http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/en-EUhttp://backend.userland.com/rss092http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/16/8f4ec1b1bd974fae750a6fb790b229_160x200.jpg <p>Meme of 20 questions....</p> <p>Sociable Quiz - 20 Questions</p> <p>1. Three names you go by, other than your given name:</p> <p>Hey, bitch...<br> Jenniebaby<br> Can't really think of any others - think they're all derivatives of my actual name (as, of course, is the one above) - I obviously don't inspire nicknames.</p> <p>2. Three screen names you've had:</p> <p>Jenniebaby (obviously)<br> MissWhiplash<br> Again - no others - I'm pretty consistent in my screen-namage.</p> <p>3. Three physical things you like about yourself:</p> <p>Hmm - I used to like my boobs, but they're sadly diminishing somewhat, so I guess:<br> Hairs (fairly shiny...)<br> Eyes (boring colour, but window to the soul and all)<br> Feet (I think I have quite nice feets, though they're a little larger than would be absolutely ideal)</p> <p>4. Three physical things you don't like about yourself:</p> <p>So many it's hard to choose - I'm sure that's the same for everyone.<br> Legs (too short and chubby)<br> Hips (least said about them, the better)<br> Arms (as above)</p> <p>5. Three parts of your heritage:</p> <p>My dad's family is Scottish (though you have to go back a generation or two).<br> My mum is Welsh<br> My great granny on my mum's side was from Northern Ireland.</p> <p>I'm properly British, I guess</p> <p>6. Three things you are wearing right now:</p> <p>Black tights<br> Black weekend skirt (ie entirely unsmart and doesn't really fit)<br> Black weekend top (as above)</p> <p>7. Three favourite bands/musical artists:</p> <p>I'm not very good at this kind of question, so I'm going to pretend I didn't see it</p> <p>8. Three favourite songs:</p> <p>At the moment, I'm all about Ariane et Barbe-Bleue as I'm trying to learn it and it's EXTREMELY difficult - maybe not exactly favourite, but definitely something I'm singing and listening to quite a lot right now.<br> I love the duet 'A Boy Like That' from Westside Story - I'd drop everything to sing either Maria or Anita in that pretty much any time.<br> Oh I don't know - maybe something festive, as it's 'nearly' Christmas - these things vary from day to day, y'know...?</p> <p>9. Three things you want in a relationship:</p> <p>To be happy and stable and to have fun.</p> <p>10. Three physical things about the preferred sex that appeal to you:</p> <p>Don't think I have specific things (man, I'm bad at this meme) - I just need compatibility with me <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>11. Three of your favourite hobbies:</p> <p>I like to sing, bake and be Outside.</p> <p>12. Three things that scare you:</p> <p>Being lost, shopkeepers and the future.</p> <p>13. Three of your everyday essentials:</p> <p>Bath/showering, family and insulin.</p> <p>14. Three places you want to go on holiday:</p> <p>My Happy Place (in Suffolk), Japan and the IceHotel.</p> <p>15. Three nicknames you like:</p> <p>This is a weird question...</p> <p>16. Three careers you have considered/are considering:</p> <p>Accountancy (never been quite sure how that one happened), singing and housewifery.</p> <p>17. Three ways you are stereotypically a man:</p> <p>I'm NOT a man.<br> I quite like DIY, driving and gadgets though - do those count.</p> <p>18. Three ways you are stereotypically a woman:</p> <p>I worry about how clean the flat is (though rarely do anything about it), bake lots and am obsessive about shiny kitchen things.</p> <p>19. Three things you want to do before you die:</p> <p>Be happy.<br> Fulfill my Potential.<br> See what happens with the Little Dude (my small nephew) as he gets older.</p> <p>20. Three things you want to do really badly right now:</p> <p>Go to bed.<br> Eat/drink something sugary.<br> Have a bath.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/11/14/lazy-lazy-lazy-blogging-7374782/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/11/14/lazy-lazy-lazy-blogging-7374782/Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:56:44 +0100 <p>Maybe <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/gallery/2009/nov/06/miniature-animals-pets?picture=355226553">this</a> could be Marmaduke? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/11/06/a-new-approach-7319973/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/11/06/a-new-approach-7319973/Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:11:37 +0100 <p>1. Do you have a favourite part of autumn?</p> <p>I love autumn because it's beautiful <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"><br> It's not my actual favourite season (that's reserved for winter) but I love the colours and scrunchiness.<br> Oooh - and it also contains bonfire night <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>2. "It's too cold to snow!" Do you think it ever is?</p> <p>No - this is just wrong.<br> Either it's above freezing or it's below.<br> Can be the wrong kind of cold, I guess - there has to be wetness for snow, but is never actually 'too cold'.</p> <p>3. Do you feel there is still a place for British Summer Time or should we just stop changing the clocks?</p> <p>I don't have a problem with it - I think it generally works pretty well.</p> <p>4. Are there certain meals you only eat in certain seasons (salad in summer, stew in winter)?