Where does the time go?

Tomorrow is February, one whole month of 2015 gone! Where has this time gone seriously? I guess this is a little reflection of January and look at what February holds for me and this blog.

January
I looked like this for one...

...which is absolutely bonkers because not only have I changed my hair colour 3 maybe 4 times since December/January I have also changed the hair style. I am forever changing my hair. However, I am hoping to stick to one colour soon, but first I need to find the right colour. I returned back to uni in January, which I had several mixed emotions about, but thank goodness I am here. I am so glad to be back, and still shocked how quickly my final year has gone! Just under 4 months until my time at Plymouth uni is over. I also began to write my dissertation which is rather daunting but so far I am enjoying the challenge and researching into a subject I really enjoy. I don't hate my subject yet, which is a massive bonus, I have about 2000 words ish written of it at the moment, so only 6000 more to go haha. What else has January brought me? Oh yeah, yet more illness :( which is sucky, but I am hoping that I have found the problem so I can fix it. Also, myself and Chelsey have started a new blog together which focuses on us becoming healthier and fitter mentally and physically. Which for means I need to start making a lot of adjustments which I know in the long run are going to make me a lot healthier both body and mind. Oh yeah, also more about my hair changes:

So as you can see January has been a crazy time for my hair, and February will also be the same, I no longer have blue and purple hair. I am in transition, so its a white/blonde/green mess at the moment. Which is great fun. According to Chelsey I look like an old women who has had a perm and a blue rinse, I think I look amazing! But back to the serious stuff... January has made me think about a lot of things, how I look, how people see me, what I plan to do after uni, question friendships and relationships, look through mistakes I've made and some things that just need to stay in the past. But I feel that it has made me look at February as a bit of a fresh start, healthier eating, exercising and maybe even just finding myself a bit (peace man peace). I know January is supposed to be the time to make changes but you can always make changes, you do not need to wait for the new year or a Monday to start that diet again. I firmly believe that whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger (thank you Miss Kelly Clarkson) and that just because something hasn't turned out the way you want, just pick yourself back up and try again and again. Hey, I'm trying to lose weight and become healthier for the millionth time, but this time I have a lot more riding on it, I have support from family and friends and you guys which is amazing. And if you are reading this and feel that you have something you want to do but do not have anyone to support you, I'm here. I am always here to help anyone, so don't worry you are not alone, I am a comment or an email away even a tweet anything, I'm here! 

Anyway I went a bit off topic but I think it was essential to mention. Anyway for me February is a start of a newer me in all aspects. I'm going home also for a week which will be great, see the family and some friends, and have a bit of a break from uni and just chill for a bit. Also, this year I am doing lent and giving up meat (I miss bacon already) so we will see how that goes, I also hope to have a lot of my dissertation done. 

So that was my first month of 2015 and here's to the second... 

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring 

I am quite British...

There is a tag currently on YouTube about how British do you think you are, and you know what I am proud to be typically British and this is why:

How many cups of tea do you have in a day?
I think I drink between 3-4 cups of tea a day, normally I drink Earl Grey Tea as it is my favourite flavour, Although I drink more if my housemate happens to be making tea as well, it's just rude not to have one if she is.

What is your favourite part of a roast?
I think I have to say either roast potatoes (especially if my mum has made them) or stuffing. They always make a good roast... Also just a note, I have to have a roast at least once a week.

Favourite dunking biscuit? 
I think mine has to be a dark chocolate digestive biscuit, classic and perfect for dunking.

Favourite quintessentially British pass-time? 
Is is either Doctor Who because I am a massive DW fan or sitting down and watching all the soaps with my mum such as Corrie, Hollyoaks and Emmerdale.

Favourite typical British word?
I think Blimey or Gosh are amazingly British words, I often say 'Oh Blimey' which means I don't believe it or shocked (if you didn't already know), gosh also means shocked.

Favourite British phrase or saying?
I use the phrase 'Not to be funny but...' or 'I don't mean to be rude...' I don't know why I use them all the time, its basically to make a less direct insult. (sorry)

Favourite sweet?
I love pear drops or jelly tots that are typically British, childhood right there.

What would your pub be called?
I reckon I would choose a classic British phrase, which would be 'let's have a knee's up'. Which in England means let's get drunk or have a few drinks, ideal for a pub I reckon.

Number one British person?
I cannot choose between Stephen Fry and Ian McKellen, they are both wonderful men, that have brought such joy into my life. Through acting and love, they are amazing role models and great people, wonderful people to admire.

