Wednesday 29 February 2012

Happy to say I'm not part of the 88%..

My old friend Wikipedia defines a New years resolutions as "a commitment that a person makes to one or more personal goals, projects, or the reforming of a habit." Numerous magazine features and newspaper articles state that most people have given up by the end of February. 'Most people' meaning a whopping 88%. So I thought that now would be as good a time as any to do a bit of a review of mine.

They were pretty wide and completely varied.

1. Lose my 'freshman fifteen'.
Well that one's still ongoing I guess, despite a few setbacks. This like many of the others wasn't going to happen overnight. And whilst I may not be as far with it as I may have liked, I'm still trying my best. There's got to be something to be said for that.

2. Watch less telly
Photo: Jeff Golden
Hmm. A hard one to gage really. If anything, I think I probably watch more now, as there have been so many interesting things on since new year; How to cook like Heston, The Fabulous Bake Brothers and One Born Every Minute, to name just a few. This resolution will probably come into play when spring makes an appearance, as the days will be longer and I'll not be home and snuggled up on the sofa so early.

3. Stop biting my nails
Achieved! I did do this for a good month or so. But then with my typical impatient nature, I couldn't be arsed to wait for them to grow any longer and I had acrylic nail extensions! Haha, oops. However, when I decide to give my nails a break in a month or so, I'm confident I won't revert back to my old biting ways.

4. Don't start arguments with my Rob
Think this has been achieved as well to be honest. Has to be said I can be a bugger for starting arguments, but I've found that a little bit of tongue-biting and self-control can really go a long way.

5. Read the modern classics
Admittedly, this was a bit of a late comer in terms of resolutions, and I only decided I wanted to do this around the end of January. Started out well, with me reading 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck. But I seem to have mislaid my copy of it now?! Not sure where the hell it is, so might have to postpone that for now and make a start on my next one.

Hmm, so that's 2 resolutions achieved indefinitely, and 2 more ongoing. Think I can probably permit myself to scrap 'watch less telly' as I am a self-confessed TV addict. Maybe I could tweak it to watch more relevant programs or write about what I watch? But then again, my beloved Emmerdale and Coronation Street seem to take up most of my time!

February 29th: The most romantic day of the year?

Leap years. Funny things, being that they only come round every now and again. Every 4 years I think? Don't quote me though.

Apparently, the only time when a woman can actually propose to her man. And no doubt, tomorrow the papers - particularly the tabloids - will be full of stories of romantic proposals. But I won't be one of them.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to get married, and have nothing against women who might decide to pop the question on this day, but it's just not me. I'm more of a typical, chick-flick, Disney movie style romantic.

I want to be serenaded at the top of the Eiffel Tower. I'd be delighted if my fella got down on one knee mid-romantic meal. Having 'Will you marry me?' spelt out in the stars would be more than lovely. Any of those proposals would do. But not the other way round.

I'd hate to give up my lovey-dovey, mushy, romantic ideology in favor of giving my man a massive rock for his fourth finger. Largely because I know he wouldn't appreciate it. Not just him, but men in general: they're not massively romantic, fairytale-minded creatures like us females are. That stuff just doesn't bother them. Take it or leave it. Or run a mile in some guy's cases.

Thought it'd be funny to test the water anyway though.


To which he replied: "Someone asked me what I'd do if you did haha"

Hmmm.. didn't immediately say no, I thought. So I replied: "And what would you do?"


Phew. Thank god for that. Typical Robbie response, but actually a welcomed one this time. Glad I wouldn't have to rush out to buy ten dozen red roses and a million carat white gold ring.


Absolutely pukka: Jamie's Italian

Lemon meatball carbonara at Jamie's Italian
Looking through my photos on my phone to find some inspiration as to what to write about today, and I came across this one. It's a dish from the restaurant Jamie's Italian. A lemon meatball carbonara to be exact - I never forget a meal!

Went there shortly before Christmas with my Dad, whilst doing bit of last minute shopping. We were a bit skeptical at first - the stubborn mules that we both are sort of wanted it to be crap, as we're not the biggest fans of Jamie Oliver - but have to say, it was fab!

