon off, we had an impromptu lunch out, and attempted to start Christmas Shopping. Once home we lit the fire, watched a film, we had soup for supper and shared a bottle of wine whilst watching Strictly Come Dancing eliminations. We then watched The Wall for the first time and found it highly amusing, but probably not for the reasons it's meant to entertain. With the hours Andy works, this isn't something we get to do very often, so it might sound like an average day but for us it's a rare occurrence.

2. What’s your favourite game?
Top Trumps, we have dog and cat versions and make up our own rules.

3. When are you most inspired?
As a designer I should say all the time, but at the beginning of a project when ideas start to flow, that's the bit I really enjoy.

4. If you could teach one subject in school, what would it be?
Some form of craft, making things out of assorted items to spark the imagination.

5. What’s your favourite beverage?
Currently it's Whittards Peach Bellini loose leaf tea. It was a limited edition flavour so I stocked up when it went into the half price sale but I've just run out and am craving a cup!

6. What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
That I'm a kind and thoughtful person.

7. What is your favourite birthday cake?
Fondant Fancies are something that should be mandatory for every birthday.

8. What is one thing you still have from your childhood?
I have a few things, I wrote a post about my keepsakes if you fancy a read. Short answer is I have a few soft toys, a handful of books, and a toy cot my Dad made me for my 2nd birthday.

9. What is your favourite film?
Impossible to answer. The ones I have in my possession and watch over and over are The Jane Austen Book Club, Housewife 49, Pride and Prejudice, The Holiday, and Eat Pray Love. But there are many, many films that I love.

10. What is something you can’t do?
Dive.

11. Window or aisle seat?
Window, I like to be nosy.

12. What is something that makes you laugh no matter what?
People falling over, walking into things. And those clips you see on Facebook of dogs wearing Ewoke outfits.

13. What are your favourite lyrics of all time?
You scumbag, you maggot, you cheap lousy faggot, Happy Christmas your arse, I pray God it's our last.

14. What is your favourite holiday?
Christmas. It's when the family comes together.

15. What’s heavily played on your music play list right now?
Freya Ridings and George Ezra, largely because I saw them both at Latitude in the summer.

16. If you could raid one woman’s closet, who would it be?
Rachel Bilson. I like her casual jeans outfits and her red carpet looks.

17. Must have purse item?
I'm guessing this is the US version of a handbag? Must haves for me are phone, keys, purse, handkerchief and lip balm.

18. What did you want to be when you grew up when you were 12?
A hairdresser. A mobile hairdresser that drove from one appointment to the next in a black mini (the car, not the skirt).

19. What is something you will not be doing in ten years?
Trying to talk my husband into a loft conversion, because I hope it'll be done by then.

20. What is an important life lesson for someone to learn?
That difficult conversations are the most important conversations to have.

21. How do you start your day?
Each day starts pretty much the same - feed cats, make tea, load washing machine, empty dishwasher, bath or shower, then breakfast. After this the routine falls apart and I make it up as I go along.

22. Would you ever live anywhere besides where you do now?
Probably not. I would like to live by the sea but it's very unlikely.

23. What is your favourite dessert?
Black Forest Gateau or Creme Brulee.

24. Is there a dessert you don’t like?
What's the coffee flavoured one? That one.

25. It’s brunch! What do you eat?
Pancakes, crispy bacon and maple syrup, with orange juice.

26. Where was the best vacation you’ve ever taken?
The trip I took into the Sahara was pretty special. It was an organised trip by travel company Explore. I didn't know anyone else on the trip, so it felt pretty daunting. Everyone was lovely and I lived a longstanding dream of sleeping under the stars. We ate local cuisine, got caught in a sandstorm, climbed the dunes, rode camels. On the final day I woke early and watched the sunrise, having fallen asleep the night before looking at the most beautiful sky I've ever seen, littered with shooting stars.

