Baby Show Ticket Giveaway

On March 2nd-4th The Baby Show, with MadeforMums is being held at the London Excel Centre. Mike and I have been invited to go along, now that we're parents to be! An incredible shopping experience, The Baby Show offers the biggest and best brands for parents, bumps and new babies - we can't wait!

Given that I'll be a disabled Mum with some difficulties and limitations, I personally cannot wait to meet all the exhibitors to try and test their products, anything that will help make me a better, more capable mother. Plus by the time of the show, we'll know whether we'll be buying pink or blue!

From Baby Bjorn, Chicco, Joolz, MAM, Tommee Tippee, Mothercare, Babiesrus and many many more The Baby Show really is the place to go for all your baby needs!

I have two full-priced adult tickets to give away! See below for your many chances to win!

Baby Show Ticket Giveaway

Good Luck!

L x

I'm Pregnant!

If you've not seen my countless social media posts or YouTube videos... I'm pregnant! I'm now in week 16 and thankfully rid of the 1st Trimester. What with pain, sickness, fatigue... and that doesn't even include my long-term conditions, I've felt dreadful.

I now have the practicalities of pregnancy and a baby to contend with, how will my body copy as the baby grows (and grow it will, Mike is a big guy and the baby is already presenting 9 days bigger than it's actual conception date!) and as a disabled parent, I'm going to have to find ingenious and practical ways to ensure the safety of the baby and myself. But more on that in the coming months.

Below are my first two vlogs about Button (babies nickname) and me.

Button Update No1

This video is from the day we found out we were expecting.

If you can't see this video click here

Button Update No. 2

This video is my pain medication withdrawal diary - emotional and a hard watch but I wanted to be honest with my readers. 

If you can't see this video click here

Enjoy

L x

Rewind

There's lots to catch up on! The wedding, new jobs and wrinkle cream here is a video to catch up all up, on the goings on in the brand new Garrick Household!

If you can't see the video click here!

L xxx

Christmas Legends

Sometimes Christmas feels like a full-time job and when you're medically declared unfit for work, you understand why you've been labelled that way.

As I have mentioned countless times I adore Christmas, the music, the food, the decorations, the gatherings, time with all my loved ones, the games and the TV Christmas specials (Hello! Call the Midwife!) but it's tiring!

This week has been utterly mental, I am meeting people for all three meals of the day - Slimming World hell - but only a 1lb gain this December....so far!. There is a mental list running through my head 24/7 and the ridiculous thing is; my Father in law will be cooking Christmas day dinner, due to lack of funds, we've only bought gifts for our 4 Nieces and 2 Nephews and all the meet and greets I've been going to, have been away from our house (i.e no clean up for me!) and yet I'm still panicking and exhausted. (I'm aware of my first world problem!)

So this blog is dedicated to all the parents buying for all their kids, families, kids friends, teachers, scout and brownie leaders, bosses, workmates, Secret Santa's and Neighbours. To all the shop's co-ordinating mountains of Christmas gifts, irate customers and fatigued staff. To all the charities struggling to provide for all those in their service with a dire lack of funds - I salute you all in this beautifully insane festive period, keep going, there are only a few days left and lets face it, we'll all miss it when there are 365 days to go until the next Christmas day.

Merry Christmas readers/watchers!

Until next Wednesday!
L xxx

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If you didn't see it last week here is last weeks vlog (If you can't see the video, click here!)

Rome Part 1

If you missed any parts to this continuous blog please click the links just below.

2015 European Road Trip Part 1
2015 European Road Trip Part 2

___________________________

During our trip to Italy, we had noticed that the rumours were true, Italians are the worst drivers I've seen, and I thought the Yellow Taxi drivers in New York were crazy! It seems road rules, markings and safety measures are mere suggestions. To drive in Italy, you have to be quick thinking and sadly very rude, we were so polite, letting people out and keeping an eye on all around us, but by the end of the trip we were just and stubborn and brash.

From Pisa to Rome, we had planned on driving into the city to our hotel and spending three day's walking around, but as we got closer and closer, I thought Mike might have a heart attack, so we decided to book ourselves into an airport parking lot and get a taxi to our hotel.

Our taxi drivers car was scratched and dented, as were all other cars there, and that journey was one of the most hair raising of my life! Arriving at our hotel, the lovely Royal Court, in the centre of Rome, we had a ground floor room and although the front entrance had steps there was wheelchair access thought the hotels court yard. Our room was incredibly plush with gold wall paper, restored furniture and a balcony overlooking the well kept and charming court yard. The staff couldn't be more helpful either.

After a long day driving and walking around Pisa we were tired and ordered a take away pizza from a local pizzeria called Andrea's, which was delicious and fell asleep watching bad Italian music channels.