You can't see much from outside so we wandered in and were quickly seated at a lovely little table near the chef's pass - no going back from here. We ordered an antipasti platter to share to start with. It came served on a long, wooden plank, which the waiter balanced on two tins of Italian chopped tomatoes. Thought that was a nice touch. It was complete with salami, chorizo, baby mozzarella, parmesan thins, bread sticks, balsamic vinegar and olive oil. It was a delight, and felt really authentic; just picking bits at bits of bread and meat with our hands - could well have been sitting in a bar in southern Italy, basking in sunshine. That is, if we hadn't been sat in a shopping centre in Milton Keynes.

Our mains arrived soon after, and I tucked into my lemon meatball carbonara. I could smell it from the pass; gorgeous aromas of lemon and thyme. I finished it in what seemed like record time, and savored every mouthful. It was really unusual, and the strong lemon flavour replaced that of the traditional smoky bacon. All washed down with a lovely bottle of Italian white. It was lush. Have yet to recreate this one at home.

Another bit we liked was the napkins. My Dad is a sucker for anywhere with cloth napkins. As am I really, I think it says a lot about the standard of the restaurant. Anyway, the napkins here were traditional blue tea towels with "Jamie's Italian" printed on them. Recalling them now they don't sound that impressive, but we spent quite a while working out how we could smuggle a couple out for home.

When it came to looking at the dessert menu, we saw a list of prices printed at the bottom. Obviously with it being a celebrity-endorsed restaurant they were going to try and flog the punters as much shit as they could, and this was no exception. Books, olive oil, recipe cards, napkins. TWELVE QUID though. Twelve of your finest English pounds. Decided not to carry out operation napkin smuggle, as we didn't fancy forking out twenty-four quid upon being caught.

Looking forward to our next trip, and will be sure to take my biggest bag in case I fancy myself a few souvenirs.

Monday 27 February 2012

Could well be separated at birth

Sometimes I think how alike we are. Sometimes I think what freaks we are. And other times I just think what good friends we are.

Nevertheless, the conversations of myself and Aimee Nash don't seem to get any more random. And today was no exception. Going round to her flat after my workshop, and we quickly got onto the subject of food (as we so very often do!) After I gave her a rundown of each of my meals from as far back as Thursday - much to both her shock and amazement - we soon decided we'd go out for tea. It's great that eating, cooking and baking are passions we both share, but at the same time, it isn't doing my waistline any favours; as we know how easily we can persuade the other off the diet and out for tea!

Photo: keepitsweet.co.uk
The Shed was the obvious choice, as it so very often is and we headed there about half three. After ploughing through lasagne, smothered chicken, curly fries, onion rings and mozzarella sticks (and that was just what Aimee ordered ;-) we were left hugging our food baby bellies, disappointed that we had no room for pud - a rare moment for us, we have to admit. Also feel I must mention that we spent the time waiting for our food to arrive, discussing all the gorgeous meals we're going to have when we move in together in August, from paellas to pizzas, steaks to salads. That last one was a joke, by the way, as if we'd ever touch a salad ;-)

Then went off to the Masterchef demonstration, after having purchased two choc dips each from the uni shop to kill the sweet craving.

Remember those?!

Anyway, after further disappointment upon hearing the news that we could not sample Tim Anderson's culinary creations, we headed home. The strange conversation ensued.

After the demo only went on for an hour (the Facebook event had said three) we were unsure about whether it'd be acceptable to have tea or not. After all, we did only eat an hour or so ago at half four, but knew we'd be hungry again by gone nine. The Shed wasn't quite lunch, more wasn't quite dinner. More like 'linner'. A creation of our strange, food-obsessed minds.

Somehow we got on to timings of meals, and what they should be called. Just so you know, the new regime is:

  • Breakfast - 7:00am to 10:45am
  • Elevensies - 11:00am to 11:45am
  • Lunch - 12:00pm to 3:00pm
  • The new creation of 'Linner' - 3:00pm to 6:00pm (not quite lunch, not quite dinner!)
  • Dinner, the official one - 6:00pm to 9:00pm
  • Supper - 9:00pm to 11:45pm
  • 'Mignightsies' another new meal time, much like elevensies - 12:00am - 12:30am
Anything outside of these times is just classed as a snack (as if you'd need one!)

