After the Great South Run I found it really hard to get back into running. It was almost as if my legs had said 'you've done what you set out to do so we are done'.
Everything felt stiff and hurt, but I wanted to continue running as it is a great way to keep fit and I have lost weight far easily than with any other form of exercise.
So I had signed up to a 10k Santa run for the RNLI in Portsmouth. It was this weekend and it was actually pretty fun.
10K is about 6.2 miles and isn't easy but it was fun. Thousands of Santas running about was a little surreal, but the atmosphere was great. They had the Portsmouth City Band playing Christmas carols and everyone was in a really good mood.
It was quite hard in places though as after 1k you run up to Eastney and then onto the beach, which in Portsmouth is stones...really difficult and impacted by knees when I got back on the tarmac I noticed the difference but I did it.
I ran faster than I had in my training runs, 4.5 to 5.0 miles per hour and I did it in 1 hour 10 which was good for me considering the day before I ate so much rubbish and had cider and a cocktail, also I hadn't run for a week.
There was also a 5k family run which I think would have been more enjoyable, but even doing 10k was good. I just wanted to get round.
However, running in a felt Santa suit is not great. It was so warm and hard to run in so I had to take off the top. The beard went pretty quickly and the hat was tucked into my belt. Other than that it was good.
It was surreal having so many people dressed as Santa, during the warm up it looked like some kind of ritualistic dance. Loads of people came with dogs and it was great seeing families dressed as Santa and getting in the festive spirit.
I'm going to keep the running up and I am looking for my next run - a 10k or half marathon.
Tuesday 18 December 2012
Thursday 13 December 2012
Marilyn Monroe: A British Love Affair, National Portrait Gallery, London
I went to the National Portrait Gallery in London initially to just see the Marilyn Monroe exhibition but stayed and took two and a half hours to have a walk around.
First the Marilyn exhibition - it doesn't include many photos but looks at her time filming and promoting The Prince and the Showgirl with Laurence Olivier.
It has some beautiful photos taken by Cecil Beaton, Larry Burrows and Jack Cardiff. I also found out that one of my favourite photos of Marilyn on a Geshia print blanket holding a rose was taken by Beaton.
It just shows her natural beauty and it is free.
If you have never been to the gallery I cannot recommend it enough. I really enjoyed walking around the portraits. Paintings range from The Tudors to the Victorians to modern day.
It was great to see a sketch of Jane Austen drawn by her sister Cassandra Austen. I nearly missed it a couple of times but found it eventually and I'm glad I did.
There are so many recognisable paintings of Queen Elizabeth I, King Charles I and Queen Victoria. However, one of her after her coronation is actually a replica as the original is in Buckingham Palace.
At the moment they also have photos of the current Royal family taken by Mario Testino. It includes the two engagement photos of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - Prince William and Kate Middleton.
There are paintings of Paul McCartney, photos of the Queen after her wedding and her coronation again taken by Cecil Beaton.
I also paid £2 and saw the exhibition from Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2012 which has some beautiful photographs including one of Mo Farah and one of Victoria Pendleton. Worth the £2.
I went round a couple of times soaking up every painting and photograph. It also had the film of David Beckham sleeping done by Sam Taylor-Wood...
A beautiful museum and on the whole free. Well worth it.
Also I had a cup of tea and the most delicious walnut and chocolate brownie in the cafe down stairs, amazing!
First the Marilyn exhibition - it doesn't include many photos but looks at her time filming and promoting The Prince and the Showgirl with Laurence Olivier.
It has some beautiful photos taken by Cecil Beaton, Larry Burrows and Jack Cardiff. I also found out that one of my favourite photos of Marilyn on a Geshia print blanket holding a rose was taken by Beaton.
It just shows her natural beauty and it is free.
If you have never been to the gallery I cannot recommend it enough. I really enjoyed walking around the portraits. Paintings range from The Tudors to the Victorians to modern day.
It was great to see a sketch of Jane Austen drawn by her sister Cassandra Austen. I nearly missed it a couple of times but found it eventually and I'm glad I did.
There are so many recognisable paintings of Queen Elizabeth I, King Charles I and Queen Victoria. However, one of her after her coronation is actually a replica as the original is in Buckingham Palace.
At the moment they also have photos of the current Royal family taken by Mario Testino. It includes the two engagement photos of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - Prince William and Kate Middleton.
There are paintings of Paul McCartney, photos of the Queen after her wedding and her coronation again taken by Cecil Beaton.
I also paid £2 and saw the exhibition from Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2012 which has some beautiful photographs including one of Mo Farah and one of Victoria Pendleton. Worth the £2.
I went round a couple of times soaking up every painting and photograph. It also had the film of David Beckham sleeping done by Sam Taylor-Wood...
A beautiful museum and on the whole free. Well worth it.
Also I had a cup of tea and the most delicious walnut and chocolate brownie in the cafe down stairs, amazing!
Wednesday 12 December 2012
Valentino - Master of Couture, Somerset House, London
The Italian fashion designer is a pure genius and after seeing the film Valentino: The Last Emperor I fell in love with not only his designs but also the designer.
When I saw Somerset House was holding an exhibition I knew I had to get tickets.
You walk down a catwalk with the chairs either side holding the beautiful dresses and the chairs reserved for his most famous fans.
There are 137 dresses with some worn by Jackie Kennedy-Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, Anne Hathaway and the dress Julia Roberts wore at the 73rd Academy Awards in 2001 when she won the Oscar for her performance in Erin Brockovich. It was a vintage 1992 design by Valentino.
The dresses are just beautiful and such craftsmanship by his girls who work in his studio.
Some of my highlights include a white satin evening gown with hand-painted coral design from his Spring/Summer 1968; a blue chiffon day dress with five layer pleated petticoat which was designed in the 1950s but realised in the 1990s, beautiful dress and a great shape; and the white ecru georgette evening dress with lace applique detailing. Worn by Jacqueline Kennedy for her wedding to Aristotle Onassis.
The white gowns made in organza, with tulle and Swarovski crystals and lace. They are beautiful and could be a evening gown or a wedding dress.
There are also some of his hand drawn designs which are just as stunning.
The exhibition is running until March 3, 2013. For tickets visit: http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual-arts/valentino
When I saw Somerset House was holding an exhibition I knew I had to get tickets.
You walk down a catwalk with the chairs either side holding the beautiful dresses and the chairs reserved for his most famous fans.
There are 137 dresses with some worn by Jackie Kennedy-Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, Anne Hathaway and the dress Julia Roberts wore at the 73rd Academy Awards in 2001 when she won the Oscar for her performance in Erin Brockovich. It was a vintage 1992 design by Valentino.
The dresses are just beautiful and such craftsmanship by his girls who work in his studio.
Some of my highlights include a white satin evening gown with hand-painted coral design from his Spring/Summer 1968; a blue chiffon day dress with five layer pleated petticoat which was designed in the 1950s but realised in the 1990s, beautiful dress and a great shape; and the white ecru georgette evening dress with lace applique detailing. Worn by Jacqueline Kennedy for her wedding to Aristotle Onassis.
The white gowns made in organza, with tulle and Swarovski crystals and lace. They are beautiful and could be a evening gown or a wedding dress.
There are also some of his hand drawn designs which are just as stunning.
The exhibition is running until March 3, 2013. For tickets visit: http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual-arts/valentino
Monday 10 December 2012
Viva Forever, Piccadilly Theatre, London - Preview
As you know I am a child of the 90s and I am a massive fan of The Spice Girls.
So imagine my delight when I heard many months ago that the legend that is Jennifer Saunders was writing a musical using their songs and it was being produced by Judy Craymer, the producer behind Mamma Mia. So far, so good.
Again imagine my delight when a friend told me her sister could get us preview tickets for the musical for only £35.
The show officially opens tomorrow but last Tuesday I was sat in the theatre watching it.
I have to admit as a massive Spice Girl fan I was a little nervous, worried it was going to be a re-hash or telling their story. When you listen to the songs they are little stories and I was worried the story wouldn't do the songs justice.
I won't give too much away but basically the story is set around Viva and her three friends who are a band. The enter a reality show (X-Factor style) however, their mentor decides that maybe Viva would be better on her own...
I will admit that I loved this musical. There is great humor as you would expect from something written by Jennifer Saunders, the songs fit nicely into the story and don't seem forced.
Obviously I saw a preview so the actual show maybe slightly different from the one I saw. However, I did get to see Jennifer and Judy who were watching in the audience, brilliant to see two greats in real life.
As you would expect the classics are in there Too Much, Wannabe, Say You'll be There and Who Do You Think You Are. Also included is Do It and Denying great Spiceworld album tracks.
My favourite though is Geri Halliwell's Look At Me it is made for a musical.
It also has a great cast Viva is played by Hannah John-Kamen, who is making her debut. Her voice is amazing. Other cast members include comedian Lucy Montgomery who you may recognise from Absolutely Fabulous, The Might Boosh and Tittybangbang; Simon Slater; Sally Dexter; Sally Ann Triplett who was in Mamma Mia; Tamara Wall who played Martina in Eastenders and was the original Brooke in Legally Blonde.
If you are a Spice Girls fan you will love this musical it is all about Girl Power - love and friendship. If you hate the Spice Girls maybe give it a miss. I cannot wait to see it again with my mum and sisters.
So imagine my delight when I heard many months ago that the legend that is Jennifer Saunders was writing a musical using their songs and it was being produced by Judy Craymer, the producer behind Mamma Mia. So far, so good.
