Be my Valentine

Last week was largely a monotonous routine of trudging through grey rain and fog to get anything done. I’ve personally found it quite depressing, son Tuesday evening I thought to settle into a nice bath and read my kindle. The bath was just perfect but alas, the kindle had other ideas. It chose that moment to die. In itself that’s not so bad, it was cheap second hand, and old, but I was a third of the way through ‘The Secret History’ so, I’m waiting for a paperback replacement to arrive that I ordered from Vinted. I’m not sure whether I’ll bother to replace my e-reader or not, books are so cheap to get. 

Wednesday lunchtime I went to get my nails done. Ordinarily I know exactly what I want, but the grey weather had me in a funk! My lovely nail tech suggested some Valentine nails, and I’m so glad she did because they are so pretty. I love them. 

Friday evening me, little Miss and grandma decided to celebrate the weekend and end of school term by going out to nearby Wilson’s for dinner. It seems to be our regular haunt.

Inside Wilsons

It was a bit disappointing that there was no music on this time, but a nice glass of beer to wash down a hearty lamb stew made up for it and, well, Wilson’s always has a nice vibe to it anyway. 

By the time we were leaving it was snowing, and I was pretty sure the weekend would follow suit. Saturday surprised us all though with blue skies and moderate temperatures. It was soul lifting just to know Spring is on the way! 

Saturday evening the chap and I were heading out on our Valentines date. I’d booked a table at a local restaurant called Haus of S&M. I’d never been before, I’m not even sure how it got on my radar, but I’m glad it did. 

After a quick drink at Craft bar, we wandered to Haus for our 8pm table, where we were greeted by two fabulous drag queen concierges. I forgot to take a photo of them, but they were great, and set the tone for what we were about to walk through the curtain into. 

Valentines date outfit - boots - Monsoon, Coat - River Island, skirt and red top - next - velvet jacket - Monsoon, Bag - Irregular Choice

It’s a delightfully kitsch space, Tretchikoff prints, Chinese happy cats, a disco ball and a random mannequin are just some of the wild and wonderful things you’ll see in there. 70s funk soul plays in the background, the lighting is low and honestly, I was in my happy place. 

They serve an Asian fusion menu. We enjoyed cocktails and I had a rather delicious Chicken Makhani while the chap devoured a loaded (and it was loaded) Naan. 

It was a great place to spend our Valentines date, and I for one definitely want a return visit! It’s a vibe. 

We ended our evening with a few drinks around town having had the best time. 

Beningbrough and Sunday Dinner

 When a news report on the radio today confirmed that we’ve had rain in the UK every day this year, I wasn’t at all surprised. 40 days of Rain! Noah built an ark for that! With that in mind, when the chap and I were brainstorming places to visit this Sunday ‘indoors’ was a key consideration.

In the end, we settled on Beningbrough hall, just outside of York. We have been before, but I couldn’t quite remember it.

Although I did once we saw the gardens. It wasn’t crowded, but was still fairly busy. The snowdrops were out, which is particularly early this year. Otherwise the gardens were, as expected, fairly sparse!

It’s a beautiful grand hall, very ornate and filled with light. I did find the four poster beds a bit creepy though, and I have no explanation as to why. I think it was perhaps the height of these particular ones.

There was an exhibition of willow sculptures  by Laura Ellen Bacon, which were quite fascinating. They were located throughout the hall.

After picking up some bird food from the National Trust shop (my tiny garden is now frequented by two wood pigeons, 2 robins, a sparrow and as of today a Jackdaw), it was time to head off and find some food for ourselves.

On the drive through the village of Newton on Ouse, we’d spotted a couple of pubs. One, The Dawnay Arms had looked particularly inviting. It was very busy when we got there, but we were able to have drinks at the bar while waiting for a table. 

It’s obviously quite popular as there were birthday celebration meals and family get togethers taking place. The food was delicious. We both plumped for roast beef, and I had treacle sponge for dessert. It was delicious.

Lucky for us, it didn’t rain! We managed to enjoy a whole day out without ducking for cover, and it was grand indeed.

Photogeekery

Recently, I’ve been saving for a new camera. Over the years I’ve had a number of cameras, I studied photography at GCSE and A-level and it was something I loved. Although I had access to (a heavy and cumbersome) digital SLR while I was married, I seemed to lose my interest in photography for some time, just dipping in every now and again. I’ve been thinking how I’d like a mirrorless camera to add to my collection; all the SLR settings without the weight.  

Last week, I discovered a new camera, a thing of beauty, the Fujifilm X. With a £700 price tag, it wasn’t for me. The thing that really drew me to it though was the retro film presets. I happily pre-date digital photography and still find joy in the imperfection of film photography. So I decided instead to buy a film SLR from eBay. It arrived on Friday and I’m beyond excited to try it out. I’m even looking forward to waiting for my film to be developed. I always remember the excitement of wondering how many of the 24 images on your roll would actually turn out well.