Can't wait for us to be living together in the summer, but can't help but feel we could be making appearances on the likes of The Biggest Loser, and Obese: A Year to Save My Life, before the year is out! Oh well, at least I can enjoy the ride with my foodie friend.

"Kebabs are like sex"

According to Masterchef 2011 winner, Tim Anderson.

This evening, the American chef gave a cooking demonstration to Lincoln students at Tower Bar, the SU hangout. He started out by doing a posh beans on toast, or rather 'toast on beans' as he called it. I couldn't help but think whoever had designed the posters advertising the event must be kicking themselves for using the tag-line: "Fed up of beans on toast?" Haha.

Photo: Aimee & I with
Masterchef winner, Tim Anderson
So he started with a few kitchen tips, nothing out of the ordinary really; make sure you have a sharp knife, yadda, yadda, yadda.. Nothing I didn't already know. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm not up there with the likes of Heston and Gordon, but I do like to think I have a bit of a clue when it comes to cooking, largely down to my - what I think is only appropriate to describe as - obsession, with food.

He moved onto chopping onions and garlic, before pan frying in a little olive oil. He added tinned butter and cannellni beans, and a tin of chickpeas too, frying them off for a little while before adding peeled plum tomatoes and heavy pinch of seasoning. As for the bread, he toasted a thick slice of granary, before dicing into 'croutons', and tossing in olive oil and salt. He topped the bean mixture with the 'croutons' and served with torn basil leaves.

I thought this was a pretty cheap, economical meal idea for students, although I'm not much of a fan of beans on toast at the best of times. Might try using the bean mixture as a basis for a pasta bake instead.
Photo: 2011 Masterchef winner
Tim Anderson in action

Next, he moved onto a lamb kebab. Hence, the "kebabs are like sex"; something people are a bit ashamed to talk about, indulge in usually whilst drunk, and often regret the next day. Thought that was a pretty good comparison, and particularly apt to the room full of students.

He started as before by chopping garlic and onion, this time red onion, frying them off in a little olive oil, before adding some cardamom pods and toasting until they were fragrant and aromatic. Next, he added some lamb meat. Tim used quite a good cut of shoulder, but advised that the cheaper cuts such as neck and breast would work well too, and are good for the old student budget.

As he allowed the mixture to reduce down, he whipped up a quick cucumber raita, but don't ask me how - my raita comes out of a Patak's jar.

Onto the "once in a lifetime competition" - the words of the Facebook event, not mine! The omelette challenge. Not Saturday kitchen style, but 'quality' style instead. BORING. Anyway, he declared one of the fairly lacklustre-looking omelettes the winner, and the lucky budding chef in question won a gorgeous wicker basket of store cupboard ingredients! The cheek! Especially seen as though they will probably just go back to the student dietary staples of Supernoodles and Dominoes' pizza anyway.

After a few questions and a couple of photos/autographs/etc, Aimee  and I left Tower Bar slightly less inspired than we had hoped. But then again, not everyone can be born culinary geniuses like ourselves!


Just so you know...

I have nothing against Gareth Gates. In fact, he seems like a nice young man.

Turns out he was on This Morning talking about a new BBC3 program about his infamous stutter, which, if I'd have seen, I probably would've tweeted something lovely like "Oh doesn't Gareth Gates seem like such a lovely guy" or "Gareth Gates, what a role model!" You get the pictures.

In fact, the 'tweeting war' as his 'sisters' (I use that term loosely, very loosely!) called it, has done nothing but actually make me actively dislike him. So they achieved what they set out to.. or rather, didn't.

Maybe it's the likes the superfans who are doing more damage than good for the celeb world out there. But then again, having such an unfulfilled life that you have no one else to look up to, it's probably no surprise that they don't even understand this concept.