27. Favourite Disney animal?
Dory from Finding Nemo, and Finding Dory is pretty likeable.

28. What is a book you are planning on reading?
I'm starting to feel festive so I have Mince Pies and Mistletoe at the Christmas Market, and Sleight Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair by Heidi Swain in my TBR pile. I'm hoping they'll be easy, feel good reads.

29. What did you read most recently?
I've recently finished Scar by Alice Broadway, the final book of the Ink Trilogy.

30. Favourite solo artist?
Currently Freya Ridings, and Jess Glynn

The idea for this post came form Kezzie, who got it from Confuzzledom, who got it from Kristen, who got it from Steph - who originally composed the questions. I like how these things spread. Also, three is my lucky number, or rather my favourite number, and that's all the reason I needed to join in.

Three things I'd never give up:
Tea, baths (I'm not talking about giving up washing, I mean I just can't imagine a life where I only took showers), travel.

Three favourite vegetables:
Cucumber, iceberg lettuce, sugar snap peas - eaten raw and still in the pod (my husband thinks this is very strange).

Three shows I've watched faithfully from beginning to end:
If boxsets count then there are many (The West Wing, Breaking Bad, The Good Wife, House of Cards, Dexter, Homeland), if boxsets don't count then I'm not sure. There are shows I've watched a lot of but I always missed a few episodes - Sex and the City, Ally McBeal, Downton Abbey. And then there are the ones I see re-runs of, normally in the wrong order, The Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, Friends.

Three places I want to visit inside the US:
A return to New York in the summer
Arizona to visit Antelope Canyon
California to visit Yosemite National Park

Three places I want to visit outside the US:
The blue streets of Chefchaoun, Morocco
The pink beach in Budelli, Sardinia, Italy
Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya
Or anywhere I could see the northern lights (sorry that's four, I can't choose)

Three things I always have with me:
keys, phone, money / debit card.

Three things that are always in my car:
old parking tickets (ones I've paid for, not fines), a bottle of water to top up the engine, and a hairbrush (that isn't mine).

Three most recent phone calls were to/from:
My husband, my Mum, and a double glazing company - thankfully not a cold call but the company about to install our french doors (which is weirdly exactly the same list of people as Kristen).

Three books I read and loved in college:
I can't really remember reading much in college. I know I definitely read Trainspotting.

Three most often used make up products:
L'Oreal Paris Telescopic mascara, Clinique bottom lash mascara, The Body Shop brow kit. I use these every time I wear make up without fail.

Three things that make me laugh:
Sarcasm - I know it's 'the lowest form of wit' but when timed and delivered perfectly it can be hilarious.
Other people's misfortunes - The 'You've Been Framed' variety of people / animals / children falling over, bumping into things, and being hit with random objects always has me in stitches.
Silliness - silly walks, skipping, stupid conversations - generally just being a bit daft.

Three things that make me cry:
Weddings, the vows and the speeches especially.
Children in Need, Comic Relief, Stand Up To Cancer etc.
Being angry and /or frustrated at a situation - for me this is the worst kind of crying because people think I'm upset when I'm not, normally I'm just bloody angry.

Let me know if you answer these questions too, I'd love to have a read.

Image from pexels.com

When I read Kezzie's answers to The Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award, I wanted to answer them because they're such good questions. Kezzie nominated anyone with an A in their name to answer them. Which I do (take note anyone who thinks my name is Joy), so here they are...

1. What is your favourite gemstone?
Opals (the blue variety in particular), labradorite, and moonstones, as they're beautiful, so inviting and touchable. They have a magical, mystical feel about them, like you could disappear inside them, into another world. That said, I also like turquoise, jade and coral too. So, I'm not fussy at all really, but opals are definitely at the top of the list.

2. If you had to spend the day as any historical figure, who would it be and why?
Queen Victoria, in her early years before the death of Prince Albert. I think it would be fascinating. Or Queen Elizabeth I, so I could cut off people's heads.