Again imagine my delight when a friend told me her sister could get us preview tickets for the musical for only £35.
The show officially opens tomorrow but last Tuesday I was sat in the theatre watching it.
I have to admit as a massive Spice Girl fan I was a little nervous, worried it was going to be a re-hash or telling their story. When you listen to the songs they are little stories and I was worried the story wouldn't do the songs justice.
I won't give too much away but basically the story is set around Viva and her three friends who are a band. The enter a reality show (X-Factor style) however, their mentor decides that maybe Viva would be better on her own...
I will admit that I loved this musical. There is great humor as you would expect from something written by Jennifer Saunders, the songs fit nicely into the story and don't seem forced.
Obviously I saw a preview so the actual show maybe slightly different from the one I saw. However, I did get to see Jennifer and Judy who were watching in the audience, brilliant to see two greats in real life.
As you would expect the classics are in there Too Much, Wannabe, Say You'll be There and Who Do You Think You Are. Also included is Do It and Denying great Spiceworld album tracks.
My favourite though is Geri Halliwell's Look At Me it is made for a musical.
It also has a great cast Viva is played by Hannah John-Kamen, who is making her debut. Her voice is amazing. Other cast members include comedian Lucy Montgomery who you may recognise from Absolutely Fabulous, The Might Boosh and Tittybangbang; Simon Slater; Sally Dexter; Sally Ann Triplett who was in Mamma Mia; Tamara Wall who played Martina in Eastenders and was the original Brooke in Legally Blonde.
If you are a Spice Girls fan you will love this musical it is all about Girl Power - love and friendship. If you hate the Spice Girls maybe give it a miss. I cannot wait to see it again with my mum and sisters.
Sunday 2 December 2012
The Rifles Acoustic - Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth, 29/11/2012
This is the third time I have seen The Rifles and each gig couldn't have been more different.
The first time was in the Joiners in Southampton a pub venue which was really hot, full of
people and just a little bit mental.
The second time was at Chester Rocks. A one day festival so a completely different atmosphere. Massive field, high volume music and most people either drunk or on another planet.
So this time it was an acoustic gig and I wasn't expecting too much, the band are quite rocky and I couldn't see how it would transfer over to an acoustic gig.
Usually there are five members in the band but at the gig there was Joel Stoker on vocals and playing guitar, Lucas Crowther on electric guitar and vocals and Dean Mumford on the keyboard, leaving bassist Lee Burgess and drummer Kenton Shinn at home.
All the songs sounded really good with minimal instruments, still a bit rocky but some of the song lyrics are quite melancholy without the heavy bass and booming drum.
The crowd were fairly subdued, except for the odd heckling and then a pint being thrown at the end but not as crazy as the gig in the Joiners.
They ended the set with Science in Violence, but played loads of crowd favorites Romeo and Julie, Lazy Bones and The Great Escape. There was a lot of crowd interaction and the lead singer Joel was even given a pint by a member of the audience.
It was actually a really brilliant gig, great atmosphere, great music and a great band in a brilliant venue. If you get the chance to see them do it and if you get the chance to see them acoustic definitely do it.
Also we missed the chance of a lifetime as we were going to go to a nearby pub but went to one down the road. We late found out that band and the support act The Mono Polys were in there...I was not a happy bunny.
I suppose I should also mention the support act. The Mono Polys a two piece band one on guitar and one on keyboard. The lead singer looked about 16 but when he sung he had a Ian Curtis style to his voice very deep and moody. I was not expecting it at all and they were fantastic, one of the best support acts I have seen for a while.
I think we will be seeing a lot of these guys in 2013, well I hope so anyway.
The first time was in the Joiners in Southampton a pub venue which was really hot, full of
people and just a little bit mental.
The second time was at Chester Rocks. A one day festival so a completely different atmosphere. Massive field, high volume music and most people either drunk or on another planet.
So this time it was an acoustic gig and I wasn't expecting too much, the band are quite rocky and I couldn't see how it would transfer over to an acoustic gig.
Usually there are five members in the band but at the gig there was Joel Stoker on vocals and playing guitar, Lucas Crowther on electric guitar and vocals and Dean Mumford on the keyboard, leaving bassist Lee Burgess and drummer Kenton Shinn at home.
All the songs sounded really good with minimal instruments, still a bit rocky but some of the song lyrics are quite melancholy without the heavy bass and booming drum.
The crowd were fairly subdued, except for the odd heckling and then a pint being thrown at the end but not as crazy as the gig in the Joiners.
They ended the set with Science in Violence, but played loads of crowd favorites Romeo and Julie, Lazy Bones and The Great Escape. There was a lot of crowd interaction and the lead singer Joel was even given a pint by a member of the audience.
It was actually a really brilliant gig, great atmosphere, great music and a great band in a brilliant venue. If you get the chance to see them do it and if you get the chance to see them acoustic definitely do it.
Also we missed the chance of a lifetime as we were going to go to a nearby pub but went to one down the road. We late found out that band and the support act The Mono Polys were in there...I was not a happy bunny.
I suppose I should also mention the support act. The Mono Polys a two piece band one on guitar and one on keyboard. The lead singer looked about 16 but when he sung he had a Ian Curtis style to his voice very deep and moody. I was not expecting it at all and they were fantastic, one of the best support acts I have seen for a while.
I think we will be seeing a lot of these guys in 2013, well I hope so anyway.
Sunday 18 November 2012
Hollywood Costume Exhibition - V&A London
I love my films so when I saw that the V&A, my favourite museum, had an exhibition of Hollywood Costumes I got on the internet and booked tickets straight away.
It was simply amazing the costumes they have on show include some of the most recognisable costumes through the history of film.
Over 100 of the most iconic costumes from across the century of film-making.
It was mesmerising two dresses from Gone with the Wind - two Scarlett O'Hara dresses which were beautiful. Indiana Jones' iconic outfit was slightly different from what I was expecting but instantly recognisable.
I was surprised just how small some of the stars were, Robert DeNiro was very narrow and short, Russell Crowe's Gladiator suit was also smaller than I was expecting.
There were costumes from Matrix, Twilight: New Moon, Moulin Rouge, Chicago and Atonement. Just so many that it is hard to recount them all.
My favourites include a Marilyn Monroe dress from Some Like It Hot, which was just beautifully made.
The black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany's was really simple and if not made by Givenchy and worn by Audrey Hepburn would not be that amazing but the fact it is makes it breathtaking.
The two major pulls of the exhibition are THE white dress from The Seven Year Itch, which looks quite small when you think Marilyn was meant to be a size 14 and also I never realised that it has a bow on the band.
The other is Dorothy's dress from The Wizard of Oz worn by Judy Garland. It was quite small and very prim, nothing special but like the Holly Golightly dress what it was in and who wore it madke it amazing. It also had two pairs of ruby slippers a replica pair and also the actual pair. Now The Wizard of Oz is my all time favourite film and I was a little disappointed in the slippers but also a little fascinated. They are covered in sequins I don't know what I was expecting though, actual rubys.
One of best costumes I think is the black ballerina outfit worn by Natalie Portman in Black Swan, I didn't really like the film but the craftsmanship and detail in that dress makes it look beautiful.
My one criticism though is in relation to the Batman, Catwoman, Superman and Spiderman outfits. They were placed high up so you couldn't really get a good look at them something I would love to have done to the Batman outfit from The Dark Knight Rises.
The exhibition is on until January 27 for more information check out http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/exhibition-hollywood-costume/ if you love films you will love this.
It was simply amazing the costumes they have on show include some of the most recognisable costumes through the history of film.
Over 100 of the most iconic costumes from across the century of film-making.
It was mesmerising two dresses from Gone with the Wind - two Scarlett O'Hara dresses which were beautiful. Indiana Jones' iconic outfit was slightly different from what I was expecting but instantly recognisable.
I was surprised just how small some of the stars were, Robert DeNiro was very narrow and short, Russell Crowe's Gladiator suit was also smaller than I was expecting.
There were costumes from Matrix, Twilight: New Moon, Moulin Rouge, Chicago and Atonement. Just so many that it is hard to recount them all.
My favourites include a Marilyn Monroe dress from Some Like It Hot, which was just beautifully made.
The black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany's was really simple and if not made by Givenchy and worn by Audrey Hepburn would not be that amazing but the fact it is makes it breathtaking.
The two major pulls of the exhibition are THE white dress from The Seven Year Itch, which looks quite small when you think Marilyn was meant to be a size 14 and also I never realised that it has a bow on the band.
The other is Dorothy's dress from The Wizard of Oz worn by Judy Garland. It was quite small and very prim, nothing special but like the Holly Golightly dress what it was in and who wore it madke it amazing. It also had two pairs of ruby slippers a replica pair and also the actual pair. Now The Wizard of Oz is my all time favourite film and I was a little disappointed in the slippers but also a little fascinated. They are covered in sequins I don't know what I was expecting though, actual rubys.
One of best costumes I think is the black ballerina outfit worn by Natalie Portman in Black Swan, I didn't really like the film but the craftsmanship and detail in that dress makes it look beautiful.
My one criticism though is in relation to the Batman, Catwoman, Superman and Spiderman outfits. They were placed high up so you couldn't really get a good look at them something I would love to have done to the Batman outfit from The Dark Knight Rises.
The exhibition is on until January 27 for more information check out http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/exhibition-hollywood-costume/ if you love films you will love this.
Jake Bugg, The Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth - 13/11/2012
Jake Bugg is a name that many people may not have heard of but next year he will be the name on everyones lips.
