How To Host A Successful (sort of) Dinner Party | Thursday Talks

Most of my close friends from high school attend uni for the vast majority of the year and therefore I don't see them all that often. However, as it has been Christmas recently (incase you missed that) they were all back in the good ol' land of Sussex, the land we call home, and so I took the oppurtunity to get my best girlfriends round to my house for a, sort of, dinner party. We're all pretty skint, most of them are students living on student money, and myself and Katrina are both avid travellers, her last year and me this year, and so spend 99.9% of the time poor, therefore none of us could really afford to go out so having everyone to my house was cheap and most definitely cheerful. And here's how we made it so successful.

Invite the people you'd tell anything to, no awkwardness around the table makes the night. Meet my gorgeous friends. All of them I went to school with and spent the majority of my school years larking around with them on the school field and getting away with all sorts of mischief due to having the 'good girls' label, oh if only they knew. Anyway, you're likely to see more of them around this blog, particularly that blonde one at the front. Katrina is like a twin, we were born in the hospital bed next to each other and have been friends ever since, literally, and we definitely consider each other more like sisters. There's nothing she doesn't know. 

Get everyone to bring something and cook something simple. We decided the best way to do it was share the duties of food and drink. Everybody had a different thing to do so that no one was left doing everything and so that no had to spend loads of money to feed everyone and everyone else got away with just bringing their drinks. I cooked the main, a rather scrumptious (if I do say so myself) homemade spag bol, which went down really well. Jess bought along cheese and bacon potato skins and garlic mushrooms for starter, Becca made a glorious gingerbread house for pudding, Katrina bought some snacky bits that went alongside the gingerbread house and Charley bought drinks. Everyone's food and contributions went down really well and it meant I wasn't slaving in the kitchen all evening but we still got a good three course meal and felt well and truly stuffed by the end of it. Well it wouldn't Christmas unless you felt fit to burst after every meal. 

It wouldn't be a gathering without the awkward photo taken by someone stood on a chair. Your other half, your mum, your dad, the pet dog, wrangle in someone else in the house to take a photo of your friends reuniting over too much food and toilet talk pretending to be civilised and lady like. I'm not going to lie it's not the nicest photo of us but it's nice to have a photo where a couple of us aren't contorting our bodies in bizarre ways to fit in the fame because we're using the smashed up front facing camera on Katrina's iPod. 

Once your guests have filled up on food supplied not wholly by yourself, send them on their merry way and face the bomb site. This is tame by other standards of a night around the table with this lot. To be honest I left it to be faced the next morning when the spag bol & gingerbread baby and gone. Either way, ends of crackers, empty bottles and a half destroyed gingerbread house have got to be signs of a good night in. 

So there we are, my four tips for how to host a successful dinner party. It doesn't need to be fancy and posh and you don't need to spend hours sweating over the hob whilst your guests twiddle their thumbs for the night to go down a treat. Invite your closest friends, cook something dead simple and get others to contribute elsewhere, take lots of photos to commemorate and don't be scared of the mess that will ensue. 

Coping With My Reading Slump | Wednesday Reads

Some of you may be wondering what a reading slump is, and this is a very valid thing to wonder. Essentially a reading slump is when you simply don't read at the same rate you normally do. For example on average I read four to five books a month, last month I read zero books. Not a single book. Though may I add this wasn't for lack of trying. Therefore, I was officially (and sort of still am) in a reading slump.

For the last month and seven days I've had absolutely no motivation to pick up a book and read. My TBR (to be read) pile is humongous, and so I am not stuck for choice and I have plenty of books that I am intrigued to read, or at least was when I bought them. But recently, the thought of picking up a book and sitting down and reading hundreds of pages in one go has not been putting the smile on face like it used to and this is something I've had to cope with, as a person for whom reading has always been a pleasure, this has not come easily.

Books, piles and piles of books, have been sat on my shelf, collecting dust and crying out to be read. And I've tried, oh boy have I tried. I've picked up around three books over the last month and not one of them have I finished, one I was close to finishing the other's I think I got two chapters in and gave in. I couldn't do it. I wasn't even bored of the story, or the characters or tired from reading I just quite simply couldn't be bothered.

