Bye!

I've decided to stop writing this blog. When I began my blogs I had the need to write somewhere, anywhere as a creative outlet and as a way of replacing my MA classes.

Now I've found my stride as a 'graduate' writer (i.e. one that doesn't need the support of my classmates) I no longer need them. I've also got so much going on that I can't fully maintain them as they deserve to be.

So, dear reader, this will be my last blog on here. If you'd still like a peek into my brain then follow me on tumblr instead.

Stay happy,

WG x

P.S I'll continue to feature a cat of the week on my tumblr page x

*Cat of the Week - Greta*

This week's featured kitty is Greta a lovely grey and white domestic short hair who arrived at the home on the 15th of July through no fault of her own.

Greta is sadly blind in both eyes and so needs a home that is completely secure and doesn't have any stairs.

Due to her sight problems, she isn't suitable to be re-homed in a place with children but she's affectionate and will make someone special a lovely pet.

Click here to see more!

Stay happy,

WG x

No more sugar for my sweet!

So, Rule Three of the BBD is No Sugar.

Nooooooooooooooooooooo!! Not sugar!

Oh yes, it has to go! Foods that are high in sugar are also high in calories and we all know if you eat loads of refined sugar you'll also gain weight.

But it's all so yummy!

But it also won't make you slim!

Hmph, okay then....

So, foods to avoid are:

• Biscuits
• Cakes
• Cereal bars
• Chocolate (don't cry, it's only two weeks!)
• Golden syrup
• Granulated, caster or brown sugar - and this includes in your tea or coffee! Sorry!
• Honey
• Ice cream
• Ice lollies
• Jam
• Lollipops
• Maple syrup
• Sugary breakfast cereals
• Fizzy drinks
• Sweets (boo!)

Chin up!

Stay happy,

WG x

Recipe Two: Easy Mushroom and Prawn Risotto

I LOVE this recipe, it's really yummy and I was surprised by how simple it was to make. The original recipe uses chicken instead of prawns but that was all I had in the fridge so I just slung them in! I've also added far more garlic than Anna's recipe to give it a bit more oomph!

So, here we go...

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp of olive oil.
• 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped.
• 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed (don't be scared!)
• 1 stick of celery, trimmed and sliced.
• 10-12 chesnut mushrooms, washed and sliced.
• 75g of Arborio risotto rice.
• 450ml hot chicken stock.
• 1 pack of peeled and cooked prawns.

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a medium pan.
2. Gently fry the onion, garlic and celery for 6-8 minutes until softened.
3. Add the mushrooms and fry for a further 3 minutes.
4. Tip the rice into the pan and stir for a few seconds.
5. Carefully pour in the stock, stir well and bring to a simmer.
6. Cook for 15-18 minutes, stirring regularly until the rice softens.
7. Add the prawns and heat through for 3 minutes.
8. Spoon into a warm bowl and serve.

Enjoy!

Stay happy,

WG x

Send the milk back to the cow!

Rule Two of the BBD is No Dairy.

Aside from the inevitable sugar cravings, it's the dairy rule that I struggle most with. Because, well, I have a confession to make...

My name is Writer Girl and I'm addicted to cheese. Seriously.

So, why can't I eat cheese or anything cow-related for the next two weeks?

Because dairy products are full of fat and sugar. So, if you want to lose weight, they're off the menu. Boo.

Foods to avoid are:

• Cheese (noooooooo!).
• Full fat milk.
• Cream.
• Yoghurt.
• Cottage cheese.
• Cream cheese.
• Crème fraiche.
• Yogurt drinks.

However, the only exception to the no dairy rule is that you are allowed 300ml (or half a pint) of skimmed milk a day to put into tea, coffee or to use on porridge.

And that's that!

Stay happy,

WG x

Recipe One - Chunky Vegetable Soup

The first recipe I've used from the BBD is the chunky vegetable soup and it's so easy to make and yummy to eat that I thought I'd share it with you all!

So, here goes!