He recently came back from a tour in America with Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and has now embarked on his own UK tour. He also played at quite a few festivals over the summer, and you may have also heard his song Lightening Bolt during the Olympics.
Having seen him a few times on TV me and my boyfriend decided to get some tickets as he was coming to Portsmouth.
Jake came on about quarter past ten and played for about an hour maybe a little bit less.
He didn't really interact with the audience just saying the song titles but I can't fault his performance, he is only 18 but he does have a modest stage presence and you can't deny that voice has a unique quality to it.
He is frequently compared to Bob Dylan, and I can see that in his early days. He has quite a country style singing voice and also his lyrics are honest and sometimes a little brutal.
I did feel that most of the people in the audience probably didn't have his album as when he performed songs such as Lightening Bolt, Taste It and Two Fingers the crowd erupted.
However with his album tracks you could hear people talking in the audience and atmosphere was a bit flat. There is nothing wrong with Jake's performance he could be a front man with swagger when he gains more confidence.
He is touring again next year so if you get the chance do see him. He has a great voice and has the potential to be a great performer, as you have to remember he is only an 18 year old from Nottingham.
On another note he had two support acts but by far my favourite was singer Findlay who has an old style amazing voice, simply brilliant.
He recently came back from a tour in America with Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and has now embarked on his own UK tour. He also played at quite a few festivals over the summer, and you may have also heard his song Lightening Bolt during the Olympics.
Having seen him a few times on TV me and my boyfriend decided to get some tickets as he was coming to Portsmouth.
Jake came on about quarter past ten and played for about an hour maybe a little bit less.
He didn't really interact with the audience just saying the song titles but I can't fault his performance, he is only 18 but he does have a modest stage presence and you can't deny that voice has a unique quality to it.
He is frequently compared to Bob Dylan, and I can see that in his early days. He has quite a country style singing voice and also his lyrics are honest and sometimes a little brutal.
I did feel that most of the people in the audience probably didn't have his album as when he performed songs such as Lightening Bolt, Taste It and Two Fingers the crowd erupted.
However with his album tracks you could hear people talking in the audience and atmosphere was a bit flat. There is nothing wrong with Jake's performance he could be a front man with swagger when he gains more confidence.
He is touring again next year so if you get the chance do see him. He has a great voice and has the potential to be a great performer, as you have to remember he is only an 18 year old from Nottingham.
On another note he had two support acts but by far my favourite was singer Findlay who has an old style amazing voice, simply brilliant.
Friday 16 November 2012
It's a marathon but not as we know it... The Twilight Saga - Breaking Dawn Part 2
Yesterday I spent twelve hours in the cinema, watching a total of five films.
If you have read this blog before you will know I am a Twilight fan and as the last film comes out me and my friend decided a while ago to do the marathon and watch all five films.
It started at 2.50pm , Thursday, and ended at 2.10am, Friday.
In between all the films there were interviews with fans and cast members and music videos.
I forgot how good the films are. Also watching them back to back I realised how much Robert Pattinson has aged where Kristen Stewart practically looks the same.
My favourite film is still Eclipse, in it you have action, the love triangle at its worst and Edward proposing what more could you want.
Then at midnight we were welcomed by Breaking Dawn Part Two, and...it was actually pretty good.
I really didn't like the Breaking Dawn book, especially the ending. However, Part one of the film was really good so I had high hopes for part 2 and I wasn't disappointed.
The shortest of the five films it was great to see Bella strong and kicking some butt, in particular Emmett.
It was interesting to get other vampires involved.
Many fans will know that the ending has been changed, and it is a lot better. Stephanie Meyer wrote it so I really don't know why she couldn't have done that ending in the book in the first place.
With the ending I have never heard an audience reaction so loud and surprised than the one I heard in the cinema last night. The audience clapped, cheered, gasped and laughed over the last fifteen minutes which was just amazing.
The atmosphere in the cinema was brilliant, a load of Twihards looking forward to seeing the final instalment. It felt more like an event then just a cinema outing making it all the more special.
The cast were great Mackenzie Foy spookily looks like she could be Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart's child. Robert Pattinson has the right amount of brooding to make Edward just as irresistible and Kristen makes an easy transition to vampire.
Imprinting in the film has been kind of glazed over a bit so Jacob imprinting on Renesmee is more like a older caring friend then creepy relative. But Taylor Launter does a great job again of Jacob.
I think my favourite character throughout the films has to be Charlie, Bella's dad played by Billy Burke, great comic timing and just fantastic.
If you are a Twilight fan you will love the film, it delivers on all accounts and with director Bill Condon again who did Part one (and also Dream Girls) it is a great end to the franchise.
The only question left on your lips will be how many times to go see it.
If you have read this blog before you will know I am a Twilight fan and as the last film comes out me and my friend decided a while ago to do the marathon and watch all five films.
It started at 2.50pm , Thursday, and ended at 2.10am, Friday.
In between all the films there were interviews with fans and cast members and music videos.
I forgot how good the films are. Also watching them back to back I realised how much Robert Pattinson has aged where Kristen Stewart practically looks the same.
My favourite film is still Eclipse, in it you have action, the love triangle at its worst and Edward proposing what more could you want.
Then at midnight we were welcomed by Breaking Dawn Part Two, and...it was actually pretty good.
I really didn't like the Breaking Dawn book, especially the ending. However, Part one of the film was really good so I had high hopes for part 2 and I wasn't disappointed.
The shortest of the five films it was great to see Bella strong and kicking some butt, in particular Emmett.
It was interesting to get other vampires involved.
Many fans will know that the ending has been changed, and it is a lot better. Stephanie Meyer wrote it so I really don't know why she couldn't have done that ending in the book in the first place.
With the ending I have never heard an audience reaction so loud and surprised than the one I heard in the cinema last night. The audience clapped, cheered, gasped and laughed over the last fifteen minutes which was just amazing.
The atmosphere in the cinema was brilliant, a load of Twihards looking forward to seeing the final instalment. It felt more like an event then just a cinema outing making it all the more special.
The cast were great Mackenzie Foy spookily looks like she could be Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart's child. Robert Pattinson has the right amount of brooding to make Edward just as irresistible and Kristen makes an easy transition to vampire.
Imprinting in the film has been kind of glazed over a bit so Jacob imprinting on Renesmee is more like a older caring friend then creepy relative. But Taylor Launter does a great job again of Jacob.
I think my favourite character throughout the films has to be Charlie, Bella's dad played by Billy Burke, great comic timing and just fantastic.
If you are a Twilight fan you will love the film, it delivers on all accounts and with director Bill Condon again who did Part one (and also Dream Girls) it is a great end to the franchise.
The only question left on your lips will be how many times to go see it.
Monday 5 November 2012
Cupcakes - My own creation
When it comes to cupcakes I always try the recipes from the book, word for word.
However, my boyfriend wanted something a little different.
I made vanilla cupcakes with chopped up dark chocolate took the middle out and spread chocolate orange spread, with chocolate orange icing. All what the boyfriend asked for.
I used the basic vanilla sponge from the Hummingbird Bakery book and other bits from other ones.
I have only tried the sponge which was nice but I worry that the filling and icing may be a bit too much.
I just hope the boyfriend likes them.
with added cocoa powder
pre-icing
However, my boyfriend wanted something a little different.
I made vanilla cupcakes with chopped up dark chocolate took the middle out and spread chocolate orange spread, with chocolate orange icing. All what the boyfriend asked for.
I used the basic vanilla sponge from the Hummingbird Bakery book and other bits from other ones.
I have only tried the sponge which was nice but I worry that the filling and icing may be a bit too much.
I just hope the boyfriend likes them.
with added cocoa powder
pre-icingSunshine shorties - biscuit heaven
I have had a couple of days off and even though today is my boyfriend's birthday he is in uni all day so leaving me at a loose end I decided to do a bit of baking.
My first go was sunshine shorties from Lisa Faulkner's cook book Recipes from My Mother for My Daughter.
The recipe is really simple - you melt golden syrup, butter, bicarbonate soda, caster sugar, and water together on the hob. Then take it off the heat and add porridge oats and self-raising flour, mix them together, make teaspoon balls and then cook for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
I was a little concerned as the mixture was a little tricky and after they were cooking they were a little 'flexible' but after cooling they got harder.
I had a cheeky taste of one and it was delicious! Buttery, sweet and a little piece of heaven.
Also quite nice warm out of the oven.
If you are unsure about if you can bake try these, they are really good and easy to make.
My first go was sunshine shorties from Lisa Faulkner's cook book Recipes from My Mother for My Daughter.
The recipe is really simple - you melt golden syrup, butter, bicarbonate soda, caster sugar, and water together on the hob. Then take it off the heat and add porridge oats and self-raising flour, mix them together, make teaspoon balls and then cook for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
I was a little concerned as the mixture was a little tricky and after they were cooking they were a little 'flexible' but after cooling they got harder.
I had a cheeky taste of one and it was delicious! Buttery, sweet and a little piece of heaven.
Also quite nice warm out of the oven.
If you are unsure about if you can bake try these, they are really good and easy to make.
Thursday 1 November 2012
Skyfall - James Bond 007 - the review
I will admit from the onset that I have only seen two (well three after today) Bond films from beginning to end - Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace but I did really enjoy them.
I won't give away too much about the film as it is amazing and I wouldn't want to spoil it, this means that this review will probably be quite short as I don't want to ruin it.
