tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71376728924122641702024-03-13T11:49:22.977+00:00Operation VictoriaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-30840834691092642292012-03-24T12:38:00.001+00:002012-03-24T17:20:40.832+00:00Operation Fitness.As I type this, I am eating a chocolate digestive and have never ran for longer than a minute in my life. This may give you a good idea as to how huge this post is going to be.<br />
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As you all know, if you've been following my blog since the new year, I set myself the goal of losing 14lb by my graduation in July 2012. Well, I further updated you to say that I lost 14lb in January... so that goal was over and done with. But I decided that it isn't actually the weight I wanted to lose that was most important. I just wanted to get fitter and it's my dream to be able to run. I know it might sound silly to anyone who is fit or active but never in my life have I really ran. I mean, yes, jogged in PE lessons or for a bus... but never ran any considerable distance. So, this summer, I've set myself a challenge.<br />
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On June 10th at 6pm, I fly to Paris for a week with a friend from university. But at 10pm the night before (and through the night), I will be doing an 8 mile sponsored walk for <a href="http://www.wlh.org.uk/">Wigan and Leigh Hospice</a>. The walk is called Startrekkers and it's a women only walk to raise funds to keep the hospice open and provide the valuable care that families suffering through the terminal illness of a loved one need. It starts at 10pm and goes on until you finish. I will post a sponsor link if one is made available at a later date.<br />
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<a href="http://www.wlh.org.uk/Resources/Wigan%20and%20Leigh/Images/Fundraising/web%20use/startrekkers12logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://www.wlh.org.uk/Resources/Wigan%20and%20Leigh/Images/Fundraising/web%20use/startrekkers12logo.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.everydayhero.co.uk/events/images/0000/1928/trekkerpics11_-300.jpg?1330424351" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://www.everydayhero.co.uk/events/images/0000/1928/trekkerpics11_-300.jpg?1330424351" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last year's Startrekkers walk.</td></tr>
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Eight miles in one walk is a bit of a way but it shouldn't be too much of a challenge. But... and this is the big one for me... Two days after I get back from Paris, on Sunday 17th June, (the eight year anniversary of my grandmother's death somewhat aptly), I will be a five kilometer RUN for Cancer Research UK. For those of you not familiar with the <a href="http://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/index.html">Race for Life</a>, it is an annual event held all over the UK where women can either walk, jog or run five or ten kilometers to raise money for Cancer Research. This year, as a personal goal just to prove to myself that I can, I will be RUNNING (bloody running!) the 5k. <a href="http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/aliceandvictoria"><u><b>To sponsor us, even by 50p, please click here.</b></u></a><br />
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I am genuinely excited for the challenge of the latter. It's going to be both a big step for me and a little but valued help towards finally finding a cure for cancer. Training for the latter will start on Monday 2nd April and I'll probably let you know how close I am to death throughout the whole experience. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-10821380640752125332012-03-19T23:13:00.002+00:002012-03-19T23:13:43.986+00:00Operation 80s.In July, <a href="http://www.garylloyddesign.com/">Gary</a> and I are going to Bristol on an 80s themed night out for <a href="http://wehaveallthewine.blogspot.co.uk/">Hannah</a>'s birthday. I must admit, nights out are one thing Gary and I don't usually do. We've never been on one together and I've only been on two in my life. I think Gary marginally beats me but it's not something we ever think of as a good way to spend the evening. We are more than willing to make an exception for the lovely Hannah's birthday though and so we'll be driving down to Bristol with her boyfriend (and Gary's bezzie) Scully for the weekend.<br />
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The eighties theme was completely new to me though. I mean, I wasn't even born when it actually happened. So I figured I'd better give the make up a bit of a practise. When it comes to hair, eighties practically just means 'permed mullet' so with my natural afro that won't be a problem... :) But the face is a different matter and so tonight I gave an 80s face a bash.<br />
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To start with, I essentially went mad with my foundation and plastered it on like I was trying to fill cracks in a wall. I then did the craziest eye shadow I have ever seen. A really dark eye at the bottom graduating up to white and glittery beneath the brow. Given the 80s was like an accident in a blusher factory, I slapped on two straight lines of Benefit's red lip gloss (on my cheeks... yes, I know) and, because it's quite sticky, stuck some powdered blush to the gloss to get the colour necessary to look like a Madonna throwback.<br />
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The look itself was quite a success. It took me four washes to get the stuff off and even then I've been left with an orange smudge on my freshly washed face towel. Marvellous. Imagine that with a perm. Go on... You know I'll look sensational.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-59619515594514416402012-03-18T12:18:00.002+00:002012-03-18T12:28:05.609+00:00Operation Kony 2012.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is not going to be just another post supporting Kony 2012... Because I don't support them. I do agree that what Joseph Kony is doing is beyond barbaric. It thoroughly saddens me and it is horrible to think that this sort of thing, unfortunately so repetitive of horrors of society gone by, still occurs so frequently in today's society. But I thoroughly and whole-heartedly <b>do not</b>, and will not, support Kony 2012. A blog entitled VisibleChildren, not to be confused with the Invisible Children group, succinctly concludes why this is:<i> </i><br />
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<i>"I do not doubt for a second that those involved in KONY twenty-twelve have
great intentions, nor do I doubt for a second that Joseph Kony is a very
evil man. But despite this, I’m strongly opposed to the KONY twenty-twelve</i><i>
campaign. KONY </i><i>twenty-twelve</i><i> is the product of a group called Invisible Children, a
controversial activist group and not-for-profit. They’ve released eleven
films, most with an accompanying bracelet colour (KONY </i><i>twenty-twelve</i><i> is fittingly
red), all of which focus on Joseph Kony. When we buy merch from them,
when we link to their video, when we put up posters linking to their
website, we support the organization. I don’t think that’s a good thing,
and <a href="http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/136673/mareike-schomerus-tim-allen-and-koen-vlassenroot/obama-takes-on-the-lra?page=show">I’m</a> <a href="http://www.wrongingrights.com/2009/03/worst-idea-ever.html">not</a> <a href="http://chrisblattman.com/2009/03/04/visible-children/">alone.</a> </i></div>
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<i>Invisible Children has been condemned time and time again. As a registered not-for-profit, its <a href="http://c2052482.r82.cf0.rackcdn.com/images/737/original/FY11-Audited%20Financial%20Statements.pdf?1320205055">finances are public</a>.