Ingredients:

• 1 litre of cold water.
• 1 vegetable stock cube.
• 400g can of chopped tomatoes.
• 2 teaspoons of mixed herbs.
• 1 teaspoon of chilli in a tube or half a fresh chopped chilli.
• 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped.
• 1 tablespoon of tomato puree.
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped.
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped.
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped.
• 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and chopped.
• 2 medium courgettes, diced.
• 3 sticks of celery, chopped.

Method:

1. Pour the water into a large saucepan and bring to a simmer.
2. Crumble over the stock cube and stir until dissolved.
3. Add all the remaining ingredients, except the courgettes, and simmer
4. Gently simmer the vegetables for five minutes then add the courgettes and cook for a further 8-10 minutes until all the vegetables are soft.
5. Season with lots of black pepper and serve with a slice of rye bread.

Yum!

Stay happy,

WG x

Thou Shall Not Eat...Wheat!

Rule one of the BBD (Body Blitz Diet) is No Wheat.

Wheat is often what causes people to bloat - I know it does that to me! - and it is present in many foods that people binge on.

Foods to avoid when following this rule are:

• Batter
• Biscuits (boo!)
• Bread (apart from rye bread)
• Breaded fish or scampi
• Buns
• Cakes
• Chicken nuggets
• Couscous
• Cookies
• Crackers
• Croissants
• Crumpets (my personal favourite, it's going to be hard to stay away!)
• Egg noodles
• Garlic bread
• Melba toast
• Muffins
• Packet sauce mixes
• Pasta
• Pastry
• Pies
• Pizza (noooooooooo!)
• Rolls
• Sausages
• Stuffing mixture
• Some breakfast cereals
• Wheat flour
• Yorkshire puddings

Gluten-free products are also out as they are easy to binge on and they can still be high in fat and sugar. The best way to lose weight effectively is just to avoid these foods altogether. After all, it's only for two weeks so it should be do-able, right?

So, what can you eat?

To fill the gap left by bread, pasta etc, eat foods made with oats, maize (sweetcorn), pulses, rye and rice.

Foods you can eat whilst following this rule are:

• Barley couscous
• Borlotti beans
• Butter beans
• Chickpeas
• Corn cakes
• Kidney beans
• Lentils
• Oatmeal
• Porridge oats
• Rice cakes (surprisingly, these aren't that bad!)
• Rice noodles
• Rice - any kind
• Rye bread
• Rye crispbread

So, this is the first rule of the BBD, I'll post about the other four over the coming days.

Stay happy,

WG x

*Cat of the Week - Georgia*

This is Georgia, she's 10, a semi long hair and isn't she lovely?!

Female ginger cats are really rare, generally the ginger gene only comes out in males - just as the tortie gene generally only comes out in females - so Georgia is extra special!

She arrived at the Bath Cats and Dog's Home on the 1st of June this year and, because she is still a new arrival, if you want to see her then you'll need to ask at reception.

Click here to find out more!

Stay happy,

WG x

P.S. Click here to see all the amazing animals that the home have managed to find owners for in the last two weeks! X

It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new diet for me...

...and I'm feeling goooooooooood!

Soooo, I have a *bit* of a confession to make. After I got down to my goal weight I fell ENTIRELY off the wagon and have consequently put back on half a stone.

Fail.

I had been feeling a bit down and irritated with myself and then last week I shook it all off and decided to do something about it. I mean, I've lost weight before so I can do it again, right?

This time around I've decided to go for a more structured way of doing it, that way I know it works and I like having rules and boundaries to work within. That's just the way I roll!

So, which plan to pick?

I considered options like Weight Watchers or Slimming World but the thought of having to sit around with loads of other people and discuss my shortcomings just made me cringe. Then I turned to the internet, looking up diet books and plans and trying to find one that wouldn't drive me insane.

On Amazon I came across the Anna Richardson Body Blitz Diet which promises to help you lose up to 7lbs in just two weeks. Perfect! I'm going on holiday this summer and would really like to not be the whale on the beach!

All the reviews were positive and I like Richardson already, she came across as frank and likeable on both the Sex Education Show and her stints on Supersize vs. Superskinny.