First I will say that it doesn't follow on from the previous two films so you don't really need to have seen them before seeing this.
Javier Bardem plays the baddie Mr Silver and he is amazing! Blonde hair, blue eyes and slightly too large teeth. He is a real good baddie, a classic baddie, a little camp but equally brilliant. It did remind me a bit of the Joker and Batman in that they need each other but need to beat each other. Bardem is just an amazing baddie.
Daniel Craig is again a brilliant Bond and Judi Dench's M fantastic.
I love that the film has proper opening titles, it gives the opportunity for Adele's theme song to be played in full. I just wish they did it with more films.
The Aston Martin DB5 is beautiful and makes a welcome return. This film does celebrate Bond's 50th anniversary and if you are a Bond fan I don't think you will be disappointed.
Visually this film is phenomenal, the depth and colour in some scenes. The use of light and dark, shadows and the smallest details just add the pieces. Sam Mendes is a genius.
I also love that they filmed parts in London, with many recognisable sights.
Go see this film if you love action films, Javier Bardem or Bond, or Daniel Craig as you won't be disappointed.
I won't give away too much about the film as it is amazing and I wouldn't want to spoil it, this means that this review will probably be quite short as I don't want to ruin it.
First I will say that it doesn't follow on from the previous two films so you don't really need to have seen them before seeing this.
Javier Bardem plays the baddie Mr Silver and he is amazing! Blonde hair, blue eyes and slightly too large teeth. He is a real good baddie, a classic baddie, a little camp but equally brilliant. It did remind me a bit of the Joker and Batman in that they need each other but need to beat each other. Bardem is just an amazing baddie.
Daniel Craig is again a brilliant Bond and Judi Dench's M fantastic.
I love that the film has proper opening titles, it gives the opportunity for Adele's theme song to be played in full. I just wish they did it with more films.
The Aston Martin DB5 is beautiful and makes a welcome return. This film does celebrate Bond's 50th anniversary and if you are a Bond fan I don't think you will be disappointed.
Visually this film is phenomenal, the depth and colour in some scenes. The use of light and dark, shadows and the smallest details just add the pieces. Sam Mendes is a genius.
I also love that they filmed parts in London, with many recognisable sights.
Go see this film if you love action films, Javier Bardem or Bond, or Daniel Craig as you won't be disappointed.
Monday 29 October 2012
The Great South Run, Southsea, Portsmouth - Sunday, October 28 2012
Yesterday I ran the Great South Run. The largest ten mile road race in Europe, I was one out of 25,000.
In my training I got up to ten miles so I thought it would be fine, however, I found it really, really difficult. It didn't help I needed the toilet from the start but held it until six miles and ran into the Tenth Hole tea room to use the toilet.
The atmosphere was fantastic among the runners and the crowd, hi-fiving kids who were cheering and clapping. Just really, really good.
However, by mile eight I was finding it really difficult. We were in Eastney and I knew where we ended up at the swimming baths but I couldn't figure out how we got there so I did start to feel a bit disheartened and did wonder if I would finish. But I missed the eight mile mark so it did feel as if it was going forever so I was relived when I got to nine miles.
It was cool running through the dockyard and past the navy boats but there was minimal crowd in there.
The best part was getting round the corner by the Pyramids and seeing the finish line I got my sprint on and pulled away from the boyfriend, but I did it too soon and he soon caught me up.
I think I got quite caught up in the moment to start with as the first five miles I did running between 5.1 and 4.9 miles an hour, far too fast for me. I was doing 11-12 minute miles! Crazy! The eight mile I did in 14 minutes, that was my hardest mile.
It was a great feeling afterwards though knowing I had just completed the Great South Run, at points I was really doubting if I would do it. The crowd support from friends and family was really needed and appreciated.
Doing it for charity also gave me that extra push as I had more of a purpose to do it.
As much as I hurt today it was really worth it and I would recommend it, the buzz was amazing. I feel so proud of myself as in May I couldn't run for five minutes without stopping and yesterday I ran 10 miles in 2 hours and 9 minutes!
Now hopefully I will be doing a 10k Santa fun run!
I ran for mind to donate visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/runcharlierun
To sign up for next years run visit the website: http://www.greatrun.org/events/event.aspx?id=12
Proof I did it...
Thursday 25 October 2012
Mainly quiet on the homefront
October has been fairly quiet some work and personal issues but apart from that not much else, hence the lack of posts.
However, on Sunday I have the Great South Run. Who knew I would be able to run ten miles, 'You haven't done it yet' I hear you cry well actually last Sunday I did run ten miles! So all being well Sunday should be fine!
Coming up I have that, in November I'm off for a week and plan to cook and bake, it is the boyfriend's birthday, we might see the new Bond film 'Skyfall', then the latest Twilight film and the Twilight marathon before...well you knew it was going to happen.
Also my anniversary in London and a visit to the film costume exhibit at the V&A, two gigs- Jake Bugg and the Rifles. I have it all going on in November, in December got Viva Forever the Spice Girls musical.
Also got lots more planned for next year - musical 9 to 5, Warhorse and Pink so never fear this blog will be back to normal before you know it.
However, on Sunday I have the Great South Run. Who knew I would be able to run ten miles, 'You haven't done it yet' I hear you cry well actually last Sunday I did run ten miles! So all being well Sunday should be fine!
Coming up I have that, in November I'm off for a week and plan to cook and bake, it is the boyfriend's birthday, we might see the new Bond film 'Skyfall', then the latest Twilight film and the Twilight marathon before...well you knew it was going to happen.
Also my anniversary in London and a visit to the film costume exhibit at the V&A, two gigs- Jake Bugg and the Rifles. I have it all going on in November, in December got Viva Forever the Spice Girls musical.
Also got lots more planned for next year - musical 9 to 5, Warhorse and Pink so never fear this blog will be back to normal before you know it.
Monday 1 October 2012
The day I went to Buckingham Palace
This weekend I got to do something I never thought I would.
I got to visit the state rooms at Buckingham Palace and not only that we also
got to see the very special diamond collection, which is on offer as it is the
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year.
In the Diamond exhibition we saw the small crown worn by
Queen Victoria when she was in mourning of Prince Albert (as seen on this Wiki
page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_victoria)
and was also won by Queen Alexandra the consort of King Edward VII - Queen Victoria's son and successor.
Also the crown and necklace Her Majesty the Queen wore on
her coronation and more recently in the official photo for her Diamond Jubilee.
And seven pieces created by the Cullinan Diamond, the largest rough
gem-quality diamond. All the diamonds were exquisite, the clarity and colour
were beautiful and they just sparkled like stars in the sky, amazing! Diamonds
truly are the Queen’s best friend.
The state rooms were just as magnificent, you see the throne
room where Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip had their wedding photo and more
recently the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had their photos taken. It was just
amazing to walk where heads of state such as President Obama and other Royals have
walked. To see where the Queen lives and works.
The rooms were huge and the decoration over the top. My
favourite room was the ballroom, created for Queen Victoria to host social
gatherings. It is the largest room in London and has four chandeliers hanging
from the ceiling, they are five foot in diameter and I think they said about 11
foot high; they work on a winch and are cleaned once a year. It also has an
organ from the Brighton Pavilion; it was a truly regal room.
All the paintings around the state rooms are amazing. My
favourite was the family portrait of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their
children by Winterhalter it is stunning and shows the family in a fairly
informal setting but still she looks like a Queen, mother and wife.
You are not allowed to take photos on the tour but you can
in the garden.
The state rooms are just amazing, I cannot recommend them
enough.
Also if you buy your tickets through the palace you can get
your ticket stamped and return for free within the next 12 months, how
fantastic is that! Well with the £18 entrance fee.
I will say though that the cafe is quite expensive over £2
for a tea, but the cakes did look amazing aand I do wish I had had one.
If you go in August or September don’t expect to see the
Queen as she holidays in Balmoral.
If you are interested in the tour visit: http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/buckinghampalace
Friday 28 September 2012
The Big Fat Jamaican Wedding
I am at that age where everyone I know is either getting married or having a baby. Facebook feeds full of wedding woe and joy or baby scan pictures.
In the past three years I have been to three full weddings and one reception.
If you had read my blog before you will know I have been a bridesmaid and done a reading. All of which I was honoured to be. The last wedding I went to a couple of weeks ago was of a friend who I have known since infant school, and who I used to play Animals of Farthing Wood with. At this wedding I was asked to be a witness, which out of the three roles was by far the easiest, all I had to do was write my name.
I have felt very honoured to play a part in my friends' special days, I don't think I will do a reading again though in a hurry, too nerve wrecking on a day where you spend the ceremony crying with joy. Bridesmaid is good but a very long day, luckily my friend was no bridezilla so it was a breeze. I would be a witness though in a heartbeat, my name forever on that certificate. This is the last of my friend's weddings really though.
Next year however one of the boyfriend's best friends is getting married...in Jamaica.
It is going to cost a small fortune but I am looking forward to being a proper guest at a wedding not having to worry about my dress, a reading or if I can remember how to spell my name.
The venue looks amazing and we would never choose to go to Jamaica, mainly because of the cost, but I can't wait to see his friend's tie the knot on the end of a dock overlooking the sea.
The wedding is in July so I'm sure this blog will be populated with dilemmas on what I am going to wear and the impending payment dates.
So raise a glass of rum to the Jamaican nuptials.
In the past three years I have been to three full weddings and one reception.