Favourite shop or restaurant?
Favourite shop is Waterstones, because of my love for books, I can spend hours just looking at books, I do love that new book smell.
Favourite restaurant is Nandos and I am not ashamed at all to admit that, I am a Nandos addict.

What British song pops into your head? 
Steps, 5,6,7,8.. my favourite childhood band.

I know this blog wasn't the most exciting but this week has been a bit of a roller-coaster for me, I will be posting another this weekend.

Love yah

IsThataRedHerring

ps
I tag Chelsey in my post to do the 'How British are you?' tag

I really like to read books: part 1

I always have my head in a book, it has led to the nickname of book worm among my family, a nickname I love and continue to support. Whilst at school I adored reading, however I often struggled reading age appropriate books, this has never stopped me from reading and trying new books.

When entering GCSE years, I was put into top set English, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to keep up with the work and the amount of reading, however with help from teachers and close friends they gave me the confidence to read bigger and longer books. I went through the usual crazes of books, Jacqueline Wilson, Harry Potter and yes the Twilight series. These books helped me develop a greater passion for books and broaden my horizon. Although I still often struggle with pronouncing and spelling words, I am a much more confident person when it comes to reading aloud and taking control in class.

Anyway, I thought I would reveal some of my personal favourite books.
My favourite author of all time has to be Cecila Ahern. She has written some amazing heartfelt books. P.S. I love you was the first book I read of Ahern's, and I was hooked from then, However,  Ahern's book titled Where Rainbows End or now titled Love Rosie, is my favourite of her books,  I loved this book because of how it was set out, it starts with seven year old Rosie and Alex who are sat in class together discussing Alex's party plans. The book is set out in letter, email and text form, it follows the life of Rosie and Alex, Alex moves away suddenly with his parents to America, leaving Ireland and leaving Rosie behind. Rosie falls pregnant when she is 16 and Alex blames himself, saying if he was there Rosie would have gone with him. It follows their lives and ever changing relationship between the both of them and other relationships. Throughout the book the question always lingers: were they meant to be? Were they destined to be together? Without spoiling the book, the ending for me was perfect in every way. The book has now be turned into a film called Love Rosie, I have yet to see the film because I do not want one of my favourite books to be ruined.

The trailer for Love Rosie: 

That is just one of my many favourite books, which I will write more about later on. If you like romance books this is for you. I adore Ahern's writing its wonderful, I have read the majority of her work and still love her writing.

Love yah

IsThataRedHerring

I don't know what to do when I graduate

Like so many students, I am entering the last few months of University, and it has dawned on me that I have zero idea of what I want to do when I leave. I have toyed around with many ideas in the past few years. At the beginning of University I was torn between being a primary school teacher or a social worker. That did not seem to change until the summer of 2014, I had just finished second year and entering my third year, and I thought to myself 'Hell no am I becoming a teacher', but I still loved the idea of becoming a social worker. So I set my mind of becoming a social worker. However, when I came back to university in September and attended a postgraduate open evening, I was really shocked and overwhelmed by the idea of becoming a social worker. There were not many spaces and they wanted at least one years’ experience within the area of social work, and I felt that my small experience would not be enough at all.

Then December came, which was a terribly bad month for me. I had just recovered from the mumps, an operation and an infection (but that is another story). In the month that I took out from University, several ideas ran through my head; and I really wanted to become a midwife, I have no idea why or where this came from, but all of a sudden I was researching, ringing and asking loads of questions about how to come an midwife. But really it meant a new three year course and I didn't really want to spend another three years in education, so I scrapped that idea.

Over the December period I made myself a one year plan, something that seemed doable but still gave me something to aim for.

1.      Hand in all work on time

2.      Celebrate finishing

3.      Go on a small holiday

4.      Celebrate 21^st birthday

5.      Return back to Weatherspoon’s, get enough money to pay off all debts.

6.      Start to learn to drive

7.      Pass text around December time

8.      Start looking for a full time job

Although I feel that this is a reasonable idea I am not sure I want to go back to kitchen work. So still struggling with ideas, a flyer came from my door, my mum picked it up and simply said ‘You’d be good as a carer’. And that really got me thinking. Maybe I could do that, I really thought about it and it made more sense to me. I could work a lot closer to home, saving on money expenses for travelling, there are plenty of care homes near me. But I do not see myself doing that as a full career. I’d really like to either go into Dentistry or work with children and young adults with special needs. I know I know they are completely different ideas and sectors to work in and for, but I have real interest in both areas.

So as you can see I still have zero idea on my future, nothing at all is set in stone as of yet, except the growing older part. I am enjoying being young and not have to worry about grown up stuff. But I know every day I am becoming closer and closer to having to decide what to do after University.

