Hiatus...

The Middle sister is going on Hiatus.  

I may be back, I may start something afresh, I don't really know yet.  

You can catch my inane ramblings on Twitter or  pretty pictures on Instagram:

Catch ya later alligator. 

Mental Health Awareness Week - My phsical and mental health dealing with LBP

That feeling of normality… when your mind is at peace and your body well is, I believe, the most underrated feeling in the world.  Something you only really crave, or even appreciate when it’s no longer there.  Having not felt in tip top condition over the past few months I think I’m more than qualified to say this.  Feeling sick SUCKS!

I’ve been advised I have low blood pressure and so what you may say, that’s a good thing isn’t it? And yes to some extent it is. But if your blood pressure is so low that you feel nauseous and lightheaded (like when you hit an air pocket in a plane and it drops 50 ft) and even faint then it’s not a good thing, it’s a very bad thing.  You see this occurs when your heart isn't pushing blood to your organs or brain properly which, you know, is kind of required to deal with the basic functions of being alive.  At the risk of stating the bloody obvious this has meant my physical health is having a strong influence on my mental health which is something I need to keep an eye on as I have been prone to a little anxiety in the past.

The thing is once you know you have low blood pressure, you are hyper aware of any and all symptoms that might be a sign its dropping.  The notion that at any minute (because you really don’t get much warning) a plan can be derailed and an evening, weekend or week ruined is quite debilitating.  Am I going to be sick or well today? Am I going to be sick but then fine a few minutes later? Am I going to be fine then faint on my sister and the maitre’d of the poshest restaurant in Cambridge again*?  Questions Questions!  

It makes you not want to go out and resist making plans and I really feel for those dealing with chronic and long term diseases. I mean I’ve been a sulky mess for a few months but this IS completely manageable.  How much harder would it be if this had been going on for years or if the doctors didn’t understand what was happening to me!? How depressing? How confusing? What anxiety inducing cycle of despair would that have put me in?

But like I said, for me this is handle-able and I’m finding the silver lining in this fucker.  My diet and hydration are key so I’m paying more attention to this. I’m listening to myself when I’m feeling unsure. I’m meditating more (using Calm which I’m finding extremely helpful!) I’m changing my exercise routine and looking at the bigger picture.  

On an immediate level, I’ve got a blood pressure monitor so if I have made plans to go out for an evening or am feeling unwell I can quickly find out if I need to take action to up my blood pressure, putting the power back in my hands! And that feels good.  So good that I’ve now had 2 two whole days with minimal symptoms, which is something I am making a point to think about and be grateful for.

What about you, what are you doing to look after your mental & physical well being?

*Yes that actually happened!

Charming Chamonix: or Another Skiing Holiday!

It’s been a couple of weeks since my last post and while more change is afoot and a couple of family things have sprung up, one of the delays is due to a particularly privileged pastime. Yes dear reader I have been on ANOTHER skiing holiday*

This time Chamonix! We were in the extremely fortunate position of being able to rent an apartment at mate’s rates in the heart of the town**. A cute little place directly opposite a couple of bars that turned out to be our favourite hangouts. Monkey did a mean brunch as well as tacos, burgers and cocktails while the owner of Big Horn Bistro and Bakery became quite familiar with our faces by the end of the week. Their atmosphere, decor of animal hides and comfy leather chairs as well as the considerable gin collection made for very acceptable evenings. In short it was the perfect location.

Chamonix has much to offer and is a popular resort familiar to most western middle class people that like to ski. From here you can get to both Italy and Switzerland on the slidey things attached to your feet if you’re good enough. We weren’t but no matter, from the charming, helpful people to the abundance of English speakers - my laziness truly knows no bounds - we did feel particularly welcome and managed to have all sorts of fun on the piste.

However come March the altitude being only around 1,000 metres does mean it’s not the usual walking around in a snowy mountain town I had come to expect.* With only black runs down to the centre you need to be advanced or a strong intermediate skier to get home without taking the bubble of shame (a cable car which transports you back down the mountain and is a real no-no in any of the higher resorts I’ve frequented).

