Introducing Cali

As some of you may have noticed, my blog posts have been few and far between over the past few months. I’ve hinted about the reasons for this once or twice on Instagram, but I thought it was about time I shared the whole story. Brace yourselves for extreme cuteness.

Back in October I brought home a tiny little bundle of joy. And I named her Cali.

I knew owning a puppy would be difficult, especially for someone who is in their mid-twenties and has a full time job. So before I committed to the idea I did a lot of research and made a lot of plans. Most of these went out of the window on the first night…

It was a week before I could get more than a couple of hours sleep at a time, toilet training was a nightmare and there are teeth marks on pretty much everything I own. But I wouldn’t trade her for the world.

By far her best feature is her enthusiasm for life. It doesn’t matter what kind of day it’s been – she always acts like I’ve made hers just by showing up. She is completely in love with the world. She loves to make friends and most people love her back (which is just as well because she’s no manners and a bad habit of getting mud on people’s clothes.)

I plan to write more about her in time but for now here are a few snapshots from her first few weeks in her new home.

Cookies & Cream Chocolate Brownies

Brownies are something I consider myself to be a bit of an expert on. I’ve been experimenting with different recipes for a long time and this has to be one of my all-time favourites.

Lorraine Pascale’s cookery show was addictive viewing for me and I couldn’t wait to buy her books afterwards. These brownies seemed a little fiddly at first, but it was surprisingly easy once I got going. They came out perfectly textured and full of fudgey goodness – perfect for a chocoholic like me!

You can find the recipe here and you can buy Lorraine’s book here.

Castlefield Market

Last weekend when the rain was pouring down and my stomach was rumbling, I headed into Manchester in search of something to eat. I’ve wanted to visit Castlefield Market for ages but it’s only held on the first weekend of the month and for one reason or another I’ve never been able to make it before. And I have been missing out!

The indoor market is full of handmade crafts and homemade produce. With plenty of street food stalls providing sustenance along the way. I loved the relaxed vibe – a DJ was playing music in the corner and everyone ate along big communal dining tables while making new friends. 

It was a hard decision, choosing where to buy lunch from, but in the end I went for a jerk chicken sandwich with the most amazing mango salsa from The Blackbird Pantry. Followed by what has to be the best brownie I’ve ever eaten. The stall holders were all enthusiastic and happy to chat about their products. There were lots of ‘tasters’ on offer too – an added bonus!

Outfit: Blazer – Zara | Top – Warehouse | Jeggings – M&S (exact ones here) Shoes – Primark | Clutch – Dorothy Perkins
(Note to self – take a bigger bag next time!)

Jewellery – Handmade by Emma
Cards, etc – Mint to Be
Bread – Hunters Artisan Bread
Cakes – Glamarang

(For a full list of stalls appearing each month see the Castlefield Market Website)

Positive Vibes

1. Have a giggle at the so-funny-and-so-true tall memes over on Tall Swag.

2. If you’re spending time in London this summer, check out these amazing pub gardens.

3. Feed your Instagram addiction by ordering prints of your favourite snaps using this app.

4. Be inspired by these 15 Ted Talks and let me know if any do change your life! (Number 8 got to me – “Sitting is the new Smoking”)

5. Take a hike. I can recommend Hardcastle Crags if you’re in the North of England.

Positive Vibes

This week I’ve gone with a bit of a female-empowerment vibe. Given that it was Mother’s Day for all the USA readers on Sunday, it felt like good timing. Enjoy!

1. I love this alternative interpretation of the ‘Ladies’ sign #itwasneveradress

2. Read this article on being a daughter of a strong woman (or in my case strong parents)

3. Watch this highly entertaining take on sexism in the media industries – there’s an important message in there too. #MakeItFair

4. Make your way through this list of 10 great documentaries directed by women

5. Watch as Allison Janney and Anna Faris help each other complete the Ninja Warrior course in spectacular fashion.