</p> <p>Up to a point, yes. I try to eat things that are local(ish) and seasonal, so by definitiion, there will be some things which I eat in each season.<br> At the moment I'm existing on mainly squash <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> And also game...</p> <p>5. Autumn is...? </p> <p>Beautiful <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/11/06/friday-five-7318346/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/11/06/friday-five-7318346/Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:24:25 +0100 <p>1. Are you superstitious?</p> <p>Not particularly, I don't think.</p> <p>2. Are you attending or hosting a halloween party this year?</p> <p>Yep <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"><br> We're off to <a href="https://twitter.com/MsMarmitelover">Ms MarmiteLover's</a> Generic Wizard <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/oct/25/harry-potter-lawyers-ban-restaurant">night</a> at the <a href="http://marmitelover.blogspot.com/">Underground Restaurant</a> and then maybe heading off to LBF's brother's party <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>3. What's your favourite scary movie?</p> <p>Ooh - hard one - I love scary movies... My favourites generally are the 'religious thrillers' - I like some nice priest/demon action, y'know? I also have a soft spot for the modern Japanese horror films - lots of those are genuinely terrifying. But overall, at the moment, I think my favourite is <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Eye-Collectors-DVD-Angelica-Lee/dp/B0002VF5UC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1256998499&sr=1-3">The Eye</a> - I saw it in the cinema a few years ago (when it came out) and I thought it was awesome.</p> <p>4. Trick or Treat?</p> <p>No thanks - I hate trick or treating - it's extortion.</p> <p>5. The best Halloween costume is...?</p> <p>Mine, hopefully - may make pictures later ) </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/31/jennie-s-scary-friday-five-7280945/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/31/jennie-s-scary-friday-five-7280945/Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:16:33 +0100 <p>As recommended <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/oct/16/chocolate-recipes-chocolate">here</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/pie/4037998" title="Pie"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/998/4037998_9debdde9f5_m.jpeg" alt="Pie"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/25/salty-chocolate-caramel-pecan-pie-7237958/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/25/salty-chocolate-caramel-pecan-pie-7237958/Sun, 25 Oct 2009 01:05:46 +0200 <p>... what shall I roast on Sunday (for 4-6 people)??</p> <p>V hard to decide.</p> <p>Am also planning to make yorkshire puddings (regardless of whether or not we have beef), many vegetables and possibly multiple types of potato.<br> And pie. Chocolate salty pecan pie. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/21/ooh-and-also-7215415/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/21/ooh-and-also-7215415/Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:01:13 +0200 <p>But not with actual giants, I'm afraid...</p> <p>First of all - thank you all you lovely people who commented on the last post - I wasn't fishing for compliments, was genuinely wondering whether I'd inadvertantly offended anyone - I'm not the master of tact and diplomacy always and it has been known in the past... Anyway, am no wiser, so think might just chalk it up as being 'one of those things'.</p> <p>And so to the update.<br> Have been v slack bloggette recently (and possibly forever <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> ) so I thought I'd briefly fill you in on the Fascinating Story of My Life (anyone who doesn't care, please feel free to imagine that this post ends here.)</p> <p>Last week was LBF's 30 birthday (my ToyBoy <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> ), so we spent much of the week in celebration...<br> On the actual day, we both celebrated by going to work and I went the extra mile by also going to a rehearsal and not getting home till about 10.30pm. We did some <i>actual</i> celebration by drinking a (rather delightful) bottle of 1979 Bollinger (same age as him), which was pretty exciting - I've never had anything like it before (and quite likely never will again).<br> I got him a splendid whisky too - not quite as old (1984 I think) from a distillery that no longer exists - which I'm very much looking forward to <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>We went out to Terroirs wine bar/restaurant on Friday for late birthday dinner, which was an utterly splendid experience that I can wholly recommend to anyone.<br> They have a great selection of wine by the glass, lovely mini (kind of tapas-style, I guess) French plates o'stuff and a delightfully French (although extremely helpful) waiting staff and all for a very reasonable price.<br> We ate and drank loads and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.<br> We're now just debating how short a time we can reasonably wait before going back again <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>There was also a Birthday Pub Crawl on Saturday, for which I was present about half of the time, but which has been deemed to have been a roaring success by all attendees.