Christmas is in December.

I was appalled the other day when I walked into the local supermarket, Sainsbury's, and found Christmas things being sold already.

After grabbing my rice milk I was greeted by a stand of Christmas cards! I was walking to the check out, and boom there they were. It was still September, and there were Christmas cards! I decided I could let it slide because it is best to send Christmas cards a couple of weeks before the holiday, and this takes time and preparation. After all, I bought my cards a year ago. But that was to take advantage of the after Christmas sales of course.


Then as I got to the register I discovered the unacceptable. Mince pies! In September! Mince pies are like Christmas music. They are part of what makes the holiday season special and should only be enjoyed in December. They are something to look forward to. What is the fun of Christmas if we celebrate it year round? What would we have to get us in the spirit of the season?


Christmas is three months away. Three months is a quarter of a year. A quarter of a year is an entire season. We have just entered Autumn which brings us changing colors, back to school, pumpkins, Halloween and Thanksgiving. It is an enjoyable and comforting time of the year. Lets not pass over this season with insanely early Christmas preparation, we should embrace and enjoy Autumn.

Big corporations I ask you, please stop selling Christmas items at the begining of Autumn. It is taking away from the joy and spirit of the season. I love Christmas, but I love it all through December. Please do not force it upon me before I am ready just to make a slightly larger profit. I do not appreciate it. Thank you.

Love

Holiday in Spain

This month Tom and I were lucky to have a holiday in Spain. Our friends Tom and Siobhan booked a holiday to Ibiza (an island just off the coast) and practically begged us to join them. It didn't take much convincing as I've wanted to go for a couple of years, and it had been ages since I've had a relaxing sun holiday. Plus, we didn't have to do any work or planning, Siobhan took care of everything. The week was so relaxing I think I can fit the highlights into one post.

With a couple of new bikinis packed (end of summer clearance bargains of course), sun screen/cream and dresses I was ready to go. The four of us made the long drive up to Stanstead airport, boarded a luxurious Ryan Air plane and soon found ourselves in warm Ibiza. *Note - for those of you in America there was a bit of British sarcasm in that last sentence, Ryan Air is a very cheap airline and only bearable for inexpensive short flights.*


We walked off the plane with a week rest and relaxation ahead. Our accommodation was far from the best I've ever stayed in, tattoos everywhere and barely edible food, but at least it was clean and had two swimming pools. We spent a lot of time laying in the sun by the pool and I managed to get through a couple of books during the week as well as perfect my golden tan.

Ibiza is known for its clubbing, and of course we couldn't go without experiencing the major clubs. However, at 40euros to get in, a couple of nights is all my bank account could afford. Once inside I realised what the fuss is about, the clubs are mind blowing! Absolutely huge and host to the worlds best dj's. Our highlights were 2manydjs, Tiesto and Deadmau5. Dancing for hours to pumping music left my legs and feet aching, but it was so much fun!


My favourite day of the week was definitely Wednesday, the day we rented peds. Mom, I know these make you nervous, but they are one of the best ways to see the gorgeous island. We drove through the hills to a beautiful beach where more Spaniards than English people were laying about. A few hours sun bathing in the sand made me a very happy girl. There was a restaurant near this beach we visited for a delightful lunch of seafood paella. It was one of the top two meals of the holiday!



Wednesday evening was spent at Savanna on the sunset strip. The sunset strip is a row of bars located in San Antonio right on the sea and in the perfect position to watch the sun go down. It was beautiful. Para-sailors floated in the distance, Sangria filled our glasses and a fire show entertained us after the sun sank into the sea. Throughout the night ideal beach tunes flowed from every bar completing the atmosphere. It was bliss.




Our last night on the island we enjoyed a sophisticated evening at Villa Mercedes. Known as one of the top restaurants on the island it is also an award winning cocktail bar. I enjoyed possibly the best cocktail of my life, a berry mercedes, followed by fresh tuna tataki served with vegetable salad, fresh ginger and wasabi. It was heavenly.

All too soon the four of us were back on an airplane heading for England; back to work, back to rain, back to real life.

Love

A bike ride and an injured wrist

This past weekend I took advantage of what was possibly the last sunshine filled days of the year with a long cycle ride through Sussex downs. Tom was playing cricket in Lindfield. I planned to ride to meet him, hopefully in time to catch a bit of the game. I set off for the first time in my brand new proper cycling shoes. I was a bit nervous being clipped into my bike, as I knew if I didn't get out in time at a stop I would end up falling over. That would be embarrassing!

