20 Questions. 24 April 2012

20 Questions: April 24, 2012

1. Have you ever ridden in a limo?No, but hopefully I will when Kevin and I tie the knot at some point next year.

2. When is the last time you slept at someone else's home?Last Saturday, when I stopped at Kev's.

3. What was the last thing you spilled?The Milk this morning. But that was only because the milkman fills it right to the top of the bottle and it goes everywhere when you open it.

4. Would you rather have a nanny, a housekeeper, a cook, or a chauffeur?I don't have the need for a nanny or a housekeeper and I do like driving my car, so neither really.

5. What is your favorite holiday cookie?I don't really know to be honest. I'm not really a big fan of cookies.

6. Name the best television sit-com. I'd probably have to say Fraiser, or Benidorm (not sure if you guys will get this in the US.)

7. Do you have a love/hate relationship with anyone?Yes. A friend of my dad's. I cannot stand the bloke, so I guess it's more of a hate relationship.

8. How good are you at keeping secrets?I will admit, it depends on the secret. I did keep my brother's secret about him planning to propose to his now fiancee a secret for a very long time, until he popped the question two months ago.

9. What was the mode of transit for your last trip?Car.

10. Five foods I refuse to eat:Spam.  Lamb. Rice Pudding. Treacle/Apple/Sticky toffee Pudding.

11. Do you have a short fuse?Sometimes. Usually when it's coming round to that time of the month.

12. The only thing better than a cookie is:A piece of fruit...unless the cookie is an oreo and then the whole lot!

13. What do you usually order when you go out for breakfast?A full English, complete with Hash Browns and mushrooms. I'm not a big fan of pancakes or waffles for breakfast.

14. What color is your car?Petrol Blue.

15. Someone holds out a box containing a dozen donuts, offering you one. Which one do you choose? What was your second choice?I'd proably pic the chocolate one, as the shop down the road does the most amazing chocolate covered, chocolate filled donuts. I treat myself to one of these if I've been a good girl.

16. What is your favorite kind of muffin?Probably the double chocolate or blueberry muffins that they have in Costco.

17. Do you get distracted easily?It does depend on what I am doing. If I'm doing something that involves imense concentration, like doing my acrylic nails then no, I try not to get distracted.

18. Have you ever been so mad that you cried?Yes, on numerous occassions.

19. What websites do you visit on a regular basis?Gmail. Facebook. Google Reader. Blogger. EverythingiCafe.Twitter.iMore.

20. If you could have personally witnessed one event in history, what would you want to have seen?The birth of Christ.  

Coffee At it's best

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxVYe-TE2eU;&feature=player_embedded

Just seen this on www.everythingicafe.com and thought it was amazing. I want one!!!!

St.Georges day

Seeing its St.George's Day today, here in the UK I'd like to wish all of my fellow Englishmen, whether they're here in the UK or abroad a very Happy St.George's Day.

Recipe Share.

I saw this on Ree's blog and just had to share it. I know I've neglected my blog recently, but I've been so busy with work and other things, I just haven't had the time to blog. I hope some of you will try it. I know I will certainly be trying it at some point this weekend. 

Make-Ahead Muffin Melts

I'm interrupting my normal posting schedule to bring you what I think is a recipe goldmine...the make-ahead muffin melt.  First I must disclose a few things.  First, I'm absolutely crazy for English muffins.  They're right up there on my list of top ten things I like to eat.  Next, I must let you know that I love all breakfast foods.  Breakfast is my all-time favorite! Last but not least, even though I do love to cook and spend countless hours in the kitchen, sometimes I just like to be lazy.  Hence my love for all things simple, easy, effortless, and of course all things make-ahead.  If none of these things appeal to you then you will most definitely not be as excited about this recipe as I am.

This little muffin melt probably doesn't look like much, but it's one of my favorite food discoveries this year.  In fact, I was going to share this recipe in my upcoming The Pioneer Woman Cooks cookbook review, but I really felt like this recipe deserved a post of it's own.