<br> There were crispy quails, cocktails, beer, cake and pie. Oh. And Singstar. Need I say more <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>That's it, I think.<br> My life to date.<br> Hope everyone else is ok and having fun.</p> <p>In other news - I am addicted to Masterchef again (goddammit).<br> Though, due to rehearsal commitments, am going to miss final final tomorrow.<br> So, until I have time to catch up on the iPlayer (which has finally been hooked up to my TV by way of laptop and multiple cables), you'll all have to keep the winner a secret from me.<br> Though I bet it's that annoying girl. She's done really well for the last couple of days. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/21/giant-catch-up-7215389/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/21/giant-catch-up-7215389/Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:57:56 +0200 <p>I seem to be being removed from friends lists quite a lot at the moment....</p> <p>You'd tell me if I did something bad, right?</p> <p>If I've said the wrong thing, I certainly didn't mean to - sorry if I've offended anyone... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/19/have-i-done-something-bad-7199591/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/19/have-i-done-something-bad-7199591/Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:42:13 +0200 <p>I am a greedy little sloth <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> Greed: Medium   Gluttony: Low   Wrath: Low   Sloth: Medium   Envy: Low   Lust: Low   Pride: Very Low   <br><br> <a href="http://www.4degreez.com/misc/seven_deadly_sins.html">Discover Your Sins - Click Here</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/15/because-everyone-s-doing-or-probably-done-it-7173833/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/15/because-everyone-s-doing-or-probably-done-it-7173833/Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:29:25 +0200 <p>Am all preserved out...</p> <p>Apple and mint jelly and strawberry jam look super-awesome and marmalade looks lovely, though am slightly concerned about how well it will set - hopefully well...</p> <p>Lavender cakes also look lovely, at least - hopefully they will taste ok too.</p> <p>Have eaten an awful lot of squashes this weekend.</p> <p>Think maybe I should have a small shower now, and head to bed - mustn't forget to go to work tomorrow - shiny new week and all that.</p> <p>LBF comes home tomorrow evening <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Night all... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/04/phew-7099569/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/04/phew-7099569/Sun, 04 Oct 2009 22:46:41 +0200 <p>15. What's your most annoying habit?</p> <p>Ooh - I'm pretty sure I have hundreds - it's hard for me to tell - they don't annoy me <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"><br> I feel bad about singing in the flat - I'm sure it drives everyone bats...</p> <p>16 Where did you last go on vacation?</p> <p>I was in Suffolk in the summer (and once or twice since then, too)</p> <p>17. What is your best physical feature?</p> <p>Dunno - again, hard for me to judge....</p> <p>18. What CD is closest to you right now?</p> <p>Hmmm... iPods etc have a bit killed CDs in this flat. I can see a box set of the Ring Cycle from here well enough to read the label, so I nominate that...</p> <p>19.What 3 things can always be found in your refrigerator?</p> <p>Insulin<br> Diet Cokes<br> Anonymous jars of stock (v annoying for anyone who isn't me...) <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>20 What superstition do you believe/practice?</p> <p>Don't know really - I like to think that if you're nice to people, people will generally be nice back - does that count?</p> <p>21. What color are your bed sheets?</p> <p>White right now - we also have various pinks (to match the walls) and some loud spotty ones.</p> <p>22. Would you rather be a fish or a bird?</p> <p>I'm a pretty good swimmer as it is, so probably a bird - then I could fly <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>23. Last thing you broke?</p> <p>Almost certainly a wine glass - we get through an awful lot of those....</p> <p>24 What are you having to eat tonight?</p> <p>I'm off to the farmers' market in a minute, so probably something from there - hopefully something squash based <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>25. What color shirt are you wearing?</p> <p>Pink...</p> <p>26. If you could be doing anything else today, what would you rather be doing?</p> <p>Actually - I'm pretty happy to be marketing, jamming and baking.... I miss LBF though - would be nice if he was here to 'help'.</p> <p>27. Do security cameras make you nervous?</p> <p>I have no feelings about them at all.</p> <p>28. If you wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?</p> <p>My life is insufficiently interesting to warrant a book.</p> <p>29. Last time you went to a cemetery?</p> <p>I walked through one when I was on holiday</p> <p>30. Last concert you went to?</p> <p>Ages ago - some friends did an Opera Gala thing in the summer - probably that.</p> <p>31. Favorite musician(s)/bands you've seen in concert?</p> <p>ERIC!!!!!</p> <p>32. Next concert you're planning to attend?</p> <p>Don't know - I'm doing one in December. Most likely there'll be things before that too, I suppose.</p> <p>33. Do you talk to yourself?</p> <p>A worrying amount.</p> <p>34. Have you ever adopted or purchased a pet?