So I ordered the book and was surprised when it arrived the next day. Settling down to read it (with a packet of biscuits for company) I loved how direct and true it was in style and the diet itself seems do-able with just five simple rules to follow for 14 days:

1. No Wheat.
2. No Dairy.
3. No Sugar.
4. No Carbs (after 6pm).
5. No Alcohol.

I think I can handle this for two weeks and have already taken my mugshot, as recommended by Richardson so that I can compare it when my fourteen days are up.

I'm starting tomorrow and already have my meal plan for the week and a simple exercise plan to work alongside it.

I'll update this blog every couple of days (promise!) to let you all know if it's any good and fingers crossed I'll shift some flab!

Stay happy,

WG x

P.S. How good does Richardson look on the cover?!

*Cat of the Week - Stripes*

I love an unusual cat and Stripes is certainly that!

Pure white with those beautiful green eyes, she's eye catching and was very friendly when I went up to the cat home last week. I almost took her home but Little Cat would never forgive me!

Not a lot is known about Stripes at the moment (apart from the fact that she needs a better and more appropriate name!) but she arrived at the home on the 17th of May and is thought to be around two years old.

For more information on this lovely little creature, click here.

Stay happy,

WG x

*Cat of the Week - Blue*

Cat of the week this week is one of the most unusual cats that I've come across in a really long time.

Blue is a six year old Siamese who arrived at Bath Cats and Dogs Home on the 19th of March this year. He was brought in through no fault of his own and is a friendly, vocal boy who loves fuss and attention.

Highly intelligent, he gets bored easily and needs a home with plenty going on and a scratching post to avoid too much carpet damage!

He doesn't get on with dogs and any children would need to be over eight years old.

I went down to the home last Sunday with a friend and we met Blue who is far more beautiful in person than in his pictures. He was very friendly and came up to the glass to say hello and play with his toys.

If you're interested in adopting Blue or know someone who might, click here to find out more about him.

Stay happy,

WG x

Just Dance!

There is a new love in my life and it's called Zumba!

With two weeks between jobs and a holiday in the sun coming up, I decided it was time to step up my fitness regime. The Wii Active is still a big part of that but I needed something new to add to the mix. With this in mind I headed to my local gym and grabbed a list of their exercise classes.

I have a very short attention span and so the gym on it's own will never work for me. I need a variety of classes with different styles, tempos and levels of difficulty to keep me interested and keep me going back week after week.

I tried salsacise, kick boxing, thai chi and yoga and enjoyed them all in their own ways - particularly the salsacise. Thai chi was something that I didn't really expect to engage with but I found it really calming and a great way to get my thoughts together.

The biggest success of the week however was the Zumba class. I had NO idea what it was or what it would involve but it was at a time I could make and it was something new so I went for it!

Zumba is a fusion of all dance styles all slammed together and topped with LOADS of attitude. We did some salsa, some hip hop, some pop, some meringue, some street dance and even some belly dancing! It was hard work but I didn't even notice how hot and sweaty (mmm, tasty!) I was until the end of the class.

It was brilliant fun and I'd highly recommend to everyone to find a class near them, I'll be going back every week!

Stay happy,

WG x

P.S. Check out this video for an idea of what a class is like!

YAY!

You might remember a special blog I posted a little while ago about a little cutie of a Jack Russell called Kush.

He had been cruelly abandoned by his owners just because he had a broken leg and they didn't want to pay the vet bills. Awful.

Well, today I went onto the Bath Cats and Dogs Home website and....HE'S FOUND A HOME!

Once treatment for his leg has been completed and once his new owners have been through all the necessary checks then he'll be able to curl up in a home of his own with people who love him.

So happy!

If/when more details are put up about his new family I'll let you know!

Stay happy!

WG x

*Cat(s) of the Week - Chillie and Pepper*

Housing older cats can be very difficult as people tend to automatically go for kittens or younger cats that they can make more 'their own'. Another problem facing animal centres is when cats (and dogs) are found in pairs or threes and so must be rehomed together.