If I'm honest I've probably had too much on my mind recently to really let myself be submerged in a good book and enjoy it fully so therefore I've been putting it off until my mind was once again calm, or as calm as my mind gets (we're talking the Irish Sea on a breezy day).

This was something that needed tackling, and this is how it is being tackled.

I have selected a book from my 'before Aus reading list' 'Muddle Earth'. It is technically a children's book and is also a re-read so shouldn't be too difficult to get through relatively easily. It won't take a lot of brain power as the language is simple, the story a fantasy and the plot not too mind boggling (though who knows with the mental state I seem to be in at present, though if a child's book boggles my brain maybe a psychiatrist might be in order). So essentially, out of determination to get cracking with the reading list and actually complete it before I fly, I'm starting simple to get back into the swing of it. Slow and steady wins the race, right? Yes that analogy definitely applies here!

As well as this, with my new years resolution plan going well as of yet (see here if confused) this seemed like the perfect time to get back into reading with my mind hopefully a little more at ease.

So, essentially what I'm saying is; although I said I'd keep you updated on my progress with my 'before Aus reading list' (I'm going to abbreviate that soon) in last week's post, I have no updates so instead here is a post where I moan because I haven't read in a long time. Basically a hugely long excuse for nothing more interesting on the reading front.

In Which My Tickets Arrive and I Nearly Have A Panic Attack Over Hand Luggage | Tuesday Travels

So this week was both, and simultaneously, exciting and distressing (one thing you will learn about me if you read my blog regularly is that I tend to over exaggerate). The tickets arrived, exciting, wasn't sure if I was allowed any hand luggage, distressing. Details to follow.

So I booked my ticket to fly from London Heathrow on May 11th 2014 and land in Brisbane International Airport on May 13th 2014 (yes that's two days but don't worry time difference does have it's uses) with TrailFinders, can't tell you when I'll be returning but I'll save that for another post. You may or may not, most likely the former, be aware that my significant other is currently in Australia and this is who he booked with so that was the main reason I went with them as we have to arrange to fly back on the same flight and it will be easier through the same agents and airline. However I did do some shopping around and would definitely advise booking with TrailFinders.

Originally I went to my local high street travel agents and for the exact same flight was quote £300 more than TrailFinders quoted me. Obviously this won't always be the case, but it's worth checking else where before you book anything. I also contacted STA travel  who the visa people recommended. They did match TrailFinders quote so they're also one worth looking into, but for me I felt more comfortable with TrailFinders due to my personal circumstances.

I'm flying with Korean Air, I can assure you not my first choice, but again it comes down to ease of arranging for me and Jack to fly back together. That's who he flew with. They're not the cheapest by any means, so if you're looking for cheap go elsewhere, and again definitely shop around. However, it's a relatively nice flight with a stopover in Seoul so it's not as horrific as it could be. Something to be aware of when booking though is being aware of how and when to check in and also if the airline offer seat reservation, when you can do that. As well as this you also need to be aware of any immunisations you might need if you have to leave the airport during your stopover. I don't have to on the way out but on the way back it's an over night stop over so I will have to enter Seoul to stay in a hotel, arranged by the airline (another thing you should be sure to check, you don't want to get your stopover city and find you haven't got anywhere to stay) so I may need top ups on my jabs.

Anyway, you're probably wondering when I'm going to get onto the hand luggage panic. Well, when my tickets arrived the information only mentioned being allowed one item of luggage. You can imagine my horror and the thought of  not being able to take hand luggage, filled with things I think are essential for a flight, things that probably won't even be touched for the duration of the trip let alone the plane journey. But genuine worry was a thing I was feeling. Where would I put my phone, my kindle, the twenty one tubes of pringles I'll buy after check in? I was immediately on the phone to TrailFinders. Apparently hand luggage is a given and the one piece refers to hold luggage. So I feel like an idiot but the panic is over.

Overthinking Leads to Negative Thoughts | Motivational Monday (sort off)

So today's 'Motivational Monday' isn't motivational in the same way last week's was. Last week I posted a joyful little picture to encourage all you lovely readers to get up, out of bed and enjoy the day. This week my motivation is aimed more towards myself and also to help me achieve one of my 'New Years Resolutions' (see here if you're unsure what resolutions I'm talking about).