3. Do you have a favourite genre of film, and if so, why?
I enjoy all sorts of films, but something that moves me and makes me think is my preference. This can be in any genre. I'm not a fan of horror particularly, although I will watch it. I don't like the Ali G / Borat type films, I'd rather sit in silence. I like period dramas, thrillers, rom coms, spy movies, Sci-fi is great too. Some of the sillier Will Ferrell films I don't enjoy (Anchorman), Adam Sandler has been in some nonsense too (Little Nicky). Don't even mention American Pie. But mostly you can plop me down in front of anything and I'll watch it.

Best films I've seen so far this year: The Martian, and Ricky and The Flash.

4. What was your favourite toy as a child?
Big Ted Michael, a teddy bear my brother gave me the day I was born. I wrote about him here, which turned into a ramble about growing up and virginity (sometimes I go where my thoughts take me).

5. What was the last book you read that you'd recommend to everyone?
I really enjoyed Wild by Cheryl Strayed. Here is what I wrote in a previous post about it:

'Really enjoyed this one, reading it in less than a week. I haven't been as captivated by a book like this for a long time. This is Cheryl's true story of how her life went off track when her Mum died suddenly. At her lowest point she was compelled to walk 1,100 miles of the Pacific Crest trail alone - an epic journey, and one that I was very intrigued by.

I read the book at every opportunity, it made me want to dig out my walking boots, go camping and spend time away from everything. 

I was scared for her, I willed her on, was elated by her triumphs, and strangely felt a sense of pride when she completed both her physical and emotional journey. This is staying on my bookshelf to be read again.'

6. What was the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Learn how to have those difficult conversations. My best friend told me this and she's absolutely right. Communication is the key to everything and although I sometimes struggle to make myself understood, I never stop trying.

7. Who would be your dream dinner guests and why?
Helen Mirren, Judi Dench, Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Maggie Smith, Keira Knightley, Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman. I'd just love to sit and listen to them all chatting. I think we'd need to make it a weekend retreat, dinner wouldn't be long enough.

8. Do you prefer day or night?
Both. I like very early mornings (when I'm awake), and very late nights (when I can stay awake). I think it's the stillness that these times bring, the lack of people and noise.

9. If space travel became a possibility overnight, where would you go?
I wouldn't want to go too far at first, I'd like to be home for supper. Maybe just a jaunt into the stars, to experience weightlessness, to look back on earth and see it as the blue / green planet we've all seen so many times in photographs.

10. And because I'm always interested to know this, if time travel were real, what time would you go to?
The 1940s but only if I could be a guest at Downton Abbey

To join in, the rules are simple:
1. Thank the blogger for the award given (Thank you Kezzie)
2. Answer the ten questions given to you
3. Nominate a further 10 bloggers for this award
4. Write another 10 questions for those bloggers to answer
5. Display the award on your blog or in a post

My questions are going to be the same as the above, because I think these questions (originally from Tasha) are really good, and I like to see how people's answers differ from my own.

And - borrowing Kezzie's idea - I'm going to tag anyone with an E in their name. Do let me know if you answer them.

This is me in July 2011, taken around the time I answered some random questions I'd found on a few blogs I'd been reading at the time.

I decided to answer them again to see if / how my answers have changed.

What is bothering you right now
2011 - Not having enough hours in the day, my work/life balance is way, way off kilter!
2016 - My inability to consistently eat well and exercise.

Do you like celebrity magazines?
2011 - No.
2016 - Still no.

When was the last time you were ill? Why?
2011 - I am plagued by sinusitis, it strikes when I get run down, which has been happening a lot recently (see my answer to the first question).
2016 - Still sinusitis, on the advice of my Doctor I'm currently cutting dairy from my diet (with sensible substitutions) to see if this makes a difference.

Do you feel you belong in a different era?
2011 - Yes. The 1950's. Andy feels that way too.
2016 - Not so much anymore, I feel like I'm where (and when) I should be.

Who owns you?
2011 - My cats, Socks and Tink.
2016 -  I don't really understand this question but I'd still say my cats.