That said being a ‘real town’ Chamonix is great for the non-skier as well. The landscape, food and, importantly for moi, coffee being some of the most pleasing aspects.  I love skiing as much as the next person, unless the next person is my husband who would ski all-day-every-day for the entirety of the season if he were able.  I’m more of a few hours playing in the mountains then off to see what other adventures I can find snow bunny.  Luckily my interest in photography meant I had a lot to play with night shots being particularly entertaining.   

Real ale drinkers might like to know Chamonix has its own brewery Big Mountain. Run by 2 brits it was small and charmingly shambolic when we popped in during a brew.  While obviously busy the guys were so chatty and chilled happy to explain the process and generally be lovely.  While I'm not an ale drinker I am advised their beer was the best in town.

My home town of Cambridge has had more coffee shops open in the past few years then I’ve had ski holidays. I’ve not see the same dedication to the bean in the mountains, however it is starting to filter*** its way through.  I LOVE a good coffee shop as my rather lovely husband knows so he sourced the best place for a morning brew. Moody Coffee Roasters, run by 2 brits**** is everything you'd want it to be, friendly staff, great cakes and wonderfully aromatic and tasty coffee. We sampled this most mornings and I was very happy with this ritual.

If you’re invited on a ski holiday I would recommend Chamonix, whether you go for the pistes or the views alone is up to you but I think you’ll enjoy it. I certainly did though have visited France with alarming regularity this year  and  have a trip to Champagne on the way later next month.  So I suppose I’d better stop being so bloody lazy and learn the language eh!

See you at the top?

*excuse me while I wipe away a crumb of privilege from my pampered cheek!

**without getting all mean girls about it you can’t use it. You need to know Mrs M. or own a time machine, go back to 1990 and make friends with her at school, then stay in touch. Or make friends with her now. Whichever is easiest.

*** pun TOTALLY Intended!

**** sensing a trend here?

Review: The Ivy Brasserie

Some morning are perfect and last Wednesday was one of those mornings. I happily battled my way through the Cambridge rush hour traffic as even that couldn’t dampen my spirits. Maybe because the first few days of spring announced themselves in a parade of yellow trumpeted blooms and I could feel the sun warm my shoulders. Of course it might have been that I was making my way to The Ivy Cambridge Brasserie for their opening week Blogger Breakfast as well. 

Entering The Ivy for the first time you are greeted by a strong and wildly colourful décor by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio*.  I’m a less is more women in general, but these bright colours and in-your-face design really works as it’s paired with a 1920’s sophistication, so you’re left attracted to the HUGE swan murals and sharp-angled art that covers the walls.  The bar begs to be sat at by elegantly dressed persons and reminds me a little of the famous Overlook Hotel** while the deep velvet of the moss green chairs invite you to take a load off.

You might be thinking ‘breakfast at The Ivy you say? No problem, I’ll just take out a second mortgage/sell a kidney and be right with you’. The thing is when you eat here in part at least, you’re paying to have your experience in a prestigious institution. But don’t think that means they are simply dinning off*** the London reputation, in either service or sustenance.  Yes the drinks were over £3 each though as a Cambridge resident for many years I’d say the prices aren’t too far from the average eatery.  Head Chef Stuart Conibear has worked at Downing College and was chef to Prince Charles for over 3 years so if it’s good enough for our future king its good enough for me.

 As stated this was a blogger breakfast which meant there was much image taking of instagramable dishes as we tucked into still warm pastries and coffee.  I indulged in tangy, seeded avocado on a toast with (deeply yellow and perfectly poached) hen’s eggs. We also got a tour to see the private dining area and walk around the restaurant fully and I could happily have spent a few hours here either for a brunch or at cocktail hour.

One side point that gives me just a little pause is when asked how the food is sourced and if fair trade/ethical/organic concepts are taken into consideration, the brasserie responded by saying “As with any responsible restaurant group, we take the time and effort to make sure we work with the best suppliers.” Not the most convincing of replies so this is something I will keeping an eye on and I’d love to know what you think as well. 

