Things I Love Thursday

Festivals - Dear Heart and I had a marvellous time at V last weekend. It's bene ten years since I last went for some reason or another (life getting in the way of doing other things maybe?) and it's simply gotten bigger and better. Loved the stuff that was going on away from the main stage (although the main stage did have it's moments i.e. Coldplay) and a big clap to whoever had the grand idea of payuing 10p for any cups handed in at a recycle point. It helped with the litter problem and I made enough to cover a beer or three.

Lawrence of Arabia - Ok I'm only half way through but already very impressed. Nice to watch a film that doesn't depend entirely on special effects to keep your interest. In fact for a film that so far has been a group of blokes riding camels across a desert it's amazing.

Other stuff - clearing clutter on eBay and Freecycle, looking forward to September, knowing that there is no point in worrying, greengages and plums, weekend plans, clearing joblists, early yule shopping, good reads and lsiting supplies in the freezer.

Things I Love Thursday

Days off - I seem to have been on the go all summer long. Lunch breaks are non existent or spent travelling, rather than in the park. Days off so far have been spent travelling or meeting up with people. Hence it's been marvellous to have two days at home not having to do anything.

Clear outs - Of course I have been doing stuff. Mainly clearing out boxes from my study and stuff from our soon to be refurbished utility room. I've divided it into piles for charity shops, for a friend who does car boot sales for a dogs home, freecycle and finally eBay. I'm amazed by the demand for some items on freecycle. My beaded curtain and leaf rake could have gone several times over. However I am short on taker for my set of taps and mug tree.

Other stuff - music festivals, sleeping it off, long lunches, great reads, sunshine, not worrying, going with the flow, green tops with hint of mint worn with white heart shaped necklaces, gucamole, menu changes, living the moment.

Things I Love Thursday

Big jars of buttons – I arrived at work last Friday to find on my desk the jar of buttons in the photograph and a cucumber. They’d been left by Mimi who knew that a) I love buttons and b) an always on the lookout for locally grown cucumber that isn’t encased in plastic. The cucumber came from a WI market and is currently being consumed. The buttons need to come home but are staying on my desk for a while because just looking at them makes me feel cheerful and inspired.

Watching shooting stars – Last night Dear Heart and I sat in the garden in the dark and watched the Perseid meteor shower pass over. It wet, past my bedtime and I had neck ache from looking up. It was also wonderful. I had a huge smile on my face. I saw six shoot past and the last (before cloud cover ruined any further hope of sightings) left a bright trail in the sky for a few seconds. I shall be visiting the British Astronomical society to find out about future meteors to observe.


Other stuff – working through job lists, peanut butter, wedges, green ink, planning tattoos, lunch with the ladies, fifty per cent off, giant courgettes, live music, routines, vegan ‘corn beef’ hash (thanks Dad), proper cider (except in snakebite), sweetcorn,

Things I love Thursday

Having amazing friends and family – I’ve enjoyed the company of so many wonderful people recently and am looking forward to spending time with more over the next week or so.

Second hand clothes – Dear Heart’s sister was having a clear out and was kind enough to let me have a rummage through. I really have no excuse for buying any new clothes now (with the exception of a French connection LBD from Oxfam).

Live music – Dear Heart and one his pals have organised a series of jam nights at a local snooker club. The first one was on Sunday so I helped them set up and have a little play myself. Then I sat back and listened to some amazing sounds. Those boys rock!

Other stuff -The possibility of cover grey hair with emerald dye, locally grown tomatoes, an emptier fridge, only buying what I had on my list in Ikea, charity shops, the wonders of public transport, wonderful neighbours, the difference smiling makes.

Things I Love Thursday

A bit short this week but it's the thought that counts, right?

UK Lady bloggers meet up – Both nervous and excited about meeting up with some other bloggers. I’m also trying out Easybus for the first time to get me there.

Being busy – it is good and beats boredom

Dear Heart doing the cooking, crazy Sundays with friends, getting through job lists, sleep, courgettes

Things I love Thursday

Exercise – I finally started doing morning walks again. Feels good and the route has a novelty once again. Also made a real effort this week and managed Pilates, Yoga and belly dancing classes.

Not feeling I have to pick up the pieces other people can’t – and the world didn’t fall apart so why have I wasted so much time, effort and energy in the past.