Hardboiled eggs, chopped bacon, mayo, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, and cheese

In my house we like to procrastinate.  We sleep in until the last possible second, leaving little time for a home cooked breakfast.  Usually in the mornings my kids only have time for cereal or (gasp) instant grits.  This is where this recipe comes in.  These little muffin melts are heartier and healthier than cereal, but they are also just as quick and just as easy as pouring a bowl of cereal.  Best of all, you can totally eat these on the go whereas you definitely can't eat cereal on the go. 

Basically this recipe is a customizable egg spread that can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.  When you're hungry for breakfast you simply take the egg spread out of the fridge and smear it on a English muffin.  Then you slide the muffin under the broiler and broil for 3-4 minutes until it gets all bubbly and golden.  The end result is a hot and hearty breakfast in minutes. The English muffin gets kinda crispy, as does the top of the muffin melt, but the interior of the melt is creamy and delicious. It's literally perfect on-the-go breakfast food.  Perfect to make for kids before school.  Perfect to make for hubbies who are eating on the go.  Perfect to make for a Mom who has absolutely no time for herself.  Perfect.

Who doesn't have time to take a bowl out of the fridge and smear this on an English muffin?

The other reason I love this recipe is because you can customize it to suit your tastes/needs.  There really is no end to the possibilities here.  Don't want bacon?  Add ham, or sausage, or even chorizo.  Want to cut back on fat?  Leave out the egg yolks, use reduced fat mayo, and/or cut back on the cheese.  You'd never notice the changes.  Maybe you want a vegetarian option?  Forget the meat and add in scallions, peppers, onions, spinach, tomatoes, etc.  Don't like English muffins?  Opt for bagels, a biscuit half, or just plain regular white bread.  You could literally make a different option every week.  I don't know about you all, but I like things that are easy and I always like having options.  To me this is something worth getting excited about.

Make-Ahead Muffin Melts

Adapted from The Pioneer Woman Cooks

by Ree Drummond

Serves 6-12, depending on serving size

12 slices bacon

12 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped

2 cups grated Cheddar cheese

1 cup real mayo

1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard, or more to taste

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

5 dashes of Worcestershire sauce

6 English muffins, split

Fry the bacon until crisp.  Use a knife to chop it up, then put it somewhere safe so your family won't wolf it down (I cut the bacon into lardons/slices prior to cooking it.  I think it cooks faster and easier that way).  Peel the hard-boiled eggs.  Then give them a rough chop.  Add the cheese, the chopped bacon, and the mayo to a bowl.  Next add the Dijon mustard, the garlic powder and the Worcestershire sauce.  Fold all the ingredients together, then give it a taste.  Add more of whatever you think it needs.

Preheat your oven's broiler to low.  Spread a good amount of the spread onto the halved English muffins.  Place them on the lower rack of the oven and broil them for 3-4 minutes, being careful not to burn them.  The topping should be hot and the cheese should be melted.  

If you're looking for breakfast options, please give these a try!

Expect a glowing review of Ree's new book The Pioneer Woman Cookssoon! 

My Valentines Present

My fiance Kevin must be either telepathic or just know what I like. For Valentine's Day he bought me this gorgeous Swarovski Bracelet. In my favourite colour too. I was only looking at them the other day. Thankyou Kevin. Love you loads.

Top Totty Tuesday

Well as promised, here's this weeks Top Totty Tuesday.

1. Ryan Gosling. Voted Sexiest Man numerous times, it's hardly surprising he's number one this week. I must try and watch some of his films. He's such a hottie.

2. David Beckham. Becks gets better with age. Ok so he might be married with 4 kids and be one of the most famous footballers in the world, but he's still got it!

3. Olly Murs. Olly is one of my favourite musicans at the moment. His lovely blue eyes make you want to swoon.

4. Andrew Garfield.Loved him as Eduardo in the Social Network and have seen him in Sugar Rush a couple of times.

5. Brad Pitt. Can't beat a bit of Brad.

6. Liam Hemsworth.  Although he's not been in much, he's still nice to look at.

7. Chris Hemsworth. I remember watching Chris when he was in Home & Away.

8. Penn Badgley. I really need to start watching Gossip Girl again so that I can see Penn. 

9. Taylor Lautner. Ok so he's in Twilight. I've never seen it, vampires and that don't interest me. Although if Taylor was in something else other than Twilight, I'd happily go and watch it.