All things considered I’m looking forward to going back.  Yes dear reader, it looks like Cambridge culinary lovers have yet another place to think of when deciding where to go for a dinner date.  Will I see you there?

* Am advised this was ‘consulted on by’ so not entirely sure how much of a hand they had in this design.  It’s really rather good either way.

** That gorgeous bar in The Shining, pre the Jack Nicholson crazed homicidal maniac murder spree of course!

*** pun FULLY intended

Review: Urban Larder

When I was a full time freelancer one of the places I loved to go for inspiration was Mill Road, Cambridge’s most multicultural street it holds a special place in the heart of many a local resident.  It also just so happens to house one of the cutest coffee shops we have, Urban Larder.  Set up just over 3 years ago (they had their toddler birthday the other week) this cosy corner has instagram worthy dark wood tables, a counter full of the most glorious pastries and a cheese toasty menu to salivate over.  Here’s the Cool the Quirks and the Que of this particular coffee house:

The Cool
Urban Larder was one of the first places I regularly frequented and I’ve had a soft spot for it ever since, evidently many people feel the same. There’s generally a happy chatter going on between staff and customers and the owner, Duncan, is possibly the friendliest person in town. At least every third customer seems to know him personally and he has time for all of them as well. 

The coffee itself is constantly evolving, from espresso to lattes to pour overs.  Duncan serves it any way you want it, always intense but never burnt he and his merry band of worker bees truly know how to brew. But let’s circle back to those toasties shall we? At one time they had the dubious honour of having my best cheese toasty trophy though now I have to admit there is another equally pleasing contender. Not that Urban Larder have slacked off in their quality, it’s just that The Locker arrived and now matches them for colour, taste and stodgy, gooey goodness!  Lucky Us TWO places to get a cheese toasty fit for a goddess! 

The Quirks
For such a popular place it is extremely small. So much so that on any given Saturday if you are not there before 10am you will struggle to find a seat.  Its also pretty popular with young families so there is quite a bit of noise when the kids (and sometimes the adults) start playing with the Lego boxes on all tables. Not the place to go for a little piece & quiet or to work. It also has one of the tiniest public bathrooms I’ve ever visited. You can barely turn around to get some paper without knocking your elbow on the wall. Not ideal.  

The Que?
Some oddities I’m still trying to work out is why they don’t seem to like loyalty cards? While I have it on good authority they do use them when I approached Urban Larder to chat about these fabulous free coffee cards for a Barista Magazine article, I was met with unease and reluctance and I’m still not sure why.  

Another question I had is with so many Cambridge roasters like Silver Oak Coffee and Hot Numbers why they go to Butterworth & Son, a Suffolk roaster, for their coffee beans? However the lovely larder people (Duncan I'm assuming!) were only too happy to answer this saying on Twitter "Just wanted to distinguish ourselves". He goes on "Butterworths are from where I grew up and they're blooming lovely people on top of all that.... oh and their coffee tastes pretty good too! 😊".

Typically friendly chat eh?

So it’s tiny but it’s lovely. It’s noisy but its friendly and above all it sells a damn fine cup of coffee!

Have you been to Urban Larder yet? 

Vero. True Social?

So did your Monday start with a search for what the heck Vero is? Yeah me too. 

After hearing about it on sunday from @lifesacatwalk I was all set to ignore the hype much like I always do when a new platform comes along. But on Monday afternoon I signed up.  Due in part* because I saw their super SWANKY advert:

I mean come on! They have a silky smooth female voice over saying all the things we've been bitching about (boo algorithms, adverts etc.) WONT happen on Vero! What self respecting instagram lover who has watched their engagement fail off a cliff could resist!  It felt open, honest and woke, But is it as good as it promises?

Lets start with the good stuff!