Favorite country in Europe?
2011 - UK.
2016 - The UK is still my favourite. The UK is often put down, but it has some amazing places, with some beautiful and diverse landscapes. Other than the UK, I think Belgium is very pretty, but it's hard to say as I haven't seen all of Europe. Yet.

Did you skive off school?
2011 - Nope. I was a bit of a girlie swot.
2016 - This isn't going to change.

Ever played an instrument?
2011 - Only very badly.
2016 - Ditto.

Favorite alcoholic drink?
2011 - Pimms and lemonade on a hot day, mulled wine when it's cold.
2016 - G&T, no matter what time of year it is!

Do you follow fashion?
2011 - I follow fashion so I know what is current but I wear only what I think suits me.
2015 - Not really, I have an idea of what's on trend but I rarely consider it these days. Style is more important than being on trend.

What colour are your eyes? Do you like that colour?
2011 - Greeny/Grey/Bluey. I think my peepers are my best feature.
2016 - Obviously, this isn't going to change.

What is the furthest you have travelled from your home? How far was it?
2011 - Seattle, which is 4,799 miles from London according to Google.
2016 - I wondered if Zanzibar would be further but it's just under at 4,621 miles

What is the coldest temperatures you have experienced? Where were you?
2011 - Winter 2010 in the UK
2016 - Have we had a colder winter since? I'd love to have a cold holiday, somewhere with deep snow and husky rides.

What is the hottest temperatures you have experienced? Where were you?
2011 - Sicily. On the day of my friend's wedding. I melted.
2016 - This remains the same, in all honesty I don't think I'd ever want to be that hot ever again.

Imagine you have three wishes. List them. (A million more wishes doesn't count)
2011 -
1. An end to poverty and suffering (a biggie but a goody)
2. Longer, thicker, curlier eyelashes (utterly selfish but I'd love a life without mascara)
3. Unlimited energy
2016 -
1. Political stability - a government I can trust
2. An answer to the declining bee numbers
3. My 20 year old body

Are you keeping a secret from the world?
2011 - Nope.
2016 - Still nope.

If you could go back in time and give advice to yourself ten years ago, what would you say?
2011 - Your greatest regrets will be about the things you didn't do.
2016 - Learn now to have those difficult conversations. And don't wait 'for the right time', the right time is now.

How have you changed in the past 10 years?
2011 - I'm kinder to myself and more confident.
2016 - I'm more settled. Happier, more relaxed.

Is abortion wrong?
2011 - Not if it's done for the right reasons, as a last resort, in a timely fashion.
2016 - My feelings haven't changed on this.

Do you like long train/car journeys?
2011 - Yes, I love the time to stare out of the window and get lost in my own little world...
2016 -  Still a daydreamer

Have you ever considered writing a novel?
2011 - On occasion. If I had a great idea for a plot I'd go for it. I'm waiting for inspiration to strike.
2016 - Yes, but the subject matter still eludes me. No point putting pen to paper until I have an inkling!

Have you ever punched someone in the face?
2011 - No, but I have wanted to.
2016 - No, but I have wanted to (and several times since 2011), I doubt I'd ever act on the urge though.

What is your sense of humour like?
2011 - I love a dry sense of humour, quick wit and slap stick. Nothing makes me laugh like people tripping up or walking into things.
2016 - Still the same, a little more sarcastic.

Are you a good person?
2011 - Not to everyone. I'm fiercely loyal but break my trust and forgiveness is a long time coming.
2016 - Not to everyone but yes, on the whole I think I am. There is room for improvement, I could certainly be more patient with others, kinder.


And this is me today.

Feel free to answer these questions too, just let me know so I can have a read.

I've just finished knitting my coin purse and need to attached it to the frame and add a lining. I had to frog my first attempt (thanks for all of you who informed of the origin of the term, it makes perfect sense now), it was too big. I had it sewn onto the frame, the lining in, and the button embellishment attached but it didn't feel right. It was more bag than purse so I decided to start again. You can find the pattern here.