</p> <p>I adopted the kittehs for LBF almost 2 years ago <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>35. Have you ever been present when an animal is being born?</p> <p>I saw a cow being born once - was awesome <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/04/meme-part-7095296/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/04/meme-part-7095296/Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:50:00 +0200 <p>Lavender cup cakes - what do you think?</p> <p>Will they be tasty?</p> <p>Am sure they'll be pretty....</p> <p>More importantly - if I make some today and take them to work tomorrow, will people eat them?</p> <p>So many hard decisions to make <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/04/quick-survey-opinions-please-7095175/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/04/quick-survey-opinions-please-7095175/Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:32:57 +0200 <p>Pinched from Gilraen and QM...</p> <p>1. Is there anybody you just wish would fall off the planet?</p> <p>I don't think so, no... That seems a wee bit extreme.</p> <p>2. How do you flush the toilet in public?</p> <p>The usual way - what a strange question...</p> <p>3. Do you wear your seatbelt in the car?</p> <p>Of course.</p> <p>4. Do you have a crush on someone?</p> <p>Only LBF - does it count if it's public?<br> Oh - and maybe Angelina a little bit <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>5. Name one thing you worry about running out of.</p> <p>So many options.... Temper, patience, goodwill, insulin....?</p> <p>6. What famous person do you (or other people) think you resemble?</p> <p>Can't think of any particularly - LBF thinks that I have archetypal English colouring, whatever that means....</p> <p>7. What is your favorite pizza topping?</p> <p>Hmmm - it's been a while since i had pizza. I like 'em spicy and preferably with black olives. Oooh and artichoke hearts <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>8. Do you crack your knuckles?</p> <p>Nope - and it makes me wince when other people do...</p> <p>9. What song do you hate the most?</p> <p>The Backrub song - ugh ugh ugh!</p> <p>10. Did just mentioning that song make it get stuck in your head?</p> <p>A little bit, yes <img src="/img/smilies/icon_cry.gif" alt=":'(" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>11.What are your super powers?</p> <p>I don't know.... The power of cake perhaps? Or pie?</p> <p>12 Peppermint or spearmint?</p> <p>I don't really like mint.<br> Though I am weirdly addicted to chewing gum - I like the light blue Orbit, whichever kind that is. Or, not exactly like, you know...</p> <p>13.Where are your car keys?</p> <p>In my bag. Should I tell people this? You might come round and steal my car (complete with shiny new battery)....</p> <p>14. Last song you listened to?</p> <p>None today - not intentionally anyway. I've been singing Ariane et Barbe-Bleue if that counts.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/03/quick-meme-before-bed-7093457/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/03/quick-meme-before-bed-7093457/Sat, 03 Oct 2009 23:28:03 +0200 <p>.......</p> <p>Making jam/marmalade,<br> Singing,<br> Waiting for the RAC man (hopefully),<br> Cleaning,<br> And generally doing all the things that I'm not allowed to do when LBF is around.</p> <p>He's away till Monday - is nice to be able to do things that I can't usually do, but I (and the kittens) miss him a big lot! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/03/today-i-shall-be-mostly-7089112/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/10/03/today-i-shall-be-mostly-7089112/Sat, 03 Oct 2009 09:09:25 +0200 <p>I had a lovely childhood and a nice upbringing.<br> My parents were (and are) still together.<br> I had a really good education and lots of opportunities.<br> I am (and have always been) healthy.<br> I've never really had anyone close to me die - I still have a full set of grandparents and everything.<br> I have kitties and a partner whom I love.<br> I have a good job that I don't hate.<br> I have a place to live.</p> <p>I might complain quite a lot, but I'm a very lucky girl.<br> And I know that <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/09/30/pollyanna-7068218/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/09/30/pollyanna-7068218/Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:52:33 +0200 <p>.... has consisted of:</p> <p>- Slightly long and frustrating day at work<br> - Chicken kievs<br> - Lovely lovely Masterchef<br> - Some fluffy kittehs</p> <p>and that's pretty much it...</p> <p>Now contemplating some washing up, washing and a lovely bath before falling into bed.</p> <p>How can it be 11 o clock already?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/09/29/tuesday-as-it-turns-out-7065640/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/09/29/tuesday-as-it-turns-out-7065640/Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:50:47 +0200 <p>...is Tuesday.<br> Universally acknowledged to be my least favourite day of the week.</p> <p>Is not going too badly so far though, so I have fairly high hopes...</p> <p>is everyone else having nice day?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/09/29/today-7060422/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/09/29/today-7060422/Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:25:00 +0200 <p>I'm proposing a small Blog-Cake-Sale...