Who knew Gareth Gates had so many fans?!

Had my first experience of a 'superfan' today, or rather, several off them. Logged onto Twitter at lunchtime at Uni, to see none other than Gareth Gates trending. Eh?! I thought.. So posted a tweet saying "Why is Gareth Gates trending?! Did spiky hair and gappy teeth make a comeback..?" WHOOOOA. BIG MISTAKE.


Anyway, the next 20 minutes or so saw me replying to a barrage of tweets from dedicated GG superfans. Oh my god. The first one was from someone asking me: "who are you really? Just cos u arnt trending cos ure NOBODY!!"

Exactly like that. Spelling, grammar, everything. Or rather lack of it. Thought that demonstrated in a nutshell what pathetic little girls idolise the likes of Gareth Gates. Pretty laughable. Tweeted back "You're clearly some sort of superfan.. (starting with the obvious there!) .. replying to everyone's tweets.. Why is he trending btw?" She didn't reply to me. Willing to slag me off for poking fun at her idol, but unable to tell me why he was trending. Real good fan right there. Was a genuine question too!

Couldn't resist another one so went in with: "Gareth Gates superfans getting all up in my shit = LOL!" Haha, had to be done! WELL. Another barrage of tweets! This time from more girls claiming to be his sisters, not 1 but about 4.. Beyond funny.

Sisters or not.. (my money's on not) today proved how sad and desperate people can be when it comes to idolising others. They say jealousy is the most flattering form of admiration. But I just think it's sad. When it comes to elevating Z-list celebrities such as the likes of Mr. Gates, to God-stature, you're clearly not happy with yourself in some way.

Sunday 26 February 2012

Say hello to ChaoBaby, Meadowhall

While I'm on the subject of food.. which is pretty much all the time.. thought I'd relive our B-E-A-U-tiful Thai experience on Friday.

ChaoBaby, in Meadowhall, is definitely our new favourite place to eat! We've been about three or four times now, after being a bit apprehensive to start with, having never tried Thai food. So glad we did though - it's such a nice place to be.

Upon arrival you're greeted with a bow from the lovely, polite Thai waitresses in authentic silk dresses. Here your Thai experience begins.

Photo: ChaoBaby
The seating is intimate but chilled, and our favourite place to sit is right by the giant jelly fish tank - watching them float and flail around in the flow of the tank. As soon as you've ordered your drinks you make your way up to the buffet, where the Thai chefs are prepping and chopping away, refilling the large lidded pans with fresh, steaming dishes. A hot teppan grill is sizzling away in front of your eyes, as you load your plate with the different dishes.

The selection is wide and varied, including different types of Thai soup, noodles, stir fries, curries, slow cooked meats, steamed and fried rice, tempura prawns and vegetables, and loads more. The beauty of this place is that there is always something different each time you go. You could never get bored.

We usually have a couple of plates of main course, opting for chopsticks over cutlery, in order to try and pace ourselves.

The staff at ChaoBaby are such a credit to the place; waiting staff can definitely make or break a dining experience for me. They're attentive, friendly and helpful. What more could you ask for?

After the main course it's on to dessert, which is set up on the bar area. Loads of fresh fruit cut into lovely shapes and sizes; watermelon, pineapple and juicy fresh melon, along with carrot cake, jellies and freshly made warm scotch pancakes. The perfect end to a lovely fragrant meal.

Photo: ChaoBaby
The standard of pretty much everything at this place is just exceptional; the chilled atmosphere, fresh dishes and willing staff. Not to mention the price. At £12.95 a head for the buffet, it's on a par with several other Asian cuisine buffets price wise, but where other places lack in terms of quality and service, ChaoBaby leaves little to be desired.

So please, if you are at first apprehensive like I was, do yourself a favour and take a chance on ChaoBaby. Guaranteed you won't be disappointed, and if you're anything like me, it will put you in a good mood for the rest of the day.

Friday 24 February 2012

Two of my passions: mountain biking and writing

Women's mountain biking - "It's what it does for your soul!"