No algorithms: Since the Facebook takeover, instagram have ignored our pleases to reinstate the chronological order and kept their fancy-pants-tech-geek-computer-programme which push posts down the feed IT thinks aren't popular.  My feed usually consists of three adverts and seven posts from a week ago instead of current 'just posted' images.  This is particularly dumb when a post is scheduled to coincide with a memorable point in the year (Valentines Day, Christmas etc.) as this means you are STILL seeing valentines posts on 18th February. Bobbins eh?  Vero is promising to pull no such technical shenanigans! How this will work when/if they get to a billion users is yet to be decided but for now its a real plus point.

No adverts: Which means the big guns can't buy space on your feed and get their annoying as all heck post about insurance above that of lovely friends chatting about lovely things! 

Links: Theses can be clicked on directly from your post.  Great for bloggers, no more #linkinbio rubbish!

Classification: You can split your connections into acquaintances, friends and close friends (they can't see what you call them) and then decide who sees your posts. Gives you a little rush of power choosing who fits in what category doesn't it? 

Its free: At least for the first million users anyway then (supposedly) it'll be about tenner a year. ** UPDATE they have now surpassed their 1 MILLION USERS but are still offering the app free 'until further notice' due to how lacklustre the service has been up until now**

However...Some aspects of this platform are not currently running all that well.  True its only at beta stage so this may change, but if you signed up today be prepared for the following:

The Bad Stuff!

Search Engine Issues:  You can post separately on things like books, music, TV etc but the search engine is weak.  Some books can't be found at all and when I tried to @ my sisters in a post, Vero told me they didn't exist even though they most definitely do. Turns out they needed to post something before they could be found even though we had already connected, super annoying. It's equally bad at finding people you know are on Vero but that you aren't yet connected to. You'll get anything from no results to an ever changing list of randoms... to both...

Follow or Connect: Decide whether you want to connect or follow and connect to your friends straight away because the bloody follow button LITERALLY disappears if you don't do this on the first go. Should you change your mind you need to disconnect and reconnect to be given the opportunity of doing both again and its a major pain in the hole!

SO. GOD. DAMMED. SLOW  Much like the little town of Kingston Falls**, Vero is currently completely overwhelmed and fighting to stay alive which means the app is running like shit! Which leads me to...

Battery Drain While my battery lasted 1.5 days BV**** now I'm lucky if it makes it to 8pm.

And the truly awful WTAF stuff...

Hashtag Violation:  Certain popular hashtags are always going to be searched but Vero seem to be having trouble keeping images of nudity out of the results. For example I searched for #Louboutin... About 10 pictures down I got a boob.  No I'm not kidding.  Am not adding the picture here but any that don't believe me please contact me directly and I'll show you! This NEEDS to be addressed pronto, there's nothing wrong with nudity but I didn't want nudity I wanted pretty shoes and I got flappy baps! 

Bad Karma: Rumours that the Lebanese billionaire owner is not a nice guy have been floating around all week dogging the possible runaway success the app could have been.  Vero of course have put out a statement saying we're nice, honest (am paraphrasing). The conspiracy theorist in me feels it wouldn't be out of the realms of possibility that a certain Zuckerberg owned company helped the rumour along*****.  Either way its leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Not everyone is going to like it, and while it maybe be a little unfair to review it now as it is still beta, the fact is going viral means you get judged. The customer service team at Vero have an extremely limited time to get things ship shaped or, much like the Titanic, the ride will be over before it even really begun!

I'm giving it a bit longer before I power down completely, will you be joining me on Vero? 

*for part read 100% 
** ERM the town in THE GREMLINS! Jeez who didn't know that***
*** Me thats who. Had to look it up to complete the analogy... Its not even a very good analogy, I probably shouldn't have bothered. 
**** Before Vero
***** I base this on NOTHING its a theory only! 

Privileged Pastimes

Ah the trails and tribulations of a first world life.  It really can be quite tiring enjoying all the freedom bestowed on a white, cis-gendered woman, able to come and go as I please and buy things.  Sometimes it all gets a bit much and we need a break. So what better way to relax from the pains of doing whatever you please than to indulge in another privileged pastime. The Afternoon Tea.