</p> <p>It's in aid of a Good Blog Cause which some of you probably know the details of and some of you possibly don't. It's not my cause, so I'm not going to give away any details - you're just going to have to believe it when I tell you that it is both deserving and worthwhile.</p> <p>I'm not exactly sure what the best way to go about this is, but for now, I'm offering to make you any cakes/cookies/tasty bakings that you want, in return for moderate donations. If you're fairly local, I'll bring them to you and if you're further away, I'll package them up and get them next-day-delivered.</p> <p>I've done lots of birthday, celebration, sculpture and wedding (ooh - and Christmas) cakes in the past as well as every day cakes, breads, pies and cupcakes in the past and am happy to give almost anything a try if you have ideas (though, the more ornate, the harder to transport, generally).</p> <p>If anyone's interested (or has a better idea for how to do this), just give me a shout - I'm taking orders now <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0">\</p> <p>EDIT: I've just taken a tin of Tollhouse Cookies out of the oven, and I think you should know that they both look and smell Super-Awesome <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Also - I'm aware that my friend list is less than extensive, so if you can repost or link to this, it would be really great - get the word out?</p> <p>Love you all <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/09/24/cakepost-7034396/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/09/24/cakepost-7034396/Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:22:55 +0200 <p>Has anyone been to Saarbrucken?</p> <p>Is it nice?</p> <p>If I lived there, would there be any work for me to do?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/09/24/quick-question-7031297/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/09/24/quick-question-7031297/Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:17:09 +0200 <p>I was observing my ticker /\/\/\/\/\/\ the other day and realising that, before we know it, Christmas will once more be upon us...</p> <p>Of course, I have LBF's birthday to deal with first (in a bit less than a month) but I've decided on (and purchased most of) his present already and he's organising (hopefully) his own festivities.</p> <p>So I made myself a small to moderate list of important personages and their corresponding presents and am all ready to start buying/making things <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>For the extended family/friends/hangers on (about 30 people in all I think), I want to make a variety of tasty and interesting preserves in a variety of glamorous and exciting jars/bottles... This seemed like a totally fantastic idea when I first thought of it, but now I realise that there are a fairly limited number of weekends between now and the event itself in which to create such delicacies....<br> Wil this in mind, I spent last night frantically making plum jam (which has turned out surprisingly well, I think) and have plans for strawberry jam and lemon/whisky marmalade next week. And perhaps apple and herb jellies.<br> I may (as is often the case with Christmas) be biting off rather more than I can chew... I guess only time will tell <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>The only person that I'm a bit stuck for in all this is my mum... I don't know why - she likes everything, so should be a really easy person to buy for. Weirdly, it was the same last year - I ended up getting her lots of tasty jars of things, which were very nice, but somehow, not that personal...<br> Any ideas, anyone?<br> I want to steer clear of short term edibles if poss, as there are always so many things to eat at CHristmas, that they'd likely just get lost in the chocolate mountain and am looking for something a wee bit more personal than Lush things or other smellies.., It doesn't have to be a bought thing - I'm more than happy to make things instead/as well, but I'm totally stuck for ideas at the moment....</p> <p>Hope everyone else is having a good week...</p> <p>Sorry Nick - you can come back now <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/09/23/not-for-nick-7028142/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/09/23/not-for-nick-7028142/Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:40:48 +0200 <p>Greetings, fellow bloggers and blogettes, from the World of Jennie....</p> <p>Hope everyone has had a nice Monday and that things are all good in Blogland.</p> <p>I had a nice weekend (thanks to everyone who made it so - including all the lovely blog people that I met on Saturday - I hope that you still want to be friends with me after discovering the terrible reality.....) with lovely zooness and drinkies on Saturday followed swiftly by farmers' marketry and wine buyage on Sunday.<br> All those that are deeply concerned about the wellbeing of my bank balance (as I know you all must be), please rest assured that, although I spent <i>quite</i> a lot of money on tasty vegetables and things, I was fairly restrained compared to, well, sometimes <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"><br> AND LBF bought the wines <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> There are Lots, and not a small number are magnums (or possibly magna). We are well cushioned with wines now...