After her first taste of mountain biking nearly 20 years ago on a Caribbean holiday, Jacqueline Easton was hooked. She soon set up her own business in Berkshire offering women-only mountain bike courses, Dirt Divas, having seen first hand what a testosterone-dominated sport it can be. Previously a professional rower, Jacqueline came from a sporting background, and found she quickly adapted to life on two wheels.

Mountain biking consists of riding bikes off road, usually over rough terrain. There are many different types of mountain biking, including; cross-country, trail riding, downhill, free ride and trials. Although mountain bikes are similar to other bikes, they tend to be specially adapted for performance and durability. The main differences being most use disc brakes and have a lower gear ratio. Skills required for the sport include endurance, balance, core strength and self-reliance; all skills that can be acquired on Dirt Diva courses.

Jacqueline recalls being inspired to take up the sport: “I’ve done a lot of other sports and I’d just come out of competitive rowing, it looked interesting so I thought I’d give it a go, and things went from there.” She loves the fact that it can enable you to see so much more of the world.

As well as providing an unrivalled level of enjoyment, the health benefits are huge too. For example, a woman weighing 130lbs can burn nearly 500 calories an hour during a moderate pace bike ride (about 12-14 mph), compared with the 207 she could burn walking the dog.

Like many other forms of exercise, mountain biking can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and other chronic illnesses, but there’s another area Jacqueline feels it can benefit too: “It’s not just the physical activity of it… but I think also it’s what it does for your soul. It’s just the feel good factor of being out there in the great landscape. It’s just the best thing.”

Another benefit of this adrenaline-pumping hobby is that it can be relatively cheap, after purchasing the bike. Jacqueline advised to “spend as much as you feel you can” because starting out on a hefty, old, clunky bike as she described it, will put you off. Beginners should opt to visit their local bike shop, rather than being tempted by online deals, as it’s vital you’re measured for your bike. A hard tail bike (a bike with an unsuspended back end and front suspension fork) will set you back around £400.

After the bike, your helmet will be your most important piece of kit. Go for a light, well-ventilated one to keep you cool, try plenty on and expect to pay in the region of £40 for a decent one. Next up, gloves. Some riders don’t wear them but they’ll to keep your hands protected if you have a fall, which is more likely when you’re starting out. Finally, cycling pants will become your best friend once you get into this sport. As a beginner you’re not used to sitting in a saddle, and you’ll notice that it can be uncomfortable. However, these little beauties with built-in padding will keep you comfy on long rides. They’ll feel strange at first, but persevere and you’ll soon start feeling the benefits.

Perhaps Jacqueline’s most valuable piece of advice is to find buddies to go out riding with. “It makes it so much more enjoyable, as well as the safety aspect.” Riding as part of a group is the best option for beginners, as you’re just learning about your bike. Finding yourself some friends to go out with will mean people are there if you are to get a puncture or an injury, and you won’t be miles away from help. Self-reliance is something that is built up over time, as you become a more confident rider, so having plenty of others around you as you’re starting out is key.

Making friends with like-minded girls is one of the core aspects of the courses, which Jacqueline and her team run. Dirt Divas, of which Jacqueline is the founder and director, was set up in 2006. They offer a variety of courses specifically tailored for women of different abilities, designed to build confidence, be fun and make friends too. Courses offered range from Back to Basics, which aim to increase confidence and improve technique, to Drops and Jumps, aimed at the more adventurous rider looking to push their boundaries. The courses take place in Berkshire, and you can expect to pay around £99 for each course. You need to bring your own bike, as the courses are focused on building your confidence on the bike YOU ride.

On any given course there can be up to 30 women, split into groups of no more than six. These small groups mean each girl can hone her techniques under the eye of her coach. Each coach has come from a wide and varied background in mountain biking, and their combined years of experience reaches nearly 120 years.

Jacqueline feels her company might help women who feel apprehensive about taking up the sport, given that it seems to be so male dominated: “It’s really all about giving them a really good time on the day of the course and introducing them to other girls who are all incredibly supportive of each other.”