If you had read my blog before you will know I have been a bridesmaid and done a reading. All of which I was honoured to be. The last wedding I went to a couple of weeks ago was of a friend who I have known since infant school, and who I used to play Animals of Farthing Wood with. At this wedding I was asked to be a witness, which out of the three roles was by far the easiest, all I had to do was write my name.
I have felt very honoured to play a part in my friends' special days, I don't think I will do a reading again though in a hurry, too nerve wrecking on a day where you spend the ceremony crying with joy. Bridesmaid is good but a very long day, luckily my friend was no bridezilla so it was a breeze. I would be a witness though in a heartbeat, my name forever on that certificate. This is the last of my friend's weddings really though.
Next year however one of the boyfriend's best friends is getting married...in Jamaica.
It is going to cost a small fortune but I am looking forward to being a proper guest at a wedding not having to worry about my dress, a reading or if I can remember how to spell my name.
The venue looks amazing and we would never choose to go to Jamaica, mainly because of the cost, but I can't wait to see his friend's tie the knot on the end of a dock overlooking the sea.
The wedding is in July so I'm sure this blog will be populated with dilemmas on what I am going to wear and the impending payment dates.
So raise a glass of rum to the Jamaican nuptials.
Tuesday 25 September 2012
Run Charlie Run less than five weeks to go
With less than five weeks to go to say I am nervous about the Great South Run is probably an understatement.
I have been running quite a bit with my boyfriend running partner. The other weekend we did nine miles, which was hard but I did it and was really proud of myself, the Great South is ten miles.
We have been running every other day, which has not been ideal as I haven't had time to recover. I do think I have it in my legs and body to do ten miles, but the fear has set in.
Everyone says the crowd will carry me through, I don't mind what time I do it in as long as I finish.
I am enjoying running and aim to do the Great South Run every year to keep it up. It will be nice though relaxing my running schedule. I do like my weekend early morning run though, having the whole day to do what I want, so will probably keep that up.
What is also helping my drive is that I am running for a worthwhile charity - Mind.
If you would like to donate you can here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/runcharlierun
I have been running quite a bit with my boyfriend running partner. The other weekend we did nine miles, which was hard but I did it and was really proud of myself, the Great South is ten miles.
We have been running every other day, which has not been ideal as I haven't had time to recover. I do think I have it in my legs and body to do ten miles, but the fear has set in.
Everyone says the crowd will carry me through, I don't mind what time I do it in as long as I finish.
I am enjoying running and aim to do the Great South Run every year to keep it up. It will be nice though relaxing my running schedule. I do like my weekend early morning run though, having the whole day to do what I want, so will probably keep that up.
What is also helping my drive is that I am running for a worthwhile charity - Mind.
If you would like to donate you can here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/runcharlierun
Sunday 23 September 2012
Memories.....The Spice Girls
It is true that music can evoke memories, can take you back to a time gone by and make you feel the same way you did then.
Recently I have been listening to a lot of the Spice Girls, the greatest hits to be precise. No matter what mood I am in I can guarantee that after listening to Wannabe, Who do you think you are or Spice up your life I have a happy glow and feel instantly better.
I was 10 when the Spice Girls came out in 1996. I remember a girl in my class had printed off the lyrics to Wannabe, I didn't have sky or music channels at home so had no idea who they were but we sung the songs and made up dance routines.
When I did see them for the first time I was hooked and my obsession grew over the next few years. I had everything Spice Girls; the dolls, a cardboard cut out of Scary Spice (each of the girls had nicknames created by Smash Hits magazine - Baby, Sporty, Posh and Ginger), stickers, an alarm clock, pillows, you name it I had it still have it I hope up in my loft.
Spice Girls were the face of Pepsi, Walkers crisps and Cadbury's chocolate so no other brand would do, if it was good enough for them it was good enough for me.
I had platform trainers, one pair were black trainers with a white flatform heel, which I defaced. In the Move Over video/Pepsi advert Geri had a similar pair with Pepsi written on, so I did the same with permanent maker. My mum was not happy. I also, shamefully, had a neon green PVC pair of platform trainers that I even wore to school! My best friend at the time even tried to nick them, I loved them but looking back they were a thing of their time.
I remember being late for school once as me and my friend were waiting for the premiere of the Spice up your life video on MTV, the only time I was late for school.
If they were in any magazine be it Smash Hits, Top of the Pops or TV Hits I bought it and cut out each page and picture. I had folders full of interviews and even got the inflatable dolls from Smash Hits.
I remember being jealous of my sister's neon coloured Spice Girls puffa jackets.
I never got to see them live at the time but did see their comeback gig at the O2 a few years ago, a massive concert highlight for me.
Growing up Girl Power was a big thing to me, the Spice Girls made you realise 'yer you are a girl and you can be yourself and be who you want to be'. They were my idols and I think without Girl Power 90s I wouldn't be the person I am today.
I am going to see the Spice Girls musical in December - Viva Forever written by Jennifer Saunders, I can't wait, even just to hear the tunes sung live again.
Whenever I hear a Spice Girls song I can't help but smile, they were the first band I truly became obsessed with and are a part of me and growing up. I will also make sure my kids know all the words and love them.
So...
Viva the Spice Girls!!!!
Mel C, Mel B, Emma, Geri and Victoria!
Recently I have been listening to a lot of the Spice Girls, the greatest hits to be precise. No matter what mood I am in I can guarantee that after listening to Wannabe, Who do you think you are or Spice up your life I have a happy glow and feel instantly better.
I was 10 when the Spice Girls came out in 1996. I remember a girl in my class had printed off the lyrics to Wannabe, I didn't have sky or music channels at home so had no idea who they were but we sung the songs and made up dance routines.
When I did see them for the first time I was hooked and my obsession grew over the next few years. I had everything Spice Girls; the dolls, a cardboard cut out of Scary Spice (each of the girls had nicknames created by Smash Hits magazine - Baby, Sporty, Posh and Ginger), stickers, an alarm clock, pillows, you name it I had it still have it I hope up in my loft.
Spice Girls were the face of Pepsi, Walkers crisps and Cadbury's chocolate so no other brand would do, if it was good enough for them it was good enough for me.
I had platform trainers, one pair were black trainers with a white flatform heel, which I defaced. In the Move Over video/Pepsi advert Geri had a similar pair with Pepsi written on, so I did the same with permanent maker. My mum was not happy. I also, shamefully, had a neon green PVC pair of platform trainers that I even wore to school! My best friend at the time even tried to nick them, I loved them but looking back they were a thing of their time.
I remember being late for school once as me and my friend were waiting for the premiere of the Spice up your life video on MTV, the only time I was late for school.
If they were in any magazine be it Smash Hits, Top of the Pops or TV Hits I bought it and cut out each page and picture. I had folders full of interviews and even got the inflatable dolls from Smash Hits.
I remember being jealous of my sister's neon coloured Spice Girls puffa jackets.
I never got to see them live at the time but did see their comeback gig at the O2 a few years ago, a massive concert highlight for me.
Growing up Girl Power was a big thing to me, the Spice Girls made you realise 'yer you are a girl and you can be yourself and be who you want to be'. They were my idols and I think without Girl Power 90s I wouldn't be the person I am today.
I am going to see the Spice Girls musical in December - Viva Forever written by Jennifer Saunders, I can't wait, even just to hear the tunes sung live again.
Whenever I hear a Spice Girls song I can't help but smile, they were the first band I truly became obsessed with and are a part of me and growing up. I will also make sure my kids know all the words and love them.
So...
Viva the Spice Girls!!!!
Mel C, Mel B, Emma, Geri and Victoria!
Thursday 13 September 2012
Lady Gaga, Twickenham Stadium, London, 08/09/2012
Better late than never, but here is my half review half gush-fest of Lady Gaga's Born This Way Ball.
I have seen Gaga twice already, as support for the Pussycat Dolls just after Just Dance came out and a year or so a go as part of the Monsters Ball.
I love her and know she can put on a show, the Monsters Ball was just £29 for the ticket and Gaga must have run at a loss, this time however, she learnt her lesson and the ticket price almost doubled.
It was well worth it though. Her set was a castle and of course there was a story line which I didn't quite get but it added something else.
The concert from start to finish was phenomenal. Her voice is amazing and when she sung Imagine it was breathtaking, her voice is heavenly and soulful, just her and a piano.
Even though Gaga is a little over the top to some she does love her fans and is very humble thanking them for buying a ticket. To thank them she got some on stage and invited others back tage, now to some you may think it is just all talk but not Gaga I think she is true to her word.
Of course she came on late which meant she finished late and I'm not sure if she didn't include it at all in this tour but she didn't perform Poker Face or Alejandro which was a shame but then you forget how many good songs she does have.
She also spoke about the first time she played record execs Born This Way, they told her it was too 'niche', and with a smirk on her face she said to the audience 'Some f**king niche, I have filled an stadium with a niche'.
She also said 'So many of you here how come the album was a flop?' But my friend was there and didn't have the second album, she had just bought the singles and I do wonder how many other people did the same.
I cannot say how much I love Gaga her brashness and unapologetic nature she is who she is so deal with it. She was 'born this way'.
Every time I see her she gets better and better, it does freak me out though that we are the same age.
Another thing you should mention if you go to a Gaga gig is the audience. Some of Gaga's monsters got all out, there were meat dresses, costumes from the Telephone video and various cover shoots. Most of them were obviously fashion students as I don't think I would be able to make those things but they were fantastic and the girls (and some boys) deserve a round of applause.