So, what happens when you have a pair of thirteen year old brothers who need a home together?

That's why I want to highlight Chillie and Pepper this week, two lovely little cats (I would know, I've met them and almost bought them home!) who have to be kept together.

Just because they're older doesn't make them any less affectionate and in need of love in the later part of their lives.

They arrived at Bath Cats and Dogs Home on the twenty-first of February, having lived solely in a utility room for their entire lives.

Pepper (the black short hair) is very laid back and seems to be a support for the more timid Chillie (the long haired tortie). They need a quiet and settled home, ideally without children as Chillie is often frightened by loud noises.

If you'd like to give these older boys a home or know someone who might, click here to find out more!

Thanks,

Stay happy,

WG x

A new season...

I was thinking more about cycles and transitions this week and one thing that I've noticed starting to shift these days is my dress sense.

Now, before you roll your eyes and skip onto the next blog, let me reassure you that this isn't going to turn into yet another blog about how to dress and accessories perfectly. I have no issue with those blogs, each to their own of course, but I am not the kinda girl to be giving out fashion advice!

I can usually be found in my standard uniform of jeans, t-shirt (occasionally a vest top and cardie, if I'm feeling adventurous!) and either converse or black ballet flats. The only accessory I usually wear is my watch and occasionally the ring my mother gave me for my 21st birthday. And I'm usually perfectly happy with that, what I'm wearing not being high up on my list of priorities.

However, in the last couple of weeks something has started to change when I'm out shopping. Instead of just doing a quick sweep then getting bored and heading for the sweet shop (by the way, if you're ever in Bath the sweet shop is incredible!) I've been paying a bit more attention to the mannequins, trying on more stuff and actually enjoying the process of shopping.

What I'm trying to get at is that whilst I'll never be a fashionista in skinny jeans or the kind of person who co-ordinates on a daily basis, I do feel like I'm starting to move away from the student uniform and towards something a little more...grown up.

Who knew, huh?

Stay happy,

WG x

P.S. Please, please, please take a look at Kush and if you know of anyone who might like to take him home please please PLEASE contact the Bath Cats and Dogs Home! Thanks x

A special blog....please help!

This is Kush, a six month old Jack Russell Terrier who arrived at the Bath Cats and Dogs Home on the 15th of March this year.

As you know, I don't usually feature dogs (I love dogs just as much as cats but since I've had Little Cat I've focussed on helping to re-home her feline friends!) but he caught my eye on the website, simply because he is so tiny and has such a sad story!

Click here to see his full story and to find out how to adopt him and take him home.

Please take a look, he could be the puppy for you!

Stay happy,

WG x

*Cat of the Week - Dali*

This is Dali, isn't she a sweetheart?

I haven't done one of these for a while so I thought I'd go back to Bath Cats and Dogs Home to find this week's furry friend!

Dali is a twelve year old domestic short hair who arrived at the centre on the 19th of April this year.

The centre describe her as 'a shy, sweet older cat who would like a quiet home' and she is suitable for family where any children are over the age of ten.

Interested in giving Dali a home in her older years?

Just click here for more information!

Thank you,

WG x

Transitions...

Isn't Bath beautiful? This was in Victoria Park today, one of my favourite spots in the city.

So, I haven't blogged in quite a while, woops!

Life has rather overtaken writing recently but in the next few weeks that should all settle down and then I'll be able to be up and blogging as normal!

I've been thinking a lot about change and transitions lately, this might sound a bit 'hippy' but I've been thinking about how circular life is and how everyone eventually goes through all the same things.

For example, my youngest sister is about to turn 18 and is now faced with the same choices that I was at her age; should she go to uni? If she doesn't, what will she do? Which job does she want to head towards? Should she stay at home or move out? At 18 I was a very timid, home-centred girl who reluctantly went to uni and cried for about the first week solid! It turned out to be the best experience of my whole life and one that has had a massive hand in shaping the person I'm turning into. But what if I hadn't gone to uni? Would I still have found my love of writing? Or would I be doing something completely different? Would I have had a baby? Or gone travelling?