It’s given this cute name so that we can pretend this is an elegant affair, when really it’s an excuse to all out stuff our faces with as much bread products as possible while simultaneously providing an excuse to drink in the daytime. Sure the sandwiches are cut into small sections and the sweets miniature, but it’s only ourselves we're fooling into feeling dainty as that 6th cake is consumed.  THAT SAID personally I feel its a worthy way to spend a few hours and Cambridge is a place that loves to indulge the desire. Harriet’s on Green Street, The Ivy which is due to accept guests as soon as next month and The University Arms which we have on good authority will open this summer all prove foodies are well catered* for here.

This review takes place at The Tamburlaine Hotel.  A new(ish) addition to the scene and a literal stone’s throw from the train station.  Once inside there is NO question about where you are, from the books in the library to the classification of the rooms (Fresher to Dean) The Tamburlaine embodies the essence of Cambridge. I find the lobby decorated with contemporary art particularly pleasing and the colour scheme classic yet bold, especially in the bathroom and garden room where afternoon tea is served.

Presented with a three tiered copper tray each section filled with an array of goodies, I will admit to being a little disappointed at the amount of savoury options.  However it soon became apparent it was an ‘eyes bigger than my belly’ situation as I failed to finish ANY of the cakes (small though they were).  I only managed a bite of each before seeking comfort by sitting back in the plush chairs. It’s worth noting this was not due to the flavours, while the rose macaroon was a little too intense for my taste buds** the chocolate brownie was rich and decadent and the red velvet cake red and velvety. I was just too full up to continue punishing myself. Pathetic I know, I'm heading back again shortly to give it another go!     

I particularly enjoyed the special effort made as we were celebrating a friend's birthday. And while not strictly part of the afternoon tea experience, I highly recommend trying a cocktail from the marble bar afterwards, especially the French 75! 

A perfect end to a perfectly gluttonous day!  Have you tried The Tamburlaine afternoon tea yet?

*Get it? Food, Catering, I crack myself up!
**Princess, moi?

Cambridge Indie Shops of Note - Lilac Rose

*Gifted Item post*

Have you ever been to Lilac Rose in Cambridge?
Maybe, but maybe not.

Maybe you've rushed past it on the way to the Grand Arcade, been too focused on getting a good cup of coffee to really see a little white shop in the middle of Bridge Street. But the thing is you're missing something special so I'm self appointing a big STOP sign in front of your lovely but busy face and encouraging you towards a delightfully fulfilling shopping experience. Because being a self involved sort I want you to like Lilac Rose not least because it happens to be one of my favourite places on the high street.

Take the decor. As you step in its light, white and airy and has a delicate enticing feel. You could say it was girly if you were one of those binary, labelly types, I prefer to describe it as a bright ray of retail sunshine on even the dullest of days.  Not one of those places to ram in as much product as possible, the back third of the boutique comes complete with a huge set of heart shaped dressing room lights and is reserved for trying on pretty dresses and cute cardigans by Closet, Sixton London and Louche. Its not high end, but then it's never pretended to be, If Lilac Rose was one of your classmates it would be the genuinely nice girl.  The one with no major issues or ulterior motives who's family all get along and never breaks curfew* What I'm getting at is this store doesn't make you feel like you can't afford it or shouldn't be there.  At least in my mind which admittedly is privileged, white, employed with zero dependants and a fair whack of disposable income... but still.

The jewellery ranges from the delicate and cute to the slightly out there and is generally under the £40 mark and this is where the original reason for my post comes in.  Lilac Rose kindly gifted me an item of jewellery from their range a couple of months ago**. 

I took the chance to chose something that wasn't my usual style and I really enjoyed picking out my something sparkly.  It was VERY delicate and if truth be told unfortunately the first one was faulty. Happily this seems to have been a one off and was swapped without hesitation by the wonderful Andrew*** who manages the Cambridge store. Since then long silver statement piece below has been worn to work and out for dinner and complimented both outfits splendidly****

If you're not in the market for jewellery, you might find something in the notebooks, how to's, stationary and accessories available and this is where the real magic of Lilac Rose shines through. Like going for a chat with an old friend these trinkets entertain, inform and beautify your day, many have a cheeky sense of humour and keep me coming back to browse and buy many times over. 