It was just a great atmosphere and I haven't sung, laughed and danced so much at a gig in age. Gaga is indeed Queen Monster and just fantastic! All Hail Gaga!
Act I
Highway Unicorn (Road to Love)
Government Hooker
Born This Way
Black Jesus - Amen Fashion
Bloody Mary
Bad Romance
Judas
Act II
Fashion Of His Love
Just Dance
LoveGame
Telephone
Act III
Heavy Metal Lover
Bad Kids
Piano Ballads
Hair
Princess Die
Imagine
You & I
Act IV
Electric Chapel
Paparazzi
Scheibe
Act V
The Edge of Glory
Marry the Night
I have seen Gaga twice already, as support for the Pussycat Dolls just after Just Dance came out and a year or so a go as part of the Monsters Ball.
I love her and know she can put on a show, the Monsters Ball was just £29 for the ticket and Gaga must have run at a loss, this time however, she learnt her lesson and the ticket price almost doubled.
It was well worth it though. Her set was a castle and of course there was a story line which I didn't quite get but it added something else.
The concert from start to finish was phenomenal. Her voice is amazing and when she sung Imagine it was breathtaking, her voice is heavenly and soulful, just her and a piano.
Even though Gaga is a little over the top to some she does love her fans and is very humble thanking them for buying a ticket. To thank them she got some on stage and invited others back tage, now to some you may think it is just all talk but not Gaga I think she is true to her word.
Of course she came on late which meant she finished late and I'm not sure if she didn't include it at all in this tour but she didn't perform Poker Face or Alejandro which was a shame but then you forget how many good songs she does have.
She also spoke about the first time she played record execs Born This Way, they told her it was too 'niche', and with a smirk on her face she said to the audience 'Some f**king niche, I have filled an stadium with a niche'.
She also said 'So many of you here how come the album was a flop?' But my friend was there and didn't have the second album, she had just bought the singles and I do wonder how many other people did the same.
I cannot say how much I love Gaga her brashness and unapologetic nature she is who she is so deal with it. She was 'born this way'.
Every time I see her she gets better and better, it does freak me out though that we are the same age.
Another thing you should mention if you go to a Gaga gig is the audience. Some of Gaga's monsters got all out, there were meat dresses, costumes from the Telephone video and various cover shoots. Most of them were obviously fashion students as I don't think I would be able to make those things but they were fantastic and the girls (and some boys) deserve a round of applause.
It was just a great atmosphere and I haven't sung, laughed and danced so much at a gig in age. Gaga is indeed Queen Monster and just fantastic! All Hail Gaga!
Act I
Highway Unicorn (Road to Love)
Government Hooker
Born This Way
Black Jesus - Amen Fashion
Bloody Mary
Bad Romance
Judas
Act II
Fashion Of His Love
Just Dance
LoveGame
Telephone
Act III
Heavy Metal Lover
Bad Kids
Piano Ballads
Hair
Princess Die
Imagine
You & I
Act IV
Electric Chapel
Paparazzi
Scheibe
Act V
The Edge of Glory
Marry the Night
Monday 20 August 2012
Film review - The Waitress
I thought I would write some film reviews of new ones I have see and some of my favourites just to share the knowledge.
This time I thought I would review Waitress, a 2007 American comedy-drama that is just brilliant.
Keri Russell plays Jenna a waitress living in American South, she is trapped in an unhappy marriage with an abusive husband called Earl, played by Jeremy Sisto who has previously starred in Clueless and is in Suburgatory.
She works in Joe's Pie Diner where she invents pies with unusual titles inspired by her life.
The way she talks about her pies and the flavours makes your mouth water and the names are perfect summing up her life around her including 'Bad Baby Pie' when she finds out she is pregnant and doesn't want the baby.
What I found out was that the writer and director Adrienne Shelly died at the age of 40, she plays Jenna's friend Dawn sadly murdered before the film hit the big time.
The film shows Jenna's desperation in wanting to run away from her husband. She puts money aside to enter a pie contest in a nearby town, which has a $25,000 prize. Her husband doesn't want her to go for fear she won't come back, which is exactly what she would do given half the chance.
It is just a really sweet film, where not a lot happens but it really pulls on the heart strings. It is funny and heartbreaking.
Jenna's friends have perfect comedic timing especially Becky played by Cheryl Hines, who also now stars in Suburgatory and the diner owner Joe who encourages her to do her own thing. She also embarks on a fling with the new doctor Jim Pomatter played by Nathan Fillion.
She begins a journal noting all her recipe ideas and also growing in love for her unborn baby.
After watching this film I want to bake more than anything, I could imagine a cupcake equivalent.
I won't spoil the ending but don't think this is a boring hum-drum film it is just a perfect film and my boyfriend loves it as well so it isn't the usual rom-com film.
This time I thought I would review Waitress, a 2007 American comedy-drama that is just brilliant.
Keri Russell plays Jenna a waitress living in American South, she is trapped in an unhappy marriage with an abusive husband called Earl, played by Jeremy Sisto who has previously starred in Clueless and is in Suburgatory.
She works in Joe's Pie Diner where she invents pies with unusual titles inspired by her life.
The way she talks about her pies and the flavours makes your mouth water and the names are perfect summing up her life around her including 'Bad Baby Pie' when she finds out she is pregnant and doesn't want the baby.
What I found out was that the writer and director Adrienne Shelly died at the age of 40, she plays Jenna's friend Dawn sadly murdered before the film hit the big time.
The film shows Jenna's desperation in wanting to run away from her husband. She puts money aside to enter a pie contest in a nearby town, which has a $25,000 prize. Her husband doesn't want her to go for fear she won't come back, which is exactly what she would do given half the chance.
It is just a really sweet film, where not a lot happens but it really pulls on the heart strings. It is funny and heartbreaking.
Jenna's friends have perfect comedic timing especially Becky played by Cheryl Hines, who also now stars in Suburgatory and the diner owner Joe who encourages her to do her own thing. She also embarks on a fling with the new doctor Jim Pomatter played by Nathan Fillion.
She begins a journal noting all her recipe ideas and also growing in love for her unborn baby.
After watching this film I want to bake more than anything, I could imagine a cupcake equivalent.
I won't spoil the ending but don't think this is a boring hum-drum film it is just a perfect film and my boyfriend loves it as well so it isn't the usual rom-com film.
Tuesday 14 August 2012
Well worth the wait - The Dark Knight Rises at the IMAX
I have been a little late to the party here, but me and my boyfriend wanted to see the new Batman at the IMAX in London, the largest screen in the UK.
Well where to start, the film, the screen or the experience, it was all just fantastic.
Well first the film I won't give anything away but it ticks a lot of boxes for Batman comic book nerds. The film is just amazing! Well shot and has the perfect ending for The Dark Knight trilogy. It ties everything up in a neat bow with a little hint that more could be on its way.
Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle/Catwoman is just the part she was meant to play. Halle Berry's is an even bigger joke in comparison but is she a match for Michelle Pfeiffer's? I don't know but it would be a close fight. She is just purrfect. Sorry...hard to resist.
Of course Christian Bale and Gary Oldman do not disappoint.
It is just a stellar cast of Christopher Nolan favorites - Joseph Gordon Levitt, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard and of course Cillian Murphy.
The film is just visually fantastic and the sound quality in the IMAX made the seats shake. Without saying too much any Batman fan would be happy, if not ecstatic with this film.
Now the IMAX the screen is huge and the ratio is more of a square than the usual letterbox in normal cinemas.
Batman and Bane were more like massive giants than stars on a screen. The film features over an hour of footage filmed with IMAX cameras, with crystal clear images and powerful digital sound technology.
The seats shook the screen took over but it coupled with the film was the perfect film experience.
I love films and I love the IMAX, it was £15 for an adult ticket but worth the money and a medium popcorn and small drink came to £6.60, bargain. It is ideally situated on the roundabout near Waterloo station.
If you haven't seen The Dark Knight Rises do it! And make an extra special trip to the IMAX, you won't regret it.
Well where to start, the film, the screen or the experience, it was all just fantastic.
Well first the film I won't give anything away but it ticks a lot of boxes for Batman comic book nerds. The film is just amazing! Well shot and has the perfect ending for The Dark Knight trilogy. It ties everything up in a neat bow with a little hint that more could be on its way.
Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle/Catwoman is just the part she was meant to play. Halle Berry's is an even bigger joke in comparison but is she a match for Michelle Pfeiffer's? I don't know but it would be a close fight. She is just purrfect. Sorry...hard to resist.
Of course Christian Bale and Gary Oldman do not disappoint.
It is just a stellar cast of Christopher Nolan favorites - Joseph Gordon Levitt, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard and of course Cillian Murphy.
The film is just visually fantastic and the sound quality in the IMAX made the seats shake. Without saying too much any Batman fan would be happy, if not ecstatic with this film.
Now the IMAX the screen is huge and the ratio is more of a square than the usual letterbox in normal cinemas.
Batman and Bane were more like massive giants than stars on a screen. The film features over an hour of footage filmed with IMAX cameras, with crystal clear images and powerful digital sound technology.
The seats shook the screen took over but it coupled with the film was the perfect film experience.
I love films and I love the IMAX, it was £15 for an adult ticket but worth the money and a medium popcorn and small drink came to £6.60, bargain. It is ideally situated on the roundabout near Waterloo station.
If you haven't seen The Dark Knight Rises do it! And make an extra special trip to the IMAX, you won't regret it.