I cycled along the seafront past loads of people out enjoying the sun, the food festival on Hove lawns and everything else the beach has to offer. I made my way up through town and out onto the downs.

Things there turned for the worse for a bit, literally. At the one important turn of the entire journey I got confused and turned the wrong way. My mistake put me on a very big scary road, and it wasn't easy to go back. After spending an hour trying to rectify my error, new directions from Tom and a hike up a big hill, I was back at the turn and able to go the correct way.


I soon peddled myself to Ditchling Beacon, an amazing viewpoint especially on this sunny day. I stopped to take some snaps, then changed into my trainers (tennis shoes) and hiked with my bike down the footpath to the bottom of this steep hill. From there my ride was long and flat, easy and enjoyable.


When the cricket pitch came into sight i was relieved, it was about half past six and i was starting to get cold. I thought this was the end, I thought I made it safe and sound.

Remember at the begining of this post I mentioned being slightly scared of my new proper cylcing shoes and being attached to my bike? There is reason for that. In my tired state I failed to detach myself. I'm sure you can picture it, me slowly falling over to the left, landing in the gravel. I'm almost surprised I'm sharing this embarrasing moment. I accidently put my hand down as I fell and came up with a little blood.

My wrist hurt, but I thought it was just freezing from the cold. The next day I could barely move it, it was out of service. Convinced it was broken I got Tom to take me to A&E (the emergency room). My x-rays showed no break, they proved I just had a bad sprain (what Tom said all along, yes he told me so)


Can you tell the left one is bigger?

So I fell off my bike in a lame crash and went to the hospital for a sprained wrist. I'm sure you have embarrassing stories too. And at least I did have amazing views on my ride. Oh and the cricket ended in a tie, 196 all.



Love

French Riviera - The Last Few Hours

The final day in France was spent soaking up as much of its glory as possible. Just around the corner from the hotel we discovered a very large market that apparently is buzzing every day. We sauntered through purchasing a baguette, cheese and olives for breakfast. Enjoyed looking at the fabrics and all of the other treats on display. Barrels of olives stood there teasing, I just had to have a few. I was shocked when one euro got me a full bag, way more than I could ever eat. Tom's parents ended up with half of the bag when we returned that evening.




We enjoyed our treats whilst sitting in the sun at a cafe in the port enviously gazing at the incredible yachts moored in front of us. All to soon it was time to make a move.

On our drive back to Marseille we realised we had a bit more time than we initially thought. Only one way to solve that problem... a beach stop! We followed signs to a small village off the main road where once again the french riviera laid beautifully before us. Tom quickly parked, we grabbed water and our blanket and ran into the hot sand. One more hour of laying in the sun and splashing in the warm clear water was the perfect way to end such a wonderful weekend.


I was sad to leave. Now I dream of the day when I can afford to gallivant through Cannes, Nice and St Tropez like the stars.

Thank you Laura for the glorious weekend.

Love

French Riviera - The Party Continues

Saturday we awoke, strolled down to a boulongerie (french bakery) and then got ready for the post wedding brunch. Tom and I did not pay close attention to the information provided, we just knew we the place we were going was amazing and we were to follow the french couple we sat with the night before to get there.

We didn't realise we were going to the villa the family were staying in. The scary half an hour drive there (scary because french drivers are crazy, especially on a Saturday morning) and took us up into the hills to a lovely villa. It was a bit disappointing that we hadn't brought our swimsuits as it was hot once again and the pool looked inviting. At least we could dip our feet in.



If you ever make it to France, you have to try the juice! They have so many good juices, and this brunch was not lacking. I was still full from the night before, but was easily tempted once again as soon as the spread was laid across the over flowing table. There were shrimp, whole crayfish, lentils, baguette, smoked salmon, pates, strawberries and watermelon, many cheeses and desserts including lemon meringue pie and chocolate mousse. So much food, but so delicious.


We sat around eating and chatting, then the pool games started. From somewhere an American football started to be chucked around. Of course, Tom and I got involved. Somehow this ended with me pushed slightly into the pool, soaking the bottom of my dress. It was hot enough I didn't really mind, and then I was even offered a suit to borrow! Soon after I changed Tom was given swim trunks to wear! It was perfect, meant we set to stay for the day.





When it started to cool slightly we found the indoor hot tub, sauna, and pool which we enjoyed for a bit. Laura's aunt who rode up with us decided she wanted to make an evening meal for everyone as nothing was planned and asked if we minded staying. Of course not! We were having so much fun and will never turn down food. She cooked yummy Persian rice and curry that was enjoyed along with leftovers from earlier.