One day I might show you a finished project!

I'm reading Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She's Learned by Lena Dunham. It's interesting to read a book aimed at a much younger audience but it's funny to cringe and smile at all of the things I identify with and recall from my younger years (thank goodness those years are behind me now). This is a handy book for the younger generation, and it's written well. She has a nice writing style and a tone of voice that's funny, self depreciating and likable. I'm about half way though.

I enjoy a Q&A post and I've seen this one about reading habits on a few blogs now, Eileen and Janet to name a few, and thought it would be apt for today's post. I find the habits of others fascinating, so if you want to give it a go, let me know in the comments below.

Do you have a certain place at home for reading?
Mostly I read in bed. You might occasionally find me on the sofa, under a blanket with a book and a cat. Other than that I read sitting outside in the sunshine, sometimes with a cat.

Where do you like to read?
Other than in bed, or in my garden? On a beach or beside a pool.

Bookmark or random piece of paper?
Both. I have a ribbon bookmark made by my Mum but I also use random scraps of paper or if someone gives me a book as a gift and it comes with a gift tag I use that.

Can you just stop reading or do you have to stop after a chapter?
I can just stop reading. I get to the point most night when I'm falling asleep with a book in my hand. I close it, drop it on the floor and I'm asleep within minutes. The next night I have to re-read the last few pages I read as I remember little of it.

Do you eat or drink while reading?
I often read with a cup of tea, I don't generally eat though. I might nibble on a bar of chocolate.

E-reader or real book?
Real book, I've never read anything on an e-reader. I get that they are good for taking lots of books traveling or are good for commuting but I work from home, and also I read slowly so I find one book on a week's holiday is plenty.

Music or TV while reading?
Nope. I prefer silence. I get distracted by noise.

One book at a time or several at once?
One at a time, but I can read a novel and a reference book at the same time but I prefer to stick to one story at a time.

Reading at home or everywhere?
Generally just at home or when traveling a long distance.

Reading aloud or silently in your head?
In my head. I can't skim read though, I have to read every single word, which is why I read so slowly.

Fiction or non-fiction?
A mixture. Novels are the norm but I do like a biography once in a while.

Do you read ahead or skip pages?
No, I don't see the point. Why spoil it?

Break the spine or keep it like new?
Break the spine. I like a book to look like it's been read.

Do you write in your books?
I have done, but generally just my name and a date. I buy a lot of second hand books and I like to find a name or something written inside. I like to feel that a book has been read and enjoyed over and over. I think it gives the book life, I see books sitting on shelves unread, or read just once and I think they have a sad quality.

Favourite book?
This is an impossible question! One book that has remained on my shelf through numerous clear outs is Yarn Harlot by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. It's charming and very apt for Yarn Along!

What are you knitting and reading?

(Day 39 of blogging everyday for 40 days. Only one more day!)

Lucy asked these questions a while ago, not tagging anyone but inviting those who wanted to to answer her questions to do so. I liked them, so here are my answers...

1. What is your favourite place in the world?
Home. It sounds so boring but it's my sanctuary - the place where I feel most free, relaxed and safe.

2. What was the last new food you tried?
Boquerones, as part of a Spanish platter in Cafe Del Mar on my birthday this year. Basically, it's fresh anchovies, marinated in a mixture of vinegar and olive oil, and seasoned with garlic and parsley. It was OK, my friend seemed to like it more than I did, so I let her eat most of it and munched on salted almonds instead.

3. What is currently top of your shopping wishlist?
A holiday. I had a 4 day break in Cornwall recently for a friend's wedding. I came home with a hankering for a longer holiday. Not having to worry about making the bed, cleaning the bathroom, buying or cooking food and going to work is my idea of heaven right now.

4. What are you currently reading?
A Cup of Tea, A novel of 1917 by Amy Ephron, which is my chosen book for Alex's A Blogging Good Read for April 2015. I took part back in September 2012 and no one really liked the book I chose so I hope this one gets better reviews! I'm really enjoying it.

