The Food Diaries

 I definitely feel like this week has started looking up. My humour seems to be much better. Tuesday evening, after work, we popped along to ASK on the seafront for our dinner. I even managed to grab an outfit shot, and yes I did need that faux fur gilet, there’s always a cooler breeze coming in off the North Sea, especially in the early evening.

Shoes - Hotter, leggings- llama leisure, dress - city chic, gilet -, headband - one hundred stars

I couldn’t face doing the grocery shop on an empty stomach so we had a carb fest of pasta bolognaise, lasagne and cheese bread dippers, washed down with a small glass of Merlot. It was all rather delicious and we managed to finish and leave before the rush of tourists started queuing for tables.

The view over dinner

That evening I finished the third book in the ACOTAR series, ‘A Court of Wings and Ruin’. Another emotional rollercoaster, and there were some bits that were a bit disappointing, but nonetheless I still enjoyed it. I’m going to give myself a little break before I delve into book four.

I was in the office on Wednesday and these books seemed to be everywhere. I’m not sure how I ended up so late to this party, but people were reading them in the kitchen, my colleague told me his partner reads them and then when I pointed them out to the chap at lunchtime, it turns out a few of the ladies at his work are reading them too. I guess this sort of fantasy novel has never been my chosen genre, so had they not been recommended to me I probably would never have read them.

Talking of lunch, more food of course, the weather was pleasant enough that we could sit outside at the Shambles food court. It was packed with tourists, but we managed to squeeze a little spot at one of the tables, and my chicken pad Thai was exactly what I was after. The chap opted for one of his favourites from the Greek food van, chicken Gyros. 

Thursday was a quiet one, although I did finish crocheting a drinks bottle holder for little miss. It was originally for me, but given I’m a marketing managers dream, I bought one for my Stanley cup (refer to marketing managers dream above) before I finished crocheting this one. Little miss couldn’t wait to lay claim.

Friday, I’d booked a day off work and decided we’d take a trip across to Leeds to visit Leeds Armories, aka the National Museum of Arms and Armour.

The journey was hell! School holiday traffic meant we arrived in Leeds far later than planned, but nonetheless we stuck to our plan, heading straight for the museum. Now, while I love history I do have an aversion to anything to do with war. So I’m not sure why I opted for this venue other than other people had said it was worth a visit.

I wasn’t disappointed, and actually it was really enlightening. Little Miss especially enjoyed seeing all of the displays of armour, as did I. Suits of armour worn by horses, soldiers and even King Henry VIII were on display. It was fascinating.

Although I’m not sure where a lady would have put her eyes if talking to the knight with the generous cod-piece at the local joust. 

We learned about weapons, and saw models of the battle of Waterloo and the battle of Agincourt. It actually makes me want to read more about those periods of history. It also makes you realise how much combat has changed over the centuries. Once upon a time it was mostly hand to hand combat amongst soldiers. I don’t doubt that villages were pillaged and innocents still caught in the affray, but I doubt it would resemble any of the horrors we witness on the news in modern times. 

The battle of Agincourt 

Given our late arrival, and then the time we’d enjoyed at the museum we didn’t have as much time to visit the shops as we’d hoped. We made our way up into town, to the Victoria Quarter. I wasn’t too fussed about missing the shops as long as I got to Harvey Nichols.

Victoria shopping arcade

We perused the makeup, bags and shoes (of course), and I treated myself to a lovely new tinted moisturiser from Nars. I’m not a big fan of full on foundation, but I think tinted moisturiser gives a nice even tone to my skin, and feels more like skincare than makeup. 

After a quick snack, it was time to head home. We’d had a lovely day out, although next time I’ll get the train and give myself more time in the shops.