Flipping Fun

Hey everyone,

Its Shrove Tuesday aka Pancake day, the day we all start beating with a fork because we can't find the whisk, have flipping competitions and even the odd race in the street!

Shrove Tuesday marks the last day before Lent, traditionally a period of abstinence, associated with clearing your cupboards of goods such as sugar, fats and eggs. It's commonly known as Pancake Day because it represents a good opportunity to use such ingredients ahead of the fasting period. 

As fun and easy as pancakes are to make I don't really make them throughout the year which is silly because they are so quick, fun and can go with anything!

Behold! My very first attempt of American style pancakes, I'm quite happy at how they have turned out. I wanted to try making American style pancakes just for a change, though i did make English ones too. But I won't show you pictures of that because its a bit boring. The recipe was easy to follow too, here's the link >>> Fluffy Pancakes

Berries, honey and lemon are probably my favorite toppings what's yours?

Water Snake Dumplings

Hey everyone,

You've probably noticed the increase of red lanterns throughout the streets, which can only mean its that time of year again Chinese New Year. 

This year is the Year of the Snake or more specify the Year of the Water Snake. Apparently *Water Snakes are influential and insightful. They manage others well and tend to be good for organizations to utilize as staff. They are quite motivated and intellectual, very determined and resolute about success. (*sourced: http://www.usbridalguide.com)

I love CNY, I like that I can see, learn and interact with different cultures and things that i wouldn't necessary through my normal everyday activities. For a run down what was going on London please see a post I did on Endz2Endz.

Sadly I didn't get to spend as much browsing and watching the performances as I normally do ... so no dragon *so sad*

I love the fun of it all, plus it also gives my friends the chance to tease me with their red pockets - honestly how cool is this tradition (their like debt collectors lol).

But I did however get to have one favorite dishes steamed dumplings! Mmmm...

Wishing you all 'Kung Hei Fat Choi' (or Happy New Year) :D

Did any of you guys go to CNY London or anywhere else in the world?

What I Learnt

Hey everyone,

I know I’m a bit late but as it’s a new year I feel I should talk about New Year’s resolutions and also reflect on what I learnt in the previous year. I feel it is important to reflect and learn or how can you really expect to make any progression.

So last year (click here for last year's post) I kept my resolutions quite simple, in fact I wouldn't even say they were resolutions but more goals. One of which was to Pray. Throughout 2012 this was key; without God I would be truly nowhere and I am so thankful and blessed. Last year was a difficult year for me, sometimes it felt like ‘what is the point?’ or ‘there is no hope’ but my faith kept me going. I still have a lot to learn and I’m not always going to get it right but I believe there is treasure in every trial. Through every dilemma, there is a lesson and a chance to become stronger.

I wanted to share this video with guys because it touched me and I don’t know what your circumstance might be but maybe it can help you too.

Praying is again a resolution for this year (and most likely every year) because I want to get into the habit of praying more throughout the day and when making decisions whether it be big or small.

Patience was on my list last year and was a big one for me and sadly it is still one that I need to work on. I have to accept that I can’t do everything myself, things take time and I have to trust others.

Although the above are ultimate goals for the year and for my personal growth, I also have a few achievements that I’d like to tick off along the way which are;

• Spend more time with Friends and Family
• Learn – always strive to learn more, only you can make this happen
• Work progression – if you learnt the skills move on up
• TRAVEL!

I feel quite positive about this year and so far I have quite a lot going on, so its just a case of getting organised. As usual I will keep you guys up to date where I can, but for the times I can't do check out my Twitter (follow button to the side *hint, hint*) oh and my new instagram. 

So what did you learn from last year and what are your goals for this year? 


Take Care x


*Quick update: From the last post I now have a phone which can use apps, I am no longer trapped in the world of the 3210 phone LOL

Disconneted

Hi everyone,

Guess what’s in the box?

*Sigh* Well that would be my computer... yeah ... sad times, sad times. It’s not broken or anything I’m just selling it, the sad thing is I have not got a replacement yet. So my online life has come to a brief halt. I know I’m sounding slightly dramatic here but seriously I have no phone until further notice (well I do, but all it can do is literately call and text). Someone ‘borrowed’ my camera which is code for ‘you ain’t getting it back fool mwhahaha’ – hmmm yeah thanks for that S*****a - Sister. And this computer thing is just icing on the cake, kmt sods law this would happen after I was on such a high of being active (including Twitter-wise) and blogging more :(

It’s not all bad though, I actually find I’m more ‘social’ now then I was before; I’m actually talking to people - like to their faces *imagine that lol!*.That’s not completely true though, everybody else’s faces are in their phones/computers, so I just feel more out of place. When did this become acceptable? Before mobile phones become a big thing you would not get people taking out their post in the middle of a conversation! Can you imagine - 'Sorry give me two secs just have to check my bills'. LOL *Not that I’m bitter of course *Grrrrr* :P

Seriously though, I think all the technology available has made us undervalue the basics. Its direct, personal and truly the best and most honest way to display your personality, whether it be with friends and networking at work. Don't get me wrong, the second up and running again I'll be back to my digital self but I will definitely be utilizing my rediscovered knowledge more.