Last year, the organization spent </i><i>eight million, six hundred and seventy six thousand, six hundred and fourteen dollars</i><i>. Only thirty-two percent went to direct
services (page six), with much of the rest going to staff salaries, travel
and transport, and film production. This is far from ideal for an issue
which arguably needs action and aid, not awareness, and <a href="http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=12429">Charity Navigator</a> rates their accountability two out of eight stars because they lack an external audit committee. But it goes way deeper than that.</i></div>
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<i>The group is in favour of direct military intervention, and their
money supports the Ugandan government’s army and various other military
forces. Here’s <a href="http://www.scarlettlion.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/GlennaGordon_InvisibleChildrenA.jpg">a photo</a>
of the founders of Invisible Children posing with weapons and personnel
of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army. Both the Ugandan army and Sudan
People’s Liberation Army are riddled with accusations of <a href="http://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17456%3Aupdf-in-kony-hunt-accused-of-rape-looting&catid=78%3Atopstories&Itemid=116">rape and looting</a>, but Invisible Children defends them, <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/videos/comments/qk0pd/kony_2012_help_raise_awareness_and_stop_joseph/c3ycvhb">arguing</a>
that the Ugandan army is “better equipped than that of any of the other
affected countries”, although Kony is no longer active in Uganda and <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/videos/comments/qk0pd/kony_2012_help_raise_awareness_and_stop_joseph/c3ycvhb">hasn’t been since two thousand and six </a>by their own admission. <a href="http://books.google.ca/books?id=czMrNdvNuWgC&pg=PA62&lpg=PA62&dq=UPDF+rape&source=bl&ots=ci63KTOEn7&sig=YrY7g_wWwmmIEb0MmCkk398RhBo&hl=en&sa=X&ei=yW1XT-m-MITW0QGywKG6Dw&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=UPDF%20rape&f=false">These</a> <a href="http://books.google.ca/books?id=tVOCIHLqn6wC&pg=PA45&lpg=PA45&dq=UPDF+rape&source=bl&ots=QX7Q996i0Z&sig=BuQdCci0vmhaXicxSWqfa88rYJk&hl=en&sa=X&ei=yW1XT-m-MITW0QGywKG6Dw&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=UPDF%20rape&f=false">books</a>
each refer to the rape and sexual assault that are perennial issues
with the UPDF, the military group Invisible Children is defending."</i></div>
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I only wish people weren't so quick to jump onto bandwagons before thoroughly researching what they're paying into. In order to stop child abuse and rape, you're directly trying to fund an organisation (the Ugandan army) with a prolific history of rape and crimes against society. Only 32% of all the money raised actually goes anywhere near the cause you donated to.<i> </i><br />
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<i>"According to Jason Russell’s appearance on the Today show several days
ago, over five-hundred thousand action kits have been ordered at thirty dollars a piece, meaning
this campaign has brought in a minimum of fifteen million dollars in revenue this week." </i></div>
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While I think highlighting the disgusting actions of a tyrant are, of course, important, I do not think donating to Kony 2012 is the right way to go about it.<br />
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For more information as to why I do not support this campaign, please read the <a href="http://visiblechildren.tumblr.com/">VisibleChildren </a>blog.<br />
Please note, I have had to handwrite the numbers as they all corrupt when in number format. Please read all little sixes as fs too. I have no idea why they won't just appear as I have written them.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-60757767726032399342012-03-16T19:18:00.000+00:002012-03-16T19:18:48.079+00:00Operation Pinterest.A selection of my favourite pins from the past couple of weeks.<br />
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<a href="http://media-cdn7.pinterest.com/upload/103512491404934540_xvYYyZLh_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cdn7.pinterest.com/upload/103512491404934540_xvYYyZLh_f.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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This is something I would totally do. There is nothing more frustrating than spending time with someone who is constantly on the phone to someone else. It's one of the worst things to do in company, in my opinion, and such bad manners.<br />
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Well isn't that just the sweetest? A nice little ceramic pillbox with the ring and message written inside. The romantic in me squealed a little bit (silently, of course...) when I saw this. How adorable.<br />
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I saw these drawers on Pinterest and fell in love with the colour. I imagine them in a sky blue and grey themed bedroom with a golden antique style lamp atop each bedside unit. Such a lovely colour.<br />
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I think the following sentence is all I need to say. This is a 1952 Christian Dior Palmyre couture jewelled evening gown. Thank you and goodnight.<br />
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Pretty simple, huh? But nevertheless something that I hadn't thought of, despite how very true it is.<br />
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How beautiful would these be? Fresh from the oven with a big dollop of rocky road ice cream... Phwoar.<br />
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Such beautiful, spring time colours.<br />
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Pretty pink milk with even prettier pink straws. How sweet.<br />
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I absolutely adore the colour and vibrancy of Indian weddings. This picture is absolutely beautiful to me.<br />
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Finally, the prettiest little china cup. I wouldn't drink out of it, mind. I'd just sit and look at it. It defeats the point but I don't mind. :) If you'd like to find me on Pinterest, I believe that I am linked up through Twitter (@Toyahah), or find the button in my right hand navigation buttons.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-25429029055690015582012-03-16T18:57:00.002+00:002012-03-16T19:01:26.117+00:00Operation Final Weeks.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello, lovely people. Long time no speak. Apologies for that - life has been pretty full to the brim of things I don't necessarily want to do and aren't necessarily happy with. The above photo obviously isn't one of them. It was taken during a drive a friend and I went on last week through Wales. We did a three hour round trip on the narrowest and most treacherous roads (surely) in Ceredigion, all to go to a lake that was actually less than we were expecting it to be. It was just a looong and sickly drive in a two door Citroen C1. Nevertheless, the scenery was lovely and it was nice to get away from looming deadlines, if only for a couple of hours.<br />
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Back to reality, university has been massively hectic and, thank God, it is now only twelve days until I can leave this place for good. When I say for good, I mean I don't have to live here any more. I have to nip back twice - once for a presentation and once for an exam - and eventually for my graduation ceremony but they will literally be day trips. I can't wait to leave. University is supposed to be the happiest years of your life but they've thoroughly been my most miserable. First year was okay - I met some lovely people and had some great times - but I was always homesick. Even though I'd known him since before starting university, Gary and I only became a couple in the first summer of university and, of course, that made the distance I had to be away from home (four hours, 200 miles) even harder. Only getting to see him and my parents every three weekends took its toll and, coupled with really bad living conditions and an absence of friends in my second year, I had all the symptoms of a nervous breakdown by the time I moved out for the second summer break. This year, my final and most important year, has been a bit of a mixed bag. My landlady has driven me insane, my house mate is the most infuriating person I've ever lived with and I've spent around £500 in petrol going to and from home. Alas there are only twelve days until I get to move back there and I couldn't be happier. I'm so eager to leave that I packed all of my things over a week ago. I've been living out of boxes just so that I can set off even sooner when I'm allowed to!<br />