It was dark when the meal ended and time say our goodbyes and return to town.

Once in town Tom and I decided to go for a drink. Many of the wedding of the guest were staying in the same hotel as they had blocked out rooms, and it was fun because there was a sort of wedding community. We often ran into other guest in the few times we were out and about, and this night it was Antoine's cousins (all very french) who we bumped into and ended up joining for drinks. We went to a bar on the water in the port area and spent the night chatting away as best we could. I once again felt like I was on a proper sun holiday with dance music playing, neon lights flashing and waiter passing around leis to all of the ladies. It was not a terribly late night as we were all exhausted. On the walk back I enjoyed watching people salsa dance out on an open square and saw one of the most incredible yachts I have ever seen, and I used to go boating with my Grami and Papa a lot.

After the long day playing in the sun I slept incredibly well once again.

Love

French Riviera - The Wedding!

Laura's wedding, what an incredible event! It was held at the gorgeous restaurant Les Pins Penches.






The ceremony took place outdoors overlooking the Mediterranean, a beautiful backdrop. She did her vows in English and he said his in French which I thought was very appropriate. The ceremony was performed in both languages, but primarily in English. It surprised me how international the gathering was. People flew from the west and east coast of the states, England, Germany where she has family, the middle east where he worked for a while, her Iranian father and aunt were there as were many of the groom's french family. I heard at the rehersal dinner there were seven different first languages present. Luckily for me most people understand English.


The ceremony was followed by a cocktail hour. Whilst a jazz band performed us guests enjoyed champagne and canapes. And did we enjoy canapes! There were at least five rounds of delicious treats served. Top rate sushi was followed by an assortment of breaded seafood, seafood rolls, mini sandwiches and finished with caviar, asparagus coolie and absynth mousse. I may have left something out. I started to doubt we were to be served an actual meal. During this time I enjoyed chatting with Laura's girlfriends from Seattle and catching up with Katie Rad from my sorority. I was feeling full though, and we did have a meal ahead. Tom was a bit overly full he enjoyed the canapes so much, we new we needed to make room somehow.




The party was led down the lawn into a large permanent marquee for the reception. I liked how they did the seating, with each table named after a place the couple have been together and labeled with their picture. I forget now which location we were. We found our table near the dance floor, and then our place card. Tom and I were lucky to be placed at a table of young couples; one from Vancouver, a paris couple who own the apartment Laura was living in when we visited her, and a french couple who live in the middle east due to work.


When the bride and groom arrived the party started! They instantly got everyone out on the dance floor setting the party mood and helping make room for the meal ahead. It was all seafood as Laura is a pescatarian, which pleased me. We first were served a started of scallops. The main that followed was to die for! It was a white fish on top a cone of sun dried tomato polenta with a saffron cream sauce. Finishing the meal was a jar of mango meringue and sorbet. My tummy started to ache it was so full, but the food was too enticing to not finish. At least there was dancing ahead.

Of course there were speeches and a bouquet toss, a couple of altered french songs from his close group of friend then cousins and cake and coffee.


Tom and I found ourselves full and exhausted and had another very good night of sleep once we made it back to the hotel.

Love

French Riviera - Beach Bliss

After arriving in Marseille late Thursday night and miraculously finding out hotel, Tom and I awoke Friday morning rested and in France! With just one euro on we found a boulangerie and large baquette to share for breakfast. Soon after we found a bank to exchange money and little shop where we grabbed yoghurt and orange juice, then we started our hour drive to Toulon.

Laura K's wedding to her French husband Antoine brought Tom and I to southern France for a long weekend. Laura is my big sis from Kappa Delta, an incredible person and friend. I anticipated the weekend would be good, but everything was at least a hundred times better than expected if not more!


After dropping our bags at the hotel and making a quick change into swimming suits, it was straight to the beach we went. It was hot, very hot, the beach stretched a good distance and the water was crystal clear blue. It was like being on a proper sun holiday. I didn't quite expect that. We strolled down the beach along the waves eventually stopping for fun cocktails and tapas. After filling ourselves it was sun bathing time! There was enough time before the wedding for a nap in the sun. I awoke far to hot, but that was not a problem as I had the french riviera in front of me to cool off in. I was in heaven!




We then made it back to the hotel in time to clean up for the wedding. An event in itself, the wedding deserves its own post.