</p> <p>I'm just about to enter into a new phase if contract at work... Things being what they are, we're none of us likely to see much in the way of pay rises in the near future (despite doing jobs that probably warrant them), but we are getting some exciting new benefits as part of the new package. Most of them are boring (though please don't think I'm not grateful - I really am) things like pensions and medical insurance and stuffs, but some of them are also good bits, like extra days of holiday and (drum-roll) potentially a lovely Car....<br> Now, I know that these company rental schemes are in no way a cheap way of obtaining wheels, but I can't help myself looking at the website, and now I've done it so many times that I'm really sold on the idea <img src="/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" class="middle" border="0"><br> Am thinking nice shiny Mini.... What do you think? Am I foolish?</p> <p>OK - am v tired now, as have had long day and also seriously overdosed on butternut squash, so I think I might head bath and bedwards (after a small chocolate perhaps)...</p> <p>Hope you are all Happy Bunnies. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/09/21/stuff-7013506/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/09/21/stuff-7013506/Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:48:46 +0200 <p>I am I am I am....<br> And I know this <img src="/img/smilies/icon_cry.gif" alt=":'(" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Couple of small things to say, before I go off for some well-deserved self-flagellation.</p> <p>1. London blogmeet-folk - place your cake orders now! What flavours do you want? Don't promise to oblige, but you never know <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>2. I need you all to help keep me on the straight and narrow over the next few months - so am making:</p> <p>New Jennie's Resolution:</p> <p>No more money spendings, other than on:<br> - Food<br> - Toiletries<br> - Essential replacement items<br> - Christmas/birthday/small nephew presents<br> - Things that can't be avoided like car expenses etc</p> <p>I really need this to last until Christmas in order that I remain broadly undestitute!</p> <p>Will also aim to fill time previously spent spending (gah) with many witty and interesting bloggings <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Cheers everyone! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/09/14/bad-blogger-6961682/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/09/14/bad-blogger-6961682/Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:43:35 +0200 <p>These are for LBF's uncle's birthday drinks tonight.</p> <p>Pics not great, but you get the general idea.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/red_velvet_cupcakes/3789480" title="Red velvet cupcakes"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/480/3789480_d1ab4823a5_s.jpeg" alt="Red velvet cupcakes"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/red_velvet_cupcake/3789481" title="Red velvet cupcake"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/481/3789481_29a81b5117_s.jpeg" alt="Red velvet cupcake"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/red_velvet_cupcakes/3789482" title="Red velvet cupcakes"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/482/3789482_bb14a95bff_s.jpeg" alt="Red velvet cupcakes"></a></p> <p>I'm itching to make further fraisiers (as demonstrated on previous post) now that I know how, but am trying to sit on my hands!<br> Maybe next weekend <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Have nice Saturday, everyone!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/08/15/red-velvet-cupcakes-as-promised-6730141/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/08/15/red-velvet-cupcakes-as-promised-6730141/Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:18:10 +0200 <p>Last night was LBF's Cooking Night - he has decided that it would be a good idea to do one of these every week, and I'm certainly not going to argue <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0">.<br> He made duck and tasty chilli vegetables which were super-awesome <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"><br> The reason I'm telling you this is that he cooked the duck using a cunning pan-to-oven method, which was extremely tasty, but culminated in some painful hand burning (and he LAUGHED at me when I did that) and he would like to show the World his injuries - thus:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/blistery_finger/3771071" title="Blistery Finger"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/071/3771071_63af7c01cd_s.jpeg" alt="Blistery Finger"></a></p> <p>Today - as previously advertised, we high-tailed it off to Richmond to make patisserie at William Curley's chocolate shop.</p> <p>We made these:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/fraisiers/3771227" title="Fraisiers"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/227/3771227_8106c13af9_s.jpeg" alt="Fraisiers"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/fraisiers/3771228" title="Fraisiers"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/228/3771228_bdb32ead6b_s.jpeg" alt="Fraisiers"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/cimg0760/3771229" title="CIMG0760"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/229/3771229_e3c457dfe4_s.jpeg" alt="CIMG0760"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/fraisiers/3771230" title="Fraisiers"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/230/3771230_8240822761_s.jpeg" alt="Fraisiers"></a></p> <p>And also a great big one the same but four times the size <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Needless to say, I shall now be making these EVERY DAY for the remainder of my life...