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Last week, to put the icing on the terrible work load cake, this happened. I got a nail in my tyre. I've no idea how or where from but, alas, I rolled up to university one morning and saw what had happened. I text a picture to my Dad and was a typical damsel in distress. I rang the AA and they took my call immediately. Someone arrived within 45 minutes (which is fantastic given that Lampeter is an hour from the next major town) and I genuinely couldn't fault their service.<br />
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Other than tyres, my workload is gradually decreasing. I've finished two of the three essays I have to hand in before I leave, sat one of the two exams and only have two things to come back for. I was really quite chuffed with my Arabic aural exam grade - I got 23 and a half out of 25, which is 94%. Considering I've only been learning Arabic for 2hrs a week since October, excluding holidays, that's not half bad! I have my oral exam next Wednesday and my final, deadly written exam in May. Eek. My 7,000 word dissertation on Nazism as an NRM was handed in at the start of term and the above picture is a screen shot of a group presentation I have to do on the Muslim veil within contemporary society. Thank goodness the work is slowing down now. Just one more essay to start and complete until I'm out of here.<br />
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<a href="http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg734/scaled.php?tn=0&server=734&filename=ovwsf.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg734/scaled.php?tn=0&server=734&filename=ovwsf.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640" width="400" /></a></div>
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You may be wondering what happened to being vegan. Well, a tuna sandwich was what happened. A bloody good one too, I might add. I was getting really down about it all! It sounds silly but it's just incredibly boring. I got utterly fed up of living off literally just fruit and veg. I couldn't add nuts to my diet to shake things up because I'm allergic to them. I don't like lentils. Beans get boring after a few tins. Carbs aren't exactly my best friends either. So I walked to the Student Union and ate a tuna and cheese roll. Let me tell you this: I will not be going back to trying veganism any time soon. If ever. Fair play to the people who do it and love it... but I personally think you've got to be rather dull. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-53728505837836163192012-03-06T20:33:00.002+00:002012-03-06T20:33:47.493+00:00Operation Vegan 2.So today was day two of Vegan Week and I'm already beginning to become disillusioned with it all. I'm not usually one to give up on anything and I won't give up on this... I just miss sausages. And cheese. Which is funny really since I don't eat either of those things all that much when I'm not being vegan. It's been an easy and relatively tasty day. Nothing nasty and I'm not hungry, so that's all good. I just want chocolate... and milk. Or chocolate milk. I think I might treat myself to a litre or two of that when this is over.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://p.twimg.com/AlnCATPCAAAPRAB.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://p.twimg.com/AlnCATPCAAAPRAB.jpg:large" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Actually took this photo myself! I had them a few weeks ago, exactly the same.</td></tr>
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<u><b>Breakfast / Lunch: Vegan pancakes with banana and berries.</b></u><br />
I used a recipe I found on <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/vegan-pancakes/detail.aspx">All Recipes</a> and they are so, so tasty - especially if you use coconut oil. I love these pancakes and they're genuinely the nicest I've ever had. These will be a firm addition to my life even when Vegan Week is over. I had them with a chopped banana and some slightly heated summer berries I had in the freezer. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://healthyblenderrecipes.com/mh_content/image_cache/163118c382a293a92708348cf0a112462008e6dc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://healthyblenderrecipes.com/mh_content/image_cache/163118c382a293a92708348cf0a112462008e6dc.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Healthy Blender Recipes. Mine looked exactly the same.</td></tr>
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<u><b>Dinner: Well... this was disastrous. So we shall say a fruit smoothie.</b></u><br />
When I say disastrous, I might be exaggerating a tiny bit. I originally cooked myself some Fanta Chicken without the chicken... so that's just Fanta Veg, with rice. I threw in some tofu too. I've never had tofu before but I thought I'd push the boat out with it being Vegan Week. It's mushy. Mushy and tasteless. My nose was running with all the spices I'd put in the Fanta to make it taste nicer but the tofu was still absolutely tasteless... and mushy. I think mushy is my sticking point - I'm not a fan. So I ate half of it and then just made myself a blueberry, banana and strawberry smoothie with soya milk. Far more satisfying than mushy mushy tofu. I hope tomorrow is a brighter day on the vegan front.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-30920614029187504302012-03-05T21:45:00.001+00:002012-03-05T21:45:41.235+00:00Operation Vegan.Hello, lovely people. Apologies for being a little quiet - I have 25 days left at university and four assignments and three exams within that time. Needless to say I'm busy but probably procrastinating more than I should be. Anyway, this week I have decided to challenge myself to see if I can be entirely vegan for seven whoooole and painfully long days. I am the world's biggest meat eater and I don't think I've ever gone a day without eating some sort of meat - even the days when I was trying to be vegetarian but gave it all up for a sausage roll. Vegan-ism takes it to the extreme by cutting out butter, dairy and egg too and you'd be surprised at just what you can't have. I looked on the back of my Horlicks tub and, sure enough, it contained dried milk so that's a no go. Some Vegans won't even eat honey because it involves an animal in its production. Today's menu was as follows:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4322832938_822fc467d3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4322832938_822fc467d3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: The Vegan Mouse.</td></tr>
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<u><b>Breakfast: Two Weetabix with soya milk and chopped banana.</b></u><br />
This is nothing unusual for me - I love soya milk and usually drink it anyway. I've nothing against 'real milk' - a glass of whole milk is one of the best drinks in the world - but soya milk has a thicker consistency and a unique but lovely taste so this was fine and easy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://veggie.buntch.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Baked-Beans-on-toast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://veggie.buntch.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Baked-Beans-on-toast.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Veggie Buntch.</td></tr>
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<u><b>Lunch: Baked beans on two slices of toast.</b></u><br />
Now this was mediocre... What is beans on toast without butter, I ask you? Absolutely naff, that's what. I even pushed the boat out and went for Heinz beans but to no avail. It was okay... but that's all it was. Butter is clearly the key tasty ingredient of beans on toast and, since I don't fancy shelling out the extra money for Vegan approved spreads, tasteless my lunch shall remain.<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/2849259640_fd8399c80a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/2849259640_fd8399c80a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: VeganYumYum.</td></tr>
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<u><b>Dinner: Vegan bubble and squeak.</b></u><br />