The next morning we were up by half past 6. With only 48 hours in town, we were going fit as much in as possible! We had decided that we were going to cover everything we possibly could that wasn't the Colosseum and the Forum! So we hoped on a Red Bus tour to see as much of the city from a higher point of view for photos. We saw; the ancient ruins, the Republica and Santa Maria monuments, the Circo Massimo - A famous chariot racing stadium and  Piazza Venezia  - one of the most prominent sights in Rome, as it's so high, huge and white you can see it from many places all over the city.

Pia Venzia

We got off the tour bus at Vatican City. Now, I mean no disrespect to any Catholics reading, but apart from seeing St. Peters Square and the city it's self, we weren't going to go inside, especially after seeing a 3 hour long queue surrounding the famous church. But then a kind stranger said that we didn't have to queue for the attraction because I was disabled, so we thought, why not?

St Peter's Basilica

Boy, am I glad we did. St Peter's Basilica was breath taking and rendered me speechless. The detail, opulence and sheer size of the place was astounding.  The sculptures, mosaics and artwork was some of the best I've ever seen, we of course took a million photos of it all, including some amazing artistic photos Mike took of the painted domes and ceilings (*side note - I seem to have a minor obsession for beautiful ceilings which began in the New York Library Rose Room, Continued in St Peters and thrilled later on in Versailles lol!).

Beautiful Ceilings

Despite my religious beliefs, I left those who were praying in peace and remained respectful of the religious collections but I was disgusted to see tourists climbing up statues and monuments for selfies and better photos! I wanted to personally shoo them out of the building or run them over with my wheelchair - infuriating!

Inside the Church

After the Vatican we visited the Trevi Fountain which was under restoration behind Perspex class and covered in scaffolding - gutted. We consoled ourselves with Gelato at Il Gelato di San Crispino which our Lonley planet book cited as a possible contender for Romes best ice cream - we can voucher that it probably is!

Next we went to The Spanish Steps which were a lovely spot for a little sit (for those other than myself!) surrounded by lovely shops and cafes. We made our way up behind the steps and over to Piazza del Popolo for some superb views of the steps and we were high enough to see Rome's rustic skyline.

Rome Skyline

Here we encountered some flower sellers who were persistent despite us saying No over and over again. They kept giving me flowers for "free" which I put down to leave behind and they still tried to get cash out of Mike and he wasn't shy about telling them to bugger off, so my advice to be firm, look away and despite being British - be blatantly rude to them. 

After walking all day in the 32 degree heat, 60% humidity and the cities never ending hills and cobbled streets we decided to head back to our hotel to chill out before dinner.

After a rest for Mikes aching body and an extensive Trip advisor search, we decided on a restaurant called La Carbonara a 109 year old eatery famous for its name sake dish. A tip with any restaurant in Rome; pre book at least 24 hours before or arrive at 7pm for a table, we did the latter and it was already packed but they gave us a table.

We had both been obnoxiously lazy in learning more than basic Italian and it came to bite us on the arse in La Carbonara. The menu wasn't translated and neither of us had any signal on our phones. So we played a game of eeni meeni miini moh which since neither of us is a fussy eater, worked quite well - I had a raw mushroom salad and the best Carbonara in the world, Mike had a mozzarella salad and a spicy tomato and garlic spaghetti main and by the way when ordering a glass of Coke call it Coca-Cola as Coke is mistaken for a much ruder word - much to my blushes.  

Since the night was young, we decided to go to lovely cocktail bar for a few drinks in the cool city breeze, we eventually got back to the hotel very full, relaxed and very ready for bed.

L x

European Road Trip Part 2

European Road Trip 2015

Missed one?.

Part 1 - If you have missed the first part of thisblog please click here!

After sleeping for an epic 12 hours, Mike and I set of early at we had to arrive in Genoa, Italy, where our next hotel was booked but we had decided we would go to Nice and Monaco along the way.

Dijon to Nice was almost 6 hours long. We made our way through a lot of new CDs; Bruno Mars, Walk the Moon, Nina Nesbitt, Jason Derulo and my infamous "mix tape" CDs featured heavily. 

Some of my favourite moments of the trip were when Mike and I were singing our hearts out and dancing in traffic queues - Lord knows what others thought of our jigging car and frequent air grabbing.

We arrived on the Nice coast in a 32 degree heat, it was gorgeous! We had a stroll along the sea front, taking obligatory selfies and sipping on ice cold colas. We had a wander through a market in the centre of town and saw a lovely paddling pool for local kids, many fountains and sculptures. I was feeling very continental.

Nice, France

In Europe, dinner time is 7-9pm, so we decided to head to Monaco for dinner. We were feeling very excited of the thought of dining in such a prolific city; home of the Monaco Grand Prix and play ground of the rich and famous... except we didn't get out of the car! Monaco is a winding maze of thin roads and expensive cars, after more than half an hour trying to find a parking spot we decided to leave the beautiful and albeit confusing city for the 2 1/2hour drive to Genoa.