Monday 13 August 2012
Wow...didn't Britain do well
I have to admit that that I have never been a fan of the Olympics, always thought it was just people running about or throwing things, nothing of any interest.
However in the past 16 days this has all changed. It all started with the opening ceremony extravaganza orchestrated by Lancashire film director Danny Boyle. It was amazing! Full of all things British - Mary Poppins, Voldemort, the industrial revolution, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, cricket, while also celebrating the great music, television shows and films from our fair isle.
It just made me feel very proud to be British, showcasing all the things that are great about our island.
Then the games began and after three days we hadn't won anything. Uh-oh interest starting to waiver.
But then we got one a silver in the cycling and then a gold (well two but counts as one) Helen Glover and Heather Stanning won gold in the women's coxless pair in the rowing.
That is when it got exciting! We won gold medals in cycling, athletics, shooting, and canoeing. Silver and bronzes in sailing, tennis, swimming, gymnastics and diving plus loads more - 29 gold, 17 silver, 19 bronze. Wow!
Watching Super Saturday was just fantastic, Jessica Ennis winning gold in the heptathlon, Greg Rutherford in the long jump and Mo Farah in the 10,000 metres, these three were added by three others in the rowing and women's team pursuit in cycling. I have never screamed at the television so much as when I was watching Jess's heats or Mo in the final straight. It was just amazing.
Names that were household names regained their crowns or added to their medal count - Bradley Wiggins the Tour de France champ and Mod God won the men's time trial; Chris Hoy won his sixth gold medal, Victoria Pendleton and Rebecca Adlington did us proud.
Then there were others who are now the names the future generations will remember - the Brownlee brothers, Nicola Adams in boxing, Jade Jones in taekwondo, Anthony Ogogo in boxing and Lizzie Armitstead who won our first medal of the games in the women's road race.
So many amazing athletes in Team GB truly our greatest team.
Also it makes you look to Rio with hope for even more medals, so many young stars coming through the ranks - Laura Trott may have won two golds in cycling but she is only 20! Diver Tom Daley is only 18 and has a lot more dives in him and heptathlon rising star Katarina Johnson-Thompson who is only 19.
This really is a games to inspire future generations and I really hope it does.
Then we got to the closing ceremony a celebration of British music and boy was it! Kaiser Chiefs and Mods singing Pinball Wizard, the Spice Girls, THE SPICE GIRLS singing Wannabe and Spice up your life, The Who, Gallagher singing Wonderwall - Liam not Noel, Pet Shop Boys and loads more. It was a true celebration of the athletes and all they have accomplished and looking forward to Rio 2016.
We in Britain did do it right and I am incredibly proud to be British and can only see this growing after the Paralympics.
The Paralympics which is in two weeks! Where Team GB will hopefully do it all again, hopefully Eleanor Simmonds will get swimming glory, Sophie Warner in athletics and Shelly Woods in wheelchair racing.
COME ON TEAM GB...AGAIN!!
However in the past 16 days this has all changed. It all started with the opening ceremony extravaganza orchestrated by Lancashire film director Danny Boyle. It was amazing! Full of all things British - Mary Poppins, Voldemort, the industrial revolution, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, cricket, while also celebrating the great music, television shows and films from our fair isle.
It just made me feel very proud to be British, showcasing all the things that are great about our island.
Then the games began and after three days we hadn't won anything. Uh-oh interest starting to waiver.
But then we got one a silver in the cycling and then a gold (well two but counts as one) Helen Glover and Heather Stanning won gold in the women's coxless pair in the rowing.
That is when it got exciting! We won gold medals in cycling, athletics, shooting, and canoeing. Silver and bronzes in sailing, tennis, swimming, gymnastics and diving plus loads more - 29 gold, 17 silver, 19 bronze. Wow!
Watching Super Saturday was just fantastic, Jessica Ennis winning gold in the heptathlon, Greg Rutherford in the long jump and Mo Farah in the 10,000 metres, these three were added by three others in the rowing and women's team pursuit in cycling. I have never screamed at the television so much as when I was watching Jess's heats or Mo in the final straight. It was just amazing.
Names that were household names regained their crowns or added to their medal count - Bradley Wiggins the Tour de France champ and Mod God won the men's time trial; Chris Hoy won his sixth gold medal, Victoria Pendleton and Rebecca Adlington did us proud.
Then there were others who are now the names the future generations will remember - the Brownlee brothers, Nicola Adams in boxing, Jade Jones in taekwondo, Anthony Ogogo in boxing and Lizzie Armitstead who won our first medal of the games in the women's road race.
So many amazing athletes in Team GB truly our greatest team.
Also it makes you look to Rio with hope for even more medals, so many young stars coming through the ranks - Laura Trott may have won two golds in cycling but she is only 20! Diver Tom Daley is only 18 and has a lot more dives in him and heptathlon rising star Katarina Johnson-Thompson who is only 19.
This really is a games to inspire future generations and I really hope it does.
Then we got to the closing ceremony a celebration of British music and boy was it! Kaiser Chiefs and Mods singing Pinball Wizard, the Spice Girls, THE SPICE GIRLS singing Wannabe and Spice up your life, The Who, Gallagher singing Wonderwall - Liam not Noel, Pet Shop Boys and loads more. It was a true celebration of the athletes and all they have accomplished and looking forward to Rio 2016.
We in Britain did do it right and I am incredibly proud to be British and can only see this growing after the Paralympics.
The Paralympics which is in two weeks! Where Team GB will hopefully do it all again, hopefully Eleanor Simmonds will get swimming glory, Sophie Warner in athletics and Shelly Woods in wheelchair racing.
COME ON TEAM GB...AGAIN!!
Friday 10 August 2012
Regaining my cupcake crown with lemons
It has been a while but after some experimenting I have made my way back to cupcakes, mainly because it is boyfriend's mum's birthday and she loved the lemon cakes last time so I dusted off the Hummingbird Bakery book and set about grating some lemon zest.
When the cakes were done and cooled a took out the middle of some and filled the centre with lemon curd and on others I did a layer of lemon curd so not sure how lemony they will be.
I also made the lemon icing with a suggestion from my mum I used proper butter in the icing and it definitely worked and made them a lot stiffer.
All that is left now is to see what my boyfriend's mum thinks about them...the true test.
Wednesday 8 August 2012
Enjoying the Cornish coast...
It is always nice to get away and have a little break.
Due to money me and the boyfriend were unable to go on holiday abroad this year, so after a great trip away last year to Looe in Cornwall we decided to make our way back to the Cornish coast. This time we chose Perranporth on the north coast and about a four hour drive from Petersfield.
We spent a couple of nights at the Seiners hotel right on the beach, it was heavenly and very much needed.
On the first day we were surprised that people were so far away from the sea, but we later found out the tide was out and it came right up to the hotel by the evening.
Perranporth is very small but has a few pubs, fish and chip places and restaurants. There are many caravan parks nearby so a lot of the shops are catering for those on a tighter budget and self catering.
On our first day we had a drink in The Watering Hole a pub on the beach with seats outside, not very often you get to enjoy cider on the beach in the sun. It was really busy inside as they had various screens with Olympic events on, it felt more like a sports bar but the staff dealt with the crowds well.
That night we had dinner at Waterfront Restaurant, a coral coloured building just a short walk from the beach. I had pollock with prawns in a mustard sauce and my boyfriend had squid and a ginger, chilli and lime local beer which he wouldn't stop talking about, Atlantic brewers I think.
There was also a free salad bar. It was well priced and the food was delicious, really busy and they had a sweet trolley which was nice. Really good food.
We also went out for coffee at The Cove, which had appetising cakes and night drinks a the Tye pub and Green Parrot (Wetherspoons).
On our last night we had dinner in our hotel's bar.
We stayed at Seiners and it was well worth the money, prices vary from £50-£85 and was perfect. Breakfast had a cold buffet of cereal, and hot food including full English, mackerel and scrambled eggs and pancakes with bacon and maple syrup which I had both mornings and loved. The first time it was a proper pancake and the second was the more American type, I really preferred the first day. The boyfriend had the belly busting full English.
We also had a Cornish pasty (of course) from BerryMans bakery, a steak one which was good but not as good as the one I had in Looe.
So as I said on the second night we had dinner in the bar. We had asparagus with lemon butter and a starter of Doombar (ale) cheese and toast which was delicious, not sure where the Doombar came into it but the cheese was delicious, really creamy. For our main we both had fish and chips and it wasn't too greasy just yummy.
We also took a walk along the coastal path and got break taking views of the beach, well worth it if you pack your boots (or in our case trainers).
The whole holiday was fantastic and a thoroughly needed break, we even got sunburnt! Not sure how though.
For more on Perranporth visit the tourist website: http://www.perranporthinfo.co.uk/
And our hotel: http://www.seiners.co.uk/
Due to money me and the boyfriend were unable to go on holiday abroad this year, so after a great trip away last year to Looe in Cornwall we decided to make our way back to the Cornish coast. This time we chose Perranporth on the north coast and about a four hour drive from Petersfield.
We spent a couple of nights at the Seiners hotel right on the beach, it was heavenly and very much needed.
On the first day we were surprised that people were so far away from the sea, but we later found out the tide was out and it came right up to the hotel by the evening.
Perranporth is very small but has a few pubs, fish and chip places and restaurants. There are many caravan parks nearby so a lot of the shops are catering for those on a tighter budget and self catering.
On our first day we had a drink in The Watering Hole a pub on the beach with seats outside, not very often you get to enjoy cider on the beach in the sun. It was really busy inside as they had various screens with Olympic events on, it felt more like a sports bar but the staff dealt with the crowds well.