Hot soup with raw green leaves - I added some raw shredded spinach from my allotment to the tomato and red pepper soup I was eating on Monday night. It was a kind of last minute thing one I’d heated the sup and had it I the bowl. A kind of garnish. Totally delicious. In fact I had the last of the sup for breakfast Tuesday morning because it all tasted so good. This time I had spinach and watercress.

Other good stuff - BBQs in the rain, silicon cupcakes cases, giggly, gossipy lunches with the girls, reading trashy stuff, black Harley Davidson vests, great neighbours, being unable to decide what to buy so buying nothing.

Things I Love Thursday

My neon green ballet pumps – They’re green, comfortable and make people stare. What more can I say?

Our new decking area – Renamed ‘the terrace’ almost instantly. I think it looks like a stage in the corner of the garden and I either want to put on a play or get a drum kit and some guitars up there and have a mini music festival.

Other stuff: forgotten keys that turn into neighbourhood parties, meeting someone twice but feeling like you’ve known them forever, cupcake baking plans, home brewing, the sound of silence, last.fm, dancing ‘til 3am, stoning cherries and shelling peas.

Things I Love thursday

The heat is making it hard for me to think straight. I feel like everything could be put off until tomorrow. Maybe this is why everyone in places with with traditionally warmer summer are so laid back!

Anyway here's my TILT:

Doing an excellent darning repair on our ripped parasol, Chickenfoot - a great classic rock sound, Ultralight and nights in for toes from Lush, easy dinners, lunch in the park, pre dinner drinks in the garden, great music jams in our attic, not leaving the house without sunglasses, sun dresses, when in doubt wear black and green, being inspired online.

Things I Love Thursday

Picking strawberries – I just love pulling back the leaves and discovering all these red berries just waiting to be picked and eaten. It’s like finding hidden treasure. I totally understand why so many people have drawn of photographed strawberries. It’s about trying to capture the moment.

Knee length skirts and bare legs – I suppose this is down to the weather as well but I’m so enjoying wearing summer skirts and dresses without freezing. I used to prefer long skirts but think my movement towards shorter skirts is a result of all the ‘what I wore type’ blogs that I’ve been reading.

Books – I’m a big reader so I always like to have my next couple of reads lined up. I had dry patch a few weeks back where I just couldn’t find reading inspiration. I’m happy to say that I have my next ten or so titles lined up and I keep spotting new ones all the time.

Other stuff – al fresco dining, easy dinners, yoga, summer plans, cupcake baking plans, wedge shoes, Fairy Godmother soap from Lush, shandy, suglasses.

Things I Love Thursday

Fresh seasonal produce - I just love all the glorious fruit and vegetables that are in season right now. My allotment is producing huge red strawberries and purple radishes. The Market is is full of colours and it's so good to know that a lot of it is grown locally. My fridge is full of delicious stuff and meals are a dream of tastey good for you stuff.

Wedges - my sister suggested them years ago as an alternative to heels and I didn't listen. Then last week I bought a pair of beige wedges in a charity shop & wondered why I hadn't before. Comfort and height!

Other stuff - haircuts, teal green, shrugs, the blues, Christmas shopping started early, ladies who lunch, patchwork, meetings held outdoors, drop in drinks, sharing gluts.

Fab Stuff Friday

So I missed TILT this week. Oh well, here's a Friday version instead.

Big bags of clothes and fabric – My very excellent and stylish grandmother has sent me another big bag of stuff including the most amazing 1960s kaftan in a green flora pattern and a (not 1960s) white button from top. Both are huge but with my trusty belt to define my waist they look great. Alas I now want some green wedges to go with the kaftan.

My new yoga teacher – My previous yoga teacher has retired but that’s alright because the new one is great. You just know when five minutes into a class you feel relaxed and in very safe hands that it’s going to be OK.

Tasty one liners! – I’m rather taken with Chef_Pete and his one line recipes. Follow him on Twitter or visit his blog. His recipes might not be vegan but they inspire.

Other stuff - Purple hose held up with elastic bands, remembering how to walk in high heels, anticipation of strawberries, family visits, taking shoe related action, green nail polish, belly dancing, a freezer full of delicious food.

Things I Love Thursday

The summer is coming! – The weather is taking a turn for the warmer. I’ve made a date with myself for next Friday to change my clothes over and look over my summer wardrobe. Plants are growing. The prospect of lunch in the park and dinner in the garden is not far away.