Love

My Grandpa Harlan

Grandparents are incredibly special people who can touch our lives in ways like no one else.

Grandpa you are loved and will be missed.

Love

Belle of the ball

can you spot Tom and I?

The night before Shambala Tom's parents invited us to a ball. Every year during the August bank holiday weekend the Edenbridge & Oxted Agricultural Show takes place. Much like an American fair, but without carnies dragging you into games impossible to win, and without rides. Over the weekend many animals, flowers, foods and craft are on display. Many shows or demonstrations takes place as well. When I went a couple of years ago, my favourite were the John Deer tractors that performed a dance routine of sorts. This eventful weekend begins Friday evening with a ball.

Around three o'clock on the afternoon of the ball Tom and I received our invite from his parents. Their friend had extra tickets/seats at their table. In the past I've mentioned to Tom that I have never been to a ball and would love to go, so it was an instant yes. Luckily Tom's sister Flo let me borrow a gorgeous floor length black gown that fit perfect, and Tom looked ever so dashing in his tux and bow tie. Just on our time our carriage (aka car) dropped us at the ball.

The event is held on the show grounds under a large marquee, with a wooden floor in the middle for dancing. It's a bit tricky wearing heels as they sink into the grass, but I managed like a princess. We were greeted with a glass of bubbly and soon led to our table. I was surprised by how many young people (many my age or younger) were at this event. I imagined it would be an older crowd as I hear of Tom's parents and their friends attending every year.

A delicious three course meal was served followed by coffee and a cheese board. I enjoyed getting to know the other people at our table and hearing of their careers. The conversation was made more interesting as the men rotated a few seats before dessert changing who chatted to who. One topic of the night was general consensus wishing the DJ would stop talking as he kept going on when everyone was trying to enjoy the meal and it was hard to talk over him.

Then came the dancing. I love dancing! We boogied away to the band, busting moves across the dance floor. I felt like I was at a wedding as it was that type of music.

The night ended early for us though as Tom was still recovering from tonsilitus. Luckily Flo came to pick Tom and I up when he started to tire. We made it home before midnight, meaning I didn't turn into a pumpkin.

Love

Shambala 2010!

In England summer brings out Pimms, people praying for sun and festival season. Weekends in June through the end of August are buzzing with music festivals of all sorts. From the large events such as Glastonbury, V Festival and Reading to smaller gatherings such as Hop Farm, Secret Garden Party and Shambala people gather to escape work, camp and enjoy dancing to a variety of artists.

I love music festivals. I spent many weekends at The George growing up and experienced Isle of Wight a few years ago. This summer I was determined to attend another festival. The question was, which one? Not having much money or holiday time, I immediately ruled out the larger ones. I hoped to go to Secret Garden Party as I hear its incredible and I knew many people going, but that didn't happen. Instead, the last weekend of August which happens to be a bank holiday (or 3 day) weekend I made it to Shambala!

The original plan was to cycle to this festival 120 miles away in Northampton with a few others over two days. I was excited but a bit worried as I hadn't trained enough, and then Tom came down with tonsillitis a few days before we were supposed go. I looked like the festival was off.

By Saturday Tom felt better and that morning the sun was out. We called our friends at the festival who said they were having a great time and the drive only took three hours. The choice was easy. Tom and I packed camping stuff for a couple of nights, some clothes and away we drove. We arrived in time to enjoy the music Saturday night and to have a full day at the festival on Sunday.


It surprised me how family orientated this festival is with kids running around everywhere. There's a play area just for kids with port-a-potties only they can use. Shambala is also very hippy with all sorts of weird earthy tents. In the arts and crafts area we wove wicker baskets, but missed out on tents teaching people silver casting, some sort of leather making and headband creating among other things. I soon understood this place is a kids dreamland. When I realised I missed the yoga and pilates classes I was very disappointed. Plenty of vegetarian food was being sold, although Shaun did most of our cooking for us. Also, the festival was powered by sustainable energy, in one tent the music was powered by people cycling and the other music tents were powered by the sun, wind and vegetable oil.


Of course, I can't forget to mention the music. Over 200 acts performed over the weekend. My favorite was definitely Yes Sir Boss. Tom loved the beats from MC Xander. I enjoyed that there weren't many big names playing over the weekend. Instead we enjoyed many up and coming groups, some of which I can't remember their names if I ever knew them, oops.


I enjoyed every second of my festival experience this summer and I'm so happy I made it to one.

Love