5. Who would play you in a film of your life?
Goofy.

6. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A mobile hairdresser, driving from one appointment to another in a black mini. I don't know at what point this changed. It's nice to think that, even then, I liked the idea of working for myself.

7. Do you believe in extra-terrestrial life?
I think it's possible. I refuse to believe that we know all there is to know about the universe.


8. What animal do you think you most resemble in looks and personality?
Has to be a cat - big eyes, like to sleep a lot, would eat constantly if allowed and fussy about the people I befriend.

9. Who's your favourite Corrie character?
Erm, is Betty still in it?

10. Have you ever seen a ghost?
No, but I believe that, like extra-terrestrial life, it's possible that they exist.

11. What is your proudest achievement?
Working for myself.


My questions to you, should you wish to answer them. Let me know if you have, I'll pop over and give them a read.

1. If you could have anyone (dead or alive) write a guest post for your blog, who would it be?

2. If you could live the life of someone else for a day, who would you be?

3. Name something that you wish you were really, like really, good at.

4. What was the last film you watched, was it any good?

5. What childhood possession do you wish you still owned?

6. If you were to bury a time capsule what would you put in it?

7. If you could rid your life of one thing, what would it be?

8. Would you rather be trapped alone on an island or never allowed to spend a single moment alone again?

9. Who's blog do you take most inspiration from?

10. How did you find out that Father Christmas doesn't exist?

11. What's the first thing to come into your head when I say 'beauty'?

Looking forward to seeing answers to these!


Love

I was tagged earlier this week by Char with a Liebster blog tag. I like these posts, they often uncover quirks and it's those quirks that I think make us interesting and different from one and other.

The Rules:
Answer the 11 questions that your tagger gave you.
Choose 11 other blogs to nominate.
Think of 11 questions to ask the bloggers that were nominated.
Thank the person that nominated you and link back to their blog (Thanks Char)

1. What is your favourite thing to do on a rainy day?
Sit by a window with a hot drink either reading or watching a film. Cats would be present and if Andy could be there too, all the better. If it's really heavy rain I can sit and watch it for ages. If it's not too cold I'll open the window so I can feel and smell the freshness it brings. Summer storms are the best.

2. Skirts or shorts?
Skirts as I love maxi skirts and maxi shorts would just be trousers. And I can't pull off the shorts over tights look, so shorts lose.

3. If you found £10 on the pavement, what would you do with it?
Buy lottery tickets.

4. Favourite colour?
Today it's blue but it changes all the time.

5. Best advice someone has ever given you?
Don't avoid having a conversation because it's difficult. This is particularly true for me, I never know how to start a tricky conversation, I totally suck at it.

6. Where would you most like to go in the world?
There are so many places I'd like to visit but right now I'd love to be somewhere warm with beautiful scenery and loads of culture.

7. What super-power would you most like to have and why?
The ability to be in more than one place at any given time, I can multitask with the best of them but sometimes that's just not enough to get everything done!

8. Who is the last person you sent a text to?
A friend and old work colleague, just a boring message about a project we'll be working on together later this month.

9. How many times per day do you brush your teeth (randomly this was a question on a survey I recently was paid to take part in!)?
Once - on instruction from my dentist. I scrub too hard when I brush and have receding gums as a result. So I clean my teeth in the morning and use a mouthwash before bed.

10. What is the last blog you followed?
Thanks to an introduction from Jenny, I'm now following and enjoying Prattle & Froth.

11. Do you prefer to read e-books or regular books? Library or shop-bought?
The majority of my books are from charity shops or Green Metropolis, the others are from the Waterstones shop in my local town as I love the shop and the building but I can get carried away a buy more than I should.

I've never read an ebook and it's not something that I feel the need to do. I love the smell of books and turning the pages. Never say never though...

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I'm not going to tag 11 people (rules are made to be broken) mainly because most of the people I'd tag, have been recently tagged anyway...