This dinner was surprisingly tasty but made me feel a little sick afterwards - I'm not sure why. I put two potatoes, a carrot, some cabbage, a red onion and a leek into a pan and cooked them on the hob for twenty minutes. I then drained them and mashed them together with a little splash of soya milk. When slightly cooled, a made balls out of the mixture, coated them in flour and shallow-fried them for around ten minutes. They were tasty and not as bland as I expected. I think they'd make a nice side to a chicken breast though... mmm chicken. They were an adaptation of a recipe I found on <a href="http://veganyumyum.com/2008/09/bubble-and-squeak-cakes/">VeganYumYum</a> and I think I'd try them again in a smaller quantity.<br />
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(Please note, I didn't take my own photos because silly me has left my camera 200 miles away).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-46597247145923973032012-02-28T13:33:00.002+00:002012-02-28T13:34:43.679+00:00Operation Haircut.<br />
I got my hair cut today at<a href="http://www.urbanspirithair.co.uk/"> Urban Spirit</a> in Leigh. It's a lovely hairdressers, if not a little bit pompous. Your regular wash and cut is called a Bronze Wash House Treatment with Cut and Finish... Wash house? Really? I mean, it's a sink... Well, anyway, regardless of their superiority complex I do love that place and they always give good quality service. I had my hair cut by Emma Clare today and she's been the best stylist yet - although her services come at an increased cost given her 'level of experience'. In other words, the more senior the stylist, the more your pocket cries.<br />
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I literally only had a trim - about an inch off all round - but she styled my hair afterwards with their new Cloud Nine straighteners and curled it for me. She spent good time teaching me how to do it myself and let me have a go there and then so she could correct it if it went wrong. My hair now smells lovely and feels far healthier than it has in months. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-21225151481884946922012-02-28T13:20:00.000+00:002012-02-28T13:20:45.747+00:00Operation Yankee.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At the market today, I picked up this 22oz (623g) Yankee Candle in Country Lemonade. It smells amazing. I'm a huge fan of citrus scents to start with but this is heaven. Usually I wouldn't spent what Yankee Candles cost as they're fairly expensive but I picked this one up for £15, saving over £5 from the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Yankee-Candle-Country-Lemonade-22oz/dp/B004LB9CK8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1330434799&sr=8-3">online</a> cost. They had quite a few different candles in stock and I sniffed them all - much to the shop keeper's displeasure. I'm in love with it and I might go back for another scent soon.<br />
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I'm going to be a teacher! Eeek!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-87072826257592093022012-02-14T12:34:00.004+00:002012-02-14T12:35:35.270+00:00Operation Honey Scrub.This morning I made a honey and coconut oil face scrub and, let me tell you, my skin feels amazing. It has never felt so smooth and soft and it's all the better knowing that this scrub is made from all natural and relatively cheap ingredients. You could make yourself a whole jar of this scrub - I'd estimate that would be twenty uses - for around £5, depending on the brands and quality of the ingredients you buy. It is super easy to make and a dream to use.<br />
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The benefits of honey as a skin product are endless - it is an antioxidant and an amazing moisturiser which helps with anti-aging, acne and general skin clarification. It's also purported to help with evening out skin colour. Coconut oil is a new firm favourite of mine. I use it for everything from moisturiser (which is antibacterial, anti-fungal and doesn't clog pores), lip balm, a cooking oil and I take 1tbsp of it per day for its health benefits. Put these together and you're on to a winner.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOh7kX-6VqGO5paGRET3yYKGJukQjFTcbRS8YZTwTQEUdeFh-741ToyMJAMUCLPRyKbho5QcvbwCYJngptDXBadm9xjjPRszIVCdd4TemzV5UbQaT8fel8lvNiNHv0313TXDaXcZLSFV9B/s1600/DSCF4616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOh7kX-6VqGO5paGRET3yYKGJukQjFTcbRS8YZTwTQEUdeFh-741ToyMJAMUCLPRyKbho5QcvbwCYJngptDXBadm9xjjPRszIVCdd4TemzV5UbQaT8fel8lvNiNHv0313TXDaXcZLSFV9B/s400/DSCF4616.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please excuse the dirty glass - I rushed to write this after I used it and loved it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Ingredients:</b></u><br />
1 tsp of honey.<br />
1 tsp of coconut oil.<br />
1 tsp of sugar.<br />
<br />
<b>That's it.</b><br />
<br />
1. Put your honey and your coconut oil (probably in hardened form) into a microwave-safe container.<br />
2. Put in the microwave for ten seconds.<br />
3. Add the teaspoon of sugar and stir.<br />
4. Apply to your face.<br />
<br />
When I say apply to your face - this is what I did:<br />
<br />
1. Thoroughly cover your face with the mixture - bearing in mind that the most sugar-filled bits are slightly heavier and will probably slide. So make sure you're stood over the sink.<br />
<br />
2. Tear pieces of tissue and lay them over the mask, just to get it to stick in place on your face and not run quite as much.<br />
<br />
3. Wander around for as much time as you have - I left mine for ten minutes.<br />
<br />
4. Remove the tissue and scrub your face in circular motions. This is when the mask smells so good you might want to lick a bit... :)<br />
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5. Rinse your face in warm water and dry with a towel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cbND4bZNjiygxEenJabnYeLqNYLaUij-42_WMy8Au5Ue_lcP0LIUs0N-4Qwe9UdwUBiab0sMj-r1S49tGsz4WaaEciwl8O0jGKqYFlYKw0l4Phfd5rx2kU8JpQZCzeNavbLnpHXHWWu_/s1600/DSCF4617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cbND4bZNjiygxEenJabnYeLqNYLaUij-42_WMy8Au5Ue_lcP0LIUs0N-4Qwe9UdwUBiab0sMj-r1S49tGsz4WaaEciwl8O0jGKqYFlYKw0l4Phfd5rx2kU8JpQZCzeNavbLnpHXHWWu_/s400/DSCF4617.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ta-da! Instantly smooth skin with not a chemical or synthetic product in sight. You might find your face gets a little red - this is because of the properties of the honey. Honey and coconut oil are great antiseptics and the scrubbing of the sugar means that these will be really working on your skin. Don't worry, this only takes around ten minutes to settle down. This mask is really moisturising in itself, but if you want to go the whole way, moisturise by using a tiny amount of coconut oil rubbed into the skin. It works like a dream.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-85629388052327532082012-02-13T15:01:00.001+00:002012-02-13T15:01:15.042+00:00Operation Valentine's.So, tomorrow is Valentine's Day and, because I'm stuck 200 miles away at university, I do not get to spend it with <a href="http://www.garylloyddesign.com/">Gary.</a> That sucks. But, we're celebrating on Friday instead so not all is lost. However, I did get him two cards - one to post for the actual day and one to give him in person. He received this one today from <a href="http://www.moonpig.com/uk/">Moonpig</a> and so I thought I'd share with you possibly the sweetest card I have ever seen. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZsTKVk6EN63sBwk-uDIo7PuVYUvQWtnHdqIziyhuzFuxPy4VvjuPJJYivmh7m_g_w-txqmkU6ISMrSiAxKG_PBrFB0LaJHdXfJE_v8o_w5pStt8XUzyU_NMoks2XBmIXbX-oDOUUj_jh/s1600/DSCF4524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZsTKVk6EN63sBwk-uDIo7PuVYUvQWtnHdqIziyhuzFuxPy4VvjuPJJYivmh7m_g_w-txqmkU6ISMrSiAxKG_PBrFB0LaJHdXfJE_v8o_w5pStt8XUzyU_NMoks2XBmIXbX-oDOUUj_jh/s400/DSCF4524.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqVqiucER8iLMbpDjwMq0hjRJom9JuaMSh83Xww9geAPBAqcTRj6ITEXV6-TPlUAnP2fsGfuDNWXsYpNveFzc3iOvITC6oW02wsSo90xdj7FflPTbVtbgX4kJb3x_6Ti5_UZ6LZFktBcV/s1600/DSCF4528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqVqiucER8iLMbpDjwMq0hjRJom9JuaMSh83Xww9geAPBAqcTRj6ITEXV6-TPlUAnP2fsGfuDNWXsYpNveFzc3iOvITC6oW02wsSo90xdj7FflPTbVtbgX4kJb3x_6Ti5_UZ6LZFktBcV/s400/DSCF4528.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I love cards from Moonpig because I love being able to customise them. Some of their designs are tacky and a little off-putting but the <a href="http://www.moonpig.com/uk/CardGallery/Greeting+Cards/Range/Edward%20Monkton%20Valentine%27s%20Day/gallery.aspx?rg=Edward+Monkton+Valentine%27s+Day&pc=1&bhcp=1">Edward Monkton Valentine's range</a> is just adorable. I chose this one for posting and customised the interior too. He loved it. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-1937377161420430942012-02-13T14:52:00.001+00:002012-02-13T14:52:52.903+00:00Operation Jason.This post is one of massive praise for and awe at my new purchase. I picked up a tube of Jason's Energizing Vanilla hand and body lotion today from my local health food shop, <a href="http://www.mulberrywholefoods.co.uk/">The Mulberry Bush.</a> They come in all sorts of different <a href="http://www.jason-natural.com/products/hand_body_lotion.php">scents </a>and were retailing at around £7.99. Usually, I would scrunch up my face at such a price but this product is very much worth it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sS719O1v8t7m-XdouO9B1iq8EykfqjuM5lEw6KYvDixfIdhzXoN1kYfIPle7OMMaeQaGGFPzp3x3PoN0qlG288oOI2t27jMoFfTodfia59BC5yGVJMfu4xo9riZ7-LOQ9y_up5mf-knM/s1600/DSCF4583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sS719O1v8t7m-XdouO9B1iq8EykfqjuM5lEw6KYvDixfIdhzXoN1kYfIPle7OMMaeQaGGFPzp3x3PoN0qlG288oOI2t27jMoFfTodfia59BC5yGVJMfu4xo9riZ7-LOQ9y_up5mf-knM/s400/DSCF4583.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I like to try before I buy and I had no intention of buying this. I literally used the tiniest blob (because the shop keeper was lurking) on the back of my hand and found that it was plenty enough for both hands and wrists. I rubbed it in for around ten seconds and that was it - the softest and smoothest hands I have EVER had. Now, I'm not a fan of hand cream and I certainly don't buy it - I have never found a hand cream that I didn't want to immediately wash off. Body Shop is quite bad for that. It doesn't matter which of their testers I try, I immediately want to wash it off my hands because it's so greasy and doesn't soak into the skin. Jason's, however, soaked in immediately and you can see and feel the instant results. I knew I had to buy it, regardless of price.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNVqfoGqis_NLOSzUN7BjRUnw9-_eCFn2KptNiDSBIDS34ZJpyzHmY5EtV7Qinp5LpdYYED8KxxZPUlqQFctUvS32XVyW41L07wx1CdVawy4qJnGjIIsCrRpzvr8y2yJ3v5W7kuA6saPh/s1600/DSCF4586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNVqfoGqis_NLOSzUN7BjRUnw9-_eCFn2KptNiDSBIDS34ZJpyzHmY5EtV7Qinp5LpdYYED8KxxZPUlqQFctUvS32XVyW41L07wx1CdVawy4qJnGjIIsCrRpzvr8y2yJ3v5W7kuA6saPh/s400/DSCF4586.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is all I used and it did both hands and slightly up the arms.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I would recommend the Energizing Vanilla scent over any other, purely because it smells amazing. Literally mouthwatering. It's a sweet, almost candied, vanilla and the smell lingers gloriously for hours and hours. You can catch a waft of it when you move your hands whilst typing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuBikSCIyFbRY_17cL2ufu5iKATd9riuh39MCAPxJ5PQzCTnxpfJUpDSi1YJfGYXQa_U5gStklQOakq3XtXF0SuiSkFaUrTYUOFqOrniEN0anEzpe0kKm90PPwxHhkI4qou3BLp6VpRGd/s1600/DSCF4585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuBikSCIyFbRY_17cL2ufu5iKATd9riuh39MCAPxJ5PQzCTnxpfJUpDSi1YJfGYXQa_U5gStklQOakq3XtXF0SuiSkFaUrTYUOFqOrniEN0anEzpe0kKm90PPwxHhkI4qou3BLp6VpRGd/s400/DSCF4585.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The thing that particularly drew me to the product is that it is all natural. Jason, as a brand, have made all natural products for over fifty years. This lotion, in particular, contains absolutely no petrolatum, sodium lauryl, laureth sulphates, parabens or phthalates. Big words, I know... but that really means that it contains none of the controversial and potentially harmful chemicals crammed into most other toiletries today.<br />
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Given how little you need to use, I can see this tube lasting me a long time - even if I use it all over my body. I really can't recommend it enough and, although I would say £7.99 is a little steep for a moisturiser (because I'm tight), it's definitely worth the money. I look forward to buying more Jason products in the future.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-26552968120627773432012-02-11T18:16:00.003+00:002012-02-11T18:16:21.160+00:00Operation Signs.I couldn't pass up the opportunity to show you this lovely video. Stick with it. :)<br />
<p>
<iframe width="450" height="259" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uy0HNWto0UY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-74093598456761131082012-02-11T17:42:00.001+00:002012-02-11T17:43:19.272+00:00Operation Fanta Chicken.Today I have been on the look out for healthy binge foods. They are words that don't often go together. However, I've had this recipe in the back of my mind for months and today was the day for Fanta Chicken. Don't pull a face... I was the same at first. 'How does that work, then?' Well, Fanta Chicken (as well as Diet Coke Chicken) are Slimming World secrets. When the Fanta reduces into a sticky, thick sauce, it tastes just like sweet and sour chicken from the Chinese... except there's no calories in it because it's diet. The benefit of making your own is that you can take out the vegetables you don't enjoy and add more of those you do, whilst knowing that all your ingredients are fresh and not packed full of unknown bulking agents.<br />
<br />
Four pieces of chicken with sweet and sour sauce from Panda Express is a whopping <a href="http://caloriecount.about.com/calories-panda-express-sweet-sour-chicken-i63272">310 calories</a>. That's for just FOUR pieces. Now imagine how many pieces you actually eat when you finish the full portion. This recipe, however, is a grand total of... get ready for it... 700 calories - INCLUDING rice AND chips! And that's around twenty pieces of chicken, vegetables, pineapple, the sauce and the sides. If you took off the rice and chips and just had it on its own, the whole portion of Fanta Chicken would be 460 calories. Now compare that to Panda Express and tell me you don't want to try it.<br />
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<u><b>Ingredients:</b></u><br />
1 330ml can of Diet Fanta.<br />
1 tin of pineapple pieces in their own juice.<br />
2 chicken breasts.<br />
1 chicken stock cube.<br />
A handful of frozen mixed peppers.<br />
Herbs to taste - I used a mixture of garlic, pepper and chilli flakes and it was nicely spicy.<br />
Fry light (around 10 squirts in total).<br />
1 potato.<br />
1 serving of rice.<br />
<br />
1. Firstly, peel and chop your potato into chips around 1cm wide and thick. Spray them with around five sprays of Fry Light, add a little salt and pepper and put into the oven for the duration of the rest of the recipe. Obviously keep checking and flip them over once. They will be in there for approximately 30-40 minutes.<br />
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2. Cube your chicken breasts and cook in the frying pan with a few more sprays of Fry Light to prevent sticking.<br />
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3. When the chicken is 90% cooked through, add a handful of frozen (or fresh should you have them) mixed peppers and sprinkle the mixture with your herbs. I do find that the garlic and pepper add to the authentic taste.<br />
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4. When your chicken is almost all cooked (it doesn't matter much at this stage because it will continue to cook throughout), add your 330ml of Diet Fanta to the pan. Bring the Fanta to the boil and let it boil for around 15 minutes until the water evaporates and you're left with a slightly thicker sauce.<br />
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5. When the Fanta is boiling, drain your pineapple from its juice and add the chunks to the pan.<br />
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6. As the Fanta reduces, it gets thicker and stickier - so make sure to stir once in a while so that it doesn't stick to the pan.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It has reduced quite a lot if you look at the pictures above in comparison.</td></tr>
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7. Serve up your Fanta Chicken with anything you'd normally like from the Chinese - such as the home made chips, just rice or enjoy it on its own.<br />