The resolution I'm really talking about is number 2 - 'don't worry so much'. Now worrying is something that runs in my family, bloody genes, particularly on the female side, it's not a particularly nice trait, it's certainly not something I enjoy doing and I often find it can ruin a lot of things for me. One thing that I've found really doesn't help with my worrying so much is overthinking. The situation can start of perfectly normal, then all of a sudden I've worked myself up into a frenzy because I've thought way too much into it and over analysed it. 

I've got a very special certain someone in my life at the moment and he's continually telling me not to worry so much, as unfortunately for him (and he'll never no how sorry I am for it) he's usually the one who has to deal with me crying over facetime because I've worked myself up over something ridiculous. I do feel awful afterwards when I realise I've probably made him worry for no reason because I've sent him 46 (slight over exaggeration) messages telling him how rubbish I'm feeling and mainly for that reason, among others, I'm going to sort this out once for all - well hopefully.

This week, and obviously continuing afterwards, but really trying super hard this week, I want to not overthink. I want to remain calm in all situations, breathe through anything that's making me feel stressed, down, or anxious and then carry on as before. It can be done, I know because I've done it before on occasion, but this week it's going to be on every occasion when anxiety is getting on top of me. I hate feeling down and anxious about things and that is one of the reasons I'm doing it obviously, but more than that it's not nice for the people around me when I'm suddenly upset for no particular reason and it's not fair on them.  

So this week hopefully Jack can look forward to a week where we won't have to begin every other conversations with 'calm down', or 'it's okay', or 'stop worrying' and by the end of it I'll feel better in myself. Fingers crossed anyway, I'll let you know on Friday. 

So tips for this week, breathe, calm, relax, don't overthink. 

The First Week of 2014 | Weekly Wrap Up #1

This week saw 2013 end and 2014 begin. I had a wonderful 2013, particularly the last six months of it, but I am glad to get started on 2014 as I feel things could really begin kicking of for me this year and I've got a lot of big things planned that I'm very excited about. But less about this and more about this week.

I had my lovely girlies over for dinner on Sunday for a catch up and a bit of a farewell. Most of them are at uni and might not be home again before I go to Australia so it was a tad emotional but it was nice to catch up. We had a bit of a casual dinner party, but mainly had lots of laughs and fun. Look out for a post on how to hold a successful dinner party later this week.

New Years Eve was relatively quiet for me this year. Due to lack of money I couldn't really afford to go out so I spent it indoors with my family, having drinks and playing games. It was a lovely way to see 2013 out especially seeing as I won't be seeing them as much this year.  We spend New Years day largely cold and wet, due by Dad and brother having signed up for the New Years Day dip in aid of my brother's rugby tour. It was definitely a laugh, but more so cold and wet both on their part and my part. Taking photos in pouring rain was definitely not the best way to spend the first morning of 2014, but it was definitely memorable.

I also purchased some new running shoes this week which arrived yesterday morning, very excited I was. I love them. Their New Balances and I got mine from T.K Maxx for £25, bargain I think you'll agree. Definitely check out your local store or have sneaky peek online if you're thinking of getting some new running gear as they had some great deals.

I also went and bought some fabric yesterday for a project I have in mind which I'll hopefully start next week. It's not so much a project, more a crafty DIY that I'll definitely be sharing with you in the near future. Something a little different for the blog and also something for me to try out.

Today I'm having the traditional New Year clear out. Wardrobes, drawers, folders are all in line for the sorting today. I like having a good clear out once a year, I hate junk and so having a proper clear out is always relatively stress relieving for me, so a blog post about this may be coming up soon also. It will also give me a chance to see what I've got and work out if I need to buy anything new for Australia. I'm hoping not due to limited funds but we'll see.

So that was my first week of 2014, off to a good start and relatively productive. Fingers crossed it continues in the same way. Hope your first week of 2014 went just as well, and I'll be back on Monday, enjoy your weekend.

Resolutions | Thursday Talks

If you honestly thought that the first Thursday Talks after New Years was going to be focused on any other topic other than New Years Resolutions, you have seriously misunderstood both me and this blog. A) I am a seriously lazy human being, you're lucky you even got an image at the beginning of this post, and so thinking of something obscure to post about, especially on the second day of the new year, was out of the question. B) This is a blog aimed at entertaining as many people as possible, and I don't know a soul who doesn't love hearing someone's New Years Resolutions, either to will them on or secretly laughing knowing failure is at the end of January. Either way here are my New Years Resolutions for entertainment of your choice.

