Cheryl out of action!

Excuse the cheap clipart graphic but I think this sort of sums up how I have felt the past 4 days. On Weds afternoon I started getting stomach cramps/back pain but I just thought it was the usual IBS giving me jip and I thought nothing of it but by Thursday morning I felt awful and realised that it must be more than IBS. After calls to the NHS, being sick and spending pretty much all day in the toilet (too much information, sorry) it was decided that I either have gastroenteritis or the norovirus-lovely stuff! So since Weds I haven't been out at all, my diet has consisted of a few bits of toast and biscuits as I have had no appetite, I have spent more time in the toilet than I have anywhere else. Without sounding dramatic, I truely have never been in so much pain before.

 

Unfortunately I had to cancel seeing friends, Michael and I had to cancel both our trip to Arundel and going for afternoon tea which I was gutted about :( but I am just still not strong enough. I feel very weak and tired from lack of sleep and the pain, whilst not so frequent, is still occuring. I know I shouldn't moan but I seriously need to get it all out and this is my blog so I can say what I wish!

 

Seriously though my Mum and Michael have been a true godsend for me-they have been up with me in the night, bought me flowers, made me food, comforted me and kept me going-I have the best family in the world I truely do. I have lost a week of my summer holidays but I am hoping next week that I can start to do more things again. Because we had to cancel so many of our trips, Michael and I are going out for a trip to the West End Theatre to see Blood Brothers and stay in a hotel in a few weeks-so thank you honey!

On the only positive note I have lost 4lbs! Not an ideal way to lose weight but hey.

Hopefully once I feel completely better I will be back blogging again-in the meantime I will fight off this virus, watch the Olympics and stay in my pyjamas.

xoxo

My life in pictures...

I wish I could do those posh 'Instagram' posts that every blogger does. Unfortunately I don't have an Iphone or anything remotely exciting like that so when taking pics out and about I have to rely on my very dismal Samsung Ch@t camera which is probably something like 2 megapixels! Pants! But I still take photos here and there and thought I would share some recent ones with you-I am the sort of person who takes pictures of myself quite often so please don't judge! I am a bit of a poser, I admit.

1. First summer dress apearance 2. Amazing hot fudge sundae pop tarts

3. Fudge cake, my favourite 4. Beautiful flowers from work

5. Can't wait to use our Tastecard 6. Snuggles in Bed

7. Trying the hair tied back look 8. Cheeky midweek Subway

9. My dream car 10. Cute love card <3 

11. Posing in the sunnies, has to be done 12. One of mine and Michael's favourites

I have admittedly not been out in 2 days now! I have been crap today, awful back pain and I am going back to the doctors on Friday. My lovely Mum and Michael have been taking good care of me though <3 Michael and I planned to go for a meal and see Dark Knight today but unfortunately we couldn't so we stayed in and watch films and ate popcorn, was lovely <3 I am hoping to be able to make it out tomorrow, I miss the outside world! On Saturday, Michael and I are going to Arundel -our new favourite place! Hopefully the weather will be cooler by then-I HATE THIS HEAT-GIVE ME 2 DEGREES ANY DAY!

xoxo

How to make waffles-by the waffle queen!

I love waffles! And I completely forgot that I have a waffle iron, kindly donated to me by Michael's mum. I also have a donut maker, toastie maker and cupcake maker but that is besides the point! It is so easy and quick to make waffles and I highly recommend purchasing one-they can be picked up for around £20 online and can be used for years and years! I love waffles as a sweet snack, breakfast or they can be made savory depending on what you put with it. I normally chose Nutella because, let's face it, it's the best. If I could smother everything in Nutella (easy now!) then I would!

All you need for a waffle mix are eggs, flour, milk, vegetable oil, salt, caster sugar, baking powder and anything else you want to add like strawberries. Sounds a lot but to be honest, most of this was left over in my cupboard already.

I followed this recipe I found online: http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/1908/mum-s-best-waffles.aspx

Using the correct amounts, I mixed the flour, caster sugar, baking powder and salt together and then added in 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons of oil and 400ml of milk. It was as simple as that!

