Mini Cheddars!

I decided to try my hand at making homemade Mini Cheddars. I was aiming for Goldfish crackers (love love love them -- probably one of my most missed snack foods from America) - but didn't have anything aside from a shot glass to cut my dough with! I adapted this recipe from Smitten Kitchen. Totally worth baking!

I opted for Red Leicester - usually I think it tastes a bit bland, but Sainsbury's own was actually lovely! I really should invest in some fun cookie cutters. The downside is that I burned the last batch a bit. My oven is crap -- the joys of a tiny flat on London Road!

At least I can justify eating the somewhat burnt ones!

xx

Cromer Crabs (not quite in season)

Rich came to Lynn for the weekend and we took a mini road trip to Holt and Cromer. Having been to Holt once, I was fairly confident I could navigate. Keeping me out of the boutiques was a slight nightmare. I did find a handbag in one of the shops -- I think I'm going to go back in two weekends time and make a purchase. As far as charming goes - Holt definitely takes the cake.

We carried on to Cromer - explored the sea side town. Had a pint on the pier and then a bowl of soup in one of the cute cafes.

If there's one thing Norfolk does, it's quaint English. Love Love Love it.

Bittersweet

...::'Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, this life trying to make ends meet::...

I have been entertaining the idea of moving to Leicester to live with Rich. It makes perfect sense. I love him, he's wonderful, I'm ready for our life together to head towards the next chapter.

The only problem has been the actual leaving. I'm in love with my other half, but at the same time, I'm in love with my job. You can't choose your career over your other half. It just isn't right.

I've been torn between going and staying - weighing up all options. I have finally decided that I was going to make the move - and was genuinely excited for waking up with the man I love every morning. I had an interview, and after about 4 minutes, I decided I couldn't do it. It wasn't my school. It wasn't right. I made it clear during the interview that I couldn't take the job, and fortunately I wasn't offered the job.

It wasn't until I was driving home - crying my heart out - that I realised I couldn't leave. I wasn't ready to leave my school or my department or my friends. I've done this once, and it was hard - so much harder than I actually give myself credit for.

Today I walked into my classroom and I couldn't wipe that smile off of my face. Little things like the kids in my classes, their mannerisms, the way a student will hold the door open for you or say "Thanks, Miss." The brightness of the rooms, the smell, the smiling faces, the familiar faces. I can't do it.

I love my other half more than words can say - but I also love my job and my job makes me who I am. I am ready to lose myself.

Half term bliss

Ah, a week off. Normally I take advantage of all of the free time and fill my week with various journeys and visits. This time? I've done nothing. Squat.

I journeyed to Leicester - the city of....terrible architecture....interesting

characters....uh....hearty markets? John Lewis looks pretty swish..... I am struggling for positives.

No, I need to give the East Midlands a bit more credit. Yes, it was bombed during WW2. I get it. You had to rebuild quickly - forget efficiency. In terms of visual appeal - Leicester hasn't quite stolen my heart. I think I'm a Norfolk girl at heart now - much to my dismay.

Regardless of the lack of ocular inspiration, I did have the opportunity to find two haunts where I was more than impressed. Almedia Coffee and Juice Bar - found in the Lanes, and The Red Cow pub in the outskirts of the city. Both were surprisingly pleasing. I enjoyed the coffee, sitting on my own, living it up like a true city girl (or at least trying to).

Rich and I enjoyed a quiet afternoon in the cozy pub - we were meant to go for a walk, but the weather didn't cooperate, making it a few hours in the pub rather than a jolly jaunt in the rain.

Check out the Red Cow here.

Do I love the East Midlands? No. But can I live there? Sure. I'm going to have to learn to love the area. I've even gotten ahold of the old "Great Britain travel" book and am tabbing places I would like to visit in the area.

I'm sure there's some beauty in the area. I just need to find it.

Half term is looming....

The only thing that gets me through the week is knowing that I have a week off. I could use a break. This time of year seems to drag. Maybe it's the weather, maybe it's the outrageous amount of marking I have to do every night. Who knows.

What I have learned is that baking seems to make the world go round. I had to experiment tonight, as I didn't want the whole thing to go tits up when it's meant to count.

Cake pops...cake balls....what have you. These are the chocolate, there are also pink almond disasters in the fridge. I don't know what went wrong with the pink, but they look like a three year old made them. Perhaps I can opt for the cute, homemade ambiance?

They taste awesome. That's all that matters in the end...right? Tomorrow the girls at work are getting a taste. Then Friday I'm gifting them to my beloved for a belated Valentines day. He is taking me to the spa. I am baking. We both get exactly what we want.

xx

Macaroons!

Recently, I've been entertaining the idea of running away to get a job working in a pasticceria or Patisserie, depending on the country. The appeal of Novara, Sicily has always struck me a little more than Paris, but I don't think I'd complain with either option. Truth be told, I like my baking, and I'm pretty good. But I want to be better - what better way to learn than work in the place where the magic happens? Ah, if only we weren't governed by money. I'd so do it.

I've decided for this weeks Sunday baking I would take a stab at Macaroons. They looks gorgeous in the photos I've seen online, so I thought I could give it a go.

I was more than amused by the amount of sugar these bad boys take, so it's no wonder that I have the shakes (probably a diabetic coma) coming on after the amount of batter I've eaten.

I opted for a raspberry cream flavour. Managed to make very little mess, and was fairly pleased with my make-shift piping bag. First time is always scary....

Admittedly, I still haven't worked out the heat of my crappy little oven, so I did burn the first batch slightly. Overall, they aren't too shabby!! I'll let you know when the shakes stop!!

I need a holiday

I'm desperate to get away. I don't know why, but I'm incredibly grumpy. Pissed off, in fact. I haven't seen the sun shine for weeks. It's grotty and rainy outside pretty much every day. And it's cold. And I hate the cold more than anything.

It's the same thing, day in and day out. Even when it's not the same thing, it's the same thing. If that makes sense.

So, I've been contemplating solutions. Focusing on the whole "I need a getaway" idea.

I've gotten nowhere. Stupid moral compass telling me to save money. And we have the government to thank for prices going up on everything. Pretty soon they are going to tax the air....breathing will be expensive.

I'm going to bed to mull over my problems. Perhaps wake up in a better mood and a brilliant idea.

I just checked the weather...possibility of snow tomorrow. Excellent.