I am sure there are plenty of people stood in my shoes. I hope you aren’t as confused as I am.

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring

The Theory of Everything, my review.

This review will not reveal any spoilers, just my opinions.

The Theory of Everything, is now in my top list of favourite films. It is heart warming,sad, emotional and full of joy and inspirational moments. I left the theater amazed at how someone can defy so many odds and come up on top always.

The film follows a young Stephen Hawking and is based on the book by Jane Hawking called 'Travelling to infinity: My Life with Stephen'. As many people know Hawking was diagnosed at a young age of having Motor Neuron Disease, which is a progressive disease involving the degeneration of motor neurons and eventually the wasting of muscles, however the brain remains fully functional. At the young age of 21, Hawking was diagnosed with this disease and was given only 2 years to live. This film reveals the real struggles Hawking and his family had to face, but yet the determination of Hawking as well as Jane was outstanding and truly inspirational. Not only was the story of Hawking's life amazing to watch, you feel somewhat involved with his journey, the acting by both Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones was outstanding. Particularly Redmayne's portrayal of Hawking, I felt that at some points it was Hawking himself. Redmayne could not have played him better, I feel that he did Hawking proud. 

It is a must watch film, and although 2015 is not a month old yet, I feel that this film will be hard to beat. This film is inspirational, emotional and a truly wonderful watch. I erge everyone to go and see this film, I would advise 12 years and older. I would rate this film 5 stars out of 5. 

Here is the trailer for The Theory of Everything. 

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring 

21 books because I am 21.

I got the idea whilst watching a Youtube video, and thought hey that's not a bad idea, I love to read so why not read 21 books, each year of my life. So I had a think and wasn't sure what books to read, but I have a few ideas. After searching the internet for a few ideas as well, I came up with my list... I have come with with a list of 21 books (Okay some are series but I've counted them as 1). This list is not final and most certainly is not all of the books I hope to read this year, but these are the ones I am hoping to read. Even if I do not like the book I will make sure I get through it. I will do a book review of each book as well and will warn you if their will be a spoiler of two but I am hoping there will not be. I hope you like this idea as much as I do and I hope it inspires you to do the same. Reading is so important and it can be fun. So here is my choice for now:

1. A book I have been meaning to read, which never got round to. 
2. A book I have borrowed from a friend
• Daughter by Jane Shemilt
3. An auto biography, I have never read an autobiography before!
• More Fool Me by Stephen Fry
4. The Year I met you and How to fall in love by Cecilia Ahern
5. A book I started but never finished 
• Paper Towns by John Green 
6. My favourite childhood book, 
• Frozen Fire by Tim Bowler 
7. How to be a Women by Catlin Moran 
8. A book I had to read at school
• Of mice and Men by John Steinbeck
9. A book I didn't like and never finished
• Dracula 
10. A new series
• Divergent, Insurgent and Allegiant by Veronica Roth  
11. Looking for Alaska by John Green
12. A book recommended by a close friend The shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer
13. A book that has been recommended by Youtubers Red Rising trilogy by Pierce Brown 
14. This book is the second book int he The Rosie series The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion 
15. You're the one that I want by Giovanna Flectcher 
16. The Hobbit by J.R.R  Tolkien 
17. A book that I have been meaning to finish 
• Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick 
18. The beginning of a series you are unsure about
• Uglies by Scott Westerfeld 
19. Elanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell 
20. A heart warmer book
• One Million Lovely Letters by Jodi Ann Bickley 
21. A book that was made into a film 
• Philomena by Martin Sixsmith 

I am currently reading Paper Towns by John Green and aim to finish it this week, I should easily do it, and that will be book one done already.

Love yah

IsThataRedHerring

Homemade Chicken Wrapped in Bacon, with Stuffing and full roast dinner.

This is one of my favourite dishes to cook and to eat. It is a simple dish to cook and prepare, can be done hours or even the night before. It is very filling and can be used as a main, roast dinner, with past or rice or in a sandwich, whatever you want. This recipe is for 4 chicken breasts, so a family of 4.

Ingredients. 
4 medium sized chicken breast (defrosted or fresh)
12 rashers of bacon, I use un-smocked and 3 rashers per breast
A medium box of stuffing, I use Paxo sage and onion stuffing

Method

1. Lay three rashers of bacon together on a chopping board, so they look like this:

    2. Prepare the stuffing, once done, spread stuffing over the bacon, make it even, do not go all the way to the edges, keep it in the middle. 