We hit traffic jams, a lot of traffic jams! The drive took closer to four hours and we'd consumed a diet of cereal bars and French fries crisps, so as we approached Genoa we planned on room service in bed - oh so very indulgent!

10 Minutes away from our hotel, loyally following our Sat Nav Sabrina, we somehow ended up in the industrial port, meeting security guards who couldn't speak English. We  finally made it our hotel but Genoa wasn't lending itself to us. The town was a dirty, run down town and to be honest I didn't feel very safe. Luckily Mike is 6ft and big built, which puts any dodgy people off approaching us.

We got to our hotel and it looked like a lovely place, clean and modern, but our room was run down and had evidently flooded from the bathroom to the communal hall way via the disabled shower. We were so tired we ordered pizzas with room service (the food was nice but the staff were stroppy and rude) and went to bed.

My morning shower of course flooded our room, they'd not leveled the disabled wash room towards the plug and when we told reception, they simply shrugged and said that's what happened in disabled bathrooms. Funny how the other 6 hotels we stayed in didn't flood!

I wouldn't recommend Genoa at all, we'd booked it on a whim and our guide to Italy said of the town; "When you get tired of the dirt and rats in Genoa move on" - my advice, avoid it entirely!

Happily leaving Genoa, I was especially excited as we were heading to Pisa, home of the leaning tower. 

Travelling tip; if you're driving into Pisa, be very careful! There is a restricted driving area which includes where the Tower is situated. Make sure you check this restriction as you'll be sent a fine for excess of €100. We parked 5 mins from town and if you are disabled, make sure you show parking attendants you UK Blue Parking badge you'll get a reduced parking fee.

Doing a European road trip in the first instance was a tick off my bucket list, seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa was another. When you first see the monument you cannot believe firstly how tall and wide it is, and secondly how it can lean to such a degree without toppling.

Mike and I in Pisa

Amongst a sea of tourist, doing exactly the same, Mike and I posed as though we were holding up the tower. Although you know what everyone else is doing it, it still looks incredibly odd and ridiculous but very funny.

If you are disabled in Italy, you do not pay or queue to get into their major tourist attractions. Mike and I joked that because Italy is such an old country and has many cobble streets, free entry to attractions is the Italian apology to us and those pushing our wheelchairs.

Obviously I couldn't manage walking into and up the Leaning Tower, despite desperately wanting to. I told Mike to leave me at the bottom, and climb the tower, for the sake of our photo collection but he was too much of a Gentleman. 

However the Pisa Cathedral was beautiful inside, constructed in 1064 it was a breath taking mixture of old and new, the staff almost didn't let me in as my shoulders were uncovered - so beware, take a cardigan or wear something long sleeved!

Outside Pisa Cathedral

Inside Pisa Catherdral

The Pisa Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) includes the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, Baptistery and the Piazza dei Miracoli but the area is world renowned for its medieval art and architecture - it is truly a lovely place and apart from the Tower the attractions are made wheelchair accessible with ramped entrances and levels within the buildings.

We spent the rest of the day wandering through Piazzi Cairoli where there are lots of bars and most importantly; gelateries! We stopped for a mezze platter lunch of cheeses, salad and fresh meats then a humongous cone of Gelato - our first of many! Before we headed to the madness of Rome!

L x 

Insomnia - I can't get no sleep!

To state the obvious, pain is bad, very bad! I’m in a lot of bad pain but more than the pain it’s the lack of sleep that blights my being!

Insomnia – “I can’t get no sleep!”

At its worse I’m surviving on 90mins of kip a night. I take sleeping pills, but the pain in my legs wakes me up, so I spend most nights in a pattern of dropping off, spasming, drifting off, spasming again followed by several hours of nerve pain. So, I’ve given up on the sleeping pills, if I’m going to be up for 20hrs a day, I might as well make myself useful rather than sulking and sobbing into my pillow!

I don’t have a secret to cure insomnia, although I’m considering having a D.I.Y above knee amputation... but here is my little guide to surviving the long nights.

Don’t fight it!

I see no point in lying in bed, clock watching and cursing the sunrise. If you make it to 4am with no success - get up, not necessarily out of bed, but do something! Mike’s been away 6 week and where he would normally lay is my night time survival kit....

My survival kit

Read

As you can see, I keep myself busy.... I’m a prolific reader, so there are always magazines and books dotted around the flat. I’m currently reading Nothing Changes Until You Do: A Guide to Self-Compassion and Getting Out of Your Own Way by Robbins, Mike (2014) Paperback (yes it’s a self help book, yes I need all the help I can get!). I'm also reading You're the One That I Want by Giovanna Fletcher too. I will say that you might be better off sticking to magazines for short articles and features as the trouble with a good fictional read is that you’re forever telling yourself “Just one more chapter....”

Beautify

3am is a dull time of day, unless you’re out at all night party, so it's a perfect time to do those dull beauty tasks! I use my time taming my mono brow, nails and taking a cheese grater to my foot. Monotonous tasks make for a monotonous brain... i.e. hopefully boring you to sleep!