That night we had dinner at Waterfront Restaurant, a coral coloured building just a short walk from the beach. I had pollock with prawns in a mustard sauce and my boyfriend had squid and a ginger, chilli and lime local beer which he wouldn't stop talking about, Atlantic brewers I think.
There was also a free salad bar. It was well priced and the food was delicious, really busy and they had a sweet trolley which was nice. Really good food.
We also went out for coffee at The Cove, which had appetising cakes and night drinks a the Tye pub and Green Parrot (Wetherspoons).
On our last night we had dinner in our hotel's bar.
We stayed at Seiners and it was well worth the money, prices vary from £50-£85 and was perfect. Breakfast had a cold buffet of cereal, and hot food including full English, mackerel and scrambled eggs and pancakes with bacon and maple syrup which I had both mornings and loved. The first time it was a proper pancake and the second was the more American type, I really preferred the first day. The boyfriend had the belly busting full English.
We also had a Cornish pasty (of course) from BerryMans bakery, a steak one which was good but not as good as the one I had in Looe.
So as I said on the second night we had dinner in the bar. We had asparagus with lemon butter and a starter of Doombar (ale) cheese and toast which was delicious, not sure where the Doombar came into it but the cheese was delicious, really creamy. For our main we both had fish and chips and it wasn't too greasy just yummy.
We also took a walk along the coastal path and got break taking views of the beach, well worth it if you pack your boots (or in our case trainers).
The whole holiday was fantastic and a thoroughly needed break, we even got sunburnt! Not sure how though.
For more on Perranporth visit the tourist website: http://www.perranporthinfo.co.uk/
And our hotel: http://www.seiners.co.uk/
Friday 3 August 2012
Another cake bites the dust...
Oh well, my run of cake making had been going so well. Not so today!
A month of so ago I watched Ramsay Behind Bars on channel 4. Gordon Ramsay went to a male prison to set up a bakery. They made lemon treacle slices, which later sold Caffe Nero in certain parts of London.
I liked the look of the slices and thought I would give them a go. They didn't seem complicated but I was a little concerned as it is very different to the other cakes I have done before.
I bought all the stuff and it seemed to be going well, I had made the base and the topping. Put it all together, base, then lemon curd and then the topping.
Put it in the temperamental oven and left to cook.
However, I could then smell burning took it out and the top was a little like jelly and not 'firm to the touch' as the recipe said it should be so I turned the heat down and left.
I checked it again and it was brown on the top and felt firm so I got it out and left it to cool.
Now when I went to cut it, it wasn't cooked properly and the biscuit base crumbled and went to pieces so it resembled more of a crumble than a cake. It did taste quite nice...in pieces. So I binned it, bad I know but I was embarrassed.
I'm off all week so was going to make rosemary truffles, not sure now.
It was the boyfriend's mums birthday on Wednesday and she has requested lemon cupcakes, at least I know I can make them and may do a twist and take out a bit of the middle and put some lemon curd on them.
Well at least I know now but I really wanted the slices to work! I think the mixture was too runny. Oh dear, I would definitely not get the contract with Caffe Nero.
A month of so ago I watched Ramsay Behind Bars on channel 4. Gordon Ramsay went to a male prison to set up a bakery. They made lemon treacle slices, which later sold Caffe Nero in certain parts of London.
I liked the look of the slices and thought I would give them a go. They didn't seem complicated but I was a little concerned as it is very different to the other cakes I have done before.
I bought all the stuff and it seemed to be going well, I had made the base and the topping. Put it all together, base, then lemon curd and then the topping.
Put it in the temperamental oven and left to cook.
However, I could then smell burning took it out and the top was a little like jelly and not 'firm to the touch' as the recipe said it should be so I turned the heat down and left.
I checked it again and it was brown on the top and felt firm so I got it out and left it to cool.
Now when I went to cut it, it wasn't cooked properly and the biscuit base crumbled and went to pieces so it resembled more of a crumble than a cake. It did taste quite nice...in pieces. So I binned it, bad I know but I was embarrassed.
I'm off all week so was going to make rosemary truffles, not sure now.
It was the boyfriend's mums birthday on Wednesday and she has requested lemon cupcakes, at least I know I can make them and may do a twist and take out a bit of the middle and put some lemon curd on them.
Well at least I know now but I really wanted the slices to work! I think the mixture was too runny. Oh dear, I would definitely not get the contract with Caffe Nero.
Wednesday 1 August 2012
Film review - The Woman in Black
Horror films - I used to love the old slashers when I was a teenager but as I got older the films like Saw just didn't do it for me.
I do love a ghost story though and I heard a lot of good things about the stage play of The Woman in Black, so when the film version came out over the summer in the cinema I managed to convince my friend to come with me.
She had seen the stage play, so she had no excuse to have a go about it being scary.
The film stars Daniel Radcliffe as Arthur Kipps, a solicitor who after losing his young wife and with a young son has to prove to his boss he has what it takes to be a solicitor. He is sent away to Eel Marsh House to sort out a woman's affairs after her death including all her paperwork.
However, when he turns up the locals are less than helpful, probably not helped by the mysterious woman in black and the fact that whenever she appears a children dies in awful circumstances.
This film is the highest grossing British film so far, and when you watch it you can see why.
It is a true gothic horror, dark and eerie with a lot of fog. It isn't full of big jumps, the scariest bit happens over one night and probably takes up 20 minutes of the film. But it is terrifying, well I thought so anyway.
As much as I love Daniel Radcliffe I do have a little issue with him being a dad, only because I think he looks too young to have a son but other than that the pain and sorrow in his heart is portrayed perfectly on Daniel's face.
The film is just hauntingly good. I don't like certain things in horror films - creepy kids and creepy toys, this film has both...in the first few minutes.
This film is just a pure horror film, so blood, no torture-porn just a true Hammer horror of the golden age of cinema.
The screenplay was written by Jane Goldman who also wrote Stardust, so you know it is going to be good.
I also read the book, which is just as scary. It also has a different ending but worth a read before seeing the film. However, when I read the thud, thud in the book I stopped reading, if you have seen the film you will know why.
Now I just need to see the play!
I do love a ghost story though and I heard a lot of good things about the stage play of The Woman in Black, so when the film version came out over the summer in the cinema I managed to convince my friend to come with me.
She had seen the stage play, so she had no excuse to have a go about it being scary.
The film stars Daniel Radcliffe as Arthur Kipps, a solicitor who after losing his young wife and with a young son has to prove to his boss he has what it takes to be a solicitor. He is sent away to Eel Marsh House to sort out a woman's affairs after her death including all her paperwork.
However, when he turns up the locals are less than helpful, probably not helped by the mysterious woman in black and the fact that whenever she appears a children dies in awful circumstances.
This film is the highest grossing British film so far, and when you watch it you can see why.
It is a true gothic horror, dark and eerie with a lot of fog. It isn't full of big jumps, the scariest bit happens over one night and probably takes up 20 minutes of the film. But it is terrifying, well I thought so anyway.
As much as I love Daniel Radcliffe I do have a little issue with him being a dad, only because I think he looks too young to have a son but other than that the pain and sorrow in his heart is portrayed perfectly on Daniel's face.
The film is just hauntingly good. I don't like certain things in horror films - creepy kids and creepy toys, this film has both...in the first few minutes.
This film is just a pure horror film, so blood, no torture-porn just a true Hammer horror of the golden age of cinema.
The screenplay was written by Jane Goldman who also wrote Stardust, so you know it is going to be good.
I also read the book, which is just as scary. It also has a different ending but worth a read before seeing the film. However, when I read the thud, thud in the book I stopped reading, if you have seen the film you will know why.
Now I just need to see the play!
Monday 30 July 2012
It's that time again...macaroons!
My mum requested macaroons so I turned to Marian Keyes again and picked the Tiramisu ones as I had most of the stuff.
It was all going so well, except when I added the almonds it was really dense and I was a little concerned so I added the coffee and it was fine.
I had the circles all drawn out on the baking paper and then when all the mixture was mixed up I didn't pipe or use a spoon I used my hands to roll the mixture into a ball and put on the circles.
When I put them in the oven after the time they had expanded dramatically again, I have a feeling it is my oven that is nuclear and usually burns everything, it cooked them but they were massive.
Also the filling was meant to be mascarpone cheese and coffee. However, they didn't have any in the shop, so I bought some double cream and when I got home I whisked it up and added some sugar and the coffee and made coffee cream.
Rather than tiramisu they were coffee but everyone loved them, even if they aren't quite Paris standard...still! But at least they weren't burnt.
But Marian Keyes is still my macaroon queen.
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It was all going so well, except when I added the almonds it was really dense and I was a little concerned so I added the coffee and it was fine.
I had the circles all drawn out on the baking paper and then when all the mixture was mixed up I didn't pipe or use a spoon I used my hands to roll the mixture into a ball and put on the circles.
When I put them in the oven after the time they had expanded dramatically again, I have a feeling it is my oven that is nuclear and usually burns everything, it cooked them but they were massive.
Also the filling was meant to be mascarpone cheese and coffee. However, they didn't have any in the shop, so I bought some double cream and when I got home I whisked it up and added some sugar and the coffee and made coffee cream.
Rather than tiramisu they were coffee but everyone loved them, even if they aren't quite Paris standard...still! But at least they weren't burnt.
But Marian Keyes is still my macaroon queen.
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