    3. Place the chicken breast on the stuffing, and warp the bacon around the chicken.

    4. Repeat with other breasts (or only do one), place into an oven dish and cook on 180C or gas man 4, for 35-40 mins 

    5. I serve mine with roast potatoes and a selection

of veg, it always goes down well and I always get good compliments.

Just a serving suggestion 

Enjoy this recipe as much as I do.

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring 

No matter what life throws at you, always get back up.

All of my life I have felt a bit left out or to some extent worthless. But as I grew up and developed my own style, got good close friends I realised screw the people that don't like me, who call me weird and think that, that is going to be an insult to me. I don't need them in my life, I stopped thinking about them and concentrated on who I am and living my life.

I think it is so important to always be yourself and never stop being who you are. I know that sounds so clique but I think it is so important to remember. You only have one life, and you have no time to worry about what other people think. I have learnt this the hard way. I was bullied so much when I was younger because I was not a 'normal' child and let's be honest I'm not, but why would I want to be 'normal'? What is so fun about being 'normal'? 

So what made me stand out so much? 

I always have been someone who has always stood out, I've never followed fashion and always chosen my own path, I most definitely have my own unique style. I often wear as many colours as possible, often wear odd shoes and have countless different unique t-shirts. I like to express myself through my clothing and hair styles. (From previous posts you may see my many different hair colours and styles just in the last year, Bright hair, I have also changed my hair again since writing this blog). I will never blend into the crowd and quit frankly  never want to. I will always choose outrageous clothing and styles, and if you don't like it then you do not have to hang around with me.

A small book that is aimed at children has really helped me develop who I am, and realise that no matter my age, my gender, my religious views or even my class, everyone has ups and downs, highs and lows. No matter how wealthy or how poor you are we all have problems. Something that may seem small to you may seem like the end of the word to another person. We must remember that if something frightens someone so much or causes them to be anxious we should respect that and help them through it, because one day that may be you, you maybe in need of help. I have learnt that it is good to let some people into your life, and have a handful of great close friends, that you know you can rely on no matter what. When you are down and see no way of being happy again and I know I have had this a few times, it makes all the difference to have those close friends with you every step of the way. Even if they are able to make you smile just a little. You know you have good friend because no matter how low you get they are able to make you laugh, they may not always say the right thing but they are there fore you when at 2 am you want to sing concrete angel as loud as you can because a boy has been a dick (thank you Chelsey, you beautiful women <3 ). In my darkest moments I always have someone to turn to and even that thought of having someone to talk to about everything and anything means the world to me.

I mentioned a children's book that myself and few friends now call our Bible. It is a simple book that many people have read, often as a child and it is called Oh, The Places You'll Go! by Dr Seuss. In all seriousness this book is pure genius and helps me keep me together on many occasion. The book is an easy read, full of rhyming words and bright illustrations, but it is also full of such great advice and reminds you that sometimes you will take the wrong path, but you need to remember that just round the corner could be the next path, and that we should keep going. Dr Seuss reminds us all that no one is perfect and helps us remember that we are in control of our own lives even if sometimes we do not quite believe it, because lets honest life on more than one occasion is a massive heartless bitch.

So I hope you like my little rant/let's be honest I am not normal speech. I am going to start putting out blogs every Wednesday and Sunday, and little blogs in-between. 

Thank you for the support you all have given me.

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring

Homemade Breaded Chicken Fillets

This is a really easy and tasty recipe and would recommend it to everyone! It is very quick to do and with very little steps, this recipe is for 4 medium chicken breasts, so lets begin:

Ingredients 
4 medium chicken breasts
2 slices of wholemeal bread (or any bread of your choosing)
1 medium egg
Salt and pepper

Method

1. You need to start by making breadcrumb, you can by them already done, however it is cheaper and very easy to make your own. Simply break your slices of bread up into a blender, and blend until you get breadcrumbs. Put these onto a plate, or I use a plastic container (such as an take away container), as long as it is big enough to place your chicken in, one piece at a time. 
2. Next, beat your egg and put onto a separate plate or container, 
3. Get your chicken and dip into the egg, coating each side with egg, then dip into the breadcrumbs, making sure there is an even coating all around the chicken..
4. Get a hot frying pan and place a little oil, I use vegetable oil, once hot place the chicken into the pan and allow to evenly brown on each side.
5. Although you can just pan fry, I prefer to place mine in the over to cook all the way through. Cook in the oven for 20-25 mins at 180C which is gas mark 4. 
6. Serve hot or cold and enjoy

Serving suggestion

I serves mine with pasta with a bit of tomato sauce and light mayo, with a small side salad. I call this a perfect summers meal, although I eat it all year round. 