This won’t be my prime camera, but it’s a welcome addition to a collection that I think covers all bases now. I have two smaller digital cameras. The Canon power shot was the one I took to Paris last year, and whilst it captured lovely images then, it doesn’t perform so well in low light. I’ve told little Miss she’s now allowed to use that one on trips and holidays now. She likes to take photos and I’m happy for her to learn.

Then I have my fun Fuji Instax which is great for parties and candid snaps. I’m also recognising that the iPhone camera is pretty decent too. I’ve always discounted my phone cameras as not being as valid, but I’ve recently started looking more into the settings and how to get the best from it, so it’s just about selecting the right camera for the situation.

I’m not totally writing off another digital camera just yet, but for now I’m very happy with my little photography collection. 

Week number 27 of January

 Is it just me or does this month seem to be taking forever to pass by? I don’t know if it’s the transition back into work, or if it’s the fact that it stays dark for most of the day on most days. Perhaps I should take a vitamin D supplement. Earlier in the week I took the afternoon off to take Mum to a dental appointment. I also got my nails done. After an extended gap since I last got them done during Christmas week, my nails which grow like wildfire were starting to get in the way while typing and the glittery green nail polish was looking more than a tad worn in places. 

Fresh nails

I do love long nails though. If I didn’t have to do stuff I’d grow them very long. 

Thursday I was in the office for my end of year review, which I’m pleased to say went very well. I had a productive day in the office too. After work the chap took me to Byron for dinner. We haven’t been there in a while, it was quiet at that time of day but there seemed to be a lot of delivery drivers doing pick ups. I had a delicious chicken burger, but I always end up in a mess with burgers. Why do they make them for people with a flip top head? 

Nonetheless it was delicious. We’re definitely a foodie couple! We spent our time catching up, puzzling over the state of the world and watching the world go by while we sheltered from the freezing rain outside. 

Dark and wet streets of York

Friday arrived at long last, my car was back in the garage to have the thermostat replaced. Hopefully that’s resolved a niggling issue. After work, I popped out to meet my lovely friend Mrs. C at Wilson’s food hall for a well overdue catch up. Mrs. C is the first proper friend I made when I moved to Scarborough and even though many of our catch ups coincide with play dates (we have children of the same age) it’s always really lovely when we get to have a proper catch up.

Wilson’s was packed, even though it was early in the evening. We had wine, I had pizza, there was live music and we talked non-stop. Catching up on life in general. It was a lovely end to the week.

Live acoustic music at Wilson’s

Saturday, with a fixed car and the weather still being miserable, we decided to head over to the outlet at York. It wasn’t a burning desire to shop, just a burning desire for a change of scenery and safe refuge from the crappy weather. 

As usual most of my money was spent on eating out, and treats for little Miss who just loves to get to Claire’s accessories. I did buy myself a lovely new lip oil from Clarins though, as well as a few other small cosmetics from one of the other shops. It was good to do the trip though just for assurance that the car is fixed.

My new lip oil in my handbag makeup pouch

Today I drank my coffee while marvelling at how fierce the sea is at the moment, before heading into the gym for a workout. The rest of the day is going to be spent putting a dreaded PDF sewing pattern together ready for me to dip my toes back into dressmaking. 

Wild seas this morning 

Now, is it February yet? 

Cafe Bouchere

I definitely got back into the flow of work this week, and spent much of it focussed on project planning. My car went into the garage on Tuesday and will be back in this coming week for a new thermostat. I even managed a trip to the gym, having joined before Christmas and finding every excuse possible not to go since New Year. I’m not a natural gym bunny.

Saturday morning though, I met up with the chap at Thornton-le-dale for breakfast. Usually when we meet there we go to Baldersons, but, there’s another cafe that I had been keen to try, Cafe Bouchere.

Captured in a quiet moment between customers going and arriving 

It was very welcoming and quite busy when we arrived (and dog friendly too, we had Bruno with us). Decorated in much the same colours as my own kitchen, I was immediately at ease. 

Although the chap was as a disappointed as could be not to find a fry up on the menu, I was thrilled by French toast with blueberry compote. It’s one of those breakfasts I love but haven’t ventured to try it at home yet. Perhaps I should.

The chap opted for a chilli from the lunch menu, so all was well. The French toast was absolutely delicious and I’d definitely go back again.

After breakfast we took Bruno for a walk around the pond. I didn’t have Thelma as I am a bit nervous of my car until it’s fixed, and in the event I would need to be towed or something I’d sooner not have her in the car fretting. 

The rest of Saturday was chilled in Scarborough and today is going to be much of the same, perhaps with some swimming with little miss thrown in.