I'll never know the answers to those questions but looking backwards is helping me to look forward as I make new choices for the next stage of my life. It helps to know that whatever I choose, it will all work in the end!

I'm well aware that I'm rambling, sorry!

Food-wise, I've been dire the last three weeks! This week has been better as I've made a conscious effort to get my five a day, drink plenty of water and have six small meals instead of three large ones. I've also decided not to drink alcohol for a while (don't read into that, I'm just trying to be healthy!) and to get exercising an awful lot more.

This has been a bit of a fragmented post so I'll end it with a list,

Stay happy,

WG x

Things I'm loving:

• Spring has finally sprung! Thank goodness! My mood is always affected by the weather so extra sun means extra smiles!
• My boy - he bought me the most beautiful bunch of flowers this week and is just generally the best and most supportive man I've ever come across :)
• Mint chocolate mousse - okay, so not the best thing to eat to stay slim but sooooooo good!
• Rainbow nails - I'm not one for loads of make-up but I'm loving pastel nail varnish at the moment. I couldn't choose between green, pink, blue, yellow or lilac...so I got them all!
• I'll be starting my new job in just two weeks! Sooooooo excited!
• Little Cat - She's started sleeping on my chest, under the duvet. Super cute!

Things I'm loathing:

• Petrol prices - what the hell?!

These are a few of my favourite things...

I've been on a real nostalgia trip recently, watching old movies (such as The Sound of Music as you can probably tell from the title of this post!) and reading books that I used to love. I've also been baking a lot more and I've been trying out some tastes that evoke the memories. I'll post some recipes soon, promise!

Sorry for the radio silence, life has overtaken my writing but I'm hoping that once I start my new job I'll have more time for everything else. Three day week, woop!

In the meantime, here are some blogs and tumblrs that I really like and follow closely. They are all written by very talented and interesting writers and seem to reflect the homey, comforting feeling that I've been carrying around lately.

• Annabel's House is written by a friend of mine and is all about her new life in the country. She's also posted a couple of very tasty recipes that I know first-hand are delicious!
• Dear Baby is written by a young American woman who talks about her experiences of raising her first child. It's full of gorgeous pictures and interesting insights to what motherhood is like. I always look forward to her posts.
• Sort of Glamorous and Kind of Awful is an eclectic mix of pictures, poetry and musings written by a very insightful young woman. I like this tumblr in particular because you never know what is going to come up on it.
• The Last Five Minutes is a journalist written blog that mixes topical posts with random facts. This has a slightly harder edge to it than the others but it's often very funny and informative.
• Beautifully Awkward hasn't been updated in a while but it's all about art and, as an artistically-challenged individual (I got a D on my GCSE level Art!) I find it interesting to read about a world I know almost nothing about.
• And finally, Sometimes I Will Put Things Here started out as a random collection of thoughts but has now been turned into a dream journal. I find it interesting to see what goes on in other people's heads!

So, there's my list! Don't forget to take a look at my Tumblr if you get a minute, I use it to post random pictures that catch my eye or to put up quotes or ideas that occur to me throughout the day.

I will write a proper blog soon, my diet has been very bad for the last couple of weeks but I plan to get back on track ASAP and will let you know how it goes!

Stay happy,

WG x

Introducing...Little Cat!

So, this is my Little Cat!

I adopted her from Bath Cats and Dogs Home in August last year and she has very quickly become a major part of my life. I can't actually remember what life was like before her! She can be very naughty (scratching the sofa and bringing in small animals at random times of the day/night!) but she is also such a little cutie that I'm very rarely angry for long! As I write, she's curled up on my feet making little snoring sounds and occasionally chasing mice in her sleep! Love her!

In other news, I started my Half Marathon training this week. It confirmed what I already knew - I'm NOT a natural runner! I marked out a one mile route in my car and have then run/walked it every day. I'm now able to run most of it - well, more than I did on day one! I'm not sure how I'm going to fit it around work this week but I'll give it a go and see what happens!