While I was mixing, I also let the waffle iron heat up and when it was ready, the light flashed and before pouring the mixture in, I smothered the waffle maker in some butter just so the mixture wouldn't stick.

 Once the mixture was in, I shut the lid and left it for a couple of minutes until the ready light flashed. The mixture had stuck very slightly but all in all it was a success-be careful not to burn yourself whilst lifting out the waffles (this is where I called Michael for help lol) as it's very hot at this point.

I then decorated the cute heart shaped waffles with some strawberries, smothered on some nutella and ate it all very quickly and felt sick. Simples! 

xoxo

Life lately according to me!

Well the summer holidays have officially begun and I am loving it. Yesterday Michael and I had a 'date day' and we ventured out in the sun to Greenwich, a lovely place in South London-home to the (newly rebuilt) Cutty Sark and Maritime/Naval Museum. It is a busy area but not too touristy and has a beautiful park. I would definitely recommend Greenwich as a place to visit while in London. When Michael and I started dating, we used to go there a lot as Michael lived close by, so it carries lots of lovely memories :) We had a delicious lunch at a Mexican restaurant called 'Desperado's'. They haven't had the best reviews but we thought we would give it the benefit of the doubt and as we had 50% off with our tastecard we thought why not?! Michael had fajitias and I had steak and between us we saved £14! The food was actually delicious and the service very decent but best of all, my stomach was happy!

We then went on to the naval museum, cutty sark, Greenwich Market and got some yummy ice cream from an Italian deli-it was so good! We also visited this cute little vintage market and I got 2 bargains with a 'Groundhog Day' style clock for £2 (pictured below) and I also bought a gold rabbit necklace for £2. All in all, it was such a lovely day :)

 I seem to have gained a somewhat super strong shopping urge (well to be honest, it's nothing new) recently and have bought some other nice bits and pieces the past few days. I decided to get myself a few new pairs of shoes because I have a horribly painful ingrown toenail and I need comfy shoes! So I bought these two pairs from George at Asda for £13 and I think they're pretty cute!

Also, a used some of my John Lewis vouchers today on a Cath Kidston purse (£6), some East of India ribbon (£3.75) and a lovely heart memories box (£12) which I am going to use to fill with all our photos and mementos from our relationship-I am a super cheesy romantic but I think it's rather a nice idea don't you?

Tonight I am getting the waffle maker out and making some waffles with nutella-wish me luck! xoxo

School's out!

Yipeeeeee! I didn't think I would but I made it to the school holidays! 6 whole weeks of lovely lie ins and trips away and lots of relaxation! Yay!

 It has been a really manic week for me at work, Wednesday was my last day in Nursery which was lovely and then yesterday was the staff leaving party at school! I got some beautiful presents including a bouquet of flowers (I took a pic, see below!), a lovely cat print scarf and silver bracelet from Oliver Bonas which the staff bought me. Today was the last day at my job-I felt sad because I will miss the children but I feel happy and relieved to be moving on to hopefully a happier environment for me. It hasn't been the easiest of years but I feel like I have done the best I can in my role and that is all you can really do isn't it?

I also got a lovely big card that my class made me and wrote lots of messages inside which brought lots of tears to my eyes! As well as some lovely other things including some John Lewis vouchers from the parents which I am excited to spend! Whilst it was lovely to get these things, it was really heartwarming to know that the kids enjoyed having me in my class and I really will miss them-I know it's not all about the gifts! (although that is a nice perk!)

However saying that I have already had a little peek at the John Lewis website and seen loads of things I want to get! I am a big fan of Cath Kidston but her stuff is a bit too steep for me normally. However John Lewis sell a big rage of her stuff-I especially this super cute messenger lunch bag and shoe tidy for my wardrobe.

 John Lewis also stock a designer I lurveeeee called East of India-they make beautiful boxes, signs and generally very pretty things which are covered in life quotes.

 I am going to keep looking before I commit to using my vouchers! I am going to relax tonight with a takeaway and film with my Mum as Michael is at his end of year school meet up. Tomorrow Michael and I are heading to Greenwich (many an early date was spent there!) and hopefully use our tastecard for the first time! It arrived yesterday and I can't wait to use it.