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It's a really delicious dish and is both healthier and cheaper than a takeaway from the Chinese. Let me know what you think of it. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-47456838739786708942012-02-11T12:28:00.001+00:002012-02-13T17:57:18.154+00:00Operation Mousse.I woke up this morning fancying a treat. I've been eating well and documenting everything from a month now with no break and I really just wanted to eat a lot of something. So, I made this Slimming World Mousse. I don't know if it's actually Slimming World per se, that's just what it seems to be called online. The good news is (for those who don't use SW terminology) that the whole thing - that's the whole of the original mix and all of the ingredients below - comes to a mere 300 calories. THREE HUNDRED. That's a binge without the guilt right there. And it's delicious. For those who do speak SW, I believe that it is 1.5syns for the whole batch. Given that all of the ingredients cost me less than £2.50 and it's SO simple to make, you can't go wrong either way. :)<br />
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<u><b>Ingredients:</b></u><br />
60ml of boiling water.<br />
1 sachet of sugar free jelly (I chose Strawberry).<br />
250ml of fat free fromage frais.<br />
250g of quark.<br />
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1. Dissolve your sachet of jelly in 60mls of boiling water. Mix thoroughly to make sure it has all dissolved.<br />
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Now, the next step is slightly different than the method I used but this is to improve your results.<br />
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2. Add 250ml of fromage frais and 250g of quark to a bowl. THEN pour over the jelly. I did it the other way round and got a few little jelly lumps on top. They didn't detract from it overall because it was still gorgeous and there wasn't many, but for perfect results I'd recommend adding the jelly last.<br />
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3. Thoroughly mix until smooth. I used a fork because the kitchen where I live actually doesn't have a whisk. Ridiculous. But a whisk or an electric whisk would probably be the best bet.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ignore the little lumps - they look worse than they actually were!</td></tr>
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4. Chill in the fridge or freezer for an hour to let the mixture thicken up and then enjoy! Let me know what you think. :)<br />
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UPDATE: I have made this since without the quark. I had half a tub of fromage frais left and so I added the same amount of jelly. The quark just makes sure it stays as a mousse. Without it, it's actually tastier but more solid. And not a lump in sight. Delicious.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0ClVzXMRBXcG2SiTWsaM9vx8LXjIkEX1CQh2OtFJJj3N-0jw5hVTj_3fOAXk4Wewd6MG58Pdmn-mfFu9ee39OWpKgbxofj8EuWOwdWxz89q2shQCdQ459Gk6OWIfo8AJkFM22RPvpB9W/s1600/DSCF4609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0ClVzXMRBXcG2SiTWsaM9vx8LXjIkEX1CQh2OtFJJj3N-0jw5hVTj_3fOAXk4Wewd6MG58Pdmn-mfFu9ee39OWpKgbxofj8EuWOwdWxz89q2shQCdQ459Gk6OWIfo8AJkFM22RPvpB9W/s400/DSCF4609.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-69929709790662672342012-02-10T17:50:00.001+00:002012-02-10T17:50:09.523+00:00Operation Caillat.I opened a web page today and it automatically started to play a song. Usually, this is where I'd grumble and rush to shut it up whilst, more than likely, cursing. This particular song was the absolute opposite - it instantly cheered me up and I knew I had to share it with you all. :)<br />
<p>
<iframe width="450" height="259" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KU5o6M7S5nQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-1653919768354292392012-02-07T15:09:00.002+00:002012-02-07T15:09:34.113+00:00Operation Mugs.As I was walking home from meeting with a friend at university today, I spotted a little almost non-existent 'antiques' shop that I'd never seen before. I put it in sneer marks because it wasn't a shop and they weren't entirely antiques - it was a little somewhat converted barn, completely dusty and freezing cold, stuffed to the rafters with a range from marvellously beautiful furniture and genuine antiques to nothing short of things that should have been in the bin. Amongst the clutter, I found these beautiful and sweet (well, to me at least) soup mugs. They're almost bowl sized but I think the little handle makes them more cup than bowl. There were four in the set and all were completely intact without the slightest chip or mark. They're really sturdy and weigh about 1lb each.<br /><br />
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There were mugs for chicken, tomato, onion and mushroom soups, complete with a little recipe on the front of how to make the soup in question. I believe, through a quick research, they were originally a set of six with the other two comprising of Oxtail and Scotch Broth. I'm pretty sure they are nothing unique but I thought they were adorable and have never seen anything quite like them before. They were covered in dust and barely noticeable amongst the other plates, glasses and terrible mugs. I think these are likely to be 70s but if anyone has any idea of the decade these belong to, please leave me a comment and let me know - dating things isn't my strong point.<br /><br />
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All four mugs cost 50 pence each and, as such, my grand expenditure total was the bargain £2. After I little look on Etsy, I found the<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/91652618/set-of-4-ceramic-soup-bowls-with-recipes?ref=sr_gallery_31&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=vintage+soup+bowls&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet="> exact same set</a> for a whopping £15 more than I paid for them. They make me happy just looking at them and cleaned up a treat. I'll definitely be trying out the basic recipes. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-82121387918891623112012-02-07T00:28:00.003+00:002012-02-07T00:32:17.122+00:00Operation Bassingbourn.Today's post comes to you with an extra umph to the military theme. Last weekend, I travelled from Lampeter to Wiltshire, and then on to Bassingbourn, to attend the passing out parade of one of my best friends. Francis (or Tpr Osborn as he is now known) had completed his phase one training in the army and invited me to his parade at ATR Bassingbourn in Herts. Given that that is a whopping six an a half hour drive from my university, his family were kind enough to let me stay over at theirs for the weekend and travel with them down from their house.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a typical house in the village of Sandy Lane, about ten minutes from Francis' house.</td></tr>
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I arrived at 5pm the night before the parade and was greeted by Francis' father, his sister and their AMAZINGLY delightful dog Fifi. I got a little bit of a crush on her, I must say. She nearly came home with me...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fifi! What a face!</td></tr>
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His father had cooked a gorgeous feast for us all. There was beef and mushrooms that had been in their <a href="http://www.agaliving.com/our-products/classic-aga-cookers.aspx">AGA</a> over night, dumplings, vegetables, the biggest bowl of fruit salad I have ever seen in my life, a Bakewell tart with quince instead of strawberry jam and a chocolate torte. The torte was amazing. It was from a French recipe I managed to photograph before I left. It's made from something like 80% cocoa, contains no sugar and is incredibly rich but delicious. I'm definitely going to give it a go one day. Eating all of that in front of a log burning fire was surreal.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gap that is missing was enough for three slices. It's seriously rich.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The following morning we awoke at 5am to get ready for the parade. When
we left the house at 7am, it was -9 degrees Celsius and barely light. We
all clambered into the family minibus (yes, they actually own a
minibus) and set off on the two and a half hour drive to the barracks.<br />
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The parade was lovely and Francis did me massively proud. He looked so
smart and professional - kind of hard to believe from the Francis I know
and love. And he won't even mind me saying it. Needless to say, we were