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring 

How to get bright hair.

I have always dyed my hair, since I was about 9. I know that sounds very young but it was always wash in wash out dye, nothing that lasted until I got to my teens. Which is when I decided I hated my natural hair colour, which was an odd brown colour. So I made the decison to dye it black. I have a very pale complection to I felt that the dark hair suited me the best. I hate black hair for a very long time, but in my second year of university I decided that it was time for a change. I had bleach half of my hair before, it was terrible, it went yellow, orange and when I put pink onto it, it went several different colours. I was in sixth form at the time and was made to dye it back to black.

But at university everyone goes a bit crazy, and I was no exception. I attempted to dip dye my hair, which was still black at the time, so the bottom went an orange/yellow colour, but it didn't matter so much as I put purple on the bottoms. I really liked this style, but as my hair grew I couldn't be bothered to keep up with redyeing it the bright purple colour. So, I resorted back to black hair.

the first lot of bleaching, not length of hair 

After cut and purple added. 

In the summer of second year as I was entering third year of uni, I decided that I should go back to my normal colour! Now this is when my hair took a battering, and actually ended up falling out! My hair went from boob length too chin length, it was horrible and I actually cried. But finally my hair is beginning to grow again.

And this is what happens when you bleach hair from black, with natural roots :/ it started to break and fall out already. 

Here it is straightened and already shorter. 

Here it is a lot shorter, after it has broken and is very dry. 

And again, starting to grow a little again, thank goodness but still a little dry. 

And this was December 2014, finally back to a healthy feel, I had to bleach the roots, but I bleach bathed it so it didn't go dry. 

I got bored of the purple quite quickly, so I dyed it blue. However I had to light bleach it all over. I bleached bathed it, which meant instead of just bleaching it, I added one part shampoo, I used a cheaper version of Tresme colour protect shampoo, too one part bleach power and one part bleach developer. I only allowed it too stay on my hair for 20 mins, maybe not even that long. It went a very white blonde which was amazing in itself, but I had missed a few places so had to bleach bath certain places. (silly me haha). I didn't even wait an hour before I put the blue straight on. Because the blue is a semi-permanent and has zero amonia, it didn't damage my hair at all. Therefore, I left it on for about an hour, because I really wanted a bright vibrant blue, which is what I got.  

I got my hair cut today, which has brought out more shades of the blue and I love it. And I enjoy having the full fringe. 

What did I use?

• Jerome Russell B Blonde Powder Bleach 100g Lightner - I used two sachets, there are four in a box. It is always handy to have a few sachets in, it is about £3.99 from Superdrug, Boots or Wilkinsons.
• With that I used the Jerome Russell B Blonde Cream Peroxide 40 Vol 12% lightner, it is one bottle per sachet of powder, its about £1.69 from Superdrug, Boots or Wilkinsons. 
• For the colour, I used Live Colour XXL Ultra Vibrant Bright Purple Punk 94, this is available in most shops that stock hair dye. It is normally on offer in one shop or another, £5.49 each or often cheaper or buy 1 get 1 free etc. 
• For the blue I used something  bit different, I went to Sally's hair dressing supplies as they have a lot of bright colours in there, and hundreds of shades of colours. I recommend popping in as they give great advice and aren't too badly priced... Anyway,k the blue I used was Ion Colour Flash, Cobalt blue which is often on on offer as well, mine was £5.99, but was buy 1 get 1 half price. 
• I have also in the past used Crazy Colour, which gives great results, very bright particularly the pink. 

I hope this has helped some people, I would love to answer any questions people have.

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring 

Trying to add more veg into my life

2014 has been and gone so I thought it was about time to try something different. I'm not really a meat eater and tend to stick to white meat and occasionally beef mince. I normally cook the same things as university, which tend too be chicken and pasta and some sort of sauce, or cottage pie! But when my good friend Beth made me an amazing vegetarian curry I was in love. Finally I got the recipe after months of forgetting to ask for it. And I was not disappointed. Full of spices and amazing tasty vegetables, most definitely one of my new favourite dishes. I've been trying to use new and exciting spices and vegetables, and looking for new veggie recipes.

I have two amazing recipes so far thanks to Beth, which are the amazingly packed and tasty spicy veggie curry and gnocci in a rich tomato sauce which I am trying this week. I also have a few soup recipes that I still need to try out, but if anyone has any recipes I would greatly appreciate them.

Sorry for short but sweet blog

Love yah
IsThataRedHerring