I'm pretty sure that I'll need a knee support, it's been very achy this week. I have an old dance injury that makes it weaker than it should be so I'll be off to the sports shop at the weekend to find out how best to strap it up. I also got a swanky armband for my iPod so I can listen to some tunage as I suffer! So far I've found that Alexandra Burke's and Cheryl Cole's albums are best, they have a good steady beat to them!

Anyway, I just wanted to check in and introduce my Little Cat!

Stay happy,

WG x

Success!

I got on the scales this morning and...I'M NOW NINE STONE! YESSSSSSSSSSS!

This means that after months of exercising and being careful with what I eat, I'm finally back to my pre-illness weight! Woop woop!

Of course, now I have to maintain that weight which could prove to be just as tough as losing it but I'm up for the challenge!

I'm going to continue this blog, even though I've hit my target, and use it to chart my next challenge - the Bath Half Marathon!

Right now though, I'm off to dig out all the clothes that haven't fitted in months and dance around in them...see ya!

WG x

P.S That isn't a picture of my feet, wish I had PJ's like that though!

*Cat of the Week - Mr Majestic*

This week's moggie comes from North Wales and is desperate for a new home! (And I won't lie...I have to admit that I chose him for Cat of the Week mainly because of his awesome name!)

WG x

Mr Majestic

Mr Majestic is a lovely boy, he came into us as a stray from our animal hospital. He is long haired so will need regular grooming. He is good with other cats but will need a dog free home. He will be able to live with children all ages.

Location:

Bryn-y-Maen Animal Centre

Bryn-y-Maen

UPPER COLWYN BAY

LL28 5EJ

Contact details:

Telephone: 0300 123 0745

Opening hours:

11am - 4pm every day, closed Wed.

*Top Tip!*

Did you know that 100g of jelly has just 10 calories in it?!

Plus, if you add a little fruit to it then it counts as one of your five a day!

So, for a little treat that's low on calories but high in the mmmmmm factor, get wobbling!

WG x

Week Eight!

Well, what a week.

Things have been rather difficult the last couple of weeks and dieting and exercise have been the furthest things from my mind to be honest!

However, I'm a great believer in moving and looking forwards as much as possible and I always try to follow my dad's motto of 'nothing wasted'.

So, now it's time for a new challenge!

I've decided to sign myself up for the Bath Half Marathon in 2011! Trust me when I say that this is a huge challenge, I HATE running! But I want to give it a shot and I have a year to get ready for it so hopefully I'll be able to handle it...plus my brother is planning on doing the Reading Half Marathon so there is a little sibling rivalry going on as well!

I have a week off work booked in mid March and I plan to get training then, will the help of my dad's training regime. He runs full marathons a few times a year and has completed the Iron Man Competition so he knows what he's talking about!

This week is going to be all about detoxing my system, sorting my skin out (it's been somewhat neglected of late) and getting back into an exercise routine.

I'll let you know how it all goes...

WG x

*Cat of the Week - Smokie*

We're back at the Bath Cats and Dog's Home this week to meet Smokie, an elderly male cat looking for someone to love him...

Smokie

Meet Smokie; he is a twelve-year-old semi-longhaired grey and white neutered male cat that was brought back to us in early November 2009, after just two weeks as his owner couldn’t cope. Smokie is a friendly, affectionate nice natured lad who loves being fussed but will dribble with ecstasy. He is generally quite a laid-back, placid and easy-going chap that at his age just wants a nice retirement home to spend his days in. Smokie suffers with very stiff back legs and is finding it hard to get about so is seeking a ground floor flat or a bungalow as he was having difficulty with the stairs in his last home and perhaps needs to have a couple of litter trays available in different parts of the house that are easy for him to get to. Ideally the use of Feliway sprays/diffusers may help him cope with the stress of getting old and not being able to get to where he wants to be as quickly as he used to! Smokie will need a patient owner who is prepared to invest time and T.L.C. in him. He is good with other cats and gets on well with them but as a lad of senior years would like to spend his twilight years in a calm, quiet household where any children are aged 8+. If you are interested in adopting Smokie please ask about him as he is in Red Cattery and this is not on general public viewing. Can you give our good natured Smokie another chance of a loving home to spend his twilight years?