10. Joe Calzaghe. One of my favourite sportsmen. Now retired though from Boxing.

So there's this weeks top totty.  Next week, I'll have to do a top five.

My Top Ten Totty.

Ok, here's the deal. I was supposed to post this on Tuesday. It has more of a ring to it do Top Ten Totty Tuesday. Or Tuesday's Top Ten's. So here's my belated Top Ten Totty for this week.

1. Kellan Lutz. He's nice to look at and easy on the eyes.

2.Ed Westwick. Nothing beats a bit of Posh. I love him in "Gossip Girl". Will have to start watching it more, just so that I can see his gorgeous face.

3. Joshua Jackson. I loved him in Dawson's Creek and have liked him in more or less everything else he's been in since.

4. Jude Law. British Posh. Loved him in the "Holiday".

5. HRH Prince Harry. My favourite Prince.

6. Matthew McConnaughey. Who can resist that six pack. Easy on the eyes too.

7. Bradley Cooper. The cheeky chappy from the "Hangover" movies.

8. Justin Timberlake or "JT", loved him when he was in the Backstreet Boys (even with his daft perm!) He just gets sexier with age. Who can resist those gorgeous blue eyes as well?

9.  Matthew Morrison. "Glee's" Mr Schuster. All I can say is MMMMM.

10. Last but not least. Shia Le Beouf. Transformers. All round hotness.

Next week(hopefully on the correct day!) Ryan Gosling, Olly Murs, Brad Pitt, Andrew Garfield and more.

A Few questions?

Seeing as I have been neglecting my blog lately,  I saw this on Kendra's blog and thought I am totally blog stealing from her! (but go check her out, shes amazing!)

1.What time did you get up this morning?

7.45 for work

2. How do you like your steak?

 well

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema:

To be honest I can't remember. But hopefully going to see "The Woman in Black" at the weekend with my lovely Kevin.

4. What is your favourite TV show?

Err I would be lying if I said I didn't really have one. But I don't actually have a favourite TV Show.

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

Salou, Spain or Barbados.

6. What did you have for breakfast?

Crunchy Peanut Butter on Wholemeal Toast

7. What is your favorite food?

Anything Spicy. But not too Spicy.

8. Foods you dislike?

Devon Custard, Rice Pudding, Crab Sticks(Seafood Sticks), Donner Kebab, Apple Sauce, Pork Belly. Mint Sauce. Lamb.

9. Favorite place to eat?

The New Waggoners. My Mom's. Sycamore Farm.

10. Favorite dressing?

Ranch Dressing

11. What kind of vehicle do you drive?

Vauxhall Corsa Comfort Sport  Auto 1.4  16V. He's my baby.

12. What are your favorite clothes?

Jeans and a t-shirt. Or my Pajamas.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?

Barbados - Definitely or New York.

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?

Always half full.

15. Where would you want to retire?

Ask me again, in 30 years.

16. Favorite time of day?

Evening.

17. Where were you born?

Burnley, lancashire.

18. What is your favorite sport to watch?

Football!

19. What is your favorite fragrance?

Sparkle by M&S, Nina Ricci. Diesel for women. Alien by Thierry Mugler. Many more to name.

20. What is your favorite face cream?

Elemis - Marine Moist

21. Favorite baby/kids products?

I don't have a clue.

22. People watcher?

Sometimes. Depends on where I am.

23. Are you a morning or night person?

Night!

24. Do you have any pets?

No, But I would love a little Chiuahua or a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share?

 Not at the moment, no.

26. What did you want to be when you were little?

Vet.

27. What is your favorite memory?

Meeting my Grandfather for the first time.

28. Are you a cat or dog person?

Dog! But like Cats too.

29. Are you married?

No. But might get hitched to Kev next year.

30. Always wear your seat belt?

If you're in my car..you are buckled!

31. Been in a car accident?

A few little ones. Nothing Major.

32. Any pet peeves?

Loads. But too many to mention.

33. Favorite pizza toppings?

Cheese and pepperoni. Mixed meat (ham, chicken, pepperoni, mince beef, etc) Jalapeno's, black olives.

