The experiment continues

I recently started an experiment to watch less television.

Last week, I managed to get my usual 25-30 hours down to 17 hours and my next goal was 12 hours.

I managed an impressive 11 hours. However, I don't feel all that happy with this.

I had family over for 3 days and I watched no television whatsoever, while they were here which means, I watched 11 hours in 4 days. I blame The Walking Dead.

I have to admit, I'm a little obsessed. I watched the first season a few years ago and then spotted the second and third series on Sky Box Sets this year. Last weekend, the fourth series was added and the Other Half and I have already made our way through a decent amount of episodes.




Ah well. I've enjoyed them - that's the main thing.


I tuned in to the Bakeoff final last night, but otherwise I'm going to make a real effort to read or do something besides watch television - I'll feel better for it. Zombie killing action can wait until the weekend.

Anyone else tried the no television - ahem, less television, experiment?

Picture from ZanyBao

Home renovation

This weekend, my dad and uncle came to stay for the weekend. My dad was running the Cardiff Half Marathon for charity and finished in an impressive 1:45:54 - Go Dad!

It was also the first time he'd seen our new little home - he loved it but also did hid 'dad' thing of finding work to be done - that doesn't really need doing.

And now these are my stairs:

Thanks Dad! ;-)

But actually, I love the way it looks, and how I hope it will look in the end. We'd been thinking of doing it but never really got round to it. But after a very enjoyable trip to B&Q to buy a triangle shavehook (I had to keep the label to know that!), a sand paper block and my very first power tool - a sander - I was ready to face the DIY world.

I'll keep you posted with some more pics.

No television

This week (beginning last Tuesday) I decided to do an experiment. I'm always moaning that I have no time for 'me'. No time do some crafts. No time to call my parents. No time to do housework.

But actually, I have a lot of spare time. But I waste it. Watching television.

 

I'm sure a large proportion of the population has felt like this at one point or another. You come home from work, have food and watch television. And before you know it, it's time for bed.

This really started to annoy me recently and so I decided to change things. I really didn't need to watch a re-run of an episode of Friends I've seen several times before. Why was I watching an hour long science programme with the Other Half, bored out of my mind, but too lazy to do anything else. Or God forbid, asking to change the channel to something else. ;-)

So, this week I decided that enough was enough and I would try to watch less television.

It was difficult.

Even though I wanted to do more after work, I still enjoyed having a cuddle on the sofa. Whilst watching television. I needed a plan.

I estimated that I watched between 25 and 30 hours (gasp!) a week of television - and even though I never set out to remove this pastime completely, I really did want to cut down the hours - ideally to 10-15 hours a week - that's still a decent sized boxset a week!

So, I cut out all 'unneccessary' television - mainly, anything the Other Half watched that I had no real interest in, and the half an hour, or even an hour straight after work I'd spend slumped on the sofa before deciding to make some food.

I still wanted my time with the Other Half (who would watch television 24/7 if possible - It. Drives. Me. Mad) but still wanted a productive evening, so I ended up doing some reading or cross-stitching on the sofa - so still able to have a chat but not really taking any notice of the television.

To tackle my habit straight after work, I'd plan during the day what I'd like to do with my 'extra' hour - instead of watching television. I spent my time well - doing some exercise, cooking a more substantial meal, calling my parents and reading some more. Oh it was good.

My evenings felt longer and I didn't go to bed annoyed with myself for wasting time. And another added benefit I didn't expect - I had more energy (after doing more!) and I lost weight - result! I tend to snack whilst watching television, but not when reading. And also, I did a few jobs around the house, which meant I was moving more.

I still managed to clock up an impressive 17 hours of television this week - way more than I wanted, but I never set out to get rid of television from my life. I've basically gained 10 hours a week. Nobody would say no to that.

So, all in all, a very useful experiment. Next week, my goal will be to get the 17 hours down to around 12 hours - then I'd be thrilled. I'll let you know how it goes.


Photos:
Family
Read Instead
Stop Watching Start Living

Chapel 1877

Happy Friday everyone!

As payday isn't until Tuesday, the Other Half and I are having a cheap-ish weekend. And so, as we both love going out for food, we decided that this weekend would be a good time to use our Groupon voucher at Chapel 1887 in Cardiff.

Unfortunately, this voucher was extremely popular and the only table we could get was 5:30 last night - to be honest though, after the night we had, I didn't care one bit!

This is a beautiful Grade II listed building that has been renovated to the highest standard. It has a gorgeous (although slightly expensive) bar downstairs and a luxurious eating are upstairs - where all the tables can have a look at the chefs at work. A great venue for some great food.

The voucher entitled us to a signature cocktail and a 3 course meal each - for £39. Bearing in mind that a cocktail can be £7 and a main is at least £16 - this was a bargain.

We've had lunch here a few time (as it's cheaper!) and the food and service has always been great - and we weren't disappointed last night.

We walked in and were welcomed by a very cheerful young woman who recommended a few cocktails for us - the Other Half had a sour Mocktail while I opted for the Mayflower - gin, elderflower syrup and apple juice - de-lic-ious. Probably the best cocktail I've had in a while.

And then the real fun began. The food!

I apologise now that I have no photos, I devoured the food before I even thought about my camera. I managed one quick Instagram shot - which you can see on the side of this blog.