But I will tag the most recent additions to my blog roll -  Jen  //   Emma  //  Jane  //  Zoe  who's blogs I have been following (and enjoying) since taking part in #BEDN last year.

You don't need to be invited, if you just fancy taking part please do, here are my questions:

1. If you were a cartoon character who would you be?

2. What's your nickname?

3. What are you reading at the moment?

4. If you could take a year off work with limitless funds, how would you spend your year?

5. What is your signature dish?

6. What is the one thing that everyone should do, at least once, in their lifetime?

7. Have you ever given blood?

8. Do you have any tattoos?

9. Name a film that you have watched over and over again?

10. What question would you most like to ask me?

11. Do you have a favourite piece of jewellery? What is it, how did it come to be yours?

If you do take part, be sure to let me know as I'm as nosy as hell I'd love to have a read.

Love

I have been tagged by Sophie and I have to admit that being tagged always makes me feel loved. Thanks Sophie!

First, you paste in these instructions:
1) You must post 11 random things about yourself
2) Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post
3) Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer
4) Go to their blog and tell them you've tagged them
5) No stuff about 'you're tagged if you're reading this' - legitimately tag people.

So 11 Random things about me…
1) I always go up stairs two at a time
2) I collect charity pin badges
3) I have a love/hate relationship with bananas
4) I developed a taste for olives at the age of 35
5) When I was 11 crushed my finger whilst closing a door and nearly lost the top of it
6) If I don't get some time on my own everyday I start to go a little crazy
7) I really dislike the word 'moist'
8) I think I should have been born in the 1950's
9) I love notebooks
10) I am a bit of a SciFi fan...
11) I actually quite like the smell of manure

Here are Sophie’s questions for me to answer:

1) What happened on your favourite/most memorable day?
We went to Lords Cricket Ground and watched England vs Sri Lanka. It was a surprise 30th Birthday present for OH. After the game I organised to meet up with some of his best mates for a curry on Brick Lane. It was such a cool day.

2) What is your least favourite colour and why?
Pale colours in general. They're boring, almost non-colours.

3) What don’t you like eating and why?
Mushrooms. The texture - yuck. That said I quite like the flavour so mushroom soup is fine.

4) Who is your celebrity twin?
I found this website ages ago and it matched me with Alyson Hannigan. Try it, its's fun.

5) Do you have a surprising skill, what is it?
I really don't think I have any...

6) What place in the world would you most like to visit?
Bali. It's always been a dream destination but reading Eat, Pray, Love cemented it for me.

7) What is the best or worst bit of advice you have received?
Don't avoid a conversation because it's difficult.

8) What is your favourite snack?
I go through phases, at the moment its celery.

9) What would you like to change about the world, if anything?
I'd like to see less hate and intolerance.

10) Dogs or cats? Or neither?
Cats! I love my two little purring friends.

11) If you were to change your first name, what would you call yourself?
Eva, it means 'life'

Here are my questions for the people I tag to answer:
(I have to admit I cheated on some of these and googled 'random questions to ask people'. Google has an answer for everything)
1) What song always makes you happy when you hear it?
2) What movie would you most like to be in and why?
3) If you were a Disney character who would you be and why?
4) Do you have any nicknames?
5) What one thing would you take with you on a deserted island?
6) Who would you snog, marry and kill?
7) What do you miss the most from your childhood?
8) How do you spend a typical Sunday?
9) What three celebrities would you most like to invite to dinner?
10) Name 3 things you cannot live without?
11) What did you want to grow up to be when you were a kid?

I am tagging: Sherin, Beth, Dawn, Bre, The Girl, Sarah, Harriet, Cat, Anita, Val. Please join in if you wish, but if it's not your thing, don't worry I won't be offended.

Not to everyone. I'm fiercely loyal but break my trust and forgiveness is a long time coming.

Blimey, that was a bit heavy for a final question!

Feel free to complete this questionnaire... just let me know, I'd love to read it.