Discovering the secret society of vegans have a shop in London http://www.secretsocietyofvegans.co.uk/central/index.php/

Lunch with friends at Baroosh – I get confused these days when there are more the two things on the menu that I can eat! No only was I delighted with the food but the company was nice and I could barely drag myself back to my desk after.

The weekend – I’m really looking forward to a few days when I don’t have to leap out of bed to go to work, do a training walk or do anything particular.

Other stuff - Bagels with vegan cream cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, the concept of creative energy seeking a medium, Vodka and tonic, sleep, daisy covered lawns, Milky bar soap, a diminished sewing pile, sisters, Soya Latte from Starbucks.

Things I Love Thursday

My training for the Moonwalk being all done – I did my last training walk this morning and I’m so looking forward to not having to find time to do it. It’s not just the time it takes to train; it’s the making sure I have a change of clothes a t work, getting to bed early and sober so that I can get up and walk , avoiding wearing heels in case I sprain an ankle. The impact on my appearance has been much less noticeable this time round which probably means I was in pretty good shape to start with.

New books and music – I’m having one of those weeks where I keep spotting new stuff that I want to read or listen to. This is good as I’m planning a very chilled out Sunday afternoon and a week of early nights to follow that.

Massages – I really enjoyed my back massage last week. I’ve booked another for next week. I’ve also managed to get a free acupuncture session. This is the start hopefully of me being nice to myself and not overdoing things constantly!

Other stuff: sleep, water, green tea, reading blogs and feeling inspired, desk clearouts, making progress, being connected, shopping on Etsy.

Things I Love Thursday

Feeling less stressed – I’ve had a very busy few weeks with lots of deadlines, 48 hours giving a presentation in Germany and the pilot of a new project launching this weekend. This in addition to Moonwalk training and keeping up with my allotment. I’ve been getting by on adrenaline, not sleeping and suffering from Eczema. Therefore it is such a pleasure to feel that I am half way through this time and am coming out the other side. I’m sleeping better, enjoying food and other small pleasures and my Eczema is vanishing.

Sewing Inspiration – I’m getting all inspired for a bout of sewing. I’ve had a semi deconstructed pair of trousers sitting on Rosie (my dress making dummy) for weeks now just waiting for me to get it together with the muse. I suddenly feel full of inspiration and energy.

I've got to try this - And at your next party when someone asks you what you do, lower your voice and say "I can't divulge any details but I help preserve the integrity of civilisation."


Don't knwo if I'll manage to try this but I like the idea -Inspiration for what to wear every day in May http://fabfindsunder50.blogspot.com/2009/05/inspiration-for-may.html


Other stuff: Prospect of a back massage, produce from my allotment, accepting loss as Zen/exchange/necessary sacrifice, new socks, Jack Daniels on the rocks, biographies, green glass beads.

Remember Life is Beautiful

Things I love Thursday

My work load shrinking (or at least thinking about slimming) – It’s been a bit like playing Tetris for the past few weeks – a line disappears and a load of new shapes appear at the top of the screen to be dealt with.

Happy hippy shower gel – There is nothing like the smell of fresh grapefruit to wake you up first thing in the morning.

Free food – Produce has stated appearing on my allotment. As it’s all stuff that I planted this year I’m assuming this is an example of ‘over wintering’.

Warm weather – It’s been very nice to be able to go out without a huge coat (or any coat) and dream about the summer to come.

Other stuff: chocolate with chillies consumed while drinking red wine, deli boards, not being too lazy to straighten my hair, Five, the enduring power and endless adaptability of the LBD.

Things I Love Thursday

Flowers- I love seeing the evidence of new life. Blossom on the trees, primroses at the side of the path and daisies and dandelions sprinkled across patches of grass. I bought six bunches of daffodils last week and put them in jar jars around the house. They have all opened and smell so delicious.

Chilli sauce – Just about everything tastes better with a splash of chilli and I totally adore the sauce I got last week at the Vitality show.

Being busy – I feel like I’ve got so much on at present and I want to be grateful that I have such a full life rather then grumbling that my life is boring or that I have no time. Afterall – time to do what?


Other stuff: staying on track with training, Tempeh, fried mushroom sandwiches, resisting the urge to buy more unnecessary stuff and feeling the craving go away, learning about tempo, the truth is a lemon meringue

Things I Love Thursday

I've used logos from Icing in the past since it's the home of tilt. However today I am inspired by Vixel at Sparkle and Glitter and have created my own image in Paint! Feel stupidly proud of myself and fear this may spark an entire rush of logo madness only inhibited by my drawing skills.