</p> <p>We also got to taste a load of the William Curley chocolates (I know what I'll be getting everyone for their birthdays from now on<img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> ) and some tasty hot chocolate...</p> <p>Was a really great experience - I thoroughly enjoyed it (as did LBF, in fact, even though he was a bit uncertain at the outset).</p> <p>Hope everyone else has had a nice weekend.</p> <p>xxx </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/08/09/patisserie-and-other-things-6687643/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/08/09/patisserie-and-other-things-6687643/Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:48:33 +0200 <p>.... I have been mostly making bread...</p> <p>I got a new bread book a week or so ago, and have been dedicatedly feeding a sourdough starter every day for the last week.<br> Today I finally deemed it ready and have been making some slowslowslow bread...<br> I started it at about 11 this morning and the second loaf is just in the oven now.<br> Hopefully they'll be tasty <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>I've also been trying to tidy/clear/clean the flat a little bit today, as part of my 'Tidy the Flat' summer holiday project.<br> Not sure whether the results are visible exactly, but have rehomed the recipe books, rationalised some shelves and a cupboard, cleaned near the bin and the cats' food place, emptied the in-tray (hurrah <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0">) and cleaned and cleared (to some extent) the balcony, in preparation for my lovely director's chairs, which should allow us to sit there and utilise what little outside we have in our third floor flat and which are due to arrive early next week...<br> I've also planted some new basil plants, which may or may not stay alive in the kitchen.</p> <p>I really want to do a massive clearout of the books and bookshelves, but it's a dauntingly huge job, and I hate getting rid of books (I did a really big cull when we moved here two and a half years ago, and it seems really soon to be doing it again)... I might save it for another weekend.</p> <p>Tomorrow, we're off to Richmond for (hopefully) a small amount of fun-in-the-sun as a prelude to my birthday patisserie workshop <a href="http://www.williamcurley.co.uk/">here</a>, which I am looking forward to so much that it's pretty much taking over my life <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"><br> Photos to follow if our patisserie efforts are successful (and if they're not, we'll be drowning our sorrows in expensive chocolate, so maybe pics of that instead).</p> <p>Hope everyone else is doing ok.<br> <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wave.gif" alt=":wave:" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/08/09/today-6682058/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/08/09/today-6682058/Sun, 09 Aug 2009 00:22:53 +0200 <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_a7jkcMVp5Vg/SnT7YNC2FGI/AAAAAAAAJgA/nB3dq3i4WzY/s1600-h/burden.jpg">One</a> for me for a change <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>I'm not now, of course, but most likely I will be in future.... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/08/02/hmm-6638836/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/08/02/hmm-6638836/Sun, 02 Aug 2009 23:04:13 +0200 <p>Courtesy of this nice <a href="http://thefridayfive.blog.co.uk/2009/07/24/the-friday-five-summer-holiday-edition-6578756/">Mouse</a>...</p> <p>1. Where are you heading for your holiday this summer?</p> <p>Nowhere yet.<br> I'm planning to go to Suffolk-based Happy Place for a couple of weeks (give or take) at the end of August though.<br> And hopefully for some odd days and weekends before that <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>2. Is it going to be a camping, hotel or even a caravan type holiday?</p> <p>Somewhere in between.<br> We stay in family cottage (on dry land), but sleep in tents in the garden and spend most of our days on the water...</p> <p>3. Do you travel light or insist on taking 4 suitcases with the kitchen sink in?</p> <p>I <i>can</i> travel light.<br> For this kind of holiday, though, I usually just chuck as much random stuff into my car as will fit and go with that <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>4. Do you prefer a beach holiday topping up the tan or do you do all the sightseeing you can cram in?</p> <p>Neither really - I'm more of an 'activity' girl.<br> Nothing strenuous, mind you, but I don't like to feel that I've wasted my hard-earned holidays just sitting around!</p> <p>5. Will you go by train, car, plane or boat?</p> <p>Car probably (and maybe train for some of the extra days).<br> Boats when I get there <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/07/24/jennie-s-friday-five-6578807/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/07/24/jennie-s-friday-five-6578807/Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:28:08 +0200 <p>... very much to all my lovely Blogfriends for their birthday wishes (and, in some cases, lovely lovely presents <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> ).