Seasons Change And So Do We.

I can’t wait for Autumn.

Okay so here’s the thing…

I hate summer.

It’s a bold statement to make, I know, but every year I fall into the trap of expectation, and every year I’m left with the disappointing reality.

Expectation – hot days, hot nights, hot sun… at all times!

Reality – a few sunbathe-worthy days. Granted, this year we seemed to get a good spell of heat, and you could almost plan something for the week ahead with the guarantee of good weather… almost. But then the torrential downpours arrived. And the pointlessly boiling days when the sun barely made an appearance.

Expectation – We were going to make like the summer tumblr tag, and do the things those moronic smiling beach babes were doing. So you packed things for a BBQ didn’t you, and headed optimistically for the beach! Woooo!

Reality - Where you got sand on everything, mainly the food. And got approximately 30minutes of relaxation before you were almost mauled by a passing Rottweiler and were serenaded by the sweet sounds of the Jeremy Kyle rejects sitting 20yards away with their white shite-ning.

Expectation – beach body, bikini body, babelicious beauty bellyless body.

Reality – I should have that cake… because it’s SUMMER. Logic – fail, body – frumpy, cake – goooood!

Okay so maybe I’m being unfair. Maybe I’m just having a moan for the sake of it. But I’m allowed, I don’t enjoy summer, and I don’t care who knows it. It’s uncomfortable, it drags, it makes you notice almost all the things about your body that you loathe, and most of all… it never lives up to expectation.

Unlike Autumn.

Autumn doesn’t pretend to be your friend. Autumn is upfront and honest.

“Look, I’m mostly gonna be wet and miserable. You’re gonna be cold, you’re gonna never want to leave your bed, and you’re gonna get little to no direct sunlight. BUT, you’ll start to ADORE the little things.”

So yeah, your shopping trip is going to be dire. Your primark bag is going to get soggy and fall apart and you’re going to end up on a bus, wet to your skin clutching your new purchases to your chest like a life jacket on the titanic… but when you finally arrive home looking like stig of the dump, imagine how wonderful everything will be. Making a cup of tea, putting your pyjamas on (coz it’s dark outside, you’re allowed!) sticking the fire on and watching Bridget Jones’ Diary with some chocolate and slippersocks. BLISS!

So yes, Autumn is a bit glum, a bit dreary… but at least it isn’t lying, cheating, fill-you-with-hopes-&-expectation-then-dash-it-all Summer!

I rest my case.

(I’ll be doing a follow up post about things to look forward to in Autumn soon)

Until then, take care. Taz x

Every Summer Has A Story

Wow.

It's been such a long time since my last post, and for that I am eternally sorry!

I should probably catch you up on what I've been up to.
I got my Uni results for this year back, and came out with an overall first, which I'm very pleased with.

Since Summer began I haven't had a minute spare (hence the total lack of blogging) but I spent a lot of time seeing friends and catching up. And drank a fair amount of cocktails too :)

First week of the holidays I was cat-sitting for my God Parents. They live by the sea and luckily a lot of friends (& my big brother) live over there so I got plenty of beach time (and more cocktails) in!

One day we went over to a place called Sledmere House, which was beautiful!

And another we headed to the Forge Valley. It was really stunning!

My godparents cats are gorgeous and still only really small so they would come for cuddles all the time. So adorable!

Paige - we were watching Lovejoy at this time! We know how to live.

Bobby - she spent every night just gazing at me from my lap!

 While I was shopping over there, I came across a little sweet shop which did some amazing stuff I'd never seen before. There were a lot of American sweets & drinks but I was taken in by this giant block of Equador (I think) Hot Chocolate which you break a bit off and drop it into milk. It's meant to be the tastiest thing ever!

The Sweet Shop on Bar Street

Leading on from that, I am on a determined health kick!
(I didn't buy the hot chocolate... sob!)
Perhaps spurred on by the Olympics, and all the outrageously beautiful people that went with it, I'm really trying to cut down on the bad stuff. I have a few healthy but tasty recipes to post, hopefully not in the too distant future!
My main downfall is alcohol.
I just can't part with my mojitos and wine. Does anyone know any nice alternatives I could give a try?
My friend and I are also going to start swimming regularly. (Mostly to try and bag guys who look like Michael Phelps or Ryan Lochte!)

Speaking of the Olympics, wasn't it fabulous?!
I enjoyed every minute of it and really think the whole event did us, as a nation, proud!
After a gruelling SIX HOURS (Yes, SIX) at the computer I finally managed to get Athletics tickets for the Paralympics so I will certainly be blogging about that!

I've been working hard at our various Halls and Castles since I got back and will post lots of pictures in another post.

Hours of hard work but I finally got the library in order!

There's a lot more to tell you but I'm very aware of not waffling on(!) so I will leave this one here for today. Here are just a round up of pictures I've taken over Summer so far.

Our friend's Jayne & Tony got married and I took this photo outside the church.

Our hotel we stayed in for the Wedding Reception.

Our GOLD post box! 

Thanks for bearing with me! Until next time, take care!

Lots of Love, Taz x

With The Wind In My Hair And The Sun On My Face.

I went to Saltburn the other morning to clear my head and got some gorgeous shots of the beach and pier. 

I apologise for the watermark but my pictures in the past have turned up on other websites by people trying to pass them off as their own! Cheeky monkeys.

My friend came round yesterday and we made cookies, or rather tried to... they ended up a little more like rock biscuits when we'd finished. But they still tasted good! (kinda.)

I was just wondering if anyone has ever tried a Graze box? A friend told me about it ages ago and I was sent an email for special offers they're doing at the minute. It's like a tiny packed lunch they deliver to you at work or home with four sections in it and a different snack of your choice in each. It looks intriguing but I've never heard from anyone who has actually used it so wondering if it's worth a try. It's meant to be really healthy because you get such little portions but it totally fills you up!

Praise the Lord it is the weekend! 

I love Friday nights because they're so stress-free! Better yet, I thought I was going to have to start another uni assignment over the weekend but I actually have a week longer than I thought so rest and relaxation is my plan for the next couple of days.

I think I'm off to the big shopping park tomorrow so will blog about any gorgey things I might buy!

Until then, look after yourselves...

Lots of love, Taz x