Girlie days out - I'm off to Vitality Show with some and looking forward to it. The classes, demos and talks look particularly good and I'll be finishing it off the day with a glass of champagne.

Meals for free - well almost. Deart Heart and I have been really good at using up leftovers this week. Cottage pie type thing on Tuesday night using up leftovers from Sunday lunch and Pasta last night using up the last of the sweetcorn soup we had for dinner on Sunday/Monday night. Tonight we're making French bread pizzas using some of the baguette that appeared in our kitchen after the party we went to last weekend.

Lara bars - the market near to where I work has started selling these again. They are so good!

Charity shops - Last week I went hunting in charity shops for belts and a Mod outfit. I picked up a black and white skirt and top which I did a few temporary alterations to for my costume. I was able to pick the stitching out the next day, give the top to Dear Heart's Mum and set the skirt aside for the next choose2reuse Tuesday. I got two terrific belts both of which I have worn several times already. What a difference they make to an outfit!

Other stuff: new blogs, grey dresses, water, good reads that you didn't expect, not worrying, trips for work, being inspired, spinach, being able to wear sunglasses, really good sleep.

Things I Love Thursday

*Unexpected produce – I just love it when I stumble across some potatoes on my allotment that have been unharvested, survived the winter and are ready for eating. Or garlic. Or spinach. Well, you get the picture.

*Making lists – Making a job list always makes me feel good. Even if I don’t get round to doing the stuff on it for ages, the very act of making one and I suppose planning for the future makes me feel good. Clearly the increased light levels have woken me up and I’m writing down all kinds of things to do.

*Realising that practice is all – and that most of practice is taking a risk and getting it wrong and trying and getting it wrong again. And even if you think you’ve got it there’s always more to learn.

*Treating myself – I arrived somewhere very early for a meeting the other day and usually would have wandered around trying to kill the time. Instead I went into some lovely tea rooms, was greeted by a very nice smiley man and had a pot of Earl Grey and banana. So I arrived at my appointment (a) on time and (b) feeling refreshed. The cost? £1.50. why aren’t I nicer to myself like this more often?


Also: Twice baked potatoes, making decisions and deciding the world won’t fall apart if I don’t do something, sunny days, postcrossing, sewing inspiration, putting loose change into bags and taking it to the bank.

Things I love Thursday

Growing stuff – Things seem to be going quite well on my allotment. I’m doing good on preparing the ground, the spinach and celery survived the winter and I got my first lot of potatoes in the ground last week. Today I bough Raspberry canes from the market. I love raspberries and have been meaning to grow some for years so I was so pleased have purchased these. Also looking forward to laying out my seed packets and sorting out planting plan.

Lamé leggings – I bought a pair of these from American Apparel in December because my Grandma gave me some £ and wanted me to treat myself. I’ve worn them previously in a non-noticeable way as pretty much as replacement tights. Last weekend I wore them with my grey woolly pillow case top and black buckle boots and felt totally rock and roll. I’ve been doing enough exercise to justify showing off my legs after all.

Purple sprouting Broccoli – I’ve had this in my lunch box every day this week and think it is so yummy.

Vegan cheese on crackers spread with vegan mayo – Holland and Barrett had a three for two on vegan cheese which means I’ve been eating loads of this high fat stuff. I’ve been justifying it to myself that I need it to off set the broccoli and moonwalk training! The offer is now over so I might start restraining my urges for this delicious combo.

Honourable mentions: Tapas with friends, packed lunches, reading the original book the film/tv show was based on, keeping a good average time per mile while walking, cooking leftovers, a possible date for the UK Lady bloggers meet up, rearranging furniture.

Right I'm off to read other TILTs across the web

Things I Love Friday

Yesterday was totally crazy so here are thing I love Friday and you know what doing something on a different day is fun. I love routine but change is fun too!

*The Heroin Diaries soundtrack – I loved the book and finally got round to buying this amazing CD last week. It all sounds so good, but my favourite track has got to be Life is beautiful – an early runner for song of the year.

*The end of an busy week – being busy is better than not and it’s great to be able to look back and think of all you’ve done.

*Booking V tickets – It only took half an hour and I’d set up the thing with the right card and so we’re going - yipee.


Also: the sound of fingers on guitar strings, the prospect of a day at the Vitality show, this fascinating piece of research, three for two vegan cheese, home made scones, a nip in the air, blue skies, the colour green.