She described how it can be a little scary and intimidating to go out with the guys when you’re just starting out; you need to build your confidence, instead of being worried about being stuck at the back all the time. “They’re going to be quicker, they’re going to be more gung-ho in their attitude. You’re always trying to keep up with them, rather than just enjoying yourself - not that we have anything against the guys in all of this!” she laughed.

So what are you waiting for? Few others sports can promise excessive calorie burning, superb scenery and a generous helping of companionship; no Y chromosome required!

Thursday 23 February 2012

That Thursday feeling

There's something about the sun making an appearance that just seems to put people in a better mood. Whether it reminds us of beer gardens, laughter, friends or just the feeling of its warmth on our skin, it's always a welcomed addition to the day. It makes the drive home from Uni for the weekend that little but more special. Windows down, sunglasses on. Full of excitement and anticipation for the weekend ahead.

Wednesday 22 February 2012

My guilty pleasure..

Has got to be One Born Every Minute. I love it. Maybe I shouldn't but I do. There I said it. It makes me feel so many different emotions. Joy, sadness, hope, intrigue, admiration, fear. Particularly the last one. The fear of God.

I love that it gives the midwives a chance to have their say. Every week I think how passionate they are about their careers, and how much they care for their ladies, from the 35 year old Mum having her fifth child, to the nervous 16 year olds reluctantly having their first. They never judge, and they give everyone the same high standard of care. Totally admire what they do, it must be a difficult role. Difficult but at the same time so rewarding. I think if I was to feel even half as passionate about my career choice in the future as they do, I'd truly have felt like I'd succeeded.

Have to say I love the midwife banter too, with their giant cups of tea and various cakes/biscuits/chocolate.. Seems like my kind of place to work! They're so chilled, and seem to have such a good bond as a team, which must be important in their line of work.

Another aspect I love are the Dads. Like socks, they seem to come in all different shapes and sizes. Big ones, small ones, non-existent ones. Some of them are cool as cucumbers, some of them are blubbering wrecks. My favourites though have to be the ones who are barely there (vocally I mean) all the way through the birth.. Then they see the baby and BAM..quivering weeping child. It's so cute. When I do have a little cry at One Born, these are usually the bits that send me off!

I don't much care for the screaming, agony, swearing, painful bits, but it is quite funny to see how all the different ladies deal with it. And also pretty scary at the same time. But my absolute favourite bit has to be once the babies are born, and the mums and dads are talking about the future. "I can't wait to cut her hair," "One day I'll teach him how to play rugby," but my favourite one is "This is your world, and you can do anything you want." What wise words to say to a baby. It's often this bit that makes me really emotional, everyone is so full of hope and love.

It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I find even with all the shit on TV nowadays, there are very few other programs that evoke such emotion and feeling as One Born Every Minute. So get snuggled up on the sofa, with a cuppa and some Kleenex and prepare for the most emotional hour of your work.

Trying to tell me something?

When my boyfriend tagged me in this picture on Monday I nearly drove into a bollard for laughing. Couldn't believe how spot on he (or rather whoever made the picture) had got it.

Pretty much sums me up to a tee since I've been at University. Freshers week (or rather fortnight) meant excess. And mostly things in the way of calories; vodka, cocktails, chips, Dominoes, ready meals, sleeping in late, baking cakes, laziness and discovering The Shed, to mention but a few.

Consequently, I have succumbed to the 'Freshman fifteen' as the Americans fondly call it. Other favourites include 'First Year Fatties', 'Fresher spread' and 'Fresher Five' referring to the 5kg gain. Sounds quite cute really, but boy is it a bitch to shift.

Ultimately, dieting at Uni is like.. hmm.. can't really think of something witty and insightful, but it never really works, and if you're going to make it work, you're going to miss out. Nights out, Shed Thursdays, ordering Dominoes, pancake parties, hangover-curing McDonalds, the list goes on.

I'm not saying be a totally indulgent pig and graduate weighing approximately 30 stone, cuz that's not okay either. But don't miss out. The years we're at Uni are probably going to be the best of our lives, and whilst not quiiiite being able to do our jeans up may seem to present itself as a bit of an issue, looking back and realising what a boring bastard you were is always going to be worse.