I also keep creams, lotions, lip balms and overnight hair conditioners close by, I might as well pamper myself in my hour(s) of need and face wipes are must pain = hot, sticky clammy face and arms which drive me nuts!

Entertainment

Thank god for Netflix, BuzzFeed, Youtube and Huffingtonpost! On my tablet and mobile I have all four. We don’t have a TV in our bedroom but I’m more likely to fall asleep with my tablet balanced on the pillow next to me as I’m comfier on my side. I know “experts” will say to avoid all technology in bed, but those experts haven’t been distracted by puppy videos or cried them selves to sleep (hey sleep is sleep) watching The Notebook and Fault in the Stars!

Clear out your brain

I’m a writer so there’s always a note pad close by, all my idea’s, thoughts, and ramblings are better on paper than clogging up my drug filled insomniac brain. If nothing else, due to the severe lack of sleep I write to do, to take, to text, to remind, to watch and to buy lists and I even have to do lists informing me of to do lists I need to check – it’s a skill!

Medication 

....in my case, and not in many others, I need medication, a lot it too. I always keep them nearby and lots of water!

Monotony can be key

As I mentioned before, boredom can cause sleep. One of my good friends suffers with neuralgia and plays mind sweep whilst waiting for her pain medication to kick in. I’m personally currently addicted to Theme Hospital,  for young people it’s a very old cheesy game set, funny enough, in a hospital. You’d think I’d be sick of hospitals after my years of treatment but maybe that’s why I like it.

Indulge in guilty pleasures

I have many guilty pleasures, except I never feel very guilty about them. At 4am, I don’t have the brain power to follow an episode of Game of Thrones, instead I indulge in 16 and Pregnant. Teens not using protection, angry parents, girls believe the guys will change/grow up/man up (they never do!) girl loves baby, but always says in the end that they wished they’d waited and hadn’t realised it would be so hard! 5 seasons later you’d think they’d learn but it’s very addictive viewing!

On bad nights I’ll also indulge in copious warm milk, Oreo cookies and lately, strawberries, being up alone all night is not fun – food makes me happy!

Talk

The beauty of the internet is A. There will be other Insomniacs sat considering introducing their heads to a brick wall and B. The world has many time zones, even if your country is asleep many others will be awake, so make some international friends and you’ll never be lonely.... or in my case get engaged to a Geologist who spends half of his year in America!

So this is how I survive the long nights. No one can underestimate the effects of never getting a decent night’s sleep, my work, social life; concentration and sanity are regularly in jeopardy due to insomnia but I do what I have to do to keep myself going how about you?

Lastly...

I bought a Spoonie Survival Kit from a little store on Etsy. It won’t cure any pain or insomnia but it’s adorable. It includes:

• Pink fluffy socks
• A tea bag
• Marbles for when I’ve lost mine
• Lip balm and nail varnish for pampering
• String to “Hold it together”
• A silver spoon (to read about the Spoonie movement click here!)
• A pen to write down my feelings 
• a dice for luck.

A sweet gift if you know someone who’s suffering or in need of a little boost. You can buy them here!

Sleep tight

L xxx

Independence for All

Me again, I’m on a roll! Not only have I written two blogs this week, I also had an article published in a local paper too!

The Evening Echo is a staple for any Southender! Want a new Puppy? “Check the Echo!” Has the pier burnt down, yet again? “Check the Echo!”Selling your Car? “Check the Echo!”... you get the idea! Anyway, they have given me my own column - One Disabled Day at a Time. In this months’ piece, I wrote about being housebound and how to appreciate your freedoms – in any small way you can.

This was my 6^th piece for the newspaper and because I am so open and willing to talk about anything, from disability, relationships or cruel internet trolls, I believe, this has made readers realise that I am a regular contributor and people are now asking for my advice.

To read this weeks’ piece click on the photo below.

One Disabled Day at a Time

As you can see in the article, I talk about not being able to use the bathroom or cook in the kitchen during a full relapse of my conditions. After it was published, I received e-mails from people wanting specific information on what equipment I use to help with this.

As I have Cerebral Palsy, Hypermobility Syndrome and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome the three conditions battle within my body, fighting as to which one is going to cause the most trouble, so my needs change daily.

One thing I have always struggled with is cutlery. When I’m in severe pain, my left hand clenches tightly and my arm curls into my shoulder, club this with the paralysis on my left side and it makes for a messy meal time! I have used moulded knives and folks but there are so many different types available to suit everyone’s needs. I would suggest and recommend you go to www.UKSmobility.co.uk. They have an extensive cutlery range for all disabled people and I personally have used these ones in the past.

I would also suggest browsing UKS Mobility’s vast kitchen and dining section here. There are so many gadgets that are not only useful but incredibly safe too. I love the fact that with a few extra tools, we all gain further independence.