34. Favorite flower?

Roses, Daisies.

35. Favorite ice cream?

Mint Chocolate Chip.

36. Favorite fast food restaurant?

McDonalds, Subway. KFC.

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test?
Once, but only because my examiner was a stupid meanie!

38. From whom did you get your last email?
Itunes.

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?

Apple Store.

40. Do anything spontaneous lately?

No.

41. Like your job?

Yes!

42. Broccoli?

Amazing.

3. What was your favorite vacation?

Salou, everytime.

44. Last person you went out to dinner with?
My Parents. Brother, N grandparents.

45. What are you listening to right now?

The heater and the workshop.

46. What is your favorite color?

 Purple. Always Purple.

47. How many tattoos do you have?

None.

48. Coffee drinker?

Occassionallu!

Some pictures of my new car

Thought I'd share a few more Photos of my new car, of which I've had now for nearly 3 months. In case you didn't already know, it's a vauxhall (Holden/Opel) Corsa 1.4 Automatic Comfort Sport in lovely Petrol Blue. It was my Grabdad's car before I inherited it. It's been very well cared for and looked after although I think it's still getting used to being used everyday! Hopefully when the weather starts bucking up I will clean him properly inside and out. Now this gives me inspiration for tomorrows blog post!

My Top 20 Apps

What are your Top 20 Most Used Apps?

Many of us today, own an iPhone, whether it be an iPhone 3G, 3Gs, iPhone 4 or 4s.
I was wondering what your Top 20 Apps are and which ones you use on a daily basis. Here's Mine.

1. Facebook - I think almost everyone with access to a computer or a smartphone will have this one on their list. Do you Agree?
2. Twitter - Again I like this, It keeps me up to date with some of the influential people in my life. Not to mention up to date with what my favourite celebrities are doing. Who's the most famous person you have on Twitter?
3. Mail App. Well how else can we keep up to date with emails when we are away from our computer?
4. What's App - This one is perfect for when you have run out of Free Texts and need to text someone. Only problem is that the other person you are sending the text to has to have it as well.
5. KiK Messenger - A bit like What's App but for most Android Phones.
6. Shazam - What's that Song? Shazam it to find out.
7. 2BR - My local radio station.
8. iCafe (EverythingiCafe). If you have an iPhone or iPod, iPad or a mac, this is a great site. Share your knowledge or discuss things.
9. LinkedIn - Great for discovering things about the Industry you work in, discovering new openings and opportunities.
10. Blogger - Isn't it obvious? Blog on the go gets so much easier.
11. Live Score - See how your favourite Soccer team are doing, or Baseball Team. You can view any sport from the NFL to the NBA. The options are endless.
12. BBC News -Current goings on in the World.
13. Sky Go - If I've missed a show I wanted to watch on sky, I can watch it here.
14. Snapseed - A fabulous camera App.
15. Camera Plus Pro - Again a fabulous Camera app.
16. Lottery - Here I can check my lottery number from the previous weeks draws and see if I've won!
17. BiteSMS -This is the only Messaging App I use. I don't like the Stock Messaging App. (This one's only available on Cydia though and your iPhone has to have been Jailbroken.)
18. PaperToss 2 - I love this for when I get the urge to throw a ball of paper at someone who is annoying me. At least I can throw it (well flick it) at that bloke in IT and not get shouted at!
19. Angry Birds - Nearly everyone will have this one. It's addictive.
20. ITV Player - I can catch up on my favourite TV shows that I've missed.

So that's my Top 20 App's. What are your top apps? Do you use any of the ones I've mentioned above?

One for the oldies.

You know you're getting old when the gleam in your eyes, is from the sun hitting your bi-focals.

Quite of the Day

Life would be dull without Human Error.

Quote of the day

"Creaking Wagons last the longest".

Quote of the Day

"You always pass failure on the way to success."

Quote of the day

"Wisdom is learning what to overlook".

Calendar quote of the day

Cherish the past, adorn the present, create for the future.

December Snapshot

1) Candle scents this month:Cranberry and Vanilla Chutney. Winter Frost. Almond Cupcake.

