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

Not a new me, but a better me.

Inspired by the wonderful blog by Lovelychubly I have decided to rid myself of 2014 and the things that sucked, and better myself.

2014 did not start off well for me, my late Aunt Pauline passed away, I hit rock bottom, some friendships fizzled out. However, others were gained, thanks to a mutual drunken experience, lost in Amsterdam, myself and Jess met the wonderful Vikkay and Danni. Thank goodness we met them, otherwise we might still be lost in Amsterdam now, and plus they are fantastic loyal friends. Despite having an amazing time in Amsterdam my struggle with depression continued, I took a month from uni to clear my head that seemed to do the trick.

A lot of things happened throughout 2014, I turned 20, I got drunk a lot, I moved uni houses,end of second year, got a well paid job, met awesome people, made new friends. Discovered new things, had adventurers, started this blog, summer ball. Third year started;  Joined the gym, got ill (mumps, abscess, infection, flu, depression, flu) you no the usual, quite gym.. 2014 summed up, could have been better but I don't want to change anything because it is part of my life.

But here it is my small goals, things that I want to aspire to do. Some are easier than others, so here goes:

Section one, University:

1. Hand in all assignments by the deadline, by at least one hour!
2. Finish my degree (May the 5th DEADLINE DAY)
3. Enjoy last part of third year

Section two, healthy body, healthy mind:

1. Have breakfast everyday, without fail!
2. Which you lazy person, getting up early!
3. Hey guess what!.... EXERCISE... no more 11 hour naps followed by binge eating
4. And of course, eating healthy... mmmm salads! 

Section three, because why the hell not?!:

1. This year I celebrate my 21st Birthday, and I want to read 21 books this year. (separate blog too follow) 
2. Be more organised! 
3. Let's ease up on spending the money and try and save
4. By the end of 2015.... I want to be able to drive! I aim too take my driving test by Christmas 2015!
5. Run the race for life again, and actually run/jog it!

So those are my goals, not resolutions for one year, but my life goals, some are short and easy but others are ones I plan on continuing my whole life. It takes 21 days to create a new habit so here goes! A new step towards a new me.

Happy New Year , you beauties.

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring

P.S 

        Without the help of my friends and family this year, I would not have survived, so thank you <3 forever