When I was a child I had to depend on Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapists for equipment such as leg splints, hoists and exercise apparatus. Today, I choose to purchase most of my own kit, which means; I’m no longer on mile long waiting list and I can buy what I want and when I need it – a real luxury.

I had two specific e-mails about toilet aids. Readers wanted to know what commodes I have used. I have only used a standard one without wheels similar to this model, very much like the ones you would see in hospital. They just become another piece of the furniture and ours became an office chair in between relapses!

When you’ve used commodes or have been bathed by family or carers you lose any sense of embarrassment. I know a commode is effectively an adult potty, but there is no point being shy about these things, we’re all human and we all have the same needs.

Luckily companies like UKS Mobility can recommend the right equipment for you; they consider your size, needs and disability. If you are really struggling with all the choice on offer, UKS Mobility encourages their clients to call their customer helpline, before, during and after sales for the best service. Thankfully they sell online, with an incredibly easy checkout, they can deliver to your door plus after over a decade in the industry, these guys know their stuff!

My final piece of advice would be to use social media. Talk to other suffers of your condition. Bounce ideas off each other, these people can understand what you’re going through and their suggestions might just make your day easier!

L x

Disclaimer - All thoughts and opinions are my own as Lynsey M Ellard. Written 02/2014 I retain all copyrights. Should you wish to contact me about this piece or would like to talk about having a sponsored post on my blog, please use the contact page above.

Wheels, Boats and Ladradoodles

After Friday’s feast; Saturday was unsurprisingly a fat day!! But also a very gorgeous 29.2 degrees outside and not wanting to waste the day Mike and I headed into Queen Street for a bit of a browse, unfortunately neither of us are great shoppers and got bored!

Knowing how much of a typical tourist I am Mike asked if I’d like to go on the Wheel of Brisbane, rather than walking past it again to yet another restaurant!

Its $15 each for 12 minutes on the wheel, there seems to be some myth that it’s up to $50 each and completely inaccessible – not so, one of the pods had seats that flip up to fit a manual chair.

We had a pod to ourselves and I had one of my three cameras to hand. My Olympus got a great work out. The wheel boasts some gorgeous 360 views of the city, suburbs and mountains, plus some forced (by me) cheesey couple photo’s of us at the top.

Views from the Wheel of Brisbane

No more photos Lynsey!

After the wheel we saw the River City Cruises boat was about to leave for a tour down the Brisbane River, we hopped on with help from the crew (the boat isn’t accessible) not before trapping my pretty new maxi dress in one of my front wheels, ripping a whole in the bottom of it! Although annoyed I was just glad the pulling of the wheel didn’t expose my modesty as the dress was strapless!

River City Cruises

The River City Cruise takes you from the South Bank to Breakfast creek in Newstead, a 1 ½ hour cruise when it’s that hot is luxuriously wonderful with the breeze and an on board bar! There are brilliant views of the city as well as a recorded history lesson along the way, and on the way back our captain told us more personable stories about the city, it’s people and the 2011 floods - also taking the mickey of his Newcastle (UK) born shipmate – worryingly unlike the rest of the passengers I could completely understand him and his Geordie accent, but thought he was Irish – doh!

Views from the Boat

After the cruise we had time to come home, change, raid the local off-licence for wine (Called – NED!!!) and XXXX beers before catching one of Brisbane’s amazingly accessible (are you reading London Transport!?!) trains to see Jenna and Brian.

Jenna was cooking us dinner and this was the first time I had visited their stunning new house and met Ciara their crazy Labradoodle. We were joined by Brian’s brother Dave who has also emigrated from the UK.

Jen had been following our Brisbane food trail and had decided to cook us a healthy and delicious  roast lamb with a Greek salad, sweet potatos and soda bread, ah my weight watchers counter would be proud!

Jenna had also made us a lemon and lime tart, She's known for her dessert disasters so we tentatively tried it before all wolfing it down – she’s cracked it an edible pud!

After being attacked by gorgeous Ciara a million times (I wanted to steal her and bring her home!) Dave offered us a lift since he lives in the West End and we chatted to him about the Aussies fear and loathing of rain, what he missed about home (in his case Ireland) and the Aussies bad habit of calling football  - soccer and flip flogs thongs – Oh Aussies you amuse us Poms!

L x

Cake!

Ironic that my last post was about Weight Watchers when this one is all about CAKE beautiful, creamy, buttery, sweet cakes!

Mike bought me a day with The Gourmet Cupcake Company as a Christmas Present and I had been saving my weekly extra points on my Weight Watchers plan so that I could scoff with guilt free glee.

Mike’s Sister Emma also had a place on the course and drove from Sussex, getting up at 6am (Thanks Em!) to get us to the company’s base in central Chelmsford.

Following Em’s SAT NAV we arrived on an industrial estate, not where you would expect a bakery. But appearances are indeed deceiving; through the shop’s door was a baking heaven!