all so proud of him and the journey was well worth it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OK0YkqXCsM8tbcdw5wfP-TG1D_l1PuaYRmRd2LWxJuYQtcXCPneD1e9MPoClvWR62BL8tZJDj8RiN13i8DTcP5CpXK6egDMfMaIq7VwqwEA9z-7iWmRAXGaBZ16SeCo54wngiChRgjFY/s1600/DSCF4481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OK0YkqXCsM8tbcdw5wfP-TG1D_l1PuaYRmRd2LWxJuYQtcXCPneD1e9MPoClvWR62BL8tZJDj8RiN13i8DTcP5CpXK6egDMfMaIq7VwqwEA9z-7iWmRAXGaBZ16SeCo54wngiChRgjFY/s400/DSCF4481.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is Annabel stunningly beautiful?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francis is in the middle at the back.</td></tr>
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After the parade
itself, we spent the afternoon in the bar on the barracks, the Memphis
Belle, before Francis collected his belongings and returned his rifle to
the armoury.<br />
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After what seemed like forever, it was time to head back home and we eventually arrived back (courtesy of snow and traffic) at 8pm. Another lovely meal was ready and waiting - a dish called Bean Jar which I believe is of origin in Guernsey - and we headed to bed not long after. I had a lovely weekend with the Osborns and I'm so grateful to have shared such a lovely and important day with a great friend.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-52968325320227786482012-01-31T19:54:00.000+00:002012-01-31T19:55:16.398+00:00Operation Lentils.After talking to Hannah (of <a href="http://wehaveallthewine.blogspot.com/">We Have All The Wine!</a>) last night on Skype, I really wanted to try lentils. Hannah said that she'd tried a recipe the weekend before which had puy lentils in and she'd really enjoyed it. So, today, I thought I'd pick some up whilst I was at the supermarket. Lentils are pulses which are high in protein and low in calories. They have the texture of beans or peas and are pretty tasteless on their own - but pick up the flavour of what they're cooked in. I decided to follow Hannah's lead and have peppers stuffed with lentils and mozzarella cheese.<br />
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<u><b>Ingredients:</b></u><br />
30g lentils (mine were green).<br />
1 pepper.<br />
1 onion.<br />
1 carton of passata.<br />
Salt, pepper and herbs to taste.<br />
1 ball of mozzarella cheese.<br />
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1. Chop your onion and brown it in a large pan. The reason for doing this is so that your lentils will take on the flavours of the onion when put in the same pan. At the same time, cut your pepper in half by cutting around the stalk and then make one cut from side to side.<br />
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2. Boil your lentils as per the packet's instructions. Twenty minutes works well. Don't be alarmed by how small the portion looks. They swell... a LOT. Look at this for an example. This is lentils submerged in boiling water for ONE minute compared to what they were before.<br />
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3. Add the carton of passata to your fried onion. Stir them together whilst adding the salt, pepper and herbs you like.<br />
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4. Add the cooked lentils to your passata mixture.<br />
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5. Simmer until reduced and cooked thoroughly. At this point, preheat your oven to 200 degrees and cut your ball of mozzarella into slices ready to be placed on top.<br />
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6. Spoon the lentil mixture into your cut peppers and add sliced mozzarella to the top. I added a little in the middle to give a nice surprise.<br />
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7. Put in the oven for approximately 10-15 minutes.<br />
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8. Enjoy. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-1318718224584408962012-01-30T10:42:00.001+00:002012-01-30T18:43:24.813+00:00Operation January.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me on 28th January 2012.</td></tr>
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So, as I write this post, almost 1/12 of the year has already passed us. How crazy is that? It doesn't seem like two minutes since Christmas and we're already 1/12 of the year closer to the next one. A lot of life changing decisions have been made this January - some for the better and some for the worse. For the worse for now, anyway. I do believe that everything happens for a reason so perhaps it's a blessing in disguise that I didn't get what I wanted this time. There might be something around the corner that makes the rejection a positive thing.<br />
<br />
So, my to-do list for January was 'a hospital appointment that may result in me having a
pretty big operation, my all important interview with Huddersfield for
my dream postgraduate course and returning to my last semester at
Lampeter.' Well, the hospital appointment went well and I decided not to have the surgery, which the hospital were happy to go with. I'll probably never know what my problem is and why I'm in pain but I'd rather that than have an operation that might not even discover the problem. So that's one positive. Not being cut open is always a positive, right? :)<br />
<br />
I had my interview at Huddersfield. I gave the best interview I could have done and I'm pretty proud of myself. The results came back and I'd come 11th in the tests (out of 30 interviewees and 1,000 applications). Pretty good, huh? Unfortunately there were only 10 places on the course and so I'm first reserve but it doesn't look likely that I'll get it. Pretty disappointing but I know I gave it my best and the interviewers have commended my application and advised me to re-apply next year in light of the feedback I've been given. So now I've got to find something else to do, at least until next year. Be it a job, a Masters degree or... well... an awful lot of Jeremy Kyle.<br />
<br />
Focusing on now, the last semester at Lampeter is underway and going well. I've got a first class grade in one module so far and I'm still waiting to hear about or complete the rest. By the 30th March it'll all be over and I cannot wait. I'm enjoying my Arabic classes and my dissertation (a 7,000 word essay on Nazism as a religion) is complete. I'm off to Devizes to celebrate my friend Francis' passing out parade this weekend and then I'm off to Spain mid-February so things are looking busy but enjoyable.<br />
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With regards to my<a href="http://operationvictoria.blogspot.com/2012/01/operation-new-year.html"> New Year's resolutions</a>, we're off with a flying start! '<b>1. Lose 14lbs by my graduation on 13th July' </b>is already complete!<b> </b>Using the <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/">My Fitness Pal</a> app for iPad, I've already lost 14lb and it's still January. Hooray! So I'm probably going to up this to 28lb and take my time about the rest of it. My Fitness Pal is a fantastic free application for all smart phones and is available purely as a website so you use it on the computer. It's essentially a calorie counting app but it's hugely practical and handy. You put in your height, current weight and how much you'd like to lose per week - with a maximum of 2lb. The app will then generate a calorie total for you to work to each day. I can't say that I notice the difference yet with how I feel but I'm told that I look slimmer, my clothes are baggier and the scales don't lie. :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PLEASE ignore the hat! It's Gary's. But look how skinny I am! Haha.</td></tr>
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With regards to resolution five, <b>'</b><b>5. Tell Gary that I love him every day'</b>, that is going swimmingly... because it's so easy. I'm the happiest I've ever been and I cannot wait to get home to him for good.We were both home last weekend and we went for a walk with his parents and his dogs. Boo Boo, his Shar Pei, has really sore paws and gets blisters and infections between her pads - for no known reason. Shar Peis are beautiful and lovely dogs but have so many health problems it's unreal. Boo smells odd. All of the time. She can smell horrible as soon as she gets out of the bath - it's just a thing with that breed. They also have a lot of fur problems and allergies, which is why Boo has so much trouble with her paws.So Hannah, Gary's Mum, bought her some dog socks. They are hilarious. She runs like a galloping horse when she wears them but she looks so happy. I will leave you with this wonderful image :)<br />