Smokie can be found in Red Cattery with ID number 16724

A Chinese-inspired recipe...and a quick update!

Hi All,

Sorry for the radio silence of the last week, things have been rather difficult at this end and blogging has been fairly low down on my list of priorities!

Normal blogging services will resume on Sunday but for now I thought I'd share a Chinese-inspired recipe that I used a few weeks ago.

Hope you like it!

WG x

Spicy Sweet and Sour Chicken Stew

This looks like it's difficult and complicated because it has a lot of ingredients but actually it's fairly simple! If I can manage it then I'm sure everyone else can!

Ingredients. (Serves One)

- 1 tbsp of olive oil.

- 2 chicken thighs, bone and skin left on.

- 1/2 an onion, finely chopped.

- 1/2 a sweet potato, peeled and chopped.

- 1 tsp of fresh grated ginger.

- 1/2 a red chilli, chopped. (I used a whole chilli as I like a bit of extra zing!)

- 2 tbsp of white wine.

- 1 tbsp of white wine vinegar.

- 4 tbsp of tomato puree.

- 1 tbsp of clear honey.

- 1 tsp of soy sauce.

- 1/4 of a green pepper, chopped.

- 2oz of fresh pineapple, peeled and chopped.

Method

1. Gently heat the olive oil in a pan or wok.
2. Add the chicken thighs and fry, skin-side down until golden and crispy.
3. Add the onion, sweet potato, grated ginger and chilli to the pan and fry for a further two minutes.
4. Add both the white wine and the white wine vinegar to the pan and cook until the liquid has reduced to half it's volume.
5. Add the tomato puree, honey and soy sauce and cover with a lid.
6. Simmer for 15 minutes, until the chicken has cooked through.
7. Remove the lid for the last five minutes, adding the pepper and pineapple.
8. Serve in a bowl and enjoy!

Week Six!

This week has been one of major ups and downs.

It started well with me going to see Drummer Boy play a really good gig in his home town, the first one that I'd seen in a few months. It's always fun going to watch him!

The week then took a definite turn for the worse on Tuesday when I got some very, very sad news. The news isn't mine to repeat so I'm not going to go into details, but I will say that it was a big shock and my heart goes out to those who are closely involved.

The rest of the week was a bit of a blur after that news, although I finally feel like I've settled into work and managed to find my feet a little bit.

Today is, of course, Valentines Day and so Drummer Boy and I are spending a quiet day together, reading, listening to music and playing Mario on the Wii. (Because that is how we roll!) Tonight we're going for a meal out and my diet will be flung firmly out of the window!

Food-wise I've been good for about 90% of the week, with just a small slip-up yesterday involving a large amount of profiteroles and chocolate sauce! But a girl can't be a saint all the time! The rest of the week has been a mixture of salad, beans on toast (good for protein!) and fruit as I didn't have the heart to really get cooking after the events of the week.

It's also Chinese New Year today (year of the Tiger I think?) so I'll be posting a Chinese inspired recipe in the next day or so.

If you get a moment take a look at Murdock, my cat of the week, he is such a cutie!

I hope everyone is having a nice Valentines Day, whether or not you're with someone. Just enjoy the day either way!

See you next week,

Writer Girl x

*Cat of the Week - Murdock*

This week we're in Wales at the Llys Nini RSPCA Centre to meet the brilliantly named Murdock.

Older cats are very difficult to rehome as people often want to go for a kitten or younger cat instead. Older cats also have a shorter life span and, often, health complaints that can make some people turn away.

But please don't!

These lovely animals need love and affection just as much as their younger counterparts!

So, meet Murdock...

At a glance

Type: Cat

Breed: Domestic Shorthair crossbreed

Colour: Tabby - White

Age: 8 Years (approx)

Ref: 27988

This is Murdock. As you can see he is a beautiful cat. He is approximately 8 years old. He has quite an independent nature and likes attention on his own terms. Having said that, he can be very friendly and often comes to you for attention and will jump up on your lap. A new owner will need to be aware that he is not a lap cat and will need to be given time and space in his new home.