Decorated in pretty pastel colours of pink, blue and green the shops shelves were lined with all manner of baking must have’s like; cutters, piping bags, edible glitters and pens, cupcake cases in every colour, food colours/flavours galore and so much more!

The Shop

We were greeted by El our course leader who made us welcome with hot drinks and an introduction to the day’s activities. There were 8 of us on the course, all round a big table covered in a rose printed tablecloth and sat on white wooden chairs – very country, very cosy! Because of such a small group El was on hand to help us all with any problems or questions without feeling that she was rushing from person to person.

First up was the cake sponges; in groups of four we mixed large batches of vanilla sponge (I have added an Artisan food mixer to my wish list – although starting at £300 – I’ll be waiting a while for one of those!) – if you’ve ever baked a cake from scratch you’ll know this is the easy part, making a cupcake beautiful  is all down to the icing and sugar craft.

One Day!

El demonstrated how to make butterflies, daisy’s, blossom flowers, hearts and star’s  all using simple plunge cutters, but gave us ideas on how to make the 2D sweets into interesting 3D creations with flood colourings, paints, glitters and how to build the icing up into layers. These were all done with Sugar Florist Paste a tougher icing perfect for moulding more stable decorations.

I was a little worried the mild Cerebral Palsy weakness in my left hand might hinder such delicate work but most of it was easy enough to do with one hand. I later found making the sugar paste roses harder, but I think that was the case for all of us there – it just needs practice!

Sugar Art

For lunch Emma and I popped into Chelmsfords town centre which is a 5 minute walk from The Gourmet Cupcake Company. After a Veggie Delight at Subway (still saving those Weight Watchers points!) we tackled the above mentioned roses which included making Florist Paste rose leaves which we shaped with a cutter then moulded in a little gadget called a viner which you put your sugar leaf into and it creates really life like veins imprinted into the icing.

To marry cake and craft’s; El showed us how to make a simple butter cream topping and a fondant icing. Once we had coloured and added flavourings to these we were shown how to pipe and level each icing and then it was time to decorate our cakes with our creations and an abundance of glitter and hundreds and thousands in all colours of the rainbow.

This was probably the quickest park of the whole course but seeing the day’s lessons come together in what I can only describe as edible artwork – it was the most satisfying!

My Finished Cakes 

Emma and I both had a brilliant day, both learning some great new skills (or in my case – a whole new skill set) our course leader El was fun, chatty and never made you feel daft for getting things wrong. The course is a wonderful gift but I would have happily paid for it myself.

Emma's Cakes

We were presented with course completion certificates (no matter how old I am I love getting these!) and recipe cards and sadly it was time to go home! 24 hours later there are amazingly still three cupcake’s left out of my 12 – a bloody miracle, but I have earmarked one for after my Weight Watchers weigh in tomorrow – yet more irony!

L x

The Gourmet Cupcake Company - Is well established company bakery with previous client including FireFox, FedEx and Nintendo. For cake quote’s you can e-mail info@gourmetcupcakes.co.uk . For information on the 6 courses they currently run click here.

2011 A Bad Boyfriend?

Hey,

How are you all? Is January treating you well? I hope so! It’s hard after Christmas, the New Year kicks in so fast it’s almost as if the festive season was mince pie filled dream!

The initial flourish of resolutions, diets and general optimism for the better person in us all, is usually starting to deplete at a rapid rate by now, but this year I feel different.

As I mentioned in my last post 2011 was a hard year for my family and there were events through the twelve months that seemed to keep pulling me down, and I felt like I was teetering on the edge of another depression bout.

Despite the usual pain I’m in, I have been suffering with hip and knee pain that wasn’t in my normal portfolio of ailments. I hit my biggest weight over Christmas and after telling a friend about these problems, she remarked that these were the pains she had whilst pregnant. Now regular readers will remember this (CLICK HERE - to read my shame!) and the remark from my niece and again it’s taken for me to be told that my body in some way relates to that of a Mum to be, before I do anything about – stupid really isn’t?

And although some months ago I declared no more diets I feel if my fat is causing more pain on top of my usual ones I would be stupid to ignore it.

I joined WeightWatchers online two weeks ago, but since Christmas I’ve lost 6lb. I’m in what you would call the honeymoon period of the diet, but that’s just it I don’t feel like I’m dieting at all, I find point counting almost fun, finding as many ways of eat as much as I can without going over my allotted points – yesterday I even had mince pie ice cream with 3 points still left over by bedtime! 

But do you know what I think I’ll succeed this time because unlike last year I only have your average run of the mill problems or worries not court cases and heartbreak. And in hard times I’m your classic comfort eater. My friends are sick of me and my weight issues but so far I cannot say a bad word about WW. 