A shopping experience that borders on the adorable, Lilac Rose is a pretty, instagrammable, tranquil haven. Check it out when you're next in town and maybe l'll see you there?

*Is this a bit of an odd analogy? 
**Its a fair cop. In all likelihood, I'm certain they would have wanted to see this written about before now but with Christmas, getting sick, car crashes, holidays and getting sick again (long story, I'll tell you about it another time) it got pushed back a little.   - sorry guys
***This man knows his stuff and is always on hand should you need an expert opinion on the wares available. 
****If I do say so myself"

Is it ok to upset brands?

As a dedicated blogger, providing consistent content and good images* I eventually attracted the attention of some brands and it’s at this point I had my first blogger dilemma.  These companies asked for my opinion and I SO wanted to please them, but on occasion the item I was reviewing wasn’t as good as they had described. 

I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a number of brands over the past few years - some you may not have heard of, others you absolutely will know about. Many understand exactly what they are getting into when they hire bloggers accepting they are opening themselves up to a social dialogue about their product. If these brands handle any conversations that occur with honesty and humour they generally come out well. However I’ve noticed some have a certain ‘expectation’ about what the reviews we provide should consist of. So here's a little unsolicited advice…

We are not marketers for your company.  
Our readers want to know the truth as we see it. That means 'our cross my heart and hope to die' God’s honest opinion, if that opinion isn’t 100% favourable well tough! You wanted sweetness and free publicity? Then you should have hired a marketing team and paid them a fair wage while you’re at it.

Rant alert: I was recently made aware a certain well-known brand’s PR person was annoyed at a post I wrote as it mentioned an issue I’d had with the product. I found this to be particularly unprofessional especially as they didn't see fit to mention their problem to me personally.  If they had bothered to read my previous reviews they would have seen I don’t exactly shy away from the odd controversial remark and saying a product wasn't as I'd expected isn't even that risqué! It’s just the truth.

This blog is (hopefully) choc-a-block full of tongue-in-cheek quips and balanced reviews, meaning I chat about the good, the bad and the ugly. I will hardly ever write one of those ‘it was super fun-everything was perfect-you’ll all definitely love it’ sugary sweet posts as I don't see many things that way. I will always look for the good in what I'm reviewing, whether or not I’ve been paid or supplemented for my opinion, but I'll look for what could be improved as well. And I won’t lie just to make the PR team happy**.  

Trust is difficult to earn back once it’s gone. 
There’s one blogger that comes to mind I no longer take advice from as they never have a less than glowing word to say about ANYTHING.  I understand the desire to speak positively and dealing with the backlash that can occur if someone isn’t happy about what has been written can be hard. But personally I find it insulting if there isn’t any balance at all in a post. If you can’t 'fess up to an event or product being a bit shit on occasion I no longer believe you when you say how amazing it all was. 

Honesty is my go to form for writing,  And yes I do know that doesn’t gives me free rein to spew ignorant speech or purposefully cause pain with my words, anyone that uses a platform like this to further bigoted values IS a massive dill-hole***!

I’m also up for debate as believe it or not I have been known to get things wrong… on occasion. So go ahead and tell me what you think about what I think, heck if you feel strongly enough you might even change my mind on whatever it is we're discussing. 

In case you haven’t gathered it yet I’m a little outspoken and my opinion reflects that because that’s all blogs are, one person’s opinion. The bloggers I know are all dedicated to telling their own story and I'm lucky and excited to be doing the same.  We may only be a micro influencers but aren't we the ones you trust to tell you what's really going on? 


* even if I do say so myself!
** It's also worth mentioning if I've been sponsored or paid to review a product I say this up front not at the end of a 600 word endorsement.
*** FACT!