If you're interested in adopting Murdock, please go to:

http://www.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/pets/rehoming/petsearch/details/-/Pet/MURDOCK/ref/27988/rehome/

Thanks,

WG x

Tomato and Basil Soup

I used this recipe before I got really ill last week and thought it was very tasty!

Ingredients (for four people)

- 1 tbsp of olive oil

- 1 large onion, diced

- 70g of ripe tomatoes

- 150ml of vegetable stock

- A 1 litre carton of tomato juice

- 15g of shredded basil leaves

Method

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan.
2. Add the onion and fry until soft.
3. Split the tomatoes into two lots. Half one lot.
4. Add the halved tomatoes to the pan and cook for five minutes, breaking down with a wooden spoon.
5. Pierce the remaining tomatoes and place them in a bowl of boiling water for two minutes.
6. Remove the skins, cut into chunks and remove the seeds.
7. Place the onion/tomato mixture into a blender with the stock and mix until smooth.
8. Pass the mixture through a sieve to get rid of any seeds then return to the pan with the tomato juice, half the basil and the chopped tomatoes.
9. Heat through and serve sprinkled with the remaining basil!

Yum yum!

Week Five!

There really is no place like home!

I had tonsilitus last week and my mum was lovely enough to come and get me and take me home. She was amazing all week and really took brilliant care of me!

Food-wise it's been practically non-existent as I've only been back on solid food for the last three days! I'm back in my cottage now - with a VERY happy Little Cat - so the diet restarts tomorrow!

I've just made a yummy salad to take to work this week with carrots, celery, pinenuts, lettuce, peppers, cucumbers, feta cheese and brown pasta which will get me off to a good start.

I have a really busy week coming up with 45 hours at work, Drummer Boy's gig tomorrow, an important book launch on Tuesday and a couple of job interviews thrown in for extra fun!

So, I'd better get some rest whilst I've got the chance!

I hope everyone had a better week than me and I'll see you all again in a few days!

Stay happy,

WG x

*Cat of the Week - Ruby and Davey*

I've decided that for the next little while, I'll be posting one (or two if they come in a pair) cat a week who are looking for a new home.

My Little Cat came from Bath Cats and Dogs Home and it was the best decision I ever made. It's a big step to get a pet as it's a massive responsibility but if you do decide to do it, adopting one that has been waiting for a new home and lots of love is often a good option.

I won't always be posting cats from Bath Cats and Dogs Home but it is, for obvious reasons, a place that is very close to my heart so that is where we'll be starting!

So, week one and it's Ruby and Davey that I'm focusing on!

Ruby and Davey

Can YOU offer Ruby and Davey a new loving home together? Meet Ruby and Davey; Ruby is a four and a half-year-old shorthaired speyed female cat; whereas Davey is an eight and a half-year-old neutered male cat. They were returned to us in July 2009 after six months due to a change of circumstances of their owners. Previously, Ruby arrived in January 2008, after being found living rough in a garden and Davey came in a month later after being found as a stray. They took a shine to each other and have spent the last eighteen months with each other so must be homed together. Davey is the more confident, out-going of the two but he is still a timid lad. However, he is so much better than he was eighteen months ago on arrival. Underneath that timid exterior is a sweet natured and curious cat desperate for a loving home environment and the chance of a ramble in the garden. Ruby is a very timid, scared little cat that tends to run and hide and needs someone to help bring her out of her shell. When the cattery is all quiet she enjoys a fuss but gets easily spooked! Ruby and Davey must be homed together for confidence to help bring out their true personalities. They are seeking experienced, patient owners who have the time and plenty of love and TLC. They don’t show themselves off well in the cattery, finding the environment very stressful. They are litter trained, but are looking for a new calm, quiet household without children. Can you give our timid pair a new home where they can get all the love and TLC they deserve as they obviously haven’t had a great deal of it in their lives?

Ruby and Davey can be found in New Cattery with ID number 12849 & 13135 WG x