<b></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boo and her dog socks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-26652913154634477742012-01-20T21:16:00.002+00:002012-01-20T21:17:57.327+00:00Operation Wedges.... and not the food variety. I picked up some gorgeous wedge heels today. They're black suede with a little strap around the ankle - which is perfect for me because I walk like Dumbo in heels usually. They're always too big and fall off at the heel - even if I buy them a size too small. These were a bargain to begin with at £22 from Peacocks BUT because Peacocks have just gone into administration (bankruptcy), they were at a 20% discount. On top of that, I got to use my 20% student discount so these fabulous little creatures ended up costing a mere £11. I am in love. They fit perfectly and the strap (which will be almost invisible when I wear them with black knitted tights for Francis' Pass Out Parade) holds them on like a dream. EEK!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeXKqhP3kRWgkf4WfXe5rhmoX37OOgEXArkM-3LmrnsRC4AQH3cETS_hD0k3CcDTPhf9Xe5AKmbtEcuCM0Vz0HfgKtYJ4TL34Yf5dei8K-rTx_5b8XWbv_KM66AAT5me2biQPn5_Q04GY/s1600/shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeXKqhP3kRWgkf4WfXe5rhmoX37OOgEXArkM-3LmrnsRC4AQH3cETS_hD0k3CcDTPhf9Xe5AKmbtEcuCM0Vz0HfgKtYJ4TL34Yf5dei8K-rTx_5b8XWbv_KM66AAT5me2biQPn5_Q04GY/s400/shoes.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-83531458211543240022012-01-17T12:09:00.001+00:002012-01-18T14:50:28.717+00:00Operation Burgers.I am a fan of burgers but I don't appreciate not knowing what goes into them to make them so massively calorific. Since I had some mince in the fridge that I didn't know what to do with, I thought I'd have a go at making my own Pork and Onion burgers. This recipe is really simple and hugely tasty. It's all about the seasoning. This, however, is not a recipe for anyone wearing false nails or with careers in hand modelling because I had to wash my hands an obscene amount of times. :)<br />
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<b><u>Ingredients:</u></b><br />
However much mince you need. Mine was 350g of Pork mince but more / different mince would work equally as well.<br />
1 egg yolk.<br />
Heaps of black pepper (if you like it that way), 1tsp salt and 1tsp of mixed herbs (or herbs of your preference).<br />
Half of one diced onion.<br />
A splash of olive oil.<br />
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1. First and foremost, chop your onion into small diced pieces.<br />
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2. Add the olive oil to your pan to stop the burgers sticking. Begin to heat the pan on a low heat.<br />
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3. Add the mince, onion, egg yolk and seasoning to a bowl. This is where it gets a little icky. Get in there with your hands a mix the ingredients together until they all seem to bind well and are equally distributed.<br />
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4. Turn the heat of your pan up to 2/3 of it's highest heat. (I know all hobs work differently but mine was on 4 out of 6).<br />
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5. Split your mixture and hand shape your burgers. Make them as thick or as thin as you like but remember that the thicker they are, the more careful you'll have to be that they cook through.<br />
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6. Place your burger patties in the pan and cook until you're positive they're done - flipping a few times whilst cooking. Personally, I scored a line down the back of each burger to make sure they heat got to the centre of them whilst they cooked. I also added black pepper quite generously to both sides of the burgers as they were cooking.<br />
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7. When cooked through, let your burgers rest for a moment on some kitchen towel just to absorb any grease that may be on the surface.<br />
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8. Finish them off however you choose! I went for no bun and a splash of sweet chilli sauce to give them a little kick. They were seriously tasty and I prefer these to shop bought burgers any day - especially given that you know exactly what's in them. They'd be gorgeous on a crisp roll with some fresh lettuce. <br />
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9. The last and most important step - enjoy. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7137672892412264170.post-71344195229274449592012-01-16T22:37:00.001+00:002012-01-16T22:38:16.152+00:00Operation Fifteen.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijRupmv4NLDuKmFyxUUZLKD1EmL5dO03qcAgjGuV0CGxvEcpoqSZANNVn8LThbkFWTcwq5lJpV5WAa8sZ7N4wH6DTJDeV3lXf_BRDRBDURHo5LMPedwSGaft60iLfkPD4mBIz3hckSppr/s1600/n1257166444_30238180_7363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijRupmv4NLDuKmFyxUUZLKD1EmL5dO03qcAgjGuV0CGxvEcpoqSZANNVn8LThbkFWTcwq5lJpV5WAa8sZ7N4wH6DTJDeV3lXf_BRDRBDURHo5LMPedwSGaft60iLfkPD4mBIz3hckSppr/s200/n1257166444_30238180_7363.jpg" width="114" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only photo Facebook will produce.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="color: white;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Dear fifteen year old me,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: white; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<ul style="color: white;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;">There are other colours in the
world besides black. Try wearing them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">A middle parting doesn’t do
anyone any favours.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">‘Gay best friends’ are more
trouble than their worth. They're not cool, they're just arseholes.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Stop beating yourself up – you’re
worth more than you think.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Have a little confidence in
yourself – you’ll get better A Levels than you could ever dream.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Stick to your guns – if you don’t
want to do something, don’t do it.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Do you really like performing
arts? Really though? No? I didn’t think so.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Lots of people are going to die
but you’ll be fine.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Even <i>you</i> will look back and think
‘My Chemical Romance? Really?’</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Don’t worry about the bitchy
falling outs of high school – you won’t speak to any of them in five years
anyway. No, really, <i>none</i> of them.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Don’t go to university so far
from home. You love your family more than you realise.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> In saying that, you make some friends you'll keep for life. Weigh it up properly.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">You’ll also be loving a beautiful
man who loves you too. Seriously.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Take diet and exercise more
seriously before you do some irreparable damage.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Don’t drive down icy lanes. You’ll
be in a car accident that you’ll never get over.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">You'll fail your driving test but it isn't your fault so don't cry quite so much.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">WKDs and VKs are empty calories –
drink REAL drinks.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">You WILL get that dog you’ve been
pestering Mum and Dad for, for five years. She's cute, too.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Tumblr’s for emos. Switch to
Blogspot.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">MySpace won’t exist anymore but
don’t you dare get a Facebook. Twitter’s where it’s at.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Don't get that tattoo - you'll look like an idiot. You don't even like it now.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">It gets better, just hang in there. Go to the seaside, clear your thoughts, change your attitude. Smile.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="color: white; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Much love,</span></div>
<div style="color: white; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Victoria.</span></div>
<div style="color: white; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: white; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">PS. Yes, you'll like the name Victoria again. Not Vickie. Eurgh. Back to Victoria. Seriously. Who'd have thought?</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0