2) What I am reading this month:
I don't think I have anything to read planned at the moment.

3) Top three songs I was drawn to:
Merry Xmas Everybody - Slade. Starlight - Matt Cardle and Jealousy - Will Young.

4) Movies I saw:
It's a Wonderful Life. Bad Teacher. Rocky IV. Bad Santa. Still got loads left to watch.

5) Favorite tv moments of the month:
1.Cain Dingle  on Emmerdale finally getting his come-uppance and having his head kicked in. 2. The Sophie and Sian wedding disaster in Coronation Street. 3. Britain's Big Fat Quiz of The Year.

6) Something yummy I made:
I havn't been cooking much, Lately.

7) Restaurants where I ate:
I haven't really eaten out much in the last year. But am looking forward to going to Banny's fish and chip restaurant with my family next Friday for my Grandad's birthday.

8) Five things I am loving this month:
1. The opportunity to discover new things. 2. The fact that I can try and start my new year's resolution to lose at least 4 stones. 3. All the lush snacks and goodies we have to eat in our house.. 4. The not so cold weather. 5. The Christmas Tree Lights shining and flickering on the tree.

9) A goal I had for this month:
To get all of my Christmas shopping done before Christmas Eve - Fail!

10) This month I looked forward to:
Spending some time with Family and Kevin.

11) Something that made me cry this month:
Opening the new FujiFilm S3200 Bridge camera that my mom and dad bought me for Christmas.

12) A photo I took this month:

At This Moment in Time.

Outside my window... I Can't see a thing. The scaffolding blocks everything out.

I am thinking... It's awfully cold in this office.

I am thankful for... Tea and the electric heater.

From the kitchen... I can't hear anything from the kitchen seeing I'm at work.

I am wearing... a vest and tshirt, jumper and jeans with emu boots on my cold feet.

I am creating... a backup of my iPhone.

I am going... to update my tasks list for today seeing my nan doesn't need me to take her shopping this afternoon.

I am reading... Blogs at the moment and my latest download of Digital Camera Magazine.

I am hoping... my dad and Kevin recover from their man-flu soon and that it warms up.

I am hearing... the electric heater and noises from the workshop.

Around the house...there is my mom and dad(who is at home with man-flu.)

One of my favorite things... is relaxing at home tonight with my Gavin and Stacey box set.

I don't understand... this stupid British weather.

I wish... I was seeing Kevin tonight, but he's got man-flu so I'm stopping away.

A few plans for the rest of the week... I'm working until 6pm tomorrow and then probably watch a dvd with mother and chill out after the busy Christmas and New year. Saturday I might go to Kevin's depending on how he is.

New Year's Resolutions - Part 1.

New Year's Resolutions Part 1.

1. To eat more fresh fruit and vegetables.
2. To eat less carbohydrates (this includes Rice, White Bread and White Pasta, Potatoes and other carbs).
3. To commit to an exercise regime at least 3 times a week.
4. To cut out chocolate and sugary foods completely.
5. To eat more oily fish rich in Omega 3. Salmon, mackrel and if I can bring myself to try them - sardines.
6. To lose half a stone come 8th April when it's my Birthday.
7. To have lost 4 Stones by the time Mark and Heather's wedding comes around on 30th June.
8. To have lost 2 Stones by the time mine and Kevin's June (grrrrr) holiday comes round.

New Camera - New Year Resolution

Mum and dad bought me this for Christmas. I've always had an interest in photography. I think I have my cousin Andrew to blame for it. I remember us going down to London a few years ago to visit him. I had just bought myself a new Digital Compact - The Canon Ixus 30. The Canon's first proper outing. We headed off into the city, Andrew promptly set about showing me how to capture some terrific shots. Over the years I have yearned to finally purchase either a bridge camera or a full DSLR and now that the gorgeous Fujifilm Finepix
S3200 has come into my life I do actually plan in getting out there and photographing the world around me. I'd like to try my hand at landscapes and wildlife. Although an upcoming trend at the moment is this so called "Street Photography".

So hopefully the blog will be updated more. Besides blogging every other day is going to be one of my new years resolutions. Take Care Peeps and Gapoy Blogging.