 Hopefully this set back should last too long but I’ll try to update when I can. Hope all is well.

Bye x

Art with a Splat!

Hey everyone,

Hope your all well and enjoying the last remains so summer, though I know for most its back to school/work and it feels like summer is over. Just yesterday a friend of mine invited me over to a free exhibition of Mr Brainwash (Thierry Guetta), to be honest I haven’t actually heard for this guy before so I was intrigued to check it out. I’m a big fan of art and creativity (don’t worry am not super hard core and arty farty) but I like to see new things just for the inspiration. Plus its free!

The location was quite impressive and atmospheric which I really like, as it kind of gave an eerie feel to the pieces, it was at the old sorting office on New Oxford Street.

As I mentioned before I’m new to this guy and I haven’t really done my research on him, I believe his a famous graffiti artist and  it shows throughout the exhibition. I quite like graffiti and that type of expression so I did have high hopes.

I quite like this one, I think its cheeky

There seems to be a British vibe going on here; it’s kind of remained me of the opening/closing ceremony of the Olympics you know with of the Union Jack Flags, the Queen, Black Cabs and popular British icons . For tourist  I suppose it’s fun, ‘English’  and edgy, for me however it doesn’t particular excite me because it just doesn’t feel new.

Dear Queeny, looking beautiful

  

‘Modern art’ or whatever you call this type thing is a bit of a grey area me, yeah I guess it’s cool and colourful but traditional artist within me is just screaming ‘This is freaking lazy!’. The actual content isn’t necessary original just how it has been arranged or layered.

 I’m type of person that really appreciates things that really showcase skill, time, originality and immense attention to detail, recycling what has already been done bar a small edit (including cheesy text and random replacement items) …errr…I don’t know… I guess that then starts to question ‘what is art?’ blah, blah, blah :P

How cool is this stereo, would be great if it actaully played

MJ <3

I’m not completely hating, seriously I’m not. As I said there is an element of coolness and show-off-ness about these pieces, and I did have a lot fun wondering around and taking pictures. And if I were more of a Pop Art fan i'd probably in my element.

Favourite piece is this big ass gorilla structure made from tyres. This piece I can appreciate just because I LOVE GORILLAS!  

Now this I want! :D

I think it’s still on for a few more days, so if you in area check it out it is worth a look plus at the end they give away a FREE poster and post cards! whether your into it or not Free is Free

Here’s a link for you >>> Mr Brainwash - Exhibition

UPDATE:EXHIBITION NOW CLOSED 

Clacton on Sea

Hey everyone,

How your summer been so far? The Olympics are well underway now, which is really cool because its bringing everyone together. For example the other day just to get a glimpse on the Men’s 100m (Mr. Bolt, under 10 seconds!) my cousin and I had to run into some random barbers. Which was only open at that time of night for everyone to watch their television lol. (Totally missed the 200m last night though *sigh*)

But that’s not what this post about. Due to the Olympics its quite difficult to take holiday, which is a bummer because its summer and I want to have fun! Anyways I thought it would to nice to visit the coast with the family, the lucky location was Clacton-on-Sea. I haven’t been there since I was a kid and nothing, nothing has changed, exactly the same as I remembered it. We caught it on a good day it wasn’t really busy so we had plenty on space top make as much noise as we wanted.

As always we totally over packed on food which meant we had to lug some food back. The sun was shining and the light sea breeze was blowing, all was good. Stresses and foolishness washed away in one brown wave, just being in a different setting makes everything feel better. Catching jokes with friends and family and just letting go. We messed around going on the most ‘uncomfortable rides ever’ and getting body art tattoos.



Me making the most of it in fat-ass sunnies haha



Seriously why is the water so brown, complete opposite to water in Dorset (check out my previous post for a look). Didn’t stop me from getting involved though, you know had to dip a toe lol.

Overall it was good finished off amazing fish’n’chips, don’t know why but they always taste better at the seaside *hmmmm*.But yeah this place has nothing on Durdle Door. The town part of it was a bit too sleepy and quiet for my liking – but maybe that’s the Londoner in me freaking out lol 

Olympic London

Hey everyone,

So these days in London there are many visitors and things going on, it’s great everyone is in a good mood and just having fun. And all is due to the Olympics!

Although the Olympics didn’t officially start until last Friday in preparation for it London has seen loads of regeneration projects and new builds. One if while being this awesome cable car which runs across the River Thames from Greenwich to the Royal Docks.
Living in London it’s easy to sometimes take things for granted and get caught up in the stresses of everyday living, but sometimes it’s good to just let go and make the most of what is available. I mean seriously look at these pictures, so calm, relaxing and kind of romantic *sigh*…. Whoa sorry I got a bit day-dreamy there LOL – I’m so sad! Haha #foreveralone #alonemuch

Oh yeah, the other day I got to play with the Olympic Touch which was fun. But I have to admit before the Olympics had started I was a bit cynical about the whole thing. But after holding the Touch and have a play around I did feel quite proud.

Sorry about the picture guys, my face was incredibly shinning and I looked a mess, trust me I'm doing you a flavor by covering this up LOL! *When did I become so vain? lol*