Monday, 30 May 2011

Back to work

Hello dear ladies - thanks for stopping by and thank you for all the comments you have left me. They make my day :)

It has been a hectic week. I returned to work after a long period of absence - gently though, just three half days. Even so, I have been so tired in between and all the plans I had for hooking and quilting and blogging just went out of the window! I have to say that everyone at work has been so very kind and welcoming and have made my return a very happy one. But the very best thing about returning to work is that it means I am well again! Yay! And all you lovely people who have visited me and encouraged me and left comments have played a big part in the healing process, so big love to you all!

I did manage to do some stuff though. The fabulously foody Sue at The Quince Tree inspired me to make some of these beauties.......







Nutella cakes! How perfect is that combination? They were easy, delicious and were even enjoyed by The Mr who doesn't really like cakes (I know, alien). The recipe can be found here. Go on, give them a try. You know you want to :)

I recently had the honour of receiving not one but THREE lovely blog awards from three very lovely ladies. I can't do them all in one post so this is the first.....

The very lovely Jane at Hook and Yarn awarded me this


Thank you Jane!

I'm not sure what the protocol is for this award - I think I have to list some facts about myself (gulp...here goes)

1. I appeared in the title credits of a music show on TV called The Tube. A guy came up to me and asked if I wanted to be on TV - I told him where to go as I thought he was chatting me up! Turned out he was serious so I got a 'punter's pass' and went to the studio every week to see all these amazing 80s bands! I also met and chatted with Jules Holland and a very pregnant Paul Yates (who was still with Bob and didn't even drink in those days, let alone do drugs). Ah halcyon days, when I was young, skinny and beautiful!!!!



2. I don't drink anymore. I used to love real ale, then was into wine for a few years and probably used to drink quite a bit - not overdoing it but certainly enjoying it. I was quite a  party animal. I stopped drinking when pregnant and never really started again! The Mr gets a bit frustrated about this because he would like to share a bottle of wine with me now and again but I have lost all interest in it. The last time I had alcohol was the Christmas before last!


3. My favourite subjects at school were (in this order) art, English literature and history. I still love these subjects today.

4. I wanted to be an artist. I wanted to go to art school but didn't. I don't know why. I did eventually study to be an art historian at the age of 28 (late developer).

5. I get really mad about 'rogue apostrophes' and the tendency to use capital letters for everything...it drives me crazy!!!



6. I love pop up books. I saw a fantastic exhibition of pop up books in Manchester once...I was absolutely bowled over by the intricacy and beauty of these very complex works of art.




7. I hate my feet. It is only in the last couple of years that I wear sandals in public because I have always considered my feet to be ugly. Certainly I have seen feet a lot worse than mine but if there was one part of my body I could change, it would be my plates of meat (so that's two parts then).



8. I love puzzles. Cryptic crosswords (especially the Guardian, especially Araucaria in the Guardian), jigsaw puzzles, sudoku....any puzzle really.



9. My favourite two books are Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. I read a huge amount on a wide range of subjects but I would say that these two continue to be my favourites. Both dark and gothic, brutal and passionate but utterly magnificent and spellbinding.

10. I am an expert on Jack the Ripper! I have read pretty much every book written and watched every film made about Jack. Don't ask me why! Call me macabre but I am just fascinated.




Now the difficult part! Given the name of the award, I have chosen blogs that cover bits of all sorts of things....

Brand new mum at Fantasy Landscape
Sandra at Just So
Stacey at Bakercourt (check out those cakes!!!)

More blog awards to follow. Enjoy your week xxx
Posted by Apples and Pears at 22:23
crochet, days out, fun, boys stuff, blankets ,

24 comments:

  1. my4lilgirls30 May 2011 at 22:27

    Oh my goodness i made those little cakes too & just finished posting on them. How amazing were they eh!!!!!!!!! Were eaten in a snap:)
    Enjoy Karen :)

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  2. andamento30 May 2011 at 23:00

    Hi Andrea,
    I enjoyed reading your ten facts - most interesting!
    I like the look of those cakes too and did think when seeing them on Sue's blog that I'd need to get some Nutella next time I'm in a suitable shop, thanks for reminding me.
    I had been wondering when you'd be starting back at work so I'm glad to hear that it's going well, I hope it continues that way for you.
    Anne.

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  3. quiltjude30 May 2011 at 23:04

    Oh yumm to those cakes, I will write the recipe down and give them a go, thanks for sharing, have a great day :)

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  4. knitalatte31 May 2011 at 01:32

    Hi Andrea. The cakes look so delicious. I'm going to pop over to check out the recipe. Glad to hear you are enjoying being back to work and Congratulations on your blog awards. It was fun reading tid-bits about you. We share the love of reading the classics.

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  5. Josie31 May 2011 at 02:12

    I've GOT to make those cupcakes as we're nuts over Nutella. Thanks for sharing the link. So glad you're easing back into work, hope you find your life balance, it's so important. Lovely to learn more about you, Andrea. I got my degree in english literature and love your choices as well :-) xJosie

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  6. renee31 May 2011 at 04:36

    Those cakes! Mmmmmm, I may just have to make them soon. I also love both Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, have read both several times and it might just be time to read them again! (I also have a strange fascination about serial killers, but not one in particular. Hmmmm. What is up with us?)