I almost feel like 2011 was a bad boyfriend who I’ve dumped. I’m in a “New Me” phase and I’ve thrown out half my wardrobe, got a new bed and duvet sets, we’ve started preparing for a new kitchen plus I’ve got 2 hen do’s, 3 weddings, 1 holiday booked (with two more in the pipeline), a family reunion party already booked up for this year – it’s looking fun (and expensive – less money to buy junk food with I suppose!).

I hope this optimism lasts, as well as my will power, I’m sure you’ll hear all about it soon enough. What about you guys? Are we all still feeling positive and fighting off the January blues? Let me know!

Right I’m off to go count weight watchers points, I have a cupcake course on Monday I need to calculate how many points per cake I bring home, I can eat and still enjoy Nando’s tomorrow – simple things!! Will let you know how I get on.

L x

Mmm Pudding

I’m no food critic, despite the fact I’m forever eating and drinking and then talking about it on my Twitter Page . My go to eateries are Frankie and Benny’s, Nando’s and on special occasions that I brave Lakeside – Wagamama for my usual No. 43. But I love love love watching cookery programmes have a vast cookery book collection and at the end of January I’ll be attending a cupcake cookery course with Emma my sister in law at The Gourmet Cupcake Company – possibly the best Christmas gift ever from Mike.

I’ve been lucky to eat at some wonderful restaurants here in the UK, in Spain and Australia (regular readers can you believe my Oz trip was a year ago this month?!?) but last night I think I ate, my so far, favourite meal ever.

Our Christmas doesn’t end until January 4^th – Mike’s Mum Andrea’s Birthday. It was decided that we would take Andrea to The Rainbow Inn in Cooksbridge, East Sussex. I called after finding their website and booked a table for the 6 of us plus our half pint Beth. The distinctly French menu was a nice surprise, I’d never been to the restaurant before but Emma recommended it highly.

When we arrived, after Emma and her little family she was a tad confused as the place she remembered was not the one we were standing in lol! The restaurant had been bought out by celebrity chef Marco Pierre White last September and there had been a subsequent makeover of the premises and menu. The dark yet unbelievably warm, welcoming and cosy dining room was so inviting and yet so chic.

The staff at the Rainbow Inn were helpful, attentive and not overbearing. I get nervous in more upmarket places that I’ll use the wrong cutlery, pronounce the wine list with the accent of Del Boy and the biggest faux pas of them all; drop food down the front of me! But the Maitre D was a funny French gent who made us all relax, laugh and charmed 17 month old Beth so much she was blowing him kisses by the end of the night!

The food was exquisite, Mike’s parents and I had potted shrimp to start, something I’ve never tried before, it was so delicious that I will be seeking it out in Old Leigh this coming Summer, whether it’ll match that of The Rainbow Inn I don’t know! Mike and Andrew had baked St Marcellin cheese with sour dough bread – Mike loved it so much he’ll be making special trips to Waitrose to “invest” lol!

Our mains came to the table like little works of art; I had Spatchcock of poussin à la chipolatas pomme fondant and rosemary roasting juice – just sound wonderful doesn’t it? It’s a small/baby chicken stuffed and roasted with a selection of herbs and garlic with beautiful roast potatos and chipolatas sausages.  The bird was flavoursome, juicy and rich.

Now the finale was my desert; bread and butter pudding. Nothing like the pudding you had as a child lovingly baked by Nan. Sorry but this was a little piece of heaven on a plate. Light, fluffy, delicate and perfect. As much as I loved the first two courses I couldn’t have eaten the bread and butter pudding three times over and still want more. Can’t believe how excited I am over a dessert!! *and Breathe*

Guy’s if you want brownie points take your ladies to the Rainbow Inn a romantic stylish venue that welcomes you even with children (always a worry – some places are so funny about children passing their pretentious threshold) wonderful service amazing food and a brilliant night out!

L x

Onwards and Upwards

Hello!

I know I’ve disappeared from Ladygogo land this last fortnight, predictably the main reason for this was Christmas – my favourite time of year! I was making up for being so depressed last year. I don’t actually remember buying, wrapping and enjoying the festive period of 2010 until the day itself – very unlike me. But this year I almost drowned in mulled wine, have gained at last half a stone in cheese and party food, have carefully chosen and wrapped all my gifts and Christmas day was a gloriously mad day surrounded by the Ellard brood and Mike who’s arrived back from New Zealand on the 23^rd.

I’m now in Sussex for Christmas II with the Garrick clan, no less glorious or fun, will gain yet another half a stone in cheese and probably embarrass myself playing Articulate and Trivial Pursuit – luckily this is my 6^th Sussex Christmas so they’re well aware of my Christmas related habits.

As I write this there are a mere 13 hours until 2012 begins… New Zealand is already there. As always I love to contemplate the year past and plan for the one ahead.

2011 was governed by the safety and arrival of three special packages into the Ellard fold. It’s been a battle and yet totally necessary. I am in complete admiration of my parents, they have a hard 18 years ahead of them and subsequently the entire family do so too. But when the youngest precious package told me over the phone yesterday that not only was he playing with his “Race-ing caaars!” that he “loved me” - my heart melted and the struggle seemed worth it.

