More Food For Thought!!

With summer parties on us I have been trying out some interesting table displays
Lovely simply idea's that make people smile!

These are so simple to make and so much fun!

And for something different, how about this in your house?

Food For Thought!

What a cool idea....
Cherry tomatoes and black olives make really cute lady birds. Base is made up of sliced bagettes, cream cheese, smoked salmon and flat leafed parsley. Sprinkle ground black pepper on tomato and using a toothpick dot some cream cheese on the olives for the eyes.

Book Review - Lollipop Shoes - Chocolat II

The follow up to the utterly fabulous `Chocolat' catches up with Vianne Rocher and her daughters Anouk and Rosette, who are now living in Montmartre, Paris under new identities,

Like Chocolat, is filled with magic, mother-daughter relationships, romance, Roux, and of course chocolate.

The story is told in 3 person narratives, at first I thought that having three narrators to tell this tale might be a bit problematic, but it wasn't, the problem lay in the weak story, waffle, induction of unnecessary words and stupid padding!

I never read 'chocolat' but watched the movie, I am have read a few others of Joanne Harris other books and loved everyone but not this none, I only continued to read it as I never walk away from a challenge and in the weak hope it might get better, I was bored from the very start and it didn't get better, extremely disappointed!

Book Review - One Moment, One Morning

One Moment, One Morning

Sarah Rayner



The 07:44 train from Brighton to London. Carriages packed with commuters. One woman occupies her time observing the people around her. Opposite, a girl applies her make-up. Across the aisle, a husband strokes his wife's hand. Further along, a woman flicks through a glossy magazine.

Then, abruptly, everything changes: a man collapses, the train is stopped, an ambulance called. And for three passengers that particular morning, life will never be the same again.

Sarah Rayner lives in Brighton. As well as writing fiction, she works part time as a freelance copywriter

 =============================

As I was going away for the weekend I thought I would pick up a book and cram in some reading.
Looking at the cover / reading the back page I thought it would be some easy reading, nothing to deep.
Shock!!
It was easy reading, I really hate it when authors use long obscure words that no one has ever heard of, in the hope that it might make them look big or clever however it really does repel and annoy normal readers
Sarah used simple words to relate a deep core touching story of love and loss.
I have been told I have a swinging brick for a heart all because I never cried at the film ' Marley and Me'!
I am not a person who cries, It has been declared that I am void of emotions both sad and extreme happiness
however I do love fiercely and care deeply.
So when 30 minutes into reading the book I am left with filled eyes begging to weep
page after page I could relate, I could feel, I was there.
Do I want to read a book that reduces me to tears, NO!
Do I want to read a book that is amazingly written, YES!

I have actually written to Sarah and told her, how much the book left me with emotions stirred
I don't often do this but I felt compelled
I recommend this book to anyone, I 100% loved it, best book I have read in a very long time!

See:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Moment-Morning-Sarah-Rayner/dp/0330508849/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1336422908&sr=8-2

European Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty

I was treated to a night at the ballet, reading the write up on the European touring ballet, I was impressed and very much looking forward to a visual and classical music treat
however the truth was it was quiet a let down the dancing was slack, out of time and lifeless, the costumes
tired, washed out and shabby. There was a general lack of dramatics and no energy.

I am gutted I can't be more positive about my experience but I am sorry to say I would not recommend.

The Write up stated...

Highly-acclaimed classical touring company European Ballet presents this most enchanting ballet in three acts set to Tchaikovsky’s glorious score.
Based on Charles Perrault’s fairy story, the ballet tells the story of beautiful Princess Aurora, who is bound by wicked fairy Carabosse’s spell to sleep for 100 years and can only be awoken by the kiss of a handsome prince. This beautiful production is enhanced by colourful sets and over 45 beautiful handcrafted costumes, and is ideal for all ages.
Under the direction of Stanislav Tchassov, former Principal dancer of The Bolshoi Ballet, this exciting and dynamic company of first-class dancers from across Europe and further a field has endeared itself to audiences and critics alike for its commitment to excellent artistic standards and for the dedication and energy of its talented dancers.
Music by Piotr I. Tchaikovsky
Choreography by Marius Petipa
Staged and adapted by Stanislav Tchassov

See:
http://www.europeanballet.org/

Lost Smile - Reward Offered

It seems I have lost my smile and when looking at my other half I realised he had lost his smile too!
I don't know where or when we lost it, we have just carelessly lost it..
I offered a reward for the person who found it and returned it to us but no one came forward
Perhaps our smile has gone to someone else's face, who doesn't have major health issues or horrific money worries...

Some times I feel I have it back, that moment in the morning between full sleep and the horror of reality smacking you in the face full force, Just for a brief moment I think I have that smile on my face....

Stay Grateful

If you have food in your fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world.

If you have money in your bank, your wallet, and some spare change, you are among 8% of world's wealthy.

If you woke up with more health than illness, you are more blessed than 1 million people who will not survive the week.

If you have never experienced starvation you are luckier than 500 million people alive and suffering.

If you can read this message, you are more fortunate than 3 billion people that cannot read.

STAY GRATEFUL...