Have a lovely weekend everyone and here is to a lovely summer ahead! 

xoxo

Cheryl's summer adventures!

Well I can hardly call it summer can I? What is this appalling weather? I don't ever remember a July being this wet but at least I have no work for 6 weeks so I can hardly complain. I only have 4 days left at work, hasn't that gone quickly? I plan to do a lot of resting, writing my book, finishing my course (only 2 questions to go!), de-cluttering and Ebay listing and staying up very late. When I'm at work I normally got to bed at 11pm so it will nice to go back to the night owl I used to be and stay up until 2 or 3am! Me and Michael also have lots of nice adventures/trips planned and I am so excited :) Whenever I feel down I shall look at this post and see what fun things are ahead! Some of the things we are doing are...

Visiting Arundel for Jousting Week, End of July

Afternoon tea-Michael and I have a voucher we need to use! It only cost us £12 for 2 from buyagift.co.uk so we got a great deal!

 

  Bowling-Michael and I love bowling but we haven't been for so long, we got a great deal on Groupon for bowling and food included!

Visiting some of our old haunts-Michael and I are going to visit the lovely Greenwich where we used to go on dates all those years ago. Hopefully we will get a chance to go to the market and the park, I have such happy memories :)

 Make the most of Orange Wednesdays! In my student days I pretty much went to the cinema every week. I can't wait to see Dark Knight Rises especially.

 Use our Tastecard-Michael and I have got a free months trial with the Tastecard which gives you up to 50% off restaurants over the UK. We are going to sample some different places, especially Indian restaurants-our fav!

Rome and Florence-end of August

 

Duxford Air Show-Beginning of September. As an anniversary gift for Michael I got him (and me, obv.) some tickets to see the Duxford Air Show, I can't wait!

I really can't wait, I will no doubt blog about our trips and take lots of photos! Watch this space! xoxo

Payday purchases!

Yesterday was pay day for me, hurray finally! I also had some really nice leaving drinks at work-I was expecting no one to come so when almost everyone turned up I was pleasantly surprised. It shows that you sometimes just need to have a little faith! Next week is my last week at work and it is going to be mega busy what with sports day, my last day in nursery, leaving party at work etc. I am looking forward to it but I feel so run down (as does Michael) and we really can't wait for 6 weeks of relaxing and having some fun. 

 This weekend I have done some shopping with a little of my pay (after paying the rent, putting £150 into my savings, paying council tax, TV licence, bills etc!). I make enough to get myself a few treats each month. In the days leading up to being paid I always bookmark things to buy and often I will get a lot of things from Ebay because you can get some amazing bargains as long as you are careful with who you buy from. I want to get this beautiful clock necklace I found on Ebay, it is about £6 and I love the vintage style-plus I love clocks! It's quite cute isn't it?

Today I went shopping in Kingston and bought this lovely pink dress from New Look. I was looking for something to wear on holiday for our anniversary and I thought this is simple but cute plus I don't normally wear pink so it's nice to be a little different. It was £14 from £28. Their sale is really good right now, there are so many things I liked I had to restrict myself to one thing!

To continue my obsession with clocks, I also got rather over-excited when I found this new range of stationery in Wilkinsons (such a good shop!)-clocks everywhere! I got a notebook to use for story ideas (time travel theme!) as well as a pen and folder my bought for me. I also got some cute pink headphones for my Ipod and some FUDGE SUNDAE poptarts. I adore poptarts but get bored with the plain flavours that supermarkets sell. I found a little newsagent selling unusual flavours like these, they are American imports but for £3.79 for 8 I think they're great value.

I also bought myself some DVDs online including Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre so I can have a bit of a Bronte film fest over the summer. Also I bought a film I have been meaning to get for a while called 'The Help', I have heard it's great so I can't wait to watch it.

I also got a nice package this morning with some gifts from Vietnam bought by my Dad. I look forward to using the bag this summer...a girl can never have too many!

I will no doubt buy a few more things over the coming weeks but I really need to start putting some aside for holiday spending money! I am off to have a nice bath, eat dinner and watch a film...I love Saturday nights! Take care all xoxo