</p> <p>I had a gorgeous day mucking around in boats with LBF and my dad, interspersed with pub lunching and cake and followed up by a small amount of sunburn (which has now, thankfully, faded somewhat).</p> <p>Yesterday I made the final batch of birthday cakes (currently being devoured by my workmates, though, if any of you are in the City, there are still loads left - I'll bring you one down <img src="/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":>>" class="middle" border="0">) and went to a brief follow-up session for the diabetes course that I did in May, and today I'm back at work, but easing myself in gently, so as not to pull any brain muscles (am Old now, you know, and it's an ever present danger)...</p> <p>Hope everyone else is doing ok too.</p> <p>(And I really mean it about the cake!) </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/07/16/thank-you-6526428/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/07/16/thank-you-6526428/Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:25:54 +0200 <p>In case you were wondering (and I'm <em>certain</em> you must have been <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0">), here is a brief synopsis of my weekend....</p> <p>On Friday, I skipped out of work early for a cheeky singing lesson, picked up some Freecycle goodies and then went off with LBF and my parents to visit the Little Dude for the first time.<br> It was pretty good - he was waaaay smaller than I'd been expecting and pleasingly placid <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"><br> My sister and her OH look pretty well, given the new arrival, so I think thats all going ok so far and LBF and the Little Dude have already done some serious bonding...<br> Their world is likely to be thrown into (small) flux in the next week or so, though, when their (actually, not their, but her OH's brother's daughters' - complex) cat is due to give birth - not the best timing in the World from their point of view (or the poor cat, but let's not get started on views about responsibly spaying pets), but, in some ways, makes the advent of Marmaduke look a wee bit more like something based in reality <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>On Saturday, I baked two blueberry ring cakes (but no lemon and poppy seed yet - maybe tonight), slobbed around and went to the Open Air Theatre to see The Importance of Being Earnest.<br> It was a very pretty production and funny, but sadly, got rained off about 15 mins before the end, so we were left a bit on tenterhooks...<br> We should be able to go back before the end of the run and see it again - I hope it works out OK.</p> <p>On Sunday, we went and drank some number of (pre) birthday cocktails for many many hours with a few friends and then ate unhealthy (and very large) takeaway in my parents' garden in the dark.<br> It was great - I had a really nice time <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"><br> Bit tired today, though, given the amount of booze consumed throughout the afternoon/evening yesterday, we all seem to have got off pretty lightly...</p> <p>Tomorrow (if I'm not too old to get out of bed), my dad, LBF and I are planning to go to my Happy Place in Suffolk and have boat/pub lunch fun (with possibly some added swimming and sandcastling if time).<br> Hopefully there will also be CAKE, so if anyone is in the London or Suffolk area, give me a shout and I'll save you a slice <img src="/img/smilies/graybigrazz.gif" alt=":P" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Hope everyone else has had a good weekend too <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wave.gif" alt=":wave:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/07/13/ramblings-6504491/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/07/13/ramblings-6504491/Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:22:50 +0200 <p>... I am a bit tired - I will have to try to get better at going to bed at a reasonable time.<br> I think that I was home by 9 (or thereabouts) last night and had eaten and things by 10 or 10.30, but still didn't actually manage to go to bed until 1ish - am Silly Billy.</p> <p>Also , my blood sugar seems to be broken today - it keeps going low - I've drunk three or four ribenas already, which is beginning to make my brain turn to mush. Have now eaten a Twix as well - probably will help, but wasn't really what I was wanting to do.</p> <p>Has anyone heard anything about an incident on a train or at Liverpool Street today?<br> When I got off the train this morning, the train on the latform next to me was crawling with police (they looked like they'd been there a while - nothing frantic or urgent going on) and two carriages were taped off and also had big screens over the doors, so that you couldn't see what was happening. There were forensic-type guys in the train, swabbing things and the like.<br> Looked pretty serious - my guess is that someone had probably been stabbed or something - I hope that everyone is ok.<br> I can't find anything on the news channels about it - I guess I might never find out.</p> <p>Hope everyone is having a good day <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wave.gif" alt=":wave:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/07/10/today-6484384/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://lifeinjelly.blog.co.uk/2009/07/10/today-6484384/Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:27:57 +0200