Other 2011 highlights included Australia in January, Centre Parks, Butlin’s and Spain followed. The baby boom of 2010 of course resulted in a succession of 1^st Birthday Parties including my beautiful Niece Beth sharing her day with her Mummy’s 30^th and her Daddy’s 40^th in a giant Summer bash. The two very messy hen do's were great fun, I had a ball at Leanne's and Kit's and sadly missed Jo and Jon's due to a suspected heart attack, which was actually just a chest infection - such drama, wouldn't be a complete year without it! 

Can you guess what/where is it yet?

Family Reunion :)

In Spain

Mike’s career seems to be on the up he’s been to Australia, New Zealand, Holland, America, Spain with stop over’s in Hong Kong, L.A and Singapore this has resulted in him being away for 222 days this year – I thought I was being pathetic missing him as much as I have turns out there was a good reason – I’m hoping to see more of him in 2012 lol!

Apart from my own health issue’s getting worse I can’t really complain about the last 12 months, I was lucky not to lose anyone special and my loved ones continue to stay happy and healthy.

As for the new year I want to write, travel, see more of the people I love, start saying no to those I don’t, finish decorating our flat, read more, cook more and maybe feel better via new therapies I plan on trying, since conventional medicine is doing bugger all for me!

I wish all of my readers, old and new; a fabulous new year filled with fun, great health, less pain, mystery and more excitement.

Have a brilliant New Years Eve where ever you are, eat be merry and come back soon!

L x

Dining with the Stars

Last night I went to dinner, the Piano Pavilion’s annual Christmas dinner. Every year I’m lucky enough to be invited as my good friend Karen is the boss! Although always a fabulous affair this year was a little more special.

We were dining at the Lemon Tree  in Southchurch a Mediterranean restaurant owned by 4 brothers. I’d spent the whole day listening to Michael Buble’s Christmas album to get me into the festive mood; Michael was later joined by my friend Malibu and Ginger Beer to add to the “sprit”.

It only occurred to me this morning that Mr Buble’ may have been jealous of my evening in little old Essex, as we were dining with two legends Mr Buddy Greco, who was part of THE Rat Pack and his beautiful wife Lezlie Anders currently starring in FEVER! a tribute show to Peggy Lee.

The Greco’s have become friends of the Piano Pavilion over the past year and we all (including me!) hope to raise money together for (at risk/young carers) children to have piano’s and lesson’s funded as a creative outlet to their current situation. 80 years ago a four year old Buddy was given the same chance and as I heard him say the first time I met him - In Philadelphia you either became a criminal or a musician. Dozens of albums later we all know which path he took. See about the Project here

We were a 20 strong group and so I wasn’t able to chat much to Buddy and Lezlie, I find myself a little shy and star struck when I’ve met them and have to hold back an embarrassing barrage of questions about their careers and lives!

It was completely satisfying when the brash table next to ours stopped to watch Buddy and our very own local musician Tony Compton duet on the restaurants piano (Of course from the Pavilion) on their way out and to see their jaws fall to the floor when they were informed of their entertainments name and status – now if only we’d informed them earlier!

Buddy and Tony

What I love about the Piano Pavilions Christmas meal is the eclectic set of personalities around one table! I spent my evening chatting to Karen’s friends Frank and Dave who both had long careers in casino’s all over the world, most of the stories I wouldn’t dare repeat, but it makes me appreciate that although I may not be living in London or New York (childhood dreams) you can meet some of the most interesting people on your doorstep – yay for Southend!

The food at the Lemon tree was delicious! I had goats cheese with filo pastry shards dressed in a walnut and honey dressing to start and a beautiful rump steak in a mustard and mushroom sauce followed. Due to the volume of Christmas parties; the restaurant doesn’t have time to ask how you’d like your steak but mine came out medium to well done with just enough pink through the middle, the only criticism was the Brussels sprouts were overdone tasting bitter (yes I am one of those weridos who loves their sprouts) but you had such a large plate of other veg and lovely crisp roast potatoes that you certainly didn’t go hungry! The staff at the restaurant were so attentive and helpful, couldn't do enough for their customers, I will be going back soon!

To finish the meal I had profiteroles with a generous dose of cream, as for what I had to drink I couldn’t tell you, all I know was it was a beautiful white wine picked by the Piano Pavilions resident wine connoisseur Michael and thanks to him we never just do with the house wine but get to sample gorgeous tipple from around the globe, just another very interesting person sat round our dinner table!

Lastly I have to thank my friend Karen not just for a wonderful night out but for her continued friendship and support, as she puts it “Lynsey and my son split up, but we didn’t” and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

L x

*If you’d like to see Buddy in action this Christmas; he’s performing on Jools Hollands Hootenanny on New Years Eve BBC One