I started off with seared tuna, Asian slaw and wasabi. The tuna was fine, nothing special. But the slaw and wasabi were really great and full of flavour, and the use of chopsticks in a fine dining venue made a nice change. The Other Half had delicious pumpkin torteloni - I'd definitely try that one next time.

Me 0 - 1 Other Half.

As for the main, I definitely won. I opted for the lamb, and it was one of the nicest plates of food I've had in a while. The lamb was pink and perfectly cooked, with rich berry jus (and plenty of it) and then the pièce de résistance - rich potatoes layered with chorizo - wow. I've never had anything like it and it was lush.

The Other half had the duck. He had plenty of meat and it was, again, perfectly cooked, with creamy mash and a cabbage dumpling - a really lovely side dish.

Me 1 - 1 Other Half

To finish off, we both had the cheesecake - always a favourite. A New York vanilla cheesecake served with pistachio crumb, bananas and salted caramel sauce. Yum.

Me 1.5 - 1.5 Other Half

All in all, we had a lovely evening. The food was really good, the service was even better. We had a few different waiters and each one was as cheerful and as polite as the other. They were attentive without being over the top. I always think that good service goes a long way. Have you ever returned to a restaurant where you received awful service?

So a gold star from me - and I'll be back. But maybe for the more affordable lunch menu!. ;-)

Have a delicious weekend everyone!

Photos from Chapel 1887's official website.


Chapel 1887 were not aware that I'd be writing a review of sorts.

Our housewarming

And so we had our housewarming on Saturday night. And it was beautiful.

I thought I'd be stressed and that people wouldn't turn up and we might end up with a lot of food going to waste. Nope. everything went perfectly and I can't wait for the next party.

I've always been a bit of a hostess but never really had anyone to host. People always want to go out and drink. A lot. I enjoy a good few drinks and was suitably hungover on Sunday, but I prefer good food and good company to shots and beers.

I was hoping for a sophisticated party and that's exactly what I got. Everyone came over to the house, bottle in hand. The food (An assortment of crostinis - king prawn with chilli mayo, goat's cheese & chorizo and coronation chicken. Crudites. Dips. Crisps. Mini sausages (oh so sophisticated!). Wedges. Cakes. Sweets. And a champagne, strawberry, mint and lime cocktail that went down very well) all disappeared - not a crisp left in the bowl. The music was good (the Other Half thinks himself a DJ). Everyone loved the decorations and various lights I'd palced around the house. The Other Half was so helpul all day (thank you!!) and the new table arrived on Saturday morning - which provided the perfect social setting.

I had the best time and I'm now in full hostess mood. I really couldn't have asked for a better night.

And here are a few snaps from the evening if you're interested:

Epic fail

And so, as supsected, it was an epic fail.

From this:

To this:

Oh good times. I honestly couldn't stop laughing after I popped the balloon. At least I'm not the only one. :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Decorative balloon

Last night I attempted to make a decorative balloon. I’m not sure what they’re actually called, but it’s basically a balloon wrapped in string and glue and after the glue has dried you can pop the balloon to reveal the decoration. Honestly, that’s the best I can do – just go here for a better look.

I decided I wanted to have a go even if it might be a bit time consuming but soon after I started (at 9pm last night – why?) I kind of regretted it. It was messy. It was sticky. And after inspecting the drying balloon this morning, I’m not all that convinced it's going to work.

So along with a balloon, string, glue and a curtain ring (bear with me!) – as well as a lot of patience and a lot of old cloths – I started my balloon related craft.

I didn't take any photos of the different stages as I was literally covered in glue. But I have taken a few from WikiHow to give you an idea of what I was trying to do.

You will definitely need a large mat or some old newspapers for your surface – and prepare to use more of your surface than you thought – my glue went everywhere. Home Bargains used to sell children’s mats for 99p – I have three of these and they are so handy.

Then, blow up your balloon – not too big or it will take forever – and put some diluted glue in a shallow dish.

At this point, all the instructions online tell you to cut your thread into manageable lengths. There are no manageable lengths. I found it easier to use a ball of thread and roll it out as I needed it – trying my very best not to get glue all over the ball. Trying anyway.

Now, this is where the curtain ring comes in really handy. You can use anything really, a bolt would work well, you just need something the thread can go through but which is heavy enough to hold down the thread in the glue. Believe me, it’s worth finding something for this – I hate to think how messy it could have been without it.

Now the super duper messy bit. Dip the thread in the glue and use your fingers to squeeze out any excess glue – it needs to be covered but not soaked.

Now wrap. Anyway you like. And anyway you can manage. You need a lot more thread than you think as you shouldn’t have any holes that are larger than the tip of your index finger. Easier said than done. To be honest, my balloon could have done with a few extra layers, but I really couldn’t be bothered. After this one has dried, I might try adding some more.

Now hang the balloon some where to dry, ensuring you place newspaper or a painting mat underneath to catch any drips. Then wait. And wait some more. A balloon covered in string and glue can take a surprisingly long time to dry. I’m still waiting.

I’m guessing I’ll now either need to wrap some more thread and glue around my balloon. Or be brave and pop the balloon and hope it doesn’t end up looking like this.

If you’re still interested in having a go at making this – please let me know how it goes. Especially if you think you made as much mess as I did!