1) BE HEALTHIER
It was obvious wasn't it? Who doesn't have this on their new years resolution list. After Christmas we all feel a little like we need to be healthier, but two weeks into January we're not sure it was a good idea. However, this year I'm determined. I was running more towards the end 2013 (and no not towards a free buffet, or away from a mass murderer, out of choice) and I want to re-light that energetic spark, combine it with some bedroom pilates (no I'm not being rude, I mean a DVD or internet series or something), and healthy eating. I will be bikini ready by May.

2) DON'T WORRY SO MUCH
Anyone who knows me knows I have a tendency to over think, over stress and over worry about anything and everything. Not only is, I am sure, infuriating for those around me to have to keep calming me down and reassuring me, it does very little in the way of my own happiness. This year I aim, as every year, to improve further on this. (Yes Jack, if you're reading this, this means in 2012 I was even more of a worrier than I was this year). I will not let things get me all worked up so easily, deep breaths, relaxing thoughts, calm. The way forward.

3) SEE MORE OF THE WORLD (or at least plan too) 
I want to see so many places it's ridiculous. I would go anywhere and everywhere just to soak in a little bit more of the world. I'm already going to Australia in May for goodness knows how long, but with that I hope will come the oppurtunity to see other places. New Zealand and Thailand are top of the list, but as Australia is likely to take up a large part of the year, and a large part of my funds, it may be that this year will just be planning to see more of the world. Maybe Canada, South America, Kenya. Too many places too little time.

4) (Finally) ENJOY MYSELF
As I am an anxious person just by nature, I often find I let things pass me by without really enjoying them, often seeing how things could go badly rather than how well they're going and enjoying that moment. This year I want to enjoy things more, want I'm doing, the company I'm keeping, what I'm experiencing. Rather than focusing on the future, focusing on the now and enjoying that. A bit of a deep one, but an important one.

So they're my New Years Resolutions, hopefully I'll stick to them, I suppose we'll find out next year.

Happy New Year everyone!

2014 Reads (Well Before I Fly To Australia Reads) | Wednesday Reads

So on May 11th this year I fly to Australia for a minimum of three months, and as book obsessed, reading obsessed, whichever you prefer, human being the thought of not taking books with me would be terrifying. However, thanks to the wonders of the twenty first century, though apparently still unable to devise a way of not loosing signal when in a tunnel, weight restrictions no longer pose a threat to readers. Thanks to devices such as kindles, I will be able to take a library's worth of books and not have to worry about it putting my luggage overweight.

However, I have a vast collection of physical books on my shelf, bought and neglected for months that I really want to get round to and not leave to collect dust whilst I'm in Australia. For this reason I have devised a plan. I aim to read about 70-80% of my physical book collection before I venture off to Australia. As it is the 1st January today, that gives me exactly four months and eleven days to read eighteen books. Definitely doable.

So for all who are interested in what I will be reading, in no particular order (don't confuse me for Dermot O'Leary now), here is my 'list of books to read before Australia'.

1) Bill Bryson, The Complete Notes
2) Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell, Muddle Earth
3) John Grogan, Marley & Me
4) Michael Morpugo, War Horse
5) Sarah Addison Allen, Garden Spells
6) Chris Womersly, Bereft
7) Sebastian Faulks, A Week In December
8) George Orwell, 1984
9) Rainbow Rowell, Eleanor & Park
10) Veronica Roth, Divergent
11) J.D Salinger, Catcher in the Rye
12) Sebastian Faulks, Charlotte Grey
13) Sue Townsend, Number 10
14) Cecelia Ahern, P.S I Love You
15) Cecelia Ahern, The Gift (will probably change this one as I don't want to read this when it's not Christmas time)
16) Jane Austen, Mansfield Park
17) Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist
18) Caitlin Moran, How to be A Woman

So that's my list, 18 books long, 4 months to do it in. I think I can do it, I've purposefully chosen largely easy reads as I know I'm going to be ridiculously busy up until my departure date but I'm determined to get them all read before I leave so my bookshelf is ready to restock once I return. I will keep you updated with my progress every Wednesday Reads.

So until next week, let's crack on!

Oh and Happy New Year!