In any case, there are plenty of years to be grown up and eat vegetables and go to bed at a sensible time. FYI, those years are not now. So make the most of it, demonstrate a little self control, but most of all, enjoy it, because you'll probably spend your life trying to shift the 'Freshman fifteen'.


Brit fever

So last night the country (and I'm pretty sure in it's entirety) witnessed the 32nd Brit Awards. And what a night it was. Predictable in places, but with some spine-chilling performances it's definitely my most memorable to date.

What better way to start the show than with the magnificent Coldplay. Literally cannot get enough of them at the minute, after having a few years off my radar. In fact, sat listening to Yellow as I write this, ha! Their new album is just phenomenal. I often worry I'm the only one who thinks this, as no one else seems to be talking about it? Or maybe that's just because no one can say it? Just as I suspected it's 'my lo zy le toe', as confirmed by a fan-site! Anyway, their performance of Charlie Brown, which I think could probably be one of my favourite Coldplay songs of all time, was flawless.

The night featured many other performances, including some fairly lacklustre ones (in my opinion) from the likes of Bruno Mars, Olly Murs and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. None of them really stood out for me, despite their best efforts.

Florence's performance of No Light, No Light was breathtaking. But then, again so is she. So good to see a female doing well in the music industry that doesn't seem to fit the 'mould', and isn't afraid to be different. We Found Love by Rihanna was pretty good too, but she's starting to become a bit predictable for me now. And whilst most felt her oversized jumper, shorts and Timberland boots combo was some sort of amazing fashion statement, I just found myself wondering why she hadn't made more effort on perhaps the most important night of the year for the music industry. Ah well. The same went for Ed Sheeran, as he opted to perform in a green element t shirt. Bit disappointed, as that seems the be the kind of thing my boyfriend slobs about in a on a Sunday morning.

Adele was outstanding, as always, another example of a fearless female with an inspiring non-conformist attitude. Her middle finger salute to the show's bosses at the end as her acceptance speech was cut short was just the best! Tell it like it is girl. She walked away with two Brits, the first for Best Female Solo Artist, beating the likes of Florence and the Machine, Jessie J, Kate Bush and Laura Marling. Certainly a worthy winner there. The second Brit, the most prestigious of the night, the Mastercard British Album of the Year. Have to admit though, I was rooting for Coldplay for this one. Still deserving nonetheless.

All in all, a pretty good night music wise. But there was one person who I felt let me down a bit, and that was none other than the mighty JC - James Corden. I actually love the guy, and most the time he makes my sides split, but last night I just felt he was a bit too full of himself. I mean, that joke about Rihanna having the painters in was just gross!

Jessie J annoyed me too. I was beginning to warm to her when JC spoke to her about her upcoming venture The Voice on ITV1, when she threw in "I'm not a judge, I'm a coach!" I couldn't have put it better myself than when Grace Dent tweeted "just as i was thawing to jessie j. she does that coach not judge blah.#BritAwards2012" Haha, fail.

Looks like a good night was had by all, and my personal highlights included One Direction trying to conceal all the empty bottles on their table as JC chatted to them, Lana Del Ray's emotional acceptance speech upon winning Best International Breakthrough Act and of course the standing ovation Adele received after her performance of Rolling In The Deep.

Next year I'm hoping whoever plays the show out will have practiced a bit more (think Blur could've done with a bit longer) and the winners slightly less predictable.

Another day, another blog..

Sooo.. another blog created. Already have a tumblr but apparently tumblr is not 'journalismy' enough, so had to make another one.

Some of you might know me, some of you may not; that's the beauty of it. For those who don't, I am a loud, red-headed, food-loving, cake-baking, gossiping, over-excitable, 19 year old trainee journalist studying at the University of Lincoln.. ('trainee journalist' sounds so much better than student, haha!)

Hoping to graduate with a decent degree and the prospect of finding a job in the industry immediately. Wishful thinking on both counts.

Anyway, this is my blog. Love it, hate it, pass it on, whatevs :)