Reason #10 why I miss Michael

He is romantic. He continually surprises me with little thoughtful gifts, love notes, and cute surprises. Also some big gestures... He took me to Paris for one birthday, Valencia for another... This is not the reason I love him, but he always finds a way to make my life extra special and sparkly.



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A Little Corner of the World

I love exploring new things and places. Equally, I love reading. So when those two pair up, it can lead to some pretty perfect hours. 

I have many favourite places to read... Curled up in a blanket on the sofa, when it's raining outside.... On a summery balcony in Spain... In Starbucks... On an island beach in Greece... On a train or plane to somewhere new, rushing along by night... 

But I think what takes the experience to a whole new level is when the pairing up of place and book just seems to fit. My most memorable pairing up was reading this book:

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On ruined castle walls....

Stormy beaches...

Clifftops...

It felt like we were forging a little corner of the world, all for ourselves...

So although I was more than happy to leave Aberystwyth, I made a lot of happy memories there, and miss living by the sea. Especially on a stormy day. 

Reason #9 why I miss Michael

I miss our long walks together.



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Reason #8 why I miss Michael

We met for the very first time... Dressed as pirates.



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Reason #7 why I miss Michael

He understands when I say things like... "I wish I could be an explorer"



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My Week

This week has been a hectic one. I did a few days of my work experience at the primary school, then promptly got ill with a weird bug, and had to miss my last few days. I'm thinking I ought to go in one day soon with some yummy baked goods to say thank you and goodbye. This one looks yummy:




My Spanish kits arrived in the post, so I bought myself a little notebook and some cute heart, flower and butterfly post it notes to start learning!




I also visited family yesterday, which was a nice day out. My grandfather told me stories about when he lived in the Ugandan jungle as a child and saw gorillas in the wild.





And I have been planning a super secret trip. Next spring, Michael and I have a week off, and it'll be our first (short) trip away as a married couple :) He knows we're going away, but I have been scheming places to go to, and I want to keep the destination a surprise. So, I can't let you know where we're going, but plans are afoot!

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Reason #7 why I miss Michael

He wants a pet lion.




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Reason #6 why I miss Michael

He loves the beach, ocean and summer. He proposed to me in the Mediterranean and we're getting married on a beach this year :)





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Travelling Fridays

I have just recently realised, that considering how much I love, talk and think about travelling, it's odd how little I've mentioned it in my blog!

So I am starting a new, weekly feature... Travelling Fridays. Where I will show either some of my own photos I've taken abroad, or have a look at some great photos of a new destination I'd love to visit myself.


Lhasa, Tibet, 2007

Let me know what you think of my new feature!

Reason #5 why I miss Michael

We like to lay back and talk about us, the future and everything.



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Reason #4 why I miss Michael

He reads to me.



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Discovering New Things

I always love discovering new things I like, whether that's a great book or film that I keep wanting to read/watch anew, or a new favourite outfit or piece of jewellery, or a new blog.

So, I'd like to share with you 3 new blogs I've stumbled upon recently, that I really like.
 

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Color Me Katie is a bright, bubbly, happy blog. In my mind, it conjures up sunshine, cookies and crayons. I especially love the adventures of Moo.









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Mademoiselle LaLa is a fashion blog, and this girl has great style, and a knack for finding cool things. It makes you want to experiment with clothes and... go shopping!









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A Chocolate Moose is my latest discovery. Amazing photography, travels and cat. Makes you want to shop for vintage cameras and hop on a train somewhere exotic.









So now you know what I've been reading lately!

Sick Day

Ugh I'm full of cold and absolutely drained of energy right now! I missed a day of my voluntary work at the primary school today, and am hoping to feel better tomorrow...

Having a day off is the kind of thing you think about sometimes, when you're stressed or tired, and you think, ooh! I could read my book! Or watch a movie! Or have a nap! But when you actually feel ill? Not so much fun. You just kind of sit/lay around, staring at things, too exhausted to move. Which I think I'll go back to now.




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Reason #3 why I miss Michael

He knows that when I took this picture:





I was actually just taking it of the ducks. The view behind was purely an accident.

Reason #2 why I miss Michael

I miss knowing he's by my side.



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Sookie Style

I have been re-reading/watching True Blood recently, and I just love Sookie Stackhouse's Southern Style. It's so sweet and refreshing in Summer, that it's giving me serious summer dress coveting syndrome. (Yes, this is a real thing).

I love the white and red dress, white headband and little red earrings. She always looks so sweet yet polished!





Another white, floral summer dress. Halterneck this time, paired with more cute earrings.




And, of course, her extra fancy dress, paired with a metallic clutch and more simple jewellery.




Hmm, perhaps it is time to invest in a new summer wardrobe...



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Reason # 1 why I miss Michael

My toothbrush gets rather lonely without it's companion

(apologies for the poor quality... I will replace my camera soon!)

Things that're making me Smile

Making and trying Southern style iced tea, for the very first time. I made it pretty with orange and lemon slices and mint leaves.

A little pouch of all different coloured Swarovski crystals. What gorgeous craft should I make with these? Hmm, the possibilities are endless...

My smiley, happy gingerbread man box, that holds all of my cookie cutters and smiles at me from the kitchen counters.

Writing little "don't eat me Paul!" signs on my mango... (my brother is an expert mango thief)

Celebration nails. Pastel pink, purple, blue and creams. I spy an engagement ring :)

Father's Day

Today was Father's Day. And my dad is exceptionally great and always there for me. So, what better way to thank him then by making him some sumptuous home-made chocolate truffles?


First, assemble your ingredients:

Then, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and 5 tablespoons of double cream to a small saucepan:

Stir well and bring to the boil, for one minute:

Then, take off the heat and add 225 grams of chocolate, whichever you prefer. Stir until it's all melted:

Next, line a container with grease proof paper, and pour the truffle mixture into it. Refrigerate for 2 hours:

After it has set firm, roll into little balls:

Then back in the fridge for another half an hour!

Then, melt another 100g chocolate, again, whichever you prefer (I chose white this time), and melt in a plastic container, in a saucepan of boiling water.

                                
                                   Then, dip and swirl the truffle balls in the melted chocolate, putting  them down on some more grease proof paper:

And... Back in the fridge to set!

Mmmmm

And that's how you make chocolate truffles from scratch! I've made these loads of times before, and they're very satisfying to make, and the end result always impresses everyone. They're also perfect for a gift, and can be packaged rather beautifully.

If anyone makes these, I'd love to know how they went/see your pictures!