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  7. Susan T31 May 2011 at 07:24

    The cakes look super delicious. I saw them on Sue's blog and must make some, as soon as I am up and at em.

    Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre two of the most atmospheric books I have ever read - wonderful stuff.

    So glad 'back to work' is going well, it is a big step when you have been ill.

    Really interested to read your facts, an eclectic mix.

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  8. Anonymous31 May 2011 at 09:58

    Hi Andrea, glad to hear that you are easing back into work and feeling happy. The cakes look yummy, and it was nice reading about you.:)

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  9. Annemarie31 May 2011 at 10:04

    Hi Andrea, I've just discovered your blog and spent some very enjoyable time snooping. It seems like we have a lot in common - The Brontës; the apostrophe thing; hating your feet. And crocheting, of course! Love your pics.

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  10. Jane31 May 2011 at 10:49

    Hi Andrea, your facts were fascinating! I well remember The Tube. And I'm with you on the apostrophes. Have you ever read The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde? If not, do give it a try. I think you'd love it.
    So glad you're feeling better. Hope you'll still find some time for hooking and blogging though - I so love seeing what you've been making!
    Jane xx

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  11. Cuckoo31 May 2011 at 11:24

    Great facts Andrea. Bet my blog drives you nuts, I'm referring to point 5. How about exclamation marks? I totally over use them!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See?!!!!!!!!!

    So glad you're well, is the happy food diet going well? More power to your elbow, love. I think good nutrition is the key for all ails. But I don't practice what I preach. I am a sugar fiend.

    xxx

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  12. Jo31 May 2011 at 11:58

    Congratulations on the award, well deserved. I enjoyed reading your ten facts, fascinating. Glad to hear you're return to work has gone well, you deserve a treat and those yummy looking buns look just the thing.

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  13. Catherine31 May 2011 at 19:38

    Must try the cakes...buns and nutella together! Yum! Should go down well in this household! I enjoyed reading your facts. "Wuthering Heights" is also one of my favourite books. Very brooding!
    I am glad to hear the return to work went smoothly. Cx

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  14. susie31 May 2011 at 23:43

    Hi Andrea, I'm so glad you're feeling better !
    Congrats on your awards !
    Lot to read but I've very much enjoy it !
    Lovely pictures !
    Your cupcakes look delicious !

    I wish you a nice day :)

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  15. A Spoonful Of Sugar1 June 2011 at 10:45

    Those Nutella cakes look so delicious!

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  16. Anonymous1 June 2011 at 11:16

    Hi Andrea,
    Thank you so much for the award and the lovely comments you've left on my blog! I shall have to get my thinking cap on to come up with some facts to share.
    Those cakes look amazing and I'm glad you're on the mend. Take it easy!
    poppy.

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  17. Tina1 June 2011 at 18:05

    Hi Andrea,
    Wow, those cakes look divine. I have to confess I am interested in anything about Jack the Ripper. I think it is all the mystery around him that make me want to know more and more.
    xx

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  18. Sandra1 June 2011 at 22:15

    Ooo! Thankyou very much for the award! How exciting! I am very behind myself with blogging so might have to give this some thought... Enjoyed your facts, brought back some memories - how slim is Jools?!!
    Glad all going ok getting back to work. x

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  19. chrisartist2 June 2011 at 01:40

    Good luck with the job Andrea.
    Your cakes look so yummy.
    Thinking of you
    Chris

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  20. Stacey @ bakercourt2 June 2011 at 11:47

    Nutella Cakes! And my first award! Hurrah! You're wonderful, Andrea, thank you very, very much.
    p.s: I completely agreed with ALL OF YOUR amazing 'facts about me' - there's something so particularly wonderful about pop up books! :) :) :)
    Thank you again, and much love from Bakercourt x

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  21. Susan T2 June 2011 at 18:34

    Hi Andrea.

    Sorry you have been tagged - yet more info required! please see my post today. I do understand if you are too busy though. Hope you have had a good week at work.

    Ps Bookmark didn't arrive!!! boo hoo!

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  22. gillyflower7 June 2011 at 09:41

    Congratulations on your blog award(s)Andrea!!
    Glad to hear you are pleased to be back at work for what it means to you.
    Those muffins look yummy!
    Enjoyed reading the interesting facts about you! Am always amazed at the "secret lives" of bloggers!

    Gill xx

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  23. kelly8 June 2011 at 17:59

    great mix of facts! thank you for passing the award onto me, i'll have to get my thinking cap on! i've just made some biscuits but fancy cakes now after seeing yours!
    Kellyx

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  24. Carole23 March 2012 at 23:36

    Great to see that you like cryptics. You probably don't need it but you might like to look at my series on solving cryptic crossword clues. It has now turned into a daily clue series. This is where you can find the very first one http://caroleschatter.blogspot.co.nz/2012/01/cryptic-crosswords-solving-hints-1.html
    If you aren't already into this sort of puzzle, give it a go. I find them much more satisfying than ordinary crosswords.

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment here - I love to read what you have to say! x

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